Van Gundy Book Guides Travelers Through the Mountain State D&E’s Alpha Sigma Phi Celebrates Re-chartering

Van Gundy Book Guides Travelers Through the Mountain State

When a road trip through West Virginia is on the horizon, there’s a new guidebook to help put you in the driver’s seat. Davis & Elkins College Professor Emeritus of Biology and Environmental Science Dr. James Van Gundy recently penned a book with facts and highlights for anyone traveling the Mountain State. “The Nature and Scenery of the West Virginia Highlands: A Motorists Guide” could be considered two books in one, Van Gundy says. The first half focuses on the natural history of the West Virginia Highlands including plants, wildlife, fungi, geology, habitats and ecosystems. There are also separate chapters on forestry, weather and climate, and local history. The second half features descriptions of 32 different highway segments of the Highlands and sites to be seen such as historical areas, state parks and places of geological interest. “It’s written for the intelligent layman who has an interest in nature,” Van Gundy explained. “There are check lists for common trees and animals, and a blooming schedule for flower enthusiasts.” Through some 40 years of leading ecological field trips for both the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College and D&E students, along with Master Naturalists classes, Van Gundy had plenty of ideas and experience for exploring the state. “It always seemed there should be a guidebook for visitors,” he said. “But to write a book, you need time.” Retired from the College for nearly 14 years and living amid the COVID pandemic, Van Gundy seized the opportunity. He started to gather information from his extensive library and then he and his wife, Judy, hit the road. For about a year, the couple took day trips, compiled road logs and took the more than 200 pictures that appear in the book. “I’m happy with the book and I hope it gives people a better appreciation of the unusual,” Van Gundy said. “The Nature and Scenery of the West Virginia Highlands: A Motorists Guide” is available at amazon.com for $29.95. Dr. James Van Gundy taught at Davis & Elkins College for 29 years and served as chair of the Department of Biology and Environmental Science.

D&E’s Alpha Sigma Phi Celebrates Re-chartering

The Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi at Davis & Elkins College celebrated a major milestone with a re-chartering ceremony on Nov. 5. Active members, alumni, College leaders and national Alpha Sigma Phi representatives marked the occasion with a dinner and program in Myles Center for the Arts. “Today is indeed an auspicious day,” David Eron, assistant director of Provisional Chapter Development for Alpha Sigma Phi, said. “Just as Alpha Sigma Phi’s founders Louis Manigault, Stephen Ormsby Rhea and Horace Spangler Weiser did at Yale University on December 6, 1845, we are gathered to formalize your intentions to establish a chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity here at Davis & Elkins College.” Founded at D&E in 1949, the Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi saw many successful years with a growing brotherhood. However, as the new millennium dawned, the organization began facing financial difficulties. Luckily, alumni brothers came to the rescue. The re-chartering process dates back to 2013 when Dick Seybolt ’63 paid a visit to the president and chief executive officer of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. Additional alumni stepped in to guide, mentor and provide monetary support. Robert T. Gregory, Capt., U.S. Navy (retired), ’59 played a leading role in efforts that secured more than $50,000 for the chapter endowment, paid off chapter debt, and created a fund to cover a member’s initiation fee. “The Gamma Delta Chapter has experienced significant growth in undergraduate membership, in large part due to Brother Gregory’s efforts,” D&E Vice President for Institutional Advancement Scott Goddard, who served as the fraternity’s advisor, told the group. Additional financial support to the chapter was announced at the ceremony. Grand Chapter Advisor David Kubichek ’99 presented a $1,000 check from his business and another $1,000 personal gift, while Jim Fritz ’89 offered a $400 academic scholarship to each fraternity member in their senior year at D&E. The ceremony also included remarks from Davis & Elkins College President Chris A. Wood and Chapter Presidents Trevor Gauckler and Andrew Shand, who each focused on themes of leadership and brotherhood. “Alpha Sigma Phi made me feel like I was in my home away from home,” Shand said. “I am grateful to call all these guys my brothers.” Eron reminded the fraternity members that the ceremony is a time of reflection on the journey where they now take an official distinguished place in the history of the re-founding fathers of the Gamma Delta chapter. “As you contemplate the honor of membership in Alpha Sigma Phi, I hope that you recall that membership in this brotherhood comes with a responsibility,” Eron said. “A responsibility to exemplify the values of silence, charity, purity, honor and patriotism. A responsibility to perpetuate this brotherhood by inviting new men to join the fraternity. A responsibility to each other, to be your brothers’ keeper. We give credit to Alpha Sigma Phi for uniting these men as they strive to ‘Better the Man.’ Congrats to the Gamma Delta chapter.”

The re-chartering ceremony of the Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi at Davis & Elkins College brought together a group of alumni, current members, their guests and Davis & Elkins College administrators and staff.

Alumni and Friend Gatherings are Back! After a two-year hiatus, we are on the road again and what a ride it has been! Traveling up and down the East Coast, President Chris A. Wood and First Lady Lisa Wood, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Scott Goddard ’96, Senior Director for Institutional Advancement Cathy Nosel and Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan ’12 enjoyed reminiscing and renewing friendships, meeting new friends and sharing news from D&E.

Snowbird Tour in Florida

D&E’s Snowbird Tour in Florida began on Feb. 18 at Enzo’s on the Lake in Longwood, where great food and conversation were enjoyed by First Lady Lisa Wood, Scott Goddard ’96, Cathy Nosel, Ed and Linda Keller Zierold ’69, Marquita DeLorme Anderson ’67, Lynn and Bryant Applegate ’77, Dale and Ellen Mills Smith ’69, President Chris A. Wood and Wendy Morgan ’12.

Later that evening, the Havana Country Club in The Villages was the perfect venue for dinner with First Lady Lisa Wood, Anita Kendell Talbott ’83, Cathy Nosel, Haydee Britton ’71, Beth King Helm ’97, Scott Goddard ’96, Wendy Morgan ’12, Judy Mewha Jack ’62, Steve Matyus ’78, Joan Slattery, Jack McDonald ’60, Dianne and Lee Levering ’58 and President Chris A. Wood. On Feb. 19, Winter Haven’s Harborside Restaurant provided a lovely location for a great lunch and fellowship with Wendy Morgan ’12, First Lady Lisa Wood, Scott Goddard ’96, Bill ’75 and Cindy Kretzinger Harrison ’76, Cathy Nosel, Dave ’71 and Diane Weese Buerger ’71 and President Chris A. Wood.

And then it was on to Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant in Palmetto for a delicious dinner and a beautiful sunset with First Lady Lisa Wood, Scott Goddard ’96, Cathy Nosel, Wendy Morgan ’12, Stewart Macsherry ’66, Jan Dougherty, Rob Beckwith ’67 and Kathy Cordero Hultquist ’68, Earl Shaffer ’66, Brian Whelan ’76 and President Chris A. Wood.

The Florida Snowbird tour continued the next day with breakfast in Punta Gorda at Dockside Grill at The Four Points by Sheraton. Those joining President Chris A. Wood, First Lady Lisa Wood, Scott Goddard ’96, Cathy Nosel and Wendy Morgan ’12, were Gay and Doug Lane, Lyla and Leonard Howell ’59, Jim Walker ’82, Andrea “Andi” Wilson ’75, Paul ’77 and Judy Towne Essex ’76, and Denny ’65 and Suzi Jackson Bye ’66.