Forward, summer 2019

FORWARD TH E MAGAZ I N E OF

Volume 64, No. 1 | Summer 2019

Robin Price Retiring After 46 Years Myles Center, Plaza Getting $5M Update

Volume 63, No. 3

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LETTER from the PRESIDENT Dear D&E Alumni and Friends, Life is a series of beginnings and endings. Ecclesiastes 3:2 reminds us there is “… a time to be born and a time to die ….” To live is to experience the new and unexpected, as well as witnessing the inevitable change when a new day brings endings and fresh beginnings. So it is in life, and in the life of a College.

This issue of Forward shares news of endings and beginnings in the life of our beloved Davis & Elkins. The cover photos share the news of Robin Price’s retirement after 46 years of devoted service. In addition to Robin, we also recognize the retirements of three respected faculty members who have a combined 84 years of teaching. Retiring are Dr. Vicki Mullennex, Professor of Business; Mr. Shankar Roy, Assistant Professor of Mathematics; and Dr. Threasia Witt, Professor of Nursing and Chair of the Nursing Department. D&E is the tie that binds these four as they celebrate endings and beginnings and as they move on to the next chapter in their lives knowing that their legacy on this campus is secured.

Our recent commencement ceremony, described in both narrative and photos, is certainly a milestone ending of collegiate careers for our graduates, but the beginning of a lifetime of opportunity and meaning made possible by their years at their alma mater.

As you will read in this issue, a Bachelor of Science in nursing as well as an honors program were curricular offerings of the College in the past. As a result of the cycle of life, these both ended at various times only to now be rebirthed for a new generation of students. Likewise, theater students in the days of beloved Theater Professor Claire Fiorentino will be pleased to read of the recent theatrical production in the Great Hall of Halliehurst. Life is a series of beginnings, endings and new beginnings.

Please don’t miss the article describing the new construction about to begin on campus at the Myles Center for the Arts, including the plaza. With deep appreciation to June Myles for her continuing generosity, this $5 million addition will add functional space for the campus and community, create a beautiful and reflective setting at a central point of our campus, and amplify the importance of both the visual and performing arts for the campus community and the region. This new construction signifies another new beginning to further enhance the transformative educational experience that has been a hallmark of Davis & Elkins College for the past 115 years.

As the next academic year is about to commence, the new students arriving on these hallowed grounds will join thousands of alumni as proud members of the D&E family. Their time on campus will consist of academic growth, life-changing personal relationships, and memories for a lifetime. Beginnings and endings await them, and each of us, as we enjoy the God-given gift of life.

With warmest wishes,

Chris A. Wood President FACEBOOK.COM/DAVISANDELKINS

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FORWARD THE MAGAZINE OF

Editor: Linda Howell Skidmore Writer: Linda Howell Skidmore Photographers: Jacob Bice, Linda Howell Skidmore, Wendy Morgan, Karin Rosario, Sam Santilli, Rosemary Thomas, Josh Triggs and Tina Vial

About the Magazine

in this

ISSUE 06

Forward magazine is published by the Office of Communications & Marketing. To subscribe or to submit your news, please send an email to skidmorel@dewv.edu or write to Linda Howell Skidmore, 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241.

The Mission of Davis & Elkins College To prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world.

Davis & Elkins College Cabinet Chris A. Wood, President

Jamie Joss, Athletic Director

Scott D. Goddard, Vice President for Student Affairs

Robert J. Phillips, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Robert O. Hardman II, Vice President for Business & Administration

Rosemary M. Thomas, Ed.D. Vice President for Enrollment Management & Institutional Advancement

Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees Elected Officers 2018-2019 William W. Nuttall, ‘70, Chair Mark S. Barber, ‘75, Vice Chair David H. Morrison, ‘79, Secretary James Bialek, ‘74, Treasurer Members Joyce B. Allen Elaine H. Christ Wendell M. Cramer, ‘59 David E. Cutlip, ‘77 Peter H. Dougherty, ‘75 Robert E. Douglas Nancy Evans-Bennett, ‘66 Robert T. Gregory, ‘59 William N. Johnston, Ed.D. Bruce Lee Kennedy, II, CFA

James S. McDonnell, III Adam J. Ouellette, ‘93 Reggie Owens, ’83 Barbara A. Porter, ‘76 Steve Savage, ’72 Dr. Robert G. Smith, ‘65 Rev. Edward J. Thompson Chris A. Wood Life Trustees Karen H. Berner, ‘64 Carter Giltinan John H. Harling, ‘53 Thomas J. “Jack” Martin, D.D.S., ‘50 David A. Rutherford Dorothy H. Wamsley Chair Emeriti Henry M. Moore June B. Myles, D.H.L. Paul S. Stirrup, ‘60 L. Newton Thomas Jr. Leonard J. Timms Jr.

Davis & Elkins College, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the West Virginia Human Rights Act is an equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, including sexual and gender-based harassment, assault, and violence, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identification, or genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, admission to and enrollment with the College, including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, transfer, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination, educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship and loan programs, housing, athletic and other College-administered programs and activities. For inquiries regarding Title IX and/or 504 compliance and/or the filing of a complaint, contact the College’s Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator using the information below or by filing a report online at http://www. dewv.edu/form/title-ix-incident-report-form. Jane Corey, Interim Title IX Coordinator/Director of Human Resources, Liberal Arts Hall, Room 203, 304- 637-1344, coreym@dewv.edu. ©2019 Davis & Elkins College

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Robin Price Retiring After 46 Years

ON THE COVER

Throughout her 46 years of service, Robin Price has poured her talents, enthusiasm and love into Davis & Elkins College. At nearly every event, Robin was on scene assisting in some fashion. In honor of her dedication, she was the first recipient of the award named in her honor – The Robin Price Award for Staff Excellence.

Myles Center, Plaza Getting $5M Update A Spiritual Journey Through the Holy Land

06 NEWS AROUND CAMPUS

A Roundup of Happenings on the Hill 12 PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

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Daniels-Smith Named Outstanding Accounting Educator Phillips Appointed Provost Myles Joins Chair Emerita Ranks Alumni Join Board of Trustees King Named Executive Assistant to the President 15 CELEBRATION

D&E Says ‘Thank You’ with 1904 Society Gala 16 EXTENDING OUR REACH

Dr. Reese Brings Compassion to the Border Morrison-Novakovic Students Find Opportunities to Seek Justice A Spiritual Journey Through the Holy Land 18 GIVING

2019 Grad Sending Message with New Scholarship Nestors Establish Scholarship to Honor Their Son 20 ATHLETICS

Student-Athletes Honored at 2019 DESPY Awards 22 NOW YOU KNOW

Davis & Elkins College National Alumni Council 23 THROWBACK FORWARD 24 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT, NEWS AND NOTES

18 2019 Grad Sending Message with New Scholarship

32 PAST GATHERINGS & UPCOMING EVENTS 34 REMEMBERING Summer 2019

Volume 64, No. 1

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COMMENCEMENT

Commencement speaker Jennifer Giovannitti receives an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from D&E President Chris A. Wood, right, and D&E Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rob Phillips.

Giovannitti Tells Grads to Continue Building Human Capital An enthusiastic crowd of family, friends and well-wishers cheered on the graduating class of 2019 after hearing a message from President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation Jennifer Giovannitti.

A former chief executive of the Randolph County Economic Development Authority and West Virginia Wood Technology Center and wellknown leader in community development in the

President Chris A. Wood congratulates the Class of 2019 Valedictorian Nick Altman and Salutatorian Kendyl Taylor.

4 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

tristate area, Giovannitti told the class and their guests that obtaining a college degree is a huge investment in human capital.

She advised the graduates that it is now time to consider how they will continue building their human capital for the future, and explained that going the extra mile will help the world and build personal human capital.

“Anywhere you live for the rest of your life, please think of this as an opportunity to volunteer, engage with others, get to know your neighbors, get to know people,” Giovannitti said. “You’ll see over the course of your life how central those relationships are because you learn from people.

You learn from their perspectives, you learn from their disagreements, you learn from their concerns, and it will build your human capital while you’re helping the world.”

Giovannitti’s speech was a highlight of Commencement Weekend which also included the Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony with speaker D&E Professor of Nursing Dr. Threasia Witt and the Baccalaureate Service with an address from the Rev. Michael Kirby, senior pastor and head of staff at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Evanston, Il.

Allison Riley stops to get a congratulatory hug from Barista Mary McMahon.

Preparing for the Commencement Ceremony are, from left, front row, 2019-2020 Student Assembly President Richard Davy, Commencement speaker Jennifer Giovannitti, President Chris A. Wood, Board of Trustees Chair Bill Nuttall, ’70, and 2018-2019 Student Assembly President Maddy Brown; middle row, Chair Emeritus Paul Stirrup, ’60, Chair Emerita June Myles, Trustee Mark Barber, ’75, Trustee Dave Cutlip, ’77, and Trustee Dr. Rob Smith, ’65; back row, Trustee Adam Ouellette, ’93, Vice President for Student Affairs Scott Goddard, ’96, Director of Athletics Jamie Joss, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rob Phillips, Benfield-Vick Chaplain Laura Brekke Wagoner, Vice President for Business and Administration Bob Hardman, Director Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan, ’12 and Vice President for Enrollment Management and Institutional Advancement Dr. Rosemary Thomas.

Graduate Kelsie Roby gets a lift from alumna Mary Jane “MJ” Braham, ’17.

The Rev. Michael D. Kirby, senior pastor and head of staff at Northminster Presbyterian Church, delivers the Baccalaureate Service address “Stepping Up, Standing Out.”

New graduates are congratulated by faculty, staff, family and friends as they exit Myles Center for the Arts.

Maddy Brown, 2018-2019 Student Assembly president, left, prepares to lead in the group who shared messages of hope at the Baccalaureate Service, Jereomy Ayres, ’19; featured speaker the Rev. Michael D. Kirby; Kaylee Yergeau, ’19; Kelsie Roby, ’19; and MacKinzie Smith, ’19.

Professor of Nursing Dr. Denice Reese pins a nursing graduate.

Pat Nestor, a dining services employee affectionately known to students as “Granny,” hugs Kayla James after placing her hood during the Baccalaureate Service.

For more photos visit www.flickr.com/ davisandelkins.

Commencement

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NEWS AROUND CAMPUS

Myles Center, Plaza Getting $5M Update

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The newly renovated Myles Center will continue to allow us to celebrate the arts, as well as provide space for our campus community and community-at-large to gather for educational and social functions.

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– Chris A. Wood

An architectural rendering from the Mills Groups shows the new design of Myles Center for the Arts and the adjoining Myles Plaza. The $5 million renovation to the building will include a 5,200-square-foot addition and the construction of a rotunda to match the one at Madden Student Center. The plaza will feature a 10-foot-tall bronze sculpture.

Come fall, construction crews will be busy at Myles Center for the Arts beginning a $5 million project to expand the building by 5,200 square feet and completely refurbish the outdoor gathering area.

Funded by Trustee June Myles, the project is one in a series of upgrades to the facility in the past seven years. With a passion for the arts and culture, Myles is generous in helping the College grow and has seen many projects through from concept, to design to completion.

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“We are most grateful to June Myles for her continuing generosity and vision,” President Chris A. Wood said. “The facility will serve a variety of purposes and give people a place to gather in beautiful surroundings. The newly renovated Myles Center will continue to allow us to celebrate the arts, as well as provide space for our campus community and community-at-large to gather for educational and social functions.”

The front of the structure, facing Robbins Memorial Chapel, will be extended to include a 5,200-square-foot glass enclosed addition

which will nearly double the size of The Joni and Buck Smith Arts Forum. Seating capacity in the area will exceed 300. A two-story stone and brick rotunda, matching the one at Madden Student Center, will serve as the main entrance. The project also will include the installation of an elevator reaching all three floors, a warming kitchen for catering events and additional restrooms.

“The complex housing the Myles Center for the Arts is over 40 years old,” Myles said. “It is time for a facelift incorporating some features that echo other campus buildings. The plaza

is one of the few flat places on campus so it should be made an attractive, inviting venue for students and Elkinites alike.”

Myles Plaza will see a complete renovation as well. Following curvilinear lines, the space will feature walking paths, grassy areas, sections for conversations and a tiered seating area that can be used as an outdoor classroom. The stone Vietnam Veterans Memorial honoring D&E alumni who gave their lives will be relocated.

To accentuate the plaza, Myles commissioned a 10-foot-tall bronze sculpture of a young couple dancing. The work is tentatively titled “The Dancers.”

“June wanted to create a common area on campus that is warm and inviting, and encourages conversation,” Wood said of the outdoor space.

“We want this to be a place where people will gather, not just pass through.”

Construction is expected to take about a year to complete. The building will remain open and fully functional throughout the process.

The Mills Group of Morgantown is serving as architect for the project.

An architectural drawing shows the interior of the renovated Myles Center for the Arts. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a view of Myles Plaza.

Dedicated in 2012, Myles Center for the Arts houses Harper-McNeeley Auditorium, the Paull Gallery, The Joni and Buck Smith Arts Forum, art studios for the D&E Division of Creative Arts, the George A. Myles Pool and additional spaces.

News Around Campus

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NEWS AROUND CAMPUS

Always with a smile, Robin Price has been omnipresent at scores of D&E events through her freshman year as a student, to registering guests at the Centennial Celebration to greeting visitors to the president’s office.

Robin Price Retiring After 46 Years

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with a laugh. “It’s just one of those things I remember and one of those things I learned from.”

It wasn’t long before Price’s skill and reputation for efficiency were much sought after on campus and she was promoted to the administrative assistant to the vice president for development. In 1983, her career took another leap when she was named executive assistant to the president. For the next three and a half decades she served as the right hand to Dr. Brent Devore, Dr. Dorothy MacConkey, Dr. Thomas Mann, Dr. G.T. ‘Buck’ Smith, Dr. Michael Mihalyo and currently to Chris A. Wood.

“All of the presidents have been different from one another and I’ve learned a lot from each one of them,” Price said.

D&E has enhanced my life and made my life. It has been my other family and always will be. The support received from everybody I’ve worked with has made my life whole.

– Robin Price

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Robin Galford Price graduated from Davis & Elkins College in 1973 and never left. That is until this summer when she retires, bringing a 46-year career at her alma mater to a close.

The journey began a few months before receiving an associate degree when the not yet 20-year-old Price applied for various jobs in Elkins, including one at D&E. “In those days, to get hired here you had to take tests in English and typing,” Price explained. “I hoped I would do well on the tests, but I wasn’t too worried because I had Gloria Payne for most of my classes and she really prepared us for anything that would come along.”

In April she received good news. She had been selected as the secretary to Director of Public Relations John Frost. One of her first jobs was to help with a 12,000-piece mailing that she had to place in order

by ZIP code. At the time, there were no computer programs to assist with sorting – it was all done by hand.

“I thought I’d never get done,” Price recalled

Working alongside each president, Price was in the thick of many projects that brought growth to the College. While she says it’s almost impossible to recall every undertaking, she cites her first board meeting in October 1983 as one she will never forget.

“Both Halliehurst and Graceland were in 8 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

major disrepair and there were no funds to renovate,” Price said. “As a solution, it was recommended to demolish both mansions. Fortunately, this did not occur. With assistance from the Elkins community and other friends, Halliehurst was refurbished in 1993 and work at Graceland followed in 1996. It’s impossible to imagine the College without these two iconic historical buildings.”

In more recent years, Price has seen the College grow with construction of The McDonnell Center, renovations to Myles Center for the Arts and the establishment of the Highlands Scholars Program.

Although it was her education that opened the door for employment, it was her love for the institution, the people and the experiences that ensued that kept her returning year after year.

“D&E has been my life. I was here when I got married and had my children and grandchildren,” Price said. “D&E has enhanced my life and made my life. It has been my other family and always will be. The support received from everybody I’ve worked with has made my life whole.”

Price’s dedication to D&E was recognized at the annual Academic Awards and Recognition Convocation with the surprise announcement of The Robin Price Award for Staff Excellence. The award will be presented annually to a Davis & Elkins College staff member who epitomizes distinction and excellence and is making a real difference in the lives of students, faculty and staff.

“I cannot imagine an individual who is better, more suited or more perfect for the job she performs and performs with distinction and excellence,” Wood said of Price’s role with the College.

Price’s dedication to D&E isn’t going away any time soon, she says, explaining that her retirement only means she won’t be sitting behind her desk every day. She plans to remain a member of the Social Club and volunteer where needed. Other days will be filled with family time, traveling and enjoying life.

Price and her husband, Mike, reside in Elkins.

They are the parents of three children, Kristi Ward, Erin Price and Shawn Price, and two grandchildren, Bryce Ward and Ava Price.

Allen Brings More Technology to Hands of Education Students Education students at Davis & Elkins College now have a new space for learning, studying and sharing ideas to implement in their own classrooms. The Joyce Butler-McKee Allen Education Computer Lab was recently dedicated in Liberal Arts Hall.

A longtime Davis & Elkins College Trustee and retired educator, Allen provided funding for 20 laptops, educational software and furnishings for the lab.

“Joyce often provides gifts that will directly benefit students,” said D&E President Chris A. Wood. “We are very grateful to have Joyce as a Trustee.”

The lab is utilized by all education students, both during class time and as a facility to prepare lesson plans. The software includes some of the same educational programs that are used in schools where the students will teach.

One program allows the students to create online quizzes that are projected onto a whiteboard.

Simultaneously, the class marks their responses and the teacher sees the results immediately.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for Davis & Elkins education students to be exposed to state-of-the-art technology which they can utilize in the field and in their future classrooms,” said Associate Professor of Education Dr. Jennifer Tesar.

President Chris A. Wood presents Trustee Joyce Allen with a plaque that will hang in the Joyce Butler-McKee Allen Education Computer Lab in Liberal Arts Hall.

The Aurora Is Going Digital Every spring for more than 50 years, the D&E community has anticipated the release of the College’s literary and creative journal. Although its name has changed over the years, the magazine could be found throughout campus, in Booth Library and among the possessions of those who treasure it.

content online.

The Booth Library staff tackled the technology issues required to digitize the collection.

This year, the Aurora enters a new frontier. With the release of the 2019 edition comes a digital version and a webpage – library.dewv.edu/Aurora – that includes the beginnings of an archive. The move was initiated by the editorial staff who saw a need for providing information on upcoming events and allowing contributors to submit

“The Library has had print copies of the magazine housed in the Special Collections and Archives for many years; now with this project, alumni from all over the world can enjoy the magazine again,” Assistant Director of Booth Library Mary Jo DeJoice said. “This summer we

Trustee Joyce Allen, center, talks with education students Haley Lloyd, ’19, left, and Lauren Cain, ’19, about how the new Education Computer Lab has helped prepare them for their teaching careers.

Allen provided funding for laptops, software and furnishings for the lab.

Students also spend time in the lab practicing for the Praxis test in reading, writing and math, and in their content area.

“Technology is very important these days, so it’s very important to me that the students have the tools they need,” Allen said. “I am so pleased these students are going into the teaching profession.”

The 2019 edition of the Aurora does not follow one theme or idea. Rather, it offers a journey for the reader to step through the past, present and future.

plan to speed up the digitizing of past issues and use the experience to start to put together a plan to digitize the student newspaper, which has been a dream of mine for several years.”

Visitors to the site can learn about the magazine’s history, from its beginnings in 1963 as the Adum, through the late-1970s when it was briefly called Kami, to 1980 when Aurora took on its current name. The original 1963 publication became the first to enter the digital archive.

The site also includes a blog, photos, deadlines for submissions and links to the magazine’s social media.

D&E Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rob Phillips ceremoniously unlocks the gate between the computer lab and the lobby of Booth Library signifying the new 24/7 access for members of the campus community. With months in the planning process, the Library staff responded to students’ request for extended hours. The look of the Library and its technology equipment have been updated as well. Furnishings were rearranged to make more comfortable seating areas and spaces for study groups.

Additional computers have been installed on all three floors and printing will be more convenient with access to another 24/7 printer/copier on the first floor. The third floor Student Lounge has gained a big-screen TV. The Library will provide an HDMI cable for students who bring their own device. The downstairs lobby will remain as the quiet space.

To celebrate, the Library hosted a “Stop the Clock” party complete with coffee, snacks and confetti.

News Around Campus

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NEWS AROUND CAMPUS

BSN Program Begins This Fall

Employment Projections 2014-2024, Registered Nursing is listed among one of the highest in job growth through 2024.

Specifically, it is projected to need 1.09 million RNs including both growth and replacements by 2024.

In response to the growing national need for health care providers, a Bachelor of Science in nursing program will be added to Davis & Elkins College academic degree offerings this fall. Heading up the initiative is Director of the Bachelor’s Nursing Programs Dr. Huixin Wu, who will also oversee the online RN to BSN degree completion program.

The traditional BSN curriculum will incorporate some courses from the associate degree program and some courses from the degree completion program. These, along with the general education courses required for the 124 credit hours to fulfill the bachelor’s degree, will complete the curriculum.

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An educator and registered nurse, Wu says nurses who possess a bachelor’s degree have a better chance of being promoted to management levels and many go on to further their education.

“Nursing is a very meaningful job and it’s a very rewarding career,” Wu said. “There are a lot of options to work in different settings – hospitals, outpatient care centers, nursing care facilities, doctor’s offices, home care services, insurance carriers, schools, universities, the government and so many more. Nurses may

Honors Program Focuses on Vocation This fall, talented and dedicated freshmen and professors will pair to begin the Davis & Elkins College Honors Program built around a series of courses and learning experiences designed to increase focus on vocation.

“We think the program’s focus upon vocation and mix of courses will be attractive to excellent students who are seeking both an intellectual challenge and an opportunity for professional 10 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

choose to continue their education and become an advance practice nurse, nurse educator, nurse researcher, informatics nurse, forensic nurse, nurse scientist or nursing professor. You will never get bored because there are always so many different nursing job opportunities.”

A native of Nanjing, China, Wu comes to D&E from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pa., where she served as assistant professor of nursing since 2014. She also has worked in various clinical settings in the United States and China.

Wu earned a Master of Business Administration from Chatham University in 2017, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, PostMaster of Science Nursing Informatics Certificate Nurses may choose to continue their education and a Master of Science in Nursing, all from the and become an advance practice nurse, nurse University of Pittsburgh. educator, nurse researcher, informatics nurse, She is a certified Critical forensic nurse, nurse scientist or nursing Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) and Certified professor. You will never get bored because Clinical Nurse Specialist there are always so many different nursing job (CCNS). In addition, she completed independent opportunities. study at Rock Valley – Dr. Huixin Wu College, and received a Bachelor of Science While the types of jobs nurses are qualified degree in nursing from Peking University, an to fill continue to grow, the field is associate’s degree in English from Nanjing underpopulated.

Normal University and a Diploma of Nursing from Changzhou Health School.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’

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The West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses has granted approval for the College to add the program to the Division of Nursing. The Associate of Science in nursing program will continue to serve the needs of students.

“A career in nursing is fulfilling personally and financially,” Wu said. “I am so proud to see that nurses top the Gallup Poll of the most trusted profession for the 17th year in a row. I like the quote, ‘Save one life, you’re a hero; save 100 lives, you’re a nurse.’”

growth,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rob Phillips.

Under the direction of Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Hillary Wehe, students in the Honors Program will complete a sequence of four courses, one per year, that embody the mission of the College through facilitating students’ preparation for thoughtful engagement within their desired vocation.

“Professors have designed courses that apply their specialization to helping students develop their passion and purpose,” Wehe explained.

“Through these courses, students will have the opportunity to engage in greater reflection of their personal and professional goals.”

Students will begin with Introduction to Vocation, taught by Assistant Professor of Theatre Bridget Rue Esterhuizen, and follow in their sophomore year with Current Issues in Professional Life. Juniors will explore Vocation in the World: The Challenge of Organizational Change and seniors will conclude with an Honors Seminar.

“In addition to the course sequence, the students in the Honors Program will have the opportunity to participate in different intellectual and social events throughout each semester. They will be encouraged to work on individual projects and share their work with the campus community,” Wehe said.

William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” took on a new twist when the D&E Division of Creative Arts presented a 1980s version of the classic comedy of magic and mistaken love.

Theatre Program Gains a New, Modern Edge The Davis & Elkins College Theatre Program is taking a new direction and getting a name change – Theatre Arts Stage and Screen Program. Majors and non-majors will have expanded opportunities and be more prepared for work in the current theater and film industries.

“This department has a legacy of producing working professionals in Theater,” said Bridget Rue Esterhuizen, chair of the theatre department. “In order to carry on the tradition, we need to ready our students for today’s market. Over a year ago we envisioned creating a stage and screen program. Hiring Lonnie Martin, rewriting our curriculum, and

Campus Upgrades on the Move Spring and summer brought some welcome improvements to the Davis & Elkins College campus facilities, while other projects will remain underway when students return.

The fourth floor of the Byrd Conference Center has been renovated as a residence hall for the Phi Omega Mu sorority. With occupancy of up to 20 students, the area features a new, modern look with modified closet space, and upgrades to bathrooms, heating and air conditioning and laundry room.

Students living in Darby and Roxanna Booth halls will be greeted with brand new common areas complete with LED lighting, and an inviting color scheme evident in new f looring, comfortable furnishings and a fresh coat of paint.

As examples of ways theatre and film skills translate to other fields, Esterhuizen and Martin point to filmmaking for use in social media, voice and diction for public speaking, and design and technology that overlap in multiple job markets.

adding areas of emphasis have made the vision a reality. Because all of our faculty are current working professionals, in their respective fields, as well as academics, we are able to provide training in current industry practices and link our students with employers.”

“Along with the addition of film, we continue to strengthen the program through community outreach workshops and casting calls, performances in schools, college classes opened to advanced high school students, and professional guest directors and actors. We are also expanding our season next year from two to three mainstage theater productions and adding a film,” Esterhuizen explained.

The department made changes to 40 out of the 42 courses offered. Additions to the curriculum include courses in filmmaking, musical theatre, comedy performance and business and marketing for theatre and film.

Students majoring in theatre arts can select from four tracks.

Martin just completed his first year as a faculty member. The experience he passes on to students is reflected in his professional accomplishments including award winning feature films.

“It’s an exciting fork in the road,” said D&E Instructor of Theatre and Film Lonnie Martin, ’02, alluding to the different directions students can take in selecting from new tracks. “The students will learn practical skills, such as how the theatre industry works and what they need to know to do certain jobs. We’re also showing them the trends and technology to prepare them for the future with skills that integrate the creative arts.”

“Lonnie’s skills and professional experience in filmmaking are a big part of what is helping the program evolve,” Esterhuizen said. “Where else can students have a one-on-one mentorship with a legit indie filmmaker?”

Esterhuizen also continues to stay busy in acting. She was recently featured in a regional commercial for the city of Fairmont. This July, she will play Rosalind in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” with the Vintage Theatre Company’s touring group, the Rustic Mechanicals. D&E theatre student Hope Roy joins the tour as assistant production manager.

Students will gain entry to all residence halls with a swipe card system, requiring all IDs to be reissued.

One upgrade that will perhaps be most noticeable to the campus community involves the removal of the hillside between Myles Center for the Arts and Moyer Hall.

Currently the hillside is bearing weight on the Myles Center. The area will be backfilled to create more efficient drainage. Other smaller projects will improve drainage throughout campus as well.

Martin Field House and the surrounding area will have a new look come fall. A new slate grey metal roof with D&E red trim was recently completed. New shrubbery will dot the landscape along the roadway and crews will make repairs to the slope of the drainage ditch.

In addition, paving projects and upgrades to heating and air conditioning systems are planned throughout campus.

New Beginnings The end of the 2018-2019 academic year meant a new chapter for retirees. Honored at the All Campus Picnic are, Professor of Business Dr. Vicki Mullennex, seated, 39 years of service; and standing, from left, Robin Price, 46 years of service; Assistant Professor of Mathematics Shankar Roy, 36 years of service; and Professor of Nursing and Chair of the Nursing Department Dr. Threasia Witt, nine years of service.

News Around Campus

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PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Daniels-Smith Named Outstanding Accounting Educator Davis & Elkins College Assistant Professor of Accounting Lisa Daniels-Smith was honored by the West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants as the Outstanding Accounting Educator of the Year.

Faculty members who continued their professional development throughout the academic year by attending various symposiums and conferences include:

Established in 1989, the award recognizes an educator who is distinguished for excellence in classroom teaching and motivating students. This is the first time a Davis & Elkins College faculty member has been selected for the honor. Daniels-Smith was nominated by alumna Mia Gresak, CPA, ’16, and by Chair of the D&E Division of Business and Entrepreneurship Dr. Carol Carter.

“To me, this award combines my professional knowledge as a CPA with my love of teaching,” Daniels-Smith said. “It is exciting to watch our students become successful in their chosen profession, and Mia is one of my first graduates from Davis & Elkins College.”

In her letter to the nominating committee, Gresak describes Daniels-Smith as a professor who goes above and beyond by bringing real-life scenarios and materials into

Melanie Campbell, Annual Hospitality University for the West Virginia Travel and Tourism Association; Dr. MaryAnn DeLuca and Dr. Jennifer Riggleman, West Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Conference;

the minds of her students, and serving as a mentor well beyond their college career.

Since joining the Davis & Elkins College faculty in 2012, Daniels-Smith has developed a broader accounting curriculum, revived the College’s accounting club and ensures that students have the most up-to-date study materials for the CPA exam.

Phillips Appointed Provost Dr. Rob Phillips has been appointed provost, a position that will be added to his current responsibilities as vice president for academic affairs.

Phillips joined the Davis & Elkins College administration in 2017. Under his leadership, the College received accreditation for a Bachelor

of Science program in nursing, enhanced programming for the Freshman Seminar and re-established the Honors Program.

Phillips earned his Ph.D. and Master of Arts degree in political science from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, and Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, where he was a Presidential Scholar.

Phillips and his wife, Patty, are the parents of four children.

Myles Joins Chair Emerita Ranks Longtime Davis & Elkins College Trustee June Myles has been appointed Board of Trustees Chair Emerita. President Chris A. Wood, right, and Chair of the Board Bill Nuttall presented Myles with a certificate of appreciation recognizing her 18 years of dedicated service. Most recently, Myles served as Chair of the Board from 2013 to 2018. Throughout her service on the Board, Myles has supported multiple projects to benefit the campus community and the community at-large.

See pages 6-7.

12 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

Faculty Continue Professional Development

Dr. Rick Gage, National Environment and Recreation Resource Symposium, Nexus Symposium; Dr. Sarah Garrison, Annual North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Conference; Dr. Bill King, Appalachian Studies Conference; Lonnie Martin, Austin Film Festival; Melissa McCoy, Nursing Theory: A 50 Year Perspective, Past and Future Conference; Dr. Oma Morgan, American Chemical Society; Dr. Chelsey Patterson, Conference on College Composition and Communication; Dr. Jennifer Tesar, Livetext Conference; Dr. Bryan Wagoner, ARC/Tillich; Dr. Hillary Wehe, Psychonomic Society; Dr. Floyd Wiseman, American Chemical Society-SERMACS; Dr. Huixin Wu, International Council of Nurses Congress 2019 Singapore.

Alumni Join Board of Trustees

support the College by establishing an athletic scholarship and helping to establish The Senator Nation Endowed Athletic Fund.

Four alumni have strengthened their connections to Davis & Elkins College with appointments to the Board of Trustees. Adam J. Ouellette, ’93, Steve Savage, ’72, and Dr. Robert G. Smith, ’65, recently began their service, while Reggie Owens, ’83, returned for an additional term.

Smith, currently a professor in the Education Leadership Program at George Mason University, has an extensive background in public schools and higher education. He served 44 years in a variety of positions in PK-12 education, including 12 years as superintendent of the Arlington Public Schools in Virginia. He also was assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction services for the Spring Independent School District in the Houston, Texas, area and as an educator in the Frederick County Public Schools.

An author, speaker and trainer, Ouellette is the owner of adamouellette. com, an online business he founded after practicing law for 21 years in Florida. He shares his background and experiences to help clients grow their business and live a life with balance.

After graduating from D&E with a degree in business management, Ouellette earned a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.

Throughout his career, Ouellette has owned a variety of businesses including a real estate brokerage, real estate school, real estate closing and title companies, and law firms. As a licensed attorney in Florida, he practiced real estate, litigation, business law, probate and other general practice areas.

A resident of Columbus, North Carolina, he also is the author of “Raising the Bar- Turning a Law Career You Hate into a Life You Love, In or Out of the Law.” Savage is retired after a 45-year career in leadership positions in business and with the United States Air Force. Most recently, he worked as director of business developmentAir Force Programs at Northrop Grumman Corporation, and also has been the manager of business development at Litton Integrated Systems Division. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he retired with the rank of colonel.

A former member of the Senator basketball and baseball teams, Savage has continued to

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from D&E and a Master of Science degree in human resources management from Golden Gate University, and has studied at the Air War College.

Over the course of his career, Smith’s practice and research interests have included narrowing of opportunity and achievement gaps, teaching for meaning, and teacher and superintendent leadership. His research into collaborative inquiry and professional learning communities was the topic of his lecture at D&E for the dedication of the $1 million endowed Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education in 2015.

Smith is the author or co-author of a number of journal articles and book chapters, and is the first author of two books: “Striving for equity: District leadership for narrowing opportunity

and achievement gaps” and “Gaining on the gap: Changing hearts, minds and practice”.

In addition to his Bachelor of Science degrees in history and political science from D&E, Smith holds a Master of Arts degree in government and politics, and a Ph.D. in educational administration, supervision and curriculum, both from the University of Maryland.

Smith and his wife, Sandra Wilfong Smith, ’66, an Elkins native, live in Arlington, Virginia.

Owens received the Davis & Elkins College Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2018. Following a long career with Federal Express Corporation, he retired as vice president of human resources in 2015. He was honored for his professional achievements with the company’s highest performance recognition, the FedEx Express Five Star Award, four times. The Tri-State Defender newspaper in Memphis, Tennessee, saluted Owens as one of the 2010 Men of Excellence, an award that celebrates leadership, vision, achievement and community service.

Currently, Owens is the proprietor of a property management company he created in 2012 with holdings in Tennessee, Maryland, West Virginia and Mississippi.

After graduating from D&E with a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and anthropology, he went on to earn a Master of Science degree from Denver University.

King Named Executive Assistant to the President Augusta Heritage Center Director Beth King has been appointed executive assistant to the president to fill the role of Robin Price, who is retiring this summer.

King began her employment at Davis & Elkins in March 2013, assisting the College in strengthening its cultural arts programming. In 2014, she was selected to lead the Augusta Heritage Center.

She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and Bachelor of Arts in journalism degree from the University of Georgia.

King is married to Dr. Bill King, chair of the Division of Humanities at Davis & Elkins. They have two children, Elizabeth and Walter.

Professional Achievements

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PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Young, Miller to Lead Augusta The Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College is taking on new leadership with the appointment of Executive Director Ko Chá Ta “Seth” Young, ’01, and artistic director Emily Miller.

Both have studied at Augusta since childhood and Miller went on to serve as an instructor for more than a decade. Together, they will plan Augusta’s year round programming including summer and fall workshops as well as concerts and dances.

A native of Elkins, Young has toured the globe playing bass, resonator guitar and accordion in many ensembles and bands.

Recently, he taught instrumental music for the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts and the Teen Band Lab at the Randolph County Community Arts Center, and has served as a music specialist for Randolph County Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from D&E and is currently completing his master’s degree in music education with an emphasis in folk music research through Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

Miller holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in linguistic anthropology from Brown University where she received the 2005 Muriel Hassenfeld Mann award for music, and earned a Master of Science degree in speech pathology from Vanderbilt University. However, in recent years, she has focused on her performance career. In 2006, she formed the honky-tonk country band The Sweetback Sisters. With four fulllength recordings, they have performed around the world. She also performs old-time music as a duo with her husband, Jesse Milnes.

Since 2013, Miller has been directing the Davis & Elkins College Appalachian Ensemble String Band, training students in vocal technique, harmony and band dynamics as well as instruction on their individual instruments.

Study Shows D&E Students Can Distinguish ‘Real’ from ‘Fake’ Sciencerelated Content Davis & Elkins College students demonstrate a proficiency in differentiating between “real” and “fake” science-related Internet and social media content, according to a small independent study conducted by D&E Professors of Biology Dr. Shawn Stover and Dr. Michelle Mabry.

The results also indicate that the students’ accuracy in evaluating the sources has little to do with their major, but is influenced by class level or experience with primary literature.

An article on the study has been accepted for publication in the Journal of College Science Teaching.

Stover and Mabry’s study was conducted over a three-semester period, spring and fall of 2017 and spring 2018, and involved 134 D&E students. Each was presented with five examples the professors garnered from social media and the Internet with the true names of businesses and products changed. The students were asked to rank the reliability of the information and provide reasoning for their determination.

Students’ responses were assessed by major, class level, and experience in analyzing primary literature.

Results of the mean rubric composite scores demonstrated no significant differences between majors. However, upperclassmen had significantly higher scores than underclassmen. Additionally, students who had some experience analyzing primary literature had significantly higher composite scores than students with no experience.

“Although underclassmen had unsophisticated rationales for their rankings, older students demonstrated much better critical evaluation skills, as indicated by higher composite scores,” Stover said in presenting the findings.

Chemistry Study Shows Success An ongoing joint research project with the Davis & Elkins College and East Tennessee State University chemistry departments was the focus of a student poster presentation at the Southeast Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society. D&E chemistry major Alexa Smarra, ’19, who has been assisting in the project, shared the work titled, “Analysis of Raw Data for the Simple Hydrolysis of Acetic Anhydride in the Acelonilfile/Water and Acetone Water Cosolvent Systems Using Newly Developed Thermodynamic Rate Equations.”

The work, which has been underway for approximately six years, has resulted in the successful study of two cosolvent systems and publication in two professional journals, including the International Journal of Chemical Kinetics and the British journal Royal Society of Chemistry Advances.

D&E Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Floyd Wiseman serves as the corresponding author of the study, working along with Smarra and alumnus Ryan O’Connell,’17, in addition to D.W. Scott and S. Olowoyo of East Tennessee State University and J. Tamine of Chevron Science Center. The group is currently studying a third system.

14 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

D&E Says ‘Thank You’ with Enveloped in elegance and elation, the inaugural 1904 Society Gala brought together donors and students, who share a belief in and love for Davis & Elkins College.

The celebration, destined to be the College’s premier annual event, demonstrated how every dollar helps transform a life. The evening included time for Society members to chat with students and learn how D&E is shaping their lives educationally and socially, while preparing them for the future. After dining together in Halliehurst, the group heard remarks from President Chris A. Wood, Chair of the Board of Trustees Bill Nuttall, ’70, and Trustee Mark

Barber, ’75. Students Bob Fields, ’21, and Tobias Sears, ’22, performed a heartfelt original song, “Far From Home.” A panel of students, made up of Kelsie Roby, ’19, Kaylee Yergeau, ’19, MacKinzie Smith, ’19 and Abel Ameyaw, ’20, presented their insights on the inspiration, motivation and caring atmosphere they have come to know at D&E. The 120-plus guests, all members of the 1904 Society and Circle of Distinction, came away with a true sense of fulfillment that their investment has made a difference in the lives of students.

D&E President Chris A. Wood, standing left, welcomes student participants to the 1904 Society Gala. The event served as a thank you to consistent supporters who are members of the 1904 Society and the 1904 Society Circle of Distinction. As part of the event, students shared their D&E experiences with guests and also served on a panel answering questions about their education. From left are, front row, students Carson Crawford, Kayla Hartfield, Kaylee Yergeau and Clay Messinger; back row, Wood and students MacKinzie Smith, Haley Lloyd, Abel Ameyaw, Tobias Gibbons, Allyson Green, Kelsie Roby and Jereomy Ayres.

The 1904 Society designation is for those who make an annual contribution of $1,000 or more (or $250 per year for graduates between the years 2009-2019). The Circle of Distinction is a charter membership group that has been created as a symbol of the enhanced benefits of the 1904 Society. Included in the benefits is a bi-annual newsletter, invitations to special events, the annual Gala and ties, scarves and lapel pins. The Circle of Distinction charter membership year ends on June 30, 2019.

For more information, please contact Cathy Nosel, senior director of institutional advancement, by phone at 304-637-1339 or email noselc@ dewv.edu.

Celebration

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EXTENDING OUR REACH

Dr. Reese Brings Compassion to the Border

“I heard the stories on NPR and I said, ‘I have to do something,’” Reese explained adding that the move was fueled solely by human compassion. “I figured, I have a car, I have the time, I have the skills – I’ve been a pediatric nurse for more than 40 years – and I have the energy. Sitting with my head in my hands feeling disempowered was not a posture I was comfortable with.”

That’s when she called D&E alumna Carrie Carr Langley, ’05, director of the Cochise County (Arizona) Department of Health and Social Services, who put her in touch with volunteer agencies along the border dedicated to supporting the humanitarian needs of Central American asylum seekers.

“

In mid-December, she hit the road traveling more than 1,700 miles until she reached El Paso, Texas, and met up with other likeminded volunteers from throughout the U.S. assembled at the Annunciation House.

Nearby, at Centro San Juan Diego the group offered respite to the weary, ill and frightened migrants from Guatemala and Honduras going through the legal route of seeking asylum in the U.S. “That’s where I spent one of the sweetest

Dr. Denice Reese receives the Lois Latham Award for Teaching Excellence from Davis & Elkins College President Chris A. Wood, right, and a surprise congratulatory visit from her son, Lucas Warner. The annual award is the College’s top faculty recognition.

Christmases I can remember,” Reese said.

Each day, the volunteers would step outside and hold a banner welcoming those recently released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention who had nowhere else to go as they awaited legal asylum in the U.S.

Fear is the opposite of love. You can’t live in the grips of fear and avoidance of all risk. The biggest risk is failing to act in the face of great need.

“

Dr. Denice Reese has a deep streak of what she calls “stubborn optimism.” Putting that trait into action, the D&E professor of nursing made her way to the United States/ Mexico border to provide medical care and comfort to migrants.

– Dr. Denice Reese

Inside, they were greeted with hot meals, showers, a change of clothing and medical screenings.

“When they first came in, they had fear on their faces as they ate their soup,” Reese said. “Once they had a shower and changed their clothes, you could tell they were starting to relax.”

In a small clinic set up within the shelter, Reese tended to many ill children. To some she provided symptom relief and others were triaged to a different place for care. The length of stay at the shelter varied for the adults and children.

“Some were trying to connect with family members in other states,” Reese explained.

“We would help them arrange transportation Maryknoll Sister Jeanne Rancourt and Professor of Nursing Dr. Denice Reese, right, hold two young migrant children at Centro San Juan Diego in El Paso, Texas, in December 2018.

16 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

and when they would go, we would pack lunches for them.”

Among the volunteers helping the families connect was Reese’s daughter, Julianna Warner, who traveled from Mexico to work at the shelter. Warner spent her freshman year at D&E. The experience so moved Reese that she returned to Texas over spring break working with Annunciation House, again caring for sick children. She will work there for three weeks this summer.

“Fear is the opposite of love,” Reese said explaining her motivation for volunteering in an area with potential for danger. “You can’t live in the grips of fear and avoidance of all risk. The biggest risk is failing to act in the face of great need.”

A Spiritual Journey Through the Holy Land A trip to the Holy Land brought deep meaning, much prayer and loud rejoicing.

Nine Davis & Elkins College students made the trek along with Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies Dr. Bryan Wagoner, Benfield-Vick Chaplain the Rev. Laura Brekke Wagoner, Assistant Director of Institutional Advancement: Foundation & Church Relations Tina Vial and several community members.

Morrison-Novakovic Students Find Opportunities to Seek Justice The intersection of faith and public policy took on a deeper, real world meaning for residents of the Morrison-Novakovic Center following a trip to Washington, D.C., where they met with advisers from various sectors and learned how they employ ethics in decision making.

Morrison-Novakovic Center Director Dr. Bryan Wagoner and Benfield-Vick Chaplain the Rev. Laura Brekke Wagoner accompanied students Emily Alexander of Strasburg, Virginia; Ester Bolmenas of Tibro, Sweden; Madeline Brown of Hedgesville; Carson Crawford of Moorefield; Shannen McClure of Marlinton; Dakota Peak of Berkeley Springs; MacKinzie Smith of Renick; and Megan Carder White of Salem.

The meetings were arranged by D&E alumnus and Trustee David Morrison, ’79, who along with his wife Phebe Novakovic, established the Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy.

“Many of my conversations with my M-N Center housemates come back to what our responsibilities are, or should be, toward our fellow humans,” said Alexander. “Frankly, those conversations – though never lacking in enthusiasm for what we understand to be just – often feel abstract and out of reach. Our

For students, the trip was part of Brekke Wagoner’s Geography Through the Bible course. The group explored Jerusalem, Galilee and portions of the West Bank, with a particular curiosity in the border wall between Israel and Palestine.

“It was eye-opening for students to realize that, due to modern political realities, it would be impossible to walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem today,” Wagoner said.

“The inequalities that we experienced on both sides of the separation wall were deeply unsettling,

trip, however, proved that there are myriads of opportunities to get involved, actively seeking that idea of justice – some, even, in ways you wouldn’t expect.”

The trip included a visit to the Library of Congress where the group learned about the Congressional Research Service, discussed the opioid epidemic, and talked with members of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church of McLean, Virginia, about how colleges and churches can best respond in our communities.

At the U.S. State Department, students met with Policy Advisors for the Secretary’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs Nida Ansari and James Alexander and discussed integrating religious engagement in diplomacy, engaging peace-building coalitions, countering violent extremism, and the overlooked role of women in religion and policy.

On Capitol Hill, students visited the General Dynamics Legislative Affairs Office and talked with Vice President for Government Affairs Elizabeth “Betsy” Schmid about how her experiences working for the Secretary of Defense and as staff director for the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee

D&E alumnus and Trustee David Morrison, ’79, left, leads Morrison-Novakovic students on an educational trip to Washington, D.C. From left are, Emily Alexander, Carson Crawford, Megan Carder White, Benfield-Vick Chaplain the Rev. Laura Brekke Wagoner, Dakota Peak, Ester Bolmenas, Shannen McClure, Maddy Brown, Dr. Bryan Wagoner and MacKinzie Smith.

shaped her understanding of policy, global action and deterrence.

A meeting at the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s national Office of Public Witness showed students how the organization advocates a moral voice in holding political powers accountable.

“The Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy allows me to explore the space between the pew and the voting booth, and the recent trip to D.C. f leshed out this experience for me,” said Crawford. “Being able to talk to people from General Dynamics and the State Department showed me what the intersection of Christian witness and public life looks like: one that takes religious conviction and uses it as a basis for political action and policy.”

particularly as students stayed overnight with families in Bethlehem.”

in Bethlehem and reaffirmed their baptismal vows in the Jordan River.

Experiencing the spiritual nature of the journey, the group prayed at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, at the Church of the Nativity

“What this opportunity showed me was just how important it is for us to leave our comfort zones and experience all this world has to offer us,” Brekke Wagoner said. “We were able to pray alongside Christians, Jews and Muslims from around the world in the holiest places for our faiths.”

The group poses for a photo at Mount Bental in the Golan Heights, the site of the 1973 battle for the Golan. From left are, Jason Brandon, trip leader Anne Weirich, the Rev. Laura Brekke Wagoner, Chelsea Toms, local guide Gadi, Laura Mullenax, Caity Cole, Harmony Dickey, MacKinzie Smith, Megan White, Emily Adams, Carson Crawford, Chris Berman, Samantha Kirk, Audrey Neese, Jeremiah Jasper, Nickie Snyder and Sharon Chenoweth. Not pictured are Dr. Bryan Wagoner and Tina Vial.

Extending Our Reach

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GIVING

2019 Grad Sending Message with New Scholarship Many students proclaim finding their self-worth, sense of belonging and a second family at Davis & Elkins College. The same holds true for MacKinzie Smith, except for a different and more personal reason.

Now, the 2019 graduate is investing a third of her life’s savings – $1,000 – to ensure that others who have walked in her shoes will gain the same joys and educational experience as she did at D&E, and to encourage success in a population where opportunities are often limited. The Melody and Marc-Alan Smith Scholarship to Davis & Elkins College was announced at the 1904 Society Gala. Named in honor of MacKinzie Smith’s two youngest siblings, the scholarship will benefit students in the foster care system.

“MacKinzie’s story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming,” said D&E President Chris A. Wood. “I have made a promise to MacKinzie that we will raise the funds to get her scholarship to $100,000 quickly, and someday it will be a $1,000,000 scholarship at D&E.” President Wood and First Lady Lisa Wood gave the next $1,000, with 1904 Society Gala members and Trustees giving additional gifts.

As an intern with the West Virginia IDeA Network, MacKinzie Smith assists with a biomedical research project. She presented her work at the science honorary Chi Beta Phi National Conference and won first place. The 2019 graduate plans to enter a dual M.D./Ph. D. program.

When Smith was 13, her mother developed a medical condition that inhibited her from caring for her six children. As a result, the siblings became wards of the West Virginia Foster Care System. At one point, the Smith

MacKinzie Smith prior to Commencement Ceremonies.

A magna cum laude graduate, Smith displayed her 1904 Society Circle of Distinction pin on her Zeta Kappa Xi stole.

18 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

children were separated, reunited to live with one family and separated again. MacKinzie Smith recalls living in about 12 different homes before finding her current foster family just three days before starting classes as a freshman at D&E. “Moving from home to home in the foster care system really gives you that feeling of not being wanted anywhere; but when I came to Davis & Elkins, I met people who did make me feel like I belonged here,” Smith explained.

“People ask me sometimes how I got this far despite my background and they say I must be very special and very motivated. I really don’t think that was the deciding factor. I think I made it this far because I was lucky enough to meet the right people who were willing to take a chance on me even when the rest of the world wasn’t. Other kids from that background deserve that chance, too.”

Smith’s concern for Melody and Marc-Alan’s future inspired her to establish the scholarship.

– MacKinzie Smith

“

“

I think I made it this far because I was lucky enough to meet the right people who were willing to take a chance on me even when the rest of the world wasn’t. Other kids from that background deserve that chance, too.

“I really do believe that other children with the same background as me could make it just as far, if not farther if they were also able to find those people who are willing to take a chance on them and be a major part of their lives like people here at D&E,” Smith said. “I thought if there were a scholarship for people with that background it might help not only ease that financial burden of obtaining higher education, but it could also send a message of ‘you are wanted here, not despite your background, but because of it’ and that isn’t a message people of that background get to hear very often.”

With dual degrees in chemistry and biology, Smith is ready to step out into the world where she feels she belongs.

For further information on the Melody and Marc-Alan Smith Scholarship or to make a gift, call D&E Senior Director of Institutional Advancement Cathy Nosel at 304-637-1339 or email noselc@dewv.edu.

Nestors Establish Scholarship to Honor Their Son Giving back to the community for the common good and helping one another are top priorities for Davis & Elkins College alumni Joyce and Rob Nestor. Their son, the late Kevin Nestor, exemplified those characteristics as well and now a scholarship in his memory will assist D&E students who follow the path of caring.

In 2016, the Nestors made a long-term financial commitment to D&E and recently decided to add to that plan on an annual basis to fund the Kevin Grant Nestor Memorial Scholarship.

“Doing this is already bringing us joy,” Joyce Nestor said of establishing the scholarship. “We are going to be able to watch this unfold.”

The annual $2,000 scholarship is renewable for four years and is open to students of modest means from Barbour, Grant, Randolph or Tucker counties who exhibit good character, and a kind and helpful heart. The funds will be an addition to the maximum D&E Highlands Scholarship and can be used at the student’s discretion for non-tuition items such as textbooks or other classroom supplies.

“We want to help others and give back to the people of our community,” said Rob Nestor, owner of Builders Group Inc. with locations in Elkins, Philippi and Petersburg. Joyce Nestor enrolled as a student at D&E in 1987 and immediately went to work at the College after graduating. Since then, she has served D&E in multiple capacities and is currently the office manager at The Naylor Learning Center.

“Our son had a great big heart and everyone loved him,” Joyce Nestor said. “He was the kind of guy who would help anybody, so we want to select a student for this scholarship who models that.”

Kevin Nestor passed away in 2007. A native of Elkins, he was a 1992 graduate of Elkins High School and an outstanding athlete in a variety of sports. He attended Davis & Elkins College, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and made lifelong friends.

“He was always the leader of his group of friends; he was the Pied Piper and he had a lot of humor,” Rob Nestor said. “If he saw someone in distress, he always stepped in to make sure everything was okay.”

The Nestors hope that the scholarship will not only honor Kevin’s memory, but also encourage others to pay it forward.

MacKinzie Smith is the first member of the Class of 2019 to join the 1904 Society Circle of Distinction. Her $1,000 gift lays the foundation for funding the Melody and Marc-Alan Smith Scholarship to Davis & Elkins College announced at the 1904 Society Gala. Smith also was part of the Gala student panel and displayed a poster detailing her D&E activities, including residency at the Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy, membership in Student Assembly and participant on the women’s cross country team.

“Maybe it’s not such a bad thing to give back to others,” Rob Nestor said. “In life, it’s not about ‘the me,’ it’s about ‘the we.’”

The first recipient of the Kevin Grant Nestor Memorial Scholarship will be selected this fall from a pool of applicants received by July 1. For additional information, call 304-637-1230 or email admission@dewv.edu.

Giving

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SENATOR

Student-Athletes Honored at 2019 DESPY Awards When the DESPY awards were tabulated, women’s cross country repeated as winners of the Senator Cup, narrowly edging men’s swimming in a tiebreaker. Women’s swimming came in third, with volleyball fourth and women’s soccer fifth.

The DESPY Awards consist of the team winners of the four pillars – Education, Engagement, Character and Competition – and individual student-athlete awards, culminating with the overall team award, the Senator Cup. For the third year in a row, the women’s tennis team won the Education Pillar with a 3.50 team GPA. Men’s Golf (3.215) and Women’s Soccer (3.19) followed in second and third.

Volleyball was the winner of the Engagement Pillar, with men’s swimming and women’s swimming following up in second and third.

The Engagement Pillar is determined by the average number of community engagement hours per student-athlete logged into Helper Helper. Volleyball averaged 39 hours per student-athlete, while men’s swimming averaged 33 hours and women’s swimming averaged 29 hours.

The Character Pillar is awarded on a panel vote consisting of various members across the campus community in all departments, including Campus Life and Dining Services.

Women’s cross country was voted winner of the Character Pillar, with men’s swimming in second and women’s swimming in third.

The Competition Pillar is awarded to the team with the highest place finish in the conference or country. Women’s triathlon was crowned the winner with a fourth-place finish nationally in their first year of competition.

Men’s cross country was the runner-up, finishing fifth of 13 teams in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), and women’s swimming was third with a fourthout-of-11-team finish in the G-MAC/MEC Championships.

Davis & Elkins College President Chris A. Wood presents the women’s cross country team with the Senator Cup award – the top honor for studentathletes given at the Athletic Department’s annual DESPY Awards Ceremony. To compete for the Senator Cup, teams earn points based on their finishes in each of the Four Pillars in developing excellence – Education, Engagement, Character and Competition.

20 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

ATHLETICS

Individual awards were also presented during the DESPYs: Female and Male Athlete of the Year Women’s cross country and track & field team member Samantha Kirk of Harrisville, West Virginia, was named Female Athlete of the Year. Kirk hit the NCAA provisional time in the 400m Hurdles, a time that currently leads the conference.

Emeric Arnaud of Annecy-Le-Vieux, France, a member of the men’s track & field team, was named Male Athlete of the Year following an incredible freshman season which included a 1st Team All-Conference selection in indoor competition, and hitting the 5000m NCAA provisional time in outdoor competition, a time that broke the school and G-MAC record.

Female Academic Athlete of the Year Tessa Stewart, women’s soccer, Mason, Ohio Male Academic Athlete of the Year Kyle Seago, men’s lacrosse, Earlysville, Virginia Female Freshman Athlete of the Year Sydney Nestor, women’s basketball, Parsons, West Virginia Male Freshman Athlete of the Year Emeric Arnaud, men’s track & field The Joe Carroll Leadership Award Nicole Armstrong, women’s basketball, Lexington, Kentucky; and Kyle Seago, men’s lacrosse.

Female Helper Helper Engagement Athlete of the Year Kayla Hartfield, women’s basketball, 80 engagement hours, Chesterfield, Virginia Male Helper Helper Engagement Athlete of the Year Andrew Shand, men’s tennis, 58 engagement hours, Napier, New Zealand

Davis & Elkins College Finishes 9th in Division II Helper Helper Rankings Putting forth a strong effort in community engagement allowed the Davis & Elkins College Department of Athletics to shine in the top tier of Helper Helper rankings in NCAA Division II for the 2018-2019 academic year.

A community service app, Helper Helper is used by hundreds of colleges and universities, making it easy and quick for student-athletes to track their engagement hours. At the end of each academic year, Helper Helper compiles a report highlighting the top teams and schools, ranking them by the number of community service hours.

Overall, D&E athletics ranked ninth out of all NCAA Division II teams and highest in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Several individual Senator teams earned spots in Division II’s Top 10.

Women’s volleyball ranked fourth, while women’s swimming was fifth in NCAA Division II. The women’s swimming team also was highlighted in the Helper Helper Team Challenge in March, finishing in the Final Eight.

Men’s swimming finished second overall, and men’s lacrosse finished 10th out of all NCAA Division II programs.

The student-athletes made positive impacts in the Elkins area by volunteering with various churches, youth groups, schools, medical facilities, nursing homes and community organizations.

Arnaud, Samantha Kirk Named USTFCCCA All-Region Two Davis & Elkins College student-athletes made marks in Senator history. Emeric Arnaud of Annecy-Le-Vieux, France, and Samantha Kirk of Harrisville, West Virginia, are the first members of the track & field program to earn NCAA Division II AllRegion honors.

The awards were announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Arnaud racked up the accolades from his incredible inaugural campaign and was named to the All-Midwest Regional Team in the

McGill Named Head Women’s Soccer Coach D&E alumnus and Senator soccer standout Declan McGill is back on the turf at Nuttall Field, this time as head women’s soccer coach.

His new post follows service to his alma mater as volunteer assistant coach for the men’s soccer program in fall 2018.

McGill returned to Elkins after a three-year stint at Frostburg State University, where he was assistant men’s soccer coach and led the

5,000-meter event. His time of 14:22.38 from the Duke Invitational sits 24th in all of NCAA Division II, and fourth in the Midwest Region.

A distance runner who joined the Senators in January, Arnaud was also named G-MAC Freshman of the Year in Outdoor Track & Field, G-MAC 1st Team AllConference and a two-time G-MAC champion in both the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter events.

Kirk’s massive improvement in her sophomore campaign placed

team to three conference tournament appearances and an overall record of 20-15-3. While at Frostburg, McGill also served as a graduate assistant for intramural sports and worked at South Preston School as a health and physical education teacher.

McGill also brings experience from coaching at clubs such as FC33, Seneca Soccer Club and Allegheny Soccer Alliance, as well as overseas work in his native England.

her on the All-Midwest Region team in the 400-meter hurdles event. Her school record 1:01.13 time at the G-MAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships was good enough for third in the Midwest Region, and 27th in all of Division II. “The All-Region award for both Emeric and Sam are a great culmination of the incredible season had by these two athletes,” said head coach Jason Pyles. “It’s also a great indication of the bright and exciting future of the track & field programs here at Davis & Elkins College.”

During his career as a Senator (20112014), McGill was a captain and fouryear impact player, leading the team to a 47-22-6 record. He was named to both the WVIAC and G-MAC All-Academic Teams and made G-MAC 1st Team All-Conference in his senior season in 2014. McGill also was selected for the Joe Carroll ’69 Leadership Award in 2015 and helped the team to an NCAA tournament appearance in 2012.

McGill graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in health from D&E in 2015 and holds a master’s degree in education from Frostburg State.

Wrestling Joins Athletic Lineup, Boland Hired as Head Coach Wrestling has been added to the Davis & Elkins College roster of varsity sports with competition set to begin in the 20192020 academic year in the Mountain East Conference. Jerry Boland will take the lead as the program’s first head coach.

“The addition of wrestling will provide opportunities for wrestlers throughout the region to compete at the collegiate level and an additional pathway for

our student-athletes to compete for Mountain East Conference and NCAA Championships,” said D&E Director of Athletics Jamie Joss.

Championship teams at Camden Catholic High School and led the Camden Catholic and Cinnaminson High School programs to six additional conference championships.

Boland, a member of the South Jersey Wrestling Hall of Fame, comes to D&E after 14 years as a high school wrestling coach and five years as an administrator in the Evesham Township School District in New Jersey.

Boland completed the 2018 National Wrestling Coaches Association Leadership Academy and is a USA Wrestling certified club coach.

With a career coaching record of 146-34, Boland coached three New Jersey State

Boland earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lycoming College in 1998 and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2010.

Athletics

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Now you

Davis & Elkins College National Alumni Council (Founded 1985)

The Davis & Elkins College National Alumni Council (NAC) is the voice of the Davis & Elkins College Alumni Association. Everyone who graduated from D&E or attended is a member of the Alumni Association – at no cost.

The NAC mission is simple. “The purpose of this organization shall be to engage alumni of Davis & Elkins College for the purpose of developing an active program of alumni support for the mission of the College as established by the President and Board of Trustees.”

Alumni support is a general term that translates to “time, talent and treasure.” Three committees within the NAC demonstrate these actions: Student and Young Alumni Committee – Helps facilitate the successful transition from student to post-college life including student career mentoring, internship and placement; alumni connectivity; and philanthropy.

Regional Events Committee – Fosters participation and growth of regional alumni chapters and events.

Alumni Development Committee – Creates opportunities to increase participation in,

and value of, any current College fundraising activities, including bequests and grants, by working with the NAC, alumni and the College Development Office.

Among the NAC’s activities and goals in Leading the Way for the Alumni Association and to benefit the College has been the establishment of the National Alumni Council Scholarship for legacy students.

All alumni are invited and encouraged to attend

2019-20 National Alumni Council Brian Anderson ’90 Adam Baumgardner ’05 – Co-Chair, Student and Young Alumni Committee Patricia A. “Patti” Bennett Hepler ’85 Mary Jane “MJ” Braham ’17 Ryan Brennan ’83 Karen Kober Brown ’84 – Co-Chair, Regional Events Committee Sean Bruce ’06 Andrew Carroll ’16 Michelle Antonini Clark ’91

events (“time”), on or off campus; volunteer to help organize events (“talent”); or give financially (“treasure”).

If you would like to be considered for National Alumni Council membership, contact Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan at 304-637-1341 or morganw@dewv.edu.

Rob Beckwith, ’67, shares memories of Charlie Potter, see page 35.

Shauna Damon ’15 Michele D. DeBerry ’88 – Membership Officer Michael Deneroff ’09 Sean “Yanni” Gallagher ’99 Philip George ’77 Barry Greene ’83 – Chair, Alumni Development Committee Kelsey Hall ’14 Guilherme “Gui” Hubsch ’16 Kevin Kilgore ’86 David Kirby ’83 – Vice President Debbie Larkin ’11 Randy Lear ’79 Jared Meabon ’01

Candace Smith Mitchell ’85 Amanda Yeargan Monroe ’02 – Secretary Kelcie Mullins ’17 Amanda Sacks Poling ’16 Larissa Fowler Righman ’10 Mark Ruscello ’06 Robin White Rybczynski ’86 – Financial Officer/Co-Chair, Regional Events Committee Joe Stack ’06 Larisa Draeger Swartz ’00 – Co-Chair, Student and Young Alumni Committee Cory Toth ’06 – President Jon Walter ’94

Veteran Salute Murdock Soars Retired United States Air Force Brigadier General Robert Murdock, ’69, has logged more than 4,000 flight hours, including 105 combat missions in Vietnam. He moved 24 times in 32 years of active service. His success in the career he always dreamed of circles back to Davis & Elkins College.

“I was blessed to have the opportunity to live overseas three times and fly airplanes all over the world,” Murdock said. “I was extremely humbled to be promoted to Brigadier General, however I am absolutely convinced it would not have happened had it not been for my experience at D&E.” Although he admits he never ranked high academically, Murdock says it was his overall experience at D&E that forged the person he is 22 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

today. He held several leadership roles, including treasurer of his class and student government, Sigma Phi Epsilon president and tennis team captain. However, he credits the Air Force ROTC program and two faculty members, Jim Welshonce and Dr. Gloria Payne, who got his career off the ground – literally and figuratively.

“Jim was a former Navy pilot and he encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming an Air Force pilot despite the times that I had serious doubts about my abilities,” Murdock said.

“Gloria Payne was my role model. It was from her that I learned ‘take care of your people and they will take care of the mission.’”

As a pilot candidate in the ROTC program, Murdock earned his private pilot’s license in his senior year.

“On December 17, 1969, D&E President Dr. Gordon Hermanson and Mrs. Gloria Payne pinned Second Lieutenant bars on Bob Murdock, and to this day, it is one of the happiest of my life,” he recalls.

Two weeks later, he was in pilot training at

Laredo (Texas) Air Force Base. Becoming a skilled C-130 pilot, he was promoted to First Lieutenant assigned to the 50th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taiwan. It was from there he flew combat missions in Vietnam and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Air Medals.

“To this day, those are the two decorations that I am most proud of,” Murdock said.

Murdock moved up the ranks to Captain and received the Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of 1977. Promotions ensued to Major and Lieutenant Colonel. Serving as a C-5 squadron operations officer and commander, Murdock put Payne’s advice to work.

“That was my most enjoyable assignment because I really had the opportunity to take care of my people,” he said.

As Brigadier General, Murdock was commander at the San Antonio Air Logistics Center at Kelly Air Force Base in Texas.

THROWBACK

FORWARD

Rehearsing for the religious drama “Christ in the Concrete City” are, from left, Rita Campbell, Lorna Dale Savage, Al Andrews, Ed Hunt, James Mathews and Dick Mower.

The play, written by Philip W. Turner, was performed in the Halliehurst ballroom in the 1961-1962 academic year. Savage went on to have a successful acting career in television and Off-Broadway.

Theatre Makes its Return to Halliehurst

L

ong before the Boiler House Theatre was the main venue for stage productions, Davis & Elkins College thespians put on their shows in Halliehurst.

This spring, the Theatre Department returned to the past for a four-day run of Peter Gordon’s mystery-comedy “Murdered to Death.”

While this spring’s production was staged on the first floor, many of Fiorentino’s shows took place in the third floor ballroom. Among those were “Christ in the Concrete City” (1961) “Candida” (1966), “The Misanthrope” (spring 1968), “The Odd Couple” (spring 1969) and “The Lion in Winter” (spring 1971).

The spoof, of the best of the Agatha Christie tradition, is set in a country manor house in the 1930s. Halliehurst is the perfect setting, Director Lonnie Martin says, adding that the venue also tied back to the College’s rich theatrical history and Claire Fiorentino’s tenure from 1944 to 1974.

In those days, the Iota Omega Chapter of the national dramatic honorary fraternity Alpha Psi Omega, under the direction of Fiorentino, was in charge of putting on the dramatic

productions. The organization was assisted by a drama club that went through name changes including Playcrafters, The Greenroom Society and The Vagabonds.

In 1975, the Boiler House Theatre was renovated into a flexible stage theater and other gradual renovations over the years moved the Studio Theatre into the facility.

“Claire Fiorentino, the ‘mother’ of theatre at Davis & Elkins College, staged many performances in Hallie. With the endowed theatre chair in her name, I like the symmetry of respecting what’s come before as we move forward,” Martin said.

The Davis & Elkins College Theatre Department spring production, “Murdered to Death,” was staged in Halliehurst. Cast members are, from left, Isaac Cleavenger, Sierra Petry, Megan Huffnagel, Shannen McClure, Trevor Gauckler, Matthew Nethken, Hope Roy, Rachel Bennett, Maxwell Ginsberg and Tobias Sears.

Throwback Forward

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Editor’s Note: Dr. Bijan Goodarzi graduated from Davis & Elkins College in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He went on to obtain his Doctor of Medicine degree and began practice as a women’s health specialist in Zanesville, Ohio. In August 2018, the Dr. Bijan Joseph Goodarzi Health Center was dedicated in his honor. The following was published in the Zanesville Times Recorder and is reprinted with permission.

After a soft opening last October, the South Zanesville facility for the Muskingum Valley Health Center will soon sport a new name.

Today, the MVHC will cut the ribbon on the new Dr. Bijan Joseph Goodarzi Health Center, dedicated to the eponymous doctor who, along with MVHC founder Chuck Hunter, established Women's Health at the center.

"I knew that I wanted to be a physician since I was 4 years old. It's never changed," Goodarzi said. "I knew I wanted to be a surgeon."

After studying as an OB/GYN at universities in West Virginia and completing his residency in Akron, a friend suggested Goodarzi would like Zanesville.

After Zanesville offered what he was looking for — a strong medical community, proximity to a big city like Columbus, and a house on

24 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

medical career. "And now it's almost all done?

That was it? The time goes by very quickly."

"I thought, 'Well, I'll give it three years,'" he said.

"I knew that if I were to give it three years, I'd be here 30 years. So, here we are, 31 years later."

After all those years, Goodarzi's work has started to come full circle.

Goodarzi came to the city with a Medicaid program, at a time when many physicians in Zanesville were not accepting Medicaid patients.

“

"I'm also a clinical instructor, so my current master's candidate, she said, 'Oh by the way, you delivered me,'" he said. "I'm sitting in the room taking care of the patient, and she goes 'Oh, by the way, my mom said to say hi because you delivered me too.' So I had to look at both of them at the same time."

I knew that I wanted to be a physician since I was 4 years old.

It's never changed... I knew I wanted to be a surgeon.

– Dr. Bijan Goodarzi

“

Health Center Dedicated in Honor of Goodarzi

Dillon Lake — Goodarzi began practicing as a women's health specialist in 1987.

"There were a lot of patients showing up in our emergency room with no prenatal care, and it was not acceptable," Goodarzi said.

After approaching the hospital about the issue, Goodarzi started a hospital-based prenatal care program, which later shifted to the MVHC. Goodarzi still has a copy of the 1988 letter from Hunter, then the senior vice president of operations at Bethesda Hospital, when the prenatal care clinic was first established. At his home on Tuesday, Goodarzi showed off the letter, as well as a folder full of newspaper clippings and documents, reflecting back on his three decades in Zanesville. "'Dad, where did this time go?,'" Goodarzi recalled reminiscing with his father about his

Goodarzi said he's honored to have the new center named after him, but did have one request when the MVHC approached him about the idea.

"I asked for my middle name to be spelled out, Joseph," he said, as an homage to his grandfather, Joseph Elward, a doctor of radiology who was one of the original staff members at George Washington University.

Goodarzi showed off a 1938 study by his grandfather regarding using X-rays to diagnose pregnancies.

"That's not exactly a great thing to do early on, but they didn't know that back then," Goodarzi chuckled.

The doctor said he is proud of the work MVHC has offered the community, and is thankful for how the community has adopted him.

"It's been an honor and a blessing to be here," he said. "I couldn't ask for more."

ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES 1951 James B. Clark, Orlando, Fla., and his son, Carl, attended a dinner with Chef Melanie Campbell, assistant professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, along with several D&E Hospitality Club students, D&E alumni and friends on February 28. Jim shared his D&E “legacy” story with the group, as his mother, Katherine Wilverding Clark, graduated from D&E in 1919, and his grandparents were married in Halliehurst in 1894.

Per an article shared, Jim’s grandfather, W. J. Wilverding, worked for U.S Sen. Stephen B. Elkins as a gardener at his home in Deer Park, Md. In the 1880s, he then traveled to Elkins where he became a Walter “Buzz” Scheller and his machinist with the wife, Marty. See 1955.

Western Maryland Railroad. It was in Elkins that he met Bridget Brady, who was also friends with the Elkins family, and on May 7, 1894, they were married in Halliehurst, with members of the Elkins, Davis and Kerens families present as guests. What a wonderful story!

1952 Douglas K. and Christine Kesling Shumway, Middleville, Mich., celebrated 65 years of marriage. Douglas practiced family medicine for 36 years and was also a physician for the VA outpatient clinic in Grand Rapids and Battle Creek, Mich. Sadly, Douglas passed away on February 6, 2019.

In April, Virginia “Ginny” Smith Holborow and her husband, George, were delighted to have D&E President Chris A. Wood visit them at their home in Kensington, Md. 1953 Norman A. Lunde and his bride of 65 years, Anna Jean “AJ” Daetwyler Lunde, ’55, Littleton, N.C., celebrated their wedding anniversary in January. Their daughter, Vicki Lunde-Rodriguez, ’78, Youngsville, N.C., shared their happy news.

Congratulations to Norm and AJ on a very newsworthy milestone!

1954 Arthur S. “Art” Hirshey and his wife, Ellie, live in Merrick, N.Y. They are the proud grandparents of two granddaughters, ages 22 and 19. They remain close friends with Verna Scott, widow of classmate Bill Scott, ’55.

George and Ginny Smith Holborow with President Chris A. Wood. See 1952.

being grandparents to seven grandchildren, with five of them under the age of 6. William shares they were “late starters.”

1959 Philip Inglee and wife, Marilyn, Huntington Beach, Calif., enjoy being close to their six grandchildren who all live on the southern California coast. In November, the Inglees visited Central America with an emphasis on the nations of Nicaragua and Guatemala, during an uncomfortable period of immigration turmoil. While the “turmoil” was unplanned, it provided them with a close-up insight into the current immigration problems.

Paul Phipps and his wife, Charlotte, live in St. George, Utah.

“Life is great and I’m still alive!”

1955 Walter “Buzz” Scheller and his wife, Marty, Connellsville, Pa., celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 6. They have three children. Buzz played basketball under coaches Press Marovich and Melvin Greer.

Chef Melanie Campbell presents Jim Clark with his Half Century Club medallion. See 1951.

1958 William Ringh and wife, Diana, live in Oceanside, N.Y. They love

Celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary, Norman and AJ Lunde. See 1953.

Alumni News and Notes

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13, Leonard “Len” and Sandy Moore Rudnick, enjoyed an early celebration on May 11. Their granddaughter, Caitlin E. “Caity” Cole, ’19, graduated from Davis & Elkins College to carry on their legacy as a D&E alumna. Caity graduated with three degrees – A.A. in Criminal Justice; A.S. in Education; and B.A. in Child & Family Studies. The Rudnicks and Caity reside in Tucson, Ariz. Len and Sandy send best wishes and congratulations to the entire class of 2019!

Proud D&E Senators! Leonard “Len” Rudnick and his granddaughter Caitlin E. “Caity” Cole, ’19. See 1963.

Upon their return, they held a pre-Christmas alumni dinner at their home with guests Sheri and George Morgan, ’61, Coronado, Calif., and Don, ’62, and Maria Erhard Santamaria, ’63, San Diego, Calif., attending.

They all enjoyed watching the annual Huntington Harbour Holiday Boat Parade.

Another great time for the Sig Ep brothers to get together. The Inglees' email address is philip1936@verizon.net.

Dick M. and Kay Woodward Royster, ’62, Williamsburg, Va., are proud of Dr. Jennifer Woodward Riggleman, assistant professor of Sport Science and the 2018 recipient of the Lois Latham Award for Teaching Excellence. They are also very proud of all the Woodwards who attended D&E. 1963 As they look forward to celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary on November

President Chris A. Wood, Lew Michaels and Jamie Joss. See 1964.

26 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

1964 Lewis N. “Lew” Michaels, Vienna, Va., welcomed a visit with President Chris A. Wood and D&E’s Director of Athletics, Jamie Joss.

Look who I met in Jericho!” George Lauderbaugh and Dr. Larry McArthur. See 1968.

and an ocean cruise from Venice to Athens.

This past summer, they took their granddaughter and daughter on a trip to Italy with four days in Rome, then a cruise around the Mediterranean to Florence, Cannes, Majorca, Barcelona and Naples to celebrate their granddaughter’s graduation from high school. She is currently at Penn State studying for either a career in architecture or chemical engineering. Lee and Bobbie’s grandson is a high school junior and is looking for a career in finance or economics. They continue to own two homes, one in Arizona for the winter and the other in Wisconsin for the summer. They spend six months in each where they can enjoy both climates. Lee’s passion is still flying his glider, Selah, several days a week from the glider port located 6 miles from their home. He is still a consultant for companies using his expertise in medical packaging and stays physically fit by using the community gym to keep him nearly the same weight as he was in college. Bobbie enjoys volunteering with various Marilyn and Phil Inglee on a visit to Central America. See groups in both states. She belongs to 1959. several clubs and can often be found on her back patio in the sun reading a book.

1965 John C. Free and his wife, Sue, Coraopolis, Lee J. and Barbara J. “Bobbie” Murray, Pa., celebrated their 50th wedding ’68, have been married for 53 years and for the anniversary in May 2018. John shares that past decade have chosen a new “experience” to their eight talented and happy grandchildren celebrate. These past few years they have taken range in age from 13-23 and are “our greatest river boat cruises down the rivers in Europe and happiest blessings.” from Amsterdam to the Black Sea, a Panama Canal cruise from San Diego to Ft. Lauderdale,

1966 Stewart S. Macsherry has been retired since 2000. He lives six months in Bradenton, Fla., and six months in Ontario, Canada. He is the proud grandfather of six grandchildren with three more “in the oven.” Stew is looking forward to his 55th reunion in 2021.

the National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame in Evansville, Ind. Among those inducted were Terry; Lawrence Nesselrodt, ’83, Charleston, W.Va.; and Tobi Stoner, ’09, Oakland, Md. 1972 Linda Muench Varney is happily retired from Kanawha County Schools and is now living the dream in Cross Lanes, WV. Linda shares “I really treasured my time at D&E. It is a great place to get an education.”

1968 While wearing his D&E hat during a trip to Israel, George M. Lauderbaugh, Jacksonville, Ala., was spotted by Dr. Larry McArthur, Spokane Kathy Dunbar Ramsdell, David and Deborah Helsing In December, John Valley, Wash., retired Williams in Vienna, Austria. See 1974.

A. Hutchison, professor of Biology Beckley, W.Va. was appointed to the Supreme and Environmental Science and dean of faculty Court by Gov. Jim Justice. In 1995, Judge from 1998-2008. George writes it was a “small Hutchison was appointed to the bench in the world” D&E reunion in Jericho!

Tenth Judicial Circuit (Raleigh County) by then-Gov. Gaston Caperton, and then elected 1969 to that seat in 1996 and re-elected in 2000, In January, Joseph A. “Andy” Fry’s, new 2008 and 2016. book “Lincoln, Seward, and US Foreign Relations in the Civil War Era” was released 1973 through The University Press of Kentucky and is available on Kentuckypress.com. Andy Homecoming 2018’s celebration of soccer and his wife, Sandy Sweitzer Fry, live in included a great time of reminiscing for Nils Henderson, Nev. Heinke, ’73, Elkins, W.Va. Nils was reunited with many teammates and team members 1971 he coached during 1979-1984, including Michael Grayson, ’80, Trinidad; Stefan Terry Helbig, Oakland, Md., is the Sigurdsson, ’84, Iceland; Lee Barnaby, president of the PenMar-WV Baseball ’80, Copiague, N.Y.; and Roderick “Rod” League. It is one of the oldest, continuously O’Savio, ’80, Falls Church, Va. operating semi-pro baseball leagues in the country, and on November 10, 2018, 33 1974 players from the League were inducted into Charlie Wientjes and Beth Palien, ’73, celebrated Valentine’s Day this year by becoming engaged!

After a summer wedding on Hilton Head Island, Charlie and Beth would like to invite old friends to visit them in the North Carolina Outer Banks.

President Chris A. Wood, WV Supreme Court Justice John A. Hutchison, D&E 2018-2019 Student Assembly President Maddy Brown, ’21, and D&E Enrollment Adviser Faith Jones during Higher Education Day at the Legislature in Charleston, W.Va. See 1972.

Paul “Murph” Shoemaker, ’75, and his son, Scott, with Rick Mackey, ’76, and his son, Andrew, enjoying the practice round at The Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga. See 1975.

27 years at West Greene School District in Graysville, Pa. She has been married to her husband, Gary, for 42 years. They are the proud parents of son, Samuel Veltre, who graduated from IUP in ’07; daughter, Sarah Veltre Shaulis, Doctor of Physical Therapy, graduating from SRU in ’14; and grandson, Owen Shaulis.

In September, Kathy Dunbar Ramsdell, and her husband, Harvey, Reisterstown, Md., celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a Viking Cruise aboard the Vilhjalm ship on the Danube River. During a stop in Vienna, Austria, Kathy had an opportunity to attend the Mozart and Strauss Concert, and just happened to sit next to David, ’71, and Deborah Helsing Williams, ’72. David and Deborah, Downers Grove, Ill., were on the same Viking cruise ship. What a small world!

Great Times! Michael Grayson, ’80; Stefan Sigurdsson, ’84; Nils Heinke; Lee Barnaby, ’80, and Roderick “Rod” O’Savio. See 1973.

Rebecca Hollowood Veltre, Nineveh, Pa., retired in 2005 after Alumni News and Notes

| 27

Enjoying a soccer game at Nuttall Field - Dawn Hughes Brandstrom; Roderick “Rod” O’Savio, ‘80; Peace Ideozu Okoya, ’80; Peggy Harms Denton, ’80; Leslie Morgan, ’80; Lee Barnaby, ’80; and Jan Reed, ’80. See 1981.

welcomed their second daughter, Rory. She and big sister, Millie, fill their days with laughter and keep them very busy.

1975 Paul “Murph” Shoemaker, Chambersburg, Pa., and his son, Scott, attended The Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga. with Richard “Rick” Mackey, ’76, and his son, Andrew. Both are Alpha Sigma Phi brothers; Rick was Murph’s “little brother.” Rick also resides in Chambersburg, Pa. 1979 2018 was a big year for Debora S. Robinson and her husband, Bradford, as they welcomed their first grandson, Sawyer Robinson, on January 15. And then, in July 2018, Debora retired from Davis Medical Center. The Robinson’s live in Montrose, W.Va. .

William E. Welsh, Vienna, Va., has been published recently in military history magazines in Great Britain, The Netherlands and the United States. Bill credits his history professors, Dr. Thomas R. Ross and Dr. Nelson Bard, as well as his geography professor, Dr. Donald Walters, with helping him build the knowledge necessary to produce articles on great battles and great commanders.

A hometown wedding for Fernanda and Lara Rutherford D’agostin. See 2006.

Richard and Megan Turske James with their daughters, Rory and Millie. See 2003.

1985 Patti A. Bennett and Mark Hepler, ’87, Elkins, W.Va., were married in a beautiful ceremony on December 15 at the First United Methodist Church in Elkins, surrounded by family and friends. Congratulations!

William E. Welsh. See 1981.

1981 During Homecoming 2018, Dawn Hughes Brandstrom, Salisbury, Md., enjoyed getting together with Roderick “Rod” O’Savio, ’80, Falls Church, Va.; Peace Ideozu Okoya, ’80, Columbia, Md.; Peggy Harms Denton, ’80, Prince Frederick, Md.; Leslie Morgan, ’80, Cambridge, Mass.; Lee Barnaby, ’80, Copiague, N.Y.; Jan Reed, ’80, Manistique, Mich., and many other friends and classmates.

28 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

2004 In 2018, Brett Thomaswick, Carolina Shore, N.C., was named the recipient of TheGolfDirector.com Video Magazine PGA Professional of the Year award. Brett is the head golf professional at Sandpiper Bay Golf & Country Club in Sunset Beach, N.C.

2006 Lara Rutherford D’agostin met her beautiful wife, Fernanda, in Brazil. They were married on January 11, 2019, in Lara’s hometown of Hinton, W.Va., surrounded by family and friends. They now reside in St. Albans, W.Va. 2008 Kylee Griffith and his wife, Casie, were married on November 21, 2015. Kylee began

1995 Elizabeth “Libby” Leary Chauncey and her husband, Darrell, are living and loving life in St. Augustine, Fla.! Libby is a real estate agent with Ruggeri & Shanks and shares she would be honored to assist anyone in finding a home in St. Augustine. Her email address is libbychauncey1@gmail.com.

2003 Megan Turske James and her husband, Richard, live in Pittsburgh, Pa. In August, they

Congratulations! Kylee, Casie and baby Ellie Griffith.

See 2008.

therapist. At 6:38 a.m. on January 3, Ashley and Evan welcomed their daughter, Isabella Rose Gazza. Isabella weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 21 inches.

2012 Heather A. Zapf, Herndon, Va., recently met Margaret “Marge” Wyatt who graduated in 1990 with a degree in psychology during a random pairing when she volunteered at Blue The Gazza family – Evan, Ashley and baby Isabella. See 2011.

Bryce Austin Yarbrough, son of Page and John Ridge PACE. They both Yarbrough. Congratulations! See 2013. enjoyed “chatting it up”. working at Audi of America when he graduated 2014 from D&E and continues to work there as Davis & Elkins College Director of Alumni a Senior Relationship Marketing Specialist.

On July 22, 2017, Sierra Blackburn married Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan This past winter, Kylee and Casie welcomed her high school sweetheart, Andrew Moore. was surprised with the Chamber Member baby girl Ellie Brooks Griffith. Ellie was born December 27 was a big day for Sierra and of the Year award at the Elkins-Randolph December 10 and weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces.

Andrew as they welcomed their baby girl County Chamber Annual Dinner and Awards The Griffith family live in Leesburg, Va. Kenley Dawn Moore. Kenley was born at event. Morgan has served as an ERCC board 7:26 p.m., weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces, and member for five years.

2011 measured 20 1/4 inches. For the past 12 years, Sierra has worked at Dairy Queen in Elkins During the 2018 West Virginia High School 2013 and now serves as a part-time manager so that Soccer Coaches Association All State Soccer she can spend more time with Kenley. Andrew Banquet, Tristan Wierbonski and Dustin John and Ann “Page” Turner Yarbrough is the owner of ARA Logging, also in Elkins.

W. Talton, both of Morgantown, W.Va., were are the proud parents of Bryce Austin They live in Elkins. recognized as Coach of the Year for Boys’ Yarbrough! Bryce was born on February 6 at All-Region I teams. Tristan is the coach at East 8:44 a.m., measuring 21 inches and weighing Rebecca “Becca” Martin Pratt is currently Fairmont High School (AA/A) and Dustin is 8 pounds, 3 ounces. Auntie Sidney Turner, a Ph.D candidate in the Department of the coach at University High School (AAA). ’18, and grandparents Robert and Robin Pharmacology, Physiology, and Toxicology at Congratulations!

Turner are “over the moon” in love with baby the Marshall University School of Medicine.

Bryce. They all reside in Poquoson, Va. Her research involves the role of the sodium/ Married on July 2, 2016, Ashley Uberty and potassium pump in the amplification of Evan Gazza live in Rochester, N.Y. Ashley is Congratulations to Shane A. Brown Jr.! a fourth grade teacher and varsity volleyball On September 20, 2018, Shane and his bride, coach for the Penfield Central School Jasmine, were married.

District and Evan works for the University Celebrating with Shane of Rochester Sports Medicine as a physical and Jasmine were Josh Wamsley, ’14, Belington, W.Va.; Luka Djordjevic, ’16, Serbia; Paolo Ivis, Croatia; Ante Cosic, ’16; Jorden Lykes, ’14, Prince George, Va.; PJ Turner, ’12, Auburndale, Fla.; Juwan Strothers, ’17; and Alex Barnard, ’12, Gaithersburg, Md. Jasmine and Shane live in Jessup, Md., and Shane works as Wendy Morgan, second from right, is congratulated by from left, ERCC Execa senior auditor for the utive Director and D&E First Lady Lisa Wood, ERCC Executive Committee Past Department of Navy.

President Mike Bell and ERCC Executive Committee President Mark Doak.

Heather Zapf and Marge Wyatt. See 2012.

Alumni News and Notes

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Boatswainsmate Seaman Ty-Chon E. Montemoino. See 2016.

Odyssey Rehabilitation at Cortland Acres Nursing Home as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

Steven Sponaugle and Danielle Bible, ’13, were married on October 28, 2018. They live in Parsons, W.Va., and Steven is working toward being a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Shane Brown and beautiful bride, Jasmine. See 2013.

oxidative stress, which is associated with diseases of the liver, kidney, and heart. In April, Becca returned to campus and presented to D&E’s Zeta Chapter of Chi Beta Phi, the national math and science honorary fraternity.

2015 Molly D. Vance and Logan W. Mongold, ’16, Elkins, W.Va., were married on November 4, 2017. Those attending were Jake Smith, ’16, Mt. Airy, Md.; Christian Scott, ’16, Valley Bend, W.Va.; Ryan Davis, ’16, Williamsport, Md.; Zach Bradfield, ’16, Fort Ashby, W.Va.; Travis Phelps, ’16, Frederick, Md.; Caitlin LaSota, ’14, Litchfield, Conn.; Justin Shiflet, ’17, Elkins, W.Va.; Kara Parrack, ’15, Elkins, W.Va.; Jordan Ours, ’15, Moorefield, W.Va.; and Hannah Shiflett, ’20, Beverly, W.Va. Logan is a commercial loan officer at Mountain Valley Bank and Molly works for

Best wishes to Molly and Logan Mongold. Photo by Lea Fedder with Lea Michelle Photography. See 2015.

30 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

2016 Boatswainsmate Seaman Ty-Chon E. Montemoino recently received certification as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. He is currently attached to the USS Fort McHenry, LSD 43, and is deployed in the Middle East.

Alex McElroy, ’16, Dayton, Va.; Chelsea Mallow, ’16, Belington, W.Va.; Rhys Begley, ’16, Cumberland, Md.; Nic Carpenter, ’19, Vienna, W.Va.; and Cassie Wallace Shiflet, ’13, Elkins, W.Va. The Henrys now reside in Moorefield, W.Va., where Jacob works for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Hardy County Schools, and Trisha works at Summit Insurance Services.

2017 Jacob Schoonover shares that he married the woman of his dreams, Courtney Haga, on November 10, 2018. They live just outside of Beckley, W.Va., in Sophia with their two dogs, Remington and Duke. Courtney is a WV Tech student and will graduate in December with a biology degree and a minor in psychology.

She currently works at the local YMCA. Jacob is now the proud owner of the small business New River LLC. They cater to all kinds of landscaping jobs, including those that are labor

Sierra Blackburn Moore with husband, Andrew, and baby girl Kenley at the Caboose Café at Davis & Elkins College. See 2014.

On August 4, 2018, Trisha Higgins and Jacob Henry, ’17, were married at the Whetzel Family Farm in Moorefield, W.Va. Celebrating with Trisha and Jacob were D&E friends Nathan Smith, ’10, Moorefield, W.Va.; Alex Cheuvront, ’17, Elkins, W.Va.; Natasha Mashburn, ’15, Grand Canyon Village, Ariz.; Julia Tenney, Ellamore, W.Va.; Leigh Ann Pearsall, ’14, Henrico, Va.; Jacob Antoline, ’17, Elkins, W.Va.; Sierra Kelley, ’17, Falling Waters, W.Va.; Sarah Gustafson, ’18, Bridgeport, W.Va.; Tiffany Dodd, ’18, Petersburg, W.Va.; Alyssa Edwards, ’18, Fairmont, W.Va.; Sarah Marshall, Covington, Va.;

Jacob and Trisha Higgins Henry, August 4, 2018.

Congratulations! See 2016.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT With a quest for adventure, Rowe sold all of his possessions that Rowe Helping Others happiness. didn’t fit in his car, took inventory of his and spent nine months hiking The Build Their Dreams savings Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

Kurt Rowe, ’82, doesn’t have a permanent place of residence, nor does he have a plethora of belongings. What he does have is a life filled with learning and helping others.

Well before reaching the age most would consider retirement, Rowe left the office environment. Yet, retired is in no way how he describes his lifestyle. Instead, he says he is “happily unemployed.”

“I tell people I work every day, I just don’t get paid,” Rowe explained. “My goals aren’t about accumulating wealth anymore. To me, it’s more about being able to give back in volunteer work, community service, protection of the environment and causes I feel are important for health.”

“It really changed my life because I realized that I needed almost nothing to be happy,” Rowe said.

He helped friends start two hiker hostels along The Appalachian Trail. Then, returning to days gone by, he went to work as a farm hand in exchange for room and board through Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). Typically he puts in five hours a day, five days a week.

“They give you a place to sleep and usually some really good food,” Rowe said.

WWOOFing, as it is called, has taken Rowe on many an adventure. He’s worked on author Barbara Kingsolver’s farm in Virginia, a goat farm in northern Wisconsin, a mushroom farm near Cleveland and twice at the Buffalo Field Campaign in Montana where he lived on a mountaintop – elevation 7,000 feet – in the dead of winter tracking the last wild migratory herd of wild bison.

His degree from D&E in earth and environmental science with a minor in computer science, coupled with graduate studies, has taken him far. Rowe has taught high school biology, worked as a real time software systems engineer in the spacecraft industry, and My goals aren’t about accumulating wealth helped develop a method anymore. To me, it’s more about being able for converting salt water into fresh water. to give back in volunteer work, community At the conclusion of his full-time job as a medical coding educator, he turned the corner to a life of serving others and ultimate

service, protection of the environment and causes I feel are important for health.

– Kurt Rowe

A beautiful wedding day for Jacob and Courtney Schoonover. See 2017.

intensive, and during the winter – snow removal. Jacob and Courtney are loving life and will welcome baby girl Schoonover this fall!

“

“

2018 Meaghan E. Eyler and Joseph Stehle were married on October 27, 2018, at the home of the bride in Keyser, W.Va. Meaghan’s attendants were Denise Folley, Charlottesville, Va.; Grayson Blythe, New Wilmington, Pa.; and Lydia Eichhorst, ’20, Manchester, Md. Also joining in the festivities were Sierra Carney, ’17, Silver Spring, Md; Emily Coffman, Elkins, W.Va.; Claire Potter, Baltimore, Md.; Sarah Gustafson, Bridgeport, W.Va.; Tiffany Dodd, Petersburg, W.Va.; Sierra Kelley, Falling Waters, W.Va.; Jacob Antoline, ’17, Elkins, W.Va.; Justin Redmon, ’20, Moorefield, W.Va.; and Ethan Edinger, ’14, Pittsburgh, Pa. The Stehle’s live in Keyser

Kurt Rowe, left, and his former academic adviser and retired environmental science Professor Jim Van Gundy had a chance to share stories of their adventures during a visit in Elkins. Van Gundy and his wife, Judy, have spent several months at sea while Jim worked as the ship’s naturalist for Holland America aboard the MS Oosterdam. The couple traveled to the Caribbean, then to Colombia and through the Panama Canal to ports in Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico.

“I basically live out of my car,” Rowe explained.

“I have my hammock, tent, sleeping bag, stove and all of my outdoor gear. Every time I’m WWOOFing at a farm I’m helping other people with their dreams. It’s a great life.”

A work exchange at the end of 2018 brought Rowe back to D&E. During some time off from his duties at the Poe Run Craft and Provisions Homestead, he spoke to an environmental science class and got to visit with his former academic adviser, retired environmental science Professor Jim Van Gundy and his wife, Judy.

While life is good for Rowe, there is one thing he would change.

“I would like to have somebody I could grow old with,” he said. “I really don’t want to spend the rest of my life by myself, but I haven’t quite figured out how to solve that as a nomadic person.”

The Best Day! Meaghan Eyler Stehle, with husband, Joe, and her D&E attendants, Denise Folley, Grayson Blythe and Lydia Eichhorst. See 2018.

where Meaghan teaches English at Hampshire High School.

If you would like to submit a note to Forward, please email Wendy Morgan at morganw@dewv.edu.

Alumni News and Notes

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PAST GATHERINGS & UPCOMING EVENTS D&E gatherings for 2019 began in the sunshine state as President Chris A. Wood; Vice President for Enrollment Management and Institutional Advancement Rosemary Thomas; Director of Athletics Jamie Joss; Senior Director for Institutional Advancement Cathy Nosel; and Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan, ’12, had a great time with alumni and friends during the annual trip around Florida.

1

First stop … Tarantella Ristorante in Weston. Beginning on January 19, our first stop was at Tarantella Ristorante in Weston. Attending were David Simms, ’85; Bill Barr, ’82; Rosemary Thomas; Jim and Donna Dechant, parents of Christopher Baris; David Duffy and Amy Ouellette, ’96; Jimmy and Ana Durden, parents of Portia Durden; Jamie Joss; Cathy Nosel; Barbara Erickson, ’70; Michael den Ouden; and Wendy Morgan, ’12 (not pictured). It was a fabulous start to our trip with great friends and wonderful conversations! Next ...

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5

The Villages Moving inland to The Villages, the Havana Country Club proved to be a perfect venue for a wonderful evening with great friends. From left are, seated, Wendy Morgan, ’12; Ellen Mills Smith, ’69; Pat Langolf; Linda Simpkins; Judy Mewha Jack, ’62; and Anita Kendell Talbott, ’83; standing, Kathy and Steve “Mitch” Kendall, ’76; Brad Simpkins, ’71; Ed Langolf, ’76; George Scott, ’62; Carolyn Cattrell Girvin, ’66; Brian Girvin, ’66; Steve Larkin; Gail Sneddon Simon, ’68; Debbie Larkin, ’11; Bobby Bragg; Tharon Jack, ’61; Dianne and Lee Levering, ’58; and President Chris A. Wood. Not pictured: Debra Juskowich Hajek, ’74; Jean and Stu Hendler, ’57; Rosemary Thomas; and Cathy Nosel. Half Century Club medallions were presented to George Scott, Brian Girvin and Gail Sneddon Simon by President Wood. Next ...

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St. Petersburg The next day, we moved up the coast to 400 Beach Seafood in St. Petersburg for a lovely gathering with President Chris A. Wood; Joy and Marion Brady, ’49; Judy Smith, ’65; Franklin Kittle, ’56; Holly (not pictured) and Earl Shaffer, ’66; Bob, ’73 and Barbara Schranz Davies, ’73; Jim Douglas, ’64; Carol Cliff Bruno, ’71; Pete Dougherty, ’75, and Jan Dougherty; David Rutherford; Cathy Nosel; Gus Bruno, ’71; and Wendy Morgan, ’12 (not pictured.) Following lunch, President Wood presented Judy Smith with her Half Century Club medallion. Next ...

St. Augustine We concluded our week-long trip around Florida at the Columbia Restaurant in St. Augustine for a delightful evening with Lynn Applegate; Elizabeth “Libby” Leary Chauncey, ’95; June “Missy” Simcoe, ’82; Liz and Don Robbins; Darryl Chauncey; Bryant Applegate, ’77; Wendy Morgan, ’12; and Rosemary Thomas (not pictured). thanks Frescos in Lakeland provided Our the many perfect venuetoforalla wonderful lunch for another perfect tripwith to Florida. good friends. Joining President Chris and Lisa Wood, Rosemary Thomas, Cathy Nosel and Wendy Morgan, ’12, were Joy and Marion Brady, ’49; Frank Kittle, ’56; George Buschman, ’58; Cindy and Jan Smith, ’66; Alana Minear; Barbara and Dick Huggins, ’60; and Jim Douglas, ’64.

Oh, but wait! On February 28, we had an additional stop at Trail's End Restaurant in Orlando when, during an educational spring break, Chef Melanie Campbell, assistant professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and current students met up with area alumni and friends. Those enjoying a delightful evening of stories from the past and present, were students Savannah Gregg and Maddy Brown; Carl Clark; student Sydney Ransbottom; Campbell; Linda Keller-Zierold, ’69; Ed Zierold; Jim Clark, ’51 (see 1951 alumni note); and Linda and Steve Palm, parents of Jake Palm, ’10.

32 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

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Naples The following day we crossed Alligator Alley to Naples for a Sunday brunch at the Bayside Seafood Grill and Bar. Joining us there for fun and food were Dottie Wamsley, ’61; Gary and Ruth Lynn Schoonover; Bob, ‘67 and Ann Baird, ’88; Sandy Grahame; Scotty, ’72, and Anita Norton Smyth, ’69; Jamie Joss; Pat and Alison Deem; President Chris A. Wood; Jean and Steve Jory; Bunny and Marshall Jarrett; and Linda Cross. Not pictured: Bob Wamsley; Ab and Nadia Abdalla; Cathy Nosel; Rosemary Thomas; and Wendy Morgan, ’12. Next ...

Save the Date for These Upcoming D&E Events!

3 Laishley Crab House in Punta Gorda Those attending were Jamie Joss; Carol and Keith Utz, ’57; Arlene and Dick Seybolt, ’63; Wendy Morgan, ’12; Denny, ’65, and Suzi Jackson Bye, ’66; Lyla and Leonard Howell, ’59; Cathy Nosel; and President Chris A. Wood. During the dinner, President Wood surprised Denny and Suzi by presenting them with their Half Century Club medallions.

Congratulations! Next ...

August 4 Charleston, W.Va. Appalachian Power Park baseball and picnic August 7 Richmond, Va. Pies & Pints August 8 Roseland, Va. Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company September 20-21, 2019 Homecoming & Family Weekend

MARYLAND ALUMNI CHAPTER

On May 18, the Maryland Alumni Chapter, enjoyed a tour of the Manor House and gardens at Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton. Attending were Kathy Dunbar Ramsdell, ’74; Robin White Rybczynski, ‘86; Brandon Huang, ’16; Claire Potter, ’18; Susan and Russ Coldren, ’72; and Wendy Morgan, ’12 (not pictured).

So, what’s up next? Check out the upcoming events page on the D&E website. D&E is coming to your area soon and we look forward to seeing you!

Then it was on to Cockeysville for dinner at Pappas Restaurant & Sports Bar. Those attending were Wendy Morgan, ’12; Brandon Huang, ’16; Elaine Christ; Shawn Pass, ’19 and Gabby Ensor; Patrick Christ, ’18; Claire Potter, ’18; Karen Kober Brown, 84; Kathy Dunbar Ramsdell, ’74; Robin White Rybczynski, ’86; Joan Larkin Huke, ’60; and Neal, ’92, and Melody Porch Keenan, ’92.

Past Gatherings & Upcoming Events

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REMEMBERING

T

he individuals listed below include members of the D&E family whose passing we have learned about within the last several months. We remember them here on behalf of all alumni and friends of Davis & Elkins College.

ALUMNI 1943 1947

1949 1949 1949 1949

1950 1950 1950 1950 1951 1951

1951 1951

1951 1951 1951 1952 1952 1952 1953

1953

1954

1954 1954 1954 1955 1955

1956 1957

1958

Carolyn Collett Respess, July 1, 2019 Elizabeth A. Harper Rupp, January 13, 2015 Paul D. Corley, January 26, 2019 Stanley L. Moore, January 3, 2017 Fred P. O’Kernick, March 11, 2019 Margaret C. Rice Ullman, December 18, 2018 William H. Byrom Jr., May 22, 2015 Richard W. Dye Sr., October 28, 2018 John E. Jenkins, November 5, 2018 William C. Roth Jr., February 11, 2019 John C. Bennett, January 29, 2019 John A. “Jack” Geissinger, December 11, 2018 Rose F. Isch, March 20, 2019 Cecilia Martin Meierdiercks, July 4, 2015 John H. “Jack” Neale, July 29, 2018 Richard B. Walden, December 12, 2018 Robert J. Ward, October 22, 2018 Byron Bland Jr., April 7, 2019 Glenn Scott, April 25, 2002 Douglas K. Shumway, February 6, 2019 Mildred Stalnaker Harmon, February 12, 2019 Sarah Jane Mills Withrow, September 16, 2015 Dorene Clawson Crouse, September 4, 2014 James Steen Jr., November 1, 2018 Leroy R. Wehrle, September 10, 2018 Ruby E. Saffel Wilson, May 2, 2015 Donald E. Fausel, August 19, 2018 Joyce Elmore Hebb, December 27, 2018 John K. Kelley Jr., November 16, 2018 Niel P. “Paco” Petersen, December 23, 2018 Peggie J. Chandler Bracken, December 5, 2018

1958 1958 1958 1959 1959 1960 1960 1961 1962 1962 1963

1964 1964 1964 1964 1968 1969 1970

1970 1970 1971 1974

1974 1975 1975 1978 1978 1980 1980 1982

1989 1989 1996 2003 2012 2021

William T. Jordan, April 5, 2019 Betty Jean Merritt, February 8, 2019 John R. “Dick” Niblett, March 19, 2019 Ronald L. Hinkle, January 15, 2019 Joe R. Ruddle, April 22, 2019 Charlotte Ann Hinkle, March 13, 2019 James D. Ruyak, March 9, 2019 David M. Hinkle, February 12, 2019 Sandra Chidester Moon, April 3, 2019 Edward J. Walker, January 1, 2019 Mary Lou Long Mullis, January 12, 2019 John E. Hudson, June 20, 2018 Barron L. Kerns, April 28, 2017 Craig E. Mathaney, January 22, 2019 Donald L. Williams, April 29, 2018 Charles H. Potter, December 23, 2018 Timothy P. Miller, February 26, 2019 Sara “Sally” Phillips Chase, March 5, 2019 Bruce B. Neffke, January 12, 2018 Alfred E. Whittle, March 1995 Cynthia A. Gillespie, March 20, 2019 Linda A. Staikides Gerber, March 8, 2019 James M. Ward, February 2019 Allen Ray Hall, October 25, 2018 Lisbel C. Romero, date unknown Walter J. Alvarez, December 27, 2018 David P. Heaps, July 28, 2012 Diana W. Barton, January 8, 2019 Marita A. O’Donnell, March 30, 2019 George W. Jordon II, December 3, 2018 Shirley R. Conaway, November 2, 2018 Robert B. Drain, October 14, 2018 Peggy A. Currence, February 16, 2019 Evan D. Carton, October 29, 2018 Ryan A. Miller, May 11, 2019 Diamond Moore, December 9, 2018

FRIENDS & FAMILY Alex A. Belcher, March 17, 2019 Former student John H. Bogue, October 16, 2018 Former student Hope Caplinger, April 3, 2019 Former student LaMonte “Monty” Carter, June 2, 2018 Former student Victor L. Conrad, May 6, 2018 Former student James E. Cushman, October 1, 2018 Former adjunct faculty Marvin R. Dilley, April 12, 2019 Former student Reita M. Patterson Forner, September 7, 2018 Former student Geneva B. Carr Hedrick, March 17, 2019 Former student Paul D. Marshall, September 28, 2017 Friend of the College Margaret H. Craven Meredith, November 27, 2018 Former student Annette Y. “Bonnie” Brothers Moore, December 16, 2018 Former student Jack L. Mullennex, March 18, 2019 Former student William F. Murray, December 25, 2018 Former student Mary L. Roy, January 10, 2019 Fomer employee Neil R. Voorhees, February 9, 2019 Former student Ethel M. Collett Ware, May 14, 2018 Former student James F. Wilson, January 29, 2019 Friend of the College Carl J. Wolf, May 11, 2018 Honorary Doctor of Divinity

To include the passing of alumni, friend of the College or former employee in the next edition of Forward, please call Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan at (304) 637-1341 or email her at morganw@dewv.edu.

34 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

CLAUDETTE FRANKLIN Former Faculty Member

Claudette Webb Thompson Franklin, a former assistant professor in education, died Feb. 14, 2019, in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. She was 83.

Franklin joined Davis & Elkins College in 1985 as an instructor in education. In 1991, she assumed an administrative role in the Learning Disabilities Program while continuing with her teaching responsibilities. She was promoted to assistant professor in education in 1993 and served in that capacity until she resigned her position in 1998.

She received the Lois Latham Award for Teaching Excellence in 1992.

ALANA MINEAR

Former Director of Alumni Affairs Alana Ruth Wilfong Minear of Lakeland, Florida, died unexpectedly at her home on April 15, 2019.

Minear served as director of alumni affairs at Davis & Elkins College from 1987 to 1997, and often attended alumni gatherings in Florida. She continued her career in various leadership roles in Charleston, West Virginia, before relocating to Florida.

The family suggests gifts in memory can be made to the Alana Wilfong Minear Endowed Scholarship (in memory of Larry W. Minear, Dewey L. Wilfong and Gail R. Ours.) Gifts can be made by mail to Karen Wilmoth, Davis & Elkins College, 100 Campus Dr., Elkins WV 26241 or Give Online at www.dewv.edu, noting the scholarship in the comments.

NORMAN L. SHEETS

Former Dean, Professor Norman Leslie Sheets, who served Davis & Elkins College in various roles, died on April 7, 2019, in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

He was 91.

Sheets was a member of the D&E faculty and administration from 1956 to 1962, serving as associate professor of physical education, chairman of the Department of Physical Education, director of athletics and dean of students.

REMEMBERING CHARLES H. “CHARLIE” POTTER

A Founding Member of the NAC Rob Beckwith, ’67, shares memories of his Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity brother and friend Charlie Potter, who passed away in December 2018. Both were founding members of NAC. Charlie was smart, methodical and had a marvelous sense of humor.

He always spoke his mind and was ever willing to give his opinion. I spoke with him on a monthly basis, either on the phone or in person.

Since Charlie’s passing there has been an outpouring of emotions for him from his classmates. First disbelief, then remembrance of him as a student and the man that he became – staying true to himself from start to finish.

In his spare time Charlie attended conventions in Denver and the West Coast, cruised through the Panama Canal and from New England to Bermuda. He attended coin shows, toy soldier shows and meetings of the Eastern Star and Masons. Who but Charlie would

RICHARD H. “DICK” TALBOTT Former Trustee

Dick Talbott, a former Elkins resident and member of the Board of Trustees, died April 11, 2019, in Roanoke, Virginia, where he had been residing with his wife, Jo Ann. Talbott served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1997 through 2008. He was an active member of the Board, serving faithfully on the Business and Finance Committee.

Talbott practiced law for 50 years in private firms and as manager of legal services for Monongahela Power Company. He retired in 2004 from the Busch and Talbott law firm in Elkins.

HENRY B. WEHRLE JR. Former Trustee

Henry B. Wehrle Jr., a former member of the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees, died Nov. 4, 2018, at his home in Wellington, Florida.

He was 96.

Wehrle served as a trustee for five terms, from 1960-1965, 1967-1973, 1974-1980, 1981-1982 and 1990-1999.

Wehrle had a lifelong career at McJunkin Supply in Charleston, West Virginia, retiring as chairman of the board in 2002.

The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Davis & Elkins College.

JOSEPH M. WELLS III

Board of Trustee Emeritus Joseph M. Wells III, a longtime trustee, died March 12, 2019, at East Liverpool (Ohio) City Hospital. He was 77.

Wells served on the D&E Board of Trustee from 1991 to 2000, and as chair of the Board of Trustees from 1997-2000.

In August 2000, he was elected chairman emeritus and served in that capacity through July 2010. He was elected emeritus life trustee in October 2010.

Wells retired as chief executive officer and president of Homer Laughlin China Company following a long career with the company. attend the Russian New Year’s Ball at the Cosmos Club in D.C.? He attended parties at the Argentina and Bulgarian Embassies and found time to meet with Senator Lindsey Graham at the BWI Marriott.

He made it a point to attend meetings of the American Numismatic Association in Philadelphia and Knights Templar International where he was awarded the Commendation Medal by the Grand Priory of the United States.

We can’t forget his devotion to D&E. One of the original members of the NAC, his membership spanned three decades. He was the Council’s historian and always had a story involving D&E history for us at the meeting. He was a recipient of the College’s Tower Award, an award he cherished.

He served as secretary of Tau Kappa Epsilon and was elected student council president his senior year. He was politically minded, often having discussions with Senators Jennings Randolph, Robert C. Byrd, Joe Tiddings and Vice President Hubert Humphry.

Charlie was one of a kind. I am proud to say he was my friend, my brother. I will miss him.

Remembering

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