Bear Tracks - The WVU Tech Magazine Summer 2012

Page 1

revitalizing

Centennial Basketball Celebration

SUMMER

WVU TECH

’12

10

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Greetings, Golden Bears, As the newly appointed campus CEO, it is my pleasure to introduce our newest publication, Bear Tracks. Many of you may remember that for years, Tech’s history was documented annually in the Bear Tracks yearbooks. In naming this publication, it seemed only fitting to use this same title – one that we hope will inspire all of our Golden Bears to reflect on their own journey.

letter from the

WVU TECH CEO

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As you’ll read, WVU Tech has a bright future. We are finalizing plans for a new Student Success Center, adding men’s and women’s swimming to our collegiate athletic lineup, and have seen great success with our new intramurals program. We’ve also got several facilities improvement projects ahead this summer, which will greatly improve the look of campus, but more importantly, our students’ college experience. This issue highlights campus updates, one hundred years of Golden Bear basketball, our international Tech Golden Bear Alumni Association, alumni accomplishments and details on the Tech Revitalization Project. I’m proud to announce that our international Tech Golden Bear Alumni Association has been reestablished with a new board of directors and is excited to welcome new members. This group has been working diligently to reconnect with alumni and partnering with the University to provide support for campus and student activities. I encourage you to join them! We also recently partnered with the WVU Foundation, which has enabled us to once again begin fundraising efforts to support our beloved institution. If you’d like to make a donation to help support Tech you can do so online at wvutech.edu or complete the enclosed envelope. All donations earmarked for the Tech campus will be used as designated by the donor, and donors will receive a gift receipt for tax purposes from the WVU Foundation. Finally, I want you each to know that I am committed to the mission of this institution – our mission is vitally important to our students, our alumni and the state of West Virginia. It will take each and every one of us, but together, we can ensure a successful future for WVU Tech. I encourage you to get involved, get informed and get connected to your alma mater. We want to keep you up to date on all of the great things happening at WVU Tech! Sincerely,


contents

02 Letter from the WVU Tech CEO 04 Campus Updates 08 Golden Bear of Arabia 10 Forward Thinking: Planning the Future of WVU Tech 12 A Century of Golden Bear Basketball 14 Nursing Alum Puts Her Skills to Use in Asia 16 Class Notes 17 In Memoriam

West Virginia University Institute of Technology Campus Executive Officer Carolyn Long Editor Adrienne King Design Katrina Baker

18 Upcoming Alumni Events 19 Tech Golden Bear Alumni Association 20

Save the Date: Homecoming 2012

ON THE COVER: WVU Tech CEO Carolyn Long speaks to students outside of Tech’s historical landmark, Old Main.

Web Bok Kwee Toh Contributors Tara Hines, ’03 Robert Williams Photographers Katrina Baker Dr. Deb Beutler James Holloway Rick Lee Paulette B. Wright Office of Relations & Communications Old Main 201 Montgomery, WV 25136 wvutech.edu Tech-Relations-Communications@mail.wvu.edu Change of Address WVU Foundation PO Box 4269 Morgantown, WV 26507 info@wvuf.org Class Notes WVU Institute of Technology Office of Alumni Relations 304.442.3131 Tech-Alumni@mail.wvu.edu alumni.wvutech.edu

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08

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West Virginia University Institute of Technology is governed by the West Virginia University Board of Governors and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. WVU Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution.

wvutech.edu

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CAMPUS UPDATES

In honor of the national College Colors Day, WVU Tech celebrated Golden Bear Pride Day on Friday, September 2.

Rice Lecture features Dr. Craig Warren Tech hosted Dr. Craig Warren, associate professor and chair of English at Penn State Erie, on Thursday, September 29. The event was part of the Otis K. Rice Memorial Lecture Series. Warren’s lecture, entitled “With Blood and Ink: How Veterans Shaped the Course of Civil War Literature,” was held in the Engineering Auditorium.

2011 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE S On Friday, September 9, WVU Tech inducted

nine new members into the Tech Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees were John Grossi, ’49;

Steve Adams, ’84; Amanda Forney-Freeman, ’91; James Lockhart, ’51; Charles Banks, ’82;

Al Toothman, ’63; and Harold Moore, ’57. Robert P. Tolley, ’49 and Bob Foster, ’57 were inducted posthumously.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL! Golden Bears of all ages gathered for

Homecoming 2011 September 29 – October 1. This year’s weekend events included the Rice

Lecture Series, annual State of Tech Address, Alumni of the Year Banquet, Homecoming

parade, tailgate and night game under the stadium lights.

First Annual Scholarship Golf Outing Tech Athletics sponsored the First Annual Scholarship Golf Outing on Friday, October 14. AEP donation The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering received a donation of $25,000 from American Electric Power. The funds support the department’s academic programs including social initiatives such as global warming, renewable energy and GRIDSmart technology.

2011 ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

In continuing with tradition, Tech honored two

new Alumni of the Year on Friday, September 30:

Chet Helck, ’74, and Valori Bond Ranson, ’78. Of Tech’s

more

than

21,000

graduates,

only 104 alumni have been named to this exclusive group. 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B E A R

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LIGHT UP OLD MAIN 47th Annual ASCE Fall Technical Conference The WVU Tech American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter sponsored the 47th Annual ASCE Fall Technical Conference on Thursday, November 17, on the Montgomery campus.

WVU Tech hosted the third annual Light Up

Brown Bag Lecture Series Created by Dr. Leslie Warden, assistant professor of history, this lunchtime lecture series was designed to acquaint the university community with professors’ research and create an atmosphere of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Topics ranged from “Beer and Economic Power in Ancient Egypt” to “Serious interactive gaming and the importance of emergent storytelling”.

and pictures with Santa and Elf Monty.

Tech Athletics to withdraw from MSC, maintain independent status in NAIA Tech will withdraw its membership in the Mid-South Conference effective June 30, 2012, but maintain its membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as an independent institution.

Old Main event on Wednesday, December 7. This event, co-sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Alumni Relations, featured the official lighting of Old

Main, as well as many other holiday traditions

such as hot cocoa, s’mores, cookie decorating,

Golden Bears invade Charleston The men’s basketball team challenged NAIA powerhouse Mountain State University at the Charleston Catholic High School Athletic Complex on Friday, December 30. Despite the tough loss, Tech alumni and friends had a great time catching up at the pre-game reception. TECH COMMUNIT Y GATHERS TO CELEBR ATE CEO CAROLYN LONG’S APPOINTMENT On Wednesday, January 18, the WVU Tech campus community gathered for a reception

to celebrate Tech’s new Campus Executive

Officer Carolyn Long. Members of the Greater Montgomery

community,

WVU

officials,

HEPC representatives, and local and state legislators joined WVU Tech faculty, staff and students in commemorating the event.

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CAMPUS UPDATES

ETAP power lab software donated The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering received an ETAP power lab software package gift. The donation by Operation Technology, Inc., includes a lifetime license allowing up to 20 students to work concurrently and is valued at nearly $125,000.

WVU Tech represented at Undergraduate Research Day at the Legislature WVU Tech seniors Jeffrey Heck and Megan Keffer showcased their research at Undergraduate Research Day at the Legislature on Thursday, January 26. In conjunction with Undergraduate Research Day, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) recognized faculty from across the state that were awarded scientific research grants during the past year. Tech faculty members Dr. Kourosh Sedghisigarchi and Dr. Sarah Umphress were both recognized during a luncheon at the State Culture Center.

WVU Tech hosted the Central and Southern West Virginia Regional Science and Engineering and Creative Arts Competition WVU Tech hosted the annual Central and Southern West Virginia Regional Science and Engineering and Creative Arts Competition on Saturday, March 17. Six local schools participated in the event. Tech participated in WVU & WVU Extension Day at the Legislature On Tuesday, February 21, WVU Tech joined more than 50 WVU and WVU Extension programs for the WVU & WVU Extension Day at the Legislature. Tech’s representatives included Dr. Hasan El-Rifai, assistant professor of chemistry; Dr. Evelyn Klocke, nursing department chair; Dr. Greg Lieving, assistant professor of psychology, along with admissions and administrative staff.

FEBRUARY MADNESS: NOTHIN’ BUT TECH! Golden Bears add swimming to collegiate sport lineup Men’s and women’s collegiate swimming will be added to the WVU Tech athletic lineup for the 2012-13 academic year. The teams will compete in the Appalachian Swimming Conference.

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The Tech men’s basketball team was on fire this season with an overall record of 21-8 and were 14-4 in the Mid-South Conference. The team “unofficially” won the regular season conference as Tech was ineligible for post-season play because of last year’s NCAA application.


“An Evening with the Arts and Sciences” WVU Tech faculty and students presented an evening of art, music, poetry and demonstrations on Wednesday, February 29. Lady Golden Bears Make History! The WVU Tech softball team had a record season with the most wins in the institution’s history! They completed the season with a 29-16 record, topping the University’s previous season record in 1998.

I NTRAMURALS PROGRAM PROVIDES EXCITEMENT ON CAMPUS

In the Fall of 2011, Tech hired Garrett Goosman, ’11, as the interim intramurals coordinator on campus. Goosman jumped on the opportunity to be a part of campus life again. “The main reason I wanted to come back to Tech is to give back to the campus and the community of Montgomery. I also wanted to try and improve the intramural program here and get more students involved,” he said. Goosman has expanded the program to include sports such as basketball, volleyball, flag football, kickball, dodgeball, and, a student favorite, ultimate frisbee. He developed activities centered around what students wanted to see on campus. The feedback and encouragement that has been received from students, as well as faculty and staff, has been outstanding. Goosman strongly believes that focusing on a diversified intramurals program, and letting the voices of the students be heard, will help improve campus-wide retention efforts. Goosman said that his strategy to recruit participants has been simple. “One of the biggest reasons for the success of the program was getting the word out by putting up flyers and starting a Facebook group,” he said. During the Spring semester, 254 students participated in the intramurals program.

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By Tara Hines, ’ 03

Golden OBear F AR ABIA

A few months ago, Charles A.“Mickey” Reeves, ’78, was living 25 miles southeast of Houston, Texas. Today he has relocated to Bahrain to work for the next two years.

O

riginally

from

he was called about a job at Texas

This move began Reeves’ path today.

Follansbee,

about 45 miles south of Houston.

a senior consultant and was later

the small town of

W.Va.,

Reeves

went to Brooke

High School. He always liked his

math, science and chemistry classes so after he graduated in 1974 he decided to study chemical engineering at West

City Refining in Texas City, Texas, He accepted the job and moved his family to the Houston area for what he thought was going to be a three to

five year adventure. This year makes 30 years since he moved to Houston.

Reeves worked in the refinery

Virginia Institute of Technology.

world until 1995 when his friend and

that decision. While at Tech, Reeves

at a four-person-consulting firm. He

To this day he has never regretted earned his Bachelor of Science degree

in

chemical

engineering.

He also holds a master’s degree

in chemical engineering from the University of Houston.

After graduating from Tech,

Reeves accepted a job as a process engineer

at

the

Standard

Oil

Company in Toledo, Ohio. He

worked there for four years when 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B E A R

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mentor called about an opportunity interviewed with two senior partners,

and after a nine-month period, decided to join them as one of their partners. The small company was

He began his career at Jacobs as

promoted to group manager, and in

2006 was promoted as the director of process engineering. This year, he was offered the opportunity to work in their Middle East Region as vice

president of refining and petrochemicals. Reeves will be working out

of their office in Al-Khobar, Saudi

Arabia for the next two years. He travels to their office in Adu Dhabi periodically, and also assists the office in Mumbai, India.

“In 1978, I thought I would

later sold to ICF Kaiser Engineers,

spend my whole career at Standard

them for another two years until

manager,” said Reeves. “While I

and Reeves continued to work for they went bankrupt. In 1998, several

people from the consulting firm,

along with Reeves, joined Jacobs.

Oil, and had hoped to be a refinery didn’t get there, I have had a very

rewarding career and I want to tell our current Tech students that there


TECH ALUMNUS RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS ENGINEERING AWARD

Reeves proudly sports his Tech gear around the world.

is one thing about career paths…we

in 1999. He has been a cubmaster

we get there.”

committee chair for his Boy Scout

do not know where we are going until In

reflecting

on

these

life

experiences, Reeves recognizes the importance of giving back. In late

2010, he found an opportunity to

give back to Tech by serving as

for his son’s Cub Scout Pack and Troop. As an obsessed cyclist, he has

participated in the BP MS-150 bike tour from Houston to Austin 12 times since 1987.

Reeves and his wife, Lorianne,

president of the Tech Golden Bear

split time living in Friendswood,

didn’t think it would be feasible to

son, Alexander, will graduate in

Alumni Association. At the time, he volunteer on the Board while living in Houston, but he has found a way, and

is still actively serving while living in

Bahrain and working in Saudi Arabia. Reeves also actively participat-

ed in his professional society, the

American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He was chairman of the

South Texas section in Houston

Texas and Manama, Bahrain. Their 2012 from Worcester Polytechnic

Institute with a degree in biomedical engineering.

“There is one thing about career paths… we do not know where we are going until we get there.”

Tech alumnus Daleep C. Mohla, an engineer whose dedication to developing safer equipment and practices and promoting safety standards has helped reduce the number of electrical-related accidents in the workplace, was honored by IEEE with the 2012 IEEE Charles Proteus Steinmetz Award. Mohla received his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Tech in 1973. A proponent of “electrical safety by design” concepts, Mohla’s contributions have aided the decline seen over the past 25 years in industrial workplace injuries in the United States related to electrical shock and burns. Early on as an electrical engineer, Mohla had a willingness to recognize the problems faced by electrical systems operators and electricians in the workplace. He took the time to learn about and understand the hazardous conditions presented to industrial workers, developed safer equipment and procedures, and advocated safety changes throughout industry via standards development with the IEEE Standards Association and the U.S. National Fire Protection Association. Mohla has incorporated safety innovations such as high-resistance grounding, arc-resistant switchgear, insulated boots for terminal lugs, insulated buses for lowvoltage panel boards and finger-safe lowvoltage fuse holders. Mohla continues to contribute his expertise to the standards process, serving multiple IEEE Working Groups on safety standards related to the petrochemical industry and arc flash hazard analysis, and recommended practices to improve electrical safety in the workplace. Mohla is currently a principle consultant with DCM Electrical Consulting Services, Inc., in Missouri City, Texas. S U M M E R 2 012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9


By Adrienne King

FORWARD Thinking: Planning the Future of WVU Tech

W

ith more than a century of rich history and tradition, WVU Tech has witnessed many changes. The once growing institution now faces

a plethora of challenges stemming from declining enrollment and

antiquated facilities. However, at its heart, WVU Tech has consistently provided

exceptional academic opportunities upon which the institution has built its reputation. In 2011, the West Virginia Legislature passed Senate Bill 486 to establish a revitaliza-

tion plan for the institution. The bill required the West Virginia Higher Education

Policy Commission to create a team to study institutional needs and prepare a report, which was released in October 2011, outlining possible recommendations for the

future of the institution. The report serves as the centerpiece for the work of the WVU Tech Revitalization Committee, which held an initial on-campus meeting on March 15, 2012 with a follow-up meeting on May 15, 2012.

At the beginning of the year, a new Campus Executive Officer (CEO) came on board to lead the revitalization efforts and oversee the day-to-day operation of the institution. Carolyn Long, a former superintendent of Braxton County schools, was a member of the WVU Board of Governors from 2006 until she resigned late last year

to apply for the WVU Tech position. She chaired the board from 2008 through 2011. Long’s vision for WVU Tech includes three top priorities: Recruit. Retain. Rebuild.

Long’s vision for WVU Tech

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Although change will take time, progress is already

high-tech, comfortable place for our students to study

Virginia Division of Energy through the use of federal

educational resources, including one-on-one advising,

visible across campus. With funding from the West stimulus funding, WVU Tech has completed energy

upgrades in the Vining Library, Engineering Lab and the Tech Center. Coed, an unoccupied residence hall, will be

individually or in groups, and to access important individual and group tutoring services and educational enrichment programs.”

The Tech Golden Bear Alumni Association is also

razed this summer to create additional green space on

contributing to the revitalization efforts. Fundraising plans

sale of higher education revenue bonds, Old Main’s exterior

entrance of campus.

campus. Utilizing three million dollars received from the façade will be restored, electrical system upgraded and

are being established to help support a new gateway at the

Dr. Paul L. Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor, said

asbestos abatement completed.

“The Revitalization Committee will work diligently to

women’s collegiate swimming to begin next fall. This will

order to provide a basis for requesting increased funding

“We’ve also announced the addition of men’s and

not only enhance campus and student life, but also support our critical recruitment initiatives,” explained Long. A new intramurals program was established and provides recreational opportunities for students.

Beginning in Fall 2012, all residence halls will be

equipped with wireless internet (wifi) and plans are under

way for a Student Success Center. Dean of Students Richard Carpinelli explained, “The Center will be a

release a report prior to the end of the calendar year in

and support. As CEO Long has said, “it will take the entire campus community working together in order to

rebuild WVU Tech.” Long noted, “I believe WVU Tech

can, and will, be successful. This is not a one-person job – it will take the dedication and efforts of many.”

For more information on the HEPC process, go to wvhepc.org/wvutech

“I believe WVU Tech can, and will, be successful. This is not a one-person job – it will take the dedication and efforts of many.” includes three top priorities: RECRUIT. RETAIN. REBUILD.

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By Robert Williams*

A Century of

Golden Bear

Basket

“Papa Bear” Baisi is the namesake of the WVU Tech Baisi Athletic Center.

In December 2011, West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) celebrated a century of Golden Bear basketball. Founded as the Montgomery Preparatory School in 1895, the Golden Bears first hit the court in 1911.

A

s the game evolved over the years, so too, did the

Hall of Fame member Dick Hart, ’65, and former

institution. Throughout the years, the university’s

player under Baisi explained, “Under Coach Baisi,

State College (1921) to West Virginia Institute of

He taught us discipline, responsibility, and he emphasized

name has changed several times from New River

Technology (1941). A decade after the three-point shot

changed the game of basketball in 1986, Tech merged

with WVU and adopted its current name: West Virginia University Institute of Technology.

Tech basketball boasts a rich history filled with many

great teams, players and coaches. So many championships

basketball was a 12-month sport, even back in those days. academics. His four-corners offense and zone press defense were ahead of the times. He was

an innovator.” Baisi finished his

12-year career at Tech with a remarkable 319-76 record.

Among the many talented

and accolades. So much excitement and pride, and most

“Baisi Boys” was the legendary

One name in particular comes to mind when thinking

a star at Tech, the Richwood

importantly, lifelong friendships.

about Tech’s basketball tradition: Coach Neal D. Baisi. “Papa Bear” Baisi is still regarded as one of the best all-time coaches in West Virginia history. During the 1950s and 60s his teams traveled the country and led the nation in scoring

six times. Five times, Tech averaged an unprecedented

Mike Barrett. After becoming native went on to a professional

’50

basketball career in the ABA after

assisting the USA Olympic Team win gold in the 1968 Mexico City Games.

Hall of Famer and former Tech Athletic Director Pete

100 points per game for the season. In February 1957, the

Kelly, ’64, reminisced, “Mike loved the game and had a

Press, joining the ranks of North Carolina (#1), WVU

a special talent. Mike loved Tech and was always a loyal

Golden Bears ranked #15 in the nation by the Associated (#10), Duke (#17) and Indiana (#18). 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B E A R

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great enthusiasm for playing. Crowds loved him. He was supporter of Tech throughout the years.”


’11 Centennial Celebration with ge

’11 Donald Robinson att dale Thre

’80 Se

nerations of Golde

n Bears

’64 Mike B

arrett

ball Another standout decade for Tech was the 1980s

Former Golden Bear Jabbar Thomas, ’01, was a fan

under the watchful eye of Head Coach Tom Sutherland.

long before he joined the team. “I remember watching

homegrown talent with out-of-state recruits, particularly

high and high school. I’ve always been, and always will be,

He took recruiting to another level. Sutherland combined from the Atlanta area, to build a tremendously successful

record for West Virginia Tech. Among his many recruits

was Sedale Threatt, a high-scoring guard from Atlanta. Threatt finished his four years as Tech’s all-time leading scorer and went on to play for 12 years in the NBA.

Tech play in the WVIAC Conference when I was in junior a fan. I came back for the Centennial Celebration to see my teammates and other Golden Bear players.”

Players from across generations gathered in the Baisi

Athletic Center for the annual alumni game, followed by a Centennial Celebration in the Tech Center Ballroom.

“He [Baisi] was an innovator. ” -Dick Hart, ’65

’77

’12

The history is rich and the tradition is steep. Teams,

“[This celebration] brings back a lot of

players and coaches have come and gone, but the memories

memories,” explained Clair Muscaro, ’54, who

December 10, 2011, during the annual Baisi Classic, Tech

honors while playing for Head Coach Hugh

will forever be a proud part of the institution. On

welcomed home more than 40 former basketball players, coaches and cheerleaders in celebration of 100 years of Golden Bear basketball.

earned All-Conference and All-Tournament

Bosely. “I owe so much to West Virginia Tech.” *Williams has been the head men’s basketball coach at WVU Tech for the last 10 years.

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By Tara Hines, ’ 03

NURSING

A L U M puts her skills to use

IN ASIA

J

oann Yang never thought when she left China in the early 1980s to pursue her dreams of becoming a registered nurse that, 25 years later, she would be back teaching other young nurses

the skills she has mastered. Yang graduated from West Virginia Institute of

When technology came out using ultrasound

Technology in 1986 with an associate’s degree in nursing.

guidance to insert the PICC needle into the vein, Yang

and then advanced into the emergency room. While

skill. She then taught the skill to all of the IV nurses

Upon graduation she worked in a medical/surgical unit, working in the emergency room, she also worked part-time in a Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Interventional Radiology. When she and her family moved to Indiana

13 years ago she took a job on an Intravenous Therapy

(IV) team at Lutheran Health. Working as an IV nurse, Yang established peripheral intravenous access and inserted

became the first one on her IV team to master the

within the hospital. The medial product company, C.R. Bard, was very impressed with her motivation, work

and teaching ability. They hired her in 2002 as a clinical nurse educator. Yang continued to work at the hospital to maintain her hands-on skills.

When C.R. Bard opened the PICC market in Asia,

peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) into patients.

they asked Yang if she would be interested in working

over 1,000 PICCs each year.

and she accepted the position. Starting in 2006, she

Later on she took a position as the team leader and inserted

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overseas. For her, the timing could not have been better,


TECH HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE AUTHORS BOOK

Yang provides a tour of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at a hospital in Beijing, China.

began making three to four yearly

trips to different countries in Asia. Each trip lasts about 20 days. While in Asia, Yang’s job duties include

classroom lectures, live demos, live

insertions, hospital visits and leading round table discussions. She says that

she is able to be an example to the nurses by motivating and inspiring them to do more.

“I will never forget the very first

time I stood on the stage behind

Using Real-Time Ultrasonic Imagery, Yang demonstrates a PICC insertion during a live demonstration for fellow nurses.

When Yang is not traveling to

the podium in front of 500 nurses.

Asia, she still resides in Fort Wayne,

came to mind,” said Yang. “I am

Tech electrical engineering graduate).

The slogan of ‘World Changer’ changing the lives of patients, I am

changing the minds of the nurses, I

am changing the healthcare system and I am changing that part of the world. Being a nurse, I have changed

so many peoples’ lives, and I want to continue to change many more!”

Ind. with her husband George (a 1985

Aside from her work with C.R. Bard, she works for an infusion company that starts IVs in nursing home patients. Yang has two children. Her daughter graduated from Purdue

University in 2009 and her son is a senior at Purdue this year.

Being a nurse, I have changed so many peoples’ lives, and I want to continue to change many more!

Tech alumnus and Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Scott Glenn has authored a new book, which was released in August 2011. “The Triangle Plan: A Guide to a Successful Life Derived from a Personal Experience” is the story of obtaining a successful and fulfilling life, while reflecting one person’s journey guided by positive values and ethics. The book includes stories and lessons learned from Glenn’s personal experiences – including his experiences as a record-breaking running back at Tech between 1983 and 1985. Glenn was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia in close-knit, blue-collar Pottstown, Pa. While a student at Tech, he earned two “Who’s Who in America” nominations; two All-American honorable mentions; became a two-time League leading rusher; and was a two-time First Team All-League selection as a running back for the Golden Bears. In addition to his RBA degree from Tech, he also holds a master’s degree in business and marketing, as well as a Doctorate in Education. After injuries forced Glenn to abandon his lifelong dream of playing football professionally, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1993 where he served as a stellar M1A1 Tank Commander and was meritoriously promoted. As Tech’s all-time leading rusher, he was inducted into the WVU Tech Hall of Fame in 2010. Glenn is donating a portion of the proceeds of every book sold to Tech Athletics. To order yours: www.wvute.ch/triangleplan.

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CLASS NOTES

1940s Anderson Goodson, ’49, and his wife, Betty Fisher Goodson, celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in October 2011.

1960s William Gill, ’60, continues to work in the chemical industry on a contract basis. Sandra Fewell, ’60, and her husband, Richard Fewell, ’64, sold their house in Maui and have permanently moved to The Villages in Florida. Gerald Terry, ’63, and his wife, Joan Johnson Terry, celebrated 48 years of marriage on May 3, 2011. John Underwood, ’63, and his wife Linda celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary in July 2011. Gary Frame, ’65, has served as secretary of the Charleston, W.Va., Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the past 13 years. John Hoelzle, ’66, was selected by the City of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., as the “Exemplary Former City Employee for 2010”. William Kenyon, ’68, rode the Southern Tier across the country on his bike last year. He rode a total of 3,200 miles in 56 days.

1970s Ruth Elliott, ’71, is now self-employed and teaches part-time at Glenville State College. Stafford Lang, ’71, is an injured survivor of the 9-11 terrorist attacks while working for the secretary of the navy in the Pentagon. He is now retired and lives on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Andrew HeLal, ’72, is a six-time recipient of the Marriott Spirit to Serve Award. He is a guest lecturer at the University Nevada Las Vegas 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B E A R

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and remains active as a hospitality consultant. Basil Ray Jones, ’73, lives in Summersville, S.C., and has worked for the Department of the Navy, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic for the past 12 years. Christine Tygrett Bryant, ’74, has been working with the Fayette County Department of Education for 35 years. Terry Bowe, ’76, has been a State Farm Insurance agent for 27 years and has his own agency in Charleston, W.Va. Ronald Copney, ’76, owns and operates the Exact Computer Services IT consulting and contracting firm in Maryland. Mary Jo Deist Hendricks, ’78, retired from DOW/Union Carbide in 2012 with 32 years of service. Charles Niday, ’78, works as a technical specialist at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, W.Va., and volunteers for Allegheny Mountain Radio as their chief engineer. Michael Hatfield, ’79, has worked with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in Virginia since he graduated from Tech with his electrical engineering degree and is an active member of the IEEE EMC Society. Gordon Hogard, ’79, is the owner and president of Compass Identity, Inc., that produces printing and promotional products in Maryland.

John Casto, ’84, is working for Alcan Rolled Products in Ravenswood, W.Va. Timothy McCoy, ’84, works as a project test engineer for Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. Charles Steadman, ’85, works for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Naval Base as an electronics engineer and manager in smart ammunitions. David Brash, ’86, is the president and CEO of both Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Norton, Va., and Lonesome Pine Hospital in Big Stone Gap, Va. Randy Young, ’87, is a financial representative with Western & Southern Financial Group in Elkview, W.Va., and is a member of The Premier Association of Financial Professionals and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

1990s Sarah Gilbert, ’90, started a small business called Ruth’s Home Works in Wichita, Kan. Robert Aldrich, ’92, works for the U.S. navy as a laser safety specialist and is the chair of the American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors.

1980s Steven Buck, ’81, has worked for BASF Corporation for 30 years and serves on the WVU Tech Chemical Engineering Advisory Board. Fredric Friend, ’82, was promoted to manager of distribution standards at AEP and transferred to their corporate office in Columbus, Ohio, last year. Rebecca Parry, ’83, celebrated her 25th year working for Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut.

Dr. Traci Boyd Acklin (above), ’94, works at Montgomery General Hospital and was named 2011 West Virginia Pediatrician of the Year.

continued on page 18


In Memoriam 1940s J. Richard Campbell, ’48, of Keyser, W.Va., passed away March 2, 2012. Frank Falbo, ’48, of Charleston, W.Va., passed away January 15, 2012.

1950s Elizabeth “Betty” Lee Burch Williams, ’50, of Hansford, W.Va., passed away October 31, 2011. Louis W. Linger, ’56, of Front Royal, Va., passed away July 18, 2011. David Smallridge Long, ’56, of Charleston, W.Va., passed away November 9, 2011. Long was a 2008 Tech Hall of Fame inductee and the WVU Tech Alumni House namesake. Edsel Edwin Crandall, ’59, of Summersville, W.Va., passed away January 15, 2011.

Alvin A. “Butch” Anderson, ’67, of Charleston, W.Va., passed away April 10, 2011.

1970s Ronald D. Walton, ’71, of Scott Depot, W.Va., passed away February 15, 2012. Beverly Ann Melton, ’72, of Charleston, W.Va., passed away August 6, 2011. Larry Macon McCommack, ’73, of Kimberly, W.Va., passed away September 11, 2011. James Lawrence Ware, ’74, of South Carolina, passed away April 16, 2012. Bruce Blackhurst, ’76, of Belle, W.Va., passed away January 23, 2012.

1980s Anthony E. Parrish, ’89, of Charleston, W.Va., passed away July 3, 2011.

West Virginia sculptor, George Connard

1960s

1990s

stone statue of the Tech Golden

John David Beane, ’64, of Titusville, Fla., passed away April 18, 2011. Charles Morris Cobbs, ’64, of Gambrills, Md., passed away May 30, 2011. Jeffrey Allen Tomasek, ’64, of Oak Hill, W.Va., passed away April 12, 2011. Mike Barrett, of Nashville, Tenn., passed away August 8, 2011. Barrett was inducted into the Tech Hall of Fame in 1978. On March 11, 2012, the West Virginia State Legislature passed a resolution memorializing Barrett’s life (pictured above right).

Ricky Lane Ferrell, ’90, of Boomer, W.Va., passed away February 29, 2012. Philip Scott Hudson, ’90, of Hurricane, W.Va., passed away January 17, 2012. Hudson was a 2002 Tech Hall of Fame inductee. Victor Shane Foster, ’92, of Lusby, Md., passed away January 21, 2011.

Brison Wolfe, who carved the beloved Bear passed away on April 5, 2012. A self-taught artist, he made a living as an artist competing in art contests as far away as New York. Three of his works are in the West Virginia State Museum’s collection.

S U M M E R 2 012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17


CLASS NOTES

1990s Howard Berry, ’94, is employed with Stafford Consultants Inc. in Princeton, W.Va., as the director of construction administration. Todd Cruny, ’96, works as a project engineer for Michael Baker, Jr., Inc., in Moon Township, Pa. Amelia Yates McClure, ’98, owns her own business called Hope Engineering, PLLC in Maxwelton, W.Va.

2000s

Sarah Johnson Coffey, ’04, and her husband, Sam Coffey, welcomed their third child, Caleb Lee Coffey, on November 23, 2011. Cassie Hurt, ’05, works as a funeral director and embalmer in Delaware, Ohio. James Holcomb, ’07, works for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Administration as a human resource specialist. Stephen Holcomb, ’09, graduated with his master’s degree in business administration from WVU on August 5, 2011. Michael Smith, ’09, married Brittany White in February 2011.

Events Upcoming Alumni August 17-19

Welcome Weekend

August 18

Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting

Open to all dues paying members

October 26-27

Homecoming Weekend

October 26

Alumni of the Year Banquet

October 27

Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting

Open to all dues paying members

For more information about these events, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at Tech-Alumni@wvutech.edu or 304.442.3131, or visit alumni.wvutech.edu. Jennifer Wood (above), ’01, works as the community relations specialist for College Summit in West Virginia, and serves on the Tech Golden Bear Alumni Association Board of Directors as the communications chair. Justin Hines, ’03, was promoted to outcomes coordinator with Louisiana Health Care Group that owns and operates home healthcare offices throughout West Virginia.

Garrett Goosman (above),’11, was hired as the interim intramurals coordinator at WVU Tech and serves on the Tech Golden Bear Alumni Association Board of Directors.

WVU Tech CEO Carolyn Long visits with alumni and friends at the 2012 Alumni Reception at Power Park in Charleston, W.Va.

Tara Thomas Hines (above), ’03, was hired at WVU Tech as the alumni relations coordinator in October 2011.

Former Golden Bear basketball players gather for the annual alumni game in the Baisi Gymnasium.

TO SUBMIT CLASS NOTES, PLEASE E-MAIL US AT TECH-ALUMNI@MAIL.WVU.EDU. 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B E A R

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Join us! annual dues

$25

per person

lifetime dues

$250 per person

While supplies last, those paying Lifetime dues will receive a free Lifetime Member t-shirt.

Membership is extended to all dues-paying alumni of New River State College, West Virginia Institute of Technology, the Community and Technical College of West Virginia Institute of Technology and 405 Fayette Pike

West Virginia University Institute of Technology.

Montgomery, WV 25136 304.442.3131 TechAlumniAssoc@mail.wvu.edu

alumni.wvutech.edu

VISIT US ON FACEBOOK AT GOLDEN BEAR ALUMNI


405 Fayette Pike | Montgomery, WV 25136-9980 1.888.554.TECH | wvutech.edu


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