Spring 2014 Alumni Magazine

Groundhog Day Breakfast Salute to Veterans

Holiday

Open House

Fall

Commencement

From the President’s Desk Greetings from the President’s Office and welcome to the Spring 2014 edition of the Alumni Magazine.

As you flip through the pages of this alumni magazine, you’ll discover the smiling faces of Concord’s newest alumni. These graduates are members of the Fall 2013 class who received their diplomas during Concord’s Dec. 14 commencement ceremony. I was honored to share the platform that day with Jessica Allen and Heather Frazier as each delivered her valedictory address. As a professor, I am proud of the impressive 4.0 grade point averages both young women carried throughout their academic careers at Concord. Our valedictorians’ words encouraged classmates to give back to the University that prepared them for the first steps into their futures - be it a career or additional education - and challenged fellow graduates to use their educations to effect positive changes on their world.

This issue of the magazine contains the stories of many alumni who have positively impacted the communities and businesses in which they live and work. Our graduates are doing remarkable things, as evidenced by the stories in these pages and in the Achievements section of Class Notes. Please be certain to read each article yourself, and allow me to provide a brief summary of what some of our outstanding alums are accomplishing.

CU grads have embarked on new careers with titles like track coach, choir master, and middle school principal. Alums are receiving promotions in the military, in government, and in school systems. They’re writing and publishing books. They’re growing businesses as entrepreneurs. They’re volunteering their time in community service and in support of many worthy organizations. Awards and honors are also coming their way from professional organizations. Alumni athletes are winning races and taking their places in halls of fame. And, an alumnus has even been honored as Concord’s 2014 Grand Groundhog Watcher.

In May, a handful of distinguished Concord alumni will be honored when the Alumni Association presents awards during its annual banquet.

We are seeking your help in selecting these individuals and invite you to submit nominations for Alumnus of the Year, Outstanding Alumnus, Golden Alumnus and Young Alumnus. An award nomination form can be found on page 6.

Along with spotlighting our outstanding alums, this issue of the magazine is especially noteworthy because it contains our Donor Honor Roll. This is a list of individuals and businesses that have supported the University during the past year with contributions to scholarships, alumni association memberships, donations to fund drives and other gifts.

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our donors, friends, and alumni, Concord continues to thrive with opportunities for students and with enhancements to programming, the physical plant, and in additional campus projects. Please know that your support is deeply appreciated.

Congratulations to our alumni who continue to excel in so many ways. A special thank you to each of our donors, and best wishes to each of you for the most wonderful spring you have ever experienced.

Dr. Kendra Boggess Concord University Interim President

Calendar of Events April 12, 2014 • Charlotte, NC area alumni event at Lake Norman Sam Baker’s home May 2, 2014 • Concord Athletic Department Elimination Dinner

May 16, 2014 • Alumni Banquet • 6:00 p.m.

University Point, Concord University

May 17, 2014 • Spring Commencement • 10:00 a.m. - Morning Ceremony • 2:00 p.m. - Afternoon Ceremony Leslie R. & Ruby Webb Carter Center, Concord University June 2, 2014 • Greater Kanawha Valley Alumni Gathering • 6:00 pm – Social • 7:00 pm – Game • WV Power Baseball Game Appalachian Power Park Charleston, W.Va. June 13, 2014 • Homer Ball Golf Tournament • 8:30 a.m.

Pipestem State Park July 11, 2014 • CU Athletic Department Annual Golf Tournament

July 18, 2014 • Pine Trees Chapter Summer Picnic July 18-20, 2014 • CU in NYC Alumni Weekend

July 20, 2014 • Beckley & Beyond Alumni Chapter gathering at the WV Miners game • 2:05 p.m.

Beckley, WV

August 21, 2014 • Concord Night at the Princeton Rays game • 7:05 p.m.

Princeton, WV October 11, 2014 • Homecoming Game • Concord vs. Urbana University Callaghan Stadium

For details on any of these events please contact alumni@concord.edu or 1-304-384-5348. We hope to CU soon!

Inside this Issue Spring 2014

On the Cover Greg Puckett ’93 is the 2014 Grand Groundhog Watcher.

Groundhog Day Breakfast

7

Salute to Veterans

Holiday

19

Open House

Fall

Commencement

Interim President Alumni Director

Dr. Kendra Boggess Sarah Lively Turner '98

President, Concord University Alumni Association, Inc.

Jessica Cook '08

Graphic Designer

Lance McDaniel '10

Staff Writer Editorial Assistant

35 15

Features 4

Alumni Events

7

Salute to Veterans

11 Pre-Professional Day 15 Holiday Open House 2013 19 The Fifteenth Annual Fall Commencement

Sarah P. Dalton Amy Pitzer

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

25 2013 Senior Dinner 27 Groundhog Day Breakfast 31 The Concord University Board of Governors 35 Presidential Search 41 Retired Faculty & Staff: Staying Connected 45 Beyond the Classroom 49 Greek Spotlight - Sigma Tau Gamma 53 Beckley Update 59 Alumni Entrepreneurs 83 Donor Honor Roll 2013

In Every Issue 3

CU Alumni Association, Inc.

36 CU Foundation, Inc. 67 Heritage & Horizon 71 Class Notes 77 CU Athletics

The CU Alumni Association, Inc. Membership in the CUAA, Inc. supports the following initiatives:

The membership year runs July 1 - June 30 and you can use the membership form below and envelope included in this magazine to mail • Scholarships for Concord students • The formation of alumni chapters all in your membership. You can also submit your membership payment over the country online through Concord’s website • On-campus events for alumni such www.concord.edu/advancement/ as Homecoming and the spring memberships-giving. Upon receipt Alumni Banquet of your membership dues, the • Enhancement of Concord’s alumni giving rate which influences national Alumni Office will mail you a CUAA university rankings, consideration membership card to keep on hand as proof of your membership. for grants, etc.

Everyone knows there is strength in numbers and the more dues paying Benefits for CUAA, Inc. members the Alumni Association has, members include: the stronger the organization will be.

• Discounts to on-campus events If you are already a member of the • Tax-deductible contribution CUAA, we hope you are planning to • Discounts to certain services, renew your commitment to Concord including the Concord Child

for another year. If you are not Development Center currently a CUAA member, we hope • Gift recognitions for each level of that you will consider joining today. membership Thanks in advance for your support of • Plans for additional benefits are currently in the works so this list will Concord, its students and the nearly 15,000 alumni we have worldwide! continue to grow

Upcoming Events Alumni Reception and Dinner

CU in NYC Alumni Weekend

May 16, 2014 Class of 1964 – 50th Reunion Recognizing alumni by the decade at the Alumni Banquet

July 18-20, 2014 New York City

Homecoming 2014 October 11, 2014 Athens, WV

I want to join!

Check a box and return this slip in the envelope provided with this magazine. Please be sure to fill out your contact and payment information on the envelope inside this issue.

Join Us Today!

CU Alumni Association, Inc. Individual Membership Form Basic $10 - 24.99

Maroon & Gray Club $25 - 149.99

President’s Club $150 - 499.99

Life Membership $500 or more

Local Chapter Dues - Chapter name & amount enclosed _____________________ $________________

3 • Spring 2014

Renew Membership - Amount enclosed $________________

AlumniEvents Beckley & Beyond Alumni Chapter Holds Fall Gathering Members of the Beckley & Beyond Alumni Chapter got together at The Raleigh Playhouse & Theatre in Beckley on Oct. 24 to take in a performance of “Sorry Wrong Number” and to watch the short film “Daylight”

by J.P. Fanshawe. Prior to the performance, the group enjoyed a meal at Sir Walter’s Tavern—a restaurant right below the theatre. The chapter is working on its calendar of events for 2014 and already has an evening at a WV Miners game in July and participation in the Rocket Boys Festival in October on its schedule.

For information on the Beckley & Beyond Alumni Chapter you can contact them at beckleyalumni@ mycu.concord.edu, 304-384-5348 Concord Alumni Gather at Mountaineer Field

Beckley, WV

or you can join the “Beckley & Beyond Concord University Alumni” group on Facebook.

Jessica Cook ’08, Trish Wolfe ‘12, Alumni Director Sarah Turner ’98 and Chase Barton ‘09

Morgantown, WV

Concord alumni who are also fans of the West Virginia University Mountaineers got together on Nov. 9th for a CU alumni tailgate in Morgantown.

Alumni and friends gathered in the WVU College of Law parking lot for food and fellowship prior to the start of the WVU vs. Texas game.

There are a number of alumni who are interested in starting an alumni chapter in the Morgantown area. If you are interested in being a part of this chapter, please contact the Alumni Office at 304384-5348 or alumni@concord.edu and let us know.

Alumni Director Sarah Turner ’98 and CU Foundation Executive Director Lisa Moore visit with Concord alums before the WVU/Texas game.

Spring 2014 • 4

AlumniEvents Kanawha Valley Alumni Cheer on the Mountain Lions

Charleston, WV

Saturday, Oct. 26th was a perfect football weather day as a number of Concord alumni in the Kanawha Valley gathered at Laidley Field in Charleston to watch the Mountain Lions take on the University of Charleston.

The Greater Kanawha Valley Alumni Chapter hosted a tailgate outside of the stadium prior to the game and over 20 alums from the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity organized a minireunion that took place in the stadium parking lot as well.

Concord held off the Golden Eagles, winning in overtime 9-3. For information on the Greater Kanawha Valley Alumni Chapter you can contact them at charlestonalumni@mycu. concord.edu, 304-419-3291 or you can join the “Kanawha Valley Concord University Alumni” group on Facebook.

Top - BOG member Brace Mullett ’98 and his son, Interim President Dr. Kendra Boggess and her husband Ted, Martha Endres and Emily Myers Duke ‘02. Bottom - Concord alumni members of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity enjoyed a pre-game cookout at Laidley Field.

Northern VA/DC Area Alumni Hold First Gathering of 2014 On Saturday, Feb. 8th alumni from the northern Virginia area gathered at Coyote Grille in Centreville, Va. for an afternoon of great food and even better conversation. Joe Friedl ’62 helped coordinate the event with the Alumni Office and Nancy Ellison ’84, Concord’s Director of Multicultural Affairs, made the trip up from Athens so that she could visit

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Centreville, VA with some of the international alumni Concord has in the area. There are a number of alumni who are interested in starting an alumni chapter in the Northern VA/DC/Eastern Panhandle area. If you are interested in being a part of this chapter, please contact the Alumni Office at 304-3845348 or alumni@concord.edu and let us know.

Concord alumni in the northern VA area visit with Alumni Director Sarah Turner ’98 and Multicultural Affairs Director Nancy Ellison ‘84.

C onc or d Un i v ersi t y A l u m n i A s s o c i at i o n , I n c .

Award Nomination Form The CUAA gives out four awards each year to alumni who have gone above and beyond with their commitment to Concord University, their profession and their community. Concord alumni can be nominated for the following awards:

1 2 3 4

Alumnus of the Year—given to a member of the CUAA who has contributed their time and/or talents to Concord University and the Concord University Alumni Association.

Outstanding Alumnus—given to a Concord alumnus who has made outstanding accomplishments in their professional and civic life.

Golden Alumnus—given to a member of the CUAA who has contributed their time and/or talents to Concord University and the CUAA with no less than 25 years of service to the University community.

Young Alumnus—given to a Concord alumnus who has demonstrated distinctive achievement in their career, civic involvement, or both and who is no more than 15 years past graduation.

CU Alumni Association, Inc. Award Nomination Form

Nominee:_ ___________________________________________________________________________ Class Year: ______________________________ Award:_______________________________________________________________________________

I am nominating this person because: (Please attach a separate sheet if needed)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your Name:__________________________________________________________________________ Class Year:______________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________ Deadline for Submissions is Friday, April 11th

Please email your nomination to alumni@concord.edu, or cut out this form and mail it to: CUAA, Campus Box 83, Concord University, P.O. Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712.

Award nominations can also be submitted electronically. Visit www.concord.edu/advancement/alumni-association and click on the “Concord University Alumni Association Award Nomination Form” to submit your nomination today!

Spring 2014 • 6

Veterans Honored during

Annual Ceremony

7 • Spring 2014

ajor General James A. Hoyer, The Adjutant General, West Virginia Joint Forces Headquarters – West Virginia, received the Veterans Advocate of the Year Award during Concord University’s annual Veterans Appreciation Ceremony. The noontime program was held on Thursday, Nov. 7 in the Wilkes Family Chapel at University Point.

This is the fifth year the University’s Veterans Committee has held the ceremony that salutes the contributions and sacrifices of U.S. military veterans and service personnel.

Hoyer assumed his current duties on Feb. 1, 2011. As The Adjutant General, State of West Virginia, he provides command guidance and vision to the West Virginia Army and Air National Guard of more than 6,500 citizen soldiers and airmen. He is responsible for the overall supervision of the day-to-day operations and management of the readiness, fiscal, personnel, equipment and the real property resources of the agency.

Hoyer called the award “a tremendous honor” saying he accepted it on behalf of the men and women in the West Virginia National Guard.

He stressed the importance of providing educational

Specialist Charles Eary:

What it Means to be a Concord Veteran “To my fellow veterans, thank you. Thank you for your service to our great nation and for paving the way for young service members and veterans today like myself.

During WWI, PVT Martin Treptow was killed in action trying to carry a message between battalions under heavy artillery fire. When his body was recovered, a diary was found on his person in which he wrote ‘America must win this war.

Therefore, I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.’

To myself, that is the true meaning, the heart and soul of what it means to be a veteran, but even more so, a proud American.

As a child, my grandfather who’s an Army veteran inspired me to wear this uniform and live the American Dream and to live my own version of the American

Dream as he did. I’m very fortunate to have the life I have. A few weeks prior to this semester starting I returned home safe from Afghanistan with everyone I left the U.S. with. Twelve days ago I married my best friend and this May I’ll be graduating from this great university.

While I was in Afghanistan, my feeling of what it means to be a veteran and my feelings for Concord changed drastically. I’ve always loved CU and been proud of being a veteran. The realization of being a Concord veteran came to me hard. As any deployed soldier, I had a lot of support back home and received a large amount of mail. Ninety percent of my mail came from faculty, staff, students, alumni, offices, and the various organizations on campus. I received letters, cards, boxes, care packages, emails, and anything else people could send me. I received over 1,000 cards and letters. Over 900 of them were opportunities for veterans and acknowledged Concord’s contributions to this effort. “Thank you for…the great work you are doing,” he said.

Hoyer said Concord offers “a guiding, shining leadership light.”

Lisa Spencer, the University’s veterans coordinator, presented the award on behalf of Concord’s Veterans Committee.

An especially poignant Major General James A. Hoyer.

Specialist Charles Eary

from people here at CU. When you’re in a warzone, you need a support block from home and Concord was my support block. I can’t thank this university and all of you enough for your support because as any veteran will tell you, when you’re deployed, support from home is crucial.

April 17, 2013 I raised this flag over Camp Sabalu-Harrison, Afghanistan in honor of CU. To show my appreciation for what this university has done for the veterans and I, I would like to proudly present this flag to Concord.” moment in an already touching ceremony came when Specialist Charles Eary with the U.S. Army Reserves spoke about what having a Concord “support block” meant to him during his recent deployment in Afghanistan.

Eary, a Concord student veteran, said that while he was in Afghanistan, he received more than 1,000 pieces of correspondence.

“Over 900 of them were from people here at CU,” he said. “When you’re in a warzone, you need a support block from home and Concord was my support block. I can’t thank this University and all of you enough for your support because as any veteran will tell

Spring 2014 • 8

you, when you’re deployed, support from home is crucial.”

In appreciation Eary presented an American flag to the University that he had flown at Camp SabaluHarrison, Afghanistan in honor of Concord. Interim President Kendra Boggess accepted the flag on behalf of the University. (To read Eary’s complete remarks see page 8.)

The program began with a greeting offered by Concord Alumni Director Sarah Turner ’98.

The Presentation of Colors was

conducted by the Marine Corps League and Concord student Jessica Godby sang the national anthem. Veteran Terry Rotenberry ’07, a member of the Veterans Committee, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Dr. Boggess presented the Ceremony Briefing.

Charles Eary and Dr. Boggess

Concord University Maintains Distinction Among Nation’s Top Veteran-Friendly Schools CU Ranked Third in U.S. by Military Times EDGE ontinuing a tradition of providing a veteranfriendly environment for student veterans and military personnel, Concord University has been named one of the top institutions for veterans by Military Times EDGE magazine. Concord is ranked third in the nation among four-year colleges in the Best for Vets: College 2014 rankings released by the publication on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013.

The organization comprising Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times placed a new emphasis on academic rigor this year when conducting and scoring the fourth annual Best for Vets: Colleges survey, a 150-question analysis of a school’s complete offerings for veterans.

9 • Spring 2014

The rankings factored in service member enrollment, percentage of tuition covered by the GI Bill, and availability of specific programs to help service members.

The extensive evaluation process also factored in statistics commonly used to track student success and academic quality, including student loan default rates, retention rates, graduation rates and student-faculty ratio.

Established in 2009, the Concord University Veterans Office works with United States veterans, reservists and active duty service members to utilize educational benefits from the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

The office also works with student veterans in areas from tutoring and counseling to housing and extracurricular activities.

The full rankings include 86 four-year schools, 20 online and

nontraditional schools and 14 twoyear schools. They were published in the November issue of Military Times EDGE magazine and online at MilitaryTimes.com. For the full Best for Vets: Colleges 2014 rankings, go to militarytimes.com/bestforvetscolleges2014.

Inaugural U.S. News & World Report Listing

Includes Concord

S. News & World Report has honored Concord University in its inaugural Best Colleges for Veterans rankings.

CU is ranked eleventh in the Regional Colleges South category for 2014.

According to U.S. News & World Report, these institutions are “the top-ranked schools in the Best Colleges rankings that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active service members apply, pay for and complete their degrees.”

For more information visit: http://colleges.usnews. rankingsandreviews.com/bestcolleges/rankings/regionalcolleges-south/veterans

Remembrance Day National Roll Call

CU Campus Joins in Honoring Servicemen and Women or the third year Concord University joined the Remembrance Day National Roll Call project to honor American servicemen and women in hosting simultaneous ceremonies across the nation.

On Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, campus and community volunteers at 85 colleges and universities in 33 states across the nation acknowledged the names of the fallen. Each campus organized its own ceremony to recognize those who have served, are serving, and those who died in service to the nation.

Concord University’s event took place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Subway stage in the Jerry and Jean Beasley Student Center on the Athens campus.

All participating campuses observed a simultaneous nationwide minute of silence at 11 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (2 p.m.at Concord).

Prior to the minute of silence on Concord’s campus, veteran Terry Rotenberry ’07, a member of Concord’s Veterans Committee,

Terry Rotenberry ’07

spoke on the significance of the observance.

“Since 1775, nearly 2.5 million U.S. citizens have been killed or wounded in defense of the nation.

Today it is imperative that we remember the sacrifices of those who have defended us through the years. As a nation we have been blessed by generation upon generation of patriots,” Rotenberry said.

“Today we assemble together to honor those who have served and are serving in our nation’s Armed Forces and to remember the fallen who gave their all,” he said. “Right

now, thousands upon thousands are assembled on campuses and in communities across the nation, participating in the National Roll Call.

“Let us never forget our veterans, living and dead, and what they have given for us all,” he said.

The Remembrance Day National Roll Call is sponsored nationally by the Veterans Knowledge Community of NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

NASPA is a 12,000-member association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs professionals. The Veterans Knowledge Community (VKC) mission is to advocate for best practices to help student veterans’ transition to college and succeed.

The National Roll Call began in 2011 to mark the 10th anniversary of the post 9-11 conflicts.

Dr. Brett Morris, a retired Army officer and the National Roll Call coordinator, said, “We want to … send a message to the troops currently serving - that we, as a national body of students, have not forgotten their sacrifices, or those of their fallen brethren.”

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New Event Focuses on Health Fields oncord University’s Division of Science, Mathematics and Health hosted a Pre-Professional Day on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013. The event began at 11 a.m. in University Point.

Pre-Professional Day was open to anyone interested in exploring professional schools in the health fields.

J.P. Meadows, biology outreach coordinator who organized PreProfessional Day, considered the first-time event a success. She said that approximately 200 university and high school students attended.

(Meadows graduated in Fall 2013.)

Fifteen institutions from West Virginia and Virginia presented information. Exhibits were set up in the Pais Fellowship Hall by the

11 • Spring 2014

individual programs and presentations about admissions processes and other information about the programs was available.

Pharmacy, dentistry, health promotion, medicine, biomedical sciences and physical therapy were represented.

Concord’s Master of Arts in Health Promotion and McNair Scholars Program participated.

Concord science students also presented research that has been conducted during the semester.

The fields of ecology, Luke Stevens, Krissenda McMahon, & Ashlynn cell and molecular Rohena

biology, and biochemistry were represented. Students participating in independent research also presented on a variety of fields including physiology, geology, molecular biology, physics and chemistry.

The 27 poster presentations took place in the Wilkes Family Chapel.

Concord University has several programs and classes designed for students interested in professional schools such as medical, pharmacy, dental and physical therapy. To learn more about Concord’s preprofessional programs contact admissions@concord.edu or 1-888384-5249.

Students talk with various professional schools in the Pais Fellowship Hall

elsey Dixon, left, and McKenzie Dunn present their semester-long biochemistry lab research experiment on isolating and purifying the protein found in a chicken egg white. Both young women are juniors at Concord and natives of Monroe County, W.Va. Kelsey is majoring in pre-professional biology and McKenzie is majoring in pre-professional chemistry.

Many other undergraduate students present their research Spring 2014 • 12

Children with Raleigh Educational Association of Christian Homeschoolers (REACH) tour Asia.

Area Children Learn about Geography

by Touring Giant Map of Asia ational Geographic’s Giant Traveling Map of Asia visited Concord University in November.

Measuring 26 feet by 35 feet, the interactive floor map is designed as a huge game board to introduce students to the diverse geography of Asia. During its visit to Concord, it was unfurled in the ballroom of the Jerry and Jean Beasley Student Center.

The map’s brightly colored, smooth vinyl surface accurately illustrates Asia’s oceans, seas, rivers, mountains, countries and capitals. Designed for grades K-8, the map comes with a trunk full of accessories, including interactive activities and props and photo cards that teach students about the physical characteristics of the continent as well as its rich history, wildlife and varied cultures.

Mercer County public school students and area children who are 13 • Spring 2014

homeschooled visited the map to enjoy the fun learning opportunities it offers. Retired Mercer County teacher, now substitute teacher and Concord adjunct instructor in geography, Linda Poff ’76, led the activities and coordinated the map’s stop in Athens. The map’s visit to Concord was sponsored by the West Virginia Geographic Alliance.

This is the second National Geographic Traveling Map to visit Concord. Nearly 1,000 children took part in activities when the map of North America was on campus in 2012. Ms. Poff coordinated this inaugural map visit as well.

National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program is organized by National Geographic Live, the public programming division of the National Geographic Society.

Visit www.nationalgeographic. com/giantmaps to learn more about the map program.

Above: Linda Poff ’76 spends time on the map with students from Athens Elementary School. Below: Books on Asia – and a furry friend – add to the learning fun.

West Virginia College Access and Completion Project Highlighted at White House Event

Concord University Part of Initiative

aul Hill, chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), and Adam Green, senior director of the Commission’s Student Success and P-20 Initiatives, participated in an event hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on Jan. 16, focusing on new initiatives that will expand college opportunity.

West Virginia’s text messaging support project – which launched in January and provides a pilot group of high school seniors personalized college counseling by text message – was highlighted as part of the event as a new, innovative action aimed at increasing college access and completion.

Concord University, Bluefield State College, Marshall University and Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College have signed on as partners in this effort. In March, students planning to attend one of these institutions were scheduled to begin receiving

personalized text messages directly from that campus that will continue through the end of their freshman year. Students attending other institutions will continue receiving messages as well.

“The project is completely interactive,” Hill said. “When a student texts us a question, they get a response. It’s about more than just pushing out information – it’s about being a lasting source of counseling and support. We’re sending friendly reminders to students about critical steps in the college-going process, like completing the FAFSA, and we’re answering each question they have.”

Hill said early results of the three-year project are promising.

Students given the option to receive text messages in the first year also participate in West Virginia GEAR UP, a federally-funded program aimed at increasing the number of low-income students prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Fifty-seven percent of GEAR UP students from 14 high schools opted to receive text messages, totaling nearly 950 high school seniors.

“With the average college-going rate among this group of students at less than 50 percent, we are hoping

to make a real difference for our young people – like the student who had forgotten to register for the ACT and was thankful for a reminder we texted to her last week,” Hill said.

In line with the White House’s call to action to expand college opportunity, the Commission has committed to include at least one additional postsecondary partner by the end of this year, in addition to adding at least 1,000 students annually over the course of the project.

“This project is unique because it’s not only focused on guiding students through the challenging path from application to enrollment, but also through their first year of postsecondary education,” said Green, whose division administers West Virginia GEAR UP and wrote the grant proposal for the text messaging project. “Our goal is to increase both access and success for our students.”

This pilot program is the result of a $225,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation and was designed in collaboration with University of Virginia professor Ben Castleman.

Press Release Courtesy of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

Spring 2014 • 14

15 • Spring 2014

Concord Community Celebrates at Holiday Open House

C

oncord University celebrated the season with the annual Holiday Open House at University Point the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 3. Guests were treated to holiday music, refreshments and festive fun. The annual event was hosted by the Office of Advancement.

Concord student vocalists and musicians entertained for the gathering. Santa Claus, ready to hear wish lists from children, settled in for the evening in the alumni lounge.

Holiday wassail and hors d’oeuvres were on the menu along with sugar cookies for do-it-yourself decorating.

Adding to the charm of the evening was the Holiday Hall of Trees. Each of these unique trees featured decorating talents of various departments and organizations on campus. The theme for 2013 was “Songs of the Season.”

Cookie decorating, talking to Santa and seasonal live music add up to festive fun at the Holiday Open House.

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The Holiday Hall of Trees decorated to the theme “Songs of the Season.” (Left to right, top to bottom) Row 1: Office of Admissions - “I’ll be Home for Christmas”, Office of Advancement - “Frosty the Snowman”, Aramark - “Little Drummer Boy”, Athletics - “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”, Business Office - “Jingle Bell Rock”. Row 2: CU Book Store - “Carol of the Bells”, CU Daycare - “Jingle Bells”, CU Employee Alumni Chapter - “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, Division of Education “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”, Financial Aid - “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”. Row 3: Housing Office - “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, Library - “The First Novell”, Office of the President “Blue Christmas”, Registrar’s Office - “Starry, Starry Night”, Student Support Services - “Silver and Gold”. Row 4: The Concord University Beckley Campus tree.

17 • Spring 2014

Continuing the Tradition…

ince 1988, the Concord community has collected gifts for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. An impressive assortment of items for area children was collected this past December – including seven bicycles – and placed under a festive tree in the Student Center lobby.

“The response has been wonderful because each year we distributed all 100 angel tags,” Lynnis Hill, special events assistant and coordinator of the project, said.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to give back to the community and these needy families.”

Bags, bikes and boxes collected for the Angel Tree program are ready to brighten the holidays for area children.

Lynnis Hill, special events assistant, and Andrew Sulgit, director of student activities and the student center, are pictured above surrounded by donations.

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19 • Spring 2014

T

he Alumni Association added nearly 150 new members on Dec. 14 when graduates in the Fall 2013 class received their diplomas during Concord’s Fifteenth Annual Fall Commencement.

With a “wintry mix” pelting the Athens campus outside, family and friends packed the Carter Center main gym for the 11 a.m. ceremony. Concord’s Brass Ensemble and the ConChords provided festive music prior to the start of the program.

Anticipating their moment to walk across the stage, the graduates donned caps and gowns and assembled in the small gym. Faculty, each outfitted in academic regalia, lined up nearby. As the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” rang out from the Brass Ensemble, faculty and graduates marched into the main gym.

Above: Graduates, faculty, staff, family and friends pack the gym for the Fall Commencement. Below (left to right, top to bottom): Szymon Rola, Robert Peters, Keri Quesenberry, and Concord University Faculty.

Spring 2014 • 20

The Fall 2013 class included West Virginia residents and individuals from Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. International students represented Columbia and Vietnam.

The majority of graduates received bachelor’s degrees.

Several master’s degrees were conferred as well. The Division of Education had the largest number of graduates and the Division of Social Sciences was second.

Valedictorians for the Fall 2013 class are Heather Dawn Frazier of Washington, W.Va. and Jessica Lea Allen of Mt. Nebo, W.Va. Frazier received a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude. Her major was English with a writing emphasis and English with a literature emphasis. Allen received a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude. Her major was biology pre-professional.

Interim President Dr. Kendra Boggess issued the welcome followed by greetings from various members of the campus community.

In her remarks on behalf of the faculty, Dr. Susan Williams, faculty president, told

Top: Concord University Brass Ensemble performs before the ceremony begins. Middle (left to right): Dr. Boggess addresses the crowd, Corianne Carver is interviewed, Wes Cannon celebrates with his family.

21 • Spring 2014

Left: Tiffany Xiong and her husband celebrate her accomplishment. Right: SGA President Chelsey Rowe speaks to the graduates.

graduates commencement is a “time of well-wishing and high hopes for you.”

“You deserve this moment,” she said. “Savor it and remember it always.”

“Take this degree and make it count,” Chelsey Rowe, president of the Student Government Association, said.

She challenged the graduates to “invent something, change something…be successful.”

“Congratulations to the Class of 2013,” she said. “You did it!”

Greetings from the Board of Governors were offered

by Elliot Hicks, BOG chair.

Jessica Cook, president of the Alumni Association, presented remarks on behalf of alumni.

A reception was held in the Carter Center small gym following the ceremony.

For a list of the Fall 2013 graduates visit: http:// www.concord.edu/ news/2013/12/14/concorduniversity-holds-fifteenth-fallcommencement

Left: The graduates before the ceremony begins

Photos from the Fall 2013 Commencement are posted at: http://www.flickr.com/ photos/42005172@N02/ sets/72157638736178726/

THE CAPS: Various decorated caps from the ceremony Left: Concord’s newest alumni pose for photos with family and friends.

Spring 2014 • 22

Allen and Frazier Share Spotlight

as Valedictorians

T

wo young women who both maintained perfect 4.0 GPAs during their academic careers at Concord shared the honor of being valedictorians for the Fall 2013 Class.

These outstanding new alums are Heather Dawn Frazier of Washington, W.Va. and Jessica Lea Allen of Mt. Nebo, W.Va. Frazier received a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude. She majored in English with a writing emphasis and English with a literature emphasis. Allen received a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude. Her major was biology pre-professional.

“It’s an honor to be valedictorian in a class of so many good students,” Frazier said. “I was particularly fortunate to be part of such a great English department, and I’ll always have fond memories of Concord University’s faculty and students.”

She plans to pursue a graduate degree in English literature.

“I’m so very honored and blessed to have been selected as a valedictorian of the Fall 2013 Concord University graduating class,” Allen said.

“God has blessed me beyond belief with wonderful friends, mentors, advisors, and professors here at Concord who have given me encouragement and guidance throughout my years here,” she said.

“I have also been blessed with a wonderful family who has supported me in every way imaginable; I would especially like to take a moment to thank my mother, as without her love and constant support I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

As the top students in their class, Allen and Frazier spoke at the Dec. 14 commencement.

In her valedictory address, Allen challenged her fellow graduates to put their degrees to work in the world to bring about positive change.

23 • Spring 2014

Above: Heather Frazier (left) and Jessica Allen

Proud Professors Jessica Allen and professors from the Division of Science, Mathematics & Health, from left: Dr. Thomas Ford, Dr. David Chambers and Dr. Kimberly Chambers

She said that with a college education she and her classmates are “equipped with knowledge to go out and do great things.” Education, she said, opens doors and “allows us to fulfill our mission in the world.”

Taking her own words to heart, Allen’s aspirations include obtaining a Ph.D. in cancer research.

Frazier’s commencement remarks gave high marks to her new alma mater.

“Concord has preserved its status as a liberal arts institution,” she said applauding

the University for continuing this tradition.

Frazier said a liberal arts focus gives students abilities that can benefit their careers.

She noted that employable skills are gained from a general studies curriculum.

Speaking on behalf of her class, Frazier thanked Concord’s administration and faculty for their work. She encouraged her fellow graduates to remember how Concord has contributed to their futures and to reciprocate by making regular donations to the University.

Heather Frazier (left) and Dr. Gabriel Rieger

McNair Scholar Becomes

Research Molecular Biologist n 2006, Michelle “Shelley” (Moore) Price accepted an invitation to become a member of Concord University’s prestigious McNair Scholars Program (commonly known as the McNair Program). Mrs. Price’s decision to participate in this program would prove to be a pivotal point in her academic career.

The McNair Program is a TRIO Program fully funded by the United States Department of Education.

It provides academic, social, and financial enrichment opportunities to prepare college students from disadvantaged backgrounds for graduate or professional school.

Research was at the heart of Mrs. Price’s McNair experience.

Her project on the bioactivityguided fractionation of medicinal plant extracts provided an exciting introduction to medicinal chemistry.

“It taught me that plants are capable of producing a huge number of small molecules, many of which are bioactive and useful as pharmacological products,”

she said. “The McNair Program’s summer research internship was a gateway to educational and career opportunities that seemed previously unattainable.”

Virginia Tech’s Molecular Plant Sciences Program together with the Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science further fueled Mrs. Price’s passion for plant-based research. As a doctoral student, she focused on crop science. The identification of potential mechanisms of amino acid sensing in plants and the related agricultural and environmental implications were of particular interest.

After earning her Ph.D. in the fall of 2013, Dr. Price accepted a Research Molecular Biologist position with Plant Sensory Systems, LLC in Baltimore, Md. Her current research on the engineering of novel plant traits could contribute to biofuel and nutraceutical development. That is the development of specially treated foods, vitamins, minerals, or herbs

Michelle “Shelley” (Moore) Price ’07 celebrates receiving a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.

that are eaten or drank to improve one’s health.

Dr. Price is a native of Rosedale, Va. and a 2007 graduate of Concord’s Biology Program (Recombinant Gene Technology).

She and her husband, fellow Concord alumnus Terry Price Jr., now reside with their daughter Rachel in the Baltimore area.

Spring 2014 • 24

Fall 2013 Graduates

Honored at Dinner raduating seniors in the Fall 2013 class celebrated their milestone at a dinner in their honor on Dec. 5. Hosted by the Career/Advancement Services Office, the gathering was held in the Pais Fellowship Hall at University Point.

Enhancing the dinner’s festive setting was the Holiday Hall of Trees gracing the fellowship hall.

A popular new event for Concord, the senior dinner is held each semester on the Thursday evening before finals week.

The soon-to-be graduates and their guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Aramark. The evening also included special gifts and door prizes for the seniors. Following the dinner, the seniors received their caps and gowns which had been steamed by staff and alumni volunteers.

25 • Spring 2014

Clockwise from top left: Misty White enjoying the dinner, Tammy Monk says a few words to the soon-to-be alumni, Diane Rumrill and Montana Callison pick up their caps and gowns.

Keeping Up 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.

(Facebook changed the formats of their groups so if you were a member of the previous CUAA group you will need to “like” this group.)

Find Our Magazines

On the Web

LinkedIn— Official Concord University Alumni group

Twitter— @CampusBeautiful

Flickr— http://www.flickr.com/ photos/42005172@N02/sets/

We hope you will take advantage of each of these sites as a quick and easy way to keep up with Concord!

Look for archived copies of the Concord University Alumni Magazine on CU’s website at: http://www.concord.edu/advancement/publications

Spring 2014 • 26

27 • Spring 2014

Concord Charlie Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter Grand Groundhog Watcher Greg Puckett ’93 Honored at Breakfast

’m sorry!” Concord University Interim President Kendra Boggess apologized to the guests gathered at the 36th Annual Concord University Groundhog Day Breakfast. “Looks like a little bit more bad weather.”

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 has a standing appointment with the University’s President each year to offer his predictions and insights on the duration of winter. The President then relays the forecast to the breakfast guests.

Sharing the spotlight with Concord Charlie each year is the

Grand Groundhog Watcher, an individual who has positively impacted life and culture in West Virginia. Greg Puckett, a native southern West Virginian and 1993 Concord graduate, is the recipient for 2014.

Puckett is known statewide and beyond for his tireless community

Chatting with famed groundhog weather prophet Concord Charlie via cell phone, Dr. Boggess relayed the much anticipated forecast from the University’s groundhog prognosticator. “You came out yesterday (Groundhog Day, Feb. 2) and you saw your shadow,” she confirmed with Charlie.

She then told the furry forecaster, “Go back in your burrow.”

The yearly breakfast was held on Monday, Feb. 3 in the Jerry and Jean Beasley Student Center Ballroom.

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.

Large crowd at the 36th Annual Groundhog Day Breakfast The Concord Charlie tradition

Spring 2014 • 28

Greg Puckett ’93 speaks to those in attendance (left) and receives the 2014 Grand Groundhog Watcher certificate from Concord University Alumni Director, Sarah Turner ’98 (right).

service that focuses on the wellbeing of youth. He is Executive Director of Community Connections and a key player with the local Creating Opportunities For Youth (COFY) community coalition. His work includes substance abuse prevention efforts among young people and their families.

“There’s a legacy to be left and that’s why you do what you do. We want you to come with us and leave that legacy.”

Greg Puckett ’93

“This is truly an honor,” Puckett told the breakfast audience. He said he was familiar with the event as a Concord student. “R.T. Hill was 29 • Spring 2014

one of my professors here. I had Appalachian Studies,” he said.

Although he has held a number of positions in the local community prior to serving as Director for the Mercer County Drug Free Community Support Program in 2001, his employment at Community Connections Inc. (CCI), the County’s Family Resource Network, has allowed him to continually reach across county and state lines to help guide the prevention and community revitalization process.

In 2006, Greg spearheaded the charge to support funding for Teen Courts throughout West Virginia, and has continually advocated for the establishment of local community based coalitions in every county.

As Director of the Drug Free All Stars (a nationally recognized evidence-based pilot prevention initiative), he has overseen the development of a program dedicated to giving back to each community it serves, and works to inspire a generation of youth.

In his role as Executive Director of Community Connections, he currently serves on several state committees including the

Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Correction: Juvenile Justice Subcommittee, the WV Drug Endangered Children Taskforce, the state Underage Prevention Workgroup and WV MADD Leadership Committee.

Nationally, Greg serves on the National Coalition Advisory Committee for CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) and works in close partnership

Charlie phones in to give Dr. Boggess his weather prediction.

with Federal Legislators and other national organizations such as SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) to carry out a host of national initiatives and pilot programs.

Puckett’s leadership efforts have been instrumental in bringing recognition to Mercer County on multiple occasions through designation as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by

American’s Promise Alliance.

He is also part of a team of local businesses and individuals passionately dedicated to revitalization and economic stabilization through the Princeton Renaissance Project (a partnership with the West Virginia HUB initiative). The project is bringing new energy and life into downtown Princeton, W.Va. Puckett says he sees the Princeton Renaissance Project as

an opportunity to make positive changes and leave a legacy for future generations.

“There’s a legacy to be left and that’s why you do what you do,” he said. “We want you to come with us and leave that legacy.”

Alumni Director Sarah Turner ’98 presented Puckett with a certificate acknowledging his honor as Grand Groundhog Watcher. She served as the master of ceremonies for the breakfast.

Concordian Editor:

Puckett’s Speech Inspiring n Monday, Feb. 3 Concord held its 36th Annual Groundhog Day Breakfast.

Dr. Kendra Boggess delivered the news from Concord Charlie, Concord’s great weather predictor, that winter would indeed be sticking around for another six weeks.

As Sarah Turner, Director of Concord’s Alumni Affairs, stated in her opening remarks, the Groundhog Day Breakfast is a tradition that began with Dr. R.T. “Tom” Hill as a way to fundraise for the Appalachian Studies program and celebrate Appalachian heritage.

Not only is the breakfast Concord Charlie’s time to shine, it’s also a time to honor an individual who has positively impacted life and culture in West Virginia. This year’s Grand Groundhog Watcher title was given to Greg Puckett, a native southern West Virginian and Concord alumnus.

Puckett is currently the Executive Director of Community Connections, a non-profit organization serving Mercer County and the surrounding areas to help prevent the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among families and is known statewide for his service work.

Puckett is also working heavily with the Princeton Renaissance Project,

a project devoted to revitalizing the downtown Princeton area. He graduated from Concord in 1993 with a degree in Communication Arts.

When asked how he felt being nominated for the Grand Groundhog watcher, Puckett said, “I’m honored, really. It’s exciting to be able to come back to Concord to share in an amazing tradition.”

Puckett’s remarks to the breakfast attendants were nothing short of inspiring. His speech can be summed up into the phrase “don’t focus on what is, focus on what can be.” He began by stating that he wasn’t always the best student and that it took him from 1987 to 1993 to earn his degree from Concord. When he ended up in the Communications Department, he said that Dr. Ron Burgher served as a wonderful role model and inspired him to be strong and persevere.

Puckett stressed the concept of service and charged the breakfast attendants to “leave a legacy” for their communities. He said he saw his work with Community Connections as an opportunity to “change the world and the way I see it.” Puckett also talked about his love for travel, and stated, “We should bring the things we learn about the world back to our local

communities.”

Puckett also had a special message for current students at Concord University. He said, “Concord is your community while you’re a student here, so I definitely think it’s important for students to give back. My advice would be to travel, see the world and take what you learn to give back to your community, wherever you’re from.”

Overall, the 36th Annual Groundhog Day Breakfast was an inspirational success.

This article was written by Lindsay Crance, Editor of The Concordian and a student employee in Concord University’s Office of Advancement.

Greg Puckett Photo by Sterling Snyder, The Concordian

Spring 2014 • 30

The Concord University Board of Governors

Origin & Mission he Board of Governors was established in response to legislation by the State of West Virginia.

In 2000 an interim Board of Governors was in place. Effective July 1, 2001, an institutional Board of Governors was established at Concord University as required by SB (Senate Bill) 653 and SB 703.

In general, the intent of SB 653 and SB 703 is to diversify and expand the economy of the state, increase the competitiveness of the state’s workforce and the availability of professional expertise by increasing the number of college degrees produced to the level of the national average and significantly improve the

31 • Spring 2014

level of adult functional literacy.

The Board of Governors’ powers and duties generally include: determining, controlling, supervising and managing the financial, business and education policies and affairs of Concord; developing a master plan; demonstrating how the master plan will be used; developing goals and missions; and other items as directed by the legislation.

According to West Virginia State Code, the Board of Governors is comprised of 12 people including nine members appointed by the governor, a full-time member of the faculty, a member of the student body and a member of Concord’s classified employees.

Gregory M. Allen is currently Vice Chair of the

Board of Governors. He also serves as Vice Chair for the Concord University Foundation. A certified financial planner, Mr. Allen received a bachelor’s degree from Concord in 1970 and a CFP from the College of Financial Planning, Denver, Colo. He was honored by the CU Alumni Association with the Alumnus of the Year Award. His civic involvement includes serving as a trustee for Vail Valley Motorcycle Foundation, an organization for underprivileged youth. He divides his time between residences in Arizona and Colorado.

David A. Barnette of Charleston, W.Va. is an

attorney with Jackson Kelly PLLC. A 1973 graduate of Concord and a Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association, Mr. Barnette is former Chair, Vice Chair and board member of the Concord University Foundation. He received a master’s degree from Marshall University and a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. The West Virginia Bar Association presented him with a Certificate of Merit. Along with membership in a number of law associations, he is Director and Secretary of the West Virginia Broadcasters Educational Foundation.

Frank L. Blackwell is former chairman of the

Board of Governors. A resident of Mullens, W.Va., he holds an A.B. and a M.A. degree from Marshall University. Mr. Blackwell is superintendent of Wyoming County (W.Va.) Schools and is known as a community advocate of excellent schools and successful students. An important part of his involvement in the life of the University involves encouraging students to attend Concord.

Cody Boone is the Student Representative on the Board of

Governors. Mr. Boone is actively involved in campus life at Concord as part of the Student Government Association and as a resident assistant, a performer within the music department, and a member of the Blue Key Honor Society. He also enjoys volunteering and working with the Student Activities Committee. A native of Richwood, W.Va., he plans to graduate in May 2015.

Spring 2014 • 32

Steven Lee Collins is a resident of Princeton,

W.Va. He holds a Master in Community and Agency Counseling. A local business owner and regional sales manager for eLab Solutions, Mr. Collins has also worked with the Mercer County Day Report Center. In this position, he teamed up with Concord to arrange off-campus classes for the center. His current civic involvement includes community sports and activities to help youth.

Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong is a

retired four-star general with the U.S. Air Force. He is chairman of the board and chief executive officer for Stark Aerospace. His volunteer work includes serving as president and executive director of the Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation (ALEF), a youth mentoring organization with a group at Concord. He received a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from West Virginia University and has received several honorary doctorates and a diploma from the National War College. He divides his time between his home state of West Virginia along with Mississippi, Montana and Wyoming.

Michelle Leigh Gompf serves as Faculty

Representative on the Board of Governors. She is an associate professor of English at Concord and is currently the Faculty Vice President. She has served on the Faculty Senate as a division representative. Her community involvement at Concord includes work with campus student groups. She received a bachelor’s degree from Hollins College, a master’s degree from University of Rochester and a Ph.D. from UNC-Greensboro. A Roanoke, Va. resident, Dr. Gompf works with the Strawberry Festival there which raises money for Community School.

Elliot G. Hicks is the current Chairman of the Board

of Governors. A lifelong resident of Charleston, W.Va., he is a member of Spilman Thomas & Battle, Attorneys at Law. He served as President of the West Virginia State Bar in 1998 and 1999 and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Mr. Hicks served on the Higher Education Policy Commission from 1999 to 2007. He attended Washington & Lee University, then transferred to West Virginia University where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science. He went on to earn a Juris Doctorate degree from WVU’s law school.

33 • Spring 2014

Gary Hylton is the Classified Employee Representative

on the Board of Governors. He has worked at Concord for 17 years. Along with his current position as a contract specialist in purchasing, he has also worked in payroll at Concord. Mr. Hylton is a member of CU’s Classified Staff Council.

Majoring in accounting and minoring in economics, he received a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Institute of Technology. He is a resident of Athens, W.Va.

William H. McKee, Jr. received a degree in

business administration from Concord in 1970. His career path as a certified public account and financial planner in West Virginia has led him back to Concord where he has shared his expertise with accounting and business classes as a guest speaker. He has served as a board member of the Concord University Foundation and has established a scholarship in his name at CU. A resident of Charleston, he is a member of the Charleston Rotary Club, Kanawha Valley Business Forum, Kanawha Business Club, and Charleston Estate Planning Council.

Brace Robert Mullett is the current

Secretary of the Board of Governors. He is General Counsel and Senior Vice President of City Holding Company and City National Bank. A resident of Charleston, W.Va., Mr. Mullett says he still considers Athens his hometown. He received a bachelor’s degree from Concord in 1998 and a J.D. from Washington & Lee University. Along with a 30-plus year record as an avid fan of Mountain Lion sports, Mr. Mullett is a Lifetime Member of CU’s Alumni Association and is a recipient of the Young Alumnus Award. Among his many areas of civic involvement is membership in the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Legal Aid of West Virginia.

M. Susan Rogers is a resident of Hinton, W.Va. She

received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a specialization in early childhood from West Liberty University. Her career as an educator has included being a classroom teacher in Elkins, W.Va. and in Wheeling, W.Va. She serves on Concord’s Strategic Planning Committee and participates in many campus activities and events. Active in educational groups as a teacher, Mrs. Rogers is currently involved in a number of community and civic organizations.

Spring 2014 • 34

Search for Concord’s 12th President Underway

he Presidential Search Committee at Concord University has officially launched the search for the University’s 12th President.

In the summer of 2013, the University’s Board of Governors appointed the search committee, approved the search process, and identified the qualities and characteristics sought in the new president, using the suggestions received from faculty, staff, students and alumni. Based upon those desired qualities and characteristics, the search committee approved a job advertisement, which was placed in higher education publications and recruiting websites such as The Chronicle of Higher Education, HigherEdJobs.com, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and Inside Higher Ed at the beginning of December, 2013.

35 • Spring 2014

The Presidential Search Committee met on Nov. 18, 2013 and elected Charleston, W.Va., attorney and Concord alumnus, Mr. David Barnette ’73, as the chair.

Barnette is a member of Concord University’s Board of Governors (BOG) and is joined on the search committee by fellow BOG members Brace Mullett ’98, Susan Rogers, and Robert “Doc” Foglesong. Also serving on the search committee is Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Additional committee members include: Jessica Cook ’08, representing Concord University alumni; Margaret Sayre ’84, representing the Concord University Foundation; Dr. Susan Williams ’91, representing Concord’s faculty; Amy Pitzer, representing Concord’s classified staff; and, Luke Stevens, representing Concord’s students.

The search committee has been accepting applications and

nominations and, as of Jan. 15, 2014, the committee began reviewing candidates. Initial video conference interviews with 10 candidates occurred on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014.

In-person interviews with the Committee were scheduled for Feb. 22nd and March 1st. Additional interviews and a public forum are being held with the finalists between mid-March and early April 2014.

After receiving recommended candidates from the search committee, the Concord University Board of Governors will select the new President and seek approval of that person with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

A Presidential Search web page is available on Concord’s website to assist candidates in learning about Concord and the job opportunity.

It can be viewed at: http://www. concord.edu/administration/ presidential-search.

The Earl Wayne and Rosa Woodring Haga Scholarship: Family Honors Parents with Fund For Accounting Majors rothers Michael Haga and Kevin Haga have established The Earl Wayne and Rosa Woodring Haga Scholarship at Concord University as a special way to honor their parents.

The scholarship is for senior accounting majors at Concord.

Earl Wayne “Red” Haga majored in accounting at Concord and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1957. He went on to have a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant. Rosa also shared an interest in business taking several courses in the subject. She devoted her time to her family as a wife and mother.

Both of the Hagas are from small West Virginia communities. Rosa grew up near Matoaka and attended high school there. Wayne lived in Itmann. They currently reside in Princeton, W.Va. Wayne enjoyed his Concord days. Outside of the classroom, he was part of Greek life and sports activities. Returning to campus for homecoming one year, Wayne brought along Michael and the trip made an impression on the young boy.

“I do remember going to the campus with him for homecoming

Rosa and Wayne “Red” Haga ’57 enjoy the sights during a trip to Paris. The family vacation included a stop in front of the Fontaine Saint-Michel at the Place Saint-Michel.

when I was a small child about 50 years ago. He gave me a tour of the campus - I remember seeing a snake skeleton in a museum - and took me to the game,” Michael said.

After he graduated from Concord, Wayne worked for RL Persinger and Company, an accounting firm in Covington, Va. In 1964 he accepted a position with General Stone Materials Corporation and the family moved to Roanoke, Va. “He held progressively higher positions within the firm’s accounting division until it closed its Roanoke operations,” Michael said.

“He then worked for an equipment company and later returned to public accounting, managing Persinger’s Bedford, Va., operations.

He also worked with the firm in Staunton and Galax, Va., and retired from his career as a partner in the Galax office.”

Wayne and Rosa have always

been active in a church in the various communities where they lived.

“Our father volunteered with church - serving on church councils, ushering, working with men’s groups, and other activities - and community groups throughout his working career and into his retirement,” Michael Haga said.

He volunteered with the Lions Club and United Way as part of his civic involvement. Wayne’s hobbies include golfing and fishing, and along with Rosa, he enjoys traveling.

Family adventures to Paris are fond memories for the entire family.

“Our parents traveled throughout the country when he retired, but they were able to travel abroad only twice, each time to Paris,” Michael said. “On those trips our father had fun walking around the city, exploring its historic structures and museums, and experiencing the offerings of its restaurants.”

Michael and Kevin joined their parents on these trips along with other family members.

Wayne Haga has been a faithful supporter of his alma mater by belonging to the Concord University Alumni Association and being a member of the Pine Trees Alumni Chapter.

Contributors to The Earl Wayne and Rosa Woodring Haga Scholarship, along with Michael Haga and Kevin Haga, include Rosa Haga and David Masich.

For more information on the scholarship or to make a contribution to the fund, contact Ms. Lisa Moore, Concord University Foundation executive director, at lmoore@concord.edu or 304-3846056.

Spring 2014 • 36

Don Williams

December 3, 1927 - December 4, 2013 Former Football and Track & Field Head Coach

Dr. W. Don Williams of Huntington, W.Va., passed away the day following his 86th birthday on Dec. 4, 2013.

Don had several titles…Coach, Doc, Dad, Husband, Granddad.

Through it all, he stood with principle, dignity, and integrity.

Whether coaching or teaching, he stressed to his athletes that they were students first and athletes second. His legacy lives on in his sons, his grandchildren and the thousands of students and athletes who have become national and state leaders in academia, athletics, business, and community affairs.

Born to Robert C. Williams and Grace Boyd Williams in Akron, Ohio, Don grew up in Yukon, W.Va. He graduated from Big Creek High School.

Upon returning from service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Don attended Concord. He then left school to serve in the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, he married the former, Clara Taylor

Lia Pais

from Duhring, W.Va. He returned to Concord and while obtaining his bachelor’s degree, was a WVIAC All Conference Tackle for the Mountain Lions football team.

Don obtained a master’s degree from West Virginia University and a Doctorate in Education Administration from Virginia Tech.

He served 40 years teaching in West Virginia public schools and higher education and coached high school and college sports for 19 years.

In 1959, Don returned to Concord as head football coach and head track coach. During his 14 years at Concord, affectionately known as “Big Don,” he won the first WVIAC Football Championships in school history in 1962 and 1966.

He also recruited the first black athletes to compete at Concord in 1964.

In 1972 Don joined Marshall University’s Department of Physical Education as professor and head track coach. He later became Chair of the Department of Health,

Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. He completed his career at Marshall by serving as Director of the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Research and Economic Development. He retired in 1995.

Don was inducted into the CU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997 and into the Marshall University Sports Medicine Hall of Fame in 2004. He was an avid gardener and a faithful member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Clara; two sons, Steve (and wife Mary) Williams, and Marc (and wife Nancy) Williams; two grandsons, Benjamin and Wyatt; three step grandchildren, Nikki, Laura, and Alex; numerous nieces and nephews; and, his only sister, Peggy Pruitt, of Tyler, Texas.

Donor • Friend

Lia Pais, a 1945 Concord graduate and special friend to the University, passed away Monday, Jan. 20, 2014. A resident of the Glenwood Park Retirement Village in Princeton, W.Va., she was formerly of Switchback, W.Va. Through her gift to Concord, the John and Lucia Pais Family Fellowship Hall in University Point is named as a tribute to her late parents, John Pais and Lucia Vecellio Pais, and family.

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Lia was known for her determined spirit and gentle demeanor along with her deep love for Concord.

Born at Switchback, she was a graduate of Elkhorn High School and received a bachelor’s degree in education with a major in home economics from Concord. Lia was formerly employed by the McDowell County Board of Education at Northfork High School. She was also employed at Pocahontas Fuel

Company in Switchback. Lia retired from Appalachian Power Company with 31 years of service, working 20 years in Welch and 11 years in Bluefield as a home economist.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Aldo Pais in 1944, and one sister, Ida Pais Larese in 1984.

Ashby Clemenceau Allen

Adjuct Faculty Member

Former adjunct instructor Ashby Clemenceau “Brown Fox” Allen passed away Dec. 28, 2013.

Mr. Allen, who taught music at Concord’s Beckley campus, was a resident of Allen Junction, W.Va. Mr. Allen is remembered by his students, along with staff and fellow faculty, as an admired and respected member of Concord’s Beckley community.

An educator and musician for more than six decades, Mr. Allen was born in Amigo, W.Va. He was valedictorian of the May 1944 class of Conley High School. He graduated from West Virginia State College in 1947 in the top quarter of his class with a bachelor’s degree in music, a minor in social studies and a teaching certificate in physical education.

He later earned a master’s degree in administration from Marshall University and a master’s degree in music (voice and clarinet)

Dr. Paul Kane

from Columbia University in New York City. While at Columbia, he was in the choir, participated in student voice recitals and auditioned for various Broadway musicals. He also attended West Virginia University, received a reading certificate from Bluefield State College and studied at the Detroit Conservatory of Music.

Mr. Allen began teaching at the age of 16. He served as band director at Conley High School for eight years; at Glen Rogers High School for 12 years and also briefly at McDonough High School in McDonough, Ga. He was the assistant basketball coach and band director at Henry County Training School in Burlington, N.C. He retired from teaching in the Wyoming County School System in 1985 but came out of retirement to serve as an adjunct instructor at Concord University and Mountain State University.

As a United States Army veteran, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, having served in Korea during the Korean Conflict.

He was in the 56th Army Band and was a vocalist with the 56th Army Band Combo.

Mr. Allen was Principal Chief Emeritus of the Appalachian American Indians of West Virginia.

For more than 50 years he was an organist at St. John’s Evangelist Church in Mullens and was a past president of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Men. He is survived by a son, a godson, several special friends and many other friends and relatives.

September 21, 1943 - November 18, 2013 Emeritus Professor of English The Rev. Dr. Paul J. Kane, emeritus professor of English, died in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Nov. 18, 2013.

Dr. Kane taught courses in medieval and renaissance literature at Concord. He was also an ordained Lutheran minister who served as a parish pastor in central and western Pennsylvania.

Dr. Kane was a respected colleague, professor and leader at Concord known for his inspiring lectures and speeches for campus events.

He is survived by his wife of 48

years, Elizabeth Ann Gustafson; three sons, Eric (Jennifer), Arbor Vitae, Wis.; Geoffrey (Pamela), Tarentum, Pa.; John (Amy), Franklin Park, Pa.; four grandchildren, Caithlin, Zachary, Adeline, and Sadie; one sister, Lois (Nevin) Davis; one sister-in-law, Carol (Lenard) Berglund; one aunt, Frances Colberg; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Kane and Mary Kay Shannon, and a grandson, Emery Paul.

Spring 2014 • 38

James “Buck” Harless

October 14, 1919 - January 1, 2014 Donor • Friend

West Virginia businessman and philanthropist James H. “Buck” Harless passed away on Jan. 1, 2014 at the age of 94.

Mr. Harless was a longtime friend of Concord University and known for his continued support and encouragement of the hopes and dreams of West Virginia’s young people.

The James H. Harless Development Suite in University Point was named in his honor for his significant contribution to this project. Mr. Harless was also an advocate for Concord students as a contributor to the University’s scholarship program. Along with his own support, Mr. Harless encouraged others to contribute as well. In 2003, he served as keynote speaker for Concord’s scholarship fundraiser at The Greenbrier Hotel. He also contributed to the

President’s House fund.

Concord recognized Mr. Harless in 2003 for his exemplary service by awarding him an honorary degree.

During the May 17 commencement ceremony that year, he was presented the Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa.

A native of Taplin in Logan County, West Virginia, Mr. Harless was a resident of Gilbert, W.Va. He was chairman of the board of International Industries and president/chairman of the James H. Harless Foundation. He had also served as president/chairman of the Larry Joe Harless Community Center Foundation.

Mr. Harless received an extensive list of honors and awards during his lifetime. Among these accolades are: Coal Man of the Year, 1976, WV Coal Association; West Virginian of the Year, 1983, Charleston Gazette Mail;

Spirit of Life Award, City of Hope, 1984; John Marshall Medal of Civic Responsibility, 1994; Public Citizen of the Year, WV Bar Association, 1998; First Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc., 2008; and, Because of You Award, Miners Celebration, 2013.

Survivors include his wife, Hallie, of Gilbert; daughter, Judith Ann Burgess, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; half brothers, Jimmy and Earl; stepsons, Ryan and Brett Mollette; four grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.

DID YOU KNOW? Concord University’s mission is to provide a quality education, to foster scholarly activities, and to serve the regional community. The mission is summed up in the words of former President J. Franklin Marsh Sr.: “Come to Learn. Go to Serve.” This has become a Concord motto.

For more on Concord traditions, please visit http://www.concord.edu/ advancement/concord-pride-ourtraditions 39 • Spring 2014

COME TO LEARN. GO TO SERVE.

Holcomb Reciprocates for Solid Education iving back to the institution that formed a foundation for success motivates Donnie Holcomb in his generosity to his alma mater.

“Concord supplied an education to me and others. That gave us a good base to begin a prosperous career. I want to return something to the school and people of West Virginia that have helped me to achieve much over my career,” he said.

Mr. Holcomb’s continued support of Concord University ranges from contributions for athletics to gifts for scholarships. His recent major donation to the President’s House restoration is among the most significant made to that project.

Mr. Holcomb grew up in Wyoming County, West Virginia, in the communities of Ikes Fork and Hanover and graduated from Baileysville High School.

He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Concord in 1979. He majored in accounting and management and was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. Mr. Holcomb is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.

His professional life has seen a steady climb marked by success and achievement.

In the early years of his career, Mr. Holcomb worked as a staff accountant for a CPA firm, an assistant trust officer for a bank and a self-employed CPA. He then

advanced to positions including business unit manager, vice president and president of private companies in the areas of contract mining, automotive dealerships, and consulting for natural resources. He has also served as the chief financial officer for a group that included a large private coal company.

Mr. Holcomb is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Dickinson Fuel Company, Inc. in Charleston, W.Va. “Dickinson is a large land owner in West Virginia that has been family owned and run since the 1800s,” he explains. He is also the Trustee of various Cline Family Trusts in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. A resident of North Palm Beach, Fla., Mr. Holcomb also maintains a home in Charleston, W.Va. “Most of my working career has been living and working in Beckley, W.Va.,” he said.

Mr. Holcomb serves on the Visitors Committee at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry and is a member of the board of Natural Resource Partners.

He is Past President of the Beckley Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. His civic and community involvement has also included membership on local boards for the Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce and the United Way. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has served Concord University as a member of

Donnie Holcomb ’79

the Board of Advisors.

In addition to his generous financial support of Concord, Mr. Holcomb is involved in the life of the University.

“I normally attend homecoming each year gathering with alumni to tailgate and socialize,” he said. “My daughter, Megan, recently graduated from Concord with a chemistry degree and now attends WVU dental school. Megan was a cheerleader at Concord. My wife, Linda, and I have attended many functions and sporting events in support of the activities at Concord.”

The Holcomb family also includes son, Mark, who attended the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City and Westminster University in London.

Mark lives in New York and works with Starworks, a public relations firm.

Spring 2014 • 40

41 • Spring 2014

Dr. John Seago

Professor of Psychology, Emeritus

his feature catches up with retired faculty and staff and asks them to update us about their life today while sharing some memories of their days at Concord.

Background I graduated from Sarasota High School in Sarasota, Fla. and spent two years on a U.S. Navy ship. I was President of my graduating class at Manatee Junior College and transferred to Florida State University where I earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology. After teaching at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga., I attended Texas Christian University and received a Ph.D. in physiological psychology. I then went to the University of Georgia on a two-year post doctoral National Science Foundation research grant. I have 11 publications in refereed journals and have 17 papers presented at psychological conventions.

What did you teach? How long did you teach at Concord?

I came to Concord in 1971 as a psychologist in the Division of Social Sciences teaching the experimental psychology courses. Psychology always had very good students which made teaching enjoyable and rewarding. The Division faculty were generally a congenial group, good teachers who cared about their students and liked to party together. I was Chairman of the Division for 20 years and retired at the end of 1997.

What are some of your fondest memories of Concord?

One of my fondest memories was a Concord-sponsored trip to Bangkok, Thailand, to award their Queen a Doctorate of Humane Letters. We also visited several other Thailand cities and Tokyo, Japan.

What offices did you hold, what committees did you serve on, and what civic organizations were you involved in while at Concord?

I was an advisor of Alpha Chi, a program for academically outstanding students, and a member on most faculty committees including a few search committees for Presidents, Deans and Division Chairs. I worked with Coach Kevin O’Sullivan’s golf team for over 10 years. The golf team’s accomplishments remain unparalleled in Concord sports. Speaking of golf, Dr. Jim White, Jim’s son, Tom, Dr. Dave Bard and I played in the Homer Ball Memorial Golf Tournament in 2012, and to our great, great surprise, won the tournament. Also, I was a member of the Athens-Concord Committee for the development of a joint medical facility, served a term on the Athens Town Council and am a Past President of the Athens Lions Club.

Spring 2014 • 42

How many Deans and Presidents did you work under while at Concord?

During my tenure at Concord, I served five Presidents and six Academic Deans.

Where do you live now? What are some of your activities, interests as a retiree?

While a student at FSU, I met and married Frances (Boots) Ratteree who passed away in 1999. We had one son, Dr. John D. Seago, III. In 2002, I married Faye Robertson and our family includes two sons, John III, his wife, Melissa, and Sean Robertson; and, four grandchildren, Matthew, Derek,

MacKenzie and Victoria. We live on Brush Creek Falls Road in Princeton, W.Va., and enjoy traveling occasionally. We visited the islands of Oahu and Hawaii and cruised to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean. We enjoy ballroom dancing and sponsored dances at the Senior Center for two years.

My wife feels I take retirement much too seriously because six days a week, I either play golf at Pipestem State Park or billiards at the Princeton Moose Lodge. We also enjoy working a variety of types of puzzles.

Salute to

West Virginia

The CU band and choir team up to wish West Virginia a happy 150th Birthday. The performance was part of the Nov. 16 home football game and featured songs about the Mountain State.

43 • Spring 2014

What is your favorite Cafeteria/Dining Hall Story?

It was the fall of 1999 and I was a freshman at CU – and I was struggling with homesickness and was truly scared at all the new people at CU and trying to find my way to “fit in.” One of the most scary experiences was the cafeteria: Who do I sit with? How do I work the food lines? Getting past Libby! In this I found a source of encouragement and strength – it was Libby. She was always colorful in her descriptions of the students – but she became very kind and reassuring to me. Each time I walked into the cafeteria – she always had a smile, said “How are you today honey” – simply a motherly greeting. I remember it was my first birthday at CU (Spring 2000) and my parents forgot to call! (yes!) and I was feeling kind of sad and I went to dinner in the dining hall – and Libby brings me a birthday cake!

I felt so special, so loved. I will never forget her.

- Donald Reed

next to Wilson. We used to “borrow them” all the time... and even cleaned them and returned them. This was when the cafeteria was in the bottom of Men’s Towers.

- Greg White The renovations in 2008 and being amazed at how different it was. I was a resident assistant so I was able to be on campus and try it out before most others and we all were bragging to the residents how much better the meals and hall were.

- Amanda Rauma Woodrum ’09

Libby and her constant banter and fighting for the Pi Kapps to go out the “right” door! Soooo funny....I loved Libby and her banter!!

- Tracy Puckett-Casey ’10 So many... Libby and her way of knowing everyone.

- Hope Pack Young ’91

Question for the next issue: What’s your favorite formal/ dance memory?

Libby! She called all of us Alpha Sigs her little red hussies!

- Jamie Metz Vandergrift ’02 Definitely Libby. She knew your name and always had something to say to you!

- Christen Cavezza Landis ’92 Libby keeping everyone in line... The Crazy Eight’s having their “Viking” dinner.

- Meleah Fisher ’94 Not so much IN the cafeteria, but the trays made awesome sleds on the hill

Ms. Libby

Spring 2014 • 44

Faculty: Beyond the Classroom Art Educators Encouraged

To Reach Outside Four Walls he study of art helps to develop abilities for skillful creative applications, the growth of imagination, and an insight into human cultural relationships. It is through art that we develop creative sensitivities that make our lives meaningful and satisfying. To grow perceptually is to become visually literate and this is the aim of art education.

My approach to teaching Art Education is to challenge my students to develop the ability to research, develop, explore, articulate, and execute their lessons in an effective manner. I want them to take all of these skills into their future classrooms along with a lifetime love and appreciation of the arts.

I encourage my students to show others what it means to be 21st century learners through their actions and professional involvement. I’ve always taught them that the classroom is much larger than four walls and I make it a point to invite them to assist me at conferences. Most recently, four students assisted me at the West Virginia Art Education Association 2013 State Conference which was held at West Liberty University. During the conference, I presented “Navajo Sand Painting,” a presentation focusing on the history, processes and techniques used to create authentic sand

45 • Spring 2014

Colorful creations by Dr. Reidmiller and her art education students are displayed for purchase during the Holiday Open House at University Point in December.

Dr. Reidmiller helps participants during her Navajo Sand Painting presentation at the 2013 West Virginia state conference.

Above: CU student Cassady Berry is part of the sand painting demonstration at the state conference.

Below: Concord students assisting Dr. Reidmiller at the 2013 conference are Megan Ray, Kimberly Sexton and Cortney Cox.

paintings. It provided the art educators in attendance with methods to integrate the dry painting processes and techniques into their existing art curriculums.

Assisting with the presentation were Concord University’s Art

Education students; Cassady Berry, Cortney Cox, Kimberly Sexton and Megan Ray. During the 2011 West Virginia Art Education Association conference that I coordinated at Concord University three Concord University art education alumni and eight current students had proposals accepted and were awarded presentations at the state level.

I have brought students to the National Art Education Association Conferences in New York City and Baltimore. This March we will be traveling to San Diego, Calif. to attend the 2014 NAEA conference. Presenting at and attending these conferences enables my students to become affiliated with a professional organization, provides them with an avenue to become actively involved in their profession and supplies an opportunity for them to network with educators from around the country.

When I conduct outreach programs in the local schools, I invite my students to join me. Along with helping me teach lessons and judge local art shows, some of my students have assisted me with West

Virginia’s Youth Art Month events at Tamarack in Beckley. This supplied them with a “Behind the Scenes” look at a statewide competition and experience installing a show.

They also gained knowledge of judging three dimensional artwork, obtaining awards, and practice in conducting an award ceremony.

The Mercer County Art Show provides these future art educators with experience installing and dismantling a show containing both two dimensional and three dimensional works of art in a gallery setting. Many of my students have gained experience in writing and distributing promotional information and a few have even gone on TV with me to promote the show. The “Night in the Art Gallery” opening event, which will be celebrating its 4th anniversary this year, provides my students with the opportunity to meet local art educators, administrators, students and families from Mercer County. During this interactive reception, visitors are encouraged to create their own works of art by participating in hands-on activities and watching demonstrations

By: Dr. Lauri Reidmiller Associate Professor of Art

West Virginia Higher Education Art Educator of the Year, 2009, 2011 Spring 2014 • 46

Shown at Times Square while attending the National Art Education Association Conference in New York City are: Dr. Lauri Reidmiller and CU students Holly Jackson, Taylor Garrett, Kimberly Sexton and David Poticher.

conducted by the Art Education students.

It is through these types of involvement that my students have been able to undertake and put into practice what they have learned in the classroom in much larger forums.

Facilitating as many of

these opportunities as possible, I feel helps them expand their identities beyond “student” and experience themselves as vital members of the art community. I am proud of all of my students and feel privileged to be a part of their journey.

Dr. Reidmiller and Art Education students Jacqueline Trent, Alice Yurick and Crystal Richmond attend the National Art Education Conference in Baltimore.

Katie Elmore and Jacqueline Trent join Dr. Reidmiller in judging the Raleigh County Art Show.

Recent Activities

In the Division of Science, Mathematics, & Health

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES • Grants Awarded

Dr. Tim Corrigan (Physics) was awarded a $125,000 PUI Incubator Grant through the HEPC Division of Science and Research and the National Science Foundation. The research, entitled “Study of the fluorescence from quantum dots coupled with gold nanoparticles”, will involve collaboration between Concord and Marshall University.

Preliminary work to develop the grant proposal was funded by

47 • Spring 2014

Concord’s Research Trust Fund grant. Part of the research will utilize Concord’s electron microprobe facility.

development of a grant proposal to the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Dana Alloway (Chemistry) was awarded a $13,000 grant from the HEPC Division of Science and Research to upgrade the capability of Concord’s infrared spectrometer to enhance research and teaching in materials science chemistry.

Dr. Joseph L. Allen (Environmental Geosciences) was awarded a minigrant from the HEPC Division of Science and Research to assist

Dr. Joseph Allen

• Noteworthy Student Activities

Albert Barbery (Environmental Geosciences senior) presented research conducted with Dr. Joseph L. Allen (Professor of Geology and Science Division Chair) at the 125th Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America in Denver, Colo.

His work explored the geochemistry of a suite of unusual igneous rocks from the Colorado Rockies using Concord’s electron microprobe facility, and was funded by the CU Research Trust Fund grant. His travel expenses were partially supported by a student travel grant from the Geological Society of America.

Addison Hostetler (Environmental Geosciences junior) presented research conducted with Dr. Stephen Kuehn (Assistant Professor of Geology) at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco, attended by more than 20,000 scientists from around the world. His work examined the chemistry of volcanic ash deposits from ancient lake deposits in Oregon using Concord’s electron microprobe facility, and was funded by the CU Research Trust Fund grant.

Nguyet Le (CU Chemistry and Biology alumnus, 2013) presented materials science research at the SURE program at Marshall University in August. Initial work for the project was funded by the CU Research Trust Fund grant.

in Colorado attended by more than two-dozen international scientists as part of the Geological Society of America annual meeting.

Dr. Stephen Kuehn (Environmental Geosciences) presented research at the fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco in December, and at a joint conference of the Canadian Quaternary Association and Canadian Geomorphology Research Group at the University of Alberta in September. He recently published a peer-reviewed paper in the Journal of Quaternary Science and has a paper forthcoming in Earth Science Reviews. The research utilized Concord’s electron microprobe laboratory and was partially funded by the CU Research Trust Fund.

Dr. Alice Hawthorne Allen (Physics) presented research on student learning at the winter meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers in Orlando, Fla.

Dr. Franz Frye (Chemistry) coauthored a paper published in the scientific journal Physical Review B: Condensed Matter and Materials Physics.

• Faculty Scholarship

Dr. Joseph L. Allen (Environmental Geosciences) published two peer-reviewed papers, one in the Geological Society of America Field Guide Series, and one in the scientific journal Rocky Mountain Geology. The work was funded by the CU Research Trust Fund grant and utilized Concord’s electron microprobe laboratory. He also led a scientific field trip to a research site

Dr. Franz Frye

Dr. Darrell Crick (Chemistry) presented research at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of

Dr. Darrell Crick

Pharmacognosy in St. Louis, Mo. in July.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE

In the Department of Human Performance, five faculty have presented papers at three national/ international conferences and three state conventions. Seventeen students were involved in external activities and attended the state convention of health and physical education. Two athletic training students will be presenting work at a state-wide Athletic Training conference.

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE

Concord students Felicia Stover, Mariah Farley, and Joshua Beverly presented research entitled “Porous exponential domination of certain planar triangulations” conducted with Dr. Chris McClain at the 2014 AMS-MAA Joint Mathematics Meetings in Baltimore, Md. The research was supported by a grant from the Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics, and the students were partially supported by travel grants from the Mathematical Association of America.

Spring 2014 • 48

Sigma Tau Gamma Greek life is an important part of the college experience for many Concord students. Bonds that are formed between brothers and sisters remain strong and continue to thrive as students become alumni. “Greek Spotlight” is dedicated to CU’s fraternities and sororities.

ounded by educators as well as World War I veterans in 1920, Sigma Tau Gamma is a fraternity of men who strive to promote the highest standards of Manhood, Brotherhood, and Citizenship.

Alapha Lambda chapter was installed at Concord on May 7, 1949, having formerly been a local fraternity, Phi Sigma Phi. Today Sigma Tau Gamma participates in local philanthropy that involves date auctions, Dress for a Day, flower sales, doughnut sales, egg throwing contests, and support for the Run for the Boston Bombing.

1951

The 1951 yearbook photo of the Sig Tau’s

Sigma Tau Gamma crest For more information on Sigma Tau Gamma, please visit www.

sigmataugamma.org or www.facebook.com/ sigmataugamma. To contact the Concord Chapter, call 1-304-3847773.

49 • Spring 2014

2014

The current Concord Sigma Tau Gammas

Sigma Tau Gamma Facts •

• •

Founded nationally: 1920 by 17 members at Warrensburg State Teachers College,

Warrensburg, Missouri Founded at Concord: 1949 by 69 members.

Colors: Azure Blue, White, Red, and Yellow

• • •

Flower: White Rose Mascot: Goat Number of Collegiate Chapters: 65 in the United States

Mission “The purpose of this Fraternity shall be to promote the welfare of its members as provided in this Constitution, and the Laws of the Fraternity, which are based upon it. It shall endeavor to promote

the highest ideals of manhood, brotherhood and citizenship according to the Principles of the Fraternity.”

Sigma Tau Gamma produces Homecoming Royalty Andrew Miller celebrates with other Sig Tau’s after claiming the 2013 Concord Homcoming royalty crown.

1953

The 1953 Sigma Tau Gamma Basketball Team

Circa 1952

The Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity

Spring 2014 • 50

G

reek organizations at Concord University recognized individuals impacted by cancer during a balloon release on the Athens campus Thursday, Nov. 21. The event was held at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Administration Building.

Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity sponsored the balloon release with other CU Greek organizations participating.

Corey Boothe, a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, said the fraternity

was involved in a month-long cancer awareness observance during November as a philanthropy project.

He said activities ranged from selling baked goods to handing out ribbons.

While all types of cancer were part of the observance, a special focus was placed on skin cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, brain cancer and kidney cancer.

Boothe said the fraternity collected names of cancer patients during the month. Their names were written on the 100 colored balloons

that were released. Individuals honored during the event included persons who have lost the battle with cancer, persons currently suffering from the disease and cancer survivors.

Additional photos from the balloon release are located at: http://www.flickr.com/ photos/42005172@N02/ sets/72157637947269495/

Left: TKE fraternity gathers for the balloon release.

Right: Colorful balloons soar skyward.

51 • Spring 2014

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! The Alumni Office is working on programming for future events and we want to know what you think.

We have created a survey which addresses items such as Homecoming, alumni chapters, alumni career services and the CUAA. Please take a few minutes and logon to (https://www. surveymonkey.com/s/

SurveyOurAlumni) to complete our survey. We want to make sure we are offering programs that appeal to our alumni and need your feedback to help make that happen!

Every alum who completes the survey will be entered to win a $50 VISA gift card!

Senior Felicia Stover Featured

In Science and Research Publication Mathematics major Felicia Stover is featured in the Fall 2013 issue of the Neuron. The CU senior shares her experiences at George Washington University’s 2013 Summer Program for Women in Mathematics held in Washington, D.C. The Neuron is a publication

SAVE THE DATE

of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and Research. The Fall 2013 issue is located at: http://www.wvresearch. org/wp-content/ uploads/2013/12/fall-2013Neuron-LR.pdf

HOMECOMING 2014 OCTOBER 11 Spring 2014 • 52

BECKLEY UPDATE

Lisa Moten Named Director Of Higher Education Center

he Erma Byrd Higher Education Center welcomed Lisa Moten as director on Oct. 1, 2013. Dr. Susan Williams is director of Concord’s Beckley campus which is one of three institutions located at the Center.

Moten’s responsibilities include serving as the primary point-ofcontact/administrator for the Center and facilitating development and implementation of policies and procedures for facility use. She also coordinates and facilitates academic programming and scheduling and is responsible for oversight of daily activities, operations and budget of the Center.

Additionally, Moten collaborates with institutional representatives, businesses, the community and others to maximize use of the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center and

assesses the effectiveness of the facility and initiates improvements as needed.

She received an A.A.S. from Marshall Community & Technical College and an R.B.A. from Marshall University. Moten completed master’s degrees from Marshall University and The Ohio State University. Her education also includes an ABD on Ph.D. through The Ohio State University.

Moten’s career history in higher education includes leadership positions in academics. Among these are serving as Dean of Academic Affairs at ITT Technical Institute and as Academic Dean at Webster College. She has also taught as an adjunct instructor and assistant professor.

Her honors and awards include the ITT Tech Reentry Star Award 2009 and the ITT Tech September 2009 Academic Affairs Campus Quality Award. Moten’s community involvement includes serving on

Beckley is on Facebook!

Keep up with events, campus activities, volunteer opportunities and lots more at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center.

Facebook - Concord Beckley Student Services 53 • Spring 2014

Lisa Moten

the Huntington Housing Authority Committee for Residential SelfSufficiency as Dean of ITT Technical Institute where she worked with community based organizations and lending resources to aid in helping low-income residents rise to selfsufficiency.

She currently resides in Beckley, her hometown.

Beckley Students Continue Tradition

of Volunteering For Domestic Violence Awareness Month Observances

ociology students at Concord’s Beckley location have participated in Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities in October for the past several years. They have donated thousands of dollars and hours of volunteering to the cause.

Beckley students continued that tradition by assisting with events this past October.

CU students helped with the annual Candlelight Vigil hosted by the United Methodist Temple’s “The

Place” on Saturday, Oct. 12. They assisted the Women’s Resource Center advocates with setting up the event and held candles to honor the 23 fatalities due to domestic violence in West Virginia from the past year. Students from Lori Pace’s Social Problems and Criminology classes also directly donated $200 to the WRC. Concord students have also assisted with fundraisers at the Higher Education Center. On Friday, Oct. 18, two individuals sold refreshments to their fellow students to raise money for the Shady Spring High School Homecoming Parade to benefit the WRC and raise awareness.

The WRC is a non-profit organization that provides shelter for victims of abuse and sexual violence. It is the largest of 14 domestic violence programs in West Virginia, and offers temporary shelter, counseling, and a 24 hour hotline to all victims. For more information on the WRC contact Dee Sizemore who currently serves as the Board Vice President at 304255-2559.

Cole Cloonan, a student in Concord’s PR Workshop wrote this article. He is from Charles Town, W.Va.

Coal Heritage Lecture Series

Part of Appalachian Studies Course

he Coal Heritage Lecture Series, an annual program presented by Concord University’s Beckley campus and the Coal Heritage Highway Authority, continues the 2014 season with programs in April and May.

Billy Strasser, discuss the recent work completed in the town of Nuttallburg in the lecture “Nuttallburg: Then and Now.” Once a model coal camp owned by Henry Ford, the site has been stabilized by the National Park Service and an interpretive trail has been created that is open to visitors.

The series will conclude on May 6 when Gordon Simmons, historian and Marshall University instructor, will explore the culture of resistance Each spring, the Coal Heritage in coal miners. “The Miner’s Public Lecture Series explores the Freedom” considers the history rich and enduring legacy of coal in of coal miners and their ability to the Mountain State. The lectures exert some control in the workforce, take place at the Erma Byrd Higher despite the autocracy of the coal Education Center, 300 University camps.

Drive, Beaver, in Room E 10 at 7 p.m.

The public lecture series is a part All lectures are free and open to the of an academic class in Appalachian public.

Studies at Concord’s Beckley April 1 will see National Park campus. The class, Coal Culture in Service Interpretive Ranger,

West Virginia, is taught in the spring semester by Karen Vuranch.

“The course covers the history and technology of coal mining in West Virginia,” Vuranch said. “But more importantly, it explores the cultural impact on the people of our state.”

Students taking the course for credit hear lectures, watch films and participate in field trips that help them better understand the rich history of coal in West Virginia.

Community members are also welcome to audit the course, where they attend all sessions without having to complete assignments for a grade.

For more information, contact Concord University’s Beckley campus at (304) 256-0270.

Spring 2014 • 54

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-archive

February 2014 - Joe Friedl ’62 Joe Friedl ’62 recently published a book titled “West Virginia – Lincoln’s Free State.” The book covers President Abraham Lincoln’s connections to the Mountain State and impacts of the Civil War on West Virginia. Mr. Friedl, who graduated with a B.S. in mathematics, says “In all honesty, the instruction and experience I received

at Concord in writing and speaking has helped me more than anything else throughout my career.” He lives in Vienna, Va. with his wife, Betty ’62, who graduated from CU with a degree in library science.

Copies of Mr. Friedl’s book are currently available at Tamarack and other West Virginia visitor centers.

January 2014 - Adam Wolfe ’03 Adam Wolfe ’03 opened his own law office in Princeton in December and was appointed to the Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. Executive Council in October.

After Concord, Adam graduated from the Appalachian School of Law where he was an editor on two law review journals including

the Appalachian Natural Resources Law Journal and the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation’s journal.

He was inducted into the Phi Delta Phi Honor Society his first year of law school, and took classes that emphasized litigation and appellate brief writing. He practiced in the school’s Family Law Clinic as a student attorney and made several appearances in court on behalf of his clients. He worked in the Cabell County (W.Va.) Public Defender’s office as an intern and the Buchanan County (Va.) Commonwealth

December 2013 - Lance McDaniel ’10 Lance McDaniel ’10 repeated as champion in the Charlotte Thunder Road Half Marathon on Nov. 16, 2013. This was Lance’s second year in a row winning this 13.1 mile race.

He finished with a time of 1 hour and 15:01 minutes (5:44 mile pace).

There were 2,524 runners who finished the race. Lance was running for his church’s team, the PCOG (Princeton Church of God) Running Club. They had two other finishers in the half marathon: Derek Alvis who placed 591st and ran a 1:52:27, and Ralph Ramsey who placed 2375th and ran a 2:42:23.

55 • Spring 2014

Attorney’s Office. He also worked in Richmond, Va. for UnitedLex and Hire Counsel doing litigation defense work as an attorney before moving back to Princeton to open his office. He has a general practice in Princeton with his main focus being litigation. Adam also recently ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, Va. When asked why he wanted to get involved with the Alumni Association Adam stated, “I got involved with the Executive Council because I wanted to give back to my alma mater.”

A r e t h e MOUNTAIN LIONS in your will?

Ye s

N o

I d o n’ t h a v e a w i l l

I f y o u a n s w e r e d “YES”. . .

If Concord is in your will or other estate plans, please get in touch with the Concord University Foundation, Inc. at 1-304-384-6056 or check out your options online at www.gftpln.org/Home.do?orgId=6307.

I f y o u a n s w e r e d “NO”. . .

Think about putting Concord in your plans by making a valuable and meaningful gift that costs nothing today!

I f y o u a n s w e r e d “I DON’T HAVE A WILL”. . .

Then it is time to start planning! Visit www.gftpln.org/Home.do?orgId=6307 for more information on how you can leave a legacy at Concord University.

1-304-384-6056 advancement@concord.edu Spring 2014 • 56

Help CU Win

the ‘Race to Resurface the Track’

he Concord community is running a “Race to Resurface the Track” on campus.

“We have a goal of $350,000 to be used to redesign, rebuild and upgrade our existing track to allow our athletes and the Athens/Concord community to exercise and compete on a safe, resilient athletic surface,” Interim President Kendra Boggess said.

The annual giving campaign is one of several fundraising opportunities for the track.

Other projects include the sale of CU Mt. Lion Pride yard signs sponsored by the President’s Office this past fall and a coin collection that was part of voting for the best decorated Holiday Hall of Trees entry.

Another exciting fundraiser is the one-mile color run across “The Campus Beautiful” on Saturday, April 26. This event is being coordinated by students in one of CU’s Recreation and Tourism Management classes.

Additional information is included in the accompanying article.

The Concord University Foundation is accepting contributions to the track resurfacing project. For more information on levels of giving or naming opportunities contact Lisa Moore, executive director, at lmoore@concord.edu or 304384-6056.

57 • Spring 2014

Students Hosting Fundraising Run April 26

tudents in one of Concord’s Recreation and Tourism Management courses are coordinating a one-mile color run fundraiser for the track as a class project. Andrew Hashimura is the instructor.

“The scope of the Sports Facilities Design and Maintenance course explores principles and practices for planning, designing, and maintaining a variety of sports facilities,” Hashimura said. “The students are learning about the public planning process, needs assessments, and feasibility studies as part of the course curriculum. The feasibility study the class is working on is to evaluate the

track and field facility inside Callaghan Stadium and this event is part of learning how to find funding sources for the project.

All proceeds raised will go toward the resurfacing of the track.

“To have the class step up and plan an event like this is not only a fantastic learning experience but shows that the students who make up Concord University care about their university. They recognize this is their opportunity to give back to the university while they are still here. Concord Pride runs deep here and they are showing their pride,” he said.

Concord University’s CU in Color Run

The students’ special appeal to alumni and other friends of the university is offered below: ome one, come all and join us on April 26th for the CU in Color mile race around Concord’s Campus Beautiful.

Concord University students are hosting a fundraising event where all proceeds from this race are going to the Concord University Foundation fund to help in resurfacing the track.

From donations to entry fees, the students are hoping to reach the goal of $5,000 dollars.

Entry for children ages 13 and under is $15 and for runners 14 and up is $20 before race day and $25 if they register on race day. Each runner will receive a runner’s packet that will include a race shirt, course map, and other goodies.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on the morning of April 26th.

The race will start promptly at

9 a.m. and end roughly around 10 a.m. This race will be a good opportunity to revisit “The Campus Beautiful” and reunite with old college friends. Bring your families out to enjoy the day with fellow Mountain Lions and other friends of Concord University.

For additional information contact: • Cheyenne Nicely Facility Race Director (540) 969-7495 nicelyc26@mycu.concord.edu • Nikki Carinelli Marketing Race Director (304) 707-1562 carinellin07@mycu.concord.edu • Brooke Layne Development Race Director (434) 806-4736 layneb13@mycu.concord.edu

The current state of the Concord track Spring 2014 • 58

Alumni

Entrepreneurs

In conjunction with the launch of Concord’s Entrepreneurship Initiative in 2013, the Alumni Magazine is starting a new feature with this issue 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.

Billy Pantili ’96

Expanding Automobile Dealership Brings National Accolades illy Pantili has parlayed a lifelong fascination with automobiles into a successful small business in southern West Virginia – Pantili Mitsubishi. His thriving dealership is the 2013 recipient of Mitsubishi’s prestigious Customer Satisfaction Award and a three-time recipient of Suzuki’s highest honor, the President’s Club Award (2010-12).

These awards afford him access to highly sought after privileges such as premium inventory and complimentary travel opportunities.

(Approximately 400 Mitsubishi dealerships are in existence

59 • Spring 2014

nationwide.)

Mr. Pantili’s road to entrepreneurship began more than 20 years ago in Princeton, W.Va. As a teenager, he spent countless hours working at his father’s automotive repair shop. From there, he enrolled in the business administration program at Concord. The challenging curriculum provided Mr. Pantili with an exceptional framework for future business endeavors.

“Courses like business communications and accounting have proven invaluable. Those skills are the heartbeat of day-to-

Billy Pantili ’96

day operation,” he said. “I never imagined the networking I did as an undergraduate would play such an important role in my quest to become a successful businessman.”

Shortly after graduating from Concord in 1996, Mr. Pantili put his degree to work and opened Automart, a small independent used car dealership near downtown Princeton. About a year later, he relocated to Princeton’s Oakvale Road, acquired the Suzuki franchise, and focused on expansion.

Soon came Taxi One, the area’s only 24-hour taxi service, and the purchase of a number of upscale rental properties. He followed suit with his second franchise, Mitsubishi, in 2013. This year promises to be equally exciting for

“Courses like business communications and accounting have proven invaluable. Those skills are the heartbeat of dayto-day operation. I never imagined the networking I did as an undergraduate would play such an important role in my quest to become a successful businessman.”

Billy Pantili ’96 Pantili Mitsubishi thanks to the addition of Suzuki motorcycles and

all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Mr. Pantili continues to remain true to his small town roots, in spite of his success. He is an active member of the PrincetonMercer County and Greater Bluefield chambers of commerce and supports local non-profit organizations such as Child Protect and the Jonathan Powell Hope Foundation.

Billy Pantili is the son of Concord alumni Bill ’69 and Linda (Dykes) ’68 Pantili of Princeton. Prior to retirement, Mr. Pantili (Sr.) owned and operated Aamco Transmissions.

His wife, Dr. Linda Pantili, worked as a guidance counselor for Mercer County Schools.

Concord University Entrepreneurship Initiative For more information on the Entrepreneurship Initiative, contact Dr. Mohan Pokharel at (304) 384-5247 or mpokharel@concord.edu or visit http://hub.concord.edu/entrepreneurship/

To learn more about pursuing a degree through Concord University’s Division of Business, call (888) 384-5249, e-mail admissions@concord.edu or visit http://www.concord.edu/academics/business.

Alum in the making…

Concord student Sterling Snyder photographs senior Katelyn Cook for the yearbook during the Spring Graduation Fair held Tuesday, Feb. 11 in the CU Student Center Ballroom. The event is a one-stopshop for Concord students planning to graduate in May and August 2014.

Along with yearbook photos, the graduation fair also offered fittings for caps and gowns and help from Career Services with resumes and graduate and professional school options.

Spring 2014 • 60

CU in NYC Alumni Weekend

Ju l y 18-2 0, 2 01 4

The Concord University Advancement Office is sponsoring a weekend in New York City that is open to all Concord alumni & friends. The schedule for the weekend will be as follows:

F riday, Ju l y 18

• Early morning departure for NYC via charter bus from the Princeton, W.Va. area • Arrive in NYC Friday afternoon • Friday evening alumni reception at one of NYC’s museums • The reception will be finished early enough for those interested to attend a Broadway show that night

Satu rday, J u l y 19

• Featured activity is a 1 p.m. baseball game between the NY Yankees and the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium

Su n day, J u l y 20

• Mid-day departure from NYC back to West Virginia, arriving back in Princeton late Sunday night

61 • Spring 2014

Package cost will be around $600 per person - final cost will be based on number of participants

Package cost includes transportation, two nights lodging in a double occupancy room at a hotel in NYC and the Friday evening reception. Tickets to the Yankee game can be reserved for an additional $20 each.

Reception and room packages are available for alumni who wish to make their own travel arrangements.

A $200 deposit is required by June 1 in order to reserve a spot with the full balance due by July 7. We must get at least 50 reservations in order to offer the charter bus so contact the Alumni Office at 1-304384-5348 or alumni@concord.edu to reserve your spot today!

New to CU:

Master of Social Work

A Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate program is now available at Concord University.

The mission of the Master of Social Work Program is to prepare graduates for advanced social work practice with a rural concentration. The MSW Program is built upon a systems approach and a strengths perspective delivered in a manner that meets the needs of rural students.

Our MSW students learn to: • Conduct advanced social work practice, with a rural concentration, which operates from a systems and strengths perspective with the ability to respond to varying rural contexts, including diversity and difference and to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate at all levels including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

• Think critically and examine issues within the rural context while applying knowledge from both a person in environment and human behavior perspective to determine appropriate methods of intervention and to communicate these in an ethical manner utilizing the strengths of rural settings.

• Utilize an advanced reflective and developmental approach to practice.

• Apply an advanced critical and analytical approach to practice that incorporates the unique culture and systems within rural settings and includes engaging in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.

• Use advanced knowledge and skills in analyzing rural social policies and promoting change in rural settings through the development of more just and humane policies as they affect clients, social workers, and service systems.

• Address the uniqueness of issues of human rights, mechanisms of operation, discrimination, and social and

economic justice in order to improve the social and economic well-being of clients within rural settings across all levels of practice.

For additional information call 1-304-384-6260, 1-888-384-5249, email socialwork@concord.edu or visit http://hub.concord.edu/social-work/node/3 Spring 2014 • 62

Preserving the Memories:

The Hazel Morgan Booth Poem Collection Heather Williams, a Concord University senior majoring in English with an emphasis in journalism and writing, wrote this article. Her hometown is Charleston, W.Va.

n the fall of 2012, Hazel Morgan Booth’s vast collection of handwritten poems was donated to Concord University by her son, Andrew Booth.

Mrs. Booth is an alumna of Concord University, graduating in 1936 with her Standard Normal Teaching Certificate.

“She wrote on a variety of subjects - her travels, her family, her faith.

She wrote very descriptive poetry about her travels, and she wrote introspective poetry about her love for her family and her faith,” says Heather Frazier, a recent Concord graduate.

Ms. Frazier graduated in December 2013 with a degree in English with emphases in writing and literature. She is pursuing

Hazel Morgan Booth ’36 63 • Spring 2014

a career as a literary scholar. “I was very grateful to be given the opportunity. This is invaluable experience for an English major,” she said.

Dr. Charles Brichford, division chair of humanities, adds that this opportunity to practice scholarly skills, such as transcribing and forming an annotated edition, is valuable for a student interested in graduate school.

Ms. Frazier began working on the poems in September and anticipates the collection will be completed early this spring. Her work includes transcribing the poems, placing them in chronological order,

and adding explanatory footnotes and an introduction.

The poems will be put into electronic form and given to the Booth family as well as into the Marsh Library Archives.

“I hope publishing her work will be a benefit to Concord University and show the pride that her family has for her character and for her accomplishments,” says Mr. Booth.

In donating the items to Concord, Mr. Booth says he wanted others to know of her “wonderful, selfless

character.”

Mrs. Booth began writing poetry in the early 1950s with her sisters, Addie, Etta and Tessie, her brothers, Herbert and Estel, and her stepbrother, Hulan.

Her ideas, springing from a bird’s song, a beautiful landscape, her faith, family or friends, were quickly written onto anything available to her. “She would often cross out words or scratch through lines that did not work in her overall idea,” recalls Mr. Booth. “Upon completion of each, she would copy them into a journal or pass them on to a friend or family member.”

Connie Shumate, director of the Marsh Library, was amazed at the substantial amount of poems in the collection. “Many are not dated, yet one can almost chronicle the

author’s life through her writings,” she said. “The items give one an intimate glimpse into the very talented woman that was Hazel Morgan Booth.”

Many of her poems were copied from her journals into a compilation for her friends and family to have a piece of her memory.

Though Mr. Booth holds his mother’s poems dear to him, “Take Time to Love,” “I see God,” “The Life that Counts,” “Looking Ahead,” “Love,” “God of Our Hope,” “What should We Do,” and “Forgiveness” are some of his most cherished. “[Some of the poems] often are discovered at a time in my life that make me wonder if she hasn’t placed them there and in some unexplainable way for me to find at that particular time,” he said.

Our Blessings Let’s count our many blessings Showing how very much we care – Our homes, our health, our loved ones That are all so very dear.

Then we’ll be sure to have A wonderful sense of peace Which if we will cherish always Then our joys will never cease.

Let us never fail to give A word of comfort and of cheer To those whose lives are saddened By misery, strife and fear.

‘Stuff the Bus’

Looking Forward to 2014 Campaign Following the overwhelming success of “Stuff the Bus” in 2013, the Beckley campus plans to participate in the project again this summer.

“Stuff the Bus” helped children in southern West Virginia have the school supplies they needed to start the new school year. At the conclusion of the month-long

campaign last August every seat on the big yellow school bus was filled with school supplies. Organizers salute the CU community and individuals and businesses across the area for the project’s success. For more information email beckley@ concord.edu or call (304) 256-0270.

Roar and Dr. Boggess at last year’s event

International Programs spotlighted on the web Check out the web page for Concord University’s International Programs. The site includes information on International Admissions, English as a Second Language, the International Center and more. Go to: http://www.concord.edu/international

Spring 2014 • 64

Website Features Memories of Athens

arland Elmore ’68 invites readers to “The Athens We Knew.”

“Athens and Concord occupy special places in the memories of many who grew up in the community and attended school there,” Elmore says on a website he developed about his boyhood home.

The site contains vintage photographs, history, vignettes, personal memories and a wealth of additional information provided by Elmore and others.

This special salute to Athens is located at: www.athensweknew.com

GiftIdeas Pine Trees Chapter Offering New Ornament The Pine Trees Alumni Chapter is offering the second in a series of CU ornaments. The 2014 ornament features McComas Hall.

These make great gifts and can be a special addition to your own collection of Concord memorabilia.

Ornaments may be purchased for $20 each. An additional charge

of $5.80 is required for shipping.

All proceeds go toward the Pine Trees Scholarship Fund.

Contact pinetreesalumnichapter@ hotmail.com or call 304-3849457 for more information.

Support the CUAA

65 • Spring 2014

“The Campus Beautiful” is a print by well-known artist P. Buckley Moss produced especially for Concord University in conjunction with the Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. Print size is 11”x13”. Cost is $100 with $15 shipping and handling for each print.

Make all checks payable to: Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. Mail to: CUAA, PO Box 1000, Campus Box 83, Athens, WV 24712.

When ordering, please include your name, phone number, email address, and a street address for shipping.

Treasure Returns Home to Concord

s. Ruby Hurt stopped by Concord University this past fall to donate a framed two-piece photo of the Concord State Normal School faculty and students from 1926 and the football squad and coaches from the same year.

Ms. Hurt picked up the treasure at a yard sale and just wanted to get

it back to its Concord home. She has no ties to Concord herself, however, her friend who came with her to make the donation, is a relative of retired physics professor, Willis Hill and mathematics professor, David Hill. The friend assured Ms. Hurt she would get her to the correct school to make the donation.

So, on Oct. 28, they drove to

Concord and were directed by a public safety employee to the Advancement team who gladly accepted her donation.

Sarah Turner, executive director of the Alumni Association, thanks Ms. Hurt for this wonderful addition to the Alumni archives and for her generosity.

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://concord.bkstr.com to see what is available and to place your order. This service allows alums to show their Concord pride no matter where they are!

Spring 2014 • 66

Heritage & Horizon Centenarian Charles Melton ’40, Una Meador Melton ’40 Shared Life of Teaching, Travel, and Commitment to Concord Editor’s Note: Among Concord’s oldest living alumni at 100 years of age – and with an accomplished life to his credit – Mr. Charles Melton was a perfect choice for this issue’s “Heritage” personality. Sadly, Mr. Melton passed away while the magazine was in production. (Please see his obituary in the “Class Notes” section of this magazine.) The Office of Advancement shares this account as a tribute to Mr. Melton, and his late wife, Una Meador Melton, who passed away in 2008.

ining up in alphabetical order for commencement proved to be life changing for Charles Melton and his future bride, Una Meador.

Although they both studied teacher education while at Concord, they didn’t meet until graduation day during the ceremony for the Class of 1940. Una stood in the line in front of Charles and that’s where they became acquainted.

Shelby Charles grew up on the family farm in the community of Sissonville, W.Va., north of Charleston.

Una lived near Flat Top, W.Va. While Una and Charles pursued careers in education following graduation from Concord, Charles’ first days in the classroom as a teacher actually began after he graduated from high school. Young Charles worked as a teacher in a one-room school that, according to the account he shared with friends, was located miles up a mountain. The hard earned dollars he received from teaching there went into his college fund.

After receiving his diploma from Concord, Charles headed off to war. He served as a squad leader with the U.S. Army during World War II. During the Battle of the Bulge, he was wounded when he stepped on a land mine. Injured by the shrapnel that hit his head, Charles received the Purple Heart in honor of his heroic service.

Returning to civilian life, Charles put his degree to work in Kanawha County’s Stonewall Jackson High School. He later moved to New York and taught history for 23 years at Garden City High School where he sponsored the Foreign Policy Club. He continued his own education by earning a master’s degree. Una served as a principal for 27 years in Levittown, N.Y. The Meltons spent their retirement years in Orlando, Fla. after moving there in 1982. They were respected and well-liked members of the community.

Charles and Una kept in contact with Concord and remained interested in the life of their alma mater. They were welcoming and gracious hosts to fellow alumni and other Concord guests who visited them in the Sunshine State.

67 • Spring 2014

Charles ’40 and Una Melton ’40 When he was well into his 90s, Mr. Melton described to a CU staff member the special bond he and Una shared. He says the two of them “saw things quite the same way and never had a quarrel.”

The Meltons were faithful in their contributions to Concord making significant gifts through the years. They donated to the Dream Builder’s Club and started the Melton Gift Annuity benefiting the University.

Encouraging others to follow suit, they shared their thoughts on giving in a CU publication. “We’ve never regretted our gift,” Charles and Una Melton said. “For people who do not have a lot of money, you can live on the income from a charity annuity. Many people do not know about this type of gift. Retirees and alumni donors ought to look into charitable annuities for income.”

Heritage & Horizon Charles and Una were active members of their church, the First United Methodist Church of Orlando, where their service included membership on the Flower Committee. Charles’ special gifts to the committee were roses from his garden that he donated to the church.

In an article by Brian Schmitz in the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando attorney Vernon Swartsel shared the following

about the Meltons, his friends for more than 20 years.

“They were a delightful couple,” Swartsel said. “They traveled widely, through Eastern Europe and South Asia.

They loved classical music. They had a great library of books.

“He was just a gentle, well-read individual,” he said of Charles Melton.

Ceramics Incorporating ‘Green’ Pigments Featured in Exhibit

lean Creek: Iron and Manganese” was on display in Concord University’s Arthur Butcher Art Gallery during February. The gallery is located in the Alexander Fine Arts Building.

The exhibition featured ceramics that incorporate iron and manganese recovered from abandoned mine drainage (AMD) in southwest Pennsylvania. Clean Creek Products, a division of Stream Restoration Incorporated, markets the recovered metals used in the pottery.

“This is an exciting use of ‘green’ materials,” Jamey Biggs, Concord associate professor of art, said. “The use of these materials by potters, glass workers, etc. can generate funding for stream recovery.” Biggs is curator of Concord’s art gallery and was among the exhibiting artists in “Clean Creek: Iron and Manganese.”

“The point of the exhibition is to get the word out nationally about this viable, green, alternative pigment source. I have invited nationally known artists to make work for the show and give away their glaze formulations freely,” he said. “This should contribute to discussions of outcomes for the AMD affected streams in West Virginia.”

Artists participating in the show included Clean Creek potters Shelly

Cubarney, Pamela Esch, Robert E. Isenberg and Amanda Wolf; Concord ceramic instructors Norma Acord and Jamey Biggs; and, invited artists Linda Arbuckle (Florida), William Brouillard (Ohio), Susan Filley (North Carolina), and Matt Long (Mississippi).

Additional information about Clean Creek Products is available at www.cleancreek.org Spring 2014 • 68

Heritage & Horizon Concord’s Academics Challenged Brad Lane ’02 ’03 To Excel as Student and Practitioner of Optometry he West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians Young Optometrist of the Year for 2013 says that the academic rigors of pursuing a degree at Concord helped prepare him for the challenges of optometry school.

“My instructors challenged me to expand my knowledge and push forward. They would not settle for less than a student’s best,” Dr. Brad Lane explains.

“At Concord, I was exposed to areas of study and concepts that most other undergraduates are not privileged to experience. The many assignments, tests and papers at Concord helped prepare me for a rigorous optometry program,” he said.

Lane earned bachelor’s degrees from Concord in 2002 and 2003 while pursing three majors: psychology, sociology and pre-professional biology.

Armed with his Concord education, he headed to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and earned a B.S. in Optics followed by a Doctorate of Optometry from the school.

“At Concord, I was exposed to areas of study and concepts that most other undergraduates are not privileged to experience. The many assignments, tests and papers at Concord helped prepare me for a rigorous optometry program.”

Brad Lane, O.D.

“At PCO, the days usually consisted of 12-14 hours of classroom and/or clinical instruction. At times, we were in class seven days a week,” he said. “The amount of work in the four year optometry program was tremendous, but Concord certainly prepared me for the challenge and it made the adjustment to professional school manageable.

“I firmly believe that a Concord education is superior to any other in the state for many reasons,” Lane said.

“The professors at Concord are incredible individuals that give of their time and talents both inside and outside the classroom.”

Lane is an optometrist in private practice. He and his partner, Chris Hansen, O.D., have two locations: Appalachian Eye Care in Princeton, W.Va. and New 69 • Spring 2014

Brad Lane ’02 ’03 River Eye Care in Pearisburg, Va. He currently lives in Princeton.

A native of Herndon, W.Va., Lane graduated from Mullens High School in 1997. He attended Concord on an academic scholarship and graduated from the Honors Program. His sister, Misty Lane, continued the tradition of a Concord education and graduated from CU in 2006.

Lane says that his fondest Concord memories revolve around people.

“Although I learned a lot while at Concord, my best memories consist of the people: The professors that cared enough to stay late to help with professional school applications and the department secretaries that helped locate a scantron for the big test; custodial staff wishing students best of luck during finals week and the cafeteria crew that treated me like their own child; and, of course, it’s the friendships that form in college that last a lifetime,” he explains.

“The friends that I made at Concord have become a permanent fixture in my life. Like all graduates, we have stories that start with, ‘do you remember...?’ and three hours later we are still laughing,” he said. “It is not a

Heritage & Horizon particular lesson that I learned or a book that I read. It’s the life experiences and people that shared them with me.”

Lane maintains strong ties with his alma mater.

Appalachian Eye Care sponsors the CU Department of Athletics golf tournament which is held each summer as a fundraiser and his office is the official eye care provider for the department.

He is a lifetime member of the Concord University Alumni Association and a member of the Board of Directors for the Concord University Foundation.

In 2013, he was the honoree for the Mountain Lion Elimination Dinner.

Although in the early stages of his career, Lane has a number of professional honors and memberships to his credit.

He belongs to the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians (WVAOP) and serves on the Board of Trustees for the WVAOP. He has maintained continual membership in the American Optometric Association since starting optometry school.

As the WVAOP’s Young Optometrist of the Year for 2013, he is the state’s nomination for the AOA’s America’s Young Optometrist of the Year. The winner will be announced in June.

Additionally, he received the Alcon Case Study Award for “Sofzia as a Replacement Preservative in Travatan Z.”

Lane is also compiling an impressive list of research, presentations and publications.

He participates in dry eye research with Zeavision and co-authored a clinical case study poster with John Dovie, O.D., F.A.A.O. at The American Academy of Optometry meeting, Denver, Colo., in December 2006 titled “Nyctalopia as the Presenting Sign of Vitamin A Deficiency: A Late Complication of Gastric Bypass Surgery.”

In spring 2013, he represented eye care providers at the “President’s Round Table Discussion of Head Injuries” at the West Virginia Athletic Trainers Association state meeting.

Lane also offers his time in community service.

He has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Jonathan Powell Hope Foundation for six years. This all-volunteer charitable organization has raised more than one million dollars since its inception in 2002. The money is used to assist families of children diagnosed with cancer in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia.

He is also a member of the Princeton Lions Club and assists Lions Clubs in Princeton, Athens, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Narrows and Pearisburg with their eye care service project by providing eye examinations.

Lane has created a scholarship in honor of his late mother and grandmother. The Lucy Mae Hale Memorial Scholarship is for students at Wyoming East High School planning to pursue a career in a medical field.

Christopher Clay Continues Winning Tradition in Shakespeare Essay Competition oncord student Christopher Clay took first prize in the Undergraduate Division of The Rick M. Smith Memorial Essay Competition at the Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference held in Cleveland, Ohio in October 2013.

Mr. Clay’s essay was entitled “‘Most poor matters / Point to rich ends’: Sexual and Political Conquest in The Tempest.”

“This year’s Smith prize competition drew more than a dozen student essays from universities in the United States and Canada,” Dr. Gabriel Rieger, assistant professor of English, said.

This marks the second consecutive year in which a Concord undergraduate has won the prize.

Heather Frazier ’13 won the competition in 2012.

Christopher Clay Spring 2014 • 70

Class Notes Achievements Jacinda Santon Smith donated books from the library of her late mother, Dr. Beryle Santon ’50, to Mercer County teachers new to the profession at the New Teachers’ Seminar held in Princeton in January. Dr. Santon amassed the collection during her half a century career as a teacher on the elementary and college level and as Concord’s Director of Student Teaching and Coordinator of Field Experiences at Concord University. The books were displayed on tables at the seminar allowing the teachers to make personal choices from the wide assortment.

Arthur G. Neal ’51, an Emeritus Distinguished University Professor of Sociology at Bowling Green State University, is currently living in Portland, Ore. His recent books include “Core Values in American Life: Living with Contradictions,” Piscataway, NJ: Transaction Publishers (with Helen Youngelson-Neal); “Uprising at Bowling Green: How the Quiet Fifties became the Political Sixties,” Paradigm Publishers, 2012 (with Norbert Wiley and Joe Perry); “Sociological Perspectives on Modernity: Multiple Models and Competing Realities” NY, Peter Lang, 2007; “National Trauma and Collective Memory: Extraordinary Events in the American Experience,” 2nd edition, Armonk, NY, M.E. Sharpe, 2005; “Memory and Representation: Constructed Truths and Competing Realities” (with Dena Eber), Bowling Green, Ohio: Bowling Green State University Popular Press, 2001; “Ordinary Reactions to Extraordinary Events” (with Ray Browne), Bowling Green , Ohio: Bowling Green State University Popular Press, 2001; “Intimacy and Alienation: Forms of Estrangement in Female/Male Relationships” (with Sara F. Collas), NY, Garland Publishing Co., 2000; and “National Trauma and Collective Memory: Major Events in the American Century,” 1998, Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe.

Ret. Air Force Col. Stanley Smith ’51 has volunteered to help adults learn to read for more than 25 years. He is a tutor with the Adult Literacy Program in Saint George, Utah.

Col. Smith, a resident of Saint George, says tutoring is a way for him to contribute to his community. He says the benefits go two ways because he receives a special gratification from helping adults in the program.

Jane Barnett Congdon ’66 has published a second book. Jane and her brother, Joseph Barnett, co-authored his memoir, “Mr. Joe: Tales from a Haunted Life” (2013, Bettie Youngs Books). “Mr. Joe” is the true story of a school custodian who sees ghosts and also remains haunted by his past until he finds something to believe Jane Barnett Congdon in. In November, “Mr. Joe” was selected as one of Conversations ’66 Book Club’s Top 50 Non-Fiction Titles of 2013. Jane’s first book, “It Started with Dracula: The Count, My Mother, and Me,” was published in 2011.

Also a memoir, it is the true story of her life-changing trip to Transylvania. While at Concord, Jane was a member of

71 • Spring 2014

Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She now lives near Cincinnati, Ohio.

Jack Owens ‘66, author and retired Special Agent, FBI, announces the publication of his latest book, a novel about the assassination of President Kennedy, “Watchman: JFK’s Last Ride.” Jack, a 30 year veteran of the FBI, is also the author of “Don’t Shoot!

We’re Republicans!” This book is a breezy and humorous memoir of his three decades as an agent involved in SWAT operations and foreign “Watchman: JFK’s counterintelligence and terrorism Last Ride” by Jack investigations. He resides with his Owens ’66 wife, Patricia, in Birmingham, Ala.

Rev. Dr. Daniel W. Farley ’67 retired in January 2013 as the President\Chief Executive Officer for GlenWood Park, Incorporated, after more than 33 years in the position. A 1962 graduate of Princeton High School, Farley received 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. “Across the years of service and experience, my focus was on people and serving them at varied levels, in various ways,” he says. He was president of the American College of Health Care Administrators from 1994-95. In November 2013 he was named ACHCA’s Fellow Emeritus by the College’s Board of Directors. 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. 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.

Tom Bary ’69 and Steve Bary ’69 were inducted into the McDowell County Sports Hall of Fame in May 2013.

Edward McQuail ’71 has been recognized for his exemplary career in library science by Worldwide Who’s Who. McQuail, now retired, spent 34 years as an educator with McDowell County (W.Va.) Public Schools and as a library information specialist for Tazewell County (Va.) public schools. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in education from Concord, he holds a master’s degree in library science education from Marshall University and a master’s degree in library sciences from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. A native and resident of Bluefield, W.Va., McQuail is known around his hometown as an archivist and historian. He is also an avid yearbook collector. For more information on McQuail and his honor visit: www.24-7pressrelease. com/press-release/edward-j-mcquail-iii-recognizedby-worldwide-whos-who-for-excellence-in-libraryscience-372159.php James E. McPeak ’77 and his wife, Pamela McPeak, Concord Upward Bound Director, received the 2013 Governor’s

Class Notes Service Award under the Family Category on Aug. 7 in Charleston, W.Va. First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin presented the award.

The McPeaks were honored for their volunteer efforts with veterans. They have recorded more than 50 oral histories of veterans in southern West Virginia for the Library of James McPeak ’77 with Congress. In addition, they his wife, Pamela have recruited other volunteers, teaching them how to do the recordings and how to submit them. The Governor’s Service Awards were established in 1995 and administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service to honor outstanding individuals and groups involved in solving social issues through volunteer service. A panel of volunteer judges selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement and impact of service.

David Switzer ’93 was selected Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Principal of the Year this past fall. He is principal of Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, N.C. Along with being an educator, Switer is also a lieutenant colonel in the North Carolina Air National Guard. His military service has included active duty with Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He received a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Joy Coleman Lamb ‘94 is now employed by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney in McDowell County as a legal secretary. She took this position effective Feb. 1, 2013.

Jack Joseph (Jody) Richmond ’94 was promoted to full bird colonel with the West Virginia Air National Guard, 130th Airlift Wing, Charleston, W.Va. in June, 2013. Jody joined the WVANG in December 1989 and currently serves as Group Commander and C-130 pilot. He, his wife Angela and two sons reside in Hurricane, W.Va.

Roger W. Lokay ’03, ’09 was named assistant principal of Beckley Stratton Middle School in Raleigh County. In addition, he was elected to a two-year term on the Athens Town Council and also named a lieutenant with the Athens Volunteer Fire Department. He currently resides in Athens with his wife and nine-year-old son who attends Athens Elementary.

Nick Bias ’06 was recently hired as the head men’s cross country/track & field coach at the University of Charleston (W.Va.). He coached cross country/track & field at Scott and George Washington high schools for seven seasons before taking this position. Bias coached the 2013 West Virginia “AAA” Cross Country Individual State Champion. While at Concord, he was a member of the cross country/track & field team from 2003-2006 and was part of the 2004 WVIAC cross country championship team. Nick was the 2005 Homecoming King representing Mu Xi Phi.

Brandon Green ’06 has joined the Darrell Webb Band on banjo. Brandon is the 2012 MerleFest Instrumental Champion. A native of West Virginia, he lives in Johnson City, Tenn. and is a lecturer at East Tennessee State University for the Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music program. Along with his talents playing the banjo, Brandon is known for his skill as a vocalist and a multi-instrumentalist. He has toured with bluegrass bands across the United States and internationally.

Cpl. Morgan Bragg ’07, a detective with the Beckley, (W.Va.) Police Department, has received several honors recently for his work in domestic violence awareness and prevention.

He began working at the BPD in 2008 as a domestic violence officer. He is currently part of the Raleigh County STOP Team (Family Violence Task Force), which is a recipient of the 2013 U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement and Victim Assistance Award. He is also an appointee to the Governor’s West Virginia Domestic Violence Fatality Review team and a board member for Crime Stoppers. This past fall, he received an Incite Hope award from the Women’s Resource Center of Beckley. Bragg is a graduate of the West Virginia State Police Academy.

Alexis Brewer ’07 has joined Jupiter Holdings, LLC as the Human Resources Manager. She has eight years of experience in human resources and payroll. She previously worked in Talent Management for an architectural firm in Charleston, S.C. She has an MBA from Charleston Southern University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Concord. Alexis also holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.

Sabrina Shrader ’08 shared her story with state and U.S. legislators about what it was like growing up in poverty in southern West Virginia. Sabrina addressed a joint committee of the West Virginia Legislature during the “Our Children Our Future Symposium” held in Charleston, W.Va. in September. She also testified before a U.S. Senate subcommittee in November regarding the impact Sabrina Shrader ’08 poverty has on health. Sabrina works for Concord’s Upward Bound program and is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at CU. She participated in Upward Bound when she was in high school and is the first person in her family to finish high school and to graduate from college. Upward Bound helps prepare students for success in college.

Jesse Ratcliffe ’10 is the new music director, organist and choir master at Saint James’ Episcopal Church in Warrenton, Va. He received a Master of Music in Church Music and Organ at Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Va. in August. Jesse served as carillonneur of Concord’s Marsh Memorial Carillon. He has performed on carillons at Luray and at Hollins University where he also taught.

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Class Notes Andreas Maerki ’11 is now a consultant at Morgan Stanley.

Andreas was one of four valedictorians in his graduating class and received the Outstanding Business Student of the Year Award.

Crystal Woodrum ’12, along with her two business partners, received the New Business of the Year Award from the Summersville Area Chamber of Commerce this past fall for their Sweet Frog frozen yogurt shop. The honor recognizes outstanding service and contributions to the community. In addition to the Summersville shop, they also own and operate Sweet Frogs in Princeton, Beckley and Lewisburg. Woodrum has partnered with Concord’s Beckley campus on several fundraisers and has donated over 2,000 free yogurts to charities and other organizations.

She is the mother of twin baby girls.

Obituaries Sylvia Coon Hensley Turner ’34: Nov. 27, 2013. Sylvia, of Montgomery, W.Va., formerly of West Lake, Ohio, was born on March 4, 1915, in Comfort, Boone County, daughter of the late Ethereal Reid and Ora Rosetta Jarrell Coon.

She also was preceded in death by her first husband, Lt. Gene Hensley, a pilot who died during World War II and her second husband, L. Richard Turner, a NASA physicist; four brothers and three sisters. Sylvia was a graduate of Sherman High School, Class of 1932, briefly attended New River State College (now WVU Tech), later earning her teaching certificate from Concord. She earned an Arts & History degree in 1949 from Flora Stone Mather, a women’s college associated with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She was an elementary teacher in Boone and Fayette counties in West Virginia and the Westlake School District in Ohio until she retired in 1979. When her first husband died in World War II, she quit teaching for several years to support the war effort. She worked in an ammunition plant in Maryland and the passport division of the State Department in Washington, D.C. Sylvia served as a deacon at John Knox Presbyterian Church (Ohio), did volunteer work with the Red Cross and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She enjoyed the symphony, growing flowers, gardening, and her travels around the world. Survivors include nephews and nieces, great-nieces and greatnephews and a sister-in-law.

Rosalie Oxley McKenzie ’38: Oct. 16, 2013. Rosalie, of Harmony House in Lerona, formerly of Athens, was born April 23, 1914 in Athens. She was the daughter of the late Estel Francis Oxley and Delilia Martin Oxley. A graduate of Athens High School, Rosalie was a retired teacher with Mercer County Schools last teaching at Oakvale Elementary School with over 30 years service. She was a member of the Athens Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Modoc L. McKenzie

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and one sister and four brothers. Survivors include two brothers, Pearis Oxley of Gassney, S.C. and Bennie Oxley and wife Ethel of Athens along with several nieces and nephews.

S. Charles Melton ’40: Jan. 9, 2014. Mr. Melton was 100 years old at the time of his death. He was born at the family farm in Sissonville, W.Va. His maternal grandfather, James Session, is credited with forming the settlement now known as Sissonville. After graduating from high school in 1931, he began teaching in a one room school house to earn money to attend college. While attending Concord, he met his future wife Una Meador. After graduation from Concord he joined the U.S. Army and later was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, New Year’s Day1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart and spent a year in French hospitals until being sent back to the U.S. and discharged. He resumed his teaching in West Virginia and New York State. During summer months, he attended Columbia University where he received a master’s degree. Following his retirement from teaching he and Una moved to Orlando in 1982. Charles was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Orlando.

He served on the Flower Committee with his wife and furnished the committee, for many years, with roses from his garden.

Dr. George W. Hambrick Jr. ’44: Dec. 10, 2013. Dr. Hambrick was born on Dec. 4, 1922 in Charlottesville, Va. He was preceded in death by his parents George Walter Hambrick, D.V.M. and Anna McCallum Hambrick, and his sister, Anne Hambrick Uzmed. He received his M.D. degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and completed his first year of dermatological training there.

Following an internship at the University of Iowa Hospital, he trained in dermatology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Duke University in North Carolina.

From 1948 to 1950 he served in the United States Army in Georgia and Okinawa, Japan. Beginning in the early 1950s, George launched an academic career, equaled by few in his field, in which he rose through the ranks at Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Johns Hopkins University, where he served as Professor and Chairman of Dermatology for nearly 10 years, until 1976. He then directed the Department of Dermatology at the University of Cincinnati for five years before moving to Cornell University in New York, where he co-directed the Division of Dermatology for an additional 12 years, until 1993 and established dermatology as full department status. Dr. Hambrick was a Professor Emeritus at Cornell and Senior Lecturer at Columbia. In 1987, together with several other individuals, Dr. Hambrick founded the American Skin Association to represent the interest of skin disease victims and their families. At the age of 85, Dr. Hambrick would leave his home in Charlottesville, drive to Richmond, Va. and fly to New York City. There he would stay Monday through Thursday to fulfill his duties as President of the American Skin Association. An M.D. leadership fund in Oncological Dermatology was initiated by the Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology in honor of his record of excellence in promoting healthy skin through skin cancer research and exemplary leadership in dermatology.

Class Notes Among his countless other accolades is the Dermatology Foundation’s first Lifetime Career Educator Award for his service as a mentor, role model, and inspiration to students and residents. He served as president of both the Dermatology Foundation and the Society of Investigative Dermatology. With more than 75 publications to his credit, he was an advisor to Skin & Allergy News and a member of the editorial board for the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. In addition to Dr. Hambrick’s professional credentials, his primary devotion was to his family and friends. Known affectionately as Dee Dee, his passion was nurturing relationships. He was an avid reader and genealogist and was trained as a classical pianist.

History, opera, music, gardening, and travel were among his interests. He is survived by his niece, Anna “Terry” Bruce Columbus, and her husband, Marc, and their children, Jillian A. Columbus and Cole M. Columbus of Charlottesville, Va.

Dr. Billy Gean Dunn ’51: Dec. 10, 2013. Dr. Dunn, formerly of Fairmont, W.Va., was a resident of Peterstown, W.Va. He was born Dec. 20, 1930 at Peterstown and was the son of the late William and Bertha Rice Dunn. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Concord, a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and a doctorate from West Virginia University. He served in the U.S. Army, was business professor at Lees Junior College in Kentucky and was employed as a cost accountant at the Celanese Corp. Billy was a faculty member at Fairmont State University from 1956 to 1993. He was a Full Professor of Business, Director of Institutional Research, Director of Federal Programs and Registrar. He was selected for induction into the FSU Student Affairs Hall of Fame for his years of service to the university students. He was also a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. Billy loved to play golf and had four holes-in-one.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Wills Dunn. Survivors include his loving wife, Patricia Deane Dunn; one daughter, Barbara Bennett and husband Gary K.; two sons, Morgan Dunn and wife Libby and Shawn Dunn and wife Kathy; four grandchildren; and one great grandson.

Marie H. Lawson ’59: Oct. 22, 2013. Marie, a resident of War, W.Va., was born June 10, 1937 in West Virginia and was the daughter of the late John Henry Hall and Nannie Christian Hall. She was a 1955 graduate of Big Creek High School, Concord and Marshall University. She was a dedicated teacher, and retired from the McDowell County Board of Education having taught at Big Creek High School for 34 years. She was active in the Berwind Chapter #141 of the Order of the Eastern Star, the WV Association of Retired School Employees and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society.

She was a member of the War United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Burleigh Lawson; two sisters; and a half brother. Survivors include her son, Jeffrey Lawson and wife Jenean; a sister and brother-in-law; and a granddaughter.

P. Hamilton (Ham) Brown ’60: Sept. 2, 2013. He was born in Charlottesville, Va. on Aug. 30, 1934 to the late Percy H. and Elizabeth Price Brown. Ham was a graduate of Hinton

High School, Hinton W.Va. and served in the U.S Army in Korea. Following graduation from Concord, he joined the United States Secret Service and was assigned to the protection of Joseph P. Kennedy, father of President John Kennedy. He later was assigned to the presidential detail and retired after 20 years. Brown later served as Executive Secretary of the United States Secret Service Retired Agents Association, a position he held for 17 years. He is survived by two sons and a daughter and three grandsons. He passed away in Fairfax. Va. and was buried in the National Cemetery in Quantico, Va. Don Rudolph Keaton ’61: Dec. 30, 2013. A resident of Speedway, Don was born June 10, 1933 in Princeton. He was the son of the late Obadiah Keaton and Dora Mae Cole Keaton. Don was a graduate of Athens High School.

He faithfully served in the Korean War for the U.S. Army.

He formerly worked at a weapons proofing company in Maryland and as a lab technician in Durham, N.C. before returning to his family farm after the death of his father.

He was a member of the Painters Chapel United Methodist Church and a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Woodsen, Homer, Roy, Vaughn, Silas and Paul Keaton; and four sisters, Faye Shields, Ruth Linkous, Bernice Gay, and Verena Griffith. Survivors include one daughter, Shannon Wright and husband Michael and three sisters, Mary Pritt, Carol Jones and Dorothy McCoy.

Genevieve Larue Blevins ’64: Aug. 2, 2013. Genevieve was born Oct. 8, 1927, in Pocahontas, Va., and was the daughter of George and Hazel Smith Larue. She graduated from Gary High School before attending Concord. She was employed for 35 years as a teacher with Wyoming County Schools having spent most of those years at Glen Fork Elementary School.

Genevieve Larue Because of the need for teachers Blevins ’64 during World War II, she began her teaching career immediately after graduating from high school and one summer at Concord and taught that first year near Pineville, W.Va. in a one-room school that contained all 12 grades. She was married for 57 years to Lester Blevins. After they retired and moved to Florida, they traveled all over the world visiting more than 15 countries, enjoying 18 cruises, and seeing the sights in 43 states in America. Genevieve was an avid reader and record keeper, having maintained a daily journal for many years. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Brooks; her son, Phillip Duane Blevins; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and, two step-grandchildren.

Deanna Neeley Farley ’64: Dec. 15, 2013. A resident of Princeton, W.Va., Deanna was born July 8, 1943, at Princeton. She was the daughter of the late Emmett and Wanda Farley Neeley. Deanna was a graduate of Athens

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Class Notes High School Class of 1961 and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Concord. She later received her master’s degree in education from West Virginia University. Deanna retired from the Mercer County Board of Education as a driver’s ed teacher, having taught at several schools within Mercer County. Deanna was a member of the Bailey Memorial Baptist Church at Giatto. While her health permitted, she was an active member of the Princeton Civitan Club. Deanna enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, listening to music, making Christmas ornaments and playing the piano. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick L. “Fred” Farley along with a sister, Linda Neeley. Survivors include two children, Bill Farley and wife Billie, and Beth Farley; five grandchildren, Noah, Laxi and Tristin Deal, and Peyton and Jackson Farley; and, her sister, Judy Neeley Shorter and husband Hank.

William J. (Bill) Akers ’66: Dec. 28, 2013. Bill was born on Aug. 24, 1944 in Princeton, W.Va. and lived and grew up on Circle Drive. He loved sports and played football in junior high school and was nicknamed “Tank” because he had big wide shoulders and was a tackler for his team. Throughout his life, he continued to love football and attended local high school games and college games for many years. He graduated from Princeton High School and received his teaching degree from Concord. He was a member of the TKE Fraternity and was Student Body President while at Concord. Bill taught English in Mercer County Schools, Tazewell County Schools and in Louisiana. After teaching a few years, he decided he would like to become a lawyer, so he enrolled at West Virginia University in Morgantown, where he graduated and received his law degree in 1972.

He was admitted to the West Virginia State Bar on May 15, 1972. He was an attorney in Princeton for 41 years. He was a member and Past President of the Mercer County Bar Association and a member of the American Bar Association and the West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. He was also a member of the Mercer County Board of Education for several years during the 1980s. A member of the Princeton Presbyterian Church, Bill recently attended the New Covenant Pentecostal Holiness Church. He was very active in the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in the 1980s. He loved tracing his family tree and also enjoyed participating in the student exchange program in Mercer County Schools. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his mother and father, Dan M. Akers, Sr. and Elizabeth Wolford “Libby” Akers; the mother of his two daughters, Jane Fowler Akers; and his son, William Gregory Akers ’91 who died on Nov. 2, 2013. Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Patricia Sue White Akers of Princeton; two daughters and two sons-in-law; a son; four grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law; nieces and a nephew; four step-sons; his devoted office staff; and his faithful canine companion, Junior.

Roger Zane Kimble ’66: Nov. 13, 2013. Roger was born April 14, 1938 and was a resident of Princeton, W.Va. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Ruth Belcher Kimble and John Paul Kimble. Roger joined the U.S. Army

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in 1956. He served his country in South Korea as a military policeman in the 716th as a bodyguard to generals, congressmen, senators, and the former President of South Korea. Once stateside, he was employed by Proctor and Gamble as a sales representative. He faithfully served his community by working with the Princeton Public Library and the Mercer County Humane Society, serving many years as a board member with both organizations. He was an avid photographer, winning prizes for his work. He also enjoyed water-color painting, and writing, but his greatest joy was reading. Roger was a friend to every living creature, plant or animal, taking in many abandoned cats and dogs over the years. He was a graduate of Princeton High School Class of 1956 and he also attended Penn State. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judith Hill Kimble; one daughter, Amanda; and sister-in-law, Hope H. Hall.

Garnet Akers Richmond ’68: Nov. 10, 2013. Garnet, a resident of Dunns, W.Va., was 103 years old at the time of her death. She was born May 7, 1910 at Cucumber (Newhall) and was the daughter of the late Lula Conner Akers and Wade Virgil Akers. Garnet moved to Dunns when she was 10 years old. She graduated from Beaver High School in Bluefield. She taught school in Summers, Raleigh and Mercer counties before retiring as the principal of Flat Top Elementary. Garnet was a member of the Mountain Creek Missionary Baptist Church at Dunns and became a Christian at age 16. Through the years, she enjoyed gardening, hiking, ginsinging, bluegrass music, poetry and reading. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lanham Richmond; three brothers and four sisters. Survivors include a daughter, two sons, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two sisters.

John W. Shrewsbury ’69: Jan. 11, 2014. A Spanishburg, W.Va., resident Mr. Shrewsbury was born Dec. 6, 1947 at Princeton, the son of the late Cebert Shrewsbury and Mayce Maxey Shrewsbury. John was a graduate of Spanishburg High School. He taught for Mercer County Schools for 34 years, serving as band director at Spanishburg High School for 32 years. John owned and operated Bluestone Valley Electric serving his community as a Master Electrician. He was always a big part of the Bluestone Valley Fair and the Spanishburg Ramp Dinner. John was known for his quick wit and sense of humor, and his love for his community and students. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two aunts, and his mother-in-law and father-inlaw. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, and the love of his life, LaVada Rae Shrewsbury ’71; a brother-in-law and his wife; an aunt and her husband; a goddaughter and her husband; two nephews; one niece; special friends; and Bud, his faithful cat.

Gerry Alesio Mooney ’71: July 20, 2013. Gerry was born in Schenectady, N.Y., a grandchild to Italian immigrants Emilia and Carl Elisio. Their son Samuel married Gilda Nigro, also of Schenectady, who brought Carl, Robert, Sammy, Ralph and Geraldine into the world. Gerry grew up on Van Vranken Ave., to the sounds of the body shop, learning family recipes and attending St. Anthony’s Parish.

Gerry attended Linton High School (1967) then worked her

Class Notes way through college when she attended HVCC, then Concord.

She later attended SUNY Albany for a master’s degree in teacher education. Later, though challenged with a diagnosis of MS, Gerry completed another master’s degree from SUNY in reading literacy. Gerry served humanity as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the early 70s. She started her career as a beloved teacher at New Lebanon High Gerry Alesio Mooney ’71 School. She later taught at Berkshire Community College, working there from 1982 until her retirement in 2002 as Chair of the Business Science Dept. Gerry had a zest for life and a love for travel. She loved to ski, a sport she passed onto her children. Her “bucket list” accomplishments she shared with her family included visiting Paris; a hot air balloon ride; braving the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon head on; kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, among countless other adventures. Survivors include her three children, Tim, Kate and Kevin Mooney and her ex-husband, Brendan Mooney.

She is also survived by Bobby, Margaret, Craig and Chris Alesio, Judi, Terry, Aran and Cara Mooney.

William Gregory “Greg” Akers ’91: Nov. 2, 2013. A resident of Chesapeake, W.Va., Greg was a longtime employee of the West Virginia Department of Highways.

He was a transportation analyst in the planning division and for the past 18 years served in the environmental section of the engineering division. He was a member of Living Faith Church in Marmet. Greg was a 1986 graduate of Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., and he also attended West Virginia University. Greg enjoyed fishing, skiing and traveling and developed a love of West Virginia history throughout his years. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents, his uncle and his stepmother. His father, William J. “Bill” Akers ’66, passed away on Dec. 28, 2013. Greg was blessed in his lifetime to have three mothers: His birth mother, Sharon “Sherry” Vickers Akers of Charleston and two stepmothers who loved him as their own, Jane Fowler Akers who died Dec. 27, 1993 and currently, Patty Sue Akers of Princeton.

Survivors, in addition to his mother and stepmother, are his step-grandmother, a brother, two sisters and brothersin-law, three stepbrothers, an uncle, and several nieces and nephews.

Tonya Elizabeth Hart-Holland ’02: Oct. 28, 2013. A resident of Radford, Va., formerly of Bluefield, W.Va., Tonya was born on Dec. 21, 1978 in Bluefield. She was the daughter of William Hart and Debora (Branscome) Hart of Bluefield. Tonya was a Prevention Specialist for New River Valley Community Services. She was a member of Christiansburg Church of the Brethren. Tonya was a 1997 graduate of Montcalm High School and received a bachelor’s degree in teacher education from Concord. She completed her Master’s in Health Promotion at Virginia Tech. Tonya

was the former Assistant Girl’s Basketball Coach for Montcalm High School and the former Softball Coach for Montcalm Middle School. Tonya was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Kristen Leigh Ann Holland and paternal grandfather, William Hart. Survivors include husband, Doug Holland of Radford; daughter, Paige Elizabeth Holland of the home; sister, Missy Hart Gattuso of Bluefield; her maternal grandmother; her maternal grandfather; her paternal grandmother; a special cousin; and a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Wilma Francis Mooney Church: June 23, 2013. Wilma was born Oct. 11, 1947 at Princeton and was the daughter of the late William Thomas Mooney and Ina Mae Kirby Mooney. A resident of Princeton, Wilma was a custodian at Concord, working primarily in the Science Building. In addition to her hard work, Wilma was friendly and caring with the faculty, staff, and students, and with her co-workers at WFF. She adored her grandchildren and enjoyed gardening and flowers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Betty Collins, Maxine Harman and Alice Sapp. Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Jerry E. Church; her daughter, Melanie Burgess and her husband Keith of Princeton; two grandchildren; a sister; four brothers and three sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews; and, other special family members and friends.

Alice “Cookie” Cunningham: Oct. 21, 2013. Cookie was a cashier in the Libby Alvis Dining Hall at Concord and a resident of Speedway. She was known on campus for her sweet, caring nature and her friendliness to students, faculty and staff. Born on Oct. 14, 1946 in Tazewell, Va., Cookie was the daughter of the late, Gordon Lee Bowling and Mary Elizabeth Bales Bowling. Prior to being employed

by Concord University as a cashier, Cookie worked for Sealy Mattress in Bluefield, Va. for over 38 years. She loved sporting events, reading and her pets. When her health permitted, she attended the Painter’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Speedway. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John Raymond Bowling and Dale Bowling; and one sister, Maxine Gills.

Survivors include her husband, Daniel Owen Cunningham; one sister, Kay Hayes and her husband, Kenny of Yorktown, Va.; and a host of nieces and nephews.

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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CU Athletics

CU’s Basketball Court

Named in Honor of Coaches he basketball court at Concord University’s Carter Center has been named after the two men most synonymous with CU’s men’s basketball program: former coaches Steve Cox and Don Christie. A formal dedication for Christie/Cox Court was held before Concord’s Mountain East Conference opener against Notre Dame College on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Over the last 35 seasons Concord has had just three men’s basketball coaches. Christie led CU to 171 wins from 1978-89 before handing the program over to Cox who proceeded to guide the Mountain Lions to 336 wins from 1990-2011.

After Cox announced his retirement, Concord hired current head coach Kent McBride, who played under Cox from 2002-06.

McBride has since carried on the success of his predecessors with back-to-back winning seasons in his first two years in charge of the program.

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Christie, who passed away in April 2013, came to Concord in 1977. Along with coaching men’s basketball, he was assistant director of admissions and taught mathematics for 12 years. He concluded his professional career as Concord University’s director of athletics from 1989-1998.

His accomplishments as a basketball coach include coaching two WVIAC tournament championship teams in 1979 and 1989. He coached six All-WVIAC players at Concord including Will Johnson, Tracy Poindexter, David Darnell, Julius Lockett, Todd Lusk and Ron Ward. He was inducted into the Concord University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.

Christie is considered to be one of the outstanding gentlemen of college athletics in WVIAC history.

He is remembered as a kind and generous mentor, coach and friend by his former players, fellow coaches and students.

Cox led the Mountain Lions to three WVIAC Tournament championships (1991, 1995, 1997.)

One of the most admired and respected coaches in the WVIAC, he set Concord records for career victories, single-season wins (28 in 1990-91) and single-season WVIAC winning percentage (.842 in 1991-92, when CU went 16-3 in the league and 22-6 overall.) He won 20 or more games in a season six times.

Cox came to Concord before the 1978-79 season to be an assistant coach for Christie and was part of the Mountain Lions WVIAC championship seasons in 1979 and 1989. He became head coach in the 1989-90 season.

He coached 17 1st Team AllWVIAC players, five All-East Region players (Tyrone Anderson, Brian Atkins, Kelly Mann, Lewis Muse and Sterling Tate) and two 1st Team All-Americans (Muse and Ward.)

CU Athletics

FOOTBALL Jake Lilly Earns BSN All-America Honors Concord University football senior linebacker Jake Lilly was named an honorable mention All-American by the Beyond Sports Network, the organization announced in December.

The award is Lilly’s third of the 2013 postseason; he had previously earned first team All-Mountain East Conference and second team Daktronics All-Super Region 1 accolades. The honor marks the second consecutive year that Lilly has been recognized as an AllAmerican by the Beyond Sports Network.

Lilly started all 11 games en route to leading Concord in tackles for a third consecutive season after making 118 stops in addition to five forced fumbles, seven tackles for loss and one interception. Lilly made at least 10 tackles in eight games. He ranked fourth in the nation in forced fumbles and 21st in total tackles.

Lilly’s name can also be found throughout CU’s career record book as he ends his Mountain Lion career ranked first in forced fumbles, second in tackles and sixth in tackles for loss.

Lilly’s four forced fumbles in Concord’s win over Lenoir-Rhyne is tied with Deshon Kinsey of Mary Hardin-Baylor for the most forced fumbles in a single game by any athlete competing for a NCAA FBS, FCS, division II or division III school in 2013.

The Bluefield, W. Va. native exits Concord as one of the most decorated players in the program’s history. In addition to being named the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, Lilly has earned three all-conference awards, two BSN All-America honors, two

Jake Lilly on Senior Day

Daktronic all-region accolades as well as 2012 all-region and allAmerica recognition by the Don Hansen’s Football Gazette.

Winning Season

Concord finished the 2013 season 8-3 overall and 7-2 in league play. The Mountain Lions, which have recorded five straight winning seasons, are slated to return 18 starters from the 2013 squad in 2014.

Jake Lilly

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CU Athletics

CU ATHLETICS TOP 10 IN 2013 #1 Baseball Wins Final WVIAC Championship After 89 years of existence, the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference concluded at the Chris Baker end of the 201213 year. The final WVIAC Champions to ever be announced were none other than the Concord University baseball team.

The Mountain Lions claimed their fifth conference title by defeating rival West Virginia State, 11-4, in the finals of the conference championship tournament on May 4, 2013 at Epling Stadium in Beckley, W.Va. The 11 runs marked the 25th time in 2013 that Concord scored at least 10 runs in a game. CU led the nation in both runs scored and batting average.

The victory was Concord’s school-record 36th of the season. After winning the WVIAC Tournament, Concord went on to earn a berth into the NCAA Tournament, it’s second in the last three seasons.

#2 Carnett’s All-American Run Women’s track team standout Shawnee Carnett has earned four All-America accolades since setting foot on Shawnee Carnett the CU campus in the fall of 2009, including a national championship in the 800-meter run during the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2011.

Last season, Carnett continued her string of top performances when she claimed her fourth

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All-America award at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships by placing sixth in the 800 meters with a time of 2:11.85.

In four appearances at the NCAA Championships, Carnett is a perfect 4-for-4 in bringing home All-America plaques. She will leave Concord as one of the most-decorated female athletes in Mountain Lions history.

Carnett qualified provisionally for 2014 Indoor Championships by running 2:16.39 in the 800 meters at the JDL Fast Track in WinstonSalem, N.C. She also earned eligibility in outdoor track in an attempt to be a six-time All-American.

#3 Lilly Forces Four Fumbles vs.

Lenoir-Rhyne One of the keys to the Concord University football team’s 18-10 victory over nationallyranked LenoirJake Lilly Rhyne was a defensive effort that forced the Bears into an unprecedented six turnovers. Leading the turnover barrage was senior linebacker Jake Lilly, who forced a school-record four forced fumbles.

These magic four were the most in a single game by any player in NCAA Division II in 2013 and tied for the most in a game by any player competing at any of the NCAA’s four levels (FBS, FCS, II, III). For the game, Lilly, a senior in 2013, also finished with a game-high 13 tackles and one tackle for loss.

Lilly’s name can be found throughout CU’s career record book as he ends his Mountain Lion career ranked first in forced fumbles, second in tackles and sixth in tackles for loss. For his efforts, Lilly

earned BSN All-America, second team Daktronics All-Super Region I and first team All-Mountain East Conference honors.

#4 Williams Beats Buzzer against Bluefield The Concord University men’s basketball team defeated Mercer County rival Bluefield State, 81-78, A.J. Williams Nov. 18 at the Carter Center.

The contest needed some lategame dramatics from junior guard A.J. Williams in order for the Mountain Lions to defeat the Big Blues. Williams, who was playing in just his third career game at Concord, came off the bench and scored 26 points in 26 minutes of action.

The King George, Va. native connected on a three pointer with 25 seconds left to tie the game at 78.

On Bluefield’s following possession, sophomore forward Terry Hopewell blocked a shot attempt with the loose ball being retrieved by sophomore guard Cam Shannon with just 2.8 seconds remaining.

After the ensuing timeout, sophomore forward Nick Moyer threw a pass to Williams at half court, where he took a dribble and fired a shot that went off the backboard and through the net as time expired.

The play made the nightly edition of ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays. #5 Track Shines on Day Two of the WVIAC Meet After day one of the 2013 West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Track & Field Championships, the Concord University men’s and women’s

CU Athletics teams had plenty of ground to make up after ending the day in sixth and eighth place, respectfully.

Both teams more than made Robby Peters up for their lowscoring first days thanks to daytwo performances that saw both programs combine to win five races and record a total of 14 top-five finishes. When the competition was complete, both teams battled to the top-half of the overall standings with identical fourth-place finishes.

The men’s team day-two comeback was led by conferencechampionship efforts by Jeff Fertig and Robby Peters.

Fertig, who went on to compete in the NCAA National Championships, won the high jump by clearing a school-record distance of 2.10 meters. The height was the 10th best clearance in NCAA Division II at the time of the event.

Peters, who was less than 24 hours removed from winning a conference title in the 10,000-meter run, made the quick turnaround flawlessly by winning the equally demanding 5,000-meter run after clocking a time of 15:17.37. Peters won the race by more than six seconds.

The women’s come-from-behind effort was paced by three victories in addition to six other top-five finishes. The team of Demi Kirk, Donnie Kirk, Casey Ord and Lydia Powell won both the 4x400-meter relay and 4x100-meter relay by posting times of 3:59.78 and 48.36 seconds. #6 Men’s Golf Wins MEC Championship The Concord University men’s golf team picked up in the Mountain East Conference where they left off in the former West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

The Mountain Lions won the

final WVIAC golf championship during the fall of 2012 bettering the University of Charleston by 16 shots (898-914.)

Led by Evan Muscari medalist senior Evan Muscari, CU captured the firstever MEC men’s golf championship in convincing fashion this past fall.

When the final round of the three-day tournament teed off at Longaberger Golf Club in Nashport, Ohio, the Mountain Lions were in a battle with UC and Notre Dame College. Charleston trailed first place Concord by just two shots as a team while NDC was nine shots back.

CU shot a combined team score of 301 during the third round, which bested the next-closest team score by 10 shots as the Mountain Lions went on to win by 24 shots over Charleston (921-945.)

#7 Football Beats National Runner-Up LRU An ambitious non-conference schedule is nothing new for the Concord University football team. In the last four years the Mountain Gary Saylor Lions have played traditional powers Winston-Salem State, Lenoir-Rhyne, Liberty and UNC-Pembroke. 2013 was no different as CU opened up its season by traveling to take on LenoirRhyne, which started the season ranked 23rd in the nation.

Concord handed Lenoir-Rhyne their first loss at home since the 2010 season with an 18-10 triumph in Hickory, N.C. The victory helped propel Concord to an 8-3 record, its fifth consecutive winning season while LRU would rebound from the loss to advance all the way to NCAA Division II championship game.

The Mountain Lions forced six turnovers in the victory and held the nation’s top running attack to a season-low 215 yards rushing.

#8 Becca Gleason Sets Hit Record When the Concord University softball team opened up the 2013 conference slate, thensenior Becca Becca Gleason Gleason was in hot pursuit of a career mark that had stood for 13 years.

At the beginning of the season, Gleason needed just 32 hits to pass Angela Mazella as the all-time hits leader in CU history. 23 games into the season Concord matched up against Ohio Valley with Gleason two hits short of breaking Mazella’s career mark of 157 hits.

Gleason led off the game with a single before tying the record with another single to centerfield in the second inning. The following inning Gleason got her record-breaking hit with a bunt single. Gleason would later score in the frame to stretch the Mountain Lions’ lead to 6-1. CU went on to win the game 6-4.

She collected 31 more hits throughout the rest of the 2013 season and finished her career with 188 hits.

Not only is Gleason the career leader in hits, but she also ranks in the top-5 for her career in games played (180-1st), runs scored (1182nd), total bases (269-2nd), stolen bases (35-3rd) and runs batted in (78-5th). #9 Volleyball Wins Most Matches Since 2002 2013 was one of the best seasons in the history of Concord volleyball.

The Mountain Lions won 16 matches (the most by a Concord team since 2002), beat West Virginia Wesleyan for the first time in more than a decade, placed two

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Sarah Jones

players on the all-conference team and advanced all the way to the quarterfinals of the inaugural Mountain East Conference

Tournament.

Concord’s 16-17 record was the continuation of the respectability that head coach Kate Southcott has helped to bring back to the a program that won a total of just 14 matches in the three years prior to her arrival in Athens in 2009. In addition to being the most wins by the program since 2002, CU’s 16win season was its fifth-best season over the last 24 seasons.

For their efforts, the duo of junior middle hitter Sarah Jones and junior outside hitter Brytni Willis earned all-conference honors. Jones compiled 314 kills (2.78 per set), a

.218 attack percentage, 97 blocks (18 solo / 79 assisted), 266 digs (2.35 per set) and 16 aces in 2013.

Willis registered 299 kills (2.65 per set), 41 blocks (3 solo / 38 assisted), 312 digs (2.76 per set) and 31 aces.

Six minutes later, after Simon’s initial shot was blocked by the Shepherd goalie, she retrieved her own rebound and scored her second goal of the game.

Shepherd attempted a comeback by scoring in the 59th minute, but Simon finished off what she started with her third goal in the 74th minute to record the hat trick and give the Mountain Lions a 3-1 lead that they would not relinquish en route to a win over the Rams.

Her three-goal performance was the first for a CU women’s soccer player since Kelsey Ballard achieved the feat against Salem International on Oct. 3, 2010.

Simon went on to earn first team All-MEC and National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Atlantic Region honors. For the season, Simon scored nine goals while adding one assist for 19 points on the season.

related financial aid. The inclusion of student-athletes who do not receive athletically related financial aid distinguishes the ASR from Division I’s Graduation Success Rate.

Concord’s 70 percent ASR is the highest by the institution since the 1999-00 cohort and up nine percent from last year. The Mountain Lions ASR speaks to the improving and ongoing effectiveness of the Concord Athletic Department’s retention and graduation efforts.

In terms of individual sports at Concord, women’s soccer and women’s tennis received 100 percent ASR’s with women’s basketball (93 percent), men’s tennis (86 percent), softball (85 percent), baseball (75 percent) and women’s track (75 percent) all above the national average as well.

Concord was ranked seventh

out of the 14 NCAA Division II institutions in the state of West Virginia.

Now in its eighth year of data collection, Division II’s ASR is similar to Division I’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR), in that it includes transfers into an institution in the calculation, but removes students who left the institution while academically eligible. Because of Division II’s partial scholarship financial aid model, it also includes all non-scholarship freshman student-athletes on the roster, capturing more than 35,000 nonscholarship student-athletes.

The data demonstrates studentathletes continue to graduate at a high rate. In contrast, fewer than half of freshmen enrolled at a public university in West Virginia in fall 2006 earned their degrees six years later.

#10 Simon’s Hat Trick The Concord University women’s soccer team entered its Oct. 9 matchup with Mountain Kari Simon East Conference rival Shepherd needing a win to keep its playoff hopes alive at the time. Sophomore forward Kari Simon made sure that the Mountain Lions came away victorious.

Just 12:27 into the contest, the Mineral Wells, W.Va. native scored her first goal of the game on an assist from junior midfielder Sami Spertzel.

ACADEMICS Academic Success Rate up 9 Percent for CU’s Student-Athletes

Veering from the national trend, the Academic Success Rate (ASR) for Concord University studentathletes increased nine points to 70 percent, while the average ASR for NCAA Division II athletes nationally dropped a point to 71 percent, according to the annual report released in December by the NCAA. The ASR calculates the percentage of student-athletes that earn a degree within six years of their initial matriculation in college.

The national four-year ASR average decreased one point overall to 71 percent. The ASR is a measure that reflects the unique qualities of Division II. It measures graduation rates for virtually all Division II student-athletes, including transfers and those not receiving athletically

Athletics section compiled with assistance from CU Sports Information Director Tyler McIntosh and graduate assistant Wes McKinney ’13 81 • Spring 2014

We have a for someone you know.

Dear Alumni and Friends, We have a special place for someone you know.

You are in a unique position, as an alumnus or friend of Concord University, to recommend prospective students to the University.

The special person you know may currently be in high school or in the workforce…and searching for the perfect fit for college. Please submit the name of your special person and we will follow up to see if we can meet his or her academic needs.

We look forward to hearing from you and meeting someone who is special to you!

Submit this form in the envelope provided.

The information you supply below is all that’s required and you don’t have to complete the form on the envelope. Or, you may call 1-888-384-5249 or email alumni@concord.edu to make your referral.

(Please mention that you are making an alumni student referral when you call.)

Student’s Name:______________________________

Kindest regards,

Address:_ _____________________________________

Sarah Turner ’98 Director of Alumni Affairs

________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________

Email: _________________________________________

Legacy Scholarship is Now Available

Name of high school and graduation date:

We are proud to announce the availability of the Concord University Legacy Scholarship.

________________________________________________

Did you graduate from either Concord College or Concord University? Then, your son or daughter will be eligible to apply for the Concord University Legacy Scholarship.

The scholarship is non-renewable and is contingent upon available funds. Encourage your son or daughter to apply early!

Here are the criteria. The successful recipient must: • be either a first-time freshman or student who transfers from another institution

Parents' Names: _____________________________

________________________________________________ Are Parents Alumni? ________

• be a dependent of either a Concord College or Concord University graduate • have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA and 18 on the ACT or 870 (verbal and mathematics score only) on the SAT Funds are limited so please check with the Concord University Admissions Office regarding scholarship availability.

If current college student, name of institution: ________________________________________________ Your Name: ___________________________________ Class Year: ____________________

Address: ______________________________________

________________________________________________

Email: _________________________________________ Thank you for your recommendation!

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HonorRoll 2013 DONOR

y o u

Alumni

f o r

The following is a list of individuals who paid their Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. membership dues between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. Membership in the Concord University Alumni Association supports student scholarships, as well as activities for alumni on Concord’s campus and across the country. The membership year runs from 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 this magazine.

Lifetime Membership $500 or more

y o u r C o n t r i b u t i o n

President’s Club $150 - $499.99

John Bruch Cynthia Jane Clark Clifford Cook John Frazier Pamela Garner James Gillenwater Joseph Giompalo Robert Greear, Jr. Fred Harris Suellen Hodges Ben & Renda James Edward Johnson Sandra Johnson Thomas Joyce Saurabh Khemka Harry Krall Jason Lunsford William H. McKee George McKelvie Donald Moore William Morgan Arble Morgan Crystal Otto Donald & Martha Rector Anita Skeen Col. Stanley Smith Arlene Woodruff

Elizabeth Angelici Judith Angles Elizabeth A. Baker William H. Baker Floyd Boone

Glenn Ables Dennis & Laura Adams

Carl S. Azzara Dave Barnette Vincent Cali Robert Deeds Kim Enochs Jo Anna Fredeking Susan “Sunshine” Gabriel Stephen George Charles Hall Gordon Harvey Andrew “Jack” Lilly Steve L. Lonker Joann S. Lonker Larry C. Mazey Brace Mullett Fran Patterson Rosalie Peck William Shaw David Stevens Andrea Tabor Karen Thorn Jay White

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Maroon & Gray Club $25 - $149.99

A. B. Altizer Frances Auville Steve Bailey Gene Bailey Noah D. Barnette Lindsay Bartram Amedeo Basconi Lacy Bellomy A. Jerry Benson Amy Wentz Berner Eric & Alicia Besenyei Dustin Blankenship Michael Blasucci Elizabeth Bogema Mary Catherine Bones Rita Bostic Ellen Bradley Gary R. Brown Caleb Brown Gerald & Donna Bryant Rose Ann Ellis Burgess Cathy Burnley Pam Bynum Sharon Kinder Callard Overton Caperton Lois Caruth Nancy Chewning Mona Clark Victoria Knight Clay Jane B. Claytor Jennifer Cogar-Bailey Robert Collins Tony Colobro Buster Cook

Charlene Cooke Whitney George Courtney Janice Cox Rusty Curle Henry & Kathryn Davis Tom Davis Scott Deaner Dale & Jean Dickens Nancy Dillon Patricia K. DiStefano Gerald DiVecchia Clarence & Betty Dorman Regina Doss Daniel Dowdy Emily Myers Duke Blaine Dunavant Sheila Dunavant Sara Seabolt Duncan Chuck Elliott Gerald Ellison Naoma W. Ellison Kenneth Elmore Willis Elmore Elizabeth Eskew David Everett George Fanning Virginia Farley Mary Jane Farmer Alexander Feher Stacey Ferragamo Dorothy Fields Douglas Fowler Jerry Fowler John E. Francis William Henry Friedl Chester Friedl Robert Gallione Lester Genden Scott George Shelley George Eugene E. Gilhooly Frances Gillespie Janet Gore Charles Green Louise Grimm Patricia Grubb Shirley Halsey

Blanche Hamden James Hammond Rosemary Stephens Harmon Doug Harvey Janie Harvey Glenn & Linda Hatfield Diana Haynie Amanda Heaton Mary Heft Daniel Henderson Paul & Nancy Hodges Robert Holcomb Denny Hood III Bonnie Aliff Hopkins James K. Hopkins Mary Hopkins Dennis Hurley Grace Hurney Gaylew Hutchinson Alice Ann Hypes Alicia Hypes Charles Scott Inghram Constance P. Jackson Nancy Jackson Robin Jarrell Everett Jennings Peggy Johnson Wendell Johnson Gordan & Joyce Jones Pat Jones Norma Kemp Michael & Rose Kessinger Ted & Anne Kessinger Russell King Marilyn Lackey John & Mary Beth Lamb Hila A. Lane Richard Lawrence Susan Lawrence Bob & Hilah Layne Theresa Frazier Lee Mary Ann Liland Sharon Lilly Virginia Little James Long Fredrick Lucas Natalie Luppold

Tam Mallory Autumn Maloy Justin Marlowe Alexander Marshall Jerry C. Martin Susan Martin Robert G. Martin Shirley McCormick Tom & Pat McIntyre Alice Lynn McKenzie Patricia McMillion Nancy McWhorter Andrew Meador Jaqueline Meese Frances Browning Miller James H. Miller Craig Miller Huey L. Miller Kelsey Mills Bob Mills Margoline Mills Gary & Tina Mills Kenneth Moles Kathaleen Mooney George Myers David Nell Thomas Newman Heather Ouimette-Bickey Jack Owens Fred & Sandy Oxley Daniel Palausky Sandra Parente Megan Parker Julia Pauley Mary Perez John Perrin Luke & Heather Peters Kerri Pettrey Sandra Porterfield Joyce Pratt Joyce V. Pritt Carolyn Quadt Navahlia Hanners Quesenberry Rosanna Reaser Barbara Berg Richko Melissa Richmond Robert Ritz

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Bob Rizzo Martha Rizzo Kenneth Roberts Cathie Patterson Roberts David Roberts Tina Robinette Denise Roche Betsy Ross Betty Rover James A. Rutherford Robin Morris Sampson Margaret J. Sayre Linda McLaughlin Scarborough Carlene Schmoyer John Scyphers William J. Sealey Shirley Sheppard Robert Smith Cecil Smith, Jr. Martha Snead James D. Sovine Genevieve Spangler Patricia Sparks Canessa Stafford William Stark David Staton Joe Stevenson Jim Strack Robert & Julie Tate Catherine Taylor Katrina Terry Robert Thomas Sandra B. Thomas Dorothy Thomas Evan Thompson Stephanie Thorn Jared Tice Candace Toler Janet Clifford Tucker Sarah Lively Turner Alan Van Cott Elizabeth Vandall Jaime Vandergrift Fred Vondracek John L. Walker Melva Jean Walker Richard Walko Elizabeth Cowan Wharton Ashley Wheeler Joan Lusk Wiles Kermit Wiles Joseph Wills, Jr. Garnett B. Winfrey Mary Witt Jane D. Wood Carrie Wyrick

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Basic Membership $10 - $24.99 William Akers John Arbuckle William Bailey Shannon Baker Wanda L. Ball Julian E. Ballard Ashley N. Barton Chase D. Barton Katie Bell Greg Berry Stephanie Berry Bobbie Bess Allison Danyel Blankenship Carl Bolt Ellen Bolt Dewey Bone Jr. Karen J. Bowden Kathryn Bradley Mergie Bradley Patricia Branscome Nick Bratcher George Brooks Gary & Tina Brown Jason Brown Jesse Call Jenni Canterbury Erin Clark Patty Clemens Ruby Clyburn Jim Coiner Joyce Coiner Chris Cook Charlene Cooper Lisa Darlington Chris Day Bill Deel Harriet Deel Mary Dilley-Bowman Margaret Dillon Rick Dillon Eddie Marie Dockery Patricia Ryan Drumwright Judith K. Edwards Kelley & Martha Endres Daniel W. Farley Melanie Farmer Brenda Frazier Deborah Hill Gambino James Goodman Lorenzo Griffin Edwin “Butch” Hartley Jerri L. Hartsock Amber Hager He Ben & Erin Holdren Hillary Hulver Helen C. Inghram

Eddie Isom Phil & Nell Jeffries Curtis Kearns Kyle Keaton Keith King Bess Klander Robert Klucharich Penny Lake Kathy Lamb John Largent Tina Lester Clark J. Lilly Charles & Anna Lilly Joe Lively Nancy Lively Martha L. Livesay Joy Mara Johnathon Mathena Edward McQuail III Chris Meadows Betsi Meissner Robert Miller Tammy Monk Bob Monohan Beth Morgan Tom Morgan Peggy Morgan Ann Mulheren Toni Muncy Abdallah Najjar Cody Neff Barbara Ofsa Gary Okes Theresa Okes Debbie Chambers Painter Glenn & Pam Parker Nancy Payne Misty Peal M. Kelly Pendry William Pennington Amy Pitzer Carolyn Pratt Randy & Alicia Price Judy Ingram Raborn Lance Raffo Donald Ratcliff Kay Barnette Reaser Emory J. Reaser Jr. Bob Redden Laura Reichenbaugh James C. Rhodes Danielle Richmond Marchelle Romage Molly Sanborn Frances Scyphers Danny Seams Nancy Shannon Betty Hartley Sherman Jennifer Sherwood

Jefferson David Smith Richard Smith Virginia Lee Smith Robert & Crystal Smith Amy Sowards Norman Staples Wanda Stephens Louise G. Still Mike Strong

Lisa Pendry Swearengin Andrea Tabor Delores Thompson Heather Coburn Toney Shirley M. Turner Jerri Vance Heather Vaught Tess Vaught Gerry VonVille

Andrea Webb Elizabeth Webb George Webb Matthew Whitener Lee E. Wickline Adam Wolfe Randy Wood Patty Zimovan

F o un d at ion The following is a list of businesses and individuals who have donated to the Concord University Foundation, Inc. from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. Donations to the Concord University Foundation support not only student scholarships, but also faculty development and capital improvements throughout the campus. Thank you to all of those who donate their time, energy and money to 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 - $99,999

ABC Sports Camps LLC Evelyn L. Blake Estate of Darrell W. Stanley Pattye L. McNutt Jacinda S. Smith The Trust Company of Virginia

$1,000 - $9,999 Judy Albin Anonymous Gary W. Anderson Aramark John R. Arnold Jessica Balsley David A. Barnette Kendra S. Boggess David W. Bolen Andrew W. Booth Jared Butcher, Jr. Central Carolina Community Foundation Barbara M. Dorff Margaret W. Egar Laurie Erickson First Century Bank Deborah Freeman John D. Friedl Dorren L. Griffith Earl W. Haga Michael W. Haga

Joseph E. Hall James H. Harless Johnathan Henry Suellen F. Hodges Donald R. Holcomb David P. Kirby Bradley M. Lane Dottie W. Lilly Lutheran Community Foundation Memorial Funeral Directory & Cremation Center, Inc. Mountain Edge Mining, Inc. Robert M. Perry Carol A. Pewanick Princeton Rescue Squad R.T. Rogers Oil Co., Inc. Susan Rogers Rita B. Sanger Jacob B. Santon John C. Shott David Stevens Nancy C. Stoll The Gregory & Lorraine Allen Foundation The H.P. & Anne S. Hunnicutt Foundation, Inc Virginia Laser Corporation Visit Southern West Virginia Darrell L. Worrell WV Broadcasters Educ Foundation

$500 -$999

A. B Altizer Arnett Foster Toothman Helen Ball BB & T Branch and Trust Company Charles P. Becker Mark Capaldini Castro Medical Group Faculty Member First Community Bank First Sentinel Bank Marjie Flanigan Betty F. Friedl Joe Friedl A. R. Guenthner Thelma Harvey Hendrickson & Long, PLLC Jam Family Foundation, Inc. Darrell Kestner Shirley Kiser Kwik Kafe Company, Inc. Kathryn M. Lester Charlie Mathena William H. McKee Don Meadows Richard F. Miller Princeton Health Care Center April V. Puzzuoli Cathie A. Roberts R.T. Rogers Joe B. Roles Sanders, Austin, Flanigan & Aboulhosn, Attorneys

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Margaret J. Sayre Julia O. Scott Seaver Funeral Service, Inc. Scott Shrewsbury Smith, Lilly & Ball, PLLC United Bank, Inc. Susan B. Wilcox

$250 - $499

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Blane B. Altizer Gregory K. Ball Phillip B. Ball Jerry L. Beasley Janet L. Bilotti Trudy C. Blackwell James M. Brown Paul T. Davis Gibbons & Kawash Evelyn H. Goldston Robert C. Greear, Jr. Donna K. Knighton Kathryn M. Lester John G. Long F. Gordon Maxson James R. McGrady Timothy K. O’Sullivan Paul W. Schulz Pencie V. Shrewsbury Leonard D. Sledz Donald H. Smith Rita M. Staten John W. Stroud The Fraternal Order of Police

$100 -$249 Peggy F. Adams Keil Alderson Emily R. Al-Khatib Elisabeth A. Allaire Robert M. Ashcraft Athens Lions Club Gene F. Bailey Walter M. Bailey Malcolm Baltour Welch M. Batten Elmer H. Bay Arthur J. Benson Catherine Billings Audra Blackwell Elizabeth K. Blatt Francis X. Brady Harold Brewster David Brogan William M. Brown Carolyn Callaway

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Camp Creek Community Church Albert Caperton Frank Caperton Overton H. Caperton Lorenzo M. Carter Jerry L. Chafin City National Bank of West Virginia Cynthia J. Clark Alan Coffey Arnold Coffey Roger D. Coffey Lowell Cogar Bob Cole Trevor Coleman Robert H. Collins Jessica L. Cook Phillip C. Cooke Roseanna P. Coomes Jane M. Cooper Robert D. Crockett J Russell Curle Custom Manufacturing Service Eddie Dalton Earl Z. Damewood Danny’s Bar Fredrick Davidson Charlotte Davis Sandra G. Deskins Phillip Difrancesco Richard L. Dillon Mary E. Dries Grace E. Facello William P. Facello Jerry C. Ferguson Pete Flanigan Shirley Fletcher Patsy A. Florence Joyce N. French Chester Friedl Robert J. Gallione Virginia A. Germain Devon L. Gosnell Louise R. Grimm Carl J. Greever Alvin C. Harding Hobart D. Harvey Heritage United Methodist Church at Countryside Inc John Himmelsbach Paul Hodges Frank E. Hoge Angela L. Hopkins Mary L. Hopkins Eugene Hotchkiss Ingrid J. Hotchkiss Nancy M. Hotchkiss Gene Isbell Patricia A. Jens

Stephen Janzer Everett P. Jennings Marlene Jolliffe Thomas H. Joyce Joe W. Keatley C J. Kirk Walter Klingensmith Wanda D. Kyle Susan Landis Tony M. Larkin Richard B. Lester Lifecare Management Services, LLC L.S. Logan Nell J. Longo Steve L. Lonker Jacqueline P. Lose Autumn A. Maloy Frank J. Marino Ruben A. Marshall Linda L. Martin Michael Massimini Randy B. Maxwell Justin D. McCarthy Steven P. McGowan Jack M. McNicol E M. Miller Tina Jo Mills Rita T. Minick Catherine A. Moore Arble Morgan New Peoples Bank David Ofsa Margaret A. Pace Patricia F. Paukstis Jean A. Pearcy Larry T. Poe Marjorie D. Price Stanley Price Christine J. Racer Kathryn Richards Robert M. Richardson, Jr. Tina M. Robinette Stephen D. Rowe Gail Scott John D. Seago Charles V. Selby Michael J. Sherman Martha Ann Shirley Ronald E. Shomo Melvin I. Shumate John D. Smith Bethany S. Smocer Rose M. Solomon Spanishburg Ruritan Club Lee F. Stafford Broden Staples Vikki D. Stevens Carol R. Sutherland

Barbara J. Tippett Mary Carol Turner United Daughters of the Confederacy James E. Weatherford Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr LLP William W. Wood

$99 AND UNDER David Absher Joseph L. Allen Mark L. Anderson Frances C. Auville Lonnie D. Bailey Ruth E. Bailey Steve E. Bailey John C. Baker, Jr. Sonya D. Baldwin Debbie Barden Kimberly K. Beauchamp Kelly S. Bennett Edyth M. Bergman Roger D. Bishop Trudy C. Blackwell Bruce E. Blankenship Danielle Blankenship David J. L. Blatt June C. Boswell Nancy C. Bray George R. Brooks Melissa R. Buckland John M. Bullick Paul C. Butler John V. Carney Geraldine H. Childress Erin M. Clark William E. Clark Crystal R. Cline Michelle L. Coburn Mary S. Cockerham Anita Conner Lillian Cook Ellen R. Corcoran Brenda G. Cox Janice E. Cox Robert Craft Lindsay Crance Sarah P. Dalton Kenneth W. Deane Becky Debol Kayla E. Dewesse Mary A. Dudley Violet J. Dunbar Joanne V. Duvall John R. Elkins Deborah S. Ellis

Rosa L. Elmore Mary Jane Farmer Patricia Farmer Alexander Feher Jo Anna M. Fredeking Sharon Fridley Kent J. Gamble Kevin Garrett Tammy L. Geer Karen S. Gordon Daniel S. Green Mavis E. Grant-Lilley Lawrence Griffith Barbara T. Guy Marsha A. Hale Lisa G. Harkins Wendell C. Harless Earl J. Harman Carolyn S. Harshbarger Elizabeth R. Harvey Linda Hawkins Donlie Henderson Linda M. Henry Michael W. Hight Lynnis Hill Charles J. Holdren Jennifer Howard Dennis J. Hurley Alice A. Hypes Alicia M. Hypes Richard S. Johnson Helen M. Jones Jerry W. Jones Betty Martin Kahle Paul J. Kane Omar Kassem Danny L. Keatley Karen H. Kelley Kathy Kirk Don F. Knox Martha C. Lancaster Hila A. Lane Robert Layne Thomas S. Lilly Linda Lightner Debra Lloyd Eugene D. Looney William Luppold Catherine L. Matherly Carol K. Manzione Elisabeth McAlister Lance D. McDaniel Owen McKay Jeanette H. Meade Richard L. Meador Virginia B. Meadows Jacqueline Y. Meese Ron P. Melnik Frederick M. Merchant, Jr.

Tamara Monk Laura A. Moody Ray A. Mull Abdallah Najjar David D. Nell Susan Nutt Brenda R. O’Donovan Anne O’Sullivan Edwin D. O’Sullivan Fredrick M. Oxley Sara L. Patzelt Jessica Pennington Paul S. Pennington James D. Phillips John Porter Elizabeth S. Porterfield Carolyn K. Pratt Ellen H. Rainey Tony B. Ratliff, Sr. Gail Rector Lois C. Riemer Graham Roe Rebecca E. Roth Eleanor P. Sallman Carlene E. Schmoyer Howard L. Scruggs T. David Scruggs John D. Seago Sabrina Shrader Sigma Sigma Sigma Mildred M. Smith Trust Southern WV Roadrunners Club Donald E. Stafford Mary E. Stanley Sara Stevens Theodore C. Stover Tracy L. Summers Edwin G. Taylor Teays Valley Enterprises Inc. The Pine Trees Chapter Alumni Victoria N. Thomas E. G. Tolley Evelyn Tomchin Heather C. Toney Mary T. Turner Sarah L. Turner Marites B. Vaught Joseph L. Walker Bonnie Wallace Elizabeth A. Webb Elizabeth J. Wharton Nick Whited Robert C. Whittinghill Cheryl L. Williams Julie A. Williams Stephanie L. Winfrey Erma K. Wood Lora L. Woolwine Spring 2014 • 88

A picturesque venue for your wedding, reunion or special event.

For more information contact the Concord University Office of Special Events.

Wilkes Family Chapel Seating capacity: 120

John & Lucia Pais Family Fellowship Hall Seating capacity: 120

89 • Spring 2014

Seminar Room Seating capacity: 20 1-304-384-6286 cuevents@concord.edu

TAKE ROAR WITH YOU! We want to see you with Roar wherever you go! Cut out Roar, to the left, and take him on your fun adventures. Then, take a photo with our friendly mascot and send it to us so we can share with the rest of the CU alumni family!

Spring 2014 • 90

MAY 16-17, 2014 May 16, 2014

May 17, 2014

Alumni Banquet 5:00 p.m. - Reception 6:00 p.m. - Dinner University Point

Participation in Commencement 10:00 a.m.

Carter Center

For more information, please contact us at 1-304-384-6311 or advancement@concord.edu