October 2021 Guilford College Magazine by Guilford College Magazine

GUILFORD COLLEGE October 2021 | www.guilford.edu

New Growth Guilford Moves Forward While Holding Fast to its Quaker Roots

MAGAZINE

“Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.” —Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, 1849

Friends, TWENTY YEARS AGO, IN THE FALL OF 2001, I wrote a Viewpoint piece for Guilford College Magazine that described the many changes taking place at the college. I had recently been appointed Associate Academic Dean and was involved in some additional strategic planning work, much of which focused on rebuilding the continuing education program. Looking back at that article recently reminded me how much it seems the case that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Although Karr’s phrase is often delivered in a tone that bemoans retreading ground we have walked before, it delivers a truth. Much as we might wish human endeavors to chart a linear path of continual progress, historians know that narrative is a false and seductive one, obscuring the suffering of those it excludes. Life is more recursive. We inevitably cycle back over where we have been, but by keeping our eyes open to that very fact we discover new paths forward. Change is the order of the day again at Guilford, prompted in large part by forces outside our control. The number of 18-year-olds in the U.S. will slide downward

Pressing Forward While Holding Fast to Our Roots

the liberal arts model has been so criticized and so defended that the debate has nearly lost its substance; the sticker price at many colleges has become an outrageous joke even as the real price (because of scholarships and Pell grants and institutional awards) remains within reach for many, though not enough, families; and the COVID-19 pandemic has changed utterly how we think about education, though in ways we will not know fully for years to come. Both in response to those external forces and as a result of our own internal assessments, Guilford is shifting and changing again, perhaps most fundamentally through a reorganization of academic and co-curricular programming that began last spring. The layoffs that came during the COVID crisis, coupled with the faculty downsizing that occurred

PHOTO BY JULIE KNIGHT

SEASONS OF CHANGE

in a couple of years (the so-called “demographic cliff”);

through retirements, an early exit program and

middle class. Many of our students come from families

voluntary reductions in workload, have necessitated

who make less than $50,000 a year. Leveraging a college

reconfigurations of our primary work to maintain

education for financial mobility is a very high priority

relevant, high-quality opportunities for our students.

for our students and families. Guilford is not what it was

We are also rebuilding our nontraditional student

when I moved into English Hall in August of 1975. Yet it

offerings again, focusing on how to provide a distinctly

remains committed to the same values and principles I

Guilford version of higher education to a population

encountered then.

of potential students who live lives of complicated schedules and responsibilities.

things that would keep Guilford on course during the

It is a facile commonplace that change is difficult, but I think change is particularly complex — and rightly so — for an institution that celebrates and cherishes its past. Guilford’s Quaker heritage, enshrined most powerfully in our core values and our collaborative, inclusive approach to learning, is critical to our college’s meaning and purpose as an institution. The College’s Quaker DNA is an ongoing, vital, vibrant, nonnegotiable part of the very meaning of this place, without which Guilford

In that 2001 article I named the three most important changes occurring at that time: a deep commitment to our Quaker identity, to academic excellence, and to

The College's Quaker DNA is an ongoing, vital, non-negotiable part of the very meaning of this place, without which Guilford would simply be an ordinary, generic stopover where one can get a diploma.

nurturing respectful relationships. Keeping those three as the guiding lights of our current navigation in the waters of change remains a most excellent commitment. The creative tension inherent in bridging the present and the past reminds me of the biology of trees. I have the privilege every day of walking under the white, red, and willow oaks; American beeches,

would simply be an ordinary, generic

sycamores, maples, and tulip poplars

stopover where one can get a diploma.

that grace our campus and the College

But that very DNA contains within it the code that

woods. Trees root in one place even as they grow and

makes change possible, even necessitating it. Long ago,

change. And as the discoveries of scientists like Suzanne

Quakers developed the concept of continuing revelation

Simard have shown, trees signal one another constantly

as a key element of their theology. Rather than relying

through a vast underground network of mycorrhizal

only upon the Bible as the sole source of unchanging

fungi. The heartwood of a tree is its past, the remnant of

truth, Friends embraced the idea that the world and its

its earlier self. Sapwood, the living part, encircles that

history would alter and that it was crucial to remain

heart, transporting nutrients in a vibrant interchange.

open to changing truths discerned through collective

Trees are past, present and future simultaneously.

listening. Tradition was elemental and fundamental, but so are the present and the future. What remains crucial at Guilford as we change and

Guilford must be the same. We are moving again, reiterating while making new, all the while keeping our eyes on those unchanging values and habits of

adapt to new circumstances is living the creative

being that allow the College to change in ways that are

tension that holds our heritage tenderly while we move

meaningful, grounded, relevant, and transformative.

forward into new programs and new ways of celebrating and being relevant to the needs of a student body that is new and different. Unlike even the Guilford of the late ’90s and early 2000s, to say nothing of earlier years, the

Jim Hood '79

College is no longer majority white or majority upper-

Interim President W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 1

J E S S I E S TA R L I N G ’ 0 0 AND OTHER GUILFORD C O L L E G E G R A D S C R E AT E D S AV E G U I L F O R D C O L L E G E , A GR ASSROOTS MOVEMENT T H AT ’S L I V I N G U P T O ITS NAME.

MANAGING EDITOR Robert Bell ‘11, Assistant Director of Advancement Communications PROJECT MANAGER Stephanie Miller CONTENT ADVISER Ty Buckner, Associate Vice President for Alumni & Constituent Relations CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Robert Bell ‘11 Emily Hedrick ‘70 Lisa Lee, Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement Stephanie Miller Brian Schuh ‘02 DESIGN Chris Ferguson PHOTOGRAPHY Robert Bell ‘11 Michael Crouch ‘10 ‘12, Associate Director of Marketing Erin Kye ‘19 Julie Knight FUNDRAISING TEAM Gordon Soenksen, Interim Vice President for Advancement Pete Worcester, Director of Development for Major Gifts Ashley Raper, Director of Annual Giving FINANCE Scott Crabbs, Director of Advancement Services CONTACT US Office of Advancement Hendricks Hall Guilford College 5800 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410 P / 336.316.2240 magazine@guilford.edu

PAGE 10 We Want to Hear From You! As we plan our next issue of the Guilford Colllege Magazine, as well as our twice-monthly e-newsletter, the Guilford Gazette, we want to hear from you. What's going on in your life? What ideas do you have for the magazine? The Gazette? Submit your ideas, letters or essays to Robert Bell at bellrw@guilford.edu. We are also interested in identifying potential writers and photographers to feature in our publications. If you are interested in writing or contributing photography for the magazine or Gazette, please share a little about your writing and/or photography experience and include

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We appreciate all ideas that are contributed and will

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respond to inquiries as soon as we can.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Thank you to our contributing writers who volunteered their time and talents to produce this issue. If you are interested in writing for Guilford College Magazine, let us know by going to giving. guilford.edu/volunteer.

Emily Hedrick ’70 The "dubious" writing talents of Emily Hedrick ’70 first surfaced in a series entitled “The Adventures of Emiline the Elephant,” which incorporated the week’s spelling words in sixth grade. From those inauspicious beginnings in Lexington, N.C., Emily went on to major in English at Guilford. Happily, the ability to string two or more sentences together enabled her to earn a living first as a newspaper reporter, and then in public relations and nonprofit fundraising. In 2008 the economic tsunami impacted many charitable donations, leaving Emily involuntarily retired. Fortunately, this status allowed her to pursue her lifelong passions unencumbered. She’s an avid reader. Until the pandemic buzz-kill, last summer would have marked her 20th trip to the U.K., where she had enrolled in a fourth course at Cambridge University. She’s a choral music junkie, having sung in a chamber choir in Charlotte for 25 years. Her love for Lowcountry culture and the performing arts inspired her move to Charleston, S.C., in 2015. Emily’s world has few shades of gray. She’s a yellow dog Democrat and proud of it. She’s stubborn, opinionated, and credits Guilford College with transforming her. Her glass is not only always half-full, it’s usually overflowing.

IN THIS ISSUE

October 2021 On the Cover AF TER A YEAR OF DISRUPTION, GUILFORD C O L L E G E T U R N S A N E W L E A F.

Year in Review

8 Philanthropy 10

Features

Athletics Report

Alumni Engagement

Community Notes

In Memoriam

Brian Schuh ’02 Brian Schuh studied Economics and enjoyed writing for The Guilfordian under the mentorship of Jeff Jeske. After graduation he worked for a period as a writer and editor for professional associations in the Washington, DC, area. However, his career took several turns away from writing as he returned to school to study nursing and public health. He had desired to write again for a while, but wasn’t sure of a venue for doing so. The Alumni Volunteer Program with the magazine has been an excellent opportunity to practice these skills while giving back to Guilford. Whether it’s becoming acquainted with newer faculty members, researching the achievements of alumni or interviewing current students, Brian says he feels more connected to Guilford as an alum now than he ever has.

Guilford College Magazine is published by the Office of Advancement. The views expressed within these pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the College. Guilford College does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military status, veteran status or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law, ordinance or regulation. For our complete statement, please visit www.guilford.edu/nondiscrimination. W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 3

YEAR IN REVIEW

COMING TOGETHER

Guilford Collaborates for Solutions in 2020–21

INTERIM PR ESIDENT JIM HOOD ’79

with zero hospitalizations and zero

drew on his background as the Charles

deaths. By the final spring on-campus

A. Dana Professor of English when he

testing clinic held May 4, the number

urged the Guilford community “to trust

of positive cases had dropped to zero.

the process” last spring. Comparing the

But seemingly just as soon as

difficult waters navigated by the College

masking was relaxed in indoor

to a riveting scene in Charlotte Bronte’s

College spaces for the fully-

classic 1847 novel Jane Eyre, Hood

vaccinated, a rise in positive cases

quoted the title character:

in Guilford County necessitated the

harness that synergy, four trustee-

return of more stringent measures.

led working groups were appointed

times when there is no temptation;

‘Laws and principles are not for the

Nevertheless the hope was that many

in December 2020 to bring students,

they are for such moments as this, when

aspects of the normal Guilford student

faculty, administration, alumni and

body and soul rise in mutiny against

experience would return for the 2021-

friends together in a deeper dive

their rigour…’

22 school year.

into some of the issues most acutely

Thanks to the leadership of Hood

With that return to normalcy a top

and others, in tandem with an inspired

priority, Hood announced in late August

effort by all segments of the Guilford

a vaccine mandate for all students,

community, the College continues to

faculty and staff. The typical small

Guilford Forward Fund

work through the difficulties posed

size of Guilford classes has the added

In early January, the Board of

by a financial crisis compounded by

benefit of promoting social distancing.

Trustees initiated the ambitious

a pandemic. To Eyre’s point, often a

Spring 2022 travel courses for the

development campaign called the

person’s (or in this case, an institution’s)

three-week sessions are scheduled

Guilford Forward Fund. Designed to

true character surfaces when tested.

to proceed, along with a spring

address the College’s budget crisis, the

semester abroad opportunity at Castle

$6 million fundraising challenge set

Brunnenburg in Italy.

initial goals of $2 million by March

COVID-19 Strategy: A Moving Target Navigating the ever-shifting landscape

“We also know that unknown events

affecting Guilford and its immediate and long-term future.

31, 2021, and $4 million by May 31,

that is the pandemic reality continues

may require additional responses from

2021. Co-chaired by trustees Suzanne

to pose significant challenges for every

us as a community,” said Hood. “As it has

Whitmeyer and Beth Voltz ’91, a

college community. From the lockdown

so far, Guilford College will continue to

30-member Fundraising Challenge

of 2020 and the virtual learning

follow the advice and recommendations

Team met bi-weekly through the end of

response to the advent of readily

of scientific and public health experts

May to jump-start the process.

available vaccinations to the spike

and governmental agencies.”

accompanying the infectious Delta

Bolstered by three six-figure pledges last spring, including a $250,000 gift

quite the rollercoaster ride for the

A Collaborative Response to the Financial Crisis

Guilford College Health & Safety

It became apparent during the course

surpassed its initial goals. As of

Task Force.

of the past two years that the spirit of

late summer, less than $1.3 million

collaboration is a hallmark of Guilford’s

remains to be raised prior to the final

collective character. In an effort to

January 31, 2022 deadline.

variant, the pandemic has provided

Total numbers for the 2020-21 academic year were 159 positive cases 4 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

from the grassroots movement Save Guilford College, the fund

Faculty & Staff Collaboration A Board of Trustees directive that the College reduce the faculty compensation budget by $1.9 million by Fall 2021 was met, again through a collaborative process. A trusteeled Faculty and Staff Collaboration Team , chaired by Ione Taylor and Terry Graedon and featuring a mix of faculty, students, staff, and alumni, was tasked with developing a roadmap

Even with the changes, the team

time faculty, down from 99 in 2019-20.

to traverse what clearly is a delicate

indicated that the board-requested

With that in mind, Hood appointed

path. Perhaps most importantly, the

student-faculty ratio of 16:1 would be

a committee in June that gathered

group allowed the faculty to lead

achievable in the future. A sharp decline

information to support restructuring

the way in deciding how to meet the

in student enrollment during the past

work by the full community in the

budgeting goals.

decade is a significant reason why

fall. As part of this process, the

Guilford can continue to offer small class

committee will seek to:

sizes even with the reduction in faculty.

• Identify budget constraints

VOLUNTARY ACTIONS OF TENURED FACULTY

14 4 9

Curricular & Co-Curricular Reorganization Thoughtful and intentional

Retired or chose an early exit option Given a one-year unpaid leave Accepted reduced workloads and reduced salary

• Gather information on student preferences • Measure the impact of Edge initiatives • Develop tangible institutional goals

restructuring of Guilford’s curricular

in areas such as enrollment size,

and co-curricular programming is

online instruction, etc.

a key step toward long-term fiscal

The reports from this committee will

responsibility, as well as continued

play a key role in shaping the 2022-

academic excellence. The Faculty and

23 fiscal year budget, a preliminary

Staff Collaboration Team noted as much

process of which was initiated in June.

in an April report.

Geology and Earth Science is Guilford’s

Faculty departures over the past

only academic major that was put on

two years leave Guilford with 73 full-

hiatus for the 2021-22 academic year W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 5

YEAR IN REVIEW in consultation with departing faculty. A “teach-out” plan is in effect so that all current students majoring in the program will be able to finish their degrees. Guilford’s faculty will be discussing the future of Geology and Earth Science as part of their overall work on curricular reorganization. Options such as restarting the program or incorporating coursework into related majors will be part of that discussion.

Enrollment and Retention Guilford met what Hood called “realistic” enrollment targets for Fall 2021, but demographic challenges to increasing enrollment remain. institutions are facing the same drop in applications that have hit Guilford over

I N T E R I M P R E S I D E N T J I M H O O D W O R K S W I T H A S T U D E N T I N H I S A M E R I C A N N AT U R E WRITING COURSE L AST SPRING.

the past decade or so. An ever-shrinking

from the Center for Principled Problem

Guilford College. In the wake of a

pool of high school applicants coupled

Solving (CPPS) and other sources led

difficult and sometimes fractious 2020,

with an explosion in student debt was

to the release of registration holds for

the group was tasked with two purposes:

only exacerbated by a pandemic that

numerous students, a boost for Fall

• Serve as a conduit for the Board of

limited face-to-face recruitment.

2021’s enrollment totals. The team

Recruitment of athletes, in particular, was a challenge last year as many sports seasons were postponed or canceled.

cautioned, however, that A/R holds are an ongoing problem that isn’t going away.

Trustees to get immediate feedback from various College constituencies. • Serve as a sounding board for those

One of the recruitment goals of the

same constituencies so that the team

As nearly 40 percent of Guilford

team was to “build on and market the

could effectively route their concerns

students participate in sports, athletics

values-based education Guilford is

to the appropriate department or

recruiting is a key factor in both short

uniquely poised to offer. The Edge is

administrator.

and long-term enrollment solutions.

central to this.” The team sought to better

But recruiting is only part of the

Those initial tasks soon turned into

understand specific elements of the

a broader objective, that of rebuilding

problem, retention of students who

Edge and their impact on enrollment and

relationships that were weakened

enroll is another crucial piece of the

retention. A need for more intentional

during the previous 18 months. As part

puzzle. A trustee-led Enrollment &

marketing of the program was a key

of that objective, the group promoted

Retention Team tackled both these

takeaway from the group’s study.

a ramped-up culture of transparency

issues earlier this year. Chaired by

and robust two-way conversation. The

Gus Davis ’72 and Carla Brenner ’73,

Constituent Engagement

one example of an issue that the team

A trustee-led Constituent Engagement

addressed was the accounts receivable

Team chaired by Gilbert Bailey ’91

(A/R) holds that occur when students

and Beth Voltz ’91 consisting of

heard, respected and informed.

fall behind on tuition payments.

representatives from staff, faculty,

We also seek to improve Guilford’s

Retention of these students, who

final report outlined the following framework for communication: “We want all constituents to feel

students, the Alumni Association

communication systems and culture

typically are not allowed to register

Engagement Council and the

long-term. Our ultimate goal is to

for the next academic semester, was a

independent groups Save Guilford

strengthen and sustain Guilford College

point of emphasis for the team. Money

College and Alumni and Friends of

and the Guilford community.”

6 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

PHOTO BY ERIN K AI ’19

Nationally, small private liberal arts

LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS GUILFOR D COLLEGE'S BOAR D OF TRUSTEES had

2017 from the Community Foundation of Greensboro after

narrowed the list of presidential candidates from 79 to two

four years as the organization’s Chief Development Officer.

as Guilford College Magazine was heading to the press.

Rosales named Guilford Provost

But while the spotlight was understanably focused on the opening at the top, there continues to be a good bit

Maria Rosales, a Professor of

of movement throughout the upper tiers of Guilford’s

Political Science with considerable

administration. Some of the change has been organic while

experience in faculty matters,

other positions, terminated during the worst of the budget

has been named Guilford ’s next

crisis, are being refilled.

Provost for a three-year term. Rosales’ appointment was made

An Old Friend Returns to Guilford

in August. The Provost is the chief

Gordon Soenksen was appointed

academic officer, overseeing the

Interim Vice President for

College's academic program.

Advancement in late July. He

Rosales has taught at Guilford

replaced Ara Serjoie who accepted a similar position at Haverford College after serving five years

P H O T O S B Y J U L I E K N I G H T (S O E N K S E N ) A N D R O B E R T B E L L ( R O S A L E S )

SOENKSEN

since 2005. In recent years she ROSALES

served as the College’s Faculty Development Associate for

as the leader of Guilford’s

Inclusive Pedagogy, Chair of the Political Science Department,

Advancement team. Soenksen

and Director of Faculty Development. Most recently, Rosales

previously served Guilford in the

worked as Clerk of the Faculty, managing faculty meetings

same role from 1992-98, launching

and navigating other concerns the past 20 months – a

a capital campaign that ultimately

particularly turbulent stretch as the College struggled with a

raised $56 million by 2004.

budget crisis and layoffs.

Since leaving Guilford 23 years

Rosales succeeds Rob Whitnell, who served as Interim

ago, Soenksen served in development and advancement roles

Provost during the past year. Whitnell returned to teaching

at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, Duke University’s Fuqua

Chemistry and Computing Technology and Information

School of Business and Wake Forest University. He retired in

Systems this fall.

MORE TRANSITIONS Samantha Aaron was hired as Title III Director. Aaron last worked at Piedmont Community College (N.C.). (See page 16 for a story on Guilford's new Title III Director)

William (Bill) Foti was named Director of Athletics. Foti most recently spent 29 years as head men’s basketball coach and 7 years as athletics director at Colby-Sawyer College (N.H.). (See page 18 for a Q & A with Guilford’s new Athletic Director)

Roger Degerman departed to become the Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Communication at Simpson College (Iowa). Degerman came to Guilford in 2015 as the College's first Vice President of Marketing.

Barbara Lawrence departed to become the founding Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Rider University (N.J.). Lawrence has served in many roles at Guilford the past 15 years, most recently as VP of DEI.

Courtney Sanford is the new Bonner Program Coordinator. Sanford comes from Duke University where she worked with Student Affairs while also earning a Master’s in Divinity degree.

W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 7

PHILANTHROPY

GUILFORDIANS STEP UP IN TIME OF NEED It hardly seemed the perfect storm for fundraising success: An institutional

2022 operating budget.

meet or surpass the $6 million goal. “I’ve

The Guilford Forward Fund campaign

heard from so many alumni and parents

budgetary crisis complicated by a

ends January 31. Tasked with leading

of alumni and friends of the school,”

pandemic and ensuing economic

the College’s fundraising effort since

Soenksen said. “The confidence level

uncertainty. Indeed, Guilfordians could

his appointment in July, Interim Vice

has grown every day as I listen to each

have been excused if they wondered if

President for Advancement Gordon

person’s story and commitment. All of

the College had not only lost its financial

Soenksen is confident the College will

them want to support a college we love

footing, but its very edge.

so much.”

Turns out that way of thinking was

As Guilford College Magazine went to

never really an option.

press, 49 Guilfordians had contributed

Bolstered by an enthusiastic response

more than $25,000 each to the Guilford

to the Guilford Forward Fund, Guilford set a second straight record for giving in a year outside a capital campaign.

Forward Fund. Seventeen gifts of at least

FUNDRAISING BY THE NUMBERS

The $8.8 million given and pledged prior to the end of fiscal year 2021 (May 31) smashed 2020’s record effort by about $400,000.

8.8M

Total given and pledged prior to end of fiscal year 2021

More than 3,100 benefactors contributed 5,704 gifts, with two giving days each producing a significant

GU I L FOR

Aided by a $125,000 match incentive from Pete Keane ’82, April’s Day for Guilford brought in $1 million, about

$700,000 more than a similar one-day campaign in April 2020.

O R WA

several significant pledges in May. Board of Trustee Dan and Beth Mosca of Brown Summit, N.C., are the parents of two Guilford graduates and the grandparents of a current student. They made a $250,000 match-incentive gift in May. Molly Gochman ’01, an experiential artist and activist who created the Red

FUND

generated $200,000 in cash and pledges.

response. Giving Tuesday in December

$100,000 have been made, including

4.7M

(as of September 8)

Guilford Forward Leads the Way

Sand Project, pledged $200,000. Gifts from Save Guilford College ($250,000) and community partner the Weaver Foundation of Greensboro ($100,000) helped push the fund past its May 31 goal of $4.5 million.

Zopf Gazebo Becomes a Reality Paul Zopf retired nearly 30 years ago,

Launched as an alternative plan to

but the Charles A. Dana Professor of

address the College’s financial concerns

Sociology & Anthropology Emeritus

while avoiding academic programming

remains a cherished part of the Guilford

and faculty cuts, the $6 million Guilford Forward Fund kicked off in January under the guidance of the Fundraising Challenge Team. Through August, $4,771,760 had been pledged to the fund which is being applied to the fiscal year 8 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

Giving Days

200K $1M Giving Tuesday (December 2020)

April's Day for Guilford (2021)

community. Still living on George White Road next to the campus, Zopf made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of students and colleagues during a career at Guilford that started in 1959. Known as a challenging yet

used for designs and illustrations. The room is made possible by a $100,000 gift from High Point residents Page, a former Dana Scholar now retired after 26 years as the CFO of the Hospice of the Piedmont, and Firth, a Network Security Analyst with ITG Brands who also retired in 2020. The Forbes Sports Center in the Physical Education Center is a multipurpose room that is available to all athletes and coaches for study halls, team meetings and socializing. Equipped with an overhead projection center and branded Guilford seating, it serves as a comfortable hub for student athletes. The room was made possible because R E T IR ED PROF ES S OR PAUL ZOPF W IL L H AV E T HE GA ZEB O AT FOUNDERS H A L L (A B OV E ) N A MED A F T ER HE A ND HIS L AT E W IF E, E V ELY N.

of a generous $250,000 gift by Charles and Katherine Forbes. Charles Forbes, a member of the Guilford Athletics Hall

empathetic professor, Paul and his late wife Evelyn opened up their home to

As of late summer, more than

students and forged relationships that

$130,000 had been raised for the

still burn brightly today.

Guilford Forward Fund in honor of

Karen Reehling Blum ’72 of

of Fame, served as the Quakers’ football coach from 1976 to 1991, setting school marks for wins and length of service. Funded by an $800,000 grant from

the Zopfs. The Paul and Evelyn Zopf

the Edward M. Armfield, Sr. Foundation

Grantham, N.H., is one of those former

Gazebo will be dedicated this fall. Paul

of Greensboro, the Adair P. Armfield

students. Blum and Zopf exchange

is also slated to receive the Charles C.

Gallery in Hege-Cox Art Building is also

handwritten letters on a frequent

Hendricks ’40 Distinguished Service

slated for dedication. The 2019 grant

basis and meet in person for lunch in

Award as part of the annual Alumni

earmarked funds for improvements to

Greensboro twice each year. A member

Awards program.

Hege-Cox, as well as implementation

of the Fundraising Challenge Team, Blum thought a major gift to the

Dedication Ceremonies

Guilford Forward Fund was a fitting way

In addition to the Paul and Evelyn

to honor both Paul and Evelyn.

Zopf Gazebo, other significant projects

And thus was born the campaign to secure naming rights for the gazebo that was constructed in 2004 on the Founder’s Hall plaza. A goal of $100,000 was established. Bill

PHOTO BY T Y BUCKNER

of relationships,” says Bill Pleasants.

of other aspects of the Guilford Edge. The Armfield Gallery showcases art by students and other talented artists. The Armfield family has enjoyed

are scheduled for dedication this

a long shared history with Guilford.

academic year.

The late Edward M. Armfield, Sr.’s

Classified as a “collaborative and

father, William Johnston Armfield,

critique” learning space, the Doug Page

Jr., graduated from Guilford in 1894,

’88 and Jamie Firth Collaborative

and was a member of the school’s first

Pleasants ’65 of Jamestown, N.C., another

Classroom in Hege-Cox Hall allows

football team. Edward’s Aunt Lucille

former student of Zopf, worked with

students to engage in multidisciplinary,

Armfield is an 1894 graduate; she

Blum as the primary fundraisers for the

team-based and project-based learning.

would go on to compose the school’s

project. Pleasants and his wife Clarajo ’67

Featuring mobile furniture that

alumni song. The family also funded

have been close to the Zopfs for nearly

facilitates creative and immersive

the construction of the Armfield

60 years and still enjoy a meal or two

meeting areas, the classroom is

Athletic Center and contributed

each month with Paul. “The Guilford

equipped with cutting-edge AV

generously to upgrades to the stadium

community is really built on these kinds

technology and glass walls that can be

during the 2000s. W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 9

J E S S I E S TA R L I N G ’ 0 0 A N D O T H E R G U I L F O R D G R A D S C R E AT E D S AV E G U I L F O R D C O L L E G E , A GR ASSROOTS MOVEMENT TO HELP THE SW. CH ADNUC I A L LY A N D P R E S E R V E I T S 10 | W W GO U IO LL F OFRIDN. E L I B E R A L A R T S I D E N T I T Y.

AGENTS of CHANGE Massive layoffs and program cuts were announced. After the shock, Guilfordians did exactly what they were taught to do: Change the outcome. BY ROBERT BELL ’11

W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 1 1

Agents of Change JESSIE STARLING ’00 WAS A HIGH

arts school. Many felt shedding those

school junior in search of a college the

programs and others would strip

first time she set foot on Guilford’s

Guilford of its liberal arts identity.

campus. She remembers everything

Moore’s announcement came

about her visit – the majestic trees, the

barely three months after Guilford

sun glinting off the school's red brick

laid off 47 staff members and five

buildings, fireflies blinking in the

visiting professors, cuts that already

gathering dusk. But most of all, Starling

had Starling and other Guilfordians

remembers the people and the growing

concerned.

comfort she felt touring the campus.

Starling was devastated. She knew the

"I fell in love with Guilford almost

never-ending challenges small liberal

from the start," Starling recalls.

arts colleges like Guilford face. She is

"The professors seemed extremely

an Associate Professor of Religious

accessible and the students were just

Studies at one of those schools, Lewis &

so friendly, so helpful. I remember that

Clark College in Oregon. "I knew Guilford

when it was time to go it felt more like I

wasn't immune to those struggles but

was leaving a home than a college.”

how the school wanted to address its unique struggles seemed so Draconian,” Starling says. “There was a part of me

decision, but it didn't matter. “To me,

that worried if these cuts were made, the

Guilford was a special place,” she said,

Guilford me and a lot of other students

“a place where I felt I belonged."

remembered would go away and

Twenty-six years later, those images and feelings associated with Guilford

might never come back. A lot of us felt something had to be done."

College are no less crisp for residing on

IONE TAY L O R ’7 6

waking up to a dozen new emails every morning from Guilford graduates.

the distant edge of Starling's memory.

A Movement is Born

So when Interim President Carol Moore

This is not one of those stories

coming. Letters and emails from

announced a plan last November to

about famous alumni with deep

across the country,” recalls Taylor.

erase a $7 million structured deficit

pockets swooping in to rescue a beloved

“Some were concerned, some were

by eliminating three dozen employees

school. This is the other kind. The kind

angry, but all of them were very

-- including 16 tenured professors --

where Starling and hundreds of other

passionate about saving their school.

along with nearly half of the school's 42

largely anonymous Guilford alumni and

You could sense the power of the Quaker

majors, Starling and other Guilfordians

friends quickly mobilized a grassroots

education they got. They wanted to

were stunned. Many of the programs

effort against the cuts. Phone calls were

change the school for the better.”

that were in jeopardy — Art, Theater,

made. Emails flew fast and furious.

Philosophy and Peace and Conflict

June 26

Jane Fernandes announces she is stepping down as President July 1.

1 2 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

August 1

By Thanksgiving, two weeks after

Ione Taylor ‘76, vice chair of

Studies — are hallmarks of a liberal

13 Months that Shook Guilford

“Overnight, every night, they just kept

Moore’s Program Prioritization

Guilford’s Board of Trustees, remembers

announcement, as it was called,

Looking back on the impact of Save Guilford College

Carol Moore begins work as Interim President.

September 8

Moore announces the start of the Program Prioritization process for addressing Guilford's $7 million structural deficit.

October 2

Trustees approve the transition of Guilford’s Bonner program from Bonner Scholars to Bonner Leaders. Later, Moore says that Guilford cannot afford a Bonner Scholars program.

October 6-7

In online State of the College remarks, Moore says financial turnarounds take 3 to 5 years and are possible through cost containment and growth. A Futures Task Force is established to explore growth options.

October 12

In a town hall online, Moore states colleges should undergo a program prioritization process about every five years. Twenty-three of Guilford’s 41 academic programs and all administrative programs are under review.

PRE V IOUS: PHOTO COURTESY LE WIS & CL ARK COLLEGE

There would be other schools for Starling to visit before making a

school’s liberal arts identity and very existence were enough for the board to reconsider its way forward. Indeed, trustees decided to set aside Moore’s proposed Program Prioritization and faculty terminations. At the same time the board approved the creation of the Guilford Forward Fund, an ambitious plan of raising $6 million by January 31, 2022, while looking for creative ways to attract more funding and reverse a decade-long decline in enrollment. The Guilford Forward Fund is well on its way to reaching its goal. With the

“To me, Guilford was a

special place — a place where I felt I belonged. There was a part of me that worried if these cuts were made, the Guilford me and a lot of other students remembered would go away. A lot of us felt something had to be done.” — Jessie Starling ’00

help of Save Guilford College, which has shared about $300,000 with the

THOMAS S W INDEL L ’0 4

school, the fund has reached its first

Starling agreed. “Every one of us

two trustees-imposed deadlines. To

spent four years pushing for change

date, the Guilford Forward Fund has

whenever there was a call or need,” she

raised more than $4.7 million.

said. “We’re just practicing now what we

That the Save Guilford College THIS SPRE AD: GUILFORD COLLEGE; THOMAS SWINDELL

movement was able to affect such

learned to do then.”

a Facebook page, Save Guilford

sweeping changes is not surprising.

Falling Numbers

College, had amassed more than 3,000

Guilford’s reputation for producing

So what happened?

followers. The money soon followed.

critical-thinking students motivated

Earlier this year Save Guilford

Sometimes it takes a family crisis –

to promote positive change in the world

in Guilford’s case, massive layoffs and

College announced its supporters

is well documented. But the swiftness

academic cuts – for a family to pull

had raised $3.3 million in gifts and

by which the movement organized

together, said Jim Hood ‘79, Guilford’s

pledges. Save Guilford College’s

and acted surprised its own leaders.

interim President and a longtime and

organizers offered the money to the

Thomas Swindell ‘04, one of Save

endearing English professor. “That

school on one not-so-small provision:

Guilford College’s leaders, still shakes

love and pride for Guilford has always

Guilford’s Board of Trustees reject

his head “at the fervency and speed

been a part of our students,” said Hood.

Moore’s proposed cuts. Those pledges,

things came together. But nobody

“It never leaves us. We’re family, but

along with mounting objections from

should be surprised how Guilford

sometimes just like with family we

alumni, faculty and staff that further

students reacted. If you know Guilford

need a crisis to nudge us along.”

cuts to Guilford would jeopardize the

students, this is what we do.”

October-November

Additional online town halls are held by the College with Guilfordians. Alumni and friends engage in letter-writing and social media campaigns to push back against program and faculty position cuts that appear inevitable.

October 20

The search for the new Guilford President begins with the announcement of trustees David Hopkins ‘91 and Harrison Hickman ‘75 as cochairs of the effort.

October 21

AAUP Teach-In entitled "Who Will Save Guilford College?" inspires alumni to organize in support of saving the Quaker liberal arts at Guilford.

In Guilford’s case, many events

October 25

Alumni create Save Guilford College private Facebook group, which has more than 3,000 followers a month later. SGC leadership organizes and begins collecting pledges to support the College. W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 1 3

Agents of Change

“[Save Guilford College] may

conspired to make Guilford’s nudge seem more like a shove. An enrollment bump expected from the Guilford Edge initiative was supposed to help offset a 2018 bond taken out to renovate aging residence halls, academic buildings and athletics facilities. Those gains, however, were not realized. The pandemic only worsened Guilford’s financial shape when the school was forced to send students home in 2020. The switch to online learning reduced much-needed revenue streams like housing and food services

have started as a way to help Guilford financially, but it’s evolved into something more. My hope is it continues to grow and find ways to help the school because helping where needed – that’s always been a part of Guilford’s history.” — Thomas Swindell ’04

for more than a year. All of which made Save Guilford

organization in Washington that lobbies Congress, pored over Guilford’s books to better understand his alma mater’s financial plight. These days he advises trustees on, among other areas, fiduciary responsibility. Still other Save Guilford College supporters are offering their expertise from work experience such as market research and datadriven strategies for fundraising down the road. “(Save Guilford College) may have started as a way to help Guilford financially, but it’s evolved into something more,” Swindell said. “My hope is it continues to grow and find

College’s work for the Guilford Forward

ways to help the school because helping

Fund even more vital. Because of the

they could, working side by side with

where needed – that’s always been a

movement and other generous donors,

trustees, assisting and advising board

part of Guilford’s history.”

Hood is optimistic the school will reach

members with recruitment, advertising

its $6 million goal ahead of the Jan. 31

and fund-raising strategies.

deadline. But they and others are also

Emily Martin ’11, a first-generation

A Singular Purpose Richie Zweigenhaft, Dana Professor

quick to point out that Save Guilford

college graduate, couldn’t imagine

of Psychology emeritus, has been

College’s organizers did more than just

future students not having access to

a part of that history the past four

throw money at the problem.

Guilford College. She became part of the

decades. He’s seen his share of student-

Save Guilford College leadership team,

led causes at Guilford. Few of those

board talked about ways for the school

As the movement’s organizers and

volunteering countless hours compiling

compare to what unfolded last fall. “So

to move forward, everyone realized

a series of 11 videos promoting majors at

many incredibly smart and organized

many alumni who joined the Save

the College that were once recommended

people came together, put aside their

Guilford College movement could offer

for elimination or consolidation.

egos and (hurt) feelings and said, ‘OK,

more than just financial support. The

“Guilford really did change my life, it

how do we turn this around? How do

board established working teams made

was transformative,” Martin says. “And

up of trustees, faculty, staff and alumni

I owed it to the faculty and staff to do

to identify and achieve key milestones

whatever I could so Guilford could last

remains wide-eyed and amazed

to help the school develop a sustainable

for ‘kids’ like me in the future.”

at what Save Guilford College has

Swindell, CFO and administrative

November 6

In a town hall with alumni Moore repeats her belief that Guilford risks closing if it persists in overspending.

December 15

Trustees announce they have asked Moore to pause the Program Prioritization process while the board gathers more input.

serve the school in years to come. “I

January 4

The board opts to set aside the Program Prioritization and associated faculty terminations proposed by Moore. Trustees, alumni, parents, faculty, staff and students join working teams to chart an alternative path toward budget stabilization, which includes the Guilford Forward Fund, a year-long campaign to raise $6 million.

O R WA

January 21

FUND

14 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

November 16

accomplished – and its potential to

Moore announces she has reccommended to trustees the College eliminate 19 majors and many faculty positions. Affected faculty were informed of their impending termination a day earlier.

officer for a nonprofit Quaker

2021

Alumni offered their talents where

Even now, a year later, Zweigenhaft

GU I L FOR

path forward.

we save our school?’ ”

Save Guilford College establishes a designated fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Greensboro to collect cash donations.

SAVE GUILFORD COLLEGE FUND BY THE NUMBERS NUMBER OF DONATIONS BY AMOUNT

303K 550

$101 to $500

37%

13%

$5,001 to $10,000

Donated to date from

$1,001 to $1,500

$51 to $100

23%

$50 or Under

20%

$25,000 or more (1 donor)

Separate Donations

always knew a lot of alumni loved Guilford, but I was surprised how they

Source: Save Guilford College

a strong connection to Guilford College. “You don’t need a Guilford degree to

growing into an organization that is devoted to supporting Guilford College

rallied together,” he says. “Lawyers,

know how special our school is and what

accountants, teachers. We have alumni

it means not just to Greensboro, but to

from so many different walks of life

North Carolina and beyond,” Winslow

whose presence will be like those

coming together for one purpose:

says. “There’s been an awakening at

towering trees and buildings Starling

Saving our school.”

the school with alumni and within the

fell in love with all those years ago. “My

Ed Winslow, a Greensboro lawyer

in any way possible.” Swindell envisions an organization

board. We’re working together and

hope is we’re as visible as Bryan Hall

and chair of Guilford’s Board of

talking more between ourselves. Save

and Milner,” Swindell said. “Always

Trustees, is not a Guilford grad, but

Guilford College couldn’t have come at a

there and available when needed.”

his Quaker roots run deep. His great-

more critical time.”

great grandmother is believed to be PHOTO BY JULIE KNIGHT

$501 to $1,000

Taylor smiles at the thought of

Swindell believes Save Guilford

Guilford alumni giving so much of

one of the first students of New Garden

College is only going to grow stronger

themselves. Not just financially, but

Boarding School, as the school was

— both in numbers and influence on the

their time and talents as well to save

first known, more than 184 years ago.

campus. “It’s going to be around for years

a school that’s dear to them. “What

He remembers exploring the campus

to come,” he said. “This group of alumni

if we can harness all this new-found

as a child whenever his family visited

are not dissolving. We’re remaining

expertise and passion to make Guilford

Greensboro. Like Starling, Swindell and

and are only going to grow. We may

even stronger moving forward,” she

other Save Guilford supporters, he feels

have started as a movement, but we’re

says. “Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

February 23

Trustees announce that Moore has decided to conclude her time with the College several months early and Jim Hood '79 is appointed Interim President.

March 17

The Guilford Forward Fund reaches its first fundraising milestone of $2 million two weeks before the deadline.

April 6

Save Guilford College donates $25,000 to the College's annual Day for Guilford, which raises a record $1 million from a wide range of Guilfordians.

May 28

Save Guilford College donates $250,000 to the Guilford Forward Fund to help College surpass second fundraising milestone of $4 million several days early.

Late August

Two finalists interview on campus for Guilford’s presidency. The Guilford Forward Fund total exceeds $4.7 million toward a January 2022 goal of $6 million. W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 1 5

TITLE ROLE

Samantha Aaron Oversees New Guilford Edge Grant Program BY BRIAN SCHUH ‘02

Several campus innovations greeted students this year. New Summer Bridge programs to prepare for the school year, technological upgrades and renovations to create collaborative learning spaces and two new faculty positions in public health and sustainable foods debuted. More enhancements are on the way. These community additions may appear separate from one another, but all are a part of a five-year plan from a federal grant to assist Guilford College in retaining students and improving their academic experience. Guilford last year received about $2 million in federal funding — the single largest non-endowment grant ever awarded to the College — through a Title III grant known as Strengthening Institutions Program to support the Guilford Edge. The program helps colleges and Aaron said the grant will improve

and project-based learning in Hege

serve low-income students by providing

the learning environment for Guilford

Library Academic Commons and the

funds to improve and strengthen

students. “It is positioned to enhance the

transformation of Duke Hall’s Leak

the academic quality, institutional

learning technologies and facilities in

Room into an interactive collaborative

management and fiscal stability of

terms of classrooms, the availability of

learning and presentation space.

eligible institutions.

state-of-the-art technologies and digital

Samantha (Sam) Aaron, who was

“There are a lot of innovations that

art marketing, and building up the

are warranted on Guilford's campus and

hired in April as the College’s Title III

academic hub of the college by enhancing

Title III has given us an opportunity to

Director, is tasked with overseeing

the efforts of the Guilford Edge, “ said

really enhance our classroom spaces

the implementation and spending

Aaron. “All of these improvements

and some of our broader learning

of the grant. Aaron came to Guilford

enhance students’ abilities to stay and

spaces from the ground up,” Aaron said.

from Piedmont Community College

their desire to continue.”

in Roxboro, N.C., where she directed

One example of a transformed space is the Collaboratory on the second floor of

the Trio Program, a federal outreach

Technological Innovations

program targeting students from

Learning technology upgrades will

space as a fluid learning environment

disadvantaged backgrounds.

include innovations in online, blended

with large monitors and furniture that

1 6 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

Hege Library. Aaron describes the new

PHOTOS BY JULIE KNIGHT

universities expand their capacity to

S A M A N T H A A A R O N (O P P O S I T E ) W I L L O V E R S E E A $ 2 M I L L I O N F E D E R A L G R A N T T H AT W I L L H E L P I M P R O V E T H E A C A D E M I C E X P E R I E N C E F O R S T U D E N T S I N C L U D I N G T W O FA C U LT Y P O S I T I O N S I N S U S TA I N A B L E F O O D S A N D P U B L I C H E A LT H .

is reconfigurable in ways to facilitate

the building to make it a “one-stop hub”

For several students it was their first

different learning styles and activities.

for academic advancement.

time actually on campus, because of

Today’s students are not bound to

The grant also made possible two new

the COVID-19 pandemic. Aaron said

a desk. “Movability is a huge trend in

faculty positions in Sustainable Foods

many students who participated in the

collaborative learning, meaning that

and Public Health. These recent majors

2021 program expressed an interest in

we're no longer stationing our students

will be among the first at Guilford to

serving as mentors for future programs.

in static places and forcing them to turn

use the newly adapted learning spaces

and manipulate themselves in order to

and technologies such as Panopto,

education motivates and sustains her

work with collaborative groups,” Aaron

a learning software application

professional work in education grants.

said. “Another trend is deconstructing

that features lecture recording,

the learning environment so that it's

screencasting, video streaming and

have made it to college myself,” Aaron

more adaptable to not necessarily the

video content management.

said. “The grant I received required

curriculum, but to the student. No two

Aaron’s own journey to higher

“If it weren't for a grant, I would not

me to participate in a summer bridge

students are alike, and we're finding

Summer Bridges

more and more how important it is to

The Summer Bridge programs are

to prove that I could do the work, but in

be responsive to their individual needs.”

designed to support first- and second-

that experience the coursework was

year students. Each residential

almost secondary. It was that community

program will host 15 students.

building that was most important.”

Future renovations of learning spaces and technology upgrades will include the Leak Room in Duke Hall and the creation

Aaron said many students new to

program. I had to take a couple of classes

After graduating from Western

of the One Button Studio. The Leak Room,

higher education need additional

Michigan University, Aaron launched

currently a traditional lecture hall,

support. “The programs offer an

into a 20-year career in the music

will be “quartered” into four separate

opportunity to give students a

industry. “I'm able to bring a lot of what

platforms, each with its own digital

firsthand look of what college is going

I learned in promotions and marketing,

learning technology. The Academic

to be like before they actually do it and

public relations and management from

Commons in Hege Library will also

to also prepare themselves for their

the music industry into education,” she

undergo a renovation to create the One

second year,”

said. “You wouldn't think it would be a

Button Studio. Aaron details the plans for

This summer was the inaugural

good marriage, but it actually is because

the studio as a “social academic space,”

Bridge program for students

it allows for the injection of new ideas

bringing together different offices into

transitioning into their second year.

and fresh takes on old concepts.” W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 1 7

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Hines-Gaither Turns Microaggressions Into Teachable Moments B Y E M I LY H E D R I C K ‘ 7 0

microaggressions, or indirect, often

had the required innate language skills

unintentional expressions of racism,

reserved for the college-bound students.

KRISHAUNA HINES-GAITHER SEES

sexism, ageism, or ableism. They are

herself as a voice for change.

a form of racism that comes out in

me that there was the language of the

In that capacity she’s on a mission to

As a result, she said, “it was clear to

seemingly innocuous comments by

academic world, the professional world,

create environments where, she says,

people who frequently offer them with

and then there was the language we

“inclusion is not an afterthought, but

the best of intentions.

used to communicate with one another.”

happens on purpose.” As Guilford’s Interim Associate Vice

Hines-Gaither’s observations about

“I know now, after having studied

the powerful effects language can have

linguistics in depth that one is not better

President for Diversity, Equity and

on our lives began early in life, when she

than the other — they’re both valid —

Inclusion, and Director of the Center

was often the only student of color in

but they’re very different. I see that all

for Intercultural Engagement, Hines-

her elementary school class in Winston-

language is valuable and rich and should

Gaither teaches faculty and students

Salem, N.C. “I went to predominantly

be honored,” she explains, but how it’s

alike how to navigate the often murky

white schools, and minority students

used, and used effectively, depends upon

waters of language that can lead to

were drastically underrepresented,”

the setting. She’s constantly asking, “Is

unintentional consequences.

Hines-Gaither recalls. She noticed that

education helping us bridge those gaps

few of the “students who looked like me”

in communication?”

Hines-Gaither is an expert on

T O O O F T E N , S AYS K R I S H AU N A H I N E S - G A I T H E R , L A N G UA G E C R E AT E S A D I V I D E R AT H E R THAN A BRIDGE.

1 8 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

Too often, says Hines-Gaither,

studies, women and gender studies, and

invisibility present that others in the

language creates a divide rather than

Afro-Latin American studies before

group may not perceive.

a bridge. At a workshop Hines-Gaither

arriving at Guilford College in 2017.

hosted last year at Guilford dealing

Guilford was already ahead of the

or one of only a few in that situation,”

with microaggressions and implicit

curve with respect to its stance on

Hines-Gaither says. “I believe teachers

bias, a football player spoke up about

diversity, inclusion and intolerance

in general need to work to reach all

how a professor frequently turned to

to barriers limiting any individual.

learners, to bring people together at

him during a lecture and asked, “Do you

Indeed, diversity is grounded in the

that table and push for change.”

understand?”

College’s Core Values.

While the athlete was convinced the professor’s words were said with the best of intentions, he told Hines-Gaither and other workshop participants it made him feel like the professor thought the athlete was not equipped for the class. “This was a very high-achieving athlete who felt there was an assumption that he couldn’t understand something because he was an athlete,” Hines-Gaither said. “Did the professor feel that way? Probably not, but that’s the impression

“The goal is not to discourage

a person to speak one way or another. But I want our community to understand the complexity of language and how it leads to perceptions.” — Krishauna Hines-Gaither

When the football player was telling the story, Hines-Gaither looked around the room. Other student-athletes were

she explains. “But I want our community (at Guilford) to understand the complexity of language and how it leads to perceptions.” Hines-Gaither has hand-picked and trained about 20 Multi-Cultural Leadership Scholars at Guilford to lead discussions throughout campus about the complexities of culture and how one addresses differences. The series acknowledges that in these post-George Floyd times, students of all backgrounds

worthy of understanding this concept because he played football.”

“The goal is not to discourage a person to speak one way or another,”

the student was left with, that he was not

are experiencing a heightened awareness Over the past 10 years, the statistical profile of the student body bears out that commitment. In Fall of 2011, enrollment of degree-

about race and social inequities. This year these communications “ambassadors” are focusing on three themes that impact Guilford locally:

nodding in agreement. “This was clearly

seeking traditional students was 1,326

perceptions regarding racial inequities,

not an isolated incident.”

of whom 371 described themselves

food insecurities and disabilities. The

as people of color (Black or African-

dynamics of language are a great place

consciously or subconsciously — can

American, Hispanic, multiple race, non-

to start having those conversations, she

have a huge impact on each other.

resident alien, or of other or unknown

believes.

Indeed, Hines-Gaither points to

ethnicity), or 28 percent.

How we speak to one another —

numerous studies showing that when

Even while enrollment declined

Hines-Gaither suggests that there are ways we can all be our authentic

people feel they are being spoken

over the next decade Guilford students

selves, explore how to bridge the gaps

down to, they frequently tend to lower

of color continued to grow. In Fall of

that may exist between us and still

their performance. “We often lower

2020, 595 of the 1,159, or 51 percent of

celebrate our diversity.

our performance ability because that’s

degree-seeking traditional students

what they expect from us,” she says.

enrolled at the College described

always been well attended, and has

themselves as students of color.

continued to increase even more in the

Language served as a through line PHOTO BY JULIE KNIGHT

“It can be lonely if you’re the only one

in Hines-Gaither’s own education,

Hines-Gaither says the way

Participation in the program has

Black Lives Matter movement. “We’ve

from growing up in Winston-Salem’s

students or faculty use language in

always incorporated what’s happening

public school system all the way to

the classroom can be both divisive as

on the national stage, even though we

the University of North Carolina at

well as the vehicle to promote unity.

always bring the discussion home to

Greensboro, where she earned her

Often from the vantage point of some

Guilford,” she says. “The past year’s

Ph.D. Along the way she taught Spanish

minority persons, there’s a level

rhetoric has certainly kept us busy, and

for 20 years, plus race and ethnicity

of microaggression, dismissal and

I expect it will continue to do so.” W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 1 9

ATHLETICS REPORT

NEW JOB, SAME PHILOSOPHY Guilford's New AD Wants to Continue Building Relationships with Student-Athletes On May 25, 2021, 57-year-old William (Bill) Foti was named as Guilford’s new Director of Athletics. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, the Manchester native brings 36 years of experience in coaching and administration to Greensboro. Foti began his coaching career in 1986 as a graduate assistant at New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University), where he also earned an MBA. In 1992, he was named head men’s basketball coach at Colby-Sawyer College, a small liberal arts school in New London, N.H. In 29 years at Colby-Sawyer he won 486 games, placing him among the top 25 winningest active coaches at the Division III level. Foti also served as Director of Athletics for seven years (2013-20), overseeing 22 men’s and women’s teams. Foti and wife Cathy have three children, son Nick (who lives in Charlotte) and daughters Christina, a recent graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, and Caroline, a freshman at American University. Guilford College Magazine sat down with Foti and talked with him about the transition from coaching to administration, creating a balance between men’s and women’s athletics and what a successful Division III coach looks like.

I was just always passionate about

what life without coaching could be like.

basketball. Coaching was something

We practiced but did not have games. To

I thought I would be very good at,

be truthful, I did not miss the games. Not

although I’m not sure why.

missing the games was a signal to me that maybe it was time to step away.

What is your definition of a successful coach at the Division III level?

What is it that makes Division III

When you boil it down, a successful

athletics so unique and so special?

coach is one that brings a positive,

It is the largest division in the NCAA, and

comprehensive experience to student-

the spirit behind being a student-athlete

athletes that is consistent with a

is the truest in terms of balancing things.

college’s values. I like to win games, and

In Division III you see a lot of student-

being successful is important. But it is

athletes playing multiple sports. You

just as important that student-athletes

don’t see that much at the Division I level,

have a good experience academically,

but if someone wants to try it here; it’s

athletically and with other activities.

celebrated. There are no requirements

Coaches really can make a difference in

for student-athletes when not in season.

establishing that culture.

Kids want to have internships, kids need to have jobs. They can do that here.

What will you most miss about not being on the sidelines?

There is a new softball indoor

There is no better feeling in the world

batting facility scheduled to open in

than coaching a great team. When

December. What are your feelings

everything works and you have a great

regarding an equal commitment to

group of student-athletes, there is no

women’s sports teams?

better feeling than seeing that manifest

It is crystal clear that there is a

itself in wins on the court. Off the court,

commitment toward equitable

it is the relationships. That is why I

opportunities across genders here. I

have vowed that as an administrator,

have a desire to work collaboratively

I will never get that far away from the

with our coaches and administration in

You never played college basketball.

student-athletes. It’s building those

continuing that commitment. I worked

What made you choose to become a coach?

relationships that I will miss.

in NCAA compliance for years dealing

First, my high school basketball coach,

with Title IX issues so I feel very

Stan Spirou, was a true mentor. Other

What will you not miss about coaching?

than my parents, there was no one who

The games. The stress of the games takes

influenced me more as a young person

a toll. During the month of February I

Clearly, budgetary concerns have

than him. He gave me my first job at

would lose 15 pounds or more. One of the

been a recent issue at Guilford.

New Hampshire College. Secondly,

benefits of COVID is that it showed me

What is your goal for meshing fiscal

2 0 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

strongly about this.

PHOTO BY JULIE KNIGHT

BY STEPHANIE MILLER

I N S E V E N Y E A R S A S AT H L E T I C D I R EC T O R , B I L L F O T I O V E R S AW 22 MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TEAMS AT C O L B Y- S AW Y E R C O L L EG E .

responsibility with a large and successful athletics program? The budget is set for this year. I was not involved in the planning, but it is my responsibility to adhere to it. I have a lot of experience with meeting a budget and with going through lean budget years. Most Division III schools do. I’ve certainly never been overbudgeted. I know when to be creative and when to say, “This is what we need.” How did you leverage budget creativity at Colby-Sawyer? There are so many things you can do. It’s how and where and when you schedule games. How you transport to games. What time do you leave? How do you plan meals? Perhaps two teams can travel together if you plan ahead. There are many ways to be creative. Why Guilford? On a personal level, my wife Cathy and I are becoming empty nesters. It was sort of a perfect storm. We could set out on an adventure and move anywhere. When I came down for the interview, I loved the campus – all the green space and mature trees. The interview process was very comprehensive, and I was impressed with the answers to my questions. I already had heard positive things about the coaches here; there are many who have been very successful on a national level. It’s not easy to find coaches of such high quality. More than anything, I just felt comfortable. Now that I’m here, I can appreciate even more how beautiful it is. I’m just over-the-moon thrilled. We are living in a house on campus, and I can walk to work. Who can do that? It’s a hoot. W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 2 1

ATHLETICS REPORT

END OF AN ERA

After 17 Years, Stephanie Flamini Heads to Hartford Stephanie Flamini, who coached the

winning record for the most successful

players finished the Spring 2020

Guilford women’s basketball team to

coach in the program’s 47-year history.

semester with a 4.0 GPA. Nine more

284 wins in 17 seasons — 45 percent

Guilford’s women’s basketball team

players finished with at least a 3.6 GPA.

of the program’s all-time victories —

did not compete last year because

Last spring, 13 of Guilford’s 14 players

has left Guilford to become the Senior

of the pandemic. Flamini’s teams

earned at least a 3.0 GPA or better. “I

Associate Athletics Director at the

participated in four NCAA Division III

am most proud of what we have been

University of Hartford (Conn.).

Tournaments and reached the finals of

able to accomplish in the classroom,”

Flamini will be replaced by

the Old Dominion Athletic Conference

Flamini said.

Sarah Mathews, who was hired in

Tournament six times, winning titles in

September. Matthews served as Head

2012, 2013 and 2017.

Coach at Bridgewater (Va.) College the past five years.

Eighteen Guilford student-athletes

Flamini also served as Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. Before Guilford,

combined for 29 All-ODAC honors

Flamini coached at Chowan University

under Flamini’s direction. Equally as

and the University of Maine at

20, which proved to be Falmini’s

important, her players also starred

Farmington. Her career head coaching

final season. It was the 11th straight

academically. A record five Quaker

record is 342-212.

Guilford finished 17-10 in 2019-

S T E P H A N I E F L A M I N I WA S G U I L F O R D’S M O S T S U C C E S S F U L W O M E N ’S B A S K E T B A L L C O A C H .

2 2 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

NEWS & NOTES

Longtime Baseball Coach Nick Black Resigns Nick Black '02 resigned after 16 seasons as Guilford's baseball coach. Black, a former catcher for the Quakers, compiled a 260-318-2 record. Black coached 27 All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference players during his tenure.

Frey Named New Men’s Lacrosse Coach Mark Frey was named the new men’s lacrosse coach in July. Frey replaces Maxx Aiken who coached the team

JAMES MISHOE '21 WON HIS THIRD ODAC P L AY E R O F T H E Y E A R AWA R D L A S T S P R I N G .

in an interim capacity last spring, finishing with a 3-5 record in a pandemic-truncated season.

Senior Trio Shines for Men’s Golf

America (GCAA) also honored him with

Frey, a 1998 graduate of McDaniel

Led by top 15 finishes from James Mishoe

a third straight first-team All-America

College (Md.), served as the offensive

‘21, Jack Lee ‘21 and Adison Manring ‘21,

selection. He earned second-team honors

coordinator at Methodist University

the Quaker men’s golf team followed

his freshman season.

(N.C.) in 2020 and previously coached at

an ODAC championship with a third-

Lee was named a GCAA Second Team

place finish in the NCAA Division III

All-American while Manring garnered

Marymount and Chapman University

championship in Wheeling, W.Va.

Honorable Mention for the second time

(Calif.). He started the men’s lacrosse

during his career. All three seniors earned

program at ODAC rival Ferrum College

of the Year award this spring, capped his

First Team All-ODAC mention this spring.

(Va.), serving as head coach from

stellar career by being named the Jack

Lee, a three-time Dean’s List honoree, also

2010 – 2017, winning Southeast

Nicklaus Division III National Player of

was named to the GCAA All-American

Independent Lacrosse Championship

the Year. The Golf Coaches Association of

Scholar team.

titles in 2015 and 2016.

Mishoe, who won his third ODAC Player

Florida Southern, Cleveland State, Loyola

W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 2 3

STEVE MARTIN

YUSEF SAL A AM

ANNE L AMOT T

JOSÉ ANDRÉS

R I TA M O R E N O

MARTIN, MORENO HIGHLIGHT STRONG BRYAN SERIES Chef, Humanitarian, Best-selling Author Also Coming to Greensboro LEGENDARY ENTERTAINERS STEVE MARTIN and Rita

young men. They spent between seven to 13 years behind bars

Moreno and celebrated chef and humanitarian José Andrés

for crimes they did not commit, until their sentences were

are among five speakers appearing in Guilford College’s next

overturned in 2002.

Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro. Martin kicks off the season Jan. 25, followed by Yusef Salaam, a prison-reform activist and member of the Central Park Five (Exonerated Five) on Feb. 15. Best-selling author Anne Lamott appears March 15, followed by Andrés on April 26 and Moreno in a

Lamott is the author of seven novels and several bestselling books of nonfiction including the classic book on writing, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, and Traveling

For New Subscriptions and Legacy Society memberships, visit bryanseries.guilford.edu

speaking and performing event May 17. New subscriptions and Legacy Society memberships are

Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith. Her newest book is Dusk, Night, Dawn: On Revival and Courage, published in March. A culinary innovator, best-selling author and educator, Andrés twice has been named one

of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and

on sale at bryanseries.guilford.edu. Subscriptions cost

Outstanding Chef and Humanitarian of the Year by the

$350, $295 and $250 depending on seating location. Legacy

James Beard Foundation. In 2010, he formed World Central

memberships cost $900 per person, which includes premium

Kitchen, a which provides solutions to end hunger and poverty

benefits and a gift to Guilford.

by using the power of food to empower communities and

Martin is an actor, comedian, writer, producer and musician (accomplished banjoist) who has earned five Grammy Awards,

strengthen economies. Moreno is an actress, dancer and singer whose career

a Primetime Emmy Award and an Honorary Academy Award at

spans 70 years. She is one of the few artists to win an Emmy,

the Academy's 5th Annual Governors Awards in 2013.

a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony (EGOT). She won the Oscar

Salaam, at 15 in 1989, was tried and convicted in the Central Park Jogger case along with four other Black and Latinx 24 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

for Supporting Actress for “West Side Story” in 1962 and will appear in the remake to be released in December.

L A M O T T: S A M L A M O T T; A N D R E S : B L A I R G E T Z M E Z I B O V

Bryan Series season that begins in January 2022 at the new

Guilford Board of Trustees Announces Six New Members SIX NEW BOAR D OF TRUSTEES

Presbyterian Theological Seminary. An

members were tapped to serve terms

ordained Presbyterian minister, she is

running through October 2025, after

the author of five books. Craigo-Snell is

attorney and researcher whose career

which they will be eligible for two

married to Seth Craigo-Snell ’92.

spans the academic, nonprofit and

additional four-year stints.

Kyle Kiser ’06 is the Chief Executive

Glynis E. Hill-Chandler ’78 is

‘96 live in Northern Virginia. Dawn Opel ’12 of Lansing, Mich. Is an

government sectors. A former assistant

Officer at RxRevu, a national leader

professor at Michigan State University,

the Assistant Head of School and

in providing prescription price

she now serves as the Director of

Counselor at Hill Learning Center in

transparency to hospitals, clinics and

Research & Strategic Initiatives and

Durham. A Licensed Mental Health

health systems. Kiser lives in Seattle

as General Counsel for the Food Bank

Professional Counselor Supervisor and

with wife Carly Matteson Kiser ’06 and

Council of Michigan. Opel and husband

a National Board-Certified Counselor,

two children, Audrey and Jack.

Ryan have one son, Ian.

she also operates a private counseling

Brian Lowit ’98 established the

Arnold “Arnie” R. Thompson,

practice. Hill-Chandler and husband,

still-active Lowit Records label while

Executive Director of the Friends Home

Kenneth W. Chandler ‘76, have two

serving as a student manager at WQFS.

since 2016, is a valued community

children, Sharice ‘09 and Kenneth II.

A co-owner of Mount Desert Island

partner. A certified public accountant and

Ice Cream in Washington, D.C., he also

licensed nursing home administrator,

as Professor of Theology and

serves as label manager for Dischord

Thompson lives in Greensboro with his

Associate Academic Dean at Louisville

Records. He and wife Gwen Doddy Lowit

wife, Kathleen, and daughter, Helen.

Shannon Craigo-Snell ’92 serves

Add

a splash of creativity

Enjoy Retirement Living at Its Best Woodworking & Hobby Shop • Craftsman-level equipment and tools • Safe and clean workshop • Classes available

Art Studios • • • •

At Well•Spring, you’ll find an active and engaging life, full of opportunities for growth and learning.

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Two art studios on campus Visiting art instructors Space to store materials Workshops

Community Garden • • • •

43 raised-bed containers Grow vegetables, flowers, or herbs In-house horticulture experts Partnership with Paul J. Ciener W W. G U I L Fin O R Kernersville D.EDU | 25 BotanicalWGarden

COMMUNITY NOTES Guilford and plans to publish a book this fall about keeping faith through adversity.

’60s

Jennifer McInnes Coolidge ’87 was named curator of the Mills Art Gallery in Orlando. Coolidge, who graduated with a B.A. in Fine Art with a concentration in Painting, brings with her a long career as an arts and non-profit consultant, fundraiser, educator and curator. She also serves as Director of Philanthropy for the Orlando

James Butcher ’60 represented American Korean War veterans in May at a groundbreaking ceremony for an addition to the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Wall of Remembrance, scheduled for completion in summer 2022, is a $22 million addition to the existing memorial that will include the names of the nearly 44,000 American servicemen and members of the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army who died during the conflict. Butcher, who enlisted at the age of 17, saw action in the Korean War battles of Jane Russell Hill (1952) and Pork Chop Hill (1953). After leaving the service he attended Guilford on the G.I. Bill, graduating with a B.A. in Psychology and later adding advanced degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Butcher taught Psychology for 38 years at the University of Minnesota where he became known internationally for his work in cross-cultural personality assessment. He is the father of Holly Grant '06.

Jimmy Teague ’80, the head football coach at Reidsville (N.C.) High School, coached the Rams to a third straight Class 2-A state championship with a 35-6 victory over Mountain Heritage in May. Teague has won six state titles, including four in the past five years, during his 23 seasons at Reidsville. This year’s team outscored opponents 495-70 during a pandemic-shortened season of 10 games.

’80s

2 6 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

Philharmonic Orchestra. Jeff Schreiber ’88 qualified to race for Team USA in his age group in the Aquabike division at the World Triathlon Championship in Edmonton, Canada. An active triathlete for more than a decade, Schreiber competed in the 2019 Aquabike world championship in Spain. Schreiber played football at Guilford where he was named a member of the 1987 NAIA Academic All-American team. Jeff Thigpen ’93 was sworn in for a fifth fouryear term as Guilford County Register of Deeds in January after receiving nearly 70 percent of the vote in the November 2020 county-wide election. Thigpen oversees offices in Greensboro and High Point that record, preserve and provide access to real estate and vital records. A former Guilford County Commissioner, Thigpen majored in Political Science and Justice & Policy Studies.

’90s

Jennifer DeMeo ’84 is the first woman in nearly 100 years to serve as president of the Fallbrook (Calif.) Public Utility District Board of Directors. DeMeo assumes leadership at a particularly crucial time as droughts and infrastructure issues have driven up water prices in San Diego County. She is leading an effort to purchase imported water from Riverside County, which could save the utility $3 million to $4 million per year. DeMeo holds a degree in Religious Studies from

Michael Wainscott ’95 was hired by Revol Greens as its Chief Financial Officer. Based in Owatonna, Minn,, Revol Greens produces sustainable and hydroponically farmed

produce and is the largest greenhouse lettuce grower in North America. Wainscott graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Agricultural Economics before adding a degree in Accounting as an adult student at Guilford. Christopher Atack ’96 was appointed Police Chief of Carrboro, N.C. in February. “The year 2020 was a challenge for a number of reasons and laid bare many of the persistent inequities in our country,”said Atack, a 22-year police force veteran. “Our department has unique opportunities to address, respond and adapt to these realities as we focus on community service, transparency and solutiondriven thinking.” Atack first became interested in law enforcement as a member of the Student Security team as an adult student at Guilford. After graduating with a degree in Economics, Atack added a master’s in Justice Administration from Methodist University. Roy McDonald ’96 was elected to a three-year term representing District 33 on the NC State Bar Council, a 61-member committee that is responsible for regulating the professional conduct of North Carolina’s licensed lawyers and certified paralegals. An attorney with Brinkley Walser Stoner in Lexington, N.C., McDonald graduated from the Wake Forest University School of Law in 2000.

Kevin Spainhour ’97 is the new principal of West Forsyth (N.C.) High School, the largest school in the Winston Salem/ Forsyth County Schools system. Spainhour spent the previous eight years as the principal at West Stokes (N.C.) High School. A Physical Education major and basketball player at Guilford, he taught physical education and served as the boys’ basketball coach at Mount Airy High School from 2003-2012. He is married to former women’s basketball player Laura Haynes Spainhour ‘98, a member of the Guilford College Athletics Hall of Fame.

homelessness allows (me) to see the ‘other side of the coin’ in assisting individuals toward homeownership.” Willie Repoley ’00 plays famed Atlantic Records engineer Tom Dowd in three episodes of the anthology series “Genius: Aretha,” now streaming on National Geographic Channel. The eight-episode series chronicles portions of the life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Repoley is best known

’00s

Darlene Joyner ’81, a Northwest Guilford (N.C.) High School alumna who never suffered a losing season in more than three decades of coaching at her alma mater, was honored by the school with the naming of the gymnasium floor as “Darlene Joyner Court.” Before retiring after 33 years at Northwest Guilford in 2019, she compiled a record of 362109. She won two Class 4-A state basketball championships, with her 2018 team recording a final No. 20 national ranking. Joyner played basketball and volleyball at Guilford and was inducted into the Guilford College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.

David Heggie ’98 has been named President and CEO of Eastern Carolina YMCA in New Bern, N.C.. From 2008-21, he was Executive Director of the Kathleen Price Bryan Family YMCA in Greensboro, the first African American to serve in that position. He also serves on the board of the NC Alliance of YMCAs. A five-time all-ODAC performer on the Quaker football team, Heggie was inducted into the Guilford College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014. Jens Christensen ’99 was named President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga (Tenn.). He previously spent 17 years with the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, the last seven years as its leader. His experience in his former role will serve him well with Habitat, he told Thechattanoogan.com. “Spending the last two decades working with those experiencing

for his starring role in the 2014 indie noir film “Quiet River.” Reginald Wilson ‘00 has been named Provost of the Brooksville, Fla., campus of PascoHernando State College after serving as Acting Provost for a year. Wilson has worked at the school since 2011, previously serving as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Retention Services. A History major and football player at Guilford, Wilson is a 20-year veteran of higher education, having spent a decade as the Director of Advising and Academic Success at Greensboro College. He holds an M.A. in Education, Curriculum and Instruction and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration, both degrees conferred by the University of Phoenix. Natalie Hodge ’01 recently released her third book, From Unemployed to Unstoppable: A 30-Day Transformation Guide. Born out of the chaos and confusion of the pandemic

economy, the book offers daily exercises and a lighthearted approach to tackling “transition anxiety.” Hodge, a writer, entrepreneur and speaker, owns Rudy’s Girl Media, a multimedia company based in Martinsville, Va. Nina Oliver ’01 began a new role in March as the Carteret County (N.C.) Health Director. Oliver spent the previous 18 years with the Rowan County (N.C.) Health Department and had served as its Health Director since 2014. She brings to her new role in Morehead City a passion for reducing substance abuse and addiction as well as a firm belief in preparedness and accreditation. Kenneth Gamble ’04 started a new job as the Mocksville (N.C.) Town Manager in May. A Criminal Justice major at Guilford, he spent 19 years in law enforcement in Kernersville, N.C., including three years as chief of police. He most recently served as the town manager in Denton, N.C. after five years in the same role in Stoneville, N.C. Joy Lough ’06 joined S.G Atkins Community Development Corporation in WinstonSalem, N.C. as Women's Business Center Program Director. The non-profit organization has a mission of fostering community-based leadership and revitalizing the neighborhoods surrounding Winston-Salem State University. The organization’s Enterprise Center offers facilities and services to startups. Lough is a business startup strategist and the author of several books. Zithobile "Zitty" Nxumalo ’08, received the Leadership W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 2 7

COMMUNITY NOTES

Christopher Barnette ’08, an assistant football coach at NCA&T since 2015, worked with the NFL Washington Football Team during the summer on a prestigious Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. Barnette serves as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Aggies where he has been a part of four HBCU national championships. A two-time All-American wide receiver and the 2006 ODAC Offensive Player of the Year at Guilford, he spent eight years as a Quaker assistant following his graduation. During his four years as Guilford’s offensive coordinator, he directed offenses that set school records for points and touchdowns.

2 8 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

Greensboro Service Medal from Leadership Greensboro in January. The medal recognizes those who demonstrate leadership through dedication and service to the community. Nxumalo, who earned a B.S. in Business Management from Guilford before adding a Master’s in Communication Studies from UNCG and a Ph.D. from NCA&T in Leadership Studies, started her own communications consulting business, Deftable, in 2014. Her company offers coaching, group facilitation, public speaking and event management. A co-founder of the Greensborobased non-profit We the People International, Nxumalo was a featured participant in the 2021 City of Greensboro Annual MLK Commemorative Program and served as the 2021 Impact Committee Chair for Greensboro’s Juneteenth celebration. Emily Burnett ’09 co-authored the chapter titled “Courage” in The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology (3rd edition). The writing includes part of her research for a thesis on Courage at Clemson University where she earned a Ph.D. in Institutional and Organizational Psychology. The book takes a deeper dive into the growing field of “positive psychology” and explores topics related to human virtues, such as hope, happiness and creativity. Ann Ferguson ’10 is the new boys’ basketball coach at Thomasville (N.C.) High School, the first woman to fill that role in Davidson County. A four-year starter on the Quaker women’s basketball team, she previously coached college women’s and

’10s

high school girls’ basketball. Her most recent job was as the coach of the Thomasville girls’ team where she was named the conference coach of the year during each of her two seasons at the helm.

Division of Campus Life and Senior Director of Strategic Engagement at Brown University. She previously worked at Guilford and Oberlin Colleges and consulted for Birzeit University in Palestine.

Wendy Poteat ’10, President and CEO of Say Yes Guilford since 2019, was named one of the 2021 Outstanding Women in Business by Triad Business Journal. Say Yes Guilford is a local education non-profit organization that

Mischa Miles ’11 teaches 10th and 11th grade English at Jamestown (N.C.) Ragsdale High School. Known for her Great Gatsby parties, she was selected her school’s 2021 Teacher of the Year, an award that put her in the running for Guilford County Teacher of the Year honors.

provides access to support services and scholarships to Guilford County public school students. Poteat, who earned her degree in Criminal Justice in Guilford’s adult education program, previously served as the Executive Director of the Forsyth Promise United Way of Forsyth County.

Deena Zaru ’10 (above) started a new role as a race and culture reporter and producer in April for ABC News. Zaru, who previously worked at CNN, spent the past three years as a digital writer and editor at ABC before joining the newly formed enterprise reporting unit. “I’m proud of ABC for investing in reporting that examines race and racism in America and social justice issues,” she says. Zaru is a former News Editor of The Guilfordian. Dana Hamdan ’11 was named the Chief of Staff of the

Justin Williams-Blackwell ’13 now works for Cisco, joining the IT and networking company’s Supply Chain Workforce Strategy team in Durham, N.C. as an Inclusion and Talent Project Manager. Williams-Blackwell was chosen by the Triad Business Journal as one of “20 in their 20s” in December 2020 while serving in his previous role as the Community Impact Manager for the United Way of Greensboro. Justin is married to Neisha Washington Williams ’13. Chad Wagoner ’14 earned a Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science with a Physiology Focus from UNC Chapel Hill in the spring. This fall he is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. A winner of the Outstanding Exercise and Sport Science Award for Health and Fitness Majors at Guilford, Wagoner was a relief pitcher for the Quaker baseball team. Brittany DeCesare ’15 earned a J.D. from Pace University (N.Y.) and started a new job as an Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office in September. DeCesare also holds a Master in Forensic

Psychology from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Kristen Lyons ’15 earned a master’s degree in Education from Salem State (Mass.) University this spring. Brandon Rothfuss ‘15 was hired by the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies as a Business Development Associate in Partnership Marketing. He previously worked with the NBA’s G League Greensboro Swarm, N.C. Fusion Soccer

and Red Ventures. A Bonner Scholar, Rothfuss played soccer and participated in track and field at Guilford. Abigail Bekele ’19, who majored in English and minored in Photography at Guilford, earned an M.A. in Interactive Media from Elon University. A Bonner Scholar, Bekele served as managing editor and photojournalist for The Guilfordian and traveled to Ethiopia as a 2018 Pulitzer Center Fellow.

Christopher Collins ’19 is employed as a research assistant in Environment and Conflict at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC. Established by Congress in 1984, the institute promotes international conflict resolution and trains individuals in mediation and diplomacy. Collins, who grew up in Thailand, majored in International Environmental Policy and East Asian Studies

at Guilford. He is working on a master’s degree in International Development at The George Washington University. Logan Shortt ’20 earned an M.S. in Management from Wake Forest University. A four-time ODAC All-Academic Team selection as a member of the Quaker baseball team, Shortt served as President of Guilford’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

’20s

We Want Your News Share your news with classmates and friends! Go to www.giving.guilford.edu to submit your Community Notes online through our Alumni Directory. The deadline for the Spring 2022 issue is Feb. 8. Note: Community Notes may appear in print or online. Please share information that is appropriate for all audiences.

W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 2 9

IN MEMORIAM

REMEMBERING GUILFORDIANS The following Guilfordians died between January and August 2021, and we offer condolences to their families and friends. A list of obituaries is available on the Community Notes page at www.giving.guilford.edu.

David Stanfield ’44

Ann Morgan ’66

Richard “Ric” Morton ’80

An eighth-generation

Morgan, 77, was

Morton, 64, practiced

Quaker, Stanfield, 97,

devoted to her church,

Environmental

worked for 18 years

her family and her

Law for 30 years in

in the Development

hometown of High

Charlotte, building

Department at

Point. Married to Jim

upon a love for the

Guilford before retiring in 1992. He

Morgan ’66 for 57 years, she taught

outdoors that was nurtured during

is remembered for securing gifts that

school in Birmingham, Ala., and

the pursuit of a degree In Geology

continue to benefit Guilford today.

Greensboro before becoming a full-

at Guilford. An avid cyclist and

A graduate of Hartford Theological

time mother and tireless community

nationally-ranked adventure racer,

Seminary, he served as minister

volunteer. She was actively involved

he spent the years following his

at Friends meetings in Ohio and

with High Point’s Christ United

graduation exploring the desert

North Carolina and as director of

Methodist Church and gave countless

surrounding Reno, Nev. He later

development for the Five Years

hours to the Junior League of High

returned to school at the University

Friends Meeting (now Friends United

Point and the High Point Historical

of South Carolina where he earned

Meeting) in Richmond, Ind. Stanfield

Museum. Morgan died April 27.

his juris doctorate. The son of beloved

died Feb. 3 at Friends Homes in

George “Randy” Uzzell ’76

Greensboro.

John C. White ’52

Uzzell, a former

longtime English professor Dick Morton who passed away in 2005, Ric died June 4.

Once set on becoming

Guilford College

Bradley Roquemore ’00

a doctor, White

Alumni Board of

Roquemore, 51,

Directors, spent nine

credited Guilford

member of the

changed his major after his experience

years with the Greensboro Police

with unlocking

as a medical corpsman

Department before entering private

his lifelong love of

in the U.S. Navy during World War

security with Burlington Industries.

II. The new major, History, seemed a

In 22 years with the company, he

a stint in the U.S. Navy, he earned

better fit because he enjoyed studying

rose through the ranks to serve

a degree in Business Management

and sharing with others his Quaker

as Director of Corporate Security.

from Guilford and an MBA from the

heritage and family genealogy. A

He was honored by former North

University of Tennessee. After starting

former salesman with Dillard Paper,

Carolina Governor Pat McCrory with

as a federal lending compliance

he built a home close

one of the state’s highest honors, the

consultant, he became a real estate and

to the College where he lived

Order of the Longleaf Pine, for his

facility manager with Lawler-Wood,

following his retirement. White, 95,

work with private security. Uzzell

LLC, where he helped to develop and

died Jan. 26.

died Jan. 4.

manage National Nuclear Security

3 0 | W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U

learning. Following

Administration facilities in Oak Ridge,

campus, most notably as an active

based on the belief that the world

Tenn. and Amarillo, Tex. He died April 6.

member of the Democratic Women of

could be changed through small and

Guilford County, serving as a precinct

large acts of service. In 1981, he joined

Yvette Bailey ’13

chair and in several other leadership

the faculty at Guilford where he would

A leader among

roles. On April 10, she was elected as

serve as Associate Dean of Students,

black alumni and

Secretary of the Democratic Party of

Director of Experiential Learning,

CCE students, Bailey,

Guilford County. Bailey died May 21.

Director of Career Development and

63, was known for her bright smile and infectious

James “Jim” Keith, Jr.

Placement and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Sociology. Following his retirement from Guilford in 1993,

personality. Starting in 2013, she

A passionate believer

Keith served as Program Officer for

served a five-year term as an original

in the importance of

the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner

member of the Black Alumni of

experiential learning,

Foundation and as an independent

Guilford College Advisory Board.

Keith crafted a career

educational consultant. Keith, 86,

She was equally engaged beyond the

in higher education

died Aug. 4.

Jerry Steele Steele, 82, coached the Guilford men’s basketball team from 1962 to 1970, reenergizing a moribund program that won just 25 games in the 10 seasons before his arrival. Powered by players like two-time NAIA All-American Bob Kauffman ’68, the third pick in the 1968 NBA draft, he crafted a record of 150-76. His last team was his best. The 1969-70 Quakers won 29 straight games, finished with a 32-5 record and placed fourth in the NAIA National Tournament. One of the players on the 1970 team, a freshman named M.L. Carr ’73, would lead the Quakers to an NAIA national title three years later. Steele returned to college coaching in 1972 at High Point College where he won 459 games in 32 seasons before retiring in 2003. Steele died July 11.

W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 3 1

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DAY FOR GUILFORD April 5, 2022

Calling All Quakers! One day each year, the wider Guilford College community comes together to rally campus spirit and celebrate the tremendous impact our collective gifts can make in the lives of Guilford students. Last year, the Guilford community raised over $1 million on Day for Guilford for academic projects, college initiatives, scholarships and student activities. This year we want to raise even more. But we’re going to need your help! Helping is as easy as 1-2-3!

Make a gift: We will be sharing giving links throughout the day on social media and through email. There’s no such thing as a small gift,

they all make a difference. Let’s reach new participation levels and make this the best #DayforGuilford yet!

Post on social media: Share your Guilford story and why you are part of our community of supporters. Tag Guilford College and Guilford

College Alumni and use the hashtag: #DFG2022.

Partner with us: Be a part of Day for Guilford 2022 by partnering with the Office of Advancement and

Alumni Relations. Reach out to Ashley Raper (right), Guilford’s Director of Annual Giving at (336) 316-2055 or ahraper@guilford.edu to learn more about how you can help.

One day. One Guilford. We can’t wait to celebrate with you on April 5.

Go Quakers!

October 2021 Guilford College Magazine

Articles inside

Alumni Engagement

Philanthropy

Community Notes