NEWS AROUND CAMPUS
D&E Takes to the Road to Honor Alumni Although Homecoming and Family Weekend again shifted to a virtual event, alumni honors were presented in separate, private ceremonies throughout the East Coast. President Chris A. Wood, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Scott Goddard ’96 and Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan ’12 traveled the region to honor alumni for their contributions to the College and their professions.
care program that later shifted to Muskingum Valley Health Center. In 2018, the facility got a new name – Dr. Bijan Joseph Goodarzi Health Center – in honor of the caring physician, who along with MVHC founder Chuck Hunter, established it.
Distinguished Alumnus
Tower Award
Dr. Bijan J. Goodarzi ’77 was presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award at La Ferme Restaurant in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on Sept. 11.
Karen Kober Brown ’84 received the Tower Award at Root Down Brewery in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 12.
“It has truly been a privilege and an honor to have gone to Davis & Elkins College,” Goodarzi said. “It started my career and I’ve known a great number of great people and great professors.”
Brown spent her days at D&E serving in various offices of Phi Mu sorority and working as a psychology teaching assistant, as well as completing her studies. She graduated cum laude in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in youth services. She went on to earn her Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout her career, she has worked as a child welfare caseworker, a school social worker, and now as a psychotherapist.
Goodarzi shares a long history with Davis & Elkins College. Both of his parents – Dr. Manucher Goodarzi ’48 and the late Kathryn Elward Goodarzi ’49, as well as his uncle, the late Joseph Elward ’50 are alumni. Sharing their legacy, he made his way to Elkins and formed yet another connection. After pledging Sigma Phi Epsilon, he learned that his uncle Joe was a member of the first Sig Ep pledge class at D&E. His additional interests in D&E grew with service to the Campus Activity Board, The Icehouse Committee, Student Assembly, International Club, Political Science Club and Chi Beta Phi honorary science fraternity. Goodarzi graduated from D&E in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He went on to obtain his Doctor of Medicine degree from Marshall University School of Medicine. His impressive career began at Women’s Health Specialists in Zanesville, Ohio. It wasn’t long until he saw there was something more he needed to do for his patients. Many physicians in the area were not accepting Medicaid patients and, as a result, many of those patients were showing up in the emergency room with no prenatal care. After approaching the hospital, Goodarzi was able to start a hospital-based prenatal
Goodarzi dedicated his career to additional sectors of the medical profession working as a clinical instructor and medical director.
“D&E was the first place that truly believed in me,” Brown said.
Both in her career and personal life, she exemplifies a character of supporting others and providing service that brings betterment to all she endeavors. The same holds true with her commitment to Davis & Elkins College. As a member of the National Alumni Council and cochair of the Regional Events Committee, she has helped organize multiple alumni events and helped everyone share their most treasured memories of D&E. She’s always ready to welcome new alumni and gives her full attention to networking opportunities during the Almost Alumni Receptions. Blending her professional experience with her connections at her alma mater, Brown also has provided resources to D&E Counseling and Wellness Services.
Outstanding Young Alumna and Senators Community Service Award Amber Vineyard ’10 and Dave Cutlip ’77 shared a dual ceremony at Smoke on the Water, just outside of Elkins on Sept. 25. With a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Davis & Elkins College, Vineyard has excelled in her career at Orion Strategies. She created opportunities that led the company to expand from two offices to six regional offices. As a senior account executive, she leads the company’s Buckhannon office by managing operations, workflow and collaborative efforts. She also develops and oversees strategic campaigns utilizing various platforms. Among her clientele is Davis & Elkins College. Vineyard led her team to create video productions to promote the College to prospective students and their families. Another project highlighted Davis & Elkins Highland Scholars. 6
DAVIS & ELKINS COLLEGE Forward
The Distinguished Alumna/us Award
is the highest award given to a Davis & Elkins College alumna or alumnus who has made significant contributions to society in his or her career. The criteria for selection include career advancement and related service to others, significant honors in one’s field, and commitment to Davis & Elkins College.
The Tower Award is
presented to a D&E alumna or alumnus for outstanding commitment and service to the College and its alumni programs. The criteria for selection include volunteering of time, talent and/or funds in support of the numerous student and alumni programs the College offers.
The Outstanding Young Alumna/us Award is presented
to a young alumna or alumnus who graduated within the last 10 years and shows promise in his or her profession, including professional achievements and honors, community service/service to others, and commitment to the College.
The Senators Community Service Award is presented
Amber Vineyard ’10 receives the Outstanding Young Alumna Award from President Chris A. Wood.
to an alumna or alumnus in recognition of service to the community which resulted in significant impact.
