Trading Places ‘President for a Day’ Tradition Makes a Return Dempsey, Goodarzi Names to Board of Trustees

NEWS AROUND CAMPUS Trading Places ‘President for a Day’ Tradition Makes a Return

A business student and a college president walk into an office and switch roles for a day. It sounds like the intro to a joke, but instead of a punch line there were eyeopening experiences for both individuals. With the return of a Davis & Elkins College tradition, junior Hussain Hamide became “President for a Day,” and Chris A. Wood was back in class and living the student experience. To look official, Hamide donned a suit and tie. Expecting an easy day behind the desk, he was surprised to find a jam-packed agenda. “I believed that running a business would be easy – especially if you are a CEO or president because you have people working for you,” Hamide said. “That day completely changed my mind.” From sit-downs with vice presidents and department directors, he learned the innerworkings of the College and the teamwork involved in the day-to-day functions. “Just one day taught me lessons in leadership,” Hamide said. “When it was explained to me how much is involved in maintaining the buildings and the campus, it made me realize that as students we need to be more patient when we want campus projects completed. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the donors who make scholarships and other necessities for students possible, and the relationships the College holds with alumni.” Come lunchtime, Hamide was scheduled to speak before Elkins Rotarians. Although he admits he was a little nervous at the start, he felt more at ease once he started telling the story of his love for D&E. Apparently, he wowed the crowd. Alumnus and Mountain Valley Bank President and CEO T.

Chris A. Wood listens to a presentation in accounting class before delivering his homework assignment. Richard “Dick” Harvey ’78 extended him a summer employment offer – which he gladly accepted. Back on campus Wood was busy presenting his accounting class homework assignment and then headed over to the cafeteria for lunch with a few of his bros on the tennis team. Later, he and Hamide met up for a tour of Darby Hall and quick round of ping pong before Wood made it down the hill for tennis practice. The team welcomed him with an oversized tennis ball autographed by each member. “It has been a ‘few’ years since my role at college was a student,” President Wood said. “Switching places with Hussain enabled me to see D&E through his eyes. My ‘fellow students’ throughout the day shared their experiences and it presented an opportunity to come to know them better. New perspective is essential to fully grasp reality, and this experience Chris A. Wood and President Hussain Hamide take a break from their day for a short game of ping pong in Darby Hall. was a powerful reminder to keep our laser focus as an institution on the experience of our students. This is a tradition that is back to stay at D&E.”

The Senator men’s tennis team welcomes Chris A. Wood to afternoon practice after presenting him with an oversized autographed tennis ball.

President for a Day Hussain Hamide and Chris A. Wood prepare to let the day begin as they switch roles. Chris A. Wood, center, and a few friends from the Senator tennis team, Anthony Martins, Vinicius Azeredo, Julian Tamburini and Viktor Yanev, toast to a great D&E day.

Dempsey, Goodarzi Named to Board of Trustees

Two Davis & Elkins College alumni are sharing their areas of expertise as members of the Board of Trustees. Recently appointed to the ranks are Melanie Dempsey ’04 and Dr. Bijan Goodarzi ’77. Vice president for financial policy at the West Virginia Hospital Association (WVHA), Dempsey has worked in the health care industry for nearly 20 years. In her current role, she supports member hospitals with financial and budgetary oversight to ensure viability and access to care. “D&E is proud to claim Melanie as an alumnus and grateful for her willingness to serve as a member of our Board of Trustees,” said D&E President Chris A. Wood. “As a result of her distinguished career, she brings many gifts and talents to our Board, and her guidance for our growing health care program is particularly valued. Melanie’s appointment further strengthens the College’s leadership and our commitment to a transformative educational experience for all of our students.” Prior to joining WVHA, Dempsey served as chief financial officer and vice president for finance at Davis Health System. Throughout her career, she achieved financial turn-around, guided acquisitions, worked with payer