By the Lake Alumni Magazine Fall 2017

Photos by Rooney Coffman

DECEMBER 2017

Puerto Rico Volunteer

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Rooney L. Coffman

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Artificial Intelligence

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Thank you for your support!

Alumni Council Membership Committee

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We would like to present a slate of names of the new members to the Alumni Association when it meets during our Alumni Weekend next April. Between now and then, we need to compile a list of people and find out if they are willing to serve. Ideally, this group would be made up of 15 individuals.

Here are the criteria for thinking about what to look for in prospective Council members: * People from different decades and classes (we are particularly in need of alumni from the 1980’s); * Some diversity of both sex and race, if possible; * Folks who have a reunion coming up: i.e., 10th, 20th, 25th, etc. who would be helpful in organizing their Reunion Class and encouraging them to participate in Alumni Weekend; * People who are geographically available to attend Alumni Council meetings; * People who are (or are willing to become) consistent financial supporters of St. Andrews.

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St. Andrews by the Lake Alumni Magazine

Here’s the language from the Alumni Association Constitution about the requirements of an Alumni Council member: Member Obligations: An Alumni Council member is expected to attend regular Council meetings, foster goodwill on the part of Association members and others toward the University, and to financially support the University’s Annual Fund. An Alumni Council member is also expected to communicate actively with other alumni and uphold the Alumni Association’s Constitution. A member of the Alumni Council who is unable to be present at two successive regular meetings of the Council, and who has not given written notice of such absence, may be asked to resign. The member is not eligible for re-election within the year following the successive absences.

Alumni Council Membership Nomination Form Nominee:___________________________________ Email:______________________________________ Major:______________________________________ Class of:________________________________ Phone:_________________________________ Occupation:_____________________________ Please list some reasons why you think this person would be a good fit for the Council.

Nominated by:_______________________________ Date:___________________________________ Email:______________________________________ Phone:_________________________________ * By submitting this form it is assumed that the nominee has expressed interest in joining the Council and they have been made aware of the member obligations as set forth in the Alumni Association Constitution.

Send nominations to Mike Cody: mikec@chipncrack.com

Alumni Weekend

April 20-22, 2018 MARK YOUR CALENDAR

More information coming soon

It’s always a good time to GIVE! your f o 100% on y a t s ions t a n do us p

s Cam w e r . And t S e th

Giving made easier online @

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Welcome, Dr. Chris Hitch

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The MBA program at St. Andrews University welcomes Dr. Chris Hitch to the faculty. He teaches the Practicum I and Practicum II courses, a two-year team-based project that provides Master

sional career-related experience. It is designed to

of Business Administration students with profes-

synthesize knowledge and direct it towards the investigation of a specific real-life business problem.

Previously, Dr. Hitch served as the director of the General H. Hugh Shelton Leadership Center at North Carolina State University and as a Director of Custom Executive Development Programs at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. He is the author of numerous articles and books focusing on leadership and management in human resources, management consulting, life sciences, and public sectors.

Conner Smith ’18 is a high point rider on the Western equestrian team. Recently, Conner reflected on what he’s learned at St. Andrews: “I’ve not only learned to ride but also learned how to work as part of a team. My leadership and communication skills are better, and I’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic here. The desire to learn will get you farther than being the most talented rider on the team.” Conner served an internship with the Lincoln County 4-H Club and hopes to pursue his passion for judging and coaching when he graduates.

“I enjoy helping the growth and development of our youth coming up through the horse industry.”

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St. Andrews by the Lake Alumni Magazine

Two St. Andrews Alums Join Staff at Equestrian Center

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Lindsey Trockenbrot ’13 completed her MBA at St. Andrews and is assisting with coaching the national award-winning IHSA Western Team, as well as teaching regular lessons in Western riding and dressage. “When I came to St. Andrews as an undergraduate, I wanted to be a professional rider,” Lindsey said. After doing a teaching practicum for credit her senior year, Lindsey discovered her love for teaching. “St. Andrews is a step above programs at bigger universities because students get more individual attention,” Lindsey said. “I love the small school atmosphere here.”

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Emilee Wilson ’15 is an instructor in the hunter seat program and serves as Event Manager in the Equestrian Program. Emilee worked with UNCW’s equestrian team and brings new teaching methods and styles while keeping the foundation that she learned as an undergraduate at St. Andrews.

“Because the equestrian program at St. Andrews is school-funded, we get higher caliber riders who are more serious,” Wilson said. “We’re teaching them to be professionals in the industry.”

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Heather Pittard ’97 recently served as a FEMA volunteer in Puerto Rico and sent this report from the field: The slogan is “FEMA flexible” as volunteers are distributed into groups. As a trilingual Registered Nurse who has a government job and volunteered via Surge Capacity Force and FEMA, I am told FEMA does not carry liability insurance, so I will operate within FEMA positions. I am moved from Operations to Mass Care to Individual Assistance, where I help people register for food, shelter, clothing assistance, and more.

We drive on roads that abruptly end or drop off. We worry about safety. We sit in rooms with frigid A/C entering data from survivors’ forms, then head back out into heat and humidity. We work 7 days a week, 12-hour days or longer, no days off. Many get colds and flu. I try not to feel guilty as I request a day off each week and remain a rare healthy volunteer.

We stay in hotel rooms, “Cot City,” an Italian ferry ship, or a naval berthing ship. My ship space consists of one tall locker and a middle bunk about two feet tall by two feet wide by six feet long. I am thankful for the small fluorescent light and outlet above my head, the yummy food on my ship, and the amazing strong women bunking around me in all different disaster response and recovery roles. We tell each other stories of daily joys and frustrations each night. We are each other’s support group amid the chaos.

Puerto Ricans tell stories of being tour guides but now working as translators and shuttle drivers. Puerto Ricans grieve what they knew of their beautiful country and struggle to become productive and hopeful again after the widespread destruction so many have fled. Volunteers prepare to head home and keep the faith that each in our way made some small difference.

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St. Andrews by the Lake Alumni Magazine

Student’s Film Premieres on Nov. 11 We Are Beautiful (2017) offers proof that St. Andrews University is a place beyond bigotry and self-doubt, where over 100 international students, students from 26 different states, faculty, and staff live and work together as athletes, equestrians, contemplatives, thinkers, and doers.

Majiye “Maj” Uchibeke ’19—the producer, cinematographer, and director—has captured this place and its people for all to witness.

“When I take pictures of people, I pause a moment and look through the lens and see their souls. It makes me realize that we are all the same because we all have the same struggles. We don’t have to be divided … we could all be one. We, and our campus, are beautiful.”

Maj set out to take thousands of photographs, including hundreds of portraits that served as a catalyst for We Are Beautiful. “No matter our race, nationality, and life, we are beautiful deep inside,” Uchibeke said.

Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/bXjO-Q0vtgw

December 2017

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Jigsaw. It’s available through Amazon.com and on Kindle.

Nichols is retiring 87 Lee from the ministry at the end of January.

Taylor Skipper was 89Michelle awarded the Governor’s Award for

Excellence in the category of public service, the highest award given to state employees.

Michelle was honored for her work in rural Robeson County, NC, organizing recovery efforts after Hurricane Matthew.

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Bettie McLean Ritchie faculty member for excellence in teachreceived the 2017 Volun- ing. teer of the Year award Charles Dailey recently from the Center for Women, celebrated UNC Greensone of three programs under boro's thirtieth anniversary of their the direction of the Center for most recent National Championship.

Community Transitions in He was an assistant coach on this Charlotte which provides a residential home for 30 women team. Each winter he travels to Siem Reap, Cambodia for three months, who are completing the last where he is helping start Next Step, a two or three years of their soccer academy. He is retired and the prison term. rest of the year enjoys time relaxing in Jim Rothrock received Morehead City, NC the Collaborations Champion Award at Bob Thames has a new CD the 2017 Collaboraavailable: Appetizers. You can tions Conference for his longorder it directly from Bob at 16 time support of the conference Fairview Avenue, Ormond Beach, FL and the Virginia Rehabilitation 32174. Enclose a check for $12!

Association, a local chapter of the National Rehabilitation Gertrude Beal retired on Association, a nonprofit organiAugust 1, 2017, from zation advocating for individuGuilford College in Greensboro, als with disabilities to improve NC. She had served there for 38.5 their quality of life. Jim is years. In her retirement, she has had commissioner of the Virginia a booklet published, The Department for Aging and Under-ground Railroad in Guilford Rehabilitation Services.

County. It is set to launch on November 11th at the annual John Robinson is meeting of the North Carolina the recipient of the Friends Historical Society.

Val Lauder Award for Teaching at UNC-Chapel Kim Becknell Williams has Hill. The award recognizes published another book an adjunct or non-full-time titled Puzzle Pieces: Finishing Life’s

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St. Andrews by the Lake Alumni Magazine

J. Todd Spradlin, MD, and his husband Yovani bought a coffee farm in Yovani’s native Colombia. They’re excited to develop the farm in a sustainable and responsible manner, providing a fair wage to local workers and bringing delicious 100% Colombian coffee “from our farm to your cup in the US.” The website is www.finca1510.com. The Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/finca1510.

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Shannon (Shan) Gill is currently living in Atlanta, Georgia. After 20+ years in a corporate career, she has now launched her own company. Her first novel for children, Cosmic Kitty, launched earlier this year with additional products and books coming in November. She also teaches workshops on personal development.

For more information, check out www.shangill.com or contact her at shan@shangill.com.

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Laurie Nederveen has joined St. Andrews as the MBA Program Outreach Coordinator. In this part-time position she will be focusing on recruiting new MBA students for on-campus classes and also the live-via-the-web option. She will promote the program to enhance partnerships with businesses that may wish to serve as a practicum site or sponsor employees for the Masters Degree in Business Administration.

Teri Beasley lives with her wife, Sarah Francis96 co, in Waynesboro, Va. She works at Mary Baldwin

passed away in the spring..

Godwin, an Onslow County kindergarten 04 Lisa teacher, was named the 2017 Burroughs Wellcome

University as Director of the Charlottesville Regional Center and spends her spare time kayaking, biking, hiking and fly fishing. Teri spends time with Nina Watson Gregory ’97 often as Nina lives in nearby Charlottesville.

Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year during an awards ceremony this past April in Cary, NC.

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Caitlin Haney was married to Drew Johnston on March 31, 2017. Jessica Potts Dupree ’08, Ashley Colvin ‘09, Michael Kryszak ’09 and Sarah Karas ’10 were members of the wedding party. Dan Dupree ’07, Alexa Muraida ‘09 and Laura Long Matthews ‘09 were also in attendance. In addition, Caitlin and the Austin Bar Association have started the CanLaw Clinic which gives cancer patients and survivors free estate planning.

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Michael Iannuzzi is the Sales Development Manager for ArchiveSocial, a company that works with The White House, Department of Justice, New York City, and many major cities to archive social media to comply with open records law. Bekah Webster ‘15, is an implementation analyst for CureMD, a company that deals with many facets of public health. Michael and Bekah recently purchased a home in Durham, NC, and will be married on February 19th in Raleigh. They met during an orientation exercise their first day at St. Andrews.

Teri Beasley ‘96 Doles is pastor of Mt. Zion Presbyterian 95 Brian Church in Rose Hill, NC, where he has served for

fifteen years. Brian spent the last ten years enjoying the company of his father whom he helped care for before he

SAU Calendar

For a complete list of events visit www.sa.edu/events

January 8 - 9

March 3 - 11

Orientation

Spring Break

January 9

March 30 - April 2

First Day of Classes (Sandhills)

January 10

Commencement

Easter Break

April 20 - 22

Alumni Weekend

First Day of Classes (Lbg. Campus)

Exam Week Begins

January 15

May 5

MLK Jr. Day Program

May 6

April 28

Baccalaureate December 2017

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Fall Faculty Highlights Edna Ann Loftus assumed the role of Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean in mid-July. She is responsible for the overall supervision and management of academic programs. In addition to her administrative duties, Loftus teaches two classes per semester. “Teaching keeps me connected with faculty and students, and I have a better sense of what’s going on in the classroom,” Loftus said. She thanks the St. Andrews community for supporting her in her new role. “We’re all working together to better the lives of the students.”

Bravo to Creative Writing Professor Ted Wojtasik! His one-act play “Tender Moments,” was featured at the Gilbert Theater’s Next Stage Play Festival in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on July, 20, 21, 22, and 23. The play is a comedy about two Southern women who mistake a newly installed pornographic store for a Hallmark store.

Hilarity ensues as the elderly duo, one hard of hearing and the other too nearsighted to drive, hunt for birthday cards. “It’s a parody of what happens when modern sexuality meets basic home town virtue,” said retired St. Andrews professor Joe Harris who attended the play. “There was a standing ovation!”

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St. Andrews by the Lake Alumni Magazine

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ROONEY L. COFFMAN – FIFTY YEARS AND MORE

In 1964 a young man from Virginia saw a photograph of a college campus centered on a serene lake. That photograph decided his future—he enrolled at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, graduated with a BA in Chemistry in 1968, and never left. Rooney Coffman accepted a position as Director of Logistics, a position he has held since 1968 while taking on others—Instructor in Science, Audio-Visual Director, and University Photographer.

Coffman has won numerous awards, most recently, first place in the Grandfather Mountain Photography School in the nature photography category, but also National Manager of the Year from the National Association of Scientific Materials Managers, Distinguished Service Award from the Science Olympiad of North Carolina, Distinguished Alumni Service Award from St. Andrews University, and a constant flow of appreciation from students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

In 2018 St. Andrews will honor the Class of 1968 and will celebrate 50 years of Rooney Coffman at St. Andrews. A theme that runs through much of his work is the phrase: “if not for Rooney….” If not for Rooney, there would be no contribution to the founding of Science Olympiad, no science "elves" who have worked under his guidance in Logistics, no constant support for lab preparations, no Rooney L. Coffman Sustaining Science Fund, and no creative solutions to so many problems over the years.

Throughout spring 2018 we will be honoring Coffman’s 50 years, culminating in a special recognition of Rooney Coffman and the class of 1968 during the Science Homecoming and Research Exposition on April 21st during Alumni Weekend.

December 2017

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Keeping Up With Classmates

J. Todd Spradlin MD '91(right) and his husband Yovani (left).

View of J. Todd Spradlin’s Colombian Coffee Farm

Charles Dailey '75 with Next Step soccer academy students in Cambodia.

LakeFest ’18 Tee-Shirt Contest The theme for Alumni Weekend is LakeFest ’18. The Alumni Council is sponsoring a tee-shirt design contest for students and alumni to compete in. Prizes are $100 first place, $50 second place, and $50 third place. All entries must be turned into the Council no later than 1/31/18.

Send design entries to Mike Cody ’92: mikec@chipncrack.com 12

St. Andrews by the Lake Alumni Magazine

Congratulations, Peggy!

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Peggy McElveen has won the prestigious IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association) Lifetime Achievement Award. At the board meeting in Orlando, Florida, she was chosen from past Lifetime Achievement Award winners and executive officers to join just 24 equestrian team coaches presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award over the 50-year history of IHSA.

This honor is awarded to people who have had successful teams and horse programs and who promote college students to help them succeed in both IHSA and life. Recipients of this award are also recognized for the continued support and vision they have in helping IHSA be progressive and successful.

“This well-deserved recognition honors Peggy for her remarkable career, her selfless dedication to students, and her commitment to make the St. Andrews Equestrian Program the best in the country,” noted President Paul Baldasare, adding, “Thank you, Peggy, for all you do to promote excellence at the Equestrian Center and across all programs at St. Andrews University.”

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“An amoeba is smarter than artificial intelligence today,” Martin Brossman said to students, staff, and faculty on October 20. “It can reproduce, move, adapt, and doesn’t need an independent energy source.”

Martin Brossman is a member of the National Speakers Association and teaches at Small Business Centers and Chamber of Commerce venues throughout North Carolina. He provides customized coaching and training for individuals and groups, integrating digital marketing, social networking, and reputation management. Brossman’s speech was part of the Friday Science at St. Andrews Seminar Series hosted by Professor John Knesel, Chair of the Natural and Life Sciences, Department.

“There has never been any other time in life when so many aspects of our world are focused on advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning,” Brossman said. He used filing taxes as an example to explain the difference between machine learning and artificial intelligence. “Machine learning will help you do your taxes. Artificial intelligence will do your taxes for you and submit them.”

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St. Andrews by the Lake Alumni Magazine

He described the current state of technology as “pseudo-AI.” “Artificial intelligence is not really here yet. AI is in the minds of sci-fi, not in the business world yet.”

Brossman stressed the importance of creating an online presence and adapting to technological advances. “I believe students and professionals need a basic understanding of how machine learning and AI are progressing today because its influence on our lives is growing rapidly. As our world gets more automated and AI gains greater dominance in our society, working on enhancing our best human qualities will give us a competitive advantage.”

He discussed changes that will occur in the job market because of technology.

Semi-skilled workers will be the first to lose their jobs. Basic legal and accounting work will become mechanized. How does one stay competitive in a job market where humans are being replaced by machines? Brossman listed some ways to stand out and stay competitive, including being accountable, having problem-solving and thinking skills, having basic integrity, having the ability to handle conflict, having public

speaking skills, and being pre-screenable by having an online presence on the web.

“This is an exciting time to have a front row seat to the development of AI… If today AI is no smarter than an amoeba, just think what will be possible as AI evolves!”

In a phone interview following his speech, Brossman reflected on how his education at St. Andrews prepared him for his career. Diagnosed with dyslexia when he was in elementary school, he had a low reading speed and experienced anxiety when he took tests. When he entered St. Andrews, faculty members accommodated his needs but also held him accountable. “I was not able to use dyslexia as an excuse. They said, ‘You’re supposed to read five books in this course. What are you going to bring to me to prove equal effort in understanding this field?’ I knew I earned something here.”

Many professors had a profound influence on Brossman, including Neal Bushoven, Ron Bayes, and Allen Dotson, but he credits George Rolland for allowing him to create a combined degree in math and computer science. He recalls Rolland saying, “Do you see this PDP11? One day we’ll have computers on every desk and they’ll be wired together.”

Brossman mentioned the importance of learning from failure. “St. Andrews provides a safe environment where you can fail and get back up,” he said. “Some people view certain places as their own personal sacred space. St. Andrews is that place for me.”

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In Memoriam Richard W. “Rick” Johnson ’67, of Topsail Beach, NC, died suddenly on June 3 while traveling across the country. He recently spearheaded the Class of ’67's 50th reunion celebration for St. Andrews which was their biggest reunion ever and resulted in the largest class gift the college ever received. He was also the 2007 recipient of the St. Andrews Distinguished Alumni Award. Rick requested donations to St. Andrews University Class of ’67 Scholarship Fund, 1700 Dogwood Mile, Laurinburg, NC 28352.

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St. Andrews by the Lake Alumni Magazine

Frances Caldwell Query, 102, of Sarasota, Martin ’65, is a St. Andrews alum, as FL, died on February 26. From 1957-1961 is his son Lee Martin ’93. she was Dean of Students at Flora Macdonald College.

Lawrence Ray Bowers II ’67, of Blairsville, GA, died on July 29 while recoverHelen Kirkpatrick Middleton FMC ’38, of ing from heart surgery. Larry served as a Laurinburg, NC, died on Oct. 2. Helen was Captain in the Army Corps of Engiinstrumental in inviting Rev. Peter Marshall neers and worked in the aggregate industo speak at Flora Macdonald College. try, finishing his career as a VP of Operations at Florida Rock Industries, Inc. Maxine M. Robertson FMC ’41, of in Atlanta.

Greensboro, NC, died on July 12 at age 97.

Hollace A. Selph ’70, of Durham, NC, Vaune Rowe Mackie FMC ’43 died on died on June 10. She was former senior February 19, 2017 in Cumming, GA. director of educational programs at Duke University Talent Identification Program.

Her work enabled thousands of students Jane Graham McKay FMC ’45 died on to participate in accelerated learning proDec. 19. Her sister, Katherine Hill grams.

McKay FMC ’47 died on Nov. 23. The sisters were both retired educators and William Carroll “Chip” Wright ’70, of lived in Laurinburg.

Charlotte, NC, died in hospice on September 2, surrounded by his friends and Rebekah Sue “Becky” Bowden FMC ’48 family. Chip served in the U.S. Army died on November 11 in Durham, NC. Reserve and worked in the banking Many children in North Carolina have industry, property management, and decay-free teeth because of her work in public commercial real estate. health promoting community water fluoridation.

M. Andrew “Andy” Horner ’72, of Northeast Harbor, ME, died on August Bertha “Bert” Anthony Holliday FMC ’50 20. Andy was a Jack-of-most-skills who died on March 12 in McLeansville, NC. worked in the boating and building worlds, including as a private boat capBarbara Ann Cobb FMC ’53, of Newton, tain, broker, and sales manager.

NC, died on July 24 at age 86.

Richard "Rick" R. Morgan ’72, died on Virginia L. Carlton FMC ’53, of GreenOctober 12 after a year-long battle with ville, NC, died on October 2, 2017. cancer. Rick’s professional life included both art and music, which he combined in Roy Martin ’65 died on May 3, 2017 at his teaching Montessori training for 32 years home in Statesville, NC. His wife, Carol in Raleigh and serving as a music therapy December 2017

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volunteer - playing guitar, dulcimer, cello, and harmonica.

Craig J. Hardy '72, of Chesterfield, VA, died on November 14, 2017. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving as a military police officer.

Ruth “Petie” Whitehead Matheson ’73, of Gloucester, VA, died on May 2. As a member of the American Daffodil Society, Petie judged daffodil shows up and down the Eastern seaboard.

David Stuart Peoples II ’75 died April 28, 2017 in Winston-Salem. He was retired Vice President of Sara Lee Knit Products, a bird watcher and self-taught pianist.

Roland Nathaniel “Nat” Rackett III ’75, of Savannah, GA, died suddenly on July 26. He earned his Juris Doctorate at Antioch Law School and distinguished himself in his legal career, working tirelessly for causes and the clients he served.

St. Andrews by the Lake is a publication of the Alumni and Communications Offices of St. Andrews. We welcome your feedback and ideas for future issues.

To contact the Alumni Office, call 910-277-5665 or email alumni@sa.edu.

A Branch of Webber International University

1700 Dogwood Mile Laurinburg, NC 28352 910-277-5000

Bobby G. Price ’83, of Goldsboro, NC, died on May 5. He was the author of three poetry books published by St. Andrews Press: Strangulation (1983), Visualize (1986) and The View from the Void (2010).

Buren Dean Harrelson ’96, of Leland, NC, died on August 4.