Elkins-Randolph Chamber Honors Woods as Citizens of the Year

Assistant Professor of Art Kevin Woodcock shows Chair Emerita June Myles how to pull ink for screen printing.

“This project is one that brings earth and sun together,” Mills said. “This project has made an immediate impact on campus, but it is a legacy project that will impact generations of students and community members.” The project was selected as an Outstanding Design in the 2021 American School & University magazine Architectural Portfolio. Davis & Elkins College President Chris A. Wood said the sculpture and its name, “Discovery and Esprit,” will inspire students for generations to come. “Adorning the center of our campus are two young people in bronze exuding motion, energy and joy,” Wood said. “At the heart of our campus and our mission is the young man named ‘Discovery,’ who epitomizes the young people who arrive as students to expand their intellectual horizons, their cultural awareness and appreciation. His dancing partner is none other than ‘Esprit.’ She brings our esprit de corps … our feeling of belonging to a special group and having pride in sharing its aims.” Myles told the group of how her vision for the renovation grew from a need to make repairs to the plaza and an idea for incorporating the sculpture. “I suspect you all know that when you undertake a renovation project it grows and grows,” Myles said. “You do one thing and then realize something else needs attention. Like the proverbial pebble in the pond, the rings ripple outward in Chair Emerita June Myles and greater concentric circles.” artist James “Jimmy” Grashow The program concluded with a special reading by Chair of the D&E Division of Humanities Dr. strike a pose in front of Grashow’s sculpture “Discovery & Esprit.” Bill King. “I learned a lot from June about love of place and about service grounded in long-term vision rather than short-term gain,” King said. “I am therefore honored to have been asked to read one of my poems for June, which is, in part, about what we do – or don’t do – with our short time on earth.” King presented his poem titled “Management of Time.”

Just days after Myles Center for the Arts was officially dedicated, it opened its doors for the first community-wide event as the ElkinsRandolph Chamber hosted its first in-person awards banquet since the start of the pandemic. Making the evening even more special was the recognition of Davis & Elkins College President Chris A. Wood and Elkins-Randolph County Chamber Executive Director Lisa Messinger Wood as Citizens of the Year. The Chamber’s award for Citizen of the Year is presented to Randolph County residents who have served the community through acts of heroism, humanitarianism, charity or other outstanding service. Community members are asked to submit nominations for award recipients and the final selection is made by a Chamber awards committee. The Woods made Elkins their home in 2016 when Chris was named the 15th president of Davis & Elkins College. Soon after, Lisa began working with community organizations and was hired as executive director of the Chamber in 2018. In making the award presentation, Matt Osborne, senior vice president and chief credit officer of Citizens Bank of West Virginia, said that it is common to see both Woods working to promote the College and the community within Randolph County and beyond. “Because of his leadership, D&E has partnered with community organizations and businesses,” Osborne said. “These two citizens have visited College friends and alumni across the country, promoting both the school and the community. They have worked to help make others’ dreams for the campus a reality, and to support and promote a vibrant community for our citizens.” With a common belief of “what’s good for the College is good for the community, and vice versa,” the Woods have fostered relationships that benefit the greater good of all. “Lisa and I are both humbled and honored to be the recipients of this recognition from the Chamber,” Chris Wood said. “Elkins and Davis & Elkins College are both our home and our passion. We consider it a blessing to work for the betterment of our community and the transformation of President Chris A. Wood, left, and First students’ lives.” Lady Lisa Wood received the Citizens of “Elkins and Randolph County have profoundly impacted our lives and the Year award sponsored by Citizens Bank of West Virginia and presented by Matt Osborne, right. the lives of our family in the short six years that we’ve lived here,” Lisa Wood added. “Chris and I can only hope that we, in turn, have impacted the College and our community half as much.” Trustee Chair Emerita June Myles, recipient of the 2020 Tom Williams Award of Distinction, was recognized for her contributions to the College and community. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant civic, charitable and community contributions.