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he best part of my job, without a doubt, is getting to meet people. There is nothing better than the opportunity to engage, connect and listen to the stories of Concord’s alumni. It’s true, I, along with my co-workers, are tasked with the challenge of uniting some 20,000 Mountain Lions all over the country, however, more often than not, a simple mention of “The Campus Beautiful” and the relationships are formed. The Concord bond is strong. We’re a university built on more than 140 years of quality education and service. Our alumni are among the best in their fields, making a difference and representing Athens, West Virginia well.
I am proud to work for and represent Concord everywhere I go and in meeting with alums, I see the satisfaction associated with earning a Concord degree. The Advancement Office staff is fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know so many of you, to hear your stories, to understand your backgrounds and to see first-hand how you are applying what you learned during your time at Concord to your lives every day. This magazine, appropriately titled Noteworthy, gives us the opportunity to share some of those stories.
Noteworthy is the first of what we anticipate will be an annual publication. It is our intention to exhibit, as much as possible, the power and pride that is Concord. In reading about your fellow alumni, we hope you find their stories inspiring and uplifting. We hope it reaffirms the confidence in your decision, whenever it was, to become part of the Concord family. Can’t wait to meet you,
Alicia Besenyei Vice President for Advancement
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
3 5 7 9 11
Dr. Ed Setrakian Class of 1952
Dr. Jean Lester Bennett Class of 1956
Victor F. Foti Class of 1958
Dr. Beverly "Jo" Harris Class of 1971
Lane Bailey Class of 1974
15 17 19 21 23
Class of 1987
Layne Diehl Class of 1992
Eric Colley Class of 1998
Fernando Porras Class of 1999
Josh Stowers
MAGAZINE STAFF Vice President for Advancement: Alicia Besenyei Alumni Director: Sarah Lively Turner '98 Graphic Designer: Lance McDaniel '10 Staff Writer: Sarah P. Dalton PR/Marketing Coordinator, Sr.: Amy Pitzer Concord University Office of Advancement PO Box 1000 Athens, WV, 24712
Special Edition 2016
Kimberly Enochs
Class of 2001
1-304-384-6311 • Fax: 1-304-384-6017 advancement@concord.edu • www.concord.edu
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DR. ED SETRAKIAN ’52
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Dr. Ed Setrakian '52
Along with being involved in theater at Concord, Ed also honed his writing talents at college. “I was sports writer for the Concord paper for a couple years which I enjoyed a lot,” he said. Ed graduated from Concord in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree 3 • Spring 2016
hen Ed Setrakian arrived at Concord from the southern West Virginia community of Anawalt, he had aspirations of being a lawyer. His focus shifted however, when he was introduced to theater. “Concord opened up a whole culture of art for me,” he said. Setrakian, a veteran actor, playwright, director and educator now living in New York City, credits Concord with inspiring him in his career. “Concord really started me on to this journey I’ve had which has been a great time,” he said. Setrakian explained that studying “Death of a Salesman” in a Concord class was especially significant. “It opened a world for me…literature, culture, performance skills,” he recalls. He would go on to perform on Concord’s stage in a number of productions including “The Male Animal” and “Pygmalion.”
in speech and English. He did graduate work at West Virginia University and summer stock in Massachusetts. When he went to New York to pursue a career in theater, he decided to stay in the “Big Apple” permanently. Setrakian has enjoyed a long and successful career in
the performing arts. Along with work in theater, both on and off Broadway, his acting credits include work in film and television. He appeared in the 2013 film “Blue Collar Boys” and in the hit Netflix series “Master of None” in 2015. Among his especially
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notable roles is his 2007 portrayal of Al Hyman in the film “Zodiac.” He also worked with Al Pacino in the Broadway, L.A. and film versions of “Salome” during 2005 and 2006. “I worked a lot with Al Pacino who is a friend of mine,” he said. Setrakian appeared with Olympia Dukakis in the 2004 film “The Great New Wonderful” and opposite Robert Redford in “Three Days of the Condor” in 1975. Along with his performance in “Salome,” his Broadway theater credits include “Almost an Eagle,” “Days in the Trees” and “St. Joan.” Among a list of off-Broadway roles is his portrayal of Pozzo in “Waiting for Godot.” In regional theater, he played Lennie in “Of Mice and Men” opposite James Earl Jones; appeared in “Sixteen Wounded” opposite Martin Landau; and offered a bounty of other performances including roles from the works of Shakespeare. Known for his portrayal of Tommy on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” Setrakian has appeared multiple times on the television drama “Law and Order” and had a recurring role as Grifoni in “People of Interest.” A familiar face on daytime television, he has appeared in soap operas including “All My Children,” “Love of Life,” “Ryan’s Hope,” “One Life to Live” and Guiding Light.”
His numerous credits for on-camera commercials, voice-overs and narrations include Holiday Inn (Super Bowl commercial); Minolta (“Only from the Mind of Minolta”); and work for Nike, Bell Atlantic and others. He served as director of the La Mama Ensemble for two years and has directed experimental plays and off-Broadway productions including “Easy Money” and the musical “Madam Bovary.” His regional credits include the musicals “Molly’s Dream” and “MacDougal Street.” He wrote and directed the documentary “The Growth of our Children” and several of his plays were produced off-Broadway including “The Yellow Dog Contract.” Setrakian earned a doctorate in Performance Studies from New York University and has taught acting, film and speech on the college and university level. He served as chairman of the Department of Communication Arts at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, N.Y. for several years. At 87 years of age, Setrakian continues to thrive professionally. “Once in a while a television show comes along,” he said. “It’s nice to still be active.” He also remains involved with the Actors Studio working to perfect his craft and the
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skills of others. Setrakian has been a member of the Manhattan based organization since the mid-1960s. He says the Actors Studio meets twice a week. “We have some very famous playwrights come in to moderate those sessions,” he said. “Sometimes I moderate there.” Setrakian has also directed several major Actors Studio
“Concord opened up a whole culture of art for me. Concord really started me on to this journey I’ve had which has been a great time.” Ed Setrakian
productions including “The Memoirs of Pontius Pilate.” His recent teaching experience includes work with the Actors Studio MFA program at Pace University in New York City. Setrakian’s wife Kathryn Grant is a playwright and actress. He has two children, a son, Ilya, and a daughter, Whitley Hill, and two grandchildren, Maya and Sam.
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DR. JEAN LESTER BENNETT ’56
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Dr. Jean Bennett '56
While fulfilling her dream, Jean earned the distinction of being the first woman to graduate from the University of Florida College of Medicine. As a pioneer among female medical students and physicians, she went on to have a successful pediatrics practice in Florida. Her career in medicine spanned 40 years and she was highly respected and admired by her colleagues and patients alike. Her goal of being a doctor became part of her identity as early as high school where she was known as “Doc.” The nickname stayed 5 • Spring 2016
ean Bennett’s aspirations to be a doctor began early in her life. She says her mother, now 98 years old and a former teacher, recalls the day she put her dream into words. “According to her recollection, we were walking from her school to home, about a mile, knee deep in snow,” Jean said. As the pair walked along the snowy path, Jean spoke to her mother and said, “Mother, I’m going to be a doctor.” “I never looked back,” she said.
with her at Concord. “Some of my professors called me ‘Doc,’” she said. Etta Jean Lester grew up in Baileysville, W.Va. She was valedictorian of her graduating class at Baileysville High School. Her pursuit of academic excellence and achievement followed her to Concord. She was included in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, was a recipient of a scholarship award for chemistry and was a member of the Cardinal Key Honor Society. Jean shared her skills and knowledge with her
classmates. “I was allowed to teach biology laboratory courses my last year,” she said. She graduated magna cum laude from Concord in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry. “I received the physics award at graduation,” she said. While she excelled in the classroom, Jean also enjoyed extracurricular activities, spending time with her friends and being involved in the Athens community. “I was a member of Athens Baptist Church. I sang in the choir all my four years,” she said.
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She was also president of her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and played intramural sports. Jean said she made lasting friendships during her Concord days. When she lived in a dormitory, she shared a suite with four other girls. “We all became very good friends. I’ve kept up with them even now,” she said of her suitemates. Dorm life also included gatherings in the solarium. “We met and sang. I played the piano. We played games,” she said. An especially memorable part of her days at Concord and in Athens surrounded the Wells family. Professor Hawey Wells taught biology and other subjects at Concord. Jean said her parents moved to Florida while she was still a student at Concord and the Wells family “adopted” her. “I lived with them for the last year of college,” she said. “He was my mentor.” After graduating from Concord, Jean pursued her medical degree at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She graduated in 1960. Bennett completed her post graduate training at Shand’s Hospital and Georgia Baptist Hospital. During her four decades of private practice in Clearwater, Fla., Bennett became known as a caring, trusted professional and was revered and admired by her patients and their parents. Called “Dr. Jean” by her patients, Bennett saw
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Dr. Bennett
generations of Floridians in her Myrtle Ave. Pediatrics clinic. She retired in 2003. Bennett held a number of leadership positions and received a number of honors throughout her distinguished career. She was president of the medical staff at Morton F. Plant Hospital. The first female elected to this position, she practiced at the hospital for 32 years. She also served as chairman of the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She is the recipient of the 1984 American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatrician of the Year Award for the State of Florida. Concord’s Alumni Association honored her with the Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1988. Bennett is one of 47 Alumnae of Outstanding Achievement honored by the University of Florida. Recipients of this
distinction represent the approximately 85,000 female students who had attended the institution at the time of its 50th anniversary of being coeducational. She has also been honored with the UF Distinguished Alumnus Award and the UF Distinguished Community Service Award and is a Wall of Fame Honoree for the UF College of Medicine. Bennett lives in Dunedin, Fla. She has two children, Tammi, who is a school teacher, and Sonny (Fenton III), who is an electrical contractor. Her late husband, Dr. Fenton Bennett, specialized in obstetrics and gynecology. Her mother, Henrietta Lucas Lester, is also a graduate of Concord. In retirement, Bennett says she is “very active” in her church and serves on the UF College of Medicine Alumni Board of Directors. Spring 2016 • 6
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VICTOR F. FOTI ’58
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Vic Foti '58
Victor Franklin Foti was born in Kimball, W.Va. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W.Va. Vic majored in accounting at Concord and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1958. Looking back at his Concord 7 • Spring 2016
ic Foti says he owes his successful career as an accountant and business owner to the education he received at Concord. “My degree in accounting from Concord provided me with the opportunity to my career path as a CPA and ultimately starting my own accounting firm,” he said. “Through my accounting firm, I developed and became an owner in several businesses as well as developing commercial real estate.” “One never knows, but I can say without any doubt in my mind that without my degree from Concord, I could not have obtained the level of success that I feel. My definition of success would not be related to net worth but from where you start to where you are today,” he said.
days, Vic says, “My best memory is the friendship that was developed with my professors, namely Harry Finkelman and Dr. Cloyd Armbrister. These have lasted a lifetime.” Vic was president of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity and served as intramural director
for Professor Kyle. “Playing handball with ‘Killer Kyle’” is also among Vic’s best memories, he said, explaining that “physically, he was always out to beat you.” After passing the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam, Foti went on to found
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his own accounting firm, Foti, Flynn, Lowen & Co. in Roanoke, Va. During his career, Foti has held leadership positions with local, state and national CPA organizations. “I was an active member of the Virginia Society of CPAs, becoming president of the state organization in 1978,” he said. “Ironically, I was president of the Virginia Society of CPAs at the same time as my accounting professor at Concord, Harry Finkelman, was president of the West Virginia Society of CPAs. During this period of time, we both also served on the Council of the American Institute of CPAs.” Foti retired from Foti, Flynn, Lowen & Co. in 2002, but the firm continues to operate under the same name. Foti has also managed various businesses as an investor and/or owner. He is the former president and CEO of the WesterN SizzliN Corporation, a franchiser of 245 restaurants; president and chairman of the board of Viamac, Inc., a WesterN SizzliN franchisee in Roanoke, Va.; general partner of several real estate partnerships; and president of a list of other enterprises. He is also one of three organizers of HomeTown Bank in Roanoke, Va., which he says is “a $500,000,000 bank and the only local bank in Roanoke as of 2016.”
Along with his professional and career accomplishments, Foti has also achieved distinction in the area of civic and community involvement. Especially notable are appointments by two Virginia governors. He was appointed by Gov. John Dalton as a member of the Virginia State Board for Contractors. Gov. Jim Gilmore appointed him to
“I can say without any doubt in my mind that without my degree from Concord, I could not have obtained the level of success that I feel.” Vic Foti
the Commonwealth Council. The Gilmore appointment, Foti explains, has benefitted another important part of his community service, his work with Saint Francis Service Dogs. He is an advisory member of the organization. “Our organization trains dogs to assist those with disabilities and now for wounded veterans as well as serve assisted living facilities
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as ‘social’ friends,” he said. “Through the association with Gov. Gilmore, the Saint Francis Service Dog Foundation was allowed to use the inmates at the Bland Correctional (Center) facility, to train our pups,” he said. “Not only did this allow us to train more pups, it also served as a rehab for the inmates.” Foti has served as a member of the advisory boards of Central Fidelity Bank and BB&T, both of Roanoke. He has also been affiliated with the American Arbitration Association, the Roanoke Valley Development Corporation, the United Way and YMCA, Mill Mountain Theatre and Child Health Investment Partnership along with serving as chairman of the board of Good Samaritan Hospice for 10 years. Foti’s ties to Concord remain strong through involvement with alumni in the Roanoke Valley and previous service as president of the alumni association. He received the Alumnus of the Year award in 1974. Vic is an active member of his church, Cave Spring United Methodist Church, where he has been chairman of the administrative board and stewardship and finance committees. He and his wife, Sue, live in Roanoke. His children, Victor, Vickie, and Beth, are also Roanoke residents.
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DR. BEVERLY "JO" HARRIS ’71
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Dr. Beverly "Jo" Harris '71
She says that some of her best times at Concord included Spring Sing, Homecoming, and residence hall life. “As a senior, my class had the distinction of being the first residents of Twin Towers,” she said. Academically, “the professional faculty, particularly in the Business Education program” receives high marks from Jo. “Mrs. Carter (and) Mrs. 9 • Spring 2016
aving established a successful and accomplished career in higher education, Dr. Beverly “Jo” Harris now holds the distinction of being the first President of BridgeValley Community and Technical College. The new institution was established on March 20, 2014, through the consolidation of Bridgemont and Kanawha Valley community and technical colleges. BridgeValley has locations in Montgomery, W.Va. and South Charleston, W.Va. A native of Leivasy, W.Va., Jo graduated from Richwood High School. Reminiscing about her days at Concord, Jo looks back at her fondest memories from two perspectives – social activities and academic opportunities.
Edmunds became my role models,” she said. Jo was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, Phi Beta Lambda and Cardinal Key. She graduated magna cum laude from Concord in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Education. Continuing her education, she received a master’s degree from Marshall University and her doctoral degree in
Educational Administration from West Virginia University. Harris explains how her Concord education has helped in her career. “My Business Education degree from Concord was the foundation of the successes I have enjoyed in my career,” she said. “My first job out of college was teaching business courses at a proprietary school in
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Morgantown while my husband was in law school,” she said. “In 1975, I was hired by West Virginia Institute of Technology – primarily because of the reputation of the Concord program and my three years’ teaching experience. “I have continued working in the same building on the Montgomery campus over 40 years, first as instructor in the newly created associate degree business programs. Over the years, I progressed through the faculty ranks…” she said. Harris served as a faculty member and subsequently chair of the Office Administration and Business Education Department at West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech). She was appointed Provost of the Community and Technical College at WVU Tech in 1999 and was selected as its first President in 2004 after leading the community college component in achieving independent accreditation. In 2009, the college name was changed to Bridgemont Community and Technical College. Under Harris’ leadership, the institution has received national recognition. Bridgemont was recognized in 2010 by Community College Week as the fourth fastestgrowing small public two-year college in the nation. The institution was a Round One finalist for the 2011 Aspen Prize for Community College
Excellence, and in 2013 was listed as one of the Top 50 Community Colleges in America by Washington Monthly. During the 2013 legislative session, Senate Bill 438 was passed to consolidate Bridgemont and Kanawha Valley. Dr. Harris became President of BridgeValley Community and Technical College. Knowing that she is providing the benefit of an education to her students is especially rewarding to Harris. “Each year at commencement, when I address the graduates, their families and friends, I realize that the greatest reward of my career is understanding the impact of the education we provide,” she said. “Many of our graduates are first-generation college students, working adults seeking change or upgrade of skills, and unemployed workers who need an education to obtain a sustainable wage job to support their families.” Harris is currently a board member of the SMART 529 Board, the Workforce Development Council, the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, the Upper Kanawha Valley Economic Development Corporation, Region 4 Planning and Development Council, South Charleston Rotary and the Fayette County and South Charleston chambers of commerce. Among the numerous honors
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Dr. Harris
Harris has received throughout her career are the WVCCA Leadership Award and being named the WVBEA Business Teacher of the Year. Jointly with her husband, Carl, she is the recipient of the Upper Kanawha Valley Citizen of the Year Award. Jo is active in the Montgomery United Methodist Church, having served as pianist there for several years. Jo and Carl reside in Glen Ferris, W.Va. Carl, who is also a graduate of Concord and West Virginia University, is a retired Prosecuting Attorney for Fayette County. They have two children, Vanessa Harris of Glen Ferris and Valerie Harris Raupp of Charleston, and two grandchildren, Jenna and Brendan Raupp. Harris acknowledges the role her family has played in her success. “The support he (Carl) and my daughters provided me as I pursued advanced degrees and progressed throughout my career made my journey possible!” she said.
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LANE BAILEY ’74
A Lane Bailey ’74
Born and raised in Mercer County, West Virginia, Lane graduated from Concord in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He has achieved a high level
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s a student at Concord, Lane Bailey was introduced to subjects and ideas that would have a profound impact on his future. “My four years at Concord were central to my career and my life – in ways that were unknowable at the time. It was the DNA of the place, its history of graduating great teachers and employing great professors that made a profound difference. Concord was always about service, giving back, teaching others. In the 1970s its mission was especially relevant,” he said. “Concord introduced me to politics, public policy, the role of government – partisan debate that was a good thing and to ideology,” he said. “I didn’t know it then, but it and many great professors opened my mind to possibility and – most importantly – optimism.”
of success and accomplishment in his career that includes work in both government and the private sector. Today, as CEO and Founder of Advocom Group, he has
reached a goal he has held since his college days, that of owning his own business. Advocom Group is a highly specialized advocacy, strategic communications and business
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development consulting firm based out of Washington, D.C., with partners in New York, Brussels and Beijing. At the helm of the business, Bailey works in an arena of global influence where corporate communications, government affairs and capital market strategies for high profile clients meet. Prior to launching Advocom Group, Bailey was President of Public Affairs for Golin Harris, a global public relations and government affairs firm. Bailey notes, however, that the “centerpiece of his career” was the two decades he spent working with United States Senator Jay Rockefeller. Starting as a volunteer in Rockefeller’s campaign, Bailey rose through the ranks to the position of the Senator’s Chief of Staff. He served in this role for 11 years, establishing a solid reputation as one of Washington’s “most experienced and savvy staffers.” During this time, he was involved in job creation and international trade and investment for his home state and also exposed to a wide range of public policy issues. Among the new businesses and investments he helped the Senator recruit to West Virginia were Toyota and more than 13 other Japanese auto suppliers. Tracing his passion for public service and politics back
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Senator Jay Rockefeller visits with Lane Bailey and his family. Shown from left are daughter-in-law, Megan Bailey; son, Andrew Bailey; wife, Sharon Bailey; Sen. Rockefeller; and Lane.
to his Concord days, Bailey says his involvement in the proposed merger of Concord and Bluefield State College is especially memorable. “I was one of the leaders of the fight against the proposed merger of Concord and Bluefield State College by then Governor Moore,” he said. “I led a petition drive, sued the Governor and the Legislature, testified before the State Legislature to keep Concord from being merged and losing its identity. It was a fight that introduced me to politics and policy beyond the classroom and I never turned back.” “It’s also a fight that students and faculty today should remember – Concord is a jewel in West Virginia’s/ America’s higher education system…,” he said. Having fought for Concord’s identity when he was a student, Bailey explains what makes his alma mater unique. Concord’s best quality, he said,
is that it offers “understated, everyday, quality in a place you don’t expect it.” The University is special because of “its mission/DNA,” he said. Bailey is a previous member and vice chair of the Concord University Board of Governors. He helped found the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute and serves on the organization’s board. Based at West Virginia University, the institute is a notfor-profit international research institute devoted to finding new drugs and diagnostics in the area of human memory. Bailey lives in Northern Virginia and works out of Advocom’s Washington, D.C. office. He and his wife, Sharon, have been married for 43 years. They have two sons, Andrew and Matt, and a granddaughter, Waverly Elizabeth Bailey.
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Lane Bailey '74
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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! Kindest regards,
Sarah Turner ’98 Director of Alumni Affairs
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:______________________________
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Legacy Scholarship is Now Available 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
• 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.
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If current college student, name of institution: ________________________________________________ Your Name: ___________________________________ Class Year: ____________________________________
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Email: _________________________________________ Thank you for your recommendation!
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KIMBERLY ENOCHS ’87
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Kim Enochs '87
With a career history in operations and human resources, Enochs is currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Marsh & McLennan Agency, the 9th largest insurance brokerage firm in the U.S. She is accountable for the strategic development, oversight, execution and
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imberly Carr Enochs was named to the 2014 class of Virginia Lawyers Media’s “Influential Women of Virginia.” According to the Virginia Lawyers Weekly website, the awards program “recognizes the outstanding efforts of women in the commonwealth in all fields, including law, business, health care, education and the arts. The honors are given to individuals who are making notable contributions to their chosen professions, their communities and society at large.” Enochs has definitely earned this recognition. She has achieved exemplary success in her career and serves in top level leadership positions. Sharing her expertise, she works with various community organizations and has a number of professional affiliations to her credit.
delivery of all facets of operations for the agency. Her areas of responsibility range from mergers and acquisitions, human resources management and information technology to marketing, communications, branding and related operational services. She is based in Roanoke, Va. Enochs also has college-
level instructional experience as an adjunct faculty member. Her professional accolades include being named to the Governor’s Transportation Accountability Commission for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her many community leadership roles and professional affiliations include serving as a board member for
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the Adult Care Center, Mental Health America Roanoke Valley, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Roanoke Valley and as a member of the John Tyler Giving Society of the United
“I cherish the time I spent at Concord, the quality education I received, and the relationships I built which fully prepared me to appropriately interact in the business world.” Kimberly Enochs
Way of Roanoke Valley. She is a member of the Roanoke Valley and national Society of Human Resource Management and is a past board member and sustaining member of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley. Kimberly is also a volunteer and donor with Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue and Franklin County Humane Society. Enochs graduated from Concord in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She furthered her education by earning a master’s degree in industrial/organizational
psychology from Radford University. She has completed executive education certificates through the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, Harvard Business School and Hollins University. Enochs says her Concord experience has helped advance her education and her career. “My education at Concord consisted of a solid curriculum of both business and psychology courses, leading to my obtaining a master’s degree in industrial/ organizational psychology,” she said. “The ability to broadly interact with my instructors and curriculum advisor enabled me to obtain a more personalized education. I knew my instructors; they knew me, and the level of interaction with my fellow students, due to manageable class size, was important to my collegiate education and development.” “From a social standpoint, I tremendously enjoyed sorority life with my Tri Sigma sisters, and still maintain ongoing relationships with many of my classmates from my Concord days,” she said. “I cherish the time I spent at Concord, the quality education I received, and the relationships I built which fully prepared me to appropriately interact in the business world.” Kimberly was born in Beckley, W.Va. and grew up in Rainelle, W.Va. “I now live
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at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia on the water with my husband James, our two pugs Bella and Coal, and a kitty named Katniss,” she said. She acknowledges the contributions that her husband and her parents, Mary Jane and Ray Gene, have had in her achievements. “Every successful person has a spouse who is engaged and supports their growth, wellbeing and success,” she said. “My parents sacrificed a good deal to fund my education,” she said. “They always supported me and encouraged me to succeed.” When asked about what motivates and guides her as a leader, Enochs acknowledged the responsibilities of leadership. “Being a leader carries a great deal of responsibility,” she said. “I believe leaders are given the opportunity and responsibility to positively influence and support the development, wellbeing and success of those around them. “I know I am doing a good job when those around me view me as a caring, authentic leader, feel informed and engaged, are achieving their career goals and have achieved a high level of personal and professional success. It’s my job to run a profitable operation and find ways to encourage and enrich the lives of those around me,” she explained.
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LAYNE DIEHL ’92
W Layne Diehl '92
“The first was Sarah Weddington, who had been the lead attorney for Roe v. Wade. Her appearance brought about a robust dialog about the issues surrounding the issue of abortion, including the rights of privacy and for women’s reproductive health, as well as the interest of society in preserving and protecting viable human life,” Diehl recalls. “Activists on both sides of the debate came to campus to express their views and to share information about their positions on the issue. It was an incredible learning opportunity for all involved." “The second speaker I
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hen she was a student at Concord, attorney Elizabeth Layne Diehl was inspired by two guest lecturers – also attorneys – who visited campus. Their speeches were an especially memorable part of her undergraduate experience. “I…wrote press releases for The Concordian to promote the wonderful artists and speakers who came through the Fine Arts programs,” she said. “I remember two speakers most.
remember well was William Kunstler, who after his speech sat in the grass under a tree behind the Fine Arts Building with several of the students who were interested in hearing more about his story,” she said. “Mr. Kunstler was a leading civil rights attorney and counsel for the Chicago Eight, later renamed the Chicago Seven, a case surrounding the arrest of eight demonstrators during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.” “Mr. Kunstler’s talk with us that day has often inspired me in my own practice and in my appreciation for the role that attorneys play in advocating
not only for their clients, but also in promoting the greater good for the advancement of a civilized culture that respects equal rights for all,” she said. Along with her involvement in the Artist Lecture Series, Layne was also a member of Gamma Beta Phi honor society at Concord. She remembers with appreciation the dedication of faculty and staff toward her as a student. “Concord is special because of the individualized attention a student receives from faculty and staff,” she said. “Concord helped me in my career by providing me with a network of
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The Diehl Family
professionals and scholars who took an active interest in my success both as a student and as I began pursuing opportunities in my profession. I was given a job by a professor at Concord where I learned public relations skills through my work with the Artist Lecture Series. My advisor at Concord helped me through the process as I prepared for and took the LSAT and began applying to law schools.” Layne graduated magna cum laude from Concord in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts. She was honored as the Outstanding Communications Student for her class. Continuing her education, she earned a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from West Virginia University College of Law. Diehl is the CEO and Managing Member of Diehl Law PLLC, a small business firm in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Prior to establishing the firm, she served both as an executive
vice president and general counsel in a higher education setting. She has also practiced law as a solo practitioner. As an attorney and executive, Diehl is experienced in the law of employment, education, communications, small business, immigration and non-profit administration. She enjoys working in progressive organizational environments and assists her clients in areas such as corporate governance strategies and policies and procedures. Diehl also contributes to the Eastern Panhandle Child Abuse and Neglect Bar, where she accepts court appointed cases. She volunteers for Catholic Charities West Virginia, assisting in representing unaccompanied minors in the United States seeking asylum. Among her special interests is a commitment to programs designed to prepare and promote women in leadership positions in their education and careers. She is also
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committed to the advancement of economic development and growth opportunities for West Virginia in the greater metropolitan Washington, D.C. quad-state region. Layne is a lifelong Girl Scout. She has served on the boards for the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council and the Girl Scouts of Shawnee Council and was formerly co-chair of the Women’s Advisory Board to the Girl Scouts Council of the Nation’s Capital. Her community and civic involvement extends to a number of other boards and organizations. Among these are Region 7 West Virginia Workforce Investment Board, Berkeley County Economic Development Authority, Noontime Rotary (Martinsburg, W.Va.), Eastern Panhandle Inland Port Coalition and area chambers of commerce. She has also served with Fishes and Loaves and the New River Habitat for Humanity, both in Beckley, W.Va. Diehl was honored by The State Journal as a member of the 2009 class of Generation Next: 40 Under 40. The designation salutes successful West Virginia professionals under the age of 40. Layne and her husband Nic have two children, Kaytlin and Niall. The family moved to Martinsburg, W.Va. in 2004.
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2016
ERIC COLLEY ’98
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Eric Colley '98 in his edit bay at TMZ
Eric graduated from Bluefield High School in 1993 and attended the University of Kentucky until December of 1995. He then transferred to Concord for the spring 1996 semester. “Ever since I was old enough to hold a crayon or pencil I loved to draw, and being a giant comic book nerd I wanted to pursue a career as a comic or commercial artist,” he said. “I loved telling stories with
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ow does a self-proclaimed “comic book nerd” from Bluefield, W.Va. end up in L.A.’s fast-paced world of entertainment news? The journey starts with childhood dreams of drawing comics then gains momentum with an education that explores and refines creative talents and leads to career success that opens doors to new opportunities. This is the road traveled by Eric Colley. “As a kid I always imagined myself drawing comic books as an adult, but a video production class at Concord, in addition to my graphic design courses, led me on a path to a rewarding career in television,” Colley said. pictures and pursued a graphic design degree at Concord.” As he was exposed to other creative outlets at Concord, Colley’s career focus shifted. “In addition to my graphic design courses, I also enjoyed exploring other creative avenues with fine art sculpting and painting classes, and a commercial production class,” he said. “One of our assignments for this class was to write,
shoot, and edit a 30-second Coca-Cola commercial. I loved producing the spot; it was still the visual storytelling I enjoyed from drawing but much more immediate,” he recalls. “My graphic design background and classes at Concord helped me understand how to compose a shot and edit video for the best possible presentation.” Eric completed his bachelor’s degree in December 1998. An honor graduate, he participated
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in Concord’s 1999 spring commencement ceremony. “I pursued broadcasting and took a job working at WVVATV in Bluefield as a part-time camera and tape playback operator. Over the next three years, I received full-time work at WVVA running audio for the morning news, then became a director and finally shooting and editing local commercial spots,” he said. “In 2002 I received a job opportunity as a cameraman/ editor for the nationally syndicated morning show ‘The Daily Buzz,’” he said. “The show broadcast out of Dayton, Ohio, so I packed up and headed to the Buckeye State! After two years in Dayton, the show relocated to Orlando, Fla.” Colley stayed with "The Daily Buzz" in Florida until 2007 but then headed west when he learned of a career opportunity in Los Angeles. “The TMZ celebrity news website was launching a TV show and was looking for editors,” he said. Although he wasn’t a shooin for the position, Colley took a chance and followed his dream to L.A. “After a month of sleeping on a friend’s couch I was officially hired at TMZ as an editor,” he said. “The following year, in 2008, I was asked to be a part of the show’s morning meeting, which is filmed and edited for broadcast.
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Eric, Lauren, and their dog, Barnaby, on a 2013 California road trip
“I’ve now been in L.A. for over eight years and am still working at TMZ as part of the show’s on-air and video editorial/ production staff,” he said. “It’s a fast-paced, exciting job; the show we tape from 7-9 a.m. is then edited and fed out to east coast affiliates at 1 p.m. That gives us about four hours to completely edit the show and have it ready for broadcast!” Colley and fellow staffers at TMZ were nominated in 2014 for a Daytime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Entertainment News Program.” In his spare time, Colley enjoys hiking, going to concerts and collecting records. He completed a Spartan race in Malibu in 2013 and recently took a parkour class. “I still draw constantly,” he said. Eric met his wife, Lauren, who is a Florida native, when he worked in Orlando. The couple will celebrate their 5th wedding
anniversary this year. They have a dog named Barnaby. Colley credits his parents with inspiring him to pursue his dreams. “My parents, Tom and Frances, were incredible influences growing up,” he said. “My mother hates that I’m so far away from home but has always been supportive of my career and accomplishments.” Tom Colley, who passed away in 2009, was executive editor of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. “My father’s lifelong passion was to be a newspaper editor,” Eric said. “His love and dedication to his job showed me at a young age that no goal was unattainable and the best careers are the ones you’re passionate about.” Taking his father’s example to heart, Eric offers this advice to others, “Always keep an eye open for opportunities and work hard!”
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2016
FERNANDO PORRAS ’99
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Fernando Porras '99
Since 1993, Porras has offered more than 70 exhibitions, lectures and presentations, written a book, and designed an award winning duck stamp and print on the topic, proceeds of which are being used to obtain wetlands to provide a refuge to endangered species of birds and other animals in Venezuela. “I started working with portraits of indigenous tribes from South America when I was still at Concord, and my technique and finish have evolved as much as the complexity of the concepts 21 • Spring 2016
ernando Porras, a native of Maturin, Venezuela, has been dedicated for more than two decades to communicating the stories of the different tribes of Amazonia through his painting. His work reveals a beautiful portrait of the rainforest and its amazing peoples. He has made them part of his life since his childhood, and through the years, it has been his intent to create some awareness of the importance of these cultures, and their plight to keep their customs alive.
behind the paintings,” Porras said. “Many of them have strong political undertones, so politics and conservation issues play a role in the evolution of my pieces.” A professional painter for more than 15 years, Porras exhibits his work in some of the main art venues in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Included are such major cities as Paris, New York, London, Miami, Palm Beach, Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, Washington, D.C., Caracas, Beirut and Istanbul. He has more than 15 years of
experience as an art director/ creative director for high profile clients including Adidas, American Express, ColgatePalmolive, Lowe’s, Lufthansa, Pepsi and Procter and Gamble. Additionally, he has experience as an educator on the college and university level teaching graphic design and studio art. He has taught at Concord and also worked in the University’s public relations office as a graphic designer. Fernando received an associate degree from Santa Fe Community College in 1983 and studied architectural design
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Artworks by Fernando Porras (Left) Piacoa Sunrise; 70"x70"; Mixed Media on Canvas. (Right) Veiled Girl; 48"x72"; Mixed Media on Canvas.
and rendering at the University of Florida. He furthered his undergraduate education by studying graphic design and fine arts at Concord and graduated magna cum laude in 1999 with a 4.0 GPA. He went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting at Radford University where he received the Thesis Award for Exemplary Performance. Along with various art show awards, Porras’ career honors include receipt of the Order City of Maturin in 1993 which is the highest recognition given by the city. He also has a list of public and private commissions to his credit including art for the Palace of Justice of the State of Monagas, Venezuela, and numerous private large scale commissions for collectors in the United States and internationally. He was commissioned to paint several presidential portraits for Concord University.
Sharing his time and talents to benefit the community, Fernando has spoken to middle and high school students about art and the environment, donated artwork to various fundraisers and served as a volunteer soccer coach. Reflecting on his time at Concord, Fernando said, “Concord for me was more than just my University; it was the place where I had the opportunity to come to the classroom to learn both as a student and as an educator. I had great professors that welcomed me in 1997 as an international student with aims at starting a career in art. They did help me achieve my goal, but more than that, in the process they showed me what it meant to be passionate about teaching.” “Concord provided me with the foundation to work as an artist not only because it showed me how to use the brush; Concord prepared me
to have a better understanding of the world that was waiting for me outside the classroom so I could demonstrate that I not only can paint what I see, but what I think, and what I feel,” he said. Fernando says his family is “no stranger to Concord, either.” He and his wife Marisela and their two toddler sons, Alejandro and Fernando, lived in Concord’s married units when they first arrived on campus. For the past five years they lived in Bridgeport, W.Va. where, Marisela, a nurse anesthetist, worked at a local hospital and Alejandro and Fernando studied at nearby universities. Fernando and Marisela have recently moved to Palm Beach County, Florida where she works at a surgery center and he is starting a new art studio.
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2016
JOSH STOWERS '01
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Josh Stowers '01
Along with being in Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, he was a member of the Biology Club and Gamma Beta Phi honor society. After graduating from Concord, Stowers earned two master’s degrees (Education and Educational Administration) from Marshall University. His career includes 10
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est Virginia Assistant State Treasurer Josh Stowers credits the lessons he learned in Concord classrooms with guiding him both personally and professionally. “My Concord education has helped me in a number of different areas,” Stowers said. “However, the courses that challenged me to think more critically, and more importantly, from the perspective of others have been the most beneficial in not only my professional life, but my personal life as well.” Along with his current career in public service, Stowers has also worked in education as a classroom teacher and as an administrator. Josh grew up in Fayetteville, W.Va. and graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1997. He majored in biology at Concord and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2001.
years of experience in West Virginia public education. “For four years I was a high school biology teacher at Guyan Valley High School and Capital High School. I then served six years as a middle school administrator at Horace Mann Middle School in Charleston, W.Va.,” he said.
In 2008 Stowers was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates for the 22nd District, representing parts of Lincoln, Logan, Boone and Putnam counties. “As a delegate, I was Vice-Chairman of the House Education Committee,” he said. “My main focus while in the
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The Stowers family
Legislature was to help curb the dropout and truancy rate among West Virginia students. I was the author and lead sponsor of the comprehensive 2010 High School Graduation Improvement Act. The highlights of this legislation included raising the dropout age to 17, providing more funding for juvenile drug courts and piloting middle school vocational education.” He served three terms in the Legislature, then resigned his seat in 2013 to accept his current position as the Assistant State Treasurer of West Virginia. “I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of
the state Treasurer’s Office which operates the banking services of state government, the Smart529 College Savings Plan, WV Retirement Plus, and the state Unclaimed Property Program,” he explained. Stowers’ career successes have not gone unnoticed. The Concord University Alumni Association honored him with the Young Alumnus Award in 2013. He was named to The State Journal’s 2012 class of Generation Next: 40 Under 40, an honor which salutes West Virginia’s successful professionals under the age of 40.
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Stowers is active in the life of his community. He has served on the Kanawha Valley March of Dimes Revenue Committee and on the Auction Committee for the Charleston Heart Ball which is an annual fundraiser for the American Heart Association. He has served on the Lincoln County Economic Development Authority since 2012 and is the incoming Chairman for the organization. Stowers supports his alma mater as a member of the Concord University Alumni Association and attends alumni events with the Greater Kanawha Valley Chapter. While Stowers says he has many special memories from his days at Concord – “homecoming weeks, listening to Libby’s sage advice in the cafeteria, hanging out on the library steps, fishing at Camp Creek, camping at Bull Falls...the list could go on” – his “fondest memory” is when he met his wife, Jennifer. “My fondest memory would have to be meeting my wife, Jennifer, when my fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, and her sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma, ran together for Homecoming in 2000,” he said. Jennifer studied business education at Concord and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2002. Josh has a son, Joshua, and a daughter, Reilly. He is a resident of Alum Creek, W.Va.
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Become a FRIEND of the J. Franklin Marsh Library at Concord University! The Joseph F. Marsh Library formally opened on November 29, 1941. The library has grown to over 157,087 volumes today, which include books, microfiche, magazines and bound periodicals. The library has been and continues to be a vital part of the educational program of Concord University. “Friends” are comprised of members who recognize the value of a quality library and want to support and enrich the services provided. Becoming a Friend is a terrific way to be involved in your community and to help promote a love of reading and learning. Your annual gift helps us • Expand access to online databases and journals • Improve library technology and build for the future • Purchase rare items for special collections • Sponsor readings and lectures for the benefit of the University as well as the area communities You can become a ”Friend of the Library” by sending your annual contribution to: Concord University Foundation, Inc. Friends of the Library Fund PO Box 1405 Athens, WV 24712 Or by calling 304-384-6266
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HOMECOMING 2
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OCTOBER 15, 2016
We know there are a lot of great Concord alums out there doing outstanding things for their parts of the world. We try to gather as much information as possible about the accomplishments of our alumni but sometimes the news doesn’t make it to Athens. If you or an alum you know has done something you think we should feature, please tell us about them by completing the form below and returning it in the enclosed envelope or by emailing the details to alumni@concord.edu We may feature them in a future edition of Noteworthy, the Alumni Magazine or include them in an online feature like the Alumni Spotlight.
Looking For a Few Good Mountain Lions Name of Alum:___________________________________________
Your Name:______________________________________________
Class Year:_______________________________________________
Phone Number:__________________________________________
Your Email:______________________________________________ Description of what the alum has done that is Noteworthy:______________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Spring 2016 • 26
2016 CUAA Alumni Award nominations are now being accepted! Visit www.concord.edu to submit your nomination by March 15