Forward - Fall 2015

TH E MAGAZ I N E OF

Volume 60, No. 2

Students Combine Service With Learning in Central America Pg. 10

Family Establishes Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education Pg. 12

Carpe Diem

day in school, ments: the day we are born, our first mo h hig s life’ of ry glo n mo com Our lives are rich in the

h have our own list. off to college, our first job – we eac go we day the , love of ry ove disc our first conscious s organization -year history – as with any century-plu 111 s e’ lleg Co the In l. wel as ege And so it is with a coll ression and war years were

rs were a constant struggle. The dep yea y earl The nts. me mo low and h d by a decade or – it has had both hig and enhanced quality, were followe ss gre pro e itiv pos by d rke ma , s 60’ med what the late Professor threatening. The 50’s and early . The succeeding 30-year stretch resu ities vers uni and s ege coll all by red sistently stormy more of tumult sha lity liberal arts education amid con qua ard tow r “soa to y acit cap our as William Phipps once described economic winds.” future marked by l debt, we are positioned to secure a rna exte from free and ent ollm enr Now, with increased

health. academic distinction and financial external tiny is preordained by the past or by des s ’ one t tha view the to bed scri I’ve never much sub

ilege and responsibility to: circumstances. Rather it is our priv es that will guide us, • determine the principles and valu lities, • discern realistic options and possibi • secure necessary resources,

then nts or conditions that could derail us, • be ever vigilant to unexpected eve atever good may passion – recognizing always that wh and ce eran sev per h wit d han at s • get on with the task come is ultimately by Grace. is possible. But we sured place, we realize not everything trea this of life the in era new a h God’s As we move into

achieve. Together, we can. And – wit can we at wh to its lim no are re The believe also that nothing is impossible! help – we will!

G. T. ‘Buck’ Smith President

IN THIS

The Magazine of

Carol Schuler, Vice President for Development

Editor: Nanci Bross-Fregonara Writers: Philip Fetty, Nanci Bross-Fregonara and Linda Howell Skidmore

Photographers: Sam Santilli, Nanci BrossFregonara, Paul W. Hendrix, Linda Howell Skidmore, Mark Lanham and Jessica Wilmoth

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ISSUE Power On: GreenWorks!

Makes Solar Panel Project a Reality

About the Magazine

Forward magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Communications & Marketing. To subscribe or to submit your news, please send an email to fregonaran@dewv.edu or write to Nanci Bross-Fregonara, 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.

About the College

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, 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 Collegeadministered programs and activities. Inquiries regarding Title IX and/or 504 compliance and the filing of a complaint should be referred to the College's Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator or Deputy Coordinators.

Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees June B. Myles, Chair Richard C. Seybolt, ’63, Vice Chair William W. Nuttall, ’70 Secretary Reginald Owens Sr., ’83, Treasurer Mark S. Barber, ’75 Wendell M. Cramer, ’59 Peter H. Dougherty, ’75 D. Drake Dowler, ’69 Nancy Evans-Bennett, ’66 David A. Faris, M.D. Robert T. Gregory, ’59 Charles E. Hill Bruce Lee Kennedy, II, CFA James S. McDonnell, III David H. Morrison, ’79 William S. Moyer

Eric J. Nilsen, ’82 Donald M. Robbins G.T. 'Buck' Smith William H. Sudbrink, ’59

Life Trustees Karen H. Berner, ’64 Carter Giltinan John H. Harling, ’53 Thomas J. Martin, D.D.S., ’50 David A. Rutherford Dorothy H. Wamsley Joseph M. Wells, III

Chair Emeriti Henry M. Moore Paul S. Stirrup, ’60 L. Newton Thomas Jr. Leonard J. Timms Jr.

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Family Establishes Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education

Also...

On the Cover

D&E students Jennifer Fredell, Robert Shomo, and Forrest Williamson and a rainforest guide for the Reserva Vida De Silvestre Los Guatuzos, quietly walk the high-forest canopy bridges in search of wildlife.

Photo by Julia Tenney

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Students Combine Service With Learning in Central America

Those Championship Seasons!

2 News Around Campus A Roundup of Happenings on the Hill 8 Faculty Focus Oleson Completes Intensive Study in Social Dance D&E Welcomes New Faculty Doig Paints Thomas' Past 18 Making a Difference Augusta Pavilion Gets Facelift Thanks to Donor Spare Time: D&E Alumnus Takes Part in Epic Golf Marathon for Veterans Concert Grand Piano Donated to College Light the Field Getting Brighter!

Michael P. Mihalyo Jr. Endowed Scholarship Established Spring Classic Golf Tournament a Success 22 Athletics News The Come Back Kid: Legendary Coach Returns D&E Staff, Four Inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame Faculty Team New Athletics Staff Up to Beautify Campus 26 Alumni Notes 32 Alumni Events Calendar 33 Throwback Forward 34 In Memoriam 36 Q&A with Brian Moudry

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©2015 Davis & Elkins College

Volume 60, No. 2

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Presidential Succession Process Underway With the May announcement that D&E President Michael Mihalyo was named president of the Appalachian College Association, the Board of Trustees created a Presidential Succession Committee to begin the process of moving the College forward.

“We are indeed fortunate that former President G. T. ‘Buck’ Smith and his wife, Joni, have agreed to once again come out of retirement to lead the College,” said June Myles, Chair, Board of Trustees. “Buck agreed to return with one caveat: That his title would not be ‘Interim’ President.

He wanted it understood that he would be fully engaged, involved and proactive. He cares deeply about D&E. “Buck served as D&E president from 20082013, and continued to support the College and President Mihalyo during the past two years in his role as president emeritus,” she said.

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Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

NEWS AROUND CAMPUS

President G.T. ‘Buck’ Smith speaks to faculty, staff and friends at a welcome back ice cream social held on Halliehurst porch.

The Board appointed a committee to assure continued strong leadership. Dick Seybolt, vice chair of the Board and a graduate of the College in the class of 1963, serves as Chair.

Membership of the Committee also includes the following trustees and faculty: Karen Berner, ’64, Emerita Life Trustee; June Myles, Chair, Board of Trustees; Bill Nuttall, ’70, Trustee; Reggie Owens, ’83, Trustee; Don Robbins, Trustee; Paul Stirrup, ’60, Chair Emeritus, Board of Trustees; Mary Ann DeLuca, ’80, Professor of Health & Physical Education; Brian Moudry, Chair, Division – June Myles of Mathematics & Science and Professor of Mathematics and Physics; and Bryan Wagoner, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Philosophy.

The College is in one of its strongest positions of its 111-year history – academically and financially as well as in facilities and enrollment.

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Throughout the summer, members of the Presidential Succession Committee received responses to three questions posted on social media and other forms of communication.

“These came from all those who care deeply about the College,” Myles explained. The questions included: • What are the distinctive qualities of a D&E education that should be preserved and celebrated?

• What are the opportunities and challenges for the College in the coming years?

• What are the personal and professional attributes that we should seek in the College's next President?

This input helped develop the ‘Prospectus for the President,’ which inspired the advertising and recruiting of candidates currently taking place.

“The College is in one of its strongest positions of its 111-year history – academically and financially as well as in facilities and enrollment,” said Myles. “This is the direct result of the leadership we have had in recent years and the strong support from trustees, faculty, staff and our many generous alumni and friends. We fully expect that momentum to continue without interruption as we move forward.”

To read the Presidential Succession Profile, visit www.dewv.edu 2 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

WCDE Increases Broadcast Strength

By Linda Howell Skidmore Davis & Elkins College radio station WCDE Elkins AiR1 now has a greater chance to spread its message of inspiration with a power increase, allowing it to reach a larger area of the community. With the upgrade comes a change in dial frequency from 90.3 FM to 89.9 FM. “The new changes will allow us to now reach Valley Bend, Mill Creek and Huttonsville,” says General Manager Dick McGraw, a long-time leader in West Virginia broadcasting.

The station, which broadcasts from the campus, recently received FCC approval to increase its power from 100 watts to 260 watts. The contemporary Christian music format, also termed “positive hits,” will remain.

WCDE Elkins AiR1 is a gift to the community from the College, Educational Media Foundation and two generous local benefactors. The non-commercial station does not sell advertising and all local staff members are volunteers.

Following a six-month hiatus, WCDE returned to the air in December 2011 after McGraw volunteered to share the talents of his 48 years of radio experience with the College.

On July 1, 2013, WCDE became an affiliate of AiR1, a format constructed and provided by Educational Media Foundation.

Inaugural Capstone Day Marks Growth, Achievement

By Linda Howell Skidmore

– Dr. Joe Roidt

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This day truly embodies our mission of preparing and inspiring students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world.

Photo by Linda Howell Skidmore

One day in mid-April, classrooms were empty but other venues throughout campus were filled with students, faculty and staff engaged in interactive academic presentations. The inaugural Capstone Day saw students on the cusp of graduation presenting their final projects, which represented the culmination of their academic work, to the campus community.

The presentations provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate the learning and growth that had taken place over the course of their educational experience at D&E, and also showed their proficiency in giving oral presentations.

The Annual Scholarship Recognition Luncheon provides an opportunity for award recipients to meet those who support, through endowed scholarship, their academic journey at D&E. Pictured are (counterclockwise): Carolyn Shepler, Sonja Skinner, Steve Shepler and Sara Davenport. Sonja, a sophomore from Mill Creek, W.Va., was the recipient of the Mary Frances and Ralph Shepler Scholarship and the Lacy C. and Nita P. Irons Scholarship. Sara, a senior from Spencer, W.Va., received the Timms Family Performing Arts Scholarship.

All around campus, young men in coats and ties, and young women in dresses or business suits were on their way to make presentations or attend one given by classmates. Timms Lounge in Madden Student Center was filled with academic posters, each attended by the student who created it. In Halliehurst, Eshleman Science Center, Booth Library and the Byrd Center, students gave 10-15-minute talks, often accompanied by PowerPoint presentations, focusing on a variety of topics ranging from research projects and senior theses, to what they had learned through internships or practicums.

Highlands Scholar Program Expands to Include All of West Virginia

By Linda Howell Skidmore The Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees reaffirmed its commitment to making private higher education affordable by expanding the College’s unique Highlands Scholar Program to every qualifying high school senior in all 55 West Virginia counties. In addition to easing the financial burden for students, the now statewide program aims to serve as an economic engine by opening the gateway for increasing the number of college graduates in West Virginia.

“This day truly embodies our mission of preparing and inspiring students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world,” D&E Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joe Roidt noted. “In many ways, this day represents the culmination of curricular reforms that faculty have been working on for several years now.”

Roidt says he plans to incorporate Capstone Day into the yearly academic calendar, with the next session planned for this spring.

Davis & Elkins College psychology major Erik Johnson of Spencer, W.Va., details his finding in researching introversion. Johnson presented his project, “Misunderstanding Introversion,” in which he explored whether there is a bias against trait introverts.

Beginning this fall, any 2015 graduate with at least a 2.5 GPA from a public or private West Virginia high school will be eligible for the scholarship. Students living on campus will receive $14,000 annually and those living off campus will receive $11,000 annually.

Photo by Paul Hendrix

Davis & Elkins Admission Team members agree that the most common concern they hear from students and parents is how to finance a college education. The expansion of the Highlands Scholar Program opens new opportunities in the Mountain State where 18.3 percent of residents age 25 or older have a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Previously, the Highlands Scholar Program served students in Randolph, Upshur, Barbour, Pocahontas, Tucker, Pendleton and Webster counties. Since its inception at the start of the 2008-2009 academic year, 630 students have received the award, with 238 of the scholars enrolled in the fall 2015 semester.

News Around Campus

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NEWS AROUND CAMPUS National Public Radio’s Mountain Stage Live with Larry Groce performed in Myles Center for the Arts Harper-McNeeley Auditorium during D&E’s Augusta Festival. The concert, recorded for the internationally syndicated radio program in front of a nearly standing-room-only crowd, will be aired worldwide during the week of October 2. The concert featured Rhiannon Giddens, The SteelDrivers, Jesse Milnes & Emily Miller, Alice Gerrard and Sam Gleaves.

Keeping D&E Debris-Free Every Wednesday at noon – with the exception of the days that produce a downpour – a group of students, faculty and staff meet at the gazebo near Eshleman Science Center. Armed with garbage bags, plastic gloves and trash grabbers, they set out on a mission to keep the campus debris free.

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It has become a complete campus effort.

Photo by Julia Fregonara

By Linda Howell Skidmore

– Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca

D&E Receives State Historic Preservation Grant for Halliehurst

Initiated by Professor of Health and Physical Education and Assistant Athletic Director Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca, the Sport Science Department and athletics, the one-hour cleanup sessions follow the theme Debris Free D&E. Since its inception in spring, participation has grown. While some concentrate their work outdoors, others pick up and straighten the indoor common areas.

By Linda Howell Skidmore Davis & Elkins College has received a $55,000 matching grant from the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Division of Culture and History, to help cover costs of roof replacement at historic Halliehurst. With total costs for the project exceeding $250,000, the College is launching a funding initiative titled “Hat for Hallie.”

“It has become a complete campus effort,” DeLuca says.

“When people see us out doing this, it creates awareness and makes them more conscious of keeping the campus beautiful.”

Their endeavors have gained an appreciation from the Maintenance and Grounds Department staff members who say picking up even small items keeps bigger debris problems at bay.

Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

The West Virginia Highlanders of Davis & Elkins College performed in the National Independence Day Parade on historic Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. About 25 members, including the color guard, pipers and drummers made the trip including several young members. A highlight of the trip was the placement of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

4 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

The College’s award was one of 11 given to projects involving the restoration and rehabilitation of historic sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places throughout West Virginia. Funding for the SHPO grants program is obtained from West Virginia Legislature appropriations, which are financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior and administered by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.

“The preservation of our state’s historic resources is so important for West Virginians and their sense of history,” said WVDCH Commissioner Randall

Reid-Smith. The work will include removal and abatement of existing asbestos shingles, and replacement of roofing section and shingles, and flashing installation.

Halliehurst was built in 1890 by Senator Stephen B. Elkins as a summer home. The 16,000-squarefoot Victorian mansion and the surrounding farm were donated to the College in the 1920s by his widow, Mrs. Hallie Davis Elkins, who was also Senator Henry G. Davis's daughter.

Halliehurst has served many uses over the years: a women’s dormitory, dining hall, music and art classrooms, and a counseling center. In 1985, a restoration effort was begun, returning the building to its original elegance and reopening as the administrative headquarters for the College in the early 1990s.

Now a National Historic Landmark, it houses the Office of the President, Development Office and Office of Admission.

For more information about the Hat for Hallie campaign, please contact Carol Schuler, Vice President for Development, 304-637-1338.

Biology Lab Gets Microscope Upgrade

By Linda Howell Skidmore

Photo by Ethan Butler

Students taking biology labs have something new to enhance their research. Over the summer, 26 advanced feature microscopes were installed after the College received an Instrumentation Grant from the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.

The new microscopes have built-in digital imaging, which allows students to take pictures of their specimens, and imaging software capable of analyzing the images. The devices are equipped with fluorescent lights, making them more energy efficient than the ones with incandescent lights that students previously used.

The Celebration of the Arts in April drew scores of area residents and parents to socialize and enjoy a sampling of everything Davis & Elkins has to offer in the Division of Fine and Performing Arts. Students showcased their talents in theater, dance, music and visual art. Proceeds support scholarships, helping students pursue their passion in the arts. Senior Mia Gresak who performed in several dance numbers, is shown here with her parents Tina and Ronald Gresak of Mount Clare, W.Va.

Elkins Resident Honored at Myles Gate

By Linda Howell Skidmore A blue spruce stands at the edge of Myles Gate near the entrance to Davis & Elkins College in honor of an Elkins man who loved the forest, his family and his community. Below the tree lies a plaque that reads, “In memory of James R. Pifer, 2012.”

Pifer moved to Elkins in 1978 and worked as a U.S. Forest Service forest engineer on the Monongahela National Forest until his retirement in 1995. He then assisted his wife, Sue Pifer, in her downtown business, Elkins Sewing Center.

When Jim Pifer passed away, the tree was decorated with wooden Christmas ornaments he had made through the years, and was displayed during his memorial service. Sue Pifer said the couple’s children, Sandra Pifer Davis and James R. Pifer Jr., requested that the tree be planted in a public spot in Elkins.

“This is the place (Myles Gate) that fit,” Sue Pifer says. “Jim went by here every day on his way to work, we have been members of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church for many years and we are longtime supporters of Davis & Elkins College because it’s an important part of the community. All of those things just came together to make this the perfect location.”

Photo by Linda Howell Skidmore

Attending the blessing and dedication of a tree in memory of the late James Pifer at Myles Gate are, from left, Davis & Elkins College Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan, Davis & Elkins Assistant Director of Development Support and Coordinator of Church Relations Tina Vial, Davis & Elkins Director of Development Records and Reports Karen Wilmoth, Davis & Elkins Benfield-Vick Chaplain and Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church Co-Pastor for Family and Community Ministry the Rev. Kevin Starcher, Pifer’s wife, Sue, Davis & Elkins Vice President for Development Carol Schuler and Davis & Elkins former President Dr. Michael P. Mihalyo Jr.

“Microscopy is a foundational skill in biology, and the digital imaging microscopes will allow students to analyze the images as they have not been able to before.

We can also build a library of images that students can refer to in the lab,” says Michelle Mabry, associate professor and chair of the Biology and Environmental Science Department.

Eases Students Toward Graduation

By Linda Howell Skidmore Preparing for graduation and life after college can be a stressful time for seniors. This spring, D&E’s registrar, Dr. Stephanie Haynes, proposed a way to make the process less stressful, and more efficient, for students.

The College’s inaugural Countdown to Commencement provided students with a one-stop shop for completing all their pre-graduation obligations.

For two days in March, staff members operated stations in Halliehurst giving seniors the opportunity to order their caps and gowns, complete their financial planning exit counseling, complete an exit survey, provide the Development Office with contact information, and be enrolled in a drawing for various prizes.

“I can’t thank Dr. Haynes enough for proposing this initiative,” said Joe Roidt, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The support staff did a marvelous job in pulling this together. Nearly 100 percent of our graduates participated, and it made the weeks leading up to graduation much less stressful for them.”

News Around Campus

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D&E Strengthening Students’ Vocational Exploration with Chaplaincy Grant

By Linda Howell Skidmore Davis & Elkins College has been awarded a $20,000 Chaplaincy Grant from NetVUE and the Council of Independent Colleges that will fund programs to strengthen the role of the College’s chaplain and to promote the spiritual and theological exploration of life purpose.

throughout the region and church leaders will come together to hear a presentation from Drs. Douglas and Rhonda Jacobsen, authors of “No Longer Visible: Religion in University Education” and to explore practical ways for integrating spiritual and religious growth with the liberal arts; a community forum focusing on the College’s role in addressing the needs of the region and Appalachia more generally; a planning session to develop orientation experience for new faculty and staff; and a student retreat focusing on career and calling.

“Appreciating the vital role that faith and spirituality can provide in a liberal arts educational experience, these funds will be used to seed initiatives that, we believe, will provide our students with further opportunities to explore deep questions of meaning and purpose for their lives,” says D&E Benfield-Vick Chaplain the Rev. Kevin Starcher. “We are grateful for the generosity of NetVUE and the Council of Independent Colleges in their provision of funds to strengthen the Chaplaincy at Davis & Elkins College.”

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These funds will be used to seed initiatives that, we believe, will provide our students with further opportunities to explore deep questions of meaning and purpose for their lives.

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– Rev. Kevin Starcher As chaplain, Starcher guides students to unite sound intellectual thought, social awareness and underlying spirituality.

The College will implement the grant through four initiatives: hosting a Symposium on Faith, Spirituality and the Liberal Arts at which colleges from

Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

News AROUND CAMPUS

The new Davis & Elkins College sign on Sycamore Avenue is only one of the signs replaced on campus. New building signs throughout campus have been donated by an anonymous donor.

Campus Enhancements Completed This Summer

By Linda Howell Skidmore The Davis & Elkins College campus sported some fresh new looks that welcomed students to the fall semester. Donors, members of the D&E Maintenance Department, local contractors and also faculty and staff, stepped up throughout the summer to enhance the campus and increase safety.

New, easy-to-read signs with a clean white background and bold lettering were recently installed on front campus and in front of each building. The signage was replaced as part of a $12,500 gift for campus beautification from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

Starcher, a Presbyterian minister, was named Benfield-Vick Chaplain at D&E in 2012. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

NetVUE is a nationwide network of colleges and universities formed to enrich the intellectual and theological exploration of vocation among undergraduate students. The initiative is administered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc. Davis & Elkins is a member of NetVUE and CIC.

6 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

Student Assembly contributed $50,000 for repairs to ensure the safety of everyone on campus. The funds covered costs for replacing the sidewalk leading from Eshleman Science Center to Booth Library and for rebuilding two sets of steps.

In addition, the sidewalk in front of Jennings Randolph Hall is now more open and inviting.

The addition of trees and plants to the landscape completes the look.

Earlier in the summer, the second floor of Halliehurst was refreshed with new red carpeting, courtesy of former Trustee Joyce Allen. This fall, Allen is again helping with matching red carpeting for Halliehurst’s great hall.

Also, the Augusta open-air dance pavilion received a new roof, gutters and downspouts, thanks to longtime Augusta participant James “Sandy” Wilson of Chicago, Ill. (See full story on page 18) To add a finishing touch in time to welcome students, brightly colored flowers were added to the entire campus after staff and faculty spent a day beautifying and planting garden areas. Red Adirondack chairs, fire pits and grills were also added to the outdoor areas at residence halls.

(See full story page 15)

Students Help Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Adventure

adviser for the D&E chapter of Student Veterans Association, who accompanied the students on the outing.

By Linda Howell Skidmore

The bond between the two groups was exemplified after lunch when they exchanged medallion challenge coins in an informal ceremony.

More than a dozen Davis & Elkins College students volunteered to make the day special for disabled veterans and their spouses who attended the Gathering of Mountain Eagles XIV at Canaan Valley Resort in February. The students were paired with groups of veterans who chose to either ski or snowboard.

“Our goal was to provide motivation and support to the veterans,” says Mark Lanham,

and spouses. They are great and I, and the other attendees, absolutely love their presence.”

The non-profit organization hosts various events throughout the year to offer wounded or injured American military service members and select family members an opportunity to enjoy the therapeutic effects of adventure activities in West Virginia and Virginia.

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“The Student Veterans organization has been with us for every one of our winter events,” says Forrest “Woody” Aurentz, executive director of Gathering of Mountain Eagles. “I hope they will always come and interact with the current wounded/injured/ill military personnel

Anna Borofsky, a junior from Dailey, W.Va., receives a medallion challenge coin from a member of Gathering of Mountain Eagles.

I hope they will always come and interact with the current wounded/injured/ill military personnel and spouses. They are great and I, and the other attendees, absolutely love their presence.

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– Forrest "Woody" Aurentz

Davis & Elkins Receives National Museum Grant

By Linda Howell Skidmore Davis & Elkins College has been selected to participate in the national Museum Assessment Program (MAP), which will provide expert consultation for the curation and future development of its vast Special Collections.

Completion of the program will empower the College to better serve its students and area residents by facilitating the highest professional standards of the museum field.

The Special Collections at Davis & Elkins include: the Augusta Collection, an assemblage of primarily audiovisual material documenting more than 40 years of traditional Appalachian music and dance; the Comstock

Photo by Linda Howell Skidmore

The Gathering drew 21 U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy veterans from Fort Eustis, Va., Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Va., and Camp Lejuene, N.C.

Howard-Sudbrink Collection, Lincoln Collection, Eleanor Gay Collection, Foster Collection, Senator Davis Collection, Swezy Collection, Gary North Collection and J. Richard & Dotty S. Kendig Collection.

The Museum Assessment Program involves a one-year self-assessment, consultative peer review and implementation of recommendations.

Collection, including original manuscripts and correspondence from Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck; the College Archives which house records for the Davis & Elkins National Historic Landmark District, as well as from Senators Henry Gassaway Davis and Stephen Benton Elkins; and The Stirrup Gallery, which houses The Darby Collection,

“We hope that the Special Collections will become a destination point for scholars, researchers and the general public,” says Mark Lanham, coordinator of Special Collections.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy and learn about all the items.”

For more information on the Special Collections at Davis & Elkins College, call Lanham at 304-637-1980 or 304-642-6705.

News Around Campus

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FACULTY FOCUS

Dance Coordinator Brings Summer Experiences Back to Classroom

By Linda Howell Skidmore Dance Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Dance Emily Oleson completed a summer intensive study at The School at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, Mass. The two-week session, “Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop,” brought together an esteemed roster of dancers, musicians and scholars.

Earlier this year, Oleson received her Certification in Laban Movement Analysis from the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in Brooklyn, N.Y. Study for the graduate level degree/professional certification focuses on the connection between movement and its meaning.

Certified Movement Analysts consult on a wide variety of nonverbal research projects and coach athletes, politicians, executives, performers and anyone interested in improving communication skills through effective movement training.

“Laban Movement Analysis has given me a great vocabulary for working with athletes, actors and dancers of all kinds,” Oleson says.

Photo by Christopher Duggan

Participants explored African American social dances and experienced first-hand the rhythms, moods, character, dynamics, creative expression and improvisation of the dances. “This program is the perfect research and development opportunity for our new American Vernacular Dance curriculum,”

Oleson says. “I was able to study with leaders in the modern urban dance communities, and be on the cusp of the conversation on this emerging field of research.”

“It's really helped me teach modern dance classes, clean up and refine choreography, and organize my own practices around my technical goals – it even inspired the first piece I choreographed at D&E." The Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies’ approach to exploring, studying and teaching movement as a fundamental human experience is based on the work of Rudolf Laban and Irmgard Bartenieff.

Oleson joined the Davis & Elkins faculty in 2013 when the College launched its dance program. She also serves as the coordinator of Dance Week for the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College.

Oleson earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in dance in 2012 from University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance with a dance concentration and minor in French from James Madison University in 2004. She, along with her husband, Matthew Olwell, serves as co-artistic director of Good Foot Dance Company.

This Just In! D&E, with its American Vernacular Dance major, was featured in the September issue of Dance Magazine as one of three schools that take “tap to the next level.” According to author Suzannah Friscia: “There may be fewer degree options out there for college-bound tappers, but that doesn’t mean the ones that do exist are any less rigorous than ballet and modern dance programs.”

Davis & Elkins College was listed with University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point and Oklahoma City University, as one of “three stellar options for the rhythmically inclined, whether you’re looking to work on Broadway, in a tap company or as a choreographer.”

Assistant Professor of Dance Emily Oleson practices her dance moves at Jacob’s Pillow during an intensive summer dance study.

8 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

dancemagazine.com/inside-dm/tapped-in

Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

Among the new faculty joining D&E this academic year are from left to right, Lisa DiDonato, Christopher Moss, Renaud Stauber, Donna Carr and Julia Delacroix.

Doig Paints Thomas’ Past

By Linda Howell Skidmore Davis & Elkins College Assistant Professor of Art Michael Doig spent his summer exploring the history of Thomas, West Virginia one image at a time. As an artist-in-residence at the Vandalia Center for the Arts in the Buxton and Landstreet Gallery, Doig used vintage photographs as an inspiration for painting a reinterpretation of the past.

“ With the start of the 2015 fall semester, Davis & Elkins welcomed four new faculty members and appointed one adjunct professor to full time.

Davis & Elkins alumna Donna Carr, ’83, was appointed assistant professor of education and chair of the Division of Education and Sport Science. She has spent much of her career in Virginia and Maryland in addition to her hometown of Parsons, W.Va. Her experience ranges from education consultant to research and development specialist to assistant superintendent and teacher. Carr earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from West Virginia University in 2003, her master’s degree in education from Salem-Teikyo University in Salem, W.Va., in 1992 and her bachelor’s in early childhood and elementary education from D&E. Julia Delacroix joined the faculty as assistant professor of English. Since 2013, she has worked as co-director of The Debby Ellis Writing Center at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Delacroix earned her Ph.D. in 2013 and Master of Art in 2008, both in English literature from the University of Texas at Austin. She also received her Master of Fine Arts in poetry from Johns Hopkins University in 2006 and Bachelor of Art in English from Louisiana State University in 2001.

Lisa M. DiDonato joined the faculty as assistant professor of psychology. She has worked as an assistant psychology professor in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, and as a therapist in Pennsylvania. DiDonato earned her Ph.D. in developmental psychology from

WVU in 2013, her Master of Science degree in developmental psychology from WVU in 2010 and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology/law from the University of California, Riverside in 2005.

J. Christopher Moss joined the faculty as instructor of criminology. He has worked as an adjunct professor of political science at WVU and in the Department of Social Sciences at Fairmont State University. Moss is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in political science at WVU. He holds two master’s degrees, earning a Master of Arts in political science from WVU in 2013 and a Master of Science in criminal justice from Fairmont State University in 2007, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Fairmont State University.

Renaud Stauber, previously an adjunct professor of mathematics and computer science at D&E since 2014, was appointed as assistant professor of mathematics, physics and computer science. Stauber has worked as an engineer for Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. in Boulder, Colo., branch chief of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, an Engineering Division officer on board the USS Minneapolis-St Paul (SSN 708), and retired as a commander from the U.S. Naval Reserve. He has taught at Boulder Center for Educational Enrichment, I Have a Dream Foundation and Ball Aerospace. Stauber earned a Ph.D. in solid state physics from the University of Colorado in 2002, a Master of Science degree in plasma physics from WVU in 1995 and graduated in the top 10 percent from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1987.

“

D&E Welcomes New Faculty

I've always been interested in fossils, and for me, old photographs are like fossils.

They represent a thousand other moments that weren't captured.

– Michael Doig, Assistant Professor of Art

A culmination of his work, an exhibit titled “The Thomas, West Virginia Series,” was officially unveiled at the show’s opening on September 6.

“I've always been interested in fossils, and for me, old photographs are like fossils,” Doig says.

“They represent a thousand other moments that weren't captured. They can help us to understand history, but they are only a small slice of that actual history. The one moment out of a million moments. So in painting and reinterpreting those photographs, I hope to allow the viewer to reimagine what that past was, and to understand that an image, whether a painting or a photograph, exists not to be the final word, but to help begin a larger conversation.”

Among the themes in the exhibit are a streetscape from the 1930s, local architecture, trains and images of shop owners and coal miners.

Assistant Professor of Art Michael Doig puts the finishing touches on a painting that will be included in an exhibit titled “The Thomas, W. Va. Series” displayed at the Buxton and Landstreet Gallery in Thomas.

Faculty Focus

| 9

FEATURE

S ervice withLearning

Students Combine

in Central America

By Linda Howell Skidmore

Visiting San Carlos on Lake Nicaragua are, from left to right: Forrest Williamson, Professor Russ McClain, Natalie Green, Churchill Davenport, Robert Shomo, Jennifer Fredell, Julia Tenney, Guilherme Condolo-Hubsch, Dr. Bryan Wagoner, Scott Leach, Jessica Williams, our guide, Kate Somers, Holly Hinkle, and Sultan Khashugiee. The location was the site of an early 1700s Spanish lookout and cannon emplacement, overlooking the Rio San Juan.

Jennifer Fredell, an Adventure Recreation and Sustainability Studies major, takes a ride in Nicaragua.

“

On a chilly day in January, 14 Davis & Elkins students boarded a plane and several hours later landed in the tropical capital of Managua seemingly ready to immerse themselves in a culture completely different from the one they’re used to. They spent 21 days in various parts of the country where freshly harvested fruits and vegetables were a daily staple, residents shopped for necessities in small markets instead of big box stores, and electricity was only available from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. In some villages, motorized vehicles were nowhere to be found.

Photo by Julia Tenney

“I was definitely able to see a different side of humanity,” says Natalie Green, a junior from Elkins. “When I would go to sleep at night there, I would think about how different we were living and how we were getting along just fine. At home, we have all of these things – amenities – that aren’t necessary but we take advantage of anyway.”

The service-learning trip was organized 10 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

I felt like a better person when I left there. It opened my eyes a bit more to how others are living and how they appreciate everything.

– Julia Tenney, D&E Senior

“

S

tudents who traveled to Nicaragua for winter term study returned with a common sentiment. There are some things in life you have to experience – not just hear about – to truly understand.

by Dr. Bryan Wagoner, assistant professor of Religious Studies and Philosophy, and Russ McClain, director of the Center for Sustainability Studies, through the Council of Protestant Churches of Nicaragua (CEPAD). Wagoner, along with Dr. Robert McCutcheon, led another group of students on a trip to Nicaragua in 2014.

“It is our hope that service-learning trips like this expose students to a world beyond their horizons, and they see how others live and how interdependent we all are in a globalized society,” Wagoner says. “Most importantly, we hope they discover something about themselves, who they are and who they want to be.”

“I felt like a better person when I left there,” says Julia Tenney, a senior from Ellamore, W.Va. “It opened my eyes a bit more to how others are living and how they appreciate everything.”

Tenney admits to having the “travel bug” – she’s been on two Spring Break trips led by D&E faculty. For this trip, though, she was seeking a hands-on experience in sustainability, specifically how to construct an irrigation system.

“That’s how you learn how to do something like that,” Tenney explains. “Until you do it, you’re not going to truly understand.”

With mattresses strapped to the top of their bus, the group traveled to rural San Jose de los Remates. The small farming community was experiencing a drought season, which meant farmers had to retrieve well water and carry it in buckets a great distance in order to keep their crops alive. The D&E students arrived to change the process.

“The reservoir was a wonderful hands-on opportunity for students and faculty to work side by side with a local community to provide a basic need, as well as bring economic stability,” McClain says. “I believe it instilled in our group

an expanded perspective of how environmental sustainability for much of the world is a necessity and not a passing social movement of more developed countries.”

By day, they dug ditches and laid pipe to move water from the well to a reservoir. By night, they slept on the thin mattresses on the floor at a CEPAD office building. They say they will never forget the invaluable experience.

“

“It was moving, knowing that you and a group of

The people we met, and lived and worked with while in Nicaragua did the rest of the teaching in a way I could not possibly do. Meeting people whose faith is lived-out, in the midst of what seems to us to be extreme poverty, leaves a powerful and lasting impression on all of us.

“

The course, Justice and Inequality in Central America, provided students credit in religion, sociology or sustainability studies, but the lesson that topped their lists was the realization that using their abilities to help others results in a deep satisfaction.

– Dr. Bryan Wagoner, assistant

professor of Religious Studies and Philosophy

your friends made that system for them,” Tenney says. “We saw their faces light up when we were finished and got the water running.”

Sharing close quarters and working together as a team led to friendships that didn’t exist before the trip.

“We got to know each other a lot better and now we have true friendships,” Tenney says, emphasizing the word “true.”

“We definitely bonded there,” Green adds.

Green also felt a connection to some new acquaintances when the group traveled to Solentiname Islands, a chain of tiny islands accessible only by boat and completely reliant on solar power. Residents get around on foot – there are no cars. They make a living selling their paintings, wood crafts and other trinkets.

“These were skills they learned over the years and passed on to their kids,” Green explains. “They were very welcoming and let us into their homes.

It was so incredible to be so friendly with people you’ve never met before and learn how passionate they are about their work.”

Green returned with a painting that reminds her of the country’s beauty and residents’ pride in their work. It serves as a summation of the insight she gained into Nicaragua’s culture for the sociology credit she was pursuing.

“I try to take into account all the things I learned,” Green says reflecting on the trip. “Being there and just hearing about it are two totally different things.

By immersing myself in their culture – seeing how they live day-to-day, how they use their resources, even how they prepare their food – I learned that a society can and does get along in a much simpler way than we do here.”

Photo by Bryan Wagoner

Wagoner agrees that the learning experience was one that went beyond a classroom study.

Part of the winter term experience included creating a water reservoir for tropical fruits in a dry region near San Jose de los Remates, Nicaragua. In left photo from left to right are: Scotty Leach, Holly Hinkle, Guilherme Condolo-Hubsch and Natalie Green. In background are Julia Tenney, Rob Shomo, Jessica Williams, Sultan Khashugiee and the trip hosts. Right photo shows project nearing completion.

“The readings we do in sociology, sustainability, post-colonialism and liberation theology challenges the paradigm of religion as an existential band-aid,” Wagoner says.

“The people we met, and lived and worked with while in Nicaragua did the rest of the teaching in a way I could not possibly do. Meeting people whose faith is lived-out, in the midst of what seems to us to be extreme poverty, leaves a powerful and lasting impression on all of us.”

Students Combine Service With Learning in Central America

| 11

FEATURE

Photo by Sam Santilli

Members of the Allen family are, from left, John C. Allen Jr., Thomas Braxton McKee, John C. Allen Sr., Joyce Allen, Susan McKee Crimmins and Peter Kingsley McKee Jr.

The Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education, a $1 million endowed gift from Joyce Allen’s four children, will provide a professorship, as well as professional development opportunities, to enhance D&E’s teacher education program.

A College trustee since 1992 and a retired educator, Allen completed her final term on the Davis & Elkins Board of Trustees in June. According to Davis & Elkins College President Buck Smith, the new Allen chair will not only lend distinction to D&E’s program, but also ensure the curriculum addresses a wide range of learning needs and challenges in West Virginia’s classrooms.

“Joyce Allen has been committed to education throughout her adult life,” said Smith, “and we are most grateful to Joyce and her family for this tremendous gift to Davis & Elkins College, our students and the state of West Virginia. This chair will change lives Former Trustee Joyce Allen is recognized as the Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education is announced during Commencement ceremonies. Allen was recently featured in WV Focus magazine’s “Wonder Women” issue.

12 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

– of both our graduates in teacher education and also their students. Its impact will be profound and far reaching.”

In commenting on the Chair, Allen’s son, John C. Allen Jr., said: “We wanted to honor her and her commitment to education, not only at Davis & Elkins College, but throughout her whole life as an educator. She learned from her parents the value of education and that education is the fundamental building block of improving a community.”

Photo by Sam Santilli

By Linda Howell Skidmore

“

My parents valued higher education.

Had it not been for scholarships, my siblings and I would not have gotten college educations.

– Joyce Allen

“

Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education Established

The Allens are also the parents of Susan McKee Crimmins, Thomas Braxton McKee and Peter Kingsley McKee Jr. “Mom has worked so hard for 20 years at Davis & Elkins, and also before that as a teacher,” John C. Allen Jr. continued. “She is very committed to education, so this seems like a fitting honor for her and we’re really pleased to do it as her children. We all benefited from her commitment to education and requiring us to be diligent about it as well.”

Joyce Allen attended Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia and received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Salem College, and worked as an educator and reading specialist in Harrison County schools.

“My parents valued higher education,” Joyce

Throughout her education and career, Joyce Allen made the observation that a student’s positive learning experience begins with the teacher. To that end, she wants to ensure that the Chair provides education majors with a curriculum that will focus on the diagnosis and remediation of myriad learning challenges.

“

Joyce Allen has been committed to education throughout her adult life and we are most grateful to Joyce and her family for this tremendous gift to Davis & Elkins College.

– Buck Smith, D&E President

“

Allen says. “Had it not been for scholarships, my siblings and I would not have gotten college educations. We were a family of 10 and we all attained college degrees, as well as many professional degrees.”

“It’s important for those students going into the field of teaching to recognize the different ways of learning and how to adjust to them,” Joyce Allen explains. “Every child should have every opportunity to get a learning experience and enjoy it.”

Allen has served D&E with distinction as a member of the academic affairs, development and student affairs committees of the Board.

She co-chaired the College’s highly successful Centennial Campaign, and just this year, along with her husband, John C. Allen, co-presented with Mike Ross, a Christmas Concert with D&E artist-in-residence Jack Gibbons.

She also has served other colleges and universities, including on the advisory board of the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts, the board of WVU’s Blaney House, and the president’s council at Mary Washington College. She is an active volunteer and philanthropist, serving in Rotary, United Way, the Goff Garden Club, Coterie and the Presbyterian Church. She holds a Presbyterian Women Life Membership, is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary, and, along with her husband, has been named West Virginia Philanthropist of the Year.

Dr. Robert Smith, ’65, Presenting Allen Chair Lecture

By Linda Howell Skidmore A special lecture focusing on how teachers can combine their efforts to enhance student learning will mark the dedication of the Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education during Homecoming Weekend.

“The Power of Collaborative Inquiry: Teachers Working Together to Improve Student Learning” will be delivered by Dr. Robert G. Smith, ’65, at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 10 in Booth Library.

In an insightful presentation, Smith will offer examples and ideas for forming professional learning communities that increase student achievement and heighten teaching skills.

Smith will bring his more than 40 years of experience in working with and studying collaborative inquiry to describe how

professional learning communities work in various education settings. He also will present a brief overview of research indicating their impact on improved teaching skills and enhanced student learning.

Smith was one of the first public school district leaders in the country to make closing the gap between white and minority students a public goal. His success was first marked between 1998 and 2008 when the percentage of Arlington County (Va.) students passing the Virginia Standards of Learning exams rose from 65 to 90 percent. He co-founded the Minority Student Achievement Network, a group of districts across the country that share information on how to close the gap. Arlington went from 962 collegelevel Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams in 1997 to 3,626 in 2008, a 277 percent increase.

Smith has been honored with numerous accolades throughout his career, including Davis & Elkins College Distinguished Alumnus in 2010, Leadership Arlington Legacy Award in 2009, Lifetime Achievement Award in Public Education from the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Inc. in 2009, Outstanding Professional Educator

from the University of Maryland College of Education in 2008, James B. Hunter Human Rights Award from Arlington Human Rights Commission in 2008, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Arlington Branch Community Appreciation Award in 2008, Citizens Award for Service to the Community from the League of Latin American Citizens Council in 2007, the George Mason University College of Education and Human Development Distinguished Service to Education Award in 2006, Region IV Superintendent of the Year from the Virginia Association of School Superintendents in 2006, and the Community Service Award from the United Way of the National Capital Area in 2002.

He is currently an associate professor of education and human development in the Education Leadership Program at George Mason University. He has served as a K-12 public school educator, superintendent and assistant superintendent.

After graduating from D&E, he earned a Master of Arts degree in government and politics, and a Ph.D. in educational administration, supervision and curriculum from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Million Dollar Chair

| 13

FEATURE

Endowed Chairs An endowed chair is a permanent named fund that provides a dependable source of income for academic program support in the area designated by the donor. The Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education joins other endowed chairs which honor Davis & Elkins College’s most distinguished figures. In addition, the Benfield-Vick Chaplaincy provides funding for the College’s programs in religious life.

G.T. ‘Buck’ Smith Presidential Chair The G.T. ‘Buck’ Smith Presidential Chair was established in 2013 by members of the Board of Trustees in honor of the College’s 13th president in appreciation for his years of service from 2008 to 2013. In addition to supporting the president’s salary, the endowment provides discretionary funds for the president to underwrite initiatives that add to the distinctive quality of Davis & Elkins College. Under President Smith’s leadership, D&E increased its full-time enrollment by more than 50 percent, paid off all of its external debt and completed more than $10 million in campus improvements. His six-step game plan, announced on his first day as president, was to reduce expenses, recruit students, retain students, raise funds, renew programs and reach for new opportunities. His studentcentered initiatives, including the Highlands Scholarship, have received widespread attention, including national press coverage.

Dr. Michael Mihalyo was the first holder of the Smith Chair.

The S. Benton Talbot Chair in the Natural Sciences and Nursing The S. Benton Talbot Chair in the Natural Sciences and Nursing honors a pioneer of academic excellence and leadership at Davis & Elkins College. Dr. Talbot set the standard early in the College's history, serving as Dean of the Faculty and

14 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

establishing premier programs in biology and pre-medicine. Although there have been many changes in academic programs since Dr. Talbot's day, his commitment to academic excellence and mentoring the whole person lives on in today's faculty as well. The Talbot Chair provides vital resources for thriving programs in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science and nursing.

The James S. McDonnell Foundation Chair in Business & Economics in Honor of Dr. Gloria M. Payne The James S. McDonnell Foundation Chair in Business and Economics honors Dr. Gloria M. Payne, who served on the faculty of Davis & Elkins College for more than 70 years.

The McDonnell/Payne Chair helps ensure that the Division of Business & Entrepreneurship has the resources it needs to continue serving students with the creativity, vitality and personalized attention that have been hallmarks of Dr. Payne's remarkable career.

The Thomas Richard Ross Chair in History & the Humanities The Thomas Richard Ross Chair honors one of Davis & Elkins College's most distinguished professors. Dr. Thomas Richard Ross held many positions at Davis & Elkins College – Professor and Chair of the Department of History and Political

Science, Dean of the Faculty, College Historian, and, after his retirement, Trustee Advisor. The Ross Chair helps ensure that Dr. Ross's legacy of scholarship and challenging mentorship lives on among professors in history and the humanities.

The Claire Deiss Fiorentino Chair in Theatre The Claire Deiss Fiorentino Chair in Theatre honors a professor who was recognized throughout West Virginia for the quality of her theatrical productions and pageants. Professor Fiorentino, who taught at Davis & Elkins College from 1944 until her retirement in 1974, was also active with the Mountain State Forest Festival, directing a pageant in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's visit to the Festival in 1936 and remaining active for many years as the director of the Festival's children's pageant and other community productions.

The chair provides a permanently endowed professorship in theatre arts as well as an endowed theatre enrichment fund. It is funded by Professor Fiorentino's son, Antony E. "Tony" Fiorentino.

Davis & Elkins Staff, Faculty Team Up to Campus

S

everal members of the Davis & Elkins College staff and faculty weren’t in their offices on a warm August morning, and with good reason. With the start of classes less than two weeks away, they rolled up their shirt sleeves – literally – and went to work preparing the campus for student arrival.

The inaugural Day of Campus Beautification saw employees weeding, planting, landscaping and setting up outdoor furnishings all in an effort to produce a more appealing, home-like atmosphere for students.

entrances. New areas were landscaped around Moyer and Presidential halls.

“We are so grateful for the people here,” Smith says. “It’s just a privilege to be working out here with them to make the campus as beautiful as it can be.”

Working in teams, staff and faculty focused their attention on areas around the residence halls.

"

“For the students, this is their home away from home,” Goddard says. “So giving the area a splash of color with the flowers and adding the new fire pits and outdoor furniture is part of our initiative to make the residence halls feel more like home.”

– Scott Goddard, Vice President for Student Affairs

“First impressions are very, very important,” says Scott Goddard, vice president for student affairs. “As we are preparing for the arrival of our students and their families, we want to ensure the campus is looking the best it possibly can.”

Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

By Linda Howell Skidmore

Beautify

Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

GOOD WORKS

First Lady Joni Smith says the idea for organizing a beautification project came about in a management team meeting when the group was discussing ways to enhance student life on campus.

“We believe that the mind works better in surroundings that are beautiful,” Smith explains.

Hundreds of flowers were donated

by Larry Gouer, owner of Mary’s Greenhouse, and D&E alumnus Matt Davis, ’94, who along with Gouer co-owns Terra Flora Landscaping.

Combinations of begonias, ageratums, New Guinea impatiens and coleus were added to the existing landscaped areas and pots filled with bright annuals were placed at the residence hall

Giving the area a splash of color with the flowers and adding the new fire pits and outdoor furniture is part of our initiative to make the residence halls feel more like home.

"

For staff and faculty, the project brought community pride and camaraderie.

“It’s a good team building exercise,” says Tom Hackman, chairman of the Division of Fine and Performing Arts. “I think everybody had a lot of fun just coming out to do something different for the day.”

Erin Young, Fine and Performing Arts administrative assistant, agrees. “It’s been really nice to be able to come together on a project to make the campus more beautiful.”

To add a finishing touch, Rob Nestor and Elkins Builders Supply provided five bright red Adirondack chairs per residence hall and new fire pits and grills at Darby Hall, Roxanna Booth Hall and Presidential Center.

“Our students love being outdoors,” Goddard says. “This will give them the opportunity to do what they enjoy.”

D&E First Lady Joni Smith and Vice President for Student Affairs Scott Goddard decide where flowers should go.

Good Works: D&E Staff, Faculty Team Up to Beautify Campus

| 15

FEATURE

Power On: GreenWorks!

Makes Solar Panel Project a Reality

By Linda Howell Skidmore

F

rom the back side of Eshleman Science Center you can look to the rooftop and see an array of 12 solar panels, each producing power. It’s the largest solar installation on a residential college or university campus in West Virginia and, for the most part, it’s the work of Davis & Elkins students.

For those students, all members of the sustainability organization GreenWorks!, the solar panel project has generated a lot more than electricity. The club’s four officers gained real-life experience in the business of sustainability – including financing, consultation and technology – while working to make their idea a tangible product.

16 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

Installing solar panels on the roof of Eshleman Science Center are GreenWorks! members, clockwise from bottom left, Guilherme Condolo-Hubsch, Tom Fletcher, Zachary Schmucker and Churchill Davenport.

opportunity to learn more about how the power grids operate.

“Matt has worked enthusiastically with D&E on past experiences, and his ability to connect with students and his expertise would be difficult to match,” McClain says.

Sherald guided students through panel installation in December, and on a sunny day in early April cut the ribbon to mark activation of the project. The ceremony was attended by College leaders, multiple alumni, and members of the National Alumni Council and the Board of Trustees.

Schmucker, along with the other GreenWorks! officers, Nicole Wyatt, Gui Hubsch and Shauna Damon, went to work on gaining financial support by making numerous presentations and requests to College administration and Student Assembly.

“That was the real world scenario,” Schmucker says. “You have to realize you can’t do anything like this immediately without the money. It was something we had to work at.”

The group’s persistence paid off when they were able to raise the approximate $15,000 needed in coordination with Student Assembly. Using a formula with projected electric rates, the expected return on investment is 15 years.

Next came the technical aspect, which Schmucker says “wasn’t as simple as we thought.” It did, however, give the students an

“We got to see how intricate the electrical system is,” Schmucker explains.

“Working with Mon Power, we got to see the detailed setup and the different components that make it work.”

Photo by Paul Hendrix

As with any project, the group had to start “at the drawing board,” Zachary Schmucker, who served as GreenWorks! president, explained.

For advice, they first turned to club adviser and Center for Sustainability Studies (CSS) Director Russ McClain, who immediately thought of Matt Sherald, owner of Power in My Backyard (PIMBY), located in Thomas, W.Va. Sherald had partnered with the D&E CSS on two earlier projects and was quickly able to provide design ideas and a cost estimate.

The 3.24 kWh grid-tied array on an aluminum awning includes micro-inverters on each of the dozen 270-watt panels, allowing them each to produce independently, regardless of the cloud coverage for other panels.

The system utilizes a data logger to record electric production and communicates it to the Internet wirelessly. The data is graphed, converted to equivalent household savings and pounds of carbon offset by not burning the equivalent fossil fuels. The data can be found via a QR code or regular web link https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/ public/systems/AK4g537822 and can be used to demonstrate the feasibility and

energy savings of solar power, as well as the environmental benefits of reduced air pollution, including greenhouse gases.

For instance, McClain says, “just since April the D&E solar array has produced electricity equivalent to powering 65 medium-sized homes for a day, and an offset of 1.4 tons of carbon to the atmosphere. That is a powerful message for future classroom exercises and for the public. And I can proudly say it was a student project powered by student passion for the environment.”

“I’m glad I played a role in this because what we saw as something possible is now a tangible representation of our goal,” Schmucker says.

Schmucker graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in sustainability studies and is working toward a Master of Sustainability at Falk School of Sustainability at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pa., this fall. He passed on his GreenWorks! presidency to Hubsch and hopes the solar panels at Eshleman serve as an inspiration to future students.

Photo by Paul Hendrix

“This is a good example for freshmen to let them know you can take the big steps. Maybe it won’t happen every year, but they should keep in mind that no ideas are off the table,” Schmucker says.

Participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left to right: Churchill Davenport, Casey Bannon, Tom Fletcher, Shauna Damon, Guilherme Condolo-Hubsch, Zachary Schmucker, Nicole Wyatt, Jacob Henry, Trisha Higgins, Kora White, Brittany Bolinger and former President Michael Mihalyo.

Track it! You can see how much energy is being generated by the Eshleman Science Center solar panels at any time by downloading the information via this QR code or going to http://bit.ly/ DEsolarpower

Power On: Greenworks! Makes Solar Panel Project a Reality

| 17

Making A Difference

Augusta Pavilion Gets Facelift Thanks to Donor

first step. Members of the D&E Maintenance Department also made improvements to the drainage system and painted the pavilion.

“The place is looking much better now because Dan and I got our heads together,” Wilson says. “You have a pavilion that will continue to serve Augusta and the College for many years.”

By Linda Howell Skidmore

The result was a new roof, gutters and downspouts, installed just in time for the fiveweek summer session. Wilson contributed not only the money for the roof, but also his renovation expertise.

Wilson spent his professional life renovating old buildings and retired as co-owner of a real estate property management company.

He took his concern for the pavilion and his professional background to Davis & Elkins Director of the Physical Plant Dan Judy.

“I told him that if they needed my help, I would be happy to do so,” Wilson says.

SPARE TIME

I

Photos by Andrew Carroll

For more than a decade Chicagoan Sandy Wilson has been dancing and playing music at the Augusta Dance Pavilion. When he saw the facility was in need of maintenance, he said, “somebody has got to do something.” So, he did.

Together, Wilson and Judy reviewed and discussed different aspects of the building that were in need of repair. Eventually, it was determined that roof replacement was the

Wilson plans to be among those who enjoy the pavilion during Augusta every summer. He’s made a tradition of attending Cajun/Creole Week to hone his accordion skills, and he has even brought both his mother and his wife to experience the classes and atmosphere.

“Cajun/Creole Week is particularly attractive because the instructors from Louisiana show us their hospitality and they make it a lot of fun by being so outgoing,” Wilson says. “And, I have a lot of good memories of dancing at the pavilion every night.”

D&E Alumnus takes part in Epic Golf Marathon for Veterans

t took Bob Nicoll, ’72 just a couple of minutes to say yes to joining three fellow golfers on an epic golfing adventure to play golf in all 50 states within a span of 25 days. “From the moment the idea was hatched,” said Nicoll, “I was all in.”

This past May, the foursome teed off at Ko'olau Golf Course in Honolulu, Hawaii, and began the “Rounds FORE Warriors – An Epic Golf Adventure.” They played a round of golf in every state finishing June 18 at the Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho: Nine hundred holes, over 15,000 miles.

The journey was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Nicoll and his fellow golfers. “At more than 30 courses, a local veteran hit the ceremonial tee shot for our round. We had five Purple Heart recipients at our course in Redding, Calif. and a 92-year-old WWII U.S. Navy veteran hit our shot in Flagstaff, Ariz.”

18 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

“No one has ever done this before,” Nicoll said. “We believe we are setting a World Record. We will keep you abreast of Guinness’s decision. We accomplished the entire journey in 600 hours and 43 minutes!

It was an amazing experience. Now our goal is to make it a magnificent fundraising experience. One hundred percent of donations go to our charity partners.”

“As an alumnus of D&E, it was special to have Hank Steinbrecher, ’71 meet us in Oak Brook, Ill. and Bobby Wolf, ’71 (who donated a customized golf cart) meet us in Harrison Bay, Tenn. When we played the U.S. Naval Academy course, Dr. Greg Meyers (my golf coach at D&E) spent the afternoon with us as a course guide.”

“We did this to raise both awareness and funds for veterans,” Nicoll said. “We have three charity partners: Final Honors, Special Operations

Bob Nicoll, second from right, with teammates at the Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course.

Warrior Foundation and Life is For Giving Foundation. “Ultimately, this event is about supporting veterans. There is a simple task you can do on a daily basis,” said Nicoll. “When you see a veteran, thank a veteran. It’s the right thing to do.”

Don't miss your chance to

Give

Donate

Support Care

#DEGivingDay

Help Invest

October 15th is our first ever “Day of Giving” at Davis & Elkins College.

W

hat can we accomplish by bringing the D&E family together on one single, spectacular, monumental day? On October 15, your financial support, however large or small, will combine with the gifts of other supportive alumni and friends to build a sturdy, secure future for generations of students to come. And yes, we believe that with your help, together, we can do all that in one single incredible day.

So please join us on 10.15.15 and consider a gift to the D&E Fund. We truly believe that there’s no limit to what we can build when our community comes together.

Or help us in advance. Just send your gift now in the attached envelope or make a gift online at www.dewv.edu/giveonline.

Making A Difference

Concert Grand Piano Donated to College

By Linda Howell Skidmore Davis & Elkins received an extraordinary instrument and a deeply personal gift from Elkins physician Dr. Alan Cashell and his wife, Diann, who have given their 9-foot Baldwin concert grand piano to the College.

Autographed by piano duo Ferrante and Teicher, and a centerpiece for many musical gatherings in Elkins, the Cashell piano is the second the couple has helped bring to Harper-McNeeley Auditorium in Myles Center for the Arts.

A Steinway concert grand was purchased in 1998 for the stage, thanks to the Cashells’ vision and leadership in spearheading a fundraising campaign at that time.

Photo by Linda Howell Skidmore

“The piano has a beautiful tone and is a joy to play,” says Instructor of Music Donna Baroudi Huffman.

standing friendships with D&E music faculty and administrators.

Carol Schuler, D&E Vice President for Development, notes: “We are deeply appreciative that Alan and Diann are entrusting the care of this wonderful piano to the College. Concert pianists count on having fine instruments in performance halls, and now, thanks to the Cashells, we have two outstanding pianos, which will greatly enhance the arts and entertainment programs we present. We look forward to sharing this gift of music through performances in Myles Center for the Arts.”

Tom Hackman, Chair of the Division of Fine and Performing Arts, adds that student musicians will benefit as well. “Having a second piano here creates another great resource for our students,” he says, noting that pianists were featured in the spring semester’s Celebration of the Arts that showcased students in music, dance and theatre.

For the past 23 years, the Cashells have lived in Elkins where Alan Cashell served as a pathologist at Davis Medical Center and Diann Cashell taught math as well as volunteered with many organizations.

Dr. Alan Cashell, seated left, and his wife, Diann, standing left, recently donated their Baldwin concert grand piano to Davis & Elkins College. Attending the presentation are Davis & Elkins College Instructor of Music Donna Baroudi Huffman, seated right, Davis & Elkins College Vice President for Development Carol Schuler and Associate Professor of Theatre and Chair of the Division of Fine and Performing Arts Tom Hackman.

A pianist himself, who studied music and microbiology at Dickinson College before earning his medical degree from George Washington University, Dr. Cashell and Diann, say choosing D&E as the home for their instrument recognizes the College’s renewed commitment to the Arts and to the couple’s long-

Light the Field Getting Brighter!

By Linda Howell Skidmore

A committee of alumni and friends has been formed to complete the second phase of work at Nuttall Field. The Light the Field committee is co-chaired by Bill Nuttall, ’71, and Charlie Straw, ’70, is an effort to raise funds for lights and other amenities.

Both the D&E men's and women's programs have benefited from the turf venue. With the addition of D&E's two newest sports – men's and women's lacrosse – daylight limitations are a concern and the need for lights to accommodate practice times has come to the forefront. A lighted field will allow studentathletes to spend more time in class because it will create more opportunities to practice and play games later in the day.

20 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

To make this project a reality, one can make a tax-deductible gift to Davis & Elkins College specifically for the Light the Field campaign.

There are three ways to make your gift: www.dewv.edu/giveonline (select: My gift supports Light the Field)

Davis & Elkins College, Development Office: 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241

Call Debbie Larkin at (304) 637-1983

Michael P. Mihalyo Jr. Endowed Scholarship Established The Michael P. Mihalyo Jr. Endowed Scholarship in the Fine and Performing Arts has been established in tribute to the leadership the former College president provided to promote the performing arts at D&E. The scholarship will be awarded to a student with financial need who shows promise in the performing arts.

“

"Michael had been so enthusiastic about the leaps in excellence in the College's performing arts that it seemed only natural to honor his leadership by offering a scholarship with his name in this area,” College Board of Trustees Chair June Myles said. “My hope is that others will add to this scholarship to honor his legacy."

Mihalyo, who served as D&E’s 14th president from 2013 to June 30, 2015, has a strong background in the arts and is a gifted pianist.

Under Mihalyo’s leadership at Davis & Elkins, the performing arts experienced a

Michael had been so enthusiastic about the leaps in excellence in the College's performing arts that it seemed only natural to honor his leadership by offering a scholarship with his name in this area.

“

By Linda Howell Skidmore

– June Myles, College Board of Trustees Chair marked enhancement through academics and offerings to the public. The student string and dance group Appalachian Ensemble was formed and has gained popularity performing throughout the East Coast and with the international cultural exchange program Common Notes. In fall 2013, the College

Spring Classic Golf Tournament a Success After months of preparation, D&E alumni and friends came together this spring to not only play golf and socialize at the inaugural Davis & Elkins College Spring Classic Golf Tournament, but also to support student scholarships. Held at Sun ’N Lake Golf Club in Sebring, Fla., more than 100 guests participated in the silent auction and nearly 70 golfers played on the Deer Run championship course, site of the NEC Series PGA Tour Latino America Qualifying Tournament in 2013, 2014 and early 2015. An exciting afternoon of low scores and friendly golf resulted in $50,000 raised for the Highlands Scholar program.

launched a new American Vernacular Dance Program, the first of its kind in the United States that explores various forms and offers students opportunities to perform, choreograph, compete, produce and teach dance.

Also under Mihalyo’s tenure, the public had the chance to experience concerts and performances in various genres as part of the College’s Arts and Entertainment series.

Additionally, the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College has expanded its offerings of classes and public performances.

The D&E golf team enjoying the fellowship and great golf are, from left to right: Assistant director of accounting, '12 and assistant golf coach Alasdair Forsythe, '12; Dakota Sisk, sophomore; Josh Taylor, '14, G-MAC golfer of the year Alistair Cameron, junior; Jordan Ours, '14; Matthew Landes, sophomore; Kollin Hopwood, sophomore; James Sutherland, sophomore; and head golf coach Justin Tanner, '13. In front, Arlene and Dick Seybolt, '63 were presented with framed pictures of the Seybolt Golf Academy.

“We were extremely pleased with not only the number of participants, but also with the support shown by our wonderful sponsors,” said Spring Classic Chair Dick Seybolt, ’63. “We are especially grateful to our lead sponsor March-Westin and look forward to increased participation this year. It’s a great event to see old friends and support D&E’s Highlands Scholar program.”

D&E alumni and friends will return to Sun ’N Lake March 8-9, 2016, for the second annual D&E Spring Classic Golf Tournament.

For more information and to register visit: www.dewv.edu/spring-classic.

Making a Difference

| 21

The Come Back Kid:

Legendary Coach Returns Coach Myers sports a hat and a grin as he talks to the D&E men’s soccer team at their first practice together.

Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

“Davis & Elkins took a bet on me as a young coach,” Myers said. “D&E gave me the encouragement and necessary support to win two national titles in four years. It’s payback time, and I’m thrilled at the chance to return to the college and community to which I owe so much.”

Myers left D&E following his second national title to take the reins at Florida International University.

He spent three seasons at the helm for the Panthers, finishing with a record of 25-9-2.

D

r. Greg Myers has returned to the place where alumni still talk nostalgically about when he led D&E to two national championships and perhaps, even more importantly, shaped their character.

In commenting on Coach Myers’ return, President 'Buck' Smith noted, “It is a great credit to the College and our athletic program that the icon of Senator Soccer has returned once again to coach, mentor and teach young men how to succeed both on and off the soccer field. We’re so very glad for this generation of students and players to have the chance to experience him.”

Myers found his way back to Elkins in 2009 when he was named athletic director and head men’s soccer coach. He led the Senators to a 13-6-1 mark in one season.

“D&E gave me the encouragement and necessary support to win two national titles in four years. It's payback time, and I'm thrilled at the chance to return to the college and community to which I owe so much.” – Dr. Greg Myers

Myers is back to the place where he began his coaching career in 1964. He departed D&E after one season to coach at his alma mater, West Virginia University, for two seasons, compiling a 20-7-1 mark.

He returned to Davis & Elkins for the 1968 campaign and led D&E to the first of two NAIA National Championships in his first season back on the sidelines. Myers’ 1969 team finished as the NAIA runner-up before claiming a second NAIA title in 1970. The Senators compiled a 39-2-4 mark during Myers’ second stint in Elkins.

22 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

After Florida International, Myers took over the Naval Academy men’s soccer program in 1976, and held the post for 29 seasons. The Midshipmen went 233-196-62 under Myers’ watch. He retired in 2004 with the second most wins as a head coach in Navy men’s soccer history. He guided Navy to the NCAA Tournament in 1988.

In 39 years as a collegiate head coach, Myers is 335-226-70, including a 57-14-5 record as coach of the Senators.

While at the Naval Academy, Dr. Myers was for 13 years a colleague and confidant of Navy’s Athletic Director Jack Lengyel, former head football coach at Marshall University and inspiration for the Time Warner film “We Are Marshall.” In a telephone interview from his home in Phoenix, Lengyel said of Myers: “Greg is an excellent choice for Davis & Elkins. He has a strong academic background to match that of the school, is a person with high integrity and great work ethic, and brings a wealth of experience as coach and leader.”

Those

Championship

Seasons

During the annual Friends of Senator Soccer (FOSS) Reunion in April, several players from both the ’68 and ’70 NCAA winning teams (and the coach) sat down to recall those special seasons.

Bill Nuttall, ’71: The Big Motivator "I remember that first day of training with Myers, his whole philosophy and how hard he worked us. Then we started winning games, followed by the national championship. We kept saying, 'How did we get here?' Coach Myers had a way of molding the players. Most of us took his philosophy with us."

Charlie Straw, ’70: Life Coach "Myers obviously influenced all of us on the field and off the field.

I would say 99 percent of us never made any career choices without calling him. We still all cherish his guidance and friendship."

New Director of Athletics Joins D&E Jamie R. Joss has joined the D&E Athletic Department as Director of Athletics. Joss comes to the position with 23 years’ experience in college and corporate sports management.

In making the announcement, Davis & Elkins College President G.T. 'Buck' Smith said, “Athletics is second only to our academic program as the largest segment of the College – with responsibility for recruiting, engaging and mentoring roughly 30 percent of the student body. We were looking for an experienced and already-successful athletic director to lead this key program area. We found him in Jamie Joss.

Hans Wango, ’73: Who Is This Guy? "I knew [Myers] never played soccer in his life, just football. But the big thing about coaching is to be able to motivate and to recognize strengths and weaknesses. For the foreign players [like me] to listen to a guy who we thought really didn’t know much about soccer took something special. Coach had that."

Bill Glenn, ’69: Something Good Was Going to Happen "In ’68 it was a pretty big team.

There were all these new players from all over; but we all contributed. Coach kept everyone who wanted to play. A lot of us were just pick-up players, but you stayed with the team. You could just tell something good was going to happen."

Scotty Smyth, ’72: Ready to Play Soccer "A favorite memory is before the [championship] game started, the coach giving us a pre-game speech. I remember being as ready to play soccer

“The academic performance of our studentathletes is stellar,” Smith continued. “Last year, we received word that their graduation rate ranks No. 1 in the U.S. among all NCAA Division II schools. With this record of performance in the classroom and success of many of our teams, we were positioned to attract a person of Jamie’s experience and leadership talent.”

The former Director of Athletics at Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon, Joss has college and university athletic administration experience at several NCAA Division I, II and III schools – including Colgate University, Rochester Institute of Technology and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He was also sports information director for the NCAA Division II South Atlantic Conference. Earlier he was head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Division II St. Andrews Presbyterian College in North Carolina.

as I ever was in my life after that. I think we all felt that same way. We were massive underdogs, but went on to the field and played very well. We won!"

Greg Myers: Look in the Mirror "[I remember that] Quincy game speech: All we ask of you and all you should ask of yourself is that when you get up in the morning after the game and you look in the mirror, are you happy with what’s staring back at you? And if you are, then you’ve been successful."

Tom “Fuzzy” Martin, ’71: Go Out On Top "[After] we won the ’70 national championship, Coach gave me probably the strongest hug that I could get. He said, “How does it feel to go out on top?” And then he stood away and watched everybody celebrate. He soaked it all in and enjoyed it. He didn’t want to be the center of attention. He just wanted us to all celebrate."

“The academic reputation, the family environment of the faculty and staff, and the potential for growth and success of the Senators’ athletic program are what attracted me to D&E,” Joss said. “I am eager to begin forging relationships on campus and with our Senator alumni to help our students continue their high academic performance, success in the G-MAC and service to the Elkins community and beyond.”

Prior to his arrival at Warner Pacific, Joss worked in the private sector helping launch The Bleachers Corporation, an innovative video streaming provider. Before that he leveraged his vast connections in collegiate athletics to help position SIDEARM Sports as the No. 1 provider of college athletics websites.

Joss earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sport management from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Science Degree in sport administration from the United States Sports Academy.

Athletics

| 23

Men’s Tennis

The Davis & Elkins men’s tennis team claimed its second consecutive Great Midwest Athletic conference title by virtue of topping Cedarville University twice. Vincent Hamon was named the conference Player of the Year and Otis Cutshaw was tagged Coach of the Year, both Hamon and Cutshaw received their respective award for the second year in a row. Hamon was joined on the G-MAC AllConference team by Charles Brunel, Simon Meriau and Thomas Judd. The 2014-15 campaign concluded with a record of 9-9 overall and 2-0 in the G-MAC. The men’s team also excelled in the classroom, earning ITA All-Academic Team recognition for the first time.

Women’s Tennis

The women’s tennis team came up just short in their effort to defend their 2014 G-MAC Championship. The Senators dropped a 5-3 decision to Cedarville in the G-MAC title tilt to finish the 2014-15 season with an overall mark of 12-11 and a 7-1 record against conference foes. Julia Hoehn was named the league’s Player of the Year. She was joined on the G-MAC First Team by Halima Michael. In the classroom, the women’s team earned ITA All-Academic Team accolades for the fourth consecutive year.

Golf

The 2015 golf season was highlighted by

the play of sophomore Alistair Cameron at the G-MAC Championship where he claimed a six-shot victory at Four Bridges Country Club. The Buckinghamshire, England, native went on to be named the league’s Player of the Year. As a team, the Senators wound up fifth at the G-MAC Championship.

Baseball

The 2015 edition of the Senator baseball team was injury-riddled under first-year skipper Charlie Goens. D&E finished with an overall record of 7-35 and went 2-22 in the G-MAC. Martinsburg, West Virginia, native Tyler Mason was named to the G-MAC All-Freshman Team.

Vincent Hamon, shown, was selected as G-MAC Player of the Year for the second year in a row.

The men’s team claimed it’s second consecutive conference title.

Softball

The Senator softball team continued to improve in 2015 under the direction of fifth-year head coach Kimberly Stiles. Freshman pitcher/designated player Allie Lapallo and junior first baseman Taylor Norton became the first Senators to earn first team all-league honors since 2007 and the first duo to do so since 1995. Davis & Elkins suffered a pair of heartbreaking extra inning losses at the G-MAC Tournament to finish the season at 21-23 overall and 11-8 in conference play. The 21 wins mark the third time in the last 21 years the program has surpassed the 20-win plateau and all three seasons have been under the direction of Stiles who collected her 100th career win at the G-MAC Tournament. The Thurmont, Maryland, native is now 101-128 in five seasons at the helm of the Senator softball program.

Be sure to get all the results and recaps on SenatorNation.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @SenatorNation and like us on Facebook to stay up to date with all athletic activities at Davis & Elkins.

24 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

Carrington Named Volleyball Head Coach All-American Kylie Carrington has been selected to lead the Senator volleyball program as head coach.

"We are delighted to welcome her," Director of Athletics Jamie Joss said.

"She played the game at a very high level, earning All-American honors as a setter playing for a very successful and respected head coach Peter Letourneau at Frostburg State University and then added coaching experience under her mentor at California (Pa.)."

"I look forward to joining the Davis & Elkins College family, and working with such a committed, talented and passionate group of young ladies," Carrington said.

After earning her Master's degree, Carrington spent two seasons as an assistant coach for the California (Pa.) volleyball team.

As a player, Carrington was one of three All-Americans in the 21-year history of Frostburg State's volleyball program. In her four seasons at Frostburg, the Bobcats won three conference tournament titles, two regular season titles and had three NCAA Tournament appearances.

Carrington earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Frostburg State University and received a Master of Science degree in exercise science and health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania.

4

Inducted into

Athletic

Lawrence Nesselrodt, ’83

Joe Harris, ’63

Hall of Fame

By Linda Howell Skidmore Four new members joined the ranks of Davis & Elkins Athletic Hall of Famers during the 43rd annual Athletic Awards Banquet on April 18 in The McDonnell Center. Chosen for the honors were Allen Hall, ’75, Joe Harris, ’63, Lawrence Nesselrodt, ’83, and Hans Wango, ’73.

Allen Hall Hall was a two-year letterman on the Davis & Elkins men’s basketball team and earned allconference accolades in both 1974 and 1975.

After graduating from D&E in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in management, Hall spent a year playing professional basketball for Stade Francais, a team in Switzerland. He returned to the United States in 1976 when he took a job working in campus security at George Washington University, where he has served as the auxiliary services manager since 1990. He received the Chief ’s Award at GWU in 2004 and 2012.

Hall assisted in the fundraising effort to implement the Davis & Elkins Hall of Fame project. He also has returned to campus to speak with student-athletes and often attends alumni events in the Washington, D.C., area.

Joe Harris Harris was a four-year letterman in both football and baseball during his time at Davis & Elkins. He was a two-time All-WVIAC selection on the gridiron and averaged 41.3 yards per punt during his senior season. Harris posted 0.31 ERA as a senior on the diamond.

Harris graduated from D&E in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering and went on to earn an MBA from Cal State University.

Since his graduation, Harris has worked in real estate development and, in 1988, was awarded

“The Best in the West” Gold Nugget for an 11-unit condominium project in San Francisco, Calif. He is currently the president of AZ Construction in Maricopa, Ariz.

Lawrence Nesselrodt Allen Hall, ’75 Nesselrodt earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from D&E in 1983. He spent two seasons playing baseball at Davis & Elkins, 1982 and 1983, and later returned for an eight-year stint as the head coach of the Senator baseball program from 1994 to 2001.

During his time as an athlete, Nesselrodt played second base and shortstop, finishing with a batting average over .330 in both seasons. In his first season, the team finished as runner-up in the WVIAC Tournament and Nesselrodt was the team leader in runs scored on base percentage. The team won the Northern Division Championship in Nesselrodt’s second season and he was the team leader in runs scored, hits on base percentage and stolen bases.

As a coach, he led the Senators to a pair of WVIAC Northern Division Titles, coached a pair of conference Player of the Year award recipients and earned WVIAC Coach of the Year accolades in 1995. He also started the annual baseball alumni game in 1995.

Between his time as a player and a coach at Davis & Elkins, Nesselrodt spent nine years as the head coach at Garrett County Community College in Maryland.

After his time managing the Senator baseball program, Nesselrodt joined West Virginia State legend Cal Bailey’s staff and helped guide the Yellow Jackets to five conference

Hans Wango, ’73 championships in seven years. Nesselrodt is currently the head coach at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, where he also serves as an admissions counselor.

Hans Wango Wango was a member of the 1968 and 1970 NAIA National Championship soccer teams.

He was selected to the NAIA Division I Men’s Soccer First-Team, named an All-American player by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and received West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors in 1972.

With the exception of two years, Wango has continued to play soccer since graduating from Davis & Elkins in 1973.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in history and political science, Wango spent 18 months serving in the Swedish Army. Shortly after, he immigrated to Canada where he played for a semi-pro soccer team based in Toronto.

When Wango moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1983, he combined his love for soccer with service to his community by playing for the Dallas Soccer Club, and since 1999 on the Freddy Fund over 50 soccer team, a competitor in the United States Adult Soccer Association.

Wango is currently an insurance broker in Fort Worth, Texas, and has also worked in the real estate business and as a restaurant owner.

Athletics

| 25

ALUMNI NOTES

Dear

Mary Ketterman Davis and D&E first lady, Joni Smith. See 1943.

Please publish this Alumni Note in the Davis & Elkins College Forward magazine in print and online.

Name Maiden name

Class Year Helenjane “Rusty” Weiner Cougan, ’52, and friend, Carol Welch.

See 1952.

Here is my news:

1943 Mary Ketterman Davis, ’43, Stuart, Fla., enjoyed her recent trip to campus during a family reunion.

Photo enclosed?

Yes

1948 Lena Bradley Itnyre, ’47, celebrated her 90th birthday on May 19. She resides in Boonsboro, Md., and is grateful for her good health.

No

Please update my records: Current Address Email Phone Thank you to the many alumni who submit notes for publication in Forward magazine. We enjoy sharing your news, both in these pages and on our website. If you have a note, please complete and return the form above, or email your note to morganw@dewv.edu.

Sending photos? Just mail your prints or disk, or email your photos to our alumni office.

If you are sending a digital photo, it should

Cell be 1 MB or larger. Please remember to use high resolution settings on your camera or cell phone. Unfortunately, we are unable to use low resolution images.

Send all materials to:

Davis & Elkins College Alumni Office 100 Campus Drive Elkins, WV 26241 or email morganw@dewv.edu.

See more "then and now" photos posted on D&E Facebook!

26 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

1949 Ross Marteney, ’49, Palm Coast, Fla., stays in touch with his special friend, Dr. Gloria Marquette Payne, ’43.

1951 Dr. William L. Jones, ’51, Phoenix, Ariz., writes “D&E is a delightfully rich educational culture in which to actualize your academic potential.”

1952 Helenjane “Rusty” Weiner Cougan, ’52, Port Charlotte, Fla., loves D&E and remembers when women's basketball began. Rusty arranged the schedule and enjoyed playing basketball in 1951 and 1952 in their “new” gym — now Memorial Gymnasium/Martin Field House.

Road trip back to good ‘ole D&E! Paul and Charlotte Phipps.

See 1954.

Still water skiing at age 83 – Alice Murachanian Norford and her husband, Rick. See 1953.

Far left: Proud grandparents – Bonnie and Ralph Kortyna. See 1955.

Left: Alan and Carol Grossman. See 1958.

1953 Alice Murachanian Norford, ’53, is still water skiing at age 83! Alice and her husband, Rick, live in Beachwood, N.J. during the summer and Mt. Dora, Fla. the rest of the year. She would love to hear from classmates and others through her email alicenorf@gmail.com.

1954 David R. Hoffman, ’54, and Charles Peguese were married in Harrisburg, Pa., on July 31, 2014. The two had been partners for 39 years with careers as librarians. In retirement, they enjoy travel, theatre, music, their urban garden and good food.

Paul Phipps, ’54, and his wife, Charlotte, moved to St. George, Utah, just 127 miles north of Las Vegas. The weather is excellent most of the time.

1955 Ralph Kortyna, ’55, and his wife, Bonnie, Turtle Creek, Pa., are the proud grandparents of Cullen, Claire, Brighid and Fiona Kortyna.

Cullen works for Chevron in Houston, Texas; Claire is in graduate school at Iowa State; Brighid is a student at Wittenberg University; and Fiona is in sixth grade.

1956 Fred F. Guthrie Jr., ’56, has joined the staff of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Parker, Colo., as the Director of Congregational Care.

Previously, Fred has pastored and planted churches in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida.

Ed Sawtell, ’60, Elmhurst, N.Y., is still working as a professional engineer while his wife, Paula, is enjoying retirement. Their son, Ed, is a detective in New York City and their daughter, Ellen, is the executive director for The College Board.

1958 Alan Grossman, ’58, and his wife, Carol, live in Pembroke Pines, Fla. They are the parents of three sons and five grandchildren. Alan is now retired and stays active as a photographer.

1961 George Morgan, ’61, and his wife, Sheri, Coronado, Calif., are the proud grandparents of Ayla Libby Morgan. George writes that Ayla is a candidate for the D&E class of 2035 and that he plans to attend her graduation. George, we have your lodging already booked!

1959 A baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., was the place for a D&E gathering with Phil Inglee, ’59, and his wife, Marilyn, Huntington Beach, Calif.; Don Santamaria, ’62, San Diego, Calif.; George Morgan, ’61, Coronado, Calif.; and

Fonso O. Stalnaker, ’61, Fairmont, W.Va. is now retired after serving for 24 years with the West Virginia State Police and 18 years with the U.S. Marshals Service for Federal Court Security.

Pete Major, the son of D&E classmate Bill Major, ’60, Bluffton, S.C.

1960 In June, Bill Lentino, ’60, and his wife, Ellen, Smithtown, N.Y., celebrated 23 years of retirement and wish to say “Hello to all the Sig Eps!!”

Alumni Notes

| 27

ALUMNI NOTES

D&E friends - Phil Inglee, ’59, and his wife, Marilyn; George Morgan, ’61; Don Santamaria, ’62; and, Pete Major. See 1959.

Good friends and D&E alumni - Sharon Harris Raupach, ’71, Earl Raupach, Suzanne Courter Carlson, ’72, John Carlson, ’71, Craig Allsopp, ’73 and Jo Myers Allsopp, ’72. See 1972.

Photo (L) is Jeff Krizan, Bill Turner and Ed Stone circa.

1970 at the Sig Ep fraternity house on Second Street in Elkins, and the photo (R) is a “re-do” 45 years later in Washington, D.C. See 1973.

1963 In January, Andrew “Andy” Johanson, ’63, Ambler, Pa., was honored as Citizen of the Week by the Ambler Gazette for his “service above self ” as a long time Rotarian and very active member of the Rotary Club of Blue Bell, an organization that supports both local efforts and global causes.

1965 – Celebrating 50 Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 9-11, 2015 David Clapp, ’65, Brewster, Maine, continues to birdwatch and lead Smithsonian Eco-tours. In 2015, David traveled to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. He writes that Cape Town is perhaps the loveliest city, and second to Paris for food.

David regrets that he will not be able to attend Homecoming to celebrate his 50th reunion, but will be thinking of his classmates while he is in Brazil.

1966 David and Carol Specht, ’66, Huntington, W.Va., celebrated their 48th anniversary with a trip to D&E. They stayed in Graceland and walked the 28 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

Sporting D&E pride, Ayla Libby Morgan, is the granddaughter of George and Sheri Morgan.

See 1961.

A reunion in San Antonio! Traveling from Michigan, Arizona and Virginia to Texas, Sue Rose Williams, Cheryl McClure Wood, Lynn Aeschbach Ackermann and Mary Helen Lafayette Williams had a great time and look forward to their 50th next year. See 1966.

old familiar paths and then the new ones. After a walk to Inspiration Point, they happened onto The Stirrup Gallery where Mark Lanham, ’14, coordinator of Special Collections, shared his enthusiasm for the treasures housed there. “We plan to return next year for our 50th reunion.”

A D&E reunion in Texas! Sue Rose Williams, Ypsilanti, Mich., Cheryl McClure Wood, Tucson, Ariz., and Lynn Aeschbach Ackermann, Fredericksburg, Va., gathered in Mary Helen Lafayette Williams' hometown of San Antonio, Texas, in October 2014. They are all graduates of the class of 1966 and are looking forward to their 50th Class Reunion at D&E in 2016!

1970 – Celebrating 45 Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 9-11, 2015 Greg Judge, ’70, Kent, Wash., is now retired and has taken up writing. Last year, he wrote two novels with no intention of trying to get them published. However, after friends and family suggested publishing the first one, he searched for a publisher and his novel was accepted within one day. The book is now in the final stage of

editing and will be available soon. He will keep us posted!

1972 D&E friends, Craig, ’73, and Joanne “Jo” Myers Allsopp, ’72, Quechee, Vt.; Earl and Sharon Harris Raupach, ’71, Raleigh, N.C.; and John, ’71, and Suzanne Courter Carlson, ’72, Kernersville, N.C., enjoyed an alumni gathering earlier this spring in Raleigh, N.C. 1973 In November, Bill Turner, ’73, and Georgette Miller, Arlington, Va.; Debbie and Ed Stone, ’73, Annandale, Va.; and Peggy Ottenheimer gathered in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the birthday of Jeff Krizan, ’73, Sterling, Va. James D. "Jim" Wells, ’73, Nitro, W.Va., was elected as president-elect of the Eastern Region of International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR). He is scheduled to take office as president in April 2016. Eastern Region of IPMA-HR is made up of public sector human resource professionals and supporters from throughout the East Coast, from Maine to West Virginia. Jim has been involved with the association throughout his human

Mike Judge and his granddaughter, Carmen. See 1974.

Jim Wells. See 1973.

Happy to be back on campus - Mike and Marty Layton Barth.

See 1976.

Jan Michael “Mike” den Ouden and William H. "Bill" Barr were married on September 15, 2006, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. See 1982.

Greyson Shetter Meyers, “Go Senators!”

See 1991.

resource career. His professional certifications are: Senior Professional for Human Resources through the Human Resource Certification Institute (SPHR); Society for Human Resource Management, Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP); and International Public Management Association for Human Resources, Certified Professional.

1974 Mike Judge, ’74, and his wife, Kathy, live in Gilbert, Ariz., and are proud grandparents.

1980 – Celebrating 35 Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 9-11, 2015 1982 William H. “Bill” Barr, ’82, and his partner, Jan Michael “Mike” den Ouden, Hollywood, Fla., have been together for 19 years. They were married in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on September 15, 2006. On January 6, 2015, their marriage was legally recognized in Florida, and

Lee Underwood - 2015 PSAC Coach of the Year.

See 1991.

on June 26 in all 50 states! Bill writes, “D&E has always been a liberal arts college, but it wasn't until years later as I have come out to my D&E friends that I realized all my fraternity brothers, little sisters and the many great people I knew during the fantastic years I spent at D&E already knew I was gay and have been the most supportive group I have ever known. D&E was, for me, some of the greatest years of my life! I have found time and time again that there is no price to be put on a (my) D&E education. "

1975 – Celebrating 40 Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 9-11, 2015 1976 Mike, ’74, and Marsha “Marty” Layton Barth, ’76, Wernersville, Pa., enjoyed a wonderful day on campus in March when Marty was invited to speak to the criminology and psychology students in Dana Baxter and Sarah Garrison's classes. Following the release of Marty's book, “The Shattering,” she continues to be a motivational and inspirational speaker.

Theatre alumni, family and faculty celebrated 40 seasons of theatre in the Boiler House, enjoyed a retrospective of the work of D&E alumnus and former faculty member Michael Halad and renewed friendships at the Theatre Alumni picnic held in April.

Alumni Notes

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ALUMNI NOTES

Jon and Mindy Poole Voorheis (center), with their sons, Caleb and Luke, and grandparents in Austria, Germany at Jon’s Change of Command. See 1995.

Happy Anniversary! Kirk and Amanda Yeargan Monroe. See 2002.

Congratulations!

Wesley and Emily Gilly Withrow. See 2004.

Curtis Metten and his son, Ciaran. See 2000.

Future D&E student, baby Rachel Anna Harlan. See 2004.

1985 – Celebrating 30 Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 9-11, 2015 1989 Lisa Anders, ’95, and her husband, Randy, are the parents of two children, Benjamin and Jenna, and reside in Bel Air, Md. Lisa is also excited to announce that she has a new Internet business, www.shop.com/lisaanders.

1990 – Celebrating 25 Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 9-11, 2015 1991 Melanie Shetter Meyers, ’91, and her husband, Greg, Chambersburg, Pa., are the proud parents of Greyson Shetter Meyers. Greyson was born December 27, 2013.

Lee A. Underwood, ’91, Edinboro, Pa., is the head tennis coach at Edinboro University. Lee earned his 500th win this past year and was selected as the 2015 PSAC Coach of the Year. This is the 11th time he has been named coach of the year.

30 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

1995 – Celebrating 20 Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 9-11, 2015 Jon and Mindy Poole Voorheis, ’95, are doing well and enjoying life. They met at D&E and have fond memories of being here together. In 1996, they married and Jon was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Since that time they have lived all over the country and the world. A few of Jon’s latest jobs have had them living in Stuttgart, Germany; Anacortes, Wash.; and now Misawa, Japan. They are the proud parents of two boys, Caleb and Luke — now 17 and 14, and find themselves asking, “where has the time gone?"

2000 – Celebrating 15 Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 9-11, 2015 Curtis Metten, ’00, and Amy Burke announce the birth of their son, Ciaran Landers Burke-Metten.

Ciaran was born March 23, 2015, and weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces. The Burke-Metten family lives in Pendleton, S.C.

2002 Amanda Yeargan Monroe, ’02, and her husband, Kirk, Midlothian, Va., celebrated 10 years of

Twins! Harper Allan and Hyson Lee. See 2007.

marriage on June 25. They went to Natural Bridge, Va., for tours and wine tasting. This summer also found Amanda and Kirk in Hilton Head, S.C., riding bikes, playing on the beach and watching dolphins. Afterwards, it was off to Savannah, Ga., to spend time with family.

Amanda is now in her 10th year as a special education instructional assistant and her 11th year working a side job as a front desk clerk, first for Holiday Inn and now, for the past three years, Double Tree by Hilton. When Amanda and Kirk are not working, they like to explore historical sights and visit vineyards. Amanda would love to connect with classmates at kiandamonroe@ verizon.net.

2004 On February 24, 2015, Melissa R. Bonner Harlan, ’04, and her husband, Kenneth, became the proud parents of Rachel Anna Harlan. Rachel weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. She was welcomed home with love and licks from her 5-year-old “brother,” Jake, a Great Dane. They reside in Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md. Wesley E. Withrow, ’04, and Emily Gilly, ’01, were married on October 11, 2014. The Withrows live in New Orleans, La.

D&E Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management Chef Melanie Campbell, Wendy Morgan, ’12, Director of Alumni Engagement and Support and members of the Hospitality Club began a whirlwind spring break tour of the Carolinas with alumni and friends. Larry, ’67, and Jayne Ellen Hunt hosted the group for lunch and a tour of Mountain Air Country Club in Burnsville, N.C. The next day, Drake, ’69, and Jennifer Klasan Dowler, ’72, Greensboro, N.C., joined the group in Asheville, N.C. for lunch and tour of The Biltmore Estate.

2015 - The Michael Scott Webb Scholarship Fund 5k – April 2015

Charles Wells and his girlfriend, Gao JingZhe, vacationing in Hangzhou, China. See 2008.

Tinley Marie Morris, daughter of Susan and Robbie Morris. See 2008.

Samantha Roman, ’11, Marcea Copeland Rodden, ’06, and her mother, Sylvia, during the Vail-Beaver Creek 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. See 2011.

2005 – Celebrating 10 Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 9-11, 2015 2006 Katie A. Donovan, ’06, Glen Allen, Va., has completed her Master of Science in environmental management and policy and is an environmental scientist for the Department of Homeland Security. She manages 64 airports and is responsible for making sure items surrendered at checkpoints are disposed of properly.

Cory Toth, ’06, Alexandria, Va., is the director of Government Affairs for the American Public Power Association.

2007 Ashley Yokum Arbaugh, ’07, and her husband, David, welcomed twins, Harper Allan and Hyson Lee, on January 22, 2015. The Arbaugh family resides in Petersburg, W.Va. 2008 Amber Spencer Rupp, ’08, and her husband, Nathan, Strasburg, Va., are delighted to announce with lots of love the arrival of their second son. Hendrix Scott Rupp was born

April 26 at 7:57 a.m., weighing 8 pounds, 11.6 ounces and measuring 19 inches in length.

Charles E. Wells, ’08, resides in Beijing, China, and is the head economics professor at Beijing Normal University Foreign Department. Charles is also co-founder of Company Formation Services, where he wears many hats as business development director, account manager, and economic and legal consultant and analyst.

2009 Susan Kolb, '09, received her master's degree from Bluffton University, Ohio, where she was the assistant women's soccer coach. From there she was head women's soccer coach and assistant athletic director at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. Susan is now an academic advisor for student-athletes at the University of South Carolina, Upstate campus and is pursuing her doctorate degree in athletic administration through North Central University. Susan lives in Boiling Springs, S.C. 2010 Danny Manuel, ’10, has recently been appointed as head basketball coach for his alma mater, The Miller School, in Charlottesville, Va.

Hendrix Scott Rupp, April 26, 2015. See 2008.

2011 A mini D&E ski team reunion was held in February during the Vail-Beaver Creek 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Colorado with Samantha Roman, ’11, Corning, N.Y., Marcea Copeland Rodden, ’06, Monument, Colo., and former D&E ski coach Lew Fowler. Coach Fowler was working “on the hill” as a race volunteer.

2014 Congratulations Alex McCumbers, ’14, and Kimberly Howell, ’13! They live in Bridgeport, W.Va., and are engaged to be married October 31.

2015 Shauna Daman, ’15, finished her adventure recreation degree with Tom Tesar and the rest of the REC410 students on a 10-day backpacking trip and writes, "What a great way to end college!” She moved to Glen Jean, W.Va., and enjoyed working at The Summit: National High Adventure Boy Scout Base. She is now in sunny Florida for an eight-month internship in Jupiter working with the American Conservation Experience (ACE).

Alumni Notes

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ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR

Dear Alumni,

On behalf of the NAC, the Alumni Association governing body, it is my pleasure to provide an update on the Association’s activities. The Council, with the assistance of alumni, has had a busy twelve months and is working on a variety of future activities. For example:

• Last October, and again this April, in support of D&E students, the NAC participated in a number of “Job Talks.” These talks are devoted to providing students with practical advice regarding preparation for entering particular career fields. The NAC recruited several who spoke to different classes about their professional life and how D&E prepared them for their careers. During the NAC’s spring meeting, and in conjunction with the spring Job Talk series, the NAC also hosted the annual Jessica Scowcroft, ’03 Almost Alumni Reception for juniors and seniors. Several Job Talk presenters and Board of Trustees members participated, so the students were able to network with them as well as other alumni. This October, in collaboration with the Office of Academic Affairs, the NAC will be expanding the Job Talk program to include mock interviews by alumni and community members.

• During the April NAC meeting, five new

members were elected to serve. The new members

Save the Date for These Upcoming D&E Events!

October 9-11, 2015 Homecoming October 24, 2015 Maryland Alumni Chapter – Robin White Rybczynski, ’86

Tour of Heavy Seas Brewery and Urban Pirate Ship Cruise Baltimore, Md.

November 7, 2015 Virginia Alumni Chapter – Amanda Yeargan Monroe, ’02 Potomac Point Winery and

32 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

are Karen Kober Michetti, ’84, Kelly O’Donnell Edwards, ’87, Jared Meabon, ’01, Scott Sanders, ’93 and Phillip Turske, ’10. Next April, we will be selecting five new members to replace the five members who will be stepping down (per NAC bylaws). New officers will be selected at this time as well.

• Since early this spring, the NAC has been in preliminary discussions with the College Development Office and several alumni members of the Board of Trustees regarding funding needs to repair the leaking and decaying roof on Halliehurst.

You will be hearing more about this effort in the near future. Please consider supporting the College as we work to restore the roof of historic Halliehurst.

• The Icehouse holds a

special place in the hearts of current students, as well as of any alumni from the 70s and later. The NAC is in dialogue with the College regarding restoration of The Icehouse.

Meanwhile, an architect has been engaged to explore its restoration and possible expansion.

• Finally, an NAC Executive Committee Sub-

Committee is currently conducting a review of the Association’s Constitution and Bylaws to determine if, after two-plus-years, there is need to make any changes. The Committee's plan is to present their review and recommendations to the entire NAC during the October 9 meeting. All alumni are invited to attend this, and all, meetings of the NAC.

Park Lane Tavern Stafford, Va. and Fredericksburg, Va.

February 6, 2016 Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter – Karen Kober Michetti, ’84 and Maribeth Headley Robenolt, ’82 Longwood Gardens Kennett Square, Pa.

March 4-15, 2016 D&E Spring Break Tour of Europe including Barcelona, Nice, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome

Alumni and friends are invited to join assistant professor Michael Doig on this wonderful travel opportunity. Visit www. efcollegestudytours.com/professorstrip/1713209JX for more information.

Membership in the D&E Alumni Association is open to graduates of the College, College certificate holders, honorary degree recipients, and those who attended the College at least one year and have passed the date of intended graduation. The NAC is always looking for new members and volunteers to help provide leadership and opportunities for D&E alumni – a great way to learn more about the NAC is to volunteer as a committee member and assist with an event or project. If you are interested in becoming a committee volunteer or a member, please contact Wendy Morgan at morganw@ dewv.edu We encourage all alumni to re-connect with the College and your fellow classmates. One way to re-connect and meet fellow classmates is to attend Homecoming or one of the many regional chapter events. For information about regional chapters, please visit the College’s website and click on Alumni.

Retuning to campus is always a rewarding experience. Please consider attending Homecoming this fall, October 9, 10 and 11. It’s a beautiful time of year to be back on campus.

I look forward to seeing and meeting with you during Homecoming, the D&E Alumni Association Meeting and Breakfast, regional events and wherever our paths may cross. Please feel free to contact me at lbhunt28714@gmail.com or at 828-682-3384, or any of the other NAC members.

Contact information can be found on the College website under Alumni and Alumni Groups.

Sincerely,

Lawrence “Larry” Hunt, '67 NAC President

Alumni Chapters

For more information on events in your area, make sure to check the D&E website for these Alumni Chapters and Groups: California Bay Area Alumni Group Carolinas Alumni Chapter Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter Florida – Suncoast & Orlando Area Alumni Chapters Indiana Alumni Chapter Maryland Alumni Chapter New York Metro Alumni Chapter Ohio Regional Alumni Chapter Tri-State Alumni Chapter (Western Pa., Northern W.Va. and Eastern Ohio) Virginia Alumni Chapter West Virginia Alumni Chapter Friends of Senator Soccer Nursing Alumni Council

ThrowBack

35th Mountain State Forest Festival Program Cover

Jenneth Ann Hammer Zimmerman, ’73

T

he hill at the Davis & Elkins College Amphitheatre was filled from top to bottom and side to side during the 35th Mountain State Forest Festival in 1971.

Special guests for the Royal Coronation that year were President Richard M. Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon. The president did the honors of crowning Queen Silvia Catherine Grace Sparacino of Beckley. Among members of the Royal Court was Maid of

Honor Jenneth Ann Hammer Zimmerman, ’73, who was studying elementary education at D&E. Also participating in the Coronation was then-D&E President Dr. Gordon E. Hermanson. As tradition stands, Davis & Elkins played host to an array of events, many of which continue today. According to the official souvenir program of the 35th Mountain State Forest Festival, D&E was the site of competitions in chain saw, wood chopping, sawing, fly and plug casting,

archery and Knight of the South Branch Riding Tournament, as well as the public reception for the Royal Court. In 1971, the Teen Age Cabaret took place in Memorial Gymnasium, Maid Silvia made an official visit to the College and tours of the campus were given on Friday and Saturday. A soccer game scheduled before the Grand Feature Parade was billed as National Champion D&E vs.

University of Akron.

Throwback Forward

| 33

IN MEMORIAM

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 1945 1946 1948 1948 1949 1950

1950

1950

1950 1950 1951 1951

1952

1952 1953 1953 1953 1953 1954 1954 1954 1955

1955 1956 1957 1957 1958 1959 1960

Willis G. Gainer, April 3, 1991 June Hines Snodgrass, June 14, 2015 Bernard A. Daetwyler, January 4, 2015 Nan Bare Pennington, May 4, 2015 John N. Funk Jr., July 4, 2015 Joanne G. Funsten Houseworth, May 28, 2015 Helen G. Butcher Ingram, December 29, 2014 Lenore Kathryn Harman Ross, January 11, 2015 Charles R. Showen, March 13, 2015 William J. Turner, January 24, 2015 Doris J. Darkey Kuhns, March 24, 2015 A. Tina Cortellesi Matanic Towe, March 7, 2015 Patricia A. Tabram Abbott, February 22, 2015 Herman G. Stuiber, April 15, 2015 Marion F. Bonner, April 14, 2015 Arthur R. Frieder, November 13, 1999 Scott McCormick Jr., July 4, 2015 Morris D. White, March 13, 2015 A. Browne Bartlett, April 22, 2014 James R. DeSpain, April 16, 2015 David L. Ice, February 5, 2015 Audrey A. Kesler Ellingwood, March 1, 2015 James C. Mosher, November 22, 2014 Charles J. Girard, December 19, 2014 William E. Gury, January 16, 2015 John F. Mathus, December 26, 2014 David E. Fletcher Jr., January 1, 2015 James J. Cook, August 23, 2013 Dorothy Flo Phares Poore, March 16, 2015

34 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

1961 1961

1961 1961 1962

1963 1963 1963 1964

1965 1969 1970 1972 1975 1976

1976 1977

1978 1982 1982 1982 1983

1984

1985

1993

2002

Walter R. Bartlett, July 24, 2015 Marlin Brown Gordon, February 1, 2015 John J. Sainato, January 15, 2015 George A. Smith Jr., July 15, 2015 James L. Zimmerman Jr., February 21, 2015 William R. Ellis, September 12, 2004 Paul G. Emberley, March 12, 2015 Richard E. Shreve, June 25, 2015 Judith L. Phillips Helmick, June 18, 2015 David J. "Jim" Currence, April 11, 2015 Edward T. Alexander, April 27, 2015 Peter L. Shull, July 20, 2015 Abe D. Lajterman, April 7, 2015 Frank E. Phillips Jr., January 17, 2015 Mary Belle Boggess McGee Loy, December 17, 2014 Victor Lindholm Jr., May 2014 Christine Anne Brenner MacDonald, November 8, 2013 Janis C. Price Hanson, June 8, 2015 Jill Ann Harlan Foster, January 19, 2015 David G. Guerra, April 18, 2015 Patricia A. Hare, March 10, 2015 D. Darlene Irvin Parsons, December 22, 2014 Evelyn H. "Lyn" McClellan, April 20, 2015 Dorothy J. Smith Ware, February 28, 2015 Virginia Anne Farmer Coe Crow, July 11, 2015 Lisa Ann Bright Eye, July 17, 2015

FRIENDS & FAMILY Lloyd J. Averill, December 17, 2014 Former Vice President for Academic Affairs, 1971-1972 Josephine Cutright, April 27, 2015 Former Employee Warren "Tom" Daniels, February 15, 2015 Former Superintendent of Maintenance, 19671977 Richard C. DeHart, January 22, 2015 Former Athletic Director and Basketball Coach, 1954-1956 Jerome A. "Jerry" Halperin, February 10, 2015 Former Trustee John L. Kirkpatrick, July 2, 2015 Former Maintenance Department and Campus Postman, 1992-2014 John F. "Jack" Lambert, April 29, 2015 Former Augusta Student Barbara Notoris McHugh, August 23, 2014 Former Student Trevor A. Owen, July 11, 2015 Former Associate Professor of English, 19691975 Elizabeth M. Reed, March 25, 2015 Former Director of Admissions; Member of D&E College Aid Donald V. Roberts, January 28, 2015 Honorary Degree, Doctor of Divinity, 1973 Frank V. Skavenski, January 24, 2015 Former Upward Bound Summer Program Teacher, 2000-2006 Silas M. Vaughn, May 9, 2015 Former Employee Dr. Margaret Wyatt, April 1, 2015 Former Registrar and Professor of Nursing , 1988-1996

Dr. Margaret Wyatt

Jerome A. Halperin

Dr. Margaret A. Wyatt, former registrar and professor of nursing, passed away at age 83 on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage, Iowa.

Former Trustee

Former Registrar and Professor of Nursing

Dr. Wyatt served as registrar and professor of nursing from July 1, 1988, through August 31, 1996. Upon her retirement and in honor of her dedication to and responsibilities at the College, she was awarded the status of registrar emerita.

elizabeth reed Former Faculty Elizabeth May Millard Reed, a former faculty member and director of admission at Davis & Elkins College, died Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at the Hospice Care Regional Inpatient Unit at Elkins.

She was married to Professor of Art Emeritus Jesse Reed, who preceded her in death in 2011.

Mrs. Reed served on the faculty for nine years and was director of admission for 11 years. She was also a member of College Aid of Davis & Elkins College.

She was a member of the West Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, serving the organization as secretary-treasurer. She was an active member of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she had served as Elder, former church school teacher and assistant superintendent, Circle member, and as a member of various other committees.

Jerome Arthur “Jerry” Halperin, a former trustee, passed away on February 10, 2015, at age 77 after an extended illness.

He was born February 21, 1937, in Patterson, N.J. Mr. Halperin was elected to the Board in 2006 and served until 2010, resigning due to medical challenges. He was a member of the Audit and Executive Committees and Chair of the Student Life Committee from 2006 - 2007 and 2007 - 2008. He also served on the Business & Finance Committee from 2008 - 2009 and 2009 - 2010. Prior to Mr. Halperin joining the Board, the Halperin Family Scholarship for the Performing Arts was established in 2003.

Mr. Halperin’s career centered on the pharmaceutical industry. He worked as a commissioned officer with the United States Public Health Service and later with the Food and Drug Administration, retiring at the rank of Rear Admiral. He then worked in the private sector as a vice president for Ciba-Giegy Pharmaceuticals, the chief executive officer of the United States Pharmacopeia and as CEO of Food and Drug Law Institute.

John Lee Kirkpatrick Former Campus Postman John Lee Kirkpatrick, who served as campus postman at Davis & Elkins for 20 years, passed away Thursday morning, July 2, 2015, at his home, following an extended illness.

He was born July 7, 1945, in Elkins. He was married to Brenda Kyle Kirkpatrick, who served the College in various capacities.

Kirkpatrick was a 1963 graduate of Elkins High School, was a member of the Army National Guard and retired from Davis & Elkins in 2014. He was a member of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church and the men of the church.

In Memoriam

| 35

By Nanci Bross-Fregonara

Dr. Brian Moudry, professor of mathematics and physics, is known for several things around campus: riding the motorcycle he has nicknamed Sandy, carrying the ceremonial mace as a faculty marshal and, of course, teaching math with a passion that can only be compared to a Big Ten coach.

Moudry, who received his B.S. from Loyola College and M.S. and Ph.D. in physics from the University of Nebraska, readily admits he has a tendency to see “Red” during football season but he is also one of D&E’s biggest cheerleaders.

What happened next?

I started to learn the craft of teaching. I never knew how much technique it takes to do this job. My biggest challenge was how do you channel that knowledge you have to a student’s level? There was a job listing here at D&E and I applied. Now I want my students to think, “He must love to do this.” I have that type of enthusiasm on tap. I want to share how interesting and fun it is to learn math and will give my all to those who want to travel the journey with me.

Photo by Sam Santilli

You have so many hats, motorcycle helmet, commencement regalia... but let’s start with your full-time occupation: teaching math and physics.

How did you end up being a math professor? That has to be one of the most difficult subjects to teach.

I really thought I wanted to do experimental atomic physics research and I enjoyed my graduate years. All of it! I loved being part of the Big Ten, loved Lincoln, loved the school and I loved physics. Afterward, though, I realized I didn’t want to be a lab rat at a post-doc position. I didn’t want to just do research. So I took a one-year position at Vermillion Community College in nearby Minnesota.

36 | Davis & Elkins College Forward

You also take the job of being Faculty Marshal very seriously as well.

I love our graduation ceremony and I’ll put ours up to anyone’s. My favorite part is when the students walk between the members of faculty and we clap and cry. I take great pride in representing our faculty and I relish this role. I do it with a twinkle in my eye. But I tell you, it takes a lot of work to lead 200 people in a straight line.

I know you also do a great deal of math tutoring for area students.

As you know, the U.S. has a bad reputation for teaching math, how do you get through to kids?

The first thing is understanding how vulnerable they are. It takes a lot for them to admit they don’t understand what’s going on in class. So the first thing I do is try to find out where the problem is and then build on it. It takes a great deal of confidence to do math. I love it when the kids say, “Holy Smokes! I’m doing it.” In any classroom, I see my job as empowering the student, not defeating them.

So often you will hear students, at any level, ask “why do I need math?” What is your response?

Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

with Brian Moudry

Math is very powerful. I will quit teaching the day a student says, “you know, I just know too much math.” I’m done. (Laughs).

But math can help you and make you more marketable and capable. You are able to be more productive in any career. Even a master mechanic needs the quantitative skills I can give students.

You also teach during the Upward Bound program, which is designed for first generation college bound students.

What is the attraction for you?

I know what it is like — I was the first member of my family to go to college. My father was a steel worker and I thought I would be a draftsman. But I took a calculus class in high school and loved it. I guess I identify with those students. I didn’t have a role model like some of them have in this program. So I’m glad to be one for them. All I ask of them is to work hard.

That seems like your mantra for your college teaching as well.

I love the opportunity to interact with the students. My favorite ones are those who have had to struggle. They are the ones who fight and succeed. I’m proud of all of them, they’ve earned something. I always say a bend in the road is only a problem if you don’t make the turn, so I have a great deal of respect for those who succeed. And when they graduate, it will be me, Brian Moudry, at the end of that gauntlet giving them the biggest handshake.

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