TH E MAGAZ I N E OF
Volume 58, No. 1
New Facilities Transforming Campus
Arts and Athletics benefit from donors’ vision Pg. 8
Raise the Roof
Students, Community, Alumni Jump In to Save Natatorium Pg. 12
From the
Heart of Halliehurst
Continuity and Change: Balancing the Future
“Continue to give them an excellent liberal arts education.” “Colleges will be pressed to offer the most up-to-date courses, complete with the latest technology and teaching skills.” These two responses capture the essence of what we’re about here on the campus as we extend into the future the forward momentum of the past five years. They and many other suggestions came within hours over the New Year’s weekend in response to a message I sent to the several thousand alumni and friends for whom we have email addresses with this simple request: 1. As you look out 1, 5, 10 years - or more - what two or three things do you believe we can best do for our students as they prepare for their future? And 2. Given the College's greatly enhanced yet still evolving position, what do you most hope for this treasured place that has touched your life? To help with their – and now hopefully your – response, I invited them to go to the D&E website at www.dewv.edu, click on "Tour With Me" next to the student whose image first appears on the screen, then take the seven brief tours of today's D&E with students Robin, Hayley, Cory, Nouna, Shannon, Susan and Chris. You'll not only discover much about the present-day D&E, but I suspect you'll come away down-right inspired about the promise of the future. You can’t imagine how valued and helpful your responses are. In addition to the two above, other suggestions to-date range: • From the “importance of practical internships required of all graduates in all fields” to “I would encourage all D&E students to see what they can do to make our country a better place.” • From continuing to “include religion and philosophy as required areas of the curriculum” to “nurturing a caring campus community.” • From “providing students the opportunity to relate to the natural mountain environment around Elkins” to “finding ways to encourage active citizen involvement.” A devoted alumni couple in Texas wrote: “Listening to others…a trait we should all cultivate.” Preserving D&E’s special – if not unique – family atmosphere came in for repeated emphasis, with an alumnus in California writing: “We knew we were in a special place, surrounded by special people. It takes a lot of work to create that kind of environment anywhere. It takes time. It takes dedication. I hope the coming generations get the gift of knowing they went to college someplace truly special.” By the Grace of God – and the boundless dedication of our trustees, alumni, friends, faculty and staff – we have witnessed steady progress these past five years: from surviving the shortfalls of the past to sustaining the present – and now ultimately securing the future of this venerable place. By that same mercy and generosity, we look to the future with confidence and courage. And much hard work. The Board of Trustees reviewed in October our longer-term five-year financial priorities. They total an estimated $100 million, and include: • Increasing operating gifts through The D&E Fund and scholarships to at least $2 million annually – for a 5-year total of $10 million. • Continuing to address deferred maintenance and other facility needs for an additional $15 million. • Increasing the permanent endowment by at least $75 million. While we’re planning and preparing for that future, the pages that follow suggest we’re already living it: • From Renaissance of the Arts to renewal of Athletics. • From new academic ventures to the student-led Honor Code and Council. • From connecting with our region’s great out-of-doors to responding to the Students’ “Raise the Roof ’ Challenge. • From support through The D&E Fund to creating a legacy to assure tomorrow’s dreams. Thanks for helping make it so.
President G. T. ‘Buck’ Smith
IN THIS
The Magazine of
Davis & Elkins College 100 Campus Drive Elkins, WV 26241
Editor: Carol Schuler Writers: Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Linda Howell Skidmore
Photographers: Sam Santilli (cover and interiors), Catherine Ritchie, Jessica Wilmoth, Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Linda Howell Skidmore, and Carol Schuler.
06
ISSUE
Athletic Fields Named for Joyce and John Allen
Outdoor PE Class Gets Students Back to Nature
About the Magazine
Forward magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Communications & Marketing and edited by Carol Schuler. To subscribe or to submit your news, please send an email to schulerc@dewv.edu or write to Carol Schuler, 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241.
The Mission of Davis & Elkins College
To prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world.
About the College
Davis & Elkins College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will practice equal opportunity in all aspects of its operation. Davis & Elkins College is committed to assuring equal opportunity to all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, family status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices as required by Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended in 1991, the West Virginia Human Rights Act, and other applicable statutes. Inquiries concerning Title IX compliance should be referred to the College Title IX Coordinator. Inquiries concerning Section 504 compliance should be referred to the Dean of Students. Inquiries concerning equal opportunity in personnel practices should be referred to the Director of Human Resources. ©2013 Davis & Elkins College
Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees Paul S. Stirrup, '60, Chair June B. Myles, Vice Chair Karen H. Berner, '64, Secretary Charles E. Hill, Treasurer Joyce B. Allen James Bialek, '74 Phillip Bussey, '63 Peter H. Dougherty, '75 D. Drake Dowler, '69 Nancy Evans-Bennett, '66 David A. Faris, M.D. Kimberly M. Farry, M.D., '85 Robert T. Gregory, '59 Bruce Lee Kennedy, II, CFA Deborah J. Madden James S. McDonnell, III William S. Moyer Cliff J. Neese, '83
Eric J. Nilsen, '82 William W. Nuttall, '70 Reginald Owens, Sr., '83 Donald M. Robbins Ronald A. Rollins, M.D., '57 Richard C. Seybolt, ‘63 G.T. 'Buck' Smith Henry W. Steinbrecher, '71 William H. Sudbrink, '59
Life Trustees Carter Giltinan John H. Harling, '53 Thomas J. Martin, D.D.S., '50 Gary W. North, '62 David A. Rutherford Dorothy H. Wamsley Joseph M. Wells, III
Chair Emeriti Henry M. Moore L. Newton Thomas, Jr. Leonard J. Timms, Jr.
Outdoor physical education class puts students to the test.
08
26
A Renaissance in the Arts The newly dedicated Myles Center for the Arts provides energy and resources for D&E’s thriving arts programs.
Also...
On the Cover
Chelsea Graham, a D&E Softball player from Springtown, Texas, expresses her gratitude to First Lady, Joni Smith, during dedication ceremonies of the Joni Smith Softball Field. 2 Around Campus A Roundup of Happenings on the Hill 10 Let the Music Play! D&E Takes First Step Toward Becoming All Steinway School 14 Full Steam Ahead D&E Center for Railway Tourism 18 Homecoming Photo Album 20 Alumni Award Winners Kittle, Fincken, Withrow Honored 22 A Matter of Honor Student Leaders Form Honor Council 24 Student Q&A Meet Carissa Dunn 28 Athletics News 30 Alumni News 32 Alumni Events 33 Alumni Notes 40 In Memoriam
12
Raise the Roof! Students launch an initiative to fund the pool roof.
Volume 58, No. 1
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AROUND CAMPUS
Happenings on the
hill!
Chelsea West, a freshman from Richmond, VA, gets a good-bye hug before moving into her dorm.
U.S. Army Ranger Jake Roberts of Elkins, left, and D&E Student Veterans Association President Mark Lanham discuss the theatre production “A Piece of My Heart” at the Military Appreciation Reception on opening night. The play is based on the true stories of nurses stationed in Vietnam.
Andrew Merritt, a freshman from Baltimore, MD, picks up momentum on the water slide during the Hawaiian Luau for Students. Other Luau activities included human hamster balls, a special themed dinner and smoothies. The event was presented by the Campus Activities Board, Dining Services and Alliance Church.
Members of the women’s soccer team, junior Alison Bogar, Burlington, Ontario; senior Breanna Eskew, Buckhannon, WV; senior Yanery Hidalgo, Caracas; and sophomore Ashley Winkelspecht, Williamstown, NJ, gather around a campfire to roast s’mores during Family Weekend. 2 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Pastor Mark Epperson, of Alliance Community Fellowship in Elkins, plays guitar during the kickoff meeting of the Davis & Elkins College Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Those attending are: Alliance Church Assistant Pastor Brice Payne; Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Teonna Jewell; D&E senior Treavor Dubiel, Washington, NJ; senior Agustin Ochoa, Medellin, Colombia; freshman Halima Michael, Kingstown, Saint Vincent; Instructor of Exercise Science Jennifer Riggleman; senior Alex Torres, Annandale, VA; Randolph County Young Life Director Heath Sizick; junior Nicole Wyatt, Elkins; senior Shannon Neuenschwander, Dalton, Ohio; sophomore Shauna Damon, Mount Wolf, PA; senior Dylan Jones, Triangle, VA; junior Milagro Silva, Dumfries, VA; freshman Wes Anderson, Buckhannon, WV; sophomore Frank Cottrill, Parkersburg, WV; and sophomore Halen Lockhead, Missoula, MT.
The Davis & Elkins College campus is blanketed in snow during Superstorm Sandy in late October. While the severe weather forced the cancellation of classes for a week, students stayed warm, safe, and well fed in Madden Student Center. Photos of the College campus were featured in national media.
D&E Student Nurses Association member Lynnette Cross, a junior from Elkins, prepares to “give the gift of life” with the help of the American Red Cross during DESNA’s blood drive.
Freshman Jennifer Fredell, Stafford, VA; sophomore Amanda Poling, Mill Creek, WV; and junior Santana Park, Huttonsville, WV, join in the fun at the annual Foam Dance Party for Students at the Hermanson Center.
Around Campus
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AROUND CAMPUS
Anna Borofsky, a freshman from Dailey, is among a group of students treated to experience the techniques of nationally known special effects makeup artist and West Virginia native R.J. Haddy. Borofsky chose the character of Sally from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" as her makeover look. Haddy’s visit, which included presentations to seven performing arts classes and a general demonstration at the Madden Student Center, was made possible through a speaker grant and funding from Student Life.
Lieutenant Commander Steve Merrick, retired U.S. Navy, and Special Counsel to the President at Davis & Elkins College, addresses area veterans and their guests at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3647 Veterans Day dinner on Nov. 11. Among those attending is Debbie Larkin, D&E’s Associate Registrar, Veterans Liaison Officer, and VA School Certifying Official, seated right. The theme for Merrick’s speech was “Good to Great,” based on the Jim Collins book by the same name. Merrick’s military career included teaching at the U.S. Naval Academy, serving as an ROTC Instructor at the University of Wisconsin, and working with NATO Intelligence Command Center in London, Destroyer Squadron Communications Officer in Hawaii and Communications Officer aboard the USS Orleck (DD-886) in Seattle, WA.
Internationally known recording artist and producer Max-A-Million performs in the Ice House in a show of reggae, hip hop, electronica and dance. Proceeds from the event benefitted the D&E Fine & Performing Arts Department dance program. As part of his three-day visit on campus, the artist also spoke to performing arts classes and gave students insight into the entertainment business.
Staff and laptops from the College’s Information Services Office allow Davis & Elkins College students to check out the new website “portal” during Freshman Orientation in The McDonnell Center. The fast-paced check-in also featured a Welcome Fair where area merchants displayed information about their businesses and services. 4 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Players in the Faculty/Staff Softball Game gather for a group shot after the contest at the Joni Smith Softball Field. From left are, front row, sophomore Autumn Appleby, Greencastle, PA; Assistant Director of Admission Joey VanDevender; alumna Jennifer VanDevender; middle row, Executive Vice President Kevin Wilson; junior Amanda Serafini, Blasdell, NY; Assistant Softball Coach Kristen Tunno; Coordinator of Parent Relations Lisa Senic; Professor of Health & Physical Education and Assistant Athletic Director Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca; Director of Campus Life and Housing Mandi Larkin; senior Crystal Bible, Davis, WV; senior Carissa Dunn, Modesto, CA; Fitness Center staff member Tim Valentine; back row, sophomore Walker Harris, Griffin, GA; Head Softball Coach Kimberly Stiles; Assistant Women's Basketball Coach Teonna Jewell; Head Men's Basketball Coach Bruce Martin; Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Nick Weiermiller; alumnus Matt Taylor; Vice President for Student Affairs Scott Goddard; and Veterans Upward Bound Director Mark Rosencrance.
Davis & Elkins College students Christopher Krizan, a freshman from Bethel, CT; Kaylee Harris, freshman, Drewryville, VA; and Katelynn Hanek, freshman, McHenry, MD; cut lumber for the construction of an accessible ramp at a residence in Marlinton, WV. The group volunteered time for Habitat for Humanity as part of a community service project at D&E. Alyssa Hanna, not pictured, was appointed at the start of the 2012-2013 academic year as D&E’s VISTA service learning coordinator through the National AmeriCorps VISTA program. She and student volunteers also planted 300 red spruce seedlings at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and assisted the American Association of University Women with a voter registration drive.
Ryan Finnegan, a senior Biology major from Laguna Beach, CA, glides through the air on the Zippin Zone Zip Line on the Front Campus. The event was presented by the Campus Activities Board.
Around Campus
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Three
New Athletic
Facilities Dedicated
By Linda Howell Skidmore
complex of athletic fields for soccer, softball and baseball at the north end of campus is named for the Allens because of the contributed efforts of the J.F. Allen Co. through its Chairman John C. Allen. “I hope the state and the country appreciate what a wonderful college D&E is,” John Allen said. “It’s really a gem.” For Joyce Allen, giving results in joy. “My parents instilled in us the joy of giving. That’s my motto,” she commented. “There is joy to giving. I hope all of you will have that in your lifetime.”
Joyce and John Allen, principal benefactors for the new Allen Athletic Fields.
Athletic Fields Named for Joyce and John Allen
Under a blue, cloudless sky, Davis & Elkins College Trustee Joyce Allen and her husband, John, tugged down the cover that revealed the archway to the athletic fields bearing their name. The ceremony October 13 was one of three athletic facility dedications the College celebrated during Alumni Weekend. Although the archway reads: “Davis & Elkins College Allen Athletic Fields,” its meaning is much deeper to the College and the Allens, the principal benefactors. The new baseball, soccer and softball fields represent an investment of more than $400,000 in private gifts from 6 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
individuals, foundations and the J.F. Allen Company.
"No one can walk through here without thinking it's my turn today to give." “No one can walk through here without thinking it’s my turn today to give,” D&E’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Wilson said during the dedication ceremony. “Athletes give every day to their coaches, their school, their teammates. That’s what you two folks have done – given.” The Allens have been longtime supporters of the College, leaving their “footprint” on various facilities and programs, noted Wilson, while serving as an inspiration to everyone who comes in contact with the College. The
It was evident Saturday that “joy” was contagious among the crowd of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members who applauded and cheered for the Allens. The couple received a standing ovation as they were presented with a framed photo of the bronze plaque to be installed at the fields, a soccer ball autographed by D&E athletes, and a bouquet of flowers. Work on the fields began in 2010. J.F. Allen Engineer Ed Phares noted that three months of endeavor went into moving 25,000 cubic yards of dirt to construct a facility that meets the official specifications. The project also included creating nearly 1,600 feet of drainage around the fields, raising the level of the fields five to seven feet, installing check dams for erosion control, moving two buildings and creating a new pedestrian walkway that connects all three fields. “This is the best time in athletics at this school,” Wilson said during the ceremony. “It’s not only because we have good coaches, but especially because the facilities have never been this good.” Wilson added the facility will serve “students, parents, family, friends, the community, camps and clinics.”
“You are a role model for all women,” DeLuca told the crowd of Smith’s involvement in social work and community service.
First Lady Joni Smith throws out the first pitch following dedication of the Joni Smith Softball Field.
Softball Field
Named for D&E's First Lady Joni Smith Davis & Elkins College First Lady Joni Smith threw out the first pitch to start the women’s softball game Saturday at the field named in her honor.
The dedication ceremony prior to the game was led by Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca, Chair of the Sport Science Department and Assistant Athletic Director at D&E.
Golf Academy Named in Honor of
Trustee and Alumnus Dick Seybolt
As the caliber of student athletes continues to rise at D&E, so are student expectations. Some come to the College with high hopes of someday playing professional golf, said D&E Vice President for Student Affairs and former golf coach Scott Goddard at the dedication of the Richard Seybolt Golf Academy.
Since West Virginia winters aren’t conducive to perfecting a golfer’s skills, a solution was needed, noted Goddard, and it was found. During Homecoming, the Seybolt Golf Academy was dedicated in honor of Trustee and alumnus Dick Seybolt, who, along with his wife, Arlene, provided funds to make the students’ dream of an indoor practice facility a reality.
Naming the softball field in honor of Joni Smith came at the suggestion of Trustee Joyce Allen. In a letter to Board Chairman Paul Stirrup, she wrote, “I should like to recommend that the new softball area, located on the Allen Athletic Fields, be named for Joni Smith. She goes to all sports games when she is in town, but I know one of her favorite sports is women’s softball. Consequently, I find it only fitting that we name this area in her honor.” In acknowledging the Trustees’ action in a letter that was shared during the dedication, Joni Smith wrote the Allens: “Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined my all-time favorite sport resulting in your gifting of the softball field in my honor. As a teenager, I was pitcher for our school’s team and played in college as well. My request to Buck for our honeymoon was that we both bring a ball and gloves so we could play catch. So you see, you are touching me in a very profound way.”
“If it wasn’t for them, it wouldn’t have been possible,” Goddard said. “They made it happen.” Ceremonies were held inside the Martin Field House, followed by demonstrations with the D&E Golf Team in the Academy. It was designed and installed by one of the nation’s top indoor golf turf companies, Turf Solutions. The Seybolt Golf Academy includes seven different grass heights, a sand trap and a range of putting greens, all designed to develop good playing habits. Built on a contoured base of gravel, limestone dust and sand to help players master their “short” game, there is an adjacent chipping and driving area as well. A computercontrolled golf simulator provides the challenge of playing on six of the world’s renowned championship courses.
Located at the entrance to the Allen Athletic Fields adjacent to the Charles B. Gates Pavilion and Tower, the new Joni Smith Softball Field provides for the first time an on-campus home for the women’s softball program, and includes dugouts, a 20-foot-by-8-foot electronic scoreboard, and specially prepared infield dirt to reduce dust, absorb water and improve drainage.
"My request to Buck for our honeymoon was that we both bring a ball and gloves so we could play catch." A bronze plaque has been placed on the side of the home team dugout in Smith’s honor noting appreciation for her encouragement to students and student athletes. “Joni, you once again have touched the future and eternity here at Davis & Elkins College,” DeLuca said in concluding her remarks on Saturday.
Virginians – a special status granted by the Governor – as well as given keys to the Golf Academy. They also were given a team picture of the Senator Football squad from the 1960s and an autographed copy of Arnold Palmer’s latest book. Seybolt, an avid golfer, is a 1963 graduate of D&E. He is Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Coach Corporation in Oswego, Kansas. He and his wife, Arlene, reside in Oklahoma.
The indoor, year-round “golf course” – unlike anything else in West Virginia – is located on the mezzanine of the restored Martin Field House. Already, the facility has helped D&E’s team achieve new records. In recognition of their generosity, the Seybolts were honored by Head Golf Coach Wally Edgell and the D&E Team as Honorary West
Dick and Arlene Seybolt receive a remembrance from Vice President for Student Affairs Scott Goddard.
Dedications
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A
Renaissance In The Arts By Carol Schuler In October, President Smith and the Board of Trustees dedicated the renovated Myles Center for the Arts. Part learning space, part performance space, it is creating no less than a renaissance for the arts on campus. The arts are flourishing at D&E. A reflection of student talent and desire, programs in music, visual art, dance, theatre, and heritage arts provide a lively mix of creativity on campus. And a series of performing arts events, a new Community Education program and the Governor’s School for the Arts are reaching out to further extend D&E’s impact. Now, thanks to the vision, leadership and generous financial support of Trustee June Myles, the arts have a home – with beautiful, engaging spaces that reward the creative spirit. By re-using and improving existing facilities, Myles was able to meet the College’s needs without starting over. She and President Smith found needed resources in the Hermanson Campus Center. Working together, they made the spaces ‘smarter,’ and new again.
June Myles, benefactor, stands before the Myles Center for the Arts.
During October’s dedication ceremonies, Myles commented that the Center and the rejuvenation of the arts at D&E will benefit students and the community. “My hope is that all in the D&E community will learn to love the arts in whatever capacity they choose,” Myles said.
8 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Creative Spaces that
Soar
The Darby Museum
A collection known for its incomparable range and uniqueness, the Darby Collection has been waiting for a visible home since it was given to the College in 1942. Thanks to the volunteer efforts of Bud Rexrode, a team of student helpers and D&E carpenters, painters and electricians, the Darby Collection will have a secure museum in Myles Center for the Arts. It’s located in the former music room – an ideal spot for public engagement. which celebrate the energy and spirit of the arts.
Harper-McNeeley Auditorium and Lobby
The first area visitors experience is a reception space with gallery lighting and comfortable seating. In the classroom areas, a ‘Mac’ lab provides resources for teaching graphic design and digital photography. The expansive studio offers room for drawing, painting, sculpture and other traditional media. And the pottery room – slated for renovation during the next phase of work – is still mud-friendly.
A perfect model of 1970’s tastes, HarperMcNeeley Auditorium was long overdue for an update. Not only to address the dated colors and worn fabric, but also to incorporate new sound and lighting technology. Improvements include: All new seating. With higher backs and improved ergonomic design, the new D&E red seating improves audience comfort. Better lighting. Associate Professor of Theatre Tom Hackman remembered the lighting and sound board controls in HarperMcNeeley from his student days. Now, the auditorium has new lights, a new Bose sound system, and sophisticated controls to provide a better presentation for every performance. Lobby improvements. New carpeting, colors and gallery lighting for revolving works greet visitors now. Plus, significantly expanded and upgraded restrooms improve comfort for audiences before, during and after shows – essential upgrades for the largest performance hall in the region! Augusta store. Books, CD’s, DVDs, and other merchandise from the Augusta Heritage Center is now front and center with a store in the Myles Center lobby. Attractive display windows showcase merchandise as well as other information from D&E programs.
Upstairs, the Paull Gallery continues service for exhibitions and special events.
Dance Studio
Visual and Graphic Arts Classrooms
The Pit – that lower level multipurpose room – has new life this year as a dance studio. A new floor, needed mirrors and an overall makeover has improved the space by leaps and bounds for D&E’s new Dance program.
Light. Rooms that flow. Creative architectural details. With students at the center of everything we do, classroom space and teaching resources remain a priority. Extensive upgrades to the lower level of the Myles Center have transformed approximately 7,000 square feet of dark, roughly finished areas into a new art department consisting of studio space, technology labs and offices. It is a bright, engaging suite of teaching areas now, A Renaissance in the Arts
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People and new resources are taking D&E’s Arts programs to new heights. One of the most exciting is the College’s announcement, in September, that D&E has taken the first step toward becoming an All Steinway School. Chancellor Michael Mihalyo made the announcement during a Gershwin concert by Artist-in-Residence Jack Gibbons at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Pittsburgh.
By Linda Howell Skidmore
Mihalyo says the idea came about when the College was preparing for its second class of students for the Governor’s School for the Arts. Taking into consideration that about 35 of the students study piano, and the College’s own music program is experiencing growth, leaders decided to review the campus keyboards. “Many were in stages of disrepair, and others needed to be replaced,” Mihalyo says.
10 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Mihalyo, who is also a professor of music and a pianist, says that since replacements are needed, the choice is clear in providing the best grade of instruments. “Becoming an All Steinway School demonstrates that we are very serious about moving forward with music at the College,” Mihalyo adds, “We want to make sure our students have what they need.” Steinway & Sons grants approval for a designation as long as certain criteria are met. In the Americas, an institution must have at least 10 pianos and at least 90 percent of the acoustic pianos must be Steinway & Sons, Boston or Essex. An inventory analysis at D&E conducted by Steinway & Sons in September shows that of the 20 pianos on D&E’s campus, seven are Steinway & Sons and one is a Boston. Last summer, the College purchased three new Steinways, including one that was provided, in part, with a gift from a family foundation. Apparently, the new pianos are making a difference to students. Mihalyo says he has noticed “increased foot traffic” in the practice rooms. Instructor of Music Donna Baroudi-Huffman says every day feels like Christmas now that her studio is home to a new Steinway piano. “I come in an hour early and shut the door just so I can play. It’s really wonderful to play Mozart on a piano like this. It’s so much of a joy to hear,” says Baroudi-Huffman, who describes a Steinway as “the Mercedes of the piano.” Sydney Mucha, a sophomore from Mt. Clare, WV is just one of Baroudi-Huffman’s students who is making the most of her practice sessions on one of the Steinways. “The keys are much easier to move, and there’s a much richer sound,” Mucha says, recalling that she used one of the “older” pianos last year. “I would love to have more of them [Steinways] on campus for practice.” Although Mucha isn’t a music major, her interest in the piano was sparked by a class required her freshman year. This year, she signed up for 30-minute lessons for a one-hour credit. Baroudi-Huffman says more students are following suit, and some opt for one-hour lessons that earn two credit hours.
D&E Artist in Residence Jack Gibbons, Chancellor Michael Mihalyo and Pittsburgh Steinway Gallery President Patty Neeper.
Last semester, 30 to 35 students took classes in piano. For the Spring Semester, BaroudiHuffman estimates 30 additional students will learn to play. In addition, about 10 youths who are connected to the D&E Family take private lessons in her studio. Baroudi-Huffman also teaches other music classes, serves as vocal coach, and accompanies the D&E College Concert Choir, as well as students attending the Governor’s School for the Arts. And having top-notch instruments holds a special attraction for more advanced College students.
"Becoming an All Steinway School demonstrates that we are very serious about moving forward with music at the College." – Chancellor Michael Mihalyo In its inventory analysis, Steinway offers three recommendations for the College to reach its required number of instruments to earn designation. The cost of all three approaches the $500,000 mark. Although Mihalyo doesn’t have a specific time frame in which he hopes the funding can be secured, the analysis outlines a steady cost increase for the project
over a one-, five- and 20-year period. Other stipulations set by Steinway include that the pianos be placed in performance spaces, teaching studios and practice rooms; and a maintenance program must be in place to ensure performance quality. Elkins resident and retired educator Bruce Dillon has been commissioned to tune and maintain the instruments, and he’s found a home for some of the pianos that would have otherwise been disposed of. In fact, he’s brought together a way to serve the needs that exist in two of his passions, and offered the College an opportunity to give back to the community. As a private piano instructor, Dillon discovered that some of his students were practicing on small, electronic keyboards because their parents didn’t have the means to purchase a piano. He offered his service to tune, repair, and even transport the instruments that the College planned to discard. The students’ families can then purchase the pianos at a low cost. Dillon wouldn’t accept payment, and instead is donating the money to another cause – the Randolph County Humane Society. “I really appreciate the College giving me the opportunity to fix up the pianos and get them to somebody who can use them,” Dillon says. “In this situation, everybody wins.”
Let the Music Play! | 11
By Linda Howell Skidmore
Davis & Elkins College students and members of the National Alumni Council have come together for a common goal – raising the funds needed to complete the “Raise the Roof” campaign. The campaign, announced during the Founders Day celebration in September, was initiated by students who responded to an earlier donor’s expressed hope with their own generosity: a challenge gift of $200,000 toward replacement of the school’s pool roof. Terms of the gift call for an additional $400,000 to be contributed in matching funds by others. The surprise announcement was made by Alex Torres, President of the College’s Student Assembly. “Two years ago on this same occasion – just weeks after Doris Buffett’s generous Highlands Scholars gift to help us students – D&E Trustee Jim McDonnell presented the College with the largest gift in its history, $10 million. While what we are doing pales before such generosity, it’s
our way of helping do what he said he hoped his gift would do: set an example for others. “We took Mr. McDonnell’s expectation to heart, and over the summer came up with a way we as students could respond. And by asking trustees, alumni and friends of the College to double our gift with an additional $400,000, the cost of replacing the pool roof will be fully covered." Since then, $253,315 in gifts and pledges has been raised. The remaining $146,685 is needed to fully fund the nearly $900,000 project. “When the goal is met, we can say ‘We did it together!" Torres says. The emphasis on “together” is now the focus of the campaign, with students and NAC members planning two phonathons for a “peer-to-peer
During construction, the entire pool roof had to be removed. Not only roofing, but ventilation systems had to be replaced. Page 13 – The completed pool.
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effort of everybody getting behind the ‘Raise the Roof ’ campaign,” Director of Development Jeremy Golston says. In February, a group of D&E students will set up shop in the Halliehurst Ballroom where they’ll spend six weeks making calls to alumni asking for support. Students had participated in a brief phonathon in late fall, but Golston says alumni who were already contacted won’t be called again. D&E grads may also hear from fellow alumni when they begin another phonathon seeking to not only raise funds for the pool project, but to “’Raise the Roof ’ in general for contributions,” Golston says. In addition, alumni will want to watch for invitations asking them to join the students in their spirit of giving. The need for the repairs came about last spring when the roof overhang of the 38-year old Hermanson Center pool collapsed on the Saturday evening of Easter weekend while most students were away. Engineering studies later revealed the inner steel structure of the roof was corroded, leaving no choice but to replace the entire roof and pool ventilating system at a cost of $891,000. When Torres learned in late summer that a former member of the College’s Board of Trustees, and a current Trustee, had each offered gifts totaling $300,000, he met with D&E Chancellor Michael Mihalyo to explore how students too might help. “D&E has been transformed in the time many of us have been in school,” he said to the gathering of students, faculty and staff in the totally-new Harper-McNeeley auditorium. “Fulltime enrollment is up more than 50 percent, the academic program has been greatly enriched, all the residence halls have been renovated and redecorated, we now have a 24-hour computer lab in Booth Library, a modern fitness center has been added, and many classrooms, the field house and athletic fields have been renovated.” “All this is for our benefit as students,” he said. “This is one way we can show our appreciation.” Noting the source of the funds, he added: “With the growth in enrollment, we have more students supporting student activities. The Student Assembly decided we would rather do something significant for the College than spend the money on ourselves.”
When Torres learned in late summer that a former member of the College’s Board of Trustees, and a current Trustee, had each offered gifts totaling $300,000, he met with D&E Chancellor Michael Mihalyo to explore how students too might help. In responding to the student challenge, D&E president G.T. ‘Buck’ Smith said: “Those of us privileged to work with our students know first-hand their enterprising and generous spirit. Now – on their own – they have put us over the half-way mark in paying for the new pool roof. Once the matching $400,000 has been raised,
the entire project will be funded.” With one of the finest collegiate pools in West Virginia, D&E resumed its competitive swim program three years ago. New head coach Nick Smith noted that "we added a dozen new swimmers this year and are well on our way to growing the roster for both the men’s and women’s teams to at least 30 next year.” D&E competes in the Bluegrass Mountain Swimming Conference comprised of 15 members from five states across the Mid-Atlantic region. The D&E pool is open not only to the College but the surrounding area as well. In addition to serving individuals in the community, the Elkins High School team and the local youth Otters Swim Club practice and hold their swim meets there. Commenting on the work ahead in response to the student challenge, President Smith said, “This kind of initiative and selfless action by students is a pretty rare thing. In fact, I’m not aware of it happening anywhere in this magnitude. It would be a wonderful thing if alumni of all ages and of whatever circumstance could join forces with them in this common enterprise. Their generosity deserves nothing less from the rest of us. As Alex said, ‘Together, we will ‘Raise the Roof!’” Contributions can be made by mail or online. For more information, please visit the College website at www.dewv.edu or call 304-637-1243. Raise the Roof!
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14 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
"T
here are three reasons why Davis & Elkins College is the perfect home for a Center for Railway Tourism," says Jim Porterfield, Director of the new Center. “First,” he notes, “the school offers a major in Recreation Management and Tourism. Second, Elkins is rich in railroad history, and is home to an ambitious excursion operation, a trailhead for a significant rail trail, and likely the site of the West Virginia State Railroad Museum. And, third, the state of West Virginia has designated railway heritage tourism as one of its three critical tourist attractions." For precisely these reasons, Porterfield says he approached Davis & Elkins last year to create what is envisioned as "a first-class educational and support center dedicated to developing and sharing the knowledge and human resources needed to ensure the future success of railway heritage tourism." The key work of the Center, according to Porterfield, is education. "Education," Porterfield says, "is needed to develop the next generation of railway tourism professionals for what is an aging industry. We have an opportunity to better integrate diverse expressions of our railway heritage and reach as large an audience as possible, to enhance the professionalism of those responsible for railway tourism facilities, and provide systematically gathered and reliable data to support informed decision-making by practitioners. It is a significant niche that we can fill – as educators and as partners with area businesses." President "Buck" Smith applauded the idea and observes, "Railway tourism is growing quickly throughout the West Virginia Highlands. With his entrepreneurial ideas, local businessman John Smith and his Durbin
& Greenbrier Valley Railroad is building a previously unimagined rail network with a potential $50 million annual impact on the area. Our students, particularly our Highlands Scholars, will be able to prepare for the local possibilities that growth will bring, as well as cultivate and apply knowledge and business skills to their own entrepreneurial ideas – wherever that takes them."
Dr. Carol Carter, Chair of D&E's Department of Business & Entrepreneurship, where the Center is headquartered, adds, "There will be internships and unique courses, scholarships, career guidance and mentoring for our students. And, our excellent conference
Porterfield and the College dotted the “I's” and crossed the “T's” on an agreement to launch the Center in mid-July. Since then a number of steps have been taken to begin its work. A cooperative venture with a Wisconsin publisher is creating an inter-generational outreach program, modeled after the NPR StoryCorps program, designed for railway heritage sites – such as museums and excursions – to use to engage people in the communities they serve. Conferences for dinner train operators, railroad artists and the general public, concerning railroad history and tied to West Virginia's 150th Anniversary, are planned for 2013. Internships and other projects that involve students with working rail heritage sites and industries that serve them have been created. New courses in Railway Heritage, Heritage Tourism, and Heritage Marketing, are being introduced to the D&E curriculum, with more coming. The courses will eventually be offered nationwide on line and as part of a non-credit certification program. In 2013, the Center will host the first of a planned annual guided railway-based vacation tour designed for Davis & Elkins College alumni (see page 17). Porterfield, meanwhile, has been making appearances throughout the fall before a number of key national railway heritage groups, including the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, the Lexington Group in
"Our students, particularly our Highlands Scholars, will be able to prepare for the local possibilities that growth will bring, as well as cultivate and apply knowledge and business skills to their own entrepreneurial ideas – wherever that takes them." – President 'Buck' Smith facilities and services provide the Center the opportunity to conduct workshops for railway tourism businesses and agencies. We also envision a wide range of educational and entertaining programs for those with a general interest in railway heritage and preservation. These include artist-in-residence programs, a film festival, events highlighting railroad literature and music, and topic-specific annual conferences."
Transportation History, the Association of Tourist Railroads and Railway Museums, and others, to acquaint the industry with the benefits they will derive from the Center's work. Part of this effort is aimed at securing sponsorships from organizations in the industry. "This is an opportunity for Davis & Elkins College to have a national impact in an area
D&E Goes Full Steam Ahead with Center for Railway Tourism | 15| 15 Programs
Jim Porterfield, Director, Center for Railway Tourism
that is critical to the economic well-being of more than 500 communities," he says. "Each year, more than 30 million people visit railway heritage sites, make use of rail trails, or in some way participate in railway preservation. That doesn't include the 30 million people who now ride Amtrak each year." A well-known leader in the railway tourism community, Porterfield is an author, a columnist, feature writer and Contributing Editor for Railfan & Railroad magazine, and the creator and host of The Railroad Tourist, a website and Facebook page highlighting railway heritage sites. His six books include Dining by Rail: The History and the Recipes from America's Golden Age of Railroad Cuisine, and, as editor, he wrote the introduction to Jack Orr's acclaimed biography of O.P. Orr, Set Up Running, about a Pennsylvania Railroad engineman from 1904 to 1949, and to the reprint of Harry Bedwell's classic 1942 railroad novel, The Boomer: A Story of the Rails. Jim writes a marketing column for
"There will be internships and unique courses, scholarships, career guidance and mentoring for our students." – Dr. Carol Carter Railway Museum Quarterly, a journal for the heritage industry, and is currently at work compiling a series of anthologies of railroad fiction. A popular presenter before both rail history groups and the general public, he is a regular guest on "Let's Talk Travel," a regional radio and Podcast talk show devoted to travel destinations. He has made presentations before groups as diverse as the
16 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Culinary Institute of America, the American Association of Private Railway Car Owners, and on board the American Orient Express. For the past 25 years, he has been an adjunct professor in the Business Administration department at Penn State University's main campus. About the opportunity presented by working to create the Davis & Elkins College Center for Railway Tourism, Porterfield says, "This is one of those opportunities that bring to mind the oft-heard expression, 'It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it.' I get to travel a little, write a little and teach a little – the perfect use of my time." For more information, or to learn how you can help, visit the Center's website at www.dewv. edu/center-railway-tourism, or contact Jim at 304-637-1307 or 814-574-5586 or porterfieldj@dewv.edu.
" The Most Spectacular Scenery in North America"
Calgary • Banff • Jasper • Prince George • Whistler • Vancouver
One enduring appeal of railroad travel is to see places you can only see by train. Now, Jim Porterfield, Director of the Center for Railway Tourism at Davis & Elkins College, is preparing to share the wonder of North America’s railways with D&E alumni, in spectacular British Columbia, where, he says, “Canada's railroads had to conquer some of the world's most rugged terrain to connect their nation with a ribbon of steel."
at hotels, and a dozen exciting experiences and attractions. To request a customized brochure with full details, accommodation options and pricing, call Holiday Vacations at 800-826-2266. Guests on this trip will receive several unique services not available on other Holiday Vacations trips, including an advance copy of a bibliography of recommended books, movies, artwork and more, to enhance their enjoyment of the trip, and one or more planned speakers at selected locations along the route.
These thoughts explain why Porterfield selected Canadian Rockies & British Columbia by Rail from Holiday Vacations as the first travel experience Flights to be offered by the Center to the Motorcoach alumni of Davis & Elkins College Rocky Mountaineer Train and others. You arrive in Calgary, 1 2 3 # of Overnights the largest city in Alberta Province and a town created by the Canadian Pacific Railway as it built west toward Vancouver in the late 19th Century. The tour then takes in important sites in the city, cruises Lake Minnewanka, and visits the Devil's Gap, a glacial path carved in the eastern foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Later, you check in to the Banff Park Lodge, and spend a day in the Banff area, another setting developed as the result of the arrival of the railroad. The tour moves on to take in Bow Summit and Lake Louise, sites that Canadian historian Pierre Berton said "stand for the ultimate in scenery" along the route of the Canadian Pacific, before arriving on day 4 in Jasper. There you board the Rocky Mountaineer, a private luxury day train, to travel on day 5 to Prince George along the Fraser Discover Route. The next day, you re-board the train and travel south through an array of spectacular canyons and ranchlands to Whistler. The last leg of the trip, by motor coach to Vancouver, includes the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and a number of highlights in the Vancouver area, before you head home. Host Porterfield, as well as a Holiday Vacations Tour Director and a number of experienced local guides, ensure a smooth and informative trip. The package includes airfare, a number of meals, all rail and motor coach transportation expenses, accommodations, baggage-handling
This trip and others like it in the future are part of the Center for Railway Tourism's commitment to bringing quality railrelated experiences to Davis & Elkins College students, faculty and staff, and alumni, and to promote railway heritage preservation and travel as a fun, exciting, and educational activity. "My goal," says Porterfield, "is to allow people to experience the important role railroads have played throughout our history in all aspects of our social and economic development." He hopes you will join him on this first step.
The Most Spectacular Scenery in North America
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HOMECOMING
Photo
Album! Alumni of all classes crowded into the Madden Center for a special afternoon event with Dr. Gloria Payne, who now serves as Senior Counsel to the President.
Members of Alpha Sigma Phi enjoyed a great turnout for their reunion at Graceland. Shown here are: 1. Dave Roberts 2. Bob Baird 3. Norm Yeager 4. Bill Kokie 5. Bill Jezik 6. Lou Michael 7. Craig Felber 8. Dave Kirk 9. Dan Woodworth 10. John Simpson 11. Mike DiMario 12. Ted Shepler 13. Leon Testas 14. Pete Abramov 15. Art Schmidt 16. Dick Gunning 17. Jim Lloyd 18. Tom Ormesher 19. Frank Mele 20. Bob Gregory 21. Don “Bud” Bender 22. Huxley Madeheim 23. Don Hauck 24. Harold Weigle 25. Dick Seybolt 26. Dick Royster 27. Dick Stoelzing 28. Bruce MacBeth 29. Tom Krogel 30. Joe Larese (1936-2012) 31. George Smith 32. Larry Hunt 33. Max Morgan 34. Robert Morgan 35. Guy Miller and 36. Dave Lee.
Miss D&E Shannon Neuenschwander and Mr. D&E Alex Torres make their entrance at the students’ Homecoming Ball in Halliehurst.
The members of the Class of 1962 reconnected at their 50-year reunion dinner at Hearthstone.
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Alumni took the field against the current Senators in a friendly game of baseball. Perfect weather and fall colors added to a special day.
Vice President for Student Affairs Scott Goddard, ’96, and Sigma Phi Epsilon alumni Paul Stirrup, ’59, George Morgan, ’61 and Pete Dougherty, ’75 check out a composite from back in the day.
D&E Student-Athletes thank Joyce and John Allen following dedication ceremonies for the Allen Athletic Fields.
An NAC Scholarship recipient with members of the National Alumni Council: Steve Sponaugle, Scholarship recipient; Maribeth Headley Robenolt; Wendy Morgan, Coordinator of Alumni Relations; Bill Turner; Tanya Kittle Shelton; Larisa Draeger Swartz; Robin White Rybczynski; Jeremy Golston, Director of Development; Suzan McClelland Bright; Karen Kauffman Scherling; Patti Bennett; Sue Quick Nilsen; Kim Stanley Stoner; Casey Wilkinson Zahn; Michele DeBerry; Rachel Halperin Montgomery; Ray VanArsdale; Janet Slaugenhaupt Toth; Laura Constantine; Rob Beckwith; Larry Hunt; John Certo; Dave Blaszczak; Dave Kirby; Eileen Eschbach Monastersky; and Brian Anderson. Not pictured: Catherine Garnett Engleman; Flint Engleman; Neil Keenan; Beth Guye Kittle; and Blaine Steensland.
Tim Armentrout organized an Aurora Reunion which brought out poets from many classes for a reading in Graceland.
Homecoming Photo Album
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Davis & Elkins College Honors Three Alumni during the Annual Homecoming Banquet and Awards Ceremony Honorees included Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Guye Kittle, ’47, Lifetime Achievement Award; Fred Fincken, ’62, Tower Award; and Wesley Withrow, ’04, Outstanding Young Alumnus. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented in recognition of an individual’s commitment to Davis & Elkins College. Created in 2003, the honor is not presented annually. Kittle joins a distinguished group of only three other recipients. Kittle graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English from D&E in 1947. She earned a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from West Virginia University in 1972.
Beth Kittle, ’47, Lifetime Achievement Award
Kittle lived in Georgia from 1954-1964 where she held various paralegal and executive secretarial positions. She was also a copy writer for WMAZ TV-Radio in Macon, GA. She returned to Elkins in 1964, and began her career at D&E. She served as the administrative assistant to President Gordon E. Hermanson for 18 years, and then for President C. Brent DeVore for one year. She was then appointed as Director of Alumni Relations, a position she held for three years. Kittle later served as Director of Special Projects for two years and as Acting Vice President for Development for nine months before retiring from D&E in 1988. During her tenure as Director of Alumni Relations, Kittle initiated the formation of the National Alumni Council of which she is a lifetime member. Kittle has been a member of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church since 1945, when she joined as a D&E student. She has served on the Session as an Elder, was briefly Clerk of the Session, chaired the Witness Service Committee, served on the Nominating Committee, the Bereavement Committee, and was President of the Women's Council for two years. In addition, she served as Moderator (teacher) of Circle 6 for more than 20 years, and taught another Circle for two years. Kittle is the recipient of a Life Membership in Presbyterian Women. Kittle also is the author of “The Sanctioned Fruit,”
20 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
and has had numerous other works of poetry published. She is currently working on a poetry book titled A Widow’s Lament, in memory of her late husband, Howard M. ‘Kit’ Kittle. The couple was married for 53 years. She resides in Elkins. The Tower Award is presented to a D&E alumnus or alumna for outstanding commitment and service to the College and its alumni programs. The criteria for selection include volunteering of time, talent and/or funds in support of the numerous student and alumni programs the College offers. This year’s recipient is Fred Fincken, who earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from D&E in 1962. While attending D&E, he was an active leader in Sigma Phi Epsilon, the Inter Fraternity Council, and Beta Alpha Beta business honorary. He performed in several D&E theatre productions. In addition, Fincken was Vice President of his senior class and played varsity football. Fincken has organized several D&E Alumni events in his home, and serves as a trustee with the Davis & Elkins College Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni Association. He has co-chaired football reunions, was an active member of the D&E APART mentoring program, helped at several fairs, and actively participates in the New York Metro D&E Alumni Chapter. He was a member of the National Alumni Council for 11 years, and served on the Parliamentary Committee and also as Vice President and President. Upon graduation from Davis & Elkins College, Fincken entered the U.S Navy for a six-year commitment. His business career was launched in 1964 with Pitney Bowes Inc. in the office products industry. He began as a sales trainee and advanced to Regional Sales Manager during the course of seven corporate relocations. During the next 22 years, Fincken held the titles of Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Director of Business Development, Vice President of Sales and Vice President of Marketing with such companies as The E.F. Hauserman Co., American Seating Co. and a Steelcase Dealership.
Fred Fincken, ’62, Tower Award winner with classmate and presenter Gary Horvath, 62.
D&E in 2004. He went on to earn his Master of Science in Information Systems from The Johns Hopkins University.
He retired from Ascom Hasler Mailing Systems after a 10-year career. He then accepted an assignment as Vice President and General Manager with Rhode Island Business Systems and fully retired in 2003. During his business career, Fincken received numerous awards and recognition for achievement in sales, corporate revenue, business targets, leadership, and corporate growth objectives.
Want to nominate an alumnus for an award? Go to www.dewv.edu/ alumni-giving/alumni Following retirement, Fincken served his town on the Planning and Zoning Commission. He is an active member of the Lions Club, and participates as a counselor and secretary for International Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). In addition, he was a Church Deacon. He resides in Harwinton, CT. The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award is presented to an alumnus/alumna who has graduated from within the last 10 years and shows unusual promise in his/her profession, and loyalty and commitment to the College. Criteria for selection include professional achievements and honors, community service/service to others, and commitment to the College. This year’s recipient is Wesley Withrow, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from
Withrow currently is the Chief Information Officer for Bellwether Technology, a firm that provides a full suite of information technology services to businesses in the greater New Orleans area. In this role, he ensures that clients are correctly positioned to make sound business decisions in managing their information technology services. He is an accomplished information system professional whose experience covers a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities such as designing, implementing, securing and administering systems in complex environments. His experience includes expertise in information systems engineering, systems administration, enterprise architecture, information technology security and service management, line management, and project management. As a technical direction agent for the Department of Defense, he has experience working with teams supporting information system acquisition and deployment through requirements analysis, design, development, and testing. Prior to working for Bellwether, Withrow worked as a systems engineer in the National Security Technology Department at The
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory – a University Affiliated Research Center. There he contributed on small- to medium-sized project teams to provide guidance to the Department of Defense on a diverse set of problem spaces. This included reporting to and briefing the U.S. Government Army, Navy, Air Force, Homeland Security, Central Intelligence Agency, DARPA, and IARPA. Among the projects he assisted with were the design, development, and support of the first theater-deployed Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor system for the U.S. Army’s branch of Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance. Other programs included providing systems engineering and enterprise architecture support for the United States Medical Research and Materiel Command, and development of a rapid prototype of a HandsFree Electronic Medical Record for the U.S. Army. Withrow also has worked in information technology support and as a systems administrator for Under Armour. Throughout his career, Withrow has received numerous honors including: U.S. Army PEO EIS Certificate of Appreciation for MC4 in 2011; Special Achievement Award from The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory for four consecutive years from 2008 to 2011; Appalachian College Association Distinguished Scholar in 2003, and WVIAC Intercollegiate Athletic Scholar for three consecutive years from 2001 to 2003. He holds memberships in the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Infragard – Greater New Orleans Chapter, Information Systems Security Association, and International Information Systems Security Certifications Consortium. He resides in New Orleans, LA.
Wesley ‘Wes’ Withrow, ’04, Outstanding Young Alumnus
To nominate an alumnus for one of D&E’s annual awards, please submit a nomination form on the College website: www.dewv.edu/alumnigiving/alumni Alumni Awards
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“We knew it was important to have faculty and staff support for an honor code, but instead of the committee coming up with goals, we felt it would be more acceptable to students if they were part of the process,” Torres says.
believe elieve believe A Matter of believe believe
Honor believe
By Nanci Bross-Fregonara
believe
believe The idea began small.
believe
Send a few Davis & Elkins College students to a national leadership conference on “Cheating, Lying and Honor” and see what happens. The result sparked an idea which has now grown into an entire movement on campus – one that captures what students feel is important. As a result of the two-day conference at the Virginia Military Institute last March – underwritten by Trustee Joyce Allen and her husband, John – D&E now has an Honor Council which reflects a broadening culture of academic honesty among students.
Alex Torres, president of Student Assembly, and Mark Lanham, president of the Student Veterans Association, led the charge after returning from VMI, but are quick to point out the timing was perfect. “There was already a movement towards honor, ethics and integrity on campus,” Lanham says. “Students wanted an honor board or council of some type, and we decided it was important to find out what they believed in, what was important to them, as we established the foundation for moving forward.” With a high percentage of students voting to endorse an Honor Code last spring, over 75 percent, a committee was selected by the Student Life Office to work toward that goal.
22 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
So during finals week last spring, amidst cookies and coffee, members of a newly created Honor Committee (as it was then called) set up tables to ask their peers what they felt was important to them. Students were simply asked to finish the sentence: “I believe…” The results were impressive:
“each student should be treated equally.” “cheating is not acceptable.” “hard work should be rewarded.” “everyone should behave appropriately.” “in discipline and respect.” “We really felt that there had already been a lot of positive changes on campus,” Torres says, “and that this effort would create a better college experience. I know when there are rules and order, I feel like I’m cared for – that the school wants me to do well.” But it also came down to illustrating how students would “hold each other accountable for their actions,” Torres explains. “It can’t just be faculty and staff for something this huge. We have to have our own backs on this.” Rhiana Bruce-Lyle, a sophomore from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was more than willing to add her “belief ” to the comments box. “We had something like [an honor code] at my high school and it was a really good thing. But I know it will take a lot of work.” Torres, who was re-elected as Student Assembly president and plans to attend law school after graduating, understands the importance of accountability. Having experienced unequal treatment in high school, without any repercussions, he felt driven to the cause. “My goal is to have equality and impartiality without any bias,” he says. “I guess I’m a little passionate about this.” After a summer of looking through the student handbook and coming up with suggestions, the Honor
Davis & Elkins students selected for the 20122013 Honor Council include: front row, from left: Carissa Dunn, Robin Stillwater, Rebecca Casto, Shannon Neuenschwander and Sydney Mucha. Back row, from left, are: Lakota Jonese, David Karson, Jason Mallow, Mark Lanham and Alex Torres.
Council has been working on getting the nuts and bolts taken care of: the bylaws, charter and procedure – tools necessary to hear cases in the future. “That will be the hard part,” Lanham suggests. “We have to look at what other schools do when they hear cases and be mindful of privacy issues. D&E should have a foundation built on confidentially.” At the conference, Lanham heard suggestions from other participants on how to implement and enforce an honor code, but feels that “over time, our Honor Code should become a tradition that stays true to us and be ingrained in the D&E culture.” Carissa Dunn, senior, and currently president of the Council, says it’s been a long, necessary process. “We want to get this off the ground without making any mistakes,” she says. “Right now we have a really great Council with a good mix of students who bring a lot of good ideas to the table. We have nursing students, athletes, nontraditional students – it’s great.” Making the transition from planning to actually doing will need support from the entire campus, Dunn explains. “Others are seeing our progress as an honor council, but we want to make sure that everyone is on board with it – faculty, staff and students.” “This spring, the Council plans to hear cases that aren’t academic in nature,” Lanham explains. “You have to be very careful when dealing with FERPA
35% of college officials believe cheating is an issue.
[Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act] so we want to start with student life issues such as underage drinking, fighting, bullying – anything that violates current school policy as written in our Code of Conduct.” Once the Council feels comfortable with the procedures, Lanham explains that it will be able to progress to the bigger issues. “We are now revisiting the college’s current hearing panel procedures, which haven’t been used in a while, and checking the language. We don’t want to make a divide between students and administration. We want to make sure everyone knows this is peer-run.” However, the Council is mindful of the fact that at a school the size of D&E, a conflict of interest potential exists. “We realize that we will need to have additional members be part of the process in case people have to recuse themselves,” Lanham explains. Problems with integrity are certainly not unique to college campuses. It became very clear to Torres and Lanham at the conference that cheating and dishonesty are increasingly present in not only academia, but also in business and politics.
Research on cheating behavior on college and university campuses has found that 35 percent of college officials believe cheating is an issue, compared to 41 percent of the general public. Also, 90 percent of cheaters don’t feel that they will get caught and, unfortunately, 95 percent actually don’t. According to Eric Anderman, professor of educational psychology at The Ohio State University and one of the VMI conference speakers, the most prevalent ways of cheating are copying, plagiarism, using imposters for testing and the use of technology. While the stereotypical cheater is often male and the subjects are across the board, the reasons for cheating usually fall into either the “everyone does it” or the “I need the grade to succeed” category. “There is a lot of pressure to get the best possible grade for your résumé,” Lanham says. “There are difficult academic standards placed upon us.” But he is quick to add that cheating is inexcusable. “I have no problem calling them out on it,” he says. Fortunately, he’s not alone with his zero tolerance on campus. Together, Lanham, Torres and Dunn are all confident that there is widespread support among the student body. “We want this to work,” Dunn says emphatically. Meeting once – sometimes twice – a week, the council and officers are dedicated to the cause. “We are already seeing real progress,” she adds. “We’re all working hard on this because we care so much.” A Matter of Honor
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with Carissa Dunn By Nanci Bross-Fregonara
It took three attempts to set an interview with Carissa Dunn, a biology/chemistry double major from Modesto, California. Between challenging classes, senior presentations, softball practice and her role as president of the newly created Honor Council, she was finally able to give us an hour of her incredibly busy life. For two summers, Carissa has completed cancer research internships, first at West Virginia University Biochemistry Department and the University of Utah’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. This past fall, she presented a poster at the 2012 Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science in Seattle, WA on “Using a Genomic Pathway-Based Drug Screen Approach to Develop a Therapeutic Against Np63 Pathway.” In 2011, Carissa won a D&E Academic Achievement Award from the Biology and Environmental Science Department during the Honors Convocation.
Get to know…
Senior Carissa Dunn Hometown: Modesto, California Majors (double): Biology and Chemistry Activities: Varsity Softball, Honor Council, Chi Beta Phi Career Goal: Cancer Research
How do you balance everything? I don’t function well if I’m not busy, and I drink a lot of coffee! Right now I have women’s softball, school, honor council and Chi Beta Phi. I can’t wait until next semester when I’m taking only 6 credit hours. I’ve always had hard semesters as a biology and chemistry major, most of the time taking 17 credits, so that will be nice. How did a California girl end up in West Virginia? I have been playing softball all my life and a former D&E softball coach who was from my area recruited me. My goal was to play softball in college and I also wanted to experience a different part of the country. I’m the youngest of seven and we are all very close. We would bend over backwards for each other. As hard as it’s been to be so far from home, I needed to grow up and make my own mistakes. How did that work out? It’s worked out really well and I’m so glad I came. At first I had thought I’d go to D&E for two years and then have to transfer to get more in-depth research experience. But Dr. [Shawn] Stover encouraged me to apply for the WVU internship program which ultimately led to Utah. Coming to D&E has opened so many doors for me. All these experiences have provided me with more insight into the real world. Any surprises? It was a culture shock when I first got to Elkins. I remember everything was closed on
24 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Sundays! I also came to D&E sight unseen so I didn’t know what to expect. I certainly didn’t expect how much people would care about me. But I fell in love with the campus and the people here. You are approaching the time when you’ll have to start making résumés, what would be listed as your “objective”? I guess my goal now is to get into an MD/PhD program that would be research based. I really want to cure cancer. I know that sounds crazy, but I do. So when you dream about what you want to be doing when you grow up, what do you see? I really have thought about that. I want to open my own research hospital that specializes in pediatric oncology. But it would be more like a community. Dealing with cancer affects the whole family and you need community involvement. You need places for people to work and you need housing. It would be something very different, but I think it would be neat. Why cancer? Cancer is the “big bad” in our family. It’s always been prevalent. My mother was diagnosed with leukemia my freshman year of college and there have been other family members diagnosed with other forms.
..."I fell in love with the campus and the people here." Any life changing moments? Probably the first time I looked through a microscope and a whole new world opened up to me. Do you have a favorite D&E experience? I’ve got to admit I love the Forest Festival. Not too many students will say that! I love it all: the funnel cakes, the kettle corn, the craft show…even the fundraising with my softball team. It’s great. So does that mean you’ll come back for a visit? I can’t imagine being away. I want to stay involved. Who knows? Maybe someday I can be on the Board of Trustees!
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Outdoor PE Class Gets Students
Back to Nature
By Linda Howell Skidmore Davis & Elkins College students in Tom Tesar’s Outdoor Physical Education PHED125 class have at times exchanged their desks for kayaks and canoes. Their backpacks are filled with items for survival, rather than books; and they often use their skills to test their knowledge. The course is a requirement for Physical Education majors, but students from other disciplines add it as an elective. The Director of the Outdoor Adventure Program at Davis & Elkins and instructor of Recreation Management & Tourism, Tesar says one of the main benefits for students taking the course is that they get to spend time out of the classroom. 26 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
“There is a difference in how children grow up today. This [course] is a good way to get people connected with things that take them outdoors and let them experience physical activities that they can participate in at any age of life.” – Tom Tesar
He bases many of his instructional theories for the class on the book “Last Child in the Woods,” in which author Richard Louv coins the phrase “nature deficit disorder.” The book also brings together a body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development, and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. “There is a difference in how children grow up today,” Tesar says, explaining that many of their interests and entertainment options take place indoors. “This [course] is a good way to get people connected with things that take them outdoors and let them experience physical activities that they can participate in at any age of life.” The class can go into session in nature’s playground by driving only about 20 minutes from the College. This semester, students have gone kayaking and canoeing along Shavers Fork of the Cheat River at Bowden, climbing and rappelling at Bear Heaven, and mountain biking on campus. Although Allison Dant, a senior Physical Education major, has spent some time kayaking near her hometown of Elkton, MD, she says the class has taught her some techniques that will help her better enjoy the sport. “I never knew the proper strokes or how to turn the boat,” Dant says. “It will be a lot easier for me now that I know the proper way to move through the water.”
Tesar says his students won’t master the skills for any one activity at the end of the semester, but they will gain a new perspective on recreation options they can further explore. “This is a sampler pack of different (activities),” he says. “It’s not meant to make them experts at any one thing, just to expose them to it. If they choose, they can follow up with further study.” The course is also designed to do more than acquaint students with the great outdoors. It also helps them develop a keen awareness of team building initiatives. “It’s a supportive learning environment where they basically help each other out,” Tesar says. “It helps with different topics – trust, communication, decision-making, and how to just use good judgment.” Not all students are up for the physical or emotional challenge needed to take on every aspect of the outdoor adventure, and Tesar says that’s OK. For the class he shares a certain philosophy – “Challenge by Choice” – in which he “never forces” students to do something they really don’t want to do. Instead, he requires that they participate in the class project or outing in some fashion in order to remain connected with the group. For example, if a student doesn’t feel comfortable rappelling from atop a rock formation, he or she may be the person who controls the safety line at the bottom.
This approach, Tesar says, “relieves a lot of tension and anxiety,” and he often finds that the students “end up trying” the feat. That was the situation for Troy Patterson, a senior from Newark, Ohio, who really didn’t like the idea of rappelling. “I’m afraid of heights; but everybody else did it, so I said, ‘let’s try it,’” Patterson says. “It didn’t seem too bad.” Tesar says he understands what it’s like to step out of your comfort zone and into a new adventure. His career began in the history and political science arena. “I started gravitating toward the outdoors for my own recreation,” he says. “Then I really got into it and decided to make a living out of it.” Tesar earned his master’s in Physical Education from Ohio University and bachelor’s in Political Science from Hillsdale College. Before coming to Elkins, he served as director of the Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits program and he also taught in Ohio University’s Department of Recreation & Sport Pedagogy. He is a certified ropes course facilitator, NAUI scuba instructor, Wilderness Education Association certifying instructor, and SOLO wilderness first responder. He also has instructional experience in many outdoor activities ranging from backpacking to whitewater kayaking.
Outdoor PE Class Gets Students Back to Nature
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College Joins Great Midwest Athletic Conference Davis & Elkins College has accepted an invitation to join the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). The Senators will begin competing in the G-MAC beginning with the 2013-14 athletic season. "These are exciting times at Davis & Elkins and we look forward to competing in the G-MAC," stated Athletic Director Ronnie Palmer when the news was announced in August. "It will present new challenges and opportunities for our student-athletes and coaches. We feel we are now aligned with likeminded institutions and, since the G-MAC stretches across four states, our athletic programs can now be exposed to a more regional level." The G-MAC was approved by the NCAA Division II Membership Committee in February of 2012 as a member conference effective September 1, 2012.
G-MAC Commissioner Tom Daeger remarked, "The G-MAC is excited to welcome Davis & Elkins to our membership and eager to partner with the institution to grow a great NCAA Division II athletic "... our athletic conference. Davis & Elkins is programs can now a perfect fit for the G-MAC, be exposed to a more as the institution and its regional level." strong leadership share the G-MAC ideal of supporting –Ronnie Palmer, an athletic department within Athletic Director the mission of the institution." Daeger added: "Davis & Elkins offers top-rate facilities, including the impressive McDonnell Center and the innovative Seybolt Indoor Golf Academy. The community of Elkins and the beautiful campus Davis & Elkins offers will provide an enjoyable location for all members of the G-MAC to visit for competition. We look forward to having the Senators in the fold for the 2013-14 academic year and beyond."
Photo courtesy of James Holloway and Deborah Beutler
Men's Soccer
The Davis & Elkins men's soccer team advanced to the NCAA Tournament this fall for the first time in 25 years. The Senators finished the year at 14-4-2, was nationally ranked for six weeks and finished the regular season ranked 20th. The Senators finished second in the WVIAC in both the regular season and tournament. For the second year in a row the team produced the leading goal scorer and point getter in the conference in James Pucci, who in turn was tied for 1st in NCAA II in assists and 7th in points per game. The team ranked 10th in NCAA II for scoring offense, 23rd in goals against, and 14th in saves percentage. Two D&E players placed on the first team WVIAC All Conference team in Dan Savory and Pucci and four players on the second team for the WVIAC in Oliver Bienias, Wyatt Hill, Bastien Catrin and Darragh Vieyra. Oliver Bienias was also named Freshmen of the Year in the conference, finishing with 11 goals and three
The D&E men's soccer team advanced to the NCAA Tournament this fall for the first time in 25 years.
Golf assists. Bienias and Pucci were named to the The Davis & Elkins golf team produced 1st team for the NSCAA All Atlantic Region another solid season this fall under Coach team while Savory was named to the 2nd team. Wally Edgell. The Senators finished fourth in Pucci and Catrin were named to the Daktronics the WVIAC Championships. Chris Young and All American team as well as 1st team for All Sebastian Bendsen tied for 10th at the WVIAC Atlantic Region while Savory and Bienias were Championships, just 12 strokes named to the of first. Phil Rutherford 2nd team for All “I was proud of how we out finished 18th, Cameron Buist was Atlantic Region. played and I think the 32nd, and Ethan Slaubaugh was The team was able 33rd. The Senators also placed to increase goals future is very bright." second at the WVIAC Central scored from last – Wally Edgell, Coach, Golf Region Tournament and third at year to this year by the WVIAC Northern Regional. going to 49 from "Our team was very competitive this year,” stated 47, lowering goals against from last year going to Coach Edgell. “I was proud of how we played and 17 from 23 and increasing shutouts from 7 to 9. I think the future is very bright." The team is set to return 10 starters to next year’s team. Coach Aron Bassoff stated, "This was a very enjoyable season and we were fortunate to accomplish some of our goals. We are excited about the state of our program and look forward to next season."
28 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Volleyball
With four new faces and five returning seniors, a junior, and four sophomores, the Senator volleyball team set high expectations and looked to build a strong foundation in the first season under head coach Ashley Pappas. However, the team got off to
a slow start and struggled down the stretch of the regular season to finish the year at 5-21 overall and 2-12 in WVIAC Conference play. Senior outside hitter Heather Zapf, who was named to the WVIAC All-Conference Second Team, led the Senators with 326 kills for the year, while Senior libero Meaghan Emery led D&E with a total of 388 digs. Freshman setter Haylee Murray made an impact from the very start of her career at D&E on the season, as she led the team with 765 assists overall and gained significant numbers in defensive play totaling 172 digs. Solid contributors Kelsey Richards (defensive specialist) added 216 digs for the season and sophomore outside hitter Nicole Miller trailed Zapf with 226 kills. After starting the season with much to prove, the Senators' first two opening weekends resulted in disappointing losses which included Caldwell, Ohio Dominican, and Gannon at Gannon, following with losses against West Chester, Bentley, Indiana (PA), and Wilmington at the
Wildcat Invitational. The Senators refused to quit, and forged through preseason play and went on to beat opponent Notre Dame College before going into conference play.
The Senators' next midseason wins came against Bluefield, Glenville and WV Tech. However, the team closed the regular season with a seven game losing streak. After completing the regular season series, the Senators returned to Johnstown, As it would turn out, the Senators would ride PA, to capture a first-round win in the WVIAC this confidence all the way to the WVIAC Conference Tournament in two very exciting Conference tournament. Picked 8th at the start matches ending in five sets each. The volleyball of the preseason poll, the team finished 4th in the program went on to lose in conference, the highest the quarterfinals competing any D&E women's tennis "This team really came against Fairmont in team has finished since together and I am proud 1995. They were 6-1 at Charleston, WV. home, 3-2 on the road, While graduating seniors and of what we were able to and 1-1 at neutral sites. four-year athletes Brittany accomplish." The only losses were Anderson, Brandi Brown, to West Virginia State, – Raul Ovalle, Coach, Meaghan Emery, Brenna which was conference Tillman and Heather Zapf Women's Soccer champion and the are leaving the program, tournament champion, West Liberty and Coach Pappas and the Senator Women’s volleyball University of Charleston. program will look to grow from this season as D&E returns with two top statistical performers in Haylee Other achievements for the season included: Murray and Kelsey Richards, as well as both depth finishing in the Semifinals of the Tournament; Julia and experience across the board in juniors Nicole Hoehn making it to the Semifinals of the Backdraw Miller and Callie Updike. Adds Coach Pappas: “We of the ITA Regional Championships, and Hoehn are eager to incorporate our remaining roster that becoming the first D&E singles player to win Allsaw limited time on the court this season as well as Conference in the WVIAC. There was a doubles the large group of freshmen coming in next fall." team that won it in 1996 and she joins them as the only player to ever win this award at Davis & Elkins College. The record of 10-4 for the fall season is the Women's Tennis second highest total wins for the team and they are This year’s women's tennis season was a great run. It started in August during the preseason when the on the verge of breaking the highest total mark of 15, with the completion of spring season. team worked with conditioning and ball striking,
Men's & Women's Cross Country
The men's cross country team ended the season at the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship and Coach Will Shaw was pleased with the results. "While it won't make any big headlines ... this has been a solid season for the men's team. It has been fun to watch them grow. A couple of years ago, this year's five seniors made a commitment to move us to the top half of the conference before they left. They accomplished their goal and our program is moving in the right direction as we move into the G-MAC next fall," stated Shaw. Tommy Boone, Dustin Mathers, Zach Hanshaw, Derek Sparks, Owen Harnett and Andrew Caroll all competed in the NCAA Regional. The women's team finished 11th at the WVIAC Championships, led by Amber Abbott, Becky Verbonitz, Sydney Mucha, Kora White, Meghan Forbes and Barbara Fellenstein. All represented the program well at the conference meet. The women's team had to overcome the loss of top runner Ellen Cantaral to a mid-season injury and freshman Meri Titus, who suffered a foot injury late in the race at the conference meet.
running and jumping rope. The next week focused on match play strategies in doubles. By the first match vs West Virginia Wesleyan the team was hungry to play another team, and for the first time since Coach Otis Cutshaw took the lead with the team, they beat WVWC, 6-3. "I knew we had some great things to look forward to and the team built some confidence from this," said Cutshaw.
"... the program is moving in the right direction as we move into the G-MAC next fall." – Will Shaw, Coach, Cross Country
Women's Soccer
After getting off to the best start in school history at 8-0-1, the D&E women finished the season at 11-4-2. Senior Allison Dant earned WVIAC First Team honors for the fourth year in a row and anchored a solid defense. Sophomore Emma Davis also earned WVIAC First Team honors playing in the midfield. Taylor Morton was named WVIAC Freshman of the Year and finished the season with nine goals and six assists. Sarah Fyock and Morton were named to the WVIAC Second Team, while Bre Eskew, Victoria Gustitis and Ashley Winkelspecht received honorable mention. The Senators were the third seed for the WVIAC Tournament and fell to Concord 1-0 in overtime. Dant and Davis were also named to the NSCAA Atlantic Region Second Team for their efforts. "This team really came together and I am proud of what we were able to accomplish. We will miss a very strong senior class next season," remarked Coach Raul Ovalle. Athletics
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REGIONAL & ALUMNI REUNIONS
Photo
Album! New York Metro Area Alumni enjoyed a walking tour of Morristown, NJ, followed by a luncheon at the home of trustee Nancy Evans-Bennett, ’66, last April. In September, they cruised around Manhattan aboard the Bateau New York. Pittsburgh Area Alumni and friends gathered during the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly for dinner and fellowship.
D&E’s first Young Alumni Happy Hour event at Whitlow’s on Wilson in Clarendon, VA, in June.
The Virginia Alumni Chapter hosted its third annual Senator Social in Charlottesville, VA, for a tour of Monticello and lunch at the historic Michie Tavern.
The annual Baseball and Softball Alumni reunion last April. 30 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Thanks to alumnus Bill Turner, ’72, a docent for the Kennedy Center, D&E alumni and friends enjoyed a “Behind-the-Scenes” tour before the Jack Gibbons Kennedy Center Concert.
Indiana Alumni held their first gathering at Granite City Food & Brewery in July.
The Ohio Regional Alumni Chapter kicked off its first event in May in Columbus.
Cross Country Alumni honored Coach Will Shaw during D&E Family Weekend, which included the Cross Country Family Invitational.
The Maryland Alumni Chapter lunched aboard the Spirit of Baltimore last June.
The Tri-State Area Alumni Chapter (including Western PA, Northern WV and Central OH) attended a Wild Things minor league game together. Regional & Alumni Reunions
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UPCOMING EVENTS
The 33rd annual Déjà vu Festival is set to take place May 3 and 4 on the D&E campus. The entertainment lineup is yet to be announced, but the event promises fun for alumni and students alike. Keep watching dewv.edu for details. The success of the Summer Reunion has commanded an encore. This year’s event is scheduled for June 28-30 on campus. Make plans now for a weekend of reconnecting with old friends and making new memories. The annual Davis & Elkins Homecoming Weekend is scheduled for October 18-20. Watch for additional information later this year. Chapter Activity Florida Suncoast Alumni Chapter, March 10, 2013 Alumni on the suncoast will start the year off with a baseball game and picnic at the Baltimore Orioles Spring Training Camp in Sarasota, FL, for a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Contact Rob Beckwith, ’67, rnbeckehs@ inbox.com for details.
32 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Orlando Area Alumni Chapter, with William Mather, ’70, March 13 Technique, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, in Orlando. Contact Wmather@ orlando.chefs.edu The following regional chapters are in the planning stages for their next exciting events. For information, connect with the chapter representative: Carolinas Alumni Chapter Larry Hunt, ’67, lbhunt28714@gmail.com Western Pennsylvania/Tri-State Alumni Chapter Janet Slaugenhaupt Toth, ’93, cjtoth@atlanticbb.net Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter Pat Gray, ’99, apatrickgray@yahoo.com Indiana Alumni Chapter Debbie Payne Fragale, ’81, debbiefragale@gmail.com
Maryland Alumni Chapter Robin White Rybczynski, ’86, sunnylea3@netscape.net New York Metro Alumni Chapter Laura Constantine, ’81, lconstantine@verizon.net Ohio Regional Alumni Chapter Greg Brown, ’81, Gregory.brown43155@gmail.com Virginia Alumni Chapter Flint Engleman, ’90, englemanhf2@gmail.com
ALUMNI NOTES
A Note About Notes...
Thank you to the many alumni who submit notes for publication in Forward magazine. We enjoy sharing your news, both in these pages and on our website. If you have a note, please complete and return the form below, or email your note to morganw@dewv.edu. Sending photos? Just mail your prints or disk, or email your photos to our alumni office. Send all materials to: Davis & Elkins College Alumni Office 100 Campus Drive Elkins, WV 26241 or email morganw@dewv.edu.
Please publish this Alumni Note in the Davis & Elkins College Forward magazine in print and online. Name: Maiden name:
1949 G. Marion Brady, Cocoa, FL, is a veteran teacher, administrator, curriculum designer, and author. He is currently in his third year as an invited guest blogger for The Washington Post on educational matters. Marion’s most recent book on education, “What's Worth Learning,” is available through Information Age Publishing. Check out Marion’s publications and discussions through his website, www.marionbrady.com. Ross E. Marteney writes that, following his service in WWII, his D&E education served him well. He has been enjoying retirement now for 29 years and resides in Palm Coast, FL. 1952 In 2011, Romeo A. Vidone, Orange, CT, was the recipient of the Sister Anne Virginie Grimes Award for Philanthropy, which recognized his outstanding service and commitment to Saint Raphael’s mission and the patients served. 1955 Ralph Kortyna, and his wife, Bonnie, Turtle Creek, PA, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on May 18, 2012.
Class Year:
Here is my news:
Don Biglow, ’62, and Bob Dauernheim at the Bonneville Salt Flats. See 1962.
Photo enclosed?
Yes
Please update my records: Current Address:
Email: Telephone: Cell phone:
No
After 54 years of service, John P. Petrali, Jr., Churchville, MD, retired from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense as research anatomist and principal investigator. During John’s retirement luncheon, Capt. Carl Smith, chief of the Cellular and Molecular Biology Branch stated, “From the perspective of a new scientist, your accomplishments are completely awe inspiring. Your contributions are immeasurable.” In addition to numerous recognitions and performance awards received throughout his career, John received, following retirement, the Meritorious Civilian Service award as a distinguished member for the U.S. Army Medical Department Regiment, an Army Medical Department 30-year medallion and an Army medallion, as well as several letters from senior leaders, including President Barack Obama, thanking him for his service. Alumni Notes
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ALUMNI NOTES 1958 Tom Krogel, and his wife, Debbie, live in Ridgeley, WV. Tom has three sons – Thomas, who works for CBS at Channel 9 in Washington, DC; Robert, who is retired from civil service; and, Paul Krogel, ’03, retired after 25 years with the Army. Debbie has two sons – Arlyn, a West Point graduate who is in dental school, and Todd, a district manager for a food service company. Tom and Debbie currently have eight grandchildren – five girls and three boys. Virginia "Libby" Stalnaker Larese, '58, and Joe, '59, resided in Columbus, OH, since graduating from D&E and recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. They have two children and four wonderful granddaughters. Their son retired after 25 years from the U.S. Army as a full Colonel, and their daughter is a sales representative for ABC National Television. Joe and Libby came back to D&E for Homecoming and had a wonderful time. Sadly, Joe passed away on December 18, 2012. He will be missed by many.
only be reached by 4-wheel drive. They were amazed to see the horses not only walking along the beach, but in the back yards of the residents. Earlier this year, Ed Pencek, Fairfax Station, VA; Judy Lynn Beckhan Brewster, ’61, Owings Mills, MD; and David, ’61, and Paula Ingram Ferreby, ’61, Fairfax, VA, enjoyed their second “annual” trip to the British Virgin Islands. Rev. Richard L. Huggins was elected President of ARMSS (Association of Retired Ministers, Spouses and Survivors) at its recent conference in Portland, OR. This national association for retired ministers of the Presbyterian Church USA is now in its 17th year. At this meeting, they voted to invite to the membership of retired missionaries, educators and clergy from the United Church of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and Reformed Church of America. The 2013 conference will be held in Atlanta, GA. Dick and his wife, Barbara, live in Lakeland, FL. In addition, Dick has been serving as Stated Supply Pastor for the McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church in Bartow, FL, for the past six years.
1960 A group of TKEs and their wives gathered for a fun week in Duck, NC. Sheldon C. “Shelly” and Jane Chandler Elias, ’62, Cranbury, NJ; John Crichton, ’62, Washington Crossing, PA; Linda and Bob Livingston, ’61, New Bern, NC; Pattie and Bob Hanson, ’61, Wilmington, NC; and John, ’63, and Nancy Bohne Locke, ’64, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, rented a home near Lou and Jim Nast, ’62, Rutherford, NJ, who live there most of the year. While the ladies shopped and knitted, the men played golf. After one of their golf outings, they met up with former Dean of Students Dr. Norman Sheets, Southern Shores, NC. Dr. Sheets treated them all to a beer, which was interesting since he suspended Shelly Elias and Bob Livingston for a week for having beer at a rush party. During a day trip, John, Nancy, Shelly and Jane took a tour of the area where the horses run wild and homes can
Gary Horvath, Nellysford, VA, has been working full time at Wintergreen Real Estate Company for the past 37 years, and continues to keep up with D&E men's and women's soccer teams. During Homecoming 2012, Chi Omega sisters Judy Mewha Jack, Elkins, WV; Judy McColly Reich, ’63, Avon Lake, OH; Sandy Schroeder DeCerbo, ’69, Southampton, NY; Sue Salisbury Lauderbaugh, ’69, Jacksonville, AL; Judy Miller Stoeltzing, ’63, Sacramento, CA; Connie Sayre Bahnsen, ’64, Delray Beach, FL; Kathy Cordero Hultquist, ’68, Sarasota, FL; and Judy Shelton, ’65, Elkins, WV, from the D&E Sigma Gamma Chapter were reunited at Halliehurst in their former chapter room. Huxley T. “Hux” Madeheim, Queen Creek, AZ, has two children and five grandchildren. He is retired and enjoys babysitting, working around the house, helping at the local schools and traveling.
Bill Cox, ’63, Tony Cornell, ’64, and Dick Mower, ’63. See 1963. 1959 Donald E. Hauck, and his wife, Mary, Seven Lakes, NC, have been married for 53 years. They have three daughters – Cindy, an R.N., Jill, an architect, and Patricia, a school psychologist – along with six grandsons and one granddaughter.
Chi Omega sisters from the D&E Sigma Gamma Chapter Judy McColly Reich, ’63, Sandy Schroeder DeCerbo, ’69, Sue Salisbury Lauderbaugh, ’69, Judy Mewha Jack, ’62, Judy Miller Stoeltzing, ’63, Connie Sayre Bahnsen, ’64, Kathy Cordero Hultquist, ’68, and Judy Shelton, ’65. See 1962.
Len and Sandy Rudnick, ’63, “sporting” a D&E letterman jacket and D&E sweater. See 1963. 1961 Jim B. Lloyd, Elberton, GA, was recently elected President of the Samuel Elbert Chapter, Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution for 2013. In January 2012, he retired as Chairman of Elberton Federal Savings & Loan Association and as Chairman of Elberton Memorial Hospital Authority.
Gary W. North, Leesburg, VA, is once again working at the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress as curator of the personal papers of Marie Tharp, the woman who mapped the ocean floor and proved the concept of plate techtonics and crustal movement. Fred C. “Ted” Shepler, Jr., Macungie, PA, became a great-great-grandfather to Adylyn Kate Fenstermaker on July 13, 2011.
1962 Don Biglow, Stuart, FL, driver for the AA/Gas Lakester owned by Bob Dauernheim, exceeded the land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The average speed for the mile was 317.2 mph, breaking the old record of 314.5 mph. However, on the backup run, a mechanical problem caused an early shut down, so no record was broken. They will attempt to break the record again in 2013. Margaret “Rita” Burnett, Floral Park, NY, is a retired guidance counselor and is active in the church and her community. She has three children, Robert, David and Colin.
34 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Lee J., ’65, and Barbara “Bobbie” Hogan Murray, ’68, and Robert, ’65, and Jean Shoaf Gentry, ’67. See 1965.
Leonard “Len” W. and Sandra Jo Moore Rudnick are REALLY looking forward to next year’s 50th class reunion. In the meantime, on November 13 they celebrated their 50th Anniversary. Richard C. “Dick” Seybolt, Monkey Island, OK, is enjoying serving on the D&E Board of Trustees.
Spring break in Myrtle Beach, SC - First Row: Lowe Del Aviles, Frank S., ’63, and Gail Wollaston Holsclaw, ’63, Wyatt Hill, Declan McGill, Humberto Bertran, ’12. Second Row: Lisa Reed, Patrick Fereday, ’12, Phillip Rutherford, Daniel Savory, Mile Ivanic, ’12, David Nuernberg, ’12, and Branko Dugalic. See 1963. 1963 Tau Kappa Epsilon brothers, William “Bill” Cox, Morrisville, VT, Anthony “Tony” Cornell, ’64, Ocean City, NJ, and Richard “Dick” Mower, ’63, Naples, FL, gathered for a mini reunion in Florida last spring. They had not seen each other since the mid-60s. Judith McColly Reich, Avon Lake, OH, shares that her husband, Robert Reich, ’62, died unexpectedly January 3, 2012. They had been married almost 49 years. Bob was a retired YMCA director, having served in NY, PA, and OH, and was a retired United Church of Christ pastor. Judy writes she is adjusting with support and understanding of their family, Karen, Kathy and David, Scott and LeeAnn, and nine grandchildren, ages 2 to 17. She has also heard from several D&E friends and appreciates their sympathy and concern. The Avon Lake UCC is at the center of her comfort, and also the place where her interests and service are – choir, handbells, Stephen Ministry, and ministries to the homeless. Judy is also on the Lorain County Board of Mental Health. “God is good, all the time!”
“Breakfast at the Bairds” - Susan Hillick Colussy, ’67, Karen Kauffman Scherling, ’67, Lawrence B. “Larry” Hunt, ’67, Steve McLeod, ’67, Robert “Bob” Baird, ’67, William “Bill” Weaving, ’67, Harold A. “Bud” Weigle, ’67, George Lauderbaugh, ’67, Robert N. “Rob” Beckwith, ’67, John Simpson, ’67, Norman Yeager, ’67, David M. Roberts, ’68, Stetson “Holt” Chenoweth, ’68, J. William “Bill” Kokie, ’67, Bel Air, MD. See 1967.
Last spring, Frank S., and Gail Wollaston Holsclaw, Pawleys Island, SC, hosted a reception at Greg Norman’s Australian Grille in N. Myrtle Beach, SC, for a group of D&E international students while they were on spring break. Those attending were Lowe Del Aviles, D&E International Student Liaison and Booth Hall Resident Director, Philippines; Frank S. and Gail Wollaston Holsclaw; Wyatt Hill, current student, England; Declan McGill, current student, England; and Humberto Bertran, ’12, Mexico. Lisa Reed, D&E Director of Career Management
1967 Rev. J. William “Bill” and Joanne Loeffler Kokie, Bel Air, MD, celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in August. They have three children and seven grandchildren. Bill retired from the Presbyterian Church (USA) in April 2011, however, he continues to be a parish associate with Christ Our King Presbyterian Church, and is also a financial service professional with New York Life. Bill and Joanne have participated in two mission trips to Kenya.
During “College Week,” Peggy Owens, ’82, with some of her students, displays her D&E pride. See 1982.
Enjoying a D&E gathering in Cape May, NJ were Drew, ’77, and Alice Sigler Malfi, ’78; Perry Nerantzis, ’79; Hillary Lutz Micalizzi, ’79; Renee Bennett Parks, ’79; Judy Gallagher Herman, ’75; and Bob “Mouse” Herman, ’76. See 1976. Center, Patrick Fereday, ’12, England; Phillip Rutherford, current student, England; Daniel Savory, current student, England; Mile Ivanic, ’12, Serbia; David Nuernberg, ’12, Germany; and Branko Dugalic, current student, Serbia. The students remarked of the wonderful time they had getting to meet Gail and Frank. 1965 What a surprise it was for Lee J. and Barbara “Bobbie” Hogan Murray, ’68, Appleton, WI, and Robert, ’65, and Jean Shoaf Gentry, ’67, Hollidaysburg, PA, to find out through mutual friend, Kathy Barndt Mitchell, ’68, that they both had seasonal homes in Arizona. With the Murrays in Maricopa and the Gentrys near Tucson, they were living only about 60 miles apart. They had not seen each other in 47 years and, this past winter, met halfway for lunch and an afternoon of wonderful memories. Bob and Lee are Sig Ep brothers. Lee and Bobbie also celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary this year. William “Kirk” Kaynor, Suffield, CT, is a western style square dance caller who started out with a group in Elkins.
Harold A. “Bud” Weigle and his wife, Shirley, live in Fairfax, VA. Since retirement, Bud has been heavy into genealogy research. He has written a book on Congressional Medal of Honor recipients born in Somerset County, PA, and a book on a Somerset County soldier who was killed in WWII, whose helmet was returned to his family by the French in 2009, 65 years after his death. During Homecoming, Bob and Ann L. Baird, ’88, hosted a breakfast for the Class of 1967 at their home in Beverly, WV. The day was perfect with beautiful weather, great food and wonderful friends. Those attending were Susan Hillick Colussy and Alan Colussy, ’64, Atlanta, GA; Karen Kauffman Scherling, Richmond, VA; Lawrence B. “Larry” Hunt, and his wife, Jayne Ellen, Burnsville, NC; Steve McLeod and his wife, Mab, Broad Run, VA; William “Bill” and Sandy K. Douglas Weaving, ’68, Downingtown, PA; Harold A. “Bud” Weigle and his wife, Shirley, Fairfax, VA; George and Susan Salisbury Lauderbaugh, ’69,
Brian Whelan, ’76, wife, Connie, and daughter, Megan. See 1976. Alumni Notes
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ALUMNI NOTES drank too much, and laughed themselves silly. The week went way too fast and they look forward to their next gathering. Executive Chef William W. “Scratch” Mather is the Executive Chef (Director of Education) for Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, FL.
Steve Marple, ’80. See 1980. Jacksonville, AL; Robert N. “Rob” Beckwith, ’67, Sarasota, FL; Kathryn “Kathy” Cordero Hultquist, ’68, Sarasota, FL; John Simpson and his wife, Linda, Irwin, PA; Norman Yeager, Wayne, PA; David M. Roberts, ’68, and Gail Simpson, Oakland, CA; Stetson “Holt” Chenoweth, ’68, and his wife, Sue, Elkins, WV; and J. William “Bill” Kokie, Bel Air, MD. 1969 In August, Charles W. Best, Dillsburg, PA, assumed the position of supply pastor of the historic Great Conewago Presbyterian Church in Hunterstown, PA. Mary Anne Morgan Biggs, and her husband, Joe, Front Royal, VA, are retired and spend lots of time volunteering in the community at places like the free medical clinic and their church. Travel and family are a big focus for them. 1970 This year, the “Gribble Girls,” Janice Kemp Hutchison, Harrisburg, PA; Susanne McCutcheon King, Stockton, NJ; Martha "Marti" Chase Brown, '72, Spring Grove, PA; Mary Vine Langley, Hedgesville, WV; Susie Beamer Scott, Westminster, MD; Karen Freshour Chiochanyont, '71, Hendersonville, TN; and Ellen L. Moore, Branchburg, NJ, gathered at Deep Creek, MD, for a week of hiking, daytrips, and fellowship. They played some of their old LP’s and shared memories of what they were doing when the songs were hits, and as always, played tons of games (charades being the funniest), ate and
Dr. Vicki Schell, Pensacola, FL, has been appointed Editor of the journal “Reflections on Mathematics Learning,” a quarterly journal published by the Research Council for Mathematics Learning. On September 6, after serving as the District Department Head of Mathematics at Pensacola State College, covering five campuses for the last nine years, Vicki celebrated retirement. 1971 Hank Steinbrecher, Glen Ellyn, IL, has been named the 2012 recipient of the Werner Fricker Builder Award by U.S. Soccer. A long-time leader in the sport and a founding member of the Friends of Senator Soccer, Hank is a Former Secretary General of U.S. Soccer and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. 1972 In March, William L. “Bill” Turner, Jr., Arlington, VA, was recognized in Friendscript, the official newsletter for the Friends of the Kennedy Center, for his “Spirit of Volunteerism.” Bill began volunteering at the Kennedy Center in 1988 and since that time has served as a Saturday tour guide. He has also served on the Volunteer Advisory Committee and was an editor of Friendscript. At this time, Bill is a member of the Tour Guide Training Committee and Outreach Committee. In 2010, he received the Volunteer of the Year award from
Branson Tyler Smith, son of Jennifer and Jerry E. Smith, '90. See 1990. WV, Board of Education. They have 9,000 students and an annual operating budget of nearly $100 million. Pete has been with the Board of Education for 25 years and now begins his 9th two-year term as President. Also, in September, Pete and seven others were part of a team from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who received the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal 2012 Citizen Services Medal for efforts to reduce homelessness among Veterans. 1976 Bob “Mouse” and Judy Gallagher Herman, ’75, reside in Ringwood, NJ. Mouse is a Senior Account Representative with Accurate Pest Control and Judy teaches at the Center for Family Resources. This fall, several D&E alumni gathered for Oktoberfest in Cape May, NJ. Bob “Mouse” and Judy Gallagher Herman, ’75, Ringwood, NJ; Drew, ’77, and Alice Sigler Malfi, ’78, Mays Landing, NJ; Perry Nerantzis, ’79, Colesville, MD; Hillary Lutz Micalizzi, ’79, Ridgefield, CT; and Renee Bennett Parks, ’79, Lewes, DE; all enjoyed lunch at an outdoor cafe and reminisced on good times. They all agreed to keep in touch and look forward to getting together again in 2013, with an invitation to other alumni in the area to join them. After many years in Tampa, FL, Brian Whelan and his wife, Connie, built a home and relocated to the Charlotte, NC, area and are enjoying their time boating on Lake Norman. Their daughter, Megan, is in her second year of graduate school at the University of South Florida where she is working on her Masters in Mental Health Rehabilitation Counseling. Brian just celebrated 28 years with Bank of America within the technology area.
Good friends spend a weekend in Baltimore - Nancy Peterson, ’88, Barbara Henderson Wise, ’92, Tracy Cremeans Anderson, ’91, and Brian Anderson, ’90, Michele DeBerry, ’88, Britne Bacca, ’11, Melanie Shetter Meyers, ’91, and Betsie Smith, ’12. See 1988.
1980 Steve Marple, Frankfort, KY, is a Hatchery Manager for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Miriam’s Kitchen for his leading role in planning and conducting short story readings and discussions in the life skills/arts therapy program for the homeless. 1974 Upon graduating from D&E, Raymond K. LaMora, Jr., Elkins, WV, opened his insurance business, and, in May 2012, celebrated his 30th year. Kaelyn Hope Kirkpatrick, daughter of Kristi Muller Kirkpatrick, ’00, and her husband, Sam. See 2000.
1975 Pete Dougherty, Charles Town, WV, was recently re-elected as President of the Jefferson County,
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Ethan James Melson, son of Allen, '01, and Irene Rader Melson, '00. See 2001.
County, with the remainder in the urban and inner city areas of Indianapolis where she has served as principal and teacher. Peggy writes that if you take an average of 25 students over a 30-year time frame, 750 students have received the benefit of her D&E education. Amanda Yeargan Monroe, ’02, and her husband, Kirk, at Gay Head Cliffs of Martha's Vineyard. See 2002. Susan Peirce Needham, Centreville, VA, is a chemistry lab manager for the Federal Highway Administration. She shares her sorrow in the passing of her husband, Gerard J. Needham, in September 2011 after a short battle with lung cancer. They had been married for 27 years. Susan's email address is susan.needham@dot.gov. Tanya Shelton, Grafton, WV, is Vice President for Enrollment Management at Alderson-Broaddus College. She was recently selected by the Council of Independent Colleges as one of 20 senior-level administrators to participate in a year-long Executive Leadership Academy.
1985 In January, James T. Steen, was named the Director of Programming and Promotion at the Bergen Performance Arts Center, a 1,400-seat theater in Englewood, NJ. Prior to Jim’s newest appointment, he was Vice President at Live Nation, where he handled many events, including Paul McCartney at Yankee Stadium, Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden, and the Allman Brothers at the Beacon Theater. In his new role, Jim will oversee all event programming as well as venue marketing operations. Jim and his wife, Karen, live in Manahawkin, NJ, and are the proud parents of Kaleigh and Thomas. 1986 John S. Moyer, Hummelstown, PA, always enjoys coming back to campus. He writes, "It makes me feel the way I felt when I was here for my education."
1981 In the October 2012 issue of Military Heritage, William Welsh, Vienna, VA, had an article published on Joan of Arc’s Loire Valley campaign of 1429 . He has authored numerous articles on battles and campaigns from the Middle Ages to World War II for Sovereign Media’s military enthusiast magazines. After receiving his bachelor of arts in history from Davis & Elkins College, William received his master of arts in English from George Mason University. 1982 Alliene Johnson Maples, and her husband, Mark, live in Raleigh, NC. She has been selfemployed as a personal trainer since 1995 and as a promotional sales account manager since 2007. Mark works for NeuEdge Sportswear as a national sales manager. Alliene has two daughters, Lauren Klimczyk, 24, and Alexandra Klimczyk, 20, and two stepsons, Parker Maples, 25, and Hayden Maples, 23. Peggy Owens, Indianapolis, IN, has been in education over 30 years. The first six years were at Homestead Elementary School in Randolph
1989 Tharon L. "TL" Jack, II, and Lisa Brewer, were married on June 29 and reside in Liberty Township, OH. TL is a co-manager for Kroger.
Charlotte Grace LoGreco , daughter of Vinnie, ’03, and Lorin Shellhamer LoGreco, ’03. See 2003. 1990 Lisa L. Cogar is a Home Health Aide and moved back to Harman, WV, to help care for her father in 2009. She has two children and four grandchildren. Her 4th grandchild, Cheyanne Belle Brewer, was born February 6, 2012, and named Belle after Lisa's mother, who passed away in 2002. Jerry E. Smith, '90, and his wife, Jennifer, welcome with love their precious and beautiful little angel, Branson Tyler Smith. Branson was born on August 18, 2011 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, VA. The proud family reside in Upper Tract, WV.
Rebecca T. Morris, ’00, and her recently earned Actors Equity Association card. See 2000. 1988 In August, Nancy Peterson, Alexandria, VA; Barbara Henderson Wise, ’92, Lebanon, PA; Tracy Cremeans Anderson, ’91, and Brian Anderson, ’90, Vienna, WV; Michele DeBerry, Baltimore, MD; Britne Bacca, ’11, Elkins, WV; Melanie Shetter Meyers, ’91, Chambersburg, PA; and Betsie Smith, ’12, Elkins, WV, gathered for a weekend in Baltimore, MD.
1992 Bradford B. Saul and his wife, Carol, Towson, MD, have two daughters, Alexandra, age 7, and Abigail, age 5. Brad is a lead associate/principal systems engineer with Booz Allen Hamilton, a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the U.S. government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets, and to major corporations, institutions, and not-forprofit organizations. He is also the President of the Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parents Group serving 350+ families in the Baltimore Metro Area. 1993 In June, Dianne Dolly Foster, daughter of Eugene and Betty Dolly of Belington, was promoted to Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry, where she is in
Janice M. Mann, Gulfport, FL, is the author of the book, Transforming Fear and Anxiety into Power, a blend of Universal Spirituality, New Age Philosophy, 12-Step Recovery knowledge and A Course of Miracles wisdom. It combines all these elements with real life courage, creating an accessible guide to healing. Cooper Cunningham, son of Perry Cunningham, III, ’03, and his wife, Pam. See 2003.
Daniel J. Moran, and Crystal Gum, ’01, were married on May 5 in Webster Springs, WV.
Justin, ’04, and Cristin Gallagher Terry, ’02, were married in August 2011. See 2004. Alumni Notes
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ALUMNI NOTES charge of admissions and student affairs for the dental, dental hygiene and graduate programs. Dianne has worked at the University for 11 years, serving as Director of Student Affairs in both the School of Nursing and in the School of Dentistry prior to her promotion by Dr. John Sauk, Dean of the School of Dentistry. Dianne is a dental hygienist and licensed professional counselor who graduated
Okey “Little Lee” Groves, V, son of Lee, ’04, and Katrina Mullenax Groves, ’02. See 2004. from Philip Barbour High School, West Liberty State College, Davis & Elkins College and Marshall University Graduate College. She practiced dental hygiene at Dental Associates in Elkins for many years and worked in management at Elkins Mountain School. In 2004, she won the Provost’s Award for Exemplary Advising. Dianne is active in the American Dental Education Association, serving as Chair of the Dental School Admissions Officers in 2009 and recently appointed to the AADSAS Task Force. Diane and her husband, Dr. Eugene Foster, live in Louisville, KY, near their daughter, Nicole, and her husband, Erik, along with their three children, Kallan, Riley and Marshall.
41 years. In June, Dennis and his wife, Pat, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. In June, Amanda Yeargan Monroe and her husband, Kirk, Midlothian, VA, celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary in Hyannis, MA. While there, they toured the John F. Kennedy museum, took a sunset cruise, and a cruise around the harbor where they saw the Kennedy Compound from a distance. They also enjoyed day trips to Martha's Vineyard, Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod, Provincetown, and, on Amanda's birthday, June 29th, they spent the day in Plymouth visiting the fort, seeing Plymouth Rock, and the Mayflower II. During Homecoming, Amanda came back to D&E to celebrate her 10-year college reunion with her best friend, Larisa Draeger Swartz, ’02, Walnut Creek, CA. Amanda looks forward to hearing from other classmates through her email kiandamonroe@ verizon.net or on Facebook.
On February 7, 2012, M. Nick, and Casey D. K. McNiesh Wilson, '04, Elkins, WV, welcomed their second bundle of joy, Suzanna Adeline Wilson. Big brother Bryler, born February 12, 2010, is happy to have "Addie." Nick graduated from Mount Aloysius College in May, 2012, with an associates degree in Medical Imaging, and in July, became a board certified X-ray technician.
2003 Perry Cunningham, III, and his wife, Pam, are the proud parents of Cooper Cunningham. Cooper was born December 30, 2011.
PA; Associate Professor of Biology, Dr. Michelle Mabry; and, Professor of Biology, Dr. Shawn Stover, Elkins, WV.
William “Vinnie” and Lorin Shellhamer LoGreco, Blue Bell, PA, would like to announce the birth of their daughter Charlotte Grace LoGreco. “Lottie” is their little miracle as she came into the
Kristi L. Muller Kirkpatrick and her husband, Sam, Elkins, WV, are the proud parents of Kaelyn Hope Kirkpatrick. Born May 7 at 4:46 p.m., Kaelyn was 20 inches long and weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. Rebecca T. Morris, Marshall, NC, recently earned her Actors Equity Association card while performing the role of Claire in “Proof ” at Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina's State Theatre. 2001 Allen W., and Irene Rader Melson, '00, Dumfries, VA, are the proud parents of Ethan James Melson. Ethan was born on May 3 at 6:02 p.m. 2002 Dennis E. Calain, Sr., Elkins, WV, retired from military service in August 2011 as a CWO4, after
Justin and Cristin Gallagher Terry, ’02, Elkins, WV, were married in August 2011. Justin and Cristin, along with their sons, Dom and Caleb, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a baby girl in March, 2013. Stephen M. Velott, Harrisburg, PA, is a HP Sales Specialist for D&H Distributing Co., Inc.
1997 Julie Toutant Joseph and her husband, Brian, Triadelphia, WV, are the proud parents of Tesla Joal Joseph, born January 24, 2012. 2000 Carolynn Chlada, Salisbury, MD, and Troy Foxwell, are engaged to be married on March 23, 2013.
Joe and April McKenzie Rich, ’05, Elkins, WV, are the proud parents of Jonathan Hunter Rich, born August 4, 2012.
Jonathan Hunter Rich, son of Joe, ’04, and April McKenzie Rich, ’05. See 2004. world weighing 1 lb. 9 oz. Mom and Dad are happy to report that after 65 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Lottie came home weighing 10 lbs!
Wesley E. Withrow and Emily Gilly, ’01, have moved to New Orleans, LA. Wes is the Chief Information Officer for Bellwether Technology, a firm that provides a full suite of information technology services to businesses in the greater New Orleans area. For fun, Wes and Emily hunt alligators and collect alligators eggs. They harvest the eggs from nests and keep them secure in an incubator until they’re ready to hatch. Once they hatch, the alligators are then sold to people who are interested in populating their land with alligators. Earlier this spring during a fishing trip, Wes, Emily and Doug Melzig, ’03, Baltimore, MD, caught a 160 lb. yellowfin tuna.
2004 Christine M. Hanna is a Marketing Analyst for William C. Smith & Co. She lives in Germantown, MD. On July 21, Richard S. “Rick” Harper, Sugar Grove, WV, and Sam Vitale, were married in Franklin, WV. Celebrating their day with them were Okey “Lee”, ’04, and Katrina Mullenax Groves, ’02, Fayetteville, WV; Lisa Hedrick Senic, ’90/’03, Elkins, WV; Anthony Frazier, ’03, King George, VA; Crystal Huffman Warner, ’02, Franklin, WV; Jessie Canada Walls, ’05, and Zane Walls, ’02, Shippenburg,
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Wes Withrow, ’04, and alligator eggs. See 2004.
Megan M. Winterton, ’10, and Benjamin Grimm. See 2010. Lee and Katrina Mullenax Groves, ’02, Fayetteville, WV, are the proud parents of Okey “Little Lee” Groves, V.
2007 On May 22, 2012, Melissa Wagner, Edmond, WV; Tara Downs, ’07, Gardiner, NY; Crystal Hopping, ’07, Raleigh, NC; Katie MacGregor, ’07, Ottowa, Ontario, Canada; Danielle Oats Shriver, ’04, Petersburg, WV; Sara Hunter Frost, ’05, Oak Hill, WV; and Sophia Bonner, ’06, Baltimore, MD, had a great girls weekend reliving D&E memories as they ran the Divas 1/2 Marathon in Myrtle Beach, SC, in memory of Carol McKenzie, ’07, (1985-2011), former D&E cross country teammate and beloved friend. Carol’s laugh and spirit was present throughout the weekend! As Coach Shaw and “the boss” always say, “the road goes on forever and the party never ends!”
2005 After receiving her Masters in Psychotherapy from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM, in 2009, and completing her masters internship at The Greenbrier Academy for Girls in Oak Hill, WV, Sara Hunter married Christopher Frost in 2010. Best friends from D&E, Danielle Oates Shriver, ’04, Petersburg, WV; Melissa Wagner, ’07, Edmond, WV; and the late Carol McKenzie, ’07, served as bridesmaids. In November, 2011, Sara and Christopher welcomed their baby girl, Kaylee Fe Frost. Sara currently works as a psychotherapist for teens and families at the Greenbrier Academy for Girls. Travis and Janelle Adams Storm, ’05, are living the life in Hilliard, OH. Janelle teaches 5th grade at Jonathan Alder Local Schools. Travis is an optometrist and the owner of Pickerington Eyecare. 2006 In May, Angela M. Pendleton, Shady Spring, WV, graduated from WV School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Rick Harper, ’04, and Sam Vitale, were married on July 21, 2012. See 2004. now a Conference Director for Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity, and Ben is the Head Baseball Coach at the State University of New York at Oneonta. The couple reside in Sherrill, NY. Tim O'Toole, Arlington, VA, completed his Master's Degree in Sport and Entertainment Management in December. Last summer, Tim completed a coaching internship with D.C. United, coaching some of the best youth players in the country. In May, Valerie Ables Posey, Weston, WV, graduated from Fairmont State and was chosen BSN Student of the Year. 2011 Lyle A. Coutts is a Resident Field Instructor for The Mountain Institute at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center. He resides in Circleville, WV. In the winter months, he works as a Ski Patroller at Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
July 7, 2012 - Matthew A. Bright, ’08, and Hilary McConnell. See 2008. 2008 Matthew A. Bright, received his Masters Degree from WVU and works as a decision support analyst for WVU Health Care. He has run in three marathons, including the Boston Marathon in April. And, on July 7, Matt married Hilary McConnell. They reside in Morgantown, WV.
2012 Kali M. Enix, Huntington, WV, is working at Open Door School in Ironton, OH, as a special education intermediate II instructor and is serving as the head junior varsity volleyball coach at South Point High School in South Point, OH. Debbie A. Larkin, Mabie, WV, and Wendy Cunningham Morgan, Elkins, WV, were very excited to attend their first Homecoming as D&E alumnae.
Leanne H. Parliman, and Williams Thomas were married on August 3, 2011, at Beltzville State Park. They reside in Lehighton, PA. 2009 Jordan P. Rexrode, Morgantown, WV, is currently in law school at WVU.
Divas Marathon, Mytle Beach, SC, in memory of Carol McKenzie, ’07 - Melissa Wagner, ’07, Tara Downs, ’07, Crystal Hopping, ’07, Katie MacGregor, ’07, Danielle Oats Shriver, ’05, Sara Hunter Frost, ’05, and Sophia Bonner, ’06. See 2007.
2010 Megan M. Winterton married Benjamin Grimm, former Graduate Assistant Baseball Coach, on October 11, 2012, at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Walt Disney World. After their honeymoon at Walt Disney World, a reception was held in Canastota, NY, just miles from where the couple grew up. Megan is
An August wedding for Leanne H. Parliman, ’08, and William Thomas. See 2008.
Alumni Notes
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IN MEMORIAM
T Alumni
1934 1936 1936 1936 1937 1938 1938 1941 1942 1943 1943 1943 1944 1946 1947 1947 1947 1948 1948 1948 1949 1949 1949 1949 1949 1949 1950 1950 1950 1950 1950 1950 1950 1950 1950 1950 1951 1951 1951 1952 1952 1952 1952 1952 1952 1952 1952 1952 1952
he 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.
Raymond C. White, July 26, 2012 Gertrude Crawford Federovitch, August 28, 2012 Mary R. Vest Hornick, March 20, 2012 Mary E. Cox Snyder, July 27, 2011 Margaret B. Young Margrey, February 19, 2012 Edith C. Scott Gould, February 26, 2012 Jean Gross MacLachlan, January 12, 2012 Gae Adamson Bennett, date unknown Elaine C. Caplinger Smith, May 3, 2012 Ruth Payne Cunningham, October 1, 2012 Lillian "Billie" Preysz Cunningham, November 10, 2012 Dale L. Zeiger, March 20, 2012 Martha N. Williams Alday, September 10, 2012 Pearl Linksman Weinstein, January 30, 2012 Ervin B. Calain, June 23, 2012 Martha L. Leonard Daetwyler, February 1, 2012 Norman W. Lambert, May 28, 2012 Troy W. Cox, January 12, 2007 Frederick D. “Fred� Harman, November 2, 2012 Anna Kramer Tobias, March 20, 2012 Rex W. Beer, July 28, 2011 Howard F. "Peanut" Collett, May 28, 2012 Louis Croes, May 9, 2012 Alice L. Leonard Gillespie, April 25, 2012 Dale E. Jordan, September 1, 1981 Robert G. Purkey, June 21, 2012 Elsie M. Norton Allen, June 19, 2012 Joseph P. Fernandez, May 28, 2000 Edwin D. Finn, February 1, 1981 Mary L. Phillips Hall-Spry, March 23, 2008 Hazel A. Jordan Harman, July 19, 2010 H. Kenneth "Kenny" Reed, November 14, 2012 Paul G. Robinson, October 19, 1992 Betty Louise Urffer Roth, August 3, 2012 Stark A. Shomo, September 1, 1984 Gail Tacy, January 19, 1992 Purdy E. Cole, December 10, 2002 Wilbert D. Mick, June 18, 2012 Robert S. Probert, July 25, 2005 Donald R. Calvin, February 26, 2012 William H. Carr, May 22, 2012 Fredrick B. Cooper, January 1, 2002 James J. Creaturo, September 22, 2012 Richard E. Daetwyler, September 28, 2012 Joseph P. "Bud" Hehle, April 4, 2011 John H. Henson, January 8, 2012 Celia R. Jaramillo, December 29, 2011 Charles A. "Chic" Marsh, January 24, 2012 Laco R. Shreve, May 19, 2012
1953 1953 1953 1953 1953 1954 1955 1955 1955 1955 1955 1956 1956 1956 1957 1957 1957 1957 1957 1957 1957 1957 1958 1958 1958 1959 1959 1959 1960 1960 1961 1961 1961 1961 1961 1961 1963 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1973 1973 1974 1976 1977 1977 1979 1980
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Paul F. Heishman, September 1, 2012 Fred G. Hill, Jr., February 1, 1998 Howard E. Pyles, October 6, 2012 Mike D. Shanabarger, August 30, 2010 Robert L. Smith, March 30, 1990 William D. Boecking, August 23, 2010 Frank S. Bryan, February 18, 2012 William J. Gormley, January 22, 2000 George J. Schmidt, April 22, 1995 Nancy G. Morrison Voisey, October 24, 2012 William J. Wagner, April 23, 1990 Clifford B. Ball, April 3, 2012 Leonard Berger, December 13, 1992 Emil F. Ondra, March 24, 1989 David L. Gross, February 19, 2012 W. Dennis Guinan, October 6, 2012 Richard A. Johnson, March 23, 2010 Barbara E. Phillips Meece, November 1, 2012 Donald G. Morgenroth, August 3, 2008 Vincent T. Sullivan, August 16, 2011 Joseph G. Wagner, June 13, 1905 James K. Wall, July 10, 2012 Harold L. "Hal" Arner, February 24, 2012 Fredrick W. Duckworth, March 8, 2012 John B. Reynolds, October 5, 2012 Earl F. Jarvis, March 24, 2012 Joseph W. Larese, December 18, 2012 Richard A. Matarante, September 25, 2012 Irene C. Carr Coffman, July 5, 2012 Frank L. Slupe, October 24, 2012 Pearle Headley Beatty, August 26, 2012 Steven R. Cablk, II, May 20, 2012 Robert R. "Fuzzy" Jones, June 29, 2012 Ronald E. Lake, March 6, 1991 Edwin C. Lapp, May 30, 2012 Arch Talbert, November 11, 2012 James N. Shields, March 29, 2012 Todd L. Stephenson, February 15, 2012 Cheryl Darling "Cherie" Dunn Riggs, March 8, 2012 Susan Jane McMillen, November 1, 2008 Russell S. Corrie, October 19, 1994 James W. "Jay" Hancock, May 18, 2012 George R. Cline, March 31, 2012 Gary C. Sain, May 4, 2012 Michael Futral, June 11, 2012 James Leonard, October 26, 2011 Jay M. Barb, July 15, 2012 Joni Lynne Broeren Wayt, May 28, 2012 Austin E. Stalnaker, January 28, 2012 Allen J. Joyiens, April 26, 2008
1980 1980 1982 1985 1988 1988 1989 1989 1989 1990 1991 1994 1998
Jeffrey L. Meister, January, 2012 Geraldine E. Raschella, May 15, 2000 Richard W. Smith, November 8, 2012 Wendy S. Shugarts, July 7, 2001 Sharon Hensley Ellis, November 26, 2009 Roger V. Shelton, August 9, 2008 Danny P. Bryant, November 24, 2012 Catherine M. Mailloux, October 17, 2008 Cynthia W. Monday Ruth, February 8, 2005 Susan E. Meadows, August 18, 2001 Jenny L. Burgin, November 1, 1998 Stacy M. Goff McGhee, November 7, 2012 Tracy L. Bazzell, August 6, 2010
FRIENDS & FAMILY Jerry L. Allen, March 21, 2012 Former Staff Alexander Ameer, October 23, 2012 Former Student Donna L. Brant, November 20, 2012 Former Staff Norman Brown, September 25, 2012 Former Professor Shirley L. Ervin, June 3, 2012 Former Staff James M. Frederickson, June 21, 2012 Former Professor Eleanor R. Harper Gay, June 24, 2012 D&E College Aid Member Robert M. Hoag, November 9, 2012 Former Trustee Lloyd B. Kenney, August 19, 2012 Former Student Patty L. R. Looman, June 6, 2012 Master Teacher and Instructor, Augusta Heritage Center Ruth V. McLaughlin, October 7, 2012 D&E College Aid Member Virginia H. Moore Proudfoot, November 20, 2012 Former Student Roy F. Simms, November 17, 2012 Assistant Coach, Men's Basketball Team R. Kent Taylor, October 2, 2012 Former Staff Robert B. Ward, April 12, 2012 Former Student Hazel Westfall, July 31, 2012 Friend of D&E Music Department
Remembering... Reverend Robert M. Hoag
Patty Looman
The Reverend Robert M. Hoag, 88, former Trustee of Davis & Elkins College and Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit, PA, and at Abington Presbyterian Church of Abington, PA, died Friday, November 9, at Abington Memorial Hospital, after battling Parkinson’s disease and strokerelated issues for the past 10 years. Born on May 7, 1924, in Shortsville, NY, he held degrees from the University of Rochester and Princeton Theological Seminary, and continued his theological studies for an additional year at New College, Edinburgh, Scotland. In 1958, Reverend Hoag was ordained into the Christian Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in New Brunswick, NJ, while also serving on the staff of Princeton Seminary as Director of the Institute of Theology and as Assistant to the Dean of Field Education. He was active in his communities throughout his career, and, in 1972, Pennsylvania Governor Milton Shapp awarded Reverend Hoag a Certificate of Appreciation for his work in the flood related to Hurricane Agnes that devastated the Scranton, Wilkes-Barre area.
Patty L.R. Looman, a dulcimer player, devoted teacher, performer, music advocate, and long-time master artist for the Augusta Heritage Center, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2012 in Fairmont, WV.
Former Trustee
"I don't know any other profession where one is offered a greater spectrum of service to people. It is a privilege and joy to be a minister." – Reverend Robert M. Hoag Reverend Hoag was a member of the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees from May 1978 through June 1989. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the College of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia, PA. At the time of his retirement from full-time ministry in 1989, Reverend Hoag stated, “I don’t know any other profession where one is offered a greater spectrum of service to people. It is a privilege and a joy to be a minister. It’s from cradle to grave.”
Former Augusta faculty
In 2007, [Patty] was honored with the Vandalia Award, West Virginia's highest folk life honor. She was born February 7, 1925 in Mannington, WV. Patty was a graduate of Fairmont State University and Central Michigan University. Teaching and sharing her love of music made her extremely happy, having spent 35 years at Waterford High School and Waterford Kettering High School in Pontiac, Michigan. She was devoted to traditional old time music and visited schools in the area to introduce folk music to children. In 2007, she was honored with the Vandalia Award, West Virginia’s highest folk life honor. Patty first taught at Augusta in 1980 and continued over the years until 2008. She taught six hammered dulcimer apprenticeships during her tenure and donated many of her old mountain and hammered dulcimers to Augusta before she passed away. The Looman Collection is on display in the lobby of the College’s Myles Center for the Arts.
100 Campus Drive Elkins, WV 26241 1.304.637.1900
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