Lander Magazine Spring 2015 by Lander University

Spring 2015

Magazine for Alumni & Friends of the University

What a Difference Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Made A Look at the Legacy of Retiring President Daniel Ball and First Lady Marjorie Ball

Celebrating Homecoming | Students Travel to Guatemala | Honoring Top Alumni | Changing Look of Campus

A Message from the President

Dear Alumni and Friends:

Lander Fishermen Haul in Fourth-Place Prize at Tournament Lander students Collin Smith, left, and Ben Stone came in fourth in the 2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic on Lake Keowee in February. Their catches weighed in at 8 pounds, 6 ounces, just a pound behind the winning team. Smith, president of Lander’s Fishing Team, is a sophomore from Honea Path, and Stone is a freshman from Donalds. The two avid fishermen competed against 14 students from five other universities. While a student at Dixie High School, Stone was a member of the school’s fishing team that won three of the last four state tournaments. He was the 2013 Bass Anglers Sportsman Society’s (B.A.S.S.) Junior World Champion for South Carolina and finished sixth overall; 2013 B.A.S.S. Southeastern Division Champion; and 2014 Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) Junior World Champion for South Carolina, fourth overall. Smith has competed in fishing tournaments most of his life. When he was a freshman, he and another partner finished in the top 20 in the FLW college circuit. This year, he and Stone placed 20th out of 125 boats in the Bassmaster college competition in Florida. Smith and Stone said the opportunity to join the fishing team was a big consideration in their decisions to enroll at Lander, where fishing is a club sport. – Photo courtesy of B.A.S.S.

This edition of the Lander Magazine is indeed a “special edition” to me. My retirement on June 30 is fast approaching, making this “Message from the President” my last. Fifteen years ago, Marjorie and I came to Lander University filled with anticipation, curiosity, and a renewed sense of energy, high expectations, and profound diligence in promoting this institution and reaffirming its primary mission of student achievement. We are extremely thankful for having had this opportunity. Lander is blessed with talented people, distinguished by past achievements and poised for future outstanding accomplishments. Our next president will continue this legacy. Past editions of Lander Magazine have highlighted selected student, faculty, staff and alumni achievements, and this edition also showcases additional Lander success stories. It speaks about students traveling abroad to Guatemala and Greece; about a faculty member receiving a distinguished national award; about the university’s reaccreditation and more. It also gives an update on campus construction projects, which will impact the Lander Family and the Greenwood Community for decades. My heart overflows with joy as I reflect on these past 15 years. I take the most pride, however, in the accomplishments of our students, our faculty, our staff and our alumni. For all these 15 years of service to this special place, Marjorie and I are forever grateful for the special blessings we have received, while attending student concerts, art exhibits, student and faculty presentations, staff award breakfasts, athletic events and alumni activities. Thank you to everyone who has touched our lives in a special way. Please welcome the next steward of this special place, Dr. Richard Cosentino, as the incumbent Lander torchbearer. He will certainly have the support of Dan and Marjorie Ball! While enjoying the benefits of retirement, we plan to stay in Greenwood and interact with this great university as admiring, supporting citizens. Did I use the word “special” too much? Not on your life. Lander University is special and will forever remain so in our hearts. Cordially,

On the Cover Lander University President Daniel Ball and First Lady Marjorie Ball pose before the campus’s iconic Laura Lander Hall, also known as Old Main. The Balls arrived at Lander in 2000, beginning a 15-year tenure of dedicated service to the university and its students, faculty, staff and alumni. In this edition of Lander Magazine, we include a special section highlighting the accomplishments and legacy of Lander’s 12th president, who will retire on June 30, 2015. – Photo by jon holloway

Daniel Ball President, Lander University

Spring 2015

Magazine for Alumni & Friends of the University

Features

LANDER MAGAZINE STAFF Megan Price, Editor Dave Lorenzatti, Writer Jeff Lagrone, Writer Eric Lawson, Writer Mike Blackwell, Photographer Maria Scott, Designer Kathy Goldsmith, Editorial Assistant Bob Stoner, Sports Writer David Hays, Sports Writer

LANDER ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Myra Greene ’78, Director of Alumni Affairs & Annual Giving Debbie Lyons Dill ’90, Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Frank Ridlehoover ’67, President Jim Nichols ’95, Vice President Debrah Hodges Miller ’76, Secretary Lamar Scott ’82/’84, Treasurer Danielle Waldt Fields ’07, Vice President for Young Alumni

LANDER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Daniel W. Ball, President S. David Mash, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Gary McCombs, Vice President for Business and Administration H. Randall Bouknight, Vice President for Student Affairs Ralph E.G. Patterson, Vice President for University Advancement J. Adam Taylor, Vice President for Governmental Relations Jefferson J. May, Vice President and Athletics Director

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Robert A. Barber Jr. Bobby M. Bowers Holly Bracknell Cary Corbitt Linda L. Dolny, Secretary Catherine Lee Frederick Maurice Holloway Raymond D. Hunt Marcia Thrift Hydrick Jack W. Lawrence, Chair Donald H. Lloyd II Mamie W. Nicholson Claude Robinson George R. Starnes, Vice Chair DeWitt Stone Jr. S. Anne Walker Stock art is provided by istockphoto.com.

It is the policy of Lander University to prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status and genetic information in regard to the administration of all campus programs, services and activities, including intercollegiate athletics and the admission of students, employment actions or other sponsored activities including obligations of Title IX. Information regarding these policies/procedures and contact information can be found at www.lander.edu.

University Relations and Publications 864-388-8019 • www.lander.edu

Presidential Selection Announced Lander Trustees unanimously select Dr. Richard Cosentino as the university’s 13th president

Take Time to Look Back

Cover Story: What a Difference They’ve Made

Class of ’76 alumna Molly Spearman, S.C. Superintendent of Education, delivers Lander’s commencement address

A special section celebrating the accomplishments, impact and legacy of retiring President Daniel Ball and First Lady Marjorie Ball

An Honor Most Deserved Retired Lander tennis coach Joe Cabri earns a spot in the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame 17

Paying it Forward Lander education and psychology majors join forces to assist children in Guatemala

Talented and Knowledgeable Lander’s music graduates sing the praises of faculty who made a difference in their education

The Changing Face of Campus

A new residence hall is nearing completion at Lander, while the university’s main entrance gets a new look

University Advancement Moves 45 The Lander Foundation and Office of Alumni Affairs

have big plans for their new location near campus

The University in Review 3-5 Homecoming 6-12 Alumni News & Class Notes 13 Alumni Events 14-16 Commencement 30-35 News Briefs 38-40 Bearcat Sports Roundup 43-44 Giving & Scholarship News

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Lander's Next President ‘I’m joining a winning team’ By Dave Lorenzatti

Dr. Richard Cosentino, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Pembroke, has been chosen to become Lander’s 13th president. Cosentino was the unanimous choice of Lander’s Board of Trustees, which met on March 3 to choose a successor to Dr. Daniel Ball, who will retire on June 30 after 15 years as president. Only four other presidents, including the school’s founder, the Rev. Samuel Lander, have served longer. Cosentino was one of three finalists nominated by the Presidential Search Committee following a nationwide search that began early last spring. The executive search firm of Coleman Lew + Associates, of Charlotte, N.C., assisted in the selection of candidates. Trustees Chair Jack Lawrence said, “Dr. Cosentino possesses an impressive academic background, considerable experience in higher education and diverse skills that align with Lander’s current and future needs.” He added, “He also shares our commitment to Lander’s mission of providing a challenging and rewarding education to qualified students.” Cosentino said, during the interview process, that commitment was emphasized by trustees, members of the Presidential Search Committee and the executive search firm. He added, “Their consistency resonated with me.” He described himself as very excited to become Lander’s next president and said he was impressed with members of the board and the faculty, staff and students that he met with during his visit to campus. He said, “Lander is strong and has a bright future. I’m joining a winning team.” He comes with a lot of thoughts on positioning the university to be successful in what he characterized as a challenging environment for higher education. He found Greenwood a very welcoming community. “The people were very friendly.” He and his wife, Jessica, have two children: Emily, 18, a freshman at North Carolina State University; and John, 14, who is in high school. Cosentino has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in finance and a master’s in strategic financial planning from the University of Baltimore, in Baltimore, Md. He received a doctorate in engineering from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Dr. Richard Cosentino and his wife, Jessica. Cosentino was the unanimous choice of Lander’s Board of Trustees to become the university’s 13th president. – Photo by Megan Price

He has over 20 years of experience in higher education as a senior administrative and financial executive and a background in fundraising, enrollment management and government relations. In his position at UNC at Pembroke, Lander’s new presidentelect is the chief financial officer and senior administrator of the university, and adviser to the chancellor and the school’s trustees on all matters associated with fiscal and administrative issues. Cosentino has served as an assistant and an associate vice president for Finance and Administration at The George Washington University, and as vice dean for Finance and Administrative Affairs in the university’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He was a senior budget manager at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and director of Budget and Finance and senior administrator at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, both schools in Baltimore. He taught graduate-level courses at George Washington, including organizational behavior, the management of technical organizations, human resources management and fundamentals of systems engineering. Cosentino is scheduled to take office as Lander president on July 1.

Lander Celebrates Homecoming 2015 Saved by the Bell Tower The 1990s were back in fashion on Lander’s campus in early February, when students and alumni turned back the calendar to celebrate Homecoming 2015: Saved by the Bell Tower. The ’90sthemed week featured a fun lineup of events, from the traditional favorites like the soap box race, alumni golf outing, homecoming king and queen crowning, socials, tailgating and field day, to a few new activities, including ice skating and a golf cart parade. Athletic events, a banner contest, skit night, Family Feud challenge and spirit competition rounded out the week. We invite you to enjoy a look at some of the top moments from this year’s festivities. – Photos by Mike Blackwell, Deb Crenshaw-Nygro, Jeff Lagrone, Eric Lawson and Megan Price

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Homecoming 2015 Results HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN Taking home the title of 2015 Homecoming King and Queen were senior Dentaveous Walker, a mass communication major from Union, sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity; and junior Katherine Tipp, a history/secondary education major from Charlotte, N.C., sponsored by Phi Mu Fraternity. OPEN DIVISION – OVERALL WINNERS 1st Place: Lander University Methodist Campus Ministry 2nd Place: Chi Sigma 3rd Place: LepUtation

GREEK DIVISION – OVERALL WINNERS 1st Place: Phi Mu 2nd Place: Gamma Phi Beta 3rd Place: Zeta Tau Alpha

ALUMNI GOLF OUTING TOURNAMENT WINNING TEAM: Tom Taylor, Chris Cabri ’93, Tim Romain and Ron Romain ’83 PUTTING COMPETITION WINNER: Ron Romain ’83

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Lander Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2015

A l u mni N ews

Recognition for Jobs Well-Done Alumni Association’s 2015 Award Winners By Dave Lorenzatti

Don Bergman Grace Iler Norman Award

Dr. David Harrill Roberts Distinguished Alumni Award

Robert Bennett Young Alumni Award

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Lander’s Alumni Association has selected a retired criminal investigator, an academician and a business executive to receive its top annual awards this year. The honorees are Don Bergman, of Greenwood, ’70; Dr. David Harrill Roberts, ’70, of Athens, Ga.; and Robert Bennett, ’01, of Augusta, Ga. Bergman was named winner of the Grace Iler Norman Award, recognizing significant achievements within the Alumni Association and the university. Bergman, who earned a degree in business administration from Lander, worked as a criminal investigator for the Internal Revenue Service and, later, for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. He and his wife of 48 years, Audine, ’65, have been enthusiastic supporters of Lander’s soccer program and endowed a soccer scholarship in the name of Van Taylor, former coach of the men’s team and now Lander’s director of Development. Taylor said of the Bergmans, “They have been an encouragement to many student-athletes over the years, and their love and support of Lander is greatly appreciated.” Bergman has served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and he is very active in Lander’s Bearcat Club. Bergman’s 1970 classmate Dr. David Harrill Roberts received the Distinguished Alumni Award, given to Lander alumni who gain distinction in their careers. Roberts obtained a degree in English and literature at Lander. He followed that with a master’s in theoretical linguistics from the University of South Carolina and a doctorate in applied linguistics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. His career includes 30 years as a university researcher and professor of rhetoric and linguistics. Retiring after 14 years on the faculty of Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., he is now a parttime instructor at the University of Georgia.

Roberts was a field linguist in Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe, learning three major Bantu languages spoken in East Africa. He and NASA engineer Herbert Mitchell pioneered efforts to translate the Bible into Bantu. His background also includes work as an education and computer consultant, owner of a consulting firm, software developer and bivocational pastor. Roberts and his wife, Madonna, have been married for 47 years. They have two sons and three grandchildren. Director of Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving Myra Greene said of Roberts, “He has distinguished himself in the field of education in ways that few can boast, and he has been a strong supporter of Lander.” The Young Alumni Award winner is Robert Bennett, executive director of the Development Authority of Columbia County in Evans, Ga. After graduating from Lander, Bennett received a master’s of public administration from the University of South Carolina. He is an alumnus of the Economic Development Institute of the University of Oklahoma and a certified economic developer, a designation awarded by the International Economic Development Council. His eight-year career also includes positions with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Greenwood Partnership Alliance and the Augusta Economic Development Authority. He has worked on teams responsible for creating 3,800 jobs and attracting $700 million in capital investments. Bennett is former president of ConnectYP, Greenwood’s young professionals organization, and a past president of Lander’s Young Alumni Council. Greene said, “Robbie is a standout among our young alumni and very deserving of the award.” Bennett and his wife, Trenney, who nominated him for the award, are the parents of two daughters, Carolina and Cressida.

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Long ’91 Advances in Military Rank Daron Long, a U.S. Army veteran of nearly 23 years, has been promoted to colonel. Long graduated from Lander with a political science degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant for completing Reserve Officers’ Training Corps requirements. He earned a master’s in telecommunications management from Webster University and has completed several military academic programs. The deputy assistant chief of staff G6 for U.S. Army Central/Third U.S. Army, he is currently assigned as signal corps officer at Camp Arifjan, in Kuwait. Long said what impacted him most at Lander was a nuclear politics course taught by Political Science Professor Dr. Aron Tannenbaum, now retired. “I didn’t necessarily agree with all of his thoughts, but it was a powerful class that opened my eyes to the differences in how people think and react to a topic that they are not comfortable with or intelligent about.” He said the course “helped me think bigger,” and, coupled with ROTC training, helped him develop into the officer he is today. During his military service, Long has earned a number of awards and decorations, including two Bronze Stars; five Meritorious Service medals; two Army Commendation medals; two Meritorious Unit citations; and several others for distinguished service. U.S. Army Col. Daron Long and his wife, Gara, share He and his wife of 22 years, Gara, have a proud moment at a ceremony marking his promofour children. tion to colonel. Long is a 23-year Army veteran.

Wilkie ’03 Steps Into Assistant City Manager Role When asked the nature of her job as Greenwood assistant city manager, Julie Wilkie pauses, then replies, “I’m an extension of every department,” meaning she helps where needed. Wilkie received a political science degree from Lander and, after obtaining a master’s in public administration at the University of South Carolina, she worked in Florence and Richland counties. She returned to Greenwood in 2009 to take a job as assistant to the city manager and, in September of 2014, she was appointed to the assistant manager position. She said her focus is early planning of construction projects, risk management and other responsibilities. She is active in the Greenwood County Area Chamber of Commerce and, in 2014, she was one of four Lander graduates selected for a “Greenwood Under 40 Stars” award given by ConnectYP, Greenwood’s young professional organization. The other three are: Julie Meacham Miner, ’96; Casey Turner Tompkins, ’00; and Danielle Waldt Fields, ’07. Wilkie and her husband, Cary, also a 2003 Lander graduate, are natives of Ninety Six and have two daughters, Camden and Avery.

Class Notes are compiled by Debbie Dill, assistant director of Alumni Affairs. Please mail items for Class Notes to Alumni Affairs, CPO Box 6004, Lander University, 320 Stanley Ave., Greenwood, SC 29649 or email items to ddill@lander.edu.

John Phillips ’78 is now a licensed insurance agent, working with Farm Bureau in Greenwood. Dr. Sherry Kennedy Rivers ’84 received a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of South Carolina. Alison Armstrong Phillips ’87 is the owner of Leroy Auto Sales LLC, in Anderson. Virginia Rackley Scates ’89 received her Ph.D. in education from Gardner-Webb University in May 2014 and was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi honor society in education. Kristin M. Longmire ’94 earned her master’s in business administration in August and was recently hired by B/E Aerospace in Miami, Fla. Julie Meacham Miner ’96 was named a 2014 Greenwood Under 40 Star by the Chamber of Commerce’s ConnectYP council. David Tompkins ’96 was named Greenwood market executive for Countybank. Beth Wolf Moser ’99 was promoted to lifeguard/recreation coordinator at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort in Orlando, Fla. Stephanie Allen Corley ’00 was named Greenwood County School District 52 Teacher of the Year for 2014-15. Tanika Chancellor Dillard ’00 has published her first novel, Building A Family Breaks My Heart. It can be found online at Amazon. Scott Kates ’00 was elected to the board of directors for the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of Charleston. Casey Turner Tompkins ’00 was named a 2014 Greenwood Under 40 Star by the Chamber of Commerce’s ConnectYP council. Dr. Cabral Balreira ’01 was featured by a San Antonio, Texas, network for his research project that used mathematics to predict college basketball rankings. Details can be viewed at rank.balreira.com. Stephanie Roe ’02 was promoted to director of Administration with the Big South Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Julie McCutcheon Wilkie ’03 was named a 2014 Greenwood Under 40 Star by the Chamber of Commerce’s ConnectYP council. (Continued on page 8)

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

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Dr. Zebulon Young ’03 is the new director of Human Resources at John de la Howe School. Samantha Byrd Mello ’05 was hired by UNC Charlotte as a Business Services accounting assistant. Sam Wheeler ’05 was promoted to senior accountant with Scott and Company CPA. Kyle Whitson ’05 and Jessica Pease Whitson ’05 have opened Whitson Certified Public Accountants in Illinois. Danielle Waldt Fields ’07 was named a 2014 Greenwood Under 40 Star by the Chamber of Commerce’s ConnectYP council. Jessica Smoake ’08 is the new development coordinator for Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital at the Foundation. Grayson Kelly ’09 is the new executive director of the Tri-County Technical College Foundation. Lawana Mark ’09 is a new instructor of nursing at Francis Marion University. Demario Watts ’12 is the new assistant director of Residence Life at Wofford College. Allistar Banks ’13 published two books over the summer of 2014, For Better or For Worse and Obsession: A Journey of a Curvy Girl. They are available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Callie Davis ’13 was hired by the O’Dell Corporation as a purchasing agent.

Weddings Carolyn L. May ’55 and Dean C. Bowman, Gainesville, Fla., April 26, 2014. Carolyn is retired. They live in Gainesville. Robert “Bob” C. Thompson ’04 and Jennings L. Coleman ’09, Greenwood, July 19. They live in Greenwood. Gary R. Graham ’06 and Samantha N. Mack, Pomaria, Nov. 1. Gary is an IT applications analyst at Newberry Hospital. They live in Newberry.

Dollywood Entertainment Manager Justin Bradley and his wife, Ashley, enjoy a quiet moment during their recent visit to Lander.

Bradley ’00 Tells Students to Consider the Entertainment Field Justin Bradley, entertainment manager and producer at Dollywood, recently returned to Lander, from which he graduated in 2000, to encourage students to consider the options available to them in the entertainment field. “So many times when you’re a performer you feel like it’s either Broadway or bust, either a recording deal or you’re going to be waiting tables. It’s not that way, and Dollywood is just part of the proof. There are regional theatres and theme parks and dinner theatres that have grown so much over the last 15 years that you can now make a career out of this, whether you take the route I did and go on to be on the management side of things when you’re done performing, or whether you’re nomadic and move from job to job.” Bradley has worked for the Tennessee theme park since he was a student at Lander majoring in music with a vocal performance emphasis. It’s where he met his wife, Ashley, a singer and dancer in a show he produced. He expects to finish his career where it began. “My job has been a blessing to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better lot in life, and with Ashley’s success, it obviously makes it more of an appeal to stay there.” He feels the two days he gave lectures, conducted workshops and did interviews at Lander were well-spent. “I always wanted to give back to Greenwood as a community for everything it did for me to get me where I was,” he said.

Kela Anne Davis ’09 and Barrie Larkin Dunlap ’11, Greenwood, Nov. 8. Kela is working on her Master of Education in Montessori Education, and Barrie is employed with Goodwyn Mills Cawood/ Clearwater Solutions. They live in Greenwood.

Join the Tower Club and Connect With Alumni in Your Area

Laura Ann Ashworth ’10 and Raymond Joshua Snelling, Greenwood, Jan. 24. Laura is a finance accountant for the City of Abbeville. They live in Greenwood.

Lander has Tower Clubs located in Charleston, Columbia, Greenwood and the Upstate. Annual membership dues support alumni projects and the Alumni Scholarship Fund. Meetings, projects and social events are planned throughout the year.

Noah Keith Johnson ’10 and Kelsey Lauren Trout, Myrtle Beach, June 15. Noah is a retail sales consultant with Verizon. They live in Greer.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

For Tower Club information, visit www.lander.edu/goto/towerclub, or contact Alumni Affairs Director Myra Greene at 864-388-8351 or mgreene@lander.edu.

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Cabri ’93 Named Director of State Financial Board

Weddings (continued)

Christopher Cabri, a 1993 Lander graduate and adviser with Ameriprise Financial, has been named to the board of directors of the Financial Planning Association of South Carolina. Designated as one of the country’s best financial planners for the last eight years, Cabri is listed in the 2014 Guide to America’s Best Financial Planners, published by the Washington, D.C.-based Consumers’ Research Council of America. It is his third consecutive honor, and selection is based on each planner’s experience, education and training, membership in professional associations and financial certifications. An adviser with Ameriprise Financial since 1996, when he joined the Fortune 300 company at its Charleston location, Cabri opened his own franchise in Greenwood in 2002. He specializes in comprehensive financial planning with emphasis in business, estate and retirement income strategies. A member of the Financial Planning Association, he achieved the Certified Financial Planner designation in 2001 and the Chartered Financial Consultant designation in 2007. Later this year, Cabri will be a guest on NPR’s S.C. Business Review, hosted by Mike Switzer. Cabri earned an M.B.A. from The Citadel after receiving a bachelor’s degree in business from Lander. He is a member of the Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the South Carolina Tennis Association and the Boykin Spaniel Society, and is active in the Greenwood Sertoma Club. Cabri and his wife, Kristen, reside in Greenwood and have a son, Joseph Henry, and a daughter, Arden Lawrence.

Amanda Grace Rowland ’10 and Rufus Thornwell Dunlap V, Greenwood, July 12. Amanda is a teacher at Ware Shoals Elementary. They live in Greenwood. Carmen Adrienne Sisk ’11 and Rush Neighbors, Laurens, May 17, 2014. Carmen works for Blue Ridge Companies. They live in Wilson, N.C. Christopher R. Thomas ’12 and Jordan Brianna Poston, Greenwood, Nov. 8. Chris is employed by Chick-fil-A and working on his Master of Arts in Human Services and Counseling. Brittney Nichole Upton ’12 and Daniel Ethan Sorrow, Greenwood, Sept. 27. Brittney works for the ID Shop as an accounting/purchasing agent. Tesla Nicole Kanning ’13 and Ridgeway E. Howell, Laurens, Aug. 9. Tesla is a law student and part-time research assistant at the University of South Carolina School of Law. They live in Columbia. Courtney DeLee Moon ’13 and Curtis Cameron Coffey, Greenwood, June 28. Courtney is a teacher with Laurens School District 55. They live in Greenwood. Kayla Diane Smith ’13 and Dustin Hunter Cole, Ninety Six, Oct. 18. Kayla is employed by Bath and Body Works. They live in Greenwood. Teddi Bourne Steadman ’14 and Trent McKenzie Uldrick, Greenwood, July 19. Teddi is employed by the Greenwood School District. They live in Greenwood.

Sorrow ’94 & Williams ’98 Lead Probation and Parole Offices in Upstate S.C. Jeff Sorrow ’94 and Richard “Richie” Williams ’98 are living proof that a liberal arts education from Lander University can prepare you for a variety of careers. Sorrow earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Lander, and Williams majored in history. Today, both work as Agent-in-Charge for the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services in the Upstate; Sorrow serves in Abbeville and Williams leads the department’s office in Greenwood. “I knew that law enforcement was the career path I wanted to follow,” Sorrow reflected. “Working as an agent for the department is unique in law enforcement in that it requires a four-year degree. An emphasis in sociology (the study of human social relationships) is especially beneficial for this type of career.” Williams had dreams of being a teacher as he studied at Lander. “Becoming a teacher was my initial goal, but like Jeff— my friend and colleague— law enforcement certainly appealed to me as well. The fact that I had taken sociology and psychology put me ahead of the game and on course to start work as an agent.” Being an Agent-in-Charge brings with it a wide variety of responsibilities. “We do so many things that the average person doesn’t know about,” said Williams. “We work as counselors, enforce the law and even prosecute cases in court.”

Lander alumni Richard “Richie” Williams, ’98 (left), and Jeffrey Sorrow, ’94, both serve as Agent-in-Charge for the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

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Washington ’06 Helping Children and Adults to Hear Danita Washington heads a foundation helping the deaf or hearing-impaired buy hearing aids, and two other Lander graduates work with her. Washington was 6 when she began wearing hearing aids because of hearing loss in both ears. As she grew up, she became self-conscious and wore them infrequently, teaching herself, instead, to read lips and other compensating strategies. She earned a business degree with a health care management emphasis from Lander’s School of Management and has a master’s in health care management from the University of Phoenix in Raleigh, N.C., where she works as a health care Danita Washington cost containment auditor. Research she conducted revealed that more than two-thirds of North Carolinians who need hearing aids go without because of the cost. In 2010, she responded by laying the groundwork for the DKW Hear Me Speak Foundation; DKW are her initials. Besides raising money to help hearing-impaired individuals purchase hearing aids, the foundation offers free audiology screenings and other services. Rashell Archie and Justin Singletary, both 2007 Lander graduates, occupy key positions in the foundation. Archie has a degree in biology and specializes in legal research, while Singletary, who majored in sociology, manages DKW’s operations. Washington, Archie and Singletary receive no pay, and the foundation has no offices. She said, “We all work out of our homes.” While focusing on her job and DKW’s mission, Washington is also enrolled in an assisted living administrator certification program. Rashell Archie

Justin Singletary

Births Christopher J. Yeargin ’97 and Marcia Yeargin, Fort Stewart, Ga., a daughter, Ellison Rebecca, September 2013. Ellison joins big sisters Emily Ruth and Elizabeth Ann. David Vaughn ’98 and Luci Vaughn, Belton, a daughter, Julie Baughton, Nov. 30. Julie joins her big sister, Riley. Robert “Robbie” F. Bennett ’01 and Trenney Bennett, Augusta, Ga., a daughter, Cressida Taylor, Oct. 20. Cressida joins big sister Carolina Sophia, who is 4.

Kristin Cirelli Moseley ’03 and Wes Moseley, Anderson, a daughter, Sawyer Kate, April 15, 2014. She joins big sister Stevens, who is 2. Ashley McCormick Melton ’04 and Rocky Melton, Sumter, a daughter, Mary Paige, March 6, 2014. She joins big brother Cooper, who is 2. Lindsey Jones Stork ’04 and Bill Stork, Simpsonville, a son, William Spence, May 12, 2014. William joins big sister Blythe, who is 3. James Rowland ’05 and Cassie Rinehart Rowland ’05, Greenwood, a son, James Edwin “Wynn” Rowland IV, Jan. 3.

Laney Andrews Dixon ’03 and Brock Dixon, Greenwood, a daughter, Anglish Layne, Nov. 23. Anglish joins big brother Davis, who is 4.

Jeremy Caldwell ’06 and Heather Swaney Caldwell ’08, Anderson, a son, Kash Karter, Dec. 10. Kash joins big sister Kenna Laine, who is 2.

Troy Fields ’03 and Danielle Waldt Fields ’07, Greenwood, a daughter, Kate Oneal, Oct. 2.

James D. Clarke ’07 and Kate Gayman Clarke ’07, Charlotte, a daughter, Lillian Harper, Dec. 26.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Angela Corley Shivley ’07 and Matt Shivley, Elgin, a son, Landon Thomas, Oct. 21. Adam Young ’08 and Amber Jenkins Young ’09, Reston, Va., a son, Hudson James, March 22, 2014.

In Memoriam Selona Loyless Murph ’36, Aiken, Sept. 21. She was a retired teacher and a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church. Surviving are a son, a daughter, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ruth Brown ’37, Westminster, Oct. 30. She was a retired teacher, and a member of Westminster United Methodist Church and Daughters of the American Revolution. Surviving are one nephew and two nieces. Cornelia Culp Beaty ’40, Union, Nov. 5. She was a retired teacher and spent her summers traveling in Europe with her brother. She was the last surviving member of her family. Betty Pollard Bradley ’40, Greenville, Nov. 22. She was a retired teacher and a member of Jackson Grove United Methodist Church. Surviving are a son, a daughter, three grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren and a sister. Theresa Cheatham Kelly ’41, Greenwood, Sept. 6. Theresa was retired from South Carolina National Bank and was a charter member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Greenville. Surviving are two sons, six grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. Martha Manson McDaniel ’41, Laurens, Jan. 12. Martha was a retired teacher and member of the Spartanburg Symphony, in the violin section. Surviving are two sons, two grandsons, two granddaughters and four great-grandchildren. Mary Downie McDaniel Camak ’42, Anderson, Jan. 15. Downie was a retired teacher and a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church. Surviving are a son, a daughter, four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. Vivian Chiles Counts ’43, North Augusta, Oct. 28. Vivian loved to travel and was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Surviving are two sons, a daughter, five grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren and two sisters. Ruth Lott Medley ’45, Hodges, Dec. 1. She was a retired teacher, and an active minister’s wife and member of Main Street United Methodist Church in Greenwood. Surviving are her husband, three sons, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a sister. Nora Elizabeth White White ’46, Lake Junaluska, N.C., Nov. 1. She was a retired teacher and a member of First United Methodist Church. Surviving are four

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sons, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a brother. Miriam Cullum Dawson ’48, Laurens, Nov. 11. Miriam was the retired director of Social Services at Connie Maxwell Children’s Home and a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church. Surviving are her husband, a son, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a sister. Marian Pitts Ramage ’48, Clinton, Nov. 13. She was a retired teacher and guidance counselor, and a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church. Surviving are two sons, a daughter, five granddaughters and two great-grandchildren. Jimmy Davis Bagwell ’58, Simpsonville, Jan. 5. She was a member of Edwards Road Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband, two sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren and a brother. John “Mac” Stribling ’62, Fairview, N.C., Aug. 30. Mac worked as an administrator for Duke Hospital, and after retirement he was a tour guide with Biltmore House. Surviving are his wife, three daughters and seven grandchildren. William N. “Bill” Littleton ’63, Boiling Springs, Jan 17. He was a retired writer for Performance Magazine and an accomplished singer/songwriter. Surviving are a sister, and many nephews and nieces. Ralph B. “Skip” Burnette ’66, Greenwood, Dec. 18. Ralph was retired from the S.C. Forestry Commission. Surviving are his wife, a stepson and two brothers. James David Clary Sr. ’67, Lexington, Nov. 10. He was retired from Greenwood Mills and was the owner of Clary’s Home Inspections. Surviving are his wife, two sons, a daughter, five grandchildren, two brothers and a sister. Lewis Ray Drummond ’68, Greenwood, Jan. 8. Ray was retired from Greenwood Mills and a member of First Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, a son, a daughter, two grandchildren, a brother and a sister. Margaret Ann Palmer ’71, Columbia, Nov. 3. She was known as “MAP” and loved dancing the S.C. Shag. Surviving are her husband, a daughter and her mother. Randy Mitchell ’72, Saluda, Oct. 5. He was the owner of a cattle farm and was an active volunteer for several agencies in the community. Surviving are his wife, two sons, two daughters, three grandchildren, his father and a sister. Fred “Chris” Williams ’77, Lincolnton, Ga., Sept. 19. Chris was the owner of Palmetto Angler and a member of Lincolnton United Methodist

Dr. Ann Hurst, 1951-2014 Lander Board of Trustees member Dr. Ann Hurst, of Orangeburg, died Sept. 29 after a two-year battle with cancer. Hurst became a Lander trustee in 2010. She received a veterinary medicine degree from the University of Georgia and owned and operated the Edisto Pet Clinic, in Orangeburg. Trustee Chair Jack Lawrence said Hurst was energetic and full of questions and suggestions about how to make Lander better. He added, “I will miss her insight and good counsel. The Lander family and the Board of Trustees have lost a good friend.” Lawrence described her as charming and witty. Her published obituary said, “Her compassion, stewardship and unmistakable laugh will be remembered by thousands of two- and four-legged creatures, great and small.” Church. Surviving are his wife, a son, a daughter, a granddaughter, a brother and two sisters. Montez Smith Hart ’79, Greenwood, Nov. 5. She was a teacher and retired from GLEAMNS Head Start. Surviving are her husband, a son, a daughter, her mother and two brothers. Sheila Bobo Stone ’90, Abbeville, Sept. 10. Sheila taught for many years and was a member of South Greenwood Pentecostal Holiness Church. Surviving are her husband, a son, a daughter, four grandchildren and two brothers. Mona Hidinger Dodds ’91, Statesville, N.C., Jan. 25. She was a retired nurse. Surviving are a son, a daughter, five grandchildren, a brother and a sister. Peggy Kay Lance ’91, Greenwood, Oct. 4. Peggy worked for Magnolia Manor and was a seamstress. Surviving are a son, three daughters, six grandchildren and two brothers. Sandra Cameron Young ’91, Greenwood, Oct. 29. Sandra was a retired business educator at Abbeville High School and a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Surviving are her husband, a son, a daughter and three brothers. Matthew John “Matt” McKenzie ’93, Pacolet, Dec. 28. Matt worked for Union County School District and was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. Surviving are his wife, two daughters, his mother and a brother. Brent E. Bradley ’95, Amarillo, Texas, Oct. 17. Brent was a hospital chaplain. Surviving are his wife, two daughters and his parents.

Sympathy To Thelma Chiles Clark ’49 and Irene Chiles Browning ’55 on the passing of their sister Vivian Chiles Counts ’43, Oct. 28. Barbara Stribling Carr ’55 on the passing of her husband, Kenneth Cody Carr, Oct 3. Virginia Splawn Green ’62 on the passing of her husband, George Green, Dec. 11. Betty Hipp Williams ’64 and Genie Cunningham Mahaffey ’93 on the passing of Betty’s mother and Genie’s grandmother, Virginia Hill Hipp, Jan 23. Ann Hasty Drummond ’66 on the passing of her husband, Lewis Ray Drummond ’68, Jan 8. Sarah Boozer Catoe ’70 on the passing of her mother, Thelma Gilchrist Boozer, Sept. 22. Raymond A. Stone ’72 and Andrea Stone Taylor ’01 on the passing of Raymond’s wife and Andrea’s mother, Sheila Bobo Stone ’90, Sept. 10. Molly Mitchell Spearman ’76 on the passing of her brother, Randy Mitchell ’72, Oct. 5. Lynn Everett Hall ’77 on the passing of her husband, Kenneth “Pita” Hall, Dec. 15. Sue Cleary Matthews ’77 on the passing of her husband, David D. Matthews, April 16, 2014. Steven B. Jones ’79 on the passing of his son, William “Matt” Jones, Jan. 3. (Continued on page 12)

Larry C. Walker ’02, Greenwood, Jan. 29. Larry was employed with SunTrust Bank. Surviving are his wife, two sons and his parents. Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

C l a ss N o tes

Sympathy To (continued)

Faculty/Staff/Students

Roland Whitehurst ’80 and Susan Kinard Whitehurst ’80 on the passing of Roland’s father and Susan’s father-in-law, Kenneth Whitehurst, Aug. 23.

Sympathy to Mike Blackwell on the passing of his mother-in-law, Annie “Tibb” Minor, Feb. 22. Mike is administrative specialist in the Department of Psychological Science and staff photographer/videographer in University Relations.

Scott Bagwell ’81 on the passing of his mother, Jimmie Davis Bagwell ’58, Jan. 5.

Sympathy to Chandler Reep Darling ’83 on the passing of her father, Lewis Jones Reep, Nov. 8. Chandler is associate director of Housing.

Stan Scott ’81 and Cindy Deadwyler Scott ’81 on the passing of Stan’s mom and Cindy’s mother-in-law, Earline Green Scott, Dec. 3.

Julian Earle Griffin Jr. passed away Oct. 28. He was a humanities instructor at Lander from 1975 to 1979.

Wayne M. Tisdale ’81 and Penny Winn Tisdale ’85 on the passing of Wayne’s father and Penny’s fatherin-law, Robert “Bobby” Tisdale, Aug. 29. Karen Bennett Wilson ’81, the Rev. Arvie P. Bennett Jr. ’99 and Linsey B. Wilson ’09 on the passing of Karen’s father and Arvie and Linsey’s grandfather, Ken Bennett, Jan. 3. Wesley Brand ’84 and Shelley Bare Brand ’85 on the passing of Wesley’s mother and Shelley’s motherin-law, Peggy Dudley Brand, Sept. 16.

Sympathy to Linda Kidd on the passing of her sister, Bettye Campbell Hopkins, Oct. 21. Linda is administrative assistant, coordinator of the scholarship program and co-director of the docent program in University Advancement. Sympathy to Vice President and Athletics Director Jeff May ’73 on the passing of his mother-in-law, Geneva Moriss Leverett in October; and his brother Orvy D. “Denny” May Jr. and his sister Jenny May Taylor, both in December.

2015 Calendar of Upcoming Alumni Events

Apr. 13-18: Alumni Week, Lander campus Apr. 27:

Charleston Tower Club Social, Location TBA

Apr. 28:

Grand Strand Alumni Social, Location TBA

May 2:

Commencement, Horne Arena

May 12:

Bearcat Athletic Auction, Horne Arena

Jun. 13:

Tower Club-Upstate Social, Brewery 85

Alicia Meador Pugh ’01 on the passing of her husband, David Pugh, Sept. 9.

Jun. 29:

Samuel Lander Golf Classic, Stoney Point Golf Club

Amanda Hearn Biek ’04 on the passing of her grandmother, Helen Buckner Estes, Nov. 24.

Aug. 22:

Tower Club-Greenwood Annual “Fun”raiser, Location TBA

George H. Young III ’04 on the passing of his mother, Sandra Cameron Young ’91, Oct. 29.

Oct. 8:

Tower Club-Columbia Fall Social, Location TBA

Ruth Adams Drake ’05 and Charles Drake ’84 on the passing of Ruth’s father and Charles’ father-in-law, Francis Wates Adams, Sept. 20.

Oct. 9:

Tower Club-Upstate’s Fall for Lander, Venue 4 Design

Oct. 10:

Alumni Association Board Day

Nov. 5:

Lander on the Road in Charlotte, Location TBA

Dec. 10:

Lander Lily Lunch, Cambridge Hall

Dec. 12:

Fall Commencement, Horne Arena

Thomas Beckett ’89 and Lisa Burdette Beckett ’90 on the passing of their son Ryan Michael Beckett, Dec. 30. Joey Giles ’90 on the passing of his stepfather, Richard Alan Hall, Sept. 26. Marty Lance Hawley ’92 on the passing of her mother, Peggy Kay Lance ’91, Oct. 4. C. Matthews Bradley ’97 on the passing of his grandmother, Betty Pollard Bradley ’40, Nov. 22.

Liz Roark Bolton ’07 on the passing of her grandfather-in-law, Joe Everett Bolton Jr., Nov. 14. Kendall Miles Gunter ’10 on the passing of her grandfather, Edward Jackson Miles, Oct. 5. Kayla Blackwell ’12 on the passing of her grandmother Annie “Tibb” Minor, Feb. 22. Sally Sturgis Gordon ’13 on the passing of her son, Christopher “Chris” A. Gordon, Jan. 30.

Events/dates subject to change. See www.lander.edu/alumni for details.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Great Fun for a Great Cause 1

The Lander Alumni Association made stops throughout the Carolinas over the fall and winter seasons, hosting a full lineup of socials and gatherings for alumni and university friends. The activities each had a special emphasis on scholarships, and Lander alumni rose to the Forever Lander Challenge of paying it forward to support current and future students. On this page, we highlight some of our favorite moments from these events:

1. Calling on Columbia In October, the Columbia Tower Club gathered at Villa Tronco to enjoy delicious food and lively fellowship. On the agenda that evening was something extra special: the creation of the Columbia Tower Club Scholarship. – Contributed Photo

2. On the Road to Charlotte Alumni from North Carolina spent a few hours reminiscing over Mediterranean cuisine during the November “Lander on the Road” event at Blue Restaurant, in uptown Charlotte. The evening ended on a high note when attendees helped establish the North Carolina Alumni Funded Scholarship.

– Contributed Photo

3. A Meal Among Friends The Greenwood Tower Club held its annual Fall Fling social in November at Cambridge Hall, and those in attendance were updated on university events and club news. Pictured at the event, from left, are: Debrah Hodges Miller, ’76; Gwen Bodie Gunnells, ’82; Mike McWhorter, ’76; and Glenn Miller, ’77. – Contributed Photo

4. Meeting New Bearcats 3

At the Spartanburg “Lander on the Road” event in January, alumni had the opportunity to meet and greet accepted students from the Upstate area. The social, which took place at Carolina Country Club, was co-sponsored by the Upstate Tower Club, and proceeds from the evening supported the club’s scholarship at Lander. Pictured at the gathering, from left, are Jenna Morris, Hunter Smith, ’13, and Jessica Dawkins, ’12. – Contributed Photo

5. Having Fun in Laurens Roma Restaurant dished up hearty portions of fine Italian fare for an enjoyable “Lander on the Road” event in Laurens. The gathering, which took place in January, also included accepted students from the region. Proceeds from the social went to support an alumni scholarship for spouses and children of Lander graduates. – Photo by Laura Brown

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

C o m m e n c e m e n t F all 2 0 1 4

Take Time to Look Back By Megan Price, Photos by Mike Blackwell and Megan Price

Words of Wisdom Commencement speaker and 1976 Lander alumna Molly Spearman, South Carolina’s Superintendent of Education, imparts valuable advice to the 195 members of Lander’s December 2014 graduating class.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Com m encem ent Fa ll 2014

Spearman Urges Grads to Remember Their Roots Standing before a sea of blue caps and gowns, South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Mitchell Spearman advised the 195 members of Lander University’s fall 2014 graduating class to not only look forward to the future, but to also look back. “Take the time to remember, and never forget from which you came. Do what you can to support and uplift the people who made you what you are today,” Spearman, herself a 1976 Lander alumna and former student body president, said. “Think about the people at Lander who challenged you over the past few years – your professors, fellow students, administrators, staff. They accepted you as you were. They have given you the opportunity to work hard, to mature and to get ready for the next step of your life.” Spearman, a Saluda native, arrived at Lander with the goal of becoming a music teacher. Though she didn’t have much musical training at that point, Lander’s music faculty, she said, recognized her potential. “Thank goodness there were Lander professors who had the mindset that hard work and full effort are the catalysts for change and success,” she said. Spearman went on to earn a master’s in education supervision from George Washington University and an education specialist

degree from the University of South Carolina. Her career as an educator includes 20 years as a public school music teacher and an assistant principal. She served seven years as a member of the S.C. House of Representatives, where she earned a reputation as a strong advocate for children’s issues. In 1998, she was appointed the S.C. Department of Education’s Deputy Superintendent of Education for Governmental Relations, working with legislators, educators and business leaders on policies to improve education in the state. She has focused her community service on citizenship development for young people, having volunteered with the Palmetto Girls State program for over 30 years, and served as Chairman of Girls Nation. She is the executive director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, whose membership includes over 3,600 principals, superintendents and school leaders. In her role as state superintendent, Spearman supervises 1,250 public schools, 74,000 teachers and administrators, nearly three-quarters of a million students and a budget of $4 billion. She told the crowd, “I’m humbled, optimistic, and I see opportunity in the task ahead of me.”

In closing, Spearman urged graduates to work hard to achieve the goals they’ve set. But, she added, “if your best plans become impossible, don’t be disappointed for too long. Remember the path often leads to greater opportunity that requires harder work but will give you success you never imagined.” The commencement ceremony, which took place in Lander’s Horne Arena, also included the awarding of an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree to Dr. Roger C. Richardson, of the University of Winchester in England. A professor emeritus of humanities and social sciences, he was chair of Winchester’s Department of History and Archaeology for 22 years. As Winchester’s director of International Relations, he collaborated with Lander in the creation of a partnership enabling students to spend a semester or more studying at Winchester. President Daniel Ball said Richardson had a significant impact on the success of Lander’s Study Abroad program, which has sent nearly 70 students to Winchester for a semester. Ball said Richardson mentored Lander students at Winchester and watched over their personal as well as academic well-being. He added, “He served as a father to our overseas students, and for that I am deeply grateful.”

Lander University Graduate Receives Award for Highest Scholastic Average Leah Fifelski, of Rolesville, N.C., finished at the top of her graduating class in December, qualifying her for Lander’s prestigious Thayer Award, presented on behalf of the family of Dr. Henry K. Thayer to the graduating senior achieving the highest scholastic average. Fifelski completed the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in exercise science with a 4.0 grade point average. In addition to her course work, Fifelski was a member of the Physical Education and Exercise Studies (PEES) Club and the Bearcat Running Club. She now works for Greenwood Physical Therapy, where she also completed an internship. Pictured at the award ceremony, from left, are: Dr. Judith Neufeld, Dean of Lander’s College of Education; Lander President Dan Ball; Fifelski; and Dr. Jenny LeMoine Bond, assistant professor of physical education & exercise studies, and internship director. – Photo by Eric Lawson Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

C o m m e n c e m e n t F all 2 0 1 4 1. Distinguished Guests President Daniel Ball, center, greets commencement speaker Molly Spearman, S.C. Superintendent of Education, left, and Roger C. Richardson, of the University of Winchester in England, who received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree during the ceremony.

2. Special Presentation Lander University Trustee Linda Dolny, right, presented a diploma to family friend Kayla Brie Kelley, of Lansing, Mich., who received a bachelor of science in history.

3. Student and Coach Among those earning a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning was Stephen Magennis, a Dublin, Ireland, native and Lander’s assistant men’s soccer coach.

4. Now They're Nurses From left: Nursing graduates Kyara Danielle Thomas, of Pelzer; Brittany M. Walker, of Anderson; and Johnathan Nathaniel Farrow, of Gray Court, spend a few moments reminiscing prior to the commencement ceremony.

5. Interdisciplinarians The first two graduates of Lander’s revamped Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) major were among the members of the December class: Alyssa Rebekah Blocker, of Irmo, pictured left; and Jasmine Jaleisa Johnson, of Edgefield, right. Also pictured is Associate Professor of Environmental Geology Dr. Dan Pardieck, who coordinates the IDS program.

6. Among Family Joining her family for the celebration is psychology grad Felicia Nicole Drew, of Whitmire, pictured center.

7. Oh, the Humanities The College of Arts and Humanities graduated more than 30 students in December, including, pictured from left: Charles Julian Roesner, a mass communication and theatre graduate, of Saluda; Tylan Michelle Stroud, visual arts, of Blacksburg; Kristin Young Bailey, visual arts, of Greenwood; and Caitlin Gwinn Madden, visual arts, of Ninety Six.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

What a Difference They’ve Made

Special Section Celebrating Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Ball Lander University’s 12th President and First Lady

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Daniel Ba’s Retirement As Lander’s President

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

The Final Chapter in a Long and Distinguished Academic Career

r. Daniel Ball will retire on June 30, bringing to a close a 50-year career in education, starting out as a classroom teacher and, 35 years later, accepting the position as Lander’s 12th president. Fresh out of college in 1965, he began teaching high school biology and chemistry in St. Louis County, Mo., his home state. He would teach there for five years and, after earning his master’s and doctoral degrees, he followed a career path that took him to colleges and universities in five states, where he held upper-level positions as a professor and senior administrator. The trail led to what would be his ultimate destination, as he and his wife, Marjorie, arrived in Greenwood in July of 2000. That was after the Board of Trustees had selected him from among 80 candidates to succeed Dr. William Moran as president. At the time, Ball said, “This is home,” and he honored that commitment for the next 15 years. Only four other presidents, including the school’s founder, the Rev. Samuel Lander, have served longer. Ball said he enjoyed teaching and, initially, had no ambitions to move into administration but, while he was on the faculty at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., he was asked to serve as interim chair of the Department of Biology. Later, he became dean and professor in the College of Education at Idaho State University and, in 1993, vice president for Academic Affairs at Southern Arkansas University, the position he held before coming to Lander.

A Passion for Education In his 2001 inaugural address, Ball set the tone for his presidency when he told his audience, “Lander will never yield to the temptation of many who want to graduate without an education.” He drives home the point with a quote from founder Samuel Lander, published in the catalogs of Williamston Female College, the institution that would become Lander University. The Rev. Lander’s message to prospective students was, “Those who desire graduation without education need not apply.” Ball said, “The institution must maintain the integrity of a degree and not give it away.” He emphasizes that Lander is in the business of student achievement and states unequivocally that a Lander degree has a strong reputation for value. “Just ask employers who hire our graduates.” During his 15 years as president, the university has had to cope with budget problems related to national economic ills and a reduction in state support. When he became president, the state’s annual appropriation to Lander represented 44 percent of the university’s budget. It has since dwindled to less than 10 percent. Each year, Ball has been confronted by the formidable challenge of putting together a spending plan while keeping tuition affordable. Jack Lawrence, of Spartanburg, has served for more than 10 years as a member of Lander’s Board of Trustees, which he now chairs. He said, “Dr. Ball has shepherded Lander through some

By Dave Lorenzatti

tough financial times,” and he described Ball as “a great leader, one of our best presidents.” Lawrence said Ball added many programs and transformed the university into a stronger institution with visibility across the state. He added that curriculum changes and physical improvements on campus have made Lander more competitive with other colleges and universities in attracting and retaining students. He characterized Ball as “a go-getter,” applauding him for working with people in the community, with local lawmakers, civic groups, legislators and other state officials. Ball has been a familiar face at the State House in Columbia, meeting with legislators and government leaders to make his case for support for Lander and public higher education in general. State Sen. Billy O’Dell, whose 4th District includes part of Greenwood County, said Ball has communicated very well with legislative committees to obtain state funds for the university. He noted that during the recession in 2008, colleges and universities were forced to cut expenses because of drastic state budget reductions. “He made the cuts,” said O’Dell, “but kept Lander on a sound financial footing.” He added, “He’s an excellent administrator and has done a great job.” Ball has been an advocate of state regulatory reform of higher education, but he adds, “Unfortunately very little has changed.” He said, for example, resistance from the state Department of Education essentially blocked his plan to create a professional education degree program at Lander, similar to the one he implemented at Northeast Missouri State University, now Truman State University, in 1987. The Master of Arts in Education he introduced is a five-year program that includes a liberal arts and sciences baccalaureate and a one-year paid internship. In its promotional materials, Truman State describes the program as giving students the necessary knowledge and teaching skills for effective professional practice. Ball said he was disappointed that he was not able to create the program at Lander. He argues, “Education will continue to suffer until we can elevate it to the same professional level as a degree in medicine, law and engineering, and teacher salaries will continue to lag behind the other professions.” He recounts experiences early in his teaching career that taught him the importance of being student-centered. He said, “Many times you don’t know what difficulties students are dealing with in their personal lives, and it’s important to understand those factors when judging a student’s performance and behavior.” In his position as Lander’s vice president for Student Affairs, Randy Bouknight can attest to Ball’s student-centeredness. He said, “Dr. Ball has been a champion for students. He is visible among the students and it means a lot to them to know they have access to him.” Bouknight added, “He has created a family atmo– continued on page 20 – sphere on campus.”

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

A Distinguished Academic Career Accomplishments When asked about his accomplishments as president, Ball pointed out what he labeled “the little things,” like Lander becoming a smoke-free campus in 2007. At his urging, trustees voted to make Lander the first state college or university in South Carolina to institute a tobacco-free policy. He feels a sense of pride in the unique Docent program that was implemented in 2004. More than 60 individuals are Docents who voluntarily share their knowledge and experience with the university and its students, and perform a variety of important tasks on campus. Ball has also made a practice of personally interviewing applicants for faculty positions and other key personnel. He said, “During the hiring process, I’ve interviewed 90 percent or more of the faculty that are here today.” He doesn’t mention it as an accomplishment, but Ball has twice been crowned South Carolina Checkers Champion, winning tournaments in Pendleton in 2005 and 2006.

Looking Ahead Years from now, when alumni, faculty, administrators and staff talk about his presidency, how would he like to be remembered? He says without hesitating, “I wasn’t afraid to take a chance. I was a risk-taker and not afraid to fail.” He added, “I’d like to be remembered as a strong-minded individual, but one who was also willing to change his mind.” As for the future, Ball envisions the university maintaining its emphasis on the integrity of a Lander degree. He predicts the university will remain its current size, with the same mission and outstanding programs of study, or it will become smaller with an even greater focus on high-level academic excellence. What advice would he offer his successor as Lander’s president? “Be a good listener. Engage and listen to faculty, students and staff. But by paying special attention to what students have to say, you will be a better leader for them.” Since becoming president in 2000, Ball has officiated at 29 commencements, handing out 6,911 degrees to graduates. He’ll confer about 325 more at the next spring commencement, his 30th and last, on May 2. In addition to his retirement, 2015 will mark another milestone in the lives of the Balls for, on Oct. 2, they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They are the parents of two sons, David and Stephen, and have three grandchildren: Alexa, 16; and twins Ryan and Zachary, 14. The commitment, “This is home,” that he made 15 years ago when he and Marjorie arrived in Greenwood will not change when he goes into retirement. The Balls plan to continue living in their home on Stanley Avenue, across the street from the campus, almost in the shadow of the Bell Tower atop historic Laura Lander Hall.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Lander Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2015

The Essence of Elegance and Southern Hospitality

Lander Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2015

First Lady Marjorie Ball: One of Lander’s Greatest Ambassadors

rom the front windows of their home on Stanley Avenue, retiring President Daniel Ball and First Lady Marjorie Ball have a spectacular view of the university’s iconic Bell Tower. It’s a scene most fitting for two individuals who have done so much for – and meant so much to – Lander University over the past 15 years. “We have the most beautiful view of Old Main,” Marge, as Mrs. Ball is known, said. “We can sit on our porch and watch Lander students go up and down the sidewalk, walking their dogs, playing Frisbee, and it’s just great. We love it.” The residence has been the Balls’ home since 2012, when they relocated from the former President’s Home on W. Durst Avenue, which had succumbed to major structural damage and was torn down in 2013. Likened to a scene from the pages of Southern Living Magazine, the Durst Avenue residence had been the site of countless garden parties, employee socials, community teas, elegant dinners and more. It was a home open to the Lander family and the Greenwood community, and Mrs. Ball has made certain their new home has that same sophisticated look and welcoming feel. With her down-to-earth personality, can-do attitude and friendly smile, Mrs. Ball has undoubtedly been one of Lander’s greatest ambassadors. As First Lady, she has enjoyed opening her home to guests, hosting on average 1-2 events there per week. When she and President Ball first arrived in Greenwood in 2000, she wasted no time getting to know the people of Lander and the community, serving as president of two study clubs and joining the Morning Glory Garden Club and the Greenwood Woman’s Club. She and her husband frequently ate in the dining hall, along with everybody else, and were regulars at student performances, fine arts activities and athletic events. Soon, she had started a number of traditions: hosting a faculty and staff reception at the President’s Home at Christmas, entertaining the ladies of Lander with “White Lace and Linen Teas,” and welcoming Lander’s international students with an annual ice cream social. Every holiday season, she bakes Kentucky Bourbon Pecan Cakes for each of the 17 members of the Lander Board of Trustees – that’s 255 cakes in 15 years. And she isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. If she sees something that needs to be done, she does it, from pulling weeds and mulching gardens, to pressure-washing sidewalks.

The Path to Greenwood Growing up on a farm in a small town in northern Missouri might have helped develop her work ethic. She was taught early on that a positive attitude can take you anywhere. And so far, it seems to have done just that. While attending Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College (now Truman State University), Mrs. Ball met a young science major who would later be known to Lander as Mr. President. “Marge took me up to the family farm,” said President Ball, “and I fell in love with both the farm and Marge.”

After they were married, the Balls made a few big moves (Colorado, Indiana and Missouri) before settling in Idaho, where Mrs. Ball worked for the local Public Broadcasting Service affiliate in its development area. At the same time, she started her own business, The Employment Source, a full-service employment agency. When Dr. Ball was offered the position of vice president for Academic Affairs at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Ark., she decided to try something new. She found a position at Lois Gean’s, a high-end women’s fashion shop in Magnolia, where she quickly became a favorite with those who appreciated her flair for style. “The people I worked with were wonderful, so the job was a lot of fun,” she said. After seven years in Magnolia, the Balls moved to Greenwood and to the President’s Home at Lander. “I came with the attitude that this was a new plateau in my life,” Mrs. Ball said. “With Dan accepting the position, I wanted to give all that I could to helping him, Lander and the community.” And she’s done just that over the last decade and a half. Mrs. Ball has served on numerous boards and committees, including the PEO, of which she was president; the S.C. Festival of Flowers Home and Garden Tours Committee; the Greenwood Woman’s Club Board of Directors; and Lander’s Cookbook Committee. She was an original member of Lander’s Arboretum Committee and was instrumental in the development of Lander’s master landscaping plan. She played a key role in the acquisition of several large gifts, including Cambridge Hall, formerly owned by Greenwood Woman’s Club, now an opulent gathering place for university events.

Beginning a New Chapter With Dr. Ball’s retirement on the horizon, the Balls have made the decision to stay in Greenwood. Though they have family in Missouri, the lure of Greenwood’s mild climate and convenient location near the mountains and sea, as well as the many special relationships they’ve formed while here, are the main reasons. Mrs. Ball’s routine will remain much the same when her husband steps down as president. “My life is not going to change much,” she said. “I’m still going to be in charge of the house. I’ll work in the yard. I’ll participate in different organizations. The biggest change for us both, I think, is that we want to do a lot of traveling and visiting our 16-year-old granddaughter and 14-year-old twin grandsons in Missouri more often, where they’re involved in sports and other activities.” Those who know Mrs. Ball might say her legacy at Lander will be her ability to engage others. When asked if she had ever met someone she didn’t like, she replied, “I can find good in everyone. Even though a person is quiet, and you’re not sure how they feel about you, by engaging them in conversation and trying to find out what their interests are, and not pushing yours on them, you’ll discover something positive.” – Portions of this story courtesy of a Lander President’s Report. Photo by Caroline Jenkins Photography. Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Showing Our Appreciation Kirsten Stewart, Class of 2012

Admissions Counselor, Lander University “During my sophomore year, I found myself with a difficult decision. I had been an athlete for half of my life but felt indecisive about my future. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to stay at Lander. At a loss, I went to Dr. Ball to seek guidance and discuss my aspirations. Immediately after our conversation, I had a newfound respect for him, professionally and personally. Through compassion and kindness, he let me know that Lander had a place for me, whether it was as a studentathlete or not. His leadership, advice and guidance not only gave me confidence, but made me see Lander differently, and I soon became involved in many organizations and made many friends that I will cherish for life. I worked as a student worker in the President’s Office until I graduated, and during this time my respect for Dr. and Mrs. Ball grew even more. I was able to see them as important people in my life, not just as leaders on campus. They dedicated time to me and other students; they genuinely cared about us. It was because of this that I chose to return to Lander as an employee! Some view Dr. and Mrs. Ball as the president and first lady of the university, but I see them as family. They represent our university in so many beautiful ways. I will be forever grateful for being a student and an employee at Lander during Dr. Ball’s presidency.”

Cameron Dorn, Class of 2010 Corporate Wellness Consultant

“I was a young freshman moving away from home for the first time when both Dr. Ball and Marge entered my room in Brookside. It was my first time meeting them. They came in and greeted me with not only a smile but an actual conversation. I soon found out that they not only did this for my dorm, but all the dorms around me. The fact that they would take time out of their day to walk around and do this for each and every student really stood out to me. This continued as a theme for the rest of my time at Lander, and I learned that one of the most important things you can do in life is spend time with those who matter to you most. Dr. Ball found a way to spend time with all those who came through Lander. Mrs. Ball was active in the community, taking part in local 5k races to support charity and promote physical health. The impact they had was not limited to the campus grounds but affected the lives of all those from around the world who entered the halls of Lander. I consider Dr. Ball a friend and mentor, and I wish him all the best on his future endeavors.”

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Corbin Childs, Class of 2012 Sales Territory Manager

Stephen Robertson, Class of 2012

“The most important thing in college is to build a foundation and the relationships that will guide you into your next step of life. Dr. Ball was fundamental in shaping me, and I will always give him credit for my success. If it were not for Dr. Ball’s vision to grow the Office of International Programs, I would never be where I am today. He pushed for Lander to expand across the Pacific and introduce students to Asia. It takes a special person to believe in starting a program for students like Dr. Ball did. I was part of the first group of students to travel to South Korea and tour the University of Incheon and Dong-A University. This program not only expanded my knowledge and views of the world, it introduced me to a whole new life. I was able to spend a summer in Korea and, with a letter of recommendation from Dr. Ball, live in a rural town in Korea for two years teaching English. I always found Dr. Ball to be so welcoming for any student to come into his office and sit down with him. I cannot thank him enough for believing in me and pushing me to go beyond Lander.”

“I would like to thank Dr. Ball for allowing me to be a student worker in the President’s Office. It was an experience that taught me how to be a student leader, how to carry myself with dignity and how to be professional. I also became aware that I was of value throughout the campus. Knowing Dr. Ball has been a great honor and is something I hold true to my heart. I am forever blessed just to be a part of his wonderful legacy. I would like to thank him, from the bottom of my heart, for serving Lander University.”

Shipping Technician

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

15 Years of Leadership and Accomplishments Upon arriving as the 12th president of Lander University in 2000, Dr. Daniel W. Ball enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to lead an institution blessed with talented people, distinguished by past achievements and poised for outstanding accomplishments yet to come. During his 15-year tenure, President Ball has challenged the university community to work together to reaffirm, redefine and market the mission and vision of Lander University, a university where student achievement is the principal priority. Listed on this page are just some of the many significant academic, athletic and campus enhancements that have occurred at Lander University under Dr. Ball’s leadership. For a detailed list, please visit www.lander.edu/dr-ball-accomplishments.

Programs 2001: First Staff Excellence Awards Breakfast Program 2004: First Docent Program at a state university 2005-06: Men’s Golf Program 2006: Criminal Justice Online Program 2006-07: Women’s Tennis Program reinstated 2007: Master of Education in Montessori Education degree 2009: Bridge Program with all S.C. technical colleges 2009: Master’s in Teaching and Learning degree in Education 2009: Experience Your Education (EYE) Program 2010: International/Global Scholars Program 2011-12: Women’s Golf Program 2012: Enhanced-Experimental Advising Program

Lander Magazine

2012: First state university-based Therapeutic Horsemanship Program 2013: Interdisciplinary Studies major reactivated 2013: Honors College created 2013: Lander Intern in Washington, D.C., Program 2014: Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader degree 2014: Master of Science in Emergency Management degree

Campus Renovations 2006: Student Affairs area 2007: Dining Hall 2008: Campus entrance 2008: Campus bookstore renamed Bearcat Shop 2008: Admissions, Registrar and Financial Aid offices combined into a new Enrollment Center

2008: Lide Student Housing 2009: Jackson Library basement converted into ITS space, Computer Lab and TRACS Center 2010: President’s Suite and Johnson Board Room 2011: Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium 2015: Circle Drive area 2015: Approval to renovate Moran Assembly Plaza

Campus Enhancements 2002: Wireless campus 2002: Carillon bells resurrected 2003-04: “Bearcat” mascot introduced 2004: Physical Plant Building 2006: 18-hole disc golf course 2006: Virginia Self National Center for Montessori Education 2006: 300-bed Centennial Hall; LEED Certified in 2008 2007: Tobacco-free campus 2007: Java City coffee shop 2008: “Lander Alert” system 2008: Bearcat Den food court 2009: Equestrian Center 2009: 32-bed McGhee Court 2010: 368-bed Bearcat Village 2010: Shuttle bus service 2011: Jeff May Recreation, Wellness and Sports Complex 2012: Equestrian Center Arena 2013: Student Fitness Center

2013: Field House & Intramural Field at JMC Complex 2014: Montessori School & Center announced 2015: 208-bed replacement residence hall 2015: New facility for The Lander Foundation & Alumni Affairs

Special Projects 2002: Implemented first University Strategic Plan 2004: Helped secure $10 million annual state funding for all S.C. comprehensive universities 2004: Completed Economic Impact Study 2005: Memorandum of Understanding with Al Ain University 2007: $15.8 million raised in Comprehensive Campaign fundraiser 2007: Sunday Brunch for the community in the dining hall 2008: New academic calendar format introduced 2009: New General Education Goals approved 2010: EYE Program receives national award 2011: Completed University Master Plan 2011-13: Memoranda of Understanding with 17 universities in Asia and one in Chile 2013: Planning for University/ Foundation Comprehensive Campaign launch

An Honor Most Deserved

Joe Cabri Selected for South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame Retired Lander tennis coach Joe Cabri has added another honor to his illustrious career. Cabri, a mathematics professor who coached the Lander men’s tennis team to 12 national championships in his 31-year career, is among seven individuals who will be inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in May in Columbia. “I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to the members of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame selection committee for this honor,” said Cabri. “My induction into this Hall of Fame is both exhilarating and humbling. It’s exhilarating because I will be joining a highly respected group of Hall of Famers, drawn from a wide cross section of sports throughout South Carolina; and humbling because I am well aware of the help and support I received from so many players and key members of the Lander and Greenwood communities over the years.” During his three-decade tenure, Cabri also guided his teams to 23 consecutive league championships; was named a National Coach of the Year 10 times; was inducted into three halls of fame (Lander [1991], NAIA [1993] and SC Tennis [1995]); and coached 56 AllAmericans. The longest-serving coach in Lander Athletics history, Cabri won his first four national

titles in the NAIA and eight more in NCAA Division II. His greatest run was from 19912000, when Lander captured 10 consecutive national championships, including an NCAA-record eight straight in Division II. He also guided the Senators/Bearcats to two national runner-up finishes in the NAIA and four fourth-place finishes. Cabri joins his former athletics director, the late Finis Horne, in the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. Horne, who coached Lander men’s basketball for 29 years and hired Cabri as tennis coach, is a member of the Class of 2010. “The entire Lander University family is pleased to learn of Dr. Joseph (Coach) Cabri’s induction into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. It is a much-earned and deserved award. His accomplishments in collegiate tennis, in my opinion, will never be duplicated,” said Jeff May, Lander vice president and athletics director. “This is a proud day for Coach Cabri, his family, Lander University and Greenwood.” Cabri admits that he was no tennis expert when he began coaching. The Long Island, N.Y., native began learning the art of coaching by reading books and attending Van Der Meer clinics. But the professor-coach says he learned the most from NCAA Division I

By Bob Stoner

Top: Hall of Fame coach Joe Cabri poses at the Lander tennis facility, which was named in his honor. – Photo by Bob Stoner

coaches Chuck Kriese of Clemson (now of The Citadel), Kent DeMars of USC and Dan Magill of Georgia. Those coaches gave Lander an opportunity to play against some of the best teams ever fielded by Clemson, Carolina and Georgia, and in the process, Cabri’s players improved their caliber of play. “I think Joe is a great example of what consistent excellence is all about,” said Kriese. “To win one championship is an incredible feat. Even to be in a final four is an incredible feat. He won 12. I think that when people are around such excellence, they maybe become complacent or numbed by it, but it will be a long time in any university’s history where one sport will win 12 championships.” Cabri, in 12 years in the NCAA, coached a national doubles champion, a Dan Magill Award winner, 28 All-Americans, 24 academic All-Americans, three national Arthur Ashe Award winners, two Tennis Magazine All-Star Team members, and 60 All-Peach Belt Conference players, all while winning 11 straight PBC championships. A mathematics professor since 1972 and the tennis coach since 1974, Cabri retired in April 2006 and is now “Coach Emeritus.”

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Paying it Forward Lander Education and Psychology Students Improve Lives in Guatemala Children living near the Santa Maria volcano in Guatemala are among the poorest, least educated and malnourished people one could meet. As most of the children – even those as young as 4 or 5 – are required to work long hours in fields to help support their families, their futures are not expected to take them past the lava flow. Last May, the children’s lives were made immeasurably better by a 13-member group from Lander University. The group, composed of nine teacher education majors and two psychology majors, was led by Dr. Lee Vartanian, associate professor of teacher education, and Dr. Marie Nix, associate professor of psychology. Their journey was sparked by a partnership between Vartanian, who had been to Guatemala twice previously, and an organization known as the Phoenix Project. “The indigenous people of Guatemala tend to be last on the list of people being served by government programs, and the Phoenix Project is devoted to filling that void,” he explained. “We were there to provide tutoring services for students and help the teachers in an indigenous Mayan school,” said Nix. “It’s impor28

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

By Eric Lawson

Top: Ansley Newell, ’15, of Florence, enjoys the embrace of a youngster at a school in Santa Maria, Guatemala.

tant to note that native Guatemalans are separated from other communities socially and geographically. The families are the country’s poorest of the poor. Most of them live in huts with tin roofs, cloth walls and dirt floors. There are 23 different Mayan groups in the country, and while they all have their own language, they use rudimentary Spanish as their second language.” Rooming with host families in Antigua, the Lander group made the 30-minute trip to the school shortly after breakfast. “We took a van up to Santa Maria, then walked to the school,” said Samantha Colman, a teacher education major from Anderson. “Once at the school, we would give bread to the children as they came into the school, then, once they had eaten, we would begin class.” That meager morning meal was crucial for the children. “The piece of bread, slice of melon or bowl of porridge these children

The 13-member group from Lander is pictured with the students and teachers of an indigenous Mayan school in Guatemala. – Contributed Photos

Olivia Shaffer, ’15, of Pendleton, shares a laugh with a young boy as they study mathematics.

Brianna Pagano, ’14, of Deer Park, Ill., tutors a young Mayan girl near the Santa Maria volcano.

receive from their school is crucial for their health,” said Vartanian. “Remember, these children are from farming families whose total income is dependent upon if their crops come in. A recent drought nearly devastated them.” Assisting the teachers went well beyond making photocopies. For one thing, there were no photocopiers. “Each child’s worksheet had to be prepared by hand,” said Ansley Newell, a teacher education major from Florence. As the teacher led the class, the Lander students provided one-on-one instruction in reading Spanish and English. School was dismissed each day at noon so that the children could return to the fields. As for the mix of teacher education and psychology disciplines on the trip? “The experience of working with these children gave our teacher education students an opportunity to see the types of environments or backgrounds that some of their future students will have experienced,” explained Vartanian. The psychology students were able to hone their skills of observing people and their environment, and how the two are

Dr. Lee Vartanian, associate professor of teacher education, provides one-on-one school instruction for a young student. “The indigenous people of Guatemala tend to be last on the list of people being served by government programs,” he said.

Dr. Marie Nix, associate professor of psychology, shown tutoring a young boy, co-led the Lander group’s trip.

affected by each other. “Seeing the students and learning about their daily lives has helped me to feel more empathy and has helped me to become stronger in the face of difficulty,” said Stephanie Conley, an early childhood education major from Summerville. Nix spoke of the children as “valuing relationships.” That’s an observation that was brought home to Newell. “Every day I was a human jungle gym. The kids would run to each of us and put their hands up to be held and tossed around. One little 4-year-old boy did not leave my side. I found out that he comes from an abusive home. Every day, I did not want him to walk out of the school but I had to watch him leave. Forever will his dimpled smile be in my heart. He is a great reminder of why I am becoming a teacher.” Other students who went on the trip were: Mackenzie Areheart, of West Columbia; Nashari Brown, of Abbeville; Breanna Cook, of Lexington; Sam Fulmer, of Lexington; Brianna Pagano, of Deer Park, Ill.; Olivia Shaffer, of Pendleton; Heather Schryver, of Starr; and Zach Wilson, of Aiken.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

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Lander, Greenwood County Sign Emergency Management Pact Lander President Daniel Ball and Greenwood County Manager Toby Chappell recently signed an agreement that makes Lander an integral part of the county’s emergency management program. In the event of an earthquake, hurricane or other emergency, Lander classrooms and other facilities will now be available for use by county officials as an alternate event operations center. Lander’s media area, along with specific classrooms and lecture halls, will be available for use as an alternate media center. Residence halls built by Lander in the future will incorporate generators, allowing the buildings to double as Red Cross shelters. The agreement will also benefit Lander. The rooms being made available for use by the county will be fitted with “smart boards,” large flat screen monitors and high-speed internet connections, paid for by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) dollars coming to the county via the state. FEMA money will also pay for upgrades to future residence halls, allowing them to incorporate back-up power systems. George McKinney, emergency management coordinator for Greenwood County, said the agreement is significant because it “reduces response times as well as resource duplication during an event.” Lander Professor of Management Dr. Charles Stowe, who drafted the document, said the arrangement allows county officials to report more “in-kind” contributions to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, increasing Greenwood County’s share of

federal matching funds without raising taxes. Ball praised Stowe for his work on the agreement, saying, “He comes up with some great ideas, and this is one of them.”

Dignitaries at the signing of the agreement between Lander and Greenwood County included, from left, Lander Police Chief Eddie Briggs; Dr. Robert Barrett, dean of Lander’s College of Business and Public Affairs; Professor of Management Dr. Charles Stowe, who also serves as coordinator of Lander’s Master of Science in Emergency Management program; Lander President Daniel Ball; and Greenwood County Emergency Management Coordinator George McKinney.

Education Professor Dava O’Connor Earns National Award for Contributions to Teacher Education

Dr. Dava O’Connor, winner of the 2014 Nasim Dil Award for Outstanding Service to Special Education.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Dr. Dava O’Connor, special education professor at Lander University and immediate past chair of its Teacher Education Department, has been named the recipient of the 2014 Nasim Dil Award for Outstanding Service to Special Education by the Teacher Education Division’s Small Special Education Programs Caucus (SSEPC). She will be presented with the award at the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) national convention in San Diego in April. The Nasim Dil Award is given annually to an individual who demonstrates exemplary service to the development and advancement of quality teacher education in special education. “Dr. O’Connor has a tremendous work ethic,” said Dr. Judith Neufeld, dean of Lander’s College of Education. “Since joining our faculty in 1998, she has served as the chair of Lander’s Department of Teacher Education for nine years; been actively involved in establishing several programs that benefit teacher education majors, such as Lander’s Project CREATE, Teaching Fellows, Teacher Cadet and Call Me MISTER programs; and is always a strong advocate for students. We are very fortunate to have someone with Dava’s talents and credentials on faculty at Lander.”

News Brief s

Entrepreneurial Group Enactus Becomes Agent of Positive Change Lander University’s Enactus student organization is quickly establishing itself as a powerful ally for area businesses and organizations. Merely days before Christmas, the group delivered much-needed new computers to La Puerta de Esperanza in Greenwood. Enactus purchased the computers through a grant from Walmart’s Global Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative. In early February, Enactus produced a riveting public relations video to be used by Carol Gray, center director for La Puerta, during her community presentations. Every day, La Puerta serves over 50 Hispanic youngsters – ranging in age from 5-17 – in after-school programs, as well as Hispanic adults who need literacy assistance. “The theme of Enactus is taking entrepreneurial ideas and putting them into action to empower others,” explained Covone VanDorn, a Lander business marketing major from Taylors and president of Enactus. “Whether we’re working with business executives or community leaders, our goal is to help practically anybody who wants to make a positive change. The community projects that we commit to are focused on empowering others, and that’s certainly the case with the new computers for La Puerta.” Enactus also has projects – a social media marketing campaign and a recycling project – for two local Greenwood businesses.

Enactus members, front row from left: Keith Dumais, of Johnston; Yuemiao Hu, of Tieling, China; Alissa Norton, of Spartanburg; and Ashley Giordano, of Summerville. Back row: Sadie Erwin, staff adviser; Kevin McKittrick, of Fountain Inn; Amanda Morgan, staff adviser; Mark Quento Maready, of Easley; and Covone VanDorn, of Taylors.

Chinese Visitors Discuss Lander Exchange Agreement

Representatives of Sanda University in Shanghai, China, visited Lander last December. From left: Qing Shuai, visiting scholar from Shanghai Normal University; Wei Liu and Zhenhua Huang, of Sanda; Po Hu, Lander’s dean of International Programs; Dr. Robert Barrett, dean of Lander’s College of Business and Public Affairs; Zhang Zengtai, of Sanda; Dr. David Slimmer, dean of Lander’s College of Science and Mathematics; and Jeff Constant, director of International Students and Scholar Services.

A delegation from Sanda University in Shanghai, China, visited Lander last December to reaffirm the relationship enabling student exchanges between the two schools. Four Sanda students are currently enrolled at Lander. Dr. Robert Barrett, dean of Lander’s College of Business and Public Affairs; Dr. David Slimmer, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics; Po Hu, dean of International Programs; and Jeff Constant, director of International Students and Scholar Services, met with the visitors to explore possibilities for greater cooperation between Sanda and Lander.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

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Mash Wins Appointment to SACSCOC Board of Trustees Lander Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. David Mash has been appointed to the board of trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the regional accrediting body for colleges and universities in 11 states, including South Carolina, and Latin America. President Daniel Ball, who nominated him for the position, said the appointment is good for SACSCOC and Lander, while Mash feels it gives Lander the advantage of having someone intimately acquainted with the reaffirmation process at every level. Mash is no stranger to SACSCOC, having been involved with the organization since the 1990s. He has been on teams of academic professionals who evaluated colleges and universities eligible for accreditation and reaffirmation. Lander is preparing for its 10-year reaffirmation review in 2017. Mash joined Lander in 2009 as dean of Library Services and director of the Larry A. Jackson Library, bringing with him 25 years of experience in administration and academics.

Cyclists depart Lander’s Jeff May Complex at the start of the 2014 “Bike for Kicks” charity ride.

‘Bike for Kicks’ Raises Funds for Scholarships In September, cyclists from across the Southeast once again gathered at Lander’s Jeff May Complex to enjoy a fun ride with an excellent purpose: to raise funds for the Lander men’s soccer scholarship program and the Greenwood YMCA capital campaign. The 2014 “Bike for Kicks” charity ride, an idea crafted by Greenwood resident and avid cyclist Richard Senatore and former Lander men’s soccer head coach Van Taylor, attracted more than 100 adult and youth participants and helped raise approximately $5,800 in proceeds. It was the second year the ride has taken place, and cyclists departed the May Complex for one of three routes, ranging in length from 6 to 62.5 miles, before returning for refreshments and fellowship. Senatore called the 2014 ride another success, adding that the event’s uniqueness is a big draw for those who are looking for a fun way to help the community. Five grand prizes were awarded following the ride: a paid registration to a Gran Fondo Hincapie cycling event, sponsored by Gran Fondo Hincapie, awarded to Guido Persiani; two cruiser bicycles, donated by Emerald City Bikes and The ID Shop, awarded to participants Ann Holzhauer and Chuck Davis; and two Ciclismo Classico bicycle jerseys, sponsored by Ciclismo Classico, awarded to Kirk Adams and Michael Archer. GwdToday was the event’s gold sponsor.

Lander Honors Top Staff at Recognition Breakfast

Pictured, from left, are Elizabeth McCune, Lander President Dan Ball and Torry Fuller.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

In March, Lander President Dan Ball honored staff members Elizabeth McCune and Torry Fuller for excellence in service. The awards are presented annually to staff members who show outstanding dedication to their work and exemplify the family spirit at Lander. Recipients are selected based on nominations by fellow colleagues. McCune serves the campus as facilities coordinator. Nominators described her by saying she “always finds kindness in people and manages to be positive even in undesirable situations; is a role model with exemplary leadership skills; and is the point of contact if you need to know what is going on at Lander.” Fuller is superintendent of custodial services. According to his nominators, he “always has the best interest of Lander University at heart; is a participatory manager who is willing to step in and help his staff complete a job; and is always dependable and takes pride in his work.”

News Brief s

Lander Study Abroad Expands Its Reach to Greece Lander has added Hellenic Studies Paideia in Greece to its Study Abroad options, and Stephanie Conley and Shauna Bailie Fletcher, both of Summerville, were the first Lander students to enroll. They completed the fall 2014 semester at The University of the Aegean in Rhodes, one of five Greek universities and learning centers in the program. Study Abroad Director Dr. Carlos Mentley likened Paideia to Lander’s international opportunities in Spain and Italy, where students experience new languages, customs, food and culture. But, he added, it is unlike other programs because the Greek schools have fewer Americans enrolled. Fletcher is a sophomore biology major, and Conley is a junior majoring in early childhood education. Both enjoyed their time in Greece. Fletcher said their professors were Greek, and the curriculum included Greek language and mythology. Conley said she learned a great deal about Greek life and culture. She added, as a future educator, it is important to obtain a variety of cultural perspectives to help her students learn to accept diverse backgrounds. Ilias Tomazos, director of the Center for Hellenic Studies Paideia in Greece, said affiliating with Lander has been a priority for many years. He added that the relationship gives American students the opportunity to study in Greece and connect with 4,000 years of Western civilization. Tomazos described Conley and Fletcher as excellent students.

Lander junior Stephanie Conley, far left, and sophomore Shauna Bailie Fletcher, far right, enjoy a day at the beach on the Greek island of Santorini with other students who attended the Hellenic Studies Paideia program in Greece last fall.

Music Department Reaccredited by NASM Lander’s Department of Music recently learned that it has been reaccredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) for another eight years. “Versatile, strong, well-qualified, dedicated and hardworking” is how Lander’s music faculty were described by the visiting evaluators. NASM Executive Director Sam Hope “encouraged us to remain focused upon the loftiness of both our musical ideals and our educational goals,” said Associate Professor of Music Dr. Lila Noonkester,

Jackson Chosen for Prestigious Leadership Program Senior athletic training major Louis Jackson, of Greenwood, has been accepted into the Leadership and Diversity Training Program (LDTP) conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). There were only five spots available, and Jackson was selected from among students at much larger colleges and universities in 10 states. Dr. Martin Carmichael, assistant professor of physical education and exercise science, said he nominated him for the program because of his qualities as a student and his exemplary character. Jackson is a member of Lander’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and plans to enlist in the U.S. Army Signal Corps after receiving his commission as a second lieutenant next spring. He said he is looking forward to taking part in the ACSM leadership program and added, “I am proud to represent Lander.” ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. The leadership program is designed to advise and retain minority members by offering them opportunities to be involved in regional and national ACSM activities and committees, making professional presentations and interacting with other members. It also provides mentoring and funding as participants go through each level of training.

who was praised for her work as department chair. Noonkester thanked her colleagues across campus who assisted the music department with its self-study, the evaluation visit, the optional response and the progress reports. Lander has been accredited by NASM, an organization with approximately 625 accredited institutional members, including specialty schools of music, conservatories and universities offering music programs, since 1997. It will stand for its next comprehensive review during the 2022-23 school year.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

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Moore Claims Crown as Miss Lander University

XLR Participates In College Radio Day When hundreds of college radio stations from across the U.S. and abroad joined forces in October to celebrate World College Radio Day, the “Broadcasting Voice of Lander University” was right in the mix. XLR-Lander University Radio was among the 700-plus participants in the event that serves as a “reminder that, despite some stations being sold off, college radio is still alive and kicking,” according to World College Radio Day (WCRD) President Peter Kreten. Established four years ago, WCRD has grown to include hundreds of stations from 43 countries. Participating stations featured special programming throughout the day, and Lander listeners were invited to stop by the XLR studio, on the first floor of the Carnell Learning Center, to say hello to station staff. In 2013, U.S. President Barack Obama commented on the initiative, writing in a letter, “Uniting audiences across languages and borders, World College Radio Day celebrates the students who power these stations and the unique role college radio plays across the globe.” XLR, which also celebrated its fifth anniversary on World College Radio Day, can be heard on iTunes radio, Northland Communications Channel 16 in Greenwood, and at xlr1.org. It is among the top 10 college/university stations hosted on Live365, the world’s largest Internet radio host.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Exercise science major Haley Alexandria Moore, of York, has earned the title of Miss Lander University 2014-15, claiming the crown in a ceremony in November at the university’s Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. Seven contestants took to the stage to vie for the honor, earning points from judges in four categories: business wear, talent, evening wear and an interview. Moore, sponsored by the Lander Sassy Cat Dance Team, performed a dance routine to the popular song Firework, and also took home the People’s Choice award, as voted on by the university community and pageant audience. Also earning honors in the competition were: nursing major Alexis Javielle Adams, of Columbia, first runner-up; Carrie Ann Quarles, a psychology major from Edgefield, second runner-up; and mass communication and theatre major Asia Denisha Campbell, of Anderson, Miss Congeniality. The annual event was presented by Lander’s student chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

Mass communication and theatre major Asia Denisha Campbell was named Miss Congeniality in the 2014-15 Miss Lander University competition.

Exercise science major Haley Alexandria Moore walks the stage as Miss Lander University 2014-15.

Pictured are Miss Lander University 2014-15 Haley Alexandria Moore, center, with first runner-up Alexis Javielle Adams, left, and Carrie Ann Quarles, second runner-up.

News Brief s

Lander Earns Top Spot in Psychology Quiz Bowl In November, eight students from Lander University’s Department of Psychological Science participated in the South Carolina Psychological Association’s annual Academic Day in Columbia. The event featured a panel discussion about career and graduate school opportunities in psychology, and student presentations on how psychology can be applied to the pressing problems of the 21st century. The day culminated with a quiz bowl in which college and university teams from across the state competed for prizes by answering multiple-choice questions in a test of their general knowledge of academic psychology. Lander’s team won first-place honors, answering 30 out of 35 questions correctly. The University of South Carolina and Columbia College finished second and third, respectively. Other participating schools were Presbyterian College, USC Beaufort and South University. The members of Lander’s quiz bowl team were: Tracey Aldrich, of Columbia; Lindsay Garner, of Waterloo; Ashley Hudson, of Belém, Brazil; Chelsea Muckelvaney, of Summerville; Devin Reed, of Charlotte, N.C.; Brittany Smalls, of Charleston; Mariah Waller, of Columbia; and Zach Wilson, of Aiken. In addition to their participation in the quiz bowl, Aldrich and Waller also gave an oral presentation reviewing research on how psychology can help overcome barriers to environmentally friendly behaviors.

Lander University psychology students took home first-place honors in the annual South Carolina Psychological Association’s Academic Day in November. Pictured are Lander team members, front row from left: Zach Wilson, Ashley Hudson, Tracey Aldrich, Lindsay Garner and Chelsea Muckelvaney. Back row, from left: Mariah Waller, Devin Reed and Brittany Smalls.

LUPD, Martial Arts Experts Offer Self-Defense Tips Lander University Police hosted a three-day, intensive workshop on campus in March offering students, faculty and staff an in-depth look at the art of effective self-defense. Leading the course was martial arts expert Dennis Smith, who holds a 1st-degree black belt in Korean martial arts and a 2nd-degree black belt in the Japanese form. Smith, who retired from the Greenwood Police Department with 30 years of service as a law enforcement officer, has taught self-defense courses with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Darnell Leak, a Master of Tang Soo Do who has studied in California and Okinawa, Japan, also led demonstrations and provided advice during the course. Leak, who studied with Smith in the past, began his martial arts training in 1963 in the Korean art of Kong Soo Do. Using class participants and LUPD officers as part of the hands-on demonstrations, Smith and Leak covered basic and advanced maneuvers and techniques that can be used to thwart physical attacks on a person. The class also included an overview of laws that apply to self-defense, when it can be used and what level of self-defense is appropriate for different situations. Captain Greg Allen, with LUPD, said Lander officers provide safety training and self-defense presentations for students and employees, but the threeday workshop allowed for more hands-on instruction. “This was something we wanted to provide everyone on campus, and hopefully it can continue and grow each time,” Allen said, adding that faculty and staff have expressed interest in additional workshops for campus departments.

Martial arts experts Darnell Leak, center, and Dennis Smith, second from left, demonstrate how to react during a physical attack, as part of a threeday self-defense workshop at Lander.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

‘Immensely Talented and Knowledgeable’

Lander Music Faculty Receive High Marks Patrick Rodden teaches music at George B. Armstrong Elementary School of International Studies in Chicago. He’s also the elementary director and assistant high school director for an all-city choir. Marshall Gagne is a freelance tuba player who performs with several quintets and quartets in the metro Atlanta area. He also gives music lessons and currently has 30 students from 10 different schools.

Patrick Rodden

Music Teacher in Chicago, Ill. – Contributed Photo

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Kelly Hammond has played piano for theatre productions and church services since she was 15. She’s pursuing an M.M. in Collaborative Piano at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, N.C. Rodden, Gagne and Hammond have more in common than an interest in music. All three are graduates of Lander’s recently reaccredited Department of Music and speak positively about the experience of studying music at Lander. “During my first week at Lander, I met [Professor Emeritus of Music] Dr. Paul Criswell and auditioned for Old Main Singers,” said Rodden, a 2007 graduate whose goal is to work as an assistant principal in Chicago’s public schools. “Within the next week, he had me audition with the song Caro Mio Ben for [Associate Professor of Music] Dr. Lila Noonkester. They both thought that, with training, I had the potential to build a strong voice.” Rodden said he “absorbed so much from the music faculty” at Lander, mentioning Professors Emeritus of Music Dr. Tony Lenti and his wife, Marianne, and

By Jeff Lagrone

Associate Professors of Music Dr. Robert Gardiner and Dr. Robert Kelley, along with Noonkester and Criswell, as faculty members who “pushed me extremely hard and encouraged me to continue growing. They prepared me with the necessary tools to become a successful teacher.” Gagne, a 2011 graduate who aspires to play with a major orchestra and teach at a university, remembers Lander’s music faculty as not only “immensely talented and knowledgeable” but also “kind and welcoming people.” He rated the instruction he received as “above and beyond what I expected.” Hammond, who plans to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano, then work as a staff accompanist for a university, Top, Lander music faculty include, from left, Associate Professor Dr. Chuck Neufeld; Associate Professor Dr. Reed Gallo; Associate Professor and Music Department Chair Dr. Lila Noonkester; Professor Emeritus of Music Dr. Tony Lenti; Lecturer of Music and Staff Accompanist Amy Blackwood; Associate Professor Dr. Robert Kelley; and Associate Professor Dr. Robert Gardiner. – Photo by Megan Price

musical theatre or opera company, sounded a similar note. “I feel the instruction I received in the classes for my major was much higher than one might expect from a small-town, public university. The classes were taught in such a way that the content has been fixed in my mind,” she said. “My instructors at Lander gave me a solid foundation on which I can build everything I’ll learn in graduate school,” she added. “They gave me tools that, combined with hard work, will help me become a success.” Like Rodden and Gagne, Hammond singled out Criswell as a faculty member she found especially helpful, saying that he provided “an endless amount of encouragement.” Another professor who influenced her, she said, was Lenti. “While all my music professors were highly qualified, effective teachers and wonderful people, Dr. Tony Lenti has been a driving force behind my success at Lander and my continuing education in the years following my graduation.” She described Lenti, from whom she learned piano, music history and music business, as a teacher who “really cares about his students. He has always been willing to listen to or help my classmates and me in any way he could.” Senior music major Cody Beard, who studied in Salzburg, Austria, last year under Wolfgang Navratil, principal trumpet for the Mozarteum Orchestra, is himself principal

Marshall Gagne Freelance Musician in Atlanta, Ga. – Photo by Russell Martin

Kelly Hammond Pursuing an M.M. in Collaborative Piano at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, N.C. – Photo by Jeff Lagrone

trumpet player for Lander’s Wind Ensemble, as well as lead trumpet for Lander’s Jazz Ensemble. He hopes to land a job with a symphony orchestra after obtaining a Master of Music degree. He said that Lander’s music department “is full of distinguished faculty.” He called the education he has received “top-notch.” Playing in ensembles and recitals at Lander, he said, was essential to his development as a musician. “Playing in these settings has expanded my versatility as an instrumentalist. Now I have a knowledge of many different styles and approaches to playing specific repertoire, something of extreme importance to a professional musician.” Associate Professor of Music Dr. Reed Gallo, who directs Lander’s Wind Ensemble, believes that Lander students should have the same performance opportunities they would have at a larger university. “With this in mind, I program at least two concerts per semester with musical selections that provide a technical and musical challenge for our students. Our student musicians are always willing to accept the challenge and are receptive to the special demands of each piece,” he said. Gallo said that many students perform in

all the ensembles available to them – wind and jazz ensembles, chamber winds, choirs and opera scenes – “and ultimately become well-rounded performers and educators.” Lander is a different place than it was in 1970, when Lenti first set foot on campus, but he believes it has retained much of what was good in its past. For example, as in his first years, he still knows Lander’s music majors on multiple levels – musically, academically and personally. “In a field in which young people are encouraged to express themselves, our department’s supportive environment fosters the kind of trust students need to put themselves forward. I don’t think a school with hundreds of majors could offer that,” he said. Lenti believes that the success of the department is best measured by its graduates, who have become performers, school teachers, administrators, church musicians and musical business people, to name but a few. “I would like to think that the department aided each one of these folks to find a direction and then helped them to prepare for that career. One of the most gratifying things is to receive an email or note from a student from the past — two years ago, 20 years ago, or more — who says, ‘thanks for helping me find my road.’ This is what I treasure about my work at Lander,” he said.

Cody Beard

Senior Music Major and Trumpet Player for Lander’s Wind and Jazz Ensembles – Contributed Photo

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

The Lady Bearcats Are Back By Bob Stoner

Women’s Basketball Returns to NCAA Tournament It was just like old times for the Lander women’s basketball team. After earning a berth into the NCAA championship tournament for five straight seasons, head coach Kevin Pederson and the Lady Bearcats missed the past two years while going through a rebuilding process. They’re baaack. Maybe the season didn’t start off the way Pederson wanted, when the Lady Bearcats lost their first two games against Lincoln Memorial (76-72) and Carson-Newman (66-57) at the SAC/Peach Belt Challenge in Jefferson City, Tenn., but what a rebound they made. Lander, which finished 23-7 overall and 16-3 in the Peach Belt Conference, responded by reeling off 15 straight wins, which included eight PBC victories and three 100-plus point performances. However, the streak finally came to an end when No. 16-ranked Columbus State left Horne Arena with a 78-70 victory on Jan. 20. Then it was back to the grind. 38

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

The Lady Bearcats won eight of their next 10 games and culminated the regular season with a 70-65 PBC win at Georgia College. As fate would have it, Lander, the East Division top seed, was paired with Georgia College, the West’s fourth seed, in the first round of the PBC Tournament, and the two teams met just three days later in Greenwood. This time it was the Lady Bobcats who came out victorious, 72-67, forcing Lander to wait and see if it would earn an at-large berth into the NCAA tournament. Despite its early exit from the PBC Tournament, Lander’s season spoke for itself, and the Lady Bearcats were awarded a No. 4 seed and would face fifth-seeded Wingate – a team Lander defeated 69-63 on Dec. 3, 2014 – in the NCAA Tournament’s first round of the Southeast Regional at Limestone College, in Gaffney, S.C. It wasn’t pretty. Lander kept it close for a while, but Wingate turned a 14-13 lead with 13:37 left in

Top: Sophomore guard Ty’hesha Reynolds, pictured, averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 assists and 2.46 steals per game. – Photo by Dylan Seely

the first half into a 41-26 halftime advantage. With 12:22 remaining in the game, Wingate had its biggest lead by 24 points, but Lander, guided by Bre Crum’s 21 points, rallied to cut the margin to 13 points on several occasions. Wingate won, 72-57. The Lady Bearcats’ Ty’hesha Reynolds and Aarika Judge were named to the second and third teams, respectively, on the AllPeach Belt team. Reynolds, a sophomore guard from Savannah, Ga., averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 assists and 2.46 steals per game. Judge, a senior guard from Augusta, Ga., averaged 11.3 points, 3.1 assists and 2.7 steals per game. Freshman Breshay Johnson, a 5-9 center from Hopkins, S.C., was a candidate for PBC Freshman of the Year, after averaging 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.

Bear cat Sport s

Women's Soccer Has Strong Kickoff Six games into the season, the Lander women’s soccer team was

riding high, entering the NSCAA national rankings at No. 23 after posting a 5-0-1 record. But, with three shutouts under their belt, the Lady Bearcats stumbled a little. Weirdly, it wasn’t the losses – it was the ties. Lander kicked off October with consecutive 1-1 ties against Peach Belt Conference rivals USC Aiken and Montevallo, then lost to UNC Pembroke (3-0). Mix in the fact that senior midfielder Casey Black, from Moore, S.C., Lander’s top returning scorer from 2013, suffered a season-ending injury after eight games and the prospects looked bleak. But the Lady Bearcats rallied to make the best of the season, achieving an 8-3-4 overall record, including a 5-2-3 conference mark. Their season ended in the first round of the PBC Tournament, when fifth-seeded Lander fell to fourth-seeded UNC Pembroke, 2-0. Seniors Hilary Ferguson, a defender from Hilary Ferguson Charleston, S.C., and Kim Kesler, a forward from Moore, S.C., were named to both the All-PBC and NSCAA All-Southeast Region teams. Junior midfielder Noel McDaniel, of Lexington, S.C., joined them on both teams, while Alexis Rogers, a junior midfielder from Anchorage, Alaska, made the All-PBC team. Chris Ayer, Lander’s all-time winningest women’s soccer coach, has amassed an overall 88-54-12 record in nine years for a .610 winning percentage. Kim Kesler

Join the Support Lander University Athletics by becoming a member of the Bearcat Club. Memberships begin July 1 of each year, and your gift helps our coaches recruit and retain the student-athletes Lander University needs to be successful in the highly competitive Peach Belt Conference and on the NCAA Division II level. Your membership provides assistance with scholarships, team travel and team equipment, and it helps sponsor the Athletics and Hall of Fame banquets. To join the Bearcat Club or to learn more about club options, contact Lander Athletics at 864-388-8314 or 864-388-8038.

Bearcats Open With Record 13 Straight Wins The Lander men’s basketball team got off

to a school-record start, as the Bearcats kept winning ... and winning ... and winning. En route to a 19-9 season, the Bearcats won their first 13 games of the year, eclipsing the previous school record of a 9-0 start, set by Finis Horne’s 1979-80 squad. The streak started with Emmanuel College (81-77) and the University of Queens (71-67) in the Lander Classic, and the Coach Jeff Burkhamer Bearcats continued the tear with consecutive wins over Brewton Parker (76-66), Coastal Georgia (84-76), Ohio Valley (104-81), Allen (76-69) and Middle Georgia (80-71). Lander next opened the Peach Belt Conference portion of their schedule with straight wins against UNC Pembroke (99-84), Clayton State (74-64) and Georgia Southwestern (61-54), then sandwiched a 70-66 win over nonconference opponent Southern Wesleyan, before finishing the streak against PBC-foes Flagler (80-68) and Young Harris (75-66). Peach Belt rival GRU Augusta finally dealt the Bearcats their first loss, when the Jaguars downed Lander 97-88, in overtime at Horne Arena. The teams would meet again in February, when the Bearcats traveled to GRU Augusta to play in CBS Sports’ Division II Game of the Week, televised nationally to more than 100 million homes. Once again, the Jaguars outscored Lander on the court to claim a 71-61 victory. Lander went 11-8 in the Peach Belt and earned the East Division’s third seed to set up a date with Columbus State, the West Division’s second seed, in the first round of the PBC Tournament. Led by sophomore JR Washington’s 31 points, the Bearcats almost pulled off the upset, but fell 77-76, after the home-standing Cougars went on a 14-0 run late in the game. Tobiasz Hose, who averaged 17.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 42 percent from the field, was named to the All-Peach Belt Conference’s second team. During the season, Hose, a 6-4 junior Tobiasz Hose wing from Brunswick, Ga., was twice named the PBC Player of the Week. Washington was second on the team with 15.1 points per game, while freshman Kiair Crouch and senior Ricardo Martin netted 13.4 and 10.6 points per game, respectively. In six seasons at Lander, head coach Jeff Burkhamer has amassed an 83-80 overall record, for a .509 winning percentage.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

B ea rcat S p o rts

Squires Named Men’s Soccer Coach In January, Lander Vice President and

Athletic Director Jeff May announced the hiring of Lee Squires as the Bearcats’ head men’s soccer coach. Squires, who replaces longtime Lander coach Van Taylor, comes to Lander after serving four years as the head coach at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C. “Coach Squires is recognized in the soccer community as one of the brightest and most successful young coaches in the country,” said May. “He will be a good fit for Bearcat soccer and Lander University. We are pleased to welcome Coach Squires and his wife, Sadie, to Lander and Greenwood.” Squires, a native of Sheffield, England, is also a Lees-McRae graduate and played four seasons for the Bobcats. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and was a member of the Sigma Beta Delta Business Honor Society. As the LMC head coach, he posted an overall 40-29-7 record during his four seasons for a .572 winning percentage. His 2011 team reached the NCAA Division II national tournament. “I’d like to thank President Dan Ball, Athletic Director Jeff May and everyone at Lander for this great opportunity,” said Squires. “I am ambitious and will have big goals for the team, as we have some of the best facilities, resources and people in the nation. It is a very tough conference and region, but I expect us to be consistently competing for championships.” The Conference Carolinas Player of the Year in 2008 and 2010, Squires was an NSCAA All-American in 2007 and 2008, and a Daktronics All-American in 2007, 2008 and 2010. He was also named the conference tournament MVP in 2007, and was selected to the conference all-tournament team in 2008 and 2010. He earned Academic All-Conference honors in 2011 and 2012. Squires is the Bobcats’ all-time leading scorer in goals, points scored and game winners. He played for the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League, representing the Ocean City Nor’easters in 2008 and the S.C. United Bantams in 2012.

Men’s Soccer Reaches No. 12 Rank The Lander men’s soccer team struggled during the 2014 season, missing the Peach Belt Conference tournament for the first time. The Bearcats, who were ranked No. 13 during the preseason and climbed as high as No. 12, started the season with a 3-1-1 record and finished 6-6-2 overall and 2-5-2 in the Peach Belt Conference. Elias Hatungimana led the team with six goals and two assists for 14 points.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Volleyball's 22-Win Season Best Since 2008 The Lander volleyball team began the 2014 season with a school-record 10 straight wins en route to a 22-10 overall record. It was the team’s best year since 2008, which also ended with 22 wins. Senior setter Jessica Register and junior defensive specialist Julia Ferreira-Alves, who led the way for the Bearcats, were both named to the All-Peach Belt Conference team. Jessica Register Register, a two-time All-PBC selection, was named the PBC Specialist of the Week three times during the season, while Ferreira-Alves earned the honor once. A native of Spartanburg, S.C., Register finished the season second in the PBC and 32nd nationally in assists per set (10.69), and fourth in the PBC and 30th nationally in total assists (1,219). Ferreira-Alves, of Knoxville, Tenn., was first in the PBC and 27th nationally in digs per set (5.40), and second in the PBC and 21st nationally in total digs (626). Sydney Tracy led the team in total kills with 409 and 3.53 per set. In three seasons as the Bearcats’ head coach, Ashley Stathas, Lander Class of 2006, has amassed an overall 55-40 record for a .579 winning percentage. In her first season at Lander in 2012, Stathas was voted the PBC Coach of the Year. The Bearcats won their first six games without losing a set when they streaked past Mars Hill, Erskine, Shorter, Mount Olive, Lincoln Memorial and Belmont Abbey by 3-0 scores. Lander next claimed a 3-1 victory over King College, the first team to win a set against the Bearcats. Lander entered the PBC portion of its schedule with a 9-0 record, then won two of its first three conference matches against UNC Pembroke and Georgia College, 3-0 and 3-1, respectively. The Lander Bearcats posted a 9-9 overall record in the PBC and finished tied for fifth in the league with Columbus State. In the first round of the PBC tournament, sixth-seeded Lander upset thirdseeded GRU Augusta, 3-2, before falling to No. 7-seeded Flagler, 3-1, in the semifinals.

Follow the Bearcats For full schedules, results and the latest information on all Lander sports, visit:

www.landerbearcats.com

The Changing Face of the Lander Campus

A New Dorm, a New Look for the Circle Drive and…Starbucks

Top: Construction is moving along on Lander’s newest student residence hall, as workers labor inside and outside to get the building ready to receive its more than 200 occupants in the days leading up to the start of the fall semester. – Photo by Dave Lorenzatti

By Dave Lorenzatti

Work is nearing completion on Lander’s new $15 million residence hall, located on the former campus softball field, opposite the Joe V. Chandler Center. Randy Bouknight, vice president for Student Affairs, said he expects the university to take ownership of the building from the contractor by July 1. That will be followed by installing furnishings and other details to make the facility ready for the student occupants, who will arrive in late August for the fall semester. The 71,000-square-foot building is the first residence hall built on campus since 2006, when Centennial Hall opened its doors to 300 students. When ground was broken for the newest building, President Daniel Ball said, “Our residential students expect the university to provide them with modern, safe and comfortable housing, and the new residence hall will meet their expectations.” Bouknight noted the 208-bed facility has many features suggested by students when they were asked what they preferred to have included in the building. For example, each room will be occupied by two students and have its own bathroom. There will also

be study areas on each floor and a first-floor laundry room. Bouknight said, when school is not in session, the facility could also be available to members of professional organizations for summer conferences. Jeff Beaver, Lander’s director of Engineering Services and Facilities Operations, said the building design meets requirements for a “Silver” rating in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. USGBC standards are meant to “lower operating costs of new buildings; conserve energy, water and other resources; and provide healthier environments for occupants.” Lander's Centennial Hall is also LEED-certified. The new facility’s opening will coincide with the closing of Lander’s Brookside residential complex. Brookside was built in the mid-1970s and has outlived its suitability as student living quarters because of its age and the need for costly upgrades. Bouknight said the students who would have been housed at Brookside will be reassigned to the new residence hall and other (continued on page 42) Lander residential sites. Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

The Changing Face of the Lander Campus

Work continues on the redesigned circle drive, which is an extension of Lander’s main entrance. When it’s finished, the new road will extend from Willson Street, circling past the Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center, the Joe V. Chandler Center and Finis Horne Arena, and back to Willson. The project includes building a new and larger loading dock to the rear of the Cultural Center to provide easier access for large delivery vehicles. – Photo by Megan Price

Circle Drive

Moran Plaza

As construction of the new residence hall was in its final phases, workers and equipment arrived on campus to begin building a new access road, an extension of the main entrance. The former visitors parking lot and the property surrounded by Barratt Hall, Carnell Learning Center, Abney Cultural Center, the PEES Building and Horne Arena are being rebuilt, with a redesigned traffic pattern as the main characteristic. The new design, which will include a water feature, is the final segment of the university’s main entrance leading from Montague Avenue to and across Willson Street. Beaver said when the new road is finished, it will also be easier for large delivery trucks to reach the Cultural Center’s loading dock, which is being expanded as part of the project. The work is on schedule for completion in the spring.

Moran Assembly Plaza, the campus’s central public area, is next on the list for a new look, primarily to correct safety issues related to an assortment of pavers, bricks and concrete that need attention. Beaver expects construction to begin in May and the work to be substantially finished in August. He said the plaza will be re-engineered for maximum usage and include dedicated paths for wheelchairs, access for emergency vehicles and new lighting. A Starbucks coffee shop will make its debut on campus as part of the plaza renovation. The shop will be located inside the Jackson Library, with an attached outdoor seating area. Beaver expects the Lander Starbucks to be open for business when students and faculty arrive on campus for the fall semester.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Alumni and Friends, I am sure you have a story about your first time on the Lander campus. I’m sure you have stories about the good times you had here, and about the impact that Lander has had on your life. My job has led me all over the United States and has allowed me to hear those stories. It has provided me the opportunity to talk with alumni from every decade from the 1930s to today. Everywhere I go, I can sense a feeling of pride and commitment to Lander. You talk about making lifelong friends; or of the professor who made a difference in your life; of meeting your spouse at Lander and going back for visits with your kids; or how Lander gave you the opportunity to learn and grow, and through that experience, land a job and start a career. It is gratifying to know that so many of you who credit Lander with helping you succeed have stepped forward to support our current $20 million campaign, and we thank you. The last decade has certainly changed the landscape of higher education. No longer does money freely flow to public colleges and universities. This is a critical moment for Lander University, and there is no doubt that, for your alma mater to continue to offer opportunity and access to higher education, our alumni must step forward and support Lander just as if we were a private institution. If you experienced great times at Lander, if it made a difference in your life, if you want your alma mater to succeed, if you understand the challenges outlined above and the successes we have achieved regardless of those challenges, yet you have not given back, what is it that keeps you from making a pledge? What is it that stops you from sending a check when you receive a brochure describing how much your support means to Lander? What is it that keeps you from supporting scholarships on campus when you hear from our students who were only able to attend Lander because of scholarship support? You will get a call. Please answer that call. You will get a letter. Please answer that letter. Know that every gift counts. Please don’t think, “I can only give $15 (or $25 or $50 or $100), and that just won’t make a difference.” It can and it does. Imagine the impact if 10,000 of you who have never made a gift to Lander would step forward and make a gift of $25 or more. We need you now more than ever. This is an exciting time at Lander. We are celebrating the successes of our students, faculty and alumni, and we are incredibly grateful to President Dan Ball for his 15 years at Lander. We excitedly await the arrival of our next president, Dr. Rich Cosentino. And, we will continue to ask for your support. Make a difference this year.

Ralph Patterson Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of The Lander Foundation rpatterson@lander.edu • 864-388-8350

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

G iv i n g & S c h ol arshi p N ews

Taylor Assumes Role as Lander University Development Director After 30 years on the Bearcat sidelines, longtime Lander men’s soccer coach Van Taylor has a new role at the university: director of Development. “We have been blessed to have Coach Taylor in charge of our men’s soccer program for the past 30 years. His accomplishments and championships are numerous. He has set the bar high for men’s soccer,” said Jeff May, Lander vice president and director of Athletics. “I know that he will take that same drive and determination to his new duties within University Advancement.” As director of Development, Taylor is focused on qualifying, engaging, cultivating and stewarding current and prospective donors, as well as providing leadership in procuring major gifts and planned gifts. Ralph Patterson, Lander’s vice president of University Advancement, said Taylor fills a critical role in the university’s preparations for a comprehensive campaign. “Everything he has done successfully as a coach, from the identification and recruitment of student athletes, to the organizational management and leadership of running a championship-caliber program, are all crossover skills that pertain to helping Lander University as one of our lead fundraisers,” Patterson said. Lander’s Board of Trustees honored Taylor for his 30 years of successful coaching on Sept. 22, when it named the Van Taylor Soccer Stadium as part of the Jeff May Complex. He ended his career with an overall record of 390-163-34 (a .693 winning percentage), including nine NCAA Tournament appearances, two Southeast Region championships, seven Peach Belt Conference regular-season titles, four PBC Tournament titles, one NAIA Final Four and four NAIA District 6 championships. He was named conference Coach of the Year three times and regional Coach of the Year four times, including in 2013. Taylor earned his master’s in education from Lander in 1990 and received certification in administration and supervision from Clemson University in 2003. Since 1980, he has managed Van Taylor & Associates, providing public speaking for businesses, church and civic groups, and high schools and colleges.

How to Give Online

www.lander.edu/annualgiving New endeavors at Lander University are transforming our campus and expanding academic and athletic opportunities for our students. With numerous giving and naming opportunities available, you can be a part of this exciting transformation.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

Len and Lynn Bornemann, parents of Lander Associate Professor of Teacher Education Dr. Lee Vartanian, right, have established a scholarship for teacher education majors at Lander.

Bornemanns Establish Scholarship A new scholarship has been created to assist teacher education majors at Lander: the Bornemann Family Scholarship. The scholarship was established by Len and Lynn Bornemann, parents of Lander Associate Professor of Teacher Education Dr. Lee Vartanian, in memory of Len Bornemann’s parents, Bud and Marge. The scholarship will be awarded annually to one or more students demonstrating academic achievement and financial need. While the scholarship is open to all qualifying students, special consideration is given to males. Vartanian, who has taught primary school, said that “a lot of times I was the only male in the school. Across the nation, there is a shortage of male teachers, particularly elementary teachers.” He said his parents were motivated in part by the wish to encourage more males to go into the profession. Len Bornemann said, “We thought since Lee had done it, there might be some other male students out there who would fill the kind of shoes he did when he was teaching elementary school.” The Bornemanns were also motivated by a desire to honor their parents. Lynn Bornemann said that she, her husband and children “all met and talked about how we might honor their grandparents. Education is important to us. We decided a scholarship or scholarships to Lander would be good.” Ralph Patterson, vice president for University Advancement at Lander, believes “it says a lot when one of our faculty members becomes a scholarship donor. As we enter the silent phase of our comprehensive campaign, we are thrilled that Lee and this exceptional family have stepped forward to help Lander.”

University Advancement Moves to New Home

By Eric Lawson

Lander’s Office of University Advancement is relocating to 302 West Cambridge Avenue – two blocks away from the main campus, across from where Coleman Residence Hall once stood. The move should be complete by the end of April. While preparing for a move is often nerve-racking, Ralph Patterson, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of The Lander Foundation, could not be happier. His box-filled office and those of his staff are currently located on the third floor of the Grier Student Center. “This move makes good sense for a host of reasons,” an enthusiastic Patterson said. “First and foremost, we need to be more accessible for alumni and friends. In our current location, visitors must search for a parking spot and walk through three buildings just to get to us. The new location has plenty of parking, and visitors are within a few feet of our front door.” Lander purchased the former TD Bank building last year. It will be renamed The Lander Foundation and Alumni Center, and will provide: • a centralized location; • roughly 6,000 square feet of floor space; • nine offices; and • a pavilion for outdoor events. “We have done a bit of redesign to the inside with the intention being to host a lot of events there. For example, all of the Foundation meetings will be held there, as will the Alumni Association meetings, unless they decide to meet on campus. The pavilion, which will be completed at a later date, is an added bonus in that it can be used for outdoor events and many of our traditional Lander get-togethers,” said Patterson. Patterson also hinted that the space left vacant by Coleman Hall may become the new home for Lander’s Montessori teacher education program. “This entire plan is the vision of Dan Ball, and the possible move of the Montessori program to its own building fits nicely,” Patterson added. “We are currently raising funds for a scholarship in Dan and Marjorie’s name that will benefit teacher education students who want to teach in the sciences or who are in the Montessori program.” While the offices will move, the mailing address for The Lander Foundation and the Office of University Advancement remains 320 Stanley Avenue, Greenwood, S.C. 29649. For information on how you can support Lander or become more involved in the Alumni Association, please call 864-388-8350.

Top: The Lander Foundation and Alumni Center, as seen from the corner of Montague Avenue and West Cambridge Avenue.

Rainbow Signs of Greenwood is providing graphic identity for The Lander Foundation and Alumni Center.

In this photograph of The Lander Foundation and Alumni Center, notice the pavilion on the right that will be used for outdoor events.

Lander Magazine • Spring 2015

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Singing Birthday Wishes

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Spring 2015

Fans at Lander University’s Homecoming Day basketball games lifted their voices in chorus to wish President Emeritus Larry Jackson a happy 90th birthday. President Jackson and his wife, First Lady Emeritus Barbara Jackson, were welcomed onto the court for the special celebration, which took place just before the start of the men’s game against USC Aiken in Horne Arena. Jackson served as Lander’s president from 1973-1992. Pictured, Lander’s men’s basketball and spirit teams lead the crowd in a round of cheers for President Jackson, standing at far right. See more favorite moments from Homecoming Week on page 3. – Photo by Mike Blackwell