Lander Magazine Winter 2019

WINTER 2019

UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Mastering Their Craft Lander’s New B.F.A. Degree is Preparing Students for Careers in 2D and 3D Art

Mass Communications & Media Careers | Faculty Spotlights | Alumni Gain High Honors | Bearcade Gamer’s Lounge

World-Famous Clydesdales Trot onto Lander Campus Seen in Super Bowl commercials, parades and Presidential inaugurations, the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales are a part of Americana recognized worldwide.

In August, several thousand students, faculty, staff and community members lined the Lander streets to see the Clydesdales and their spotted dog companion as they pulled the famous Budweiser wagon around campus. During the parade, attendees were able to view the team up close, even having opportunities to take selfies with the majestic creatures.

Capable of hauling a one-ton truck, each of the 2,100-pound Clydesdales sport $80,000 harnesses and guzzle 30 gallons of water each day. – photos by Laura M. Brown and Deb Nygro

UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS

4 COMMUNICATING FROM DAY ONE

Lander’s Mass Communications & Media Studies program is preparing graduates for success on the air, in print and far beyond.

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16 TOP SECRET SUMMER

Lander student Maddie Hudlow got a lesson in intrigue during her summer internship at New York City’s new KGB Espionage Museum.

24 QUINTESSENTIAL PROFESSOR

Professor Emeritus of Music Dr. Tony Lenti recently began his 50th year of teaching at the university, and his passion for music has inspired thousands of Lander students over those years.

28 MASTERING THEIR CRAFT

Lander’s new Bachelor of Fine Art degree is allowing student artists to explore their talents in both the 2D and 3D realms.

54 PAYING IT FORWARD

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They may have retired from teaching, but many of Lander’s past professors are still impacting countless students through their continued support.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Distinguished Professor of the Year: Franklin Rausch...................................................................................................................................32 Young Faculty Teaching Award: Shana Southard-Dobbs.................................................................................................................34 Moore Award for Excellence in General Education Teaching: Jack Burton............................................................................................................................................36

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Young Faculty Scholar Award: Amir Bhochhibhoya.........................................................................................................................38

HIGHLIGHTS Launch Into Lander..........................................................................................................................40 Day of Giving........................................................................................................................................50 Donor Appreciation & Scholarship Dinner........................................................................52 Alumni Awards....................................................................................................................................60 Bearcade Student Gaming Center..........................................................................................64

UNIVERSITY IN REVIEW

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News Briefs............................................................................................................................................10 Spring Commencement...............................................................................................................18 Bearcat Sports Roundup...............................................................................................................42 Class Notes............................................................................................................................................56 www.lander.edu/magazine

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UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS

LANDER MAGAZINE STAFF Megan Price, Editor Deb Nygro, Co-Editor, Writer and Photographer Mike Blackwell, Videographer Laura M. Brown ’16, Photographer Graham H. Duncan ’17, Writer Jeff Lagrone, Writer Rixon Lane, Sports Writer Eric Lawson, Writer Dawn Lewis, Digital Content Coordinator and Photographer Maria Scott, Designer

LANDER ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Denise Manley ’89, Director of Alumni Affairs & Annual Giving Debbie Lyons Dill ’90, Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Rodney Jones ’08, President Terry Evans ’76, Vice President Steve Wohlwend ’81, Treasurer Elaine Austin Horton ’65, Secretary Beth Burnette Eavenson ’10, Vice President for Young Alumni Debrah Hodges Miller ’76, Immediate Past President

LANDER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Richard E. Cosentino, President Scott L. Jones, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Stacie A. Bowie, Vice President for Finance and Administration Brian P. Reese, Director of Athletics Crystal M. Rookard, Vice President and General Counsel J. Adam Taylor ’87, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff Michael J. Worley, Vice President for University Advancement E. Boyd Yarbrough, Vice President for Student Affairs

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Linda L. Dolny ’69, Chair Cary Corbitt ’74, Vice Chair Cathy Lee, Secretary Robert A. Barber Jr. Holly Bracknell John E. Craig Maurice Holloway ’78 Raymond D. Hunt ’90 Marcia Thrift Hydrick ’81

Jack W. Lawrence Donald H. Lloyd II ’83 Peggy M. Makins ’81 Robert F. Sabalis Donald H. Scott ’75 DeWitt B. Stone Jr. Angela G. Strickland ’02 S. Anne Walker ’72

Lander University provides equal access and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Tracy Clifton, Title IX Coordinator, Grier Student Center, 864-388-8055, tclifton@ lander.edu. For further information on Lander’s notice of nondiscrimination, visit www.lander.edu/titleix.

A Message from the President Dear Friends, As we say farewell to 2019 and prepare to usher in a brand new decade, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride for the great things our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters have accomplished over the last 12 months at Lander University.

Our enrollment continues to climb, and we began the fall semester with 3,227 students – the most in the university’s history. This achievement was paired with another record-setting freshman class, at more than 940 students, which represents a 69 percent increase since I arrived at Lander in 2015.

Why are so many students choosing Lander? The reasons are many, and you’ll get a glimpse at just some of those reasons in this issue of Lander Magazine.

Lander has strategically invested in market-driven, high-demand academic programs that address the needs of today’s fast-paced and evolving workforce. These programs are preparing our graduates for success after Lander, as you’ll see with our Mass Communications & Media Studies program, as well as our new Bachelor of Fine Art degree.

Along with introducing a Master of Science in Management, we are developing additional exciting programs, including design, graphic and interactive media; health promotion and wellness; human services; and paralegal studies, all of which are pending approval from the Commission on Higher Education and our accreditor. Expansions to current minors in cybersecurity and sports management are also being explored.

Our exceptional faculty play an important role in our continued success, and you will read about several who are leading the way in their professional fields, as well as shaping young minds at Lander.

Students feel at home on our beautiful, safe campus, and they are connected with our local community. They love the unique, diverse and enriching opportunities Lander provides, from playing esports in the new Bearcade gaming lounge, to making lifelong friends during Welcome Week activities, to joining thousands from the local community for a chance to see the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales on campus. You will get a closer look at these fun events in the photo galleries included in this issue.

Of course, Lander’s affordability is another key factor in our record enrollment growth.

With the cost of a college education on the rise across the nation, Lander’s leadership has boldly challenged this trend by freezing tuition and general fees, and our faculty are pioneering new ideas in affordable learning. While these steps have helped reduce the burden of student debt, there is still work to be done. Our scholarship donors and supporters are stepping up to this challenge, as you will read, and we are exploring new ways to help students with the cost of housing, books and meals.

These stories and more are waiting for you on the pages that follow. I hope you will enjoy learning more about the people who make this university truly extraordinary.

We are achieving great things at Lander University – and there are even greater achievements to come on the horizon. Stay tuned.

Institutions are required to publish an annual report disclosing campus security policies and three years of selected crime statistics. Lander's Annual Security Report is accessible at www.lander. edu/clery. Questions or concerns may be directed to the Lander University Police Department at 864-388-8222.

Stock art is provided by istockphoto.com.

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LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

Richard Cosentino President, Lander University

LU

Get Connected

Follow us youtube.com/c/landeruniversity

twitter.com/follow_lander

Videos by Mike Blackwell

Acceptance Letters

instagram.com/landeruniversity

It feels like Christmas morning. First ever day of lacrosse practice at Lander University. Time to get to work.

Will Callegari, Assistant Men’s Lacrosse Coach

Lander University’s admissions team sends out acceptance letters in this fun video. See how letters of acceptance – correspondence that literally changes the lives of students – are sent out.

After reading the Spring 2019 @follow_lander Lander Magazine, I must agree with the History faculty!

I received a superb education as a graduate with a History degree in 2014! Lander is the reason I am the teacher I am today!

Sabrina Cheek, Social Studies Teacher, Fairfield Central High School

Emerald Ink & Stitches 'The Drop'

Our students enjoyed speaking with companies and graduate schools from across the nation at the annual Grad/Career Fair last week – our largest one yet! Chasten Beck (right), a Lander University senior from Greenwood majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in management and public relations, speaks with representatives from Teijin Carbon Fibers.

Excited to say I’m transferring to Lander University to (major in) nursing and continue my athletic career!

Lauren Collie, Class of 2022, of Fort Mill

facebook.com/followlander Lander University added 62 new photos to the album: Miss Lander Pageant 2019

Ed Piotrowski See highlights from the second annual athletic fundraiser event, held in April.

Lander University did some sand sculptures on Litchfield Beach last evening. – photo by Jim Arnold

Congrats to Kara Bryonne Love, who was crowned Miss Lander University 2019/20 on Nov. 4, at the conclusion of the annual Miss Lander Pageant.

Springfest 2019

Lander students enjoy a day of games and food during Springfest 2019.

– photo by Laura M. Brown

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Communicating From Day One

By Graham Duncan, Photos by Laura M. Brown

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When asked to describe their program, Lander University’s mass communications faculty will all respond with the same phrase: “hands-on.”

Paul Crutcher, lecturer of media and general manager of Lander’s student radio station, XLR, remembers an instance where one of his earlier students dropped the microphone during an interview his very first week of class.

“He’s now soaring in his career,” said Crutcher.

That’s just how learning works at Lander. While similar programs at other institutions require that students wait until their junior or senior year before participating in student media, Lander’s students can begin receiving that hands-on experience as early as their freshman year. It’s something that Crutcher, who founded XLR in 2009, and the rest of Lander’s highly credentialed mass communications faculty take a lot of pride in.

In addition to radio experience, the program provides several other outstanding student media opportunities for mass communications students, as well as students of other majors. Cory Carpenter, Left: While XLR is overseen by General Manager Paul Crutcher, the station is completely student-run, and provides mass communications majors, and students of any major, the chance to host their own radio show. For streaming information, visit www.xlr1.org.

assistant professor of digital media, serves as the general manager of LUX Studios, which provides students with the technology and studio space to create content and collaborate with other students on larger projects. Meanwhile, Dr. Robert Stevenson, professor of journalism, serves as faculty advisor to The Forum, Lander’s studentproduced newspaper.

And each year, the department hosts the annual Lander University Film Festival, which celebrated its 10th year in April. The festival includes a two-week short film competition, and requires film directors to use a unique line of dialogue, written by Hollywood writers and directors. It’s the only student film festival in the entire country that requires lines of dialogue provided by industry professionals.

“We take a real-world approach to education,” said Laura Hester, associate professor of mass communications and department chair, noting that while other academic disciplines may focus on learning done inside the classroom, Lander’s mass communications program focuses on experiential learning that is done outside of the traditional classroom setting. (continued on page 6) Top: Garrett Brooks, a senior mass communications major from Rock Hill, enjoys disc-jockeying for XLR, as well as serving as the station’s training director.

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“The principles we teach can be utilized in any field.”

Hester also emphasized the program’s comprehensive course structure. Students are required to take courses in oral, visual and written communication, in addition to coursework in communication through media technologies such as print, radio, television and web. Hester believes the well-rounded program helps produce skilled candidates who are ready for a plethora of job opportunities after graduation.

If you visit the Department of Mass Communications yourself, you would first be greeted by a wall proudly displaying dozens of success stories. Recent alumni have gone on to work for Radio Disney, Fox and NBC TV news affiliates, regional newspapers and theatres, and in marketing and public relations for non-profits, corporations and health care systems. “We love hearing from our graduates, and being able to keep up with what they’re doing in life after Lander,” said Hester, who updates the alumni wall regularly.

Not every graduate, however, ends up working in a traditional mass communications field. Yet, Crutcher insists that is just another sign of the success of Lander’s program. “The principles that we teach can be utilized in any field,” said Crutcher. “If I can communicate more effectively, it makes me a better employee.”

Pictured this page: The Lander University Exchange (LUX) offers a 2,000 square-foot studio, providing students with technology and space to create content and collaborate with other students on larger projects.

LUX is home to a variety of original content and series, some of which is available for viewing at www.landerlux.com.

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Brooke Taylor ’10

MASS COMMUNICATIONS: ALUMNI PROFILE

Lander Voice Heard Across the Country When highlighting successful Lander University mass communications alumni, one graduate’s voice can be heard across the country every day.

Her professors remember her as Ashley Ferry, who graduated from Lander University in 2010. But her fans know her best by her on-air name, Brook Taylor – the assistant program director at iHeart Media and host of the afternoon show for WEBG FM, Chicago’s BIG 95.5.

While she’s based in Chicago, Taylor also hosts a night show on KWBL in Denver, and weekend shows on KNIX in Phoenix, WPOC in Baltimore, and iHeartCountry Custom, which covers over 100 stations in the United States. “In total, I record 15 shows a week,” said Taylor, “which is why I love the technology of radio. I can be in Chicago while hosting a show in Denver. It’s the coolest thing!”

When she’s not on the air, Taylor spends her time working on “show prep,” including local and national news, country music news and looking at the latest album releases. She can also be seen in iHeartCountry Weekly Round Up, which covers the top news stories of the week in country music.

In addition to weekend shows, Taylor also works concerts when they come to town, even conducting live interviews with artists before and after the shows.

“Radio is a 24/7 job,” Taylor said. “We don’t get a spring break. We usually don’t have a lot of holidays off, and it’s really one of those jobs where you have to love what you do or you’ll get burned out. It’s tough, and very time-consuming, but I’d take this over a desk job any day.”

Taylor insists that it wasn’t the time spent sitting in a traditional classroom, but the time spent behind the microphone that truly prepared her for a successful career in radio. “You can’t just ‘teach’ radio,” she said. Instead, her knowledge and passion was fueled by professors “actually letting you go live on the radio, go out and film news stories, come back in and edit a package and put it together yourself.”

“It’s really the best way to learn,” she said.

–contributed photo

“I love the technology of radio. I can be in Chicago while hosting a show in Denver. It’s the coolest thing!”

Lander University’s Department of Mass Communications is the official home to the LU Forum, Lander’s student newspaper.

Run primarily by students under the advisement of Dr. Robert Stevenson, professor of journalism at Lander, the Forum posts articles regularly on its online format, which can be found at www.luforum.com. In the spring of 2018, the Forum relaunched its monthly print edition thanks to the support of Greenwood’s Index-Journal, which generously offers its press operations to Lander for 2,500 issues that are distributed to students on campus, as well as alumni and friends of the university, and the university’s Board of Trustees.

After receiving the encouragement of President Cosentino, a campus survey was conducted which found that, contrary to popular belief, students still enjoy reading the printed version of the LU Forum as much as they do the online format. New copies of the paper can be picked up each month at several locations around Lander’s main campus. (continued on page 8)

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MASS COMMUNICATIONS: ALUMNI PROFILES

Miya Payton ’15 TV Broadcast Career Planted by Lander Student Media

–contributed photo

As an anchor and reporter for FOX 54, WFXG-TV, in Augusta, Ga., Lander alumna Miya Payton does not take her job lightly. “I consider it a privilege to exercise my rights and encourage others to do the same,” she said. “I believe that knowledge is power, and many of the stories I tell inform our viewers of what’s going on in the world around them.”

These are values that were instilled in Payton through her experience with Lander’s mass communications program. Today, she can be found following up on investigations, attending community events or warning viewers about dangerous weather conditions. But, the Abbeville County native and 2015 graduate of Lander University got her start in front of the camera with WLGTV, the precursor to Lander’s LUX Studios.

“During my freshman year, the department received new studio equipment, and I helped put it together,” said Payton, recognizing the value of building meaningful experience early on in her undergraduate career. “I saw firsthand what it takes to start a newscast from the ground up.”

Later on, Payton had the chance to co-host her own show, He Said, She Said, with fellow alumnus Brian Sherrod, who now works as an anchor and reporter with NBC Nebraska. “It gave me the opportunity to be a producer, assignment editor and host all-in-one,” she said.

Highlighting how her time with Lander’s student media programs “planted the seeds” for her own successful career in television broadcast, Payton notes that the hands-on approach taken by Lander’s mass communications faculty is the key ingredient of success for so many alumni like her.

“As a starry eyed freshman with big dreams, I was motivated to learn and do all I could,” she said.

“The professors at Lander did more than teach me over the years; they pushed me to never give up.”

Mary Lyle Cathcart ’13 A Rewarding Career in Public Relations Given the success of Lander’s nursing and health care management programs, Self Regional Healthcare is home to numerous Lander University alumni, many of whom have found exciting, long-term careers. But for Lander alumna Mary Lyle Cathcart, it was her mass communications degree that led her to the marketing department at Self Regional.

Cathcart, who graduated from Lander University in 2013, serves as Self Regional Healthcare’s communications coordinator and puts her public relations emphasis to use “on a daily basis,” she said. “You can find me managing various print projects requested by our service lines, like brochures, billboards, announcements and campaigns.”

Cathcart also manages Self Regional’s social media accounts, schedules photoshoots and crafts news releases for her department. She even puts her experience with Lander’s XLR to use by recording voiceovers for Self’s radio and television ads. “We stay very busy,” she said.

And like her fellow alumni, Cathcart, too, says it was the hands-on approach of Lander’s mass communications program that best prepared her for her career. “Every professor I had was an excellent communicator, and they gave me the tools to manage myself and hold the reins of my own future,” she said. “They laid the groundwork and helped me be successful, and overall, a better communicator in all aspects of life, both personally and professionally.”

Now that she is working in the field, those communications skills she learned while at Lander have become second nature to her, empowering her to be a team player and natural leader in the workforce. “I love everything about my job,” said Cathcart. “I love thinking of my job as part of a whole; that what I’m doing will be seen by someone who may receive care, or have his or her life changed at our hospital. It’s rewarding.”

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Austin Landers ’07 Plugged In with the Community Generally, when people hear different personalities on the radio, they aren’t too familiar with the face that sits behind the microphone. But when it comes to Austin Landers, almost everyone in Greenwood knows him on a first-name basis. As a Greenwood native and 2007 graduate of the university, Landers makes it a point to remain “plugged in” with the community he serves.

In addition to being a successful musician, Landers also hosts a popular radio show, The Afternoon Drive with Austin, which can be heard every weekday from 3-6 p.m. on Sunny 103.5, WZSN-FM. “I wear many hats at Sunny,” admitted Landers, who also serves as the station’s traffic manager, in addition to hosting his afternoon show. His regular day includes handling production, programming, remote broadcasts and promotional events.

“We have a small staff,” Landers said, which requires the comprehensive training that mass communications majors receive when studying at Lander.

Looking at the mass communications program today, Landers is excited to see the growth of the university’s student media platforms in recent years, giving current students even more opportunities to receive the hands-on experience necessary for success in whatever their future career may be.

“When I was at Lander, XLR was just a whisper,” Landers said, praising professors Paul Crutcher and Robert Stevenson for the improvements they and the rest of the faculty have made to the program over the past decade. “We didn’t have anything quite like what my alma mater has now.”

Crutcher acknowledged that it’s rewarding to see so many mass communications graduates, like Landers, who are excelling in their current fields. “Austin is a positive force in the universe – the kind of guy you want to be around,” said Crutcher, who now works with his former student at Sunny 103.5 when occasionally hosting his own show, Friday Night Dance Party. “He has an infectious personality and goes out of his way to make people feel like they are important, which I think is a rare trait in this day and age. You hear that friendly tone and caring attitude come through in his daily radio show. Greenwood is lucky to have him.”

Landers is thankful to have the opportunity to use his skills as a professional communicator on a daily basis – skills he began developing on day one with Lander University’s Department of Mass Communications. “Hosting my afternoon show is my favorite part about my job,” said Landers. “I’m paid to talk and make a playlist on a daily basis. As a natural motor-mouth and music lover, what could be better?” www.lander.edu/magazine

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NEWSBRIEFS Lander Enrollment ‘Bursting at the Seams’ n Lander University’s fall 2019 semester is one for the record books.

The University began the semester with 3,227 students – the highest enrollment in Lander’s history, and a 5.6% increase over last year’s figure. For the third consecutive year, Lander also saw its largest-ever freshman class, with 944 students, hailing from 22 states and four continents. The 2019 freshman class grew nearly 8.5% over last year, and just over 69% since 2015.

“Lander University is in high demand,” said Lander President Richard Cosentino. “Students want to come here. They are interested in our high-quality academic programs, our vibrant student life, and the great career opportunities that Lander offers.”

Those students are also living on campus. At the beginning of the fall semester, Lander’s 10 residence halls were filled to 99.5% capacity, with more than 1,741 students in campus housing – also a record for the university. Cosentino said, “Our students feel at home on our beautiful campus. They love Greenwood and are engaged in the local community.”

Lander’s growth isn’t limited to just enrollment. The university has added new, innovative academic offerings, including a Master of Science in Management. More programs are currently in development (pending approval from the Commission on Higher Education and Lander’s accreditor), including baccalaureate programs in: design, graphic and interactive media; health promotion and wellness; human services; and paralegal studies. Graduate programs in art education and visual art have been proposed, as well, and are in the 10

LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

process of review. Expansions to current minors in cybersecurity and sports management are also being explored.

Over the summer, Lander expanded its footprint into the Greenville market, opening a full suite of offices and classrooms at the University Center of Greenville, where it will begin offering multiple courses and programs next fall.

One thing has not been rising, however – Lander’s cost. In 2016, Lander lowered and locked-in its tuition, and for the last few years, the university has frozen tuition and general fees. This has allowed students and families to better plan for the cost of their college education, Cosentino said.

With more students at Lander, a major focus is being placed on helping those students succeed in earning their college degree. That’s accomplished through programs such as academic advising, peer tutoring, study skills classes, and early intervention initiatives, as well as through exceptional extracurricular and student life opportunities.

“Student retention is about helping students at the one-on-one level, figuring out where they want to go in life and how we can help them be successful in navigating any obstacles in their way,” said Dr. Boyd Yarbrough, vice president for Student Affairs. “The measure of success for a student and a university is when the student crosses the finish line (of graduation).”

Top: Lander students make their way across the assembly plaza on the first day of the fall 2019 semester.

STUDENTS HONORED FOR SERVICE AND ACADEMICS

Watts ’12 Returns to Lander to Lead Student Activities n This fall, Lander University announced that Demario Watts was returning to his alma mater to take the helm of Lander’s Office of Student Activities.

His responsibilities as director include overseeing all student clubs and organizations, and working closely with the student-led University Program Council, which coordinates numerous student events.

Watts earned his Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Lander in 2012, beginning his professional career as a residence life coordinator at Lander later that year.

Watts left Lander in 2015 for a successful tenure at Wofford College in Spartanburg. There, he served as associate director of Residence Life, Title IX coordinator and Assistant Dean of Students for diversity and leadership development.

During that time, he earned his Master of Education in Higher Education from Columbia College, and his Master of Human Resource Development from Clemson University. He is expected to complete his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University in 2020.

“I am more than excited to be back home here at Lander,” Watts said. “I have been overwhelmed with joy to be back where I started my college career. It feels amazing to have the opportunity to work with a phenomenal team of students, faculty and staff.”

Settling into his new duties at Lander, Watts sees a campus that has steadily grown with the times. “It is amazing to walk around and see new areas of campus that were never here during my time before. It only shows the progressive nature of the institution, and it shows the value Lander has for its students and campus community,” he said.

n In April, Lander University recognized its students for leadership, cocurricular service and scholastic achievements during the 2018-19 academic year. During the annual Academic Awards ceremony, 58 students received discipline and special awards from the university's colleges and schools. Alpha Chi inductees and graduates of the Honors College were also recognized.

Among the students and organizations earning top honors at the Student Life Awards ceremony was Mickayla Crumley, who received the President's Award. The honor is presented each year to a student who exemplifies the ethic of service to Lander and the Greenwood community.

Crumley, who graduated in May 2019, was praised as being an example of student leadership at its finest for her service as an Orientation Leader, representation of the university as a Presidential Ambassador, and leadership roles Mickayla Crumley that helped to create fond memories of President's Award Lander for those around her.

Jake Powell and Haley Histon were named the Samuel and Laura Lander Man and Woman of the Year, presented to students who demonstrate the true spirit of Lander and encourage others to pursue excellence in all aspects of their collegiate endeavors. Powell, of Mauldin, was described as the perfect role model and a source of encouragement for fellow students. He has assumed leadJake Powell ership roles or been actively involved Man of the Year in Student Government; the Political Science Association; Honors College; Presidential Ambassadors; peer tutoring in the Academic Success Center; and work-study in the PEES department.

Histon, of Greenville, was recognized as being widely respected by her peers and 100% vested in Lander University.

During her time at Lander, she has influenced those around her while she served as Head Resident Assistant, a Haley Histon Woman of the Year Presidential Ambassador, and an active member of Gamma Phi Beta, Beta Gamma Sigma, Alpha Chi, Blue Key Honor Society and the Honors College. She has represented Lander across the country and internationally during special events such as the Global Leadership Summit and the National Conference of Undergraduate Research.

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NEWSBRIEFS

FACULTY TENURES AND PROMOTIONS n In higher education, the practice of granting tenure and promotion is a standard method used to evaluate and recognize the accomplishments of exceptional faculty members. While the process can be complex, it provides guiding principles, measures, and timeframes for faculty members to advance and secure long-term employment.

"The promotion and tenure process is a crucial part of why Lander University has such fantastic faculty," noted Dr. Scott Jones, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. "Tenure protects their academic freedom to teach, conduct research, and publish their works - even if controversial."

Tenure and promotion is awarded to those who have demonstrated qualified accomplishments as effective professors, skilled researchers, and valued members of the community. Lander University's Provost and the University Tenure and Promotions Committee have promoted or granted tenure to the following outstanding faculty members for the 2019/20 academic year.

Dr. Farha Ali

PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR • Dr. Farha Ali, Department of Mathematics and Computing PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR WITH TENURE • Dr. Susan Fernandez, Department of Teacher Education • Dr. Emily Prince, Department of Biology

Dr. Susan Fernandez

Dr. Emily Prince

Dr. Andrew Schwendemann

Dr. Christopher Duncan

Dr. Gail Moore

Dr. Josie Ryan

• Dr. Andrew Schwendemann, Department of Biology PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF PROFESSOR • Dr. Christopher Duncan, Department of Mathematics and Computing • Dr. Gail Moore, College of Business • Dr. Josie Ryan, Department of Mathematics and Computing

Deployed Students Show Off Flags n Lander University recently started an initiative honoring current

students who have been called into active duty with the South Carolina National Guard by presenting them with deployment flags. The tradition was first announced in 2018 during Lander’s Veterans Day program.

“We have a number of students, faculty and staff who serve our country in the National Guard and reserves,” explained Chris Giles, director of Military and Veteran Services. “The idea is for the service member to carry these flags as they travel around the world in service to their country, hopefully taking pictures and sending them back to us so we can show our support of our amazing Lander family.”

Pictured, from left to right, are Adam Tiedemann and Treyvoris Evans, two Lander University students deployed with the South Carolina National Guard.

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Lander Hosts Abney Foundation Scholars Luncheon n Lander hosted a luncheon in the spring to recognize its 56 Abney scholars and to thank Abney Foundation Executive Director Dr. Lisa McWherter and Trustee Carl Edwards for their generosity.

“Some of you would not be here without assistance from The Abney Foundation,” said Lander President Richard Cosentino.

He said that Lander has received more than $2 million from The Abney Foundation in the last 29 years, generating hundreds of scholarships. “It’s a big deal,” he said.

Edwards said that Susie Mathews Abney, who established The Abney Foundation in 1957, “recognized the need for education.”

The foundation currently provides scholarship assistance to more than 600 students across South Carolina. “It’s a wonderful thing,” he said.

McWherter said she had three requests to make of those present.

She began by asking scholarship recipients to “remember that Ms. Susie Mathews Abney cared for you and your future.”

McWherter said she hoped students receiving assistance would take advantage of the opportunity extended to them. “We don’t ask that you make all A’s; we don’t ask that you make the dean’s list every semester. We don’t ask a whole lot, but we do want to ask that you give your very best effort.”

She said she also hopes that students receiving help will help others. “When you’re given the opportunity to give back to Lander, we want you to seize that opportunity. Give what you can, when you can, because every dollar truly makes a difference,” she said.

Abney Foundation Trustee Carl Edwards and Executive Director Dr. Lisa McWherter pose with some of Lander’s 56 Abney Scholars following this year’s Abney Scholars Luncheon. Students in front row, from left, are: Skylar Gauthier, of Camden and Carly Gulledge, of Ruby. Students in back row, from left, are: Amber Ballenger, of Abbeville; Kristen Ward, of Lexington; Aneyah Williams, of Charleston; Jamie Davis, of Ridgeland; Keelie Burns, of Pelion; Kiera Dow, of Greenwood; Destiny Sims, of Newberry; and David Jeffrey, of Irmo.

n Wearing bright red shirts declaring "Sexual Violence - Not in Bearcat Country," students, faculty and staff stood firmly against acts of sexual violence by wearing jeans on April 24 in observance of Denim Day. Part of an international movement, Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual harassment, abuse, assault and rape. Organized by a committee of students and staff members, Lander's event included jean painting, educational activities and a lively fashion show featuring denim attire.

“Denim Day was an amazing experience,” said Matthew Burack, a sophomore business major from Myrtle Beach and member of the Denim Day Committee. “Our festivities brought unity within the whole student body and showed love that the students of Lander have for one another.”

The Denim Day campaign began 20 years ago, after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction based on the victim’s clothing. The justices ruled that, since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her rapist remove her clothing, thereby giving consent. The ruling sparked international outrage, inspiring protestors to wear jeans in solidarity with the victim. Peace Over Violence developed Denim Day in response to the court case and the activism surrounding it.

Student organizers wore red shirts, blue jeans and denim jackets to show their support of Denim Day.

www.lander.edu/magazine

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NEWSBRIEFS

Franks Receives Prestigious Mary Frances Poole Alston Award

Joe Franks (second from left), director of Counseling Services at Lander University, recipient of the 2019 Mary Frances Poole Alston Award, stands with (left to right): Mike Worley, vice president for University Advancement; President Richard Cosentino; and Boyd Yarbrough, vice president for Student Affairs.

n Joe Franks, director of Counseling Services and the CARE (Collaboration, Assessment, Response and Evaluation) Team at Lander University, received the 2019 Mary Frances Poole Alston Award during a surprise reception in the spring.

The award is made annually to a member of the Lander family for demonstrating effective and excellent work habits, displaying a positive attitude, and showing genuine interest towards co-workers, promoting teamwork in the workplace.

Franks, of Greenwood, earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lander in 1980, and has made a tremendous impact on the campus community since joining the Student Affairs staff in 2004.

“Throughout her time with Lander, Joe has established a reputation for the level of care she shows towards our students,” said Boyd Yarbrough, vice president for Student Affairs. “She coordinates an in-house team of advisors from our Student Affairs and Academic Affairs offices. When she receives information about students who may be at-risk for any number of reasons, it’s Joe who determines the steps we will take to help.”

The Mary Frances Poole Alston Award was established by Rowland P. Alston in memory of his grandmother, who was a 1914 graduate of Lander University. The award carries with it an honorarium of $1,000 to the recipient.

Employees Recognized for Dedication & Service n Five Lander University employees were honored for their exemplary service during the annual Staff Excellence Awards breakfast on May 21. Presented to staff members who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their work and exemplify the university’s family spirit, the winners are based on nominations by their co-workers.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring all of the staff together for fellowship, and to appreciate them for their service and dedication to Lander and its students,” said Kurstin LaCoste, Human Resources coordinator.

Created in 2001 to honor all staff members and to recognize those who have gone beyond their regular professional duties, the ceremony includes all nonfaculty Lander staff departments, offices and special services employees. Following the awards breakfast, staff enjoyed an afternoon of field day challenges, giant-sized games, a picnic lunch and a special paint-n-pour session.

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2019 Staff Excellence Award Recipients (left to right): • Brandon Felder, assistant registrar, Registrar's Office • Cathy Roberts, system programmer/developer manager, Information Technology Services • Jalysa Green, director of Student Conduct and Community Standards, Student Affairs • Bonner Abercrombie, graphic designer, Printing Services • Kurstin LaCoste, Human Resources coordinator

Honors College Hosts Academic Symposium n Lander University wrapped up its 2019 Student Academic Symposium in mid-April.

Hosted by Lander's Honors College, the symposium gave Lander's undergraduate students the opportunity to showcase original research projects in a professional setting, while also practicing communication and presentation skills. More than 70 students participated in this year's symposium, and presentations covered a wide variety of topics ranging from language to music, marketing and videography.

That same month, a group of 10 students traveled to Marietta, Ga., where they presented their undergraduate research at the 33rd National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). Held on the campus of Kennesaw State University, the three-day conference is the largest of its kind in the world for undergraduate research, attracting some 4,000 student researchers from colleges and universities across the U.S. each year.

Winners of Lander University's 2019 Student Academic Symposium: • Fergus O’Rourke, “Different Ball Game: The Changed and Changing Face of the Print Media” • Hongyun Ding, “A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Motivation in Second Language Learning” • Haley Histon, “Overcoming Mental Health Stigmas in Future Business Professionals” • Jesse Monroe Wheeler, “Developmental Sequences and Injury among Youth Athletes” • Mekensie Therrien, “Stigmas that Prevent Seeking Care” • Grace Flanders, “Synthesizing Efficacy and Knowledge Gap of Equine Therapy and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for War Combat Veterans” • Troy Pinkney, “A Qualitative Exploration of Masculinity from the Perspective of College Age Males” • Chloe Compton, “An Analysis of Anne Truitt” • Kathryn Warnken and Charnae Wilson, “Cantor Sets” • Libby Bergmann and Andrew Savage, “Green for Grub? Is Lander’s Cafeteria Sustainable?”

• Ravon N. House and Hunter A. Merrill, “Seasonal Patterns in Herbivore and Omnivore Abundance and Diversity,” and “Changes in Temporal Distributions of Common Wildlife Taxa in Response to Low-level Human Disturbance” • Blake Edens, Waylon Ergle and Mattia Galanti, “Home Hustler” • Dr. Chaz Schlindwien Research Award: Quinton Amick and Lee Phillips, “Predicting College Students Next Year: A Machine Learning Approach”

Junior chemistry major Bryanna Bradshaw, of Hartsville, explains her research findings during her poster presentation, “The River of Grass Contaminated by Phosphorus and Mercury,” as part of the Chemistry and Environmental Science session of Lander’s Student Academic Symposium.

Thomas Promoted to Director of Human Resources n In May, Lander University announced the

promotion of London Goode Thomas to director of Human Resources. She is responsible for planning, developing and implementing human resource policies, procedures and programs, and provides day-to-day leadership and oversight of the department.

“Lander has amazing faculty and staff, and it is a testament to the university that, in a pool of exceptional candidates, we had the most qualified and capable candidate right within our campus community,” said Lander President Richard Cosentino.

A Greenwood native, Thomas joined Lander in 2013, and she has more than 25 years of professional experience in managing, directing and implementing human resource policies and procedures, including 23 years in several statewide regional locations for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

“My vision for Lander is to facilitate the development of a highly motivated, well-compensated and diverse workforce that drives Lander to the forefront of comprehensive universities in the South,” she said.

Thomas earned an associate degree in business administration/marketing from Piedmont Technical College; a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Limestone College; and a Master of Arts in human resources management and human resources development from Webster University. Active in her community, Thomas has served as a board member for the United Way, the Greenwood County Community Foundation and the Greenwood Regional Human Resources Committee. www.lander.edu/magazine

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Top Secret Summer

By Eric Lawson

From 1954-1991, the Komitet Gosudarstvennoy

Bezopasnosti (KGB), the Committee for State Security, served as the Soviet Union’s intelligence agency and secret police. For decades, tales of its agents’ espionage efforts captured the imagination of a generation who came of age during the Cold War – but not in a good way.

With a spy tool arsenal including ingeniously disguised deadly devices, such as an umbrella capable of shooting ricin-filled poison darts and a lipstick tube that doubled as a 4.5 mm gun, the idea of KGB agents floated somewhere between fantasy and nightmare.

With the enormous success of the FX show The Americans, which depicts a married couple living in Washington and spying for the Soviet Union, and the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Russian intelligence services are suddenly back in the news.

Earlier this year, the KGB Espionage Museum opened its doors in New York City to educate others about the secret history of an organization that had a profound effect and far-reaching influence on world affairs.

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Lander History Major’s Internship Filled With Russian Intrigue Lander University student Maddie Hudlow, a history major from Alto, Ga., had an up-close look at the real-life spy intrigue while interning with the museum during the summer. With Russia at the forefront of American pop culture and current events, the response about the museum’s existence has been mixed.

“There were several people who came into the museum saying, ‘oh, this is so terrible’ and asking how could there be a museum dedicated to showcasing it? But the museum is apolitical, and I think it rather important to understand how each modern civilization got to where it is, and understand why U.S. relations with them are the way they are,” explained Hudlow. “In this case, we are presenting facts of Russia’s past and it’s important to understand events back then – especially during the Cold War – since Russia is in the news now.”

Among the exhibits in the museum are replicas of a model chair in which people were strapped down for interrogations, books that doubled as hidden cameras, listening and recording devices hidden in shoe heels, and the lipstick tube gun.

One artifact that garners much attention is the infamous “Bulgarian umbrella,” used to kill a journalist who was working for the BBC World Service in London and Radio Free Europe. The umbrella injected a small ricin-filled pellet into the journalist’s leg, melted at human body temperature and released the poison into the bloodstream.

The KGB Espionage Museum is the result of three decades worth of collecting by father-daughter duo Julius and Agne Urbaityte, who serve as the museum’s curators. Julius, a longtime collector, became fascinated with espionage after obtaining a listening device once owned by Adolf Hitler.

“Spying has existed as long as there has been more than one group of people,” said Hudlow. “If there is someone to be enemies with, then a group will always try to infiltrate them. My area of expertise is the history of the Middle Ages, but while I don’t know much about their spying techniques, I cannot imagine that they were advanced in any way beyond people serving as double agents and reporting back to their side. The KGB used really advanced technologies that the public did not have access to, and they were very much technology-based as an organization.”

In addition to leading tours at the museum, Hudlow coordinated a host of marketing initiatives to pique awareness for exhibits, and helped to plan special events.

“Her knowledge of history and expertise in Cold War events was a huge advantage to our museum,” said museum founder Agne Urbaityte. “Her help with organizing artifacts, welcoming our visitors, and managing the guided tours was a big help to our team.”

Pictured is the infamous “Bulgarian umbrella,” used by KGB agents against a Bulgarian journalist. Notice the small, ricin-filled pellet in the umbrella tip.

This lipstick tube doubled as a weapon for KGB agents.

–contributed photos

www.lander.edu/magazine

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‘Say Yes to Your Dreams’

By Megan Price; Photos by Laura M. Brown, Deb Nygro and Dawn Lewis

Lander Bids Adieu to More Than 340 Graduates at 159th Commencement Nearly 2,000 people packed Finis Horne Arena on May 15, 2019, to see more than 340 graduates receive degrees at Lander University’s 159th commencement.

Delivering the keynote address was third-term State Treasurer Curtis M. Loftis Jr., who told the graduates that the most important thing in their lives going forward will be having the courage to say “yes to your dreams.”

Since taking office in 2010, Treasurer Loftis has become nationally known for championing public pension reform, and he has earned a reputation from the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers as being a “friend of the taxpayer.” As treasurer, he has returned $158 million in unclaimed funds to South Carolinians – more than all previous state treasurers combined.

He has overseen significant growth in the state’s Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan, with more than 157,000 accounts and total assets under management of $3.6 billion.

Loftis is chair of the State Board of Financial Institutions and serves as vice chairman of the State Fiscal Accountability Authority, South Carolina Education Authority and the South Carolina Tobacco Authority. He also serves on the executive board of the College Savings Plans Network, and recently held

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leadership positions with the National Association of State Treasurers and the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.

Now in his ninth year of office, Loftis spoke about the often challenging – but necessary – ability to say “no” to the “noise of modern life.”

“Saying no is difficult,” he said. “Saying yes is easy, but when you’re too generous with your ‘yesses,’ other people take your concerns. They make their priorities your priorities. They take your time away from what is important, and that causes frustration and stress. No amount of education, or talent or training will allow you to achieve the success you deserve if you don’t have the time or energy for the extraordinary life that is in all of you.”

And, Loftis explained to the graduates, by saying “no” to life’s distractions, they are actually saying “yes” to their dreams.

“All of you possess dreams – some you’ve told your friends about, some you haven’t, and some of them are just fragments,” he said. “It takes hard work, determination and resilience to knowingly – and willfully – say ‘yes’ to your dreams. That is the only way to pursue that which is bigger than you.”

2019 During the ceremony, Lander President Richard Cosentino recognized the recipient of Lander’s highest academic honor, the Thayer Award, which was presented to Kaitlynn Aleeya Strahl, a criminology and sociology double major from Elgin, S.C. Strahl was one of eight students who were named as University Medalists, a distinction reserved for those graduates who achieved a 4.0 Lander GPA. Senior music education majors Jordan Marie Bowen and Absalon Copeland Richardson performed the Star Spangled Banner and the Alma Mater; with Mickayla Catherine Crumley, a mass communication major, providing the invocation and benediction.

In a new tradition, Lander University also welcomed a special group of Golden Graduates from the Class of 1969, who celebrated their 50th graduation anniversary by marching along with the newest class of Lander alumni.

The spring Class of 2019 was one of Lander’s largest-ever graduating classes, just under the mark set in spring 2014. Representing the group were students from 10 foreign countries, including China, Venezuela, Sweden, Norway, Canada, England, Egypt, Finland, Netherlands and Zimbabwe.

Students also hailed from 15 U.S. states, such as Texas, Utah, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan and Massachusetts. (continued on page 20)

Spring Commencement

Honored Guest Pictured are S.C. State Treasurer Curtis M. Loftis Jr., left, and Lander University President Richard Cosentino.

Golden Grads of ‘69

Thayer Award

In a new tradition for the ceremony, Lander welcomed back members of the Class of 1969, who marched in the commencement procession with the newest class of alumni. Among those Golden Grads participating were (front row, from left): Howard Patrick Penn, Margaret Shivers Ridlehoover, Carolyn Stewart Teague and Linda McElveen Kendjoria. Second row, from left: L. Lloyd Collins Jr., Sandra Lawhorn Boyter, John Stephen Bolton, Fay Fultz Sample and Janet P. Daubener. Back row, from left: Derrell T. Gregory, Larry Ridlehoover, Patricia Wood Hasty, Judy Hanvey Simmons and Deborah Edwards. Also pictured are Lander President Richard Cosentino, far left; Debrah Hodges Miller ’76, second from right, Alumni Association president; and Mike Worley, right, vice president for University Advancement.

Kaitlynn Strahl, a criminology and sociology double major from Elgin, S.C., was recognized as the recipient of Lander’s highest academic honor, the Thayer Award.

www.lander.edu/magazine

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2019

Spring Commencement

4.0 Graduates Above: Graduates achieving a 4.0 GPA at Lander University were recognized as University Medalists and presented with a special medallion as part of their academic regalia. Pictured, from left, are Kandice Brooke Blackwood, business administration; Quinton K. Amick, computer information systems; Breanna Elizabeth Driggers, early childhood education; Savannah Grace Malphrus, elementary education; Eirik Sars Groner, business administration; Kaitlynn Aleeya Strahl, criminology/sociology; Nicolas Liam Weaver, business administration; and Robertson Arthur Hoyt, business administration.

New Clinical Nurse Leaders Right: In the spring, Lander graduated its largest class of Master of Science in Nursing-Clinical Nurse Leaders. Among the 13 graduates were, from left: Virginia Ann Dean, Lisa H. Smith, Stephanie P. Lewis, Amy Leigh Logan, Joshua Curtis Eidson, Portia Debrelle Bluford-Briggs, Debra Anne Hill, Tanglia Demetria Callaham Williams, Stephanie Louise Ahn, Amanda Christine Holtzclaw, Tonya Shaneka Williams and William Maxwell Clegg. Not pictured is classmate Jessica Shaina Kelly.

Serving Their Country Right: Pictured, from left, are Lander University’s veteran graduates, who were recognized for their service with the U.S. Armed Forces: Chad Eric Kicklighter, emergency management; James Edward Long, business administration; Geno Rashod Davis, emergency management; and Nicholas Louis Gebo, exercise science.

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Recognizing Student Athletes

Advice from the Stage

As part of their academic regalia, Lander’s student-athletes receive a special medallion featuring the Bearcat. Among those graduating in the spring Class of 2019 were men’s soccer teammates, from left, Michael Francis Leach, Siavash P. Jamehdar, Oliver Samuel Brock, Tyler Jon Bolton, Richard Edward Bryan and Sinclaire Sandy. Also pictured, far left, is Lander Athletic Director Brian Reese.

Commencement keynote speaker Curtis M. Loftis Jr., S.C. State Treasurer, addresses the 340-plus members of Lander’s Class of 2019, conveying the importance of knowing when to say “no” to life’s distractions, and how to say “yes” to their dreams.

Honors College Scholar

International Alumni

Ivey Gibbs, center, B.S. in history, is pictured with Honors College director Dr. Lillian Craton, left, and Dr. Lucas McMillan, dean, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Gibbs is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Winchester in England.

Lander’s spring Class of 2019 included graduates from 10 foreign countries: China, Venezuela, Sweden, Norway, Canada, England, Egypt, Finland, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. Pictured, Jeff Constant, center, director of the University’s International Students and Scholars Services, stands with some of Lander’s newest international alumni.

Honorary Graduates Lander’s Golden Grads from the Class of 1969 make their way across the stage during the spring 2019 commencement ceremony. The Class of ‘69 was invited back to their alma mater to take part in the ceremony and celebrate with Lander’s newest group of alumni.

www.lander.edu/magazine

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2019

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Spring Commencement

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www.lander.edu/magazine

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‘Quintessential Professor’ Lenti Begins 50th Year at Lander

By Jeff Lagrone, Photos by Laura M. Brown

Lander Professor Emeritus of Music Dr. Tony Lenti retired in 2009, but that hasn’t stopped him from teaching.

“I teach pretty much what I was teaching before I retired. It’s only my business status that has changed. I teach music history, I teach piano, I teach music appreciation.”

The 73-year-old Lenti recently began his 50th year on the job, with no immediate plans to quit. If his older brother Vince can do it, he asks, why can’t he? Vince, who is 81, still serves on the faculty of the prestigious Eastman School of Music, with plans to work several years more.

“I’d be crazy to sit home, and put my feet up in the morning and read a newspaper, when I can come to school and interact with energetic and interesting young people,” Lenti, a native Long Islander, said.

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“I’ve taken all of the energy and put it into teaching.”

Teaching allows Lenti to vent some of the energy he used to put into performing with his wife, Marianne, who was forced to retire from teaching and performing in 2003 because of migraine headaches. The Lentis team taught for twelve years in the Summer Honors Program of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts. During the same time, they served as the piano ensemble faculty for the Chamber Music Conference of the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. They played together for more than 40 years, appearing in such far-flung places as London, Milan, Warsaw and Bermuda, as well as in 33 of the 50 states, and recording four compact discs.

“Performing was a very important part of our lives. When it was no longer possible for us to do that, I needed an outlet. So I’ve taken all of the energy and put it into the teaching,” he said.

Longevity isn’t the only thing that runs in the Lenti family. Musical talent does, too, although Lenti is reluctant to say so himself. His grandfather, bandleader Vincent Rose, wrote the music to standards like “Linger Awhile,” recorded by Sarah Vaughan, and “Blueberry Hill,” made famous

by Fats Domino.

His mother, Anna, was an amateur songwriter and composer of children’s music. His son, John, is a successful freelance musician specializing in Renaissance and Baroque music.

It was Vince, named after his grandfather, who was primarily responsible for inspiring Lenti to go into music.

“As is fairly typical, I sort of said, ‘I want to do what my big brother is doing.’ When I was a junior in high school, I applied to Eastman, was granted kind of an early acceptance, and it was straight sailing from there.” (continued on page 26)

The Lentis onstage at the Frederic Chopin Musical Academy in Warsaw, Poland, in 2000. – contributed photo www.lander.edu/magazine

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“His infectious passion for music has been passed on to thousands of students.”

In 1970, Lenti was invited to a job interview at Lander without ever applying for the job.

He had applied for a vacancy at Erskine, which ended up hiring Lander’s piano teacher. Erskine attempted to make amends by sending to Lander – which by then was advertising its own vacancy – the applications that it had received.

“When they looked at the Lander applications, Roberta Major, who was chair at the time, said, ‘I want to look at this Lenti fellow.’

So I get this phone call, ‘I want you to come for an interview at Lander College.’ And I’m saying, ‘I never applied to any place called Lander College.’ But I came to Lander College, and the rest is history, as they say.”

One of the things that Lenti remembers most vividly about Lander fifty years ago is the “sense of community that you can only have in a smaller university or college. In a manner of speaking, I sort of miss those days.”

At graduations then, he would know about one out of every three students.

Dr. Tony Lenti and his wife, Marianne, pose “I think this semester there are for photographer David Nichols in 1970. six sections of Music 101. That means that I will have taught maybe one out of every 20 students who graduate, instead of one out of every three.”

Husband-and-wife teams were common at Lander during the 1970s and 1980s. Along with the Lentis, there were the Rattés,

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the Cummings, the Huttos, the Hares, the Hornes, the Guinns and others.

“I think all these couples brought unique things to Lander, and I think the fact your spouse is part of the family gives you a little bit more bond to the place. If it’s just you and the job that’s one thing, but if it’s you and the wife or you and the husband, I think it gives you a little closer tie to the institution,” he said.

Lenti said that he has enjoyed the diversity of teaching that he has been able to do at Lander.

“I have always taught piano, and I’ll always enjoy teaching piano, but some of the other stuff, like the music history and the music appreciation, I’ve come to value greatly. I would hate to give it up,” he said.

The highlights from Lenti’s career as a performer would fill a book. One was the concert that he and Marianne gave in Florence, Italy, for Philip Habib, chief of staff for the U.S. delegation to the Paris Peace Talks during the Vietnam War, who was traveling around Europe with his wife during a break in the negotiations. The performance came about as the result of a meeting between the newly married Lentis and Joseph C. Wheeler, U.S. consul general in Italy, who heard them play and was impressed.

When Wheeler asked them what they would play for their concert, Lenti said he would play the Chopin B Minor Sonata, and Marianne said she would play the 4th Ballade of Chopin. “[Wheeler] said, ‘Oh, no, no, no, you should play duets, this is your honeymoon. You play duets, don’t you?’”

The Lentis answered that they played them all the time, and Wheeler said, “Well, then, play duets for your concert.”

Lenti said, “We thanked him, shook his hand, went to the music store, bought duets and learned them! Let us say that our introduction to playing duets was by invitation, with a little white lie along the way.”

“His gentle spirit, his clever wit, and his absolute wealth of knowledge and musicianship have markedly contributed to the success of Lander’s Department of Music for decades.”

When asked to identify his favorite composers, Lenti demurred.

“I love Chopin,” he said. “But sometimes when I’m playing Beethoven, I say, ‘This is my favorite.’ When I’m playing an arrangement of ‘Danny Boy,’ that’s my favorite. An individual piece as you are performing it, provided that you’ve thought about it enough, can be immensely rewarding, and you say, ‘This is the best stuff in the world.’”

Lenti prefers classical to popular music, because of its greater complexity and development of ideas, but he’s not necessarily averse to pop. The fourth CD that he recorded with Marianne is a collection of popular song arrangements. “The greatest music of America, I feel, is not our operas and symphonies, it’s our popular song legacy,” he said.

Lenti was asked why, in his opinion, music is important. “It is capable of expressing the most noble and grand ideas of the human race,” he said. “It has a profound meaning that not too many other things do. We sing at funerals, we sing at weddings, we use music at important times in our lives.”

As an example, he cited the Greenwood-Lander Performing Arts production that he attended the night after the terrorist attacks in 2001, which began with a GLPA board member stepping onstage and leading the audience in a version of “God Bless America.”

“I always felt that was symbolic, that at a time of stress and confusion and anger and a lot of dark emotions, what did we do? We turned to music, and we sang along with him.”

Lenti’s former students speak with one voice when asked what they think about him. Retired Greenwood High School band director Byron Hilley described him as “the consummate professional.

He somehow managed to not only keep us awake during his 8 a.m. music history class, but to make it interesting as well!”

Hilley, a 1982 graduate who plays in Lander’s faculty brass quintet, also took beginner piano lessons from Lenti. He said that Lenti always emphasized musicianship rather than technique.

“My final exam in that class was to play ‘Lavender Blue’ out of our method book. Such a simple little tune, but he treated it – and me – as if I were performing Beethoven onstage at Carnegie Hall.”

Olivia Huggins, a 1980 graduate of Lander, recently retired after serving for 38 years as a public school music teacher. She still gives piano lessons, however, and still serves as the organist and pianist at St. Paul’s Waccamaw United Methodist Church in Pawley’s Island.

She remembered Lenti’s saying that the accomplishments of the great composers “were 20 percent talent and 80 percent development of their skills.” She credited him with teaching her how “to assess a score and create a timeline for rehearsal.”

As an 18-year-old college freshman, 1996 graduate Jenny Bradley

saw Lenti as “the quintessential professor, intellectual and serious.

But as I got deeper into my education, I discovered he is a gentle and very funny soul who cares intensely for his students.”

She learned much more from him, she said, than just piano technique and the history of music.

“His infectious passion for music has been passed on to thousands of students, I’m sure. I still have the notebook with his notes and comments from all my private piano lessons in which he’d make funny little side notes. A very fond memory is playing the Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 with him as a duo in my senior recital.”

Bradley, who runs a music school in New York City based on the philosophy that anyone can learn and enjoy music, called Lenti “a huge influence in my life.”

Lenti’s fans include Associate Professor of Music Dr. Lila Noonkester, chair of Lander’s Department of Music.

“Dr. Lenti is one of the finest musicians and teachers I have ever known,” she said. “His gentle spirit, his clever wit, and his absolute wealth of knowledge and musicianship have markedly contributed to the success of Lander’s Department of Music for decades. Not only is he a pleasure to work alongside, but he carries with him a history of Lander College, now University, that no one else on campus does. He is steeped in the tradition of Lander and, at the same time, is always looking forward to assist the next millennial music student.”

Lenti recalled a millennial he taught in a recent class, whom he remembered as “always interested. There was that sense that I was giving out energy and it was coming back to me from her. And ultimately I think that’s why we teach. We have something important to say, but it is only when it comes back to us, when you are eliciting some sort of intellectual curiosity, this is why you teach.”

Lenti was asked how he would like to be remembered.

“I think anybody who teaches would say they want to be remembered as somebody who cared for students, and had something worthwhile to say. You want people to like you. You want them to say, ‘Tony Lenti, he’s a great guy.’ But you also want them to say, ‘Tony had some important ideas that he shared.’ And in certain cases, maybe I changed a life in a positive way. If somebody remembers me that way, I’ll be happy.”

www.lander.edu/magazine

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Mastering Their Craft

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Lander’s B.F.A. Professional Art Degree is Preparing Artists for Careers in Any Type of Studio

By Eric Lawson, photos by Laura M. Brown

Lander University’s Art Department recently unveiled a new professional art degree for the University’s growing academic palette.

And the Bachelor of Fine Art (B.F.A.), which allows students to choose a concentration in either 2D or 3D studio, is already preparing art majors for what follows after Lander.

While 2D artwork is generally presented on a flat or nearly flat surface (traditionally painting, drawing, photography and printmaking) and has height and width, 3D art (such as ceramics and sculpture) occupies space and includes physical depth. In Lander’s B.F.A. degree program, students take more advanced art studio classes and spend more time mastering the studio techniques in their chosen major. The new art degree also gives art majors more opportunity to gain the experience needed to pursue graduate school or a career as a fine artist.

“Most B.F.A. programs are set up so that a student gets a degree in a specific medium, such as painting, printing, ceramics, etc. Our approach is about 2D and 3D art as a mindset or direction,” said Sandy Singletary, associate professor of art and interim dean of Lander’s College of Arts and Humanities. “That means that, while students might work in three dimensions, they could use a range of materials that could even include those from traditionally 2D media, such as paint or photography. Likewise, a 2D studio major might create flat artworks using traditionally 2D and also 3D materials, such as clay or steel.”

With an emphasis on broader exposure to different mediums early on, and a concentration in an area of interest in the final year, the Lander approach is quite different from most other B.F.A. programs nationwide.

“During their freshmen and sophomore years, all of our students

take introductory studio classes and the first-level courses of all our disciplines (painting, photography, graphic design, ceramics and sculpture), before declaring the direction of their B.F.A.,” Singletary said. “For the junior and senior years, 2D B.F.A. students focus on creating artwork in two dimensions. Likewise, 3D B.F.A. students will focus on creating artwork in three dimensions.”

All B.F.A. degree programs allow students to consider combining materials from different disciplines in their artworks. This hybrid approach to media aligns with the direction of international contemporary fine art.

For Ashley Dever, a senior 3D studio major from Lexington, the early exposure to the different mediums has resulted in her exploring new ways of creating art.

“When I first came to Lander, I was set on being a 2D artist. After being able to take courses in sculpture, ceramics and advanced drawing, though, it became evident to me that I was more interested in the processes that lend themselves to ‘messy methods,’ where high-powered and heavy equipment were involved,” she said.

“I found something familiar with it, as I could relate to the means of making it, since I had always seen my dad work with these tools and materials. I felt at home.” (continued on page 30) Ashley Dever (left and above), a senior 3D studio major from Lexington, came to Lander with the intention of being a 2D artist. Her exposure to sculpture, ceramics and advanced drawing, however, awakened a different artistic pursuit.

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Mastering Their Craft Chloe Compton, a junior 2D major from Greenwood, had a similar experience.

“After transferring to Lander, I was able to work in a more interdisciplinary way. I switched from 3D art to 2D art because I found that I was more interested in surface – and I think exploring that in a two-dimensional way is important to start with, before going back to working three-dimensionally,” Compton said.

The new degree program also requires art majors to spend more time in the studio.

“The program is more rigorous. Every three hours of class requires three hours of studio time outside of class,” explained Singletary, “and that has changed the energy of the whole department.”

Since each three-credit studio course entails six hours of class each week, it means each student spends upwards of six additional hours in the studio working on projects outside of class each week.

(Pictured, this page) Chloe Compton, a junior 2D studio major from Greenwood, transferred to Lander from the Cleveland Institute of Art. The move enabled her to focus her art in a more interdisciplinary method by taking courses for different mediums and techniques.

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For Victor Santos, a junior 2D art major from Cheraw, the increased studio time taught him valuable time management skills.

“My foundation courses were intense, and I had many all-nighters to make sure my projects were finished on time,” he said. “The work was conceptually straightforward, but I had to learn how to manage my time effectively.”

Yet another benefit of this new degree program is the increased development of camaraderie among art majors.

“Not only does the exposure to the other mediums create a sense of transparency in the creative process, it also ensures that everyone is at the same level, regardless of exposure or practice in art making,” said Dever. “The (freshmen) foundation classes are where you meet everyone who comes in the same year as you, and it’s likely that these students will follow you through to graduation. These courses offer a unique bonding experience to those who are willing. Some of my closest friends were made in those classes, and we have continuously cheered each other on for the past four years, even as we have physically been in separate courses to study our preferred mediums. I wouldn’t trade those first few years for anything.”

Because the B.F.A. in Studio is a rigorous professional degree – and is the standard professional degree in the field of visual

art – instructors are making sure students are aware of the business aspect of the field.

“I want all of our graduates to pursue art in the way they want, and that includes being prepared to use entrepreneurial and creative problem-solving skills to pursue a professional art career, because there are so many ways to do it,” said Singletary.

From studio artist, fine craftsperson, public art sculptor or professional photographer, to gallery entrepreneur, museum curator, art instructor or designer, the far-reaching field of careers for graduates with a B.F.A. in Studio is vast. Graduates are also prepared to pursue Master of Fine Art (M.F.A.) or Master of Art in Teaching (M.A.T.) graduate degree programs.

“You have the choice of how you want to pursue your art. You can go home at the end of the day and casually paint to feed your creative spirit, or you can build your career around it,” said Singletary.

“Rather than a ‘Jack of all Trades’ degree, students pursuing the B.F.A. are mastering their craft, and we’re emphasizing the creative entrepreneurial aspect, because there are so many career options in the worldwide creative economy.”

Cheraw native Victor Santos (above), a junior 2D studio major, says his Lander experience has helped him grow as an artist and a student. The increase in required studio work, coupled with the exposure to other mediums, has made him a stronger artist.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Helping Students Understand the World They Live In

By Jeff Lagrone, photos by Laura M. Brown

Franklin Rausch: 2019 Distinguished Professor The first principle in Associate Professor of History Dr. Franklin Rausch’s philosophy of teaching is to make things as relevant and useful as possible.

Rausch, who was named Lander’s Distinguished Professor of the Year, said he wants to “help students understand the world that they live in. I think that’s one of the intended purposes of history.”

For example, Rausch, an Asian Studies expert, recently taught a course in Modern East Asia, and one of the topics he covered was the political differences between China and the U.S. “My hope is to get American students to understand a little bit better why the Chinese government acts the way it does, how it operates, and the history that influences it,” he said.

Historians are often accused of being unable to give a simple answer, and Rausch pleads guilty as charged. He said he tries to “go into a lot of detail, just to show complexity.”

Another principle governs Rausch’s relations with students. He said he tries to treat students in a way that, as a parent, he would feel comfortable having his own children treated. He tries to imagine himself explaining his treatment of students to their parents.

“It’s a mental exercise, purely,” he said, adding that he’s never had to explain anything to a parent.

Rausch was asked how he came to choose Asian Studies as his area of specialization. He said that the Asian friends he made as an

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undergraduate at Indiana University were part of the reason. The majority were Korean, but he also came to know students from elsewhere in East Asia.

He was struck by the differences between them. “They share so much history together, and they’re so similar, and yet there are these things that are different. That was something that was fascinating to me,” he said.

After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Indiana, Rausch enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia, focusing his dissertation on violence against Catholics in 19th century Korea.

Along the way, he met his future wife, Arlene, a native of the Philippines. The two corresponded for a year and a half before meeting each other face to face on Valentine’s Day in 2004. They were married later the same year.

A competent speaker of Korean, with a reading knowledge of Japanese and Classical Chinese, Rausch has lived and taught in Korea. He has also spoken at numerous international conferences there, and has sometimes been the only Westerner in attendance.

He was asked what, in his opinion, Koreans think about his interest in them, their language, and their country.

“It’s generally a kind of appreciation,” he said. “I think they’re flattered by it.”

Rausch is a prolific scholar. In the past three years, he’s published a book, five book chapters, two journal articles, three book reviews, two online academic publications and three translations. He recently co-authored a translation of the works of Korean nationalist Ahn Junggeun, which is currently under review. For eight years, he

A competent speaker of Korean with a reading knowledge of Japanese and Classical Chinese, Dr. Franklin Rausch, Lander's 2019 Distinguished Professor, has lived and taught in Korea.

has served as an assistant editor for the Sungkyun Journal of East Asian Studies. He has also acted as a reviewer of submissions to Acta Koreana; American Historical Review; Catholic Historical Review; Journal of the History of Ideas; Journal of Korean Religions; Journal of Peace Education; Korean Studies; Nations; Review of Korean Studies; U.S. Catholic Historian; Harvard University Press; Palgrave McMillan; and the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Asian History.

For people like Rausch, who serves on several committees at Lander, the work never ends.

“My field is small enough that we all know each other, and once someone knows you will submit your reviews on time, they will keep asking you to do them,” he said.

One thing that Rausch doesn’t have to worry about anymore is moving, and after living in Canada, the Philippines, Indiana and Florida in addition to Korea, that suits him fine. He calls Greenwood “a great place to raise children.” The Rausches have two sons, David, 12, and John, 8. Rausch’s parents, David and Linda, live with them, too, an arrangement that he calls “very Confucian.”

Rausch is happy to be at Lander. “I love the people I work with, and our students are wonderful,” he said.

He feels “honored and humbled” to receive Lander’s top faculty award. “Now I have to live up to it,” he said.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Exploring Human Memory

By Jeff Lagrone, photos by Laura M. Brown

Shana Southard-Dobbs: 2019 Young Faculty Teaching Award Lander Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Shana SouthardDobbs, the winner of this year’s Young Faculty Teaching Award, is a memory researcher.

“More specifically, my area of scholarship is how people think about and remember stressful life events,” she said.

She said that two people in a car accident together might have entirely different reactions, with one brushing it off, and the other developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“A driving question of my research,” she said, “is why those differences?”

PTSD severity is associated with “event centrality,” the degree to which people think about or remember a stressful event as central to their self-concept. The more they define themselves in terms of the traumatic event, the worse their PTSD is likely to be.

Southard-Dobbs, who is in her fourth year at Lander, said that “memory is really, really complex. Every time we retrieve a memory, it sort of gets put back together again, and that’s a chance for the story to change. We can’t ever really know if we’re accurately remembering something, or if that memory has been edited. I think that is endlessly fascinating. It’s one of my favorite topics to discuss with students.”

She tries to empower Lander students to take ownership of their learning.

“I think that’s a key element of my role as an educator. I incor-

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porate some things into my teaching, my course design, the way I interact with my students that is led by that guiding principle,” she said.

Although she teaches a wide range of courses, Introduction to Psychology is a course that she teaches nearly every semester. That means she has a lot of contact with Lander’s first-year students.

“I think that space is really important for helping students get acclimated, get their feet on the ground, and understand what college life is like,” she said.

Like many of her Lander students, Southard-Dobbs was a firstgeneration college student who changed her major.

“I was a biology major at the time. I took a psychology class as a general education social science, and I fell in love with it,” she said.

She believes that educators play a crucial role in helping students to discover what interests them. “I benefited from that greatly in my own collegiate experience, and it is a privilege to be able to have that kind of impact with my own students now,” she said.

A native of Arkansas, Southard-Dobbs earned her Ph.D. at the University of North Texas, where she studied alongside her husband, Benjamin, now a lecturer of music theory at Furman University. The couple live in Greenwood.

Southard-Dobbs’s background in experimental psychology was instrumental in the establishment of Lander’s Stress and Cognition Lab, where she and her students design and carry out research

Dr. Shana Southard-Dobbs’s background in experimental psychology was instrumental in the establishment of Lander’s Stress and Cognition Lab.

projects to examine how individuals perceive and remember stressful and potentially traumatic life experiences, with the goal of understanding how and why some people are resilient in the face of trauma and others struggle. The research team that she worked with during the spring semester presented their project, The Role of Perceptual and Coping Factors in Trauma Response: Belief in a Just World, Self-Blame, Religious Coping, and Event Centrality, at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, at Kennesaw State University.

“I’m really proud of that. I’m proud of them,” she said.

Southard-Dobbs is an active researcher, with recent publications in the scholarly journals Cogent Psychology, Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science and Journal of Personality. She contributed material to the book Clinical Perspectives on Autobiographical Memory, published by Cambridge University Press, and is involved in several ongoing research studies.

She is also an enthusiastic developer of new courses. This semester, she’s teaching an Honors College course she developed, Forget What You Know: Exploring Human Memory.

“We’ll talk about memory, about how to leverage what you now know about memory, so you can be a more effective learner. We’re going to dig into autobiographical memory, and the elements of memory that help us to know ourselves, to know our own story. I’m excited to explore that topic with students in a more specialized class,” she said.

Southard-Dobbs was nominated for the Young Faculty Teaching Award by Dr. Jonathan Bassett, chair of Lander’s Department of Psychological Science. He praised her “excellent performance as a classroom teacher” and “exceptional job mentoring students.”

She said the award encourages her to “keep on developing, and keep on growing as a teacher.”

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Faculty Members Reflect on the Impactful Career of Late Colleague

By Graham Duncan, photos by Jeff Lagrone

Jack Burton: Moore Award for Excellence in General Education Teaching Those who knew Jack Burton, former lecturer of chemistry at Lander University, will confidently attest that his dedication to general education, as well as his devotion to students of all academic disciplines, made him a worthy recipient of the 2019 Moore Award for Excellence in General Education Teaching.

As a Lander alumnus with a B.S. in environmental science, Burton loved being able to give back to his alma mater. He treasured having the opportunity to help prepare students for a successful future, regardless of their declared major, in addition to helping many uncover a hidden passion for science and the environment.

Due to his health, Burton was unable to accept the award at Lander’s Academic Awards Ceremony on April 25, and he passed away a month later on May 26. Yet, according to his colleagues, there was no educator more deserving of this honor.

While all members of the Lander faculty have a passion for shaping minds, Burton’s passion was unique in that he called Lander University his alma mater as well as his place of employment. “Jack Burton loved Lander University and was extremely dedicated to

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the institution and to his students,” said Jeff Hollifield, lecturer of chemistry at Lander. “He always volunteered for opportunities to serve students, such as participation in house calls, the midnight breakfast before final exams, and any field trip that would provide an opportunity for him to share his excitement about science.”

Dr. Daniel Pardieck, professor of environmental geology, echoed Hollifield’s comments. “Jack did very well in making chemistry, a subject often reviled by non-science majors because of its abstract and quantitative nature, relevant to general education students,” said Pardieck. “He related the material to their personal lives and experiences quite often, which had both the effect of increasing interest and increasing understanding.”

Many of Burton’s former students credit him for creating a love for science. Dr. Diana Delach, assistant professor of environmental chemistry at Lander, pointed to the effusive praise her colleague often received from his pupils. “He helped them move beyond any fears or concerns in the lab, such that they could safely learn,” said Delach. “He also went above and beyond with respect to availability to students.”

Dr. Albert Dukes, associate professor of chemistry, admired Burton for his work to ensure his students’ success. “Jack was always able to alleviate the anxiety that his students felt about taking chemistry,” said Dukes. “He was successful in encouraging his students to work through problems when they encountered them in the lab. He used these teaching moments to build his students’ confidence.”

Aside from his love of science, Burton shared many of his other interests and hobbies with his friends at Lander, including the best of bad movies, motorcycle racing, and Star Wars, according to Dr. David Slimmer, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics.

“He took advantage of whatever time he had with them, from walks in the hallway, to sharing MoonPies in his office, to working in the classroom.”

Delach, too, fondly remembers Burton’s love of sharing MoonPies with his students during office hours. “He had his usuals that would come by just to say hello and snack on a MoonPie with him, whereas other times he came in hours before his first labs were supposed to start so that he could meet with students who were struggling with the material,” said Delach.

Former students and colleagues alike all agree that Burton had a unique talent of making a personal connection with each of his pupils, being less of an instructor to them and more of a helpful guide. Meg O’Dell, who graduated from Lander in 2018 with a chemistry degree and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Burton, confidently attested to his devotion to Lander’s students, whether he knew them from class or from his involvement in the larger Greenwood community. “Mr. Burton genuinely wanted to get to know the people around him,” said O’Dell. “By doing this, he was able to cater to each individual student depending on their various needs.”

Slimmer agreed with O’Dell’s remarks. “He did more than talk chemistry to them,” said Slimmer, “he talked chemistry with them.”

In addition to teaching chemistry courses at Lander, Jack Burton also enjoyed giving demonstrations during Lander’s summer science programs, pictured in the above photos.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Creating a New Health Promotion Program

By Jeff Lagrone, photos by Laura M. Brown

Amir Bhochhibhoya: Young Faculty Scholar Award The Bachelor of Science program in Health Promotion and Wellness that Lander plans to launch next fall, pending approval from the Commission on Higher Education, will have Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Amir Bhochhibhoya’s fingerprints all over it.

Bhochhibhoya (pronounced Bo-chee-bo-yaa), the winner of this year’s Young Faculty Scholar Award, has been developing courses for the new major since joining Lander’s nursing faculty last spring.

He played a leading role in the development of Health Promotion Program Planning, Health Promotion Measurement and Evaluation, and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, which are already in the catalog.

Other courses are in the works.

Lots of thought goes into the creation of a new program, according to Bhochhibhoya.

“We want to make sure that it fits the student who comes to the School of Nursing, and the faculty’s resources we have in the School of Nursing as well,” he said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic disease accounts for approximately 86 percent of the nation’s aggregate health care spending. Many chronic diseases are caused or made worse by smoking, excessive drinking, poor diets or sedentary lifestyles – all of which can be avoided.

“Health promotion educates people that how we behave, what we eat and how active we are have a direct impact on our health,” he said.

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Bhochhibhoya said he has seen a surge of interest among students in health promotion. “It’s getting popular, and the job market is growing,” he said.

Some examples of the many places where health promotion graduates can find work include hospitals, universities, businesses, community organizations, and government agencies, such as the Departments of Health and Environmental Control, and Health and Human Services.

A native of Nepal, Bhochhibhoya came to the United States for his higher education, earning a Master of Science in health promotion in 2014, and a Ph.D. in health promotion in 2017, both from the University of Oklahoma.

One of the unhealthiest behaviors of all, binge drinking by college students, was the topic of his dissertation. He returned to the same subject in an article published last year in the Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education.

From 2017-18, Bhochhibhoya was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of South Carolina, where he worked alongside Dr. Xiaoming Li, recognized as one of the world’s most active scholars in the field of HIV/AIDS. Bhochhibhoya also collaborated with Li in Mindfulness-based Intervention among People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review, published last year in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

Another recent publication was a chapter that he co-authored on the subject of the mental health of international students studying in the U.S. Several other publications are currently under review.

Bhochhibhoya also has a master’s in business administration and entrepreneurship, and co-founded MetCel, LLC, a technology

Dr. Amir Bhochhibhoya has played a leading role in the development of health promotion and wellness courses at Lander.

company that he ran for five years. He still has entrepreneurship in his blood, and part of what he liked about Lander’s William Preston Turner School of Nursing was the opportunity to create something new.

Another thing that Lander had going for it was the fact that his wife, Dr. Pragya Sharma Ghimire, an assistant professor of physical education and exercise science, was already here. Being able to find work at the same place, he said, is “a blessing.”

One of the best things about Greenwood, according to Bhochhibhoya, is the weather. In Oklahoma, he said, “it’s scorching hot in summer, and in winter there’s icy rain that disrupts everything.” Tornadoes, he added, are all too common.

Since beginning his teaching career as a graduate teaching assistant at Oklahoma State University in 2007, Bhochhibhoya has taught a wide variety of courses. In addition to health promotion, he has taught courses in business, interdisciplinary studies, racquetball and golf.

English is not his first language, and he used to focus as much on the words he used as the ideas that he talked about in class. Now he focuses on making sure that students understand. He’s devised a simple way to help students who have trouble pronouncing his name.

“Just call me Dr. B, that will be fine,” he says.

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LAUNCH INTO LANDER Photos by Deb Nygro and Laura M. Brown

One of the university's newest initiatives, "Launch into Lander," is designed to help students succeed in college by immersing them in activities that are engaging, informative and educational. The program leads students to campus resources, offers guidance through academic advising, equips them with reliable technology, and creates moments that can develop friendships.

The five-day program kicked off on August 14 with Freshman Move-In Day. Freshmen embraced the whirlwind morning with the support of friendly volunteers who unloaded vehicles and carried belongings into the residence halls. Later that afternoon, members of Lander's Greek Life led a boisterous Dorm Storm across campus to welcome the newest Bearcats.

The next day, a picnic lunch on the front lawn gave students a chance to mingle with faculty and staff.

While daytime sessions focused on academics, the evening activities featured karaoke, a pep rally, pool party, and lively field day challenges.

Throughout "Launch into Lander," students explored their campus environment and the surrounding community. The Bearcat Shuttle transported them to Uptown Greenwood for a movie night at the Farmer's Market, trivia night at a local eatery, and to Lake Greenwood for swimming and kayaking.

Fall classes began on August 19, promising a semester filled with opportunities to connect with others. CommUniversity acquainted students with local businesses, a community concert jammed on campus, and the famous Budweiser Clydesdales made an appearance in Bearcat Country.

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Bearcat Sports Roundup

Men's Tennis Serves Up a Smashing Season

By Rixon Lane

Adam Elliget, pictured, was named a 2019 ITA All-American and first-team all-PBC performer. – photo by Turner Kirby

Axel Cronje 42

Ozan Cildir

LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

The Lander men’s tennis team ended the 2018-19 campaign with its seventh consecutive appearance in a regional final, and its 14th-straight trip to the NCAA Tournament.

The Bearcats notched an 18-6 record, advancing to its seventh consecutive Southeast Regional final. After defeating conference rival Flagler in the NCAA Southeast Regional semifinals, the Bearcats fell to eventual national runner-up Columbus State in the region championship.

Lander went 7-2 in PBC play during the regular season, giving the Bearcats at least seven victories in conference play for the ninth-straight season. The Bearcats earned the fourth seed in the PBC Tournament and advanced to the conference tournament semifinals for the eighth consecutive year, with a win over North Georgia in the opening round.

The Bearcats climbed as high as No. 5 in the national polls during the season and never fell out of the top 10, despite the fact that 11 of Lander’s 24 matches came against nationally ranked opponents.

Axel Cronje and Adam Elliget were named 2019 ITA All-Americans for their efforts as Lander’s No. 1 doubles tandem. Cronje and Elliget were also named first-team all-PBC performers, along with Eirik Groner, who was also honored as the league’s Elite 15 Award winner. Ozan Cildir was tabbed as a second-team all-PBC selection.

Top: Senior Eirik Groner was one of seven Bearcats recognized as Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athletes. – photo by Bob Stoner

Lady Bearcats Earn Peach Belt Accolades

By Rixon Lane

The Lander softball team placed four players on the all-Peach Belt Conference team and saw senior outfielder Kelli McCormack become the first player in program history to be named an all-Southeast Region performer by two different organizations.

McCormack, a Canton, Ga., native, was honored by the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA). McCormack was also one of the top hitters in the region in 2019, leading the Bearcats in batting average (.431), hits (69), runs (35), doubles (13) and steals (11).

She started all 46 games in left field, bringing her streak of consecutive starts to 119, and she was the 10th player to earn all-region honors since Lander joined the NCAA in 1992-93.

McCormack was joined by second baseman Sydney Grimes and designated player Brianna Surrento on the all-PBC first team, while pitcher Abby Killian earned secondteam all-PBC honors.

Top: Lander senior outfielder Kelli McCormack was named a first-team D2CCA All-Southeast Region performer. – photo by Deb Nygro

Pitcher Abby Killian netted 161 strikeouts in 25 game appearances during the 2018-19 season. – photo by Hannah Davidson Brianna Surrento

Abby Killian

Sydney Grimes

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Major League Baseball Recruits Bearcats

By Rixon Lane

Utility player Roury Glanton was named a second-team all-PBC selection during the 2018-19 season.

Senior right-handed pitcher Alex Moore, above, was selected in the MLB Draft’s 18th round by the Chicago Cubs.

The Lander baseball team put two players in the Major League Baseball draft, placed 12 players on the Peach Belt Conference All-Academic team, and saw junior Roury Glanton named as a second-team all-PBC selection during the 2019 season.

Senior right-handed pitcher Alex Moore was taken in the 18th round by the Chicago Cubs, while senior Roury Glanton right-hander Ryan Troutman followed as the Pittsburgh Pirates made him their 26th-round pick. The two selections give the Bearcats 10 draft picks in program history, and Lander's nine picks since 2014 are the second-most in the Peach Belt Conference during that span.

Moore made 20 starts and 27 appearances on the mound in his two full seasons with the Bearcats. The Sarasota, Fla., native emerged as Lander's ace during his senior season, holding down the Friday spot in Lander's rotation throughout the entire campaign. He led the Bearcats' staff with 84 strikeouts in 69.1 innings pitched in 2019.

Moore began the season as the No. 31-ranked prospect on Perfect Game's Division II list.

A third baseman and catcher during his first two seasons in Greenwood, Troutman blossomed into the Bearcats' closer in his senior year, leading the pitching staff with seven saves. In 2019, the St. George, S.C., native limited opponents to nine earned runs in 27.1 innings, good for a 2.96 ERA. Troutman made 43 appearances on the mound for Lander in his career, notching 41 strikeouts in 43.1 innings of work.

The Bearcats’ 12 academic selections led the conference and accounted for nearly one-fourth of the 52-player list.

Alex Moore Glanton became the fifth outfielder in program history to earn all-PBC honors, leading the team with 13 home runs and 37 RBI. In the final month of the season, he hit .375 with 20 RBI while slugging .804 over his final 15 games.

Far left: Senior pitcher Ryan Troutman was drafted by MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates in the 26th round. – photos by Hannah Davidson Ryan Troutman

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Men's Golf Team Earns Respect at NCAA Tournament

By Rixon Lane

The Lander men’s golf team earned representation in the NCAA Tournament, as junior Jon Parker was chosen as an individual in the 2019 NCAA Division II South/Southeast Regional Men's Golf Championship.

During the spring, Lander, under the direction of firstyear head coach Mark Riddle, earned three top-five finishes, including a fifth-place finish at the Peach Belt Conference Championship. The fifth-place spot was the fourth consecutive top-five finish for the Bearcats at the PBC Championship, and the sixth in program history.

The Bearcats tied their best finish of the year with a thirdplace showing at the Greenwood Country Club in the Bearcat Classic, where Lander put three different players in the top 20.

With Parker’s inclusion in the South/Southeast Regional field, Lander has now competed in four consecutive NCAA Tournaments.

Lander’s Jon Parker, pictured, takes a swing during the Jay Jennison Cup. The Bearcats finished third in the 15-team tournament at the World Golf Village Slammer & Squire Course in St. Augustine, Fla. Parker finished tied for sixth, shooting a 2-under-214 for the tournament.

– photo by Kristen Overton

Women's Golf Has Solid Season

By Rixon Lane

The Lander women’s golf team was named the co-recipient of the 2018-19 Peach Belt Conference Team Sportsmanship Award, and finished sixth at the PBC Championship.

The Bearcats notched three top-five finishes during the year and saw Caroline Hardee tie for first at the Cutter Creek Invitational, and Hannah Stephenson tie for first at the Low Country Invitational.

At the Bearcat Invitational, Lander placed fifth, led by Hannah Fesperman’s seventhplace finish. On the season, Fesperman led the Bearcats with an 81.2 stroke average and a pair of top-10 finishes.

Lander’s Caroline Hardee is pictured at the 2019 Jekyll-OLantern Intercollegiate in Jekyll Island, Ga. – contributed photo

Caroline Hardee

Hannah Fesperman

Hannah Stephenson www.lander.edu/magazine

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Women's Tennis Team Advances to PBC Tournament

By Rixon Lane

The Lander women’s tennis team advanced to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament for the first time since 2015, punching their ticket with a win over Georgia Southwestern in the regular-season finale, in coach Samantha Pinchoff’s first season at the helm.

On the court, the Bearcats were led by Eduarda Ferreira, who was named to the allPeach Belt Conference second team. Ferreira became the first Bearcat in program history to earn all-conference honors in back-to-back seasons, after being named a second team all-PBC performer as a sophomore. Her 16 victories in singles play were the most since Eliza Adusumilli posted 16 wins in 2011.

Lander’s Eduarda Ferreira, pictured, became the first Bearcat in program history to earn all-conference honors in back-to-back seasons. – photo by Rixon Lane

IN OTHER SPORTS Strength and Conditioning A major addition to Lander Athletics is new head strength and conditioning coach Jordan Jacobs. Prior to arriving at Lander at the beginning of August, Jacobs was the head strength and conditioning coach at Shippensburg University, where he was responsible for directing and managing the strength and conditioning program of Coach Jordan Jacobs Shippensburg's athletic department.

Jacobs has coached over two dozen different sports, and he hopes to bring his diverse experience to each of Lander's new and existing sports.

In the past, Lander has never had a strength and conditioning system in place, and Jacobs is excited to establish the first in Bearcat history.

"The opportunity to build a program from scratch is exciting to me," said Jacobs. "Everyone here has been extremely supportive and been extremely on board to welcome me into the program. This is a legit program, and we are here to win and to get better. Everybody here cares, everybody is here to be the best we can be, and push these kids to be the best they can be."

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Club Rugby Lander has added the school's existing men's and women's club rugby teams to the athletics program, with new head coach Buck Billings. Billings is a former high school coach in East Tennessee of 10 years, where he also started the first rugby program for his school.

"We've tried to spend about as much Coach Buck Billings time on skills as we have on team culture and team bonding," Billings said. "Most of [the club] players have transitioned to the varsity team, in addition to the players that we've brought in as recruits. We're really trying to create a varsity team culture."

Like all coaches working to begin a new program, Billings "hit the ground running" since his arrival. He has worked hard to find the best recruits for his program and believes that there is much more to a player than just being talented.

"I believe a good person can be a good athlete, a good athlete can become a good teammate, and a team comprised of good teammates can achieve great things. We really want our athletes out there, and as positively as possible because it will affect our team and our culture."

Top Student Athletes Recognized at the Golden Claw Awards

By Rixon Lane

The Lander Athletics Department held its annual awards banquet on April 15 in Finis Horne Arena. The event honored the University's student-athletes for their accomplishments during the 2018-19 campaign. Student-athletes, administrators, coaches and special guests attended the elegant event, which featured a red carpet entrance, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and a special awards ceremony with presentations and video features.

Mylea McKenith, a senior women's basketball player from Durham, N.C., received the Dr. Boyce M. Grier Award as the Lander student-athlete who best exemplifies sportsmanship, integrity, pride in the university and a positive attitude. McKenith became Lander women's basketball's all-time steals leader while averaging 16.9 points per game, leading the Bearcats to the NCAA Southeast Regional Pictured are 2019 Golden Claw recipients Mylea McKenith, left, recipient of the Dr. championship game. McKenith Boyce M. Grier Award; and Jessica Harris, served as Lander's captain for the past recipient of the Dr. Samuel C. Hodges two seasons, guiding the Bearcats to Award as Lander’s Female Athlete of the 49 wins and a pair of NCAA TournaYear. – photo by Rixon Lane ment appearances.

Jessica Harris, a junior women's basketball player from Sumter, S.C., received the Dr. Samuel C. Hodges Award as the Female Athlete of the Year. Harris led the Bearcats to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament, and was a D2CCA All-Southeast Region First Team and All-PBC First Team selection. Harris averaged 16.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.6 steals en route to being named the Peach Belt Player of the Year.

Jordan Skelton, a senior men's soccer player from Newcastle, England, received the M.V. Wells Award given annually to the Lander Male Athlete of the Year. Skelton led the Lander men's soccer team to the NCAA Southeast Regional championship, scoring a team-high eight goals. He also anchored a defense that set a program record for consecutive minutes without a goal. A business major, Skelton was a First Team Scholar All-American and a consensus All-American, being honored for his play by the Jordan Skelton United Soccer Coaches and the D2CCA. The men's tennis team received the Bell/Williams Award for the second consecutive year, given annually to the team that has the overall highest ranking based on team winning percentage, grade point average, and campus and community involvement. The award was established in 2007 to honor two long-serving University employees: Cheryl Bell, former women's tennis coach and former Associate Athletic Director/SWA; and Betty Williams, former Faculty Athletic Representative.

For a complete list of winners, go to www.landerbearcats.com.

Bearcats Team Up for Connie Maxwell Children's Home

By Rixon Lane

Lander Athletics proudly continued its partnership with Connie Maxwell Children's Home, when more than 440 student-athletes, coaches, and administrators supported the local ministry through various campus improvement projects this fall.

Established in Greenwood in 1892, Connie Maxwell annually serves more than 200 children and families through its residential care, crisis care, family care and foster care programs.

"Lander Athletics is thrilled to continue its partnership with Connie Maxwell Children's Home, in what has proven to be a mutually fruitful relationship. We hope to continue the standard set from last year's inaugural campaign for community service in our athletic department that yields impactful and lasting results," said Brian Reese, Lander Athletics director. "We believe instilling this sense of 'service above self' is vital in the comprehensive development of our student-athletes."

The month-long service project, which incorporated every sports program in the department, began in August, with final projects wrapping up in September.

Some of these projects included landscaping and beautification projects around campus; helping to transition a guesthouse into a cottage for boys; sports clinics with the children; painting fences and a barn at OASIS Farm; and woodworking.

"Partners like Lander University are a valuable part of our Connie Maxwell family," said Debbie McDowell, assistant to the president. "The presence of partners like Lander is an encouragement and a tremendous help. We look forward to our service days in August and September, and hope to cultivate future partnership opportunities."

Top: Members of Lander’s wrestling team take a break during their service at Connie Maxwell Children’s Home in Greenwood.

From Aug. 12-Sept. 21, more than 440 student-athletes, coaches and administrators supported the local ministry through campus improvement projects. – photo courtesy Lander Wrestling

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‘The Drop’ Nets Another Big Win for Athletics

By Megan Price, photos by Laura M. Brown

The 2nd annual "Emerald Ink & Stitches – The Drop" was a big success for Lander University Athletics, with the event raising more than $71,000 for Lander studentathletes and athletic programs. Golf balls, purchased by supporters, were dropped from a helicopter over New Residence Hall field, with the balls landing closest to a special target winning the owners cash prizes. Over the past two years, the unique fundraiser has raised approximately $141,000, and more than 130 private and corporate sponsors have supported The Drop since its inception. This year's event, held April 26, brought nearly 400 people to Finis Horne Arena, and guests enjoyed live music by The Embers, featuring Craig Woolard, as well as food, beverages and other entertainment. The evening culminated with the helicopter ball drop, with Farm Bureau winning the grand prize.

Officials measure golf balls landing closest to the target on New Residence Hall field as part of the 2nd annual Emerald Ink & Stitches – The Drop.

Nearly 400 guests mingled in Finis Horne Arena while enjoying food, beverages and live music by The Embers, featuring Craig Woolard.

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The dance floor was filled with shaggers of all ages during the evening celebration, which supported Lander University Athletics.

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864-388-8384

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Celebrating Our Past. Building Our Future.

On February 12, 2020, Lander University will celebrate its 148th birthday, marking nearly a century and a half since the institution first opened its doors in 1872 as Williamston Female College, under the helm of founder and first president The Rev. Samuel Lander.

In the hours leading up to this special day, the Lander community and friends will have an opportunity to show their support for the university and its students by making a donation during Lander University’s Day of Giving, in honor of Founder’s Day. Beginning at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, the campaign will last 24 hours, wrapping up at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

“Our goal is to bring Lander supporters – alumni, faculty, staff, parents, families and friends – together for one purpose: to celebrate our past and build our future,” said Mike Worley, vice president for University Advancement, who, along with the staff of The Lander Foundation, has led efforts to organize the exciting campaign. “All gifts collected during the 24-hour period will have a direct, positive impact on our current and future students. It is a perfect way to honor our founder, The Rev. Samuel Lander, and his legacy of educational excellence that is the hallmark of our university.”

Make a Gift: Gifts can be made at any time during the Day of Giving campaign through Lander’s convenient, secure online giving portal at giving.lander.edu. Additionally, Lander Foundation staff and volunteers will be available to assist supporters with donations made over the phone or in-person at the Lander Foundation & Alumni Center, located at 302 Hampton Avenue, Greenwood, S.C. The center is open 8 a.m to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.

"Gifts of all sizes are welcome," Worley said, adding that participants can choose to support a specific area or program – such as a new or established scholarship, or academic college – or be designated for Lander’s Excellence Fund, which provides flexible dollars to address the university’s greatest needs. “Those needs can be anything from classroom equipment, such as microscopes for our biology labs or kilns for our art students, to study abroad assistance for our Honors College students, to professional development programs for our faculty,” he said. Donors can also choose to make more than one gift during the day if they wish to support multiple initiatives or areas.

Answer the Challenge: Challenges will be a part of the Day of Giving campaign, as well. While those are still being organized, possibilities include class years, fraternities and sororities, corporate and professional organizations, athletic teams, alumni networks, parent clubs, and academic and co-curricular organizations, Worley said.

In addition to the affinity group challenges, organizers are developing social media challenges, matching challenges, and hourly challenges to encourage participation and build excitement throughout the 24 hours. “Challenges are a fun way to keep everyone engaged and involved throughout the day. You can even start your own challenge between friends, family, colleagues, and classmates,” Worley said.

Show Your Spirit: Besides giving, there are many ways to show support during Lander University’s Day of Giving, including sharing your school spirit online and in the community. “We want everyone to wear their Lander colors or Lander gear that day and to share their school spirit on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Spread the word about Lander’s Day of Giving and encourage others to participate,” he said. “But also, just reach out to other Lander alumni, students, and employees, and connect with them as fellow members of our Lander community.”

The Lander Foundation will be sharing more details about the Day of Giving soon, Worley said, “but for now, mark your calendars for this special day and help us celebrate our founder, our students, and our university. However you participate, your generosity will ensure that more Lander students have access to scholarships and extraordinary educational opportunities that will transform their lives and prepare them for successful futures.”

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Celebrating Our Past 24 hours of giving in honor of Founder's Day. Join together with fellow alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends to honor our founder, celebrate our history and support our students – both current and future – by participating in Lander University’s Day of Giving. The 24-hour campaign starts at noon on Feb. 11, 2020, and ends at noon on Feb. 12, 2020 – which marks the university’s 148th birthday.

February 11-12, 2020

Building Our Future Give online, by phone or in person.

Gifts of all sizes are welcome, and all gifts make an impact! Support a specific area or program at Lander University, or designate your gift for Lander’s Excellence Fund for the university’s greatest needs.

• Visit giving.lander.edu to use Lander’s convenient online giving portal.

• Call The Lander Foundation at 864-388-8350 to make a gift by phone.

• Stop by the Lander University Foundation & Alumni Center (302 Hampton Avenue, Greenwood, S.C.) to make a gift in-person.

• You can also mail a donation prior to the Day of Giving to: The Lander Foundation, 320 Stanley Ave., Greenwood, S.C. 29649 (Please make checks payable to The Lander Foundation; designate the donation for “Day of Giving.”)

Lander Day of Giving Together, we give back. Together, we grow.

Your participation in Lander’s Day of Giving is essential in ensuring that bright and talented students have access to an exceptional education at Lander University – one that will prepare them to launch their careers or further their studies in graduate school. Your support also helps Lander attract and retain outstanding faculty, create innovative new programs, and provide enriching experiences that make a Lander education truly extraordinary.

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Giving the Gift of Education

In October, Lander University brought scholarship supporters and recipients together for an evening of conversation and fellowship at the 36th annual Eleanor Shiflet Teal Donor Appreciation and Scholarship Dinner.

Sponsored by Greenwood Capital, the event provided students the opportunity to personally thank the generous individuals who are helping to make their education possible, said Mike Worley, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of The Lander Foundation.

Dinner keynote speaker Linda Dolny Lister, chair of Lander’s Board of Trustees and a 1969 alumna, established her first Lander scholarship in 1986 and recently established a Presidential Medallion Scholarship at the university. After sharing a story of how scholarships impacted her own life, Lister challenged the recipients present to give of their time, talents and resources in the years to come, so that future students have the same opportunities for an excellent education.

“I don’t care if you only have a dime to give, Linda Dolny Lister give a dime. I don’t care if you only have ten minutes to spend, spend those ten minutes with people you care about, and give back,” she said. “Pay it forward, to help others reach a higher level than they could have reached without that help.”

– photos by Laura M. Brown, Deb Nygro, Caroline Jenkins and Wendy Bedenbaugh

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Tatenda Makuvatsine

Erin Currier

Matthew Griego

Three scholarship recipients also spoke. Tatenda Makuvatsine, of Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe, said that the Mufuka Family Scholarship that he received “gave me the opportunity to fly as high as my wings would take me.” He thanked the Mufuka family, several members of whom were present, for “caring for me in a way I could never have imagined.”

Erin Currier, of Sumter, said that the Wohlwend Family Scholarship that she received allowed her to cancel one of her student loans. “To say ‘thank you’ is not enough. That is a huge blessing to me,” she said.

Lander golf team member Matthew Griego, of Loris, said that the John Wesley Martin Golf Scholarship that he received “lifted a huge financial burden off my shoulders, and for that I’m forever grateful.”

Dr. Scott Jones, Lander provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, said that the support of donors “ensures our students have access to a high-quality education at Lander, and that they can graduate without overwhelming debt. We thank you for your friendship, your generosity and your commitment.”

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PAYING IT

FORWARD

FORMER FACULTY MEMBERS GIVE BACK TO LANDER

By Graham Duncan, photos by Wendy Bedenbaugh

At least once a week, you can head over to Montague’s or The Mill House in Greenwood for an early lunch and find retired Lander University professors Jerry Wilson and Bruce White dining together. It’s a tradition between the two academicians that is rarely broken.

Bruce White

Jerry Wilson

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Wilson and White have many things in common: they both taught at Lander, they both share a fascination for German culture (even traveling to Germany together), and they are both examples of Lander faculty who have made the generous decision to give back to the university.

For them, it’s a way of “paying it forward.”

“Education was only financially possible for me because someone gave me a scholarship,” said Wilson, professor emeritus of physics. The generosity he saw firsthand as a student is what inspired Wilson and his wife, Sandy, to establish the Jerry D. Wilson Scholarship for Excellence in Science, which provides tuition scholarships for students in the Department of Biology, the Department of Physical Science, and the Department of Mathematics and Computing.

Though retired, Wilson still writes the weekly Curiosity Corner (originally known as the Science Corner), a question-and-answer column he started in 1982, as another way to give back to the community. It is now carried by five area newspapers, and is distributed by Lander’s Office of University Relations and Publications.

And while White taught mathematics at Lander, he has several other interests, including foreign language (he speaks German and some Italian), history, classical music and jazz. “I was not a mathematician who happened to teach,” he likes to say. “I was a teacher, who happened to teach mathematics.”

White’s love of music led him to establish the Nat F. White Instrumental Music Scholarship at Lander, which is named in memory of his father, who was a professional musician. “He instilled a love of music

GENEROSITY THAT HELPS LANDER STUDENTS GROW in me,” said White, who played flute and piano for several years, himself. It’s awarded annually to several members of the Lander University Wind Ensemble or Jazz Ensemble based on the performer’s ability, regardless of whether their major is music.

Also seeing a need for talented special educators, White established the Carolyn Sue White Scholarship, which was named in honor of his beloved sister, who was born with Down Syndrome. The scholarship is awarded annually to one or more students pursuing a degree in special education.

Along with Wilson and White, many other members of Lander’s faculty have also honored Lander with their generosity, including Professors Emeriti Meredith Uttley and Larry Vereen. Each have reinvested in Lander University in some way, from establishing scholarships for students studying various disciplines, to creating travel grants that make it possible for students to attend research conferences.

“Lander is unique in that the people who have served here remain heavily involved with our institution in retirement,” said Mike Worley, vice president for advancement, who also pointed out that Lander’s faculty are among the most generous donors to the university. In fact, Wilson, White and Vereen are three of Lander’s top 15 all-time living donors. “For them, Lander is their community. We are fortunate that they’ve made the decision to remain active in this community,” Worley said.

Like Wilson, Vereen reflected on the impact that scholarships had on his education. “I know what it’s like to struggle financially when going to college,” Vereen said, recognizing that it was the kindness of others that inspired him to do the same. “Had it not been for one particular initial scholarship to what was then Coastal Carolina Junior College, I don’t know what I would have ended up doing.”

In 1997, Vereen established a scholarship of his own, which is awarded annually to students majoring in biology. And, he admits that the idea to establish the scholarship came from the desire to pay it forward – a way of showing gratitude to those who made education possible for him. “I can appreciate students needing financial assistance,” Vereen said, “because I’ve been there, done that.”

Uttley, professor emeritas of anthropology and sociology, agreed with her colleagues. “I, too, received scholarship help when I was going to college,” she said, which is part of what motivated her to return the generosity.

According to Uttley, her contributions started as small payroll deductions to the foundation that were put into an account to help her buy supplies for her anthropology classes. But as the account grew, she was able to do more.

More recently, her generosity has led to the establishment Meredith Uttley of a new scholarship for students studying criminology. “A variety of things have come my way that expanded my view of the world,” she said, “and that’s what I’m trying to do with this scholarship.” She hopes its recipients will not only emulate a high standard of ethics, which she believes is vital for today’s students, but also “give them the opportunity to spend less time working and more time enjoying their education.”

These members of the Lander community also want their contributions to serve as inspirations for their recipients, as well as other members of the faculty, to consider how they may do the same. “From those to whom much has been given, much is expected,” Uttley said, recalling an old adage her husband often recited. “That’s just another way of saying ‘pay it forward.’ It’s important that students now start to think about Larry Vereen how they, too, can pay it forward.”

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LU

Class Notes 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.

’70s

Donna Ray Gardner ’70 retired from Lexington School District 2 after 33 years of teaching.

’80s

Don Lloyd ’83 was named the new President and CEO of St. Claire HealthCare. Don is a past recipient of Lander’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year award and is a member of the university’s Board of Trustees.

Rev. Kimberly D. Moore ’87 was appointed to the North Carolina Commission on Women and Youth Involvement.

’90s Tracy Powell Cromer ’91 was named Teacher of the Year for 2019-20 at Pinecrest Elementary.

Cristy Ridlehoover Hyduke ’95 was named Teacher of the Year for 2019-20 at Springfield Elementary.

Brad Nickles ’95 was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Instruction with Greenwood School District 50.

Julie Meacham Miner ’96 was promoted to Vice President for Communications at Connie Maxwell Children’s Home.

Anna Fortner Clark ’97 was named Teacher of the Year for 2019-20 at the Early Childhood Center in Greenwood.

Jenny McKesson Risinger ’97 was named Director of Evaluation with Greenwood School District 50.

Karen Massey Teague ’97 was named Interim Assistant Director of the Genesis Education Center with Greenwood School District 50.

Emmy Doolittle Evans ’98 was named Teacher of the Year for 2019-20 at Rice Elementary.

Dana Burdette Lee ’99 was named Teacher of the Year for 2019-20 at Merrywood Elementary.

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’00s

Julian M. Gale ’00 was named Director of Magnet/Choice Programs and Professional Development with Greenwood School District 50.

Christi Prentice Wiggins ’00 recently earned her MSN from Francis Marion University. Christi is a nurse practitioner at McLeod Cardiology Associates.

Elizabeth Polatty Arnold ’01 was named Teacher of the Year for 2019-20 at Hodges Elementary.

Alyson Connell Perrin ’02 was named Director of Elementary Education for Greenwood School District 50.

Michele Ballenger Smith ’04 has a new position as Theatre Director for Wade Hampton High School.

Valencia Caslani Tiller ’05 was named Teacher of the Year for 2019-20 at Matthews Elementary.

Tiara Watson ’05 was named Principal of Springfield Elementary.

’10s

Stacie Cobb ’10 was named Teacher of the Year for 2019-20 at Woodfields Elementary.

Meghan Jiunnies Brunson ’11 is the new upper elementary class leader at The Montessori School of Camden, S.C. Ben Moores ’11 recently earned his M.B.A. from the University of Manchester. Ben is a program manager with Google.

Doug Timms ’11 was promoted to a supervisory position with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control in Greenwood.

Savannah Campbell ’15 was named 2019 District Teacher of the Year for Laurens School District 55.

Nyja Manigault ’15 has a new position as a patient access representative at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Olivia Rushton ’15 has a new position as a human resources generalist at Wesley Commons Retirement Community.

Austin Wilson ’15 signed with the Carolina Cowboyz to play professional arena football in Greenville, S.C. Tarryn Angermeier ’16 has transferred to a new position as a senior accountant for Eaton Corporation in Melbourne, Australia.

Weddings Katherine Pearson McLane ’15 and William McLane married on June 8.

Katherine is an administrative assistant at Fujifilm. They live in Greenwood.

Stephanie Hope Whitmire ’15 and Brian Thomas Plank married on April 27.

Stephanie is the owner of Stephanie Hope Counseling, LLC. They live in Simpsonville.

Murray Calhoun Tinsley ’16 and Amber Brooke Wardell married on Aug. 17. Calhoun is a customer service representative with Velux. They live in Greenwood.

Lauren Ashlee Haynes ’18 and Zachary Hunter Buchanan married on July 27.

Lauren is a pediatric nurse at Self Regional Healthcare. They live in Greenwood.

Births Chad Nabors ’02 and Kristin Nabors, a son, Elliott Wesley, June 8.

Troy Fields ’03 and Danielle Waldt Fields ’07, a daughter, Claire Elizabeth, July 24.

Claire joins big sister Kate, who is 4.

Joseph Engram ’07 and Katie Finkbeiner Engram ’09, a daughter, Sophie Madera, Aug. 17. Proud grandparents are Kat Laye Finkbeiner ’71 and Erwin Finkbeiner.

Anna-Lauren Pearce Sanders ’08 and Chase Sanders, a son, Mason James, March 19. Mason joins big sister Savannah Grace, who is 6.

Doug Timms ’11 and Jennifer Timms, a son, Davis Oliver, June 4.

Don Durden ’12 and Katherine Durden, a son, Ryan Keith, July 23.

Rebecca Sessions Sapough ’13 and Rhett Sapough ’13, a son, Harrison Rhett, April 9. Harrison joins big sister Georgia, who is 2.

(Class Notes continued on page 58)

Walker ’72 Named ‘Woman of Influence’

Alumni Adventures

Lander University Trustee Anne Walker, a member of Lander’s Class of 1972, was named a 2019 Woman of Influence by the Columbia Regional Business Report.

Two Incredible Travel Opportunities Exclusively for Lander Alumni & Friends!

The award honors leaders who are making a difference in their career fields, as well as in their local and regional communities. Walker was one of 25 recipients who were featured in a special edition of the Business Report and honored at the Women of Influence annual luncheon, held in August in Columbia.

Italian Lakes April 25-May 3, 2020 Lake Como - Lake Maggiore - Lake Orta

A current member and past chair of the Lander University Board of Trustees, Walker is the executive director of the Alston Wilkes Society, a multi-state, nonprofit agency working with criminal justice, homelessness, veterans and children’s issues. In addition to her professional position, Walker has been involved extensively at the local level in the Sumter and Columbia communities, as well as at the state and national level. She has previously served as chair of the State Ethics Commission and the Palmetto Project Board of Directors. She is a past president and founding member of the S.C. Probation & Parole Association and the S.C. Association of Non-Profit Organizations, and past district governor for Rotary District 7770.

Nationally, Walker serves on the Board of Governors for the 20,000-member American Correctional Association (ACA), and she is a past president of the International Community Corrections Association, a member of Phi Mu Fraternity and a professional member of the National Speakers Association.

She has received numerous local, state and national awards, including the Lander Distinguished Alumni Award, the National Phi Mu Alumna Award for Community Service, and the E.R. Cass Lifetime Achievement Award from ACA.

Garrett ’04 Recognized as Banking Leader CBL State Savings Bank recently recognized Senior Vice President Brent Garrett for being named one of Independent Banker’s Under 40 Emerging Community Bank Leaders. The national honor recognizes up-and-coming community bankers who demonstrate exceptional potential in leadership, innovation and community work.

“This group of young professionals should give all of us a sense of pride and optimism as we look to the future of America’s community banks,” said Matt Kusilek, publisher of Independent Banker.

Garrett is a 2004 graduate of Lander University with a degree in business administration. His leadership and community service includes: chairman of IBSC Leaders of Tomorrow; former chairman of the Greater Greer Education Foundation; chairman-elect of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce; member and former chairman of the chamber’s Leadership Council; chairman of the Greer Family Fest; and a deacon of Greer First Presbyterian Church.

According to Independent Banker’s “40 under 40” story, as chairman of the Independent Banks of South Carolina’s Leaders of Tomorrow program, “Brent Garrett is passionate about bringing the next generation on board. He and the other program participants visit career fairs to discuss the advantages of working in a community bank.” – courtesy GoLaurens.com

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Hurry! Reservation Deadline: January 21, 2020

Cruising the Rivieras and Islands October 10-18, 2020 France - Italy - Spain Cruise for seven nights from Barcelona to Rome aboard the fivestar Le Jacques Cartier, featuring the extraordinary Blue Eye – the world’s first multisensory, underwater observation lounge! Enjoy the sun-drenched landscapes and lush, mountainous backdrops of the French and Italian Rivieras and islands, a glamorous retreat for artists, writers, nobility, and gourmands. Become immersed in the region’s dynamic history, stunning scenery, inimitable art and culture, and visit up to five UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Explore Corsica’s fortified town of Bonifacio. Choose to visit the Renaissance treasures of Florence or the Tuscan cities of Pisa and Lucca. Enjoy a specially arranged excursion in alluring Monaco, walk the vibrant Vieux Port in historic Marseille, and explore charming Nice. (from $4,995 per person, double occupancy*)

Reservation Deadline: July 2020 * See www.lander.edu/alumni-travel for detailed itineraries, included features and reservation instructions. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 864-388-8351 or email dmanley1@lander.edu.

Make Your Reservation Today! www.lander.edu/alumni-travel Tours Coordinated by: Gohagan & Company 209 South LaSalle Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60604-1446 1-800-992-3088 or 312-609-1140

www.lander.edu/magazine

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Class Notes In Memoriam Anna Stevenson Dove ’39, Winnsboro, Oct. 24. Anna was a retired schoolteacher and member of Bethel Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Surviving are a son, daughter, brother, five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Alice Scott Beaudrot ’41, Greenwood, June 5. Alice was co-owner of Beaudrot’s Flowers and served on the Lander Alumni Association Board for many years, including as President. Surviving are a daughter, three grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren.

Betty McDavid Pierson ’43, Columbus, Ind., July 5. Betty was a member of the Red Cross during World War II and began her teaching career after the war ended. She was a member of Berea Friendship United Methodist Church. Surviving are a son, sonin-law, four grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

Sadie Willis Rice ’45, Greenville, Mar. 8. Sadie was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Surviving are two sons, a daughter, sister, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Jean Thomas King ’46, Covington, Ga., Mar. 3. Jean was a former schoolteacher and member of First Baptist Church and the American Legion Post 32. Surviving are a son, four daughters, 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Virginia Henderson Faucette ’49, Laurens, Nov. 6, 2018. Virginia was a retired schoolteacher and member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband, brother, three sons, five grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Margaret Loftis Gallman ’48, Taylors, Feb. 25. Margaret was a member of Hampton Heights Baptist Church and a former Sunday school teacher. Surviving are a son, daughter, two grandchildren and a greatgranddaughter.

Josephine Leaman DeBruhl ’54, Lexington, May 19. Josephine worked for Clemson Extension as a 4-H Club advisor and substitute teacher. Surviving are two sons, a daughter, brother and five grandchildren.

George K. Teasley ’54, Greenwood, June 28. George was retired from Connie Maxwell Children’s Home and a member of Connie Maxwell Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, son and grandson.

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Charlotte Irby Barmore ’59, Greenwood, June 30. Charlotte was retired from Greenwood District 50 and Piedmont Technical College. She was a member of First Baptist Church. Surviving are a son, son-in-law, sister and granddaughter.

Jessie Emily Finucan ’59, Summerville, Jan. 9. Jessie was a retired teacher, administrator and coach. Surviving are a brother, and many nieces and nephews.

Janet Ellenburg Moore ’61, Dalton, Ga., July 29. Janet retired from Hamilton Medical Center. Surviving are a son, daughter, three grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Sara Riley Light ’68, Greenwood, July 24.

Sara was retired from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and a member of Hodges United Methodist Church. Surviving are her fiancé, four sons, a sister and eight grandchildren.

Mary Alice Webb Hamrick ’69, Inman, Sept. 29. Mary Alice was a schoolteacher and later retired from Lander University, where she was the assistant registrar. She was a member of First Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, daughter, sister, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

William F. Stoddard ’71, Union, May 6.

William was retired from Rembert Company and was a member of Union Presbyterian

Church. Surviving are a son, brother, sister, and several nieces and nephews.

Hazel Ann Tisdale ’72, Greenville, May 24.

Hazel was a retired schoolteacher and a member of Simpsonville United Methodist Church. Surviving are three sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

Goldie West Stewart Davis ’73, Simpsonville, May 13. Goldie retired as the executive director of the Greenwood Literacy Council and was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church. Surviving are a son, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Lynn Boland Traynham ’73, Ware Shoals, May 18. Lynn was a retired schoolteacher and a member of Mt. Gallagher Baptist Church. Surviving are a son, three daughters and three sisters.

Jack C. Sizemore III ’74, Greenwood, July 24. Jack was a member of Lander’s tennis team as a student, the U.S. Tennis Association and Woodfields Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, two sons, a daughter, brother, two sisters and three grandchildren.

Johnnie Cleo Parker ’75, Taylors, July 27.

Johnnie was a retired schoolteacher and enjoyed sewing. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Darlene Newell Hyman ’61, of Surfside Beach, passed away on May 10 at the age of 79. Born in Johnsonville, Darlene began her career in teaching after graduating from Lander in 1961.

She continued her education and earned a master's in speech pathology from Western Carolina University and an Educational Specialist degree from the University of South Carolina.

Darlene spent many years serving in leadership roles. She was a member of The Lander Foundation Board and the Lander University Board of Trustees, and was a past vice president and president of the Lander Alumni Association. She was actively involved in the Delta Kappa Gamma professional society for women educators, where she formed lifelong friendships and created many fond memories.

After retiring from the public school system as a speech pathologist, she operated her own speech language service. She is survived by a daughter, two brothers and a sister.

Betty Jo Moore Hall ’82, of Abbeville, died August 8 at the age of 58. A native of Anderson County, she was a lifelong educator and served as District Superintendent of Abbeville County School District.

Betty Jo was a 1982 graduate of Lander University, where she received a B.S. in business education.

She followed that with a Master of Library Science from the University of South Carolina; a Master's +30 from Clemson University; and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

She attended Abbeville First Baptist Church and was a member of the S.C. Shaggers Hall of Fame.

Her service to the community included roles as president of the Abbeville Woman’s Club; Heritage House Board of Directors member; president of the Abbeville Cotillion Club; chair of the Abbeville Area Medical Center Foundation Board; and member of the Abbeville County Library Board. Surviving are her husband, a brother, sister, and many nieces and nephews.

William Ned Johnson ’77, Ninety Six, July 23. Ned was retired from Duke Energy and a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. Surviving are his wife, daughter, a brother, sister, brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

Isabel “Sissy” Gwynette Tennis ’87, Greenwood, May 18. Sissy was a retired social worker at Self Regional Healthcare and a member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection. Surviving are her husband, two sons and two brothers.

John W. Hancock ’79, Indian Trail, N.C., June 22. John was retired from Solutia and served in the National Guard. He was a member of American Legion Post 20 and First Baptist Church of Matthews, N.C. Surviving are his wife, a daughter, sister and two grandchildren.

Eloise Gordon Walker ’87, Hodges, June 3. Eloise was a retired social worker for the Department of Social Services and a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Surviving are her husband, a son, daughter, brother, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Valerie Pickell Duffie ’83, Greenwood, June 3. Valerie was employed with Countybank and a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church. Surviving are a son, daughter, brother, grandson, niece and nephew.

Gena Delle Wilson ’90, Beaufort, May 13.

Gena was a youth missionary in Scotland for 23 years. Surviving are her parents, brother, sister, and many nieces and nephews.

Ethel McBride Berksteiner ’84, Durham, N.C., June 3. Ethel was a certified nursing assistant and a U.S. Army Veteran. Surviving are a brother, sister, two uncles, an aunt, and many nieces and nephews.

Russell A. Fleming ’95, Greenwood, Aug. 29. Russell was a TE/GRL Technician with Fujifilm. He was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and South Side Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, parents, stepson, a brother and two sisters.

Debra Norman-Parker ’84, Greenwood, May 30. Debra was retired from Self Regional Healthcare. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church. Surviving are her husband, a daughter, stepson, three brothers, sister and grandson.

Connie “Lisa” Wiggins Seawright ’85, Elberton, Ga., Aug. 29. Lisa was a teacher and member of First Baptist Church.

Surviving are her husband, mother, son, daughter and brother.

Sonya Williams Bethea ’96, Greenwood, Sept. 5. Sonya was a student counselor and tutor at Piedmont Technical College and a member of Greenwood First Baptist Church.

Surviving are her parents and a daughter.

Stephanie Ann Dorn ’00, Greenwood, July 6. Stephanie was of the Methodist faith.

W. Jackson “Jack” Burton ’01, Greenwood, May 26. Jack was a lecturer of chemistry at Lander University and recipient of the Lander University Moore Award for

Excellence in General Education Teaching.

He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Surviving are his wife, parents, a brother, sister, niece and nephew.

Tonya Counts Hodges ’14, Greenwood, June 7. Tonya was a school nurse at Merrywood Elementary. Surviving are her husband, five brothers, a sister, and several nieces and nephews.

Gregory Kyle Sexton ’17, Greenwood, Sept. 11. Kyle was a service manager at Publix. Surviving are his parents, partner, grandparents, three brothers and two sisters.

SYMPATHY TO Betty Hipp Williams ’64 on the passing of her husband, Michael C. Williams, May 13.

Betty Merchant Dorn ’74 on the passing of her husband, and Dr. Gerald W. Dorn II ’77 on the passing of his father, Gerald W. Dorn Sr., Sept. 14.

Celeste Stephens Hill ’80 on the passing of her daughter, Kelsey Miranda Hill, May 14.

Melanie Hall Lawton ’80 on the passing of her mother-in-law, Nelva Anderson Lawton, Sept. 22.

Wallace “Wally” A. Hall Jr. ’82 on the passing of his wife, Betty Jo Moore Hall ’82, Aug. 8.

Terry Bryan ’87 on the passing of his sister, Kathy Bryan Sanders, Sept. 17.

Greg G. Wilson ’90 on the passing of his sister, Gena D. Wilson ’90, May 13.

Paige Hill Holley ’99 on the passing of her father, Thomas Franklin “Frank” Hill, Sept. 12.

Lee-Ann Smith Livingston ’99/’02 on the passing of her sister-in-law, Tracy Livingston Sims, Sept. 26.

Kayla Blackwell ’11 on the passing of her grandfather, Hubert Minor, June 26.

Nate H. Kirkland ’12 on the passing of his infant daughter; Chris Kirkland ’81 and Joan Allen Kirkland ’83 on the passing of their infant granddaughter; and CK Kirkland ’09 and Townsend Strange Kirkland ’09 on the passing of their infant niece, Delaney Renee Kirkland, Aug. 2.

Kenneth Calliham ’14 on the passing of his grandmother, Mary Wooten Calliham, June 17.

Faculty/Staff Mike Blackwell, videographer for University Relations, on the passing of his father-in-Law, Hubert Minor, June 26.

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Alumni Gain High Honors

By Eric Lawson, Photos by Laura M. Brown

Lander University honored eight outstanding alumni during its Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony, held at Lander Legion Hall on Oct. 4. Speaking directly to the recipients, Lander President Richard Cosentino said, “You demonstrate what is possible by earning a Lander degree.”

Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award Retired Colonel Warren Bacote, Class of 1989 After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Lander in 1989, Warren Bacote joined the U.S. Army’s Military Police Corps as a second lieutenant. For the Darlington native, his commission signaled the beginning of a 30-year military career and the eventual earning of the rank of colonel.

In addition to his Lander education, Col. Bacote graduated from the Air War College, Command and General Staff College, Army

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Management Staff College and the Inspector General School. He also earned a Master of Art in Security Management from the American Military University.

Rising steadily through the ranks, Bacote held a host of positions, including executive officer, chief of staff, inspector general, operations chief and commander.

His commendations and military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, the Parachutist Badge and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Earlier this year, Bacote, serving as operations chief for the 200th Military Police Command, was presented with the Antiterrorism Best Large Unit Award from the U.S. Army Reserve. The award recognizes excellence in deterring terrorism through strategic plans and defensive measures.

In addition to his deployments abroad, Bacote served in 10 different communities throughout the country. During his service in each community, he either led or was actively involved in raising funds for scholarships, community service projects, and tutoring and mentoring underserved youth.

For Lander, Bacote has been an unrelenting supporter. A member of the Alumni Association Board, he regularly travels from the Washington, D.C., area to attend board meetings and continues to support the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Terry Evans, Class of 1976

Charles (Chuck) Watson Jr., Class of 1983

Terry Evans came to Lander on a basketball scholarship and played for Coach Finis Horne and the thenLander Senators.

He began his career as a research chemist in Greenwood before joining the U.S. Navy nuclear propulsion program in 1978 as a commissioned officer, and served five years in submarine service.

Following his military career, Evans worked in the commercial nuclear power industry in Iowa, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin and Louisiana. He then joined the Arkansas Nuclear One industry team, held a Senior Reactor Operator License on boiling water reactors, and a Senior Reactor Operations Certification on pressurized water reactors.

His volunteerism includes board leadership roles with the United Way in several states, and as vice president for the Lander Alumni Association Board. He recently joined The Lander Foundation Board.

Evans also established an endowed scholarship in Lander’s College of Science and Mathematics for chemistry students, and he has served as a guest lecturer for various Lander science classes.

After earning his history degree from Lander, Chuck Watson earned his juris doctorate in 1986 from the University of South Carolina. He then opened his own private law service, The Watson Law Firm, in Greenwood.

Watson also served as Greenwood County Attorney for many years, providing legal and professional services in governmental affairs, while maintaining his private practice.

His community involvement includes serving as a councilman for Greenwood County Council from 1989-1992, and as a member of the Greenwood County Voter Registration Board. Professionally, he was secretary for the Greenwood Bar Association and secretary of the South Carolina Association of County Attorneys.

Watson’s service to Lander has included teaching for the Political Science Department in Lander’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and providing scholarship funds for many years. He has also sponsored networking opportunities for graduating seniors through etiquette and professional dinners.

Joyce Johnson Nickles, Class of 1960

Steve Wohlwend, Class of 1981

Greenwood native Joyce Johnson Nickles’s Lander experience began at an early age. At just 6, Nickles participated in a pre- college music program offered at Lander called The Kinscella Method.

Nickles remained in the class for six years, performing numerous recitals in the Lander auditorium.

After studying church music and organ at Mississippi College, Nickles returned to Lander and graduated with a degree in music.

Afterwards, she completed additional study in piano pedagogy at Lander and organ at Presbyterian College.

On the advice of her Lander instructor, Nickles opened her own studio in Greenwood and provided piano instruction. Many of her students have since become church musicians, Broadway and opera performers, school administrators and teachers.

For 25 years, Nickles was a Kindermusik instructor, and served as organist and director of Children’s Music at Main Street United Methodist Church. A nationally certified music teacher, Nickles currently chairs the Independent Music Teachers Board of the South Carolina Music Teachers Association.

In 2016, a scholarship was established in Nickles’s name at Lander. Awarded to a freshman music major or minor studying piano or voice, the scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees for four years.

As a student, Steve Wohlwend was recruited to play golf at Lander, serving as captain of the golf team. He was later elected president of the Student Government Association and president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

After graduating from Lander with a degree in business accounting, Wohlwend continued his studies at Clemson University and Mercer University. He earned his Certified Public Accounting license and Certified Employee Benefit Specialist from the Wharton School of Business.

Wohlwend’s professional career includes working with Prudential, Ernst and Young, and Aetna insurance companies. With Aetna, he held leadership positions as president of the Southeast Region, vice president of Tennessee and Kentucky markets, and national head of sales and distribution until his retirement.

His volunteerism includes leadership with the United Way in Jacksonville, and as president of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program. He is currently treasurer for the Lander Alumni Association Board and has recently joined The Lander Foundation Board.

Wohlwend established a physical education scholarship – building it from annually funded to endowed – and recently made a sizable gift to endow multiple scholarships for future Lander students pursuing various majors. (continued on page 62)

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Honoring Lander's Outstanding Alumni (continued) During the Alumni Awards Ceremony, Lander's Legion Hall was filled with alumni, supporters, and friends and family of award recipients. “We were thrilled that so many people came together to celebrate the amazing achievements of such an accomplished group of Lander alumni,” said Denise Manley ’89, executive director of Alumni Affairs.

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Recipients of the Young Alumni Award The Lander University Young Alumni Award is presented to graduates within 15 years of obtaining a Lander degree. The award “recognizes emerging professional and community standouts who are also role models and agents of renewal, change and growth.”

Rebecca Caroline Pruitt, Class of 2011 Rebecca Pruitt earned her communications and theatre degree from Lander while interning and working with WYFF in Greenville.

She then turned her career interests to educational behavior intervention, and completed a master’s degree in teaching from Converse College. She is currently pursuing an educational administrative degree and doctorate degree from Converse and Furman University.

Pruitt has been recognized as Spartanburg Induction Teacher of the Year in her district and serves as a teacher leader in multiple volunteer capacities with nonprofit community organizations.

She serves with United Way and Chamber leadership programs, and volunteers as chapter advisor for Lander’s Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Utilizing her ballet and theatre background, Pruitt has also been instrumental in forming an annual Broadway musical for children.

Lamar Scott ’82/84 Recognized for Years of Service to Lander Alumni Association

Sym Singh, Class of 2007 After earning his degree in business and political science from Lander, Sym Singh established a successful career in the insurance industry with New York Life. He focused his career interests later on governmental relations, and earned a master’s degree in public administration from Liberty University.

Singh then began his career as an investigator in the Office of Investigation and Enforcement for the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Within the same department, he was promoted to communications and governmental affairs coordinator and administrator. Singh currently serves as director of Legislative Affairs for the Office of the Governor of South Carolina.

His volunteerism includes guiding several local political campaigns – all of which have been successful in the election of the candidates. He has served Lander through leadership in the local Tower Club and his role as president of the Young Alumni Council.

Lamar Scott, a 1982 and 1984 Lander graduate, began serving on the alumni association Board of Directors in 1998, continuing his tenure every four years through 2019, except for a mandated one-year break. At the board’s most recent meeting, members unanimously voted to bestow Scott with the title of “Board Member Emeritus.” In 2003, Scott set up an endowed scholarship providing tuition assistance to Elbert County, Ga., students.

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By Eric Lawson, photos by Laura M. Brown

Esports is experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity, and Lander University is definitely in the game.

In October, the university unveiled its new gamer’s lounge during a grand opening celebration. Located in the Thomason housing complex, the Bearcade is decked out with three gaming stations for the general student population, and a 12-station training area for Lander’s Esports team, the Bearcat Bytes.

The Bearcade is the result of an exploratory February meeting with Lander President Richard Cosentino and about 40 self-proclaimed gamers from across campus to determine the needs to field a competitive Esports team. A location to practice and play was a high priority, and once the lounge location was identified, students from Lander professor Jim Slagle’s graphic design class created the wall illustrations.

“Students work hard in their classes, so being able to come to the Bearcade for a little gaming is a great way to blow off a little steam before going back to class,” said Brandon Hernandez-Flores, a senior graphic design major from Greenwood who helped with the design of the Bearcade. “Playing games in a lounge like this is much different than playing solo in your room. It’s a much more social activity.”

Now in its second year, the Bearcat Bytes team competes in the Peach Belt Conference. In March, Lander served as the host school for the Peach Belt Esports Tournament. While this is the third year for conference play, Esports in general is experiencing a huge rise in popularity. The 2018 League of Legends World Championship attracted more than 200 million viewers, easily topping the 98 million viewers of Super Bowl LIII.

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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID BURLINGTON, VT PERMIT NO. 19

320 Stanley Ave., Greenwood, SC 29649-2099 Change Service Requested

Save the Date

Lander University 2020 Homecoming and Alumni Reunion Weekend Feb. 20-22, 2020 Celebrating the Classes of 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2010 Scheduled Alumni Events Include: Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020: Alumni and Friends Golf Outing Friday, Feb. 21, 2020:

Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting (Alumni Center) Alumni Homecoming and Reunion Social (Lander Campus) Class of 1970 50th Reunion Dinner (Alumni Center) Young Alumni Social (Uptown Greenwood)

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020:

Reunion Reception (Lander Campus) Alumni Tailgating (Lander Campus) Kappa Sigma and Omega Psi Phi Reunion Tailgating (Lander Campus) Alumni “Meet Me at the Bearcat” Group Photo (Horne Arena) Kappa Sigma 40th Reunion Social (Inn on the Square)

For a full list of Lander University Homecoming events for students and alumni, visit www.lander.edu.