As this newsletter makes its way to you, 2013 has just begun.The new year always inspires us to think about what our goals are and wonder what the next year will bring. These are questions we never seem to get tired of asking, for with each new year there is excitement and hope.
On campus it is much the same, but especially exciting for one particular group. Our seniors are beginning what may be their last semester in college. Of course, there are those who will continue their education in graduate school-some now, some years from now. However, there is nothing like the senior year of undergraduate studies.
This past year the Office of Alumni Relations has been working hard on how to make the transition easier. With that in mind, they have created a program that begins the final week on campus, "The Last 4 Days of the Best 4 Years of Your Life:·
In addition to a variety of activities, including a farewell banquet and social at the president's house, graduating seniors will receive a booklet filled with valuable information on what to expect upon graduation. Tackling topics such as dressing for success, developing financial security, creating a budget, monitoring credit reports, evaluating the ins and outs of insurance, and renting vs. buying, this booklet will serve as a guide to an unknown world. Adding to the appeal, sprinkled throughout will be words of wisdom from alumni.
Just as exciting is an opportunity for alumni to submit business card ads ($25 per business card) laid out by geographical area. This will give students an idea of whom to contact in their areas to purchase a car, buy a home, find insurance, buy clothes or join
Future Lancers? Children of alumni often catch some school spirit. Here, Julia, 12, and Kevin, 10, daughter and son of Kathleen Manning Holroyd '96 and Chris Holroyd '96 show their Longwood pride.
a gym.These are just some ideas, but the possibilities are endless as Longwood alumni are everywhere!
As always, we hope to see you either on campus or at one of our events. One event in particular that is a big move for us is our Great Wolf Lodge event on March 8-9, 2013 (see calendar on Page 7 for details). It is a reunion that is already set up for you! What better way to connect with friends and their families?
Looking forward to our paths crossing soon,
Colleen McCrink Margiloff '97 President, Longwood Alumni Association
On t he c ove r: Longwood teacher candidate Allison Kellinger '13 helps students in a fifth·grade class at Bacon District Elementary School in Charlotte County, Va. Kellinger is among a group of Longwood students helping Charlottte County schools adopt innovating teaching methods.
on pomt is published twice a year by the Division of University Advancement.
Editor: Matthew McWilliams
Creative Director: David Whaley
Photographer: Andrea Dailey
434-395-2020
High-Profile Visit
Ambassador William (Bill) E. Todd '83, who serves as the top U.S. diplomat in the Kingdom of Cambodia, met with President Barack Obama during an East Asia Summit in November 2012. Prior to serving in Cambodia, Todd worked at the U.S_ Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, where he oversaw implementation of the largest foreign assistance program in U.S_ history. He has also served as the ambassador to Brunei. He was sworn in to his current post on April 17, 2012_
Search firm chosen to assist in selecting next president
• A search firm has been selected and the job description finalized in rhe search for Longwood's next president.
AGB Search in Washington, D.C., is the firm selected by the Presidential Search Advisory Committee to assist with the search. Leading the firm's efforts for Long'>\TOOd is Dr. Constantine "Deno" Curris, whose more than 40 years of experience in higher education include 26 years as president at three different universities.
''AGB is a highly respected organization with extensive contacts with universities, presidents and boards throughout the country, " said Jane Maddux, head of che university search committee and a member ofLongwood's Board of Visitors. ''AGB Search is focused exclusively on higher education and understands the unique characteristics and skills required of a successful university president."
Also on the search committee are several Longwood alumni: Paula King '90, a member of the Longwood University Foundation Board; Dr. Judi M. Lynch '87 and Stephen Mobley '93, members of the Longwood Board of Visitors; Colleen McCrink Margiloff '97, president of the
Alumni Board; Dr. Cheryl Adkins '81, professor of management; and Dr. Audrey Puckett Church '93, associate professor and coordinator of school library media. Marianne Moffat Radcliffe '92, rector of the Board of Visitors, is an ex officio member of the committee.
AGB has built an applicant pool from its own contacts as well as from responses to ads that ran in the Chronicle ofHigher Education, Inside Higher Ed, The journal of Blacks in Higher Education and Women in Higher Education. The president's position will remain open until filled, bur applicants were encouraged to submit materials by Dec. 10 to receive full consideration. The goal is for the new president to begin his or her duties no later than the beginning of fall semester 2013, Maddux said.
The job description, information about the search firm and an overview of input gathered from stakeholder forums earlier in the search process-along with an onlinc form to nominate candidates, make comments and ask questions-can be found on rhe Presidential Search website at www.longwood.edu/president/search.htm.
- Sabrina Brown
Ticket to Ride
Longwood University unveiled its new 56-passenger coach during Oktoberfest 2012 activities. Adorned with images of university life, the bus is a rolling advertisement for Longwood as it shuttles athletes and other students to and from events and activities. The 45-foot-long bus has five 19-inch video monitors, a refrigerator and WiFi on board. In addition to delivering significant marketing benefits to the university as a billboard on wheels, the bus is a sound financial investment, said Ken Copeland, vice president for administration and finance.
Bedford Hall expansion
Enter for Inspiration
Renovated, expanded art building changes the way students learn
More studio space, a glass-walled art gallery, two outdoor water features and an open feel make the new home of Longwood's art program a place of inspiration for budding artists.
The new Bedford Hall officially reopened Sept. 13 with nearly three rimes the space and many improved features and equipment The $28 million project added a new section co the front of the building and renovated the ex isting space.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased some of rhe university's artistic
talent, with performances by Longwood Theatre- a number from Rocky Horror Picture Show in full costumeand the Jazz Ensemble.
"This building has been worth waitin g for," Interim President Marge Connelly sa id just before she and others cut the ribbon. "Ir will provide a terrific crea tive le arning environn1ent."
Boch the functionality and the aesthetics of the new Bedford have drawn w id espread praise.
"Students will benefit in many ways,
All in the Family
most significantly by having large studio spaces specifically dedicated to each type of arr medium," said Dr. Wayne McWee, interim chair of the recently organized Department of Theatre, Art and Graphic Design. "The new graphic design labs are state-of-the-art and provide students with the opportunity to work on projects mirroring the real world. We also have multiple spaces for students to exhibit their work."
Chris Register, professor of arc, who reaches graphic design, t h e most popular art concentration, cou ldn 't be happier with the tl1ree digital media labs, located on the second floor of the renovated building.
"This has changed the way we teach," he said "We can move tables around, which allows for more collaboration and more ream reaching , and couches and chairs in the corner enab le students and clients to confer as they do in a design agency Students can project images from their compute rs onto one of five screens on rhe wallswe can project the san1e image on all five screens or a different image on each screen. Even though the building is wireless, there are 16 ports in each of these labs for floor-mounted data and power, which means you're never n1ore than a cord away from the Internet."
- Kent Booty
Soccer standout scores goals for her father-and her hometown team
The decision on where soccer standout Ky li e Dyer was going to attend college may have seemed like a slam dunk considering that her father is rhe head coach for the women's soccer ream at Longwood.
But the sophomore midfielder for the Lancers is suiting up as much for her hometown university as she is for her father.
"Kyl ie is a homebody," says her father, Todd Dyer ' 93. "We have a very tight family. Even with soccer [out of the equation], I don't think she was going to go too far from home."
Dyer grew up in Farmville and was an all-state player as a junior and senior at Prince Edward County High School. She was rhe District Player of the Year as a junior and also took part in crosscountry and swimming in high school.
Despite her prep credentials, the 5foor-5 Dyer, who overcame a torn ACL in high school, was not highly recruited by other Division I programs , and Longwood was the only school she applied to-maybe because being a Lancer is a family tradition. Her mother, Cassie Mullenix Dyer '92, played basketball and softball at Long'>vood, and her father played soccer for the Lancers.
Kylie is one of the few Division I soccer players who is coached by a parent. How tough is it when the person who is pushing you to excel on the field is also ar rhe head of the Thanksgiving rable?
"I knew it wou ld be difficult at
times, but I did nor think there was anyone else who could in spire me like he could," said Kylie, who came off the bench in 14 matches this season and had three goals, including a game-winner against Winthrop. "My dad and I have a special connection. I talk to him about everything."
Kylie knew what she was getting into when she signed on to play soccer at Longwood.
"The first time I played for him was on a recreational ream in Farmville when I was 7," she said. "I was playing with him my whole life until I got to travel ball."
"It was nothing but fun," added
Student who died in 2008 remembered in Rose Parade as organ donor
The good that sprang out of a Longwood tragedy was celebrated on NewYear's Day 2013 in the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif.
Todd Miller, a popular Longwood senior, died in 2008 after being critically injured in a rugby match eight days earlier.
Through the donation of his organs, tissue and one cornea, he gave life to five people-one of whom, his liver recipient, would have died in 12 hours-and sight to another. In all, he improved the health of more than 120 people.
Miller is one of 72 organ, eye and tissue donors who were honored with memorial "florograph" portraits that decorated
the Donate Life float. The portraits-decorated by the donors' families and volunteers with organic materials including grains, flowers, seeds and spices-lined a pathway of looping hearts rising above the 32 riders on the float, Journeys of the Heart, which dramatized the ups and downs experienced by donor families, transplant recipients and living donors.
"I was speechless when I learned that LifeN et He alt h wanted to honorTodd in this way;' said his mother, Ellie Miller of Rehoboth Beach, Del. , who attended the parade.
Coach Dyer. "We did not go overboard and make it more than it was. She grew up around the game. Once she got int o the club soccer, she began to take it more seriously. I never interfered with che club coach. I let them do their thing. She is not a soccer robot."
Eventually Kylie's mom began to make the one-hour drive so she could play for FC Richmond. Dave Amsler, the director of coaching for FC Richmond since 1985, was one of Kylie's travel soccer coaches. He said it rakes a special person to play at the Division I level for a parent.
"There are not too many of chose," Amsler said. "She rolls w ith things so much easier than a lot of girls.
"She is very dedicated and tenacious," added Amsler, a member of rhe Campbell University Hall of Fame and a coach who has sent hundreds of playe rs to the college ranks. "S h e is a good, solid player. She reads the game very well , and I am sure that has a lot to do with her dad."
A political science major with a minor in communication studies, Kylie played in 12 marches as a freshman and was a Longwood Scholar-Athlete. As far as her dad is concerned, however, she's just another member of the ream. "I don't even chink twice about it. She is No. 11. She is one of the 28 players we have to choose from. I know h er work ethic and inregriry," he said. -David Driver
Longtime baseball coach Buddy Bolding retiring after 2013 season
Longtime Longwood University baseball coach Charles Buddy Bolding has announced that he will retire after the 2013 season. Bolding, who took the reins of the team in 1978, has unprecedented success in his 35-year tenure, winning more than 900 games and making two trips to the Division II College World Series.
Bolding coached the Lancers to 26 consecutive winning seasons, which included a run of 24 straight 20-win campaigns. Showered with accolades during his career, Bolding was named the South Atlantic Region Coach of the Year twice. Longwood's baseball facility was dedicated as "Charles Buddy Bolding Stadium" in 2009.
"The prudent time for me to pass the baseball torch along to another is at hand, and I joyously extend that torch forward while it yet burns bright," said Bolding "I walk away from the ball yard having given my best and having left nothing on the diamond for the crows to pick over. In scriptural terms, I have fought the good fight:'
Nine of Bolding's players have been drafted by major league baseball teams, highlighted by Michael Tucker, who was drafted No. 10 overall in the 1992 draft. Tucker was the first and only Olympic athlete from Longwood and played for 12 years in the big leagues. Most recently, Mark Montgomery was an 11th-round pick in 2011 and pitches for the NewYorkYankees' AA minor league team.
Todd Dyer '93 coaches his daughter, Kylie 15, on the Lancer women's soccer team. Kylie scored three goals this season.
Todd Mil ler
Buddy Bolding
'Tis the Season
Three annual fall trad iti o ns put smiles on the fa ces of Longwood students, faculty and alumni in 2012. Convocation brought forth hats decorated to the nines as seniors prepared for their final year on campus. Rock the Block drew hundreds from the Longwood and Farmville communities for an evening of music, fun and fireworks. Oktoberfest sent in the clowns, revved up Longwood spirit and showcased several bands, including indie favorite Carbon Leaf and country star James Otto.
1 Rock the Block fireworks light up the night sky. 2. Interim President Marge Connelly grabbed her guita r and took to the stage to showcase her musical talents at Rock the Block. 3. From intricate face painting to Longwood gear, Rock the Block had something for everyone 4. Carbon Leaf rocks the crowd at Oktoberfest. 5 Seniors' personalities and interests are reflected in outrageous hats made for them by underclassmen and d i splayed at Convocation 6 Elwood brings school spirit to a fun - loving Oktoberfest crowd.
Partnership with area school system puts future teachers on the front lines of innovative project
Current teaching methods have robbed children of the ability to think for themselves, say educators at Longwood University and Charlotte County Public Schools, who are working together in a one-of-a-kind program to give students back this critical skill.
Longwood and Charlotte County began collaborating this year to implement an innovative teaching method known as project-based learning throughout all grades of a laboratory partnership in rhe county Project-based learning focuses student learning on completing complex projects instead oflecture-based teaching
Charlotte County has been working for years to transition all classrooms in rheir schools to project-based learning Es tablishing a laboratory partnership wirh Lo ngwood is p art of rhe implementation of rhe groundbreaking method.
"We have let the students down by reaching to tests fo r so many years, " said Melody Hackney, Charlotte County Public Schools superintendent. "We have robbed rhe children of rhe ability to problem-solve and think for themselves ."
The program, which is funded by an $86,000 Virginia College/ University Partnership Laboratory School Application Planning Grant, is the only laboratory partnership school of its kind in the region. Longwood 's program is unique because of i ts focus on project- based learning and rhe involvement of every school in the Charlotte County division
On rhe front lines of rhis initiative are Longwood students in the final phase of their training to become teachers. These teacher candidates have been trained in project- based learning and are working wirh children from kindergarten through 12th-grade to shift focus away from test results and more on student engagem ent and problem solving.
An important aspect of the proj ect-based method is identify ing real problems and finding relevant solutions in the classroom. "We look a t rhe community and see the needs
BY MATTHEW McWILLIAMS
that we can address and the things that students relate to ," said Lauren Porter ' 13 , a teacher candidate wh o wo rks in a second-grade classroom Wherher it's planning a playground or generating ideas for a bullying campaign, the focus is on relevant solutions for real problems."
Project-based learn ing is not a new concept , said assi stant professor of education Dr. Nancy Powers, who is working closely with students in Charlotte County. In fact, teachers have been incorporating these me t hods for years. The innovation is the implementation of the merhodology across the entire division
"For Longwood reacher candidates, it's a twist on what rhey already know It's never been taken to rhis magnitude, " said Powers. "We are still focused on accow1tability, but we are looking at it from a different perspective: what students need to really understand the material, not just memorize facts."
Longwood has 12 partnership students working in Charlotte County this semester and will add more teache r candidates next semester. Involvement will likely grow as project-based learning is implemented in all classroom s in Charlotte County Public Schools. Greater partic ipation m eans more data that Longwood can analyze and use to improve teacher preparation classes.
Director of Professional Services Dr. Connie Ballard, who is in charge of teacher im plementa tion at Longwo od, said the re are long-lasting benefits to Longwood teaching candidates. "This is nontraditional teaching, which should make teaching candidates who participate in a full year more marketable when they graduate, because they will have experience w ith another instructional technique that results in engaging classrooms that can be integrated across several subject areas, " she said.
"This is a win-win situation for everyone involved The students like the focu s of project-based learning and the balance of the accountability standards wirh that focus. For a principal, the ability to have teachers who know the di vision and the students before starting work is invaluable ," said Powers.
The collabo ra tion sprang out of a 2011 Longwood proposal to initiate a summer lab school. Th at proposal was married with Charl o tte County's proj ect-based learning
initiative to form the st ate's only division-wide lab scho ol. Lab schools are operated in conjunction wi t h a univers ity, and used for teacher training, educational research an d experimenting with new methods Typically these are sin gle schools operated on or near a college campus and bu ilt specifically for observation and data collection. The Longwood-Charlotte County lab school partnership's involvement of every school and student in the division is groundbreaking
"This gives us the ability to collect a lot of data and apply it using the plan-do -study- act m odel ," said Dr W ayne White, interim dean ofLongwood's College o f Education and Human Services. "We can apply what we learn and tailor both teacher training and classroom ins t ruction to what really works ."
(top) Lauren Porter '14 works with second-graders at Eu reka Elementary Schoo l. The students were resea rching animal life cycles on lapt ops and creating PowerPoi nt p resentations to share with the class (above)
0 Richmond Flying Squirrels Game Travis Snider '10 (left), Ashlee McConnell Snider '09, Will Semonco '09, Jonathan Woodcock '09 and Chris Davis '09 JOB FAIR 2012 @ Carman Smith Faison '04
@ David Wright '09
(D Northern Virginia/ Washington. D.C., Alumni Gathering fi Field Hockey Reunion Kaye Goulding '13 (left), El leanor Koch Wilson '54 and Stacey de Grandhomme ' 14
@ Richmond Symphony Reception Julie Glass Paulette '67 ( left), Mike Paulett and Shirley Blackwell (ID Class of 1967 Milestone Reunion
@ Class of 1972 Milestone Reunion
Debbie Mihm Critzer '80 and Scott Critzer '80 4JJ Joshua Clements '12 (left), Alexander Randall '12 and Da nie l Waite '11
Alumni Events
JANUARY
16
Longwood Men's Basketball at Radford: Pre -game social, 5-6:30 p.m., Macado's, 510 E Main St., Radford. Game tipoff is 7 p.m. Go to longwoodlink.com for more details and to register.
22
Longwood Men's Basketball at Liberty: Pre-game social, 5-6:30 p.m., Macado's, 3744 Candlers Mountain Road , Lynchburg Game tip-off is 7 p.m. Go to longwood link.com for more details and to register.
FEBRUARY
19
Founders Day Reception: 6-8 p.m., Westin at Virginia Beach Town Center, 4535 Commerce St., Virginia Bea ch. Go to longwoodlink.com for more deta ils and to register.
MARCH
2
Longwo od Men's Basketball atVM I: Pre-game social, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Macado's, 30 N. Main St., Lexington. Go to longwoodlink.com for more details and to register.
4
Alumni event in Myrtle Beach prior to Big South Tournament. Details to be announced.
8-9
Alumni weekend: Great Wolf Lodge , Williamsburg. Longwood alumni can reserve a room for one or two nights with a special rate. LU cabana inside the water park will serve refreshments on Saturday, March 9. For more informa tion and reservation number, cal l the Office of Alumni Relations at 434-395-2044 or email alumni@longwood.edu.
14
Alexandria Founder s Day Reception: 5-7:30 p.m., Carlyle Tower, 2151 Jamieson Ave., Alexandria. Go to longwoodlink .com for more details and to register.
19
Richmond Founders Day Reception: 6-8 p.m., The Westin, 6631 West Broad St., Richmond Go to longwood link.com for more details and to r egister.
APRIL
5-6
Milestone Reunion: Classes of 1943 1948, 1953, 1958 and 1963 are invited back to campus. Details will be sent out in February.
12-13
WMLU Reunion: Spring Weekend. Details to be announced.
19-20
Decade of the '90s Reunion: Classes of 1990-1999 are invited to a reunion that features a socia l in Blackwell Ballroom on Friday night, April 19, and a live band and barbecue party at Lan cer Park Field on Saturday, April 20. Details will be sent out in February.
MAY
18
Farewell to the Cunninghams: Alumni and friends will be able to walk through the residen ce halls a final time. Details will be announced in April.
f'3 Black Alumni Reunion Anthony Booker '09 (left), Jeris Hill Johnson '88, Kenya Tolliver, James Trent '91 andTracyTolliver Caldwell '88
ID Alexandra Waefler '09 (left), Allison Mileur '09, Adam Altman '08, Rachel To wnes '09, Paul Eldert '09, Marie Mileur '09 and Wes Organek '08
{i) Arlene Cundiff '69 (left), Judy Lavinder and Dana Hutcherson '74 0 Doug Dryden '09, Kate Jamrozy '11 andTedraThompson '12
kl•Mlltllllll~1dl CAMPAI c NI
$35 Million and Counting
Campaign supporting key initiatives is in final stretch
In July 2006, Longwood embarked on a campaign to secure funding needed to support key initiatives for students, faculty and staff, as well as the construction of facilities essential to the university's growth and success.
The campaign theme, "Change Lives, Transform Communities," captures the essence of the Longwood experience and the effect that these additional resources will have on the university and its graduates Literature launching the campaign stated, "Bright young minds come to us with big dreams, varied hopes and divergent aspirations. Once students join the Lancer family, their lives and ours are forever changed."
Paving the Way
So far in this effon, Longwood has raised more than $35 million co:
Support students
More than $6 million raised for scholarships
Support faculty and academic programs
More than $7 million raised for projects including the Cook-Cole College of Liberal Arcs, Clinical Simulation Learning Center for the nursing program, and the Jordan Archaeology Field School
Build the Frank 0. and Katharine Allen Maugans Alumni Center
More than $3.1 million raised, including a $2.5 million gift from Katharine Allen Maugans '46; securing additional
resources necessary for construction is a top priority in the campaign
Build the Norman H. and Elsie Stossel
Upchurch University Center
Leadership gift of$4 million donation, the largest capital gift in the wuversity's history, from Elsie Stossel Upchurch '43; securing additional resources necessary for construction is a top priority in the campaign
Support the Longwood Fund
Provides resources to the areas of greatest need; all gifts to the Annual Fund, which includes the Longwood Fund, count toward the ca111paign
The campaign will conclude June 30, 2013. Beginning with this issue of On Point, alumni publications will highlight the generosity of a variety of campaign donors who are making it possible for Longwood to "Change Lives, Transform Communities." For more information, call 800-281-4677, extension 3.
Alumna commits $1 million to scholarship for children of alumni
It was 1957, and Nancy Lea Harris Sublett '57 was a new teacher in Fairfax County, Va. Her classroom was one of the first in the school system to have a television -students were testing a new program to learn French. That October, the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik I, marking the start of the space age.
"The whole world seemed to be changing right in front of us," said Sublett, who majored in elementary education.
"I was in charge of more than 220 schools, running the gifted, drop-out prevention, substance-abuse and kindergarten-preparation programs," she said. "The leadership and people skills I learned at Longwood really opened many doors for me, and the student teaching experiences I had as pare of my studies made me feel confident starting out."
As a student, Sublett gained leadership experience by serving in Student Government Association all four years. Dur-
1 Longwood's not standing still - it's moving forward# and I'm honored, really# to help pave the way for students.' - Nancy Lea Harris Sublett ' 57
"I think my experience that first year highlights one of the most important things an education gives you-the ability co adapt. For students starting now, what you know about the world when you begin college will be completely different by the time you graduate. "
Lankford Student Union opened in 1967 and hasn't changed much in more than 40 years. The new Norman and Elsie Stossel Upchurch University Center will more than double the space of the current building and house 195 student organizations.
Modern student union will meet needs of changing student body
ing her senior year, she was student government president. One of her fondest memories was the work the association did to uphold
After that first year, Sublett went on co see many more changes in society and education over the course of her 32-year career working for Fairfax County Public Schools. First as a teacher, then a guidance cow1selor, then a principal and finally as director of student services for the cow1ty, Sublett got to see many different facets of the school system. the university's honor code.
Having received financial assistance to attend Longwood herself, Sublett knew that one day she wanted co give back. Her "thank you" to Longwood comes in the form of a $1 million gift commitment as part of her estate plan. The James & Nancy Harris Sublett Legacy Scholarship will fund an endowed legacy scholarship for students who have at least one parent or grandparent who is a Longwood alum, who intend to teach and have a strong academic records.
While Sublett is quick to point out how happy she is that Longwood retains its friendly and small feel, she marvels at how many opportunities the students have today. She knows from experience that things are always changing and evolving.
"Ir's amazing what the students are doing now," she said. "They're going overseas, flying airplanes and conducting researd1. Longwood's not standing still-it's moving forward, and I'm honored, really, to help pave the way for students."
-
j enny Pedraza
It was 1967 when the Lankford Student Union first opened its doors. Longwood was a small women's college, of about 1,700 students. Today, Longwood University is coeducational and has more than 4,500 students, half of whom live off campus Despite these changes, the student union has remained essentially the same for more than 40 years.
"I believe that Longwood has the oldest student union in the Commonwealth;' said Franklin Grant, associate vice president for University Advancement. "What we have now was built for an entirely different student body with completely different needs. We've watched everything else on campus be completely re-done, and it's time to make this project happen. It's one of our top needs:'
Donald Knight '13, president of the student government association, agreed that the student body needs a new space. "We are progressing and growing as a university, and the new student center will provide the space our student body needs to come together. I am looking forward to one day being able to walk through this new center and reflect back on the wonderful experiences I had at Longwood University;' he said.
When asked which campus buildings are most influential in their college decision, prospective students say that a well-equipped fitness center and a vibrant student center are key.
"The number of high-school graduates continues to decline, making competition for college students at an alltime high;' said Sallie McMullin, dean of admissions. "Providing state-of-the-art amenities for students is an essential recruiting tool, and Longwood's current student union no longer meets the needs of our students or the expectations of prospective students. It's time to create a place for a new generation of students:'
James and Nancy Lea Harris Sublett ' 57
A Transform.ational Gift
IJA Longwood alumna's commitment to the university will transform the campus-and the student expenence-for years to come.
Elsie Stossel Upchurch '43 in May made the largest single gift to a project at the univers ity: $4 million to help build a new university center on campus. The gift will transform che university's offering to students, providing an up-todate space for them to socialize and a new home for clubs and organizations.
The Norman H. and Elsie Stossel Upchurch University Center will be named for Mrs. Upchurch, a retired reacher and guidance counselor who lives in Front Royal, and her lace husband. She made the commitment after he died last year. A new student center is the top priority among building projects in Longwood's current capital campaign. Construction of the facility will be on the site of the Cunningham Residence Halls, which will be razed. There is a $10 million fundraising campaign for the construction of the Upchurch University Center.
"A new university center is absolutely vital co the ongoing success of our students, " said Interim President Marge Connelly. "This facility will not only provide students with an inviting and up-co-date space in which they can study and socialize, it will also provide a home and meeting space for many of our clubs and student organizations. I am so appreciative of Mrs. Upchurch's outstanding gift, and it has been very clear to me in our conversations that she still feels deeply for Longwood and fully understands the continued importance of developing citizen leaders."
In a Board ofVisitors resolution approving the naming of the center in her honor, Upchurch herself was called a " true representative of the Longwood citizen leader."
Working with Franklin Grant, associate vice president for university advancement , Susan Soza '62 of McLean, a former member of the Board of Visitors, was very instrumental
in securing Upchurch's support for the center. Soza also has made a significant gift to the Upchurch Center.
"This is a very special gift from a very special lady," said Soza. "Mrs. Upchurch has made a commitment chat will have an impact on students for years to come and help make Longwood a better place. "
"People like Ms. Upchurch look at life ahead of them, not behind. They understand that you leave things bemr than you find them , which is a special attitude co have," said Grant "Her contribution to this school will las e a very long time."
During her career, Upchurch was active in numerous
1 1 am so appreciative of Mrs. Upchurch1s outstanding gift, and it has been very clear to me in our conversations that she still feels deeply for Longwood and fully understands the continued importance of developing citizen leaders.' -Marge Connelly Interim President
Upchurch has long been committed to her alma mater. A member of Tri-Sigma sorority and president of the drama club while at school, her involvement with the school didn't wane after she graduated.
She served as president of the Longwood Alumni Association from 1957-59. During that time, she remembers staying with Longwood President Francis Greenfield Lankford and his wife at their home.
"I always had to make sure to be home from my trips by Sunday morning because I played the organ for my church, " said Upchurch, who still plays. "Dr. Lankford would get up very early and insist on fixing me a nice hot breakfast before I headed home."
Upchurch remembers the single room that served as the student center when she was at Longwood. Because of her, future students will have a beautiful and functional space in the heart of campus that will combine comfort and functionality.
"When one person steps forward and is willing to make a transformational gift, that's something special," said Grant. "We couldn't do this project without her.
profess ional organizations in the Richmond area. She was president of the Junior High Teachers Association, the League of Richmond Teachers, the Virginia Education Association's District C and the local chapter of Delea Kappa Gamma, an honorary society for women educators.
After graduating from Longwood with a B.A in English, Upchurch taught in Ashland for one year and for several years at a Richmond junior high school. She earned a master's degree in guidance from Columbia University in 1948 and became a guidance counselor for Richmond schools , working at Westhampton Junior High, where she spent most of her career, and also Chandler and Binford middle schools. She retired in 1983.
Upchurch is active in Front Royal, her hometown , to which she returned after retiring. She is a former president of the Garden Club of Warren County, and she is a lifelong member and elder at Front Royal Presbyterian Church, where she chairs the Christian Fellowship Committee. She likes to travel and has visited every continent except Antarctica.
Founders Day events planned for February and March
For the third year, Longwood is planning Founders Day receptions around Virginia to update alumni, parents and friends on progress at the university. Th is year an event also will be held on campus for students, faculty and staff.
Virginia Beach: Feb. 19. Westin at Virginia Beach Town Center, 4535 Commerce St.
Longwood Campus: March 13. Dr. James Jordan, professor of anthropology and Longwood's unofficial historian, will share stories about the university. Locations around campus.
Alexandria: March 14. Hosted by former Longwood president Dr. Janet Greenwood. Carlyle Tower, 2151 Jamieson Ave.
Richmond : March 19. Westin Richmond, 6631 W. Broad St.
Longwood was officially founded on March 5, 1834. For more information about events or to RSVP, visit longwoodlink.com or email alumni@longwood.edu.
LONGWOOD LOOT
Make your next gathering of Longwood classmates and friends a bit more special with Longwood LootLongwood-themed goodies for your guests! Request a box of Longwood Loot by emailing (alumni@longwood.edu) or calling the Office of Alumni Relations (800-281-4677, ext. 3) with the details for your event. Be sure to give us at least two weeks notice. All we ask in return is for you to email us a photo taken at your gathering.
Nominations for 2014 awards accepted through June 30
The Longwood University Alumni Awards program recognizes alumni for their outstanding achievements and service to others. Nominations for awards to be presented in spring 2014 are due no later than June 30. If you would like to nominate one or more alumni, please visit www.longwood.edu/alumni/awards.htm and click on "Nomination Form:• For more information, call 800-281-4677 (extension 3) or 434-395-2044.
World .of Kno1 wledge
Longwood grad making global impact with children's book, consulting business
Just like the heroine of her popular children's book, Kathryn Starke (BS '02, MS '09) is on a journey of discovery that is taking her-or at least her business-around the world.
Starke was a second-grade teacher at Richmond's John B. Cary Elementary School in 2003 when she realized no books were available for young children chat could help them learn about all seven continents. She decided to remedy chat situation by writing Amys Travels, a book about a girl who lives on all seven continents, which was published in 2006.
The book is based on the real-life experiences ofStarke's college suitemate, Amy Kramer Pannut:ti '02, who actually lived on five continents. The story was a hit in Starke's classroom, but the bigger impact was on Starke herself, who saw possibilities chat went far beyond her current students.
"I started marketing it some, hoping people would immediately see the need. Then I realized that I needed to get out there and really sell it. When places like California and New York said they liked it, others really started paying attention," said Starke. Starke was named one of the " 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading In 2012" by The Authors Show.
The book is now part of school curriculums all over the world, from California to Melbourne, Australia It's so popular that the first priming sold out, and Starke reprinted a second edition that changed the Virginia-based lesson plan co a global focus and included an online comprehensive book guide.
Leveraging the success of Amys Travels, Starke now heads a multifaceted publishing and education consulting business. The company she created to publish and market the book, Creative Minds Publications, has expanded into publishing books written by teachers that come complete with lesson plans One, Ti.trtle Without A Home, was praised by Skipping Stones magazine.
In 2011, Starke created Creative Minds Consulting to focus more on outreach and strategy work with teachers, specifically improving education for low-income students in urban areas.
"I am really drawn to urban education," said Starke. "I have taught kids from all kinds of unfortunate situations. They have to work doubly hard because many times they do not always have help outside of school. The teachers who work with chem need extra suppon and guidance as well, because they're not always getting it from parents."
She began working with urban students while an undergraduate student at Longwood. She was placed as a studentteacher in Henrico County and made a connection with
Smart Money
urban students through a rap song she wrote as part of a lesson. Starke took the popular Ouckast rap song "The Whole World" and rewrote the chorus to highlight attributes of at-risk kids.
"I wanted the students to feel comfortable with me, and I knew they would know that song. It was things like 'the whole world loves it when Jamal smiles,' and 'the whole world loves it when John reads aloud.' Ir got them confident and excited about learning," she said.
The kids responded well, and she was hooked.
Starke plans to continue expanding the consulting side of Creative Minds, which allows her to be in schools every day, working with students and teachers. Her focus will stay on urban and Tide I schools, but will broaden to a more national scope. On the publishing side, Starke is planning to publish a professional book about her work and results while still seeking out teacher-written books to publish through Creative Minds. -Matthew Mc Williams
Business graduate takes leading role in company that serves soldiers, military
From selling doughnuts to directing financial operations for a billion-dollar company, Gary Slack '84 is no stranger to the business world. An entrepreneur from the start, Slack has found success in the high-pressure world of corporate leadership.
Slack oversees the finances of the billion-dollar company and has an expanded role in strategy and business operations. "I am able to bring the experience of running my own business to QinetiQ and provide that perspective to their existing operations," he said.
Gary Slack '84
"I was always an entrepreneurial kid. I liked the idea of being boss of a company," said Slack, a business major at Longwood who sold newspapers and doughnuts to make money as a teenager.
Slack recently took on the role of executive vice president and CFO of QinetiQ North America, a government contractor that serves the military. QinetiQ NA is a conglomeration that provides numerous services including IT and security support, and also sells armor and other products designed to assist soldiers in the field.
Prior to joining QinetiQ, Slack worked at BAE Systems, where he first found particular satisfaction in helping save soldiers' lives. The products they created directly protected soldiers, from manufacturing the Bradley Assault Vehicle to naval guns and armor.
"It was very rewarding from a personal standpointI left work knowing that I had helped save lives It was also very rewarding from a professional standpoint. It's much easier to motivate people to find solutions to problems when they know they are saving lives, he said.
Slack is still connected ro Longwood through his children, who have followed their father's lead and become Lancers themselves. Whitney '07 and Danny 'I 0, are graduates, and Matt is a sophomore. His wife, Suzanne, is a 1984 Longwood graduate. -Matthew Mc Williams
(top) Kathryn Starke leads a multifaceted publishing and education consulting business. The company she created to publish and market her book Amys Travels, Creative Minds Publications,
A Life Aquatic
Graduate helps chart ocean floorwhen she's not helping save lives
As a child in South Florida, Brittany Anderson ' 09 found the ocean mysterious and fascinating As an adult, her career is taking some of the mystery out of the Earth's final frontier.
Anderson, a commissioned officer in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps, maps the
ocean floor with sophisticated sonar equipment. The information she and her crew gather is used to update and maintain nautical chans that ensure safe ship navigation.
"The intriguing thing about hydrography and working with oceans is that it is still so vastly unknown ," said Anderson, who earned a degree in biology at Longwood. "It is the last frontier on our planet, and being on the front line of discovery is pretty amazing."
But that's not all NOAA Corps members are trained to do. As uniformed officers, they are prepared to serve in the armed forces during emergencies and assist in operations with other military personnel. In August , that training helped save the lives of two m issing divers.
Anderson's ship, the Thomas Jefferson, was surveying the ocean floor off the coast of Rhode Island when a call came in that two divers were lost at sea. Anderson, who was standing watch, said the crew sprang into action ,
"We marked the position on our chart, saw how close we were and contacted the Coast Guard, informing them of our location and ability to assist in the search," she said.
The NOAA crew, factoring in currents and d rift, calculated the approximate location of the divers and spied them just as the Coast Guard's rescue boat was nearing the scene. Anderson and her fe llow officers pointed out the men , who were pulled from the water safely.
Anderson's interest in oceanic research was p iqued at Longwood during an internship on a remote island in Fiji. She got her sea legs liv ing in a small village for two months performing reef check surveys and working with villagers to bring key fish species back to the area. After Longwood, she continued her waiter-based research at Hawaii Pacific University, where she earned her master's degre e in marine science. -Matthew Mc Williams
Survey Says
Nearly 2,500 Longwood alumni responded to the survey that was conducted by University Advancement this past summer to determine how alumni feel about issues ranging from the quality of their Longwood education to the frequency of communications they receive from the university.
"We are extremely grateful to all of our alumni who took time our of their busy schedules to complete the survey," said Nancy Shelton, associate vice president for alumni relations. "The information we received from the survey will help us adjust the programming and services we provide to better meet the needs of Longwood alumni."
Represented among survey respondents are alumni who graduated in the 1940s through the 201 Os.
Overall, alumni are satisfied with the quality of the education they received,
feel fac::ulty were accessible and available for help
g5010
are satisfied with the quality of education they received and with the time and attention they received from faculty when they were students. Specifically, 85 percent of respondents
feel Longwood had a positive impact on their lives
said they are satisfied with the quality of the education they received, and 84 percent said faculty were accessible and available to provide help to them when they were students. These results are reinforced by the finding that 88 percent of alumni would recommend Longwood to family, relatives and friends; the same percentage said Longwood had a positive impact on their lives.
Survey results also indicate that Longwood should continue to plan reunions and regional events such as the Founders Day activities last spring and gatherings at professional baseball games this past summer. Forty percent of alums said they are interested in attending local alumni events in their areas, and 48 percent said they are interested in attending a class reunion.
"We are reviewing characteristics, including decade of graduation and gender, which seemed to impact the
preferences expressed by alumni," said Shelton. "With more than 30,000 alumni in various phases of their lives , the need to offer events appropriate for various segments of Longwood alums definitely impacts the type of events offered."
When it comes to alumni communications, the overwhelming majority of alumni-92 percent-said they prefer email for personal communications from t he universi ty.
Just over 70 percent said they want to continue to receive a printed magazine, though 41 percent would also like that publication to be available online.
Alumni are most interested in reading stories about (in order of highest interest) alumni reunions and regional events; class notes (short updates on classmates); obituaries; messages from the Longwood president; alumni profiles; and faculty hires, promotions and retirements.
Class Notes
Longwood magazine now contains a Class Notes sect ion with personal and profess ional news about our alums. If you have recently gotten a promot ion or a new job , celebrated the birth or adopt ion of a chi ld, gotten married or received an award , please tell us about it so we can share it with your c lassmates.
Please provide the following information :
For all submissions: full name, year graduated, degree received , contact information.
For weddings: date of ceremony, spouse's name, spouse's degree and class year if Longwood alum
For births/adoptions: full name of child (including last name ), date of birth /adoption, parents' names, parents' degrees and class years (if Longwood alumni; both parents do not have to be alums ).
For awards: title of award, name of sponsoring organ ization , when you received the award and why.
For professional news: current job title, company, location of company, when promotion received or new job started.
Please email your submissions to: alumni@longwood.edu
Longwood to begin training Chinese teachers of English
Longwood Un iversity has inked an agreement to train Ch inese teache rs of English each year, beginning in October 2013.
Two groups of 20 teachers each from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China will come annually to Longwood for six months o f t raining in Teaching of English as a Second Language. The program will replace one t hat the Teachers Training Center has had in Canada for more than 10 years , which is ending this year The program wi ll be overseen by Paul Phillips , an Eng lish as a Second Language inst ructor at Longwood.
Story ideas welcome
The Office of Public Relations shares t he accomp lishments of Longwood Unive rsity faculty, students, staff and alumni with many different audiences. But the staff is always looking for more stories-espec ially yours. Just fill out the story idea form at www. longwood edu / suggestastory.htm Each story idea will be eva luated to determine where it might f it: on the website , in admissions materials or alumni publications, or in other venues. Thanks for your help!
ENS Brittany Anderson '09 says working in the NOAA Corps puts her on the front lines of oceanic discovery.
Liu Bing of the Teac hers Train ing Cent e r o f Guangx i Z huang Autonomous Region and Interim President Marge Connelly sign an agreement in October 2012 to train 40 Chinese teachers of English each yea r
