Alumni News

Beth Guye Kittle, Elkins, W.Va., published two volumes of poetry: “The Sanctioned Fruit” in 1998 and “A Widow’s Lament” in 2014.

1955 1959

Tish Davis McKenzie, Greensboro, N.C., thoroughly enjoyed her 87-year adventure on this earth and was a delight to all who knew her. As a child, Tish had a gift for the spoken word and public speaking, winning national and regional speech contests. She pursued higher education at D&E, and it quickly became one of her favorite places on earth. She was drawn to the stage and breathed life into lead roles in “The Philadelphia Story,” “Glass Menagerie” and “The Heiress.” It was also on the D&E stage that Tish would meet her leading man for life, John McKenzie ’55, as they were cast as Eliza and Alfred Doolittle in “Pygmalion.” For 63 years, Tish and John held each other close with love, respect and laughter, and inspired their children to find that same sort of happiness. They shared their love of West Virginia and D&E with their children, daughter Tara McKenzie Sandercock ’80 and her husband, Steve Sandercock ’82, Greensboro, N.C.; sons, Shawn McKenzie, ’84, Stevenson, Md., Scot McKenzie ’96, Mount Rainier, Md., and Mark Skye McKenzie, Los Angeles, Calif.; and cousin, Bryan LaFollette ’19, Elkins, W.Va. Scot writes, “The foundation of my parents’ connection with each other, certainly the setting and circumstances in which they met and fell in love, iconic chapters in the mythology of our family, flowed from their experiences at D&E and brought them great joy.” On April 2, 2021, sadly, Tish passed away. The McKenzie family invites all who knew and loved Tish and John to consider making a gift in their memory to the D&E College Theatre Program.

On October 10, 2020, Dick and Kay Woodward Royster ’62, Williamsburg, Va., celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Sadly, Dick passed away on February 18, 2021. William H. Sudbrink, Lompoc, Calif., a lifetime coin collector, was recently interviewed for an article published in The Numismatist magazine titled “Bill Sudbrink: The Thrill of the Hunt Drives this Cosmopolitan Collector.” Bill’s love of coin collecting began as a child when, on a rainy day, his mother let him “play” with her jar of old Indian Head cents. He started sorting the cents by date and realized some were more worn than others, and a numismatist was born. Over the years, Bill has collected many coins from all over, and has served as a volunteer curatorial assistant for the American Numismatic Society. Several of Bill’s coins have been donated to D&E and are on display in the Howard-Sudbrink Collection of The Stirrup Gallery.

1961

The late John McKenzie and Tish Davis McKenzie – a legacy of love. See 1955. Gary Horvath, Nellysford, Va., shares that 2021 is the 60th anniversary of the first soccer team at D&E. Gary and Willard “Bill” McQuary were the co-captains. In this tribute, Gary honors the teammates who played on the first soccer team: Robert Grote ’65, George Scott ’65, Jim Bushyeager ’65, Dennis Bye ’65, Jim Fishel ’64, Bob Maitan ’65, David Clapp ’65, Jim Douglas ’64, Floyd Back ’65,

John Creaturo ’65

and Stoddard Best ’65. And, remembers teammates who were on the first soccer team who have passed away: James Nunn ’67, Eric Sennhenn ’65,

Saeed Alavi-Naini

’65, Farid Shahid Noorai ’65, Bob McWilliams ’65, Duncan McGill ’65, Dave Vivian ’65, Joe Seid ’65 and Ray Luce ’65. On October 18, 1961, D&E won the first intercollegiate soccer game in the College’s history, defeating Wesleyan 2-0 on the old athletic field where Robbins Memorial Chapel now stands. William W. “Bill” Ward and his wife, Carol, Hamilton, N.J., celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on February 11. They have three children, eight grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Bill was a police lieutenant and is now enjoying his retirement.

1964

Karen Harmeier Berner, Washington Crossing, Pa., is the proud grandmother of Benjamin and Cody. Benjamin is in his second year at Penn Technical Institute and Cody will graduate from Hopewell Valley Regional High School in June.

1965

H. Thomas “Tom” Mullis and his wife, Diane, are enjoying retirement on their farm in Staffordsville, Giles County, Va. Prior to 2020, they always looked forward to meeting with David Kirk ’64, Roanoke, Va., and Curt and Gail Hagerman McKee ’67, Pilot, Va., for lunch. They now see each other via Zoom.

1966

Gary T. “Tim” Swift and his wife, Suzy, celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in August, and a move to a new home in Henrico, Va. They are delighted with their new community and share hope that 2021 will bring health and happiness to all.

Gary “Tim” ’66 and Suzy Swift. See 1966.

1968

Virginia “Ginny” Howard Bryant, Okeechobee, Fla., and her daughter, Melissa, are both part of the quilt ministry of First Baptist

Ginny Howard Bryant ’68 and her long arm quilting machine. See 1968 The legacy continues with three generations of D&E graduates in The Konhaus Family. See 1968.

Church. They make quilts for Hospice, the Real Life Children’s Ranch and for women at the Lighthouse Refuge, as well as for police squad cars to give to children involved in traumatic experiences. Ginny also has traveled to Haiti with More 2 Life to teach the women there how to sew and said it was a very rewarding experience. About 98% of the quilts Ginny makes are for ministry of some type, and she is glad her daughter is following in her footsteps. Fred and Patricia “Pat” Taggart Konhaus ’69, Cross Roads, Pa., are very proud of their son, Tim, and daughter, Heather Konhaus ’96, Berlin, Pa. And, during D&E’s 2021 Commencement ceremony celebrated the graduation of their grandson, Aiden Konhaus. Aiden, Tim’s son, was selected to design the 2021 Graduating Class Commemorative Medal. He is the third generation in the Konhaus family to graduate from D&E.

1969

Lawrence P. “Larry” Johnson and his wife, Helen, have adopted a nomadic lifestyle migrating between their home on the island of Maui, Hawaii, and their homes near Pinehurst, N.C., and southeast Pennsylvania. They have three children and seven grandchildren. “Aloha to all friends and D&E classmates!”

1971

Hank Steinbrecher and his wife, Ruth Anne, hosted a small reunion with wonderful D&E friends at their home in Tucson, Ariz. Those attending were Nils Heinke ’73, Elkins, W.Va.; William “Scotty” ’72, and Anita Norton Smyth ’69, Bristol, Conn.; Pat Massa, and his wife, Donna, Moneta, Va.; Lewis “Lew” Atkinson, and his wife, Eva, Dover, Del.; and Bill ’70, and Beth Mitchell Nuttall, Chattanooga, Tenn. They all had a great time!

1972

John Stibravy, Denville, N.J., has written a new book. “The Last Pretty Lake in New Jersey: Cedar Lake” represents John’s memories of the lake and the people as he came to know and love the area in 1954 as a young boy. The stories of the people are presented in a satirical and sometimes biting style, about fishing trips, holidays, lake history and family relationships. John writes that much of the small town and lake life of the 1950s and 1960s remain today, as he invites us to take a walk back through time. John’s book is now available on Amazon.com. In his retirement, William L. “Bill” Turner Jr., Arlington, Va., works part time as an assistant registrar with the Arlington County (Virginia) Office of Voter Registration and Electoral Board. During a visit to the Arlington Courthouse Starbucks, which is in the same building, Bill had a friendly conversation with Scott Dielman ’12, Alexandria, Va., and soon discovered their D&E connection. Scott is the manager for that Starbucks location and, on their behalf, has generously donated coffee and snacks to Bill’s team of election officers at the precinct on Election Day. Bill and Scott have enjoyed getting to know each other as fellow alumni and reminiscing about D&E and Elkins over the years. Scott shared, “Elkins certainly has a way of bringing people together,” and Bill remarked,

Great friends! Nils Heinke ’73; Anita Norton Smyth ’69 and Scotty Smyth ’72; Donna and Pat Massa ’71; Lew ’71 and Eva Atkinson; Beth Mitchell Nuttall ’71 and Bill Nuttall ’70; with Ruth Anne and Hank Steinbrecher ’71. See 1971.

“You just never know where one D&E alum might turn up and meet another … perhaps at your local Starbucks.” 1973

Jeff Krizan, Cross Junction, Va., has penned another inspirational fiction novel titled “Keyser: The Friendliest City in the USA.” It is a fictionalized account from stories and anecdotes related to the author over the course of four years. The story follows the character Pete Gallagher who finds that his future can only be realized by taking matters into his own hands. Along the way, he will disrupt two dysfunctional families, affect dozens of lives, and send shock waves through his hometown. From his Christian upbringing, Pete fully understands that his actions are not consistent with all that he was taught. Is unconditional love enough to overcome unspoken secrets? Can he prove everyone wrong? In the end, it is really about love, unconditional love, and you can decide if Keyser, or any other city or town in the USA should be making the claim of “Friendliest City in the USA.” Jeff’s book is available on Amazon.com.

Jeff Krizan ’73, author of “Keyser: The Friendliest City in the USA.” See 1973.

1974

In June 2019, John R. Wenzel retired from Tecolote Research, after 13-plus years, providing budget and integrated program management support to NOAA at the joint program office of NOAA and NASA for the JPSS weather satellite program. Prior to that, John worked almost 15 years with other contractors providing earned value management support to SDIO, BMDO and MDA (Missile Defense Agency). After 42 years in Germantown, Md., John and his wife, Marjorie, moved to Frederick, Md., to be closer to their six grandchildren – five boys and one girl. The oldest is 9 and the youngest is 2.

1975

In January and again in March, Mark Barber, Bonita Springs, Fla., organized Zoom chats with some of his Tau Kappa Epsilon brothers from 1974-1977. They had a great time getting reacquainted and catching up on life. Zoom is a great way to stay in touch and they look forward to reuniting on campus later this year. Judy Snatchko Cornman and her husband, Russell, share they have achieved their retirement goal of moving close to their family and are now living in the Philadelphia area of Willow Grove, Pa.

Elizabeth “Liz” Clements. See 1978.

1978

Elizabeth E. “Liz” Clements graduated from D&E with a major in environmental water quality studies. After college, Liz lived in Colorado, New York and several places in Maine, working for several companies and institutions, including Measured Progress Educational Testing, Phillips Exeter Academy and Unity College. She had a lifelong love of animals and being outdoors, where she especially loved the ocean and the New England shore. Liz was devoted to her family and remained close with many of her D&E

friends and classmates. Sadly, Liz passed away on February 16, 2020. Richard A. “Doc” Daugherty’s entire career has been in banking. Following graduation from D&E, Doc started in the accounting office at Liberty Bank, later earning promotion to controller and supervised the accounting and computer departments. In 1987, he accepted a position with Chessie Federal Credit Union as supervisor for their accounting and computer departments as they made the transition from manual reports to computer-generated reports. In 1990, Doc was promoted to vice president and in 1991, he was promoted to president/CEO. Through the years, Chessie Federal Credit Union grew and expanded. Doc said, “Looking back over my time with Chessie and thinking about everything we have accomplished, it was my employees, board of directors and supervisory committee that made it all happen. In every organization, in order to be great and successful, you need dedicated people willing to work and be able to adapt to changes.” He shared it was his honor and privilege of working with the best team any president/ CEO could ask for. Doc lives in Ridgeley, W.Va., and is now enjoying retirement.

1981

William “Bill” Anderson, Lynchburg, Va., shares that his son, Curt Anderson, continues to work as a contemporary Christian artist and worship leader. Curt has recorded two albums, “Every Moment” and “Every Moment Vol. II,” which include the singles “Keep Me Falling” and “Love Like You Love.” And, Curt also recently finished filming his pilot TV show, “The Adventure: Lifechanging Travel with Curt Anderson.” To see more, check out Curt’s music videos on YouTube and his website at https://curtandersonmusic.com.

1983

In November 2016, Douglas K. Chappel, retired after 32 years in the industrial pipe, valve and fitting wholesale distribution business, where he served as a purchasing agent, warehouse manager and did inside sales for four different distributors. After living in Pittsburgh, Pa., for many years, Doug is now enjoying retirement in Tionesta, Pa. He helps care for his mother and is often found hiking forest service roads, old logging roads, railroad grades, trails, creeks and valleys of the Allegheny National Forest. Doug shares, “Looking at a topographic map and planning a walk never grows old.”

1984

Mary Forcier, Hamden, Conn., is the owner and baker at Canary’s Cookies & More. Using only real ingredients and a lot of love, Mary uses her Grammy’s recipes with her own special touch. Plus, they just added a wonderful line of scones with the brand name Scone Home. For more information, check out her website, canaryscookies.com and sconehome.com, or send an email to canaryscookies@gmail.com.

1985

Mark ’87, and Patti Bennett Hepler, Elkins, W.Va., are the proud grandparents of sweet baby boy, Haven Jeffrey Bauer Teter. Haven was born on April 16. Patti and Mark share, “The life of grandparents is the best!”

Patti Bennett Hepler Finds Her Niche in New Career

If you transpose a couple letters in Patti Bennett Hepler’s last name, you could come up with Patti “Helper.” Ironically, that typo would fit in line with her aspirations and her new career – owner and therapist at Mountain Aire Massage. The 1985 Davis & Elkins College graduate with degrees in fashion merchandising, business and journalism, spent her work life assisting others – in retail and in small local government. Yet she had a desire to take that attribute to a more personal level. “I always liked massage and in the back of my mind I said, ‘if the opportunity ever comes along, I will go to massage school,’” Hepler explained. “I like helping people and this is a way to help people in the physical sense.” In early 2020, she enrolled in Clarksburg Beauty Academy and School of Massage Therapy. Then, two things happened that could have derailed Hepler’s plans. Her father suffered a stroke and a short time later the pandemic struck. Always taking the positive approach, Hepler used her newly acquired skills to help her dad rehabilitate. “He has slowly been my catalyst,” she said. Although her studies took eight months instead of the normal six months to complete due to COVID restrictions on the clinical element, Hepler didn’t mind the delay. It gave her more time to refine plans for opening her business. What she didn’t expect was how quickly her business would soar. With three studios – the WV Autism Center in Elkins, the Historic Circleville High School in Circleville and is a newly contracted therapist with Harman Cottages in Petersburg, plus the ability to go mobile – Hepler is hands on six days a week to accommodate her clients’ schedules. Each can get a personalized treatment, whether it’s a Swedish or deep tissue massage while incorporating modalities of cupping, cold laser light, infrared heat, trigger point/impact, hot stones and more. As her new career takes shape, Hepler stays centered on the foundation of her D&E education and incorporates her experiences into her business. She hopes others who are thinking of switching careers or those who are forced to because of the pandemic can use their D&E background to fulfill a new passion. “This is absolutely my niche,” Hepler said. “At the end of the day I feel like I’ve contributed something, that I’ve helped somebody. That’s my goal – to be helpful.”

Patti Bennett Hepler ’85 is putting her newly acquired skills to work as therapist and owner of Mountain Aire Massage. The business has three studio locations as well as mobile equipment.

Patti Bennett Hepler ’85 and grandson Haven Jeffrey Bauer Teter. See 1985.

1988

Michele DeBerry, Chestnut Hill Cove, Md., was awarded the Maryland Association of Science Teachers (MAST) Outstanding Elementary Educator of the Year Award for 2020. This award was given to Michele for the work she does with project based learning for pre-K to 5th grade STEM classrooms, coordination of after school STEM clubs and school wide STEM days, managing a Department of Defense Grant to support the STEM initiatives, and for writing curriculum for Anne Arundel County Public Schools Triple E (Enhancing Elementary Education) program, for which she is an instructor. STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, helping students develop key skills that include problem solving and creativity. Congratulations Michele!

1990

Jerry A. Marco Jr. recently retired, after more than 28 years of service, from the FBI. Jerry plans to use his experience and the skills honed during his career with the FBI as he now settles into his new position as mayor of the city of Elkins. Congratulations Jerry! Susie Jackson Mullens, Charleston, W.Va., program coordinator for the West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network, has been named the national Collegiate Recovery Advocate of the Year, an honor organized by the Association of Recovery in Higher Education. Susie is a licensed psychologist, licensed professional counselor, certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor, and a master addiction counselor and supervisor, and has worked in the mental health and substance use disorder field for more than 29 years. An employee of Marshall University Research Corporation, Susie works to expand recovery efforts on seven campuses in southern West Virginia, including Marshall University. Dr. Matthew Christiansen, director of West Virginia’s Office of Drug Control Policy, said, “I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Susie Mullens. She is a tireless advocate for recovery and has helped countless West Virginians in their journey to long term recovery.” Susie also hosts a show on the WV Library Commission Network called “Solutions, Service and Serenity,” which helps raise awareness for recovery programs across West Virginia. Scott Sanders, Joppa, Md., and his father, Harry Sanders, are celebrating 26 years working together at Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. They have a strong passion for the local lifestyle and a heritage that runs deep in their community. Congratulations!

2003

Elizabeth “Libby” Nolle, Mount Nebo, W.Va., is the executive chef at Whistle Punk Grill & Taphouse in Richwood, W.Va., and was recently selected Best Chef by readers of WV Living Magazine. She credits D&E and her mentor Chef Mel for piquing her interest

Elizabeth “Libby” Nolle ’03 selected as WV Living Magazine’s Best Chef. See 2003.

Newly elected City of Elkins mayor Jerry Marco Jr. ’90 and former City of Elkins mayor Van Broughton. See 1990. What a team! Scott Sanders ’93 and his father Harry. See 1993.

McCumbers is Living the Dream in the World of Gaming

Alex McCumbers ’14 was just another guy into gaming – OK, really into gaming – until he turned his penchant into a career. Now on the other side of the screen, he’s the man who doles out the inside news, checks in with players to get their takes and helps others aspiring to make gaming their day job. Officially, McCumbers is the community manager at Supercolony Inc., a company that develops mobile games including Catopia: Rush. His duties cover a lot of territory – press releases, social media, writing character descriptions and working with artists to localize content for their comics.

“It’s almost a dream job,” McCumbers said, adding that he’s set his sights on moving to the next level of gaming with hopes of working in the creative process. After earning his degree in English, McCumbers’ career in gaming didn’t come straight out of the box. He spent a few years toying with his options – working as a production assistant at WDTV in Clarksburg and in the radio news business in Alaska. On the side, he wrote gaming reviews for various publications and digital media. He and fellow alumnus Zach Snyder ’13 own Forever Classic Games, a media outlet that focuses on the academic pursuit of video games. “I took all the things I learned from my other jobs and put that in my back pocket in case I needed them,” McCumbers explained. Those skills have come in handy. A move to Texas helped him connect with a friend of a friend who happened to own a gaming company and needed someone to do some writing and social media production. By nature of the business, remote work is fairly common. So, when McCumbers made another move – this time to Minneapolis – he took his job with him. “Gaming is a multifaceted career opportunity,” McCumbers said. “It involves marketing, music and art, and it’s really fun. Work on what makes you happy, that’s the way I’ve been living.”

Alex McCumbers ’14 and his friend Joe Siemsen visit the National Video Game Museum in Frisco, Texas.

in cooking, where she made her first pot of potato soup as she studied hospitality and management. Libby shared, “My time at D&E was awesome. Being in a small school really helps people live up to their full potential. It’s a learning environment that cultivates more growth.”

A.J., Kristi ’05 and Bryce welcome Alyssa Faith Ward. See 2005.

2005

On March 30, A.J. and Kristi Price Ward, along with big brother, Bryce, welcomed baby girl Alyssa Faith Ward. Mike ’75, and Robin Galford Price ’73, Elkins, W.Va., are the proud grandparents of Alyssa and Bryce. The Ward family lives in Scott Depot, W.Va.

2006

“As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.” Samuel J. Calvert and his wife, Katie, Charleston, W.Va., are over the moon in love with their little boy, Russell Jay Calvert. Baby Russ was born on January 11. Congratulations!

2008

Katherine “Alex” Harris Robbins is a member of the Pain Management Center at Davis Medical Center in Elkins, W.Va. After earning her A.S. in nursing from D&E, Alex completed her Master of Science in nursing and is now working toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice. She and her family live in Belington, W.Va., where they love spending time together and being outdoors with the family horses.

2013

On October 23, 2020, Brittany Anderson and Bryant Hines ’15 were married in Leesburg, Va. Celebrating with the happy couple were D&E friends, Cameron Martin ’13, Bassett, Va.; Brandon Hamons ’18, Marlinton, W.Va.; Evan ’11 and Ashley Uberty Gazza ’11, Spencerport, N.Y.; Corey ’13 and Callie Updike McWilliams ’14, Waynesboro, Va.;

Future D&E baseball player – Russell Jay Calvert, son of Sam ’06 and Katie Calvert. See 2006.

Katherine “Alex” Harris Robbins. See 2008.

Heather Zapf ’12, Herndon, Va.; Carrie Brown-Hardy ’12, Madison, Va.; Brandi Brown ’13, Allison Park, Va.; and Jeb Early ’11, Bealeton, Va. Bryant and Brittany live in Fairfax, Va. Bryant is a GPS technician and works on multiple road construction projects in northern Virginia, and Brittany is completing her residency to be a licensed professional counselor working with adults with serious mental illness.

2014

Congratulations to Kelsey Hall and Paul Young ’09! On October 10, 2020, they were married in Fishers, W.Va., at the Misty Mountain Event Barn. It was a great day as they celebrated with D&E friends, Joel Turley ’09, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Hardie Smith ’12, Towson, Md.; Demir Dogrul ’10, Fairfax, Va.; Matt Pollack ’12, Midlothian,

It’s wedding bells for Bryant ’15 and Brittany Anderson Hines ’13. See 2013.

Va.; Charlie Wells ’08, Fort Johnson, N.Y; Samantha Bundock Shaffer ’16, Beverly, W.Va.; Bill Young, ’09, Norwich, Vt.; Katie Tipton LaValla ’09 and Nathan LaValla ’08, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Preston Fitzgerald ’09, Oak Island, N.C.; Adam Brenner ’12, Morgantown, W.Va.; Kevin Kilgore ’86, Elkins, W.Va.; Benjamin Roberts ’06, Elkins, W.Va.; and Tim Powell ’10, Monroe, Ohio, who also officiated. Paul is employed at Amazon and Kelsey is a personal trainer and team lead fitness group instructor at Valley Health Physical Rehabilitation and Fitness Center. During COVID-19 lockdown, Kelsey worked as an activities director of a nursing home affiliated with War Memorial Hospital and was recognized by WV Living Healthy as a 2021 Heath Care Hero. Kelsey and Paul live in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. Mark Lanham, Elkins, W.Va., had his first article published in the March issue of The Numismatist. “Bridge Across the Danube,” is about Emperor Trajan, ruler of the Roman Empire from A.D. 98 to 117, known for expanding the borders of the Roman Empire and his architectural accomplishments.

2015

Steven P. and Danielle Bible Sponaugle ’13, are the proud parents of Ryder, Charlie and brand-new baby boy Chase, born April 26. The happy family lives in Parsons, W.Va., where Danielle is the assistant city administrator/finance director. Steve finished his

A monarch butterfly at the home of Rachel Hamm ’15, tagged and ready to be released. See 2015.

The Hall-Young Wedding! L-R - Joel Turley; Hardie Smith; Demir Dogrul; Matt Pollack; Charlie Wells; Groom, Paul Young and Bride, Kelsey Hall Young; Samantha Bundock Shaffer; Bill Young; Katie Tipton LaValla and Nathan LaValla; Preston Fitzgerald; Adam Brenner; Kevin Kilgore; Tim Powell; and Benjamin Roberts. See 2014.

Master of Science in nursing in November 2020 and is now a family nurse practitioner. Congratulations! Rachel A. Hamm, Centreville, Va., made the most of her time at home this fall as she became the “mother” to about 60 monarch chrysalises. Her home is now an official Monarch Waystation, providing milkweeds, nectar sources and shelter needed to sustain monarch butterflies as they migrate through North America. Rachel writes, “It was fun, but a lot of work as each butterfly is registered and fed before they are released.” Once they arrive in Mexico, Rachel will get notification they have arrived.

2016

Ty-Chon Montemoino and his wife, Cailynn, are the proud parents of Antonio James “AJ” Montemoino. AJ was born on October 31, 2020, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measuring 20 inches. Ty, Cailynn and AJ live in Virginia Beach, Va.

It’s a boy! Antonio James Montemoino. See 2016. Congratulations to Dakota Sisk ’17, Mary Jane “MJ” Braham ’17, Dylan Stansberry ’18 and Mark Cordle ’17. See 2017.

2017

During WVU’s 2020-2021 Commencement ceremonies, Mary Jane “MJ” Braham, Independence, W.Va.; Mark Cordle, Fayetteville, W.Va.; and Dakota Sisk, New Haven, W.Va., graduated from the School of Pharmacy, and Dylan Stansberry ’18, Williamstown, W.Va. graduated from the School of Physical Therapy. Velma Ragsdale is loving life in Dallas, Texas. She works for a catering company, The Festive Kitchen, as an administrative assistant/assistant account manager. They met at D&E in 2014 as students, and on October 15, 2020, Elise Cardot and Brett Metheny ’18, were married in Beverly, W.Va. Elise is the granddaughter of the late Martha “Mardi” Quick Cardot ’62. The happy couple now live in Richmond, Va. Matthew Zorn graduated from Louisiana State University with a Master of Fine Arts in 2020 and is now a first-year resident artist in the ceramics program at Brockway Center for Arts and Technology in Brockway, Pa. Matt has taught introlevel college courses and enjoys working with high school students. Matt lives in Brockway, Pa.

2018

Simon Hestad is enjoying life in Oslo, Norway with his new baby girl, Tara. Tara was born on October 12, 2020. In Fall 2020, Mads F. Kaiser graduated with honors from Regis University in Denver, Colo., with a Master of Science in marketing. Mads now resides in Mason, Ohio.

2020

Following graduation from D&E, Rhetta Persinger, Jonesborough, Tenn., was hired as a first-grade teacher at Boones Creek Elementary School in Johnson City, Tenn.

Congratulations Brett ’18 and Elise Cardot Metheny ’17! See 2017.

The individuals listed below include members of the D&E family whose passing we have learned about within the last several months. We remember them here on behalf of all alumni and friends of Davis & Elkins College.

1942 Betty J. Boyles Monroe, September 13, 2020 1944 Jearline Heltzel Hatch, October 25, 2020 1947 Nancy Armentrout Lang, October 8, 2020 1947 Charles Rymniak, Date Unknown 1948 Roy E. Cool, January 21, 2021 1948 Sherwood F. Smith, February 8, 2021 1949 Theresa J. Gainer Martin, January 28, 2021 1949 Donald R. Meierdiercks, February 1, 2021 1949 Bruce C. Mero, December 22, 2011 1950 Walter H. Hasbrouck, August 20, 2020 1950 Charles D. “Denny” Mays, December 20, 2020 1951 Charles C. Christian Jr., February 22, 2021 1951 Donald R. Clevenger, March 20, 2021 1951 Robert E. Kother, March 19, 2021 1951 Ernest J. Ritenhouse, December 10, 2020 1951 Keith C. Weese, September 19, 2020 1953 Margaret E. “Ibbie” Long Daniels, December 12, 2020 1953 Bette L. Rowe Lowery, November 15, 2020 1953 Norman A. Lunde, March 26, 2021 1954 Betty J. “Jean” Johnston Hinkle, December 21, 2020 1955 Anna Jean “AJ” Daetwyler Lunde, January 10, 2021 1955 Elaine R. Bell Markley, June 10, 2014 1955 Patricia A. “Tish” Davis McKenzie, April 2, 2021 1956 Branem J. “Jeff” Coberly Jr., November 2, 2020 1956 Roy E. Gilmer, December 8, 2020 1957 Mary L. Bliss Rhodes, June 12, 2019 1957 Richard W. “Dick” Shaw, December 29, 2020 1958 Shirley Martin Lugar, February 19, 2021 1958 Eileen L. Wilson, November 29, 2016 1959 Dick M. Royster, February 18, 2021 1959 James R. “Jim” Thornhill, April 2, 2021 1959 Mary C. Wilmoth, February 17, 2013 1960 Charles L. “Chuck” Clark, November 5, 2020 1960 Ronald L. Cross, December 21, 2020 1960 Carson W. Markley, October 26, 2020 1961 George R. Heavner, October 1, 2020 1962 Charles W. “Chuck” Phares Jr., November 5, 2020 1963 Phillip “Phil” Bussey, February 9, 2021 1963 William R. Jones, April 13, 2021 1963 Robert M. Wood, January 15, 2021 1964 Virginia M. Howell Davis, December 25, 2020 1965 Donald B. Deacon, December 1, 2020 1965 Samuel E. Glover, December 31, 2020 1965 Ruth “Barbette” Clement Schafer, May 7, 2020 1967 George R. Scott, April 16, 2021 1969 Lance R. Pledger, November 8, 2020 1970 Howard G. “Guy” Howell, March 18, 2021 1971 Jeffry A. Mulrain, April 20, 1996 1972 Ernest A. Huttell, October 4, 2020 1973 Donald C. “Flamer” McMahon, May 5, 2021 1974 Rosanne Calanni Aikens, April 16, 2021 1974 Michael J. Morrison, December 30, 2020 1975 Eric F. deGruyter, January 30, 2021 1976 Ruth Eakin Cobb, February 17, 2021 1978 Elizabeth E. “Liz” Clements, February 16, 2020 1980 Steven E. Leitzel, March 11, 2021 1981 Allen B. “Buss” Roy, January 19, 2021 1982 Cheryl L. Romesburg Jordan, March 14, 2021 1983 Jeanne E. Heermance, October 20, 2020 1983 Paul J. Tripoli, August 17, 2019 1988 Loretta A. “Lori” King, March 23, 2021 1988 Karen L. Carey Youngberg, November 2020 1989 Luciano X. Cappazolli, April 20, 2003 1990 Christy L. Bennett Clendenen, February 27, 2021 1993 Kelly I. Smith Stemple, March 5, 2021 1995 James W. “Jim” Heck, October 25, 2020 1995 David L. Henderson Sr., March 11, 2021 1995 Rebecca L. Knight, December 6, 2020 1997 Karen Johns Goodall, April 23, 2021 1998 Mary Ann Dean Hefner, November 11, 2020 1998 Jack R. Summerfield, October 4, 2020 2002 Jeffrey D. Shirk, December 6, 2020 2012 Robert “Bobby” Dalton, November 3, 2020 2012 Hillary L. Sparks, April 29, 2021 2020 Christian E. Arrell, December 27, 2020

ALUMNI

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Janice C. Wilmoth Bennett, September 4, 2020 Former Student Bernard Cyrus, October 19, 2020 Friend of Augusta Thomas M. “Tommy” Doig, October 27, 2020 Former Student Karl Hermann, September 20, 2020 Former Soccer Coach, 1961-1963 Franklin R. “Randy” Kyle, April 17, 2021 Friend of the College

Laurie Wolfe Murray, December 9, 2020 Friend of the College Ronald R. Phillips, April 23, 2021 Former Student Shawn M. Price, November 15, 2020 Former Longtime Employee in Dining Services Eugenia E. Rolland Sullivan, October 19, 2020 Former Student Doris J. Williams, February 21, 2021 Friend and Volunteer with Augusta To include the passing of alumni, friend of the College or former employee in the next edition of Forward, please call Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan at 304-637-1314 or email her at morganw@dewv.edu

Dr. A. Jean “Doc” Minnick

Professor Emerita Dr. Anna Jean Minnick, age 94, a resident of Elkins, departed this life Thursday, February 25, 2021, at her home and under the care of Mountain Hospice. She was born Thursday, May 20, 1926, at Saint Marys, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Lowell Valentine and Lenore Jane McCoy Minnick. Surviving are one niece, Crista Ellena and husband, Greg, and their son, Justin of Gainesville, Florida. Preceding her in death is one sister, Mary Lou Melton. Minnick graduated from Marlinton High School in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from West Virginia University School of Physical Education in 1949 and her Master of Science degree from WVU in 1964. She earned her Ph.D. from New York University in 1970. She completed post-doctoral studies at the University of Utah, Penn State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Minnick served as professor and chair in the Department of Health, Sport, and Movement Sciences at Davis & Elkins College from 1963 to 1998. She retired as professor emerita. In September 2017, Dr. Minnick endowed the A. Jean Minnick Chair in Sport Science at Davis & Elkins College. She coached Division I field hockey for 17 years, with an overall record of 145-21-14, including 12 undefeated regular seasons, three Midwest championships and placed third in the Division I National Championships. Minnick served as the West Virginia Commissioner for Women’s Sports, member of the Midwest Field Hockey Board, and member of the Division I National Rating Board. Minnick served 10 years on the West Virginia AHPERD Board of Directors, where she held several offices. She served as president of the West Virginia College of Health and Physical Education Association and was active in the AAUW, Alpha Delta Kappa, AAUP and the National Association of Physical Education in Higher Education. Minnick is included in Who’s Who in American Education and Who’s Who in America. Awards include the Davis & Elkins College Award for Teaching Excellence, the Davis & Elkins College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990, the West Virginia University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011, the West Virginia Content Specialization Test Development Committee, the West Virginia Celebrate Women Award and the West Virginia AHPERD Honor Award. She was an avid traveler. She belonged to the Circumnavigators Club. Entry into this organization is proof that you have circumnavigated the globe at least once. She also belonged to the Traveler’s Century Club, in which you have to prove you have been in at least 100 countries. At the time she no longer traveled, she had visited 264 different countries, including the Arctic and Antarctica.

Dr. Charles P. Cullop

Former Assistant Professor and Dean of Students Dr. Charles P. Cullop, a former Davis & Elkins College assistant professor, dean of students and department chair, passed away on April 13, 2021, at age 94. He joined the faculty as assistant professor of history and political science in 1960. In addition to teaching, he served as Dean of Students from 1961-1963 and as chairperson of the Department of History and Political Science from 1966-1968. He attained academic tenure and promotion to full professor. Cullop served in the Virginia State Guard and later in the United States Army during and after World War II. He was a cum laude graduate of Emory and Henry College. He began intermittent graduate study at the University of Virginia in 1952 and ultimately earned M.A. Ed, M. A., and Ph.D. degrees by 1962. Dr. Cullop also engaged in post-doctoral study at Harvard University while on sabbatical leave during the summer in 1966 and 1967.

Donell Ridgway Lee McCoy ’85

Former Assistant Director of Admissions Donell Ridgway Lee McCoy, a Davis & Elkins College alumnae and former assistant director of admissions, passed away at her home in Parsons, West Virginia, on March 5, 2021, at age 79. McCoy earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in psychology from D&E in 1985. She held several positions in the Office of Admissions, including assistant director of admissions, from 1978 until her retirement in 2007. She was a member of West Virginia Watercolorist Society and Seneca Trail Art Guild of Elkins and was very active in the Tucker County Arts Spring.