SUMMER 2008
FORWARD MAGAZINE
Presidential Transitions: Thank you to Dr. G. Thomas Mann Welcome Dr. G.T. "Buck" Smith Commencement Coverage, Student News, Athletics, More ...
from the president Dear Alumni and Friends, I am guilty of carrying on a ten-year love affair with Davis & Elkins College. Not to worry: it is not an extramarital affair. My wife Carolyn shares my passion. I came to this affair as the first member of my family to earn a college degree. My parents supported me in achieving a goal that they perhaps did not understand fully, but that they embraced without reservation. I came to this affair as the product of another small, private, liberal-arts college where I gained courage to ask any question, willingness to deal with any new insight, and a sense of freedom to change course in the face of compelling evidence. I came to this affair as an academic. I earned a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, not because I viewed it as a credential, but rather because the program I chose allowed me to rub intellectual shoulders with some of the shapers of modern thought—Goethe, Kleist, Büchner, Wedekind, the other Thomas Mann—and to grapple with some of humanity’s darkest legacies in my personal pursuit of truth. I came to this affair as an internationalist. I chose to study abroad after my sophomore year of college, at the height of the Cold War and in a place where the stark line between East and West was characterized by mistrust and espionage I came out of that experience committed to investing myself in building trust and cross cultural understanding. I came to this affair as a Presbyterian—not a lifelong Presbyterian, but as a Presbyterian by choice. A tiny, progressive congregation in southern Iowa taught me that I did not necessarily have to take things literally to take them seriously. And that gave me a new and deeper appreciation for the unity of mind and spirit that links higher education and the Reformed tradition. I came to this affair as a West Virginian—but again, by choice I came originally from places that perpetuated all the stereotypes of West Virginia and central Appalachia, but I had found here instead a genuineness, a connectedness, and a sense of place from which contemporary society would be well advised to learn. And I came to this affair as one who, based on thirteen years of administrative experience, had come to view college administration as a venue from which I could support the larger academic enterprise more fully than I could as a Professor of German. All of these winds from past experiences that seemed to align so perfectly with the breezes that blew through D&E’s mission and sense of self fanned the sparks of this love affair from the moment Carolyn and I were presented with the opportunity to join our lives with that of the College. This has been an affair that we have shared for the past ten years and that we will always treasure. May all of these elements continue to mix and feed each other to produce new life, energy, and flames of passion for D&E in the years ahead. Sincerely,
contents
Summer 2008
Forward A P U B LIC ATION FOR ALU M N I AN D F R I EN DS OF DAVI S & ELKI N S COLLEGE
News
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D&E Hosts West Virginia Sustainable Fair Student Education Association Goes to State D&E’s International Students Students in Free Enterprise Compete Biology Student Receives ACA Award Installation of Academic Chairs
Commencement 2008
Surprise honors. Carolyn and President Tom Mann receive word during Commencement Ceremonies of the newly created G. Thomas and Carolyn Mann Academic Scholarship, an endowed gift to the College in honor of the Manns’ 10 years of service to D&E and its students and funded by members of the Board of Trustees.
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Parting Thoughts: Words and Pictures of Dr. G. Thomas Mann 12-13 Meet Our New President
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Changes in Admissions
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Tradition of Teaching Excellence
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Planned Giving
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Athletics Alumni News/NAC Letter
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Alumni Notes
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In Memoriam
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On the cover: The West Virginia Highlanders of Davis & Elkins College carries a D&E flag as part of its color guard.
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from the editor
Volume 54, No. 1
EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carol Schuler
OFFICERS OF THE COLLEGE G. Thomas Mann President Kevin Wilson Vice President for Enrollment Management and Special Assistant to the President Reneé Heckel Director of Enrollment Management Laurence B. McArthur Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty Patricia J. Schumann Vice President for College Advancement David M. Sneed Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students
COLLEGE ADVANCEMENT DIRECTORS Carol Schuler Director of Communications & Marketing Rachel Halperin Montgomery, ’91 Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving Karen L. Wilmoth, ’83 Director of Advancement Operations & Stewardship About the College
Focused on student success, Davis & Elkins College offers a personalized undergraduate education firmly rooted in the liberal arts tradition. Its academic programs include the traditional arts and sciences as well as preprofessional and professional studies. The College’s small size allows students to develop close relationships with members of the faculty and with each other that advance their academic and personal development. Related to the Presbyterian Church (USA), the College welcomes persons of all backgrounds and seeks to live according to principles consistent with humane traditions and its Judeo-Christian heritage. 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, admissions 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 Vice President of Student Life. Inquiries concerning equal opportunity in personnel practices should be referred to the Coordinator of Personnel Services.
I remember the first formal ceremony I participated in at Davis & Elkins College — it must have been the Founders’ Day Convocation. There I stood in cap and gown along with faculty and other administrators of the college, and by coincidence, I was just a seat or two from President Tom Mann. There was a lot to take in that day, but one thing that struck me was how much Dr. Mann liked to sing. This was no obligatory singer. This was a man who sang with feeling, enjoying the hymns, the voices around him, and the simple pleasure of song. Later, I learned that Dr. Mann often selects the hymns for D&E’s formal ceremonies. They are hymns I have enjoyed: traditional, melodic, and familiar. They evoke memories from throughout my life, and now they are a part of my life at D&E. As I began this letter and searched for what to say about this man I’ve worked with over the last seven years, I thought that a short list of hymns he has selected would provide a telling record. It’s a good list of sweet and timeless tunes – a simple gift he has shared with all of us. God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens, William Moore, 1825 God Who Gives to Life Its Goodness Eternal Father, Strong to Save, John Bacchus Dykes, 1861 Spirit, James Manley, 1975 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past, William Croft, 1708 Be Thou My Vision, ancient Irish traditional melody The Love of God O for a World, Carl Gotthelf Gläser, 1828 The job of a college president cannot be easy. I’ve watched Dr. Mann work steadfastly to do great things for D&E. I’ve also watched him steel himself to do those things he would rather not have done. Through it all he has worked with a quiet determination that reflects his vision of those ideals stated in D&E’s mission. These are, I believe, the same ideals of which we have sung with him. I’m not sure if there is a perfect hymn about retirement out there. But if there is, Dr. Mann, I truly hope you find it, and sing your heart out. All the best,
Carol Schuler Director of Communications & Marketing
©2008 Davis & Elkins College
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news
D&E Hosts
West Virginia Sustainable Fair In April, Davis & Elkins College cosponsored the West Virginia Sustainable Fair 2008, “Green Makes $en$e.” The three-day fair featured events that focused on sustainable living, including organic foods, green technology and energy alternatives. An environmentally friendly art show was held in Booth Library and speakers, demonstrations and exhibits were found in classrooms and common areas across campus. Other highlights included a concert by “Public Outcry,” sponsored by the D&E Writers Week program, coordinated by Associate Professors Peter Okun and Bill King, the West Virginia Symphony Concert, and a matinee performance of “Urinetown: The Musical,” by the D&E Theatre Department and directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre April Daras. D&E Instructor of Environmental Science Russ McClain and D&E Director of Communications and Marketing Carol Schuler worked closely with the event organizers to promote the weekend statewide. McClain says attendance topped 400, drawing people from beyond our area and our state.
“Feedback from the campus community has been overwhelmingly positive,” says McClain, “with many asking when Davis & Elkins College will again host the statewide Sustainable Living Fair. Some of the most popular exhibits and displays were, of course, the wind turbine and solar panel displays, but the variety of speakers, vendors, and the great food were not to be outshined. With attendance at this year’s fair topping 400 visitors, many from beyond the county and state, the possibility is certainly there for us to host again and to become more integrally involved with the parent nonprofit organization, Sustainable Living for West Virginia. In fact, there has been discussion of creating a home for the organization at Davis & Elkins College, along with a connected speaker series, increased student involvement, and regular sustainable fairs and conferences. I
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think there is real potential for D&E to be a leader in the area of sustainable living and development in West Virginia.”
Two of the Sustainable Fair’s most-talked-about events included the “Taste of West Virginia,” a buffet-style dinner catered by West Virginia chefs and featuring organic foods, and “A Sustainable Feast,” which was an elegant gourmet dinner served in Halliehurst and planned by Stonewall Resort Chef Dale Hawkins. Hawkins worked with D&E Executive Chef and Manager of Dining Services Melanie Campbell as well as D&E hospitality students to provide an organic meal that featured local and regional foods.
news Student Education Association
Wins State Awards By Jill Evick, President, D&E SEA
The Davis & Elkins College Student Education Association (SEA) has 14 members and increases every year. This year, five members attended the annual West Virginia Student Education Association “Spring Fling” conference in Charleston, April 11-12. Students stayed at the Charleston Marriott. On Friday evening, the 11th, a dinner was served along with awards given and nominations for state officers for next year. On Saturday, the 12th, SEA students voted and attended three workshops from 8:30 until Noon. Workshop Topics were “Special Education: Debunking the Myths,” “Being a Successful Teacher: What Every ‘Newbie’ Should Know,” and “Classroom Management Strategies.”
Student Education Association members, Stefanie Ogden, president elect; Ashley Kimble; Renea McDaniel; Macy Jackson, secretary WVSEA; Audrey Scott; and Jill Evick, president.
The D&E SEA won the President Award for an “Outstanding Community Project” for its “Get A Clue” summer 2007 children’s program at the Five Rivers Public Library in Parsons, WV. The reading program was held every Wednesday, starting at 10:00 a.m., and
lasted for 7 weeks. SEA students were able to select their own book to read aloud and create an activity or craft to go along with the book. Refreshments were furnished each week by the library. Ten to 30 children attended each week ranging in age from two to 13. At the end of the program, awards were given to several students (i.e. who read the most) and a treasure hunt with clues was held. All children received a bag of goodies to take home. The D&E chapter also received awards at the State Conference for membership, community service, and overall programming. Two members were elected to the State SEA: sophomore Stefanie Ogden, president-elect, and senior Macy Jackson, secretary-elect. SEA officers for 2007-2008 were senior Jill Evick, President; senior Renea McDaniel, Vice President; junior Audrey Scott, Historian; and junior Gloria Tusing, Secretary.
Allison Bruce Receives National Science Foundation Scholarship D&E freshman Allison Bruce has been selected to receive a National Science Foundation Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) scholarship from the Appalachian College Association. The $6,000 scholarship award is designed to encourage talented students to major in STEM fields. Freshman Biology Major Allison Bruce has been selected to receive a $6,000 National Science Foundation STEM scholarship from the Appalachian College Association.
Allison is a Biology major from Gretna, Virginia, who was recruited by D&E Women’s Basketball Coach Jay Dailer. She is in the Honors Program and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field. Professor of Mathematics and Physics Dr. Sharmi Roy is Allison’s
mentor for the scholarship. D&E has been a good fit for her, Allison says. “I’m from southern Virginia, so I like the scenery and getting outside. Basketball takes up a lot of my time, but this is a whole lot different than being at a big school. If you like going outside, you can get away,” Allison says to Bickles Knob, Blackwater Falls.” As part of the STEM program, Allison will also attend a conference in Abingdon, Virginia, this October.
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news Ross & Payne Academic Chairs Formally Installed in Booth Library Display unveiled during Commencement Weekend
On Saturday, May 10, President Tom Mann welcomed a crowd of donors and well-wishers on the second floor of Booth Library for the formal installation of two academic chairs: The Thomas Richard Ross Chair in History and the Humanities and The James S. McDonnell Foundation Chair in Business and Economics in honor of Dr. Gloria M. Payne. Dr. Ross and members of his extended family attended the event, while Dr. Payne and her family were regretfully missed – Dr. Payne had some unexpected (and successful!) surgery that morning. Others who helped with the ceremony included trustee the Rev. Dr. Jean H. Henderson, who gave the invocation;
Vice President and Dean of the Faculty Dr. Laurence McArthur; Trustee Mr. T.R. Ross, II; and Chairman of the D&E Board of Trustees Mr. Joe Timms. Dr. Mann recognized Professor of History Dr. David Turner, who has held the Ross Chair since its inception as well as the new holder of the chair, Associate Professor of English Dr. Peter Okun. Dr. Mann also named the first holder of the McDonnell/Payne Chair: Dr. Gloria Marquette Payne.
Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Rachel Montgomery and Vice President for College Advancement Pat Schumann unveil the new permanent installation of two of the College’s endowed academic chairs on the second floor of Booth Library. Portraits of Drs. Ross and Payne hang above the inscribed chairs.
SIFE Team Competes The Davis & Elkins College (Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team competed at the Charlotte, NC, SIFE USA Regional Competition this spring, one of sixteen SIFE USA Regional Competitions held across the United States.
School, the Highland Adventist School, and for local businesses. A grant of $5,000 was awarded from the Marcus Foundation to support teaching the “Entrepreneurship Initiative” to lowincome, at-risk youth. Also, a $1,000 grant was awarded from the Appalachian College Association to a team member to facilitate technology initiatives resulting in stronger digital skills on campus and for team community projects. The D&E SIFE Web site was updated to support the team’s sustainability goals.
During this academic year, the Davis & Elkins SIFE team organized projects at YouthBuild, the Elkins Mountain,
Team members representing Davis & Elkins SIFE were Joel Richardson, an International Management major from
New Grant, Trinidad; Daniel Kwafo, Accounting, Accra, Ghana; Ebtisam Bahar, Management, Hamad Town, Bahrain; Jawad Latif, Accounting and Finance, Rawalpindi Cantt, Pakistan; Zahra Khalid, Business Administration, Rawalpindi Cantt, Pakistan; Carmen Jones, Hospitality and Tourism Management, McDonald, PA; Sherief Nagui, Economics, Cairo, Egypt; Marwa Manai, Biology, Cite Ibn Khaldoun, Tunisia; and Cherisse Cheesman, Accounting and Management, Pinte-aPierre, Trinidad and Tobago. D&E Professor of Business Dr. Victoria Mullennex, Sam Walton Fellow, accompanied the team.
New Email Newsletter We have renewed our efforts to publish an email newsletter, this time with a more colorful, graphic approach. If you would like to receive it, please sign up on our Web site or send an email to schulerc@davisandelkins.edu
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foss celebrates D&E Women's Soccer Coach Raul Ovalle and Men's Soccer Coach Mark Stollsteiimer (with daughter Katarina) check out the new golf cart that Bob Wolfe, '71, donated to the D&E soccer program.
Photo by: Greg Keatley
FOSS Celebrates
NAIA National Championship Teams by Doug Homer, ’93, and Vince Rooney, ’91 The 2008 spring FOSS weekend was a big success by all accounts and we certainly enjoyed getting together to celebrate the achievements of D&E Soccer, both past and present. The celebration centered around toasting our NAIA National Championship teams of 1968 and 1970, with many members of both teams coming to Elkins for the occasion. Dr. Greg Myers, Head Coach of the 1968 and 1970 championship teams, delivered a rousing rendition of what went into the making of the teams and shared some hilarious stories of various incidents along the way. Duane Dyer, ’94, got the current soccer teams mingling with FOSS members and their families as he spun tunes from across the decades during the traditional FOSS Icebreaker reception, which was held in the infamous Icehouse on Friday evening. Soccer coaches, players and fans of all ages were welcomed by members of the FOSS Board (namely D&E Athletic Director Ralph Hill, Alumni Doug Homer, Pat Massa, Bill Nuttall,
Vince Rooney, Hank Steinbrecher, and Charlie Straw, Head Women’s Soccer Coach Raul Ovalle, and Head Men’s Soccer Coach Mark Stollsteimer) and immediately introduced to members of the two D&E soccer teams. The championship banners for the 1968 and 1970 teams were hung from the railing of the Icehouse to celebrate and welcome home our national champions. On Saturday, a series of soccer skills games and challenges were set up by the D&E women’s team, under the leadership of new Head Coach Raul Ovalle and senior captain Rachel Moore. Several prizes were awarded to those who participated in the skills competition. Adjacent to the games were a series of inflatable jumping stations for the children of our alumni and friends in Elkins to use throughout the afternoon. Several fraternities and sororities also set up interactive games for the kids and this helped set the tone for a wonderful afternoon at Harpertown Field.
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foss celebrates After a tasty BBQ chicken lunch provided by the Sig-Ep fraternity, FOSS’s “old timers,” meaning anyone who is still foolish enough to pull on their boots but not actually required to do so - including this year’s graduating seniors, played a friendly game against the current Men’s team and lost with pride, 3-0, behind two goals from sophomore defender James Kpainay… reinforcing the fact that the D&E Men are the current WVIAC champions. Bob Wolf, ’71, surprised the crowd, coaches and Senior soccer player Rachel Moore works teams by donating a with Katarina Stollsteimer during Kids 'n modified “movable bed” Sibs Day activities during the FOSS reunion. golf cart which was bedecked with all manner of signage detailing the Senators' successes in the 2007 season. Everything from WVIAC Championship insignias to All-Conference, All- Region and All-America selections were festooned across every surface of the cart. It was a great gesture on Bob’s part and will come in handy for moving gear or, heaven forbid, the odd injured player to and from the soccer fields! The awards banquet was a special tribute to the NAIA champions complete with remarks from Myers, Hank Steinbrecher, Charlie Straw and Bobby Wolf. Seniors from
both teams were inducted into FOSS by their respective coaches and this year’s A.C.E. Awards were presented by the coaches to Matt Fannon, a junior defender from York, England, and Mallory McCartney, a sophomore midfielder from Ajax, Canada. Thanks to the support of our Banquet patrons, we also raised over $1,200 for the current teams thanks to a silent auction and raffle coordinated by Ralph Hill and Bill Nuttall. Many thanks to all who contributed their time and resources to support this special event. Last, but not least, for those of you who purchased D&E Throwback Jerseys - thank you for your unwavering support of FOSS and the soccer programs at D&E. We are still selling jerseys and would like to invite those of you who were not able to come to Elkins to go online at www.dnesocalums.org and reserve a special jersey now. Tell us what sizes you would like and we’ll get them down to you once they are produced and delivered, sometime in late August or early September. The current teams are going to wear the shirts as their regular season uniform in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1968 and 1970 championship sides. Sizes available are YL, M, L, XL or XXL. Here’s the link to the shirt: http://www.dnesocalums.org/events/reunion08/jerseypromo.html Special thanks to Adam Baumgardner, Dan Court, Duane Dyer, the FOSS Board, Raul Ovalle, Vince Rooney, Stollim Scott Stonesifer, Kendall Walkes and Bobby Wolf for their efforts toward organizing a great FOSS weekend. Don Spahr and Scotty Smyth during the FOSS reunion.
A Cultural Celebration!
International students at Davis & Elkins College enjoyed an end-of-the-year dinner in Halliehurst, thanks to Trustees Bill Robbins and Debbie Madden. More than 35 people attended. Among the highlights of the evening was the Eugene Morrisey award, which was given to Wayne, West Virginia, sophomore Justin Clayborne. Here, a small group of Justin’s friends surround him during the evening celebration (clockwise from lower left): Tigran Ghazaryan, Goris Armenia; Elham Fatma, Aligarh U.P., India; Ebtisam Bahar, Hamad Town, Bahrain; Maroua Manai, Tunis, Tunisia; Jawad Latif, Rawalpindi Cantt, Pakistan; Zahra Khalid, Rawalpindi Cantt, Pakistan; Madhulika (Ayesha) Mazumdar, Mumbai, India; and Saad Boukhnifi, Rabat, Morocco. The Belfast Crystal award is given to an American student who has been identified by international students as the most supportive in helping them understand the culture of the United States. The award is named in memory of 2004-2005 international student Eugene Morrisey.
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commencement
Charlotte Jamison enjoys her special day.
You Are Alumni Now!
Congratulations Class of 2008 Associate Degrees
Bachelor of Arts
Natalie K. Alker, Andrea Nicole Aman, Danielle Nicole Anderson, Brenda Lea Bennett, Carrie Elizabeth Bentley, Kimberly Dawn Brady, Margaret “Maggie� Burch, Candy M. Carr, Betina R. Cline, Wendy Michelle Collins, Gary A. Farley, Rachael Kathryn Felton, Lanelle S. Fischer, Pauline Fitts, Tonya Dai Foster, Veronica Fragmin, Kimberly Sue Funk, Whitney Taylor Graham, Kimberly Elaine Grinnan, Katherine Alexandra Harris, Jodi Marie Marsh Hart, Erika Rae Hawkins, Scott Hawkins, Amber N. Hayes, Sasha Marie Hibbs, Kristie Ann Holt, Jennifer April Howard, Tracy E. Hunter, Tara Johnson, Jessica Carolyn Jones, Andrea Dawn Kile, Leslie A. Knight, Emily J. LoGreco, Carla Sue Loutfi, Katie Maier, Randall J. McDaniels II, Donna Michael, Stacy Ann Minix, Alice Ann Moffett, Amy J. Moneypenny, Lisa Ann Murray, Candace E. New, Brandi Renee Perkins-Tomey, Jamea L. Pugh, Brenda Rafferty, Dorie Ann Raschella, Troy C. Ruddle, Charlotte Annette Scott, Casey Nichole Sendling, Lisa Marie Sharp, Marc Allen Simmons, Danielle LaRae Smiley, Renee Lynn Smith, Ashley Ann Stark, Brooke Nanette Swisher, Jennifer Dawn Thomas Silvia Boyero Triplett, Tamara A. Wallo, Erica Nicole White, Buddy Allen Young
Qiana Monique Anderson, Rose Anne Blake, Noah A. Bland, Laura Diane Bonser, Jonathan Peter Borowski, Tara Teresa Bowley, Rhiannon Leslie Burk, Brittany Dawn Burner, Megan Elizabeth Foreman Bush, Veronica Rivera Coberly, Valerie S. Coleman, Allison Diane Creech, Derek Crider, Taylor L. Curtis, Stephen Earle Engle, Melissa N. Evans, Christopher Michael Fisher, Heidi Michelle Floyd, Kelly Fornwalt-Bedard, Erin Elyse Franklin, Chrisantha L. Frederick, Angel Marie Godfrey, Megan Elizabeth Heatwole, Amanda Marie Helmstetter, William Knight Henderson, Herman J. Hermanson, Casey A. Houser, Charlotte Inez-Lee Jamison, Benjamin W. Jones, Grant Ryan Jones, Ashley Kelley, Deandra N. Kisamore, Timothy Murray MacVean, Marissa Masse, Benjamin J. McArthur, Snyder J. Montoney, Ashley Sarah Morici, Hattie R. Nice, Kathryn Rose Owsianiecki, Jennifer L. Pell, Sarah M. Phillips, Victor J. Pyles III, Alec M. Rader, Trista Aileen Odessa Rager, Mayra Ramirez, T. Brett Rector, Kathleen Margaret Rice, Darcy Lynne Robbins, Matthew Joseph Santoro, Caryn Seward, Natosha LaShae Sipe, Ryan C. Smoot, Amber N. Spencer, Wayne Eugene Startt, Jessica Swecker, Samantha Weintraub, Dan Weiser, Tiffany Diane Wenzel, Alison N. Westfall, Richard Jerod Whitley, Jr., Adriane W. Wilson
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commencement
Hundreds of well wishers gathered with the new graduates on the plaza following Commencement Ceremonies.
Bachelor of Science John Aldous, Danielle Nicole Anderson, Brandon A. Bates, Jessica Marie Batten, Amanda Nicole Biser, Makesi Bosticm, Matthew A. Bright, Megan Joella Bruce, Anthony Thomas Cacace II, Cherisse Reika Cheesman, Amanda Marie Claudio, Nicholas Robert Coffman, Lauren Beth Davis, Kristy D. Ferguson, Travis R. Fisher, Kylee L. Griffith, Tane L. Hardy, Ann Woodling Harris, Steven Matthew Harvey, Tyler Russell Hern, Shasta R. Hickman, Jelani Gamal Jackson, Matthew Cole Johnson, Steven Michael Johnson, James Kincheloe, Michael J. Knox, Nathan Russell LaValla, Aaron L. Lonon, Kathleen E. MacGregor, Herbert J. Matthews V, John Alexander Olson, Thomas Matthew Paige, Leanne H. Parliman, Courtney Rose Pawlak, Christopher Robert Racine, Desirae N. Richardson, Blake L. Rogers, Rezena Ann Roth, Rebecca Sinclair, Bethany E. Sindy, Burge Lee Speilman II, Andrew Christopher Thommen, Adam Lee Thompson, James Michael Valach, Jr., Rebecca W. Vance, Jennifer Lyn VanDevender, Maximilian F. von Doemming, Charles E. Wells, James Arthur Wright, Jr., Dmitry Yanushkevich.
Editor of The Senator, Alec Rader, has his post-graduation plans in place at the Elkins Inter-Mountain newspaper.
D&E graduated 56 students with Associate Degrees in Nursing.
Jeff, Dick, '78, Steve, and Rose Harvey celebrate Steve's new Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Marketing. Like his father, Steve also graduated from the Senator baseball program.
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Fellow staff members Debbie Larkin, Sharon White and Robin Price gather around Ann Harris to congratulate Ann on her achievement as a member of the Class of 2008.
commencement The Rev. Dr. Jean H. Henderson, ’64, was this year’s Baccalaureate speaker and received the Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa, during Commencement.
Cherisse Cheesman eagerly approaches Hermanson Campus Center as part of the procession to the Commencement Ceremony.
Kathy, Dr. Larry, Jaxson, Kim, Ben, Doug, Amber and Talon McArthur gathered together for Ben's graduation from the College's Hospitality Management program.
Retiring trustee Dr. Frank Mele receives Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, during Commencement.
Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Christina Swecker and Associate Professor of English Dr. Peter Okun on their way to Harper-McNeeley Auditorium.
Erika White receives her nurses pin from Instructor of Nursing Karen Seel.
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tribute Parting Thoughts: Words and Pictures of
Dr. G. Thomas Mann 12th president of Davis & Elkins College, 1998 - 2008 “It is essential to have solid programs that recognize the wholeness of the student. It is a context where there is development of the mind and intellect combined with development of social and spiritual characteristics that result in an individual who is at ease and confident in new situations.” – Tom Mann, 2008
“I loved our Centennial Day, September 21, 2004. It was so much fun from beginning to end … with the balloon ride and pig roast, and a wonderful mix of townspeople, students, faculty and staff. It was like a festival day.”
ON May 11, 2008, President G. Thomas Mann received recognition for 10 years of service and was named President Emeritus, effective upon his retirement June 30. He leaves D&E with exciting new facilities and a new sense of purpose. Moreover, his commitment to the Liberal Arts places D&E in a strong position to successfully advance a program committed to experimentation and tradition. Dr. Mann and his administration have faced many challenges, not the least of which is the College’s continued quest for higher enrollment. Yet his contribution to D&E is not a simple matter of numbers; it is, he says, a difference in the engagement of the campus community and the level of collaboration and creativity at D&E today. Lasting contributions by President G. Thomas Mann: • The Madden Student Center • The McDonnell Center for Health, Physical Education, and Athletics (Phases I & II) • The Thomas Richard Ross Chair in History and the Humanities • The James S. McDonnell Foundation Chair in Business and Economics in honor of Dr. Gloria M. Payne • The Claire Deiss Fiorentino Chair in Theatre • 45 New Student Scholarships • $25.5 million Centennial Campaign • Renovations to Liberal Arts and Albert Halls • Winter Term • New major in Criminology • New minors in Criminal Justice, Hospitality, and Green Studies • Centennial Celebration • Independent College Enterprise (ICE) technology initiative Here, some snapshots and parting thoughts regarding his 10 years of service.
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tribute
“When I moved from being a faculty member to being an administrator, the thing I missed the most was having a free, unstructured summer. And now, I will have the freedom to shape time. I’m getting my summers back, plus some.” “There has been a productive push for campus facilities. I’m pleased to have begun my work from a wonderful base of newly restored buildings, which allowed me to turn my attention to improving other facilities that are highly student-focused. They point to the central role of students and the College’s commitment to the wholeness of the student body.”
“You have to have faculty who value students where they are, who take that opportunity to make students stretch. Faculty who are successful at D&E have a personal sense of success in their role when they have helped students fulfill their potential, whatever that is.”
“I think the genius of D&E is that we bring in people with a lot of potential and provide an environment for that to grow. If you select students with potential and bring out the best in them, help them to become great citizens and great contributors, that’s an institution that serves society.” “I’ve tried to approach leadership as a team issue. The Campaign Leadership included more than 60 people. Task forces and ad hoc committees of the Board of Trustees have served an important role in addressing issues that needed to be resolved, but not by one individual. My objective has been to be more open and to share.”
D&E should copy.”
“Winter Term has been a tremendously energizing program. It is a distinctive program that separates us from the pack. It provides opportunities that are so different from the traditional classroom. It engages students in classes and activities that they might not otherwise pursue.”
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next president Trustees Select G.T. “Buck” Smith
as Next President Smith will become D&E’s 13th President July 1
D&E Board of Trustees Chairman Joe Timms noted that it is to the College’s credit that Dr. Smith is coming on board. “That we were able to attract a person of Dr. Smith’s stature and experience is a compliment to Davis & Elkins,” said Timms, “and suggests great promise for the future of the College.” Dr. Smith served as Bethany College’s 18th president from June 2004 to January 2008. Upon his retirement, the Bethany Board of Trustees established the G.T. “Buck” Smith Center for Global Initiatives, with an initial gift of $1 million, as an expression of appreciation for his service to the College.
G.T. “Buck” Smith and Joni Smith
On March 10, the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees announced the appointment of G. T. “Buck” Smith as the College’s 13th president, beginning July 1. A national leader in higher education, Dr. Smith served most recently as president of Bethany College (WV), and previously as president of Chapman University in California. Now, the D&E Community is preparing for the arrival of “President Buck” and his wife, Joni Smith, who will take up residence in “Hearthstone” in late June. A longtime colleague and friend of President Mann, the President-elect noted the strengths of Dr. Mann’s legacy and the immense potential he has created for the College. “Joni and I are “possibility” people. And D&E is certainly on the front edge of “possibilities,” Dr. Smith said in a recent interview. “A college is in business for one primary purpose: to serve students,” the new president said. “Whatever is in their best interest will likely also be in the best long-term interest of the college.” He continued, “We must of course increase enrollment and resources. But the thing that is most compelling to me is the human potential of this special place. What Joni and I most look forward to is helping bring together all the wonderful energy - of people and possibilities into an orchestrated whole. There can be a beautiful sound from all that.”
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In accepting the Davis & Elkins appointment, Dr. Smith commented, “Though Joni and I have had a long and abiding affection for D&E, I had no expectation of serving again as a college president. But when the invitation came to join the D&E family in this capacity – especially the opportunity to serve the students – we found it very compelling. This is a place that deserves the best any one of us has to give.” A graduate of The College of Wooster and Cornell University, he began his professional career in higher education at Cornell. Two years later he returned to Wooster, serving there for 15 years before he was named President of Chapman University. After 11 years of service at Chapman, he was honored with a lifetime appointment as President Emeritus. His years at Chapman were marked by a renewal of the University’s spiritual and intellectual life, as well as a greatly enhanced financial position and significant expansion of enrollment. Smith Hall on the Chapman campus stands as a continuing expression of the University’s gratitude for his and Joni’s leadership. Joni Smith has been very much a partner throughout her husband’s career, providing leadership “in her own way” to students and the campus communities at Wooster, Chapman and Bethany. A former social worker with the YWCA, her community involvements have included the League of Women Voters, Interfaith Housing Commission, United Nations Observance Day, and Hospice Care. In looking forward to life at D&E, Joni commented: “I have been consistently moved by the hearts of the people at the
next president
New Faces
Admission Office Welcomes Regional Team In an effort to expand our reach while containing the costs of recruiting new students, Davis & Elkins College is making shifts toward a more regional admission team. Recently, five new faces joined the Office of Enrollment Management. If you know a student in these recruiters’ areas, please drop them a line and let them know about future D&E students from your area. You can contact all of our admission counselors through the College Web site at www.davisandelkins.edu. Kevin Wilson, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Special Assistant to the President Contact Kevin at wilsonk@davisandelkins.edu.
Becky Pauls Rebecca “Becky” Pauls is D&E’s new Associate Director for Admission. She is handling recruiting for southeastern Ohio as well as north central West Virginia, including Parkersburg, Morgantown and Clarksburg. Becky’s office is located in Bethany, West Virginia. Contact Becky at paulsr@davisandelkins.edu.
Continued President-Elect Buck Smith story... college. This just shines out to me.” As to where she will focus her energies, she noted, “I want to see where my gifts best match up with the needs on campus. I want to be helpful, to open our home, and serve the college and larger Elkins community.” During the 1990s, Dr. Smith served as counsel to several colleges and universities throughout the country, including Davis & Elkins. During 2001-2003, he was Executive Director of Talaris Research Institute in Seattle, a philanthropy devoted to advancing knowledge of early brain development. Recognized in Who’s Who in America for more than 35 years, he received the honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Bethany College, the CASE Steuben Apple Award for distinguished teaching, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from The College of Wooster, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Faith and Reason Award. He and Joni are life-long members of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Randy Trostel William “Randy” Trostel serves as Assistant Director of Admission with an office in Oxford, Ohio. He is recruiting in parts of eastern Ohio as well as in the Washington, D.C., area. Contact Randy at trostelw@davisandelkins.edu. Kara Fisher Kara Fisher is our new Manager of Enrollment Programs and Activities. Working in Halliehurst, she is responsible for on-campus events for prospective students and families, including admission open houses, registration days, campus tours and other student visitation activities. Kara also supervises our Student Ambassador program. Contact Kara at fisherk@davisandelkins.edu. Steve Merrick Steve Merrick serves as Regional Admission Counselor for North and South Carolina with an office in Charlotte, North Carolina. Contact Steve at merricks@davisandelkins.edu.
Reflecting their strong global interest and engagement, the Smiths have devoted their energies toward helping strengthen the management of non-profit organizations both nationally and internationally. Significant among the latter is EduCongo, an enterprise they helped launch to provide educational opportunities for orphans of the civil wars and AIDS epidemic in Africa. The Smiths have two adult children, four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and a Siberian Husky named Holly, who they say is “a major presence in our lives.” To welcome the Smiths to Davis & Elkins College, you can send an email to buck@davisandelkins.edu or send a note to them via the President’s Office, Halliehurst, 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241. Dr. Smith would like to hear about your highest hope(s) for the future of D&E, or, in 12 to 20 words, how you describe the essence of D&E.
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tradition
D&E Winter Term Students study swamp ecology in Florida.
Tradition of Teaching Excellence Continues with Latham Award
Passing the Torch. Associate Professor of Sociology Dr. Joe Roidt, who was the 2007-2008 winner of the Lois Latham Award for Teaching Excellence congratulates Instructor of Environmental Science Russ McClain, who was named the new recipient of the award at the April Honors Convocation.
The Lois Latham Award for Teaching Excellence honors one of D&E’s proudest traditions: its commitment to student learning and the teachers who make that possible. Winners are nominated by the campus community and voted on by the College Senate Executive Committee. More than 14 faculty members have been recognized throughout the award’s history, which began in 1982. According to the nomination requirements, the award marks the recipient as a person of distinguished intellectual development, a person possessing a love and enthusiasm for scholarship and intellectual growth, as a person whose calling is the intellectual
and personal development of others. Recipients are to be recognizable by their enthusiastic support of the liberal arts program, dedication both to the entire range of human knowledge and to their own disciplines, and by their unswerving and unselfish devotion to the intellectual inquiry and new understandings of the world and of oneself. Their concern for individual students will be disclosed in the enduring effects they have had on many of those students, and on the choices they have made. Dr. Roidt and Mr. McClain, the two most recent recipients, have brought enthusiasm to the classroom, but have also extended their love of teaching into D&E’s Winter Term program. Through experiential learning and well organized trips off campus, they have created engaging programs. Dr. Roidt’s course, “Brother’s Keeper: The Ethics of Help” has taken students to work at the Salvation Army and on the Katrina-torn Gulf Coast. McClain’s courses have explored the hydrology of the Everglades and will soon take them to the Galapagos Islands. Roidt came to D&E in 2001, and has worked on many committees to further the College’s commitment to innovative, personal learning opportunities. He helped develop Winter Term, the Criminology and Criminal Justice programs, and served on the President’s Task Force for Enrollment Management.
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He also is active on the Phipps Lectureship Committee and directs the Honors Program and serves on College Senate as well as the Faculty Assembly Executive Committee and the Admissions and Academic Standing Committee. McClain joined the faculty in 2004, taking on the Environmental Science program following Dr. Jim VanGundy’s retirement from full-time teaching. A former scientist for The Nature Conservancy, McClain has an extensive network of contacts in the environmental science community which has opened many doors for student internships, graduate school, and careers.
Lois Latham Award Recipients (current faculty members) Dr. Gloria M. Payne (1982) Dr. William E. King (2000) Dr. David R. Turner (1993) Dr. Brian W. Moudry (2001) Dr. Thomas T. Chadwick (1994) Dr. Michelle L. Mabry (2003) Dr. Laurence B. McArthur (1995) Dr. Peter T. Okun (2005) Professor Terry R. Hayes (1997) Dr. Shawn K. Stover (2006) Dr. Sharmistha B. Roy (1998) Dr. Joseph M. Roidt (2007) Dr. Stephanie C. Haynes (1999) Mr. William “Russ” McClain (2008)
Robbins Establishes
Charitable Lead Annuity Trust estate, recipients will not be subject to inheritance tax. “This is the best planned giving tool I have encountered,” says Robbins. “I feel good about helping D&E now, while I can see my money at work, but also knowing that the people I feel closest to will be provided for in the future. In fact, because of investment income, and the freedom from inheritance tax, they may receive more than if I had simply left this money in my estate. With this gift, everybody wins.” Making a planned gift to Davis & Elkins College Bill Robbins, ’56, right, supports D&E in numerous ways. Shown here with Matt Fannon, a student from York, England, and fellow trustee Debbie Madden, at the International Student Dinner they hosted this spring, Bill has created a Charitable Lead Trust to provide support to D&E now while preserving his assets for later.
When Trustee William S. Robbins, ’56, was reviewing his estate plans last year, he had two fundamental goals in mind— to preserve assets that would eventually pass to loved ones, and to help his alma mater, Davis & Elkins College, today. In the Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, he found a tool that would help him do both, and provide him with a significant tax benefit as well. Working with his financial advisor and a representative of the New Covenant Trust Company, Robbins made a gift to establish a charitable lead annuity trust. For a period of 15 years, the trust is invested with New Covenant Trust Company, and an annuity of 5% of the value of the original gift is paid to Davis & Elkins College. Any additional earnings are returned to the trust to help it grow. When the trust terminates in 15 years, the assets will be distributed to those Robbins has designated. Because this distribution is independent of his
planned giving Making a Bequest or Planned Gift to Davis & Elkins College Davis & Elkins College students have benefited greatly from the commitments of those who, through foresight and thoughtful planning, chose to make a difference in the lives that follow by including the College in their charitable estate plans. To include Davis & Elkins College in a bequest, simply state that the gift is to go to Davis & Elkins College for the purpose you choose. Consult your financial advisor about other gift planning vehicles such as charitable gift annuities, trusts, or gifts of retirement funds, insurance policies, or real property.
Suggested Designations Endowment Funds
Minimum Gift
Davis & Elkins College is deeply grateful to those who have made provision for a gift to the College through charitable gift planning.
Academic Scholarship ........$10,000
To include a gift provision in a will, simply have your attorney use the language, “to Davis & Elkins College for [the purpose you choose].”
Contribution to an ..............Any Amount existing fund
For further information, please contact: Patricia J. Schumann Vice President for College Advancement Davis & Elkins College 100 Campus Drive Elkins, WV 26241 (304) 637-1340 pschuman@davisandelkins.edu
• The Library Gifts Fund
Library Acquisitions Fund ..$10,000 Lectureship ........................$50,000 Chair....................................$1,000,000
Funds Available for Current Use • Current Student Scholarship Fund • Historic Landmark Preservation Fund • An academic department or athletic team of the donor’s choice Unrestricted Gift • The donor may grant the Board of Trustees the authority to use the gift where it is needed most. Heritage Society The Heritage Society is Davis & Elkins College’s recognition society for those who include the College in their charitable estate planning.
Davis & Elkins College A Proud Partner
For further information contact: Patricia J. Schumann Vice President for College Advancement Davis & Elkins College 100 Campus Drive Elkins, WV 26241 (304) 637-1340 pschuman@davisandelkins.edu
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athletics
Winter/Spring Results Men’s Basketball Head Coach: Amrit Rayfield The 2007-2008 men’s basketball team started the year off on the right foot as they claimed the First Annual Kelley Motors/YMCA Giveback Foundation Basketball Tournament Championship on the opening weekend of the season. A great kickoff victory, it also christened the new McDonnell Center as the home of the Senator basketball program! The season continued to be special from both a team standpoint, as well as for individual players. There were several key wins, including one over regularseason WVIAC Champion PittJohnstown, a road win over Fairmont State University, and a home win over University of Charleston. The 13-15 season marked the highest win total for the men’s program since the 1980-81 season, and the nine home games won also tied the mark from that season. The Senators were also able to host a first round conference play-off game, the first time since the WVIAC went to its current tournament format in 1995. This year’s senior class of Brett Rector (Ravenswood, WV), Aaron Lonon (Cumberland, VA), Jelani Jackson (Harrisburg, PA) and Alex Olson (Moseley, VA) graduated with the most career wins of any class since the class of 1983. Rector, a guard, was honored as the WVIAC Player of the Week once and was named to the Honorable Mention All-Conference team. He also broke his own D&E 3-point field goal record for number made in a season while finishing second in NCAA Division II for 3-point field goals made per game. Jackson, a forward, was also honored as WVIAC Player of the Week and, at the end of the season, was honored with a 1st Team AllConference selection. Both Rector and Jackson finished their playing careers
with over 1,200 points scored. Fellow senior guard Aaron Lonon was rewarded at the end of the year for his academic and athletic efforts by receiving the First Community Bank WVIAC scholarathlete award in addition to being selected as the Davis & Elkins College male scholar-athlete of the year. Sophomore point guard Danny Manuel (Waynesboro, VA) was an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection for his outstanding season in a Senator uniform.
“I’ve really loved coaching here,” says Dailer. “The caliber of young ladies I have brought to D&E has been tremendous. They’ve been great basketball players, great students and great campus leaders.”
It was definitely an exciting season for the program as well as for Senator fans who provided a great turnout for home games at the McDonnell Center. The returning players and coaches are looking forward to next season as a solid foundation has been laid for the continued success and resurgence of tradition in the Davis & Elkins College Senators’ men’s basketball program!
The new women’s basketball coach, Jason Asbell, joined D&E in May. Formerly the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at West Liberty State College, he will work in athletics full time, coaching and also managing the College’s Sports Information duties.
Women’s Basketball Head Coach: Jay Dailer The Davis & Elkins Women’s Basketball Team struggled this season with a young roster, but never gave up, ending the season just six points from a conference win against Fairmont State University during the first round of tournament play. Individual honors went to Forward/Center Courtney Pawlak, who was named All-Conference Honorable Mention. Head Coach Jay Dailer stepped down at the season’s end after eight years of building one of the most scholastically excellent teams at D&E. During his tenure, the women’s basketball team has produced two valedictorians, two salutatorians, one student body president, and four or five graduates who have now completed graduate school. Four years ago, the team had the top GPA in the NCAA, Div. II.
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Athletic Director Ralph Hill agrees. “Jay’s teams have always had phenomenal GPAs and graduated at the top of their class. They worked hard at their sport and equally hard in class. He has cultivated true student-athletes.”
Baseball Head Coach: Ron Palmer The baseball season was a tough one as the team finished in 4th place in the Central Division of the newly aligned WVIAC, yet many individuals enjoyed recognition throughout the season. Adam Thompson, a senior outfielder from Apopka, FL, finished off a stellar career with a selection to the WVIAC All-Conference 2nd team as an outfielder. Blake Rogers, a senior right hand pitcher/infielder from Charleston, WV, was Honorable Mention AllConference Designated Hitter, and Tyler Beard, a sophomore infielder from Williamsport, MD, also received Honorable Mention All-Conference at third base. With these guys receiving awards, it made a tough season a little brighter. But the brightest spot of all was seeing Kylee Griffith, a senior righthanded pitcher from Charlestown, WV, recover from an arm injury that sidelined him for his entire Junior season. Not only did Griffith recover, but he came back to be a starter on D&E’s staff and
athletics earned his first collegiate win with a complete game effort against Columbia Union College. Eight of the team’s nine seniors graduated in May, with the ninth coming back to finish his degree next year.
Softball Head Coach: Jim Bacca The 2008 season proved successful despite a 14-35 record. The team recorded their 13th and 14th wins at the WVIAC Conference Tournament, which put them over the previous high of 13 wins in a season, the highest number of wins in the last 15 years. Additionally, the D&E Softball Team recorded its first Conference Tournament win in the last 15 years. The team had four seniors: Sue Kolb (Springs, PA) was a walk-on this season who felt she could help by being an infielder on the left side. She proved to be correct because she played the majority of the season at third base or shortstop. Sue was very strong at those positions and was very willing to dive, a talent that also serves her well on the D&E women’s soccer team. Leanne Parliman (Lehighton, PA) was one of two pitchers. She was a junior college transfer and was the number 4 hitter in the lineup all season. Parliman had the most homeruns with four and was a strong pitcher despite being injured part
The Athletics Department held its annual awards ceremony in The McDonnell Center May 4. Nearly 50 student-athletes were honored with special awards going to, left to right: Aaron Lonon, Senior, Basketball, Cumberland, VA (Academic male Athlete of the Year); Makesi Bostic, Senior, Soccer, San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago (male Athlete of the Year); Laura Bonser, Senior, Soccer, Oakland, MD (Academic female Athlete of the Year); Nicole Dant, Freshman, Soccer, Elkton, MD (female Freshman of the Year); Matthew Bright, Senior, Baseball, Ripley, WV (Joe Carroll male Leadership Award); Britne Bacca, Freshman, Softball, Turlock, CA (Joe Carroll female Leadership Award); and Jennifer Pell, Senior, Volleyball, Morgantown, WV (female Athlete of the Year). Not pictured, award winner Graeme Robertson, Freshman, Golf, Stirling, Scotland (Male Freshman of the Year) The ceremony was attended by more than 200 students, friends and fans of D&E athletics.
of the season. Amanda Helmstetter (Cumberland, MD) was the starting shortstop and helped out at catcher when we needed it. She worked hard to improve on her throwing and significantly decreased the number of errors this year. She also had the highest batting average on the team. The last senior, but certainly not least, was Megan Bruce (Windermere, FL). She was our starting centerfielder and had a very strong year. Bruce made four outstanding diving catches, including one catch that took away a homerun from a Fairmont hitter as Bruce crashed through the fence. Bruce was tied for first with runs batted in, second in doubles, had the least amount of strikeouts, and had the third highest batting average. Megan Bruce was Honorable Mention for Player of the Week for the WVIAC Conference in the second week of April. Freshman pitcher Britne Bacca was named WVIAC Player of the Week in February and pitched 17 scoreless innings during the season.
She put together an outstanding week of hitting, ending the week with a batting average of .600 over six games.
Britne Bacca (Turlock, CA) was Player of the Week for the WVIAC Conference in the last week of February. She hit over .500 and pitched 17 scoreless innings. Britne was a freshman pitcher and forced to take a great deal of the mound time due to Leanne Parliman’s injuries. Bacca was the number three hitter in the lineup all season and led the team with Megan Bruce in runs batted in, and also led the team in doubles. She was second in least amount of strikeouts and also second with the highest batting average. Britne Bacca was voted 2nd Team AllWVIAC Conference for her steady performance all season. Leanne Parliman, Amanda Helmstetter and Megan Bruce were all voted Honorable Mention All-WVIAC Conference. This was a highlight for the Women’s Softball Team because it was the highest number
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athletics total was the 146 he fired, also in October, at the WVIAC Central Regional at Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center.
of D&E players recognized by conference coaches in more than 10 years. The highlight of the season came in the WVIAC Conference Tournament. The team lost their first game to Wheeling Jesuit on Thursday, May 1. They bounced back the next day with a victory over Bluefield, 7-2. Immediately following that game they played the number two team in the conference, Alderson-Broaddus. At the end of six innings D&E was down 1-0. Parliman was the first batter in the top of the seventh inning. She hit a towering blast that rocketed out of the field. Immediately following that, Helmstetter hit a double to the right center field gap. Megan Bruce stepped to the plate and proceeded to hit a shot up the middle ultimately scoring Helmstetter with a dramatic close play at the plate. In the bottom of the inning Parliman pitched the best she had all season, recording two strikeouts and a soft dribbler back to her. She struck out Alderson-Broaddus’ All-American Catcher for the last out and the upset victory. Unfortunately the team had a number of injuries to several players throughout the season. The five returning players, Anna Stem (Bethlehem, PA), Britne Bacca, Jennie Finafrock (Falling Waters, WV), Jessy Pifer (St. George, WV), and Lisa Klinger (Phillipsburg, NJ), look forward to a healthier and stronger 2009 season.
Golf Head Coach: Scott Goddard Freshmen Neil Howitt (Nairn, Scotland) and Graeme Robertson (Stirling, Scotland) have traveled considerable distance, weathered college academics in a different country, and have performed admirably on the golf course. Robertson was one of five individuals from the East Region selected to play at the Northeast/East Super Regional on May 5-7 at the Back Creek Golf Course at St. Anne’s Golf Club in Middletown, DE. Graeme tied for 11th with a final score of 232 after three rounds. He went
Neil Howitt walked away with medalist honors on April 10 at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational at the Longue Vue Club in Verona, PA. Howitt shot an even par round of 70 to take home the title on a course designed by Robert White, a prominent Scottish golf course architect and designer of courses throughout the country. With the solid play from Howitt and Robertson, Davis & Elkins College has received a national ranking on Golfstat, the official source for golf scores and statistics. Davis and Elkins is currently ranked 18th in all of NCAA, Division II, in the Freshmen Class Impact Rating with an average score of 78.03.
Graeme Robertson of Stirling, Scotland, and Neil Howitt of Nairn, Scotland, enjoyed a stellar freshman year on the D&E golf team.
76, 73 and 82 on the difficult par 71 course. Robertson was also named to the AllWVIAC Men’s Golf Second Team in early April and is the first Senator golfer to receive All-WVIAC honors since Jared Meabon in 2001. Robertson has been a consistent presence for the Senators all season, notching a teamhigh eight top-20 finishes. Through 14 rounds, he has averaged 75.78 strokes and earned five top-10 finishes (Senator Shootout at The Raven, WVIAC Conference Championship, Carnegie Mellon Invitational, St. Vincent College Invitational, and WVIAC Invitational) and one victory (Senator Shootout at The Raven). His low round of 70 (two under par) came in October’s WVIAC Southern Regional at Pipestem Resort State Park. Robertson’s best two-round
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Robertson and Howitt, along with Cory Dillinger (Sophomore, Bobtown, PA) and Ricardo Soler (Sophomore, ChiCundinamarca, Colombia) promise an exciting fall run of tournaments, despite the loss of graduating seniors Brandon Bates (Little Hocking, OH) and Nathan LaValla (Burgettstown, PA). The Senators will tee it up once again at their home tournament, The Senator Shootout at The Raven (Snowshoe, WV, Snowshoe Mountain Resort) on August 31.
nac letter Blaine Steensland NAC President
News from Your National Alumni Council by Blaine Steensland, President, NAC
Over the past two weeks, I have been in contact with three D&E alumni. One was for lunch, one was to help a daughter with college plans and one was to find out if we might find a chance to go fishing together over the summer! These contacts are certainly not remarkable in any way except for the fact that the initial relationships all began more than just a few years ago on a college campus in Elkins, by God West Virginia and continue to this day.
primary efforts into three major areas, alumni engagement, philanthropic efforts and enrollment and student life. Each member of our NAC is participating in one of these initiatives that will come to full fruition as we approach the new academic year. This re-organization of the NAC coincidentally corresponds to another change at D&E and that being the arrival of Dr. Buck Smith as its new President beginning this July.
When we first headed off to college, our initial thoughts were probably on surviving the first semester, getting prepared for a first job and hoping for at least a little bit of fun on the way to a degree. Little did I expect that D&E would do its job by providing the opportunity for a degree, but it would also provide an outstanding group of individuals who would become so important in my years as an alumnus.
A new President and a growing role for your National Alumni Association do not change some constants for D&E that made our experience so successful or for both current and prospective students. The strength of the College has and will continue to depend upon how alumni add value back to the experiences of our students. Some of us do it by volunteering to help with admission efforts, some provide internships for students, others help make needed contacts with leaders in our communities, others give of their resources, others share the name of the College with friends and neighbors, some join FOSS or sing in the Tedford alumni choir or honor the service of Drs. Payne or Ross. Regardless, the question is how does each of us support the College that has and will continue to be an important part of our lives? Your NAC is as committed to the future of our College as we know you are.
As alums of D&E we all have our individual memories and we also have both individual and collective ways of continuing our involvement with the life of the College. The National Alumni Council (NAC) is but one way that the many voices of alumni are focused upon the future of the College. The NAC consists of thirty-three alums, just like you, who spend more than a bit of their “free” time undertaking serious and some fun initiatives to ensure that D&E is even better positioned to face its future years. Over the past year, the NAC has undertaken a critical review of its role representing alumni and the needs of the College. The College’s Strategic Plan was instrumental in shaping how we can and should be supportive. The NAC has organized its
See you in October for Homecoming! Don’t be late…the last person to register has to sing the alma mater “a capella” at the opening reception!
Sig Eps Gathering for Homecoming During this year's Homecoming, October 17 - 19, Sigma Phi Epsilon will hold two special events. On Friday, there will be a scholarship reception in Halliehurst to announce annual awards: the Balanced Man Scholarship, which goes to five incoming male freshmen each year; the Ralph Young Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 award to a Sig Ep with a strong GPA, community involvement and faculty recommendations; and the Alumni
Association Dues Reimbursement Scholarship, which goes to a Sig Ep who achieves a 3.2 GPA. On Saturday morning, the Alumni Association Annual Meeting will be held at the Sig Ep Lodge. That afternoon, the fraternity will host a 1950s-'60s predinner nostalgia party at the lodge to honor its alumni from that era. Joel Turley, current president, says "Every brother is encouraged to come and be a part of the tradition that is West Virginia Delta!"
Calling all Gamma Delta Alumni of Alpha Sigma Phi A committee has been formed to evaluate the interest and support of bring back Alpha Sigma Phi to Campus. There will be gathering during Homecoming/Family weekend, October 17-19. Please come out for your brotherhood and help join together and bring alpha Sigma Phi back to Davis & Elkins College! For more information contact Fred “Ted” Shepler at DERFSON@msn.com
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alumni notes
Alumni Notes
Compiled and edited by Wendy Cunningham Morgan and Rachel Montgomery, Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving
1950
A Note about Notes …
Julius A. Hirsch, Morgantown, PA,
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 Web site. If you have a note, please complete and return the form below, or e-mail your note to alum@davisandelkins.edu and we can also add you to our email newsletter list.
enjoyed a month long trip to Flagstaff, AZ, and Telluride, CO, visiting with family and friends this past fall.
1952
Sending photos? Just mail your prints or disk, or e-mail your photos to our alumni office. Send all materials to: Davis & Elkins College Alumni Office, 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241 or alum@davisandelkins.edu.
Dorothy Steele Stacy, Clewiston, FL, visited campus in September 2007 and noted the many changes and growth of the campus, and how beautiful D&E is.
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1953
Please publish this Alumni Note in the Davis & Elkins College Forward magazine in print and online.
Edward T. Peck, Jr., Columbia, SC, is proud of his children. His son, Daniel, is a Clemson University graduate (Clemson, SC), and his daughter, Valerie, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Long Island University (Long Island, NY). She is now an attorney in Manhattan, NY.
Name: ______________________________________________________ Maiden name, if married: _______________________________________ Class Year: ___________________________________________________ Here is my news: ______________________________________________
1954
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Arthur S. Hirshey is enjoying life in Merrick, NY! He has a wonderful family and his granddaughters complete the package.
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1955
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John P. Petrali, Jr., Churchville, MD, is
__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Photo enclosed ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Please update my records: Current Name & Address: ______________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ e-mail: ______________________________________________________
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a scientist at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense. He was recently appointed chairman of the National Certification Board of Electron Microscopy Technologists. This distinction recognizes John’s many contributions to the field of electron microscopy. In addition, he has been reappointed visiting professor in the Department of Dermatology and Dermatopathology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD). John has designed and conducted primary research to detect the mechanisms of chemical threat agents and to identify those that may be predictive or diagnostic of a given pathogenesis. His work has led to a
Telephone: __________________________________________________
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alumni notes winters in South Texas, which has provided her with a very rewarding semiretirement as she serves the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Fellowship of Hidalgo County, TX, and All Souls All Church of Brownsville, TX.
Mariwyn McClain Smith and her husband George Smith, ’61, Parsons,
Several Alpha Sigma Phi brothers gathered during Homecoming 2007, including standing, (left to right): Lawrence “Larry” Hunt, ’67; Rev. John “Digger” Simpson, ’67; Robert "Bob" Baird, ’67; Harold “Bud” Weigle, ’67; Rev. William “Bill” Kokie, ’67; James “Jim” Keller, ’67; Front Row, Donald “Flamer” McMahon, ’73; and Charles “Charlie” Straw, ’70. They hope to see more Alpha Sigs at Homecoming 2008 on October 17-19.
number of breakthrough discoveries, including the effects of nerve agents on the blood-brain barrier as being convulsive-dependent and the sequential pathogenesis of sulfur mustard-induced blister formations in exposed skin. His discoveries have led to the development of specific immunodiagnostic tests and to new treatment regimens following exposure. John is the author of more than 120 peer-reviewed scholarly articles, eight book chapters and 31 technical reports.
1956 Fred Miller, Verona, NJ, was recently elected Lay Leader and Chairman of the Finance Committee of Verona United Methodist Church. Fred visited D&E during Forest Festival 2007 and saw the new gym (The McDonnell Center for Health, Physical Education, and Athletics.) He reports, “It looks great!”
W. Quintus and Marie Webster Wade, ’58, Evington, VA, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 16, 2007. They were married in Richmond Hill, NY, on June 15, 1957.
1958 Harold L. “Hal” Arner is looking forward to traveling from his home in Albuquerque, NM, to Davis & Elkins College for his 50th reunion the weekend of October 17-19, 2008. He hopes to see all his classmates there.
1959
WV, are proud to say they are greatgrandparents. Their oldest granddaughter, Sarah Smith Roberts, and her husband, Ryan W. Roberts, had a son, Isaac Wade Roberts, on July 11, 2006. Sarah graduated from Tucker County High School (Hambleton, WV) and is currently a sophomore at D&E, majoring in math, and Ryan is in Iraq for the second time.
1960 Richard L. Huggins, Lakeland, FL, is celebrating active retirement as the Stated Supply Pastor for the McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church in Bartow, FL, and as Parish Associate for Adult Ministries and Director of HIS Company Drama at First Presbyterian in Lakeland. Richard and his wife, Barbara, enjoy traveling to see their combined 11 grandchildren and families. In October they will lead six couples on a trip to Prague (Czech Republic) and Budapest (Hungary). Last year, a visit to San Diego, CA, reunited them with Sig Ep friends, Phil Inglee, ’59, Don Santamaria, ’62, and George Morgan, ’61.
Ruth Herbert Gnagey, Noramal, IL, is combining ministry with spending the
1957 Gerald Goldstone, Carmel, IN, enjoyed seeing old friends during his return to D&E for his 50th reunion in October 2007.
Donald A. Luloff has relocated to Nevada! He wants to hear from all his friends and classmates so please write to Don at his new address, 1970 North Leslie St., Apt. 1813, Pahrump, NV 89060, or call him at (928) 706-8236.
George Morgan, ’61, made sure to photograph the groups of friends that came to visit him in the San Diego area last year. These D&E friends include, left to right: Barbara Huggins; Richard “Dick” Huggins, ’60; Phil Inglee, ’59; Marilyn Inglee; Don Santamaria, ’62; and Maria Erhard Santamaria, ’63. Sarah Smith Roberts, 2011, and husband Ryan with their son, Isaac Wade Roberts, who was born on July 11, 2006. Isaac’s great grandparents, Mariwyn McClain Smith, ’59, and George Smith, ’60, couldn’t be prouder of him.
Joan Larkin Huke, Rockville, MD, is working for Craftstar Homes in Maryland, selling new and existing homes.
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alumni notes 1963
45th Reunion at Homecoming October 17-19
Barbara A. Matz Brunermer and her husband, Robert, Spring Church, PA, are proud of their nine grandchildren: Matthew, Marc, Luke, John, Stone, Garret, Kayleigh, Meghan and Olivia. They range in age from 15 years to 9 months. Jim D. Cook, Leesburg, OH, was elected mayor of Leesburg after five years on the village council. He began his four-year term on January 1, 2008. Jim’s wife, Mary Jo, retired in June 2007 after 33 years with Fairfield Local Schools as superintendent secretary. Jim and Mary Jo have two grandchildren, Hannah Bullock, age 9, and Ethan Bullock, age 6.
1964 Alan R. Colussy and his wife, Susan Hillick Colussy, ’67, Atlanta, GA, had a great time during Homecoming 2007.
David A. Kirk, Roanoke, VA, retired after 40 years of ministry in June 2007, and was blessed with the birth of his 7th grandchild, Asher Kirk Claybrook, on October 31, 2007.
1965 Lee Bohme, Ft. Worth, TX, retired March 1 after 27 year of service as an environmental scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency. In July 2007, Lee J. Murray, Jr., Appleton, WI, retired from Alcan Packaging where he was a Senior Research Fellow at the Neenah Technical Center in Neenah, WI. After graduating from D&E, he continued his education at WVU, receiving an M.S.
Steven P. Andreasen, ’70, and his grandson, Colin, enjoyed at day at the Breeders’ Cup Championship horse races last October.
The Class of 1967 had a nice reunion during Homecoming 2007. They gathered on campus and at Bob Baird’s office in downtown Elkins. From (left to right), back row: Don “Flamer” McMahon, ’73; Rev. John “Digger” Simpson, ’67; Jim Keller, ’67; Harold “Bud” Weigle, ’67; Shirley Weigle; Rev. William “Bill” Kokie, ’67; Middle row: Rebecca “Becky” Leo McMahon, ’72; Jayne Ellen Hunt; Christine Smith; Judith “Judy” Eadson, ’67; Robert "Bob" Baird, ’67; Ann Labrecque Baird, ’88; Joanne Loeffler Kokie. In front, Larry Hunt, ’67.
Degree in Organic Chemistry in 1967. Lee is a well respected technical authority in the field of medical packaging. His career included nine years with DuPont Textile Fibers Department in Richmond, VA, and Chattanooga, TN, and nearly 31 years with American Can and succeeding companies (currently Alcan Packaging) in Neenah. He had a long history with TAPPI, the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, serving in several capacities, including twice chairing the Healthcare Packaging Committee and the High Barrier/Active Packaging Committee. He was honored at the group’s 2007 International Conference with the Technical Achievement Award. As an active member of the American Chemical Society, Lee held local section chairman positions in Tennessee and Wisconsin. He has published articles in the area of barrier packaging, and holds 12 patents in the area of ink-jet inks and barrier packaging, with several more active barrier patents pending. His areas of expertise include sorption, permeation and transport, and analytical chemistry and thermal analysis. In retirement, Lee plans to obtain his glider pilot license and purchase a sailplane. He will also continue his interest in politics at all levels, as well as serving his community and church in various capacities. This past winter, Lee and his wife, Barbara “Bobbie” Hogan Murray, ’68, enjoyed a three-week river cruise from Amsterdam (The Netherlands) to Vienna (Austria), and in May went to China. Lee and Bobbie have two children and two grandchildren.
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1966 Rexford A. “Rex” Fliess and his wife, Claire J. Rehill Fliess, ’66, Bayfield, WI, are enjoying life. Rex is retired from full time ministry, but continues to be active on an occasional basis as an Episcopal Priest. Claire is employed full time as a graphic artist for their local daily newspaper. In October 2007, Robert M. McIlvaine, Slippery Rock, PA, wrote the introduction for At the Twelfth Hour: Selected Short Stories of Joseph A. Altsheler and published it through University Press of America.
1967 Lawrence “Larry” Hunt, Springfield, VA, had a wonderful time with friends from his class and fraternity brothers of Alpha Sigma Phi during Homecoming 2007.
1968
40th Reunion at Homecoming October 17-19
Charles H. Potter, II, Silver Spring, MD, was nominated, and elected to receive the honor of the 33rd and last degree of Masonry - Inspector General Honorary.
Arlene K. GlascoeJones, ’81, with one of her Crest Designs. Arlene is the founder of Nation Builder Original Family Crest Designs.
Olympian Cindy Stinger, Colorado Springs, CO, was honored by her coworkers at the United States Olympic Committee by being selected to be part of the Olympic Torch Run. Cindy ran with the Torch on April 9th in San Francisco, CA, the only United States stop for the Summer Olympic Torch.
Karen S. Cowen Long and her husband Edwin Long, ’80, Haymarket, VA, have
1970 Steven P. Andreasen, Watchung, NJ, spent a day at the races with his grandson Colin in October 2007. They enjoyed watching the Breeders Cup Championship. This was a great way to recover from Steven’s third cancer operation two weeks earlier.
David A. Coombs and his wife, Linda A. Schacht Coombs, ’71, are enjoying the retirement home they built in Hot Springs Village, AR. Dave retired in August 2007 from L’Oreal U.S.A. as Human Resources Director - Maybelline. Dave and Linda would like to hear from old friends at lccoombs@sbcglobal.net.
1977 Brad Armentrout and Joy Elaine Tantow of Minneapolis, MN, were married by her father in 1999. They now live in McKinney, TX (about 30 miles north of Dallas.) They have four children, Clara Susanne, 15; Paul Stanley, 14; Jenna Kristin, 4; and John David, born December 31, 2007.
Harriett L. “Laura” Vandevender Kneib, Bremerton, WA, retired in December 2007 after working computer graphics for the U.S. Navy. She was on Command Staff, a fast paced and dynamic environment, at Naval Base Kitsap at Keyport, WA, for the past seven years. Laura writes that most of her skills went towards making a torpedo look “sexy” - not an easy task!
30th Reunion at Homecoming October 17-19
Jo Anne Vaccaro Cerven, Elberon, NJ, enjoyed the field hockey reunion dinner with teammates and Doc Minnick during Alumni Homecoming & Family Weekend, and had a good road trip with Pam Boyd Petroski, ’78, and Kay Kirby Jeter, ’78.
Olympian Cindy Stinger, ’81, carried the Olympic Torch in San Francisco, CA, as part of the upcoming Summer 2008 Olympics.
two daughters, Laura and Sarah. Laura graduated from the College of Charleston (Charleston, SC) in 2007, and Sarah is going to Roanoke College (Salem, VA) in 2008. Ed is the greens superintendent at Stonewall Golf Club, and Karen is a retired college guidance counselor.
1979
1971
1978
alumni notes
Richard H. Cresson, Swarthmore, PA, has been employed as the plant engineer at IPA Systems in Philadelphia, PA, since 2003.
1980 George “Mongo” Brelsford recently earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Brelsford is currently the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. George and Robin Thrall Brelsford, ’82, raise puppies for The Seeing Eye in their spare time and live happy in a log cabin in Elmer, New Jersey.
1981 Arlene K. Glascoe-Jones, Culpeper, VA, created Nation Builders Original Family Crest Design. This project and product line were released during the 2008 Easter season and are sponsored by Jones & Jones Advertising. Arlene designed the first original crest as a model and she displays it in her gardenhouse studio gallery. She uses old photos and family facts as an inspiration to create likenesses in wooden, mixedmedia wall sculptures. The product name, Nation Builders Original Family Crest Designs, was chosen by Arlene to “express thanksgiving, love, honor, recognition and respect for all Americans that sacrificed, contributed and labored to build our nation.” For more information contact Arlene at arleneblsgsus@aol.com.
1984 Thomas E. Beins, Rockville, MD, started his second career at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC. He is living in his second house in Rockville, MD. As Tom reflects back 20 years, D&E was the beginning of his career; it was a great school and the people around him were always nice and friendly.
1985 Shaun Green, New Britain, CT, has led Central Connecticut State University to the NCAA Tournament after the CCSU Blue Devils won the Northeast Conference (NEC) championship. Shaun, a native of Newcastle, England, was a member of the highly-successful D&E teams under Nils Heinke, ’73, from 1981-84, and earned several accolades from the WVIAC and NSCAA for his play as a midfielder. Congratulations to Coach Green and his players!
Just hours old, Carriss Renee Avondo already knows how to put a loving smile on her parents’ faces, Colette & Robert “Flipper” Avondo, ’88.
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alumni notes 1988
20th Reunion at Homecoming October 17-19
1998
10th Reunion at Homecoming October 17-19
Robert “Flipper” Avondo, Cranberry
Jennifer R. “Jenny” Morris, Silver
Township, PA, and his wife, Colette, are thrilled to announce the birth of their first child, a daughter, Carriss Renee. Carriss was born on Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, at 9:27 p.m. in Cranberry Township. She was 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 21 inches long. Flipper admits that she melted his heart at first sight.
Spring, MD, and Kevin Corbett were married on April 1, 2007, in Frederick, MD (no, it wasn’t an April Fool’s joke!). Karyn Morris, ’96, Kim Morris, ’96, Rebecca Morris, ’99, and Lynette Morris, ’00, were bridesmaids. Other D&E friends included Amy Spencer Goddard, ’99, and Michael Brownlee, ’95, who is planning a June 7, 2008, wedding to Jenny’s sister Karyn, and was the couple’s photographer. Jenny and Kevin are wildly content and wonderfully happy living just outside Washington, DC and performing with The Capitol Steps political satire group.
1993
15th Reunion at Homecoming October 17-19
Doug Homer, Falls Church, VA, and his wife, Caroline, welcomed a second baby, and first daughter, Isabel Signe Josefin Homer on February 18, 2008, at 1:40 p.m. She weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and was 19 inches long. Isabel joins big brother Elias. Doug has recently accepted a new position with FieldTurf Tarkett as Director of Soccer – North America, where he will be working on synthetic grass soccer field projects and opportunities throughout the nation. Doug continues to lead the D&E Friends of Senator Soccer. For more on this spring’s tribute to the 1968 and 1970 NAIA Championship teams, go to http://www.dnesocalums.org/
Christian Sidwell, San Francisco, CA, has changed careers. After working 10 years with marketing in technology, Christian is moving to real estate. He is working for the No. 3 real estate firm in San Francisco and Northern California. Christian is an uncle for the second time to Isabella Grace Sidwell and he lives with his partner, Dr. Jon Smith.
Sarah A. Nethery Scott, Culpeper, VA, and her husband, Matthew, celebrated their fifth anniversary in October 2007. This year she will celebrate 10 years of employment in Northern Virginia where she currently works in Human Resources. Sarah would love to hear from old classmates at bluacdmick@yahoo.com.
1999 Phyllis A. Meals, Reading, PA, is working for Dynogy at Ontelaunee Power Plant as the plant engineer, and is working on her professional engineer license. She also finished her fourth year as an assistant field hockey and softball coach. Her field hockey team just won its second conference championship in three years and made its third appearance in the NCAA playoffs.
2000 Nickalus D. “Nic” Allen, Belington, WV, is now working for Hospice Care Corporation in Public Relations as a Marketing Representative, http://www.hospicecarecorp.org.
2003 Perry Cunningham, Waynesburg, PA, and Ryan Flanigan, ’06, are members of the Chillicothe Paints Professional Baseball Team. Perry has been pitching for the last four seasons (2004-2007) and Ryan has been pitching for the last two
Whenever the Morris sisters get together it is a mini D&E reunion, but this time they were together to celebrate sister Jenny’s wedding with the rest of the Morris clan. (Left to right), back row: sister-in-law Nancy Morris, sisters Rebecca Morris, ’99, Lynette Morris, ’00, Karyn Morris, ’96, Kim Morris, ’96; middle row: brother Jason Morris, father Arnold Morris, mother Phyllis Morris, groom Kevin Corbett, bride Jenny Morris Corbett, ’98; brother Jon Morris; front row: nieces Charlotte Morris and Abigayle Morris.
1995 Jerry Digman and wife, Lisa Valentine Digman, ’96, Elkins, WV, were married on September 14, 1996. Lisa is a shift manager for Wendy’s and Jerry is employed with the WV State Road in the office of Technology. They have been blessed with three children, Lauren Ashley (October 19, 1996), Jennifer Emily (May 7, 1999), and Mason Edwin (September 10, 2006).
26 | Davis & Elkins College Forward... Summer ’08
alumni notes seasons (2006-2007). Both played at D&E under former Head Coach Ryan Brisbin and both were named WVIAC Pitcher of the Year — Perry in 2003 and Ryan in 2005. The Paints Baseball team is located in Chillicothe, OH, and is a member of the Frontier League, which is an independent baseball league.
Stephanie Perry Farrell,
Teammates again! After playing one year together as Senators on the D&E baseball team, Perry Cunningham, ’03, and Ryan Flanigan, ’06, now sport the Chillicothe Paints uniform. Sleeping peacefully. This may be the only time Reed and Grayson Farrell (Grayson is in the front) give their Mommy, Stephanie Perry Farrell, ’03, some quiet time for herself.
Harrisonburg, VA, married Ryan Farrell in August 2005. On December 10, 2007, their identical twin boys, Reed Frederick and Grayson Jay, entered the world. Reed weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces and Grayson weighed 5 pounds, 1 ounce. Both boys are doing very well and growing fast.
William V. “Vinnie” LoGreco and wife, Lorin Shellhamer LoGreco, ’03, Phoenixville, PA, had a very exciting October as they became an aunt and uncle. Their niece, Danelia Rose Ryan, was born October 2, 2007, at 2:50 a.m., and weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces. Lorin’s sister, Dana, and her husband, Jim, are doing well and Vinnie and Lorin are looking forward to being the best aunt and uncle they can be!
2006 Aunt Lorin Shellhamer LoGreco, ’03, stops by the hospital to introduce herself to her new niece, Danelia Rose Ryan. Lorin is letting Danelia know that Aunts are like grandparents — they are supposed to spoil you and send you home.
Rachelle M. Sprenkle of Martinsburg, WV, and W. Knight Henderson,’08, of Charlottesville, VA, are engaged to be married. Knight proposed at Graceland Inn and Conference Center at D&E on February 15, 2008. Rachelle graduated from D&E with a B.A. in Art Education. She is employed by Berkeley County Schools as an art teacher in an elementary school. Knight is a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and graduated from D&E with a B.A. in History. A November 8, 2008, wedding is planned in Berkeley Springs, WV.
2008 Allison D. Creech Bennett, Cross Lanes, WV, is working for Girls Scouts of Black Diamond Council in Charleston, WV, as Programming Specialist.
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in memoriam
The individuals listed below include members of the D&E family whose passing we have learned about within the last six months. Although some left us years ago, we wanted to remember them here on behalf of all alumni and friends of Davis & Elkins College.
1928 1930 1933 1935
Ebba L. Erlandson Bosworth, December 23, 2007
1936
Mary Gamble Kump, April 11, 2008 Pauline “Polly” M. O’Kernick, January 6, 2008 Helen P. Schneider Sutton, April 17, 2008
Mary L. Tallman Cline, November 30, 2007 Arthur R. Laney, Jr., 1991 Madge E. Schoonover Andrews, January 21, 2008 Mary Jane Wilt Clark, April 3, 2008
1937 1939 1944 1947 1949
Troy R. Swecker, January 27, 2008
1950
Beryl Stalnaker Brock, February 8, 2008 John K. Mann, February 10, 2008 Lacy A. Mann, November 27, 2007 Hanora N. Nichols Sprague, February 24, 2008 Gordon B. White, March 2, 2008
1951
David E. Warner, Jr., November 28, 2007, Former Chair of the Physical Education Department and Coach of Swimming, Cross-Country, Track and Field. V. Robert Heisey, February 4, 2008, Former Instructor in Music August 1955 - May 1958 Mary J. McCullar Chisolm, December 8, 2007, Former Student John F. Harris, December 20, 2007, Former Student Agnes M. Meffe, February 27, 2008, Former Student
Jean Hunter Lantz, January 12, 2008
Former members of the D&E community:
Mary L. Pingley Ice, December 17, 2007
H. Clifton Carrico, Former Business Law Teacher (’78-’80),
Irene Goode Haught Davidson, February16, 2008 Louis P. DiGiovanni, January 4, 2008 Dorothy J. Smith Schempp, August 19, 2007
Virginia D. Vance Adamson, January 31, 2008 David Dann Brown, January 5, 2008 Paul R. Campbell, March 6, 2008 Sidney W. “Skip” Fay, March 1, 2008 Thomas F. Sheppard, May 27, 2005 Donald H. Slocum, February 29, 2008
1952
Ruth S. Coffman, December 12, 2007 John “Jack” S. Cougan, February 27, 2008 Rosendo “Rod” F. Rodriguez, January 5, 2008
1953
John E. Hester, November 22, 2007 Elizabeth “Libby” Butt Law, April 27, 2008 Arthur “Art” E. Windsor, February 16, 2008
1954 1955
Betty Lu White Sainato, December 16, 2007
1959
James H. “Chief” Harris, February 11, 2008 Mary Francis Hockensmith Hockman, December 19,
John J. Halloran, March 10, 2008 George Kiess Schoonover, January 14, 2008 Robert J. Westbye, November 30, 2007
2007
Howard “Bill” W. Shaffer, February 22, 2008 August “Augy” K. Vilseck, March 14, 2008
1960 1961
Dorothy “Lynn” Cromwell, January 7, 2008
1967 1990 1998 2004
Don A. White, January 10, 2008
Robert B. Harriman, January 17, 2008 Edward H. Simpson, January 28, 2008 James W. Weese, February 21, 2005 Cynthia L. Boxell-Ware, January 22, 2008 Cheryl Fitzgerald Arnold, December 23, 2007
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April 2007
W. Russell Studenmund, Former Economics and Business Faculty (’69-’81), April 2007 Howard D. Bartels, Former Trustee (’81-’91), August 2007
Ralph S. Shepler Trustee, 1966 – 1973 Ralph S. Shepler of Elkins, a former trustee of the College, died at his home on February 20. He was born December 31, 1920, at Harrisville, and, in 1941, was married to the former Mary Frances Keys, who survives. Shepler was a graduate of R.W. High School in Clarksburg and Salem College, and he was a veteran of World War II. The Sheplers moved from Clarksburg to Elkins in 1950 with the C.C. Keys Music Company. In 1952, he brought cable television to Randolph County, among the first cable systems in the nation. Along with business partners, he developed television cable systems along both sides of the Ohio River. They purchased a cable system in Tucker County and then developed cable in Waycross, Georgia. They then developed the largest cable system in Gainesville, Florida. Shepler was always civicminded and served as president of many organizations and as a board member of Davis Trust Co., Davis Memorial Hospital, and the Randolph County Airport Authority and Industrial Development Corporation. He served three terms as Mayor of Elkins. At D&E, he served as a trustee and was an honorary member of Phi Beta Lambda and Beta Alpha Beta business fraternities. He received the Gordon Hermanson Service Award and the Sigma Beta Delta International Business Management and Administration Award, and he was named “Philanthropist of the Year” for his work in restoring Halliehurst.
7th Annual Senator Basketball
Golf Tournament All proceeds to benefit the Davis & Elkins College Men’s Basketball Program
4 Person “Scramble” (Modified Scramble) Where:
The Raven Golf Club at Snowshoe Mountain Resort When: Saturday, July 26th, 2008 Starting Time: 12:00pm - Shot Gun Start Cost: $125.00 per person or $500.00 per team (4-Man teams) (Individual entrants will be assigned to a team) Entry fee will include a “Cook Out” style meal following the tournament Make checks payable to: “Davis & Elkins College Men’s Basketball” and send to: Davis & Elkins College Men’s Basketball Office 100 Campus Drive Elkins, WV 26241
**Please include your handicap with your entry fee*
Registration: Pre-register teams by Friday, July 11th, 2008 Prizes: Ranging from T-Shirts, sweat suits, hats, golf shirts, golf clubs, golf balls, gift certificates, weekend get aways, rounds of golf at several courses including The Raven Golf Club and many more. For more information or to register contact: Amrit Rayfield Head Men’s Basketball Coach Davis & Elkins College 100 Campus Dr Elkins, WV 26241 304-637-1279 raya@davisandelkins.edu
Mark Your Calendar! D&E’s 2008 Homecoming & Family Weekend is October 17 – 19 Come join your friends and your D&E family this fall and don’t miss out on all the fun D&E has in store for you! Check out these highlights: Scenic Train Ride to the High Falls of the Cheat River Academic Department Open Houses College Tours Student Organization Fair American Mountain Theater Show at the Downtown Railyard Class dinners and receptions
100 Campus Drive Elkins, WV 26241 Are you getting an extra copy? If you receive more than one Forward magazine, please cut out the mailing information here and send it to the Davis & Elkins College Office of College Advancement. You will help us clean up our records, and you'll help the environment too!
Family reception
The Homecoming Ball
President’s Welcome Reception – Meet our new President “Buck” Smith and Joni Smith
Alumni Memorial Service
Theatre Production at the Boiler House Theatre
And those are just the highlights! See the full schedule at www.davisandelkins.edu and make your reservations for a beautiful weekend in the West Virginia highlands. Come one, come all to D&E this fall!
Greek Reunions and Scholarship Presentations Softball Reunion Talbot Environmental Science Symposium Volleyball and Soccer games President’s Forum All Alumni Choir Reunion and Concert Homecoming Banquet and Alumni Awards Ceremony
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