Lees-McRae College Magazine | 2016
INSIDE >> Tropical Ecology, Mountain Style p. 10 | Secret to a Cool Summer p. 16 | Created to Serve p. 20 1 | The Pinnacles | Spring/Summer 2013
Features 10 Tropical Ecology, Mountain Style 16 Secret to a Cool Summer 20 Created to Serve
Departments 05 08 23 28
Lees-McRae Elevated Bobcat Athletics Elevated Alumni Elevated Generations Elevated
The Best Investment Reflections from the Rock House Recently I was invited to the NBC television affiliate in Charlotte to talk about myths in higher education. Most of the questions focused on price—including time and effort—and whether a college education is worth what it costs. Everyone agrees that a college education today is expensive and we often hear in the media that the average debt is $100,000 or more. In fact, the average debt for a student attending a private institution is $29,000. At LeesMcRae College, this figure is $21,000. Reasonable people may disagree over how much debt is too much. Each student and family must ultimately make that decision. When we consider the return on investment for Lees-McRae students, the benefits far outweigh the costs. The Department of Labor reports that workers with a bachelor’s degree earn over $1 million more than high school graduates do during their lifetime. Let’s compare that return on investment with, say, an automobile; after a decade or so, a new car loses most of its value and requires replacement. A baccalaureate degree, by contrast, appreciates and continues to return higher annual earnings. A Lees-McRae degree not only represents a bigger paycheck, but also an insurance policy of sorts. By 2020, two-thirds of American jobs will require some form of postsecondary education. And while we don’t know for sure what the jobs of tomorrow will look like, we do know they will require creative, nimble thinkers. The most valuable employees will have a strong work ethic and be strong communicators and problem solvers. Our faculty teach students to think, master new skills and assume the mantle of good citizenship. Our core curriculum introduces students to multiple disciplines and varied perspectives. In this way, our graduates are prepared to adapt to changing social, economic and political circumstances. Rather than protecting our students from varying points of view, our faculty offer perspectives from people and cultures around the world. This has been a fundamental element of a Lees-McRae education for well over a century. While each student’s experiences at Lees-McRae are different—the studentathlete, the honors student, the wildlife rehabilitator, the nurse or teacher in training, or the performing artist—all share close faculty mentoring as their career aspirations evolve, along with a deliberate experiential path that leads from coursework to internships to research to jobs. With an 88% placement rate, our graduates understand that a Lees-McRae education is the best possible investment a family can make!
Barry M. Buxton, PhD, ’11H President
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GET TO KNOW
THE NEWEST LEES-MCRAE ALUMNI
They hail from 16 states and four countries, including one graduate from Brazil—more than 4,400 miles away—and four from right around the corner in Banner Elk.
The alumni family is growing. Welcome to the 203 graduates of the class of 2015.
Children in school? Graduates are teaching in Franklin, Avery, Gaston, Harnett, Surry, Yadkin and McDowell County Schools.
Enjoy the outdoors? Eleven went on to jobs with animals or the environment.
At commencement, the average age was 23, so these graduates have known only three presidents.
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are already pursuing advanced degrees in graduate or professional school.
In May 2016, more than 250 graduates from the class of 2016 will join the alumni family. This is predicted to be the largest graduating class yet!
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Emily and Joshua are the most common names, but in the class of 1965 you were more likely to meet Mary and John.
More than half earned degrees in Health or Biological Sciences.
Fancy a beverage? One of the graduates is an assistant brewer at Oskar Blues in Brevard, N.C.
Organizing finances? Let a recent graduate take a look at Edward Jones or Northwestern Mutual.
Love to bike? Connect with cycling minor graduates at Trek Cycles or Rotor Bike Components.
Seeing a show? Graduates are on stage at Universal Studios, Fort Peck Theatre, Tweetsie Railroad and Unto These Hills.
Lees-McRae Elevated Return to Flight In early June 2015, the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center admitted a juvenile bald eagle after it was found injured near Morganton, North Carolina. With a fracture near the right wrist, staff knew that precise bandaging, pain control and physical therapy would be crucial for her return to flight. After 82 days of rehabilitation and therapy, she was transferred to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Fla., near where she had hatched and where she had sustained an injury earlier in the year. In the Audubon Center’s 100-foot flight barn, she was able to complete her last steps of rehabilitation. On September 20, Director Nina Fischesser rescued a seizing bald eagle from Lake James, near Marion, North Carolina. With minimal outward signs of trauma, the adult eagle was treated at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center with medications to minimize inflammation and help control the seizures. After seven days of treatment and stabilization, he was transferred to the Carolina Raptor Center in Charlotte, North Carolina for long-term care. Miles apart and at separate rehabilitation facilities, both of the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s patients were given the green light for release on November 20. The Audubon Center released the juvenile eagle near her original nest site in Florida, while Nina Fischesser released the adult eagle at Lake James Park. Thanks to the work of dedicated wildlife rehabilitation staff and students, both eagles were once again able to fly free.
Did you know? 4,500x The May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center serves all creatures great and small. The biggest patient in 2015, a common snapping turtle at more than nine kilograms, was 4,500 times heavier than the smallest, a ruby-throated hummingbird that weighed just two grams.
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Healthcare Advocates
1,033
TOTAL STUDENTS
Highest Enrollment in College History After four consecutive years of growth, the sacred flame burns brighter than ever. Increased retention rates, steady improvements in recruitment and the addition of new seated and online programs helped enrollment reach an all-time high with the start of the fall 2015 term.
Are you in the know? Learn more about recent activities, events and programs, and institutional achievements. Stay up-to-date at lmc.edu/news >>
Faculty in the May School of Nursing and Health Sciences prepare students to apply evidence-based knowledge to facilitate the well-being of those in the local, regional and global communities. During the academic year, RN to BSN and pre-licensure nursing students engaged in local outreach activities including senior wellness fairs, tobacco prevention, exercise programs, nutrition education, emergency preparedness evaluation and chronic disease nutrition best practices.
“We are deeply committed to involving our students with community health promotion and maintenance initiatives.” – Dr. Laura Fero Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences
Inside the Faculty Mind
Robert Turpin, PhD
You wouldn’t know it from his professional attire, but Dr. Turpin is a fan of the punk scene. During his undergraduate career, he admits to playing music, skateboarding and dyeing his hair. “I was drawn to punk music because [of its] message about justice.” The same love of justice is what drives Dr. Turpin as a teacher and his motivation to “see what really happened, so we can learn from it.” He encourages critical discourse in his classes, and aims to give his students both the tools with which to view the world and the ability to form and defend opinions. “[I] lead the students to water; but don’t make them drink.” Dr. Turpin specializes in cultural history, especially marketing, consumption and popular attitudes of masculinity. He will publish his first monograph, First Taste of Freedom: The Bicycle and American Culture, with John Hopkins Press in 2017. An avid cyclist, you may spot Dr. Turpin exploring the area by bike. His favorite place to ride is Hickory Nut Gap, though he spends lots of time exploring the trails on campus.
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Meet the Chairman
Chuck Raymond
Chuck Raymond joined the Board of Trustees in May 2013 following a 46-year career in international shipping. Upon graduation from the US Merchant Marine Academy, he sailed as a deck officer on various cargo and passenger ships. Raymond’s career blossomed with Sea-Land, where he rose to the position of Co-CEO. After which, he was the Chairman, President and CEO of CSX Lines and Horizon Lines for 11 years, where he led efforts to take Horizon Lines public on the New York Stock Exchange. Raymond is proud to be a Lees-McRae trustee and enjoys representing the board on the strategic planning taskforce as they endeavor to chart the College’s future. “It reminds me of my years at sea— often navigating through challenging storms towards brighter horizons.”
Campus Renovations Carson Library Thanks to Aramark, a POD (Provisions on Demand) was added to the first floor of Carson Library. Students, faculty, staff and community members can grab a snack or beverage throughout the day.
Tate Residence Hall Renovations began on Tate Residence Hall with generous donor support. The initial work included updated rooms on the first floor, new furniture in common spaces and landscaping.
Dance Studio The performing arts dance studio was modified through help from donors Dana and Vicki McKittrick and the support of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre. The raised ceiling and additional headroom allows dancers to perform full extensions and leaps.
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Bobcat Athletics Elevated
On the Rise Reflections by Steve Hardin, Men’s Basketball Head Coach When reflecting on the 2015–16 season, one word comes to mind—love. Love for team members, love for the game and love and support from the community. To kick off the season at our first team meeting, I encouraged each player to share the toughest thing they have been through. By the time we finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. At that moment, I knew we had a special team that together would achieve great success. Entering the season, our schedule was ranked as one of the toughest in the country for NCAA Division II. We played in Puerto Rico, the Midwest and all throughout the Southeast. It’s these experiences that built a family of character, toughness and togetherness. Whether taking on two basketball powerhouses on the road or beating the no. 4 ranked team in the country at home in “The Den”, this year’s team laid the blueprint for the upcoming season. One key ingredient was transfer student Austin Anderson. We did not know what we were getting when Austin arrived, but the respect he showed me and the love he had for the game of basketball spoke measures. Austin took on a leadership role right away, and the other members of the team followed his lead. He finished the season being named to the 2016 Division II Bulletin All-American Honorable Mention Team, 2015–16 D2CCA All-Southeast Region second team, 2016 NABC Southeast All-District second team, 2015–16 Conference Carolinas first team and was tabbed the 2015–16 Conference Carolinas Player of the Year. Dunk Mountain has not just become a catchphrase, but a fraternity of believers. Our men truly believe they are building something special here. Throughout the season, the team accolades kept coming our way. For the second year in a row, we set a record for most wins in school history, most conference wins and also finished the highest ever
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in school history at third place in the conference. These guys continue to strive for greatness. Sporting a 3.2 overall GPA, our team mantra, “FIRE,” was not only on display on the court, but also in the classroom. We were honored with several academic all-American and all-conference honors. Apart from breaking records and defeating opponents, it was you, the fans, that showed your belief in us. The energy, support and pride from Bobcat Nation is what inspired us to be our best. The largest crowd ever packed “The Den” as we rivaled King University. Although we fell short on the scoreboard, that night we all realized the power of Bobcat spirit! Lees-McRae basketball is on the rise and we know the best is yet to come.
The 2015–16 men’s basketball team posted a 12-8 mark in conference play and 16-15 overall. They averaged 82.8 points and 13.7 assists per game.
Bobcats in the Community Lees-McRae Athletics hosts Yellow Mountain Enterprises
Cyclists deliver books for “Ride for Reading” Program
Women’s basketball team volunteers at local elementary school
Men’s basketball, women’s soccer and men’s soccer teams shared their talents in an evening of bocce ball with 30 members of the adult day vocational program.
Fifteen riders packed 400 books into backpacks and biked 15 miles to Crossnore Elementary School. Our cycling team is the first in North Carolina to implement the program.
The team devoted time each week to assist Kindergarten and Pre-K classes with reading, writing and letter recognition.
Hit the Slopes After several years without a team, Lees-McRae College is thrilled to announce the return of competition skiing and snowboarding this year. Students now have the chance to compete against other schools in addition to enrolling in the skiing course or spending nights and weekends on the slopes for recreation. The team is coached by Aaron Maas, who spent the last six years as a ski/snowboard instructor at the Sugar Mountain Resort in Sugar Mountain, North Carolina. The team traveled throughout the Southeast competing in events at seven different resorts. They ended their season at the 38th Annual USCSA National Championships where Lees-McRae students AJ Dulin and Carson Bazemore competed in both the Snowboard Giant Slalom and Boardercross events. As the only competition program of its kind in the South, this new team will provide a unique opportunity for students.
Together, We Win! Show your Bobcat Pride by joining the Bobcat Club! Learn more at lmc.edu/bobcatclub >>
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cover story
Tropical Ecology, Mountain Style By Todd Lidh, PhD
In 1991, Dr. Stewart Skeate—still a relatively new faculty member at Lees-McRae—took a group of tropical biology students to Belize. They camped, hiked, explored and lived a primitive life for one week, laying the groundwork for more study abroad trips to come. Fast-forward 25 years, and the now-legendary Dr. Skeate—winner of the College’s first Whalen Master Teacher Grant this past December—has the assistance of two new biology professors, Drs. Sean and Kelly Collins, for a sixth study abroad experience to Belize. While the experience remains focused on tropical biology, biodiversity, sustainability and research, the conditions for the trip are quite different. Dr. Skeate now serves on the Education Committee for the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE). This foundation, established in 1995, maintains a biological field station on a 1,100-acre preserve, adjacent to four protected areas totaling more than 1.5 million acres. Over the years, BFREE has added dorms, research labs, a library, dining hall, all to better serve visiting educational groups from around the country. But BFREE has a particular history with institutions from the Appalachian College Association, and Dr. Skeate was among the first who began educational programs there.
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Students wade across the Bladen River on a day-hike to Holey Rock. A guided nature hike, rangers showed several tropical plants and explained traditional uses.
Did you enjoy this taste of Belize? See more travel adventures, experiments and projects, and cultural experiences. Check out the gallery at lmc.edu/pinnacles >> (Clockwise from top left): a howler monkey eating Cercropia leaves; Dr. Skeate birdwatching at BFREE; Conti, ranger and guide, helping students weigh small mammals; Nelly, trip coordinator, showing palm fronds on a hike; Marissa and “Gato�, resident bird expert, release a white-whiskered puffbird.
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Why Belize? According to Dr. Skeate, “Other places don’t give the students a hands-on experience like BFREE does. Here, they take part in research—long-term research that will span years—and they have a choice of projects, like small mammal trapping, fruit phenology (tracking seasonal changes), large mammal camera traps, freshwater ecology and more.” BFREE’s biodiversity is “phenomenal,” says Dr. Skeate, and the students spend time from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day getting to know the preserve and its inhabitants. “Before breakfast, we’ll go bird watching. Then, after breakfast, we’ll check traps and start on research projects. A break for lunch, then back to the projects and reset the traps. Dinner is followed by night hikes and other special programs.” Additional highlights of the trip include working on the cacao agroforest, 13 acres of cacao plants within a tropical rainforest setting. There are also day-
long hikes around the preserves as well as two days spent on the coast to conclude the week-long experience. Adding to the ecological exploration is the interactions with those who live in the area, the Maya. All meals at BFREE are local dishes from the Mayan culture— “cooked by a wonderful lady named, of course, Maya,” says Dr. Skeate. “These are vegetarian, sustainably grown and harvested foods, including grains and many different tropical fruits.”
and Dr. Kelly Collins. Dr. Sean Collins has worked with BFREE twice before, but as a graduate student. Now, it is his tropical biology class on the trip. He spent the first half of the semester preparing his students. “We talked about tropical diversity, of course, but also about the socio-economics of the region, the concepts of project design and particular flora/fauna. What was most exciting was that the students were going to see all of this in just a matter of weeks.”
Adding to the trip this year are the husband-and-wife team of Dr. Sean
Most important to Dr. Collins is that BFREE, with the help and guidance
“This trip has been so amazing. Every thing we did was full of excitement and new discoveries.” – Marissa Salvas ’16
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of Dr. Skeate, has started curriculum packs, the long-term research projects proposed by educators around the country. “I want my class to do projects,” says Sean, “so having curricula in place already is great. But I’ve also worked on establishing two projects myself, one on macroinvertebrate monitoring and another on the impact of tilapia (a non-native species) on the biome. I’m excited that my own students may be the ones to start these research projects and have their data added to by other students for years to come.” This dynamic and evolving program— initiated by Dr. Stewart Skeate and now led by Dr. Sean Collins—is one where students are directly involved in the culture and the understanding of the regions biodiversity. In preparation for the trip, the tropical biology students were asked to write a short essay about the concept of ecotourism and what they hoped to get from this trip to BFREE. In the words of one student, “To be able to learn about it is one thing, but to actually see the natural beauty of this country and some of its untouched land is something else.”
The tropical biology class traveled to Belize in March 2016. “This was another great trip to a very special place,” said Dr. Skeate. “I am sure there will be many more to BFREE and Belize in the coming years, more memories and more bug bites!”
Opportunity Firsthand Samuel Dobrozsi ’17
Real-life Research Experience There are very few ecosystems in the world that can match Appalachian forests in terms of biodiversity. This is why, as a student of biology, I was compelled to travel to Belize as a part of my tropical biology course. As an “ecological hotspot,” Central American rainforests provide the most thorough and exciting real-life research experience the world has to offer, and in the developing nation of Belize the fruits of that research can be seen firsthand.
Complex Jungle Ecosystem An interesting fact about jungle trees is that the majority of them produce fruit, though many of the fruits aren’t edible for humans. I had the privilege of assisting Dr. Stewart Skeate in a fruiting phenology survey while in Belize, surveying nearly 300 trees of varying species. Our survey will act as the groundwork for future groups that travel to BFREE. When repeated by other students, knowledge about the fruiting times of different species can be used as valuable data to help better understand the complex jungle ecosystem.
Irresistibly Magnetic Culture While in Belize we had the opportunity to experience the capital city Belmopan, Belize City, the coastal city Placencia, and many roadside towns firsthand. From each of these we experienced an overwhelming sense of hospitality and excitement, both about being there and the unique culture and cuisine. Who knew rice and beans could be crafted in so many different and delicious ways? The colorful, vibrant and vivacious jungle was reflected in Belize’s food and people. If given the opportunity to travel to Belize again, either for work, school or leisure, I will certainly pursue it; the whole country and its culture are irresistibly magnetic.
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Ever heard the saying, “It’s the little things that count the most?” It’s true of The Fund for Lees-McRae.
Your gift, in any amount, will have a direct and positive impact on student scholarships. Make your gift today!
lmc.edu/give
THE BEST KEPT SECRET TO A COOL SUMMER Warm sunshine. Cool breezes. Fresh air. Ah, summer in the mountains. We love all of our seasons, but there’s just something magical about summer in Banner Elk. Whether you’re a thrill seeker, theatre lover or simply looking to relax and unwind, you’re sure to find it right here this summer.
Take a day trip! We’ve got it all planned! Here are our top five picks for your day in the beautiful high country.
1 2 3 Avery County 4 5 Beech Mtn.
Lees-McRae College
Banner Elk
Sugar Mtn.
Newland
Grandfather Mtn.
Explore the natural habitats and trails of Grandfather Mountain. Don’t forget to say hello to fellow LMC alum and Grandfather Mountain Executive Director, Jesse Pope! Catch a Summer Theatre performance on Lees-McRae’s campus. This year’s lineup includes Mary Poppins, Always… Patsy Cline and The Pajama Game. Browse through local shops in downtown Banner Elk. Make sure to pick up some Lees-McRae gear at The Exchange Bookstore on campus.
Blue Ridge Parkway
North Carolina
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Dine with locals at town favorite, the Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge. You might see the familiar face of Les Broussard, trustee and 1990 Lees-McRae graduate. Reminisce with old pals and renew your commitment to your alma mater by stopping in for a visit to the Lees-McRae alumni house.
Have more time to spend? Take a look at all the area has to offer.
Adventure - Drive, hike or bike the Blue Ridge Parkway. - Paddle or play sand volleyball at Wildcat Lake. - Take mountain biking to new heights at Beech Mountain.
Culture - Enjoy a full season of FORUM performances. - Pack a picnic and meet your friends for Summer Concerts in the Park. - Spend a weekend exploring hand-made arts and crafts at Art on the Greene.
Did you know? You can find lodging, dining, events, attractions and a host of great visitor information on the new bannerelk.com >>
Recreation and Wellness - Take a walk through Lees-McRae’s beautiful campus or the nearby Greenway Trail. - Visit one of many therapeutic day spas in the area—Natural Healing Day Spa, Serenity Day Spa, The Spa at Eseeola. - Get in touch with your inner wild side. Visit the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Wine and Dine - Grab a glass of wine on the porch of the Banner Elk Winery. - Taste the latest brews at Flat Top Brewery. - Shop for fresh, local produce at the Avery County Farmer’s Market (held each Thursday at the old Banner Elk School) or Mountain Rooster Produce.
Celebration - ESCAPE to Lees-McRae’s campus for fun and friends. - Gather your clan and head up to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. - Let freedom ring at the Fourth of July Parade & Party in the Park.
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Created to Serve Restoring Hope for Veterans, One Community at a Time By Meghan McCandless
“I knew our future was uncertain and it was time for me to take action to support my family.”
It can happen in an instant, or it can happen gradually. The 5- or 10-year plan so carefully crafted—the future—has shifted. The true success stories emerge when those facing change embrace that shift, stay positive and build a new idea of the future. Melissa Reynolds is a determined woman. A stay-at-home mom and military wife, she spent many years focusing on her family, sacrificing for her husband’s career and channeling her energy toward her daughters. She was prepared to serve as a military wife long term. Then, things changed. Gradually at first, but the changes mounted. The years of combat were taking a toll, both on her husband and on their marriage. In 2013, her husband, Greg, sought help from the Veterans Administration to address the results of war. Ultimately, he left his job, and she followed soon after to focus on his recovery from home. “I knew our future was uncertain and it was time for me to take action to support my family,” she said. To do that, Melissa decided she needed to finish her degree. She began researching her options and discovered the online human services program at Lees-McRae. Acting on her strong desire to help other veterans and their families, she began the program in January of 2015. At first, Melissa didn’t know what to expect. Juggling her responsibilities as a mother, helping her husband and the daily demands of life take the bulk of her time. But she quickly adapted to the flexible online environment, studying and completing classwork on her schedule. The human services program is geared toward nontraditional students, and Melissa is grateful for the options it provides. “Family has always been my priority and with the flexibility of the program, I’m able to continue focusing on what’s most important,” she said. “With the support I’ve
received, in addition to the convenience of the program, I am able to earn my degree without changing my lifestyle.” In addition to completing her coursework, Melissa has spent numerous hours interning with Veterans Helping Veterans, a nonprofit agency providing resources to veterans in the foothills of North Carolina. Greg also got involved with the agency during her internship, and it was the time they spent working together with other veterans that cemented her desire to help and encouraged her passion to give back to those experiencing challenges similar to her husband’s. But, traveling 45 minutes each way to the agency was hard for both Melissa and Greg, and her vision is to offer resources in their community to assist local veterans. “Veterans endure experiences that the civilian world can’t understand,” she said. “Providing our community with a nonprofit that will meet veterans’ needs—no matter how extreme those needs may be—will surely make a difference.” She’s had encouragement every step of the way from her teachers as well. “Melissa’s personal experience, coupled with her internship at the Veterans Helping Veterans organization, has uniquely prepared her for a career focused on assisting veterans and their families,” says Misti Silver, instructor at Lees-McRae and Melissa’s advisor. “She possesses a genuine desire to serve others, and I feel confident that she will use her education and experience to inspire positive change in the lives of the clients she serves.” Melissa will take her education one step further when she completes the program. Her goal is to pursue a master’s
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day, she hopes to serve veterans and families throughout Caldwell County. She’s currently exploring several ideas, including an equine therapy program and a shelter for those who are homeless. “Equine therapy is very near and dear to our hearts,” she said. “Horse Sense in Marshall is helping us heal and rebuild our life, but it takes us two hours to get to the facility. This drive makes it really tough, and we would be honored to offer something similar locally.”
Photo courtesy of Horse Sense of the Carolinas, Marshall, N.C.
Regardless of what her future holds, Melissa is passionate about giving back. “I’ve been created to serve, to help,” Melissa said. “It’s my hope that with my family’s military and war experience, along with my degrees earned, that many lives will be changed for the better.”
degree and eventually implement an agency for veterans in Lenoir, North Carolina that will respond to immediate needs, offer resources and provide assistance for both veterans and families to overcome challenges they may face. One
Effective with the 2016–17 academic year, all degree completion programs, including Criminal Justice (BAAS), Elementary Education (BS), Human Services (BAAS) and Nursing (RN to BSN), will be known as Lees-McRae Online.
Lees-McRae Online Associate’s to Bachelor’s Degree Completion Programs Get started today at lmc.edu/online >>
Take the next step with your career, change fields or prepare for a promotion on your time. Business Administration (proposed fall 2016) | Criminal Justice | Elementary Education | Human Services | RN to BSN
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Alumni Elevated Dear Friends,
Bobcat Honors
It’s hard to believe a year has passed since I last corresponded with you. In that time, I’ve had the privilege of reconnecting with many good friends whom I met as a Lees-McRae student in the decadent decade of the eighties: Grace Woody, Marion and Roy Krege ’81H, Cindy and Jim Stoneseifer, Janet and Allen Speer, Ted Ledford, Phil Royal, Alice and Brad Crain, Don Baker, Millie Wiseman, Bill Farthing and so many other “legends.” This has been a blessing, indeed.
Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat. Following the tradition of honoring our own, these deserving alumni were recognized at the annual Green and Gold Brunch during the 2015 Homecoming and Family Weekend festivities.
There have been many wonderful changes during my time away and even more since my return. Enrollment continues to grow with additional growth projected for 2016, our graduates make us proud as they start new and exciting careers and advanced degrees, and our programs are being recognized regionally and nationally. This past fall the pre-licensure nursing program in the May School of Nursing and Health Sciences welcomed its inaugural class of 24 students, and has already been named the number two upand-coming nursing school in the South. When given the opportunity, I would encourage you to invest in our students and faculty with your time, talent and treasure. Please give of your time by volunteering on campus or cheering on our student-athletes at a sporting event. Please give of your talents by sharing your professional expertise with our students or hiring them as interns. Please give of your treasures by supporting campus initiatives and scholarships. Remember to stop by your house—the Alumni House—when you visit campus. We always enjoy the opportunity to visit with our friends. Respectfully yours,
Distinguished Alumni Award David Charles Vance ’61
Alumni Service Award Tommy Byerly ’66
Nominate a classmate! The alumni board is accepting nominations for future awards.
Brent L. Thomas ’85 Vice President of Advancement
Submit the form at lmc.edu/alumniawards >>
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History Revealed Members of the first-ever baccalaureate class placed tokens of remembrance in a time capsule buried near the Roots and Wings sculpture to be opened on the occasion of their 25th reunion. By Michelle Vance Scott ’86 ’90
In May 1990, Lees-McRae College celebrated 22 graduates in the first class receiving bachelor degrees. The day was commemorated by burying a time capsule at the site of the Roots and Wings sculpture. To be opened 25 years later, some wondered at the time what kind of world it would be, what would all of us be doing and where would we be living in the year 2015. The class members blinked and the day arrived for the capsule to be uncovered and opened. “Looking back, my time at Lees-McRae was nothing short of magical—so simple and so true to whom I have become. Listening to former Academic Dean, Jim Stonesifer speak about Lees-McRae College 25 years ago and then hearing the remarks our Provost, Dr. Todd Lidh, illustrated to me that the more Lees-McRae changes with the “times” the more it stays the same beloved place.” Amy Kirk Fortune ’87 ’90, Dan Fortune ’83 ’90, Katie Hall ’88 ’90, Lynn Swisher Neese ’88 ’90, Kennon Quick ’90 and Michelle Vance Scott ’86 ’90 were present as current Lees-McRae
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professor, Dr. Michael Joslin opened up the capsule with precision and grace. The contents of the capsule smelled like a fresh magic marker! There were a couple of VHS tapes, clothing items, memorabilia, a lock of hair, a science experiment, a copy of Grace Woody’s Elk Report and a well-used Disney book bag among other items. Members of the first four year class had also been recipients of diplomas written in gold— something that had never been done before, nor since. And each graduate had received a lifetime complimentary
pass to all Lees-McRae related events, programs and plays. Though few in number for the time capsule ceremony, the spirit of the Lees-McRae College experience lives forever in the hearts of its alumni, current and former faculty, staff and students. Distinguished guests included Cindy Stonesifer, Jim Stonesifer ’93, Brent Thomas ’85, Dr. Janet Barton Speer, Dr. Allen Speer, Marion Krege ’81H, Roy Krege ’81H, Phil Royall, Dick Keller ’53, Fred I. Dickerson ’31, Betsy Hall Walker ’93, David Walker ’93, Dr. Ted Ledford, Dr. John Blalock ’91, Bill Cochran ’54, Robin Wiseman Evans ’86, Millie Wiseman, Catherine Button Campe ’89 ’91 and Martha McAfee ’86 ’03.
See more at lmc.edu/pinnacles >> Members of the Class of 1990 revealed the contents of the time capsule during the 2015 Homecoming and Family Weekend. Check out the gallery online to view the celebration and see the items that represented this historic milestone.
“It seemed like stepping back in time when I held items that belonged to me and that represented a very special time in my life.” – Katie Hall ’88 ’90 The Pinnacles | 25
Alumni Events Talk about good times! Lees-McRae alumni participated in a variety of events this year but one thing was always evident—Bobcat pride! From brewery tours to the annual ski weekend and Homecoming (our favorite!), LMC alumni know how to have a good time. See more photos at lmc.edu/pinnacles >>
Generations Elevated Your news matters! Have you celebrated a milestone? Changed jobs? Welcomed a child? Retired? We want to celebrate you—and we might even shout it from the mountain top! With more than 6,000 alumni, we find it important that you cherish the memories you had at Lees-McRae, connect to fellow classmates and engage in the life of the College.
Keep us updated with your latest and greatest accomplishments at lmc.edu/updateinfo >>
1965 George B. Holleman (Taylorsville, NC) was elected mayor of Taylorsville. He was also elected the chairman of the Western Piedmont Council of Governments in Hickory, North Carolina. Phyllis Hughleen Westmoreland (Hampton, NC) is enjoying retirement after 29 years in the classroom.
1967 Michael Douglas Mock (Niceville, FL) is looking forward to retirement in June 2016. His wife passed away in December 2013.
1968 David Wayne Voncannon (Culver City, CA) owns and operates a small company offering information technology services for small businesses. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have lived in California for 16 years. Their son lives in Concord, North Carolina where he is a radio and TV broadcaster.
1971 Rittler Strachan (New Braunfels, TX) attended Virginia Tech University, Old Dominion University and the University of Virginia. He became a registered nurse and worked in open heart surgery before starting the Virginia Organ Procurement Agency in 1979. He served as the director of organ recovery at Colorado Organ Recovery Services and the University of Virginia, Tennessee Regional Organ Procurement Agency. He spent the next 10 years as a fulltime stay-at-home dad for his two sons. For the past eight years he has worked at the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance covering the trauma
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hospitals for San Antonio and Austin, helping make miracles out of tragedies.
of Cultural Resources. James is also a 1994 Lees-McRae graduate.
1974
1993
Amy Pickett Dobson (Sylva, NC) lived in Florida for many years, but is excited to be back in the mountains.
Shela Moffett-Fabri (Woodbury, TN) was inducted into the Lees-McRae Fred I. Dickerson Athletics Hall of Fame.
1975
1999
Michael Tillison (Gainesville, VA) joined the Air Force. He received a bachelors from Columbia College in 1984 and a masters from Webster University in 1986. He worked for Hughes Aircraft Co., TRW and Digital Equipment Corporation. Michael is now senior vice president with ManTech International Corporation. He has been happily married for 36 years and has two children and five grandchildren.
William Joesph Klatz (Charlotte, NC) married Kathy Lynn on October 10, 2014.
1980 Keith McFarland Russell (Boone, NC) accepted a new position as a real estate broker at Elk River Realty in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Previously, Keith worked at Linville Ridge/Sotheby’s Real Estate for 25 years.
1984 J. Gerald Brock (Apex, NC) competed in the Chattanooga Ironman Triathlon in September 2015. With a year of training he completed the triathlon, including a 2.4 mile swim, 116 mile bike ride and a 26 mile marathon run, in 13 hours and 30 minutes. James Chris Woodson (Clinton, NC) was recently appointed director of the Sampson County History Museum. Previously, he spent 12 years with the North Carolina Department
2000 Daniel L. Jessee (Midway, TN) works as a QA/QC Lab Manager for US Nitrogen’s new state-of-the-art ammonium nitrate facility. He and his wife, Kimberly, have two sons, Ian and Harrison, and reside in Midway.
2002 Brandon Young (Roan Mountain, TN) received his masters from Western Carolina University in counseling while working in Mitchell County Schools. He currently works as a counselor at Cloudland High School and is the pastor at Harmony Baptist Church in Roan Mountain.
2005 Zachary Dabkowski (Manchester, MD) works as a Senior Information Security Specialist.
2006 A.J. Viola (Raleigh, NC) attended graduate school and then moved to Raleigh. He opened his own coffee and beer bar in downtown Raleigh in 2014 and a second one in 2016.
2008 Trevor Jameson Bruffy (Savannah, GA) will graduate from Appalachian State University in May 2016 with a masters in higher education. He recently moved to Savannah with his fiancé, Megan Hall ’10.
2010 Megan Elizabeth Hall (Savannah, GA) recently moved to Savannah with her fiancé, Trevor Bruffy ’08, and works as a writer and researcher in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness at Savannah College of Art and Design. Jose Ramon Chavira Harvey (Raleigh, NC) married his husband in October 2015. Jose serves on the advisory board for Third Millennium Alliance, a nonprofit organization based out of the USA and Ecuador. He works at NC State as a Communications Manager. He is also serves on the board of the NCSU Agroecology Education Farm. Ally Stacher (Horse Shoe, NC) was inducted into the Lees-McRae Fred I. Dickerson Athletics Hall of Fame.
2011 Karissa Anne Sampson (Decatur, GA) after graduation moved to Boulder, Colorado to ski, climb and explore life to the fullest! She worked as an EMT and ER Technician while there. She is a member of the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, where she volunteers her time rescuing lost and injured persons in the backcountry. Currently, she is at Emory School of Medicine pursuing a masters degree as a Physician Assistant. She plans to return to Colorado and continue pursuing her passions while working in her new field. Stephen Andrew Senter (Durham, NC) received his masters degree in environmental science and policy from Columbia University in New York City in 2014. He worked as the Greenhouse Gas Specialist at UNC-Chapel Hill identifying and mitigating climate risks. He currently works at the US EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards in Research Triangle Park, drafting national climate change and ambient air quality policy per the Clean Air Act. William Martin Treen (Banner Elk, NC) is an educator and is currently in graduate
school for professional school counseling at Appalachian State University.
2012 Kelsi Kathleen Lane (Arlington, VA) works in Washington, D.C. at the American College of Cardiology. Laurel Gregg Richmond (Arden, NC) welcomed her first child, Isabelle Andi Richmond on February 7, 2016.
2013 Cat Elizabeth Hanby (Dallas, TX) recently purchased her first house.
2014 Chazlyn Mariah Thomas (Hickory, NC) had her first anniversary at Lincoln County DSS where she is a child protective services investigator. She is thankful for the opportunities that Lees-McRae provided and is excited that her younger sister has applied to Lees-McRae.
2015 Scott Alexander Alford (Hillsborough, NC) is attending the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to get his masters of science in accounting. Rachael Anne Nobbs (Durham, NC) is attending Duke University for a doctorate in physical therapy and will graduate in May 2018. Jennifer Kristen Owen (Banner Elk, NC) after graduation began working and volunteering with the Special Olympics. She walked 1/2 mile for the SO World Games Torch Run where she raised enough money to earn the torch she carried. She then traveled to California for a volunteer position with the SO World Games. Jennifer plans to continue her education and earn a degree in Child Development and Disabilities. Emily Elizabeth Tingle (Portland, OR) relocated to Portland with her boyfriend and Lees-McRae alumnus, Eli Wemyss ’15. Since moving, they have done a lot of traveling and exploring the West Coast. She started a job at Allstate in January 2016. Eli William Wemyss (Portland, OR) works as a financial representative at Northwestern Mutual in Portland.
Troy Brown ’91 Troy Brown was a two-time football letterman (1989 & 90) for the Bobcats. He transferred from Marshall to finish his collegiate career before heading to the National Football League for a welldocumented 15-year stint with the New England Patriots. Brown was inducted to the Lees-McRae Fred I. Dickerson Athletics Hall of Fame in October 2015. While at Lees-McRae, Brown caught 41 passes for 836 yards and six touchdowns. Brown shined in his second season with the Bobcats, averaging 18.5 yards per catch to go with four touchdowns. He was named to the Region X All-Region First Team and was a second-team all-conference member in the Coastal Conference. “Troy has been honored at every level with accolades for his accomplishments on the football field. It all started here at Lees-McRae. Watching him on Sundays and in the Super Bowls gives Bobcat Nation a great sense of pride,” said Craig McPhail, vice president of athletics and club sports. “His induction to the College Hall of Fame was long overdue.” Brown spent his entire professional football career with the Patriots after being drafted by the team in 1993. He continued playing success at the highest of levels when he caught 557 passes for 6,366 yards and 31 touchdowns during his tenure. Brown was a key component during New England’s dominant run that saw it claim three Super Bowl titles and was inducted to the New England Patriots Hall of Fame in 2012.
Lees-McRae College Magazine
Editor and Designer Lauren Foster
In Remembrance
Alumni and Friends
Gifts made in remembrance of a fellow classmate or friend of the College are listed in the Honor Roll of Donors which can be found online at lmc.edu/honorroll >>
Contributing Writers Dr. Sean Collins, Blaine Hansen, Ginger Hansen, Sara Harkey, Dr. Todd Lidh, Meghan McCandless, Hayden Moses ’16, Michelle Vance Scott ’86/’90, Brent Thomas ’85
Contributing Photographers Dr. Sean Collins, Morgan Corbett ’17, Sammy Croft ’18, Jason Els ’15, Dr. Michael Joslin, Sara Harkey, Travis Marceron ’15, Destini Petitt ’16, Studio 102 Photography, Horse Sense of the Carolinas
Cover Photo by Dr. Sean Collins
President Dr. Barry M. Buxton ’11H
Board of Trustees, Executive Committee Mr. Chuck Raymond, Chair Mr. W. McNair Tornow, Vice Chair Mr. Les Broussard ’90 Dr. Edward E. Hood, Jr. Mr. Cary Green ’92 Mrs. Barbara Miller Whitton Mr. Parker Grubbs ’95 Capt. Ken Sullivan ’59 Mrs. Dianne May Ms. Betsy Roberts
Alumni Board Executive Committee Karen Gobble Meade ’86, President Deena Powell Chambers ’75, President-Elect Julia M. McCombs ’75, Vice President Susan Jaeger ’13, Secretary Jillian Rosato, Director of Alumni and Community Relations
Office of Advancement Brent Thomas ’85, Vice President of Advancement Jillian Rosato, Director of Alumni and Community Relations Frankie Needham ’55H, Director of Advancement Services Michelle V. Scott ’86/’90, Director of Development Diane Blanks, Grant Manager
About the Publication The Pinnacles is published for alumni, family and friends of the College by the Office of Communications. Please send all communications, including questions, and letters to the editor, to: The Pinnacles Lees-McRae College PO Box 128 Banner Elk, NC 28604 or communications@lmc.edu
Alumni Verlon E. Carter ’48 Arnold Edward Leberman ’52 Banks L. Ozment ’49 Patricia Butler ’06 Tom Walker McKay ’42 Steven Craig Alley ’75 Harold G. Lewis ’41 Robert Gasche ’77 Ethel Bagby Fields ’41 Travis B. Hunter ’00 Brady Hughes ’77 Carol Banner Coffey ’37 Marjorie Traylor Boone ’42 Gilbert S. Doub ’40 Robert Hunter Hood ’40 Tom Russin ’72 W. Bryce Reavis ’40 Knox Bess Cobb ’41 Donnell Williams ’75 Joan Grogan Hibbitts ’56 John Robert King ’47 Helen McEwen Anderson ’40 J. Donald Pearce ’65 L. Frazier Fall ’35 Archie McRimmon ’40 Dr. Edgar E. Perry ’56 Chris Medford ’85 Paul Fletcher ’49 Frances E. Pegram ’60 Ruth Foster Morgan ’54 J’Neese Altman Strozier ’51 Charlie Drum ’52 Frank A. Alexander ’59 Charles A. Gouge ’55 John D. Hyatt ’55 Rayfus Wilson ’72 Mack Stewart Isaacs ’41 Thomas M. Hennessy ’72 Lucile Gragg Beaman ’52
3.27.05 1.17.06 1.22.07 9.07.08 12.3.08 4.05.10 9.01.10 11.22.10 5.07.11 5.28.11 12.16.11 2.23.12 7.31.12 8.02.12 2.26.13 5.29.13 9.08.13 9.28.13 2.13.14 3.16.14 5.11.14 12.24.14 12.30.14 1.04.15 1.21.15 2.28.15 3.09.15 3.19.15 5.04.15 5.05.15 5.16.15 6.14.15 6.15.15 6.22.15 7.12.15 7.24.15 7.25.15 7.28.15 7.31.15
Edward Horton Cooper ’48 Erik David Boyles ’96 Phyllis McKinley Phillips ’53 William Charles Yates ’55 Lawrence Marshall ’54 Connie Cannon Davis ’56 Hazel Johnson Jaeger ’48 Robert “Bob” Burleson ’54 Rosanna Deal Arey ’62 Stephen Bracey ’81 Sue Guthrie Harris ’54 Virginia Watson Jarvis ’55 Billy Joe Bare ’54 Martha Brown O’Neal ’55 Frances Ramsey Digh Hardin ’53 Kenneth “Wade” Little, Jr. ’82 Mary Guignard Elder ’31 John T. Roberts ’48 Walter Taliaferro ’54 Elizabeth Bost Eads ’53 Dr. George A. Jones ’40 Doris Hartley Davidowski ’40 Rodney Harvey ’09 Jean Foil Holshouser ’54 Kenneth Walter Ramsey ’55 Doris Ramsey Caldwell ’40 Virgie Dawkins Shoaf ’55 Arthur “Bunny” Bryant II ’62 John Ireson ’58
8.06.15 8.10.15 8.17.15 9.01.15 9.17.15 9.18.15 10.01.15 10.03.15 10.21.15 11.02.15 11.06.15 11.07.15 11.10.15 11.12.15 12.21.15 12.23.15 1.18.16 1.27.16 1.27.16 1.30.16 2.12.16 2.24.16 2.24.16 2.27.16 3.06.16 3.15.16 3.31.16 4.02.16 4.06.16
Friends Wayne Davidson Betty L. Fall Harold T. Pontius H. Eckess Jones, Jr. Blanch Beam Murray M. White, Jr.
12.24.14 7.23.15 8.26.15 1.13.16 1.18.16 3.28.16
Throwback to 1968 Classes at Lees-McRae look quite a bit different today. Typewriters have been replaced with laptops, homework is submitted online and students grab Starbucks lattes on their way to those dreaded 8 a.m. classes.
Want to see more throwback photos?
Check out the Lees-McRae College Facebook for weekly #throwbackthursday posts.
The Pinnacles | 31
PO Box 128 | Banner Elk, NC 28604
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Parents: If this issue is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer maintains an address at your home, please send the correct address to Lees-McRae College, Office of Advancement, PO Box 128, Banner Elk, NC 28604, or contact Jillian Rosato, director of alumni and community relations, at rosatoj@lmc.edu or 828.898.2534.
SAVE THE DATE
Homecoming and Family Weekend 2016 SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 2