Forward - Fall 2016

FORWARD TH E MAGAZ I N E OF

Volume 61, No. 2 | Fall 2016

Q&A with D&E'S NEW PRESIDENT, CHRIS WOOD Page 2

LETTER from the PRESIDENT

“T Photo by Chris Young

his is a blessed place!” I first heard this phrase from one of our faculty members during my interviews for the presidency. Now with a few weeks on campus, I could not agree more. The beauty of the mountains is matched by the beautiful spirit of the students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and friends of the College. Lisa, Lacey, Lexi and I are thrilled to be a part of the D&E family!

New student orientation was one of the early highlights of my time at D&E. Centered around the theme of “The Journey is the Destination” we welcomed more than President Chris A. Wood with his family from left, Lisa, 260 new students to the D&E community. During the Lacey and Lexi. The puppies are appropriately named time-honored matriculation convocation, as our new Hallie and Henry. arrivals signed the book of matriculation, I handed each student an envelope with blank stationary. I asked them to return to their residence halls that evening and write a letter to their future selves. In the letter, they were to share their feelings as they began their college journey, and also share their hopes and dreams for their time at D&E. That letter was then sealed in an envelope and returned to me. I promised to hold on to each letter until the day when I return it to its author as I hand him or her a diploma with that letter included with it. In dramatic fashion, they will read in their own words, the transformation that has occurred in their lives while at D&E. They will realize that Davis & Elkins College is a blessed place!

As you read through this issue of “Forward” I trust you will be reminded again of the many people impacted

by D&E, and the many ways our lives are enriched by this College. I look forward to meeting alumni and hearing the stories of transformation that have occurred, and continue to occur, on this campus.

Finally, I want to share with the D&E community that the tradition of a weekly letter that President Smith began will be continuing. Each Thursday we will send out an electronic communication called “Reflecting Along the Journey” that will provide an opportunity for me to share the transformative stories of this college. I trust it will help to keep us all engaged with this blessed place.

Sincerely,

Chris A. Wood President FACEBOOK.COM/DAVISANDELKINS

TWITTER.COM/DAVISANDELKINS

FORWARD THE MAGAZINE OF

Editor: Nanci Bross-Fregonara Writers: Ben Dishong, Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Jamie Joss and Linda Howell Skidmore

Photographers: Sam Santilli, Nanci BrossFregonara, Paul W. Hendrix, Linda Howell Skidmore and Chris Young

in this

ISSUE

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

Donald M. Robbins William H. Sudbrink, ’59 Chris A. Wood

June B. Myles, Chair William W. Nuttall, ’70, Vice Chair David H. Morrison, ’79, Secretary Reginald Owens Sr., ’83, Treasurer Joyce B. Allen Mark S. Barber, ’75 James Bialek, ’74 Wendell M. Cramer, ’59 D. Drake Dowler, ’69 David A. Faris, M.D. Robert T. Gregory, ’59 Charles E. Hill Bruce Lee Kennedy, II, CFA James S. McDonnell, III William S. Moyer Eric J. Nilsen, ’82

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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A HOME AWAY FROM HOME: HOST FAMILY PROGRAM

BRINGING BACK the ICEHOUSE

ON THE COVER

President Chris A. Wood relaxes on the back porch of Halliehurst.

Photo by Chris Young

02 NEWS AROUND CAMPUS

23

Q&A with D&E's New President, Chris Wood A Roundup of Happenings on the Hill 07 FACULTY FOCUS

Stover Continuing Wellness Research with Equipment Grant Osborne Article Accepted for Publication 08 COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND

SENATOR NATION KICKS OFF!

10 FEATURES

New Morrison-Novakovic Center Designed to Explore Spirituality 18 GOOD WORKS! Students Lead Campaign to Send

Housekeeper to Italy

20 MAKING A DIFFERENCE The Importance of Giving Back

Cain Continues D&E Tradition Wilmoth Named Director of Development 22 ATHLETIC NEWS

Four Join Athletic Hall of Fame Gill Named to Lead Women's Soccer Spring Sports Wrap-Up 26 ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES Alumni Notes

Alumni Up-Close

12

POSTCARDS from CUBA

34 REMEMBERING 36 Q&A WITH SHARMI ROY 37 THROWBACK FORWARD

©2016 Davis & Elkins College

Fall 2016

Volume 61, No. 2

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NEWS AROUND CAMPUS Photos by Chris Young

By Nanci Bross-Fregonara On a bright, warm afternoon Communications and Marketing staff members Chris Young and Nanci Bross-Fregonara sat down with new Davis & Elkins College President Chris Wood in his Halliehurst office. It was only President Wood’s second official day, but it felt as if he had been a part of the College community for much longer.

NBF: Tell us about your background and connection to West Virginia.

Wood: I am a West Virginia native, born in Parkersburg, lived in Wheeling, and spent most of my childhood and youth in Huntington. I went to college in West Virginia, and worked in West Virginia for six years of my career. These six years were especially important because my children were young and their memories from those days with extended family were very formative.

So West Virginia is very much home, both for Lisa and me. Though our children lived out of state more than in the state, they still consider West Virginia home. My family goes back many generations in West Virginia.

The chance to come back home was certainly welcome.

As far as my background, I’m an ordained United Methodist pastor and spent several years in local congregations, primarily in Maryland including a new church I started outside of Washington, D.C. When did you begin transitioning into a different vocation?

2 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

“

A common theme runs through both my ministry in the church and my time with Mission West Virginia, as well as my work in higher education. That common theme is service to others. It's morphed a bit over time, but the theme is the same.

“

Q&A with D&E's New President, Chris Wood

The new church start that I was pastoring was so dynamic that it was frankly a little bit difficult for me to imagine leaving that congregation and going back to a more traditional setting. But then an opportunity presented itself when Governor Cecil Underwood, a family friend, was beginning an initiative [Mission West Virginia] to work with community- and faith-based organizations all across the state.

– Chris Wood

It seemed to me a natural extension from the local church where I was serving and where we were spending our time serving the community. This was a chance to come back and serve a much larger community, in this case across the state.

A common theme runs through both my ministry in the church and my time with Mission West Virginia, as well as my work in higher education. That common theme is service to others. It's morphed a bit over time, but the theme is the same. One of the skills that I discovered while I was pastoring the new church, as well as at Mission West Virginia, was

the ability to raise funds.

That seems like the natural segue into your next set of positions.

My brother, Jerry, who at the time was a college president (and also served at D&E as vice president of advancement), said to me, “You really ought to start thinking about higher education” because I've always had a great love for higher ed. So I began looking around a bit through some contacts and eventually found a position as vice president of Mount Olive College in North Carolina.

Through connections with Bill Johnston, who also used to be a vice president here at D&E and was serving as president of Wesley College in Delaware, I was invited to join Wesley as their Vice President for Advancement. They had a need to develop their advancement program and I was thrilled to come back to the mid-Atlantic region to a church-related institution. I spent almost seven and a half years at Wesley, and many positive accomplishments were achieved to strengthen the College.

As you prepare to greet new students coming to D&E, describe your own college experience?

First thing I would say is my college experience [at West Virginia Wesleyan] was a lot like the college experience offered at D&E in the sense that I went to a small, church-related, liberal arts private institution. That was very important to me and I think it’s very important for students who come here.

The other thing I would say about college was that I went in as a naïve, shy kid that had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I graduated from that institution with a sense of who I was and what path I would follow in life.

There were still many forks in the road to be decided later, but my alma mater empowered

higher education circles, all of that said to me that there is great potential in this institution. Obviously, there are challenges, as there are challenges in all schools in this day and age. But the potential far outweighs the challenges.

“

You had asked a question about vocation.

I ran across a source when I was attending seminary that talked about vocation. It said, " … vocation is that which brings meaning to one's life.” That quote has always stuck with me.

Some of us are very, very fortunate that our jobs and our vocations are the same things.

At the ice cream social on your first official day at D&E, you related a touching story about your father who had recently passed away.

My father had a tremendous influence on my life. One of the things that dad always did, and I’m going to do at D&E, is write a lot. I’d get cards from him and his ending after the signature was always, “The journey continues.”

“The Journey is the Destination” is the theme for this year’s orientation by the way.

That takes on new significance. One of the things that dad taught me was that it’s really not so much the destination, it’s the journey where you experience life. It’s on the journey where the surprising things happen, where you meet the unexpected person. It’s on the journey where somebody does that act of kindness that changes your life forever. You need to not only appreciate, but also savor the journey. I think that is a powerful life lesson, and if it’s the theme for our new student orientation that’s even better.

As I think about that young naïve me coming to college, I had no idea at the time how unbelievably rich the college journey was going to be for four years, and what a profound impact it would have on the rest of my life. D&E’s firstyear students have a tremendous gift ahead of them in the coming years.

One of the things that dad taught me was that it's really not so much the destination, it’s the journey where you experience life.

It’s on the journey where the surprising things happen, where you meet the unexpected person.

It’s on the journey where somebody does that act of kindness that changes your life forever. You need to not only appreciate, but also savor the journey.

– Chris Wood

“

me with a sense of direction and vocation.

D&E does the same with our students.

D&E is a unique institution of higher education. This college has the ability to transform (I love that word) the lives of our students through their educational experience. As I reflected on all of the above, it was an easy decision to throw my hat in the ring.

Our job now is to make the most of the time that they are on this campus. They will leave this campus and continue on the journey, but they have been impacted and they have been changed because of Davis & Elkins College.

When the call came asking if you would be interested in the presidency, what went through your mind?

As I look at my own life’s journey, it seems to be leading in a certain direction. All of those pieces I talked about earlier — working with people, impacting lives, social justice, a love of higher education, fundraising skills — all those elements aligned and pointed to this position.

Secondly, it was a private church-related liberal arts college that changed my life and can change others. Thirdly, the folks that I have known through D&E, including President Smith who I greatly admire and is revered in

And here you are now. What is your biggest challenge?

That’s actually a fairly easy question to answer.

For a small, private liberal arts college in the mountains of West Virginia, the biggest challenge clearly is enrollment. We’ve got to keep enrollment strong and growing. This goes hand-in-hand with keeping the financial picture strong. The College is in a much stronger financial position than it was, but that’s always a priority for any institution such as D&E. What are you looking forward to most?

The first thing that I’m looking forward to is meeting the students, our new students and returning students. Again, they are the focus of everything that we do. I can’t wait to sit down and talk with them about what brought them here, what their hopes and their dreams are for their time at D&E, and for their lives.

One of the things that I’m going to ask the new students to do during orientation is to write a letter to themselves. I want them to write to their future self about their hopes and their dreams for their time at Davis & Elkins. I’ll ask them to seal that letter in an envelope and give it to me. I’m going to keep it. Then, when I hand them their diploma in two years for the associates, or four years for those with bachelor’s degrees, it’s going to be included.

This is a place where hopes and dreams can be realized, so I think it’s important that we occasionally remind ourselves about the journey that we’re all on.

To watch a video clip of the interview in which President Wood answers “What would surprise readers the most about you?” –check out http://bit.ly/Forward16

Q&A with D&E's New President Chris Wood

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NEWS AROUND CAMPUS

Elise Cardot Chosen 2016 Newman Civic Fellow Brenda Harman, an instructor for the Augusta Heritage Center Appalachian Folklife Week, shows a participant how to make a hand-tied broom.

Augusta Expands Programming with Appalachian Folklife

By Linda Howell Skidmore The Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College returned to the roots of its programming this summer by adding a week that embraces and celebrates Appalachian crafts, storytelling and music. Held in conjunction with Irish Week, Appalachian Folklife Week proved so popular it’s on the agenda for summer 2017.

“The early years of Augusta focused deeply on Appalachian crafts and music.

Over the years, the Augusta program grew to embrace broader traditions.

Appalachian Folklife Week celebrates those first years,” said Beth King, Augusta Heritage Center director.

Classes included broom making, pottery, spinning, traditional music and storytelling.

Students left the week with a much deeper appreciation of the culture, people and traditions of Appalachia. Whether they took part in spinning or pottery, storytelling or music, they were thrilled to share in some of the early traditions that made Augusta what it is today.

For additional information on Augusta Heritage Center programming for fall 2016 and summer 2017, visit www.augustaheritagecenter.org, or call the Augusta office at 304-637-1209.

Photo by Andrew Carroll

By Linda Howell Skidmore

Davis & Elkins College junior Elise Cardot is among 218 students chosen to receive the 2016 Newman Civic Fellows Award from Campus Compact. The Boston-based nonprofit organization works to advance the public purposes of higher education.

An exercise science major, Cardot is the daughter of Rich and Aimee Cardot of Petersburg, W.Va. The award honors the late Dr. Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders and a tireless advocate for the civic engagement of higher education. Those chosen for the honor also will have taken action in pursuit of long-term positive social changes.

In fall 2015, Cardot was selected to attend the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge National Gathering at Howard University in Washington, D.C. When she returned, she led a successful campus-wide food drive which included educational components that challenged the community to consider why there are so many people in the greater region of Appalachia suffering from food insecurity.

“I was raised in a house of giving,” Cardot says. “My father taught me that self-satisfaction starts with service. After years of volunteering, giving and serving, I can say he was absolutely correct. My well-being begins with care for others. I do not give aid to the community for the sake of resumes or just to be seen as a ‘good Samaritan.’ I do all I can for my community because it deserves respect and care, and creating something better makes me better. I can never do enough for my community, but I can start by being present and willing.”

Cardot is also a founding member of Davis & Elkins’ Chapel Student Leadership Team, a student group which leads chapel services on campus every Sunday evening during the academic year under the guidance of Benfield-Vick Chaplain the Rev. Kevin Starcher.

“Faith is the root of my being, so to satisfy my need of service, and with those who also expressed interest, we began the process of creating a community on campus that would worship and serve together,” Cardot says.

The Newman Civic Fellows Award is generously supported by the KPMG Foundation and by Newman's Own Foundation.

Davis & Elkins College senior Jacob Currence of Beverly presents a workshop, “Puppets for all People,” to students attending the West Virginia State Thespians Festival. Davis & Elkins was selected as the host site for the 2016 festival and welcomed more than 500 middle and high school theatre teachers and their students. During the three-day event across campus, students competed for more than 30 prizes in various stage and technical categories, presented performances and displays, and attended workshops led by D&E students. The West Virginia Thespians is an Educational Theatre Association affiliate.

4 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

Photo by Paul W. Hendrix

D&E Hosts State Thespians Festival

D&E Alumna Provides Bench for Myles Ahead

By Linda Howell Skidmore

Davis & Elkins College alumna Ann Lockridge Cain has expressed her appreciation for the Myles Ahead Track in The McDonnell Center with two gifts.

During a recent reception, she presented a bench for walkers to have a place to store their belongings, and surprised Board of Trustees Chair June Myles with a flower arrangement.

“I thought it would be nice if we had a place to put our coats and sit down and change out of our boots or shoes,” says Cain who has been walking at the track for about three years.

At the reception, Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca, professor of health and physical education and assistant athletic director, displayed a

Folk Collection Going Digital

By Linda Howell Skidmore

Photo by Linda Howell Skidmore

A representative of the Northeast Document Conservation Center says that once all the rare Augusta recordings are digitized, the materials could become the cornerstone of the Davis & Elkins College Special Collections. Jessica Bitely made the assessment following a site

photo of Myles taking the inaugural run on the track and shared the history of the facility.

Established

by Myles in 2007, the 200-meter walking and jogging track provides a safe and comfortable place for students and the community to exercise regardless of the weather. There is also a social aspect to walking at the track, DeLuca says, adding that a core group meets there early every morning to complete their laps and enjoy friendship. Also recognized at the reception was Tom Rennix, head groundskeeper, who volunteered to stain and varnish the bench.

visit to campus this spring as part of a $5,994 National Endowment for the Humanities Preservation Assistance Grant awarded to the College in 2015.

Mark Lanham, coordinator of Special Collections at D&E, says the College had hoped to digitize the Augusta Collection for some time and Bitely’s advice helped move the project to the forefront.

Lanham and Assistant Director of Booth Library Mary Jo DeJoice make up the Special Collections Project Team, working together to preserve and display the items as well as coordinate accessibility to students, scholars and the public.

A room in Myles Center for the Arts now houses a studio for converting the Augusta Collection into a digital format.

Sophomore Dakota Peak reviews an Augusta concert video as part of his summer internship working with audio and video technology at Davis & Elkins College.

Photo by Linda Howell Skidmore

Attending the reception are, from left, seated, Bella, DeLuca, Myles and Cain; standing, Rennix, Becky O’Brien, Isabelle Swecker, Robert Swecker, Steve Larkin, Corina Belan, Office Manager for Athletic and Sport Science Departments Laurie Chestnut, Executive Assistant to the President Robin Price, Vice President for Enrollment Management Sandy Neel, former Vice President for Development Carol Schuler, Executive Vice President and Provost Wally Neel and Enrollment Coordinator and Veterans Liaison Officer Debbie Larkin.

The Augusta Collection of Folk Culture, consisting of field recordings, oral histories, photographs and historical concert tapes, was recently moved to Myles Center for the Arts.

Eric Armstrong, assistant to the vice president for student affairs, will lead the technical end of digitizing the recordings, while Brittany Hicks, assistant director of Augusta Heritage Center, will be in charge of organizational storage. The recordings will be available online in the future.

In addition to the Augusta Collection, Davis & Elkins College’s Special Collections consists of a large and diverse assortment of materials relevant to the cultural and natural history of Appalachia and the local area. Notable collections housed within Booth Library include the Jim and Ola Comstock Collection and Davis & Elkins College Archives.

Bitely assessed those items as well and made suggestions for artifact preservation, and improved and consolidated display space. The Special Collections Project Team is working to implement many of Bitely’s ideas.

“For example, we’re currently in the process of redesigning some of the displays in The Stirrup Gallery to include more signage explaining each artifact,” Lanham says. “This will give visitors a greater depth of understanding of the artifacts’ functions.”

News Around Campus

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NEWS AROUND CAMPUS

Campus Goes More Green

By Linda Howell Skidmore Members of GreenWorks! don’t get concerned when the weather forecast calls for more clouds than sun. The solar panels they have installed throughout the Davis & Elkins College campus still generate energy – enough, in fact, to power two medium-sized homes for a year.

This spring, the student organization completed its third solar project by installing 30 panels on the roof of Myles Center for the Arts, just above Harper-McNeeley Auditorium.

“This (location) was a natural choice because it’s south facing,” explains Tom Fletcher, a 2016 graduate with degrees in sustainability studies and biology and environmental science who served as GreenWorks! president in his senior year. “Also, it’s a nice big space and the panels blend well with the aesthetics.”

The solar project, a third for the club, brings to total 43 solar panels with the capacity of generating 11.8 kilowatt hours. It also builds on the college’s claim of hosting the largest solar installation of any residential college in West Virginia. In 2014, the group installed 12 solar panels at Eshleman Science Center and the off-grid gazebo lighting was completed in 2011.

Not only did the students initiate the projects, they installed the panels themselves under the

guidance of Matt Sherald, owner of Power in My Backyard, located in Thomas, W.Va., and learned along the way.

“The business aspect and installation were much easier this time,” says Brittany Bolinger, an environmental science and sustainability studies major who will serve as the GreenWorks! president in the 2016-2017 academic year. “We already had a game plan and most of the students had been involved with the project last time.”

Part of that game plan included securing funding. While the club had some of its own money to contribute, it also received support from Student Assembly, the Center for Sustainability Studies and the student honorary Chi Beta Phi. The Return on Investment for the project is within 15 years.

The College will benefit from the energy savings and Guilherme Condolo Hubsch hopes the projects serve as an example for others in West Virginia considering solar power.

Tom Fletcher, Owen Peet, Brittany Bolinger and Trisha Higgins, all members of the student club GreenWorks!, install solar panels on the roof of Myles Center for the Arts.

Photo by Paul W. Hendrix

“Solar energy is possible in West Virginia,” says Condolo Hubsch, a 2016 graduate with degrees in mathematics, economics and finance and former GreenWorks! officer.

“Germany is the country that makes the most use of solar energy and they have about the same amount of sunlight as West Virginia.”

The system utilizes a data logger to record electric production and communicates it to the Internet wirelessly. View the progress at https:// enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/ public/systems/4wTC915890

D&E Enters Articulation Agreement

Under the recently signed articulation agreement, students who have successfully completed two-year programs in management, accounting, English and history at Eastern can apply those credits at Davis & Elkins and begin working toward their bachelor’s degree.

while D&E provides more depth in the major and a variety of general education courses to enhance students’ ability to connect and link concepts in a holistic manner.”

By Linda Howell Skidmore

“This articulation agreement provides a smooth transition from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree in just two years,” said Dr. Wallace Neel, executive vice president and provost at Davis & Elkins. “This agreement is a win-win for all concerned. Eastern provides solid foundations in the academic disciplines

“Arrangements between two-year and fouryear institutions will continue to become more popular as costs of higher education continue to rise,” Neel said. “We look forward with anticipation to this association.”

Davis & Elkins College and Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College (Eastern) in Moorefield have entered a partnership that opens new opportunities for students at the two-year college to earn their bachelor’s degree at Davis & Elkins.

6 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

Davis & Elkins plans to work with other community colleges to offer similar opportunities for graduates.

FACULTY FOCUS cardiovascular function,” Stover says.

Antioxidants, both those produced naturally in the body and found in foods, are molecules capable of inhibiting the oxidation – or deterioration – of cell structure.

If too much free radical oxygen accumulates, the body experiences oxidative stress. Chronic oxidative stress can damage cell membranes, proteins and even DNA.

Photo by Chris Young

Over a three-month period, volunteers will be asked to maintain a consistent diet and exercise program. As in the previous studies, the volunteers will also provide monthly saliva samples which Stover will use to perform enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to determine the concentrations of proteins associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.

Professor Garners INBRE Grant

By Linda Howell Skidmore Dr. Shawn Stover, professor of biology, and a team of students and alumni are continuing research into how exercise affects overall wellness in humans. Stover recently received a $22,240 WV-INBRE Equipment Grant to help them measure the results.

In 2013 and 2015, Stover and his team published research in The Journal of Exercise

Osborne Article Accepted for Publication

By Linda Howell Skidmore An article by Dr. Katherine Osborne, assistant professor of English, has been accepted for publication in Victorian Literature and Culture, a journal of literary criticism published by Cambridge University Press.

Physiology Online that demonstrated an increase in antioxidant production in response to moderate exercise. For the study slated to begin this fall, they’re looking at what effects diet, in conjunction with exercise, has on oxidative stress and inflammation.

With the grant money Stover purchased a SpectraMax microplate reader which will allow him to conduct oxidative stress assays, including the detection of antioxidants and inflammation markers in tissue samples.

“Ultimately, we want to determine if there are specific exercise protocols, dietary regimens, or combinations of the two, that might promote a decrease in both oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to improved

Osborne’s article, “His and Hers: Gendered Ownership and Victorian Marriage in Dombey and Son and Lady Audley’s Secret,” examines how inanimate objects affect social relationships as portrayed in Victorian literature.

The article is a revised version of one chapter of Osborne’s dissertation presented for her Ph.D. in English at the University of Kentucky. In the current work, Osborne expands on the analysis

“We will add antibodies matching the proteins of interest to the saliva samples,” Stover explains.

“If the proteins are present, there will be a colorinducing reaction that will be recorded and quantified by the plate reader.”

Working with Stover on the project are senior biology majors Colton Allen and Brandon Sellers and Carl Bolyard ’12, a Davis Medical Center emergency department nurse.

Stover says that depending on the number of volunteers, the study could take one or two years to complete.

of the novels’ storylines and addresses how women’s relationships with objects function as catalysts for male characters’ psychological development.

Osborne recently incorporated some of her research into her 19th century British literature class by asking students to analyze the characters’ relationships in “Lady Audley’s Secret” and gain an understanding of what those relationships reveal about social patterns in the Victorian era more generally.

“It’s exciting to see students think about these topics I’ve been turning over in my mind for a decade, and to see their new insights,” Osborne says.

Faculty Focus

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COMMENCEMENT

A TIME to CELEBRATE: Commencement 2016

Davis & Elkins College alumna Cynthia “Cindy” Stinger, ’81, has traveled throughout the world during her career with the U.S. Olympics, yet she says none of her accomplishments were ever achieved alone and no matter what obstacles she encountered, she always remained positive.

That outlook on life, along with her motto of being kind, fair and true, was the guiding advice she offered to the Class of 2016.

The manager of alumni relations for the United States Olympic Committee, Stinger was a member of the U.S. Olympic women’s handball team in 1984, 1988 and 1992.

She also earned multiple top achievements including United States Pan American Team – Women’s Team Handball Gold Medal in 1987, Pan American Games Team Handball Most Valuable Player in 1987 and USA Team Handball Athlete of the Year in 1978, 1982, 1983 and 1987.

In her address, titled “From Elkins to Olympia – Life Lessons from My Yellow Brick Road,” 8 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

Stinger made references to the “Wizard of Oz” and encouraged the students to seek the help of others in their path through life.

“Dorothy formed a team to get to the Emerald City. As you begin your journey, form a team to help you get there,” Stinger advised the graduates. “Have a reality team where you get to make the rules.”

Along the way, carry a positive attitude, Stinger advised, because positive rules the day, week and lifetime.

“

Dorothy formed a team to get to the Emerald City. As you begin your journey, form a team to help you get there. Have a reality team where you get to make the rules.

– Cynthia "Cindy" Stinger

“

By Linda Howell Skidmore

“A positive attitude is like a gift that keeps on giving,” Stinger noted, explaining that we each have freedom to choose our response to how we deal with any challenge.

During the ceremony, Stinger received the honorary Doctor of Liberal Arts degree, while Baccalaureate speaker Lou Radja received the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

In his address, Radja, an international humanitarian and co-founder and executive director of EduCongo, reminded students that success is always achieved with the help of others.

For success in meeting life’s challenges, Radja offered five key points: Be grateful for what you have; embrace your “why,” your passion for doing what you do; realize that change is necessary and create a contrast between what is and what could be; don’t do it alone; and adopt the concept of “umbuntu,” a Zulu word that speaks to the essence of being human – I am because we are; we win or lose together.

May 21 was a day of celebration. Clockwise from top left, humanitarian Lou Radja delivers the Baccalaureate address; a student shares a mortar board message; members of the Class of 2016 take their final walk as students; valedictorian Guilherme Condolo Hubsch is congratulated by his father, sister and mother; the West Virginia Highlanders of Davis & Elkins College lead the Commencement procession; Owen Peet, Samantha Helman and Tom Fletcher capture a memory after the Commencement Ceremony and alumna Cindy Stinger, ’81, delivers the Commencement Address.

Photo by Chris Young

Photos by Sam Santilli. Bottom right photo by Chris Young.

Commencement

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FEATURE

By Linda Howell Skidmore

For generations of D&E students, The Icehouse has served the Davis & Elkins campus community and visitors alike as a unique entertainment venue. So when the round, three-story historic structure was in need of repair, there was no shortage of people – especially students – who came to the rescue.

Much was accomplished this spring when the D&E International Student Organization (ISO) initiated the renovation project and coordinated work through the Maintenance Department.

Students were quick to volunteer their help, Bienias says, and in late March took shovels in hand to dig out around the foundation in preparation of the new drainage system.

Their work didn’t stop there. Between classes,

Photo by Linda Howell Skidmore

BRINGING BACK the ICEHOUSE The Icehouse project brought together students from various organizations to work toward one common goal.

From left are Mary Jane Braham, Guilherme Condolo Hubsch, Kyle Seago, Haley Lloyd, Trevor Wratchford, Christopher Scholz, Will Baxa and Olie Bienias.

in the evenings and on weekends, they scrubbed floors, cleaned the kitchen, installed new lighting and painted walls. Before the semester was out, the ISO even hosted a couple of theme parties in The Icehouse.

“The Icehouse is a special kind of venue and a lot of good memories have been written there,” said Oliver Bienias, a 2016 graduate who served as ISO president in his senior year.

“In my freshman and sophomore years, it was where students would go every weekend.”

Seeking a solution, Bienias and the ISO conferred with the Maintenance Department and learned that the installation of drains could potentially alleviate the problem.

Shoveling soil from the base of the building in preparation for drain installation are, clockwise from left, Chris Scholz, Alex Cheuvront, Trevor Wratchford, Guilherme Hubsch and Olie Bienias.

10 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

But in the past two years, The Icehouse opened its door only sporadically. Rain water was seeping into the lower level.

Employees with Hubbard Family Construction of Franklin, W.Va., prepare the front entrance of The Icehouse for a new sidewalk.

ICEHOUSE DONORS

lights. The NAC donated part of their “pass the hat” funds to the project, and when Director of Development Karen Wilmoth, ’83, asked the Rotary Club of Elkins for support, members agreed to contribute two months of their “tin cup” money collected at each meeting.

Oliver A. Bienias

“So many people helped in one way or another: alumni, trustees, students, parents, faculty, staff, businesses and community service organizations,” Wilmoth said.

“

“

When I first came to D&E, we were told about 'giving back.' I can't give money right now, but this is how I can give back. I can get involved.

– Oliver Bienias

“This is bringing all the organizations together to work on one thing,” Bienias said. “When I first came to D&E, we were told about ‘giving back’. I can’t give money right now, but this is how I can give back. I can get involved.”

The students’ work spurred others to jump on board. They raised $1,870 for supplies and fixtures such as paint, flooring, a sink and Students Kyle Seago,left, and Olie Bienias clean the serving counter.

The College has done its part as well, paying for work on the exterior. This summer contractors were busy replacing walkways and creating a new ramp access, rebuilding steps incorporated with flagstone, and installing handrails and siding.

The combination of hard work, dedication and funding isn’t the end of the story. A new student organization – The Icehouse Club – has been formed to help the maintenance and housekeeping departments with general upkeep in and around the building. The club also will serve as the contact for any organization wanting to schedule an event in The Icehouse and making sure those groups are accountable for cleaning up afterward. Wendy Morgan, ’12, director of alumni engagement and support, serves as adviser.

Mr. & Mrs. John Crile Allen David A. Blaszczak Mary Jane Braham John Certo Jr. Laura Constantine Harvey and Susie Cross Mr. and Mrs. George Faris Christopher C. Ferzoco Mr. and Mrs. Dean J. Fragale Innovative Investments: Clifford E. Marstiller and Voras K. Haynes, Jr. Beverly A. Kaufman Mr. and Mrs. Steve Larkin Melissa H. Luce Michelle Mabry Mary A. Macioce Alliene J. Maples Mr. and Mrs. Chad McCoy Scott K. McLean Mr. and Mrs. Dwain Morgan Dr. and Mrs. Wallace Neel

Those wishing to contribute to The Icehouse Renovation Project may contribute online at www.dewv.edu/ giveonline and select ‘The Icehouse’ designation for their gift. For additional information, call Karen Wilmoth at 304-637-1374 or email wilmothk@dewv.edu.

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Olwell Mr. and Mrs. Bill O'Neal Mr. and Mrs. Darrin O'Neal Mr. and Mrs. Ali Othman Michael A. Potts Robin Camp Rector Maribeth Robenolt Nicole Rose Joni and Buck Smith Marcella Stevens James D. Wells Jessica D. Williams

Photo by Linda Howell Skidmore

Karen L. Wilmoth Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. Zahn *Gifts received October 2014 thru June 2016

Bringing Back the Icehouse

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FEATURE

12 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

By Linda Howell Skidmore

Ten Davis & Elkins College students and their professor left behind the mountains of West Virginia during Winter Term, traveling to the Republic of Cuba a little less than a year after relations between the United States and Cuba were restored.

The excursion, which earned them credits in environmental science, biology or sustainability studies, took students to agricultural centers in Viñales Valley, rain forests, historic sites and tiny villages.

Agriculture practices differed from those in the United States in that the older, rather than younger, generations subscribed to organic farming, largely due to a lack of chemicals from years of economic hardship. The students discovered trees were used as natural fencing, and shade cloth protected crops from the harsh sun.

They also learned Cuban history from their tour guides, customs from their host families and even found common interests to break the language barrier.

The images of Cuba were memorable. Clockwise from top left, D&E students Sierra Carney and Brittany Bolinger with their host (Owen Peet); Forrest Williamson shares a political conversation with a Cuban native (Julia Tenney); a woman in traditional Cuban dress (Diana Ross); a farmer in Viñales rolls a cigar (Julia Tenney); the group visits an organic farm (Russ McClain); Ministry of the Interior in Havana, with Forrest Williamson relaxing in foreground (Julia Tenney); Kora White dancing in a conga line at the Korimakao Arts Community (Julia Tenney); a rainy street in Havana (Russ McClain); the group sitting on the stairs in Trinidad’s city square (Carlos Hernandez); and center, Havana and its historic cars (Russ McClain).

“The father in the family I was staying with had played for a local baseball team,” says Forrest Williamson, a pitcher for the Senators. “I gave him a D&E hat, he taught me how to roll cigars, and we sat up late and talked baseball.”

Owen Peet, a 2016 graduate with a degree in sustainability studies, found the town of Viñales to be inviting, one where everyone kept the doors to their homes swung open and residents visited freely.

“I’ve never seen that kind of mingling,” he said. “Nobody was in cars. Everybody was walking.”

When locals learned the group was American, students were treated with celebrity status.

“They were videotaping and taking pictures of us as much as we were of them,” says Russ McClain, director of D&E’s Center for Sustainability Studies who led the students on the excursion.

Postcards From Cuba

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Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

Thomas Minney and his host son Ross Stewart from Northern Ireland enjoy an evening at Minney’s Elkins home.

A Home Away From Home Host Family Program

By Nanci Bross-Fregonara Five years ago, Elkins resident Thomas Minney met who he now affectionately calls his third son. Enter Branko Dugalic, a 19-year-old student from Serbia who was coming to play soccer at D&E. Having grown up in Belgrade, Dugalic did not know what he was getting himself into coming to Elkins and it was a bit daunting. For Minney, a West Virginia native who has been fortunate to not only study abroad but also work overseas, joining the College’s Host Family Program provided an international connection that he missed living in Elkins.

“I had lunch with Lowe [Del Aviles, director of international student services] to ask what I could do to help international students and she told me about the Host Family Program,” Minney said. “For me, it was a great opportunity for my two sons to experience a different culture.”

Although Dugalic has now graduated and left Elkins, Minney says he still talks to him almost daily, and he remains part of the family …

14 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

laughing that he sometimes receives more texts from him than his sons.

Enter Ross Stewart, a senior soccer player from Belfast, Northern Ireland and Minney’s second host son. “When I started applying for international visas, Lowe told me about the Host Family Program and that really put my mum at ease,” said Stewart. “I was the first one in my family to go abroad.”

The Host Family program matches up local families, including some D&E staff, with international students. This allows the students and their families back home to know they have someone here to help—whether with rides to Wal-Mart, occasional Sunday suppers, trips to ball games or just being available if there is some type of emergency.

“We are so thankful for all the people who participate in this program,” Aviles said.

“Sometimes the commitment is only a weekly meal, other times rides to the airport. But whatever the level, it is a comfort for them to know there is someone here who cares.”

“Everyone was nervous about my coming to America,” Stewart said. “Thomas was here whenever I needed a hand. He made me feel welcome as soon as I arrived.”

“The program definitely helps with retention and curbing homesickness,” says Aviles, adding that some students can’t afford the high airfare costs to go home during breaks or they just

want to learn more about American life. The program currently has 30 students matched with 18 families.

“We are always looking for more families,” she said. “The commitment can be whatever the host family wishes,” she says. “The important part is making a connection.”

For Minney, he jokes about how much more soccer he has watched since participating in the program.

“I never went to any D&E games before and now I try to go to them all. I like it though.

Having a global family and a connection to a local college is important to me. You get to be a father-slash-friend to these guys.”

Stewart appreciates the Minney family as well and adds that for many of the international athletes, it means a great deal to have host families come out to the games and provide support.

“I love the family meals -- that’s when you have that piece of home, if only for one night. And,” he says with a smile, “for me it is nice to have a wee bit of family to watch soccer with.”

For more information about the Host Family Program, contact Lowe Del Aviles at avilesl@dewv.edu or call 304-6371311. A brochure about the program is available at www.dewv.edu/de-info/ volunteer.

New Center Designed to Explore Spirituality

By Linda Howell Skidmore Eight Davis & Elkins College students selected as the first group of residents of the new Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy are about to embark on a journey of spirituality and intellectual exploration that will take them beyond the realm of the classroom experience.

The Center, located in the three-story house adjacent to the Gatehouse, will provide an open space where students, faculty, visiting scholars and others can explore issues of faith, and social and public policy. Programming will develop around five broad themes: faith

traditions, public policy, ethics, sustainability and service.

The College was able to acquire the property through the generosity of Board of Trustees Chair June Myles. Extensive renovations were made to the house over the summer, thanks to trustee and alumnus David Morrison, ’79, along with his wife, Phebe Novakovic, who agreed to underwrite the structure’s rehabilitation.

Renovations have included fresh paint, refinished hardwood floors, and a new roof, windows and patio area. The garage was converted into an office space. Landscaping will complete the look. The first floor will provide a home for the Center’s program – with a living room/lounge, seminar/dining room, library and kitchen. The second floor will provide living space for six upper-class women students, while the space over the garage can accommodate two upper-class men.

What’s going to happen inside the Center is creating even more excitement for Morrison,

“

The first group of residents at the new Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy at Davis & Elkins College are, from left, front row, Sierra Carney, Elise Cardot, Brittany Bolinger and Dakota Peak; back row, Director of the Morrison-Novakovic Center, Dr. Bryan Wagoner, Shirley Fox, Mackinzie Smith and Emily Coffman. Not pictured is Thabo Madzimure.

I like the idea of being part of the beginning of a new era on campus and of being able to talk about the big ideas that are beyond what we learn in class.

“

Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

FEATURE

– Mackinzie Smith

Novakovic and the students.

“It is timely in many ways to engage students in faith and public policy,” Morrison said.

Morrison and Novakovic hope to share not only their interests in faith and public policy, but also provide students with practical experience. Both have had extensive careers in high level government and private industry, and are members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). A retired corporate vice president, federal legislative affairs and government operations for Boeing Corporation, Morrison

New Morrison-Novakovic Center Designed to Explore Spirituality

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FEATURE

“Hopefully we can spend some time talking with them (the students) and give them some ideas on how Davis & Elkins College students can actually have an impact on this world,” Morrison said.

“I am thrilled to have a center such as this on the Davis & Elkins College campus that allows students to explore their spirituality while at the same time exploring the world in which they live and the ways their beliefs effect it,” said D&E President Chris Wood. “We are very grateful to David Morrison and Phebe Novakovic for their support and vision.”

Students selected as residents of the MorrisonNovakovic Center are: senior Brittany Bolinger, junior Elise Cardot, senior Sierra Carney, senior Emily Coffman, junior Shirley Fox, junior Mackinzie Smith, sophomore Thabo Madzimure and sophomore Dakota Peak. Each brings a diversity of interest.

Bolinger plans to share her academic experiences and hopes to teach others how to integrate sustainability practices including recycling, composting and gardening.

“I want to show them ways to live in a house without using more resources than you need,” Bolinger said.

Cardot says she thinks the Center will provide great opportunities for people to come together and she’s looking forward to sharing views with others.

“I like the deep conversations, and I’m really excited to bring a different perspective, listen to others and collaborate on ideas,” she said.

Carney sees the Center as an opportunity to expand both her education and perspective on life.

Coffman realizes the responsibilities of being a part of the inaugural group at the Center and is interested in participating in all discussions.

“We get to be the ones to define the

Photo by Chris Young

“My thesis is focused around how religion/faith interacts with how people view major institutions such as politics, marriage, education, etc., and it will be interesting to see what our speakers and guests have to say on this topic,” Carney said.

16 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

“

I see this as a center of excellence with Bryan Wagoner and President Wood at the helm. It has the potential of drawing attention to what the College is doing in the way of excellence.

– David Morrison

“

recently earned a Master of Divinity degree and is pursuing a Ph.D. in theology. Novakovic is chairman and chief executive officer of General Dynamics Corporation, and as of 2014 is listed as the 56th most powerful woman in the world

by Forbes.

Center, be part of a new direction and what frames this new ideology,” Coffman said.

Fox is looking forward to bringing a positive presence and having fun while learning.

“I love having conversations with people, getting out of my comfort zone and doing something new and fun,” Fox said.

Smith hopes programs at the Center will enhance her learning experience and help her make professional connections.

“I like the idea of being part of the beginning of a new era on campus and of being able to talk about the big ideas that are beyond what we learn in class,” she said.

Madzimure is interested in participating in discussions and programs that raise awareness of various social issues.

Taking a short tour of the Morrison-Novakovic Center as renovations were nearing completion were, from left, President Chris Wood, Dr. Bryan Wagoner, Thabo Madzimure, Shirley Fox and David Morrison, ’79.

“As a society we stand on each other’s shoulders, so what affects me has an effect on my neighbor,” Madzimure said.

Peak wants to share his background in music and interest in politics with the group.

“I like how we can bring together ideas for debate,” Peak said.

The resident students will assist with the Center's programming, including conferences and visiting speakers, under the guidance of Dr. Bryan Wagoner, assistant professor of philosophy and religious studies, who will serve as director of the center, and Benefield-Vick Chaplain the Rev. Kevin Starcher.

“The goal of this house is not to be something private on the periphery of the community, but rather an integral place where we bring together all the good things that are already happening on campus,” Wagoner said. “The students who were selected are a great reflection of students concerned with ‘big ideas,’ a notion coined by the donors. We hope to bring the strengths of all students together for the benefit of the entire campus.”

Morrison said he hopes the Center will stand as a symbol to the campus and beyond as a place where people can feel comfortable having conversations about public policy, religion ethics and faith in an academic and respectful manner.

“I see this as a center of excellence with Wagoner and President Wood at the helm,” Morrison said. “It has the potential of drawing attention to what the College is doing in the way of excellence.”

TAKING THE LEAD The first group of students selected as residents of the Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy represent a diversity of interests and fields of study.

Brittany Bolinger Major: Environmental science and sustainability studies Hometown: Vienna, W.Va. Activities: GreenWorks! president Elise Cardot Major: Exercise science Hometown: Petersburg, W.Va. Activities: Student Assembly vice president, chapel leadership and women’s lacrosse

Emily Coffman Major: Political science, and religion and philosophy Hometown: Elkins Activities: Calliduz Debate Team, Polis president, Student Assembly secretary Shirley Fox Major: Psychology and human services Hometown: Elkins Activities: Theatre, Young Life leader Mackinzie Smith Major: Biology Hometown: Renick, W.Va. Activities: Worship service leader, Davis & Elkins College Concert Choir, and Senator cross country, track and tennis

Davis & Elkins College Athletic Department and the Friends of Senator Soccer held the "Light the Field" dedication for Nuttall Field this spring as part of the kickoff to Senator Nation Weekend.

A drone view of the Light the Field ceremony held at Nuttall Field.

Many soccer alumni, as part of the Friends of Senator Soccer community, joined with 2016 D&E Hall of Fame inductee Michael Grayson and the committee of alumni and friends to celebrate the completion of the second phase of work at Nuttall Field.

“Students and campus community spectators were able to experience their first night soccer game this fall with an exhibition game against Salem International,” said Jamie Joss, director of athletics. “There is just something about a night contest that just raises the level of excitement for both the student-athletes, coaches and fans. It was evident by the soccer chants of the crowd, and flags from several of the countries our men’s soccer student-athletes represent.”

The Light the Field committee was co-chaired by Bill Nuttall, '71, and Charlie Straw, '70, in an effort to raise funds for lights and other amenities that now are a part of the facility that is the home for the men's and women's soccer programs, as well as the men's and women's lacrosse programs.

The upgrade of the facility includes lights to allow for night competition, which the Friends of Senator Soccer officially put into use with the annual alumni game that resulted in

Photo by Chris Young

Thabo Madzimure Major: Biology and chemistry Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa, and Kerens, W.Va. Activities: Calliduz Debate Team Dakota Peak Major: Political science Hometown: Berkley Springs, W.Va. Activities: Appalachian Music and Dance Club

Photo by Robert Peak Design

Sierra Carney Major: English and political science Hometown: Charleston, W.Va. Activities: Calliduz Debate Team secretary, Polis vice president

Lights Turned On at Nuttall Field bragging rights to the Greyhound cup trophy.

“Even before my arrival I was involved in the Light the Field calls and I can sincerely say I have not been associated with such a committed group of staff, alumni and friends of a College to bettering the student-athlete experience,” Joss added. “The light installation and fencing were completed in late spring, but we have continued with additional upgrades to the facility over the summer with the installation of a new Daktronics scoreboard that is five times the size of our previous scoreboard. In addition, our development office completed the installation of a boulder and plaque honoring all of those who contributed to the completion of Nuttall Field.”

For more information, contact Jamie Joss, 304-637-1342, or email jossj@dewv.edu.

Lights Turned On at Nuttall Field

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Photo by Julia Tenney

GOOD WORKS!

Students Lead Campaign to Send Housekeeper to Italy

By Katelynn Hanek Eight years ago, when Assistant Professor of Art Michael Doig first began teaching at Davis & Elkins College, he would sit down each day to have lunch with Marie Brady, a housekeeper in the Myles Center of the Arts.

“I would talk about art and she would talk about her home country Italy. This happened pretty much every day.”

So when he decided to lead a spring break trip to Italy last semester, he made it a goal to take her

– Julia Tenney

“

“

We knew this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for her. It brought me a great deal of happiness knowing I helped fulfill one of her wishes.

18 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

with the group. “It took two years of fundraising, but with the help of students and faculty we were able to raise enough money to finally make it happen,” Doig said.

Then senior Julia Tenney was active in leading the fundraising campaign which included everything from loose change to raffles.

“We knew this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for her,” Tenney said. “It brought me a great a deal of happiness knowing I helped fulfill one of her wishes and to know there were so many others willing to support the effort. It was something we all cared about.”

Nicola Merriman, a current senior who has been fortunate to travel abroad, said many students are appreciative of all the time and care Marie takes to keeping the Art Department facilities clean — which is no small task.

Marie Brady poses in Rome.

Doig explains that when he and students decide where to go on spring break, he considers the location of significant works of art. He loves exploring the home countries of artists his students study in class because it allows them the opportunity to experience the centers of the art world.

“I feel strongly that seeing a cathedral and things of that nature is a much more amazing and holistic experience than just reading about them: Feeling the breeze, smelling the air, hearing the people talking and the bells ringing, the arch of the sun changing the light in the windows, these are experiences I believe all students deserve to have. I was moved that our students cared so much about wanting to share their experiences with others.”

“She is down there all the time,” she said. “This was a way for us to give back to her.”

For Brady, the trip had special significance since her family emigrated from Italy and she had never visited the country.

“I don’t know how to put it into words. I had never experienced anything like it before. I’m so grateful to the people that made it happen. If I could go up and thank every person that made this most memorable trip possible, I would.”

The trip covered visits to sites of both historic and artistic significance including Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s David, Florence Cathedral and Pompeii.

Marie with students Nicola Merriman, center, and Julia Tenney.

Don't miss your chance to

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#DEGivingDay

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October 15th is our 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 gift, no matter the amount, will play a part in building a sturdy, secure future for generations of Senators to come. But wait, there’s more! Every gift received from now until July 30, 2018, will be doubled thanks to the McDonnell Challenge to Secure the Future of Davis & Elkins College. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Join us on 10.15.16 and make a gift to support Davis & Elkins College and its students. There’s no limit to what we can achieve when the entire D&E community comes together!

You can, of course, send your gift now in the attached envelope or make a gift online at www.dewv.edu/giveonline. Every gift received from now until October 15 will be counted in the total for the amazing effort.

Call (304) 637-1374 for more information on how you can support Davis & Elkins College.

Check out the social media postings during Giving Day and be a part of it!

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Importance of Giving Back

By Nanci Bross-Fregonara Peter Ullman, ’49, knows what hardship is. In 1936, at the young age of 11, he and his family fled Nazi Germany. As Jews, the Ullmans felt threatened by Adolph Hitler’s rise to power and had to make the difficult decision to leave Berlin and immigrate to the United States. They had to leave everything and everyone they were connected to. The transition proved to be difficult and Peter’s parents committed suicide within about five years of their arrival.

In spite of that loss, Ullman finished high school at a Connecticut boarding school, where he had enjoyed radio repairing and theatre technical design. Surprisingly, his guardian found Davis & Elkins College through a college information service and recommended that he attend. Ullman wrote on his college application that he believed “one cannot be a good citizen in this world without the proper education and social training.”

“It’s hard to imagine, but I came on a train to the College and found the school very accommodating,” he says with his soft German accent. “I made special friends and the instructors were extremely helpful. I truly believe that for some of us, small colleges can be better than large colleges.”

He thrived under the guidance of Dr. Charles Albert, noted professor of engineering, and recalls that his lessons were critical and the friendships invaluable. Ullman met the love of his life on campus, a young former Navy WAVE Margaret Rice from Elmira, New York and were married three months later.

“I became a male war bride,” he says, laughing.

“Margaret and I have been married 69 years and it all started when I tried to help her with math.”

1945 D&E College application photo of Peter Ullman and 1946 application photo of Margaret Rice.

His math and engineering coursework took him a long way. After graduating magna cum laude, Ullman went to work for some big names in business and engineering: Bell Aircraft, HewlettPackard and Fairchild Semiconductor. In 1987, and close to retirement, he decided he wanted to make a difference. He approached a California women’s correctional facility about the possibility of teaching electronic assembly. However, corrections officials nixed that idea suggesting tools could too easily be used as weapons. Therefore, Ullman came up with another plan; What if I could help these inmates improve their lives?

For the past 30 years, he has done just that. One day a week Ullman goes to a jail in the San Mateo area helping female inmates on their job search skills and on another day, he helps at a drug and alcohol rehab program.

“I think I have helped write over 800 resumes and JIST cards or mini-resumes the size of a business card,” he says. “We work on mock interviews and budgets. I try to make them realize that every person has skills. That’s so important. Sometimes they think that if they haven’t had a job before, they have nothing. ” Most of the inmates Ullman works with have drug and alcohol problems. “I feel that as a group, these people should not be criminalized; we should not be making their lives even more difficult. Maybe it is because I had a hard time growing up I can be more sympathetic. Sometimes the problems start with how they are brought up — not having a good family life.”

Ullman cares deeply about the inmates being successful. When they go to court, he provides the judges with their resumes and has them practice being confident and honest.

“I tell them that they have to let an employer know what happened in their lives. They should say, ‘don’t hold it against me,’” he said. “They should seek solace.”

20 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

Jodi Marks an inmate at San Mateo County Women's Correctional Center talks to Peter Ullman during his class on job skills on Nov 2, 2011, in Redwood City. Ullman has been teaching a course in how to land a job for 30 years and has written a book titled “Why Should We Hire You?” Archive San Jose Mercury News staff photo by Dai Sugano. Used with permission of San Jose Mercury News Copyright© 2016. All rights reserved.

Sometimes, he admits, inmates have complained that writing resumes is too difficult. “But then after, they thank me profusely,” he said. “It is very gratifying.”

His years of working with the inmates illustrates his generous nature. “I think it is very important to keep busy and to contribute something,” Ullman said. That same philosophy has resulted in a generous gift to the College that will be utilized for scholarships for students of Jewish descent.

“I would not have the life I’ve lived if it weren’t for Dr. Albert and D&E,” he said. He remembers fondly the Sunday afternoon “concerts” he initiated on the Graceland patio using recorded classical music, the close friends he had, and a visit back to campus when Dr. Albert was still living.

“We always knew we wanted to make a donation to the College,” Ullman said. The recently established scholarship fund is a natural extension of his decades of contributing to the lives of others.

The Peter and Margaret Ullman Scholarship was established to benefit students of Jewish descent with financial need who demonstrate achievement, leadership and service while in college, and the promise of future service in the world.

For more information about the Peter and Margaret Ullman Scholarship or if you are interested in making a gift to D&E, please contact Karen Wilmoth, director of development, at wilmothk@dewv.edu or 304-637-1374.

By Linda Howell Skidmore There are only two eligibility requirements for the National Alumni Council (NAC) Scholarship – the student must maintain a 3.0 GPA and be a relative of a Davis & Elkins alumnus. The most recent recipient had no trouble meeting the qualifications, except that she may have needed to use the back of the application form to list her lineage.

Lauren Cain, of Elkins, was officially presented the four-year scholarship award during the NAC meeting in October 2015. Although her parents, Pat and Aimee Cain, didn’t attend D&E, she’s the third generation and eighth in her extended family to study on the campus.

Her legacy to D&E can be mapped almost like her family tree. It starts with her great-grandfather, John A. Cain, who later went on to become a lawyer, his two sisters Ceceilia Cain and Kathleen Cain Taylor, and brother, Thomas J. Cain; then moves down to her grandfather, Jim Cain, who served as Randolph County prosecuting attorney for 28 years, her grandmother, Ann Cain, and great-aunt, Mary Cain. Earlier on in Lauren Cain’s family history is yet another connection to D&E. Her great, great-

Wilmoth Named Director of Development

By Linda Howell Skidmore Alumna Karen L. Wilmoth, a member of the Davis & Elkins College development team for the past 13 years, has been named director of development.

In making the announcement, D&E President Emeritus ‘Buck’ Smith commented, “Karen has been a central figure in the College’s Development program during a period of unprecedented fundraising results. We are fortunate to have her seasoned experience as we

Photo by Linda Howell Skidmore

Cain Continues D&E Tradition

grandfather, James Cain, laid the foundation for Halliehurst and built a scaled down version of the structure with similar stonework for he and his wife, Anna. Lauren, her parents and two brothers live in that home today.

With so many ties to the College, Cain’s response to why she chose to attend D&E is understandable.

“It’s home,” she said. “I’ve grown up here. I’ll always remember sled riding down the hill, I was a jester in the 75th Mountain State Forest Festival, and from the time I was 4 until I was 18, I swam in the (George A. Myles) pool with the Elkins Otters.”

A sophomore elementary education major, Lauren Cain is continuing with the Elkins Otters swim team as a coach and plans to help her mother in coaching the Elkins High School swim team. Since both teams practice and compete on campus, Cain will spend even more time at her D&E home.

The NAC established the endowed scholarship fund in 1994 and renewed it in 2001 as a tribute to their alma mater and as a legacy to students who would someday follow in their footsteps.

Students with a family connection to D&E

move into the final two years of the 10-year $100 million Secure the Future Campaign and its $25 million McDonnell Challenge.”

In her new position, Wilmoth works closely with alumni and friends of the College to identify, cultivate and nurture relationships and engage them in supporting D&E and its mission. She also oversees the day-to-day operation of the Development Office and continues to serve as the administrator for the Development Office database as she has since 2007.

During her employment at Davis & Elkins College, Wilmoth has attended many higher education conferences including those presented by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Independent College Advancement Associates, gleaning insight into the workings of an efficient and effective development office.

Davis & Elkins College sophomore Lauren Cain displays a portrait of her great, great-grandfather, James Cain, who laid the foundation for Halliehurst. Cain is the recipient of the National Alumni Council Scholarship.

may also be eligible for the Legacy Scholarship established in 2015. The scholarship is available to all full-time students who are children/ stepchildren or grandchildren/stepgrandchildren of a D&E alumnus/alumna.

Anyone interested in applying for the NAC Scholarship or the Legacy Scholarship may contact Matt Summers, director of financial planning , at 304-637-1990 or summersm@dewv.edu. Anyone wishing to support the NAC Scholarship may contact Karen Wilmoth, director of development, at 304-6371374 or wilmothk@dewv.edu.

Wilmoth received her Bachelor of Science degree in management and marketing from Davis & Elkins College in 1983 and earned a Master of Business Administration from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1992.

Prior to joining the D&E staff, Wilmoth worked for 19 years as a legal assistant specializing in real estate transactions.

Active in the Randolph County community, Wilmoth serves as secretary of the Elkins Historic Landmarks Commission. As a member of the Rotary Club of Elkins she has served the organization as president and assistant district governor. She is a former member of Elkins City Council, the GFWC Junior Woman’s Club and the board of directors of Woman’s Aid in Crisis.

Wilmoth also volunteered for many years with the Mountain State Forest Festival and worked with the Rosenbaum House on a local fundraising committee.

She and her husband, Robert Wilmoth, live in Elkins. They are the parents of two adult daughters and have two granddaughters.

Making a Difference

| 21

Michaels has been an American Veterinary Medical Association honor roll member for his entire career and is a member of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, AAHA and Northern Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.

Photo by Sam Santilli

Michael Grayson, ’80, and Dr. Lewis Michaels, ’64, inducted into Hall of Fame.

Four Join Athletic Hall of Fame

He has served as assistant coach for two professional teams, CL Financial Jabloteh from 2005 to 2006 and Starworld Strikers from 2003 to 2004. His teams have earned five national championships, a national intercol crown and four national Big 5 titles.

Four alumni whose talents marked seven decades are now a part of the Davis & Elkins College Athletic Hall of Fame following the annual induction ceremony this spring. The event was part of the inaugural Senator Nation Weekend that celebrates the successes of current and former athletes.

Grayson’s peers in Friends of Senator Soccer lauded his achievements by presenting him with the Member of Best XI of All Time award in 2015.

By Linda Howell Skidmore

Chosen for the Hall of Fame honors are Michael Grayson, ’80, soccer, and Dr. Lewis Michaels, ’64, tennis, along with posthumous inductees David Christy, ’28, basketball, and Cecil “Tex” Irvin, ’32, football.

Michael Grayson As a member of the Senator soccer team from 1976 to 1980, Grayson achieved All-American (NSCAA) in 1977 and 1978, All-American (NAIA) each year from 1976 to 1979, All-South Soccer in 1976, 1977 and 1978, and Senior Bowl – East Team in 1980.

Grayson is the dean and acting vice principal at St. Joseph Secondary, a grade 6-12 school in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. He continues to share his athletic talents as head soccer coach at St. Augustine Secondary School, a position he has held since 2004, and has led the team to win nine East Zone Intercol titles. Grayson was voted Most Outstanding Coach, East Zone in 2013 and 2004.

22 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

After graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish at D&E, Grayson went on to earn his Master of Arts degree in Spanish from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.

Dr. Lewis Michaels Michaels was a member of the D&E men’s tennis team from 1961-1964, served as captain from 1962-1964 and earned All-Conference honors.

He is a semi-retired doctor of veterinary medicine and surgery at VCA Herndon-Reston Animal Hospital, in Herndon, Va., a facility he founded in 1975. Michaels’ distinguished career includes being chosen by his peers as one of the “Best Veterinarians in Virginia” in 2011, as one of “America’s Top Veterinarians” by the Consumer Research Council of America in 2006 and 2007, and receiving the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) 25-year Excellence Award in 2006 for his dedication and commitment to high standards. He is also one of the founding members of the Hope Advanced Veterinary Center, a 24-hour specialty and emergency medicine center in Vienna, Va., and Rockville, Md.

While at D&E, Michaels was a member of the Golden Circle honorary leadership fraternity, Chi Beta Phi national honorary science fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, the Drill Team and served as senior class vice president. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, he attended Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with honors in 1969.

David Christy A native of Alexandria, Va., Christy came to Davis & Elkins after serving in the United States Navy. As a member of the D&E basketball team from 1924-1928, he scored 1,328 points. In the 1924-1925 season, the team gained national fame and the title “Scarlet Hurricane” by going undefeated throughout the season. The record was maintained for 30 consecutive victories against some of the nation’s best teams, which at the time was a national record.

After graduation, Christy worked for the federal government in the U.S. Forest Service, Department of the Army and Department of the Interior.

After his death, his wife, Elizabeth, established a scholarship at Davis & Elkins in his memory.

Cecil “Tex” Irvin Irvin, a native of Texas, played as a tackle and fullback for the Senator football team from 19271930 and earned All-American honors in 1929.

After graduating from Davis & Elkins in 1931, he began his professional football career with the Providence Steam Roller starting in nine of the 10 games he played. The following season he joined the New York Giants, playing in 46 games through 1935.

During World War II, Irvin enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a coach for several military football programs including Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and the Central Pacific Area Football League.

Irvin later worked for Humble Pipeline Company, based in Texas, and moved to De Leon, Texas, after retirement. He passed away on February 11, 1978, at age 71.

Gill Named to Lead Women’s Soccer

By Ben Dishong Meghan Gill has joined D&E athletics as the fifth head coach in the 17-year history of the women’s soccer program. Gill will take over a team that went 14-4 in 2015, including a Great Midwest Athletic Conference regular season championship.

"Meghan embodies the ideals in developing excellence in education, engagement, character, and competition," said Director of Athletics Jamie Joss. "She will be an outstanding mentor to our women's soccer student athletes. Her Division I playing pedigree and nationallyrecognized efforts in building a successful program as an assistant coach, provide the foundations to expand on the Davis & Elkins soccer winning tradition."

Gill comes to Elkins after serving as the assistant coach for Columbia (Mo.) College's soccer

D&E Launches Athletic Boosters Organization

By Linda Howell Skidmore Davis & Elkins College launched a new organization in support of its athletic programs this spring during the inaugural Senator Nation Weekend.

Aptly named “Senator Nation” to coordinate with the College’s athletic website, the organization is designed to unite D&E alumni, fans, parents and community business partners in assisting the College in its intercollegiate athletic endeavors.

It also follows the Senator Athletics mission statement of “developing excellence in student-

programs over the last four seasons. She spent the last two seasons as the primary assistant coach after spending her first two seasons as the graduate assistant coach.

She joined the Cougars women's program for their inaugural season in 2012.

During that span, she helped guide Columbia to 55 wins, along with three AMC Regular Season championships, two AMC Tournament Championships, and three NAIA National Tournament Appearances.

"I am thrilled to lead this program with the support of those in the athletic department and the administration," said Gill. "The women's soccer program has had great success and I look forward to building upon that success to grow this program academically, in the community and on the national stage."

Gill was recognized before the 2015 season as one of 15 women by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in the 30 under 30 program, designated for the top up-andcoming coaches in the game.

athletes, coaches and staff through education, engagement, character and competition.”

“Our athletic program annually produces student-athletes who have become leaders in their professions throughout West Virginia and beyond,” said D&E Director of Athletics Jamie Joss. “Our desire for Senator Nation is to connect our alumni and supporters with our current student-athletes, coaches and staff to share their experiences and help support their academic and athletic pursuits, and most importantly continue to be a part of their success in life after D&E.” Members, current studentathletes, coaches and staff will all hold a commitment to Senator Nation.

Joss explains that members can share their presence, time, personal resources or organizational support.

“Supporting our student-athletes at home or away events helps inspire and motivate them,”

The Lock Haven, Pa. native also worked with the men's program at Columbia, as they also tallied 55 wins during the span with an AMC regular season championship. The Cougars had a pair of trips to the NAIA National Tournament, reaching the Sweet 16 and the Elite 8.

Prior to her move to Missouri, Gill spent five years in State College, Pa. as a midfielder and defender for the Nittany Lions under head coach Erica Dambach. Gill, who was a part of five consecutive Big Ten regular season championship teams, made 42 appearances in her career, scoring three goals and recording two assists. She was a three time Academic All-Big Ten recipient and took home second team allconference honors during her sophomore year in 2008.

"Speaking with Jamie before visiting, he mentioned the family atmosphere at the college," said Gill. "On my visit to Davis & Elkins, that culture was seen from the top down from the administration to the athletic department staff. This atmosphere is what drew me to this opportunity and I look forward to being a part of Senator Nation!"

he said. “We also recognize the importance of mentoring. Quality mentoring relationships can impact their personal growth and development as well as their academic and athletic success.”

Another integral part of Senator Nation is encouraging financial contributions that complement the College’s support of D&E athletics with scholarships, capital improvements, team operations and special initiatives.

“Student-athletes, coaches and staff are committed to building competitive programs that display sportsmanship, integrity and honor, serve the community and maintain academic achievement and a high graduation rate,” Joss said. “The Senator Nation mission is to unite D&E alumni, fans, parents and community business partners in assisting with the College’s athletic endeavors.”

For more information, contact Jamie Joss, director of athletics, jossj@dewv.edu.

Athletics

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Men’s Lacrosse

Softball Senator softball recorded one of its best years in school history in 2016. The Senators set a school record with 33 wins on the season, going 33-21 overall.

Sophomore Allie Lapallo, of Richmond, Va., was one of the leaders for D&E, tossing a pair of no hitters early in the season. The first, against St. Andrews, featured only three walks while striking out seven. The second, against West Virginia Tech, had just three strikeouts, but allowed only one base runner on an error. Alyssa Cairns, of West Mifflin, Pa., joined Lapallo in being named to the G-MAC All-Conference First Team. Cairns played in all 52 games, batting a team high .398, with 27 walks en route to a .484 on-base percentage. Lapallo had a 22-13 record with a 1.61 earned run average and 124 strikeouts.

Although men’s lacrosse was unable to pull out a win in its inaugural season, the Senators made strong improvements under head coach Brian Anken, who had started just prior to the season. The Senators had just one home game in 2016 in which they battled to a tough 10-9 defeat in overtime. Zach Contini, of Groton, Mass., led the Senators in points (18) with seven goals and 11 assists. Jay Baumgardner, of Purcellville, Va., led the team in goals with 15. The program is set for a much heavier home schedule in 2017 with eight games planned at Nuttall Field. It will also be the first season of conference play with men’s lacrosse being newly added to the list of championship sports for the G-MAC.

Women’s Tennis

Photos by Chris Young

Women’s tennis had one of its best seasons in school history under the direction of head coach Otis Cutshaw. The Senators were 14-12 overall, but

Women’s Lacrosse

Women’s lacrosse also started a new era at D&E. For the first time in school history, the Senators competed at the varsity level in women’s lacrosse after having several club programs over the last several decades. The Senators picked up their first win in school history in game two, defeating Montreat 18-2. However, the Senators were unable to pull out any more victories despite strong improvements and performances as the season developed. The Senators fell in the G-MAC semifinals. Morgan Graham, of Ontario, Canada, was recognized by the conference with an All-GMAC selection as a midfielder and defender. The freshman scored five goals and had two assists for seven total points on the year. Graham also had 17 ground balls and 11 draw controls for the Senators.

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

swept through G-MAC play to go 7-0 for the regular season championship.

The team then defeated Cedarville to claim the G-MAC Tournament Championship and earn the program’s first ever NCAA National Tournament appearance. Elise Simon, of Fresnoy Le Luat, France, led the Senators in the No. 1 spot, earning 13 victories on the season. Halima Michael, of Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, added 17 more victories at the No. 2 spot for D&E and was also named the G-MAC Female Academic Athlete of the Year.

Men’s Tennis

Men’s tennis earned a share of the G-MAC Championship after finishing the 2016 campaign in a tie with Cedarville. The Senators finished the year at 11-11 with a 3-1 mark in G-MAC play. The team secured a share of the title with a thrilling victory that came down to the final point at Cedarville to finish the season. No. 1 player Vincent Hamon, of Saint Barthelemy, France, had 17 victories on the season to lead the Senators, while Jack Clifton, of Purley, England, added 13 more wins, primarily in the No. 2 and 3 slots.

Baseball Baseball wrapped up its first season under new head coach Mason Heyne with a 13-35 mark. Heyne took over the program just before the start of the season, and led the Senators to a six-win improvement from 2015. After a tough start, which included 27 of the first 30 games away from home, D&E closed the 2016 regular

their outstanding sports scholars. In addition to their athletic ability and academic performance, Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholars demonstrate a commitment to community service and student leadership.

Halima Michael

“She thrived in the classroom,” Cutshaw said. “Even on away trips she would be studying any time she could. She offered to help others on our team if they were struggling in a subject she could help them with.”

Photo by Sam Santilli

By Ben Dishong

Editor’s Note: In each issue of Forward, we will highlight an exceptional student-athlete who has excelled in the classroom, in the community and athletically for Senator Nation.

Recent graduate Halima Michael personifies the definition of the phrase student-athlete.

Excelling in both tennis and academics, she “was an example of what a Division II student-athlete should be like, both on and off the court,” says D&E head tennis coach Otis Cutshaw.

Michael, a two-time First Team All-GMAC selection, helped lead the Senators to its first conference title and an NCAA Championship Midwest Regional appearance this spring. season with six wins in eight games, including five straight headed into the postseason. Lance VanNoy, of Elkins, led the team with 62 hits, wrapping up his career with 217 hits, one of the best records in program history. Travis Phelps, of Frederick, Md., who hit .322 and had 15 walks, joined VanNoy on the G-MAC All Conference First Team.

Michael also capped off the awards season by being named the G-MAC Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was presented with the Academic Achievement Award of the Department of Business and Entrepreneurship. She previously won top honors at the West Virginia Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference.

“She was a great role model and leader for the team, playing every match, fighting till the end. Even though sometimes she may not have been the winner, she always competed, just like her role model Serena Williams.

Despite being very soft spoken, she led by example and showed great sportsmanship in winning and in defeat,” Cutshaw said.

Earlier this summer, Michael was recognized as an Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports-Scholar Award Recipient for 2016, as announced by the Diverse: Issues in Higher Education Award Committee and President William E. Cox. Michael was one of a select few studentathletes in the nation recognized with the honor. Inspired by tennis legend Arthur Ashe, Jr.'s commitment to education, as well as his love for the game of tennis, U.S. colleges and universities are invited to participate in this annual awards program by nominating

Golf

The D&E golf team finished its first season under new head coach Ed Lothes, who brought a wealth of experience and playing pedigree to the program, with many improvements seen on the courses. The Senators wrapped up the 2016 Great Midwest Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championship with a fourth place finish overall, an improvement on its fifth place finish in 2015. The team finished fourth after shooting

Michael also received one of the most prestigious awards in the D&E community, Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. This national award honors those who put service above self. In her hometown of Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Michael was active with numerous community service projects including assisting with home visits with the elderly and clean-up campaigns. On campus, she was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athlete, Phi Beta Lambda business fraternity, Student Assembly, the International Student Organization and Accounting Club.

Michael completed her undergraduate studies with a double major in accounting and economics and finished with a cumulative 3.93 GPA. She has also been a three-time ITA Scholar-Athlete and on the G-MAC Academic All-Conference Team multiple times. a 939 for the tournament, which was 67 strokes better than last season. The three-day total is also a best total for the Senators in the G-MAC Championships. Sophomores James Sutherland, of Glasgow, Scotland, and Kollin Hopwood, of Elkins, were the top two finishers for the Senators at the championships. D&E will host the inaugural Wally Edgell West Virginia DII Collegiate Championship on September 26-27 at Tygart Lake Golf Course.

Athletics

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ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from you…

The Quiet Giant: The Biography of Thomas Richard Ross. See 1958.

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

Name Maiden name

Class Year George Morgan, '61, and Bill Lentino, '60, See 1961.

Here is my news:

1950 Stanley J. Allen, Brandon, Fla., is "pushing 90" and has survived two open heart surgeries and prostate cancer. Stan and his wife are still very active in running their family businesses which were founded in 1995.

Photo enclosed?

Yes

1954 John C. Little reports he is still alive and living in Venice, Calif.

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 be 1 MB or larger. Please remember to use

Follow us on Facebook 26 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

Cell 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 by November 30, 2016 for the Spring 2017 issue.

FACEBOOK.COM/DAVISANDELKINS

Louisa Sager Sheets Yeuell and her husband, Davis, Richmond, Va., are enjoying retirement and a slower lifestyle. They have two married daughters living in Richmond, and three grandchildren and three greatgranddaughters living in Chicago and the West Coast -- too far away.

1956 At age 81, Charles N. Lewis, Beverly, W.Va., retired for the second time in December 2010.

He taught high school for five years (19561961); worked for the federal government (1961-1983); and owned an accounting business (1983-2010). Charles and his wife, Janet, celebrated 56 years of marriage prior to her passing in August 2012.

Mary Ann DeLuca, '80, and Dick, '65, and JoAnne Bendy, '66. See 1966.

Dick Gunning, '62, sporting his freshman beanie and Alpha Sigma Phi paddle. See 1961.

Former D&E student body president, Bob Baird, '67, and MJ Braham, current student body president. See 1967.

Stephen McLeod's, '67, science fiction book Cocqcigrues. The cover is the art work of Stephen's daughter, Susie. See 1967.

1958 Clemens L. "Clem" Bartollas, Cedar Falls, Iowa, is the author of The Quiet Giant: The Biography of Thomas Richard Ross.

Published in April, The Quiet Giant is unique as it is a combination of autobiography and biography with Dr. Ross writing chapters 2 through 5, and Clem writing the first chapter and remainder of the book. Clem, a history major, writes on the back cover of the book, "Dr. Thomas Richard Ross was a great man, a great teacher, a great human being, and a great Christian. He touched so many people." The royalties for The Quiet Giant, available through Amazon or Lu Lu, will be donated to D&E for the Highlands Scholar Program.

1960 Richard H. "Dick" and Judy Miller Stoeltzing, '63, Sacramento, Calif., met at D&E and are celebrating 54 years as sweethearts!

1961 Last year, George Morgan, Coronado, Calif, and Bill Lentino, '60, Smithtown, N.Y., got together in Long Island to hash over old times.

George looks forward to coming to campus in October to help his sister Nancy Morgan

Brown, '66, Leonardtown, Md., celebrate her 50th class reunion.

1962 During a visit to campus, John R. "Dick" Gunning gifted his 'freshman beanie' and Alpha Sigma Phi paddle to the alumni archives. Dick and his wife, Djinnee, live in Jupiter, Fla, and look forward to attending Homecoming in 2017.

1965 Lee and Barbara "Bobbie" Hogan Murray, '68, Appleton, Wis., celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in the 49th state with a cruise and land tour of Alaska.

They celebrated their 50th anniversary with a family cruise to Bermuda with their daughter, Melissa, her husband and her children, and their son, Jim. They are planning to celebrate later with another cruise to the Mediterranean including the Greek Islands, Italy and Turkey.

Both retired, Bobbie and Lee spend winter in Arizona and summer in Wisconsin where Lee continues to enjoy his sailplane/glider doing thermal soaring in both locations.

1966 – Celebrating 50-Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 14-16, 2016

A chance meeting once again proving how small the world is! During a trip to Acadia National Park in Maine, Dick, '65, and Joanne Person Bendy, Knoxville, Tenn., met Mary Ann DeLuca, '80, Elkins, W.Va. They look forward to seeing each other once again during Homecoming in October when the Bendys return to campus for Joanne’s 50th class reunion.

1967 This spring, Bob, and Ann Baird, '88, Beverly, W.Va., met Guilherme "Gui" Condolo Hubsch, '16, Elkins, W.Va., and current student, Mary Jane "MJ" Braham, Elkins, W.Va., when they attended the annual Almost Alumni Reception hosted by the National Alumni Council. Bob, Gui and MJ discovered they had a lot in common -- they were all D&E student body presidents! In fact, Bob (1966-1967) and MJ (2016-2017) are 50 years apart in holding the same office.

Stephen D. McLeod, Broad Run, Va., can now add author to his resume. He recently published How to Build and Use MS Word Templates for a Writing Project: Use MS Word Styles, Include Text and Templates and Cocqcigrues: Economic Apocalypse Turned into Economic Prosperity and Spiritual Alumni News and Notes

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ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES

Mini-alumni reunion in Annapolis, Md. See 1971.

2016 Teacher of the Year - Peggy McNeill Owens, '82. See 1982.

Apocalypse Followed by Judgement (New Creation of Aquileia) (Volume 1), his first attempt at science fiction with his book.

Cocqcigrues, a combination of Stephen's fascination with science fiction and politics, is set in an end-of-times community on a planet ruled by a paternalistic dictatorship unaware it is about to be invaded by space aliens. Both books are available for digital upload or in paperback through Amazon.

1970 Carol S. Dapp Farringer and her husband, George, celebrated 38 years of marriage prior to his passing in July 2015. On April 1, Carol retired from Bank of America in North Carolina after 30 years of service and now resides in Mechanicsburg, Pa., near family and childhood friends.

1971 - Celebrating 45-Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 14-16, 2016 In April, David Hartman, Seneca, S.C., Frank "Woody" Disharoon, '70, Laurel, Del., and Ron Stevens, Annapolis, Md., aka "D&E Darby Boys '68 - '69" came together for a weekend of “fishing� during their Darby Hall Fishing Tournament. Then in May, 28 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

Homecoming 2015.

Alpha Sigma Phi watching the soccer game. See 1973.

The late Janice Everett, '53. See 1972.

Dave met Janal Burrowbridge Walton, '74, Salisbury, Md., through a mutual friend.

Although they did not know each other while at D&E, they had a great time reminiscing.

Annapolis, Md., was the gathering spot for an alumni reunion with Helen and Ron Stevens, Annapolis, Md.; Laurie Duncan, '73, Washington, D.C.; Greg Judge, '70, Kent, Wash.; Sharon Schnebly Cappeluti, '70, Damascus, Md.; and Mark, '70, and Jeannette Grier Anderson, '70, Arlington, Va.

1972 William "Scotty" and Anita Norton Smyth, Bristol, Conn., attended the Spring Classic Golf Tournament in Sebring, Fla., in March. Through conversation, Anita and Wendy Morgan, '12, realized they had a mutual friend -- Jan Everett, '53, Ft. Pierce, Fla. Jan, or Miss Ev as Anita called her, was Anita's teacher in high school. Miss Ev had suggested to Anita she should check out D&E when she was graduated, and she did!

At D&E Anita and Scotty met and married.

Following the tournament, Wendy visited with Jan sharing a photo of Anita and Scotty with her. Jan was thrilled. Sadly, Jan passed away on July 10.

Rebecca Leo McMahon is celebrating 40 years of service at Michigan State University where she is curriculum assistant and fellowship coordinator in the Department of Medicine.

Becky and husband Don "Flamer" McMahon, '73, live in Okemos, Mich.

John A. Stibravy, Denville, N. J., recently experienced an aortic heart valve replacement and has now authored a book titled Aortic Heart Valve Replacement: Through the Dark Curtain. John's book is available through Amazon.com books.

After retiring as a librarian with the District of Columbia Library in December, William L. "Bill" Turner Jr., is now a licensed tour guide in Washington, D.C., under contract with Guide Service of Washington. Bill leads tour groups through the Nation's Capital both day and night. He was also newly elected to the Board of Governors of the historic Arts Club of Washington and is chair of the Club's Scholarship Committee. Bill continues to reside in Arlington, Va. William F. "Bill" Volz retired in August 2008 after 36 years with the Division of Disability Determinations. Bill lives in Edison, N.J.

Celebrating the life of David B. Martin, '73, David’s family traveled to D&E for lunch at Graceland to remember him on his birthday, July 5. See 1973.

Good times, great friends!

Dave Hartman, '71, Woody Disharoon, '70, and Ron Stevens, '71. See 1971.

1973 During Homecoming 2015, Tim Smith, Pasadena, Md., enjoyed the Alpha Sigma Phi reunion with Jack Nagle, '74, Dallastown, Pa.; Eric DeGruyter, '75, Charleston, W.Va.; Al VanWinkle, '71, Cleveland, Ga.; Jack Sprenkle, '75; Barry Acker, '75, Elizabethtown, Pa.; Joe Donnelly, '71, Lawrence, Kan.; Bob Fonorow, '71, Summerfield, N.C.; Rick Clarkson, '71, Columbia, N.J.; Dave Mise, '74, Hampton, Va.; Ken Hopkins, '72, Toms Brook, Va.; and Dave Blaszczak, '74, Oakland, N.J. Sadly, David B. Martin, Masontown, Pa., passed away in August, 2015. His brother, Frank, writes, "David’s love for D&E was more than that of alumnus, but as his home." Shortly before David’s passing, Frank and his wife accompanied him to campus and quickly saw what he found so comforting. Every year, the Martin family holds a traveling reunion. This year it was decided the family would travel to D&E for lunch at Graceland to remember David on his birthday.

1974 In May, David A. Blaszczak, and wife, Lorraine, Oakland, N.J., celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a 10-day trip to

Loving retirement! Bill Volz, '72. See 1972.

Hawaii.

During Senator Nation weekend in May, basketball alumnus Nick Geiner, Weirton, W.Va., finally received recognition for making 1,214 points during his College career.

Nick's record is significant because the points were all made prior to the 3-point line.

Congratulations, Nick!

Congratulations to Raymond K. LaMora Jr., Elkins, W.Va. In April, the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce presented Ray with the Professional Service Award. He is the agency owner of Ray LaMora Insurance Agency and has been serving his community for more than 30 years.

1979 This spring, Randy L. Lear, Johnstown, Pa, was elected to the Davis & Elkins College National Alumni Council.

1981 - Celebrating 35-Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 14-16, 2016 William E. Welsh, Vienna, Va., is a freelance contributor to All About History and History of War, published by Imagine Publishing of the United Kingdom, and also Medieval Warfare,

published by Karwansaray Publishers of the Netherlands. His first article, "Aragon's Naval Hero: Roger of Lauria's Victory at Malta,” appeared in the October 2015 issue of Medieval Warfare (volume V, number 5). William majored in history and studied under Dr. Thomas Ross and Dr. Nelson Bard, who he credits with sparking his keen interest in European history.

1982 Craig K. and Judy Forbes Deemer, Washington, Pa., celebrated 34 years of marriage with a trip to Hawaii.

Peggy McNeill Owens, Indianapolis, Ind., a first-grade teacher at Snacks Crossing Elementary School in Pike Township, was named 2016 Teacher of the Year in march. For the past 34 years, she has dedicated herself to education and her students. She is described by her colleagues as being a one-of-a-kind educator, inspiring her students to learn at their full potential as she teaches creatively, compassionately and by example, providing students with service learning opportunities.

Whether making gifts for the elderly, "adopting" a soldier by sending letters and care packages, or saving pennies to buy honeybees for a family in Honduras through Heifer International, Peggy's students learn that Alumni News and Notes

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ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES

Alan and Susan Krakoff Good, married on June 12. See 2012.

The Taylor family - July 2015. See 2000.

James Ryan Sturm, born June 18, 2015.

See 2006.

After 42 years, Nick Greiner '74 , Weirton, W. Va., receives his 1,214 point basketball. See 1974.

giving back is just as big a part of their education as reading and math. In her spare time, Peggy enjoys flat-track roller derby, which provides another creative way for her to teach science lessons about simple machines and basic physics. Congratulations, Peggy!

1987 Timothy A. Turner, Parsons, W.Va., has completed 28 years in the field of education.

Currently, Tim is a school counselor with the Kenneth "Honey" Rubenstein Juvenile Center School and has been elected for a SP term to the Tucker County Board of Education. He also serves as a board member for Corrick's Ford Battlefield Association, Parsons Park and was selected by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to serve on the Cultural District Authority for Tucker County. Tim was elected president of the Harman Alumni Association, serves as president for Cooper and Harman Family Reunions and writes "Turner's Tidbits" for the local newspaper, The Parsons Advocate. In his spare time Tim and his wife, Phyllis, travel to Lancaster, Pa several times a year. Last year, they enjoyed a Hawaiian cruise, and this year look forward to an Alaskan cruise.

30 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

Congratulations, Shanna and Michele DeBerry, married October 2, 2015. See 1988.

1988 Michele D. DeBerry, Chestnut Hill Cove, Md., married Shanna Lynn Hasbrouck in Baltimore on October 2, 2015. Celebrating with Michele and Shanna were D&E alumnae Melanie Shetter Meyers, '91, Chambersburg, Pa.; Cheryl Matthews Hennessy, Lumberton, N.J.; Barbara Henderson Wise, '92, Lebanon, Pa.; Janet Slaugenhaupt Toth, '93, Fayette City, Pa.; Michelle Antonini Clark, '91, Dillsburg, Pa.; Britne Bacca, '11, Morgantown, W.Va.; and, Betsie Smith, '12, Morgantown, W.Va. 1999 This spring, Sean P. "Yanni" Gallagher, Berryville, Va., was elected to serve on the Davis & Elkins College National Alumni Council.

2000 On July 11, 2015, Paula Taylor, Beverly, W.Va. traveled to Myrtle Beach State Park for the wedding of her son, R. Kent Taylor II, '94, to Rachel Haydel. Kent works for the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Rachel works at Roper St. Francis Hospital in Charleston, S.C. Also attending the wedding were Paula's daughter, Rebecca Taylor Burns of Thomas,

W.Va., son, Aaron Seth Taylor, and Aaron's son, Seth, of Danville, Va. Kent and Rachel live in Moncks Corner, S.C.

2002 In March, Larisa Draegan Swartz, '00, Walnut Creek, Calif., and her daughter, Shannen (age 11), visited with Amanda B. Yeargan Monroe and her husband, Kirk, Midlothian, Va. Mixing fun and school work, Shannen was able to complete her "Virginia state" project for school as they toured two former locations of the Virginia state capital in Jamestown and Williamsburg, and the present capital in Richmond. They also visited Washington, D.C. All in all, a very busy time with great friends!

2003 Tim Armentrout, is a poet and performance artist. He is the author of All This Falling Away (Dusie 2007) and most recently, Someone Screaming Out (Spuyten Duyvil 2016). Tim’s poems have appeared in several journals including Kestrel, Not Enough Night, Slumgullion, Brown Bagazine, and Hot Whiskey. Tim is married to Angela Pendleton, ’06. They live in Daniels, W. Va. with their four children.

High School Senior Night with Barbara Porter, ’76 on far right. From left are: son Tommy Elms, husband Jerry Green, son and now D&E freshman Viktor Green and Porter. Not shown are daughters Dorian Elms and Nadya Green. See story on page 33.

Wedding bells for Andrea and David Green, '14. See 2014.

Good friends! Amanda Yeargan Monroe, '02, husband, Kirk, and Larisa Draeger Swartz, '00, and daughter, Shannen, on a visit to Washington, D.C. See 2002.

Baby Brody, son of Mandi and Josh Larkin. See 2010.

Mikenna Kay Cunningham, granddaughter of Dwain and Wendy Morgan, '12. Future D&E Senators! See 2012.

2006 - Celebrating 10-Year Class Reunion at Homecoming October 14-16, 2016 This spring, J. Adam Baumgardner, Sterling, Va., was elected to serve on the Davis & Elkins College National Alumni Council.

On May 25, Josh, '10, and Amanda "Mandi" Chadwick Larkin, Elkins, W.Va., along with big brother Caleb, welcomed Brody Daniel Larkin. Caleb and Brody are also the grandsons of Steve and Debbie Larkin, '11, Mabie, W.Va. Joseph J. Stack, Greensboro, N.C., was elected to the Davis & Elkins College National Alumni Council this spring.

Ryan and Sophia Bonner Sturm, Baltimore, Md., welcomed their first child, James Ryan Sturm, on June 18, 2015.

2010 On September 5, 2015, Stefanie K. Ogden, married Jeremy A. Geesey in a private wedding ceremony in South Carolina at Pretty Place Chapel. Two receptions were held, with the first immediately following the wedding at Deer Lodge in North Carolina; and the second

on September 9 at their home in Bowden, W.Va. with family and friends. Stefanie, a triple major in management, business education and marketing, is the internal auditor at Mountain Valley Bank in Elkins, and Jeremy is a foreman at C.W. Wright.

2012 On June 12, Susan Krakoff married Alan Good in her hometown of Akron, Ohio. The couple plans to continue living in Alan's native Cork, Ireland.

Love is the air for Jeremy and Stefanie Ogden Geesey, married September 5, 2015. See 2010.

purchased their first home together. David and Andrea both work at Virginia Tech.

2016 In April, the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce presented Andrew C. Carroll, Elkins, W. Va. with the Young Leader Award. Andrew is a film maker, educator and team member of Elkinite for Generation Randolph. Congratulations, Andrew!

2016 is proving to be a BIG year for Dwain and Wendy Morgan, Elkins, W.Va. They became grandparents for the first time with the arrival of granddaughter Mikenna Kay on April 20. Mikenna is the daughter of their son, Casey, and his wife, Jacquelyn. Then, on August 20, they celebrated the wedding of their daughter, Katie, when she married Ryan Martin. As their family grows, they are so grateful for God's many blessings -- life is wonderful!

2014 David A. Green and Andrea Haymond were married at Canaan Valley Resort in September 2015. They have now settled in the beautiful town of Christiansburg, Va., and have

Alumni News and Notes

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ALUMNI GATHERINGS

Henderson Honored for Providing Pastoral Support

On April 2, alumni and friends of the Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter enjoyed a beautiful day in Kennett Square, Pa., with a tour of Longwood Gardens, followed by dinner at Half Moon Restaurant & Saloon. Hosted by Beth Headley Robenolt, ’82, and Karen Kober Michetti, ’84, others joining were Chris Toner, ’91; Charles Potter, ’68; Stephen McLeod, ’67, wife, Mabs, and son, Franklin; Leslie Pittman Lanzi, ’91; Dana Iverson, ’81, and her family; Bill Turner, ’72, and Georgette Miller; Robin White Rybczynski, ’86, and David Horner; Carolyn Chlada Foxwell, ’00, husband, Troy, and son, AJ; Nancy Evans-Bennett, ’66, and husband Jim Messersmith; Stuart Hendler, ’57, and wife, Jean; Patrick Gray, ’99, wife, Carrie, and son, Gavin; Eileen Eschbach Monastersky, ’80, and friend, Marita; Susan Rhymer, ’83; Betsy Hauck, ’73; Karen Harmeier Berner, ’64; Carol Schmick Trice, ’81, and husband Jeff; Phylicia Hudock,, ’14 and her aunt, Alison Simcoe, ’77; and Wendy Morgan, ’12.

Maryland Alumni Chapter On May 7, Robin White Rybczynski, ’86, arranged for a group of alumni and friends in the Baltimore area to come together for a tour of Union Craft Brewing Company’s taproom. Later, it was time to get their “sea legs on” as they boarded the Urban Pirate’s ship, The Fearless, at Fells Point for a fun-filled cruise around the Inner Harbor. Those joining Robin were Kevin, ’81, and Patty Holmes, Bowie, Md.; Pamela Carter Jones, ’79, Baltimore, Md.; Sunceria “Sunni” Walker Lovelace, ’79, Baltimore, Md; Mark White, ’89, Bel Air, Md.; Wendy Morgan, ’12, Elkins; and friends David Horner, Natalia Mot, and Terri and Michael Mucha.

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 and Orlando Area Alumni Chapters Indiana Alumni Chapter Maryland Alumni Chapter New York Metro Alumni Chapter

The Rev. Dr. Jean Humason Henderson ’64 says her call to ministry rang more true after her retirement in 2006.

That’s when she filled in as interim preacher at the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon near Pittsburgh, Pa., where the congregation had tragically lost their minister to suicide.

After a few months, she was asked to form a support group of retired pastors to help ministers in need. She enthusiastically took on the task.

Her work in making a difference for so many has been recognized. In 2015, Henderson was honored by the Association of Retired Ministers, Their Spouses or Survivors (ARMSS) with the National Merit Award for Exemplary Service in Retirement.

The award cites the PEAL (Pastors Encouraging And Listening) Team Henderson created in the Pittsburgh Presbytery in 2007.

The support group provides confidential pastoral support, as encouragers and listeners, on a friend-to-friend basis. They also reach out to pastors and their families in times of illness or loss.

Her goal is to increase participation in PEAL since the first group of volunteers is aging. The perfect situation, she says, is to have the organization come full circle – that those who were once helped will become those who help.

Ohio Regional Alumni Chapter Tri-State Alumni Chapter (Western Pa., Northern W.Va. and Eastern Ohio) Virginia Alumni Chapter West Virginia Alumni Chapter Highlands Alumni Chapter NEW! (Elkins and original Highlands counties*) Friends of Senator Soccer Nursing Alumni Council *Randolph, Upshur, Barbour, Pocahontas, Tucker, Pendleton and Webster counties

32 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

While Henderson is currently focusing on pastoral care, her previous service to others – including Davis & Elkins – has spanned the globe. A member of the Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2008 and National Alumni Council from 1989 to 1995, she also has been in service to the Presbyterian Church since 1968. Most recently, she was a member of the pastoral staff at The Presbyterian Church in Sewickley, Pa., from 1991 until her retirement from active ministry in 2006. Ordained in 1971, Henderson served as pastor at several churches, was a Christian education worker and secretary for the North Military Chapel in Karlsruhe, Germany, from 1968 to 1970, and has served as president of International Association of Women Ministers traveling to New Zealand, Germany, Cuba, Budapest, many sites in the United States and Saskatoon.

Henderson received the Tower Award in 1989, and as the Baccalaureate speaker in 2008 she was recognized by D&E for her long career in ministry and leadership for women in ministry.

After graduating Davis & Elkins in 1964, Henderson went on to earn her Master of Divinity in 1968 and Doctorate of Ministry in 1991, both from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She and her husband, a retired architect, are the parents of two grown daughters and two small grandsons.

Photo by Nanci Bross Fregonara

ALUMNI UP-CLOSE

Barbara Porter ’76 George Washington University Chief of Staff, Office of the President

By Nanci Bross-Fregonara For Barbara Porter, the path to chief of staff to the president of George Washington University began when as an enthusiastic cheerleader at Bennett High School,Md., just itching to graduate and start college, she met D&E Assistant Director of Admission Gary Horvath,’62. She admits she was already a strong student with a love of writing. Not only had she been editor of the student paper, she had her own little newspaper in grade school. For a long time, she could only see herself as a print journalist.

If a college could say, yes, we can help with that dream; she knew her search would be over. She credits Horvath with working with her high school to allow her to finish her senior year and freshman year of college at the same time.

“I had looked at other schools, but that day when I walked in [the college fair] and met Gary, it changed my life. He told me I could get internships right away.”

Porter believes the platform on which her career began was built at D&E. “It shaped me,” she says.

“I was able to start on life.”

From the first moment of meeting her roommate to becoming senior class president, she remembers being immersed in college life.

She participated in everything from theatre productions and cheerleading, to writing obituaries at the Elkins Inter-Mountain newspaper, anything to keep close to a press. She also served as editor of the College newspaper, The Senator, for two years.

Her academic life was shaped by influential faculty members such as Thomas Ross, Gloria Payne and Phillips Brooks.

“I still remember those core courses,” she says.

“They taught me how to think beyond the discipline.” Later, when Brooks connected Porter to an internship with The Associated Press, Porter says, “it was the best job I could have had. There I was, still in college, working for the AP.” After graduating from D&E in only three years, she began an extraordinary career with the AP, which was just beginning its radio service, covering the auto industry in Detroit and the Reagan White House.

“Once, while at the AP, I traveled back to Elkins on Marine One with President Carter who was attending the Forest Festival. That was a very cool experience for a recant alumnus, especially when we all piled off the chopper to be greeted by D&E President Hermanson,” Porter says. “I think he was very shocked to see me.”

She moved on to United Press International radio where she covered both conventions for 1988 presidential candidates George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis, to NBC Radio. She says she loved the medium of telling the story. Porter was also a correspondent for USA Today with assignments taking her from Capitol Hill to Wall Street.

Barbara Porter in her GWU office.

Fast forward to 1998 when Porter decides to leave her 25-year career in journalism and switch to higher education communications at George Washington University. Taking this path, she eventually became assistant vice president of media, marketing and communications at the GW Medical Center. While one may think that position would focus on medical research, Porter instead found herself operating in crisis mode: directing communications in the aftermath of 9-11, Vice President Dick Cheney’s heart attack, the anthrax bio-terrorism scare and the SARS virus outbreak.

Not surprisingly, Porter has become an expert in crisis communication and has led training programs for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, D.C. Department of Health and National Institutes of Health.

Despite now serving as a chief of staff at GW, she says telling stories is still important to her.

On one wall of her Washington, D.C., office is a poster for a film she co-produced: “Healing Wars,” an award-winning documentary about the intersection of art and healing the wounds of war.

“I always tell students to pay attention to what they enjoy doing in college,” Porter says.

“Maximize on that interest and try to find that passion.”

Update! Porter felt so strongly about her D&E experience and the doors it opened for her, that she encouraged her son Viktor Green to consider attending.

Viktor is a freshman at D&E this fall.

Alumni Up-Close

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REMEMBERING

T

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

ALUMNI 1944

1945

1946

1948 1948

1949

1949

1949 1950 1950 1951

1951 1951 1951 1951

1952

1953

1953 1953 1954 1954 1955 1955 1956 1957 1959 1959 1960

Virginia "Ginny" Earle Isner, April 5, 2016 June A. Collett Rosser, February 28, 2016 Genevieve Elizabeth Warner Roby, May 6, 2016 Lucille J. Borgwald Bishop, June 25, 2016 George W. "Bill" Carpenter, May 25, 2016 Emery L. " Dupey" Anderson, January 15, 2016 Genevieve "Genny" Yosia Davis, January 30, 2016 Charles L. Kerns, March 13, 2016 Richard L. Crickard, June 16, 2016 Ralph E. Morrison, June 2, 2016 Deloras J. "Jackie" Schuetz Batson, April 27, 2016 Chata Ingram Carr, April 20, 2016 Oliver A. Hess, April 26, 2016 Alfred D. Horn, July 5, 2016 Thomas L. McKelvey, January 17, 2016 Rosetta "Rose" White Anderson, October 2, 2014 Eugene B. "Gene" Daugherty, May 21, 2016 Janice Everett, July 10, 2016 William L. Lindner, April 14, 2016 Keyolan G. "George" Light, July 8, 2016 Ralph Tatosian, May 31, 2016 John P. Petrali, April 21, 2016 Geraldine H. Reto, January 5, 2016 William K. James, May 27, 2016 Leonard K. Hedrick, April 29, 2016 William F. Frantz, March 12, 2016 Alvin J. Hendler, March 24, 2012 Quentin W. "Ken" Ciceron, March 2, 2016

1963 1962

1963 1963

1969

1972 1972 1978

1978 1979 1980 1984

1987 1988 1995 2007 2013

George K. Brecht, July 7, 2016 Hazel Kump Billups Burford, June 26, 2016 Richard K. "Kent" Lee, January 20, 2016 Jennings R. "Jim" Skinner, January 23, 2016 Gail Ann "Taffy" Davis Greenway, May 11, 2016 Delmas R. Arbogast, April 16, 2016 George Rochkovsky, February 9, 2016 Barbara Allyn Blackburn, March 23, 2016 Shirley C. Roy, February 24, 2016 Ruth Simmons Eye, February 29, 2016 Mark S. Wagner, March 1, 2016 Ruth E. Whiteley Kershner, July 10, 2016 Harold Blanco, March 25, 2016 David H. Snyder, April 25, 2016 Patricia E. Hudson, April 26, 2016 Christopher D. White, June 18, 2016 Mattie Rae Tenda, June 15, 2016

FRIENDS & FAMILY Martin P. Hines, February 2, 2016 Former Student Helen J. Humphrey Heyl, April 9, 2016 Former Student E. Sue Lohn, January 29, 2016 Friend of the College Eunice W. McLaughlin, January 13, 2016 Former Employee Louise E. Mick Phillips, February 22, 2016 Former Employee Donald A. Reeves, February 17, 2016 Former Student Norma J. Stanton, February 25, 2016 Former Employee

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

34 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

JACK BASIL Member of the West Virginia Highlanders of Davis & Elkins College Jack Basil, an alumnus and member of the West Virginia Highlanders of Davis & Elkins College for many years, died July 17, 2016, at age 86.

A member of the Davis & Elkins College Class of 1951, Basil went on to earn a master’s degree in music education from West Virginia University. He led a distinguished career from 1953 to 1985 in the Randolph County school system as a band director at elementary, middle and high schools, as well as the Randolph County music supervisor. In 1975, Basil initiated the Randolph County Solo and Ensemble Festival. He received many awards including Randolph County Teacher of the Year and West Virginia Bandmaster in 1984, Hero Hall of Fame in 2001 and IOOF Humanitarian of Year in 2007.

DR. ELAINE DITTMAR Former Professor Dr. Elaine Dittmar, a former faculty member, died June 11, 2016, in Shreveport, La. Dittmar served as assistant professor of chemistry from 1967 to 1970 and associate professor of chemistry from 1970 to 1972. After leaving D&E, she taught at Mercer University in Atlanta, Ga., and then worked for KimberlyClark Corporation in Atlanta. She also traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and seven continents.

She held a Ph.D. in chemistry from Tulane University in New Orleans, La.

PETER R. “PETE” GRAY Former Athletic Trainer and Professor of Athletics Peter R. “Pete” Gray, a former athletic trainer and professor of athletics, died unexpectedly on April 1, 2016, at age 54.

A Certified Athletic Trainer, Gray worked as the athletic trainer and taught physical education at Davis & Elkins from 1986 to 2000. He then became the athletic trainer at Elkins High School and worked at Elkins Physical Therapy until his death.

Gray held a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Cortland State University in Cortland, N.Y., and a Master of Science degree in sports medicine from West Virginia University.

WALTER S. HARTLEY Former Chair of the Department of Music Walter S. Hartley, a former professor of music and chairman of the department of music at Davis & Elkins College and nationally known composer, died June 30, 2016, at the Aldersgate Retirement Community in Charlotte, N.C., at age 89.

Hartley came to Davis & Elkins in 1958 and served as assistant professor of music until 1960, then as associate professor of music and acting chairman of the department of music through 1962. He was appointed chairman of the Department of Music in late 1962 and held that position until 1969. He also served as professor of music from 1967 to 1969. Classical music recitals and programs were frequent at D&E during his tenure.

In 1969 he joined the music faculty at Fredonia State University, Fredonia, N.Y., where he served until retirement.

Hartley composed more than 300 works between 1949 and 2010, most of which were published. His music has been performed by many orchestras and ensembles, including the National Symphony Orchestra, Oklahoma City Symphony, Eastman-Rochester Orchestra and the Eastman Wind Ensemble. His Chamber Symphony of 1954 was commissioned by the Koussevitsky Foundation, his Concert Overture

for orchestra received a prize from the National Symphony Orchestra in 1955, and his Sinfonia No. 3 for brass choir won for him the 1964 Conn Award. He received many commissions from college and high school musical organizations and from U.S. service bands.

Hartley earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music and Ph.D. in composition from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y.

DAKOTA MITCHELL Student Dakota James Mitchell, 20, a rising junior at Davis & Elkins College died on June 24 at Davis Medical Center.

A memorial service was conducted on July 10 at Robbins Memorial Chapel.

At Davis & Elkins, Mitchell was a summer employee in the Office of Information Services and a member of the political science club Polis and the Anime Club. A 2014 graduate of Philip Barbour High School and the Davis & Elkins Upward Bound program, Mitchell maintained close ties with the Upward Bound staff.

He was born August 11, 1995, in Elkins, a son of Steve and Paula Mitchell who reside on the Proudfoot Farm near Belington, W.Va. Also surviving are one brother, Grayson Mitchell; one sister, Beth Skinner and her husband, Nick; one niece, Rosa Skinner; grandmother, Rose Proudfoot Sikora; grandfather, James Spear and his wife, Kim; and several uncles, aunts and cousins.

DR. RUSSELL SHEPHERD Former Coach, Professor and Registrar

New Martinsville, W.Va., in 1956, Glenville State College in 1962 and the University of Virginia, where he earned his master’s degree in 1966 and doctorate in 1975. He lettered in basketball and baseball in both high school and college.

In addition to his work at Davis & Elkins, Shepherd was a teacher, guidance counselor, principal and coach in the Randolph County Schools system.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Gerwig Shepherd; daughter, Marci (Andrew) Davis; and sons, Scott Shepherd and Matthew (Nicole) Shepherd; and seven grandchildren.

DAVID H. WILKEY Former Administrator David H. Wilkey, who served in various administration positions at Davis & Elkins College from 1978 until 1999, passed away on Thursday, April 14, at age 68 in Denton, Texas.

Wilkey was first employed at D&E as director of admission and throughout his tenure served as vice president of student administration, vice president of administration, vice president for enrollment management and concluded his career at the College as executive assistant to the president/interim director of student life.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne, and daughters Kim Antolini, Ginny Simmons and Esther Bourgeois, and six grandchildren.

Wilkey graduated from McKendree College in Lebanon, Ill., in 1968 and taught public school before beginning his career in higher education at Davis & Elkins. He later worked at Lyon College in Batesville, Ark., until his retirement in 2003 when he returned to school to begin his second career as a funeral director.

Dr. Russell “Russ” Shepherd, a member of the D&E community for several years in the 1990s, died on Sunday, February 14, at Colonial Place in Elkins at age 77.

Shepherd served as head men’s basketball coach from 1995 through 2001. In addition, he served as professor of Education and registrar from 1996 through 2001.

He graduated from Magnolia High School in

Remembering

| 35

with Sharmi Roy

By Nanci Bross-Fregonara

Dr. Sharmi Roy, dressed in her signature colorful silk saris, has graced the mathematics department at D&E for 31 years. Moving to Elkins from New Delhi, India (population 6.5 million), she admits laughingly, was a major shift in cultural lifestyle. But, she says she has no regrets and is looking forward to her new role as interim vice president of academic affairs.

Tell me more about how you arrived here.

My husband, Shankar [associate professor mathematics], was actually hired first.

We came here from New Mexico Tech in Socorro, New Mexico, where he was a student and I was teaching as an adjunct. It is a funny story about how we arrived. We had just spent hours driving on old curving Route 33 with a U-Haul trailing behind us. I hated the drive and to make things worse, the windy road through the forest made me feel very claustrophobic. I told Shankar, I changed my mind. I didn’t want to go any further. But, there was no place to turn around on that road. Finally, we got to the Pizza Hut parking lot in Elkins and my husband asked if I wanted to go back – but the thought of going back on the same road made me say, “No, we will stay here.”

And the rest is history.

Even then we thought we’d only be in Elkins a year or so, but then the mountains grow on you. (Smile).

That turned into three decades. What has been the attraction?

The College has given me the freedom to grow. I love to teach and experiment with new methods. I was able to implement hands-on teaching in my physics and natural science classes. The skill and comprehension level in mathematics of many students in this country is low and so we are constantly 36 | DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward

challenged. When I see the spark of understanding in a student’s eye, it makes it all worthwhile.

Your new position is more administrative in nature.

Will you still be able to teach?

I hope I can still be in the classroom because that’s my sanity. It is the one place where I am in total control of what happens. However, I like this new position because I am learning more each day. I used to know only what was happening in the mathematics and physics department, but now I have a view of the entire campus – more so now because I am involved with the accreditation process. I also get to know more about all the students and faculty. They are doing great things, many of them without any fanfare or publicity. I feel very proud of all the students and my colleagues.

Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara

A LIFE of TRANSITION

What other aspects of the position are you excited about?

I serve as the liaison between faculty and administration, and I want to be very forward thinking. Let’s see what we can all do together. We are exploring opportunities to provide more dual credit opportunities at area high schools; expanding offerings in the allied health fields and master’s degree programs; and increasing the number of articulation agreements with regional community colleges (see page 6).

There is a renewed commitment to spirituality and faith at the college, how do you see our diversity (we have approximately 100 international students from 30 countries) being an asset?

Each student is really an ambassador for his or her own faith and country of origin. I hope the students take more time to know each other and I think it is important that we talk openly about different religions and cultural practices. It increases our understanding of each other. This will help us get rid of the bigotry, suspicion and intolerance we have of each other. I used to be asked to speak about Indian culture, Hinduism, answer questions to clear misconceptions and I loved the exchanges I had with students. That has subsided a lot and I think that is too bad.

There is a need for greater understanding of students from other countries and other religious backgrounds.

What is one thing that has surprised you about D&E in your years of experience here?

Sometime back I sent 13 letters of sponsorship to American consulates in India so that my relatives could come to America to attend my son’s wedding. At seven different immigration offices in India, immigration officers recognized the name of Davis & Elkins College. Imagine! My esteem with my family went way up. (Laughing) We have much to be proud of.

THROWBACK

FORWARD

The WCDE radio staff, circa 1978 included Paul Stanley, Sue Pierce, Randy Hermanson, Rob Sawyer, Tom Nicholson, Rea Redd, Steve Dilinger and Andy Symons. Ferguson worked with this crew and enjoyed working with Sawyer, then station manager.

By Linda Howell Skidmore

"I

’m going to go play radio.” That’s what Dick McGraw, general manager of WCDE Elkins AiR1, often says as he makes his way over to the Davis & Elkins College radio station.

Before McGraw’s time, back when the station’s wattage was so low it could only be heard on campus or nearby on a clear night, students actually were playing radio while learning about broadcasting.

When the music era dawned on the Woodstock generation in 1969, a shaggyhaired Elkins High School junior David “Chongo” Skidmore took his classmate up on an invitation for a behind-the-scenes look at WCDE. The classmate had been volunteering there and knew Skidmore shared his interest in radio.

Skidmore started spending Saturday afternoons at the station watching the student broadcasters, and it wasn’t long before the station manager asked if he’d like to do a show.

“I was really excited because I wanted to get started in radio and the College was the place that gave me the chance,” Skidmore says.

Two turntables for playing vinyl (no one had even heard of CDs, much less MP3s), a clock and a small console were enough to make the station rock.

“This was not Top 40 radio,” Skidmore recalls. “It was all albums cuts. I remember when we played Led Zeppelin’s first album.”

The music is what bonded the students and kept them hanging out at the station even if they weren’t working.

“A lot of the College students were from metro areas, so they had or knew of new releases before we did and some of them saw the bands,” Skidmore explained. “We had a lot of good discussions about music.”

Cue up to the mid-1970s when D&E freshman Jerry Ferguson was beginning his four-year stint at WCDE. The station had gained in popularity and the playlist varied – jazz in the mornings and oldies in the afternoons. Rock and hard rock had a place at night.

This was long before the Internet or social media, and WCDE was the main source for (almost) instant information for D&E students. National news came over a teletype

and disc jockeys read the stories live. When the unexpected happened, quick reaction had to come into play, as Ferguson learned.

One day, while Ferguson was reading the news, a student stuck his head through a hole in the studio wall, appearing like a mounted sports trophy.

“I looked up and saw his face and screamed out loud, which made me lose control and I had to go into a (recorded) promo,” Ferguson recalls. “The campus police were called because the kids listening to my show thought someone had come into the studio and killed me. It was the talk of the campus for days.”

That was hardly the end of Ferguson’s radio career. Ironically, he and Skidmore later worked together for McGraw at Elkins Radio Corp.

As for WCDE, student interest waned through the decades to a point that the station was silenced because of a lack of volunteers. In 2011, McGraw came out of retirement and gave the station a new life and a contemporary Christian music format.

At 89.9 FM, WCDE now reaches nearly 20 miles south of campus.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit No 2096

100 Campus Drive Elkins, WV 26241 1.304.637.1900 Connect with D&E

SAVE THE DATE! Alumni Homecoming Weekend 2016!

16 October 14-16, 20 rst Lady Lisa Wood;

d Fi Chris A. Wood an e Class of 1966; t en id es Pr ith w on of th Special Dinner ; heon; 50th Reuni nc Lu b lu C ry ’06; Soccer Games tu 1, en ’0 6, ’9 Half C 1, ’9 6, r ’71, ’76, ’81, ’8 throughout the Class Reunions fo tion; Class/Group competitions ecep much more…

Alumni Awards R night Trivia; and ay rd tu Sa to up weekend leading