President Dr. Kendra Boggess Vice President for Advancement Alicia Besenyei Alumni Director Sarah Turner '98
Concord University Office of Advancement PO Box 1000 Athens, WV 24712 1-304-384-6311 Fax: 1-304-384-6017 advancement@concord.edu www.concord.edu
Chair, Concord University Foundation, Inc. Randy Price '85 Graphic Designer, Sr. Foster Sheppard '14 Staff Writer Sarah P. Dalton PR/Marketing Coordinator, Sr. Amy Pitzer
The Concord University Magazine is published by the Concord University Advancement Office. A portion of the cost is underwritten by the Concord University Foundation, Inc. ADDRESS CHANGES Please contact Sarah Turner at 304-384-5348 or alumni@concord.edu
ON THE COVER: Margot Provencher’s smile epitomizes the elation of graduates at the Spring Commencement ceremonies. INSIDE COVER: Celebration fills the main gym of the Carter Center for Spring Commencement’s afternoon ceremony.
Features
In Every Issue
18 24 28 36 40 47 66
5 8 32 34 42 44 48 54 56 58 64 71
Spring 2017 Commencement Alumni Weekend Towers: Coming Soon Charleston Dinner White Coat Society Social Donor Appreciation Mountain Lion Honors
Alumni Happenings University News Donor Spotlight Scholarship Spotlight Legacy Family Staying Connected Beyond the Classroom Alumni Entrepreneurs Beckley Update Heritage & Horizon CU Athletics Class Notes
From the President’s Desk Welcome to the Summer 2017 issue of the Concord University Magazine. As you have come to expect, this edition of the Concord University magazine is filled with stories and photographs that will remind you of your times on "The Campus Beautiful", and restore some of the many meaningful memories you shared with classmates, faculty, and staff while studying here. If you haven’t been on campus in some time, this fall would be a wonderful time to return and reconnect with your classmates, friends, faculty and staff members. We would love to host your visit!
Since the month of June is drawing to a close and July is about to share its warmth and sunny days with us, we’ve wished numerous members of our community “Happy Vacation”, and we notice far less traffic on campus, more intense maintenance and building projects going on throughout the campus, and some very serious students who remain here to complete additional coursework during the summer session. It is definitely less crowded, yet a very exciting time to be on "The Campus Beautiful". We are eagerly anticipating the completion of the Towers Renovation project this summer, and the results of all the planning, hard work, and difficult decisions have resulted in beautifully renewed buildings that are air conditioned, have excellent I.T. capabilities, floor to ceiling tiled bathrooms and a renovated dome roof over the ancillary building that houses our Fitness and Day Care Centers. We hope you will join us September 14th when we celebrate the completion of the Towers project. You are invited to stay on campus that day to cheer on the Mountain Lions in a home football game. This renovation project is already making a big difference to those living on campus and it will provide great living experiences for our new and continuing on-campus students. It’s going to be a very exciting event and you’re invited!
This issue of our magazine also contains many stories that helped to create memories for our students, parents, and new alumni. Concord’s Spring Commencement celebrated the graduation of 365 students who fully accomplished their long-established goals of earning degrees in fields of study that inspired them. They can be expected to further develop their lives to their fullest potential in the years ahead. During Spring Commencement, Concord also awarded Honorary Doctorates to two wonderful alumni, Dr. Jean Bennett and Mr. Charles Hall, amazing alumni whose journeys from Concord to successful careers in medicine and business have distinguished them. Their generous support of the Mountain Lion Nation and its students has provided opportunity and encouragement to many West Virginia students over many years. Additional activities that are highlighted in this issue are the spring Charleston Dinner with our amazing alum, boxing champion Christy Martin, the on-campus Donor Appreciation Dinner, and the Senior Dinner that involved the participation of many community members. We hope you’ll enjoy every story. Thanks to each of you for your unique and special contributions to Concord University and for remaining connected with us.
Dr. Kendra Boggess President 4 • Summer 2017
Alumni Happenings Championship Ring Honoring 1970s Mountain Lions
CALENDAR of
events AUGUST 13 Athens-Concord Town Social 1-4 pm Concord University Front Lawn Athens, WV AUGUST 14 Fall 2017 Semester begins
In honor of the success and accomplishments of the 1974-1978 Mountain Lion football teams, Ken Ragle and Gary Foster collaborated to have a ring made to show the pride, camaraderie and commitment to one another that still exists today. The players did not receive a championship ring when they were students. Even though the members of the 1976 and 1978 championship teams initiated the project, it was a work in progress that was intended to be shared with all former and future football brothers at Concord. To purchase a ring, please follow these instructions. Call Dunham Jewelers at 915-845-1722 or tollfree at 1-866-545-1722 and ask to speak to Brenda Flores. Tell her you are calling about ordering a Concord Championship Ring. Be sure to have your ring size available and make sure it is the correct size because the ring is made from a metal called “Palisil” and cannot be sized. You can ask that the ring be made from a different type of metal that is resizable; however that is an additional cost. To check on your size, have a jeweler use the widest band they have and let them know you
AUGUST 17 Concord Night with the Princeton Rays 7 pm Hunnicutt Field Princeton, WV SEPTEMBER 7 Alumni Tailgate Concord vs. U. of Charleston Laidley Field Charleston, WV
are getting sized for a championship ring.
The cost of the ring if ordered as is: $ 135 for the Ring $ 15 to change Name & Number $ 15 for shipping $ 165 TOTAL If you want to make changes to any other portions of the ring, i.e., conference name, remove or add something, there will be an additional cost that Brenda can discuss with you. It takes approximately 6 weeks for delivery. For additional information call Ken Ragle (74-78) @ 304-610-5218.
SEPTEMBER 14 Towers Grand Re-Opening Celebration Concord University Athens, WV OCTOBER 14 Homecoming 2017 Concord University Athens, WV For details on any of these events, please contact alumni@concord.edu or 1-304-384-5348. We hope to CU soon! Summer 2017 • 5
Alumni Happenings Alum social in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina "A group of Concord alumni met in mid-April in North Myrtle Beach, SC, for a long overdue few days of laughter and reminiscing! By all accounts we achieved that goal! Although many of us had not been together in many years, we never missed a beat and picked up immediately proving that old friendships are the BEST!! Fifty some years later we can all say we've had good lives and careers thanks to Concord!" Submitted by Sue Tanis '66
(front row) Paul Kline, Fostina and Terry Byrd, Ann Pendleton Tilley, Ron Ferrigno, Cathie Patterson Roberts, Linda Lightner Brown (Back row) Bob Gallione, Sue Hopkins Tanis, Ted Shepherd, Steve Satinsky, Jean Bailey Shepherd
Concord Alums Catch Up During Charleston Alumni Event
Phi Sigma Epsilon/Phi fraternity brothers from the 1960s to the early 1980s gathered at Pipestem State Park June 2-4 for a reunion. Activities during the weekend included a Friday social, rounds of golf and a dinner and dance on Saturday night featuring remarks from CU President Kendra Boggess.
6 • Summer 2017
Alumni Happenings WV Power Game Concord alumni and friends gathered at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston, WV on Thursday, June 8 to enjoy fellowship, food and baseball action with the WV Power. Attending WV Power games has become a summertime tradition for Concordians in the Kanawha Valley. Current CU students Bailey Knowles, Kenna Knowles and Jason Weitzel take a break from watching the Power game. Concord alums Brittany Means Carowick ’12 (L) and Joe Carowick ’15 (R) catch up with fellow alum Hannah Helm ’09 (Center).
Yankee Chapter Get-Together Scheduled for Homecoming Weekend The Yankee Chapter of the Concord University Alumni Association will hold its 2017 gathering during Concord’s Homecoming festivities the weekend of October 14th. There will be a gettogether near campus on Friday and/or Saturday evening and the chapter will have a tailgate in the parking lot near Callaghan Stadium on game day. All Yankee Chapter members and friends are invited to attend the events. For details on the get-together please contact Bob Gallione ’68 at rgallione@aol.com or 201-421-6819.
Summer 2017 • 7
UNIVERSITY NEWS UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM RECEIVES MORE THAN $3 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING Concord University’s Upward Bound Program has been awarded two Federal TRIO Programs grants totaling more than $660,000 per year for five years. The funding will continue programming that provides academic skills and motivation for area high school students in their pursuit of a college degree. High school students from five southern West Virginia counties will benefit from the grants. The counties and the high schools served are: Greenbrier County – Greenbrier East High School and Greenbrier West High School; McDowell County – Mount View High School and River View High School; Mercer County – Bluefield High School, Montcalm High School, PikeView High School and Princeton Senior High School; Monroe County – James Monroe High School; and Summers County – Summers County High School. Students participating in Upward Bound receive tutorial assistance at their local high schools, attend Saturday enrichment sessions, and spend six weeks each summer in a residential college setting at Concord University where they receive instruction by certified school teachers in math, English, reading, science, foreign language, computer technology and other academic classes. Students receive assistance with financial aid, college admissions, scholarships, the ACT and SAT tests and career counseling. The program also allows students to participate in cultural trips, campus visits to in-state and out-of-state colleges and many other activities. 8 • Summer 2017
Upward Bound is one of eight outreach and student services Federal TRIO Programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO programs assist low-income, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to successfully progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. Concord currently sponsors four TRIO programs: two Upward Bound (high school), Student Support Services (current college students), and McNair Scholars (undergraduates pursuing Ph.D.’s),
and serves as the southern regional campus for the WV Higher Education Policy Commission’s GEAR UP grant. Federal TRIO Programs were established by the Higher Education Act of 1965, and amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, public or private agencies or organizations, including communitybased organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth, secondary schools, and combinations of institutions, agencies, organizations, and secondary schools.
Athens-Concord Town Social Marking 31st Year The 31st Athens-Concord Town Social will be held on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the front lawn of Concord University. The annual event is being held on Aug. 13 to coincide with the date Concord students move into the residence halls for the Fall 2017 semester. This allows students and their families, along with faculty returning to campus, the opportunity to participate. The Town Social offers the campus community, residents of Athens and guests from across the area an afternoon to socialize, enjoy live entertainment and visit craft booths, food vendors and business
and organization displays. Children’s games are also part of the fun along with recognition of campus and community service award recipients. Popular groups the Allen Smith Band and Margo and the Bluegills take the stage again this year. For general information about the Town Social contact Dr. Sarah Beasley, co-chair, at sbeasley@ concord.edu or 304-384-6298 or Sarah Turner, co-chair, at alumni@ concord.edu or 304-384-5348.
UNIVERSITY NEWS
Summer 2017 • 9
UNIVERSITY NEWS
NEW STUDENTS SELECTED FOR PROGRAM Fifteen students from Concord University and its McNair partnering institutions, Bluefield State College and West Virginia State University, were invited to participate in the McNair Scholars Program through Concord beginning in Spring 2017. These students are:
Concord University Alyssa Justice (Advertising/Graphic Design) - Ballard, WV Emily Davis (Biology) - Athens, WV Corrina Robertson (Biology) - Beckley, WV Sydney Waugh (Biology) Princeton, WV Sarah Welling (Biology) - Given, WV Tiffany Wimmer (Biology) - Bluefield, WV James Trent (English) - Logan, WV
Jeremy Wood (English) - Nimitz, WV Anneliese Fliger (Environmental Geoscience) - Oak Hill, WV Cameron McNeely (Environmental Geoscience) - Scarbro, WV Alysan Miller (Geography) Ronceverte, WV Jacob Meadows (Psychology/English) - Peterstown, WV Alyssa Harnish (Psychology/ Sociology) - Lewisburg, WV Chana Patterson (Social Work) Lerona, WV The McNair Scholars Program provides academic, social, and financial enrichment opportunities to prepare college students from disadvantaged backgrounds for graduate or professional school. Each Scholar completes a facultysupervised independent research project in a chosen field of study and a summer research internship at his/her home institution or another program-approved off-campus site.
He/she earns a research stipend of up to $2800 and credit hours in exchange for research progress. The McNair Scholars Program also sponsors visits to area graduate programs, regional/ national McNair conferences, and field-specific meetings or conferences. The McNair Scholars Program is a TRIO Program fully funded by the United States Department of Education. Concord University hosts one of two McNair Scholars Programs in West Virginia. For more information on how to become a McNair Scholar, or on the McNair Scholars program in general, please contact the McNair Office at (304) 384-6019 or kleinr@concord.edu
The 10th Annual Undergraduate Research Day and Graduate & Professional School Fair took place on Thursday, April 13 in the Ballroom of the Jerry L. and Jean Beasley Student Center. Concord’s McNair Scholars and Psychology programs are the co-hosts. This event provides a professional venue for Concord’s McNair Scholars and other undergraduates to share their research with the Concord community and guests. Both poster and paper presentations were included in the program. The day also offered students an opportunity to investigate potential graduate and professional school options. Renowned sociologist Dr. Michael Kimmel participated with a special Skype presentation during the
afternoon portion of the event. Kimmel spoke on “The Problem with Masculinity.” Kimmel is one of the world’s leading experts on men and masculinities. He is the SUNY Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at Stony Brook University. Among his many books are “Manhood in America,” “Angry White Men,” “The Politics of Manhood,” “The Gendered Society” and the best seller “Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men.” With funding from the MacArthur Foundation, he founded the Center for the Study of Men and Masculinities at Stony Brook in 2013. A tireless advocate of engaging men to support gender equality, Kimmel has lectured
at more than 300 colleges, universities and high schools. He has delivered the International Women’s Day annual lecture at the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of Europe, and has worked with the Ministers for Gender Equality of Norway, Denmark and Sweden in developing programs for boys and men. He consults widely with corporations, NGOs and public sector organizations on gender equity issues. Kimmel was recently called “the world’s most prominent male feminist” in The Guardian newspaper in London.
Bluefield State College Gibou Njie (Marketing) Bluefield, WV
ANNUAL UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY MARKS 10TH YEAR
10 • Summer 2017
UNIVERSITY NEWS
SENIOR BUSINESS STUDENTS EXCEL IN CAPSTONE SIMULATION
Dr. Jack Yeager, Associate Professor of Finance, is shown with senior business students in his Strategic Management course during an awards ceremony held in their honor.
Every semester senior business students in the Strategic Management course at Concord University participate in a competitive on-line business simulation called Capstone, provided by Capsim. The Capstone business simulation is utilized by leading business schools in the United States and around the world. Capsim assesses the performance of participants using a balanced scorecard, and reports the percentile rankings for all participants worldwide that have participated in the simulation in the last 120 days. The Strategic Management class at Concord University placed 17 out of 40 total students (42.5%) in the 90th percentile of all competitors worldwide. Ten of these students (25%) finished in the 95th percentile, and 5 (12.5%) finished in the 98th percentile worldwide. Concord hosted a brief award ceremony for these outstanding students on Thursday, April 27 in the Nick Rahall Technology Center. The students finishing in the 90th percentile or above, in order from
highest to lowest percentile are: Anna Almeida, Patrick Thompson, Steven Schiffour, Abe Bobbitt, Sydney Bryant, Mathew Lacek, Wes Myers, Bradley Jackson, Eli Flynn, Jordan Towler, Cassie McKenzie, Courtney Floyd, Sarah Shrewsbury, Kristin Lee, Brandon Fessler, Tyler Giles, and Sarah Conroy. Dr. Jack Yeager, Associate Professor of Finance, was the instructor for the class. Capstone simulates the management decision processes in a true-to-life, competitive environment. Concord requires students that are nearing graduation to participate in the simulation as part of the business program capstone course. Each Concord student assumes the role of CEO of a simulated company. They are expected to assess the situation of a simulated business vis-Ă -vis other competitor firms managed by other students and then develop a sophisticated competitive strategy to position up to eight distinct products in five market segments and deliver desired results to shareholders as reflected by a balanced scorecard.
Strategies must address decisions related to product specifications, pricing, marketing spend, sales forecasts, R&D budgeting and scheduling, production scheduling, management of direct costs and contribution margins, purchase or sale of production capacity and automation, inventory management, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable management, Human Resource investments in staffing, recruiting and training, 10 distinct Total Quality Management investments, and funding of business cash flow needs through equity and debt issuance. Students execute their strategies in competition with the strategies of other students in a simulated market over a simulated eight-year period. Some of the regional schools whose students participate in the Capstone business simulation include Marshall University, University of North Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest, Ohio State, Penn State, University of Tennessee and Virginia Commonwealth University. Some of the more notable top 100 business programs whose students participate in the Capstone business simulation include Georgia Tech, Cornell, Notre Dame, Indiana, Michigan State, California-Berkley, Elon, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin to name a few. Many of these programs only placed a team in the 90th percentile in one or two rounds, but only a handful placed teams in the 90th percentile overall across the eight rounds.
Summer 2017 • 11
UNIVERSITY NEWS
VITA PROGRAM ASSISTS AREA RESIDENTS AT TAX TIME Concord accounting students offer income tax return preparation for area residents.
Concord accounting majors prepared income tax returns for qualifying area residents again this year. This is the sixth year that Concord has served as a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program site. The VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. The VITA site at Concord also had a tax return station where individuals could use the
University’s computer and software to prepare and file their own return with the advantage of having someone they could ask if they had questions. This year 14 accounting majors prepared tax returns for community members. They studied and prepared to pass the IRS certification tests in January. Each student passed the IRS ethics test, the procedure tests and at least two different income tax regulation tests. Dr. Cynthia Khanlarian, CPA, was the official VITA site coordinator who also had to pass the IRS certifications so that she could review returns for the IRS before submission. Bonnie Brown, academic
NOTEWORTHY 2017 The 2017 issue of “Noteworthy” will be delivered to your inbox instead of your mailbox! If you do not receive regular emails from the CU Alumni Office then that means we don’t have a current email address on file for you. In order to ensure that you receive “Noteworthy” when it comes out please visit the following page of our website to update your email address with us: concord.edu/alumniupdate
12 • Summer 2017
program associate for the Division of Business, scheduled 179 appointments for the official VITA site at Concord University. Bonnie went over the requirements and documents the clients needed to bring with them to their appointments, averaging 15 minutes per call, which allowed clients to get in and out in a timely manner. The VITA program began on campus Feb. 14 and continued until April 1. The students prepared 179 tax returns at Concord University and 151 tax returns at the Commission on Aging in Princeton. A total of 330 tax returns were prepared. The average income was $21,458 and 90% of the clients were over the age of 60. Total tax refunds were $246,296 and earned income credits were $52,000. Johnathan Gunther was named the VITA Student of the Year and a reception was held for all VITA students at the President’s House. Shadow Ramsey is a senior accounting major who volunteered with the program in 2016. She said, “Last year was such an awesome opportunity, I came back.” Before volunteering this year, Jordan Towler, also a senior accounting major, said, “I’m looking forward to the experience.”
UNIVERSITY NEWS
OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS HONORS GRANT RECIPIENTS
SPONSORED PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS:
D E N T ’S
C P
FY
O
KIE
FY
16
OF T H E
• Regular recipient of Trio Programing - Upward Bound and Upward Bound Mercer, Monroe (Works to better prepare school aged students for college through standardized test prep and guidance.) - Student Support Services (Assists low socioeconomic status undergraduate students succeed in college through on campus tutoring and mentorship.) - McNair Scholars Program (Prepares undergraduate students for graduate school through research opportunities, application assistance, and campus visits.)
MVP
YE AR
I ES
U
PR
• North America’s only undergraduate electron microprobe laboratory • Provides training for foster and adoptive care parents statewide • Regular recipient of HEPC equipment grants which place current scientific equipment in our
undergraduate laboratories • Recipient of the Geographic Alliance for the State of West Virginia. Recipients in other states include: Florida State University, Ohio State University, Virginia Tech, University of Tennessee, University of Mississippi, and other large state universities • So far in fiscal year 17 there have been a total of 15 proposal submissions totaling $5,686,786 • So far in fiscal year 17 a total of 20 new awards have been received totaling $3,342,114
RO
The Office of Sponsored Programs is announcing highlights and awards for Fiscal Year 2016 (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016)
16
FY
16
Awarded to the Academic Division that has the most funding during a particular fiscal year
Awarded to a principal investigator that has submitted their first solo federal proposal
Awarded to the principal investigator that has the most funding.
SOCIAL SCIENCES
DR. STEPHEN KUEHN
DR. JOHN DAVID SMITH
9 awards totaling
1 proposal totaling
2 awards totaling
1,145,494
90,946
$
TIFIC AT E ER
1,243,855
$
Certificates are given to each principal investigator who submits a proposal and those who secure an award.
S
C
$
FY
16
Submitting Proposal: Joseph Allen, Shawn Allen, Dave Campbell, David Chambers, Nancy Ellison, Adriana Falco, Scott Inghram, Cynthia Khanlarian, Stephen Kuehn, Joseph Manzo, Tracy McCallister-Gill, Ida Mills, Anthony Patricia, Roy Ramthun, Florence Sargent, John David Smith
Grant Awards: Joseph Allen, Kathy Ball, David Chambers, Charlotte Davis, Nancy Ellison, Adriana Falco, Marjie Flanigan, Scott Inghram, Rodney Klein, Stephen Kuehn, Joseph Manzo, Terri Philpott, Roy Ramthun, Susan Robinett, Barbara Rush, John David Smith Summer 2017 • 13
UNIVERSITY NEWS
SENIOR DINNER OFFERS TIME TO CELEBRATE Graduating seniors were honored at the Senior Dinner held on April 27 in the Student Center Ballroom. The dinner, hosted by the Office of Advancement, offered a delightful evening for the soon-to-be graduates to celebrate this milestone with classmates, family members and other guests. Senior Dinners have become a popular tradition at Concord and are held at the end of each semester. “It is a fun evening where students and their guests can relax, enjoy a meal and celebrate their accomplishments,” stated Alicia Besenyei, Vice President for Advancement. “We are thrilled to be a part of this tradition that honors our newest alums.” “This is one of the biggest events, aside from commencement, on our campus. Hundreds of students and their families get together to hear from Dr. Boggess, Sarah Turner, our Alumni Director and others as they wrap up their career as a student. It is our way of demonstrating the importance of this milestone in their lives,” she said. Nearly 150 seniors and more than 100 guests attended the 2017 Spring Senior Dinner. The seniors and their guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Aramark. The evening also included door prizes for the
seniors. Following the dinner, the seniors received their caps and gowns which had been steamed by campus volunteers. Along with celebrating their upcoming commencement during the dinner, seniors learn how they can stay in contact with their alma mater following graduation. “The Senior Dinner is the perfect opportunity for Advancement staff to re-introduce ourselves to our
Dr. Boggess visits with graduating seniors at the Senior Dinner.
Please Note: In the 2016 Donor Honor Roll Cathie Roberts ’64 was inadvertently left out of the listing for the CUAA Lifetime Memberships and for the Mountain Lion Club donations. The Advancement Office apologizes for this omission. 14 • Summer 2017
graduates,” Besenyei said. “After they receive their diploma, most of the communication from Concord will come from our office. Concord is known for its family atmosphere and we want the seniors to know who they can reach out to for events, information or even networking once they leave campus.”
UNIVERSITY NEWS
Dennis Hurley '70 took Roar to Pinehurst for the Concourse d’Elegance, Pinehurst, NC
Teresa Frey '96 with Roar in a NYC Subway; Roar with the Statue of Liberty; Teresa and her daughter Megan Frey '15 at "Cats" The Musical, Broadway.
TAKE ROAR WITH YOU! Rita Minick '75 took Roar on a safari to Kruger National Park, South Africa in March 2017.
Show us where you’ve taken Roar! Find your cut out of Roar on page 79 of this magazine.
Summer 2017 • 15
UNIVERSITY NEWS
CONCORD UNIVERSITY FIRST IN WEST VIRGINIA TO JOIN PARTNERSHIP FOR A HEALTHIER AMERICA Concord University commits to deliver healthier options and promote more opportunities for physical activity to help improve the health of students, faculty and staff Concord University announced it will providing marked walking routes on and communities,” stated Concord join the Partnership for a Healthier campus, with a route map available; University President Kendra America (PHA), which works with encouraging student physical Boggess. the private sector and PHA honorary activity through facilities and Earlier this year Concord chair Former First Lady Michelle programs; providing an on-campus participated in the White House Obama to make healthier choices option for students who may be Healthy Campus Challenge and easier. The threewas selected as one of year commitment sixty higher education will positively impact institutions of the 350 over 2000 students in participating campuses addition to faculty and to visit the White House staff on the Concord and receive recognition University campus. as a White House Healthy Concord University Campus. It was through signs on as a part this honor that Concord of PHA’s Healthier pursued participation Campus Initiative, with the PHA’s Healthier which includes over Campus Initiative. 50 colleges and “Colleges and universities, collectively universities are in a impacting more than unique position to 1.2 million students, help shape tomorrow’s faculty and staff across leaders, no matter the United States. where their education Over the next takes them,” said PHA three years Concord CEO Lawrence A. Soler. University has agreed “We know that going to implement 23 to college is a time of guidelines centering change for many students on improving food – we also know that Dr. Jill Nolan (second from the right), Assistant Professor of Health Education, and nutrition options, means it’s a time when represented Concord University at the PHA Summit where new campus partners were recognized. including on-campus new habits are formed. dining venues and By creating healthier food promoting water consumption as food insecure; and accommodating and physical activity environments a drink option; promoting physical breastfeeding mothers on campus. today, campuses and universities are activity and movement; and “With West Virginia leading the encouraging healthier habits that providing wellness programming. nation in many negative health will carry over into tomorrow.” Examples of the guidelines include: indicators, we think its important For more information on PHA’s offering at least five types of fruits, to include health and wellness as Healthier Campus Initiative, visit five types of vegetables, and two part of the educational experience www.ahealthieramerica.org/ 100% whole grain products at for the Concord community. The campuses lunch and dinner; listing calories Partnership for a Healthier America of food and beverage items or allows us to demonstrate Concord’s using a “healthy icon” to designate commitment to improving the healthier food and beverage options; lives of our students, faculty, staff,
16 • Summer 2017
UNIVERSITY NEWS
Become Become a FRIEND a FRIEND of of thethe J. Franklin J. Franklin Marsh Marsh Library Library at at Concord Concord University! University! The The Joseph Joseph F. Marsh F. Marsh Library Library formally formally opened opened onon November November 29,29, 1941. 1941. The The library library hashas grown grown to to over over 157,087 157,087 volumes volumes today, today, which which include include books, books, microfiche, microfiche, magazines magazines and and bound bound periodicals. periodicals. The The library library hashas been been and and continues continues to to bebe a vital a vital part part of of thethe educational educational program program of of Concord Concord University. University. “Friends” “Friends” areare comprised comprised of of members members who who recognize recognize thethe value value of of a quality a quality library library and and want want to to support support and and enrich enrich thethe services services provided. provided. Becoming Becoming a Friend a Friend is aisterrific a terrific way way to to bebe involved involved in your in your community community and and to to help help promote promote a love a love of of reading reading and and learning. learning. Your Your annual annual giftgift helps helps us us • Expand • Expand access access to to online online databases databases and and journals journals • Improve • Improve library library technology technology and and build build forfor thethe future future • Purchase • Purchase rare rare items items forfor special special collections collections • Sponsor • Sponsor readings readings and and lectures lectures forfor thethe benefit benefit of of thethe University University as as well well as as thethe area area communities communities You You cancan become become a ”Friend a ”Friend of of thethe Library” Library” byby sending sending your your annual annual contribution contribution to:to: Concord Concord University University Foundation, Foundation, Inc. Inc. Friends Friends of of thethe Library Library Fund Fund POPO Box Box 1405 1405 Athens, Athens, WVWV 24712 24712 OrOr byby calling calling 304-384-6266 304-384-6266
Summer Spring 2017 •• 17 14
18 • Summer 2017
CHILLY MAY DAY greeted candidates for graduation and their families and guests as they gathered for Concord University’s 142nd Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 6. Ceremonies were held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Carter Center main gym. The brisk weather couldn’t dampen the excitement, however, as those assembled marked the milestone of completing a college degree. “This is a time to enjoy recognizing the accomplishments of each of you,” President Kendra Boggess said in her remarks. “And, it’s an exciting time. It’s a time to celebrate.” Dr. Boggess noted that the Spring 2017 class contained 365 members. “One per day of the year,” she said. Included in that total, she said, were 70 graduate candidates and 295 undergraduate candidates. 8 veterans were members of the class and 83 individuals graduated with honors. Along with West Virginia, states represented in the Spring 2017 class included Alabama, Alaska, California, Indiana,
Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. International students representing Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia, Thailand and the United Kingdom were also among the group. Candidates for graduation participated in a ceremony based on their fields of study. The morning ceremony included candidates for Master of Education and Master of Arts in Teaching and undergraduates from the divisions of Business, Education and Fine Arts. Participating in the afternoon ceremony were candidates for Master of Social Work and Master of Health Promotion and undergraduates from the divisions of Humanities, Science, Mathematics & Health, and Social Sciences along with undergraduates in Interdisciplinary Studies and the Regents Bachelor of Arts program. The Spring 2017 Class had four valedictorians: Joshua Loren Burks, Bachelor of Science in Computer Summer 2017 • 19
142nd Spring Commencement
Information Systems, summa cum laude, St. Albans, W.Va.; Madison Nicole Crank, Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, Henderson, W.Va.; Hibiki Itagaki, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management, summa cum laude, Tokyo, Japan; and, Brian Gregory Lusk, Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, Corinne, W.Va. The valedictorians were recognized during the afternoon ceremony. In her valedictory remarks, Crank offered words of advice to her classmates to guide them in their futures.
20 • Summer 2017
“Do what makes you happy and do it well. For me, that’s attending medical school and returning to my hometown to practice medicine as an internist. Regardless of what you do, don’t let others dictate your life,” she said. “Also, never take friends and family for granted. Be grateful and kind towards everyone, especially the least powerful people,” she continued. “Take time for yourself, but work hard and don’t be lazy. “Lastly, be humble and intentional in everything you do
and find your greater purpose in life,” she said. Two Concord graduates received honorary degrees during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Jean Lester Bennett and Charles L. Hall both received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities, honoris causa. Bennett graduated from Concord in 1956 and went on to pursue a medical degree at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She graduated in 1960 as the first female to graduate from the medical school. Her career as a highly respected
142nd Spring Commencement
pediatrician in Florida spanned more than 40 years. After graduating from Concord in 1962, Hall attended the University of Maryland School of Law and rose to top level management with Travelers Insurance Companies and The Royal Insurance Group. He currently serves as owner/ CEO/Chairman of ACH of America, LLC and seven related financial service entities, headquartered near Orlando, Fla. A posthumous degree was awarded to Lt. Dana C. White in the morning ceremony. White attended
Concord before he served as a B-17 pilot during World War II. In 1944 he was shot down over Germany. He heroically helped the enlisted men in the airplane to safety before he perished. Ms. Donna Musick, White’s niece, accepted the degree on behalf of the family. Greetings from the Board of Governors were delivered by Elliot Hicks, chair of the Board of Governors. Dr. Joseph Allen, faculty president, offered greetings on behalf of the faculty. Greetings from the Alumni Association were brought by Adam Wolfe, president
of the Alumni Association. Ronni Wood, president of the Student Government Association, delivered greetings from the Student Government Association. The Concord University Band and the ConChords provided musical selections prior to and during both ceremonies. A reception was held in the Carter Center small gym following the morning and afternoon programs.
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142nd Spring Commencement
22 • Summer 2017
142nd Spring Commencement
HONORARY DOCTORATES Two honorary degrees were presented during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Jean Lester Bennett and Charles L. Hall were both awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities, honoris causa.
Jean Lester Bennett’s dream to become a doctor began early in her life and she set her mind and heart on fulfilling her childhood aspirations. In high school her nickname was “Doc” and as a college student at Concord, some of her professors called her by this name. Bennett is a native of Baileysville, W.Va. and was the valedictorian of her class at Baileysville High School. She continued to achieve academic excellence at Concord where she was a scholarship recipient, member of the Cardinal Key Honor Society and Who’s Who inductee. She taught biology laboratory courses as a senior and received the physics award at graduation. In 1956, she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry, magna cum laude, from Concord. Bennett went on to pursue a medical degree at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She graduated in 1960 as the first female to graduate from the medical school. She completed her post-graduate training at Shand’s Hospital and Georgia Baptist Hospital.
A pioneer among female medical students and physicians, Bennett had a successful pediatrics practice in Clearwater, Fla. Her career in medicine spanned more than 40 years and she is highly respected and admired by her colleagues and patients alike. Affectionately known as “Dr. Jean,” she saw generations of Floridians in her Myrtle Avenue Pediatrics Clinic before retiring in 2003. Throughout her distinguished career, Bennett has held a number of leadership positions, earned a list of honors, and gained the respect of her colleagues. Concord’s Alumni Association named her the Outstanding Alumna in 1988 and she a member of the University’s new White Coat Society.
Charles L. Hall has achieved exceptional prominence and respect in his career and has established an outstanding record of generosity and giving. A native West Virginian, Hall earned his bachelor’s degree from Concord in 1962. He furthered his education at the University of Maryland School of Law.
In his career pursuits he rose to top level management with Travelers Insurance Companies and The Royal Insurance Group. He expanded into the sphere of business ownership and leadership in his noteworthy career and currently serves as owner/CEO/ Chairman of ACH of America, LLC and seven related financial service entities. Headquartered near Orlando, Fla., ACH of America provides personnel administrative outsourcing services. The business operates nationally and serves hundreds of clients with a target market in the educational/ institutional arena. Hall is a published author and motivational speaker. His kind and generous spirit is evidenced in his work as an animal rights advocate with the Friends of Lucky Chucky Valentine. Along with his wife, Connie, he started this nonprofit organization in memory of their beloved Pomeranian. He has beautifully shared this special pet’s story in his book “The Life and Legend of Lucky Chucky Valentine.” Extending his philanthropy to education, Hall founded scholarship funds to assist individuals pursing college degrees. The Paris Hudnall Scholarship Fund offers support for West Virginia students and The Ruth and Russel Hall Scholarship Fund, established in honor of his parents, assists Concord University students. Hall chose to remember his parents with the scholarship for passing along to him, their beliefs in faith, family, education, and a strong work ethic. Summer 2017 • 23
142nd Spring Commencement
VALEDICTORIANS Receiving their bachelor’s degrees is just the beginning for the four valedictorians of CU’s Spring 2017 Class. This quartet of exceptional summa cum laude graduates has sights set on career opportunities and further educational pursuits.
HIBIKI ITAGAKI
MADISON CRANK
JOSHUA BURKS
BRIAN LUSK
International student Hibiki Itagaki of Tokyo, Japan received a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management degree. “I’m really honored to be a valedictorian for the Class of 2017, and I just can’t believe what I achieved because there are a lot of talented and successful students at Concord University,” Itagaki said. “I always told myself that I came here from Japan to learn as many things as I could, so I really studied hard to learn new things. It was actually challenging for me to get As for all classes because English is not my first language,” he said. “Now, I feel all of my efforts at Concord University paid off and being a valedictorian is the proof of all of my hard work.” Itagaki is returning to Japan where he is pursuing a career tied to recreation and tourism, specifically in the areas of outdoor gear and fishing and cycling equipment.
Madison Nicole Crank has aspirations of becoming a physician and returning to her hometown, Henderson, W.Va., to practice medicine as an internist. Majoring in Biology (Pre-professional), Crank received a Bachelor of Science degree. She is taking the next step toward her goal by attending the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in Huntington, W.Va. this fall. “I want to say how grateful I am to have had the privilege of attending Concord University, as, over the past four years, I have met many wonderful people who have been such a blessing to me. I am so thankful for them,” she said. “I never expected to be selected as a valedictorian, so achieving this honor and having the opportunity to speak on behalf of my class is so humbling,” Crank continued.
St. Albans, W.Va. resident Joshua Loren Burks is putting his Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems degree to work now as he has secured a job at BrickStreet Insurance as a computer programmer. He minored in business administration and entrepreneurship at Concord. “Being valedictorian is a great honor and I am proud to hold this title and represent my school and my family,” Burks said. “Since my freshman year, my goal wasn’t to be valedictorian but to learn as much as possible here at Concord. I believe this honor is a reflection of my value in education.”
Brian Gregory Lusk of Corinne, W.Va., majored in Chemistry (Preprofessional) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. “Being a valedictorian is an amazing honor, especially to come from a school as difficult as Concord University. There are a lot of very intelligent students here, and it makes me very proud to know that I did the best that I could to succeed in my classes,” he said. Lusk is attending the West Virginia University School of Dentistry this fall to pursue a career as a dentist. “Also, I am currently applying for the HSPS program through the United States Air Force, which will allow me to work for the Air Force as a dentist. I plan on using this opportunity to work several years for the Air Force and, through them, possibly continue my education and specialize later in life,” he said.
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oncord University celebrated Alumni Weekend April 21-23, 2017. A number of activities were held on the Athens campus for the University’s alumni and friends along with all members of the Concord community. “Alumni Weekend is a special time because it gives us the opportunity to highlight some of the great things happening on campus to our alums,” said Sarah Turner, Alumni Director. “It also gives alums another reason to return to ‘The Campus Beautiful’ during the spring to reconnect with fellow alums and other members of the CU community.” Festivities got underway on Friday, April 21 with the President’s Reception at the President’s House. Later that evening, the annual Greek Sing Competition took place in the Carter Center Main Gym. Activities on Saturday, April 22 included campus tours conducted by students, the Spring Football Game, a CU Theatre Department production and several Concord University Alumni Association (CUAA) events.
The Mountain Lions took to the field with a noon kickoff at Callaghan Stadium. Prior to the game, an Alumni Tailgate was held outside of the stadium. (For a review of the game, see page 64.) “Terror Under the Tent,” an audience participation murder mystery written by Concord students, was performed by the Theatre Department in the Fine Arts Center’s H. C. Paul Theatre. The Spring Meeting of the CUAA was held in the Wilkes Family Chapel in University Point. The CUAA’s Spring Reception and Banquet took place in the Student Center Ballroom. The CUAA presented four awards during the banquet to alumni for outstanding achievements and service. Awards presented include: Alumnus of the Year, Rose Kessinger ’68; Outstanding Alumnus, John Dougherty ’75; Golden Alumnus, Tom Giffen ’67 and Linda Poff ’76; and Young Alumnus, Brittany Keys Anderson ’10 and Andrea Meador Lannom ’10. To learn more about the honorees, see pages 26, 27 and 60-63 Summer 2017 • 25
ALUMNI WEEKEND
'75
John Dougherty
OUTSTANDING
ALUMNUS
he Outstanding Alumnus award Dougherty has taught at the University of is given each year to a Concord North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of alum who has made outstanding Psychiatry in Chapel Hill; East Carolina University; accomplishments in his or her Virginia Tech; Minot State University; and Point professional and civic life. The Loma Nazarene College. honoree for 2017, Dr. John Dougherty, As a visiting professor in Sweden, his duties has extensive career achievements included program and staff development for and made exemplary contributions to the fields of selected autism programs in Sweden, Germany, medicine and education. Denmark, Norway, Iceland and England. His Dougherty is recognized as an expert in the international work has also included presentations field of autism. Of special note is in Japan. his work as Clinical Director for Dougherty has held several "Concord the University of North Carolina’s positions with the Counseling provided a world renowned TEACCH program. and Life Skills Center with Mental In addition to directing a clinic foundation for Health Services of the Roanoke that provided diagnostic and Valley and the Center for Human many pivotal supportive services to autistic Development, both of Roanoke, trajectories clients, their families and other Virginia. He is a member of agencies in 30 counties in eastern whose force has the American Psychological North Carolina, he developed and continued in my Association and the Autism Society conducted training models for life since 1975." of North Carolina. teachers and agencies in several The Eastern Area Health states and European countries. Education Center honored him for He continues to be sought after as a clinician and Outstanding Service. Dougherty also received the consultant since his retirement after 30 years of Executive Director’s Award from Mental Health service to the state of North Carolina. Services of Roanoke Valley. A native of Philadelphia, he majored in He has written and been published extensively psychology and sociology at Concord and graduated across a range of publications; presented at a with honors in both subjects when he received his number of seminars and conferences; and served bachelor’s degree in 1975. He went on to earn a on a variety of professional committees. master’s degree in clinical psychology from Radford He and his wife, Christine, live in Washington, University and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family N.C. Therapy from Virginia Tech.
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ALUMNI WEEKEND
'68
Rose Kessinger ALUMNUS
OF
THE
YEAR
he Alumnus of the Year award is Assistant Director in the Office of Technical and presented annually to a member of Secondary Program Improvement with the West the CUAA who has contributed his or Virginia Department of Education. her time and/or talents to Concord Her volunteer work and community involvement and to the Alumni Association. are notable. She is Past President and current This year’s honoree, Rose Kessinger, Secretary of the Princeton Delphians; Historian is truly a fine example of what this award recipient of Alpha Delta Kappa; and Secretary/Treasurer should be with her outstanding professional and of the Those Who Served War Museum located in community contributions. Add to these her faithful Princeton. Additionally, she was a member of the service and leadership on behalf Tucker County Rotary Club and Past of the Concord University Alumni Worthy Matron of Athens Chapter "I am grateful No. 33, Order of the Eastern Star. Association and her fellow alums to Concord and she is even more deserving. Kessinger is Immediate Past Kessinger is a 1965 honor President of the Concord University for the graduate of Athens High School. Alumni Association; a member opportunities In 1968, she earned her bachelor’s of the CUAA Alumni Council; a my degree gave Lifetime member of the Alumni degree in Secondary Education from Concord. Her teaching to me and know Association; and a member of the fields were Mathematics and that this legacy Pine Trees Chapter. Social Studies. She received a As an active member of Athens continues master’s degree in Counseling and Baptist Church, she is a Sunday for future Rehabilitation and a Certification school teacher, deacon, church in Administration from Marshall clerk, pianist and choir director. generations." University. Now retired, she and her husband, Her career as an educator Michael, live in Princeton, W.Va. includes work as a classroom teacher and an administrator in both West Virginia and Virginia. She has taught math and social studies and served as a guidance counselor and assistant principal on the high school level. Tucker County High School benefited from her service as principal. Kessinger worked as Coordinator and later Summer 2017 • 27
TOWERS: COMING SOON
AS THE RENOVATION ON NORTH AND SOUTH TOWERS NEARS COMPLETION, EXCITEMENT IS GROWING ON THE CONCORD UNIVERSITY CAMPUS FOR THE SEPTEMBER GRAND RE-OPENING CELEBRATION. 28 • Summer 2017
TOWERS: COMING SOON
Summer 2017 • 29
TOWERS: COMING SOON
F
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or students living on campus, staying in a residence hall is a big part of the college experience. The newly renovated North and South Towers offer an exciting opportunity in residence hall life for Concord students. The more than $16 million in extensive renovations to the Towers residence halls is nearing completion with a Grand Re-Opening Celebration planned in September. South Towers Resident Director Eric Jewell has been taking parents on tours of the renovated residence hall rooms. He said that when they walk into a room, they say, ‘Wow! This is really nice.’” “They generally seem excited about it,” he said. Jewell is also hearing positive comments from students. “They really like the new bathrooms and are really happy about the air conditioning,” he said. Khalilah Workfield is the resident director for North Towers. She said that alumni returning to campus for a visit are impressed with the changes to the exterior of the residence halls. “They compliment the buildings. They like the windows,” she said. “It’s a huge difference for them. The new carpeting, foyer sinks and enhanced internet connection capabilities are receiving high marks from the students, Workfield said. Consisting of 173,500 square feet, the Towers were constructed in 1968. The project to renovate the facilities was kicked off in a ceremony on April 22, 2016 in conjunction with Concord’s Founders’ Day Festival. All rooms and public spaces in North Tower were completely renovated by student check-in day for second semester on Jan. 8, 2017. Project work on the top four floors of South Tower, west side, began Jan. 2, 2017 in anticipation of the residence hall being fully occupied upon the students’ return from summer break in August 2017. “Concord University is excited to provide 333 newly renovated student rooms for official opening this fall. The building occupancy will be set at 658,” stated Rick Dillon, Vice President of Administration and Associate Dean of Students. “The Towers renovation and construction project began in earnest in April 2016, and will
"Several rooms have been modified to meet current ADA law which will allow us to house more disabled students in a quality setting suited to their particular disability." successfully conclude this September 2017,” Dillon said. “All student rooms are, or will be completely renovated by Aug. 5, 2017 and occupancy ready for fall check-in.” Dillon explained the renovations that have been made to the buildings. “Each complex roof has been replaced including the fitness center. The original exterior building walls have been removed and replaced by an Exterior Insulation and Finish System
TOWERS: COMING SOON
(EFIS). All Towers complex historic windows have been replaced with double pane and insulated windows,” he said. “Room heating devices have been upgraded to packaged thermal air conditioning units (PTACs),” he added. “Each student suite has an entirely new bathroom and foyer sink. Every student room has received new carpet and laminate wood floors and every room has been painted.” “All residents will be made more comfortable in their new surroundings and impressed by up to date technology systems added as part of the overall upgrades,” Dillon said. “Now each student can access the internet by direct or wireless high speed connection.” Along with renovations to the student rooms and the exterior of the buildings, other items are part of the project. “In addition to residence hall room and exterior envelope enhancement, a large backup generator has been added to bring light and
North & South Towers during original construction in 1968.
heat whenever an emergency shuts off power to the campus. Carbon monoxide detectors have been integrated into the existing smoke and heat detector systems as required by new West Virginia law,” Dillon said. “Several rooms have been modified to meet current ADA law which will allow us to house more disabled students in a quality setting suited to their particular disability,” he said. Silling Associates, based in Charleston, W.Va., is the architectural firm for the renovation project. The general contractor is Paramount Builders located in St. Albans, W.Va. The Grand Re-Opening Celebration for the renovated North and South Towers residence halls will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. A schedule of events for the celebration will be posted on Concord’s website at www.concord.edu
Summer 2017 • 31
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
ALLARDS SUPPORT CONCORD Students with Generous Gifts
An
appreciation for music and for the work of Arthur and Gladys Smith Mrs. Hildred and Judge David Allard Concord prompted a friend of the Pre-Med Scholarship University to contribute to the Concord honors her mother’s career in medicine and is in University Foundation through several of during her parents. n appreciation for music and for the work memory in Hinton the 1930s and 1940s. The Arthur and means of giving. As a musician herself, Hildred ishonors eager to of Concord prompted a friend of the Gladys Smith Pre-Med Scholarship her mother’s Mrs. Hildred Allard, along with her help Concord’s music students through her University to contribute to the Concord career in medicine and is in memory of her parents. husband, through Judge David Allard, and endowments. She isisa eager pianisttoand University Foundation several meanshave of giving. scholarships As a musician herself, Hildred help established two scholarships endowment performing early in through her life.her Growing up, sheand Mrs. Hildred Allard, along and withan her husband, Judge began Concord’s music students scholarships and set up three annuities. Music benefit the pianoShe on is thea radio television David Allard, have established twostudents scholarships and an played endowments. pianistand andonbegan performing from the Hildred Smith Music Scholarship and with her uncle who was an evangelist. endowment and set up three annuities. Music students early in her life. Growing up, she played the piano on thebenefit Hildred Smith-Allard The and the Herradio musical carriedwith intoher adulthood with from the HildredMusic Smith Endowment. Music Scholarship and talent on television uncle who was an Arthur and Gladys Smith Pre-Med Scholarship also her serving as an organist and choir director for the Hildred Smith-Allard Music Endowment. The Arthur evangelist. assists Concord students. church in Marmet, W.Va. during the and Gladys Smith Pre-Med Scholarship also assists a Methodist Her musical talent carried into adulthood with her Hildred was born in Athens and grew up and 1960s. Concord students. serving as an organist and choir director for a Methodist attended highwas school in in Hinton in She also contributed Hildred born Athens church in Marmet, W.Va. her during the Summers County. The university musical talents as a pianist to and grew up and attended high 1960s. located herHinton birthplace became activities incontributed the state capital schoolinin in Summers She also her musical a special place for her and the when she worked County. The university located in talents as a pianistintothe activities in recipient of her generosity. Governor’s Office in Charleston, her birthplace became a special the state capital when she worked in “She wanted to do something W.Va. “The governors place for her and the recipient of the Governor’s Office inalways Charleston, to her help people in West Virginia,” had play thealways piano had generosity. W.Va.somebody “The governors Judge Allard said. for them at Christmas,” Judge “She wanted to do something somebody play the piano for them at Mrs. Allard spoke at the Allard said.Judge Allard said. to help people in West Virginia,” Christmas,” Concord University Foundation’s Serving thestaff staffofofthree threeWest Judge Allard said. Serving ononthe Donor Appreciation Dinner in West Virginia governors, Mrs. Allard spoke at the Virginia governors, Hildred continued 2008. During her remarks, she Hildred continued her career Concord University Foundation’s her career in government when she said that President Jerry Beasley in government when she Donor Appreciation Dinner in relocated to Washington, D.C. to work and FirstDuring Lady Jean relocated to Washington, D.C. to 2008. her Beasley, remarks, she on the national level. fellow Hinton natives, had work on the national level. said that President Jerry Beasley In 1967, Hildred worked for the inspired her andJean herBeasley, husband to In 1967,Commerce Hildred worked and First Lady fellow Interstate Commission give to Concord. for the Interstate Commerce Hinton natives, had inspired under Commissioner Virginia Mae “With Commission under her andtheir her outstanding husband to give to Brown. Serving as Commissioner education and credentials, they Commissioner Mae Concord. Brown’s Chief ofVirginia Staff was a young could have had any choice of positions, but they Brown. Serving as Commissioner Brown’s Chief of “With their outstanding education and credentials, gentleman named David Allard. chose Athens and Concord College,” she said. Staff was a young gentleman named David Allard. they could have had any choice of positions, but they “We worked together for about a year,” he said. David “What positiveand difference have she made in “What a would “We worked foradministrative about a year,”law he judge. said. chosea Athens Concord you College,” said. go on totogether serve as an southern West Virginia.” David would go on to serve as an administrative positive difference you have made in southern West In 2003, decades after having worked together, Hildred’s judge.and David would marry. Now retired, they live Virginia.” father passed away when she was only law Hildred eight months old. Her mother was a nurse for a In 2003,Ga. decades after having worked together, Hildred’s father passed away when she was only in Evans, doctor in Hinton during the 1930s and 1940s. The Hildred and David would marry. Now retired, they eight months old. Her mother was a nurse for a doctor
"The university located in her birthplace became a special place for her and the recipient of her generosity."
32 • Summer 2017
Summer Spring 2017 •• 33 30
GIFT FROM ESTATE OF JAMES EARL STEORTS '54
Helping fund Pathways Scholarship
34 • Summer 2017
generous donation from the estate of James Earl Steorts is helping fund the Pathways Scholarship for Concord University students. This scholarship has been made possible with a five-year challenge grant from the Maier Foundation in Charleston, W.Va. The Maier Foundation is a private, non-profit, charitable corporation for the furtherance of higher education in the state of West Virginia. With the challenge in place, the Concord University Foundation and the Concord Office of Advancement are partnering with donors to secure the 2:1 matching funds needed to meet the challenge. Established in 2016, the Pathways Scholarship was first awarded to CU students for the 2016 – 2017 academic year. The scholarship is geared towards retention efforts with the goal of helping Concord students finish their degree programs. Mr. Steorts was a firm believer in giving back to the community and helping support local youth to be able to attend college. Mrs. Rebecca Frances Steorts said her late husband, who graduated from Concord, left a bequest in his estate for scholarship support for Concord students. “He loved Concord College,” she said. She said the donation is in honor of his grandfather, James Cecil Carter, who cultivated his passion for
SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Mr. James Earl Steorts at his family's lake home. PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA STEORTS.
textiles and design that led to a successful career. Mr. Carter was the founder of the Stag Clothing Company in Princeton, W.Va. and Jim apprenticed there at the age of eleven. “His grandfather was very significant in his life,” Mrs. Steorts said. “He gave the credit for his success to his grandfather for the training he received in the Stag Clothing Company and that led to his purchase of Nelson’s Ladies Shop in Princeton and the Town `n Tweed Shop in Bluefield, W.Va.” “The experience with his grandfather made him [who he is] as a person,” she said. James Earl Steorts was born in Mullens, W.Va., and was the son of the late Elizabeth Carter Steorts and James Earl Steorts, Sr. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1950 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Concord College in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. Following his military service, he obtained a Master of Arts degree in retailing from the University of Pittsburgh in June 1958. After receiving this degree, he worked as a sales assistant at Brooks Brothers in Washington D.C. Following this, he was a buyer and merchandise manager at Woodward & Lothrop (Woodies) in Washington D.C. as well as the Haynes Department Store in Newark, N.J. He then moved back to Washington, D.C., where he had a successful career as a buyer, merchandise manager, and one of the Vice Presidents of Garfinckel’s, bringing in lines such as Oscar de la Renta, among others. In 1976, Mr. Steorts moved to Princeton and bought Nelson’s Ladies Shop, later also buying the Town `n Tweed Shop. He served as the president of both companies for nearly 30 years, until his retirement in 2005. Mr. Steorts had a reputation for selecting outstanding styles for his customers and people came from all over the state to purchase merchandise from his buying trips throughout the east coast and Europe. Mrs. Steorts said that when her husband passed away, she estimates she received 75 or so notes of condolence from customers who liked to shop in his businesses. “They thanked him for bringing fine clothing to southern West Virginia for ladies,” she recalled. Mr. Steorts was a member of the Sales Executive
Club, the downtown Merchants Association and the Concord College President’s Club and served as President of the Credit Bureau of Mercer County. He was an active board member for the Community Foundation of the Virginias and through the organization, he and his wife created the James and Rebecca Steorts Scholarship Fund. The scholarship, for graduating seniors from high schools in Mercer and McDowell Counties in West Virginia and Tazewell County, Virginia, is for students that plan to attend Concord University with preference given to students majoring in business. An avid sports enthusiast, Mr. Steorts loved the Washington Redskins football team, the Saint Louis Cardinals baseball team, and he seldom missed a Bluefield Blue Jays (former Orioles) baseball game, where he loved chatting with friends at Bowen Field. The joys of his life were daughters Deborah and Rebecca, and grandson Madison. Jim spent much of his free time in York, S.C. at his family retirement home, where he enjoyed spending time with his family, boating and grilling, the serenity of the lake, and bird watching. In addition, he was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church, where for a decade he volunteered for the food pantry, dedicated to feeding the hungry, providing heating vouchers, and special gifts. Mr. Steorts passed away on Sept. 15, 2016. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their daughter Rebecca Carter Steorts; his daughter and grandson, Deborah Joan Steorts and Madison Carter Steorts; three stepsons, John Williams, Frederick Williams, and Timothy Williams; a sister, Cecilia Lewis; two brothers, Ronald Steorts and David Steorts; one aunt, Sonja Carter; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. For additional information on the Pathways Scholarship, please contact Alicia Besenyei, VP for Advancement at abesenyei@concord.edu or 304384-6313.
"Mr. Steorts was a firm believer in giving back to the community and helping support local youth to be able to attend college."
Summer 2017 • 35
2017 CONCORD UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
CHARLESTON DINNER
ormer world champion boxer and Concord alum Christy Salters Martin served as the keynote speaker for the Concord University Foundation Charleston Dinner. A major fundraiser for the Foundation, the dinner was held on April 4 at the Charleston (W.Va.) Marriott Town Center. Proceeds from the event will be used to help fund scholarships and other campus projects.
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CHARLESTON DINNER
"EDUCATION IS SOMETHING NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE AWAY FROM YOU."
Salters graduated from Concord in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. She got her introduction to competitive boxing by entering and winning a local Toughwoman contest. In the professional arena she rose to worldwide success, fame and prominence, elevating the sport of boxing for women to a new level. Her time in the ring and in the spotlight generated a list of national television appearances and landed her on the cover of Sports Illustrated in April 1996. She was also the first female inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. According to Alicia Besenyei, Vice President for Advancement at Concord University, “Salters' story is about overcoming fear, abuse, and even addiction, and
how her education provided her the means of surviving those advertsities. Education is something no one can ever take away from you and that’s pretty powerful. We are honored to have her share her story and her message about the importance of education.” Sponsors for the Charleston Dinner included The Gregory and Lorraine Allen Foundation, Appalachian Eye Care, Arnett Carbis Toothman, Ed Bailey, BB&T, BrickStreet Foundation, Inc., Champion Industries, Huntington Bank, Dr. Brad Lane, Andrew Paterno, R.T. “Ted” and Susan Rogers, Silling Associates, Inc., and United Bank, Inc.
Summer 2017 • 37
CHARLESTON DINNER
CHRISTY'S STORY
BY ANASTASIIA VOROBEVA CONDENSED FROM THE PRINCETON TIMES REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION "He would kill me, but I am already dead,” thought Christy Salters Martin, an outstanding boxer, when she was considering leaving her abusive husband, James “Jim” Martin, after more than 20 years of marriage. And he, indeed, tried. April 4, Salters spoke at Concord University’s Foundation Charleston Dinner in a crowded room in the Marriott Hotel. A coalminer’s daughter, Salters never thought she would become a famous boxer. She played basketball at Concord while earning her bachelor’s degree in education and fought for the highest A in her classes. Salters drew attention after winning a local Toughwoman
contest, and in 1989, she was invited to fight Angela Buchanan. “I can tell my kids I did a professional boxing match,” thought Salters, when she agreed to the fight, which ended in a draw. When she was offered a rematch, she thought, “It is gonna make a better story if I do a rematch.” This time, she won. That was the start of her career. As a result, she was connected with a trainer, Jim Martin, who tried to scare her off at first but later saw her talent and convinced Salters, who was 24 years his junior, to marry him. “He knew I could make him a lot of money,” Salters told the CU supporters in her address. “He told me his job was to make me the greatest female fighter of all time and make him lots of money. Again, it was about what I was going to do for him.” Salters’ career developed fast. After moving to
"WHILE I WAS WINNING IN THE RING, I WAS LOSING MY PERSONAL LIFE BATTLE. I TRULY MADE A DEAL WITH A DEVIL." Florida with her husband, she became the first woman to sign with Don King, one of the most prominent boxing promoters. He has worked with such famous boxers as Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. “From that point on, really, it was a history,” Salters said. “I fought on the undercard of boxers Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, lots and lots of legends. I was even so honored to get to fight in Madison Square Garden, which is definitely the Mecca of boxing, but also the Mecca of sports, if you ask me.” Salters’ professional career was incredibly successful. “I had things that no one could ever imagine, male or female,” Salters said. She had 49 wins, 7 losses, 3 draws, and 31 wins with a knockout. She made the cover of Sports Illustrated, appeared in episodes of “Roseanne,” “Good Morning America,” “The Late Show with David Letterman", “60 Minutes,” and more. “While I was winning in the ring, I was losing my personal life battle. I truly made a deal with a devil,” said Salters. Her marriage was a “marriage of control.” Jim Martin followed his wife everywhere,
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making sure that all her contacts with the outside world went through him. “He broke my spirit and convinced [me that I was] no one without him. He convinced me even that my family disliked, hated me,” said Salters. “On the outside, I am sure everybody thought ‘Oh, Christy Martin, she is on top of the world, everything is good.’ But on the inside I was dying.” Salters said that every time she tried to break out of Martin’s control, he crafted new strategies to limit her freedom. She didn’t feel safe leaving Martin, as he always promised to kill her if she did. Yet, she decided to take whatever he would do or say in order to break free. She had no idea he would actually try to kill her. Nov. 23, 2010, after she returned to her home from traveling alone, she didn’t pay attention to Jim sharpening a knife, as “he did it all the time.” Nervous, Salters decided to go for a run, and Martin blocked her way. “All of a sudden…bam, bam, bam. He hit me three times on the side, and the fourth time to my breast. Blood spread everywhere. I realized he didn’t just hit me,” said Salters. Martin left her bleeding while she was praying to God to save her life. Later, Martin returned to fire a point-blank shot at her with a gun. Somehow, Salters managed to escape and flag a ride to the hospital. Jim
Martin was arrested and imprisoned for attempted murder. Christy returned to the ring fewer than 200 days
"BLOOD SPREAD EVERYWHERE. I REALIZED HE DIDN'T JUST HIT ME." after the attack. In 2011, Christy lost to Dakota Stone when she broke her hand in nine places after punching Stone in the face. During the operation to repair the damage, she suffered a stroke. As a result, she had to quit boxing. Her Concord education degree was the tool Salters used to battle her depression in the wake of the injuries inflicted by her ex-husband, her opponent in the ring and the stroke. Now, Salters serves the community as a substitute teacher. Most of her students have no idea who she is, as she changed her surname back to Salters after she survived the attempt on her life.
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WHITE COAT SOCIETY INAUGURAL SOCIAL CELEBRATES NEW ENDOWMENT
Lynn ’00 and Chris Parrish ’01 chat with another reception attendee
T
he Concord University White Coat Society Inaugural Social was held at the President’s House in Athens on the evening of Thursday, March 23, 2017. This gathering celebrated the establishment of a new endowment through the Concord University Foundation. Designed to financially assist students pursuing degrees leading to careers dedicated to helping others, the White Coat Society unites medical professionals in providing scholarship funds for preprofessional chemistry and pre-professional biology students at Concord University. The four Founders of the White Coat Society providing the initial donations to launch the fund include Blue Ridge Internal Medicine physicians Todd A. Smith, DO, FACOI, Christopher D. Parrish, DO and Michael B. Remines, DO, all of Princeton, W.Va.; optometrist Brad Lane, OD, of Princeton; orthopedic surgeon Joseph P. Cincinnati, DO, of Martinsburg, W.Va.; and health care provider MedExpress. Concord alumni are invited to join the Founders in this exciting new opportunity to assist Concord students by committing to an annual gift of $1,000. Physicians, optometrists, dentists, pharmacists and
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other medical professionals are encouraged to be a part of this endeavor. Students will be awarded with scholarships from this fund beginning in the 2017-2018 academic year. “Concord University is fortunate to have a number of alums who have moved on to careers in the medical profession,” said Alica Besenyei, Vice President for Advancement. “We are proud to know they received the foundation for their education at Concord. Their willingness to support our students through this scholarship is a great example of their commitment to helping further the education of future medical professionals.” For additional information about the White Coat Society please contact Alicia Besenyei at abesenyei@ concord.edu or 304-384-6313.
Alicia Besenyei, Dr. Peter Viscusi, Sarah Turner ’98, Dr. Brad Lane ’02 and Dr. Kendra Boggess
Josh Caplan, Director of Relationship Marketing for MedExpress visits with Dr. Brad Lane ‘02
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FOND MEMORIES OF CONCORD SHARED BY THE MUSCARI FAMILY
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edicine, golf and Concord University are common themes running through the lives of the Muscari family. Terri Muscari and her husband, Mike Muscari, along with their son, Evan, attended Concord. Mike and Evan played golf for Concord. Terri was also involved in Mountain Lion athletics as a cheerleader. Mike is a physician and Evan is following in his father’s footsteps. Evan’s brother, Kyle, is also a doctor. Both Terri and Mike graduated from high school in 1977. Terri attended Pineville High School and Mike attended Mullens High School. The two schools, which Terri said were athletic rivals, were consolidated into Wyoming East High School. Evan and Kyle graduated from Wyoming East. During their time at Concord, Terri, Mike and Evan enjoyed participating in campus life and have fond recollections of their days as college students. “We have great memories of Concord,” Terri said. Some of Mike’s best memories center on playing golf and traveling across the state with the team. He also counts the activities he enjoyed as a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity among his favorite college memories. Mike earned a degree in political science from Concord in 1980 and went on to graduate from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) in 1984. He completed an internship at Bay Osteopathic Hospital in Bay City, Michigan. Currently, he works as a physician/owner at Family Healthcare Associates which has six offices. Terri, whose maiden name is Halsey, was a cheerleader for three years at Concord. “I loved going on trips with the football and
(L to R) Evan Muscari and his son, Talan. Kyle Muscari, second from left, is congratulated at his graduation from WVSOM by his family, from left, Terri Muscari, Mike Muscari and Evan Muscari. Joining Evan Muscari, center, at his White Coat Ceremony are from left: Kyle Muscari, Kayla Deweese, Terri Muscari, Mike Muscari and in front, Talan
basketball teams and getting to cheer on the Mountain Lions,” she said. She has fond memories of supporting teams led by coaches Don Christie, Tony Colobro and Steve Cox. Coach Georgia Kelley also holds a special place in her heart. Along with cheering during regular season play, Terri said she also had the opportunity to rally the fans and the teams during tournament action. Terri values the friendships that began when she was a cheerleader at Concord. “We are all still friends,” she said. Along with being a cheerleader, Terri was a homecoming candidate and a little sister for Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. She graduated from Concord in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education and completed a master’s degree in counseling in 1985 from Central Michigan University. “I work out of the Special Education office for the Wyoming County Board Office as a counselor,” she said. “I am very proud to be working with the Wyoming County Board of Education.” Excelling as a member of CU’s golf team, Evan compiled an impressive record of victories and honors. He was a three time all-region and allconference athlete who had five victories and 18 top-10 finishes along with being named twice to the academic all-district and the academic all-American scholar teams. Evan says Homecoming and the related activities like the Homecoming parade and bonfire are special Concord memories for him. He is currently entering his second year at WVSOM and is the proud father of a son, Talan. Although he is not an alum of Concord, Kyle has ties to the University through his family. He graduated from WVU in 2009 with a degree in Exercise Physiology and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class at WVSOM. Currently, he works as a family practice physician at Access Health in Beckley. Several members of Terri’s extended family are Concord graduates. Her aunt, Merle Halsey
Breeding, graduated from Concord in the early 1940s and went on to teach school. Stacie Halsey Cook, her sister, is a 1993 graduate and Kara HalseyMitchell, her niece, graduated in 2005. Terri said she and Mike stay in touch with Concord by attending Homecoming and games when the Mountain Lions play in Charleston, W.Va. They currently live in Saulsville, W.Va. The Muscaris are actively involved in serving the community. They are members of the Pineville Presbyterian Church where Terri serves as pianist. Mike and Terri are members of the Pineville Lions Club and they have served on the Wyoming East High School Foundation. Terri has been a member of the Board of Directors of Hospice of Southern West Virginia and is currently a board member of the United Way of Southern West Virginia. Mike serves on the West Virginia Board of Osteopathy.
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Jim '60 and Joyce '60 Coiner
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Dr. Jim Lile and Mrs. Ann Lile Former Fine Arts Faculty
This feature catches up with former faculty and staff and asks them to update us about their life today while sharing some memories of their days at Concord. Background Ann: My hometown is Wichita Falls, Texas. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Midwestern State University; a Master of Science degree from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M – Commerce); and a M.Ed. from Kent State University. My employment includes: Brookhaven Community College – Adjunct instructor and Box Office manager; Concord College – Temporary Assistant Professor; Texas A&M University-Commerce – Academic Advisor, Coordinator of TASP/THEA and adjunct instructor of theatre; Paris Junior College – Adjunct instructor of theatre; and, Missouri Southern State University – Costumer and Associate Professor.
Jim: My hometown is Dallas, Texas. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M – Commerce); a Ph.D. from Kent State University; and a Certificate in Presbyteral Studies from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry.
My employment includes: Concord College – Associate Professor of Communications; Texas A&M University-Commerce – Associate Professor of Theatre; Missouri Southern State University – Professor of Theatre; and, Episcopal Priest – All Saints Episcopal Church, Nevada, Missouri. Katherine (Katie), our daughter, graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. She is a member of the Army Band at Ft. Riley in Kansas and will be stationed in Anchorage, Alaska in November 2017 for three years. She recently graduated from Basic Leadership Camp. Katie is married to Adam Lewis, a member of the Navy Reserve who will soon
join the reserve unit of the Navy SEALS in San Diego, California.
Our daughter Dyanne graduated from Missouri Southern State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in vocal performance and studied Opera Performance in Italy in 2014. She is currently at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey pursuing a master of music in vocal performance and pedagogy. This summer she performed at the Spoleto Festival in South Carolina and is traveling to Barcelona with the Westminster Choir for an international choir conference. How long did you work at Concord? What positions did you hold? What did you teach?
Ann: I was at Concord from 1988 – 2002. I began as an adjunct instructor and in 1992, became a temporary assistant professor. I also directed the Summer Academy for high school rising juniors and seniors for two years.
I taught Introduction to Theatre, Introduction to Public Speaking (lab during the year, full class in the summer), Acting I, Children’s Theatre, Stage Management, Dramatic Literature, Theatre Management, a seminar on Tennessee Williams’ plays, a seminar on Rodgers and Hammerstein, Musical Theatre, and supervised the Public Relations workshop. I also directed plays and musicals for Concord and the Community Players.
Jim: I was at Concord from 1987 – 2001. I began as an Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and was promoted to Associate Professor. I taught for two summers with the Governor’s Honors Academy and taught a course in theatre to Concord students in London. I taught Technical Theatre, Scene Design,
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Lighting Design, Acting II, Directing, Introduction to Theatre, Theatre History and supervised the Theatre Workshop.
I directed plays and musicals for Concord and the Community Players; worked with the Artist Lecture Series; and, directed Shakespeare in the Park at Pipestem State Park during the summer. What did you find especially rewarding during your time at Concord?
Ann & Jim: We had some great students. They were talented and involved with the program. They worked very hard to provide quality theatre to the community and were dedicated to growing in the art. What is the best athletic event you have attended at Concord?
Oops!! We were too busy in the theatre to attend athletic events. We did attend a couple of football games. How many Presidents and Deans did you work under while at Concord?
We worked under one president – Dr. Jerry Beasley – who we still consider to be one of the best presidents we have worked with. We worked under two deans – Dr. John Carrier and Dr. Dean Turner. What offices did you hold, what committees did you serve on, and what organizations were you involved in while at Concord? Ann: I was an adjunct/temporary instructor and did not serve on any committees. Jim: I was a Faculty Senator, Chair for the Division of Fine Arts, and served on TEAC. Are you, and if so, how are you staying connected with Concord students?
We use social media to keep in contact with some of our students. Occasionally, we are lucky to have a face-to-face meeting with some. 46 • Summer 2017
Where do you live now? Where are you working now and what is your title? What are your responsibilities and activities with your current job? What hobbies, projects, community service, and civic organizations are you involved with now? We are currently living in Carl Junction, Missouri. We both work at Missouri Southern State University.
Jim is a tenured Professor of Theatre. He spent eight years as department head and recently stepped down. He was ordained as an Episcopal Priest on May 18, 2017 and has been assigned part-time to a parish in Nevada, Missouri. He continues to direct plays and musicals. He has been active as an actor and director at Joplin Little Theatre in Joplin, Missouri. He also served as co-chair of the directing staff for two years. He taught with the JLT Summer Children’s Workshop for three years. He has won acting and directing awards at Joplin Little Theatre. In 2013 he co-founded the Missouri Shakespeare Festival (MOShakes). He has performed and/or directed each summer. Ann is a tenured Associate Professor of Theatre. She spent the first four years at MSSU as the department costumer. She began as a full-time faculty member in the Fall of 2008. She has been on the Faculty Welfare committee, the General Education Oversight Committee, and is currently a Faculty Senator. She continues to direct plays and musicals. She served as co-chair of the directing staff at Joplin Little Theatre for two years. She has won acting and directing awards at Joplin Little Theatre. She was the director of the JLT Summer Children’s Workshop for two years. Ann has been responsible for the front-ofhouse operations for the theatre department and MOShakes. She has performed in two productions for MOShakes. She served as advisor to Southern Players – a student campus organization – for three years.
Donor Appreciation Dinner Salutes Scholarship Supporters ontributors to and Westfield High scholarships School Volunteer of for Concord the Year 2003. He students were was also honored honored during the with the Mountain Concord University State University Foundation’s Donor Living Leader Award Appreciation in 2009 and the 2012 Dinner on April Spirit of Philanthropy 20. Scholarship Award from the recipients also West Virginia Grant attended the dinner Makers. that was held in the Blake Farmer, who Pais Fellowship Hall is a member of the in University Point. Spring 2017 class, Richard Jarrell, was the student a 1984 Concord speaker. He has been graduate and involved in a number member of the of organizations at Dr. Kendra Boggess, center, joins the dinner speakers, Blake Farmer '17, left, and Richard Jarrell '84. University’s Board Concord including of Governors, the Bonner Scholars Raleigh County Convention Center, the served as guest Program, Blue Key speaker. An entrepreneur, Jarrell is the United Way of Southern West Virginia, National Honor Society and Rotaract. Raleigh General Hospital and as a current owner-operator of the ChickA recipient of the Presidential member of the Raleigh County Board fil-A locations in the Beckley Galleria Excellence Award for Students, he of Education. and the Crossroads Mall in Raleigh dedicated his time at Concord to the He has been recognized for his County, West Virginia. service of others and the University. career achievements and community A native of Beckley, he earned He was a recipient of the Robert leadership. Among the awards he has a Business Administration degree E. Pewanick Business Scholarship received are the Best of Chantilly/ with a concentration in Marketing and the Aramark Scholarship. Centreville by the Herndon Dulles from Concord. Jarrell is a member of Farmer received a degree in Business Chamber of Commerce; Outstanding the First Community Bank Board of Administration with a concentration Directors. Previously, he served on the Mid-size Business for 2003 by in Marketing from Concord and plans the Herndon Dulles Chamber of board for the Beckley-Raleigh County to continue his education by obtaining Commerce; 2004 Chairman’s Award Chamber of Commerce, the Beckleya graduate degree. – Mount Vernon Lee Enterprises
Photo Guidelines We appreciate the photographs you share with us for possible inclusion in Concord’s magazine. To help us provide quality reproduction of photographs, we are offering the following guidelines for your information. Photographs need to be at least 300 dpi. Image file size needs to be at least 1mb per photo. Photos should be in jpeg format and taken with a camera and not a cellphone. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@concord.edu or 304-384-6311. Thank you! Summer 2017 • 47
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IN THE FOLLOWING Q&A, DR. KUEHN DISCUSSES THE ELECTRON MICROPROBE AND HOW THE DEVICE BENEFITS THE UNIVERSITY AND ITS STUDENTS. Dr. Stephen C. Kuehn is an Associate Professor of Geology in Concord’s Division of Science, Mathematics & Health. He is Manager of the University’s Electron Microprobe Facility & Tephra Lab. Dr. Kuehn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1992 from the University of Puget Sound; a Master of Science degree in 1995 from Washington State University; and a Ph.D. in 2002 from Washington State University. What is your role with the electron microprobe lab? Officially, I am the “Director” of the laboratory, but I’m also the day-to-day manager and chief technician. There are a great many tasks needed to keep the lab running smoothly and to continually make it better over time. There is everyday operation for classes and research, demonstrating the instrument to visitors, configuring and calibrating the instrument daily for each different task, processing and evaluating data, loading samples, training and supervising users, supervising student employees, ordering supplies, scheduling users, and tracking use of the instrument and billing accordingly. There is also development and testing of new applications and methods, making incremental improvement to existing methods, and obtaining and preparing reference samples for calibration and quality control to support both new methods and improvements to existing methods. Other responsibilities include routine maintenance of the electron microprobe as well as supporting equipment, most repairs, making improvements to the microprobe and supporting equipment, and seeking grant funding. In addition to running the microprobe lab, I'm also a full-time faculty member with regular teaching, service, and research responsibilities. Summer 2017 • 49
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Where is the electron microprobe lab located? It is located on the 1st floor of the Science Building in Room 106 which doubles as my office. This location was chosen because the microprobe needs a stable ground floor location to minimize vibration and needs access to electrical and water supplies. This space also has dedicated climate control because the instrument needs stable temperatures year-round. Some supporting equipment and supplies (vacuum pumps, etc.) are located in an adjacent mechanical room, and equipment for preparing samples is located on the 3rd floor. What is the electron microprobe and how does it work?
The electron microprobe is a specialized type of microscope called an electron microscope. Electron microscopes in general use an invisible beam of electrons instead of visible light to examine objects at high magnification. This makes it possible to magnify and photograph small details and obtain more types of information compared to using only an ordinary visible light microscope. In addition, the high-voltage electron beam causes the sample to give off X-rays. An electron microprobe has an array of X-ray detectors to measure these X-rays and use them to determine what chemical elements are present in a sample and how much of each element there is. This works because different elements give off different X-rays. So, for example, iron can be distinguished from oxygen by the different X-rays that each gives off. These differences can be described and measured in terms of the wavelength or the energy of each X-ray. Consequently, there are two kinds of X-ray detectors, and most electron microprobes have both kinds. One kind, called a wavelength-dispersive spectrometer or WDS, separates out different types of X-rays by their wavelengths using diffraction. This is similar to using a diffraction grating to separate white light out into the multiple colors of the rainbow and
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then measuring the brightness of each color separately. Concord’s microprobe has six detectors of this type. The other kind is called an energy-dispersive detector or EDS. The EDS detector uses a kind of silicon chip to measure the energy of each X-ray that hits it. This happens very quickly. Concord’s microprobe has one of these detectors, and it can measure and count more than 200,000 X-rays per second. Using these detectors, Concord’s electron microprobe can measure every element of the periodic table except the three lightest ones (hydrogen, helium, and lithium). For most elements, this works both when they are abundant and when they are present only in tiny trace amounts. The lowest concentrations detected so far using Concord’s microprobe are about 8 parts per million of titanium in quartz. This is equivalent to about eight atoms of titanium out of every million atoms in the sample. The electron microprobe can also examine very small things. So, it can do this kind of chemical analysis even on a speck of dust. When was it installed at Concord?
The electron microprobe was set up and installed in 2010. It arrived used from the University of Kentucky in multiple pieces with many boxes of cables and other parts in 2009. During spring and summer or 2010, everything was put together, and we started analyzing the first samples that fall. Have upgrades been made?
Since the instrument is more than 30 years old, we’ve refurbished most of the parts and upgraded others. The result is that the microprobe now is probably even more capable than when it was new. There have been many small upgrades to improve the performance and stability of the instrument, but there have also been two major upgrades. The first major upgrade was the addition of a new energy-dispersive (EDS) X-ray spectrometer in 2012. That provided a huge performance improvement
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over the old EDS detector, eliminated the need to add liquid nitrogen weekly to keep the old EDS running, and added live digital imaging. This upgrade also made the instrument a lot more convenient and easier to use. The second major upgrade occurred in fall and winter of 2016-2017 following the donation of a second complete instrument by the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Parts from the Hawaii instrument were used to upgrade the electron imaging and increase the number of wavelength-dispersive (WDS) X-ray detectors from 4 to 6 so that more elements can be measured at the same time. Because of this donation, the lab now also has spare parts for almost every piece of the microprobe. This will make it much easier and less expensive to keep the instrument running well into the future. Additional upgrades (and the grant proposals to fund them) are also being planned. Is it rare for an institution the size of Concord to have this instrument? There are about 140 to 150 electron microprobes in all of North America including the US, Canada, and Mexico. (This is similar to the number of carillons.) A few years ago, I checked to see where these microprobes
"Concord has the only microprobe in West Virginia. This distinction means that we can give Concord students opportunities and experiences that they most likely wouldn't get anywhere else."
ICELANDIC VOLCANIC ASH
are all located, and Concord was the only primarily undergraduate university that I could find with a functioning electron microprobe lab. Concord also has the only microprobe (and only grand carillon) in West Virginia. This distinction means that we can give Concord students opportunities and experiences that they most likely wouldn’t get anywhere else. It is a huge benefit to our teaching and research programs and also a great selling point. What are the funding sources for the electron microprobe?
Most of the funds to initially set up the laboratory and the vast majority of funding for improvements and upgrades have come from outside grants. These include a portion of the 2010 $250,000 Allie Irene Strasko Research Trust Fund grant (which also established a fund to support collaborative student-faculty research), a 2011 $40,000 WV EPSCoR/HEPC Innovation Grant, a 2016 $20,000 HEPC equipment grant, and several other smaller grants. Ongoing revenue from paying outside users (typically a few thousand dollars per year) helps pay for supplies, pays for some upgrades, and also pays a couple of students working as lab assistants. Some labs are partially supported by an endowment established by alumni and other donors, and several have been renamed to permanently recognize such supporters. Such endowments can also help in seeking further external funding as some grant agencies and foundations favor labs that show broad community support. What is analyzed by the device?
The electron microprobe can be used to analyze the chemical composition of a wide range of materials provided that they are in solid form and are stable under high vacuum (almost no air) conditions. Examples include minerals & rocks, ceramics, glasses, metals, computer chips, concrete, coal ash, some paints, and even bones
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ROCK E-MAP
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in the summer. Tephrochronology studies also involve clients and collaborators from multiple states (e.g. Arizona, Alaska, California, Virginia, and Washington) and even from other countries like Canada, Greece, Norway, and the UK. Most tephra samples analyzed in the lab originated from volcanoes of the Cascade Range (like Mt. St. Helens), but some come from farther places like Alaska, Iceland, the Andes Mountains of South America, and even from the Aegean Sea. What areas of study utilize the electron microprobe?
Dr. Stephen Kuehn and a Geology 101 class
and teeth. Consequently, there are applications in geology, chemistry, biology/medicine, and many industries. What types of data are gathered from the electron microprobe?
Using the electron imaging capabilities, the sizes and shapes of objects and crystals can be measured, even down to sizes smaller than 1/1000th of a millimeter or 50+ times smaller than the diameter of an average human hair. Using the X-ray spectrometers, the chemical composition of materials can be measured down to sizes nearly as small. The X-ray spectrometry and imaging capabilities can also be combined together to show not only what chemical elements are in a sample but also where they are located. Sometimes these compositional images or X-ray maps produce visually attractive results that are as much science as they are art. Discuss tephrochronology as a key application of the electron microprobe.
Tephrochronology is the use of layers of volcanic ash and pumice (tephra) for long-distance correlation, dating, and understanding the past history and eruptive potential of volcanoes. The correlation and dating aspects of tephrochronology are used to help understand the ages of archaeological sites, the history of lakes and sea floor sediments, environmental changes associated with the coming and going of ice ages, the timings of past earthquakes, and much more. The chemical composition of the volcanic glass (and sometimes the minerals) in the ash is used to fingerprint and identify individual ash layers and eruptions. The electron microprobe is used to measure those chemical fingerprints. Every year several Concord students do research in tephrochronology, and samples are analyzed on the microprobe almost every week during the academic year and during several weeks
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Concord’s electron microprobe is mainly used in geology and some in chemistry, but there is potential to expand this to physics and biology programs too. We’ve even analyzed ceramic glazes from Concord’s fine arts program. More broadly, there are applications in archaeology, art history, mining, metallurgy, gemstones, pharmaceuticals, engineering, material science, energy resources, energy technology, environmental science, forensics, and more. Which academic courses at Concord utilize the lab?
Each year, multiple courses with a combined enrollment of about 200 students use the electron microprobe lab at least once, and some use it several times. The majority of geology courses use the lab, including both non-majors courses like Geol 101 and upper level majors courses like Geol 370 and 375 (mineralogy and petrology), and research courses like Geol 450. It is also used in upper level chemistry courses like Chem 352 (Instrumental Analysis), and there are plans to expand this to some of the 100-level chemistry courses. There is also a combined Geology/Chemistry/Physics course that covers how the instrument works and offers hands-on experience. How does the lab benefit research undertaken by Concord?
Having an electron microprobe lab on campus makes it much easier for individual students, faculty, and even entire classes to collect research data. Having an on-site lab eliminates travel costs, scheduling challenges (e.g. conflicts with class times), and hourly use fees (often totaling $500/day) involved in travelling to use another lab. This means that many more students can have the opportunity to use major scientific equipment in their research. Having the lab on-site also means that Concord students can schedule a few hours per week for part of a semester (or more) as needed for their research, and they can get a longer-term, more regular experience that fits between their classes. The result is that undergraduate students are in the lab using the microprobe 4-5 days per week throughout the academic year. Compare this to a typical research university where nearly all instrument time is dedicated to faculty and graduate students.
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The lab has also allowed the University to become competitive for external research grants that fund students, faculty, and additional equipment. This is because the lab enables Concord faculty to demonstrate that the necessary core research equipment is available for use. More than $250,000 of outside funding has already been received from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the American Chemical Society, monies that probably would not have come to Concord without the microprobe. Another $190,000 grant proposal for research involving the microprobe was submitted this spring, and proposals for additional support are already in the works.
Has research utilizing the electron microprobe been published or presented? Every year students and faculty make multiple conference presentations incorporating data from the electron microprobe lab. These occur at regional, national, and even international meetings. Students also present at Concord’s Undergraduate Research Day each spring. Several completed graduate student theses have also used data from the microprobe. Concord faculty have also published multiple scientific papers and have submitted technical reports to industry. Many more scientific papers are also in preparation. What are some of the ways that Concord students are utilizing the lab, and how do they benefit?
Concord students use the microprobe lab for individual class exercises up through multi-semester research projects. Geology 101 (Earth and Environment), for example, uses the microprobe as part of a minerals lab to quickly determine the chemistry of several minerals to help with their identification and later as part of an igneous rocks lab to help find out what minerals are present in rocks like granite and basalt. Several upper level geology courses involved in an NSF IUSE grant use it to identify minerals, study rocks melted by friction during earthquakes, and analyze rocks for trace amounts of titanium in quartz crystals to find out how hot the rocks were when the crystals grew. Geol/Chem/Phys 420 (Electron Imaging and X-ray Microanalysis) uses the microprobe to study the physics of electron optics, X-ray generation, and X-ray detection and how to optimize use of the instrument for a variety of applications. Many
"Many of the skills developed are transferrable to professional work and make our students stronger candidates for jobs when they graduate."
students also use it for independent research on volcanic ash, lava flows, and other studies. Through this use, students gain experience doing research, experience operating major equipment, experience working with data, and build confidence in their abilities. Are students able to translate their experience in using the electron microprobe into their careers?
Many of the skills developed are transferrable to professional work and make our students stronger candidates for jobs when they graduate. One of our students who completed a research project using the microprobe now works at the National Institute of Standards and Technology using similar instruments. Even if a student doesn’t use another microprobe, they may use some other kind of equipment, and they may have to evaluate data to test ideas and make decisions. Undergraduate research experience is also very helpful for students wanting to go to graduate school, both for helping to get into a good graduate program and for providing experience that will enable them to successfully do graduate-level research. Does the general public, including area school children, have an opportunity to see demonstrations of the electron microprobe?
There are multiple opportunities throughout the year for people to visit the electron microprobe lab for a demonstration. Every spring there is at least one open house in conjunction with Math Field Day. The lab has also hosted visiting groups like the Athens Cub Scout Pack 384, Mercer County 4H, and Upward Bound. There have even been a few demonstrations via videoconferencing and remote control. Any teachers or community groups interested in setting up a demonstration are welcome to contact me and schedule a visit. Is the lab open to other users in addition to Concord faculty and students?
The lab has hosted several visiting graduate students, faculty, and even undergraduate students from other universities. Some are from close by (e.g. Slippery Rock University, the College of William and Mary, and the University of North Carolina), and others are from farther away (e.g. Northern Arizona University and Montana State University). Some people choose to send samples for analysis instead of visiting in person. The lab has also done occasional consulting work for private industry. The microprobe lab is open to adding new users from universities, businesses, industry, etc. Anyone interested can contact me to discuss the needs of their application, costs, and schedules. Summer 2017 • 53
D Entrepreneurs Alumni
THE CONCORD UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE INCLUDES THIS REGULAR FEATURE THAT SPOTLIGHTS SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS WITHIN OUR ALUMNI RANKS. FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS BUSINESS IS THRIVING AND THEIR STORIES PAY TRIBUTE TO THE KNOWLEDGE AND KNOW-HOW THEY GAINED FROM A CONCORD EDUCATION.
DANA STEWART SHAMMAA' 92 CREATES UNIQUE FASHION BOUTIQUE
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ana Shammaa '92 has turned her passion for fashion and style into a successful business. Her Indie Sparrow Boutique, located in Beaver, W.Va., is a premier shop for women’s clothing. She is owner and one of the stylists at the boutique. Dana explains the meaning behind the name Indie Sparrow Boutique. “Sparrow” is a tribute to her grandmother and the profound Christian influence she had on her. “Growing up, I had a grandmother who was a godly influence in my life. She taught me to pray and about the Bible,” Dana said. “She was such a big part of my life.” Dana said she learned from her grandmother that just as God cares for
the sparrows, he also cares for her. “Indie” is a “nod to a bohemian way of dressing, a nod to bohemian fashion,” she said. Referencing indie music and festivals, she said, “Indie is short for independent.” “It’s representative of going out on your own and doing your own thing,” she said. Dana, whose maiden name is Stewart, is originally from Oceana, W.Va. and currently lives in Beckley, W.Va. She graduated from Concord in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling and rehabilitation from Marshall University in 1994. Early in her career, Dana worked for a mental health facility. She then worked as a pharmaceutical representative for six years. “I realized corporate America was not where I wanted to be,” she said. “It just wasn’t my passion.” “I wanted to be the decision maker. I wanted to do something I was passionate about,” she said.
Her career path switched directions, and landed in clothing, when she and her sister-in-law opened a consignment shop. She ventured into retail fashion with Indie Sparrow Boutique. The shop has been is business in Raleigh County, West Virginia for four years. Dana initially opened the store in Beckley and remained there for two years. Now she runs the boutique from a “quaint little Tudor style house” in nearby Beaver. The home, built in the 1930s, retains architectural features from that era including hardwood floors and rounded arches. Dana describes the décor of Indie Sparrow Boutique as “bohemian opulence”. “Leather cow print rugs and chandeliers are mixed with burlap and straw rugs,” she said. Decorating with bright colors, she had the fireplace painted turquoise. Dana considers “good customer service” and the individual attention that the shop provides to its clientele hallmarks of Indie Sparrow Boutique.
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“I realized corporate America was not where I wanted to be […] it just wasn’t my passion.”
Unique touches, like a turquoise fireplace, add to the boutique’s appeal.
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She said she and the stylists at the boutique work with each customer individually to select clothing that suits that particular individual’s personality and her silhouette or body type. They work one-on-one with the customer to find the perfect outfit for special occasions. “We’ll ask her how she wants to look, getting our vision of how we perceive how she wants to look at that event,” she said. As for a business philosophy, Dana said, “It comes right down to putting God first. I can’t see doing anything without putting God first.” With God first in her life, she said putting God first in her business follows suit. “All good things come from Him” she said. When searching for merchandise for Indie Sparrow Boutique, Dana has her eye out for unique items. “You’ll find things at Indie Sparrow Boutique that you’ll not start seeing in the area for six months to a year,” she said. While she hand selects the majority of her inventory when she goes to market in Atlanta, she also does some international shopping for her boutique. “I’ll bring things home from Europe while I’m in those cool places like London and Paris. I’ll bring things back for the boutique,” she said. Handmade scarves from a mini market in London have been among her finds. When she goes to market, she has her regular customers in mind and will select items specifically for them. Dana credits the “full support” of her husband, Tariq, with helping her follow her dream and for the success of her business. Dana is involved in the community as a business owner and personally. She partners with organizations such as the Quota Club of Beckley and the United Way for fundraising events including fashion shows. She assists with the Southern WV United Way’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Her volunteer work extends to animals in need. Dana says she and Tariq are “avid animal lovers.” They transport adopted pets from shelters and rescue facilities to their new owners, sometimes driving long distances. Their own pets are former rescue animals or strays they have taken into their home. The boutique’s Instagram handle is @indiesparrowboutique and it can also be found on Facebook at facebook.com/ indiesparrowboutique
• US News and World Report 2016 ranks CU as the 5th best public college in the Regional Colleges South category and #1 in WV • Concord has consistently placed in the top tier of Best Colleges for the past 11 years • 2,800 Students • Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees
• 80 Majors, Minors and Programs of Study • Scholarships for Academics, Performing Arts, Community Service, Athletics and Leadership • 18 NCAA II Athletic Programs • 16:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio • Over 70 Clubs and Organizations
REFER A STUDENT • To apply: concord.edu/admissions/node/64 • To schedule a visit: concord.edu/admissions/node/43
1-888-384-5249 admissions@concord.edu
Connect with us! Summer 2017 • 57
BECKLEY UPDATE Sociology Students Continue Work with Juvenile Center
Thanks to end of semester fundraising and donations, Lori Pace’s Sociology students at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center donated two boxes of books and a $100 gift card to the Gene Spadaro Juvenile Center in Mount Hope. Case Manager and CU alum, Beverly Sanger, accepted the donations. Earlier in the semester, the Criminology class visited the center.
Spotlight Shines
on Erma Byrd Higher Education Center Talents
Students at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center had an opportunity to show off their talents during “It’s Showtime!", the center’s first talent show, on April 21. Tara Taylor, office administrator at Concord’s Beckley campus, said the idea for the talent show originated with student Tymara McDowell as she worked on a class project for her Event Planning
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course. “After beginning the project, Tymara asked for permission for this event to be an all institution event and have students from each institution here in Beaver to participate,” Taylor said. “There were 11 acts for this first endeavor and the winners were first place, Bailey Pace; second place, Joshua Hensley; and third place, Elizabeth Gramling."
STEM Family Fun Day Launched at Science Fair
Concord University (CU), Bluefield State College (BSC) and New River Community and Technical College (NRCTC) teamed up with RESA I to create the STEM Family Fun Day in conjunction with the RESA I Regional Science Fair at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center (EBHEC) on April 29. The STEM Family Fun Day offered the science fair participants and their parents, siblings and friends, along with other visitors, an opportunity to explore more about science, technology, engineering and math while the projects were being judged. The EBHEC, located in Beaver, W.Va., was transformed into a giant science laboratory for the event. More than 100 student presenters from Wyoming, Summers, Raleigh, McDowell and Mercer counties presented 69 county-level winning projects during the regional competition. Dr. Susan Williams, executive director of Concord’s Beckley location, came up with the idea for the STEM Family Fun Day as an alternative to the hours of waiting experienced during judging at a previous
science fair. According to Tara Taylor, office administrator at the Beckley campus, Dr. Williams “decided there had to be a better way to wait.” As part of Concord’s Event Planning course, CU students Cierra Toney and Emily Lively planned and organized the STEM Family Fun Day. “From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. participants and their families were able to enjoy hands-on science stations including a life-sized whale and a NASA Star Lab to pass the hours during competition,” Taylor said. In addition to being a fun activity, the event encouraged the students to pursue STEM in college and in their careers. “This successful event was very well received and will become an annual undertaking here at the EBHEC,” Taylor said. The RESA I Regional Science Fair is funded by RESA. The STEM Family Fun Day is a collaborative effort by BSC, CU, NRCTC and the EBHEC.
Students Volunteer for Earth Day Clean Up
Sociology instructor Lori Pace and 27 of her students joined Piney Creek Watershed Association’s Earth Day Clean Up in April. The students studied the emerging American value of ecology and greening in conjunction with volunteering for the event while considering the impact of litter, recycling and environmental responsibility.
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 Facebook - Concord Beckley Office Summer 2017 • 59
Heritage & Horizon Golden Alumnus Award Celebrates Service to Concord Community The Golden Alumnus award is given to a CUAA member who has contributed his or her time and talents to Concord University and the CUAA with no less than 25 years of service to the Concord community. Tom Giffen ’67 and Linda Poff ’76 are recipients of this award for 2017.
Golden Alumnus Linda Poff '76
L
inda Poff is known for her outstanding service not only to the CU community, but to the field of education as well. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Concord in 1976; a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Salem University; and a master’s degree in Education with a Specialization in Geography Education from Concord. Ms. Poff taught at Montcalm and Straley elementary schools in Mercer County, retiring from full-time teaching in 2011 after 35 years in the classroom. She has also taught at Concord as an adjunct. Still dedicated to being an educator, she serves as a substitute teacher for Mercer County Schools and is a diligent promoter of geographic awareness. Involved with the West Virginia Geographic Alliance since 1992, Ms. Poff has trained at National Geographic Society conferences in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, California and Portland, Oregon. She has served on staff during geographic workshops for teachers hosted by CU. She is coordinator of National Geographic’s state Bee for West Virginia students which since 2011, has been held each spring on “The Campus Beautiful.” She also coordinates visits of the National Geographic Society’s Giant Traveling Maps of different continents at Concord. Hundreds of local students have benefited with Ms. Poff leading the fun, interactive lessons. Heading north, she has taken the maps to the Eastern Panhandle and has been on the road with a map of West Virginia. “Offering an opportunity to students to be a participant in the Geographic Bee, or to be actively engaged in a NGS gigantic mapping activity, I hope is a spark that ignites a desire in the students’ thinking to want to know more about the country they live in, as well as the world they live within,” she said. Linda is actively involved in her church, Bluewell United Methodist, where she has been a member for
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Linda Poff '76
more than 50 years. She was named the 1986 Mercer County Teacher of the Year; 1990 and 2004 recipient of the National Council for Geographic Education Distinguished Teaching Award; and the 1990 Regional Winner of the Rand McNally/NCGE Excellence in Teaching Geography Award. In 1990 she was honored with the prestigious Milken Foundation National Educator Award. The CUAA presented her with the Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2015.
Heritage & Horizon Golden Alumnus Tom Giffen '67
T
om Giffen has achieved outstanding success in his professional career and is a dedicated supporter of Concord University. He is a respected leader in the community, contributing his time and talents to a variety of organizations. Tom graduated from Concord in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. His late wife, Andora, was also a member of the Class of 1967. Reminiscing about his college days, Tom says meeting Andora at Concord is a special memory. He also values the friendships he cultivated while a student at Concord. “I have so many personal friendships that exist still to this day,” he said. Tom was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. After graduating from Concord, Tom chose to remain in the area to develop his career and support his alma mater. He devoted more than four decades of his professional life to working in the insurance industry. During this time, he served as Senior Vice President of USI Insurance Services; Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Insurance Services; and Executive Vice President of Flat Top Insurance. He retired in January 2016. He credits his Concord education with contributing to his success. “The Business Division prepared us so well for our future achievements,” he said. As a leader in professional circles, Mr. Giffen’s industry affiliations include serving as Chairman of
"THE BUSINESS DIVISION PREPARED US SO WELL FOR OUR FUTURE ACHIEVEMENTS." the Southern Agents Conference and President of the Independent Insurance Agents of West Virginia. His service to Concord is especially noteworthy. For more than 20 years, he served the University as a member of the Concord University Foundation Board of Directors, including time as the organization’s chairman.
Tom Giffen '67
He has participated in various scholarship fundraisers that benefit Concord students including playing in the Homer Ball Golf Tournament at Pipestem State Park. He has also been a member of the planning committee for several fundraising dinners at The Greenbrier hosted by Concord. Mr. Giffen is a member of the Board of Directors of Princeton Community Hospital; President of the Bluefield, Virginia Rotary Club; and President of the Bluefield, Virginia Lions Club. Service to his church, First United Methodist Church in Bluefield, Virginia, includes being Chairman of the Pastor/Parish Relations Committee. He received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the CU Alumni Association in 1993. He has two daughters, Greta and Jennifer, and three grandchildren. Summer 2017 • 61
Heritage & Horizon Careers of Young Alumnus Award Recipients Highlighted by Achievements and Dedication The Young Alumnus Award was created in 2012 as a way to honor young alumni who have demonstrated distinctive achievement in a career, civic involvement or both and who have not been out of college more than 15 years. Two individuals have received this recognition for 2017: Brittany Keys Anderson ’10 and Andrea Meador Lannom ’10.
Brittany Keys Anderson '10
B
rittany Keys Anderson is making her mark as an educator. She has been actively involved in the education field since she began her teaching journey at Concord University in the fall of 2006. While pursuing her degree, she served on various student government and University committees. For her exemplary work in the President’s Office at CU, she was honored as a STAR Student Employee of the Month. Additionally, she was a McNair Scholar and Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation Fellow, named to the Dean’s List, and nominated for Most Outstanding Teacher. “I made a lot of wonderful memories at Concord,” Brittany said. “Concord is where I met my best friend, Krystina Dillard, and my husband, RJ Anderson. “Every year came with new adventures! I enjoyed laughs in the cafe, South of Sicily, late night sleigh riding down the large hill in front of Sarvay and Wilson, preparing for homecoming events with members of BSU, and I developed a love for coffee to help with late night studying,” she said. Brittany says that her involvement in student organizations and extracurricular activities is a big part of her college days and something that she looks back on fondly. “I also can’t forget how much fun it was to be a part of SGA, BSU, Reading Council, Gamma Beta Phi, ALEF, and McNair,” she said. “Concord is a small campus, but the excitement and joy came from being involved with different campus organizations.” Brittany graduated cum laude from Concord in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. She went on to earn a master’s degree from Concord in 2012 and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University in 2014. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Liberty. Mrs. Anderson has been a special education teacher and taught the 1st and 5th grades at Hinton Area Elementary School and the 1st grade at Memorial Primary in Bluefield. She moved into school administration in July 2015 when she served
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as principal at Alderson Elementary School. Currently, she is serving as principal at Whitethorn Primary in Bluefield. Her career as an educator also includes being an adjunct instructor with Concord’s Early Childhood Regent’s Program. “Being an educator is very rewarding and there Brittany Anderson '10 is nothing like working in a primary school,” she said. “My students always come off the bus energized and ready to go! I love greeting them and seeing the smiles on their faces. “I think the most rewarding thing (about being an educator) would have to be seeing my students a couple years later and hearing them say how much they miss me and loved being in my class,” she said. “It is always touching to hear them share stories about the crazy things I would do as a teacher to get them motivated and excited to learn. What they don’t realize is that they have impacted my life more than they’ll ever know.” Mrs. Anderson has received specialized training and pursued professional development in an extensive list of topics. She has served on a number of committees and has had the opportunity to present on a variety of subjects. She is a member of the International Reading Association, the National Association of Elementary Principals, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Mercer County Association of Elementary Principals. She also serves on the Concord University Board of Governors. Her work as an educator is receiving accolades. During the 2013-2014 school year, she was named Teacher of the Year at Memorial Primary and in 2015, she received the Exemplary Educator Award from RESA I. A native of Lewisburg, W.Va., Brittany now lives in Athens with her husband, RJ, and toddler son, Asher.
Heritage & Horizon Andrea Meador Lannom '10
A
ndrea Meador Lannom showed a real passion for journalism and writing during her Concord days that has translated into a successful career as a newspaper reporter. Described by one of her CU instructors as “an excellent writer and a great representative of Concord,” she is respected as a young media professional with an eye for detail and drive to get the story. As a student, she worked in Concord’s Public Relations office where she had the opportunity to write on a variety of topics and activities. She also wrote for The Concordian and served as the student publication’s news editor. “Looking back, I admittedly wasn’t Concord's best news editor, but I’m so thankful my teacher took a chance on me and gave me that opportunity. It definitely prepared me for my career in areas of problem solving and conflict resolution,” she said.
Andrea’s husband, Joe Lannom, graduated from Concord in 2009. “Joe and I later took our second study abroad trip to South Korea and Japan as a sort of honeymoon. We got married in January and took off overseas that summer on that trip. What an incredible trip! It was a lot of hard work, studying a language so Andrea Lannom '10 different than anything I had ever taken before. I learned how to be creative in solving problems. Wandering around a country where you don’t speak the same language will do that,” she said. “I truly believe travel broadens the mind and these two trips were the sparks that ignited my love for travel.” Andrea earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts degree with an emphasis in Advertising and Public Relations from Concord in December 2010. She has been a writer for The State Journal, the Charleston Gazette-Mail and the Beckley RegisterHerald. She is currently the Statehouse Reporter for the Register-Herald in Charleston. In covering this important beat, she reports on all aspects of the legislative session and West Virginia politics. Recently, she has covered action during the 2017 session of the West Virginia legislature by the House, Senate and Governor on the state’s budget. Her byline has appeared on news of national “Taking the news editor position at The Concordian significance such as the Women’s March in Washington, helped me to become a better reporter,” she said. “I had D.C. this January. written for the Beckley paper before I attended Concord As a legal reporter for the Charleston Daily-Mail, she but until that experience, I didn’t know what it was covered high-profile stories for one of West Virginia’s like to be in my editors’ shoes, waiting on stories to be largest newspapers. A prolific writer, she wrote more turned in and deciding how to resolve holes in the paper. than 1000 stories covering West Virginia’s court system. I have a lot of respect for my editors and I’m glad I had Her work with The State Journal and WOWK 13 that level of responsibility at the university level to get News in Charleston included covering high-profile to that point of understanding.” investigative legal stories. She also helped manage the Andrea also participated in CU’s travel abroad newspaper’s social media and website and discussed program with adventures in England, Japan and South projects on live television and as a guest star on the Korea. She says that these trips are among her best company’s show, “The State Journal’s Decision Makers.” memories from her Concord days. While still a student at Concord, she worked at the “If I hadn’t taken them, my life would be completely Register-Herald as a general assignment/court reporter. different,” she said. “I met my husband on Concord’s Her volunteer activities include serving as a board study abroad trip to England. This was my first time on member and the program director for the Putnam an airplane and my first time being far away from home. County Rotary in Hurricane, W.Va. The trip was amazing. I learned so much about myself Andrea and Joe have a two-year-old daughter, Zoey. and about the U.K. I also had so much fun. The rest was They live in Hurricane. history.”
"IF I HADN'T [TRAVELED ABROAD] MY LIFE WOULD BE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT."
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CU ATHLETICS
WVVA-TV TO BROADCAST 3 CU FOOTBALL GAMES IN 2017 The Concord University football team and WVVA-TV, based in Bluefield, West Va., will once again broadcast three games during the 2017 season. The three televised games will include the Oct. 14 contest when Concord welcomes West Virginia State for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Homecoming. WVVA will also televise the Oct. 21 game against non-conference foe UNC-Pembroke, and the Nov. 4 contest versus Fairmont State which will be Senior Day. The games against UNCP and FSU will start at 12 p.m. “Not all of our students’ families can see the games and many come from other places,” Concord University President Kendra Boggess said in the WVVA press release. “So they can tune in and it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to see their young men play. It’s terrific.” Each of the last two seasons, WVVA-TV and Concord have teamed up to broadcast three games. In addition to the games being available on SuddenLink Channel 6 in the Princeton area, each of the three contests during the 2017 season will also be streamed live on wvva.com/ live “It’s another opportunity for us to support local athletics,” WVVA General Manager Frank Brady said. “As we try to do, as you know on a very regular basis but this particularly, to take a college football program, a local program and get that signal out for them,” Brady continued. “Not only on air but online where people can watch the game from virtually anywhere in the world.” TRACK AND FIELD ASSISTS AT HUNGER CHALLENGE
The Concord University men’s and women’s track and field teams participated in the seventh annual Hunger Challenge hosted by Johnston
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Track and Field participants in the Hunger Challenge.
Chapel Baptist Church and Heaven Sent Ministries in April. The three-day event gathers volunteers from the area to package meals that contain rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a specially formulated vitamin blend that targets the immune systems of malnourished children. This year marked the third consecutive year the track and field programs at Concord have participated in the annual event. Led by head coach Mike Cox those that took part in the packaging of food were Damon Akers, David Meck, Kristin Lee, Jacob Meadows, Sabra Metheney, Kate Golinsky, Aidan Payton, Kaitlen Hubbard, Megan Stemple, Emilee Henry, Linda Ault, Madison Sanders, Corey Carvelli, Jacob Ashcraft, Justin Snyder, Josh Amos, Tyler Kosut, Roger Foster, Autumn Thomas, Bennie White, Cooper Brady and Jamil Taylor. OFFENSE WINS SPRING GAME, 49-27
The offense defeated the defense 4927 in the Concord University football team’s spring game held April 22 at Callaghan Stadium. The first and fourth quarters
featured live football with the offense receiving the ball at the 30-yard line, needing 70 yards to score a touchdown. In the second and third quarter, both teams received points in the grinder drill and offensive line/defensive line drill. The Mountain Lions received rushing touchdowns from senior running back Nick Loftin and sophomore JaVaughn Burrus. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman wide receiver Hayden Porterfield caught a score from sophomore quarterback Garrett Cropp. Junior tight end Zen Clements hauled in a touchdown in the overtime session of the annual spring scrimmage. The longest play of the game came on a 45-yard completion to sophomore wide receiver Garrett Gain to put the Mountain Lions in a first-and-goal situation at the 10yard line. Sophomore wide receiver Brandon Plyler caught a 36-yard pass from senior wide receiver Paul Jones on a trick play to set up another CU score. Junior linebacker Andrew Jakubowsky had the lone turnover for the defense as he recovered a fumbled handoff inside the 50-yard line to extinguish a scoring chance for the offense.
CU ATHLETICS
Prior to the game, head coach Paul Price announced the team’s captains for the 2017 season with senior defensive backs Jeremiah Johnson and Chaudlier Shepherd along with junior offensive lineman Derek Dressler, senior punter Garrett Lee and senior tight end Jordan Bryant. JOHNSON SIGNS WITH DODGE CITY LAW
From 2012-2015, Jones amassed 4,638 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns, finishing as the school’s all-time leading rusher. The Glen Burnie, Md. native gained 1,734 yards in 2014 to total the secondmost rushing yards in a single season at Concord. For his efforts in 2014, Jones was named the Mountain East Conference Offensive Player of the Year, was selected as a consensus all-region performer and voted to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II All-American Team. During that particular season, Jones and the Mountain Lions won the MEC Championship, claimed the Super Region One Title and advanced the NCAA Division II Semifinals. FOOTBALL ADDS TWO OFFENSIVE ASSISTANTS TO STAFF
Former Concord University football standout Darryl Johnson has signed a professional contract with the Dodge City Law of the Champions Indoor Football League. In his final season at CU, Johnson piled up 83 tackles, four sacks and forced one fumble. Johnson was named to the All-Mountain East Conference Team at the conclusion of the 2016 season. For his career, Johnson racked up 197 tackles, eight sacks and 25 tackles for loss. Johnson is one of two former MEC players to sign with the Law during the offseason. One-time Glenville State defensive lineman Gary Henderson is also on the Dodge City Law.
Two new assistant coaches have been added to the offensive staff for Mountain Lion football. Former University of Tennessee offensive line coach Don Mahoney will assume the same role at Concord in addition to be the offensive coordinator for the Mountain Lions. Former high school coach and quarterbacks coach at UT-Martin Josh Zettergren will lead the quarterbacks at CU.
Mahoney is the uncle of current Concord tight ends coach Pat Mahoney. The elder Mahoney has had coaching stops at Central Michigan, Tulane, Cincinnati and Tennessee. Mahoney spent six seasons at Central Michigan coaching tight ends before landing in Tulane to tutor the offensive line from 1999-2006. From 2007-09, he returned to Central Michigan to coach the same unit before following current Tennessee head coach Butch Jones for stops at Cincinnati (2010-12) and Tennessee (2013-16). Mahoney has familiarity with West Virginia having graduated from West Virginia State in 1993. Meanwhile, Zettergren comes to Concord after a coaching tenure at Tennessee-Martin. Zettergren helped the Skyhawks to a 7-5 record in 2016 after starting the season 0-2. Before stops at UT-Martin and St. George’s (HS) in Collierville, Tenn., Zettergren helped turn around Trinity Christian Academy in Jackson, Tenn. as the offensive coordinator. During his first season in 2011, TCA went 3-7, but in Zettergren’s final two seasons Trinity Christian was 20-4.
FORMER RUNNING BACK CALVINAUGH JONES SIGNS WITH POTSDAM ROYALS OF GERMAN LEAGUE
Former Concord All-American running back Calvinaugh Jones has signed a professional contract with the Potsdam Royals of the German Football League’s Second Division.
New assistant coaches Mahoney and Zettergren
Summer 2017 • 65
CONCORD’S STUDENT ATHLETES CONTINUE TO EXCEL IN COMPETITION AND IN THE CLASSROOM. FEATURED IN THIS SECTION ARE SOME OF THESE OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
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MOUNTAIN LION HONORS
TRIO OF FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Selected to Hampshire Honor Society
(from top) Coleman Osborne, Ethan Richardson and Tyler Alt
Seniors Tyler Alt, Coleman Osborne and Ethan Richardson were selected to the prestigious Hampshire Honor Society after completing their final season of eligibility in 2016. After transferring from Elon to Concord for his final season, Alt started in 10 games for the Mountain Lions along the offensive line. Over his career, Osborne became one of the best offensive linemen not only in the Mountain East Conference, but in the region. He started in all 11 games for Concord in 2016 at center. In four years, Osborne was a three-time all-region selection and was
twice named an All-American including an Honorable Mention selection in his final season. Meanwhile, Richardson was a do-it-all player for CU in his career as he made contributions on both offense and special teams. In 2016, Richardson rushed for 150 yards, caught passes for 43 yards and made two tackles on special teams. To be eligible for consideration into the Hampshire Honor Society, players must be in their final season of eligibility, carry a GPA of 3.2 throughout their college career and meet progress towards a degree.
FRAZIER HONORED
with Multiple Awards
Chad Frazier
Junior infielder Chad Frazier of the Concord University baseball team has amassed an impressive list of honors recently. Among these accolades is being voted to the Conference Commissioner’s Association Division II All-American Team as a third team selection. The Roanoke, Va. native becomes the 10th All-American in program history and the first since Joey Miller and Bret Blevins in 2014. Named the Mountain East Conference Player of the Year, Frazier led the conference Caption in batting average (.428),
runs scored (73) and triples (six). He was one of two MEC players named to the CCA All-American Team, joining Shepherd’s Ryan Pansch who was an honorable mention selection. Of Concord’s 10 AllAmericans, four have been shortstops for the Mountain Lions, Joe Besl, Donovan Huffer, Toby Legacy and now Frazier. Along with sophomore catcher Jordan Clark, Frazier has been voted by the American Baseball Coaches’ Association (ABCA)/Rawlings as a Second Team Atlantic All-
Summer 2017 • 67
MOUNTAIN LION HONORS
Region performer. Clark earned his first all-region selection after a season that saw him lead the Mountain East Conference in RBI and finish third in the league in home runs. Clark’s 13 home runs were tied for the sixth-most in a single season at Concord while his 63 RBI were ninth-best in a single season at CU. The Scott Depot, W.Va. native concluded the season with a batting average of .354 with a slugging percentage of .652 to go along with his home run and RBI numbers. Meanwhile, Frazier made it a clean sweep of all-region awards in the 2017 postseason after being named a first team selection to the Conference Commissioner’s Association squad and was tabbed to the all-region second team for the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association. Frazier set the Concord single-season mark for both runs scored and total hits (83). Frazier also tallied five home
runs, 45 RBI and 15 stolen bases. Clark and Frazier become the first pair of teammates to be named to the ABCA All-Region team since a trio of Mountain Lions, Ryan Johnson, Joey Miller and Devin Smith, earned the awards in 2013. Adding to his honors, Frazier earned a spot on the Tino Martinez Award Honorable Mention List. Twelve players were selected as finalists for the Tino Martinez Award, and 15 additional players were named to the honorable mention list with Frazier being one of them. The Tino Martinez Award honors DII baseball’s most outstanding players and is named after the former University of Tampa Spartan, United States Olympian, first round draft pick and MLB All-Star. Frazier led a group of five players on the All-MEC First Team that also included junior catcher Paul Williams, sophomore infielder
Trevor Wiersma, sophomore pitcher Troy Beckner and sophomore outfielder Evan Webb. Clark and freshman infielder Nathan Neff made the All-MEC Second Team while senior pitcher Nate Werner was a member of the Honorable Mention All-MEC team. The five first-team selections for Concord are the most since 2001 when it had six. The eight all-conference selections were the most since 2014 when the Mountain Lions had 10 allconference performers. During the season, Frazier was also honored as a Regional Hitter of the Week by the National Baseball Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association and a Player of the Week by the Mountain East Conference. Frazier joined Clark, Beckner and senior pitcher Eli Flynn as other Concord players to win MEC Player or Pitcher of the Week during the regular season.
GORE SELECTED
to USTFCCCA All-Region Team
Jonathan Gore
68 • Summer 2017
Senior Jonathan Gore of the Concord University men’s track and field team has been recognized by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association (USTFCCCA) as an all-region performer. Gore earned the all-region accolade for his performance in the long jump. In his final collegiate meet, the Fayetteville, W.Va. native leaped 7.16 meters at the Mountain East Conference Championships for a schoolrecord distance.
Additionally, Gore was named the MEC High Point/ MVP for his effort at the conference championship meet, racking up 28 points for the Mountain Lions. Gore was also an all-region recipient in the long jump during the indoor track and field season. The top five individuals in each event in each region garnered all-region.
MOUNTAIN LION HONORS
FURR VOTED
NFCA All-Region
Alayna Furr
2017 Football Schedule
Senior shortstop Alayna Furr of the Concord University softball team has been selected to the National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association All-Region Second Team squad. Furr finished her final season in the Maroon and Gray with a .386 batting average, 38 runs scored, 80 total hits and 12 stolen bases. The Lovettsville, Va. native had the fourth-highest batting average at the end of the regular season in the Mountain East Conference, and also broke the single-season record for hits at
Concord. Additionally, Furr broke the school record for total hits in a career and finished her four years with 235 career hits. In the field, Furr recorded a fielding percentage of .952, making only 13 errors in 256 chances. The middle infielder also was also a big reason the Mountain Lions turned a program-record 32 double plays during the 2017 season. Furr becomes just the fourth Concord player to earn all-region honors in program history.
August 31
West Virginia Wesleyan
Home
September 7
Charleston
Away
September 14
UVA. - Wise
Home
September 23
Notre Dame
Away
September 30
Shepherd
Home
October 7
Glenville State
Away
October 14
West Virginia State
HOMECOMING
October 21
UNC. - Pembroke
Home
October 28
West Liberty
Away
November 4
Fairmont State
Home
November 11
Urbana
Away Summer 2017 • 69
MOUNTAIN LION HONORS
HERNDON, LEWIS
Selected to All-MEC Tournament Team
Sarah Herndon
Lauren Lewis
Senior pitcher Sarah Herndon and senior outfielder Lauren Lewis of the CU softball team were named to the AllMountain East Conference Tournament Team. Herndon earned the honor for her work in the circle in three games. The Berryville, Va. native pitched back-to-back shutouts against Notre Dame and Charleston with Concord facing elimination in both games. In those two specific games, Herndon allowed just seven hits and struck out 11 hitters over 14 innings of work. Over her three games, Herndon surrendered 13 hits and three runs while fanning 15 batters in 20.2 innings. During the MEC
Tournament, Herndon lowered her ERA from 4.45 to 3.70. Meanwhile, Lewis hit .384 (5-for-13) at the plate with two multi-hit games, an RBI and two runs in four games for the Mountain Lions at the MEC Tournament. Lewis’ lone RBI of the postseason was a crucial one that came in a 2-0 win over Charleston. Lewis drove in the game’s lone RBI with the other run being scored on a Charleston error. The Kearneysville, W.Va. native also collected her sixth double of the season at the MEC Tournament in the opening round against Shepherd.
SNYDER WINS
10,000-Meters
Justin Snyder
70 • Summer 2017
Junior Justin Snyder’s victory in the 10,000-meter run highlighted the first two days of competition at the Mountain East Conference Track and Field Championships. Snyder won the 10,000 meters in a meet record and personal-record time of 32:05 as he only led the race during the final lap. Over the first two days, Concord claimed two secondplace finishes. Senior Jonathan Gore broke his own school record in the long jump with a jump of 7.16 meters. Gore was edged out for the title by Notre Dame’s Brandon Gambrell who
leaped 7.17 meters. The trio of junior Tyler Kosut, freshman Chris Taylor and sophomore Michael Ruhnke claimed the second, third and fourth spots in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Kosut led the group with a time of 9:58.50. Taylor crossed in 10:01.40 and Ruhnke was 10:09.20. Kosut and Taylor earned allconference for their efforts. Also scoring in the 10,000-meters was senior Brandon Lee who ran a personal-record time of 33:32.60, finishing eighth.
MOUNTAIN LION HONORS
STUDENT-ATHLETES NAMED
to Spring Dean’s List The Concord University Athletic Department has announced that 68 student-athletes made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2017 semester. The Mountain Lions put 12 more studentathletes on the Dean’s List during the spring semester than the fall semester. Following is a breakdown of each athlete by sport. BASEBALL- Eli Flynn, Ryan Fralin, Oscar Garcia, Indiana Hall, Joey Lacek, Reed McNeer, Nathan Neff, Adrian Peralta, Brett Simmons, Carter Shrewsbury, Killian Tooze, Noah Tucker, Trevor Wiersma, Paul Williams and James Wood MEN’S BASKETBALL Cal Cistaro and Colby Hill
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Anne Golinsky, Nila Hellams and Loni Webb
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Jacob Ashcraft, Justin Snyder, Matt Strand and Jason Weitzel
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Bailey Knowles, Kristin Lee and Aidan Payton CHEERLEADING - Chelsea Goins
FOOTBALL - Andrew Jakubowsky and Nathan Toney WOMEN’S GOLF - Sarah Cole and Katelyn Sanders
MEN’S SOCCER - Sam Ashton, Pedro Bassin, Mahamadou Coulibaly, Michael D’Angelo,
Jack Garwood, Alex Rhodes and Brad Rodda WOMEN’S SOCCER - Sarah Akers, Makayla Ballenger, Shannon Barajas, Kiana Brown, Emily Cole, Ali Cook, Lacie Geisel, Katelyn Gibbs, Carley Graves, Olivia Reilly, Keirston Sutherland and Kat Walton
SOFTBALL - Alayna Furr, Sarah Herndon, Nicole Neri, Alycea Watson and Jenna Witt MEN’S TENNIS - William Dick and Adam Tolliver WOMEN’S TENNIS - Taylor Dixon
MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD Jacob Ashcraft, Justin Snyder, Matt Strand and Jason Weitzel
CU WINS THREE TITLES
During Conference Competition
Taylor Hamm
The Concord University women’s track and field team claimed three running-event titles on the final day of competition at the Mountain East Conference Championships. Sophomores Taylor Hamm and Emilee Henry each won individual titles while the duo also helped win a 4x400-meter relay crown. Hamm clocked a time of 2:24.63 to win the 800-meter run. Teammate and freshman Kate Golinsky was right behind Hamm in second as she raced a careerbest time of 2:24.93. Golinsky earned All-MEC Second Team for her effort.
Meanwhile, Henry sprinted to a win in the 400-meter dash, clocking a personal-best 58.34 seconds. Hamm and Henry teamed up with sophomore Heather Chernutan and freshman Autumn Thomas as the foursome ran 4:02.42 in the 4x400-meter relay to capture the victory. The quartet ran its fastest time of the season by seven seconds to get the win. Henry motored to a third-place finish in the 200-meter dash to earn Honorable Mention All-MEC in the event. Henry clocked a time of 25.51 seconds. Summer 2017 • 71
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
February 2017 - Jan Cahill '91
Congratulations to Concord graduate Jan Cahill ’91 on being named the West Virginia State Police Superintendent. Cahill was selected for the position by WV Governor Jim Justice in January. He previously served as a member of the United States Marine Corps, a WV state trooper and most recently as the Greenbrier County Sheriff.
To read more about Cahill’s selection please visit the following link: http://wvmetronews.com/2017/01/07/ justice-selects-cahill-as-state-policesuperintendent/
Concord is proud to have alums like Jan Cahill serving our state in such an important role!
March 2017 - David Woodard ‘03 Congratulations to Tazewell County Tourism Director David Woodard ’03 on recently receiving the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his efforts in community service.
Alums like David exemplify Concord’s mission of “Come to Learn. Go to Serve.” and we are proud to call him a Concord alum!
This is the highest level community service award given and individuals can only be nominated for the award by an organization certified by the Points of Light Foundation.
April 2017 - Rosalie Peck ‘63 In honor of her retirement from Concord after over 20 years of teaching here, this month we wanted to spotlight Rosalie Peck ’63. Rosalie has touched the lives of countless students during her time on campus and CU has been lucky to have an alum as dedicated to her alma mater as Rosalie has been.
To read a recent article highlighting her retirement, visit www.concord.edu/ advancement/node/100
Congratulations Rosalie and best wishes in this next chapter of your life!
May 2017 - Anthony Heltzel ‘12 Congratulations to CU grad Anthony Heltzel ’12 on being named Mercer County’s newest Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Heltzel was appointed to the position on March 27.
To read about Anthony’s journey to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office please visit the following link: 72 • Summer 2017
http://www.ptonline.net/gallery/featured/ familiar-face-assistant-prosecutor-heltzelaccountability-is-key-to-productive/article_ fc173120-2122-11e7-a7d5-a369191838ee. html
Congratulations Anthony and best of luck in your new role!
Class Notes
ACHIEVEMENTS ROD WHISNER ’88 has been 1970s 2000s Director of Marketing for the ______________ named ______________ architectural business unit of GKD BEVERLY MAGGIO ANDERSON ’73 was re-elected to the City of Virginia Beach School Board this past November. She is currently serving in her fifth year on the School Board. In January she was selected by the Board to be the Chair. Virginia Beach has almost 70,000 students and more than 14,000 employees. Anderson started teaching in Virginia Beach after graduating from Concord and taught 37 years before retiring in 2012 to run for the School Board. “I have, and am still enjoying a career in education that all started at Concord College,” she said.
1980s ____________
EDDIE ISOM ’88 has been named Director of Television for West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Eddie has been with WVPB since 1996 and has worked in Television Programming and Operations, Underwriting, and on-air fundraising. He previously was a staff writer at the Bluefield Daily Telegraph.
Metal Fabrics. Additionally, he will lead Marketing and Sales support for the industrial mesh and process belts business units. Whisner has worked for advertising and design agencies and has nearly two decades of experience in business-to-business marketing. He is a native of West Virginia and studied commercial art at Concord.
LISA MILAM ’89 has been named Director of Recruitment and Workforce Management at the University of Arkansas. She previously served the University as an HR Partner in the Human Resources Office. Her duties will include serving as an HR Specialist in recruitment and employee relations where she will be responsible for overseeing the performance evaluation process. She will also offer leadership to the HR Partners team. Milam holds a master’s degree in counseling. Her career background includes experience in recruitment and higher education administration.
LONNIE BAILEY ’01 of Pineville, W.Va., has recently had two new musical CDs released by Hilltop Records. The Christmas album “Happy Holidays” has two of his songs, and “The Best of Hilltop” has one song. Also, his book of poetry titled “On Love and Reason”, published by Poetryfest, was released, making a total of 22 books he has written. His verse has also been included in a Wyoming County record of 159 anthologies; 160 is due out later in 2017. His name was placed on the historic Cassini and the equally famous New Horizons spacecraft. VIRGINIA “GINNY” RACHEL ’01 has received the fifth annual Irene McKinney Postgraduate Teaching Fellowship. She graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Master of Fine Arts program in 2015. Dr. Irene McKinney, Professor Emeritus and West Virginia Poet Laureate, was the founding director of the college’s MFA Program and the fellowship is in her honor. Rachel will work with faculty and students at Wesleyan in
Meleah Fisher '94 receives Bandmaster Honor MELEAH FISHER ’94 was named West Virginia Bandmaster of the Year by the Tau Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. She is the band director at Herbert Hoover High School in Kanawha County, West Virginia. In June 2016, the school was destroyed by the flooding that devastated parts of West Virginia. Meleah Fisher '94, left, receives the West Virginia Bandmaster of the Year award from Bobby Jenks ’97 with Phi Beta Mu. PHOTO COURTESY OF KANAWHA COUNTY SCHOOLS
Elkview Middle School opened its doors to the displaced Herbert Hoover students and staff. Determined to keep the band functioning, Fisher and her students rehearsed in the middle school’s parking lot. With their instruments and uniforms destroyed by the flood waters, they are relying on equipment donations. Fisher received the award during the band’s spring concert in May. Phi Beta Mu representative Bobby Jenks ’97, also a West Virginia music educator, made the presentation. Summer 2017 • 73
Class Notes Christy McGinnis '04 Named BB&T Charleston Market President CHRISTY MCGINNIS ’04 has been named BB&T Market President for the Charleston Market which includes Kanawha, Boone, Logan and Mingo counties in West Virginia. She will manage the BB&T franchise in the market and lead commercial lending activities. Christy is a 12 year BB&T associate having joined BB&T in June of 2004. She most recently served as a Business Services Officer for the past four years and has distinguished herself as a top producer and hard worker, receiving the 2015 Best of the Best designation. Prior to her role as a BSO, Christy enjoyed success as the Merchant Sales Consultant (2013 $10 Million Award) and BB&T@ conjunction with the fellowship. A resident of Princeton, Rachel has been a traveling adjunct instructor.
2010s ____________
AARON HARVEY ’14 has been honored with designing Blenko Glass Company’s limited-edition glass collectible marking West Virginia’s birthday on June 20. The company, located in Milton, W.Va., began the tradition in 1980. Harvey, 74 • Summer 2017
Work Sales Officer (2008 Sterling Performer), being recognized for her sales acumen and productivity. Christy is a native of Mt. Olive, W.Va. and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Concord, graduating with honors. She was honored in 2014 with the Concord University Young Alumnus Award. She serves the community through her association with the Concord University Business Advisory Board and the Charleston YWCA – Girl Talk Mentoring program. Christy resides in Dunbar with her husband Zac, who is an assistant Fire Chief with the City of Dunbar.
a glassblower and native of West Virginia, has designed “Sun Over the Mountains”, a stoppered bottle and a companion piece, “Moon Over the Forest.” His 2016 designs for Blenko include a pitcher commissioned by then First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin in commemoration of the state’s birthday and Checkmate, a line of decanters that is inspired by a chess set. JORDAN WEITZEL ’15 beat out 320 runners to win the inaugural Greenbrier Half Marathon held in White Sulphur Springs in May. He finished the race in 1:15.41, 5:16 ahead of the second place finisher.
IN MEMORY 1940s ____________ WANDA SHELTON BRADLEY ’44: June 17, 2017. Wanda Shelton Bradley of Roanoke, formerly of Princeton, was born October 14, 1923 in Princeton to the late Robert Bee Shelton and Myrtle Johnston Shelton. She was a 1940 graduate of Princeton High School and a graduate of Concord where she was president in her senior year of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority. She was a former member of Matthew French Chapter of DAR, former treasurer of Zeta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and a life member of Mercer County Retired School Employees. Wanda retired from the Mercer County School System after 35 1/2 years of service. Wanda was a member of Windsor Hills United Methodist Church in
Class Notes Roanoke, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles E. Bradley, Jr.; brothers, Fred, French and Alex Shelton; sisters, Elizabeth King, Dorothy McKamey and Mildred Cooper. Survivors include her nieces, Karen Thorn and Nancy (Mike) Donovan; great-niece, Amanda (Derek) Edwards, great-nephew, Todd (Laura) Donovan and great-greatnephew, Wade Edwards.
GALE YOUNG ’49: June 14, 2017. Born September 29, 1926 in Bluefield, he was the son of the late McClellan “Mac” Young and Catherine Hardy Young. Gale was a graduate of Beaver High School in Bluefield and Concord College. He was a veteran of WW II serving with the U.S. Army Air Corp. Following his service to his country, Gale worked for the U.S. Postal Service from 1951 until his retirement in 1981 as a Letter Carrier. A resident of Bluefield, Gale was a faithful member of the First Christian Church on Straley Avenue in Princeton. He served as a Deacon, an Elder, taught Sunday school, was a choir member, a youth leader, a lay minister and sang in a quartet. While his health permitted, he loved to travel, having visited 49 of the 50 states, Canada and Mexico while mostly traveling in a camper. He was an avid golfer, something he and Sarah did for many years. Gale was a member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge # 1457 of Princeton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his only sibling, O. C. Young. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Sarah Kathryn White Young, one daughter; Kathryn Young Montgomery and husband Jack of Alpharetta GA.
1950s ____________
VINCENT V. MATERA ’51: February 8, 2016. A lifelong resident of New York City, NY, Mr. Matera was a data processor for the American
International Group, Inc. (AIG) in New York City up until his retirement in 2000. Mr. Matera was a United States Army Veteran. He served the United States in Germany during the Korean Era. He was honorably discharged. He graduated from Concord in May 1951. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1099. Mr. Matera was born in New York City on April 4, 1929. He was the son of Frank and Rose Mazzilli Matera. On June 9, 1951 at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church in Highland he married Marie P. Mazziotto. Mrs. Matera survives at home in New York City. Additional survivors include his daughter, Rosemarie and her husband Robert of Cresskill, NJ, his grandson, Brent, his brother, Alessio Matera of New York City and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter Matera.
CARL SALVATORE AZZARA ’54: March 23, 2017. Carl is survived and will be missed by his loving wife of 34 years, Judith Woolsey Azzara; his children, Carl Daniel (Wendy), Michael Dennis (Cynthia), Christopher David (Lisa), Patrick Timothy (Paul) and Ann Marie Morasco (Robert); his stepson, Michael Sean Ryan (Shannon); and his grandchildren, Alexandra, Nicole, Kyle, Evan, David, Amy, Kristen, Anthony, Tyler and Molly. Carl was born August 13, 1928 in Yonkers, New York to Charles Salvatore and Anna Beningasa Azzara. After graduating from Yonkers High School, Carl enlisted in the United States Army where he had
the opportunity to play piano in the special services. After serving his country, Carl was awarded a music scholarship at Concord University. Carl graduated from Concord and then accepted the position of band director at Marion Senior High School in Marion, Virginia. While in Marion, he spent summers at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana completing his Master’s Degree. In 1960 Carl was awarded the “Young Man of the Year Award” by the Marion Chamber of Commerce to recognize his positive impact on students and the community. After 10 years directing the band, Carl left Marion for new opportunities in Fairfax County, Virginia. In Fairfax County, Carl spent several years as the band director at Robert Frost Intermediate School. His career continued as High School Counselor, Guidance Director and Assistant Principal. Carl was chosen by the superintendent to be a Human Relations Specialist to serve schools in troubled areas of the county. He retired as the Assistant Principal/ Guidance Director of Thoreau Intermediate School in 1983. After retirement, Carl taught computer skills and trained employees in both the private and government sectors. Carl was a member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church and active in their CCD program. After moving to Reston, he continued his faith journey at St. John Neumann Catholic Church where he played piano at Daily Mass, was active with the High School Youth Ministry Program and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a resident of Reston, Virginia. A lifelong pianist, musician and teacher, Carl played in the same trio for over 20 years and inspired others with his love of music. He enjoyed sharing conversation, spending winters in Florida, watching Dodgers and Nationals baseball, and traveling with Judy. Last August, Carl found great joy celebrating his 88th birthday to match the 88 keys on the piano. ROBERT W. TABSCOTT ’59: May
Summer 2017 • 75
Class Notes 12, 2017. Tabscott, of the St. Louis area, was director of the Elijah Lovejoy Society which he founded in 1975. The organization honors the newspaper editor and abolitionist. Tabscott was a minister, civil-rights activist and guest columnist for the Post-Dispatch. He was also a commentator on KWMU-FM 90.7 and minister at Des Peres Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his former wife, Sandra Rodney of St. Louis; one daughter, Susan Dames of St. Louis; three sons, David Tabscott, Mark Tabscott and Robert Tabscott, all of St. Louis; and seven grandchildren.
1960s ____________
BILLY BENNETT WARD ’60: April 5, 2017. A resident of Dublin, VA, he was a member of Mountain View United Methodist Church and a retired plant manager with Burlington Industries. He was born in West Virginia, the son of the late Leon and Eva Pauline Ward, and received his accounting degree from Concord College. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Shirley Milton Ward; step-children, Steven Todd Harrison, Paula Smith and her husband Mark, and Teresa Young, all of Dublin, and Debra H. Linkous of Christiansburg; grandchildren, Kimberly Dawn (Nathan) Rush, Melissa Burton Smith and Tiffany Linkous; seven great-grandchildren; and special canine companions, Benji and Nicky.
76 • Summer 2017
CHARLES J. “JIM” PARKS ’63: June 10, 2017. Born in Princeton Jim was the son of the late William W. and Mary Enoch Parks. He was a retired professor from Middle Georgia College in Cochran, GA. Jim received his master’s degree from Appalachian State University and his doctorate from the University of Alabama. He was a resident of Cochran for over 40 years and following retirement split his time between Princeton and Cochran. He attended Southside Baptist Church in Cochran and was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan. Survivors include his sister, Judi Parks Anderson of Senoia, GA and brother, William M. “Mac” Parks of Lewisburg and Princeton.
LAVONNE RUTH PENNINGTON BAILEY ’67: May 16, 2017. Born November 4, 1934 at Clinchco, VA, she was the daughter of the late Glen Elmore “Doc” Pennington & Icy Killen Pennington. Lavonne was a graduate of Princeton High School and Concord College. She had taught school as a reading specialist, retiring with 25 years of service at Knob Elementary School. Lavonne was a member of the First Christian Church on Straley
Avenue in Princeton. While her health permitted, she was an avid reader, enjoyed knitting and her animals, especially her cat Pippen. She was a resident of Princeton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister Dotty Lambert. Those left to cherish her memory: Her faithful husband of 65 years, Dr. Frederick Bailey; three children, Pamela Jean Bailey & husband Wes, Sally Bailey Deskins & husband Tim, and Dr. Dale Frederick Bailey & wife Jean Singley Bailey; four grandchildren, Nolan Dempsey, Jake & Bailey Deskins, & Carson Bailey; two great-grandchildren, Amanda & Molly Dempsey; two great-greatgrandchildren, Lilly & Jack Walker; and two siblings, Frankie Alston & Michael Pennington, both of California.
DANNY R. WILLS ’69: May 16, 2017. Born July 14, 1946 in Princeton, he was the son of the late Ray V. Wills, Jr. and Minnie Sutphin Wills. Danny was a graduate of Princeton High School, Class of 1964, Concord College, the WV State Police Academy and received his medical degree from West Virginia University. Following graduation, Danny and Barbara lived in Charleston for three years, before moving to Bluefield where Danny served the public in private practice for eight years. Danny then worked in the Emergency Room at BRMC for 20 years and had served as its Director of Emergency Medicine. Danny was elected as Sheriff of
Class Notes Mercer County for two terms. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Princeton, a former Deacon and was currently working with the AWANA group of the church. Besides his family, whom he dearly loved, Danny had a love and passion for flying airplanes, having earned his pilots license in 2001. He was a resident of Princeton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Steve Wills. Those left to cherish his memory: his devoted and loving wife of 44 years, Barbara Ann Snider Wills; three children, Matthew Scott Wills, Joseph Taylor Wills, all of Princeton, Mary Elizabeth Wills Price and husband Jerry of Mauldin SC.; a special son, Gunjan Sanghi of Washington DC; five grandchildren, Jackson Ray Wills, Hadley Kate Wills, Keagan Lee Wills, Morgan Elizabeth Price and Cooper Daniel Price; brother, Michael Wills and wife Jeannie of Princeton; nephew Keith Wills; brother-in-law, Ronnie Snider and his wife Freda and their children, Kim and Rick and a host of cousins.
public education working in primary education as a teacher, counselor and substitute. He was a passionate musician and brought music into his classrooms as well as the lives of everyone around him. He was also a world traveler trekking across the U.S., Europe, and Peru. Formerly of Morgantown, he was a resident of Silver Spring, MD. Survivors include one son, Zachary Byrd and wife Katherine of Silver Spring, MD; one sister, Sue Yurkiewicz of Princeton; one niece, Nikki Yurkiewicz of Havre de Grace, MD; devoted friend and beloved caregiver, Betsy Eppes of Silver Spring, MD; his former wife, Barbara Byrd of Princeton; and two special aunts, Oden Godfrey and Muriel Allen both of Princeton.
1970s ____________
STEPHEN T. BYRD ’75: May 13, 2017. Born August 13, 1952 in Princeton, he was the son of Ted and Betty Shrewsbury Byrd of Princeton. Steve was a graduate of Princeton High School and attended WV Institute of Technology, received a Bachelor of Science degree at Concord College and received a Master of Science degree at West Virginia University. He dedicated himself to
NANCY EDGE LIVELY ’75: June 5, 2017. Born March 11, 1953 in Bryan Texas, she was the daughter of Jeanette Struif Edge of Princeton and the late Dr. Milton Carlyle Edge. Nancy was a 1971 graduate of Athens High School, and graduated from Concord College with a degree in Education. Nancy was a retired school teacher from Sun Valley School having taught for more than 30 years in the Mercer County School System. She was a member of the Princeton Advent Christian Church and a resident of Princeton. While her health permitted, Nancy enjoyed traveling, crafts and especially her animals. She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother and sister. Survivors in addition to her mother Jeanette: Her devoted daughters, Sarah Lively Turner & husband Nathan, Dr. Tara
Lively Mitchell & husband Ryan, all of Princeton; three grandchildren, Jack Turner, Reid Mitchell & Everleigh Mitchell; one sister, Holly Edge Streit & husband Dr. William (Bill) and a niece Katy all of Princeton.
1980s ____________
LORI ANN YOUNG ’84: April 22, 2017. Born June 29, 1962 in Newport News VA, she was the daughter of James Milton Pennington and Joyce Fletcher Pennington of the Athens Road, Princeton. Lori was a graduate of Athens High School in 1980 and received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Concord College. Those who knew Lori will remember her beautiful smile and her warm and loving personality. While her health permitted, Lori served as a Tax Auditor for the State of West Virginia. In 1998, Lori’s health began to decline; she no longer could walk without assistance. Later in life she was confined to a wheelchair, giving her opportunity to be mobile, all at the same time, serving her Lord and Savior with faithful membership with Bethel United Methodist Church near Princeton. Lori served for many years as Trustee and Auditor for the church; she also served the church in other capacities within the life of the church. Her loving and faithful husband always made sure Lori was able to move about freely, giving her the freedom she needed to attend church and visit friends and family. Lori loved her
Summer 2017 • 77
Class Notes flowers. Lori was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Virgil and Maycel Farley Fletcher; and paternal grandparents, James Allen and Viola French Pennington. Survivors include her loving and devoted husband, Tommy Joe Young; her mother and father, Milton and Joyce Pennington; her loving sister, Lisa Kay Myles and her children: Amanda Kay Myles, Brandon Lee and Renee Myles and their child Haidyn. Additional survivors from Tommy’s side of the family that loved her dearly, include: Nita and Fritz Taylor and their children, Adam and Carlene, Joel and Susan Young and their children Anna and Joel, Linda Young and her children, Joel, Gretchen and Kristen, along with a host of cousins.
2000s ____________
JOSHUA ALAN TUCK ’09: May 8, 2017. Born July 13, 1986, he was the son of Franklin Jr. and Leonora Cruz Tuck. A resident of Daniels, Joshua attended Shady Spring First Baptist Church. He was a member of the
Calling for Class Notes
Whitewater Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America. Josh worked as an Administrator of CAMC General Hospital where he also volunteered on his lunch breaks giving brown bag lunches to family members of ICU patients. He received the Heart and Soul Award for the hospital system as an extraordinary employee. He was also involved in and was a member of several Healthcare Associations within the state where he served as a co-chair. Josh was Vice President of Baca Valley
Ministries, Inc. and was very active in supporting and promoting foreign and domestic evangelism. He was a talented artist, enjoyed drawing, woodworking, hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, traveling, working on his 1950 Pontiac and being with his family and friends. Josh, as a former teacher, enjoyed coaching youth sports such as soccer and high school girl’s basketball at Rainelle Christian Academy. Josh received his undergraduate degree at Concord University and his MBA from the University of Charleston where he graduated top of his class. Joshua trusted Christ as his Savior at an early age. His love of life and service for others were centered on his faith in Jesus Christ. Joshua’s life touched others everyday everywhere from West Virginia to Ireland and Russia. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Rebekah Wimmer Tuck of Daniels; parents, Franklin Jr. and Leonora Tuck of Rainelle; brothers, Franklin Tuck III of Beckley, Isaiah Tuck of Ghent; sisters, Maryanne Grimmett of Union and Melissa Workman of Shady Spring; and, grandmother, Annie Tuck of Flint, MI.
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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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!
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Concord University Office of Advancement PO Box 1000 Athens, WV 24712
80 • Summer 2017