Cumberlands Alumni Magazine - Winter 2009

WINTER 2009

AN ALUMNI MAGAZINE

STEPPING UP

By Keeping Promises

What’s inside:

UC Graduate Programs An Ever-Growing Frontier Athletic Hall of Fame Homecoming ’08

and more!

FROM THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR

Dear UC Alumni, At Cumberland, we are stepping up! It is true. Opportunities are being created for students on campus, from the Cumberland Inn to the new Correll Science Building and from the Hutton School of Business to the new Harth Residence Hall for women.

Stepping up, in this sense simply means that Cumberland strives for improvments. Such improvements to campus are necessary in education, just as they are in the business world.

Also stepping up this year has been the Alumni Board of Directors. This group of dedicated alumni leaders consists of sixteen members, all of whom drive to campus four times each year for meetings. They pay for their meals, lodging, and any additional expenses related to travel to and from campus. Each member is committed to stepping up with the energy and enthusiasm needed to recommend students or to promote Cumberland around the world.

Do you recall how you first heard about Cumberland? We all have a story about the initial connection responsible for leading us to campus. Well, now is your chance to lead someone to Cumberland by opening the door of opportunity.

You can help someone get a quality education, just as you did, by sharing news about our excellent programs—either undergraduate or our new graduate studies. By doing so, you, too, will be stepping up.

Whether this is your first look at Cumberland Today or you have followed Cumberland news and information through our alumni magazine for years, we’re glad to share this issue with you. In it, you will learn how Cumberland alumni are stepping up to make a difference both on and off campus. The influence of one person does make a difference. Now that you know, you can tell others.

We invite you back to campus. Your alumni legacy is still here. If you haven’t been back to Cumberland lately, please consider returning soon. We need you to come back and share the legacy with us during campus events, athletic competitions, alumni reunions, and most of all, at Homecoming. We would enjoy seeing you and hearing about the latest updates in your life. If you come by the Alumni Office, located in the John C. Luecker Building, we’ll have something for you to take home.

Return soon and share your legacy story with us. You’ll be glad you did. Let’s step up together!

Sincerely,

David Bergman, ’89 Alumni Director dave.bergman@ucumberlands.edu

Visit us from home: www.ucumberlands.edu/alumni 2

CumberlandToday

Winter 2009

CONTENTS 2008-2009 Alumni Association Board of Directors President

Bill Lyttle, ’75

President-Elect David Rhodes, ’80

COVER STORY

Past President

Stepping Up

Terry Dixon, Ph.D., ’68

Secretary

Wheeler Conover, Ph.D., ’87

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Term Expiring 2009

Andy Abbott, ’94 Jeff Barker, ’94 Mary Doyle Johnson, ’48 Paul Steely, ’49, Trustee Liason

Term Expiring 2010 Susan Rice Bradley, ’98 Patti Mullins, ’91 Richard Prewitt, ’76 V.L. Stonecipher, ’66

Term Expiring 2011

Maureen “Cookie” Henson, ’74 John P. Hollingsworth, Ph.D., ’63 Mike Parsley, ’89 Allen Robbins, ’90

Ex-officio Members

Daphne Baird, Director of Media Relations David Bergman, ’89, Alumni Director Brittany House, ’09, SGA President James H. Taylor, Ph.D., ’68, President Sue Wake, ’70, V.P. for Institional Advancement Cumberland Today is published by the Office of Media Relations. Mail contributions, letters and address changes to University of the Cumberlands, Alumni Services, 7075 College Station Dr., Williamsburg, KY 40769.

Graphic Designer Jennifer Benge

University Photographers Daphne Baird Jennifer Benge Robbie Floyd, ’11 Jeff Meadors, ’96 Kyle Taylor, '12

Contributors

Daphne Baird Dave Bergman, ’89 Clark Embree, ’10 Robbie Floyd, ’11 Spencer Hall, ’09 Emily Henson ’10 Larry Pelfrey Susan Roberts, ’07 Sports Information Department

Printed by

Progress/Commercial Printing

4-7 8 9-10 11-12 13

Academic News Alumni Board Class Agents UC Alumni Hall of Honor nomination UC Graduate Pograms

16-17

The Future and You

18-21

Athletic News

22-27

Homecoming

28-29

Tribute Gifts

30-34

Class Notes

5, 31, 33, 35

Alumni Spotlights Winter 2009

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ACADEMIC NEWS

University of the Cumberlands again named one of America’s Best Colleges U.S.News and World Report has again named University of the Cumberlands one of “America’s Best Colleges.” In its 2009 rankings published in the September 1 issue, U.S. News listed UC in the Baccalaureate Colleges category. The magazine examined 319 higher education institutions in this category, and ranked Cumberlands 24th in the South, one of four designated regions used for the rankings, which also include North, Midwest and West. Cumberlands is also named one of the top ten ‘Great Schools, Great Prices.’

According to U.S.News, schools in the Baccalaureate Colleges category focus on undergraduate education and offer a range of degree programs within both the liberal arts and in professional and preprofessional fields. They differ from schools in the Liberal Arts Colleges category because fewer than 50% of Baccalaureate

Student Published in Undergrad Research Journal University of the Cumberlands senior Lindsay Higdon has been chosen to have an article published in the Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research. The University has deemed this a great academic accomplishment by a Cumberlands student.

The Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research is competitive and peer-reviewed.

According to Dr. Eric Stephens, associate professor of psychology, it is quite an achievement to submit an article to the journal.

A senior from Louisville Ky., Lindsay has a double major in psychology and exercise & sports science. She is the first author of the research article, which was based on research she conducted. Under Stephens’s supervision, Lindsay completed the article, acquiring Presidential Scholars Research credit for her work.

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Colleges’ bachelor’s degrees are earned in the liberal arts.

Dr. Jim Taylor (’68), Cumberlands’ president, was pleased with the news.

“At University of the Cumberlands, we offer outstanding educational programs.

With a highly qualified, dedicated and upto-date faculty, we continually strive to ensure that the educational opportunities afforded our students are our number one priority.

In addition, our campus facilities provide the best possible learning environment for our students. Our U.S.News ranking is especially gratifying as it validates our programs, reflects the opinions of our peers and places Cumberlands among the best schools in America.

We truly are pleased with this recognition

by U.S.News and World Report. Our ranking and inclusion in ‘Great Schools,

Great Prices’ further validates our mission of offering the best possible education at an affordable price.”

U.S.News bases its rankings on several characteristics, the most important of which are peer assessment and graduation and retention rates. Also important are the ratio of students to faculty and the university’s selectivity. Cumberlands also has a high alumni giving rate when compared to other listed schools.

Upsilon-Upsilon Excels Again Upsilon-Upsilon, the University’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, an international historical honor society, continues to bring home honors. The group has again won the Nels A. Cleven Award in Division I for the Best Chapter Award competition for 2007-2008 and third prize in the 2008 Gerald D. Nash History Journal competition for publication of The Upsilonian.

Showing dedication from the beginning, Upsilon-Upsilon has won the Cleven Award for 31 years, and it has also been named best chapter for schools with fewer than 3000 students.

“The excitement is still there even after 31 years. It affirms once again that our students work hard and are proud of what they do. They want so very much to keep the tradition alive,” said Dr. Eric Wake (’65), chair of UC’s History & Political Science Department.

“The Upsilon-Upsilon chapter at Univer-

sity of the Cumberlands stands as an example to the more than 870 chapters to Phi Alpha Theta, said Graydon (Jack) Tunstall, executive director of the society, in a letter to Dr. Wake. “The time and effort required to produce a historical journal is immense, and your willingness to undertake this task and maintain such a high standard of quality proves the dedication of you and your student to the study of history.”

Both these highly competitive award programs involved submissions from many chapters of Phi Alpha Theta. Upsilon-Upsilon received $250 for the Cleven Award and $100 for the Nash Award.

In addition to publishing The Upsilonian, Cumberlands’ chapter of Phi Alpha Theta also annually sponsors the oldest continuous lecture series on campus, and the group has earned the honor of hosting the regional Phi Alpha Theta conference four times in its history.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Jolly Sharp Alumna and Professor Receives Doctorate Associate Professor of English Jolly Kay Sharp (’74) was awarded her Ph.D. in English at the December 13, 2008, graduation ceremonies at Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Dr. Sharp’s area of specialization was American Literature, resulting in her dissertation, ‘Between the House and the Chicken Yard’: The Masks of Mary Flannery O’Connor, under the direction of Dr. Will Brantley and Dr. Allen Hibbard.

While working on her dissertation, Sharp received three special recognitions: a UC Summer Immersion Grant, a Flannery O’Connor Junior Fellowship from Georgia College & State University and a MTSU doctoral fellowship. Dr. Sharp, who has been a faculty member of University of the Cumberlands since 1991, is a native of Williamsburg, Kentucky, graduating from Williamsburg Independent High School in 1971. After her graduation from Cumberland College in 1974 with a B.A. in English, she received her M.A. in English from Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, in 1988.

SHARP RECEIVES DOCTORATE. Dr. Jolly Sharp (’74), was awarded her Ph.D. in English at Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Hooding Dr. Sharp is Dr. Will Brantley who directed her dissertation.

Senior Receives Gheens Foundation Scholarship Brenda Woods, a University of the Cumberlands senior, is one of eight future math and science teachers to receive an additional $5,000 this year to apply toward her independent college education. The students, representing eight different independent Kentucky colleges and universities, are the recipients of the first Gheens STEM Teacher Preparation Scholarships. Improving STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education is a priority for Kentucky as it builds a globally competitive 21st century workforce.

Woods, a native of Williamsburg, is pursuing a major in middle school education, with emphases in mathematics and science. She is doing her student teaching during the spring semester at Whitley County Middle School. Woods believes that middle school is a crucial time in students’ educational progression, and her goal is to inspire and connect with all of her students. She writes: “I will give my students the same opportunities that I received from my teachers: a fair education, a new look into the future, and a passion for the content.”

“Producing highly skilled teachers in math and sciences is an

area where independent colleges excel in meeting the needs of Kentucky’s K-12 schools,” said Gary S. Cox, president of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU).

The Gheens Foundation granted AIKCU eight STEM Teacher Preparation Scholarships of $5,000 each to distribute to aspiring teachers studying at independent colleges through a competitive process. The scholarships were open to students at any of Kentucky’s 20 independent colleges and universities studying to become K-12 teachers in STEM. Priority was given to minority, female, low-income, and first generation applicants, as well as to those planning to teach in high need school districts. The selection process was developed and overseen by an independent third party.

“We approached the Gheens Foundation about funding these scholarships because of its shared commitment to education in Kentucky,” said Cox. “By selecting the best candidate from eight separate schools we felt the competition would focus even more attention on teacher preparation around the state…ultimately benefiting K-12 students throughout Kentucky.”

The Gheens Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Kentucky. The Foundation’s support of Kentucky ’s independent colleges and universities dates back to the 1950s.

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ACADEMIC NEWS

Cumberlands Named to Presidential Honor Roll For Community Service

O

n February 9, 2009, the Corporation for National and Community Service announced that it had named University of the Cumberlands a member of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to America’s communities. Cumberlands is one of 83 schools overall, and one of only three in Kentucky, which the Corporation named Honor Roll with Distinction members.

“University of the Cumberlands is truly honored to be selected as a presidential honor roll institution,” said Dr. Jim Taylor, the university’s president. “This is a singular award about which we are justifiably proud.”

Launched in 2006, the Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement. Honorees for the award were chosen based on a series of selection factors including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student

Fall 2008 Insights students paint replacement siding on a home during a Mountain Outreach project.

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participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.

University of the Cumberlands has developed a special service and leadership program that requires a first-semester freshman orientation class called Insights, as well as a class in leadership during the junior year. Each UC student must also complete 40, documented, community service hours in order to graduate, and an optional 160 additional service hours allow graduates to be named Hutton Scholars at Commencement.

Cumberlands is also home to Mountain Outreach, a student-led service organization, which, in the last 25 years, has completed a total of 125 homes for area families and individuals, who for financial or health reasons have been unable to provide safe, comfortable, basic housing for themselves. The group also has built wheelchair ramps and provided badly needed home repairs and simple renovations for hundreds of local residents.

During the past two years, some Insights instructors have integrated their classes into Mountain Outreach’s fall renovation projects. According to Dr. Christopher Leskiw, “I can think of no better way to expose students to UC’s mission than to have them participate in Mountain Outreach and actually model and carry out the mission of serving people in our area.”

Mountain Outreach also conducts two annual Gift Days, which help many families celebrate Christmas by providing gifts, household and personal necessities, clothing and food. In 2008, more than 100 UC student volunteers, along with other volunteer groups who came to help, participated in the two Gift Day programs.

Additional volunteer service opportunities are available for UC students through Baptist Campus Ministries and Appalachian Ministries.

“In this time of economic distress, we need volunteers more than ever. College students represent an enormous pool of

idealism and energy to help tackle some of our toughest challenges,” said Stephen Goldsmith, vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees the Honor Roll. “We salute University of the Cumberlands for making community service a campus priority, and thank the millions of college students who are helping to renew America through service to others.”

The Honor Roll is a program of the Corporation, in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll is presented during the annual conference of the American Council on Education.

In addition to the 87 schools named Honor Roll with Distinction members, the Corporation honored six schools with Presidential Awards and named 546 schools as Honor Roll members. In total, 635 schools were recognized.

“I offer heartfelt congratulations to those institutions named to the 2008 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. College and university students across the country are making a difference in the lives of others every day – as are the institutions that encourage their students to serve others,” said American Council on Education President Molly Corbett Broad.

Recent studies have underlined the importance of service-learning and volunteering to college students.

In 2006, 2.8 million college students gave more than 297 million hours of volunteer service, according to the Corporation’s Volunteering in America 2007 study.

Expanding campus incentives for service is part of a larger initiative to spur higher levels of volunteering by America’s college students. The Corporation is working with a coalition of federal agencies, higher education and student associations, and nonprofit organizations to achieve this goal.

ACADEMIC NEWS

Cumberlands Announces Sullivan Awards Recipients Amy Beth Shemwell and Christopher Allen Tucker are the 2009 recipients of the Mary Mildred and Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards. The awards are given annually on Founder’s Day to a graduating male and female senior who have demonstrated outstanding spiritual qualities, satisfactory academic achievement, a high degree of leadership ability and a willingness to participate in extra-curricular activities.

Amy, the recipient of the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award, is a public health major with a minor in social work. While at University of the Cumberlands, she has maintained a 3.87 grade point average.

Involved with several campus activities during her UC career, Amy has been a cheerleader for 4 years, and she is currently the team captain. Additionally, she has been involved with Student Government Association for four years, previously serving as attorney general and currently as chief of staff. Serving as a Star with the Insights program for three years, she has also been a member of the Asher Hall House Council for three years, serving as vice president, and currently as president. Amy has also participated in Mountain Outreach spring break mission trips and on the 2007 Mountain Outreach summer team. Upon graduation, Amy plans to attend graduate school to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Health.

Christopher Allen Tucker, the recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, is a public health major with a minor in exercise sport science, and while at University of the Cumberlands, he has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.24.

During his years at UC, Chris has worked with the Mountain Outreach program, serving as the student coordinator for the past year. He was also a Star in the Insights program. Chris has participated in many mission opportunities, such as a Hurricane Relief trip to Biloxi, Mississippi in 2005; a Spring Break College Blitz with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and Habitat for Hu-

Amy Beth Shemwell (’09) and Christopher Allen Tucker(’09) received the Mary Mildred and Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards during Founder’s Day Convocation at University of the Cumberlands on Monday, January 19.

manity in Morehead, Kentucky, in 2006, and two spring break mission trips to Lynch, Kentucky, in 2007 and 2008. He has served as a member of Mountain Outreach’s summer team every summer since his arrival at University of the Cumberlands. In addition to his leadership role in missions, Chris is a worship leader for his home church and spends time volunteering at the Lord’s Gym, a youth ministry focused on counseling and mentoring teenagers.

His future plans include staying active in youth ministry, volunteering with Mountain Outreach and allowing God to use him in what career he chooses upon graduation.

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation, now located in Oxford, Miss., was chartered in New York State in 1930. Its purpose is to promote service to others and service to the broader community, values that were exemplified by Algernon and Mary Mildred Sullivan, the parents of the organization’s founder.

In addition to providing support for financial aid to small private colleges, located primarily in the Appalachian region, the Sullivan Foundation also collaborates with 54 southeastern colleges and universities to present awards in memory of Algernon and Mary Mildred Sullivan.

Cumberlands ROTC honors victims of September 11th On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, approximately 100 students, faculty and staff members and community residents observed as the ROTC unit of University of the Cumberlands conducted a flag retreat ceremony and memorial service to honor the lives lost during the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001.

The service was held at Patriot Park, in the midst of 3000 flags placed upon the lawn of Hutton School of Business, where a steel beam from one of the World Trade Center towers and a replica of the Liberty Bell stand as reminders of America’s love of freedom and independence.

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Working for Cumberland

and for You

F

or each of the last three years, Dr. Terry Dixon (’68) selflessly has driven to meetings and events from either Prattville, Alabama, or Cumming, Georgia.

With gas reaching an all-time high during his term as Alumni President, Dr. Dixon never mentioned gas or lodging expense as a problem. He personally drove prospective students to campus, recommended them to Admissions by phone and reached out to alumni around the country, while he worked to help expand and improve upon his alma mater. His commitment was the fire that warmed the Cumberland spirit of many alumni in 2007-08.

Terry and new Alumni Board President Bill Lyttle (’75) are just two of the alumni who, throughout the year, work diligently to ensure that deserving, excellent high school students learn about Univeristy of the Cumberlands and the outstanding educational opportunities to be found here. They also work on behalf of Cumberlands to ensure that there are opportunities to recognize alumni who have made exceptional contributions to their communities, churches, athletics and professions. Some others are members of your alumni board, and some are class agents. They contribute financially to ensure that University of the Cumberlands will always be able to provide future students a spiritually grounded, wellrounded education like the one they—and you—received at Cumberland.

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Bill Lyttle has fulfilled a three-year term on the Alumni Board, first as a member, then president-elect, and now, he has assumed the role of president.

Bill earned this leadership position through hard work and years of consistent service. As a high school English teacher, he is naturally positioned to recommend students to his alma mater. In fact, Bill has been one of the most ardent alumni supporters of the Admissions Office in recent memory. No sooner does a shipment of new admission materials arrive in Bill’s care from UC than he already has it distributed to prospective students.

Bill is eager to help on campus, too. He encourages UC students whenever and wherever he can, and he urges each student to become involved in the alumni process today. Bill says, “Today’s

Dr. Terry Dixon swears in new Alumni Board President Bill Lyttle.

students are the alumni of tomorrow. Treating them with kindness and respect now can lead to endless possibilities of support tomorrow.”

There are many ways that you, too, can step up to

help UC continue to fill its important educational niche in Appalachia. Contact Director of Alumni Services Dave Bergman, Bill Lyttle or your class agent to learn how you can be of service.

2007-08 Alumni Board - 1st Row: Rich Prewitt, Jeff Barker, Dick Koeniger, Dave Bergman; 2nd Row: Susan Bradley, Sharon Parrott, Brittney House, Patti Mullins, Laura Keown; 3rd Row: Mary Doyle Johnson, Paul Steely, John Hollingsworth, Allen Robbins, Terry Dixon, Bill Lyttle, Kimé Murphy, Andy Abbott, David Rhodes

Winter 2009

UC ALUMNI CLASS AGENT EMAIL LIST

University of the Cumberlands Coming Soon to a Chapter Meeting Near You Miss those friends from Cumberland? Want to share memories but have difficulty getting back to Williamsburg? Wonder if other alumni you’ve never met might live near you? An Alumni Chapter meeting might have your answers.

In June 2008, a group met in Washington, D.C. and one met in Atlanta. Both these met at sports events, but a meeting can be anything from a pot-luck picnic to a dinner at a nice restaurant or a dessert get-together in a local church fellowship hall. All that’s needed is an alum to host the event, and you could be that alum. If you’re interested in getting together with others who love Cumberland, or in hosting an event, contact the Alumni Relations Office to find out how.

Washington, D.C., Mid-Atlantic Chapter Meeting Left to Right: First Row: Guest, Laura Sue Gaines (‘87), Second Row: Jill Arvanitis (‘97), Bethany Akers (Future Alum), Jeemes Akers (‘70), Dave Bergman (‘89, Alumni Director), Donna Jarvis-Miller, (’80)

Atlanta Chapter Meeting Left to Right: First Row: Dave Bergman (‘89, Alumni Director), Victoria Jones Abigail Jones, Kaitlyn Jones, Zach Jones (future alums), Second Row: Melanie Petzold (‘06), Todd Petzold (‘06), Michael Jones (‘96), Stephanie Jones, Jennifer Jones (’91), Brooke Jones (‘90)

Class Year CB Society 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Name Marcella Johnson Mountjoy Ms. Lola Miles Oliver Mr. Donnie Rains Mr. Harry Siler Ms. Brenda Rains Mrs. Dorothy Meadors Morris Mr. Frank A. Burns Mr. Edgar Bryant Mr. Alvin Sharpe Mr. V. L. Stonecipher Mr. Richard “Dick” Koeniger Dr. Terry P. Dixon Dr. Tom Frazier Mr. Ralph Lipps Dr. & Mrs. Michael Colegrove Ms. Linda Carter Mr. David C. Gay Mr. Floyd Stroud Mr. William R. Lyttle Mr. Richard E. Prewitt Mr. Alfred B. Apple Dr. Michael R. Smith Dr. Dennis J. Trickett Mr. David B. Rhodes Mr. Crayton Ellison Ms. Laura J. Keown Mr. Chris W. Keegan Mr. & Mrs. Paul Jackson Mr. Craig Mack Mr. Russell Jones Dr. Wheeler Conover Mr. Jeff Davis Mrs. Denise Bender Sesler Mr. Gary A. Averill Mrs. Patti Mullins Dr. Paul Chitwood Dr. Joe E. Early, Jr. Mr. Jeff A. Barker Ms. Melissa Irvin Mrs. Amy Jacobs Liddle Ms. Jill Gross Arvanitis Mrs. Susan Rice Bradley Mr. Kenny McKinney Mr. Jonathan Childers Mr. Kevin J. Weihe Mr. Josh Moses Mrs. Alaina Allen Gibbs Mr. Joe A. Salvato Ms. Jessica Shearer Ms. Katie Bowers Elizabeth Risner Jordan Patton Brittney House

Email Address 170joy@bellsouth.net lolamilesoliver@webtv.net no email address harrysiler@yahoo.com no email address bdmorris589@roadrunner.com fstormyb@aol.com edgarb@kih.net alvin.sharpe@ucumberlands.edu vstoneci@acs.ac dkoeniger@seidata.com drtpd@aol.com tom.frazier@ucumberlands.edu no email address michael.colegrove@ucumberlands.edu linda.carter@ucumberlands.edu dcgay@lwrkz.com floyd.stroud@ucumberlands.edu bill49ers07@yahoo.com richard.prewitt@whitley.kyschools.us drives@kih.net otridge@bellsouth.net dennis.trickett@ucumberlands.edu drhodes@thewalkercompany.com no email address laura.keown@centre.edu CKe8009542@aol.com lisa.jackson@ucumberlands.edu mack7335@bellsouth.net tireruss@aol.com ewconover@yahoo.com jeffd@cedlexington.com denisesesler@comcast.net gaverill@southernwine.com patti.mullins@whitley.kyschools.us pchitwood@fbcmw.org joe.early@ucumberlands.edu jkbarker@woh.rr.com melissa.irvin@ucumberlands.edu liddlehouse@gmail.com jillarvanitis@yahoo.com Susan.Bradley@homefederaltn.com KmcKinney9@yahoo.com j.childers@cvim.com keviny_14@yahoo.com no email address daisy_john8_32@hotmail.com cumberlandjoe@yahoo.com jessica.shearer@ucumberlands.edu awesomeangel_02@hotmail.com erisner5644@yahoo.com jep2004@yahoo.com bhouse1256@ucumberlands.edu

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Alumni Gifts as a result of Class Agent Letters 1936 Mrs. Blanche D. Mitchell 1937 Lieutenant Colonel Leslie W. Bailey

1954 Mr. Frank D. Crabtree Mrs. Louise B. Tipton 1955 Reverend Ledies Bargo

1938 Mrs. Virginia O. Linkenhoker

1956 Dr. James D. Turpin

1939 Mrs. Nadine M. Siler

1957 Mr. Gene R. Graves Mr. Raymond Hoskins

1940 Mr. Alex H. Anderson, Jr. 1941 Mrs. Marcella Faulkner Mountjoy 1945 Mrs. Liz Young Krause 1946 Mrs. Sara L. Moore Dr. Jo Anne Sexton 1947 Mr. Leonard Pierce, Jr. 1948 Mrs. Doris Pierce 1949 Mr. Virgil E. Harmon, Jr. Mrs. Ida Mae M. Judy Mr. Loy Hobart White 1950 Mr. Harry G. Graham Mrs. Betty Jane Hines Mrs. Norma June Moses Mr. J. B. Mountjoy Mrs. Pearl Janet Rains 1951 Mrs. Ruth Ann Blair Mr. Leonard R. McFarland Mrs. Charlene Stephens 1952 Mr. Charles N. Haney 1953 Mrs. Sylvia Arnett Mrs. Norma Kelley Ms. Una Lee Lanter

1958 Mr. Luster C. Patterson 1961 Mr. Robert Lee Merritt Mr. Clyde Edward Neff Dr. Edsel Lee West 1962 Mr. Clarence Louis Bates Ms. Sarah E. Combs Mr. Don R. Hall Mr. Jimmy C. Rogers 1963 Mr. Frank A. Burns Mrs. Sylvia Hope Grogan Mrs. Anetha Joyce King Mr. Burlie Gene King 1964 Mr. Edgar Blaine Bryant Mrs. Lynne Ann Fontaine Mrs. Reba Doris Morse Mrs. Mary Kathryn Kirby Moss Mrs. Barbara Kay Smith Mr. Alvin Smith 1965 Dr. Eleazer Benenhaley 1966 Mr. James Harbour Grogan Mr. Thomas E. Henegar Mr. Jewett Moss Mrs. Genive Phillips Mrs. Glenna S. Walters 1967 Mr. Glenn A. Adams Mr. Gordon Dale Bocock Mr. Kenneth J. Cottongim Mrs. Vivian E. Henegar Mr. Richard F. Koeniger Mr. Aaron L. Wright

1968 Mrs. Evelyn Dixon Dr. Terry P. Dixon Mr. Byron P. Jody Mrs. Bobbie Sue Shoun Mrs. Patricia Ann Wilkins 1969 Mr. Jerry L. Abbott Dr. Jack L. Hollins Mr. Ralph E. Lynch Mr. Steven E. Shoun

1981 Ms. Latin Renee Beets Dr. David Thomas Parker Dr. Gilbert L. VanOver, Jr. 1985 Ms. Rhonda Jena Metcalf Dr. Eddie Steely Perkins 1986 Mrs. Kelli Sue McLemore

1970 Mr. Randell B. Baker Mrs. Janet Sue Bocock Mr. Ricky D. McCrary 1971 Mrs. Alice McCrary 1972 Mr. David Lee Crocker Mrs. Elizabeth Constance Lipps Mrs. Magnolia Quillen Ms. Martha A. Willard 1973 Mrs. Brenda Joyce Jody Mr. Randall L. Osborn Mrs. Glenna Pennington 1974 Mrs. Mary Compton Mr. Kenneth R. Handley Mr. Richard Stephens 1975 Dr. Paula Jena Hammons-Allen Mr. Ricky D. Pelfrey 1976 Dr. Linda Ford Gooch Mrs. Donna Kay Guilkey 1977 Ms. Linda W. Coleman Mr. David W. Powell 1979 Mrs. Deborah A. Denney Mrs. Karin Lynn Edgington Mr. James Clarence Harville, Jr. Mrs. Lynn Morris Ms. Della Lynn Morrow

1989 Mr. David S. Bergman 1992 Ms. Jamie Carol Back 1993 Mrs. Jamie Lynn Vanlandingham-Hoskins 1994 Mr. Andrew Ottmon Abbot 1995 Dr. Jill Cox Browning Ms. Shannon Teresa Love 1996 Mr. Steve Lamar Imel Mr. Jeffrey Michael Liddle 1997 Mr. Jeffrey Daniel Holloway 1998 Mr. Robert Michael Brooks 1999 Mrs. Malinda Sue Brooks Dr. Christopher William Edwards 2001 Mrs. Susan Marie Kincaid Mrs. Deborah Louise Stanton 2002 Ms. Kelley Anne Wood 2007 Ms. Lane Elizabeth Royer Ms. Amanda Dawn Webb

1980 Mrs. Grace Ann EckertDeipero *Gifts from August 22, 2008-January 2, 2009

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Nominate deserving alumni for UC Alumni Hall of Honor Awards!

Do you know a Cumberland alumnus/a who has produced significant achievements in his or her vocation? Take a moment to recommend alums that have made commitments to Cumberland as a board member, volunteer, missionary, or in other ways conducive to promoting Cumberland’s mission.

The University of the Cumberlands Alumni Board is accepting nominations for the annual Hall of Honor Awards that include Distinguished Alumni, Alumni Appreciation, Religious Service, and Outstanding Young Alumni.

Awards are presented annually during the Alumni Dinner on the Saturday evening of Alumni & Family Weekend.

Nominations must be received by the Office of Alumni Services no later than July 31st of each year for consideration by the Alumni Board’s Awards Committee. All nominations will be considered active for a three (3) year period. The committee may request follow-up information for any nomination. The committee reserves the right to present any or all awards during a particular year.

Award Criteria Alumni Appreciation Award

• Individual must serve as a volunteer of his or her personal time to further the goals and objectives of University of the Cumberlands-Cumberland College.

• Individual must show commitment involving time, energy and effort in more than one area of Cumberland functions including but not limited to Admissions, Alumni Board, Alumni Services, Career Services, Development and Fundraising, Mountain Outreach or Faculty, Staff and Administration Services.

• Individuals employed at Cumberland are excluded from the award process.

Distinguished Alumni Award

• Individual must clearly demonstrate outstanding personal, civic, or professional achievements.

• Individual brings honor and recognition to the alma mater through profession or service.

• Individual must reflect a devotion to the Christian lifestyle.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award • • • •

Individual must have attended or graduated no more than ten years before date of consideration.

Individual must exhibit strong personal character, moral conviction and Christian faith.

Individual clearly demonstrates commitment to alma mater, profession, church and community.

Individual has risen through the ranks of his or her profession as proven leader.

Religious Service Award

• Individual has demonstrated faith, stewardship and leadership in both church and community.

• Individual has successfully served in home missions or foreign missions, contributing to the spiritual and religious lives of the people he or she serves.

• Individual has served as a senior pastor/minister or as a ministerial staff member.

Use the form on the following page to nominate an alumnus or alumna. Questions may be referred to the Director of Alumni Services, (606) 539-4167 or (606) 539-4355.

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UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATION FORM I wish to nominate a Cumberland alumnus/alumna for (please check one of the following):

Alumni Appreciation Award

Distinguished Alumni Award

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Religious Service Award

Name of nominee:

Class year:

Nominee phone (work/home/cell): Nominee address (work/home): Reasons for nominating the individual. Include professional accomplishments and examples of service and/or leadership. You may use this form or another sheet of paper.

Name of nominator:

Date:

Nominator’s address (home/work): Nominator’s phone (home/work/cell): Did the nominator attend Cumberland?

This form must be received no later than July 31st for consideration by the UC Alumni Board during a specific calendar year.

All nominations will be considered active for a three-year period. Nominations will be held in confidence. The committee reserves the right to request follow-up information for any nomination. The committee reserves the right to present particular awards during any calendar year.

MAIL: Office of Alumni Services, University of the Cumberlands, 7075 College Station Drive, Williamsburg, KY 40769 EMAIL: alumni@ucumberlands.edu FAX: (606)539-4168 12

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UC Graduate Programs: An Ever-Growing Frontier In 2005, Cumberland College decided to embark upon a new journey and became University of the Cumberlands. What was only a dream of the administration and faculty at that time is now a reality for UC’s Graduate Programs.

W

hen Cumberland College decided to embark upon a new journey in 2005 by becoming University of the Cumberlands, today’s myriad graduate programs were only a dream in the imagination of the administration and faculty. As Cumberlands continues to expand its horizons in ever-widening, crucial, educational directions, its Department of Graduate Programs is vital to the University’s growth and future.

UC’s dedication to its mountain environs has encouraged numerous graduates from all walks to live lives of scholarship and service. Nonetheless, Cumberlands understands the need to be a pioneer in new frontiers of education. The evolution of online education—with its roots in the mid 1990s—has changed the face of colleges and universities as the issue of proximity to a higher education institution loses significance.

More individuals have access to college than ever before, many of which institutions are right at their fingertips.

With the arrival of its 100% online Dr. Barry Vann graduate education programs, UC is able to take its opportunities far outside Appalachia. By offering five certification programs with many different emphases for each, UC’s online programs serve students from around the globe, including residents of Wyoming, Alaska, Uruguay, Pakistan and soldiers serving in Iraq. In addition to the programs that UC has offered for several years—Master of Arts in Education; Master of Arts in Teaching; Master of Arts in Education: Instructional Leadership; Add-On Certification: Special Education; Cumberland_Today:Layout 1 2/6/09 1:50 PM Page 1 Administration Certification for Superintendent, Supervisor of

Build your bridge to tomorrow with UC’s Graduate Programs!

Doctor of Education Master of Arts in Education (100% online) Master of Arts in Teaching (100% online) Rank I, Add-On Certifications for Education (100% online) Administrative Certifications for Education (100% online) Master of Business Administration Master of Arts in Professional Counseling COMING SOON! Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies COMING SOON! Doctor of Physical Therapy

Apply Today! www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/graduate 1.800.343.1609 ext. 4390

Instruction, Director of Special Education, or Director of Pupil Personnel; Rank I—UC has recently added an Educational Specialist degree to its repertoire of offerings. A combination of all online programs boasts an enrollment of 803 students for the October 2008 term.

In addition to the online graduate education programs, the inaugural cohort of UC’s Doctor of Education program began classes in September with twenty-nine enrollees. Classes currently meet in a blended format of weekend and online classes. Students will complete the sixty-hour degree in one of two area concentrations: K-12 Supervisor Option or Academic Administration in Higher Education Option. The program is delivered by ten terminally credentialed faculty members, with backgrounds ranging from teaching reading in elementary schools to serving as superintendents of school systems. Dr. Barry Vann, a native of Appalachia, has joined UC’s faculty to direct this new program.

Dr. Vonda Moore Another on-campus graduate program, the Master of Business Administration, began classes in August. Dr. Vonda Moore has come on board at UC as the director of the M.B.A. program.

Eighteen students are currently taking courses in this program, which emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between academics and real-world business. Like the Doctor of Education program, the M.B.A. is designed for the working adult and offers a flexible class schedule.

Recently, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) has approved UC’s latest program of graduate studies—the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. Through the program, the University’s Department of Psychology seeks to develop clinically and technically competent, as well as ethically responsible, mental health counselors to serve communities in a variety of clinical settings, including private practice, mental health centers and hospitals.

The program, based upon a cohort, 8-week, bi-term model, will begin with the fall 2009 semester. Upon completion of the 60hour M.A.P.C. program, graduates will be prepared to sit for the examination to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

University of the Cumberlands continues to expand its Graduate School with several additional programs in the works, including a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. For more information about any of UC’s graduate programs, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at (606) 539-4390.

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Stepping Up

By Keeping Promises With the help of caring friends and alumni, University of the Cumberlands has kept another promise to Appalachia. As the spring semester began, the first classes were held in the new Ward and Regina Correll Science Complex, and 96 female students have moved into Lenora Fuson Harth Hall.

A

pproaching the new science building, one is immediately struck by a feeling of recognition— Monticello—the famous home designed by the author of the United States Declaration of Independence.

This elegant replica of Jefferson’s masterpiece is a perfect example of how Cumberlands reveres the past and honors the patriots who dreamed the dream of a United States of America, yet stands firmly facing forward into the 21st century and beyond.

Upon entering through the wide doorway, the feeling of stepping into the 18th century continues, with marble floors leading forward, and graceful, twin staircases rising upward on either side of a beautifully domed entrance hall.

However, the

Ward and Regina Correll Science Complex

corridors and staircases quickly leave the past behind as they lead forward and upward to 21st century classrooms, a 134-seat lecture hall, laboratories, study rooms and a computer laboratory, all equipped with internet capabilities to provide a state-of-the-art learning environment for today’s math and science students. In addition, the previously existing science building has been updated and renovated to blend with the new architecture, and the two buildings are connected by corridors to complete the complex, encompassing 78,000 square feet.

“University of the Cumberlands can boast of a well-earned reputation in the sciences, and this marvelous new facility will allow the students and faculty members who work and learn here to strengthen that reputation as they establish careers and create an impact in the region and, ultimately, the world,” said the University’s president, Dr. Jim Taylor.

Dr. Sara Ash (’93) teaching an ecology class in the lecture hall of the Ward and Regina Correll Science Complex.

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Across campus from the Correll Science Building, the new Lenora Fuson Harth Residence Hall has opened its doors to 96 young women who now call it their campus home.

The beautiful building with its arched portico sits on the hill, below Gillespie Hall, Robinson-Cook Hall, and Mahan Hall, facing downtown, so that it is the first residence hall to greet campus visitors. Inside the 25,842 squarefoot structure, twelve suites, each containing four two-person rooms, a bathroom, and a common room, are arranged around an open, twostory lounge, with balconies on two sides above, enhancing the feeling of openness.

As Harth Hall’s first residents moved in, they were in awe of all the new building’s features: the convenient laundry room, study rooms, vending room and the elevator, which makes

Lenora Fuson Harth Hall

dedication services for both the Ward and Regina Correll Science Building and the Lenora Fuson Harth Residence Hall.

At that time, visitors can tour the facilities and learn just why the campus community is so excited. The opportunity to see the University’s growth and the advancements that keep Cumberlands on the forefront of higher education is worth a visit to campus, and there could be no better time to plan a visit than for one or both of these dedications. Cumberlands continues to step up to the challenge of providing an outstanding, valuesbased education, while adhering to time-honored values, right here in Appalachia.

In the near future, dedication ceremony dates and times will be available at www.ucumberlands.edu/media.

Bess Anderson, head resident (far right), and Maggie Deardurff (’10, center) issue Emma Zelik (’10) her room key and help her to check in.

Harth accessible to students with disabilities. The young women opened each door with excited anticipation, and they were not alone in their enthusiasm. Bess Anderson, the hall’s first head resident shared their excitement, saying, “It’s just awesome—well-planned, larger rooms, and the office could not have been better planned.”

Mrs. Anderson also said that the building’s window screens arrived on the morning of moving-in day. So, workmen finished just before the first residents began to move in. It brought back the story of Roburn Hall, the first building of what has become University of the Cumberlands. When Roburn was completed in 1889, workmen were sweeping trash out the back door as students were coming in the front door for their first day of classes at Williamsburg Institute. It’s reassuring to know that even as programs and facilities become more and more advanced at Cumberlands, some traditions continue.

Later in the spring, University of the Cumberlands will hold

Caryanne Cottingham (’12), Katie Conard (’12), and Laura Vater (’11) discover the study/ break room next door to their suite.

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The Future and You “I love Cumberland, and I want to make a difference in the lives of students—today and in the future.

What can one person do?”

Give an Unrestricted Gift

Unrestricted gifts allow University of the Cumberlands to continue to provide amazing educational opportunities that have earned praise and confidence both within and without the educational community. This is reflected in UC’s rankings and the heartfelt gratitude of its graduates.

Did you know. . .

• • • •

that unrestricted gifts allow President Taylor to address the most urgent needs of the University? that if 10 people give $100, UC can provide an emergency scholarship to a student in need? that if 10 people give $50, a UC student could attend a national conference to present research? that giving is easy? To make your secure online gift today, go to www.ucumberlands.edu/give/online.html or send a gift to: University of the Cumberlands President’s Office 6191 College Station Drive Williamsburg, KY 40769

Even small unrestricted gifts help both today’s students and future students who share many of the same traits that distinguished you when you first stepped onto campus. They are bright, eager to learn, a little daunted by the task ahead of them, but also ready to take on the world— just as you were. By contributing to their success, you will help to maintain Cumberlands’ reputation for excellence.

Create an Endowed Scholarship

Most Cumberlands’ students receive some scholarship assistance. An endowed scholarship, named for you, your family or someone you admire, is sustaining and will grow over time, continuing to bless students for many years to come.

An endowed scholarship fund, like the Tom Adkins Memorial Endowed Scholarship, will allow an individual or family to assist future Cumberlands’ students indefinitely.

Stretch Your Gifts

If your employer offers a matching gifts program, you may be able to increase your giving by half, double or even more. If you are unsure if your company matches your charitable gifts, visit www.ucumberlands.edu/give/info.html to request information or inquire with your HR department.

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In Commemoration of a Good Life Well-Lived Recently, the Tom Adkins Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Mr. Adkins’s family, and each year, earnings from the fund will provide scholarship assistance to a qualified student or students at University of the Cumberlands.

Before enrolling at Cumberland, Mr. Adkins graduated from Williamsburg High School, where he excelled in sports. In both 1947 and 1948, he received an Honorable Mention Award for the All Kentucky High School Football Squad, but not limited to athletic prowess on the gridiron, he received the same honor for basketball in 1948 and 1949. He played basketball for Cumberland, where he was popular on and off the court. Recognizing his talents and leadership abilities, his teammates elected him team captain, and his campus peers voted him “Mr. Off-Campus.” Although the Korean War interrupted his college career, Mr. Adkins returned to college after his discharge and earned a degree in education. He enjoyed a long, successful career with South Central Bell, where he worked his way into management.

The Tom Adkins Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund honors this optimistic, affable, talented man, who loved God, his family, friends, country and life. By his excellent example, he taught the qualities of good citizenship and good sportsmanship, and he demonstrated the values of education, honesty and hard work. With this scholarship, Mr. Adkins will continue to touch the lives of Cumberland students in a positive way.

To qualify for the Tom Adkins Memorial Endowed Scholarship, a student must be a Christian and a resident of Whitley County, Ky., demonstrate financial need, have been a high school athlete and have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or greater.

Remember Cumberlands

You can remember UC in your will or trust, or you might want to create a charitable gift annuity to provide you with a lifetime income as you assist deserving students.

With charitable gift annuities: • The rates are significantly greater than bond rates and certificates of deposits.

• Annuity payments are fixed and based on the age(s) of the annuitant(s).

• Annuity payments are extremely favorably taxed.

• The donor is entitled to an income tax charitable contribution deduction.

• Appreciated securities given to Cumberlands for a charitable gift annuity are valued on the date of the gift; capital gains taxes are not immediately due as they are when securities are sold by the donor.

• A gift annuity is the simplest of all split-interest planned gifts.

Age

Yearly Rate

Tax Payment

Deduction*

65

5.3%

$ 530.00

$ 3,473.70

70

5.7%

570.00

4,033.90

75

6.3%

630.00

4,543.30

80

7.1%

710.00

5,091.80

85

8.1%

810.00

5,678.30

90

9.5%

950.00

6,214.00

*based on minimum age of 65; a gift annuity of $10,000; figures for annual payment and IRS discount rate of 3.4%, as of February ’09

Anna Rutherford (’46) has chosen to set up a Charitable Annuity Trust, which not only provides her a fixed income, guaranteed for life, but also creates a significant legacy here at University of the Cumberlands. Benefits also include a substantial income tax deduction.

Cumberland College offers numerous planned giving vehicles for its graduates and friends. Mrs. Rutherford’s situation required a plan that provided a guaranteed income for the remainder of her life. Other alumni and friends have established trusts and deferred gift annuities naming a loved one as the income beneficiary. With the low payout rates currently on certificates of deposit (CDs) and the volatility of the stock market, deferred gift annuities are becoming extremely popular for young adults who will not be retiring any time soon but want to plan and secure a steady, fixed income that will begin when they retire. For instance, a 45-year-old can defer a gift annuity for 15 years and receive income at a rate of 10.7 percent. The income tax deduction would be immediate (during her working years when her tax bracket is higher) and the income would not begin until she is 60. As with regular gift annuities, the entire amount of the annuity would be backed by all of the College’s assets.

If you are considering the establishment of a Charitable Gift Annuity to provide lifelong income for yourself and vital support for University of the Cumberlands, please contact Larry Pelfrey at 859/582-5522 or larry.pelfrey@ucumberlands.edu. He gladly will answer your questions about all forms of planned gifts for one or two people, including Charitable Gift Annuities, and the importance of making a planned gift now. He can design a plan just for you to meet your needs.

Remember, as a financial supporter of Cumberlands, you are encouraging today’s students as you also demonstrate your continuing commitment to the university’s mission to educate individuals for lives of responsible service and leadership.

Memories of Service Motivate Honored Alumna’s Giving Before Homecoming in 1996, as Mrs. Anna Frances Parker Rutherford (’46) prepared to celebrate her class’s 50th reunion, she sent a letter to President Jim Taylor with a few reflections from her days as a student at Cumberland.

She wrote, “Professor Vallandingham returned from serving in World War II early during my sophomore year. He took over the calculus class composed of two students. (During) second semester the other student went into the service, so Professor Vallandingham and I worked through the book together. Just before Easter break neither of us could solve a (particular) problem; he wrote me a card and told me not to bother working on the problem during my vacation because he had figured out what we were doing wrong…I know of no college, then or now, where teachers exhibit such interest and concern for their students.

Throughout my forty years of teaching at various levels, I tried to imitate the good qualities of those teachers.”

Although Mrs. Rutherford arrived on campus as the valedictorian of her graduating class in Barbourville, Kentucky, she admittedly had some “catching up to do and was grateful for the personal interest provided by the faculty at Cumberland.”

She was on scholarship for both her years at Cumberland.

After teaching math for seven years in the Cincinnati area, Mrs. Rutherford received a science and math scholarship to the University of Virginia, where she met her first husband. They were blessed with what is now the joy of Mrs. Rutherford’s life, her daughter, Jennifer McNeill, who has followed in her mother’s footsteps and is an art teacher in Greenville, S.C. Following the death of her first husband, Mrs. Rutherford moved to Tennessee, near her family, realizing their support could help her as she raised her three year-old daughter.

Although spending time with Jennifer was her priority, she began her 20-year career, training student teachers for the University of Tennessee, and met her second husband, now also deceased.

Mrs. Rutherford is a shining example of what Cumberlands hopes all students will become once they leave campus. Not only has she accomplished much professionally but she also has worked just as hard at being a good mother, neighbor and friend. She is the epitome of a gentle southern lady. When Larry Pelfrey, assistant to the president for planned giving, left after meeting with her for the first time, she handed him a basket of freshly picked strawberries to share with his family.

Mrs. Rutherford has also been faithful in her financial support so that Cumberlands can continue to educate deserving students with minimal financial resources. Like many alumni and friends in their retirement years, Mrs. Rutherford has chosen charitable gift annuities to accomplish her philanthropic goals at Cumberlands.

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With the induction of Dale Walker (’72), Alvin Sharpe (’65), Shannon Evans Holt (’99), John Dee Wilson (’58) and Michael Irving (’03)(not pictured), University of the Cumberlands has five new members of the Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame. The new inductees were honored during halftime of the Patriots’ basketball game with Lindsey Wilson College on January 24. A reception followed the game, and the new members shared some of their Cumberland memories with a large group of friends, relatives, teammates, classmates, teachers and coaches, some of whom had traveled long distances to share in this celebration with them.

Unfortunately, Michael Irving, the first wrestler ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, was unable to attend the event, and he was sorely missed.

Five New “Famers” Shannon Evans Holt, originally from Williamsburg, graduated from Halls High School (Knoxville, Tenn.) in 1995, when Cumberland had just converted to fast-pitch softball.

A regional blue chip softball recruit, Shannon chose Cumberland from among several schools, including Florida State University, and became the first softball player in school history to receive a full scholarship.

As a freshman, under Coach Julie Hill and Assistant Coach Angie Dean, Shannon led the team in batting average at .481, which ranked her 12th nationally; 87 hits in 50 games ranked her 3rd nationally; 78 runs scored ranked her 2nd nationally; and 32 stolen bases in 32 attempts ranked her 1st nationally. She was 1996 KIAC Player of the Year; KIAC All Conference; selected to the All Region Team; and she helped lead her team to a .346 batting average, ranking Cumberland 7th nationally.

In 1997, Cumberland joined the Mid-South Conference, and Shannon again led the team in batting average at .452, hits with 76 in 168 at bats, 43 runs scored, 123 assists at shortstop, and 28 stolen bases in 31 attempts. The sophomore was named Mid-South Conference Player of the Year, Mid-South All-Conference Team, Mid-South All Region Team, and National Christian College 1st Team All-American.

As a junior, under new Head Coach Angie Dean, Shannon, now team co-captain, led the team with a .492 batting average. She also led with 59 hits in 120 at bats, 25 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 17 attempts. She was named Mid-South All Conference Team and Mid-South All-Region Team.

During her senior year, Shannon led the team with a .452 batting 18

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average; an on-base percentage of .491; 16 stolen bases in 17 attempts; 70 hits in 155 at bats; and 43 runs scored. She was named to the Mid-South All-Conference Team and the Mid-South AllRegion Team.

Shannon’s participation at Cumberland was not limited to the softball field. She served four years in the Knight Foundation Mentoring Program and three years with Cumberland Ambassadors.

An active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, she was dorm president during her junior year, and was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. As a 2000 graduate, with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in business and marketing, she received the Business Education Departmental Award.

Shannon taught at Corbin High School, during 2000-01, with the Jobs for America’s Graduates Program, in the Drop-out Prevention and School-to-Career programs, and she was named Specialist of the Year in her division. She also served as assistant soccer coach and assistant softball coach at Corbin High School.

From 2001 through 2007, Holt taught accounting at Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she spent three years as head coach of the freshman girls basketball team and assistant coach of varsity girls basketball. For three years, she was assistant softball coach and two and a half years as head coach of the Karns High School softball team. Her accomplishments included raising more than $85,000 in support of the KHS softball program, with parents, donors, and volunteers, to update the softball facilities.

Since leaving Cumberland, Holt has earned an M.S. and an Ed.S. (Educational Specialist degree) from Lincoln Memorial University and now works as a professional healthcare representative for Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company.

The daughter of John and Donna Evans of Knoxville, Shannon also lives in Knoxville, where she enjoys running 5K, 10K, and half

Michael Irving was born in Rockledge, Florida, one of six children. He was introduced to wrestling while he was in middle school, although, he admits, he did not take his discipline seriously until he began to see that he had some talent for the sport. As he improved in practice and in competition, he also improved his academic scores. During his junior wrestling season at Boyd Anderson High School, in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, Irving finished with a 27-3 record. He began training at Seahorse Wrestling Club, and his life changed when he met Steven and Jonathan Williams, who encouraged him to transfer to the high school where they coached. There, Irving, undefeated, won the Florida state championship. He compiled an incredible 110-7 career high school record, and he credits the Williams brothers with the inspiration to look toward college and career options.

Cumberland College had just begun its first wrestling program, under the leadership of Coach Jess Wilder, who knew that Irving could provide the strong foundation that Cumberland’s wrestling program needed. He was right.

A four-time NAIA All-American at Cumberland College, Irving won the 2000 national championship in the heavyweight division; finished second in 1999, in the 197 Class; second in 2001, in the Heavyweight Class; and 4th in 2002, in the 197 Class. With his 111 career wins, Irving ranks fourth, and with his eleven pins in a single season, he ranks third all-time best at Cumberland.

Upon his graduation in 2003, with a bachelors degree in religion and public health, Irving served as a graduate assistant with the Cumberland wrestling program; then he returned to Florida to teach health and physical education at Clewiston High School, while he continued to wrestle on a part-time basis, driving five days each week to coach and train with the Calvary Wrestling Club at Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale.

In 2005, Irving placed second at the Sunkist Invitational Open, seventh at the U.S. Open, and fifth at the World Team Trials.

Dedicated to his regimen of training, Irving still felt that his full potential had not been met. On Christmas Day in 2005, he decided to resign from teaching at Clewiston to pursue his dreams of Olympic gold. He moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he studied and trained at the U.S. Olympic training center, and he was considered a legitimate 2008 Olympic hopeful. In 2008, he ranked thirty-fourth in the world.

He now resides in North Carolina, where he teaches health and physical education at Jordan High School. He is also an assistant coach for the Duke University Blue Devils wrestling team.

Alvin Sharpe is a Williamsburg native who graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1961 and from Cumberland in 1965, with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education.

Following graduation, Sharpe taught health and physical

education at Lakeside High School in Dekalb County, Georgia, where he also served as head coach of the track, and cross country teams through 1971.

Sharpe was named Georgia AAA Track Coach of the Year in 1969, and in 1969 and 1970, he was named Georgia AAA Region Track Coach of the Year, Dekalb County Coach of the Year and Atlanta Track Club Coach of the Year.

He coached two Georgia AAA cross country state championship teams at Lakeside High School, in 1969 and 1970, and led Lakeside to win the Georgia AAA track and field state championship in 1970.

Upon earning a M.S. in Education from the University of Alabama, in 1971, Sharpe returned to Williamsburg to teach health and physical education at Cumberland College, where he was named head coach of the track and cross country team, following the success of Coach Gordon Bocock. In1981, Sharpe was named associate professor of health and physical education and director of Mining Technology. He taught the mining certification course, which included mine safety and first-aid and was required for all new coal miners in the area.

At Cumberland, Sharpe coached 17 NAIA All-Americans and two national champions in track and cross country. He was named KIAC Coach of the Year six times in cross country, named NAIA District Coach of the Year six times in track and six times in cross country, and NAIA Area Seven Coach of the Year in track in 1979. In 1981, Sharpe resigned as Cumberland’s track coach, but continued to teach.

As a volunteer coach, Sharpe initiated the Corbin High School track program and served as a volunteer track coach at Williamsburg High School.

In 1991, while still teaching at Cumberland, Sharpe became director of tourism for Williamsburg. Under his leadership and through his collaborative efforts, Williamsburg has developed Kentucky Splash Water Park and Hal Rogers Family Entertainment Center, the Annual Jeep Jamboree, a new playground at the City Park, upgrades to the Little League and t-ball fields, a regional tourism alliance with area commissions, and city beautification enhancements. Among additional accomplishments, he designed and supervised the construction of Briar Creek Park and managed ongoing park and recreation facility improvements. Sharpe has been instrumental in the growth of Williamsburg’s Old Fashioned Trading Days and the Whitley County Fair.

A past member of the Center for Rural Development Executive Board and past chairman of the Technology Training Committee for the Center for Rural Development, Sharpe is currently chairman of the Southeastern Kentucky Industrial Development Authority, coordinator of the annual Williamsburg 4th of July celebration, member of the Williamsburg High School Alumni Association, past member of the Kentucky Tourism Council Board of Directors, and past vice chairman of East Kentucky Highlands South (Tourism).

He was inducted into the Williamsburg High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2001, and in January 2008, he was inducted into the Kentucky Track Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Sharpe is married to the former JuAnita Brown (’65), and they have Winter 2009

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marathon races for charity. She also participates with Team Two Rivers in adventure racing, and her racing efforts help to provide support for a local women’s shelter in Knoxville and for breast cancer research.

ATHLETICS

two sons, Jeff Sharpe (’90) and his wife, Missy, and Mike Sharpe (’93) and his wife, Regina (’99). The Sharpes have three grandchildren, Becky, Christian and Anabeth.

Dale Walker (’72), the Ohio high school high jump champion in 1964 (tied and finished second, decided by a coin flip), 1965 and 1966, set the state high jump record in all three championships. After he established a new record at the Ohio State Classic Championships, he participated in the Golden West High School All-American meet, which invited only the top eight nationallyranked athletes in each event.

In 1966, the Bellbrook High School graduate enrolled at Morehead State University, on a track and field scholarship, where he set the school’s high jump record before being inducted into the U.S. Army. Dale was the high jump champion at the 1968 All Army Meet in Fort Riley, Kansas, and later he was high jump champion at the All European Championships for the Armed Services in Nurnberg, Germany.

Upon his discharge from the Army, Dale was contacted by Coach Gordon Bocock and several friends who ran for Cumberland at the time, and he enrolled at Cumberland in February 1969. During the 1969 season at Cumberland, his 6’ 6” school record in both indoor and outdoor high jump events also set a new KIAC record. Under Coach Bocock’s leadership and instruction, Dale began making great strides in other track and field events, sometimes competing in as many as 7 to 9 events per meet.

A serious injury and family responsibilities forced Dale to miss both the indoor and outdoor seasons in 1969-70, but in 1970-71, he returned to set a new Cumberland indoor school record of 6’ 8.5” and win the high jump at University of Tennessee’s Volunteer Classic meet, which led to a fifth place finish in the NAIA National Indoor Championship and allowed him to become the first Cumberland track athlete to score in a national indoor meet. Later that season, he set Cumberland’s outdoor high jump record; then added the school record in 400 IM hurdles to his growing list of credits. Dale established himself as a multi-event athlete, leading Cumberland to a KIAC Conference Championship in the high jump, 120 IM hurdles, 400 IM hurdles, and the mile relay. At the NAIA District 24 Track Meet, he scored 62.5 points, with three first place finishes, three second place finishes and one third place finish, and he helped his teammates win the mile relay. At the NAIA National Track & Field Championships, he was first in the high jump and was named the team’s Most Valuable Athlete and the NAIA District 24 Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

In the 1971-72 season, Dale set a new school record in indoor high jump at 6’ 9,” which was second best in the NAIA, and led to his third place finish in the NAIA National Indoor Meet, making him Cumberland’s first National All-American in track and field.

He went on to set Cumberland’s outdoor high jump record at 6’ 10” and the 400 IM hurdles record at 55.2—both records that still hold after 37 years. Dale finished fourth at the NAIA National Outdoor Meet; was named to the NAIA’s Distinguished Athletes Club; and was included in Outstanding College Athletes of America Hall of 20

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Fame.

Dale earned a B.S. in Education from Cumberland College in 1972 and a M.A. in Education from Wright State University. He has taught and coached at Sugarcreek Schools in Bellbrook; coached women’s track and cross country at University of Dayton; and served as Cumberland’s head volleyball coach and assistant track and field coach.

Dale and his wife Patricia Collins Walker (’72) live in Bellbrook, where he is assistant vice president for KeyCorp National Bank’s community banking division. They have three daughters, Deena, Denise and Laura (’00), as well as five grandchildren. At Cumberland, literally following in her father’s footsteps, Laura lettered in track and field as well as in volleyball.

After graduating from Loyall High School, in Harlan County, in 1956, John Dee Wilson caught a ride to the Cumberland College campus, where Dr. J. M. Boswell and Mrs. Ann Shelley helped him enter the elementary education program. Two years later he graduated with a teaching certificate and a passion for his vocation that has spanned six decades.

At Loyall, John played every sport available, never missing a practice, even though he had to hitchhike several miles home after each practice. He played centerfield in baseball, guard in basketball and running back and linebacker in football.

When he began his teaching career, he initiated the first basket teams and served as the first coach at Green Hills in 1958, Pine Mountain Settlement School in 1960, and Red Bird Mission School in 1988. When Wilson arrived at Green Hills and Pine Mountain, there were only outside basketball courts.

He built indoor facilities for both schools.

Wilson has taught 21 years in Harlan County, 9 years in Webster County and 21 years and counting at Red Bird High School, where he is head basketball coach and athletic director. At the elementary and junior high level, Wilson’s coaching record is 280-60, with 8 county championships. At the high school division, his coaching record stands at 530-312. His Loyall basketball team won the Kentucky Junior High School Championship in 1974, and earned a trip to the National Junior High School Tournament. During his tenure there, Loyal High School amassed 810 wins and 372 losses, and Wilson was featured in a basketball documentary by ESPN. As a coach and teacher, Wilson has received more than forty plaques, certificates and awards. He states, “The Lord has blessed me and my family. I thank Him for Cumberland College. Cumberland gave me a good education, permitted me to play basketball and baseball, which I loved, and prepared me well to serve others in teaching and coaching for fifty-one years. I have never had to work a day in my life.”

Wilson is married to the former Mary Katherine Bowman (’59) from Putney, Kentucky. They have two children, Kathy Nelson of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and Jeff Wilson (’87) of Harlan, Kentucky. The Wilsons are the proud grandparents of Matthew, Mary Katherine and Jennifer.

ATHLETICS 1st Row - Tony Allen, Ron Treadway, Allen Robbins, Richard Bates, Brad Evans, Keith Pray, Wayne Mattox, Al Ysidro, Jonathan Moody; 2nd Row - Mike Cassidy, David Carmichael, Craig Cain, Mike Yeazel, Danny Steely, Romicah Blythe, Mark Barrett, Darrin Steely, Ben Munsey, David Bryant, Rodney Byrd, Coach Tom Dowling, Coach Dwayne Hatcher; 3rd Row - Bryan Miller, Jim Cain, Greg Huff, V.C Alcorn, Ben Murphy, Lance Treadway, Tony LeMaster, David Shirah, Jeff Renshaw, Coach Jim Black, Shaun Francisco

1988 Football “Indians”— Together Again

O

n October 18, during halftime of the Patriots’ game with Georgetown, Cumberland’s 1988 football team again stepped onto the field together. The University honored this extraordinary team that not only celebrated an undefeated regular season but also went on to earn the title of Mid-South Conference champions—both firsts in Cumberland’s history. There was also a special recognition of the coaching staff that helped to mold the championship team.

Of the 102 team members and ten coaching staff members that former Cumberland Coach Tom Dowling led to NAIA postseason play in 1988, forty were on hand for the reunion. Following the game, which, coincidentally, the Patriots won 35-20, the 1988 team members and their families enjoyed a celebration dinner in the Atrium of the T. J. Roberts Dining Hall, where memories and friendships were rekindled.

After ’88, Cumberland’s football team did not return to post-season play again for nineteen years, until 2007, when the Patriots again earned the Mid-South Conference-East championship. The team repeated this in 2008, when the Patriots again advanced to the NAIA Championships—this time to the quarter-finals—after winning the first post-season game in the school’s history.

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HOMECOMING

T

he first weekend in October brought wonderful weather to Williamsburg—blue skies, crisp mornings—what a wonderful time to come home. And, come they did.

University of the Cumberlands celebrated its annual Alumni and Family Weekend with A Golden Ticket Homecoming 2008, on October 3-5. More than 200 families and alumni registered for the festivities as the campus opened its doors and grounds and provided a variety of entertainment for crowds of returning alumni, student families, friends and neighbors.

On Friday night, the Creech Boswell Club, named in honor of two great Cumberland College presidents, met to welcome its newest members—the class of 1958.

This exclusive company includes alumni who have been graduated from Cumberland College for 50 years or more, and each year the group hosts the newest members at the first major event of the Homecoming weekend—the Creech Boswell dinner at Cumberland Inn.

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w o w e d a large audience in the Gatliff Chapel with his mind-boggling feats.

Saturday’s highlights included the Boswell 5K Run/Walk, which drew 41 participants, followed by the carnival held on the lawn of the Hutton School of Business. The carnival, which featured such booths as the Chocolate Fishing Pond, the Cake Factory and the Chocolate Factory, provided food, fun and fellowship. Even “Willy Wonka” and a number of “Oompa Loompas” showed up to entertain as carnival-goers enjoyed the lively bidding at the Alumni Association’s auction, the Following the Creech Boswell Dinner, the Music Department held its annual Homecoming concert, featuring the Chamber Choir, Cumberland Singers and the Chorale, who performed for a packed house in the Grace Crum Rollins Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. Then, after a pep rally in the O. Wayne Rollins Center, illusionist Jason Bishop

At the Alumni Dinner, Dr. Terry Dixon (‘68) Alumni Board president, handed over the reins of this vital group to Bill Lyttle (‘75) the board’s new president, who then issued a challenge to alumni to find new ways to support Cumberland because, “We are all in this together.”

In addition to honoring the members of the special-year classes, the Alumni Association also named Harold F. Hubbard an Honorary Alumnus and named Vaughn Hatcher (’75) as the 2008 recipient of the Alumni Appreciation Award. The Student Government Association presented awards to two faculty members, Dr. Sara Ash (’93) and Dr. Robert Dunston.

Following the dinner, the entire campus community enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show, presented on the soccer field by Pyro Shows of LaFollette, Tennessee and Thunder Sam’s Fireworks, of Jellico, Tennessee. The evening culminated with a showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, presented under the stars on the band field.

The weekend ended appropriately with

SAVE THE DATE October 9-11 UC Alumni & Family Weekend ‘09 Winter 2009

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HOMECOMING

opportunity to shop at local vendor booths, to sample the entrées at the Chili Cook-off or to try their hands at the fun games.

The afternoon, with perfect “football weather,” featured the Homecoming game, in which the Patriots defeated Pikeville College Bulldogs 42-7, and the highlight of halftime was the crowning of the Homecoming Queen and King. Members of the Homecoming Court were Kelly Kusumoto and Justin Coocen, freshmen; Brook Blackburn, Aaron Root, Lindsay Jones and Riley Perkins, sophomores; Amanda Howard, Caleb Taylor, Shelby Crawford, Christopher Felder Deavin Stewart and Adam Luttrell, juniors; and Anu Bold, Brett Martin, Ashley Singer, Tony Shouse, Sarah Whitaker, Sean Aspenlind, Amy Shemwell and Brandon Griffith, seniors.

Dr. Jim Taylor (’68), UC president, crowned Brandon Griffith Homecoming King, and Brittney House (’09), Student Government Association (SGA) president, crowned Sarah Whitaker Homecoming Queen.

Later in the afternoon, the men’s and women’s soccer teams each defeated their counterparts from St. Catherine College.

Saturday evening, alumni, students, family members, faculty and staff had the opportunity to attend the Golden Ticket Buffet held in the T.J. Roberts Dining Hall.

Alumni also had the option of attending the Alumni Dinner, where the graduating classes of 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008 were honored.

a worship service held in Gatliff Chapel on Sunday morning. Joshua Laughlin (‘10) led the congregational praise service; Chris Parrish (’10) delivered the message; and alumna Peggy Cooper Inks (’55 & ’62) sang beloved, timeless hymns.

At the close of the service, the entire congregation joined hands and circled the inner walls of the chapel for prayer.

The warmth and inspiration of the well-attended, multigenerational gathering provided the perfect sendoff for alumni who had returned, and for students’ family members who had come to learn more about Cumberland and to enjoy this special weekend with their children.

The planning committee has already begun its work, and October 9-11 is the date for Alumni and Family Weekend ’09. Making this year’s celebration doubly exciting is the fact that the Homecoming game, which is always the first home game of the football season, also happens to be the traditional “Brass Lantern” game against arch rival, Union College. It promises to be a weekend that no alum or parent would want to miss. The honored classes will be 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009, but just as it was at Homecoming ’08, there will be something for everyone, providing multiple opportunities to renew memories and friendships—and to make new ones.

Schedules and reservation information will be forthcoming during the summer, but this advance notice allows everyone plenty of time to “save the date” and plan to be in Williamsburg on October 9-11 for UC’s Alumni and Family Weekend ’09.

HOMECOMING

Greetings to all members of the Creech-Boswell Club!

This is an exclusive group; for one must have graduated at least 50 years ago to qualify for membership. Robert C. “Bob” Jones (’50) the immediate past-president of this club, has been in touch with you for several years. He has kept you informed of campus progress, important dates and, especially, fall Homecoming.

I appreciate all his service and feel sure that you do also. I hope to continue in the same way.

My mind is filled with memories of Cumberland College, many from long ago. Not all of you go back to the President Creech and Dr. Boswell times. I remember both well; I had a class under President Creech, and I was hired as a piano instructor by Dr. Boswell. They are still so clear in my memories. It was the college on the hill that educated us and nurtured our spirits.

I was unaware, as I imagine you were, of the foundation I was receiving at Cumberland. That foundation was not only academic but also included the desire to learn more. It was the observance of Christian principles in the faculty and most students. Character is developed that way along with family values. If your days at Cumberland were like mine, you may have these same thoughts.

Marcella Mountjoy (’41) became the Creech Boswell Club’s new president, as Robert C. (Bob) Jones (’50) stepped down from the position.

As did several of the attendees, Mrs. Mountjoy shared her “Cumberland story,” fondly recalling to memory many students, faculty and staff members who helped make Cumberland history.

As a long time resident of Williamsburg, I’ve watched our college grow and become a university. Even with so much growth, I believe the environment continues with emphasis on academics as well as character development. All students must have a period of community service before graduation. Graduation now includes several degrees, including a doctorate, not just the AA when I graduated in 1943.

The campus is a wonderful sight. Brick buildings with white steeples and beautiful landscaping adorn the campus. White board fences border the sidewalks and streets. I see this often and enjoy driving visitors around the campus. They are amazed. I’m eager for all of you to come back and see these changes, which include a new women’s dorm and enlarged science building. Homecoming is set for October 9-11, 2009 and I hope it will be a part of your plans for the fall. I’ll be there and hope to see you soon.

Marcella Faulkner Mountjoy (’41) Creech – Boswell Club President

Honorary Alumnus Award

Harold Hubbard received the Honorary Alumnus Award for his outstanding devotion to Cumberland since 1960. During his forty-plus years, Harold has variously served UC in many capacities: as professor and acting chair of the Business Department, as sponsor of both Phi Beta Lambda and Students in Free Enterprise and on various committees, including the Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Committee since its inception in 1996.

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Alumni Appreciation Award

Vaughn Hatcher (’75) received the Alumni Appreciation Award. After graduating from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1976, Vaughn taught religion and physical education at Cumberland for 27 years and was active in high school and KIAC sports officiating. Since his retirement for health reasons in 2003, Vaughn enjoys time with his family and show horses on his farm, and he continues to serve as minister of music at Calvary Baptist Church in Corbin.

“Dr. Taylor, fellow alumni, and honored guests: I want to welcome you to this evening’s Alumni Banquet. You see before you a humble and appreciative man who wants to thank God and this Alumni Association for giving me the opportunity to serve you. I also want to thank my family for their support and this Alumni Board for their confidence in me.

There are a few things that I wish to say about this great Alumni Board!

1. Did you know? The Alumni Board of Directors was started in 1960 or ‘61.

2. Did you know? There are 16 members of the Alumni Board.

3. Did you know? There are approximately 20,000 living alumni.

4. Did you know? Only 14,000 are listed with current information.

5. Did you know? The Athletic Hall of Fame was established honoring athletes, coaches and supporters of the Athletic Program in 1996.

6. Did you know? A print of the Indian mascot was commissioned by the Alumni Board to create alumni affinity and to financially support the Athletic Hall of Fame.

7. Did you know? The Alumni Hall of Honor was established in 1989 during the Centennial Celebration with an initial 100-members inducted. Nominations for this honor are accepted year round. The University of the Cumberlands Alumni Board accepts nominations for the annual Hall of Honor Awards that include Distinguished Alumni, Alumni Appreciation, Religious Service, and Outstanding Young Alumni. Awards are presented annually during the Alumni Dinner on the Saturday evening of Alumni and Family Weekend.

8. Did you know? Alumni recommendation scholarships are available to student prospects through admissions.

9. Did you know? The Alumni Board developed a website to encourage alumni participation and support at www.supportuniversityofthecumberlands.org.

10. Did you know? The Alumni Board has conducted a scholarship auction during homecoming since 1986.

You see, folks, it is the little things that make the biggest difference. Let’s begin doing the “little things” as UC alumni.

The late Doris Spafford, class of 1950, challenged all alumni to “Give Five.” What does this mean?

1. Give five names of prospective students.

2. Give five reasons why Cumberland changed your life.

3. Pray for Cumberland in serving our young people five different ways.

4. Reach out to five alumni .--(New addresses, to network, etc.).

5. Give five dollars to UC. Other ways that Cumberland alumni can help?

1. Start a chapter meeting in your area.

2. Host a meeting at your home or at a place of your choosing.--(country club, church, meeting house, etc.).

3. Take time to recommend an alum for the Hall of Honor and the Athletic Hall of Fame.

4. Set up your next meeting or special occasion at the Cumberland Inn. 5. Sign up for the New UC credit card through the Forcht Bank.

6. Attend a home or away UC athletic event.

7. Sponsor a current student with a financial gift or set up a scholarship.

You see, it is the “little things” that make the difference--A handshake with an alumnus or alumna that is not involved, speaking to a young person thinking about college, a kind word here or there.

In closing, I just want to mention that our theme ought to be, ‘We Are All in This Together.’ We could never give enough back to this great institution that has done so much for us. Let’s pull together this year and see what great things we can accomplish!

Thank you.”

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HOMECOMING

Speech given by Bill Lyttle (’75) Alumni Board President 2008-09, at the annual Alumni Dinner during Homecoming on Saturday, October 4, 2008.

HOMECOMING

Doris Allison Triplett & Dr. John Hollingsworth Donna Walters Reece, Pat Moore Schrader, Lola Miles Oliver, Shirley Gaffney Scully, Wanda Mahoney Siler, Dorothy Dawson Sutherland & Joyce Baker Wong

Front Row: Sue Faulkner, Evelyn Dixon, Pearl Baker, Sharon Messer & Sharon Parrott Back Row: Dr.Jim Taylor, Dr. Terry Dixon, Carolyn Wells Gregory, Arcelia Whitt Bowman, Bill Messer & Elaine Perkins

Donna Rhodes

Donald Humble 26

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Kathy Hikes, Dave Grinstead & Martha Fleenor

Dr. Sara Ash

Dave Bergman & Amy Mufinger Huss

Susan Rice Bradley & Carmen Elliott

Andrew Morrison & Laura Johnson Winter 2009

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Tribute Gift Program

Honor or Memorialize a Loved One

What is a Tribute Gift?

A Tribute Gift shows love and respect for the person being honored or memorialized. It says to others that the world is a better place because of this person. Through a Tribute Gift to University of the Cumberlands, a memory of the past or an honor of the present is tied to the future, as it is made to live on in the lives of our students. The size of the gift you send is up to you. Many send the amount they would spend on floral arrangements or presents. Gifts generally range from $15 to $1,000, but the right amount for you is the one your heart tells you to send.

What is an Honor Gift?

An Honor Gift is a tribute gift, which shows admiration and respect for a loved one or friend on a significant day in that person’s life, such as a birthday, anniversary or other milestone.

What is a Memorial Gift?

A Memorial Gift is a tribute gift in memory of a departed loved one or friend. It is a wonderful way to express sympathy and high regard or as a means to remember birthdays, anniversaries or other special days in the life of a deceased loved one.

How are Tribute Gifts Acknowledged?

For a Memorial Gift, an appropriate card is sent, on the same day the gift is received by the university, to the family of the one you wish to memorialize. Then the name of the giver and the deceased will be listed in the next issue of Cumberland Today.

For an Honor Gift, the honoree is sent an appropriate card listing the name of the giver, as well as the occasion for the honor.

Then the name of the giver and the name of the honoree will be listed in the next issue of the Cumberland Today.

How will your Tribute Gift help?

Your gift will provide a lasting legacy for our students as it is used to help provide scholarship and workship assistance, books, supplies, food, housing and many other supportive services.

If you would like to send a gift to be included in our Tribute Gift Program, please send the gift along with the appropriate additional information to: Tribute Gifts University of the Cumberlands 6191 College Station Drive Williamsburg, KY 40769

Listings reflect the Tribute Gifts received June 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. In preparing this list, every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness. If a mistake was made in the way you are identified, or if your name was omitted, we apologize. You can help set the record straight. Please notify the President’s Office regarding any changes in the way your gift should be recorded in future reports. Thank You.

University of the Cumberlands Tribute Gifts Name as you wish it to appear

Phone Number

Address

City

State

In Memory of:

Please Notify:

In Honor of: On the occasion of:

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Zip

TRIBUTE GIFTS In Memory Of

Given By: Mrs. Violet Peterson Bell

Given By: Mrs. Linda W. Coleman

In Memory Of: Tom Adkins Given By: Mrs. Betty L. Taylor

In Memory Of: Nate Pilant Given By: SuAnne Early

In Honor Of: Fred Edick Given By: Mr. & Mrs. Alan W. Edick

In Memory Of: Alvin Bernsdorf Given By: Dr. & Mrs. Oline Carmical, Jr. Dr. Gina Herring Dr. David Bruce Hicks Mrs. Avis Fay Partin Dr. & Mrs. Charles A. Pilant Mr. Melvin Charles Smith Dr. & Mrs. Eric L. Wake

In Memory Of: Kathleen Sharpe Given By: Community Trust Bank Mr. & Mrs. Roger Elvis Harrison Mrs. Imogene M. Henegar Mr. Leland Wayne Henegar Dr. & Mrs. David N. Huff Mr. & Mrs. George R. Naumann Dr. Cynthia P. Norton Mrs. Bernice Renfro Mr. John A. Sandlin Mr. Eugene Siler, III

In Honor Of: Dr. Jerry Lowrie Given By: Petrey Memorial Baptist Church

In Loving Memory Of: My Husband, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Theodore W. Clarke & Son, Sgt. Kenneth T. Clarke Given By: Mrs. Gwendolyn T. Clarke Perritt In Memory Of: Beth Mills Cooter Given By: Mr. & Mrs. Larry Harp In Memory Of: Josh Faught Given By: Ms. Cristy Lynn Hall In Memory Of: Carol Flanik Given By: Dr. & Mrs. John David Broome In Memory Of: Janie Hall Given By: Mrs. Louise B. Tipton In Memory Of: Dr. Billy Hurt Given By: The Reverend & Mrs. Earl S. Bell Dr. & Mrs. Howard Chitwood Mr. Clifton Courtney, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Darryl P. Cunningham Mr. E. Larry Hurt In Memory Of: Dr. Leslie Karr Given By: Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Dowling, Jr. In Memory Of: Henrietta Link Given By: Dr. Annie Victoria Saylor In Memory Of: Dr. Lyle Matthews Given By: Ms. Lola Matthews In Memory Of: Rita Moore Given By: Dr. Robert Wayne Moore

In Memory Of: Kenneth & Mary Ruth Shaw Given By: Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Golden, Jr. In Memory Of: Elizabeth Ann Stewart & Jayden James Stewart Given By: The Reverend & Mrs. Elmer Lloyd Alder, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Gary Harp Chaplain Major & Mrs. Kenneth Earl Harp Mrs. Naomi Harp Mr. & Mrs. Norman William Harp, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Thomas L. Harp Ms. Regina H. Lambert Mr. Don Sears Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Skeen In Memory Of: James H. Taylor, II Given By: Mr. William Reed Bryant Mr. & Mrs. Charles Mayer Dupier, Jr. Mr. Ralph E. Lynch In Memory Of: Eugene West Given By: The Abercrombie Foundation In Memory Of: Dr. Harold Wortman Given By: Mrs. John A. Peterson Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Surplus In Memory Of: John Paul Young Given By: Ms. Marian M. Bibb

In Memory Of: Jeannette Palmer Given By: Mrs. Louise B. Tipton

In Honor Of

In Loving Memory Of: Julie Ann Peterson

In Honor Of: Dr. Joe Early, Sr.

In Honor Of: Marilyn W. Owen Given By: Ms. Barbara Ihrig In Honor Of: Terry A. Roberts Given By: Mr. & Mrs. Jackie A. Roberts In Honor Of: Aaron Root Given By: Mrs. Peggy Root

Lincoln exhibit

George Roberts (’50) graciously has donated University of the Cumberlands his collection of Lincoln memorabilia for exhibit throughout 2009.

Roberts accumulated the books, busts, stamps, coins, and other memorialbilia that comprise the collection during more than fifteen years, completing it in approximately 2003.

The exhibit, which will be on display at Cumberland Inn until December 2009, is part of Kentucky’s year-long bicentennial celebration of Lincoln’s birth near Hodgenville, on February 12, 1809.

A native of Hyden, Roberts is a retired senior vice president of General Mills. For many years, he and his wife, Martha, who is from Inez, lived in the Memphis, Tenn., area and now reside in Bowling Green.

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ALUMNI NEWS CLASS NOTES

husband and two children.

1960’s Larry A. Wingfeld (’67) and his wife, Sandy, live in Dayton, Ohio, where he has retired from teaching and coaching for 35 years. They have three sons, Loren, Brian and Todd.

Mary Betty (Grubb) Stivers (’82) graduated from Graduate School of Banking at LSU in May, 2008. She and her husband, William, reside in Manchester, Kentucky, where she is currently employed by the First National Bank of Manchester as Criticized Asset Administrator/CRA and Electronic Banking.

1970’s Nancy (Kelly) Allen (’70) resides in Knott County, Kentucky, and writes children’s books. She received a master’s degree from Morehead State University and a second master’s degree from the University of Kentucky. After retiring from a career in education, she spends her days writing books and talking with students in schools throughout Kentucky. She has published nine books with mainstream publishers, and she won the 2004 Appalachian Book of the Year for On the Banks of the Amazon.

1980’s Lisa Leann (White) Saul-Creager (’88) now lives in Dayton, Ohio with her

“It’s Not Easy Being Green.”

So, we need your help.

Provide us with your email address, and we will send you Cumberland Today electronically. Not only will we save thousands of trees by reducing the number of printed magazines we produce but we will also reduce the amount of ink used and prevent many pounds of paper from ending up in landfills. On top of that—we will save money for printing and postage that can be put to better use providing outstanding learning opportunities for Cumberlands’ future alumni!

Please visit us at www.ucumberlands.edu/alumni/update and update your contact information.

You can let us know what’s been going on in your life—and you can send us your email address. With your help, it will be easier to be “green” here at Cumberlands.

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1990’s Jeffrey Edward Forsell (’92) lives in Clearwater, Florida. Jeffrey earned a Master’s Degree from Eastern Kentucky University in May 1999, and graduated from Florida International University College of Law in May 2008. He also attended the St. Mary’s University School of Law summer program in July 2007, in Innsbruck, Austria, where he took a course taught by United States Supreme Court Justice Anthony Scalia.

Matthew Norton (’98) and his wife, Rachel, reside in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where Matthew is now the senior pastor of First Baptist Church. Rachel and Matthew have four sons.

Michelle Renee (Siders) Reinhart (’95) and her husband Joe reside in Antwerp, Ohio with their three children, Molly, Allison and Eli. Michelle is the Director of Children’s Services for Defiance County Job and Family Services.

2000’s Betty Jean (Sawyers) Croley (’07) has established her own business, FabForward Designs, which is a collection of unique framed, fabric artwork. Fab_forward_ designs@hotmail.com Jamie Lynn (Grubbs) Ellis (’03) has recently been promoted to Outpatient Therapy Program coordinator at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, where she resides with her husband Brad Ellis.

Kelly Michelle (Hutchens) Foreman (’04) resides in Richmond, Kentucky, where she recently began a new position with the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training. She also serves as a features

writer for the Kentucky Law Enforcement Magazine.

Jason Edward Goodman (’03) recently graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and is currently a resident physician with the University of Louisville Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health.

Michelle Lynn (Helton) Gross (’03) and her husband, Mike, now live in Taylorsville, Kentucky, where Michelle teaches 7th grade math at Spencer County Middle School, and Mike is the Minister of Children and Families and MSC missionary at Parkland Hills Baptist Church.

David Michael Hesson (’03) and his wife, Julie Ann (Smith) Hesson (’04), reside in Louisville, Kentucky, where David graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in May 2007. He is currently a pediatric resident at University of Louisville. Julie and David have two children: Luke who is four years old; and Samantha who is one year old.

Christopher James Mills (’05) lives in Gray, Kentucky, along with his wife and their three year old daughter, Madison Grace.

Christopher graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School on September 14, 2008.

He will work at Crawford Law Office PLLC in Corbin, Kentucky.

Jessica (Gordon) Ramsey (’04) lives in Florence, Kentucky, where she is an industrial hygienist/ergonomist at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Ashlee D. Smith (’05) has recently joined the London law firm of Jensen, Cessna, Benge & Webster as an associate. In August, she began working as a law clerk and was promoted to associate after being sworn into the Kentucky Bar Association in October. She earned her law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida, where she participated in the mock trial team, competing in mock trial competitions in Atlanta, Tampa and Miami. Before attending law school, she served as an intern in Washington, DC, in the office of Congressman Harold “Hal”

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Bill Henard Henard receives Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree On September 15, during the first joint Convocation of 2008-09, Dr. Jim Taylor presented an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from University of the Cumberlands to Dr. Bill Henard (’77), who has served as senior pastor of Porter Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, since 1999.

Prior to moving to Lexington, Dr. Henard served as pastor to several different churches throughout the South, including Alabama, Texas and Tennessee. Currently, he is president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention and first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is also assistant professor of Evangelism and Church Growth at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to his Cumberlands degrees, Dr. Henard also holds degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

A former president of the Kentucky Baptist Pastors’ Conference, Dr. Henard served three terms as chairman of the KBC Mission Board’s administrative committee. He also has served on the KBC Committee on Nominations, Cooperative Program Research Committee, and he is chairman of LifeWay Christian Resources’ Board of Trustees.

Dr. Henard and his wife, Judy Henard (’77), are the parents of three children and two grandchildren.

ALUMNI NEWS Rogers. She focuses her practice on civil and criminal litigation in all fields.

Eldon Townsley, Jr. (’02) recently assumed the position of branch manager at Wood Forest Bank, located in the Corbin, Kentucky, Wal-Mart.

Amanda Dawn Webb (’07) lives in Leitchfield, Kentucky, and she attends the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

Mr. Conley Travis Wilder (’02) is principal of the new Corbin Primary school in Corbin, Kentucky. He served as an assistant principal at Bell County High School for five years and taught English for five years. He is excited to be a part of the new school.

MARRIAGES, ENGAGEMENTS & ANNIVERSARIES 1940’s

Dr. Paul Smith (’49) and Ann (Hollin) Smith (’56), of London, Kentucky, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, June 14, 2008.

1990’s Angela H. (Henderson) Barrandeguy (’99) announces her marriage to Gabriel Barrandeguy in March of 2007. They reside in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Jennifer Leigh (Wellman) (’95) and Steve Canter (’97) are and have three children, Katie, and Micheline. They reside in Georgia.

Canter married Maddie Canton,

Jennifer Lee (Ripberger) Endicott (’95) and Larry Endicott, Jr. were married in September, 2005, and welcomed their first child to their home in February 2008.

Jennifer owns her own business, Soothing Moments Therapeutic Massage.

Michelle

(Givens)

Gulyas

(’98)

announces her marriage to Chris Gulyas on May 24, 2008. They live in Columbus, Ohio.

Leah (Chambers) Pizana (’97) and her husband, Tomas Pizana, who met at New Orleans Theological Seminary, now live in Fort Meade, Florida. Tomas is a Hispanic pastor in a church plant, and Leah is a high school, special education teacher. They have one son, Tomas III, and another child due in December.

Jill Elizabeth (Leibold) Rainey (’93) and Jeffrey Rainey were married on July 19, 2008, in Richwood, Ohio. They reside in Marion, Ohio, where they both teach school.

2000’s Christopher Douglas Angel (’03) and Patricia Ann Branson announce their fall wedding plans. Patricia earned her Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy, and she is currently Winter 2009

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ALUMNI NEWS employed at Jellico Community Hospital in Jellico, Tennessee. Christopher is currently employed as a teacher at Whitley Central Primary School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Business here at Cumberland and continued his education at Campbellsville University, where he received his Master of Arts degree in Special Education.

Carrie Elizabeth Baird (’05) and Mark Adam Jones (’05) announce their marriage on June 21, 2008. Carrie and Mark both are employed by the McCreary County Board of Education.

Becky (Sumner) Begley (’07) and Buck Begley (’05) were married on May 31, 2008. Becky is currently employed with Whitley County School System, and Buck is currently employed with CSX Transportation. The happy couple resides in Corbin, Kentucky.

Brett Adam Buckland (’07) and Charis Locke (’06) were married on August 11, 2007. They reside in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ashley N. (Collins) Horn (’06) and Christopher Horn announce their marriage on April 26, 2008. Christopher is a 2007 graduate of Cincinnati State College, where he earned a degree in network administration. He is currently employed with Pomeroy IT Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio. Ashley is currently employed with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Kenton County.

Aaron Daniel Drake (’03) married Debbie Moore on June 2, 2007. They look forward to the arrival of their first child, Kaityn Marie, in April.

Stephanie Renea (Seale) Gambrel (’03) and James Nicholas (Nic) Gambrel announce their marriage on February 23, 2008. They reside in Corbin, Kentucky, where Stephanie is a 5th grade teacher at Oak Grove Elementary School. Nic is employed by AT&T. Traci Michelle (Snyder) Harris (’06) and Zach Harris (’06) announce their marriage. They now reside in Decatur, 32

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Tennessee.

Jimmy Martin Hendrickson III (currently attending graduate classes) and Julie Elizabeth Hammons announce their marriage on October 11, 2008. A former UC student, Julie will graduate from Eastern Kentucky University in May 2009. She is employed at Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin, Kentucky.

Jimmy graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2007, with a major in middle school education and a minor in business.

He currently attends graduate classes here at Cumberland, pursuing a master’s degree in education. Jimmy is employed by Corbin Independent School District as a 6th grade teacher at Corbin Intermediate. He is also the assistant baseball and football coach at Corbin High School and basketball coach at Corbin Middle School.

Jacob Arlie Holmes (attended) and Kristen Nichole Summers (’07) announce their marriage on June 7, 2008.

Kristen is pursuing a career in elementary education. Jacob is the youth pastor of the Riverside Church of God in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

Kari Lynn (Leach) James (’04) and Shaun James (’04) announce their marriage on August 6, 2005 and the birth of their first son in May, 2008.

Rebecca Jill (Lawson) Conn (’05) and William (Bill) Kenneth Conn (’05) announce their marriage on October 25, 2008. Rebecca is currently employed as a graphic designer for the Corbin TimesTribune. Bill is currently employed as a third grade teacher with the Williamsburg Independent School System.

Hilary Christine Jasper (’08) and John Edward Baker (’07) announce their marriage on May 17, 2008. Steven is currently attending University of Kentucky where he is working towards his PhD. Christopher Michael Lay (’08) and Ashley Lauren Fetzer announce their marriage on October 25, 2008. Michael is presently employed by Corbin School System and the Game King, and Ashley is pursuing a bachelor degree in theatre.

Desiree Jane (Robertson) Lowe (’00) and Jeffrey E. Lowe of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, announce their marriage on June 7, 2008. The happy couple lives in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Edward Mahan, Jr. (’02) and Tabath Leeann (Day) Mahan announce their marriage on July 19, 2008. Eddie is the assistant women’s basketball coach here at Cumberland, and Tabeth is employed at Baptist Regional Medical Center in the occupational health department.

Steven Jay Moses (’05) and his new wife, Julia Elizabeth Henderlight, said their vows on June 21, 2008. Steven is currently employed by the Williamsburg Independent School District, and he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Education from University of the Cumberlands. Julia is employed as a registered nurse at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky Cassandra Hope (Tedford) Nida (’04) married Timothy W. Nida II on June 15, 2008. She is currently employed as a podiatry resident at Cleveland Clinic/ Community Health Partners.

David A. Powers (’05) and Brittany Sawyers (’07) announce their engagement.

David currently works at the University of Kentucky as a clinical technical administrator in the Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy.

Michael Joshua Rudolph (’08) and Laura Michelle (Kersey) Rudolph were married on August 9, 2008. Michael currently teaches at Indiana University, where he is also pursuing his doctorate in nuclear chemistry and Laura is pursuing her master’s degree in journalism.

Lorie Ann (Shoupes) Sweat (’00) married Terry Sweat on November 12, 2005. They have one son, Briley Hayden Sweat.

Hannah (Rogers) Simpson (’05) and Derek Robert Simpson were married on March 17, 2008. They now reside in Loveland, Ohio.

ALUMNI NEWS Anthony Robert Thompson (’05) and Melissa Kay (Sterwerf) Thompson (’06) recently said their vows and currently reside in Covington, Kentucky.

Maggie Elizabeth Thornsberry (Currently enrolled) and Steven Michael Todd announce their marriage on June 7, 2008. Maggie is a sophomore at University of the Cumberlands, and Steven currently serves as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps in Jacksonville, Florida.

Brent Michael Vernon (’08) and Jamie Glenn Walker were married on April 12, 2008. Brent is an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team here at Cumberland, and Jamie is a Medical Staff/CME Specialist at Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin, Kentucky. Brent is the son of Cumberlands’ Athletic Director, Randy Vernon, and his wife, Lindsay Vernon.

Staci Cheri Wilham (‘08) and Gary

Matthew Case announce their marriage on September 20, 2008. Staci graduated from Cumberland with a bachelor’s degree in social work and continues her education at University of Kentucky to attain her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. She is currently employed with Bluegrass Personal Care Home in Lexington, Kentucky. Gary graduated from University of Kentucky with a degree in computer information systems and is currently employed with the University of Kentucky and Online Advertising of London, Kentucky.

Heather (Hall) Wilkes (’06) announces her marriage to Paul Wilkes. They said their vows on July 5, 2008. The couple lives in Athens, Georgia.

Matthew Tyrus York (’05) and Jessica Paige Monthie announce their marriage on May 17, 2008. Jessica is a graduate of Transylvania University, where she majored in drama. She is employed as the banquet coordinator at Lexington Country

Club. Matthew majored in business administration here at Cumberland and is now an assistant golf professional at Man O’ War Golf in Lexington.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS 2000’S Benjamin Andrew Harper (’00) and Susanna (Kelley) Harper (’99) announce the birth of their first child, a daughter, Meredith Avery. Meredith was born August 1, 2008, weighed 7lbs. and 12 ozs., and was 19.5 inches long. The family resides in Powell, Tennessee.

Michael Carl Jones (’03) and Rebecca Lynn (Kemper) Jones (’03) announce the birth of their son, Hagan Michael, who joined their family on October 9, 2007.

Andrew Wilder (’98) and his wife, Abigail Wilder (‘00), announce the birth of their daughter, Lucy, born October 9, 2008.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Kevin Weihe Alumnus graduates with Master of Arts in Teaching through UC’s online graduate education program Kevin Weihe, who was graduated from Cumberland in 2001, came back to study on campus two years ago, at least on the cybercampus. “After wandering through the business world for five years,” Weihe noted, “I decided to follow in my wife’s footsteps and become an educator.” Weihe’s wife Leslie (Witt) (’00), originally from Harlan County, Ky., has been teaching for nine years. The two reside in Mt. Washington, Ky., along with their two children, Allison and Brady.

Kevin praises UC’s online graduate education programs. “I have had a great experience with the online program through University of the Cumberlands. I entered the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program just two years ago, and I finished in December of 2008,” he said. The program allowed him to attend classes and complete the program from home—a great advantage for a student with a wife and two young children. “My adviser and all the professors were more than readily available to provide support, both academically and emotionally, to help me through the process. I felt I could call them at any time to address issues or get an answer to a question.”

Kevin currently teaches in Bullitt County, Ky., at Pleasant Grove Elementary, where in 2006 he began teaching special education students in grades K-3. “My overall experience with the online program through the University of the Cumberlands has been nothing short of exceptional. I would highly recommend the program to family, close friends and anyone else I come into contact with.”

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ALUMNI NEWS Jamey Leann (Hill) Temple (’03) and B. J. Temple (’01) welcomed home their new son, Jadon Min-su, from South Korea, on May 1, 2008.

two grandchildren and one half-brother.

FAREWELLS

Reverend Marshall Eastham (’55), of Greensburg, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2008.

Faculty/Staff Elwyn Wilkinson passed away on Monday, June 2, 2008. Mr. Wilkinson served as the director of Religious Activities here at Cumberland from 1968-1975.

1920’s Ruby M. Proctor (’27) passed away Wednesday, December 26, 2007. She was 97 years old.

1930’s Nancy (Richardson) Caudill (’36) passed away on September 9, 2008, at the Corbin Nursing Home. She was born January 18, 1916 in Whitley County, Kentucky.

Lillian Kathleen Davis (’44) passed away Sunday, February 4, 2002 at Duke Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. She was 77 years old.

Nettie Francis Keisling (’33) passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at the Christian Health Care Center in Corbin, Kentucky.

Ernest E. Stephens (’36) passed away August 8, 2008. He was 90 years old.

1940’s Kathleen Meadors Sharpe (’41) of Florence Avenue, Williamsburg, Kentucky, passed away at the Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin, Kentucky, on Friday, May 16, 2008. She was 85 years old, and she is survived by one son, Alvin Sharpe (’65), and a daughter, Dr. Sheila Sharpe, of Jackson, Kentucky.

Connie Sue Thomas, the wife of Willard Ray Thomas (’49), passed away on April 6, 2007 in Lexington, Kentucky.

1950’s Ivan G. Bunch (’52) passed away August 6, 2008 in Oak Tree Hospital in Corbin, Kentucky. He was 84 years old. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Jones Bunch (’48), one son and one daughter, 34

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Ms. Billie Josephine Campbell (’51) passed away January 11, 2008.

Harold Cecil Raines, Sr. (’56) passed away February 29, 2008 at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida.

Edward Roberts, husband of Eila Jane Roberts (’56), passed away on February 1, 2008.

Arthur Safriet, brother of Joel (Eunju) Safriet (’54), of Reno, Nevada, passed away November 4, 2007.

Edgar Shoupe (’56) passed away on April 15, 1998. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Faye Shoupe (’50).

Joseph Charlie White (’52) of London, Kentucky, and formerly of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin, Kentucky.

1960’s Archie Lee Anderson, Jr. (’66) passed away at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, August 10, 2008. He was 65 years old.

James H. Hughett (’65) passed away on May 6, 2006.

Edward Eugene Hummel (’69) passed away May 27, 2008 in Florida. He is survived by one son, Greg Hummel, of Rockholds, Kentucky.

Dalton Elmond Jones (’61) passed away Sunday, September 7, 2008 at the Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center in Richmond, Kentucky. Mr. Jones was a retired State Farm Insurance Company claims specialist and a U. S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his wife, Helga Jones.

Dr. Homer Lawson (’69), husband of Ann Lawson (’69), passed away on Thursday,

May 15, 2008 at Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Illinois. He was born June12, 1942 in Cottongim, Kentucky. Dr. Lawson was a teacher and school administrator.

He served on the Board of Trustees for Vincennes University, and he was an active member of Rotary International. He spent a year in Jubail, Saudi Arabia where he served as a school principal. He was chairman of the North Central Accreditation Board and served on the Selective Service Board and a Governor’s Task Force for School Reorganization. Dr. Lawson served as president of the Indiana Superintendents’ Association.

After retiring in Indiana, he served as superintendent for two years in Powell County, Kentucky. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ann, his daughter, Teresa, and twin granddaughters, Emily and Rachel.

Mickey A. Smith (’68) of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, February 28, 2008 at Baptist Regional Medical Center. She was a retired teacher with the Corbin Independent School System for thirty three years. She is survived by her husband, Larry Smith, her daughter, Stacey Smith Adkins, and two brothers.

1970’s Judith Ann (Miller) Hause (’71) passed away Friday, July 25, 2008. She is survived by her husband James.

Reverend Clifford Earl Heath (’75) passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2006.

Reverend Heath taught school for 27 years in Laurel County, Kentucky.

Henrietta Shackleford Link (’71) of Harlan, Kentucky, passed away Monday, July 21, 2008 at her residence at the age of 71. She taught school for the Harlan County School System for several years.

Carl Orlee Napier (’73) passed away on May 23, 2008.

Carl Dennis Noe (’77) passed away on April 1, 2008 at his residence in London, Kentucky. He was a retired supervisor at American Greeting Company and enjoyed woodworking and gardening.

Frances Elizabeth Hooks Catlett A

s all its alumni know, Cumberland has a profound effect on its graduates. Frances Elizabeth Hooks Catlett is no exception.

Fifty-five years after her graduation from Cumberland, with a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and graduate credits from the University of Kentucky and Spalding University, Fran still treasures her J.W. Siler Gold Medal Award and continues to wear it on a charm bracelet. “It was the highest award that I received at Cumberland College,” she states.

She describes the selection process for the J.W. Siler Award: “Several topics were assigned from which to select. Then if you decided to enter, you filed your topic and began to write your essay.

The final selection was made after all the contestants had delivered their essays to an audience of students and faculty and community members at the First Baptist Church. My essay topic was ‘Mind-Forged Manacles.’ I remember working on it with Miss Bess Rose and Miss Mary Thomas. I was so shocked to be the winner, and I wear the medal to this day. I wish I could find a copy of the essay.”

Frances, a self-described “typical p.k.” (preacher’s kid) and the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. R.B. Hooks, Sr., never planned to attend Cumberland; her dream was to go to Georgetown. However, her parents could not afford the tuition, so she followed two older brothers to Cumberland, not knowing until many years later that Dr. James Boswell had provided scholarships for all four of the Hooks children to attend Cumberland.

“It was not until I was serving on the Cumberland College Alumni Board that Dr. Boswell shared with me this information.

He then told me that my parents had repaid every penny of the scholarship money that had been provided for us to attend Cumberland.”

Although she studied at other universities and went on to serve as a school librarian

in Fayette County, Ky., Phenix City, Ala., and Jefferson County, Ky., and as school librarian and school technology coordinator in Oldham County, Ky., where she retired in 2007, Fran emphatically declares, “My two years at Cumberland College had the most influence on my life, outside of my parents and family.”

Some of the highlights of Fran’s Cumberland career were: being selected as one of the first summer missionaries of the Kentucky Baptist Student Union to serve with the Home Mission Board in 1954; singing with various groups in the Cumberland Choir; traveling with other BSU’ers to assist with worship services in mountain churches; and Monday night at the movies each week, where she became “hooked on movies,” and learned that she was a visual learner.

Frances also enjoyed gathering with her closest friends in their favorite places: the Campus Grill, Vespers, the library and Roburn Hall. “Aahhh, Roburn Hall and Miss Bea Sims—what a social life we enjoyed there—it was our sorority.” She also recalls, “The fire escape, the windows on the second floor in the back of the building, the parlor games or late night snacks in someone’s room—these key phrases will bring back memories to lots of my dorm mates.”

She goes on to state, “Academics were the best because the professors took a personal interest in each student. I wasn’t the best of students because I was enjoying campus life very much. Yet, the English and American Literature classes taught by Miss Bess Rose gave me a background in literature that was most valuable. Miss Nell told me that Saint Peter was going to chastise me because I didn’t take my piano lessons seriously enough, but social life occupied my practice time.” She also fondly recalled other faculty members: Ms. Compton, Mr. Shields and Miss Mac, and she appreciated how First Baptist Church and its members made the college students feel welcome.

Undoubtedly, Fran’s best experience at Cumberland, even overshadowing the Siler Award, was meeting Bruce Nield Catlett, whom she later married and to whom she refers to as, “the first and only love of my life.” Bruce, who graduated from Cumberland in 1954, joined the U.S. Army for two years, returned to the University of Kentucky to study pre-veterinary medicine and graduated from Auburn University in 1962 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree. He owned the St. Matthews Animal Clinic in Louisville, Kentucky. The Catletts were married for forty-six years, until his death in May 2001. They have three sons, two daughters-in-law, one grandson and one granddaughter.

One aspect of Fran’s life has remained constant—her faith, which she patterned after her parents’ faith that they demonstrated each day. “I begin each day with prayer. . . My faith is not flaunted, and I am very human, with feet of clay,” says Fran. She believes that a Ukrainian folk song, which she learned in the Cumberland Choir, sums up her faith relationship with God. “My God and I go through the fields together.

We walk and talk, as good friends should and do.

We clasp our hands, our voices ring with laughter.

My God and I walk through the meadow hue.

He tells me of the years that went before me: When Heavenly plans were made for me to be.

When all was but a dream of dim conception; To come to life, first verdant glories see.

My God and I will go for aid together; We’ll walk and talk as good friends ever do.

This earth will pass and with it common trifles, But God and I will go on eternally.”

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SAVE THE DATE

October 9-11 UC Alumni & Family Weekend ‘09 University of the Cumberlands Office of Alumni Services 7075 College Station Drive Williamsburg, KY 40769

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID OWENSBORO, KY 42301 PERMIT #241