Emory & Henry
THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2011
INSIDE: Homecoming 2010 Alumni Honored During Plaza Dedication Doctorate in Physical Therapy Under Development
Morgan Griffith Makes History
Legacy & Vision: Timeless Quality
E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Since 1836
“My hope is that every alumnus who comes here will draw from the Plaza an increased measure of devotion to Emory & Henry and a deeper sense of pride in the traditions of Increase in Excellence,” said Tom McGlothlin (’68) at the Alumni Plaza dedication. McGlothlin’s generosity made possible the construction of the Plaza. He is pictured above with (left to right) President Reichard, Dr. Charlie Sydnor, director of planned and major gifts; John E. Eldridge, chair, Board of Trustees; and Mary K. Briggs, college chaplin. (See story on page 8.)
Emory & Henry
THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE
features
WINTER/SPRING 2011
sections
COVER STORY: Morgan Griffith making history
3 ALUMNI PLAZA: Distinguished alumni honored
2
President’s Message
10
On The Campus
14
Sports Highlights
18
Institutional Advancement
22
Alumni Association
26
With the Alumni
36
In Memoriam
39
Emory Memory
8 HOMECOMING 2010: Oh, what a beautiful day!
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The Alumni Magazine is published quarterly for alumni, parents and friends of Emory & Henry College. Send news, letters or change of address to the following: The Alumni Magazine Emory & Henry College PO Box 950 Emory, Virginia 24327-0950 Phone: 276-944-6126 E-mail: alumni@ehc.edu Website: www@ehc.edu
The Alumni Magazine Dirk Moore, Editor Monica S. Hoel ’85, Alumni Editor Jamie Smyth, Graphic Designer, Writer Contributors Dave Grace, Photographer Brent Treash ’01, Photographer, Writer Rhonda Widener, Writer, Clerical Support
Cover photo of Morgan Griffith by David Grace
Alumni Association Board of Directors Greg Hagee ’86, President Matt Hankins ’94, Immediate Past President Jenny Poston Bishop ’93, Vice-President Anne Gerard Carty ’76, Tenn. Monica Gonzalez, ’98, Tri-Cities (Tenn.) Steve Walker ’72, New River Valley Judie Eller ’70, Shenandoah Valley Allison Mays Wilburn ’95, Washington County Patsy Fitts Reed ’70, Smyth County Margaret Turman Kidd ’98, Richmond Bill Naehle ’82, Northern Virginia Pat Shrader ’93, North Carolina Mike Sullivan ’68, Tidewater/Peninsula Kell Mason ’95, Piedmont
Jon Crutchfield ’91, Roanoke Valley Ruth Wilson Blankenship, Mountain Empire Lee Lane McCloud ’92, West Virginia Chuck Alexander ’89, D.C./Maryland Tyler Brown ’10, 2010s Rep. Scott Sikes ’99, 2000s Rep. Andy Zimmerman ’90, 1990s Rep. Anne Thomas-Abbott ’89, 1980s Rep. David St. Clair ’73, 1970s Rep. Dean Newman ’62, 1960s Rep. Sue Young Payne, ’51, 1950s Rep. Sally Sprinkle Bentley ’54, Gold Club Kelly Espy ’94, Alumni Volunteer Aux. Cyndi Jennings ’91, At-Large Mary-Margaret Justis ’69, At-Large
MESSAGE FROM THE
PRESIDENT
“I feel very deeply that the ideals that were taught and cultivated at Emory and Henry when I was a student there for four years have deeply influenced my life.” George C. Peery, class of 1894, Governor of Virginia 1934-38
Dear Emory & Henry Alumni and Friends, When Emory & Henry College was founded nearly 175 years ago, the surrounding area was rural with many farms and very few communities of 1,000 inhabitants or more. Most of the people lived in the countryside, farming the land, providing for their own needs, and living in cabins. But even at that time, the people of southwestern Virginia understood the positive impact that a college would have on the region. They knew it would contribute to the area’s economic and social development. They believed that the individuals educated at this college would contribute at a high level to the region, the nation and the world. This issue of our alumni magazine illustrates how well Emory & Henry has succeeded in providing the educated leadership hoped for by the people who founded her. Throughout the College’s history, Emory & Henry’s unwavering goal has been “to spark each individual to effective, responsible participation in an increasingly complex world.” The buildings, faculty, staff and students will change, but nothing can alter the positive influence our alumni have had in the world. Visit our Alumni Plaza and read about the four individuals—two graduating in the 19th century and two in the 20th century—whose lives and work in various fields left an enduring mark upon the nation and the world. Consider some of our recent alumni—Congressman Griffith and Assemblywoman Atkins—who learned about the value of public service here at Emory & Henry. The naming of our College in honor of John Emory and Patrick Henry represents its belief in the union of faith and learning and its commitment to civic responsibility and positive social change. President Hillman said in one of his addresses to the faculty in 1925, “At Emory and Henry, we seek to provide a thorough liberal and cultural training which shall include, in addition to a humanizing and cultural content, those practical participations in individual and group responsibilities which develop a satisfying and sufficient motive for a full and creative life in whatsoever worthy channels it may be expressed.” Our alumni truly have full and creative lives that are directed toward worthy causes. This region has changed significantly in the past 175 years. Railroad tracks, roads, buildings, towns and cities have replaced open fields and farms. E&H alumni have contributed to these changes and have participated in the transformation of the lives of the people of this area. Throughout southwestern Virginia and the outer reaches of our nation and the globe, examples of their work and accomplishments abound in homes, schools, churches, courthouses, executive offices and legislative chambers. Let them stand as models for all of us to emulate as we continue our own journey to “increase in excellence.” With Kindest Regards,
Rosalind Reichard, Ph.D. President
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Emory & Henry Receives Impressive New Rankings In its first-ever college rankings, Newsweek magazine has ranked Emory & Henry fourth among all colleges and universities in the nation in providing service learning and community service. Emory & Henry was one of 125 institutions—out of more than 3,500 nationwide—included in the ranking by Newsweek, which rated colleges and universities in 12 categories. The top 25 in each category are published in the Fall 2010 Kaplan/Newsweek College guide: Finding the Right College for You. Emory & Henry ranked fourth in the category for the “Most Service-Minded” colleges and universities. Topping the ranking was Rhodes College followed by Wofford and Bryn Mawr colleges. Newsweek praised Emory & Henry for its high rate (80 percent in 2009) of community service among its students and for its Appalachian Center for Community Service, which focuses on economic development of at-risk populations in the local community.
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Emory & Henry College ranks among the top 30 liberal arts colleges and universities in the nation, according to a ranking of colleges and universities published by the Washington Monthly. The magazine ranks Emory & Henry at No. 21 on its annual list. Its high ranking was the result, in part, of the College’s recent recognitions for its historic commitment to community service. In the article accompanying the rankings, Washington Monthly editors mention Emory & Henry’s dramatic rise, noting a national award the College received in March for service learning.
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Earlier this month, the College registered its third consecutive year of improvement in rankings published by U.S. News and World Report. The College ranked No. 144 on the list of national liberal arts colleges and was the only college in the Tri-Cities region to be ranked in the first tier of the prestigious national ranking (other Tri-Cities schools were ranked according to region). u
E&H Professors Ranked Among Best in Nation
It almost goes without saying anymore: Emory & Henry has some of the best professors in the country. But it never hurts to hear these words repeated, especially when they are reinforced by a respected education think tank, The Center for College Affordability and Productivity.
Recently CBS MoneyWatch contributor and education writer Lynn O’Shaughnessy reported that Emory & Henry was ranked among the top 25 colleges in the nation for having the best professors. Emory & Henry was ranked 21st. The Center for College Affordability and Productivity “crunched the figures from RateMyProfessors, which maintains the Internet’s largest collection of college professor ratings,” O’Shaughnessy wrote. “The site contains more than 11 million ratings on over one million professors. The center examined the teacher evaluations as part of its process of producing the annual college rankings for Forbes magazine,” according to the blog post. O’Shaughnessy is author of the book The College Solution: A Guide for Everyone Looking for the Right School at the Right Price. u
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Morgan Making History
F
Photos by Mary Stafford
ormer congressman Rick Boucher had served 28 years as Virginia’s Ninth District representative in Washington. The Democrat with a long list of legislative achievements had a habit of routing his opposition every two years to win re-election, and, when his party gained control of the House of
Representatives four years ago, he had become one of the most powerful politicians in Congress.
Unseating him would be the political equivalent of an American gold medal in table tennis, in other words,
something possible but, given the historical dominance of the opposition, very unlikely.
So, it wouldn’t be surprising that approximately one month after defeating Boucher in the Nov. 2 mid-term
congressional elections, Morgan Griffith of the E&H Class of 1980 was still trying to appreciate the significance of what he had accomplished. “It still hasn’t sunk in yet,” he said then.
His Republican colleagues in Washington, however, were well aware early on of the importance of Griffith’s election.
When the freshman Congressman was introduced to his party colleagues during an orientation event in Washington, those
fellow Republicans greeted him with a standing ovation.
Griffith’s election was part of a Republican hurricane that blew through almost every state of the union, dramatically
shifting the balance of power in the House of Representatives. But the force of this national storm does not explain entirely the Salem attorney’s success in November. Observers say Griffith’s campaign organization as well as his consistent focus on important Ninth District issues—including agricultural, small business and controversial cap-and-trade legislation—played a
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
key role in his victory. Those close to him also credit
Congressional Caucus opposing the implementation of
Griffith’s personal political abilities and his genuine passion
cap-and-trade legislation.
for the people of the Ninth District.
to his goals of reducing government spending, taxes and
After running on the pledge to reduce government
He brings both short- and long-term approaches
spending and regulation, Griffith turns his attention to the
regulation. In the short term, he hopes to contribute to
challenges in the Ninth District and the nation. His election
efforts to reduce spending across the board while
may well be seen as historic, not only because of the
exploring initiatives to reinvigorate business
strength of his opponent, but also for the call he is
development, particularly as it relates to job creation.
answering at a time of national economic distress.
Those include reigning in regulations that, he says, “are
killing small business and the family farm.”
Meanwhile, his achievements have brought his
alma mater into the spotlight and added significantly to its history. Joining an impressive list of distinguished alumni, Griffith has generated excitement among members of his E&H community, many of whom have reflected on the promise he revealed as a student and his continued association with the college since his election.
Among his most ardent supporters are E&H
alumni, some of them close friends, who speak of the Congressman’s tenacity and political skill. Michelle Jenkins (’92) served as the Ninth District Republican Chairman and was responsible for coordinating the local GOP units in conjunction with the campaigns of Ninth District Republicans. She now serves as director of Griffith’s Ninth District office in Abingdon. “Morgan has one of the best work ethics that I’ve ever seen. During the campaign, he was tireless, visiting three or four counties a day,” she
recalled.
while the Republican-led House of Representatives works
Even before he officially took office on Jan. 5,
Over the long run, he is encouraging patience
on larger rollbacks in federal spending. “I don’t think you
Griffith began positioning himself to work on the goals he
can come in and start eliminating entire divisions of the
has set for himself. He achieved positions on the Energy &
federal government,” he said. “You have to reduce
Commerce Committee and two of its important
spending in a thoughtful way, and that takes time.”
subcommittees: Energy and Power and Oversight. While
he was still “Congressman-elect” he had his name
skills he honed while serving since 1994 in the Virginia
included on a letter sent out by the Republican
House of Delegates and since 2000 as the House
He will be applying to his work in Washington
Majority Leader, the first Republican in Virginia history to hold that position.
While serving in Richmond he wrote and
passed landmark legislation regulating violent crime and led a fight to crack down on sexual offenders who prey on children. Seeking to hold down rates for consumers,
he established Virginia’s cable television competition laws. As a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, Griffith was respected as a strong parliamentarian whose understanding of the law-making process benefited the legislation he supported as well the reputation of the House of Delegates.
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
campaign swings through the Emory area and one visit since the election.
The close friendship has persisted in spite of their
political differences. While Griffith is one of the state’s leading Republicans, Rasor has been an active Democrat in local politics. “Morgan knows where I stand on most political issues,” Rasor said. “But those differences do not diminish my love for or pride in him.”
Griffith has continued other close relationships
with E&H people, including Dr. Ray Hancock, emeritus professor of mathematics and a former advisor to the College Republicans. In addition to ongoing friendships with alumni and professors, he serves as an ambassador for the institution as a member of the Board of Visitors.
His political tendencies began showing early in
As he praises his alma mater, he credits it for
much of his success as an attorney and as a legislator. “I
his life. As a student at Salem’s Andrew Lewis High
am very proud to be an Emory & Henry graduate. The
School, now Andrew Lewis Middle School, he led a
background it gave me has always served me well, and I
successful effort to defeat an attempt to change the
will always be appreciative of it. That would be true had I
name of the school. Lewis was a brigadier general during
not won this election.”
the American Revolutionary War charged with the
defense of Virginia.
politics. He kept a red, white and blue elephant figure in his
residence hall room and was involved through College
He continued his education at Emory & Henry,
Griffith came to Emory & Henry with a passion for
where he majored in history. As a student he impressed
Republicans in the 1976 presidential election campaign
professors and fellow students with his intense love of
that pitted Gerald Ford against Jimmy Carter.
the constitution and constitutional procedure as well as
British constitutional history. He was awarded a
in history, provided him deeper insight into the behavior of
prestigious scholarship that allowed him to study one
government and its leaders. Emory & Henry, Griffith said,
semester in England.
“made me a much better thinker.”
Outside the classroom he was active in the
College Republicans and the Pre-Law Society, which
His college education, particularly his education
To illustrate the influence of his alma mater, he
speaks of John Wilkes, whom Griffith studied during an
helped him prepare for law school at Washington and Lee University. He also led efforts to establish Emory & Henry’s first swimming program.
Over the years, Griffith developed a strong
relationship with Dr. Gene Rasor, a retired professor of history who still lives in the community. Rasor speaks with great enthusiasm about his former student. “This is great. This man is now a U.S. Congressman. It’s very exciting.”
The relationship between the former professor
and the student he describes as “brilliant” has grown closer over the years. Since Griffith’s graduation from Emory & Henry, the two have spent much time together, including a trip to England to spend a week bird-
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watching. Griffith paid Rasor three visits during E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
E&H history course. Wilkes was an outspoken critic of a
wake-up call for politicians across the board that public
general search warrant imposed by King George III, which
service cannot be business as usual,” O’Quinn said.
gave the Crown expansive authority to search private
property.
graduate to be elected to Congress since Harley Orin
Staggers (’31), who was elected in 1948 as a
as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates against
representative from West Virginia. Staggers, whose
attempts to liberalize search warrant laws. Eventually, the
image and biography appear on the wall of the newly
proposal died on the floor of the House. “It all went back to
constructed E&H Alumni Plaza, was elected 16 times to
a class I had at Emory & Henry,” Griffith said. “I find that
Congress, retiring in 1981.
happens quite often.”
difference for the people of the Ninth District. “It has
His political ascendancy has been watched
Griffith is driven by a desire to make a
closely by fellow members of the E&H community, in part
been a calling,” he said, admitting that the pressures of
because of the impact it has on the College’s reputation
public service are often immense. “It does take a
and history. “Morgan’s election was a big moment for
different personality type to do this.”
Emory & Henry,” said E&H President Rosalind Reichard.
“We are very happy for him and proud of what his
to remain focused on the needs of constituents as well
accomplishment means to the history of this institution.”
as the needs of a nation. “The country has to change
Using Wilkes’ fight as a reference, Griffith fought
With his election, Griffith becomes the first E&H
His election was an inspiration to Israel O’Quinn, a
Among the challenges he will face is the ability
directions, and that is going to be a challenge for
2002 E&H graduate, who once served as director of the
everyone.”
Virginia Republican Party’s Victory 2006 Campaign and as
political director of the state Republican Party. He now
Griffith throughout his political life. Perhaps the clearest
works as director of governmental and community
evidence of that was provided Nov. 2, when this student
relations for Food City. “Morgan’s election helped me to
of history defeated a popular, long-serving member of
see that no politician is truly invincible, and it was a good
Congress and made some history of his own. u
But rising to challenges has been a habit for
More about Morgan Education: 1980 E&H graduate with a degree in history; 1983 graduate of Washington & Lee University School of Law. Family: Spouse, Hilary Davis Griffith; three children. Political background: Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1994; Named House Majority Leader in 2000. Memberships: Board of Visitors, Emory & Henry; Board of Trustees, JamestownYorktown Foundation; past member of the Board of Directors, Easter Seals Virginia.
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
P
laza honors accomplished alumni
Emory & Henry’s new Alumni Plaza reminds the College’s students and alumni of the part they play in
could make possible in their lives,” McGlothlin said. “I
the institution’s exalted past and exceptional destiny.
dreamed of an Alumni Plaza as an open forum, a favored
Approximately 200 people gathered in October for
gathering space in the center of campus.”
the dedication of the newly constructed Plaza to honor
the College’s alumni through the extraordinary examples
and biographies of four distinguished individuals. They
of four graduates who made historic contributions to
include Dr. Robert Humphreys, who developed the method
their country.
for distilling gasoline from oil; Bishop Walter Lambuth, a
world leader in ecumenical causes; Frank Rowlett, who
“My hope is that every alumnus who comes here will
Located on the walls of the Plaza are the images
draw from the Plaza an increased measure of devotion
helped crack the enemy code during World War II, and
to Emory & Henry and a deeper sense of pride in the
Harley Staggers, an influential congressman whose landmark
traditions of Increase in Excellence represented by these
legislation made it possible for railroads to survive.
four graduates,” said Tom McGlothlin, a member of the
The Plaza sits midway between Wiley Hall and
E&H Class of 1968 whose generosity made possible the
Memorial Chapel, structures that symbolize the College’s
construction of the Plaza.
namesakes, Bishop John Emory and Gov. Patrick Henry.
The Plaza thus symbolizes the ampersand that links the two
“I wanted the Alumni Plaza to enhance the beauty
of the College; to serve as an inspiring magnet for prospective students, as a dignified monument to show young people who might come here what the College
great sacred and secular traditions of Emory & Henry.
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Biographies of the honored alumni can be found in the “Emory Memories” section of this magazine on page 39.
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
T
oni Atkins: Leads and achieves as public servant
Emory & Henry has watched closely the political career of an alumna who has built a reputation for leadership and results as she has worked consistently on behalf of her neediest constituents. Once named by the Democratic Leadership Council in California as a “rising star,” Toni Atkins (’84) has continued to live up to that expectation. In November, she was elected to the California Assembly, representing the 76th Assembly District. She began working toward this goal in 2008 after ending eight years of service with the San Diego City Council (council members have eight-year term limits). For six months during that time, she served as interim mayor of the city after the previous mayor, Republican Dick Murphy, resigned amid a federal investigation of the city’s pension fund. As interim mayor, she earned high praise for her management expertise, her work ethic and her ability to organize disparate factions of the community. She also earned national press attention as the first openly gay leader of a major U.S. city. As an indication of her growing respect in the California Democratic Party, she was named majority whip for the Assembly. In this leadership role, she helps ensure that the Democratic Caucus has the votes necessary to move the party’s platform.
Atkins and the San Diego skyline at night.
As a California legislator she has gone from representing a council constituency of 167,000 people to an assembly district of 450,000 residents. Although she maintains her home in San Diego with spouse Jennifer LeSar, she spends four days out of the week working in Sacramento, the state capital. She is assisted by four legislative staff members and four field workers. Much of her political reputation is built on the successful work she has done on behalf of disadvantaged communities in San Diego. She fought for and achieved affordable housing in San Diego’s challenging housing market. She has worked successfully on behalf of veterans, the elderly and the homeless while remaining focused on fiscal responsibility. “I totally continue to believe and be grateful that my time at Emory & Henry really helped prepare me for the role and path I’ve taken in civic engagement and public service,” Atkins said. “I continue to believe, as I was helped to understand as a student in Dr. (Steve) Fisher’s courses, that working with others on a common goal, I’d be able to make a difference.” u
Much of her political reputation is built on the successful work she has done on behalf of disadvantaged communities in San Diego.
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ON THE
CAMPUS E&H Claims Top State Prize In Recycling, Issues Challenge Emory & Henry is challenging colleges and universities from across the region and Virginia to enhance their recycling and waste minimization efforts and to participate in a recycling contest sponsored this spring by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The College announced the challenge on Sept. 1, the same day that it was honored by the EPA for finishing first among Virginia colleges and universities in the per capita classic category of the 2010 RecycleMania Tournament. Plans also were announced for construction of an outdoor classroom facility in a wooded area of the E&H campus. Emory & Henry recycled 26.52 pounds of waste per person during the contest and finished 33rd among 346 institutions nationwide in the per capita classic. “We look forward to competing again next spring,”
President Reichard said. “And we challenge our friends at neighboring institutions and at colleges and universities across the state to join in a competition that does such a wonderful job at informing young people about the importance of recycling.” Presenting the award on behalf of the EPA was Donna McGowan, recycling program manager and Region 3 RecycleMania coordinator. The College topped the list of 17 Virginia colleges and universities participating in the per capita classic category. “The recycling accomplishments of Emory & Henry College serve as an important model of what colleges can do to make a difference in protecting the environment,” said EPA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. u
Literary Festival Features Anne Shelby The 29th annual Literary Festival, which took place during two days in October, featured award-winning writer Anne Shelby. Born and raised in southeastern Kentucky, Anne Shelby has published in a variety of genres, including six illustrated books for children; a collection of poems titled Appalachian Studies (2006); a volume of essays, Can a Democrat Get into Heaven? Politics, Religion and Other Things You Ain’t Supposed to Talk About (2006); and a book of folktales for younger readers titled The Adventures of Molly Whuppie (2007). Shelby is also a widely produced playwright, a singer and an oral storyteller, having written and performed “The Lone Pilgrim: Songs and Anne Shelby
Stories of Aunt Molly Jackson.” Her play “Passing through the Garden: The Work of Belinda Mason” was a finalist at the Barter Theatre’s Festival of Appalachian Playwrights. She has won the Appalachian Writers Association’s Poetry Competition and West Virginia Public Radio’s Appalachian History Playwriting Competition. The annual festival has honored a living writer with strong ties to the Appalachian region each year since it began in 1982 as a tribute to author Sherwood Anderson (18761941). The proceedings of each festival, along with some new writing by the featured author, are published in an annual issue of the College’s Iron Mountain Review. u
Mass Communications students publish abroad
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When Emory & Henry students Keran Billaud and Alison Azbell landed in Africa as part of a two-week college course this past May, neither one knew they would be leaving with an international headline. The opportunity came about as part of the “Media and Journalistic Practice in Zambia” hosted by an E&H mass Communications professor, Dr. Twange Kasoma, who was born and raised in the southern African nation. According to Dr. Kasoma, “The class was structured in such a way that students had the opportunity to not only engage in the rich Zambian culture through visiting cultural sites, such as museums and game reserves, but also gain valuable hands-on professional experience with the media.” It was during their newspaper internship that Billaud and Azbell were given the opportunity to co-write an article for the Zambia Daily Mail with local journalists. When asked how she felt about her students being published in the Zambia Daily Mail, Dr. Kasoma replied, “Our students have what it takes to meet the demands of both the local and international market.” u E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
College Joins Nation In Celebration Of Veterans In a Veteran’s Day celebration, Dr. Charles Sydnor, the 18th president of the College, spoke to a crowd of approximately 100 students, staff, faculty and community members about what many consider to be the greatest generation—those individuals who lived through the deprivation of the Great Depression and then went on to fight in World War II. The ceremony was held at the newly constructed E&H Alumni Plaza. The plaza pays tribute to distinguished alumni who have made a difference in the world. Two of four individuals honored on its wall, Harley Staggers and Frank Rowlett, played important roles during World War II. Also in attendance at the event was current student Will Schulhof. The
Students gather at the Alumni Plaza for the Veteran’s Day ceremony.
sophomore from Berryville, Va., served in the Marine Corp Infantry for two deployments to Iraq in 2005 and 2007. The ceremony was his first as a veteran. The Veterans Day program was sponsored by the E&H Student Government and the Powell Resource Center. u
Fundraiser Brings in Big Money, Big Opportunity Late nights are not that uncommon for your average college student, but the results of one particular long night in October are still being paid forward. The Greek Council of Emory & Henry College sponsored an Up ‘til Dawn fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital that, as of February, has raised more than $20,000 toward cancer research and treatment. Up ‘til Dawn is a student-led, student-run, philanthropic program hosted by colleges and universities nationwide to raise funds for St. Jude’s. Teams of five or more participated in the event, sacrificing a night of sleep in honor of the patients and their families who have spent many sleepless nights at the hospital. E&H student chair Libby Hurley directed E&H preparations for the event. She attended numerous training
events, including a three-day conference in Memphis where she was able to meet some of the millions of people who have been touched by St. Jude’s Hospital. “You get to see the emotion and thankfulness that the parents and children feel towards St. Jude’s,” said Hurley. “It brings a personal side to the cause that I wish everyone could see.” Participation on the day of the event wildly exceeded expectations. The expected crowd of slightly more than 100 students quickly doubled as numerous campus groups began forming teams and challenging others to participate. The event included several activities to keep individuals busy over the long night. Sodexo, the E&H food provider, donated pizza and ice cream. When they were not engaging in the activities, students sent electronic messages to friends requesting financial support of St. Jude. More than 5,600 letters were written that evening. Event staff advisor Jimmy Whited says that St. Jude’s guidance and the hard work of the student volunteers helped make the Up ‘til Dawn event a great success and “one of the most organized fundraisers we’ve ever had.” “I’m amazed,” he added. “It shows the commitment that this community has towards service.” St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering research and treatment of children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. u
More than 200 students participated in the overnight fund raiser for St. Jude’ Children’s Research Hospital.
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Damer To Students: Remain Inquisitive As they embarked on a new academic year, Emory & Henry students were encouraged during convocation ceremonies to seek solutions by asking the right questions. Dr. Ed Damer, E&H philosophy professor, revealed that he has spent most of his career asking questions, including questions that sometimes irritated authority. Damer, who has taught at Emory & Henry since 1967, earned some time in the national spotlight at a very young age as a result of the questions he posed. While serving as student body president at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Damer led a campus boycott in response to the firing of a professor on the grounds that he was interpreting incorrectly the Old Testament. National media covered the firing. Although the students lost the battle to reinstate the professor, Damer won praise from his father for having the courage to question authority. And he found through the experience a motivation to pursue a study of philosophy and a lifetime of questioning. “I confess that I am a gadfly,” Damer said, as he shared with students the reasons for asking the right questions and leading an “examined life.” Those reasons include, among others, finding solutions to problems, resolving disputes and respecting the knowledge of those who can answer questions. Approximately 500 students, faculty members and staff members attended the annual convocation ceremony, which included the granting of awards to four E&H professors. Dr. Robert Pour, a math professor, received the E&H Travel Grant in recognition of his long service to the institution; Dr. Eugene Rasor, professor emeritus of history, was honored with the E&H Maiden Award in recognition of exceptional achievements and distinctive contributions to the College; and Drs. Jack Wells, history professor, and Michael Lane, chemistry professor, were awarded the Exemplary Teaching Award, which is given each year by the United Methodist Church in honor of outstanding teaching. v
Mitchell Poetry Nominated For Pushcart Prize Dr. Felicia Mitchell, chair of the English Department at Emory & Henry College, has had two of her poems nominated for the coveted Pushcart Prize. The Pushcart Prize-Best of the Small Presses series has been published every year since 1976 and is considered by many to be the most honored literary project in America. “My Turn Out of the Box” was nominated by Referential Magazine and has also been nominated for “Best of the Net.” “Victim” was nominated by The Medulla Review and anthologized by the review’s 2010 print anthology. “What is interesting about the two poems that were Felicia Mitchell nominated is that they came from very deep inside my psyche,” Mitchell wrote. “Sometimes my poems are simple (though perhaps deep), often about things that happen to me as I go through life, things I observe directly. These poems were based on imaginative ways of thinking about real things and were more inward.” Mitchell is currently on sabbatical to work on a project based on poems related to her relationship to the natural world. v
Goolsby paintings selected for National Magazine
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Charles Goolsby, chair of the Emory & Henry Art Department, recently had three of his paintings reproduced in the nationally distributed and highly selective art magazine New American Paintings. The oil on linen paintings which were chosen for the publication depict scenes from Southwest Virginia: “Hungry Mother Lake: Diving Platform,” “Coeburn” and “Above Ground Pool.” Goolsby’s paintings are a visual response to landscapes that have been reshaped by human intervention. Thematically, the works explore solitude, death, anxiety, transience, speed, isolation, confrontation and collision. The publication works closely with renowned curators to select artists whose work deserves to be seen by a wider audience. v
Charles Goolsby with one of his paintings.
E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Neff Center Participates in Governor’s Summit The Neff Center for Teacher Education at Emory & Henry, in conjunction with the E&H Mathematics Department, participated in the Governor’s Education Summit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Va. The Summit, which was held in October, highlighted key legislation passed last year as part of the Governor’s Opportunity to Learn Initiative. Dr. Douglas Arnold of the Neff Center for Teacher Education and director of the MSP Mathematics Grant presented the work that Emory & Henry is doing with the Regional Mathematics and Quantitative Literacy Professional Development Center. The Regional Mathematics and Quantitative Literacy Professional Center offers professional development to a cohort of 50 classroom teachers from Virginia Superintendents’ Region 7 in two intensive summer institutes and an academic year follow-up program. The Center provides a vehicle for classroom teachers, school administrators, and university professors to create a dialogue that leads to positive behavioral, pedagogical and content knowledge change among teachers and improved SOL mathematics outcomes for students. The Governor’s Education summit began with remarks by Gov. Bob McDonnell and remarks by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The luncheon speaker was Tom Vander Ark, managing partner of Revolution Learning and former Executive Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Over the past 15 years, Emory & Henry College and the Neff Center for Teacher Education have emerged as a major source for staff development experiences and K-12 partnerships to help regional school divisions meet their goals for improving students’ educational outcomes. v
Students Dine With Vice President Biden
Two Emory & Henry students who led in a campus campaign against sexual assault travelled to Washington, D.C., in October to dine with Vice President Joe Biden. Shane Goodpasture and Dava Napier have led E&H faculty, staff and students in past annual observances of the passing of the Red Flag Campaign and Violence Towards Women Act. They were among only 10 individuals from across Virginia who were invited to the 16th anniversary celebration of the passing of the federal law that strengthened the punishment and penalty for domestic offenders. “This is an issue that I want more people to know about because it affects us all in some way at some point,” Goodpasture said. “I really wanted to get involved with Red Flag Campaign because I want to get guys involved to take a stand against sexual assault and domestic violence,” Goodpasture said. “I’d also like people to recognize that both men and women are victims.” u
Puglisi Named Associate Dean For Academic Affairs
Leybold-Taylor Named E&H Registrar
A former president for Virginia Intermont College has been named the associate dean for academic affairs and the coordinator of the Powell Resource Center at Emory & Henry.
A former registrar for Wells College has been named registrar and director of the Centralized Student Assistance Office.
Michael Puglisi, a former history professor at Emory & Henry, has held teaching positions at several other institutions and served as the associate dean at Marian College in Wisconsin and vice president for academic affairs at Virginia Intermont. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from James Madison University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in history from The College of William and Mary. v
Karla Leybold-Taylor holds bachelor of arts degrees in religion and Spanish from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a master of Theological Studies from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Leybold-Taylor was associate registrar at Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, Va., and was most recently the registrar at Wells College in Aurora, New York. v
Morris Selected to Marshall Foundation Board Dr. Thomas Morris, a former president of Emory & Henry, has been selected to join the George C. Marshall Foundation Board of Trustees. Morris served as E&H president from 1992 to 2006. He left the college to serve as secretary of education for the Commonwealth of Virginia. This past April, Morris was selected the sixth president of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. (See story on page 19.) The Marshall Foundation protects, preserves and promotes the legacy of George C. Marshall, former Army chief of staff during World War II, secretary of state, secretary of defense and architect of the Marshall Plan for post-war economic recovery. “Uniquely a professional soldier who received the Nobel Peace Prize,” Morris pointed out, “Marshall’s character and accomplishments serve as a model and inspiration for a new generation of leaders.” He added, “Perhaps what is needed today is a worldwide effort among developed nations to establish a 21st century ‘Marshal Plan’ for the Middle East.” u
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
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Emory & Henry placed eight players on the All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) football team, including Caleb Jennings, a two-time All-American running back, who was selected to the All-ODAC First Team Offense. Jennings, a senior, suffered a significant ankle injury in the sixth game, which resulted in his missing all or part of four contests. Nevertheless, he averaged 127 rushing yards per game and scored 10 touchdowns on the year. A native of Richlands, Va., Jennings finishes his E&H career first in allpurpose yardage with 6,142 yards, breaking the 59-year-old record set by Bob Miller. Jennings finishes first in career punt return yardage, and his 3,705 career rushing yards place him third in the E&H record book. Junior defensive back Daniel Woods was selected for the All-ODAC First Team Defense. Woods, from Bristol, Va., finished the season with four interceptions and one fumble recovery. He was fifth for the Wasps in tackles, finishing with 46 total tackles. His two-interception performance against University of Virginia-Wise earned him ODAC Player of the Week honors. Matt Turchin, a sophomore kicker from Salisbury, N.C., was selected to the All-ODAC Second Team Offense. Turchin led the ODAC in field goal percentage, hitting 10 of 14 for 71 percent. He finishes the season in first place in the E&H record books for field goals in a season. Turchin also connected on 24 of 25 point-after attempts and finishes the season with 54 points, which places him second in scoring for Emory & Henry on the season. Senior offensive lineman Eric Tilson was picked for the All-ODAC Second Team Offense. Tilson and the offensive line helped Wasps running
Eight players named to All-ODAC football team
Caleb Jennings, a two-time All-American running back and All-ODAC First Team Defense, runs for the goal.
backs average 4.7 yards per carry for the season, which placed E&H offense second in the ODAC. Tilson, from Greenville, Tenn., is a co-captain and a Dean’s List student graduated in December. Junior defensive end Daniel Preston, a native of Kingsport, Tenn., made the All-ODAC Second Team Defense. Preston led the E&H defense with 34 solo tackles, 72 total tackles and 4 sacks. He is the current president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Punter TJ Frazier also was selected to the All-ODAC Second Team Defense. The junior from Roanoke, Va., averaged 40.1 yards per punt and his longest of the season was 63 yards. Frazier finished the season second in the ODAC
in yards per punt. Senior safety Rakeem Rutherford and junior quarterback Dustin Beck were both selected to the All-ODAC Honorable Mention team. Rutherford, a co-captain from Morganton, N.C., was fourth for the Wasps with 58 total tackles and led the team in solo tackles with 40. Rutherford, also had one interception on the season. Beck, from Connelly Springs, N.C., completed 62 percent of his passes on the season and averaged 175 passing yards per game. In his first year as a starter, he also averaged 24 yards per game rushing, which placed him second on the team. Beck was first for the Wasps in total offense, accounting for 199 yards per game. u E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Pappy Thompson Selected to 2011 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame New tennis, softball coaches named Josh Parmenter
Eugene “Pappy” Thompson is a legend among the athletic communities of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. Pappy spent 50 years as pioneer of local sports coverage while working for the Bristol Herald Courier, and his groundbreaking work is now being honored by the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Thompson began his sports career on the playing field, starring in football and basketball at Virginia High School in Bristol, Va. He played football and varsity basketball at Emory & Henry in 1925, before transferring to King College to pursue a basketball scholarship. Pappy Thompson was hired by the Bristol Herald Courier in 1929 as a news reporter and later worked as a police reporter before eventually being named sports editor in 1940. Thompson made a name for himself in the region for producing the area’s first comprehensive preseason football preview. He is also credited for chairing the committee that helped bring Little League baseball back to his hometown. Pappy Thompson retired from the Bristol Herald Courier in 1979 and three years later, the paper honored Thompson by naming an annual award after him that is given to a local high school senior with outstanding achievement in athletics, academics and community service. Thompson was a charter member of the Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame, was inducted in to the University of Tennessee Press Box Hall of Fame and was chosen for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1982. Eugene Thompson passed away on April 27, 1988. u
Josh Parmenter has been named head men’s tennis coach at Emory & Henry. As assistant coach for men’s and women’s tennis at Division II West Chester, he helped lead the women’s team to a 13-8 record. Parmenter was an assistant coach for boys and then the head coach for girls at Granite City High School in Granite City, Ill. Parmenter completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Vermont and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Sara Hawkins
A former All-Conference and All-Academic star from Milligan College is interim assistant coach for men’s and women’s tennis teams at Emory & Henry. Sara Hawkins played collegiately at Milligan College. While playing tennis for the Buffaloes, she was selected AllConference Honorable Mention (2005-2006), All-Conference (2007-2008) and Sports Woman of the Year (2008-2009). She received her master of public health degree from the University of Tennessee in December 2010.
Jack Jordan
Jack Jordan, recently appointed softball head coach, coached for six years at Division III Virginia Wesleyan College. He compiled a record of 170-58 and led the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances, three USA South Tournament Championships, and four USA South Regular Season Championships. Jordan also coached at Charleston Southern, a Division I team and worked at various high schools in South Carolina. Jordan completed his bachelor’s degree in physical education at Trinity University and his master’s degree in sport management at the U.S. Sports Academy. u
Student athletes serve families during
At the beginning of the school year, the Emory & Henry Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) made a commitment to help the community. This promise became a holiday wish-come-true for many families in need around the region. Student-athletes and members of the E&H community collected 567 pounds of food for the Feeding America program in Abingdon, Va. The SAAC challenged each student-athlete to donate at least two cans of food. The food items were collected at several boxes placed around the college campus during
holidays
the first few weeks of November. “As members of not only Emory & Henry but also Washington County, we thought this would be a great way to help out during the holiday season while spreading the word about Emory & Henry and the SAAC,” said member Samantha Lucado. In continuing with that promise from the beginning of the year, the SAAC plans to contribute even more to the community. For its next project the group will help construct a Habitat for Humanity home in Glade Spring, Va. u
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Five Inducted into E&H Sports Hall of Fame Emory & Henry College recently inducted five of its alumni athletes into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame. The new inductees include Thomas A. Ely (Class of 1965), Kay Turner Poindexter (Class of 1985), Jared Beck (Class of 1996), Mike Kassnove (Class of 1999) and Oliver W. Jordan III (Class of 2000). In 1992, Ely was involved in helping friends organize the Jesse James Memorial Golf Tournament, which honored another E&H football player and member of the E&H Sports Hall of Fame. Today, the tournament is called the Blue and Gold Golf Tournament, and Ely serves as the sole organizer. The tournament has raised approximately $120,000 for the E&H football program. Turner played basketball for Emory & Henry from 1980 to 1984. She was a two-year starter at the positions of forward and center. In 1983, her team went 13-10 overall and 10-6 in the ODAC. In 1984, the team went 20-6 overall and 16-3 in the ODAC. In 1983, Turner made second team All-ODAC honors, and in 1984 she made first team All-ODAC. In 1984, she was ODAC Player of the Year and was named to the All-State team. When she graduated, Turner held two school records: most rebounds in a game with 20 and the single season record for field goal shooting—with a 56.7 percent success rate. For two seasons Beck played for the E&H baseball team that won 13 games each season. He served as catcher. At the time of his graduation, he was ranked second for all-time NCAA career RBIs per game played (89 in two seasons). He ranked third in all-time NCAA career home runs per game played (23 in two seasons). And he ranked fourth in all-time NCAA career slugging percentage (.861). Beck threw out 15 of 24 base-runners in 1996. He holds several E&H records, including career home runs (23), home runs in a season (13), and hitting percentage (.887). In 1996, he led the ODAC in RBI’s, home runs and hitting percentage. He ranked fourth in
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the ODAC in batting average and second in doubles. Beck was ODAC Player of the Year in 1996 and was Second Team All-American in 1996. He was First team All-ODAC in 1995 and 1996 and was First Team All-State in 1995 and 1996. Kassnove played for three championship Emory & Henry football teams, from 1996 to 1998. He was a two-time First Team All-ODAC player in 1997 and 1998 and a two-time All-State player in 1997 and 1998. In 1997, Kassnove made Second Team All-American honors. And in 1998, the talented defensive end was First Team All-American. In 1997 he held the ODAC record for most quarter back sacks with 16.5 to his credit. Jordan played for the Wasps from 1996 through 1999. During three of those four years, the team won ODAC championship honors. In 1998, the team went 10-0. Jordan was Third Team All-American in 1998 and three times he made First Team All-ODAC honors. Three times he made First Team All-State honors. In 1998, he was named ODAC Player of the Year. He holds the school record for career rushing yards with 4,059 yards. He currently ranks second in ODAC history for career rushing yards. He held the ODAC record for career rushing touch downs with 43 and he currently ranks second in ODAC history. He also ranks second in ODAC history for a career kickoff return average of 26 yards. u
The new Hall of Fame inductees (left to right) are Thomas A. Ely, Kay Turner Poindexter, Oliver W. Jordan III, Jared Beck and Mike Kassnove.
E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
SCOREBOARD Football (5-0) Ferrum Greensboro Virginia-Wise Methodist Randolph-Macon Washington & Lee Hampden-Sydney Catholic Bridgewater Guilford
Volleyball (10-17)
Ferrum: 3-0, 3-0 Greensboro: 0-3 Averett: 0-3 Roanoke: 0-3, 0-3 Guilford: 1-3, 3-2 Sewanee: 3-0 Meredith: 2-3 Sweet Briar: 3-0, 3-0 Randolph-Macon: 0-3 Virginia-Wesleyan: 0-3 Lynchburg: 0-3 Bluefield: 2-3 Eastern Mennonite: 3-1 Randolph: 3-0 Penn St. Behrend: 0-3 Catholic: 2-3 NC Wesleyan: 1-3 Washington & Lee: 0-3, 0-3 Bridgewater: 0-3 Southern Va.: 3-2 Hollins: 3-0 Virginia Intermont: 0-3
E&H 23 28 20 49 22 24 10 31 10 27
Opp. 17 6 10 6 34 45 48 33 24 3
Men’s Soccer (1-13-2) Mountain State Univ. Huntingdon LaGrange Southern Virginia Averett Bridgewater Covenant Eastern Mennonite Guilford Randolph Randolph-Macon Roanoke Virginia-Wesleyan Lynchburg Hampden-Sydney Washington & Lee
Women’s Soccer (3-13-1) Bluefield NC Wesleyan Methodist Sewanee Ferrum Bridgewater Guilford Lynchburg Hollins Eastern Mennonite Roanoke Randolph-Macon Randolph Virginia Wesleyan Washington & Lee Averett Sweet Briar
E&H 1 1 1 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1
Opp. 2 1 2 2 9 1 5 3 1 2 2 3 2 7 3 2
E&H 1 6 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 2
Opp. 2 0 1 5 1 3 1 7 1 2 3 3 0 8 4 5 0
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
INSTITUTIONAL
ADVANCEMENT College Celebrates Opening of New Residence Hall Emory & Henry College celebrated the grand opening of a new $5.5 million residence hall this fall, the latest in a series of construction and renovation projects in recent years that have dramatically expanded and updated facilities at the 174-year-old institution. Elm Hall is part of an overall plan to upgrade housing conditions at the College. It is the first of three living facilities anticipated for construction near the E&H Martin-Brock Student Center. “We envision a residence hall quad that provides attractive, comfortable living conditions and access to services important to the daily life of students, including mail service, recreational opportunities, food services and social activities,” President Reichard said. The new housing facility is the first major residence hall to be built on the main part of the E&H campus since the 1950s. The building provides double-occupancy rooms, each of which has its own bathroom. It continues a trend at Emory & Henry toward high-quality living conditions that are compatible with the College’s reputation for excellence and rigorous academic standards. The Georgian architecture of the new residence hall coordinates with other buildings on campus, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. v
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Agreement Paves Way For Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy to Benefit College and Comunity An agreement signed this fall by Emory & Henry College and Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) paves the way for the development of a degree program in physical therapy that could add as many as 96 graduate students to the College’s enrollment and provide Southwest Virginia with much-needed health care professionals. The agreement establishes an understanding between Emory & Henry College and MSHA on the use of the current education building of the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, Va., for a three-year doctorate of physical therapy program. The Smyth County Hospital will be vacated by MSHA when the hospital relocates in the spring of 2012. The physical therapy program, which would begin in the fall of 2012, is contingent upon fund raising to cover start-up costs, including building renovations and salaries for administrators. The program would enroll as many as 32 students in its first year and as many as 96 after it is fully implemented over the next three years. College and hospital officials estimate that the program could have an $8.74 million economic impact on the region after three years. According to Dr. Chris Qualls, the vice president of academic affairs at Emory & Henry, the program is a natural extension of the College’s strong undergraduate programs in the sciences and athletic training. The program also builds on the College’s mission to address through its educational program fundamental needs of the community. “Emory & Henry is a national leader in community service because we focus our efforts on aggressively tackling many problems in our society, and
access to high-quality health care providers is certainly an important issue in this region,” Qualls said. The principle objective of establishing the new program is to create a sustainable professional program that will train well-qualified students to provide physical therapy to people in the region. In recent years, Mountain States Health Alliance has had to contend with a shortage of physical therapists. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that physical therapy will be one of the fastest growing professions in the next 10 years, projecting a 30 percent growth in the number of physical therapists. u
Dr. Reichard looks on while Lindy White ('92), vice president and CEO of Smyth County Community Hospital, and Dennis Vonderfecht, president and CEO of Mountain States Health Aliance, sign the agreement which paves the way to a new degree program at Emory & Henry.
Former E&H President Tom Morris to Head VFIC Former E&H president Dr. Thomas Morris has been chosen to serve as the sixth president of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC). Dr. Morris continues a distinguished career in higher education having served as Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia (2006-2010), as president of Emory & Henry, (1992-2006) during which time he was vicechair of the VFIC from 2002 to 2004, and as a professor of political science at the University of Richmond. A native of Galax, Va., Morris earned a bachelor’s degree in government at Virginia Military Institute, studied at Princeton University, then completed his master’s and doctoral degrees in government at the University of Virginia. He received fellowships for advanced study including a year each as Liberal Arts Fellow at the Harvard Law School and as fellow of the National Endowment for the Humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. VFIC Chair G. S. “Sandy” Fitz-Hugh Jr. said, “We are very fortunate to have Tom Morris as our new president and look forward to the leadership and strategic guidance he
will provide as we continue the important work and success of the VFIC.” Founded in 1952, the VFIC is a nonprofit fund-raising partnership supporting the programs and students of 15 leading private colleges in the Commonwealth: Bridgewater College, Emory & Henry College, Hampden-Sydney College, Hollins University, Lynchburg College, Mary Baldwin College, Marymount University, Randolph College (founded as Randolph-Macon Woman’s College), Randolph-Macon College, Roanoke College, Shenandoah University, Sweet Briar College, University of Richmond, Virginia Wesleyan College and Washington & Lee University. Emory & Henry has cumulatively received more than $7 million from the VFIC. Dr. Morris succeeds Edward G. “Ned” Moore, who has been tapped to serve as the executive director of the Foundation for Independent Higher Education and vice president of the Council of Independent Colleges in Washington, D.C. u
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE www.ehc.edu/giving Emory & Henry is making progress toward its goals of $650,000 for the annual fund and 34 percent alumni participation. However, without your generous support, we won’t be able to achieve these goals. June 30 is right around the corner, and we need your help today.
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Homecoming
Homecoming 2010 was picture perfect. Just look at these photos! It began with a beautiful sunrise for tailgaters, many of whom arrived as early as allowed to start setting up and greeting friends. The Wasper 5-K run celebrated its fifth anniversary and had more runners than ever before—nearly 70 in all. And speaking of anniversaries, Kappa Phi Alpha sorority hit the 80-year mark in 2010 and nearly 150 joined in the “circle and song” in front of Weaver Hall—quite a sight. The Class of ’60 celebrated its 50th anniversary reunion but showed up looking like it might have been their 10th! We came to Homecoming with children, grandchildren, picnics and corn hole, and we came with love in our hearts for this amazing place. There were reunions of friends who see each other every year, and a few reunions for folks who’ve been lost to us for many years. In every case, the hugs were sincere and so was the joy of being back on this campus with our Emory family. u
E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
2010
E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
more
Homecoming
Reunions 2010 ’40
’45
’50
’55
• Class of 1940: Clarence Hortenstine (deceased, 1-11-11) • Class of 1945: Tom Kitchens • Class of 1950: (Row 1) Helen Nave Monroe Grills, Mary Lou James Sewell, and Raymond McFarlane. (Row 2) Charles Sult, Bob Coulthard and John Hale.
’60
• Class of 1955: (Row 1) Faye Keaton Hanks, Doris Jean Cochran Holt, Harriet Farrier Hypes, Margaret Atkins Phillips, Nickie Gillenwater ayer, and Ann Roberts Minton. (Row 2) Bob Blevins, Don Lenhart, John Young, Bruce Bentley, Larry McReynolds, Sam Crockett and Doug mbrister. • Class of 1960: (Row 1) Carol Osborne Golden, Alm Dutton LeNoir, Othella Gardner Johnson , Dun Monroe, Vivian Hudson annon, Jan Ward Carter, Marilyn Frye Hardin, Mildred Moore Kline. (Row 2) Dan Cross, Jan Pope Emmerson, Anne Shanks Miller, Phyllis urray Moore, Donald DeBusk, Ann Disney Lambert, Frank Settle, Robert McConnell, John Cock and Bill Dowdy.
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Alumni Board ‘sweating it’ for the right reasons Perspiring is not usually part of the agenda for E&H Alumni Board meetings—but the board’s August meeting kept members sweating for all the right reasons. For starters, they showed up on a Friday, a day before their meeting, to host a reception for the faculty and staff of the college. Faculty and staff members take turns throughout the year hosting socials, but the first social of the year is always the biggest as new members of the Emory community come together with veterans to share a light meal and get to know each other. Board members host this first social as a way to say thank you for all that faculty and staff do for their alma mater. This year, more than 115 people were in attendance. In addition to all the tasty homemade treats, there were fresh grilled items created through the grilling talents of Dean Newman (Class of ’62), who brought beef tenderloin and cooked wings while folks watched—and salivated. And if that effort wasn’t enough, Board members awakened early the next day to participate in the
annual E&H Service Plunge, a service project required for all first-year students as part of their general studies program. One of the main goals for the Alumni Board is to interact with students, and spending a morning with them at a service project during their first week of school seemed like an opportunity too good to miss. Students and alumni worked side-by-side to paint, clean, mulch, weed, canvas neighborhoods, bag groceries and work with kids. Matt Hankins (’94), former Alumni Board president, was pleased with the day’s outcomes. “Spending time with students is an important goal for the Alumni Association, and this was a great opportunity to get to know our future alumni while they’re still first-year students. We were honored to be able to work sideby-side with the students and their faculty leaders on these important service projects.” So by the time Board members actually got to their meeting, they were dirty, covered in paint and more than a little sweaty—and they were loving every minute of it. In fact, those, dirty, paint-covered alumni are already planning to participate next year. u
Find it on the new website: www.ehc.edu/alumni-friends
Need a transcript? Look under SERVICES Want to make a gift? Look under GIVING Alumni events calendar? Look under EVENTS Nominate for an award? Look under ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Buy an E&H print? Look under E&H MERCHANDISE Faculty/Staff directory? Click “directory” near the bottom of the page Update for the magazine? Scroll to the bottom and click on CONTACT US* (*Be sure to choose ALUMNI in the “Subject Area” box)
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Career Networking Speeds Up!
Move over “Speed Dating”— we’re Speed Networking now! In January members of the E&H Alumni Board joined with a handful of current E&H students in a first attempt at “speed networking.” The idea is much like speed dating—but no one goes out for a candle-lit dinner afterwards. A dozen alumni divided into as many stations, and students were sent individually to each station. Once alumni and students were paired up one-on-one, the timer started and each duo had three minutes to chat. Alumni shared a bit about their own career paths, and students talked about dreams and goals. After three minutes, a bell rang and students rotated so they could talk with a different alumnus or alumna. The goal was not really about looking for specific job openings. It was a great chance for students to get experience talking in a interview-style setting, and they got some great advice from alumni regarding handshakes, eye-contact and conversation skills. Students also had an opportunity to see some of the interesting career paths chosen by alumni. Among our alumni participants were an engineer, an attorney, a pastor, a public relations executive, an entrepreneur, a technology wizard, financial officers and scientists.
While most alumni were in the room for the event, one graduate joined in by conference phone from Washington D.C., and another joined in from San Francisco via Skype. Alumni were very impressed with the caliber of individuals they met and thoroughly enjoyed the chance to interact with them. Students expressed a great deal of excitement for the chance to make connections with such an impressive array of alumni. Business cards were shared and numbers were exchanged, and after the event students admitted to Googling represented companies in order to get more information and search for job openings. If you have an interest in being Julian Ramirez talks with E&H Alumni involved next time, Association president, Greg Hagee (‘86) about contact the E&H careers and goals. Greg is manager of utilities Alumni Office: and facilities engineering for Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) in Radford, Va. alumni@ehc.edu. u
Where in the world? Lee Ann Heaton Fuller (‘01) was visiting Taorimino, Sicily, with family in the summer of 2010 but she made certain that her E&H t-shirt was packed for the trip!
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Doug and Penny Faris Kanney (‘68, ‘68) pose with their grandchildren in Rwanda, Africa, in the fall of 2010. Doug and Penny’s daughter and family live in Africa. When the grandparents come for a visit they pack their E&H pride even when they’re off to see a pride of lions at the Akagera Animal Preserve.
Class of 2006! Class of 2010! We need to hear from you! The career services office is researching where our graduates are working or doing graduate studies. Use this link to an online survey to catch us up on your most current news. http://www.surveymonkey. com/s/XBDKT7M E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
English Teacher Gets a New Perspective Suzanne Steele (‘66) is shown here atop a camel in downtown Pulaski, Va. She is the church organist and chairperson of the Worship Ministry Team at First United Methodist Church in Pulaski. For several years, during the Christmas season, the church has sponsored a walk-through live nativity that includes live donkeys and sheep, but this year Suzanne came up with the idea of offering free camel rides to the community in conjunction with the nativity event. She spearheaded a fund raiser and contacted people who brought “two young, gentle camels” to the church. This was a popular draw for church members as well as folks throughout the community who seemed in no way bamboozled by the sight of camels in downtown Pulaski. Despite bitterly cold temperatures they enjoyed a good crowd of visitors, and participants heard scripture readings from church members, enjoyed a young family with a baby serving as the holy family, and sipped on hot cocoa while waiting for a camel ride. Suzanne has recently retired from teaching English in the Pulaski County school system. u
20 Years of Bonner Scholars Celebrated
It has been 20 years since the establishment of the Bonner Scholars Program at Emory & Henry, and during the weekend of January 28-29, the college and alumni celebrated that anniversary. There were graduates on hand from many class years, including alumni from the very first group of Bonner Scholars to serve on the E&H campus. Scott Sikes, Bonner Scholar alumnus and E&H Class of ’99, served as emcee for the luncheon, and speakers included Dr. Tal Stanley (’83), director of the Appalachian Center for Community Service, and Dr. David St. Clair (’73), the first director of the Bonner Scholars Program. Dr. Stephen Fisher was recognized by President Rosalind Reichard for the work and vision that led to the selection of Emory & Henry as a Bonner Scholars college, and Bonner alumnus Mark Lambert (’95) introduced David St. Clair and talked about those first days of the Bonner Scholars Program. Participants in the reunion seemed to enjoy the chance to get together and remember those earliest days. Christi Copeland Stapleton (’95) was in that very first class of Bonners, and the reunion gave her time to reflect. “It was great to see and hear of all the ways lives have been touched over the past 20 years, and it motivated me to look for additional ways to serve in my life no,” Stapleton said. Kathy Litton (’96) said she was thrilled to see the Bonner Program get recognition through this event. “It’s a great way to remember the spirits of Bertram and Corella Bonner because if it hadn't been for their generosity and that scholarship, I wouldn't have gone to E&H," Litton said. "I am eternally indebted to the Bonners for changing my life.” u
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
175th Anniversary Celebration Kick-off Scheduled for August 2011 During the 2011-2012 academic year, the Emory & Henry community will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the college’s founding. The cornerstone for the college was put in place on September 30, 1836. Throughout the 2011-2012 school year, the college will celebrate this momentous anniversary with special speakers and events. The celebration will kick off during the annual academic convocation in August
2011, and events will conclude with commencement in May 2012. Watch for a special mailing listing all the anniversary celebration highlights, and make plans to be back on the Emory & Henry campus to help mark this occasion. u
Which building and when?
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Answer: Byars Hall, 1889
A pictorial history of the college will be published in conjunction with the 175th anniversary. Above is a sample of historical photos in consideration for inclusion in the book.
E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
WITH THE
ALUMNI Class of 1944
Frank Stallard and Mary celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on July 16, 2010. They reside in Wilmington, N.C.
Class of 1950
George Johnstone was honored with the Outstanding Citizenship Award for his long-lasting community contributions given by the Chamber of Commerce. He resides in Wytheville, Va.
Class of 1952
Cecil McFarland was honored by Tennessee Wesleyan College as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for 2010. He has now received honors from all the schools he attended: E&H’s DeFriece Medal, TWC’s Distinguished Alumnus Award and Candler School of Theology’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
Class of 1954
Marilyn Jones Fantino was one of 26 individuals nationwide older than 50 honored for making exemplary contributions to their communities. MetLife Foundation Older Volunteers Enrich America made the awards at a luncheon in Washington, D.C. She has coordinated a Food Bag Program for the past 10 years distributing over 10,000 bags of food since then to lowincome seniors. She resides in Charlottesville, Va.
Class of 1958
Bob Buchanan spent a month conductimg research at the Max Delbruck Center in
Berlin this past summer. He worked with German collaborators on the interface of photosynthesis and cancer. He spent his sabbatical in Germany in 2007-08. Both visits were supported by a Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. He resides in Berkeley, Calif.
Class of 1960
Othella Gardner Johnson was featured in the May 2010 issue of the Forsyth Family magazine. She is the founder of the Creative Learning Center for Very Young Children, a preschool program. She resides in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Class of 1963
Barbara Polk Fay retired as manager of a large horse farm after 25 years. She resides in Bluemont, Va.
Class of 1964
Lynn Stradley has retired as a professor of music from California State University, Sacramento, having served 30 years as a member of the voice faculty and director of the Opera Theatre. Lynn earned graduate degrees from the Florida State University School of Music, gaining experience as an opera singer and stage director. For three years between his master’s and doctoral studies he was on active duty as an officer in the Navy. Throughout his teaching career Lynn performed leading roles in northern California productions of operas and musicals, likewise working as a guest director and conductor. In the summer of 2001 he
made his debut as an actor with the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, and is delighted to continue acting in plays following retirement from academia.
Class of 1965
Rev. Ed Deyton has recorded a new CD of folk rock for the church entitled “Out of Season.” It is available for download or by hard copy from CD Baby. He resides in Andover, Mass.
Class of 1967
Earl Williams was recently honored by the Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas (Texas) for his 2010 CAPS remodel. His wife Nancy Allmond Williams (’67) handles the financial and office side of the company. (See related story on page 30.)
Class of 1969
We were pleased to receive this photo (below) from Bill Pugh who reports the following: For the past ten years retired Smyth County educators have met for breakfast on the second
Tuesday of each month. Of the 21 attendees, 12 are E&H graduates. The declared purpose was to share in fellowship and keep up with current “school news.” However, as the years have passed, more conversation tends to be centered on sports and in the comparing of new medications and treatments for new conditions. Pictured at a recent breakfast are, left to right, John Morgan (’61), Bill Graybeal (’61), Bill Pugh (’69), David Helms (’63), Marvin Winters (’62), Preston Brockman (’66) and (now deceased) Sam Hambrick (’67). Others who also attend are Alvin Crowder (’64), Jerry Jones (’65), Kelly Osborne (’58), Max Rhea (’61) and Ed Worley (’60). t
Class of 1970
Betty Mansell Hall was elected by her staff as Teacher of the Year for 2009-2010. In addition, her principal nominated Betty for “A Day Made Better by Office Max.” As the recipient of this award, she received supplies for the classroom that included a new
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Births 1992
Will Mullins, daughter Penelope Ann, June 30, 2010.
1995
Christi Copeland Stapleton, son Robert Paul, March 28, 2010.
1996
Breanne Harrington Adams, son Marshall Thomas, April 22, 2010. Vanessa Sturgill Fant, son Thomas Creed, April 23, 2010. Michelle Lackey Wynn, son Luke Aaron, Jan. 18, 2010.
1997
Rylie Bane Elliott & Blaine Elliott (’98), daughter Zarah Rebecca Anne, April 12, 2010.
1998
Aaron Fuller, son Daniel McKinnon, Dec. 2, 2009. Cheri Burruss Grantz, daughter Sarah Ruby, April 21, 2010. Bryan Wyke, daughter Pamela Claire, Sept. 1, 2010.
1999
Sarah Elledge Webb & Jay Webb, daughter McKenzie Catherine, Nov. 14, 2010.
2000
Sarah Blair Brown, daughter Callie Ann, Sept. 18, 2010. Eric McClure, daughter Mirabella Rileigh, July 11, 2010. Kristin Bailey Snelson, son Brody Andrew, March 16, 2010. J Welch, son Aidan James, Feb. 12, 2009.
2001
Megan Hash Jordan & Oliver Jordan (’00), daughter Sophia Ella-Rose, June 24, 2010.
2002
Molly Anders Dalton, son Knox O’Neal, May 26, 2010. Karen Pursifull Radford & Jamie Radford, son Forrest Bradley, Oct. 15, 2010.
2003
Ashley Luksik, daughter Ainsley Elise Bjerke, July 28, 2010. Sarah Consentino Rees, sons Dane Landon and Blair Holt, Oct. 24, 2009.
2004
Kristylee Joris Beard, son Brady Roy, Jan. 22, 2010. Ashlee Ramey Phelps, daughter Gracee Lyn, Nov. 14, 2009.
2005
Jodie Ketron Overton & J.D. Overton, son John Gardner, Nov. 16, 2010. Whitney Herron Parker, son Landon Bryce, Aug. 13, 2010.
2006
Cary Reeves Lampkins & Justin Lampkins (’10), son Banx Avery, Nov. 6, 2010.
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chair to replace the old wooden chair she had been using for 19 years. She teaches first grade at Belle Morris Elementary School in Knoxville, Tenn. Merry Johnson Jennings was featured in the May 17, 2010, issue of the Bristol Herald Courier for encouraging her students to show creativity in class. She teaches honors English and dual-credit English, works as the school’s newspaper adviser and compiles the creative writing booklet at Abingdon High School. She resides in Abingdon, Va. Anthony Newberry was invited to attend the White House Summit on Community Colleges. He is the president at Jefferson Community & Technical College in Louisville, Ky.
Class of 1973
Class of 1971
Gary Lester is a financial advisor for Highlands Union Bank. He resides in Abingdon, Va.
Steve Hunt officially retired from the U.S. Department of Education. He still consults for the Department of Education, State and Homeland Security, and private associations in the areas of international higher education, visas and mobility. He was re-elected president of the 56-country European Network of Information Centers (ENIC Network) and works with them as well as with the EU, Council of Europe and UNESCO. He and his wife Edeltraut reside in Candler, N.C.
Class of 1972
Ken Farmer was featured in the Oct. 8, 2010, issue of the Bristol Herald Courier for a benefit appearance for the Bristol Public Library Foundation. He is an antiques appraiser and resides in Radford, Va. Mary Beth Collins Floyd retired after 35 years teaching kindergarten and first and second grades. She also worked with the Tennessee Early Intervention Program, which serves children from birth to three years of age. She and her husband Billy reside in Bristol, Tenn.
David Phillips continues to support the USMC as part of the virtual training collectives. He has been recognized as one of Orlando’s top artists by ARTSHUB. He is a sculptor and painter. He resides in Orlando, Fla.
Class of 1974
Mike Fath has published a book of poetry entitled Reflections of Darkness and Light. The cover artwork was done by his daughter Sierra. It is available through Amazon. He resides in Fairfax, Va. Martin Jones teaches at Virginia Tech for the Pamplin College of Business. He and his wife Karen Tilley Jones (’75) reside in Blacksburg, Va.
Class of 1975
Class of 1977
Army Lt. Col. Joseph “Jack” Blevins was recently awarded the Bronze Star in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while serving as site leader conducting joint regional support activity in Sharana, Afghanistan. Blevins’s tireless efforts were directly responsible for meeting all requirements to improve war fighter survivability and saving the lives of countless coalition and U.S. service members. t
Charles Maynard and Jerry D. Greer have released a book titled Blue Ridge Ancient and Majestic. The website is www. blueridgeancientandmajectic. com. He resides in Jonesborough, Tenn. E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Roger Shirley has been re-elected to the board of directors of Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, a fully protected 160-acre green space just outside of Nashville dedicated to environmental education and research, conservation and protection of natural resources, as well as the appreciation and enjoyment of nature. Roger, his wife Martha Evans Shirley (’79) and daughter Meg, 17, reside in Brentwood, Tenn. Jim Weigand has published a book titled Tires and Testicles: What You Need to Know About Men and Boys. It is available through Barnes and Noble and Amazon, and the website is www.jweigand.com. He has taught history at Amelia County High School for 28 years. He and his wife Sujen reside in Midlothian, Va.
Class of 1978
Bruce Chafin, senior vice president of MAX LeasingUSA, has been recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in administrative operations. He specializes in origination and documentation and oversees operations, handles accounting and manages sales and pricing. He resides in Montgomery, Ala.
nation as part of a survey by Engineering News Record magazine. Companies are ranked according to revenue for architectural services performed in 2009. T&L is ranked with nationally known firms from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Houston, Chicago and Boston. He resides in Tazewell, Va.
Class of 1980
Mike Chitwood has a new volume of poetry available entitled Poor-Mouth Jubilee, published by Tupelo Press. He has authored six previous books of poems and two collections of essays. He also teaches at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Morgan Griffith was elected to Congress and will represent the Ninth Congressional District of Virginia. He resides in Salem, Va. (See cover story). Debbie Robinson, executive director of the Cambridge/ Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau, became president of the state’s premier travel organization. She resides in Cambridge, Ohio. t
Bill Akers, a regional paramedic, EMS agency administrator and educator was honored recently with the 2010 Excellence in Emergency Medical Services Award. He received the award for his contributions to advancing emergency medical services at the local, regional and state levels. He resides in Lebanon, Va. Jeff Comer is the superintendent of Norton City Schools. He resides in Saltville, Va.
Class of 1984
Toni Atkins was elected to the California State Assembly. She resides in San Diego, Calif. (See related story on page 5.)
Class of 1985
Arlene Cox Hurley works for SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., Default-Operations, Reporting & Strategy (DORS) in Richmond, Va. Brent Richardson, L.P.C.C., was recently named chair of the Department of Counseling at Xavier University in Cincinnati. He resides in Fort Mitchell, Ky.
Class of 1986
Ray Gregory is a coach for Georgia Southern University. He resides in Palm Coast, Fla. Tammy Martin is an instructional technologist for Washington County Public Schools. She resides in Emory, Va.
Class of 1979
Mary Henry Bolt has been appointed the Emory & Henry assistant director for transfer and graduate program admissions. Previously, Mary was a public school teacher and served for two years as an E&H admissions counselor and alumni admissions coordinator. Mary is also the admissions contact for the Bonner Scholars Program. C. R. Bowles retired from teaching social studies at Louisa County High School after more than 30 years. He resides in Mineral, Va. Jim Thompson’s architectural firm, Thompson & Litton, Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Planners, has been ranked in the Top 250 Architecture Firms in the
Class of 1983
Class of 1987
Class of 1981
Tammy Quillen Felker is an architect with ZGF Architects in Settle, Wash. Rose Neese Houk was named the Mountain Empire District Coach of the Year after leading Galax to the Region C, Division 1 volleyball playoffs. She resides in Galax, Va.
Gary Ritchie was featured in the June 2, 2010, issue of the Bristol Herald Courier. The Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals named him the 2010 Outstanding Middle School Principal of Virginia. As principal of Virginia Middle School, Gary has tried to foster a positive climate, rewarding students who achieve, taking faculty on summer retreats and building relationships within the system. He has given teachers more say in disciplinary procedures, and cheered those who published a
collection of student works. He resides in Damascus, Va.
Class of 1988
Greg Horn is a teacher at Southwest Virginia Community College. He has just become the editor of The Clinch Mountain Review, a literary annual of Southwest Virginia writers, published by the community college. He resides in Richlands, Va. David Williams has accepted the position of general manager with the Viejas Tribe in San Diego. During his job search he taught two master level courses in leadership at Mid Continent University in Kentucky, submitted an article to the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, and wrote the first ten chapters of a novel. He, Karen, Veronica and Alexandra reside in Alpine, Calif.
Class of 1989
John Bridger was selected as executive director of the Regional Planning Agency. He resides in Chattanooga, Tenn. Gretchen Carlson-Hagee received her master’s degree in special education with an emphasis on high incidents and autism from Radford University in May 2010. She is the transition coordinator for Giles County. Her husband Greg Hagee (’86) is director of operations for Alliant Tech Systems of Radford and is the president of the E&H Alumni Association. They reside in Staffordsville, Va., with their children, Rafe, 13, and Alec, 10.
Class of 1990
Stuart Porterfield is the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast regional director at the RiverFront Investment Group and is responsible for the company’s internal sales and marketing effort. He resides in Richmond, Va.
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Chris Barker is a wholesale account executive in the mortgage lending business for USBank. He resides in Charleston, S.C. t
Trey McCall was featured in the June 30, 2010, issue of the Bristol Herald Courier. The story highlighted former prep standouts from the area and what they are doing now. He is the baseball coach at Emory & Henry and resides in Abingdon, Va. Amy Zirkle Warlitner is an administrative assistant for CowanGates PC. She resides in Cumberland, Va. Major Warner was a member of the winning team in the third annual I-HEY golf tournament, which was sponsored by Emory & Henry at the Glenrochie Golf Course. He resides in Delaplane, Va.
Class of 1992 Leon Hill was a member of the winning team in the third annual I-HEY golf tournament, which was sponsored by Emory & Henry at the Glenrochie Golf Course. He is a long-term care insurance agent for Genworth Financial and resides in Lynchburg, Va.
Duane Burks is vice president in the Retail Development Office for the Bank of Botetourt. He resides in Roanoke, Va.
Class of 1993
Lyndell Duvall is the lead instructor in electrical/ electronics engineering technology at Wilkes Community College. He
Williams
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tournament, which was sponsored by Emory & Henry at the Glenrochie Golf Course. He is a managing partner with 101 Mobility, LLC and resides in Wilmington, N.C. Kelvin Sauls is the executive director for New Ministry in the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church. He resides in Los Angeles, Calif.
Class of 1994
Cindy Reichelt Jackson is the assistant principal at Meadowview Elementary School. She resides in Meadowview, Va. Todd Jones is the head football coach at Pulaski County High School. He and his wife have two daughters, Payton and Kylie. Nicole Burgess Matthews is an instructional technology curriculum specialist for Henry County Public Schools. She is
Ask Earl Williams (’67) about his work and he’ll smile and say, “I’ve got the best job in the world!” The Texas-based Earl Williams and Associates is a company that remodels homes with an eye toward energy efficiency, green initiatives and preparation for the golden years. As a Certified Aging In-Place Specialist (CAPS) and a certified Green Professional, Williams is a believer in strong communities. “When I grew up, we could walk to the market, walk to school. It was truly a neighborhood. And I feel like we’re headed back in that direction, and I couldn’t be happier.” To that end, Williams believes it’s important to maintain existing homes instead of starting over with new construction. He points out that there are many innovations in building and home efficiency that weren’t available even 20 years ago and those innovations can be included in existing homes. He advises people renovating an existing area to make it more sound and more efficient so that it will be a healthy home long into the future. Green remodeling and the notion of aging in place is what excited Williams about the world of remodeling. A long-term employee of Dupont, Williams attended a remodeling trade show and caught the bug. He continues to be excited about what he’s able to do for families and their homes. Earl’s website, www.livegreenlonger.com, includes information about the myths associated with green remodeling as well as examples of work he has done to give more than a pretty face to existing houses. m
brings energy efficiency to golden years
resides in Fleetwood, N.C. David Farmer is writing a column for the Bangor Daily News, in Bangor, Maine, and is working as a media and public affairs consultant. He served as deputy chief of staff for Maine’s governor, John Baldacci, until the governor completed his second term of office this past January. Todd Miller and Amy Elizabeth Porter were married April 17, 2010. He is a pharmacist for Anthem/ Wellpoint and they reside in Richmond, Va. DeWayne Moore was a member of the winning team in the third annual I-HEY golf tournament, which was sponsored by Emory & Henry at the Glenrochie Golf Course. He resides in Waynesboro, Va. Chrissie Anderson Peters was among only 75 writers accepted for the 33rd Annual Appalachian Writers Workshop at the Hindman Settlement School in Hindman, Ky. She resides in Bristol, Tenn. Luke Sampson was a member of the winning team in the third annual I-HEY golf
t
Class of 1991
E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
pursuing her master’s degree education through Virginia Tech. She resides in Martinsville, Va. Frank Woodward has been promoted to assistant vice president for University Advancement at Lincoln
Memorial University. He will oversee day-to-day operations of the division as well as accreditation, technology training for fundraising, estate planning and the division’s business continuity plan. He resides in Harrogate, Tenn.
Christy At 105, living mission of service Miss Jean Christy (’28) was recently heralded by her minister for volunteering to do more for the church. She felt like she wasn’t doing enough, and she asked to be put to work. While telling this story, the minister admonished the rest of the congregation gathered by saying, “I don’t know what excuse the rest of you are using, but it can’t be that you’re too old to work!” All this good-natured ribbing came on Miss Christy’s 105th birthday. And with this milestone, Jean Christy officially becomes the most senior living graduate of Emory & Henry. She finished her studies at Emory & Henry in 1928. In the 1920s a handful of young women attended Emory & Henry, but since there was no housing for women, they lived in the community and came to campus for classes. Jean’s family owned a small printing business in Emory that was operated out of her home, a house which is still located near the front gates to the college. More recent students know the structure as “Yellow House” or “The Manor.” Class of 1995 Jean graduated from Emory & Henry and Katye Fox has had her pursued a career in teaching that brought her to the artwork featured on the cover community of Andrews, N.C., where she lives today. of a book by J.S. Moore. Entitled Rooting Branches, the Many at her 105th birthday party told stories book features a drawing done of the profound influence Miss Christy had had on by Katye. She resides in Riner, them growing up. Nieces and nephews told tales Va. t about her tough love and playful nature. Former students recalled pranks on the teacher as well as life lessons learned. But the sentiment of the day was all the same: People in Andrews love, admire and respect Miss Jean Christy. Over the years her affection for Emory & Henry has not wavered. One woman shared a story about how she announced mistakenly in church one day that Miss Christy had attended a nearby North Carolina college. The woman laughed and added, “Miss Christy corrected me quicker than quick!” In honor of this special occasion, her church is naming a Sunday school class for her; the Jean Christy Class will be filled with young couples. Town dignitaries were on hand for the celebration, as was an enthusiastic local newspaper reporter who smiled broadly and said, “This is a big deal.” And while cards, gifts and even a letter from NBC’s Willard Scott punctuated the party, it was the smiles, hugs and expressions of appreciation that seemed to bring smiles to Jean’s face. Jean continues to live in her home in Andrews and now has a phone ministry for Andrews United Methodist Church, whereby she calls members on their birthdays to wish them well. m
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Max Hardy works at Crossroads Mercedes Benz, Volvo, Porsche, Land Rover, Jaguar of Roanoke in sales. He resides in Roanoke, Va. Christi Copeland Stapleton received her master’s degree in English from Emory & Henry in May 2010. She is a reading specialist for Scott County Schools. She resides in Weber City, Va.
Class of 1996
Michelle Lackey Wynn and Aaron announce the birth of twin boys born prematurely on Jan. 18, 2010, at 24 weeks. Asa Aaron lived to be 16 days old, but Luke Aaron is now thriving at home after spending five months in the NICU. He went home from the hospital four weeks after his due date. They reside in Johns Creek, Ga.
Class of 1997
Dan Drummond is the director of public relations at the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. He resides in Fairfax, Va. Mike Murphy is assistant principal at Watauga High School in Boone, N.C. Michael Pennington was promoted from detective to corporal by the Criminal Investigations Division at the University of Georgia Police Department. He was the recipient of the inaugural Command Staff Award. Greg Vannoy was featured in the June 30, 2010, issue of the Bristol Herald Courier. He is the People Inc. Homeownership Program coordinator. People Inc. bought seven houses in Bristol, Va., to renovate and sell to low median income families. He resides in Meadowview, Va.
Class of 1998
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Diana Dwoyer Blanton was named 2010 Giles County Teacher of the Year, 2011 Virginia Region VII Teacher of the Year, and one of eight finalists for Virginia Teacher of the Year. She teaches biology at Giles High School and resides in Blacksburg, Va.
Amy Latimer Hodge is a project analyst for Emergent BioSolutions. Her husband Joe Hodge is an accountant with Optimal Networks. They have a daughter Emma and son Will and reside in Boonsboro, Md. Barbara Woodward Stamberg was named the 2010 Teacher of the Year at Orchard View Elementary for Frederick County Public Schools in Winchester, Va. She teaches fifth-grade math and science and resides in Hedgesville, W. Va.
Class of 1999
Cheri Caldwell received her master’s degree in management with an emphasis in accounting from Grand Canyon University. She works for the Defense Contract Audit Agency. She and her husband Tony reside in Mesa, Ariz. Nikki Trask Fisher is a fourth-grade teacher in Franklin County. Her husband Corey Fisher (’98) is a computer engineer for Ntelos. They reside in Vinton, Va. David Lambert is the principal at Wallace Middle School. He resides in Abingdon, Va.
Class of 2000
David Altizer works for Digitran Corp. He resides in Bristol, Va. Jonathan Lessman was interviewed by CBS News regarding recent military activity in Afghanistan. The link can be found at www.cbsnews. com/stories/2010/05/07world/ main6468770.shtm. He resides in Yelm, Wash. Christopher Moore is the head football coach at Rural Retreat High School. He resides in Cripple Creek, Va. Ryan Witt, an account executive with the South-West Insurance Agency Inc., has received the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor. The certification required successful completion of a rigorous insurance education program sponsored by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors. He resides in Big Stone Gap, Va.
Dale Yontz is running two businesses, Duke’s Printing, Inc. and Yontz Auctions, LLC. He is a member of the Rural Retreat Town Council. He and Robin have a daughter, Madison Elyse, 5, and a son Dayton Thomas, 3. They reside in Rural Retreat, Va.
Class of 2001
Monica Jacobe defended her doctoral dissertation, “Self Labor: Work as Identity in the Contemporary Southern Novel,” with distinction in April 2010 and received her Ph.D. in 20th-century American literature in May 2010. She joined the writing faculty at Princeton University in Princeton, N.J. Darion Morgan is the corporate controller for US&S, Inc. He and his wife Annah reside in Greenville, S.C. Chad Mullins is the geriatric mental health specialist for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) at AllCARE for Seniors. He will provide assessment, counseling and referral services to the participants. He resides in Cedar Bluff, Va.
Jennifer Stewart has won the 2010 Faulkner-Wisdom Award in the Novel-in-Progress category for her novel Wanton Women. The honor came with a $2,000 cash award. She resides in New Orleans, La. Brent Treash is assistant to the director of public relations at Emory & Henry and completed the Marine Corps Marathon in November 2010, finishing in 3:52:13. He and his wife Katy Dowe Treash (’02) reside in Abingdon, Va.
Class of 2002
Adam Beeken is the director of the Lexington Catholic High School Chamber Choir. They performed a concert at the E&H Memorial Chapel in June 2010. He resides in Lexington, Ky. Tommy Britt recently interviewed Yoko Ono for a major pop culture magazine. He is the only full-time faculty member in the Film and Video Studies Program at George Mason University. He resides in Fairfax, Va. Andy Burks is a high school teacher at Morrison School in Bristol, Va. It is a unique, private, special education
If you haven’t been to the Town Square in Glade Spring, Va., lately you’re missing out on an exciting shopping experience— MADE, owned by
Leslie Peterson (’89) and her family.
Everything in the store is handmade or designed by the
more than 30 regional artists and crafters who stock the store with purses, earrings, ornaments, paintings and even scarves made from alpaca, sheep’s wool or bamboo. This is a family project for Leslie; her sister, Tracey
Peterson Stanley (’90), and mother, Nancy Inazu, are co-owners in the business and they divide responsibilities according to their individual strengths. All three are masterful crafters and add felted soap, handmade buttons, and nature-inspired creations to the inventory. Leslie’s daughter, twelve-year-old Claire, is also integral to the business, bringing in muchneeded marketing ideas that would appeal to a younger set.
Leslie says the idea for the store sprung from their love
of making things, and they knew many others who seemed to need an outlet for their creations. They are also partnering with the Emory & Henry Art Department to feature paintings, photography and pottery from student artists.
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
school devoted to helping students with learning disabilities. Kelley Hall Evans received her master’s in education in curriculum & instruction with an emphasis in reading from the University of Virginia in May 2010. She resides in Warsaw, Va. Michelle Wartman Harper was promoted to director of sales at eCast Corporation, a medical software provider. She resides in Apex, N.C. Kris Sheets is branch supervisor of the Saltville Library. She is also pursuing her master’s degree in library science from University of Tennessee. She resides in Saltville, Va. Stephanie Armbrister Strutner has been named executive director for the Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention of Anderson County. She is an independent evaluation consultant and resides in Knoxville, Tenn.
Class of 2003
Jessica Aiken and Andrew Uelsmann were married March 13, 2010. They reside in Gainesville, Fla. Erica Cain and Matt Thurman were married Oct. 16, 2010. She is an account manager for Randstad Inhouse Services, and he is a teacher and coach at Red Bank Middle School. They reside in Hixson, Tenn. Will Gibbons received a Ph.D. in musicology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2010. He is a lecturer at The University of Iowa School of Music. John Honeycutt is an associate in PennStuart’s Abingdon, Va., office. He is engaged in the practice of civil litigation, including the representation of employers and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation matters. Chad Pennington is assistant vice president/business development officer with the
Peterson has it ‘MADE’
First Bank of Virginia. He services commercial, consumer and real estate lending functions and resides in Abingdon, Va.
Class of 2004
for Chesapeake Bay Helicopters. He resides in Chesapeake, Va. Teresa Martilik and Eric Andrew Snyder were married Oct. 16, 2010. They reside in Woodstock, Va. t
Class of 2005
Sarah Moody and Daniel Allen Varnell were married May 29, 2010. They reside in Knoxville, Tenn. Jay Murphy is a territory manager for RJ Reynolds. He completed his master’s of education in history at Emory & Henry in May 2009. He resides in Portsmouth, N.H. Peter Oakman, Dustin Bays, Chris Miller, Jay Murphy, Thomas Welch, Chase Hicks (’06), Ben Davis (’03), Rals Abrahams (’06), and Adam Stephenson (’06) have been involved with a fantasy football league. Last year Chase was the winner. Megan Wickersham recently ran in the Star City Half Marathon in Roanoke, Va. She resides in Fairfax, Va.
Paul Holland received his Ph.D. in biochemistry at Wake Forest University in December 2009 and is a research fellow at the University of Maryland, College Park. His wife Kim Schneider Holland (’05) teaches ninth-grade English at Washington High School in Charles Town, W. Va. They reside in Frederick, Md. Christie Maloyed completed her Ph.D. in political science at Texas A&M University in August 2010. She is a visiting assistant professor at the University of Texas–Pan American in Edinburg, Texas. Morgan Thompson and Patrick Metke were married Aug. 9, 2008. She is working part-time as a grammar teacher in Kensington, England, and he is attending London Business School. Stacie Woolard received her Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University in March 2010. She began her post-doctoral fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., where she will be conducting research in the Department of Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant-Cellular Therapy Division. Daniel Collins is the Grayson County 4-H agent. A big part of his job is recruitment and leading programs concerning 4-H in the local school system. His programs support required Standards of Learning goals and he works to strengthen student skills in the areas of math and science. He resides in Independence, Va. Nathaniel Kersey received his master’s degree in landscape architecture and a graduate certificate in geographic information science from Kansas State University. He is a Lidar Imagery analyst
Class of 2006
Courtney Bledsoe is the director of marketing and admissions for Life Care Center of Athens, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. She resides in Athens, Tenn. Bethany Hughes and Preston Gordon (’04) were married June 26, 2010. She teaches kindergarten at Goochland Elementary. He teaches geometry at Louisa County High School. They reside in Mineral, Va.
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Thurman PART OF LONG DISTANCE BOOK CLUB
A book club of friends can be great fun, but what do you do when all your friends live miles apart? Rely on technology, of course. Erica Cain Thurman (’03, Chattanooga, Tenn.) and her friends have launched just such a book club. It’s called the Blue and Gold Book Girls and its membership is made up of young alumnae from the 2003-2004 eras: Caryn Wachenfeld (’03, Knoxville, Tenn.), Kari Kitts Rothstein (’04, Centreville, Va.), Brenda Kiekhefer Pottinger (’04, Ft. Wright, Ky.), and Christine Greene McCallum (’04, Raleigh, N.C.). Undeterred by distance, these young women initially planned to hold their meetings via Skype but realized it was placing limits on participation. So they’ve decided, instead, on a monthly conference call. The first book was The Worn Out Woman: When Life is Full and Your Spirit is Empty by Dr. Steve Stephens and Alice Gray. Kari Rothstein led the discussion. The conversations are lively. “We are an outspoken group, so I know there will never be silence on the line!” Future books will be chosen by nomination, but Erica suggested this first selection, having found it in a Charlotte airport bookstore during a layover on her recent honeymoon. “I thought it would be something we would all enjoy,” Thurman said. “The book club actually started because we often suggest books to each other. This is a way to share them with one another.” m
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Class of 2007
Eva Harrison is the creative director for S The Magazine, which will be a direct mail lifestyle magazine for Norfolk and was launched in November 2010. She resides in Pearisburg, Va.
Mary Moreland Knowles is a drama teacher in the Clayton County School System. She and her husband Eric Knowles (’06) reside in Rex, Ga. Scott McConnell is an assistant football coach, defensive back coach, and post-graduate admissions counselor for Hargrave Military Academy Post Grad Football team in Chatham, Va. His wife Jessica Talbert McConnell (’08) is a physical therapy aide at Accelerated Care Physical Therapy in Yanceyville, N.C. They reside in Danville, Va. Kate Morton is a company actor and choreographer with the Atlanta Shakespeare Company. She is also the director of the Youth Players for the Tony Award-Winning Alliance Theatre and producer for the up-and-coming sketch comedy group Give Us Brains. She resides in Atlanta, Ga. Martha Spencer and her fiancé, Jackson Cunningham, toured Australia from December 2010 through
February 2011 as The Whitetop Mountaineers. They performed in a variety of venues and festivals. You can follow their work at www. whitetopmountaineers.com. Emily Tolley and Brandon Boyles were married June 19, 2010. She is a Spanish teacher and volleyball and tennis coach at Galax High School. She is pursuing a master’s degree in educational administration from Liberty University. They reside in Galax, Va.
Class of 2008
Lori Bruce and Kyle Cutshaw (’07) were married Aug. 7, 2010. She is an admissions counselor at Emory & Henry. Kyle is an E&H area coordinator and head of judicial affairs. He received his master’s degree in higher education leadership from the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse in May 2010. t
Sara Montague and Alexander Miller were married in June 2010. She completed her master’s degree in counseling psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2010. They reside in Ocean Springs, Miss. Alicia Phelps is the director of tourism and marketing for the Town of Jonesborough. She resides in Gray, Tenn. Mary Rash is a Spanish teacher in the Martinsville City School System. She resides in Martinsville, Va. Kurt Vollmer completed his master of science degree in agronomy with a specialization in weed science in May 2010. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in weed science at Virginia Tech. He resides in Richlands, Va.
General Franks served his third season as an E&H Wasps assistant coach and his first season as a full-time assistant. He assisted in the coaching of the defensive secondary. Chris Green received a master of public health degree with a concentration in public health analysis and management from East Carolina University in May 2010. He is the Ryan White (Part B) Program Administrator for an 11-county region in North Carolina. The Part B program provides a safety net of medical and social services for people living with HIV. He resides in Greenville, N.C. Nate Griffith and Justin Hoover are just two of a very few who were chosen from many applicants for law internship positions serving in the Virginia Beach commonwealth attorney’s office. Nate is a student at Regent University, and Justin is a student at The College of William & Mary. Meredith Ledford and Matthew Boyd were married Oct. 3, 2009. Both are ER nurse technicians at Erlanger Medical Center. They reside in Chattanooga, Tenn. Katie Reynolds and Josh Myers were married July 24, 2010. She received a master’s degree in speech pathology from the University of South Carolina and will be working in the schools after a ten-week internship. They reside in Lexington, S.C.
E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Class of 2009
Ashley Boardwine and Tom Heath (’08) were married July 24, 2010. They reside in Richmond, Va. Jarell Christian is the men’s basketball assistant coach and head cross country coach at Emory & Henry. Sara Gearheart is the children’s director at First United Methodist Church in Galax, Va. Ashley Hagee is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology at Augusta State University. She resides in Augusta, Ga. Micah Morris is the field and political associate for Planned Parenthood in
Washington, D.C. She resides in Fredericksburg, Va. Chris O’Connor has a marketing position with Sealed Air, a manufacturer of packaging products. He resides in Greenville, S.C. Emma Sturgill is in her second year in a Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt University in biomedical research. She is concentrating her studies on the mechanisms of cell development and has joined Ohy labs in doing her research. She resides in Nashville, Tenn
Class of 2010
Tyler Brown is a junior account executive for Integrated Marketing. He resides in Stanford, Conn.
Leigh Ann Graham and Matthew Lloyd (’09) were married Dec. 12, 2009. They reside in Glade Spring, Va. Becky Jones is selling life and supplemental health insurance with Liberty National of Kingsport. She resides in Damascus, Va. Michael Pennington was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award during the Mountain Empire Chapter meeting of the Institute of Management Accounting in April 2010, for his accomplishments as a future accountant. He is pursuing a master’s of accounting and information systems degree from Virginia Tech. Jake Rea is in his second year as an assistant football
coach and first year as a graduate assistant at Emory & Henry. He helped to coach the defensive line and linebackers. J.C. Simmons was a graduate assistant this season for Emory & Henry football working with the running backs. Samantha Baker and Steven McDavid were married June 12, 2010. She is a math teacher at Sullivan North High School and a coach for the eighthgrade volleyball and softball teams. They reside in Bristol, Tenn. Rachel Preston is an admissions counselor at Emory & Henry. Alex Veatch is an admissions counselor at Emory & Henry. u
Metke reflects on life in London Morgan Thompson Metke (’04) is not in Bluefield anymore. In fact, she has been in London for about a year and half. After an exciting stint in Los Angeles and then spending time as an account manager for Coca-Cola in Charleston, S.C., she married Patrick Metke and they are living in London while he works on his M.B.A. at London Business School.
We caught up with Morgan on Facebook and asked her about life in metropolitan London after growing up in a small Virginia town. Q: Are you living right in the city? What’s that like? A: I do live in the ‘heart’ of the city. It is wonderful. In five minutes I can be in Piccadilly Circus taking in the tourist’s excitement, shopping on Oxford and Regent Street, going to a London play, visiting a museum (all are free and one could spend days in the British Museum) or just discovering parts of the city I was unaware of. We rely on public transportation and are fortunate enough to have a train station next to our flat that can have us in Paris in two hours.
Morgan Metke with husband Patrick in Hong Kong.
Q: Is the food really as unappetizing as the stereotype implies? A: Everyone has heard the rumor, ‘British food is terrible and has no taste.’ Well, the rumor is most definitely true. At least that is this American gal’s opinion. They have an odd affinity towards mayonnaise. They even go as far as to dip their fries, excuse me, I meant to say chips, in it. Among the strangest foods that appear to be British favorites are Black Pudding (congealed blood) and Marmite (a form of yeast). Q: What’s the best thing about this adventure? A: My husband and I have traveled almost all of Europe and the Middle East and have just booked our flights for a twelve-week exchange in Hong Kong, where we hope to travel Southeast Asia. The new friends and people I have met while here—some of whom I consider lifelong friends—come from Israel, India and Australia.
Q: What did you learn at Emory & Henry that has been surprisingly helpful in this move? A: Emory & Henry provided me with the tools I needed to reach this point in my life. Outside the E&H classroom I learned what community truly meant and I have brought that lesson with me. With that lesson I have been able to move outside of my comfort zone and reach out to people with diverse backgrounds, thus enriching my life with friends from all cultures and walks of life. Without the influence of the E&H community in my life, I do not think I would have developed the level of confidence and independence to do this life-changing move. m
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
IN
MEMORIAM
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Anna Faris Mason (’35), Raleigh, N.C., died Nov. 23, 2010. She was a teacher in Virginia and in Wilmington, N.C. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Preston Mason (’41). Among survivors are her children Laura Ellen Mason and Sarah Jean Mason. William O. George Jr. (re-’36), Marion, Va., died June 8, 2010. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a former treasurer of Tazewell County and was associated with Farm Bureau and the Tazewell Oil Company. Among survivors are his wife Joyce George, daughter Martha Burton, stepdaughter Jeri Barnett and step-son James Deel. Lucile Welch Richardson (’38), Pinebluff, N.C., died Feb. 19, 2010. During her medical career she worked at Piedmont Sanatorium of Virginia, Pine Camp Sanatorium in Richmond, Va., and McCain Sanatorium in McCain, N.C. Among survivors is a niece, Judy Richardson Buckland (’71). Betty Armbrister Boye (’42), Bristol, Va., died June 16, 2010. She was a minister’s wife and delivered Meals on Wheels. She was preceded in death by her husband Lee Olin Boye (re-’41). Among survivors are a son, Edward Boye (’67), and daughters Patricia Ann Gillenwater and Linda Sue Shafer. Memorial donations
may be made to the Boye Family Scholarship at Emory & Henry College. Lester V. Harmon (’43), Charlotte, N.C., died May 22, 2010. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He had a lengthy career as a lawyer and business executive, serving as the vice president of claims for State Farm Insurance. After retiring from State Farm, he engaged in the private practice of law and was an adjunct professor at Middle Tennessee State University. Among survivors are his wife Peggy Brugge Harmon and daughters Emily Phillips and Dorothy Alice Hooper. Sam N. Varnell (’43), Maryville, Tenn., died July 9, 2010. He served as pastor to the churches of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church for 51 years. His last appointment was district superintendent of the Oak Ridge District. In 1964 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from E&H. He was preceded in death by a son, Mark Varnell (’76). Among survivors are daughters Nancy Varnell Buttram (’69) and Beth Varnell Puckett (’72). Donations may be made to the Mark Varnell Scholarship Fund at Emory & Henry College. Nile C. Smythers (re-’44), Hillsville, Va., died March 25, 2010. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a
retired teacher and administrator and served as superintendent of Grayson County Schools and as a supervisor with the Virginia Dept. of Education. Among survivors are his wife Faye Phillips Smythers and son Mike Smythers. Geraldine Kendrick Snodgrass (re-’45), Shady Valley, Tenn., died Nov, 4, 2010. Among survivors are her daughters, Jeannie Taylor and Margie Ellen Nelson; nephew Craig Kendrick (’75); nieces Anne Kendrick Coulthard (’64) and Carole Kendrick Minetree (’70); great-niece Rachel Minetree Alhadeff (’98); and sister-inlaw Gretchen Maiden Kendrick (’42). Van Buren Eskridge (re-’48), Garden City, Mich., died June 7, 2010. He served the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and retired from General Motors. Among survivors are his wife Ruby and sons Daniel, Richard and Mark. William C. McCarren Jr. (’49), Hardy, Va., died Feb. 20, 2010. He was a former football coach at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. Surviving is a son, William C. McCarren III. Rosemary Reynolds Neese (re-’49), Meadowview, Va., died Oct. 26, 2010. She retired from the E&H Kelly Library after 20 years of service. Among survivors are her husband Arthur B. Neese; daughter Rose Neese Houk
(’81); grandson Tyler Houk (current E&H student); brother Marvin Reynolds (’44); sister Jane Reynolds Bellamy (’56); nephews Same Neese (’72), Wayne Neese (’71), Marvin Reynolds (re-’77), Nathan Graybeal (re-’82); and nieces Jeannette Reynolds Kendall (’74), Jean Neese Silcox (’76) and Susan Graybeal Copenhaver (’79). Memorial donations may be made to Emory & Henry for athletics. Carl R. Rector (’50), Galax, Va., died July 13, 2010. Among survivors is a step-daughter, Brooke Key. Eleanor Harris Robins (re-’50), Abingdon, Va., died May 13, 2010. She began her nursing career teaching pediatrics at the School of Nursing at Johnston Memorial Hospital. Her later years were spent as a cardiac nurse. Among survivors are daughters Lisa Robins and Linda Harriger. Inez Mendenhall Trent (’50), Houston, Tex., died June 27, 2010. She was a teacher for 35 years. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred A. Trent (re-’49). Among survivors are daughters Janet Morehead and Anna Love. Charles M. Kirby (re-’51), Marion, Va., died May 30, 2010. He was retired from Brunswick Corp. Among survivors are his wife Katherine Medley Kirby and sons Charles Kirby Jr. and Ronnie Kirby. E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
John D. West (’51), Stuart, Va., died Sept. 21, 2010. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. Among survivors are his wife Barbara Service West and sons John Bryant and Douglas Timothy West. C. Ray Wells (re-’53), Moneta, Va., died Jan. 26, 2010. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He retired after 35 years of service with Roanoke County Public Schools. Among survivors are his wife Martha Gilly Wells and children Jonathan Wells (’84), Joseph Wells and Jennifer Wells Baker (’88). Arthur Len Elam (re-’55), Knoxville, Tenn., died July 22, 2009. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was the safety director then vice president of operations for Colonial Freight Systems. Among survivors are his wife Jennifer Warwick Elam, sons David Elam and Tod Elam, and daughters Cindy Holt and Robin Reed. Junior “J.R.” Allen (’56), Abingdon, Va., died Nov. 29, 2010. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He was employed by the Virginia State Health Department as sanitarian and retired in 1976. Among survivors are his wife Margaret Wagner Allen (’55) and son Bill Allen (’80). David E. Rodgers (’56), Farragut, Tenn., died Oct. 25, 2010. He served in the U.S. Army JAG Corps for three years before joining the Knoxville-based firm of Kramer-Rayson, where he worked for the duration of his professional career. He served as the attorney for the Town of Farragut preceding the town’s inception until his retirement. Among survivors are his wife Marty; sons Michael, Eric, Tim and Andy;
brother Bill Rodgers (’59) and his wife, Mary Beth Sikkelee Rodgers (’61); sister Pat Rodgers Fellows (’68) and her husband, Brad Fellows (’67); nephew Brian Fellows (’98); and niece Meredith Fellows Parker (’00). Andrew “Jack” Good (’57), Roanoke, Va., died July 27, 2010. He was a retired clergyman. He also worked as a pastoral counselor and a professor for the State University of New York. In 1990 he won an award from Harper & Row publishers for Best Sermon of the Year. He was preceded in death by his wife Diana Deering Good (’58). Among survivors is a daughter, Kristen Good Reiner. George G. Pelfrey (’57), Gainesville, Fla., died Jan. 23, 2010. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He retired from IBM after 29 years and also worked for C & O Railroad for more than three years. Among survivors are a daughter, Glyn Earnhart, and son Gregg Pelfrey. Lee Breeding Billips (’58), Norris, Tenn., died July 16, 2010. She was a retired educator and artist. She was preceded in death by her husband Carles Billips (’58). Among survivors are children Lee-Ann Williams, Michael Billips and Matt Billips. Carl E. Farris (’60), Chilhowie, Va., died May 30, 2010. He taught school for 32 years and retired from Holston High School. He received an award in 1986 from the Washington County Chamber for outstanding service to the field of education. Among survivors are his wife Virginia Rector Farris (’62), son Michael Farris and daughter Karen Farris. Virginia McClelland Craig (re-’61), Roanoke, Va., died May 22, 2010. She
taught at the middle school level until she married, after which time she moved around the world with her Marine Corps husband. Among survivors are her husband, Robert Craig, and sons Michael and Richard. Ronald L. Odum (re-’62), Franklin, N.C., died Aug. 3, 2010. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was an officer for the Bristol Tennessee Police Dept. He was a pastor and served as chaplain for Angel Medical Center. Among survivors are his wife Donna Denman Harwell Odum and children Tammy Odum Bennington and her husband James Bennington (’92), Christopher Odum, Katie Harwell Able, Kirby Harwell and Nicholas Odum. Donald H. Scott (’63), Glen Cove, N.Y., died Nov. 4, 2010. He was a teacher and coach at Manhasset High School for 44 years. He introduced the first advanced science class in conjunction with Syracuse University and is one of the coaches with the most wins of the combined running sports. Among survivors are his wife Barbara and son Donald Ryan. William G. “Bill” Bryant (’65), Bristol, Tenn., died Aug. 16, 2010. He was a member of the E&H Sports Hall of Fame. He was a teacher and coach; then he began a career as an agent for New York Life Insurance Company, where he was employed until he retired. Among survivors are his wife Cheryl McFadden, sons Christopher Bryant and Patrick Byrant, and two step-daughters, Lisa Mitchell and Lara Barker. Donations may be made to the E&H Stadium Fund. Theodore G. “Ted” Osborne Jr. (’65), Grundy, Va., died June 16, 2010. He
was a member of the U.S. Army, having served in the Vietnam War, and a retired coal operator. Among survivors are his wife Judith Kiser Osborne; sons Theodore “Pete” Osborne III (’97), Robert Brent Osborne, Donald Bradford Osborne; sister Linda Osborne Hash (’68); and brother Donald Osborne (’73). Vernon F. Reed (’65), Hampton, Va., died May 3, 2010. He retired as a social worker after 36 years with the Hampton County City Schools. Among survivors are his friend and lifetime companion, Robert G. Chappell. Michael S. Kidd (’66), Aiken, S.C., died Nov. 4, 2010. He retired from Westinghouse at the Savannah River Site. Among survivors are his wife Nancy, daughter Ann Michelle Kidd, son Thomas Saunders Kidd, and brother Jerry Kidd (’64). Samuel G. Hambrick (’67), Marion, Va., died Oct. 20, 2010. He served Smyth County Public Schools for 38 years as a principal of Adwolfe, Chilhowie Elementary and Sugar Grove Combined schools. Among survivors are his wife Catherine Hook Hambrick; daughters Ann Hambrick Shannon, Page Hambrick and Chaney Carmichael Hambrick; sons Matthew Graham Hambrick and David Zachary Hambrick; and sister Betsy Belew and her husband Sam Belew (’71). Dennis A. Hoback (re-’70), Bristol, Va., died Aug. 13, 2010. He was an avid reader and loved the arts. Among survivors are his mother Kathleen Hoback. Linda Bond Byrd (’71), Glade Spring, Va., died Oct. 17, 2010. She retired from the Washington County School System in 1999 after 29 years. She along with a
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group of other retired teachers, friends, and school staff, created Hands On Helpers, a charity for school-age children in need. She was a licensed contractor and real estate agent. Among survivors are her husband Charles Byrd, son Tony Byrd and sister Darlene Bond Rowland (’73). Sylvester Taylor (’73), Abingdon, Va., died Sept. 19, 2010. He had four holes-in-one during his golfing years. Among survivors are his wife Peggy Surber Taylor (’69) and daughters Lora Taylor Cason and Jana Taylor Carico. Fred G. Childress Jr. (’74), Oak Ridge, Tenn., died July 24, 2010. He worked as a labor economist and system developer for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business intelligence administrator for IdleAire Technologies, and an entrepreneur and business owner. Among survivors are his wife Marcia Childress; step-daughter Athena Strasel; children Meredith
Childress, Robert Childress and Kathryn Childress and their mother, Carolyn Meredith Taylor; and his parents Fred and Louise Lenoir Childress (re-’51). William M. Wimmer (’76), Vinton, Va., died Aug. 5, 2010. Among survivors are his wife Nancy Hillman Wimmer (’76) and daughters Julie Wimmer and Laura Townsend. Emily Wooley Rhodes (re-’81), Oklahoma City, Okla., died July 7, 2010. She used her medical training to become a personal injury litigation paralegal. Then she became a secretary in the oil and gas industry working for John Barres/BBX Oil Corporation. Among survivors are her husband Philip Rhodes and stepdaughter Margaret Wysocki. Eddie C. Noe (’82), Greeneville, Tenn., died Nov. 13, 2010. He was a retired United Methodist minister. Among survivors are his wife, Brenda Noe; and children Rita Willis, Jeff Noe, Scott Noe and Chris Noe.
Daniel C. Garnsey (’87), Canton, Ga., died Oct. 24, 2010. Among survivors are his wife Shari Garnsey, and daughters Elizabeth, Samantha and Jennifer Nicole Garnsey. Guillermo “Billy” Monkman (’87), Las Vegas, Nev., died Aug. 7, 2010. He was a political science professor at the College of Southern Nevada. Among survivors are his wife Lori and children Alex, Lauren, Brooke, Brianne and Francesca. Jennifer DeHart (’88), Meadville, Penn., died May 11, 2010. She held faculty and research positions focusing on a major project funded by NASA to better measure, predict, and understand greenhouse gas emissions. She was an assistant professor of environmental science at Allegheny College. Among survivors are her father Pat DeHart and brother Keith DeHart. Memorial donations may be made to Emory & Henry College.
Employees Jean C. Bratton, Emory, Va., died Nov. 4, 2010. She retired as administrative assistant to the president in 1990. Among survivors are daughters Anne Fairbanks and Christine Bratton; and son Daniel Bratton. Memorials may be given to the E&H Scholarship Fund. Mary Virginia Ramsey, Johnson City, Tenn., died June 20, 2010. She retired from Kelly Library in 1981 after 13 years of service. Betty Holmes, Johnson City, Tenn., died Sept. 13, 2010. She retired from Kelly Library in 1988 after 14 years of service. Among survivors are her husband Cleveland “Dudger” Holmes and daughters Cindy Holmes-Drury and Jill Henderson and her husband Sanders Henderson (’85). Robert Lynn, Bedford, Tex., died May 2, 2010. He was a former faculty member. His wife Billie Lynn survives him.
Downey hosts youth at E&H football game
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Mike Downey (’85) went to an E&H football game recently. But he didn’t go alone. He brought along 10 high school boys so that they might get a look at his old college. Mike teaches Sunday school to these students so he has many opportunities to give them something important to think about. On this particular weekend, the focus was college. Mike’s concern for these kids is evident, even through his predictable response. “They’re teenagers… so most of the time they make me crazy. But I’m also really proud of them.” His pride increased when on the Monday following the Wasps’ game, they all wore their brand new E&H t-shirts to school in Galax. If you’d like to share your alma mater with some great young people, check out the admissions visitation day schedule http://www.ehc.edu/admissions/visit.html or call for an appointment: 800.848.5493.
E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
EMORY
MEMORY Alumni honored with plaza
In October 2010, the Emory & Henry Alumni Plaza was dedicated. (See related story on page 8.) Below are short biographies of the four incredible people first honored on the Plaza. DR. ROBERT E. HUMPHREYS (1868-1962) EMORY & HENRY COLLEGE, CLASS OF 1889
WALTER RUSSELL LAMBUTH (1854-1921) EMORY & HENRY COLLEGE, CLASS OF 1875
Born in West Virginia and raised on the campus of Emory & Henry College, Robert E. Humphreys’ father was a carpenter who worked on building the Sam Small Gymnasium, Byars House and the William Morrow Science Hall. Humphreys graduated from Emory & Henry with a major in chemistry and taught for several years before enrolling at Johns Hopkins University, where he received his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1900.
Born in Shanghai, China as the eldest son of pioneering Methodist missionaries in Asia, Walter Russell Lambuth was raised by relatives in Tennessee and Mississippi. Lambuth graduated from Emory & Henry in 1875, and earned advanced degrees in both medicine and theology from Vanderbilt University in 1877. Ordained an elder in the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, he returned to China with his wife Daisy Kelly as a medical missionary.
From Johns Hopkins, Dr. Humphreys joined the Standard Oil Company in Whiting, Indiana as a research chemist in what was then the newest oil refinery in the United States. By 1910, he was the chief chemist for Standard Oil, engaged in research to increase the yield of gasoline extracted from crude oil. In 1912, by a process of distillation, Dr. Humphreys perfected and patented the thermal method of cracking the molecules of crude oil to yield much larger, more cost effective quantities of gasoline. By inventing the method to produce vast supplies of inexpensive gasoline, Dr. Humphreys helped pave the way for the mass production and sale of automobiles affordable to the public. His revolutionary discovery made possible the automotive age that distinguished 20th century America, and his success prompted companies throughout the petroleum industry to create corporate laboratories and invest heavily in research.
Dr. Humphreys’ laboratory from the oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana is preserved as a permanent exhibit in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. n
From 1877 until 1885, with only a brief period for further study in America, Lambuth worked as the most notable western medical figure in China, founding an opium treatment center in Shanghai, opening the Soochow Hospital, and establishing what became the Rockefeller Hospital in Beijing. In 1887, he and his parents founded the Methodist Episcopal Church, South mission in Japan, and Lambuth turned from practicing medicine to educational and evangelistic work. From 1892 to 1910, Lambuth served as Secretary of the Board of Missions and became a world leader in ecumenical causes, leading the church to establish missions in Cuba and Korea. In 1910, Lambuth was elected Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South for Brazil and Africa. He opened Methodist missions in Latin America, the Belgian Congo and central and west Africa and carried the work of the Church into Siberia, Manchuria and Korea. Bishop Lambuth, the greatest medical missionary in 19th century Methodism, was commemorated by the naming of Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee in his honor. n continued on page 40
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
Emory Memory continued FRANK BYRON ROWLETT (1908-1998) EMORY & HENRY COLLEGE, CLASS OF 1929
HARLEY ORIN STAGGERS (1907-1991) EMORY & HENRY COLLEGE, CLASS OF 1931
Born in Rose Hill in Lee County, Virginia, Frank Rowlett graduated from Emory & Henry College in June 1929 with majors in mathematics and chemistry and the Byars Medal in Science. In April 1930, he became the first junior cryptanalyst in the U.S. Army Signal Intelligence Service in the War Department in Washington, D.C. Eventually, he led a War Department group in writing ciphers for the U.S. Army, and breaking foreign code systems—notably Japanese codes.
Born in Keyser in Mineral County, West Virginia, Harley Staggers became the patriarch of one of the most prominent political families in the Mountain State. Staggers graduated from Emory & Henry in 1931, pursued graduate studies at Duke University, and then taught and coached football in Virginia and West Virginia.
Rowlett’s group solved the first Japanese system for encrypting diplomatic communications, which they called Red. In 1940, in a step ultimately critical to American and Allied victory in World War II, Rowlett’s group solved the more complex and sophisticated Japanese code they named Purple. Unaware their code had been broken the Japanese used Purple throughout the War, enabling American and Allied leaders to know to know important Japanese and German secrets by reading all messages passed between Tokyo and Berlin. Working with the U.S. Navy, Rowlett designed communications codes that German, Japanese, and Italian code breakers never solved. Rowlett’s work saved the lives of thousands of American and Allied soldiers. Honored by President Johnson and by the U.S. Congress, Rowlett retired from federal service in 1966 as a founding father of the National Security Agency, which created a distinguished achievement award in his honor and named the Agency’s academic center for training cryptanalysts Frank B. Rowlett Hall. n
He served as Sheriff of Mineral County, West Virginia, and in 1942 became State Director of the Office of War Information Services. Following outstanding service from 1942-1946 in the U.S. Naval Air Corps, Harley Staggers was elected to represent West Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives in November 1948. He was subsequently re-elected to the U.S. House fifteen times, retiring in 1981. During a distinguished career that spanned three decades of American history, Staggers served as Chairman of the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. On October 14, 1980 President Carter signed into law The Staggers Rail Act to de-regulate the American railroads and replace the outdated structure that had governed pricing and rail shipping in America since passage of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. This landmark legislation made it possible for American railroads to survive as private industries, and laid the foundation for the systems of domestic and international trade and shipping critical to the nation’s economy. The crowning achievement of his congressional career, the Staggers Rail Act honors Harley Orin Staggers as one of the great visionaries in 20th century American transportation. n
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011
YOU HAVE THE POWER
to transform and inspire educational possibilities. Meet Kasi and Kyle.
I’ll give to the E&H Annual Fund because it has given me a chance to experience life-changing opportunities, and I want future students to have those same opportunities.
Beginning in March 2011, Emory & Henry sophomores Kasi and Kyle will hike the Appalachian Trail as part of a semester abroad program called the “Semester-A-Trail.” Kasi will conduct physiological research on her body during the trek, while Kyle will complete a writing and photography thesis. Kasi and
—Kasi Quinn
Kyle know that without support to the E&H Annual Fund from alumni donors just like
I’ll give to the E&H Annual Fund because the experience I have engaged in has allowed me to explore myself and become a more intellectual individual in our community – something I couldn’t find elsewhere.
you, they wouldn’t be able to participate in such a life-changing educational experience. You have the power to transform and inspire educational possibilities by supporting the most pressing needs of the College. Please help students like Kasi and Kyle realize their passions by making your gift to the E&H Annual Fund today.
—Kyle King
Emory & Henry needs you. Give today. www.ehc.edu
Your gift to the E&H Annual Fund is the most important gift you can provide to the College. Make your mark and exercise your power to transform. Give today.
Office of Institutional Advancement Emory & Henry College P.O. Box 950, Emory, Virginia 24327 276.944.6119 • Toll-free: 877.220.0342 www.ehc.edu
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E&H ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Winter/Spring 2011