Alumni News

Manucher Goodarzi, Washington, D.C., was very happy to attend the award ceremony for his son Dr. Bijan Goodarzi ’77, Nashport, Ohio, as he was honored as D&E’s 2021 Distinguished Alumnus. Manucher was unaware that he too, would be receiving a special recognition from President Chris A. Wood, by receiving his Half Century Club medallion. President Wood then awarded Manucher his second medallion as he is mid-way through his next half century.

President Chris A. Wood presents Manucher Goodarzi with his Half Century Club medallions. See 1948.

1952

An educator throughout her entire career, Virginia E. “Ginny” Smith Holborow, Kensington, Md., took the skills she learned from her mentor and friend, the late Dr. Gloria M. Payne ’43, to teach business classes to thousands of students. Ginny loved being a teacher. She and her husband, George, were frequent visitors to her hometown of Elkins just to check in with friends and to see “her College.” Sadly, Ginny passed away on May 28, 2021.

1955

After Richard F. Hepburn graduated from D&E, he joined the Navy. He attended Officer Candidate School, becoming an Ensign, and then following 18 months flight training in Pensacola, Fla., and Kingsville, Texas, he returned to Elkins as a Naval Aviator and Lieutenant Junior Grade to marry Judy Pétra Wilson ’57. After 10 years in the Navy, and 25 years as an airline pilot with Mohawk, Allegheny and USAir, Richard retired on his birthday in 1991. During that time, Judy taught history at high schools in South Kingstown, R.I., and Montclair, N.J., as well as receiving her MA at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Richard and Judy live in Princeton, N.J., and are the proud parents of a son and daughter, and two beautiful granddaughters.

Ginny and George Holborow receive visit from President Chris Wood. See 1952.

1956

On August 26, Thomas J. “Tom” and Carolyn “Lynn” Soliday Meakem ’58, Kiawah Island, S.C., celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. They are the proud parents of three children and 13 grandchildren.

1960

Richard “Dick” Huggins is still preaching once in a while, sharing that “Retirement is a sometime thing.” He and his wife, Barbara, live in Lakeland, Fla. In the fall of 1959, Richard “Dick” and Judy Miller Stoeltzing ’63 met in the campus library. They have now been married for 59 years and are enjoying three great grandsons. The Stoeltzings live in Sacramento, Calif.

1962

For the past year, Judy Mewha Jack has made her home in The Villages, Fla., where she is involved in a wide variety of activities. Judy is an active member of New Covenant United Methodist Church where she serves as a greeter for the 11 a.m. service. She enjoys being a member of the West Virginia Club, Stamping Up (a card making group), playing military Mahjong, Samba, decorative painting and rug hooking. Her children, Heather Jack Antolini ’84, Holly Jack Conrad ’89 and Tharon L. “TL” Jack ’89, are frequent visitors. While she loves living in Florida, she still cherishes the memories and friendships she has in Elkins and of Davis & Elkins College, where she continues to support the Jack Family Scholarship and the Highlands Scholarship.

Tom and Lynn Soliday Meakem. See 1956.

Judy Mewha Jack is now living in The Villages, Fla. See 1962.

James W. “Jim” Bryant continues to be proud of his alma mater and grateful for the education and growth opportunities he received at D&E. Jim played on D&E’s first men’s soccer team and has passed that passion on to his grandson, Ethan Bryant. At age 16, Ethan signed with San Antonio FC and made his professional debut in the U.S. Open Cup in May 2018. He is now on loan from the USL Championship team San Antonio FC to the Richmond Kickers of USL League One for the remainder of the 2021 season. Ethan is a midfielder and the second-youngest player to debut for San Antonio FC. After eloping on Nov. 13, 1962, Leonard W. “Len” and Sandy Moore Rudnick, Tucson, Ariz., are going on 59 years of “happily ever-after.” Now, reluctantly retired, they cherish their days at D&E.

1964

Rowland I.C. and Linda Hurst New ’65, New Market, Md., have been enjoying retirement since 2005. Linda taught kindergarten for 25 years in Montgomery County Public Schools, and Rowland was professor of counseling and psychology at Montgomery College in Rockville from 1970-2005. They now live close to their daughter and two sons and are the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren.

1965

Hannah Palmer Snyder is enjoying life in her retirement community, Foulkeways, in Gwynedd, Pa. She shares, “Moving in was an excellent decision.” Carolyn Ekins Heasley, Alexandria, Va., loves to paint in watercolors and oils, and is enjoying life with her teenage grandchildren.

1966

Andras “Andy” Maros, Stuart, Va., looks forward to a golden re-connection with old friends of D&E. He invites all to peruse Peace Production, an organization he co-founded with Mayana Kingery. Together, with single purpose and united vision, they have dedicated their lives to the inspiration of humanity. To learn more about their efforts, visit www.peaceproduction.org.

1970

During the virtual Half Century Club induction, Janice “Jake” Kemp Hutchison, Harrisburg, Pa., shared that some of her favorite D&E memories were singing in the choir, playing field hockey, living in Gribble Hall, and meeting her life-long friends. Mary Vine Langley enjoyed participating and sharing stories with classmates and President Chris A. Wood during the Homecoming virtual Half Century Club induction. Mary and husband Kelvin Langley ’69 live in Surprise, Ariz.

Janice Kemp Hutchison proudly displays her Half Century Club medallion. See 1970.

1971

Glenn R. and Grace “Ellen” Gray Krechel, Pawley’s Island, S.C., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 19, 2021.

Mary Vine Langley proudly displays her Half Century Club medallion. See 1970.

David C. and Diane Weese Buerger reside in Winter Haven, Fla. After 20-plus years with her own private law practice, Diane has now joined the Victor Smith Law Group in Winter Haven. In the recent virtual Half Century Club induction, David and Diane shared one of their favorite memories was when they both worked as students for the D&E College radio station WCDE.

Celebrating Georgia Soccer with friends John Staniforth; soccer legend Angus McAlpine; and Hugo Escobar, Michael Shue is on the list of Georgia’s All-Time Top 50 Soccer Players. See 1976.

Editor’s Note: The following article, written by Hank Steinbrecher ’71, appeared in the East Hampton Star newspaper. “Guestwords: Going Home” is reprinted with permission. The day began well enough. Up before dawn with childlike anticipation, clear skies and a bit of the night chill still in the air. Out for a big breakfast. Sun up, getting warm, we headed east on Montauk Highway to Montauk Point. I had been there often as a young lad, some 50 years ago. The area then was nearly barren of buildings. A few beautiful homes and the old Montauk Tower. Now it’s a mega resort, a playground for the rich. Young and passionate about surfing, my friends and I would make the long trek east to find the best waves on Long Island. Ditch Plain was my favorite spot. We would drive out and camp for a few days of surfing. On this day I was heading there after being landlocked for the past 36 years. Chicago and Tucson do not produce great surf. I yearned for the rhythms of the ocean. I have always found it cathartic. Dreamed about it, actually. We turned into the beach parking lot and there she was. The Atlantic Ocean. My son has served in the military for the past 20 years. He and I have not spent more than a few days at a time together, because of his deployments and my international travel. On his last deployment he sent me a message. “Dad, I have sent you a ticket in the email. We are going on a trip together.” Where are we going? “It is a surprise. Once you get here [Washington, D.C.], we will have a seven-hour drive. We will spend the week together.” He knows how to keep a secret. I felt like a kid a week before Christmas. I got out my compass and looked on a map at the 500

Surf’s Up and Hank Steinbrecher Gets to Go Back Home

miles around D.C. Ah, he’s taking me to the beaches of South Carolina. We spent many a vacation there. Wrong. We headed north from his house. Where were we going? “It’s a surprise.” Over the George Washington Bridge. Going to New England? Wrong. Over the Throgs Neck Bridge. This was my old stomping grounds. Past Levittown, my hometown. What were we doing? My son was taking me home. We would spend the week reliving my past. Wrong. The boy can really keep a secret. We arrive in East Hampton. He’d booked a B&B; here for the week. We would relax and get to know each other again. Wrong again. The next morning, we went to Grain Surfboards. These guys are the best. My son had arranged for us to build a classic wooden surfboard from scratch. Grain sources sustainable wood to build their skateboards and surfboards. Wood, not foam boards. Classic. It was our project. We spent every moment of the week together. The depth of our conversations and frankness of our talks were marvelous to experience. Yet the most salient moments came when there was no conversation. In the quiet. Feeling the bond between father and son. It was a real reconnection. That alone was worth its weight in gold. My college teammate and dear friend, Antonio Rutigliano, lives in East Hampton. We were able to hook up with him and shared many stories and meals. Back to Ditch Plain, where the story began. I am a 74-year-old man diagnosed with endstage heart and kidney disease. Complicated by Parkinson’s. Told that I need a heart and kidney transplant. However, I did not qualify. They said that there was not much more they could do. Go live life. I have been unstable and weak in the legs. Yet here we were making a new board. My son truly knows me. I may never use it but my family will, hopefully my grandchildren. We ambled out to the beach. I sat down in a chair we’d brought. Immediately I felt a sense of serenity. I’d brought my camera and took shots of the surfers. The lads from Grain Surfboards, Brian, Theo, and Luke, were with us, along with a friend of theirs, Jay. Jay is a hulk of a man with great humanity. Brian, Theo, and Luke are unique businessmen. They showed us genuine care, compassion, hard work, artistry, and intelligence. They were fun guys to be around. I have come to know the ocean and love it. There is really something mythical and magical about the surf. You are at the junction of land, water, air, and wind. They envelope you. Yet you can master them. The rhythm of surf is hypnotic. I have learned that the ocean has many moods. On some days it can be very angry, other days peaceful. Now it was happy. The surf was a two-to-three-foot swell. A slight offshore breeze, sunny and warm. Many surfers in the water. Sitting there I yearned to be in it. My son asked, “Want go surfing?” Given my condition, I would have to be out of my mind to say yes. I can barely walk without assistance. “Hell, yes! Go for it!” So, my son, Jay, and Brian got a board and helped me into the surf. Theo documented the journey in photos. We walked in, surf coming at us. I felt an immediate sense of excitement and simultaneously a sense of peace. The waves were coming in and we were going out. I was determined to get past the break. The first sizable wave came at us. I duck-dived under it, reliving childhood memories. The feel of the ocean breaking over my head and through my hair was energizing. I felt great satisfaction and happiness. “How many more days do I have left?” I thought. Thank God and thank my son for giving me at least one last chance to feel this harmony with nature. We made it out past the break. We stayed there for a bit and then made the journey back to shore. Weakened, I needed lots of help to get back in. I climbed onto the board, lying flat and too far back to catch anything. The nose of the board was high in the water. No way to catch a wave. The lads got my legs back under me and walked me out of the surf. I must have looked like a beached whale. My son and I embraced, teary-eyed in each other’s arms. We made the trek back to the surf shop. I was exhausted and energized all at the same time. You could say I was “stoked.” Indeed, my son had brought me back home.

During the 50th anniversary of Georgia Soccer, Michael E. Shue, Snellville, Ga., was listed among its All-Time Top 50 Soccer Players who have played in the state. He shared this honor with two of his teammates, John Staniforth and Hugo Escobar. The players were nominated by members of Georgia Soccer and the finalists were chosen by the members of a committee. Congratulations Mike!!

1979

Don E. Cover and his wife, Patty, recently relocated from Bridgeport, W.Va., to Clermont, Fla. They are enjoying the adventures of their new lives in the Sunshine State and look forward to meeting D&E alumni and friends in their area.

Lawrence “Larry” DeVault has devoted over 42 years of service with various fire departments and rescue squads in Virginia and the northeastern United States. In his own community of Crozet, Va., he has served in various leadership roles for the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department. Larry has helped foster professionalism and accountability within the department, helped improve equipment in the area of vehicle extrication and worked hard to enhance relationships and partnerships with Western Albemarle Rescue Squad and Albemarle County Fire Rescue. In June, Larry was recognized for his service as he completed his term as assistant chief for the CVFD and was elected vice president of the department. Larry will serve on the Board of Directors for 2021-2022.

Don and Patty Cover enjoy a day of picking blueberries with their daughter, Kimberly, in Clermont, Fla. at the Southern Hill Farms. See 1979. Crozet Volunteer Fire Department recognized Larry DeVault for his community service. See 1979. 1983

Karen Wilmoth, Elkins, W.Va., retired from her alma mater after serving 17 years in the Advancement/Development office. She is proud to have been a member of the team that raised $100 million over a 10-year period to Secure the Future of D&E.

1984

Juliann Noel Shackelford lives in Placerville, Calif., and is the records supervisor for the Placerville Police Department. She enjoys spending time with her six grandchildren. During a visit to campus with their family, Alex “Sandy” and Kelly O’Donnell Edwards ’87, Clermont, Ga., had a chance to tour The IceHouse. They were excited to find their names on the wall, along with the names of their children. Sandy and Kelly are also proud to announce that following their son Collin’s graduation from high school next year in May, he will begin the 2022-2023 academic year as a freshman at D&E. The O’Donnell and Edwards legacy continues. Edwin ’86 and Diane Mullin Recinos live in Rahway, N.J. with their son, Tyler. Edwin is proud to announce Diane has been named interim president of Berkeley College with campuses in Midtown Manhattan, N.Y., and in Newark, Paramus, Woodbridge and Woodland Park, N.J. Her career at Berkeley College began in 1992 as director of financial aid for the Woodbridge campus and over the years, she took on expanded roles in financial aid, technology and analytics as the College’s mission expanded. Diane’s leadership has spanned campus operations, admissions, marketing, student development and campus life, disability services, career services, academic advisement, the Office of the Registrar, institutional effectiveness, and the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. She served as senior vice president, enrollment management, and most recently as the senior vice president of student success. Diane served as a peer for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, was a board member for the American Conference on Diversity, the Woodbridge

Etched in stone at The IceHouse, Sandy and Kelly O’Donnell Edwards found their names and those of their daughters, Madison Grace, Kayla (not pictured) and son, Collin. See 1988.

Diane Mullin Recinos, EdD, Interim President of Berkeley College. See 1988.

Filmmaker and D&E Instructor of Theatre and Film, Lonnie Martin. See 2002.

Economic Development Corporation and the Woodbridge Special Improvement District; and served as Chairwoman of the Board of the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of Leadership New Jersey, was named to the YWCA Academy of Women Leaders, is among the NJBIZ Best 50 Women in Business, and is a recipient of the William E. Short Community Service Award.

2002

In May, Lonnie Martin, Elkins, W.Va., was the guest speaker for a podcast interview on Discover Indie Film (DIF) for his 2019 FILA (Film Invasion L.A.) award winning film “The Last of the Manson Girls.” DIF is a TV Series and Podcast that highlights filmmakers handpicked from the festival circuit. Check out Lonnie’s film on Amazon Prime Video.

Shane Meade is Making Music and Loving Every Minute of It

Shane Meade’s career path has taken a 360-degree turn. It happened part out of necessity and part out of taking time to explore what he wanted to do in life. His success as a touring solo musician and with his band, Shane Meade & the Sound, wasn’t anything he would have imagined as a political science and history major and member of the Senator basketball team at Davis & Elkins College. Still, he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I like working for the man in the mirror and I wouldn’t change that for a return to the corporate world,” Meade said. After graduating D&E in 1997, the Elkins native earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from Marshall University. He relocated to Tampa, Florida, in the summer of 2000 and worked as a probation officer before moving on to a position in medical sales. In 2005, after a little soul searching, he left the corporate world, picked up an old guitar of his father’s and discovered a new passion he had only dabbled in with open mic nights. A few solo gigs later, he joined up with other musicians to form Shane Meade & the Sound. “Early on it was a transition from a 9-to-5 lifestyle to the world of performing music. I can’t say I didn’t miss the paychecks from time to time,” Meade said. “But, over the years the project was able to grow and we’ve established ourselves.” Described as soul-infused folk rock with a splash of jazz and mountain funk, Shane Meade & the Sound has spent the last seven years playing up and down the East Coast with staple performances in the Virgin Islands. Of course Meade brought the band home to play at D&E for Déjà vu. Ironically, Rob Masten was managing The Icehouse when Meade played there. Now he’s the sax player for the group. Meade and Masten often performed as a duo over the years. Masten’s Elkins restaurant El Gran Sabor is the local “go to venue” for the band. “We have a solid fan base in Elkins, and a lot of family and friends continue to show their love and support of the music,” Meade said. Unlike most musicians who had to sit out the show during COVID, Meade was able to perform acoustic solos in small venues and online. Plus, it gave the band time to move ahead with the album they had in the works. The band’s fourth album, released Oct. 11, is a collection of songs revolving around its title “Livin’ in the Moment.” “I think this new album is our best effort yet,” Meade said. “I feel like I really put my best foot forward, although I’m proud of all our albums.” The band released the double disc album “Candle Lights & Conspiracies” in 2009 and “All Walks of Life” in 2013. “I guess you can call it somewhat of a divine intervention,” Meade said. “Now I have a career, musical family and a way of life that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

Benjamin Jones is Back in the Spotlight

After a bit of a hiatus, Benjamin Jones ’08 is back in front of the camera. This time around, his family is joining him in the cast for a couple of the productions. In what Jones calls a “pretty successful year,” he appeared in television commercials for Home Depot, Planet Fitness, Masterworks.io and one for Amtrak that’s been getting a lot of attention. For anyone who’s seen the Amtrak ad titled “No interruptions,” that’s Jones portraying the dad and the little girl is actually his 3-year-old daughter, Willa. “They were looking for families because with COVID that would be safer and minimize people crossing paths,” Jones explained. They left their home in New York, traveling by Amtrak, for the two-day shoot in Charleston, South Carolina. Two versions of the train portion of the commercial were filmed – one with masks and one without. On location, the cast rode in a 100-year-old canoe on the lake before the house scene was filmed with Willa. Performing is more of a family affair than just father and daughter. In fact, it was acting that brought Jones and his wife, Lauren Engleman, together. They met in a T. Schreiber Studio & Theatre class and were married in 2015. They and their youngest daughter, Winter, appeared in a commercial for Meridian Health Hospital in New Jersey. Engleman works as a professional dancer and has roles on HGTV and Discovery ID. Jones’ acting career goes back to his days at D&E when he performed in stage productions and was a model for promotional materials. Now his resume reads with highlights such as co-star roles on television’s “Quantico,” “Blood Feuds” and “Scorned,” along with a star role in “Paranormal Amish.” He’s also had supporting roles on the big screen in “Karma Club” and “Get Happy,” among others. That’s all in addition to stage work at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Pan Asian Repertory. The latter was brought back as a radio show at the start of the pandemic with Jones returning to his role for voice-over work. “I always wanted to be an entertainer and I can’t let it go,” Jones said. Another passion he’s carried on is soccer. The former player for the Senators now coaches pre-K 3-year-olds. “For most of them it’s their first time with the sport,” Jones said. “They’re very energetic.” Like many soccer dads and aspiring actors, Jones has a day job. A few years ago, he went back to school and earned a master’s degree from Hunter College. In a seventh-grade classroom in downtown Manhattan, he instructs special education ICT for science. Although Jones says he’s unsure what’s on the horizon for his acting career, there is one direction he’s taking. “I’m looking forward, just looking forward.” This summer, Kirk and Amanda Yeargan Monroe, Midlothian, Va., took a trip to Philadelphia, Pa., where they had an amazing time touring the “City of Brotherly Love.” A few of the places they enjoyed most were the Museum of the American Revolution, Carpenters’ Hall, Congress Hall, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, and the Liberty Bell Center. Another special treat during their trip was having dinner with fellow alumna Karen Kober Brown ’84 and her son, Travis.

Amanda and Kirk Monroe enjoyed a visit with Karen Kober Brown ’84 and her son Travis during a recent trip to Philadelphia, Pa. See 2002.

2003

Perry Cunningham III is the new head baseball coach for Waynesburg University. He has been with Waynesburg for 14 years, serving as an assistant coach and director of baseball strength and conditioning. Perry and his wife, Pam, live in Waynesburg, Pa., and are the proud parents of two sons, Cooper and Cade.

2009

Kate McArthur and Kristi Haakma, Bakersfield, Calif., announce the birth of their son. Coen Asher Haakma-McArthur was born on June 14, 2021, weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces and measuring 19 inches in length. Baby Coen is the perfect little boy and Kate and Kristi are loving life as they watch him grow.

2013

On July 17, Sara K. Hill and Kevin McCartney exchanged wedding vows during a beautiful ceremony at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Their wedding was followed by an epic honeymoon that took them to Hawaii for visits

Coen Asher Haakma-McArthur. See 2009.

Congratulations to the new “Mr. and Mrs.” – Kevin and Sara K. Hill McCartney! See 2013.

to the Big Island and Maui, and then on to Seattle, Wash., where they enjoyed the views and excursions aboard a sea plane and sailboat and ended their trip with an amazing train ride via Amtrak through the Glacier National Park. The McCartneys reside in New Albany, Ohio, where Sara works for Amazon and Kevin works at Nationwide in network security.

2017

Velma Ragsdale, Dallas, Texas, is thrilled to announce she is living the dream as the catering sales manager for the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

On October 7, Derek Sicca was sworn in as a firefighter for the Elkins Fire Department by Elkins City Clerk Jessica Sutton, while Elkins Fire Chief Steve Himes and Derek’s wife Abby looked on. See 2018. 2018

Derek Sicca and Abigale “Abby” Gooden met at D&E and were married May 22, 2021. Abby is a nurse at Mountain Memories Assisted Living & Retirement Center and Derek is a firefighter for the Elkins Fire Department, as well as a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness.

2019

After a 2020 ceremony postponement due to the COVID pandemic, Angelea R. Goodwin and Matthew J. Maynard were married. On Aug. 7, 2021, the happy couple exchanged wedding vows in front of family and friends at their home in Swansboro, N.C. Matt is a P.A. at Johnston Pain Management and Angelea is a licensed lead teacher working in the field of preschool education and childcare. Angelea is the sister of Heather Henline, who received an Honorary Doctor of Letters in 2014, and Matt is the grandson of the late Fay McGee Maynard ’57 and the

Velma Ragsdale at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. See 2017. Angelea R. Goodwin and Matthew J. Maynard, married on Aug. 7, 2021. See 2019.

late Gerald Maynard ’56. They look forward to taking their honeymoon trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, at a later date.

2021

Kaylee Wagner, Elkins, W.Va., started her new job as a family service specialist serving Randolph and Barbour counties through Youth Health Service. Kaylee shares, “I am so thankful to have been chosen for such a great and fulfilling position that utilizes my D&E degrees! I never imagined that just out of college, I would land a position in my field with health, dental, vision and life insurance, right in my college town! I’m so happy to be giving back to the community that has been my home since starting school here in 2017.”

2024

Travis Scala, Rockville, Md., spent the summer working on his internship as an accountant with a medical practice, and staying in shape for the D&E lacrosse season.