TH E MagaZ i n E oF
Volume 59, No. 2
Surprises Add to Commencement Celebrations
SigniďŹ cant Gift to College and a Marriage Proposal Pg. 9
Taking it to the Streets... Bringing Red and White Downtown Elkins is Attracting More Students and Visitors to Main Street Pg. 12
h fall, we re evident than a college campus. Eac mo or t ran vib re mo is life of le circ t circle – at There are few places where the ' college career. Yet at the center of tha iors sen our of end the te bra cele we h one has a stor y. welcome a new class. Each spring students, every he and every she. Eac ual ivid ind our are – do we at wh of the center the ground of red and white signs pounded into row a h wit s ent stud new ed com This year's orientation weekend wel along Sycamore Street, saying: You’ve Arrived. In Senator Territory. Drive On In. Write Your Story.
and programs. Those of us d, on schedules, bright red t-shirts, ken wee the out ugh thro ed tinu loring and preparing And the theme con our own stories, our memories of exp rish che and w kno nce erie exp ege ing! As my English privileged with a coll and of course, we don't know the end y," stor r you ite "wr to is it at wh w for the life ahead. We kno !" professor used to say, "Keep writing l as recent brations of the Class of 2014 as wel cele are rein He . you h wit ies stor E no end – part of our And so, we share our D& e that, as a part of this circle that has hop I . nds frie and ni alum lty, facu n find it's time achievements of students, ing in Senator Territory. You may eve pen hap s at' wh into pse glim this y proud D&E Family – you enjo your stor y, again. for you, too, to drive on in and write With best wishes,
Photo by Sam Santilli
Michael P. Mihalyo Jr., D.M.A. President
Freshman Tessa Dillon of Saint Albans, W.Va. celebrates her arrival at D&E!
IN THIS
THE MagaZinE oF
Editor: nanci Bross-Fregonara Writers: Philip Fetty, nanci Bross-Fregonara, linda Howell skidmore and Carol schuler
Photographers: sam santilli, nanci BrossFregonara, Heaven Dove, Paul w. Hendrix, Russ McClain, linda Howell skidmore, John Young, Carol schuler and Dan savory
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issUE Surprises Add to Commencement Celebrations
about the Magazine
Forward magazine is published twice a year by the office of Communications & Marketing. To subscribe or to submit your news, please send an email to schulerc@dewv.edu or write to Carol schuler, 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, wv 26241.
The Mission of Davis & Elkins College
To prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world.
about the College
Davis & Elkins College is an Equal opportunity Employer and will practice equal opportunity in all aspects of its operation. Davis & Elkins College is committed to assuring equal opportunity to all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, family status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices as required by Title iX of the Education amendment of 1972, section 504 of the Rehabilitation act of 1973, Title vii of the Civil Rights act of 1964, as amended in 1991, the west virginia Human Rights act, and other applicable statutes. inquiries concerning Title iX compliance should be referred to the College Title iX Coordinator. inquiries concerning section 504 compliance should be referred to the vice President for student affairs. inquiries concerning equal opportunity in personnel practices should be referred to the Director of Human Resources.
Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees
John s. Moyer, ’86 william s. Moyer Cliff J. neese, Jr., ’83 Eric J. nilsen, ’82 June B. Myles, Donald M. Robbins Chair Richard C. seybolt, ’63, william H. sudbrink, ’59 Vice Chair life Trustees william w. nuttall, ’70 Carter giltinan Secretary Reginald owens, sr., ’83, John H. Harling, ’53 Thomas J. Martin, Treasurer D.D.s., ’50 Joyce B. allen David a. Rutherford Mark s. Barber, ’75 Dorothy H. wamsley James Bialek, ’74 wendell M. Cramer, ’59 Joseph M. wells, iii Peter H. Dougherty, ’75 Chair Emeriti D. Drake Dowler, ’69 Henry M. Moore nancy Evans-Bennett, Paul s. stirrup, ’60 ’66 l. newton Thomas, Jr. David a. Faris, M.D. leonard J. Timms, Jr. kimberly M. Farry, M.D., ’85 Robert T. gregory, ’59 Charles E. Hill Bruce lee kennedy, ii, CFa James s. McDonnell, iii Michael P. Mihalyo, Jr.
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Taking it to the Streets – Bringing Red and White Downtown
Also...
On the Cover
Shane Jones, Greg DuLac and Chelsea Channell spend an afternoon enjoying the recently opened Bagels ‘N Bites deli on Third Street, Elkins. Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
2 News Around Campus A Roundup of Happenings on the Hill 6 Faculty Focus Brumbaugh Named to Executive Council
21
Alumni Feature: Mr. Toth Goes to Washington
Lacrosse Coming to D&E!
Henderson Faculty Award Bryan Wagoner Presents at International Conferences Retiring Faculty 16 Research on the Rise at D&E 20 College Offers Early
Education Endorsements
22 Athletics News Tennis Achieves Trifecta FOSS Reunion Athletic Hall of Fame 26 Alumni News & Events 28 Alumni Notes
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06 D&E Professor's Ceramics Have Star Power
34 In Memoriam 36 Q&A with Dana Baxter
©2014 Davis & Elkins College
Volume 59, No. 2
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D&E Joins in 50th Anniversary Celebration of Upward Bound By Nanci Bross-Fregonara Over 400 West Virginia high school students were running, jumping, and even handling butterflies, all across the D&E campus this past July as part of the nationwide celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Upward Bound, the country’s first federal program targeting equal educational opportunity and equality for low-income and potential first-generation college students. The highly successful program has had an almost 25-year presence at D&E, changing the lives of nearly 700 students since its inception in 1990. “Each year our programs improve and engage students,” said Carol Suder-Howes, director of the D&E Upward Bound (UB) program, “but this year was extremely special with UB students from across our state experiencing D&E during the WV UB Olympics, while celebrating our nation’s 50 years of access efforts.” Part of this year’s significance was not only the program’s anniversary, but also that John Quiñones, ABC’s “Primetime Live” co-host and Upward Bound alumnus, gave the D&E Commencement Address (see article, page 10). According to Suder-Howes, D&E’s program participants, who attend high schools in Barbour, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph and Tucker counties, are top-notch. “We continue to empower youth. Unfortunately, we have a waitlist of over 100 applicants.” Suder-Howes said. For six weeks, UB’s rising juniors and seniors give up a large part of their summer break to attend classes, field trips, experience communal living of college dormitories, and learn skills that will help them be successful college students while overcoming the barriers to their success. It is an intensive culmination of a year’s worth of activities. “Our year-round Upward Bound program services 138 low-income, first-generation, highrisk Appalachian students,” she said. “Generational poverty, low educational attainment and aspirations, rural isolation and under-resourced high schools with high student/counselor ratios, pose serious barriers for low-income, first-generation potential college students,” she explained. “Couple that with numerous unaddressed academic, social and economic conditions in our community and you can understand why Upward Bound is important.” Funding for UB is provided by the U.S. Department of Education in collaboration with resources, commitment and support of Davis & Elkins College and its community members, 2 | Davis & Elkins CollEgE Forward
Photo by Heaven Dove
nEws aRoUnD CaMPUs
Upward Bound students interact with butterflies at a special workshop symbolizing new beginnings held on campus this summer.
partners and schools, she explained. “It has been transforming the lives of countless area students and families.” “Many alumni contribute their success and accomplishments to the relentless efforts of UB programs and staffs,” she said. “Graduates consistently say, ‘Upward Bound changed my life. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it.’” One such student is Tyler Louk, a Tygarts Valley High School graduate attending D&E this fall. When he addressed his fellow students at their UB graduation ceremony in May, Tyler explained that one of the most surprising aspects
Did You Know? The Who’s Who List for Upward Bound participants includes: • Two-time Oscar nominee Viola Davis • Best-selling author Wil Haygood • GE Asset Management President and CEO Dmitri Stockton • Democratic National Committee Vice-Chairwoman Donna Brazile • ABC "Primetime Live" co-host John Quiñones Upward Bound began as an experimental program in the Office of Economic Opportunity in 1964, enrolling 2,061 participants and 17 programs the following year. Today, more than 80,000 students participate in 964 programs nationwide.
of the program was “that there were a lot of other people who were like us. We developed these long lasting friendships and developed as people along the way as well. Upward Bound has really helped shape who we are, develop our life plans, and experience things that would not previously have been possible without the program.” Does the program work? Suder-Howes is a strong believer. “Statistics reveal participants have improved academic performance and completion of high school, as well as increased levels of college entry, continuation, participation and degree attainment compared to their peers on the local, state and national level,” she said. According to the Pell Institute, UB participants are three times more likely to complete a college degree in six years than those who did not participate in college access services. While the UB program at D&E has been instrumental in preparing low-income and first generation area students for success, the College’s commitment doesn’t end with a student’s completion of the program. “The Highlands Scholar program, for example, builds on the hope and opportunities provided to area students by creating a means to pursue and complete postsecondary education,” Suder-Howes said. “It helps make college entry and completion an affordable reality for students, strengthens our community and enhances equal opportunity and access in West Virginia.” If you would like to get connected, involved, or learn more, check out the UB Facebook page @ Davis & Elkins College Upward Bound or email Carol Suder-Howes at howesc@dewv.edu.
Trustee's Art Intersects with Alumna's Words
Appalachian Dance Film Premiers at D&E “Reel ‘Em Boys, Reel ‘Em,” a film produced by The Mountain Dance Trail that documents Appalachian dance traditions, premiered in April as part of Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College’s Spring Music Week. Created by D&E Guest Artist Becky Hill and folklorist Gerry Milnes with a grant from the West Virginia Humanities Council, the film features West Virginia traditional square dancing and step dancing, and follows The Mountain Dance Trail as it winds across the Mountain State. Interviews with square dance callers, old-time musicians, dancers and dance historians, along with current square dance footage and archival footage from Augusta Heritage Center, are combined to celebrate the importance of old-time music and dance. The Mountain Dance Trail is a cultural heritage tourism project of Augusta Heritage Center and Davis & Elkins College that preserves and promotes the tradition of old-time square dancing in rural communities throughout West Virginia. “Reel ‘Em Boys, Reel ‘Em” runs 60 minutes and is available for $20 at www. augustaheritagecenter.org, or by calling the Augusta office at 304-637-1209.
It’s certainly a small world. That is what Trudi (McCall) Van Dyke, ’69, now a freelance writer for “Fiber Art Now Magazine,” discovered when she had the opportunity to write a feature about some of the most outstanding artists who choose rug hooking as their medium. One of the highlighted artists chosen was none other than D&E Board of Trustees Chair June Myles. However, the name didn’t immediately connect with Van Dyke until she began researching June’s background and she noticed an Elkins connection. “A light bulb went off,” Van Dyke said. “We had met at the dedication of the Myles Center for the Arts when I was attending Homecoming a couple of years ago. I thought, ‘How small a world it is that our paths would now cross again.’” It is hard to imagine the odds that a D&E graduate would unknowingly be interviewing a D&E trustee for a major art magazine. “June’s enormous support of all aspects of D&E has been documented over the years,” Van Dyke said. “But not everyone knows this hidden creative side.” “Artist June Myles is a woman who juggles a myriad of responsibilities, yet finds time to indulge her imaginative side in creating exquisite hooked rugs,” Van Dyke said. “These fiber artworks are meant to grace your walls instead of the floor.” She continues, “Her most inventive work is portraiture. She takes what might be considered a static subject, a banker, or a baker for example, and imbues him with a unique personality by providing nuances of color in convincing compositions. The expressive poses are characteristic of her successful work, and capturing an authentic facial expression in wool is no easy task.” Myles describes rug hooking as a fulfilling outlet for her creative side. “I find hooking a meditative pastime and a chance to channel my quiet time in an innovative way,” she said, adding that she finds listening to the radio to be a complementary activity. Her largescale distinctive wall hangings have been widely shown and admired in fiber exhibitions in the Northeast. “Her creative outlet of hooking is enhanced by her skill at expressing stories and ideas through her art,” Van Dyke said. “A long-term goal that June and I share would be an opportunity to mount an exhibition of hooked rugs on the walls of a D&E gallery space,” Van Dyke said. “It could happen!” Read the Spring 2014 “Fiber Art Now Magazine” online at: bit.ly/DEfiberart
Forward Magazine wishes to thank Trudi (McCall) Van Dyke, Class of 1969, for submitting this information. Van Dyke is presently an independent fine art curator specializing in fiber and lives in Virginia. News Around Campus
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News AROUND CAMPUS
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In March, the Club took on the Zachary Hanshaw presents his side of the topic centered on government collection topic “Should the government of personal information during a debate discontinue its program of held in March. collecting electronic information on persons without a courtissued search warrant?” The D&E Students Increase proposition side was represented by Taylor Fealy, a sophomore from Ellamore, W.Va., and Katelynn Hanek, a sophomore from Campus Energy McHenry, Md., while the opposition side was comprised of Efficiency Andrew Carroll, a junior from Bunker Hill, W.Va., and Zachary Hanshaw, a senior from Chloe, W.Va. The outdoor area of Eshleman Science Center is now more In their second debate, students argued whether West Virginia illuminated and energy efficient, should teach intelligent design alongside the theory of evolution thanks to the efforts of the student in science classrooms. On the proposition side, Hanek was GreenWorks! club. As one of their paired with Olivia Lanham, a sophomore from Grafton, W.Va. spring projects, the group installed Opposition debaters were Mark Cordle, a freshman from Oak LED lights and fixtures. Hill, W.Va., and Joshua Squires, a junior from Ridgeley, W.Va. The project included replacing one The students also shared their skills with eighth-graders at Elkins metal halo light source that required a Middle School by aiding the class in performing a debate. 120-watt bulb with a high-efficiency “I am extremely proud of the students for all the hard work they LED light that uses a 10-watt bulb. have put into researching and crafting speeches over the past year,” Additional LED lights were added says Instructor of Communication Brent Saindon, moderator and under the causeway. organizer of the debates. The students were assisted by Matt This fall the club will host iDebate Rwanda and participate in other Sherald of Power in My Backyard public debates. (PIMBY), located in Thomas,
Photo by Russ McClain
Photo by Paul W. Hendrix
Some Davis & Elkins students are now illustrating how to present a friendly argument, fueled by research and creativity, to make a point. Members of the newly formed Calliduz Debate Club participated in two public debates in the 2014 spring semester and garnered support from their classmates who turned out to observe and weigh in on the discussion.
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Debate Club Making a Point
Zachary Schmucker, a senior from Latrobe, Pa., assisted with installing the LED lights at Eshleman Science Center.
Photo by Heaven Dove
W.Va., who estimates that the new fixtures will use 90 percent less electricity than the previous lights, plus provide additional security. This fall the students are proposing a solar installation in partnership with PIMBY that would provide the equivalent offset in electric use of a medium-sized home.
4 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Participants in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Youth Conference clean around the base of the Henry Gassaway Davis statue as part of their community service project in the Elkins area. More than 200 youths and 25 advisors from West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky attended the conference at Davis & Elkins College in July. Under the supervision of the D&E maintenance department, the group also helped clean the lower campus area.
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Jennifer Riggleman, one of the D&E Project Life Change coordinators puts up a welcome sign with the assistance of her son Caleb.
D&E’s Project Life Change Making a Difference The Davis & Elkins College Sport Science Department recently received a second grant from the Snowshoe Foundation to continue its Project Life Change program in which area participants have reported losing weight and increasing their awareness of healthy food choices. Last year, the Snowshoe Foundation awarded the College a $5,000 grant to design and implement the health and wellness program to benefit the campus community as well as residents of Randolph and surrounding counties. This year’s $3,500 grant will help the Sport Science Department D&E students with Assistant Professor of Art Michael Doig in front of the Parthenon.
continue the program this fall. “The department wanted to offer the community an opportunity to improve their health with a program that was free of cost,” says Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca, chair of the D&E Sport Science Department. According to DeLuca’s records, participants ranged in age from 12 to 70. The 33 people who completed the program lost a combined total of 207 pounds, with an average weight loss of 7.1 pounds per person. The 16-week program was conducted August through December with the department staff leading discussions on a variety of health and wellness topics. Participants were given free access to Robbins-Madden Fitness Center on campus and Elkins/Randolph County YMCA.
Buon Viaggio! Students Embrace Italy, Greece What student wouldn’t be eager to pack up for a 10-day excursion in Europe and earn college credit? While a group of 18 Davis & Elkins College students were no exception, they say their experience of soaking up the culture of Italy and Greece during Spring Break exceeded their expectations. As just one example, the Sistine Chapel and the works of Michelangelo left a lasting impression on Bradley Carter, a senior from Lovingston, Va. “I literally stopped breathing because it is that beautiful,” Carter says. “It’s still something I can’t get out of my mind.” The guided tour led the students and their professors to Rome, Florence, Pompeii, Delphi, Athens and Cycladic Islands and Ephesus where they explored ancient architecture and art, and learned about the present day lifestyles that differ from theirs in the United States. The group was a combination of two classes: Assistant Professor of Art Michael Doig’s Art History 309 and Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Jennifer Tesar’s Geography 241. “Travel abroad allows students to stretch their comfort zones by experiencing new foods, language and customs that can’t be experienced in a classroom setting,” Tesar says. The ancient architecture of the cities provided another lesson for the students. Brad Bennett, a 2014 graduate from Harman, W.Va., especially enjoyed the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum. “The Romans’ arches and engineering were impressive,” Bennett says. “When I looked down from the top at the amphitheater I could only imagine what it was like to see gladiators.” For Nicola Merriman, a sophomore from Wheeling, W.Va., the trip put a new spin on her future plans. “This trip truly taught me more about both of my majors (art and education) than I could have ever imagined while sitting in a classroom,” Merriman says. “It was such an amazing experience that I am now looking into a second trip along with a semester abroad. I strongly encourage anyone who is given such an opportunity because it was one of the most fun, adventurous and educational experiences of my life.” To read more from students’ travel journals and wikipages, and view photos from their trip, visit bit.ly/ DEabroad14. News Around Campus
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FaCUlTY FoCUs
ave H s c i m Cera s ' r o s s ofe D&E Pr
O Brett Kern's ceramics, above, recently earned him the title of WV Living's Artist of the Year.
Brett Kern prepares a ceramic mold in his pottery studio in Myles Center for the Arts.
By Linda Howell Skidmore
ne of Brett Kern’s earliest memories is receiving an inflatable vinyl dinosaur when his baby sister was born. For the little blond-haired boy just half past his second birthday that day marked the beginning of his lifelong interest in prehistoric animals, and left an impression that would eventually spike his artistic career. Now an assistant professor of art at Davis & Elkins College with a forte in ceramics, Kern wanted to preserve that childhood recollection. He had no idea, though, that it would become so popular. Not long after Kern introduced his ceramic dinosaurs – ones that resemble the inflatable toy – the creations became wildly popular. Within just a year, he’s sold more than 100 in different sizes and likenesses to people throughout the country, including actress Jennifer Garner. In Kern’s office, dinosaurs are everywhere. Small resin and plastic figures he purchased fill shelves beside his desk, a Jurassic Park souvenir lurks among art supplies, vinyl creatures await here and there. Then there’s the real
6 | Davis & Elkins CollEgE Forward
thing – Kern’s creations, the now nearly famous ones, in an array of colors. “For me, they’re this enduring icon of my childhood,” Kern says. “By making them out of clay I’m using a metaphor of permanence and value. I never imagined it would take off this much.” By just looking at the dinosaurs Kern made it’s hard to tell whether they’re inflatable plastic or ceramic. They exhibit a high, almost patent leather, shine and have crimped edges and that little valve where you puff air into them. Yet, they stand up sturdy. You can only be sure by touching them or when Kern moves them around and you hear that distinctive clinking sound of a fired ceramic piece. But if you’re only seeing them virtually, you just have to ask what they’re made of. Earlier this year, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! posted photos of Kerns’ work on its Facebook page and answered the question: “these are not inflatable toys, they are handcrafted ceramics.” Although Ripley’s didn’t cite Kern as the artist – which generated plenty of posts voicing displeasure of such – he did get more than 1,500 likes and 170-plus shares. However, those numbers are small in comparison to what Kern has attracted through his own social media posts. His Facebook page alone has more than 3,100 followers. Since the beginning of the year, word of Kern’s dinosaurs has “gone almost viral,” he says. It all started when he posted some photos on his blog at brettkernart.com. Since then, around 80,000 people have had a look and hundreds of them have reposted the images. That’s led to mentions on thisiscolossal.com and a YouTube video on Vsauce. It seems a lot of people want to know
Jennifer Garner poses happily with one of Kern’s dinosaurs she purchased.
an instructor for D&E’s Augusta Heritage Center, Kern is exploring ideas that have cumulated throughout his life.
Brumbaugh Elected to Kappa Delta Pi Executive Council
At D&E, Kern instructs courses in ceramics, sculpture and, of course, ceramic mold-making in which students have experimented with their own inflatables.
Davis & Elkins College Associate Professor of Education Dr. Erin Brumbaugh began a twoyear term July 1 as a member of the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) executive council. The position is one of the highest leadership posts for the international honor society in education.
Photo courtesy Jennifer Garner
“They often bring me something and ask if they can make a mold,” Kern says of his students. “For every new object I have to figure out how to do it, each is a new experience. Mold-making takes a lot of creative problem solving, maybe more so than a lot of other things I teach.”
about Kern and his ceramic, inflatable looking dinosaurs. He’s been interviewed by bloggers in London, and reporters for an Italian newspaper and the UK Daily Mail. “I like the attention,” he says. “It’s nice to make something that makes people’s lives a little more enjoyable, and I know I’m not tooling away in vain.” The first “street-side” place to show Kern’s dinosaurs was Taylor Books in Charleston, W.Va., Garner’s hometown. The manager of the shop let Kern know that someone well known had purchased one of the dinosaurs and may want another. Kern says that later when he got an email from Garner he couldn’t help but wonder if someone was pulling “an elaborate prank.” “I had to email back and say, ‘are you THE Jennifer Garner,’” he says with a laugh. Garner asked Kern to create a blue stegosaurus. Later, her mother wanted one of the dinosaurs. They aren’t the only ones seeking Kern’s work. As the popularity of his creations has grown, Kern finds himself spending all his free time in the ceramic studio trying to keep up with the demand. Art, like dinosaurs, has long been a part of Kern’s life. Growing up as a middle child, he says he entertained himself by drawing, coloring or doing anything artistic. He considered studying graphic design, but quickly changed his major to art with a focus on ceramics at California University of Pennsylvania when he discovered a love for clay. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2007 and immediately began graduate studies at West Virginia University, spending his first semester abroad at the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute in China. His first step into the professional art arena was as an artist-in-residence at Red Lodge Clay Center in Montana. A member of the D&E faculty since 2011 and
Kern says pop culture – television shows in particular – of his early years shaped some of the values he holds today. One he subscribes to as an artist is “the idea of being serious, but making a joke at the same time.” This year, he introduced another figure that many can equate with childhood – the astronaut. “Sometimes a gallery can be serious, so making an astronaut symbolizes to me that childhood dream to grow up and do something,” Kern says. “Being an artist who still gets to have fun is a fulfillment of a childhood dream.” Recently, two of the astronauts stood atop his desk ready for shipment. Kern says they’re visually as popular as the dinosaurs and sell for much more because they’re more difficult to make. Whether the astronauts will become the next big thing for Kern isn’t certain, but they have gained some prestigious recognition. In February, the figures received the Directors Choice Award from the Sixth Annual Beyond the Brickyard Exhibition at the Archie Bray Foundation – a feat the dinosaurs didn’t accomplish when they were accepted in the show the year before. “Archie Bray is a mecca or hub of ceramics,” Kern says. “The competition is pretty renowned and only three awards are given out.” With all this attention, has Kern remained humble? That all goes back to the being serious while make a joke thing. “It’s really surreal when I cash checks from Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner because in the back of my mind I always thought I’d be selling to famous people,” he says with the slightest hint of a smile. “Maybe this popularity is temporary, so I might as well make the most of it now.”
Find Brett on
By Linda Howell Skidmore
The executive council oversees the leadership of Kappa Delta Pi, provides the strategic vision for the Society and oversees its financial resources. Elected from committed KDP members, the individuals who serve on the executive council are recognized for their leadership, dedication to the Society’s ideals, and vision for the future of education. The international organization is comprised of 600 chapters and more than 40,000 members. “I am thrilled that the international membership decided that I should be on the executive council,” Brumbaugh says. “I am excited by the prospect of representing not only the membership of KDP, but also the state of West Virginia and Davis & Elkins College. I look forward to working with the excellent and dedicated staff at KDP Headquarters, as well as with others elected to the Council.” Brumbaugh has served as presenter at many KDP convocations and as a KDP counselor throughout her teaching career, including for chapters at Marietta College and Muskingum University. She helped establish the Alpha Zeta Omega chapter at D&E and currently serves as its counselor. A member of the Davis & Elkins College faculty since fall of 2011, Brumbaugh teaches courses in the Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education programs. She previously worked as associate professor of early childhood education at Marietta College from 1994 to 2003 and at Muskingum University from 2003 to 2011. Brumbaugh earned her Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction and Master of Arts in special education – gifted from West Virginia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Fairmont State College.
/brettkernart Faculty Focus
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FACULTY FOCUS
D&E Honors Henderson with Teaching Excellence Award By Linda Howell Skidmore Davis & Elkins College awarded the prestigious 2014 Lois Latham Award for Teaching Excellence to Associate Professor of Business Administration Harry Henderson at the annual Academic Awards and Recognition Convocation on April 17.
This year’s award was presented by June B. Myles, chair of the D&E Board of Trustees. Henderson has been a member of the D&E faculty for more than 20 years. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he spent 26 years as an active duty surface warfare officer. He earned his Ed.S. degree from George Washington University, a Master of Business Administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, Calif., and a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. An annual tradition, the Academic Awards and Recognition Convocation recognizes students’ academic achievement in each department as well as leadership on campus.
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara @ D&E
The Lois Latham Award is presented annually to an outstanding D&E educator who is characterized by their distinguished intellectual career; enthusiasm for scholarship and intellectual curiosity; and, most importantly, by evidence that it is their professional calling to nurture the intellectual and personal growth of others. Nominations for the award are
Faculty Retirements Announced
submitted by faculty, staff and students.
Wagoner Presents Lectures in Germany and Austria By Linda Howell Skidmore Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Philosophy Dr. Bryan L. Wagoner delivered lectures at two major European universities this summer and participated in discussion groups with other scholars from throughout the world. Wagoner was one of 13 lecturers – and the only invited speaker from the United States – to participate in a three-day round-table colloquium as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the University of Frankfurt. This symposium looks at a group of thinkers, who, in the late 1920s and early 1930s, attempted to critique the Nazis before they took power. Wagoner’s Frankfurt lecture was titled “Religious Socialism as Critical Theory – Tillich and the Institute in Frankfurt,” engaging the philosopher of religion Paul Tillich and the so-called ‘Frankfurt School’ of critical social theory and philosophy. “This topic continues to fascinate me, not only because of the importance of the historical era at 8 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
the cusp of Nazism, but also because it bridges traditional boundaries between religious studies and philosophy,” Wagoner says. “I find such disciplinary boundaries constricting. One of the things I love about teaching at D&E is the freedom to pursue both.” All papers from the academic conference in Frankfurt, in both German and English, will be published by De Gruyter Press. Wagoner also traveled to the University of Innsbruck in Austria where he presented a lecture and participated in a workingsymposium with the University’s prestigious Catholic Faculty. He presented two talks – one exploring Christian and Jewish approaches to socialism and the common good in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and another discussing his teaching and research in relation to violence and the sacred. Wagoner joined the Davis & Elkins College faculty in fall 2012. He earned his doctorate in Religion from Harvard University, his Master of Divinity and Master of Sacred Theology from Yale University and his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Literature from Gordon College.
Three longtime Davis & Elkins College professors have entered the next chapter of their lives – retirement – and were honored for their service to the College during the All Campus Picnic in June. Assistant Professor of Psychology Judie Smith, Professor of English and Director of the Writing Center Dr. Peter Okun and Professor of Political Science Dr. Thomas Chadwick received Davis & Elkins College chairs and framed certificates acknowledging their years of service and conferring the titles of professor emeritus. Chadwick served D&E for 25 years. He joined the faculty in 1989 and served as Registrar for many years. Smith has been a member of the College faculty for 37 years, beginning in 1977. Okun retired at the end of the fall 2013 semester after 17 years of service. “I feel truly privileged to have worked alongside Professors Chadwick, Okun and Smith during my time at D&E,” says Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joe Roidt. “Each one of them has, in his or her own unique way, contributed in a lasting fashion to the life of Davis & Elkins College. Perhaps most importantly, I know that each has had a profound impact on the lives of our graduates.” Staff members who were honored for their retirement at the end of the spring 2014 semester were Administrative Assistant and Certification Analyst for the Department of Education Ann Harris, Madden Student Center Manager Brenda Kirkpatrick, Campus Postman John Kirkpatrick and Physical Plant Executive Director Ron Selders.
Surprises Add to
Celebrations!
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When you're faced with challenges, as no doubt you will be –keep reminding yourself that you are worthy. When someone is trying to bring you down, they are just projecting their own problems and failings. Pay them no mind. Ignore them. Instead, surround yourself with people who believe in you.
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Photo by John Young
– John Quiñones
Surprises Add to Commencement Celebrations! | 9
t was a weekend full of surprises at the Davis & Elkins College 105th Commencement weekend celebration with the announcement of two gifts totalling $250,000 and an onstage marriage proposal.
"Toward that end, I and another friend of the College are together committing $250,000 to this year's D&E Fund in recognition of President Mihalyo's leadership during the past year, and in appreciation to the faculty and staff.”
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During the Saturday morning Commencement ceremony, Chair of the College's Board of Trustees June Myles received applause and cheers from the crowd after announcing that two longtime friends of the College had decided to give $250,000 in recognition of Dr. Michael Mihalyo’s first year as president. A letter from one of the donors, which Myles read at the ceremony, states:
"I was much impressed with President Mihalyo when he and Carol Schuler came to see me a few months ago. With the continued and remarkable progress of the College under his leadership, I decided one way to express my confidence in the College's future is to provide tangible support as the academic year draws to a close.
10 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
The donors requested that $125,000 help support this year's Highlands Scholarships, and $125,000 go toward enhanced programs in the Fine Arts.
...a few years after the civil rights movement I found my inspiration in the words of the Reverend Martin Luther King. He once, so eloquently said, when you're faced with adversity, have faith. And, 'faith is taking the first step... even when you don't see the whole staircase, just take that first step.' – John Quiñones
The announcement was the second unexpected event of the weekend. The Graduating senior Treavor Dubiel proposes to Kristen Justice, ’12, during the Baccalaureate Ceremonies. Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
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By Linda Howell Skidmore
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Photos by Sam Santilli
D&E Upward Bound staff members Katy Dillon, left, and Alison Shields, right, pose with former UB students Clinton Bennett and Rachael Long (kneeling) and Heather England, Samantha Adkins, Jessica Masters (standing). ABC “Primetime Live” co-anchor John Quiñones met the graduates after the commencement ceremonies.
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night before, during struggles in obtaining success. Baccalaureate ...take it from “Take it from me, so much Ceremonies, of success – so much of me, so much of criminology and ‘making it’ – is a state of mind,” psychology major success –so much Quiñones said. “When you’re Treavor Dubiel got of 'making it' – is a faced with challenges, as down on one knee no doubt you will be, keep state of mind. If you to ask his longtime reminding yourself that you girlfriend, Kristen believe in yourself are worthy. When someone is Justice, for her above everything trying to bring hand in marriage. you down, else –then no one Though taken by they are just surprise, she said, can stop you. projecting their “yes” and the class own problems of 2014 responded – John Quiñones and failings. Pay with a standing them no mind. ovation. Dubiel, of Ignore them. Washington, N.J., and Justice, a 2012 graduate Instead, surround yourself with from Chapmanville, W.Va., met at D&E. people who believe in you.” Dubiel was among the 186 graduates who Quiñones, along with The received their diplomas in an outdoor Inter-Mountain newspaper ceremony – the first at Claude King Davis Publisher and General Memorial Plaza since 1973. John Quiñones, Manager Heather Goodwin co-anchor of ABC’s “Primetime Live” and Henline, received honorary anchor of the Primetime series “What Would degrees. You Do?,” brought a message of hope and inspiration, telling the students and their Goodwin Henline spoke to guests the story of his students at the Baccalaureate
Ceremony in The McDonnell Center with the theme “The Power of One.” Her message to graduates was to never underestimate themselves or the impact one person can make. She encouraged them to not be afraid to stand up for what is right and just. Members of the WV Highlanders of Davis & Elkins College lead the processional to the commencement ceremonies.
Photo by Sam Santilli
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Every Class Has Its By Linda Howell Skidmore If a picture paints a thousand words, then the images on the Graduating Class Commemorative Medals should provoke at least that many memories for Davis & Elkins alumni. The brainchild of Trustee Bill Sudbrink, '59, the coins serve as both a keepsake and a collector’s piece. Constructed of bronze, each year’s edition features a different theme cast on the reverse and the College emblem on the obverse. Senior art major Conner Berkey was selected to design the 2014 coin. His instructions were to present a representation of something that has influenced his life the most. Berkey sketched President Emeritus ‘Buck’ Smith. “I really respect who he is, what he stands for and what he has done for the school,” Berkey
Distinctive Coin
says of his decision to select Smith as the subject of his design. “For me, he has epitomized the family value of the school. When I think of my time at D&E, I think of him and how he brought everything together at the school. The people who graduated with me were here during the same time and they feel the same way.” Students didn’t get a glimpse of Berkey’s design until the coins were presented at Commencement Ceremonies, and the pieces were met with favorable reaction. “I think it’s unique because it combines and symbolizes everything from our entire time here into a single coin,” says David Green, a member of the class of 2014. The first coin, presented in 2013, was designed by student Amber Aponte-Kocela with assistance from student Scott Leach. A flamed torch is surrounded by the words, “Leadership, Service, Teamwork,” to symbolize the trinity that is at the heart of Student Assembly, student life and the student experience at Davis & Elkins College.
In addition to graduates, coins are given to each member of the team responsible for the design, Sudbrink, the Davis & Elkins College archives and the office of the vice president for student affairs. Sudbrink has also outlined a plan that will ensure the tradition continues and that others connected to the College have a chance to obtain a coin as well. Any remaining medals will be available for purchase for two years after being issued to any D&E alumnus and any member of the faculty, staff or board of trustees serving during that academic year. Any medals remaining after two years may be sold to the general public. Proceeds from the sales will be managed by the College to sustain the project for coming years. Anyone wanting to purchase a Graduating Class Commemorative Medal for 2013 or 2014 may visit the College website at www.dewv.edu and click on the Buy D&E Keepsakes page in the alumni section.
Surprises Add to Commencement Celebrations! | 11
FEATURE
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Members of Ohio Burn Unit thrilled the audience on Third Street, Elkins during the Fire and Ice Festival sponsored by Elkins ON TRAC, the City of Elkins and Davis & Elkins College last January.
12 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
A decade ago, one would have been hard-pressed to see large numbers of D&E students walking around downtown Elkins. Perhaps some would be lingering at a local tavern late at night or others eating out with their visiting parents at a popular restaurant. But now, with the increase in downtown businesses, eateries and the redevelopment of the railyard, things are looking up downtown. The result is both the town and College are working together to make downtown even more vibrant. And the response was significant. “At some of the Night on the Town venues, there wasn’t a seat left,” he added. “This all helps bring money downtown and show students the night life can be fun here. The opening of new stores and restaurants is giving them a reason to go there and go back.” One of those new businesses is Bagels ‘N Bites on Third Street, which is co-owned by D&E senior Thor Zabajai of Elkins, a nursing major with numerous business courses under his belt. Those came in handy with the new enterprise, but he admitted, “I’ve probably learned more in the past few months with the hands-on experience of running a business.”
Zabajai’s partner, Joe Dykeman, first conceived the idea of starting the deli business in Elkins. One of the By Nanci Bross-Fregonara A native of New Jersey, Dykeman missed the main events deli-bakery scene of his home state and wanted to resulting from recreate it. town/gown forces working together was last year’s First Friday Night on “When Joe came up with the idea, I wanted to help him the Town which celebrated the fall remodel the old building and really renew it.” Now the return of D&E students. The event bright neon green and orange colors, creative graphics and took over the main intersection in freshly baked bagels are drawing in the customers. He loves town and featured bands, magicians seeing college students coming in during the afternoon and and fun activities — all free. It was being a part of Elkins’ renewal. so popular it was repeated the following winter and again Zabajai said that when he was an Elkins High School this fall. student, there were few places for him and his friends to “The mayor wants to work with us, we are getting positive feedback from restaurants and it was great to see so many families out enjoying themselves,” Goddard said. The students are more excited as well. Shane Jones, a senior hospitality and tourism management major and Campus Activities Board (CAB) member from Beverly, W.Va., was instrumental in bringing the Night on the Town concept to reality. After attending a national CAB conference in Nashville last year where he attended a similar Night on the Town event, he thought to himself: “This is something we can do in Elkins to bring students downtown.” He knew there would be challenges. “Community and student relations should be stronger,” he said. “For many students, it was their first time downtown.”
Photo by Steve Shaluta, WV Department of Commerce
D&E students on their way up the National Guard climbing wall during last fall’s First Friday event downtown.
Scott Goddard, vice president for student affairs, says he has seen a difference since his days of being a D&E student in the ‘90s. “Even back then when I was a student volunteer for the Forest Festival, I felt we were all in this together — both the College and the community. But recently, I think we have a more meaningful and bolder relationship,” he says. This has translated into more activities being planned together and a stronger D&E presence downtown.
The redevelopment of the railyard by the Randolph County Development Authority and the arrival of Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad has meant an increase in tourism in downtown Elkins.
Taking it to the Streets – Bringing Red and White Downtown
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Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
hang out after school. “A lot of these places weren’t here or open when we would go downtown. So now I just want to see Elkins continue to grow.”
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
D&E students David Green (now a graduate), Heaven Dove and Mary Jane Braham enjoy an afternoon walk downtown on Davis Avenue.
Karen Carper, executive director of Elkins ON TRAC (the pre-cursor to the Main Street program) and a D&E graduate (Class of 1978) "A lot of these places weren't here or open when we would go downtown. So now I just want to see Elkins continue to grow." – Thor Zabajai has been one of Elkins’ main cheerleaders since arriving in town over 40 years ago. In 1974, she attended Augusta when it was only in its second year. “Elkins immediately stole my heart,” she said. “I came back two weeks later to start school at D&E.” Now, decades later, she still feels passionately about Elkins and works on initiatives to improve the town and make it more appealing. “When I came here in the ‘70s, there was G.C. Murphy’s soda fountain and a Montgomery Ward. We were able to shop for clothes and shoes,” she said. But despite the departure of those stores, she is pleased about many recent 14 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Thor Zabajai,’15, co-owner of Bagel ‘N Bites which recently opened in downtown Elkins.
arrivals. One of her pet projects, the Allegheny Highlands Trail, will soon come directly to the railroad depot. “This will combine two of my favorite things about Elkins: downtown and the rail trail.” She easily added to that “favorites” list all the new businesses which have opened their doors: pet groomers, book sellers, gift shops, restaurants. “There’s a lot to feel positive about,” she said. Greg DuLac, a hospitality and tourism management major from Queenstown, Md., agrees and added that during his three years at D&E, downtown “has completely grown and
you are seeing more students.” The downtown merchants are very welcoming as well. “They are so receptive to putting up our fliers in their windows and working with us on projects.” Some of these projects are academic in nature. Last spring, D&E students in Dr. Carol Carter’s marketing class prepared and administered a survey to collect baseline data for the downtown business district. The survey resulted in a much higher rate of response than those administered in previous years (out of the 106 surveys delivered, 69 were completed) making it a valuable tool for Elkins ON TRAC’s National Main Street application due this fall. The students found that the downtown business district is now made up of 34 percent retail, 19 percent professional services, 15 percent restaurants. Nearly 40 percent of those surveyed said they plan to hire more staff in the next year. All this good news doesn’t surprise Elkins Mayor Van Broughton, who said in the last five years he has seen more “For Rent” signs coming down and new business signs going up. “I love seeing people put their personal touch on their own store,” he said. “Now we are seeing a greater variety of businesses and a new generation of business owners. The business district itself is expanding as well, which is what
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
you want.” New restaurants and hotels have opened outside the main historic downtown area, but close enough to make the city more attractive not only to students and visitors but also those considering relocating to Elkins or attending the College. Broughton sees the importance
area, one of the campus’ gateways which complements the adjacent Myles Gate. “What I really like is that there is no ‘us and them.’ Everyone is working together and we have great communication,” Broughton said. His commitment to D&E is both personal and civic-minded. “It all
"It just makes sense that both the town and College are on the same page... D&E is really making a name for itself and so is Elkins. It's a very exciting time." – Van Broughton, Mayor of Elkins
10. Pet an actual firehouse Dalmatian at the Elkins Fire Department. 9. Make your birdwatcher friends jealous by putting a Great Blue Heron on your life list while relaxing in a lawn chair at Glendale Park. 8. Stand really close to the fire jugglers at a downtown First Friday event and eliminate all that time you would have spent plucking your eyebrows the next morning. 7. Instead of having to pick just one of our great restaurants for dinner, sample them all guilt-free after biking a quick 40 miles on the Allegheny Highlands Trail. 6. Take quilting lessons at Elkins Sewing Center and get the perfect excuse for cutting up your spouse’s ratty 5K race T-shirts. 5. Get beads without taking your shirt off by celebrating Mardi Gras at the Randolph County Community Arts Center. 4. Help your doctor make his next boat payment by eating large amounts of fried, sugary items at the Mountain State Forest Festival. 3. Impress your kids by showing them a musket carried by a Revolutionary War soldier, then freak them out by showing them a human vertebra with an arrowhead stuck in it, in The Darby Collection at Davis & Elkins College. 2. Finally get your chance to show everyone that you can solve a murder on a train (or, for the kids, wear PJs and drink cocoa with Santa) on the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. And the No. 1 reason to visit Elkins, W.Va.: Take an Old-Time Fiddle music class at the Augusta Festival so you can challenge the devil to a rematch!
of making sure there are more connections between the campus and town, whether working cooperatively with D&E to help create a more visible connection or working on projects. Recently D&E College purchased red street signs to place at intersections adjacent to campus and the city street department will put them up this fall. A Red and White Way is proposed for Sycamore Street which will include D&E flags being erected on both the Elkins City Park and campus sides of the street for special occasions. D&E maintenance and facilities crews, under the direction of Director Dan Judy, have already worked on landscaping the H.G. Davis statue
started when I used the walking track [at the McDonnell Center]. I really appreciated the opportunity to keep walking even when it was cold out and knew I wanted to do something for the College.” Now in his role as mayor, he sees it has even more importance. “There are so many D&E alumni in our businesses and the College is continuing to grow. It just makes sense that both the town and College are on the same page,” Broughton said. “I think we are both getting better and better. D&E is really making a name for itself and so is Elkins. It’s a very exciting time.”
Gone But Not Forgotten!
Wimpy’s, G.C. Murphy, Montgomery Ward, The Men’s Shop, The Colony Shop, The Clothes Horse, The Horseshoe Tavern, The Church Key Pub Hillary Cook DeLauter, Leslie Leavy O'Connor and Patty Fleming Vitari were striking up a pose in this undated photo taken in the old Montgomery Ward building on Third Street. Photo courtesy Dr. Gloria Payne
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
– List compiled and created by Sutton Stokes, City Clerk, City of Elkins
Lowe del Aviles, left, International Student Liaison at D&E, talks books with Helen Martin during a Board of Trustees Spouses event at Mainline Books downtown.
Taking it to the Streets... Bringing Red and White Downtown
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Research on the Rise at D&E There is nothing more humbling than to read the titles of some of the research papers D&E biology and chemistry students have written recently. “Effects of Capsaicin on TRPV6 in Human Lung Cancer Cells,” “Using a Genomic PathwayBased Drug Screen Approach to Develop a Therapeutic Against Np63 Pathway,” “Effects of Training Rigor on BMI, Cardiovascular Function, and Salivary Concentration of Glutathione.” If you are impressed with those titles, you aren’t alone. Some of the research D&E students have worked on has been recognized by other state research institutions, national conferences and scientific journals. Here is a Becca Martin, ’14, of Cincinnati, Ohio, stands by the poster she presented at Marshall University after completing an internship sponsored by the West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE).
16 | Davis & Elkins CollEgE Forward
snapshot of what they’ve been up to.—Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Rebecca “Becca” Martin, ’14 BS, Biology
Before her senior year, Martin joined 11 other undergraduate students from eight institutions at Marshall University doing biomedical research. She participated in the nine-week summer program sponsored by the West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WVINBRE).
Carissa Dunn, ’13, of Modesto, Cal. was selected to participate in the conference entitled "Science, Technology, and Diversity for a Healthy World" after completing a summer cancer research internship at the University of Utah.
"Over the summer, these students gain valuable, hands-on experience doing graduate-level research in the labs of some of Marshall's finest scientists," said Dr. Elsa I. Mangiarua, a professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Toxicology at Marshall's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and director of the WV-INBRE summer program. Interns work in state-of-the-art facilities on research projects related to cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, neuroscience, toxicology and environmental health, infectious diseases and bioinformatics. In addition to the formal research training she received from faculty mentors, Martin took part in workshops and seminars about a variety of topics related to research and graduate education. As part of D&E’s Biology & Environmental Science Forum, she gave a presentation titled “Effects of Capsaicin on TRPV6 in Human Lung Cancer Cells” based on her research, was awarded third place for her research presentation at the Chi Beta Phi (national science honorary) National Conference, and is now working on a master’s degree in Biomedical Science at Marshall University.
Carissa Dunn, ’13
BS, Biology and Chemistry When Dunn was a senior at D&E, she presented a research poster at the 2012 Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science in Seattle, Wash. Dunn was selected to participate in the conference titled "Science, Technology, and Diversity for a Healthy World" after completing a summer
cancer research internship at the University of Utah.
California-Merced.
In presenting her poster, “Using a Genomic Pathway-Based Drug Screen Approach to Develop a Therapeutic Against Np63 Pathway,” Dunn was able to network with peers and mentors in the scientific community.
BS, Biology
Ryan Finnegan, ’14 Finnegan represented D&E at Undergraduate Research Day at the West Virginia state Capitol and the Chi Beta Phi National Conference this past spring. At both, he presented his research abstract on individualized cancer treatment.
Finnegan was chosen to participate in the West Her summer internship Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research at UU was the second Excellence program and interned last summer research program which at Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center at Dunn completed. The previous summer she West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va. secured an internship in the Biochemistry His work focused on developing a plasma Department at West Virginia University where test to directly measure platinum-bound she worked in a genetics metallothionein to further lab. Her paid internship examine the detoxification included extensive work in effects metallothionein has Interns work in state-of-the-art developing procedures for on cisplatin, an important facilities on research projects making a lentivirus library anti-cancer drug. using what is known as related to cancer, cardiovascular Undergraduate Research “hairpin” design. disease, obesity and diabetes, Day is an annual event Dunn explained that all of held at the state Capitol neuroscience, toxicology and her research experiences to increase awareness environmental health, infectious built upon her D&E and understanding of the foundation. “At first I importance of research diseases and bioinformatics. thought I’d go to D&E that is being conducted by for two years, and then faculty and students across have to transfer to get more in-depth research the state's higher education system. experience,” she said. But encouragement from Finnegan will further his studies in the master's D&E biology professor Shawn Stover to apply program in Cell and Molecular Pharmacology for the WVU program ultimately led to Utah. and Experimental Therapeutics at Medical She is now working toward her Ph.D. in Cell University of South Carolina. This summer, and Molecular Biology at the University of Finnegan worked in the MUSC Proteomics Center assisting with cancer biomarker research. He plans to eventually enter a Ph.D. program to complete his work in cancer research.
Jay Adams, ’14 BS, Biology
How does exercise affect your overall wellness? That’s what Adams, along with three other researchers associated with D&E wanted to find out. Last year, 24 Elkins area volunteers ran, swam, walked and worked out aerobically Ryan Finnegan, ’14, of Elkins completed an internship at Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center at West Virginia University.
What in the world? Research on the Rise at D&E
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in order to participate in a study investigating the relationship between exercise and the Body Mass Index (BMI), cardiovascular health and glutathione levels.
Adams, who also participated in the WVU internship program and is now a first-year student at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, said he was thankful to have the opportunity to assist with the research.
While most people may be familiar with BMI and blood pressure levels, glutathione (GSH) may not be on everyone’s wellness radar – but it should be. That simple molecule has been nicknamed “the mother of all anti-oxidants” and plays an important role in keeping us healthy. The D&E research team comprised of lead investigators Shawn Stover, professor of biology, and Carl Bolyard, ’12, now a Davis Medical Center emergency department nurse, as well as former students Carissa Dunn, ’13, and Jay Adams, ’14, published a paper with their results in The Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, but the project certainly isn’t finished. “This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Bolyard suggests.
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
For the study, volunteers are asked to keep track of their exercise, eating and sleeping habits for a three-month period, and come to campus monthly to be weighed and monitored. The most unusual part of this monthly visit is donating a saliva sample that provides information on GSH levels. A little awkward, participants admit, but also the most important part of the study.
Jay Adams, ’14, of Fairmont, W.Va, left, weighs Elkins runner Joe Biola, as Dr. Shawn Stover looks on, as part the wellness research study published in The Journal of Exercise Physiology Online.
18 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
“Not only did I receive research credit, I got real hands-on experience,” he says. “Any time you can add a research involvement to an application, it helps.”
The GSH research story was featured in the spring issue of Neuron, the West Virginia Journal of Science and Research.
Stover has published three studies over the last 10 years analyzing the effect of exercise on GSH levels in mice and was pleased to work with Bolyard, both a D&E graduate and fellow runner. “After doing studies utilizing mice, it was time to see if we could get similar results in humans,” Stover says. “Because Carl is an avid local runner, he was a big help in recruiting volunteers.” For Bolyard it was a perfect way to combine his passion of running with hard-core research. “It is exciting to produce a paper that is peer-reviewed,” Bolyard says. “As a nursing alumnus and someone who has taught a running class, I was really ready to jump on this project.” The saliva, once processed with a centrifuge, is analyzed for its GSH concentration. Then the researchers investigate whether exercise and healthy lifestyles impact those levels. Basically, the higher the level, the more it benefits the immune system. The research is focused on determining whether living healthier by watching what you eat, exercising and getting enough sleep will help.
Stover agrees. “Not many undergraduates have the opportunity to publish in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. This type of experience will make our students very competitive for admission to medical, veterinary and graduate schools.” In the published paper, titled “Effects of Training Rigor on BMI, Cardiovascular Function, and Salivary Concentration of Glutathione,” the authors concluded that long-term aerobic training reduces BMI and blood pressure. At the same time, GSH levels increase in response to aerobic activity.
The saliva, once processed with a centrifuge, is analyzed for its GSH concentration. Then the researchers investigate whether exercise and healthy lifestyles impact those levels. This fall, research continues in Eshleman Science Center with new students collecting data, analyzing results and performing statistical analyses. “It is rewarding to see another group get excited over scientific exploration,” said Stover. “Already, I have new students interested in the ongoing GSH project, and I will be encouraging them all to apply for competitive summer research internships. “Our program has successfully prepared students for professional and graduate schools. They will have all the tools required for careers in health care, teaching and research,” said Stover. “We also hope that we’ve given them the inspiration they need to make significant contributions to both science and society.”
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College Offers Early Education Endorsements
needed to earn an endorsement to continue in her current position.
aylee Rosencrance has wanted to be a preschool teacher for practically her entire life. Denise Fletcher recently transitioned from an administrative job to one in which she teaches young children. Both women are benefiting from courses at Davis & Elkins College by earning credentials they need to further their careers.
“I try to make sure the assignments and field work have meaning for the students, and that what they’re learning is as useful as possible, so I attempt to tailor the assignments to each student’s particular needs and situation,” Brumbaugh says.
K
Teaching at the preschool level in West Virginia’s public schools requires more than a certification – the state stipulates that a special endorsement is needed. Instructors of 3- to 5-year-olds now have a new option at D&E with Early Childhood Education that allows them to earn the required endorsement. The classes are designed for undergraduate students, like Rosencrance, and those who already hold a teaching certificate, like Fletcher. Courses are scheduled in an effort to accommodate working teachers. “You must have an Early Education Endorsement to teach at the preschool level in West Virginia, and most boards of education would prefer that teachers have a Preschool Special Needs Endorsement,” says Dr. Erin Brumbaugh, associate professor of education at Davis & Elkins who helped develop the endorsement and who teaches several of the courses leading to the endorsement.
Fletcher says the courses helped her to identify children’s special needs and make accommodations for those students.
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
By Linda Howell Skidmore
She says that, initially, going back to college made her a little nervous. However, those worries quickly vanished when she experienced personal attention from professors and interaction with students in a small classroom setting.
“The classes outlined a lot about laws and community services,” Fletcher said. “I feel that I now have more tools and techniques to best serve the children in my classroom.”
early education experiences fit into their growth and development.
The program was a perfect fit for Fletcher, a preschool special needs teacher at North Elementary School in Elkins and the first certified educator to complete the program. Although she holds a master’s degree and worked for eight and a half years as the child care director at Youth Health Services, she 20 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Undergraduate students who earn the endorsements enter the workforce fully prepared to teach in the preschool setting
Kaylee Rosencrance working with young campers at the Elkins/ Randolph County YMCA.
Rosencrance, who began her sophomore year this fall, is looking forward to taking the endorsement Undergraduate students classes because she knows that’s what will help her who earn the endorsements secure the career she’s enter the workforce fully always envisioned for herself. Plus, she’s following prepared to teach in her mother’s advice, the preschool setting and and in this case mom really does know best. provide information LaDonna Rosencrance is to parents on child the preschool and child nutrition coordinator for development and how Randolph County Schools.
Students desiring the Early Education or the Preschool Special Needs Endorsement may elect to work toward one, or both, endorsements. The curricula for both endorsements shares four common courses, while each has its own exclusive methods courses.
“I think the [endorsement] classes will help with my other classes, too,” she says. “It will give me more ideas and I’ll learn even more ways to help the kids.”
“I’ve been talking to my mom about this a lot lately and I’ve learned that it is easier to get a job with the endorsements,” Kaylee Rosencrance says. “Some [teachers] without the endorsement can be denied [a job].” Kaylee Rosencrance’s passion for working with young children developed when, as a youth herself, she visited her mother’s classroom at Midland Elementary School in Elkins. She later returned to the same school and observed another teacher for her senior project at Elkins High School. This summer, she gained more experience working with the Summer Day Camp program at Elkins/Randolph County YMCA.
and provide information to parents on child development and how early education experiences are tailored to the growth and development of their preschool-age children. In addition to classroom study, candidates are required to complete 20 hours of field work per course with young children in public school settings, or an agency that works with young children. “A lot of parents don’t know where to find help or resources and they look to their children’s teachers to provide that,” Brumbaugh said. “Our students will be able to teach parents good ways to work with their children to help them grow and develop – needs that exist regardless of income.” Another option available at D&E is an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. This degree allows those interested in working with young children to earn the credentials they need to work as paraprofessionals in the field. As with the pre-k endorsements, field work is a required component to familiarize the candidates with the various early childhood settings, the curriculum being used in those settings, and the families that would be receiving those services. The Associate Degree program is designed to allow candidates the opportunity to transfer all their credits completed at D&E into a bachelor’s degree program in Elementary Education, thus making them highly qualified for early education settings. For more information about any of these programs, call Brumbaugh at 304-637-1421 or email brumbaughe@dewv.edu.
alUMni FEaTURE
Mr. Toth
goes to Photo by Carol Schuler
Washington
By Linda Howell Skidmore Cory Toth, ’06, spends his days meeting with a lot of people – ambassadors, federal agency heads, top lawmakers, CEO’s and constituents for his boss, U.S. Rep. David B. McKinley of West Virginia. Growing up in a small town in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia and attending a small liberal arts college hasn’t hindered his endeavors on Capitol Hill. In fact, it’s been quite an asset he says, and he hopes other Davis & Elkins College students take full advantage of their educational opportunities. Although he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a minor in political science, it was some of the courses outside of his major that added to his career preparation. “Washington politics is a sink or swim environment,” Toth says. “Being able to take a variety of classes at D&E enabled me to keep more of an open mind, have more knowledge on a variety of topics, and adapt socially to the fast pace of an urban area. Much of my work truly revolves around developing and fostering relationships with other staff members, and other members of Congress – both Republican and Democrat – as well as associations and lobbyists.” As McKinley’s senior advisor, Toth has general responsibility for working with the Congressman’s Energy and Commerce Committee assignment and the three subcommittees he sits on: Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade; Energy and Power; and the Environment and the Economy. What this means is that during any time in his
minimum 10-and-a-half hour workday, Toth may be found in his office or on the House floor attending meetings and accompanying the Congressman for votes, or drafting legislation on everything from energy and environment to defense, homeland security and manufacturing to transportation and infrastructure. “In such a partisan environment, where grid-lock is constant, it’s important to have the institutional knowledge and relationships in order to accomplish the agenda of putting people back to work by creating jobs in West Virginia,” Toth says. “We must work on issues together, in a bipartisan manner. Anyone can introduce a partisan piece of legislation, but it takes the know-how and background to work across party lines to get something done.” Toth’s committee work, which sometimes includes as many as four to five hearings a week, revolves around reading hundreds of pages of testimony, researching the witnesses’ backgrounds, preparing questions, meeting with interested parties, and assisting McKinley during hearings. Although it’s obvious Toth juggles a hefty business agenda, it’s something he says he has grown accustomed to and enjoys. “Public service is very rewarding work. I like
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being able to help West Virginia out. It’s where I grew up,” Toth says. “I believe in my boss and his hard-work ethic, which he has instilled in each of us who work for him. People are struggling back home and we need to help to make their lives better. The Congressman trusts us to do what’s right and help him make West Virginia a place where people want to live and raise a family, and I couldn’t agree more.” Now in his fourth year working for McKinley, Toth previously served in the office of Congressman Bob Latta of Ohio for three and a half years, and was an intern for U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia after graduating in 2006. He has also worked with various campaigns in California, Ohio and New Jersey. Toth hopes to use his experiences to come back to D&E and speak to students. For now, his advice to current students is: “If you listen to learn and learn to listen, you will only benefit in the long run. We learn from our mistakes in life, and minimizing those mistakes at an early age and becoming a stronger person from them, will only help you succeed in life. Do not take the opportunity to go to college for granted. We should feel lucky that we live in a great country like America and have the chance to go to school and set our own destiny. Make the most of this experience.”
Public service is very rewarding work. I like being able to help West Virginia out. It’s where I grew up.
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Mr. Toth Goes to Washington
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aTHlETiCs
Lacrosse
Coming to By Philip Fetty
The spring of 2015 will bring a new outdoor sport to the turf at Nuttall Field, as men’s and women’s lacrosse will be added to the athletic offerings at Davis & Elkins – increasing the total number of sports at D&E to 16. Although a club sport during the 2014-15 athletic year, lacrosse will move into full Division II competition in the 2015-16 campaign. Men’s lacrosse has been sanctioned by the NCAA Division II since 1974, and currently consists of 56 teams, including fellow G-MAC members Alderson Broaddus University and Ohio Valley University. “Lacrosse is a fitting addition to our athletic program now that we have our all-season, allweather AstroTurf facility,” Athletic Director Ronnie Palmer said. “With Bert Severns and Sasha Vedock leading the men’s and women’s teams, we look forward to both programs developing and competing on Nuttall Field.” Bert Severns was tapped as the first men’s lacrosse head coach in the history of D&E, joining the staff after spending four seasons at Division III Centre College, where he built the program from the ground up. “With his proven track record in launching the Centre program from scratch – and building on his earlier coaching experience at the United States Naval Academy, Alfred University and the United States Military Academy – Coach Severns is among the most seasoned and respected coaches in the world of collegiate lacrosse,” Palmer said.”
a program. Centre finished the year with an 11-4 overall record and tied for the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) regular season championship. The 2014 season brought more success, as the Colonels won the SAA Tournament and made a return trip to the NCAA Tournament.
“Lacrosse is a fitting addition to our athletic program now that we have Nuttall Field, our all-weather, all-season AstroTurf facility.”
– Ronnie Palmer
Severns guided the Colonels to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2013 and 2014.
Along the way, Centre set a new school record for wins in a season with 13 and established a school record winning streak with 11 straight victories.
In 2013, Severns led the Colonels to their first NCAA Tournament in just their third year as
In 2012, Severns was named Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the
22 | Davis & Elkins CollEgE Forward
Year, while attacker Zack Connors earned SCAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. In Centre's second year of play, Severns led the program to a 12-4 overall record in the 2012 season, a 7-2 mark and second place finish in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference and an 8-0 record in home games. Two more honors have been recently added to Severns' lacrosse resume. He has been selected to the Board of Directors of the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association, the governing body for the college coaches of men's lacrosse in the U.S., and was also a member of the USILA Division III Coaches Poll Committee – which ranks the top 20 Division III teams in the nation on a weekly basis. Severns was an assistant coach for both soccer and lacrosse teams at the United States Naval Academy from 1976 to 1980, helping the Midshipmen to a national semifinal appearance in lacrosse and an Eastern College Athletic Conference championship in soccer. While at Annapolis, he was responsible for recruiting for both sports, and helped coach 15 lacrosse All-Americans. From 1980 to 1984 he was the head coach of soccer and lacrosse at Alfred University. He directed the Saxon soccer team to an ECAC title while coaching two more All-Americans. In 1984 he left Alfred for West Point, becoming the assistant athletic director for facilities and the assistant lacrosse coach. During his time at the
United States Military Academy, he helped the lacrosse team to a national semi-final appearance. In 1990 he left coaching to pursue a career in the sporting goods industry, working his way up to become the national sales manager for Diadora America and Director of Sales and Marketing for Game Sportswear. Severns was an All-American as a player at Cortland State, where he completed his undergraduate studies. Women’s lacrosse has only been a part of the NCAA Division II landscape since 2001, but has seen a much faster growth; currently competing are 103 teams, including current G-MAC members Alderson Broaddus University and Ursuline College. Sasha Vedock, former head coach at Columbia College, Columbia, S.C., was selected this
past summer to begin the women's lacrosse program at D&E. Vedock spent the last two years coaching at Columbia, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics school, where she also served as the assistant sports information director. "Sasha's passion, energy and love for lacrosse are just what our growing program needs," Palmer said. Prior to taking over her first collegiate women's lacrosse program, Vedock directed a club team, Xtreme lacrosse, in Lake Norman, N.C. Vedock also served as the head coach at Independence and Myers Park high schools. "I want to thank Ronnie Palmer, President Michael Mihalyo and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to establish and develop a strong, competitive program at D&E," Vedock said. "I am honored to be a part of the academic and athletic championship environment at Davis & Elkins. The facilities will attract and develop high-caliber studentathletes to reach their full potential on and off the field." The Rochester, N.Y., native earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2012. Women's Lacrosse coach Sasha Vedock
Tennis Achieves Trifecta It was a great spring season for Senator Tennis as the netters secured three top honors: Men's and Women's conference titles and coach of the year awards. The men’s tennis team took home the first conference title, posting a perfect 4-0 mark in
G-MAC play. The Senators finished 15-6 overall, and swept the conference awards with rookie Vincent Hamon being named both Player and Freshman of the Year, while Otis Cutshaw was selected as Men's Coach of the Year. Charles Brunel, William Hill and Simon Meriau joined Hamon on the league’s all-conference team.
Men's Lacrosse coach Bert Severns
Lacrosse will be an asset at D&E due to its proximity to recruiting hot beds Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York – where lacrosse is played at its highest level. The sport is still emerging in West Virginia; where there are currently only 22 high schools sponsoring lacrosse. Tom Daeger, Commissioner of the G-MAC said, “Women’s lacrosse has been identified by the G-MAC Presidents Council as an emerging sport in the Conference with the upcoming introduction of a league schedule for the 2015-16 academic year." “With the addition of the Davis & Elkins women’s lacrosse program beginning in 2015-16, the Conference is on track to have established the foundation of another strong women’s sport in the league. Plans are being developed to celebrate the inaugural women’s lacrosse champion in the spring of 2016,” he said. “Additionally, men’s lacrosse has also been identified as an emerging sport in the Conference with discussions regarding the implementation of the inaugural championship season.” Portshidze, Julia Hoehn and Halima Michael were named to the first team all-conference, while Cutshaw again received G-MAC Coach of the Year accolades, this time for Women's.
The women’s tennis team was on the winning side in 13 of its final 14 matches, finishing with a 19-5 overall record. D&E registered an unblemished 7-0 mark against conference competition and rallied past Cedarville University in the tournament championship. Natela Women's Tennis: (L to R): Rhiana Bruce-Lyle, Rachel Schramm, Marlene Ridgway, Jala Hamada, Erika Ridgway, Natela Portshidze, Coach Otis Cutshaw, Julia Hoehn and Halima Michael.
Men's Tennis: Front row (L to R): Guilherme Hubsch, Thomas Judd, Jacob Schoonover and Charles Brunel. Back row: Richard Miller, Jonathan Gainer, Vincent Hamon, Simon Meriau and William Hill. Athletics
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aTHlETiCs
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
George Lauderbaugh, ’67, displays the Greyhound Cup after the alumni team won the match during the FOSS Spring Reunion.
24 | Davis & Elkins CollEgE Forward
After a brief hiatus, Friends of Senator Soccer (FOSS) got back in the swing of one of soccer alumni’s favorite events – the annual Spring Reunion. Activities took place on the Davis & Elkins College campus April 25-27 highlighted with the presentation of three first-time recognition awards.
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Young Alumnus awards, presented to recent graduates who support FOSS beyond their college years, and the Senator Soccer Women’s Team MVP and Senator Soccer Men’s Team MVP, awarded to current athletes for contributions made to their team through leadership or play.
FOSS held its inaugural reunion in 1998 and was Receiving the Young Alumna Award was formally established in 2002. The Amanda Chadwick organization brings together players, Larkin, ’06. Recipient A big part of coaches, teachers, fans, alumni and of the Young Alumnus the spring members of the Davis & Elkins Award was Donnie reunion is inducting “D-Mac” MacGregor, ’07. College community in support of the men’s and women’s soccer seniors, saying The Senator Soccer programs. Members from welcome aboard to Women’s Team MVP throughout the United States FOSS. It’s part of the was presented to Alison and several foreign countries tradition we wanted Bogar and Laia Margenat call FOSS a “motivator Dordas. for a trip ‘home’ and an to bring back. Winners of the Senator opportunity to suit up again for – Kate McArthur, '09 Soccer Men’s Team MVP the Senators.” were Dan Savory and Soccer alumni did just that on James Pucci. April 26 at Nuttall Field with small sided games “A big part of the spring reunion is inducting and the traditional Greyhound Cup. The play followed a picnic and awards ceremony honoring seniors, saying welcome aboard to FOSS,” says Kate McArthur, ’09, who along with Adam current and former athletes. Baumgardner, ’06, helped organize the reunion. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to “It’s part of the tradition we wanted to bring Hank Steinbrecher, ’71, and Doug Homer, ’93. back.” New this year were the Young Alumna and
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Makes Comeback with Spring Reunion
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
FOSS
Hall of Fame Inductees Honored More than 300 people gathered in The McDonnell Center to welcome the two newest members of the Davis & Elkins College Athletic Hall of Fame. Selected for induction were Gary Horvath, ’62, and Gerald “Gerry” Lawrence, ’61.
Lawrence was a two-year captain of the Senator football team and lettered in football, swimming, track and field, and baseball. He also played junior varsity basketball. In football, Lawrence was a two-time allconference honoree. He set the school shot-put record in track and field. On the diamond, Lawrence earned the 1959 National Baseball Congress of America Award and was a member of the Cincinnati Reds class “C” spring training team in Tampa, Fla. Following his graduation from D&E, Lawrence joined the Pensacola Naval Air Station football team where he graduated first in his class for physical training and boxing. He then spent 10 years actively serving his country in the U.S. Navy, followed by 21 years in the reserves where he attained the rank of Navy Captain.
Gary Horvath, ’62
During his time at D&E, Horvath was a threesport athlete, lettering in soccer, tennis and swimming, and served as a captain of all three teams. He was also a member of the D&E ski team. Horvath reached the semi-finals of the state tennis championship and registered a runnerup finish at the state swimming championships. Horvath continues to serve D&E as a member of the Finish the Field Campaign Committee and co-founder of the Virginia chapter of D&E alumni.
Gerald “Gerry” Lawrence, ’61
Photo by Dan Savory
Horvath earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. After graduating from Davis & Elkins, he spent four years serving in the United States Army. He returned to his alma mater as the assistant director of admission from 1970-1973, where he helped recruit athletes for the soccer team. Horvath was hired as Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s first ski director in 1973, and became a real estate agent in 1974. He has been employed by Wintergreen Real Estate since 1975.
BOW TIE NIGHT! Thomas Judd, Dr. Mary Ann Deluca, Professor of Health & Physical Education/Assistant Athletic Director, Jake Smith, Taylor Morton
Lawrence worked as a sales contractor before becoming a licensed real estate agent and, eventually, an appraiser. Lawrence served two years as president of the Elkins Lions Club and is a lifetime member of both the NRA and American Legion. He also spent six years on the board of directors at Valley View Golf Course in Moorefield, W.Va. Lawrence is currently retired and living in Elkins. and Zach Bradfield were a few of the many fans that sported bow ties during the women’s basketball home game against Cedarville University. The brightly colored ties were a nod to head coach Jason Asbell’s tradition of wearing a bow tie at every game. Students came up with the idea, approached Compliance Coordinator Amanda Larkin with the idea and completely surprised Coach Asbell. Although the result on the scoreboard was a loss, Asbell enjoyed the enthusiasm demonstrated by the students displaying his nearly trademark fashion statement. There’s no official word whether bow tie night will become an annual activity.
Men's and Women's Swimming coach Nicole Rose
New Coaches Announced for Women’s Soccer and Swimming The Davis & Elkins Athletic Department welcomed a pair of new head coaches with NCAA postseason experience on their resumes. D&E named Gene Smith its new women’s soccer coach and Nicole Rose was hired as the men’s and women’s swimming coach. Smith came to Elkins from California University of Pennsylvania, where he spent four seasons--two as an assistant coach and two as the head coach. The Vulcans reached the NCAA Tournament in each of Smith’s four seasons, in addition to claiming three regular season titles and two conference Women's Soccer coach Gene Smith tournament titles. Rose takes over the D&E swim program after spending four seasons as the swimming and diving coach at Lake Erie College, where she was the program's first head coach. Rose coached a pair of All-Americans on the men's side during her time at Lake Erie.
Keep up with all the latest Senator Athletics action! Sign-up for E-newsletters and mobile alerts by going to:
senatornation.com/list-signup Look for Fan Zone. Athletics
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REGIONAL & ALUMNI REUNIONS
Davis & Elkins College alumni connected up and down the East Coast this year with special chapter events and dinners. Alumni and friends enjoyed reminiscing and building new friendships.
Florida Gatherings
The last week in March found alumni meeting in Florida. On March 23, alumni and friends enjoyed a blast from the past afternoon with vintage cars at the Muscle Car Diner and Museum in Punta Gorda, Fla. Those in attendance Visiting during dinner at Church Street were Dick Cardot and Mardi Quick Tavern in Orlando, Fla., are, from left, Marquita DeLorme Anderson, ’67; Liz Hilton; Cardot, ’62; David Kurtz, ’63, Jake Palm, ’10; Cory Dillinger, ’10, and and wife, Diane; Earl Shaffer, ’66, Megan Dulik Dillinger, ’10; G. Marion Brady, and wife, Holly; Denny Bye, ’65; ’49, and wife, Joy; and Franklin Kittle, ’56. Leonard “Len” Howell, ’59, and wife, Lyla; Ed Linn and Suzan McClelland Bright, ’71; and Howard Matthew, ’71. While D&E Hospitality Club students spent an educational spring break trip learning about the behind-the-scenes work at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., they joined area alumni for lunch at Trail’s End Restaurant on the Disney property. Attending were students Nathaniel Broschart, Leigh Ann Pearsall, Sophia Craun-Selka, Paige McNeil, Greg DuLac, Corey Kaechele, Hillary Paugh, Kora White, Shane Jones, Jenna Hanifan, Elizabeth Lynch and Chelsea Channell, along with Residence Life Area Coordinator Anita Hanifan and Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management Chef Melanie Campbell, and alumni Bill Mather, ’70, George Buschman, ’58, and wife, Jo Ann, and Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan, ’12. After lunch, Mather hosted students Pearsall, Craun-Selka and McNeil, and Morgan on a tour of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts where he serves as director of education.
Gathering for lunch at Trails End Restaurant in Walt Disney World are, from left, George Buschman, ’58, and wife, Jo Ann; Bill Mather, ’70; D&E Hospitality Club students Kora White, Paige McNeil and Sophia Craun-Selka; Residence Life Area Coordinator Anita Hanifan; D&E Hospitality Club students Leigh Ann Pearsall, Hillary Paugh, Corey Kaechele, Elizabeth Lynch, Jenna Hanifan, Nathaniel Broschart, Shane Jones, Chelsea Channell and Greg DuLac; and Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management Chef Melanie Campbell.
March 29 found alumni and friends at Orlando’s Church Street Tavern followed by an Orlando Solar Bears ice hockey game at Amway Center. Those attending were G. Marion Brady, ’49, and wife, Joy; Franklin Kittle, ’56; Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan, ’12; Jake Palm, ’10, and his girlfriend, Liz Hilton; Cory Dillinger, ’10, and Megan Dulik Dillinger, ’10; Megan Bruce, ’08, and fiancé, Scott Andrews; and, Marquita DeLorme Anderson, ’67.
(Above) Bill Mather, ’70, second from right, hosts D&E students, from left, Sophia Craun-Selka, Leigh Ann Pearsall and Paige McNeil, right, on a tour of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts where he serves as director of education. (Left) Enjoying lunch at the Muscle Car Diner in Punta Gorda, Fla., are, from left, Mardi Quick Cardot, ’62, and husband, Dick Cardot; Diane Kurtz and David Kurtz, ’63; Suzan McClelland Bright, ’71; Howard Matthew, ’71; Denny Bye, ’65; Earl Shaffer, ’66, and wife, Holly; and Leonard “Len” Howell, ’59, and wife, Lyla.
26 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Chatting after D&E Artist-in-Residence Jack Gibbons’ concert in Catonsville, Md., are from left, Trustee Bruce Kennedy II, Gibbons and Kennedy’s father and former D&E Trustee, Davis L. Kennedy.
Celebrating the New Year
On January 5, alumni and friends gathered for brunch at Portalli's Italian Restaurant in Ellicott City, Md. Later that day, Davis & Elkins Artist-in-Residence Jack Gibbons performed Gershwin and Friends, a free public concert at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Catonsville, Md., which was also televised to 1,000-plus residents of Charlestown Retirement Community. Attending the brunch and concert were Mike DiMario, ’60, and Priscilla Weaver DiMario, ’59, and their grandson, Greg; Ed Linn and Suzan McClelland Bright, ’71, and their friend Marilyn; Robin White Rybczynski, ’86; Craig Hamilton, ’81; Lew Addison, ’65; Bill Henderson, ’73, and Nancy Rath Henderson, ’73; Mary and Jack Gibbons; Elizabeth “Betsy” Hauck, ’73; Heningham Kennedy; member of the Board of Trustees Bruce Kennedy II; former trustee Davis L. Kennedy; Kathy Dunbar Ramsdell, ’74; Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan, ’12; and Vice President for Development Carol Schuler. Many thanks to Carolyn Respess, ’43, Catonsville, Md., for hosting such a wonderful concert.
Alumni from the D.C. and Maryland Alumni Chapter and surrounding areas proudly display the College banner after a cruise along the National Harbor. From left are Carolyn Bussey, Linda Wirth, Malroy “Sweetness” McKenzie, ’74; Phil Bussey, ’63; Robin White Rybczynski, ’86; April Matthews Hall, ’76; Jim Sautter, ’74; Charles Potter, ’68, and his godson, Franklin McLeod; Tom Plantier, ’83; Diane Dakes and Mike Dakes, ’59; Susan Rhymer Plantier, ’83; Craig Hamilton, ’81; Virginia “Ginny” Smith Holborow, ’52; Fred Carter, ’95; George Holborow; and Al Hall, ’75.
D.C. and Maryland Alumni Chapter Cruise, Wine Tasting and Happy Hour
May 3 was deemed D&E Day in D.C. Robin White Rybczynski, ’86, organized three opportunities for alumni and friends to gather on one day. First stop, a wonderful luncheon cruise of National Harbor aboard the Spirit of Washington. Next up, wine tasting at Potomac Gourmet Market, compliments of D&E’s own Lenny Knight, ’82, who serves as the general manager. The evening came to a close with a short walk around the corner for happy hour at Cadillac Ranch. Those attending the day’s events were Jim Sautter, ’74 and Linda Wirth; Mike Dakes, ’59, and Diane Dakes; Phil Bussey, ’63, and Carolyn Bussey; Charles Potter, ’68, and his godson, Franklin McLeod; Al Hall, ’75, and April Matthews Hall, ’76; Tom Plantier, ’83, and Susan Rhymer Plantier, ’83; Craig Hamilton, ’81; Virginia “Ginny” Smith Holborow, ’52, and husband, George; Fred Carter, ’95; Malroy “Sweetness” McKenzie, ’74; Lenny Knight, ’82; Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan, ’12; Andrew Baptista, ’09; Bill Turner, ’72, and Georgette Miller; and Robin White Rybczynski, ’86.
Gathering for a special dinner at Derbster’s Dining and Sports Lounge in Calabash, N.C., are from left, D&E Associate Director of Development Rob Fenton, ’83; D&E Vice President for Development Carol Schuler; Mike Shue, '76; Bridget Silvester, ’97; Larry Hunt, ’67; Ray VanArsdale, ’80; Greg Brown, ’81; Life Trustee David Rutherford; Albert "Rip" VanWinkle, '71; Jeff Taweel, '80; and Rich Lovenberg '83.
D&E Masters Golf Outing Among the many fans braving the cold weather to attend a Senators baseball game on April 5 are, from left, Dick Harvey, ’78; Wayne Startt, ’08; Kylee Griffith, ’08; Steve Harvey, ’08; Sam Calvert, ’06; and Zach McElroy, ’12.
Baseball Picnic
April 5 found our Senator baseball team in full swing! The game against Trevecca Nazarene University at Allen Athletic Fields was followed by the annual alumni and parent picnic at the Augusta Dance Pavilion.
Alumni attending the D&E Masters Golf Outing at Brunswick Plantation Resort in Calabash, N.C., March 29 – April 1, got a chance to meet members of the 2013-2014 golf team at a special dinner at Derbster’s Dining and Sport Lounge. Those attending were Greg Brown, ’81; Associate Director of Development Rob Fenton, ’83; Rich Lovenberg, ’83; Albert “Rip” VanWinkle, ’71; Jeff Taweel, ’80; Ray VanArsdale, ’80; Mike Shue, ’76; Rod Norris; Life Trustee David Rutherford; Larry Hunt, ’67; Bridget Silvester, ’97; Tom Schuler and Vice President for Development Carol Schuler; Assistant Director of Accounting and D&E golf coach Alasdair Forsythe, ’12, and members of the D&E golf team Alistair Cameron, Ian Clark, Jordan Ours, Evan Degrazia, Fred Roby, Tristan Myers and Ethan Slaubaugh. Regional & Alumni Reunions
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REgional & alUMni REUnions
Save the Date for These Upcoming D&E Alumni Events! October 4, 2014 Carolinas Alumni Chapter Raleigh, N.C.
October 10-12, 2014 Family Weekend October 17-19, 2014 Homecoming November 8, 2014 Maryland & Pennsylvania Alumni Chapters
Dear Mason-Dixon Wine Tour
February 28, 2015 Carolinas Alumni Chapter Biltmore Estate, Asheville, N.C.
March 3-4, 2015 D&E Spring Classic in Sebring, Florida March 6, 2015 Carolinas Alumni Chapter Charleston, S.C.
April 17-19, 2015 FOSS Reunion April 18, 2015 Athletic Banquet May 1-2, 2015 Déjà vu Festival
1943 In April, Dr. Gloria Marquette Payne, Elkins, W.Va., hosted D&E's annual spring phone-a-thon student callers for dinner, twice, at Applebee's. It was a wonderful time for the students as she talked with them about how important their job is to keep D&E's alumni connected and they were able to get to know the one, and only, Dr. Payne.
Name Maiden name Class Year Here is my news:
Yes
No
Thank you to the many alumni who submit notes for publication in Forward magazine. We enjoy sharing your news, both in these pages and on our website. If you have a note, please complete and return the form below, or email your note to morganw@dewv.edu. Sending photos? Just mail your prints or disk, or email your photos to our alumni office. Send all materials to: Davis & Elkins College Alumni Office 100 Campus Drive Elkins, WV 26241
Please update my records: Current Address
or email morganw@dewv.edu.
Email Phone
For more information on events in your area, make sure to check the D&E website for these Alumni Chapters and Groups: California Bay Area Alumni Group Carolinas Alumni Chapter Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter Florida – Suncoast Alumni Chapter Florida – Orlando Area Alumni Chapter Indiana Alumni Chapter Maryland Alumni Chapter New York Metro Alumni Chapter Ohio Regional Alumni Chapter Tri-State Alumni Chapter (Western Pa., Northern W.Va. and Eastern Ohio) Virginia Alumni Chapter West Virginia Alumni Chapter
alUMni noTEs
Please publish this Alumni Note in the Davis & Elkins College Forward magazine in print and online.
Photo enclosed?
Chapter Happenings
Cell
See more "then and now" photos posted on D&E Facebook! 28 | Davis & Elkins CollEgE Forward
Debbie Larkin, '12, Mabie, W.Va., student phone-a-thon callers Carla Deem, Marshall Grogg, Lauren Panell, James Pucci, Carley Ellison, Dan Savory, Wyatt Hill, Besa Ijavo, Wongel Belihu, Rebecca Canterbury, Anna Borofsky and Dr. Gloria Payne, '43. Not pictured are Declan McGill, Debbie Payne Fragale, '81, Wendy Morgan, '12, and Joann Gabel. See 1943.
1950 James “Hap” Huey, Greer, S.C., writes that he is “85 and still going.” Marjorie A. Gibson Miller, Boulder Creek, Calif., celebrated her 85th birthday on September 24 and is happy to be alive and enjoying her close family and friends. She is currently reconnecting with her best college friends and has really enjoyed the phone visits and written correspondence. Marjorie writes “some of my fondest life memories are of my college days at Davis & Elkins. As we grow older, it is those sweet memories that sustain us and keep us going. I am thankful to have attended such a wonderful college.”
Ralph with a birthday celebration at their favorite restaurant, D'Imperio's, surrounded by family and friends.
Charles N., '61, and Judy Newbery Thompson, '60. See 1961.
1951 In August, Okey E. Chenoweth Jr. Oakland, N.J., began teaching at Bergen Community College and William Paterson University. 1952 Dorothy Steele Stacy, Clewiston, Fla., traveled to Elkins last summer and walked through D&E's campus. She saw the many changes and writes, "It is truly a beautiful campus." 1953 Norman J. Hobbie retired from Kean University in Union, N.J., on January 1. However, he continues to teach four communications courses at Union County College in Cranford, N.J., which is his hometown. In fact, Norm lives in the very house he was born in.
During their summer trip to Canaan Valley, John and Tish Davis McKenzie, hosted their annual lunch at Bob Evans Restaurant in Elkins with “Aunt” Nancy Ross Smith, Elkins, W. Va., Beth Guye Kittle, '47, Elkins, W. Va., Tish's sister, Louise, and Wendy Morgan, '12, Elkins, W.Va. John and Tish live in Greensboro, N.C. 1956 Fred R. Miller, Verona, N.J., has been enjoying retirement since 1995, and would love to hear from classmates. You can 'friend' him on Facebook. 1958 George J. Buschman and his wife, Jo Ann, Orlando, Fla., love to travel and 2013 was a good year for them. They started with an “Around the World” four-month cruise during which they visited 45 ports, including Devil's, St. Helena, Pitcairn and Easter Islands. That was followed by their annual three-week fishing trip to Lido Beach, Fla., where the fishing was only fair due to storms in the Gulf of Mexico. George and Jo Ann finished the year with a month-long trip up the Amazon River in Brazil. There they traveled about 1,000 miles to Manaus and saw the “meeting of the waters” where the Rio Salimoes meets Rio Negro and travels unmixed, side by side for several hundred miles until finally mixing. They also had an opportunity to go to Macapa, Brazil where the equator passes through the city and it is possible to stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other foot in the Southern Hemisphere. In May 2012, Rev. Dr. Neil L. Irons, Mechanicsburg, Pa., received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa. for interfaith work.
Ralph Kortyna, ’55, and his wife, Bonnie, with two of their granddaughters, Claire and Brighid. Not pictured, Fiona. See 1955.
Sarah Jane Mills Withrow, Norfolk, Va., is the proud parent of four children, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 1954 – 60th Class Reunion Louisa Sager Yeuell and her husband, Davis, Richmond, Va., recently traveled to Oregon for their grandson’s graduation from the doctoral program in wood science at Oregon State University. They joined their entire family - two daughters, two granddaughters and three great-granddaughters - for this celebration. 1955 Ralph Kortyna and his wife Bonnie, Turtle Creek, Pa., are the proud parents of three sons, Ralph, Andy and David, and four grandchildren, Cullen, Claire, Brighid and Fiona. In January, Bonnie surprised
Frank M. Mele and his wife, June, River Vale, N.J., recently enjoyed a “Tulips and Windmills” trip through Viking River Cruises. The trip took them to Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Brussels, Belgium. The sites were spectacular!
An afternoon with friends. Seated, from left, Beth Guye Kittle, '47, Tish Davis McKenzie, '55, and “Aunt” Nancy Ross Smith. Standing, Tish's sister, Louise and John McKenzie, '55. See 1955.
and Eminent Faculty. Jack and his wife, Belle, live in Pullman, Wash.
William “Bill” Sudbrink, ’59, and his wife, Kathy Howard, and Jack D. Rogers, '60, and his wife, Belle. See 1959.
1961 Last September, Elizabeth "Liz" Reed Branch and her husband, Bill, Little Rock, Ark. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their two sons, and two exchange students, one from Germany and the other from Turkey, and their spouses. The venue was a sailboat tour of some Greek islands. The following week, Liz and Bill stayed with their Turkish “son” in Datca, Turkey, close to the Mediterranean.
1959 – 55th Class Reunion Almeda Shimer Huffaker, and her husband, Jim, have recently moved to Lynn Haven, Fla. where they enjoy being near their daughter. While on the West Coast, William “Bill” Sudbrink and his wife, Kathy Howard, Rutherford, N.J., enjoyed a visit with classmate Jack D. Rogers, '60, and his wife, Belle, Pullman, Wash. 1960 Marguerite “Pegi” Steen Germain and her husband, Art, Lake Grove, N.Y., recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. They have three children and seven grandchildren. Jack D. Rogers retired in January 2013 after 50 years as a member of the faculty at Washington State University as Regents Professor Emeritus
George Buschman, ’58 and his wife, Jo Ann, stand at the Marco Zero Monument in Macapa, Brazil. George poses in the Southern Hemisphere and Jo Ann in the Northern Hemisphere. See 1958. Alumni Notes
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ALUMNI NOTES grandchildren who live in Virginia and North Carolina Jean now spends her time doing volunteer work and enjoying life! Dan and Sue Lloyd Woodworth, Waynesboro, Va., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 15. They are the proud grandparents of 19 grandchildren and are looking forward to coming back to D&E in the fall to show a few of them around campus. In the meantime, Dan is enjoying “semiretirement” as he now only works 20-30 hours a week.
in Somerset County, Pa. After the ship commissioning the next day, Bud and Shirley took a tour of the USS Somerset, and were very pleased to see the photographs were already permanently mounted on ship.
George Lauderbaugh, '67, and his daughter, Kim, aboard a Pangas, a rubber raft with outboard motor, as they toured the Galapagos Islands. See 1967.
Jim B. Lloyd, Elberton, Ga., is chairman of Elberton Memorial Hospital Authority, president of the Samuel Elbert Chapter, Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution, and retired chairman of Elberton Federal Savings & Loan Association. Charles N. and Judy Newbery Thompson, '60, live in Morristown, N.J. In November, they celebrated Judy's 75th birthday at their son's home in Texas. In August 2013, the New Hampshire House of Representatives presented O. Alan Thulander, Francestown, N.H., with an official declaration of congratulations when the Francestown Heritage Museum for antique fire vehicles was dedicated in his honor. Sadly, Alan passed away on March 2, 2014. He will be missed by many. 1963 In November, Andy H. Johanson Jr., Ambler, Pa., delivered the Phipps Lecture at D&E with his talk titled Lessons Learned From My Life as a Psychotherapist. Andy, his wife, Wendy, and their sons, Paul, Mark and Aaron, had a wonderful time on campus. Paul and Mark traveled from Florida for Andy's presentation. 1964 – 50th Class Reunion Jean Wesley Hickey received her Masters Degree from Indiana University. She retired from teaching after 32 years in the classroom and has now moved back to Lexington, Ky. Jean and her husband, Paul, have been married for 49 years and they have two sons and five
Madeline, daughter of Lee and Katrina Groves, '04. See 2004.
1965 Donna L. Manzella Cathie, Wexford, Pa., retired last year from Allegheny County Community College. She spends the winter in Boynton Beach, Fla. Donna enjoys traveling, especially to Colorado where her son Eric lives. The remainder of her time is spent being a grandma in Pittsburgh, Pa., where her son Ryan, his wife, Tami, and 1 year-old granddaughter live - a job she loves! After 44 years of service to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), John C. Free, Coraopolis, Pa., is now honorably retired. He enjoys being a guest preacher and serving as a docent/guide at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. John and his wife, Sue, also take great pleasure in their eight grandchildren. 1967 Dr. George Lauderbaugh, Jacksonville, Ala., was inducted into the Ecuadorian National Academy of History in May. He is one of the few foreign historians to be so honored by the Academy. George was selected for his years of research on Ecuador and publication of two books, “The History of Ecuador” and “The United States and Ecuador: Conflict and Convergence, 1830-1946,” as well as articles in academic journals. After the induction ceremony George and his daughter, Kim, toured the Galapagos Islands. On February 28, Harold “Bud” Weigle and his wife, Shirley, Fairfax, Va., attended a special commissioning dinner for the ship USS Somerset, named to honor the Flight 93 crew and passengers who gave their lives over Somerset County, Pa. on September 11, 2001. During the dinner, Bud donated framed photographs of the Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who were born D&E's Gribble Girls. Standing, from left, Sue McCutcheon King, Ellen Moore, Susie Beamer Scott, Janice Kemp Hutchison and Mary Vine Langley, all class of 1970. Seated, from left, are Marti Chase Brown, '72, and Karen Freshour Chiochanyont, '71. See 1970.
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The Anderson family – Jeff, ’81, Elizabeth, Channing and Kerstin. See 1981.
1968 Dennis W. Fricke, Fairfax, Va., is enjoying golf, hiking and skiing. This past winter he traveled to London and Scotland, and really enjoyed St. Andrews. Dennis writes, “Congratulations to the College community on the many improvements to the D&E campus.” 1969 – 45th Class Reunion Robert M. Murdock, USAF (Ret.), continues to serve as the Director of the Office of Military Affairs for the city of San Antonio, Texas.
Justin Price, son of Stephanie M. St. Hilaire, ’00, and her husband, Christian Price. See 2000.
Susan Kinsey Powell and her husband, Walt, relocated from Gettysburg, Pa., to Plymouth, Mass., in October 2013. Walt is the executive director of The Mayflower Society. Susan writes they are now close to the beach and Boston. If you are in the Plymouth area, Susan invites you to contact her at susankinseypowell@hotmail.com. 1970 September 2013 found D&E's Gribble Girls celebrating their annual get together at a timeshare in Key West, Fla. Although it was hurricane season, they were blessed with great weather. Janice Kemp Hutchison, Harrisburg, Pa.; Sue McCutcheon King, Stockton, N.J.; Ellen Moore, Branchburg, N.J.; Susie Beamer Scott, Westminster, Md.; Mary
Congratulations to Bryan and Heather Shepler! See 2001.
Vine Langley, Surprize, Ariz.; Marti Chase Brown, '72, Spring Grove, Pa.; and Karen Freshour Chiochanyont, '71, Hendersonville, Tenn., all agree the sunsets were beautiful. They loved the key lime pie and other local delicacies and enjoyed all the tourist attractions - but the best part was getting back in the D&E spirit. Next stop Cape May, N.J. – 2014. Greg Judge, Kent, Wash., has retired from his third career of teaching. He plans to write, travel and spend time with his three daughters and six grandchildren.
Greetings Alumni from Your National Alumni Council (NAC) On behalf of your NAC, the governing body of the Alumni Association, I would like to provide an update on the Alumni Association’s mission and goals. At the NAC’s spring meeting we elected two new members and new officers. New members are Scott McLean, ’83, and Michael Deneroff, ’09. New officers are Lawrence “Larry” Hunt, ’67, president; David Kirby, ’83, vice president; and Cory Toth, ’06, secretary. Re-elected are Janet Toth, ’93, parliamentarian, and Robin Rybczynski, ’86, financial officer. The Alumni Association purposes are: • support the mission of the College as established by the College President and Board of Trustees; • increase and promote awareness among alumni about the activities and accomplishments of the College; • assist the College in strengthening its academic, cultural, administrative, spiritual, moral and financial well-being; and • foster fellowship among alumni by providing opportunities for alumni gatherings, service and communication. The Association, through the NAC, fulfills these
1971 David A. and Linda A. Schacht Coombs are living in Hot Springs Village, Ark. Both are retired. They have two children and three grandchildren. "Life is good!" 1973 Patricia A. "Patty" Wagner Gow continues to live in Elkins, as do her two children and four grandchildren. "Life is good here!" 1974 – 40th Class Reunion Mary E. “Mickey” Owens, Fishers, Ind., continues to work for Roche Diagnostics and travels all over the U.S. and to many different countries. However the trip she is most looking forward to is coming back to good 'ole D&E for her 40th class reunion and the Phi Mu reunion – Oct. 17-19. 1975 Peter H. Dougherty was recently selected as the 2014 Distinguished Citizen of Jefferson County where he serves as sheriff. Pete and his wife, Jan, live in Charles Town, W.Va. purposes with five committees that work with College liaisons. The committees are Alumni Development, Career Management, Regional Alumni Events, Student and Young Alumni, and Nominating. These committees, along with the Executive Committee, made up of five committee chairs and the officers, meet twice a year on campus and regularly via teleconference. Under the leadership of the last two NAC presidents Blaine Steensland, ’72, and Maribeth Robenolt, ’82, the Association made great strides in meeting its purposes. For example, the NAC established an Almost Alumni Reception held during the NAC’s spring meeting to introduce graduating seniors to the Alumni Association and instill in them the idea that they are Senators for Life. Under the leadership of former chair Bill Turner, ’72, the Alumni Development Committee assisted in getting alumni support for the Raise the Roof and Finish the Field campaigns. The Regional Events Committee chaired by Casey Zahn, ’81, is working with Director of Alumni Engagement and Support Wendy Morgan, ’12, and Assistant Director of Development Support Lisa Senic, '90 and '03 to encourage the establishment of additional regional alumni chapters. There are now 12 chapters that host events regularly. These are great ways to get re-acquainted with and meet other alumni. This fall, the Career Management Committee chaired by Chris Ferzoco, ’93, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joe Rodit are designing an annual event for alumni to either come back to campus or through remote access give career talks to students with the idea of preparing them for life after graduation. Patti Bennett, ’85, and Larisa Swartz, ’00, co-chairs of the Student and Young Alumni Committee, are working with Wendy Morgan to create opportunities for juniors and seniors to meet
1976 Mike, '74, and Marsha “Marty” Layton Barth, Wernersville, Pa., are the proud parents of two children and five grandsons. Mike and Marty have owned Stouchsburg Nursery and Garden Center, a family business, for 27 years. Marty is also an inspirational speaker and actively involved in prison ministry. She now adds “author” to her many titles with her recently Dana Kreutzer Hoos, ’84, Roanoke County Public Schools Education Foundation's 2014 Golden Apple Award recipient. See 1984.
with alumni and organize gatherings for young alumni. The Development Committee chaired by Barry Green, ’83, is working with Vice President for Development Carol Schuler on ways to increase alumni giving. A great way to learn more about the NAC is to volunteer as a committee member and assist with an event or project. Please attend and participate in any meeting on campus during Homecoming and in the spring. For information about NAC or regional chapters, please visit the College’s website and click on Alumni. Laura Constantine, ’81, chair of the Nomination Committee, and the Committee are always looking for new NAC members. Please reach out to her through Wendy Morgan at morganw@ dewv.edu. Membership in the Association is open to graduates of the College, College certificate holders, honorary degree recipients, and those who attended the College at least one year and have passed the date of intended graduation. If you have not been back on campus, please visit. The D&E of today is still the same great, small liberal arts college we all remember and now it’s even better. Wendy Morgan, the College and NAC are making plans for another great Homecoming, October 17, 18 and 19. I look forward to seeing you at Homecoming, the Association Breakfast, regional events or wherever our paths may cross. Please feel free to contact me at lbhunt28714@gmail.com or 828-682-3384, or any of the NAC members.
Lawrence “Larry” Hunt, ’67 NAC President Alumni Notes
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ALUMNI NOTES
Sean, '03, and Amanda “Mandy” Helms Sullivan, '01, attended the Commander-in-Chief's Ball during the 57th Presidential Inauguration of President Barack Obama. See 2003.
published and released book, "The Shattering." Written in novel form, Marty's book is her true story of child sexual abuse, but is more about overcoming the abuse than a victimization. Her purpose in writing was to help others, and since the release she has had wonderful feedback. "The Shattering" is available online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. To find out more, visit her website, marshabarth.tateauthor.com or connect with Marty on LinkedIn. 1978 Happy 90th birthday to Ruth Hepler, Elkins, W.Va.! Ruth graduated from the nursing program at D&E at age 54 and continues to work at her job at Nella’s Nursing Home four days a week. She spends her days overseeing and comforting patients, providing treatments, teaching nursing assistants and traveling with residents to doctor appointments. Family, coworkers and the residents she cares for gathered for a surprise birthday celebration complete with cake and punch. Ruth then traveled to Charleston with her family to celebrate Unity Day with nurses and nursing students from throughout the state where she was introduced by West Virginia Senate President Jeffrey Kessler and given a plaque from the West Virginia Nurses Association in honor of her many years of dedication.
Future D&E slugger, Easton Bradley Sions. See 2012.
1980 On May 10, Tanya Kittle Easton achieved her Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from West Virginia University. Tanya is currently the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations for the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Tanya is the daughter of Beth Guye Kittle, '47, Elkins, W.Va. and married to Edward Easton, '77. Tanya and Ed reside in Washington, D.C. 1981 Jeffrey R. Anderson, Lynchburg, Tenn., is the Director of Purchasing at Calsonic Kansei North America. He and his wife, Elizabeth, are looking 32 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
forward to the upcoming marriage of their son Channing to his fiance, Kerstin, in October. You can connect with Jeff on Facebook - he would love to hear from other D&E alumni in the Tennessee area. 1983 Judy L. Turnage Self, Murrysville, Pa., is the proud mother of Heather Self. Heather is studying biological anthropology at Penn State University. 1984 – 30th Class Reunion Jozef Antolin, Santa Clara, Calif., is teaching high school students automotive technology and small engines at Wilcox High School in Santa Clara, the heart of Silicon Valley, and playing bluegrass music when he can.
Haylee Renee Bolyard. See 2006.
Dana Kreutzer Hoos, Vinton Va., teaches fifth grade at Mount Pleasant Elementary School. This spring, she was awarded the highest honor presented by the Roanoke County Public Schools Education Foundation, the 2014 Golden Apple Award. According to her students and co-workers, Dana is their version of Mary Poppins, a teacher who is "practically perfect in every way." In addition to receiving a monetary award, Hoos received an additional award - the use of a brand-new 2014 ruby red Hyundai Sonata GLS for one year, complete with custom license plates that read GR8TCR (Great Teacher). Desmond V. “Des” Morris, Greenwich, Conn., is the creator and founder of Volley King, LLC. He holds a National "A" license in coaching from the United States Soccer Federation and played for the Luso American Soccer Association in the United States, Hairoun Lion (a Professional Caribbean Team), and for the National Vincentian Team in the West Indies. He has coached four championship teams; two State Cup Championships and two Region Premier Championships. To help students master their footwork, Des designed his own coaching technique, the Touchmaster System, and now has developed and patented the Volley King, a product to ensure greater volley kick success and increased goal scoring. To find out more about the Volley King, visit www.volleyking.com. Laura Weinert Sigurdsson, Mars, Pa., had a wonderful time visiting D&E and spending time with great friends during Alumni weekend. Laura writes, “I continue to work in health care software sales as a Senior Sales Executive with Information. My children, Robbie, age 20, and Johanna, age 18, keep me busy and very proud.
Dougherty, ’75, Honored for Work to End Veteran Homelessness Davis & Elkins College Trustee and Jefferson County Sheriff Pete Dougherty, was twice honored at the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) Annual Conference, May 28-30, in Washington, D.C., for his work to end veteran homelessness. Dougherty was unanimously elected to the organization’s Board of Directors. Throughout his 19year tenure as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Director of Homeless Programs, Dougherty was the chief advisor on homeless veterans to seven secretaries of the VA, and maintained close ties to hundreds of NCHV member organizations in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Under Dougherty’s leadership and dedication to the cause of ending veteran homelessness, the service capacity of those programs steadily increased while the number of homeless veterans on the streets decreased from more than 250,000 in 2004 to fewer than 60,000 when he retired from the VA in 2013. During his federal service career, Dougherty served on the Veterans Affairs Committees in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, served as the Department of Veterans Affairs’ White House Liaison to President George W. Bush’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and as Acting Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness under President Barack Obama. He was the principal author of the VA Five-Year Plan to End Veteran Homelessness by 2015. During the Annual NCHV Awards Banquet, NCHV President and CEO John Driscoll introduced Dougherty as the “most inspiring leader in the history of the homeless veteran assistance movement. Virtually every program in place to help homeless veterans in the nation today bears his mark, and the veterans we all serve have had no better friend and ally.” The Home Depot Foundation Executive Director Gaven Gregory and NCHV also announced the recipient of the first Pete Dougherty Award for Excellence in Supportive Housing for Homeless Veterans. Dougherty served as the principal advisor during the planning of the foundation’s Veterans Initiative, a three-year project to grant $30 million to community-based organizations to increase housing opportunities for homeless and extreme low-income veterans. Community Hope of Parsippany, N.J., won the inaugural Peter Dougherty Award for Valley Brook Village, a 62-unit garden apartment development for veterans with combat-related traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder and other physical disabilities. “I can think of no greater honor than to receive an award with Pete Dougherty’s name attached to it,” said Community Hope President and CEO Michael Armstrong. “We will cherish this, and we will continue to honor him through our service to this nation’s homeless veterans.”
Robbie is wrapping up his hockey season with the Baystate Breakers in Boston, scoring the winning, and only, goal in each game of the playoffs, sending his team to the semi-finals! He is now entertaining a few different schools to attend and play hockey for next year. Hanna, a freshman at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, in the Human Health System program, is on the pre-med track with plans to be a physician assistant. She has been my right hand for years and will do very well in helping and treating patients. Having children of this age and selecting schools certainly has made me reflect back to my choosing D&E and the wonderful years spent there: This includes the friendships made, the studies, the growth I developed and the foundation to enter the real world. I can only wish the same for my children.” 1985 In April, Shaun Green, New Britain, Conn., was inducted to the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. Shaun is the head coach for the Blue Devils men's soccer team at Central Connecticut State University. John F. Tadler graduated from the FBI's National Academy Program in Quantico, Va. This program is a 10-week academic and physical training course for law enforcement leaders. John and Mary Harvey Tadler, '88, live in Pittsburgh, Pa. 1992 Thomas W. Winans and his wife, Stefanie, live in Fairfax, Va. They have three wonderful boys, ages 8, 5 and 7 months. Tom has been working for the Fairfax County Sheriff 's Office and is a member of the sheriff 's emergency response team, civil disturbance unit and intelligence unit. Stefanie is a member of the foreign service. They have lived in Warsaw, Poland, and Ankara, Turkey, and will soon be moving to Bosnia. 1998 Former D&E Senators golf team members Brent Grilliot, ’98, Chris Kay, ’00, Jeromie Meabon, ’00 and Jerad Meabon, ’01 reunite each year, carrying their original Senators golf bags, to compete, reminisce, catch-up and have a flat-out great time. They
Best Wishes to Megan and Cory Dillinger! Kelsey Gilbert, '13, Parsons, W.Va.; Jennifer Kimble; Megan Winterton Grimm, '10, Sherrill, N.Y.; Kara Fisher, Kenova, W.Va.; Samantha Roman, '11, Painted Post, N.Y.; Brandie Ward, '11, Wheeling, W.Va.; Stefanie Ogden, '10, Bowden, W. Va.; Larissa Fowler, '10, Elkins, W.Va.; Megan Dulik Dillinger, '11, and Cory Dillinger, '11, Apopka, Fla.; Brian O'Neil, '07, Point Marion, Pa.; Wendy Morgan, '12, and Dwain Morgan, Elkins, W. Va.; Lowe Del Aviles, Elkins, W.Va.; Ali Forsythe, '12, Elkins, W.Va.; Jake Palm, '10, Dubai; Kendra McLaughlin, '10, Oakland, Md.; Scott Goddard, '96, Elkins, W.Va.; Chris Davis, '13, and Samantha Tallman Davis, '10, Elkins, W.Va.; and Ben Grimm, Sherrill, N.Y. See 2011.
Sturm-Bonner Wedding Celebration! Sophia Bonner Sturm, '06, and Ryan Sturm, '06; Chris Paden, '06, and his wife Jaime, Columbia, Md.; Ashley Ellis, '06, Waldorf, Md.; Katie MacGregor, '08, Ottowa, Ontario, Canada; Caitlin Clark-Braverman Bowers, '05, Los Angeles, Calif.; Melissa Wagner, '07, Edmond, W. Va.; Tara Downs, '07, Gardiner, N.Y.; Danielle Oates Shriver, '04, Petersburg, W. Va.; Sara Hunter Frost, '05, Oak Hill, W. Va.; James “J.J.”Wright, '08, Alexandria, Va.; Justin "Doobs" Dubreuil, '06, Rosedale, Md.; Mike Deneroff, '09, Arlington, Va.; and Evan Carton, '03, Pikesville, Md. See 2006.
rotate through the participants’ hometowns: Dayton, Ohio, St. Mary’s, Ga., Pittsburgh, Pa., and San Antonio, Texas. Other weekends have included Edinboro, Pa., where they won a scramble event; Elkins, where they beat a more current Senators golf team; and Toronto, Chris’ former hometown. They return to Elkins every 5th year because of the fond memories, great golf courses and local bars, of course. The weekend has continually grown more extensive as the years go by – a great example of the bonds formed while attending D&E. 2000 Stephanie M. St. Hilaire and her husband, Christian Price, are the proud parents of Justin Price. Justin was born September 3, 2013. They now reside in San Diego, Calif. 2001 Bryan S. Shepler, and Heather Morici, were married on February 9, in Las Vegas, Nev. They are the proud parents of Riley Daniel Shepler and Eva. Elizabeth Shepler. They reside in their hometown of Elkins, W.Va. 2003 By special invitation, on January 21, 2013, during the 57th Presidential Inauguration of President Barack Obama, Sean and Amanda “Mandy” Helms Sullivan, '01, Elkins, W.Va., attended the Commander-in-Chief 's Ball. The Commanderin-Chief 's Ball honors members of the Armed Forces, including active duty and reserve service members, Medal of Honor recipients and wounded warriors, among others, with troops overseas participating via video. Sean is a Recruiting and Retention Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) for the West Virginia Army National Guard and Mandy is an Environmental Compliance Specialist for the West Virginia Army National Guard. 2004 – 10th Class Reunion On June 26, Lee and Katrina Mullenax Groves, '02, with big brother, "little Lee,” welcomed their new daughter. Madeline
Annabelle Groves weighed 7 pounds and measured 18 3/4 inches. The Groves family resides in Mount Lookout, W.Va. 2006 Derek and Jennifer “Marie” Friend Bolyard, '11, Elkins, W.Va., are the proud parents of a daughter, Haylee Renee Bolyard. Haylee was born June 8 and weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces, and measured 21 inches. Still true to cross country, Derek is the assistant cross country coach for D&E, and Marie ran several miles just a few days before Haylee's birth. Ryan Sturm and Sophia Bonner Sturm were married on September 7, 2013, in West River, Md. at Sophia's family farm. There were many D&E friends present, both as guests, and as members of the bridal party. The wedding was very personal to them, and even included musical entertainment by Woody Pines, who frequently plays at the Purple Fiddle in Thomas, W.Va. Sophia and Ryan now reside in the neighborhood of Mount Vernon, in Baltimore, Md., with their golden retriever, Billy, and two cats, Leroy and Daisy. They both love the neighborhood, especially walking to and from work, and would welcome visits from old friends at any time.
Jeromie Meabon, ’00, Chris Kay, ’00, Jared Meabon, ’00, and Brent Grilliot, ’98 enjoy a round of golf at their annual gathering. See 1998.
2010 Jacob R. “Jake” Palm, formerly of Orlando, Fla., is now working at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 2011 Cory Dillinger and Megan Dulik were married on June 28 at Mountaineer Golf Club in Morgantown, W.Va. surrounded by family and friends. The newlyweds live in Apopka, Fla., where Cory is employed as an outside salesman for 84 Lumber in Winter Garden and Megan is a cost accountant for Louis Dreyfus Citrus. “Life is Great!" Working at her dream job, Brandie L. Ward, Wheeling, W.Va., is a lab technician for Mark West, a gas company in the Steubenville, Ohio area. 2012 Congratulations to Mike and Bridget D. Ours Sions, '13, on the birth of a beautiful baby boy, Easton Bradley Sions. Easton was born June 8 at 2:26 p.m. and weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces and measured 20 inches. The Sions family splits their time between California and West Virginia. Alumni Notes
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IN MEMORIAM
T
he individuals listed below include members of the D&E family whose passing we have learned about within the last several months. We remember them here on behalf of all alumni and friends of Davis & Elkins College.
Alumni
1957 David R. Mears, March 18, 2014 1957 Ronald A. Rollins, February 21, 2014 1929 Glenn A. Garrett, Sr., date unknown 1958 Richard G. Guida, June 9, 2014 1936 Howard H. Wolfe, April 8, 2014 1958 Wilson E. Robinson, Sr., 1938 W. Barbara Vanscoy McCallum, January 20, 2014 May 17, 2014 1938 J. Robert "Bob" Whitman, April 17, 2014 1959 Jack F. DePoy, June 13, 2014 1959 Mary Godby VanWagner, 1938 Betty J. Starford Wolverton, August 31, 2012 February 15, 2002 1960 Dixie Singleton Jones, 1941 Margaret L. "Peg" Adamson Darling, February 14, 2014 May 21, 2014 1961 David L. Petersen, January 2, 2004 1941 Leah Fitzwater Richards, June 3, 2014 1961 O. Alan Thulander, March 2, 2014 1943 Lucille Dumire Kight, June 1, 2014 1963 Samuel F. Ross, February 28, 2014 1943 Jesse Mitchell, April 11, 2014 1964 Linda E. Schaarschmidt Parthun, 1948 Robert L. Shahan, May 2, 2014 June 4, 2011 1949 Wallace D. "Wally" Simmons, 1965 Helen Doscher Dunlap Douglass, January 4, 2014 March 20, 2014 1950 Catherine L. Louke Gear, 1972 William A. "Bill" Miller, June 26, 2014 January 13, 2014 1975 Leona Harper Leach, April 16, 2014 1950 Joan Vanscoy Kittle, February 7, 2014 1976 Robert R. Allen, January 3, 1999 1950 Bernice "Bunny" Sacks Thomas, April 1, 2014 1979 Donald R. Cruse, January 31, 2014 1951 Emmel Alice Zickefoose Bennett, 1982 Anthony G. "Andy" Treadgold, February 1, 2014 May 27, 2014 1951 Richard "Dick" Earle, April 27, 2014 1984 Anne E. Villa, May 28, 2014 1951 Clarence T. "Fitz" Fitzwater, May 1, 2014 1985 David E. Conroy, October 1, 2010 1951 Ione Kotch Geier, April 11, 2014 1986 John "Putter" Clutter, January 25, 2014 1951 Doris Jean White Hall, 1986 Thomas R. Keppler, February 18, 2014 February 11, 2013 1994 Kenneth L. Cross, April 11, 2014 1951 Rebecca Mewha Shinaberry, 1996 Alan L. "Corky" Fisher, April 20, 2014 April 25, 2014 1996 Mark P. Griffith, April 15, 2014 1951 Donna J. Lee Tuttle, January 9, 2014 1952 Russell Darling, September 14, 2009 FRIENDS & FAMILY 1953 William E. McEldowney, John R. Kennedy, November 3, 2010 January 26, 2014 Former Trustee 1953 Patricia A. Smith Reabe, Dr. Louis E. "Lou" Mattison, April 10, 2014 January 14, 2014 Former Professor/Chairman of the Chemistry 1954 Samuel R. Wuslich, March 29, 2014 Department 1956- 1963 1955 Lucile M. Right Armentrout, William T. "Bill" McLaughlin II, April 22, 2014 July 2, 2014 Former Trustee 1955 Robert Hall Baker, February 16, 2014 Robert C. McQuillen, February 6, 2014 1955 Barbara A. See Tacy, January 17, 2014 Longtime friend of Augusta 1956 Glenn A. Garrett, Jr., October 25, 2011 Mary Frances Shepler, April 5, 2014 1956 Jordan S. Schwartz, October 7, 2011 Former Trustee 1957 John A. "Jack" Fraser, Jr., June 30, 2014 Eloise L. Teter, June 26, 2014 1957 Gerald "Gerry" Goldstone, June 8, 2014 Member of D&E College Aid
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Dr. Ronald "Ron" Rollins Sr. Board of Trustees Dr. Ronald Allen Rollins Sr., a graduate with the class of 1957 and member of the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees, died Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, at Cleveland Clinic, after an eight-month struggle with leukemia. He was 79. At D&E, he helped establish The S. Benton Talbot Chair in the Natural Sciences and Nursing and led the fundraising committee for 10 years. He was a former member of the National Alumni Council and chair for the Alumni Engagement Committee. In 2003, Dr. Rollins was presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Dr. Rollins was born July 13, 1934, in Montgomery, W.Va., and attended Davis & Elkins College – the first member of his family to complete higher education. He attended the Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., and was a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1970. He was a resident of Oberlin, Ohio, since 1970 and enjoyed a long practice as an obstetrician/gynecologist at Oberlin Clinic and Allen Memorial Hospital. Dr. Rollins was a longtime member of The First Church in Oberlin United Church of Christ, where he held numerous lay leadership positions and oversaw groundskeeping. He was a busy volunteer and board member, along with his wife, Barbara, at the Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA) in Oberlin. He served on the Kendal at Oberlin senior independence board. He and Barbara were selected as Oberlin’s Citizens of the Year in 2012 by Oberlin News-Tribune.
William "Bill" McLaughlin II Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees William Thomas “Bill” McLaughlin II, a former chairman of the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees and chairman and CEO of Huntington Bank, passed away peacefully at his home in
Mary Frances Keys Shepler Former Trustee Mary Frances Keys Shepler, a former member of the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees and Honorary Trustee for Life, passed away on April 5, 2014, at age 92.
Dr. Louis E. Mattison Former Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry
Brigadier General H. Glenn Watson Former Trustee
Howard Wolfe
Former Trustee Howard H. Wolfe, a member of the class of 1936 and a former member
Bonita Springs, Fla., on April 22, 2014 following a long and courageous battle with cancer. McLaughlin was elected to the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees in May 1998, initially serving on the Business and Finance Committee through 2000. In 2000, he was elected Chair of the Board and remained in that capacity through 2003. Because of business commitments, he was unable to remain in the position of Chair, but continued his Board service on the Investment Sub-Committee through June 2007 at which time he rotated off the Board. She served on the Board from 1986 to 1996 at which time she was named an Honorary Trustee for Life. She also served as president of Friends of Halliehurst and along with her husband, Ralph, was named West Virginia Philanthropist of the Year in 1992 for their work in restoring Halliehurst. Under her direction, Halliehurst became executive offices for the College and an entertainment center for the College and community. She was an emeritus member of the College Aid Society having been a member for more Dr. Louis Emil "Lou" Mattison, a former professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry at Davis & Elkins College from 1956 to 1963, died on Thursday, April 10, 2014, in Bristol, Tenn., at age 86. He was born in Lincoln, Neb., on October 3, 1927. Dr. Mattison graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, and the University
During the time McLaughlin served as Chair of the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees, he and his wife, Ruth Ann, established two endowed scholarships, the William T. McLaughlin II Scholarship in Business and the Ruth Ann McLaughlin Scholarship for Creative and Performing Arts. Both scholarships were created especially for West Virginia students from Wood, Marion, Lewis and Randolph counties. Mr. McLaughlin was born on June 23, 1937, in Weston, W.Va.
than 60 years. She was also instrumental in developing the original Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College Arts Workshops. Mrs. Shepler was an honorary member of Phi Beta Lambda National Business Fraternity where she was honored as the Businesswoman of the Year, a Merit Award winner and a Gordon Hermanson Service Award winner. She was also an honorary member of Sigma Beta Delta, an International Honor Society in Business Management and Administration. of Delaware with Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in chemistry. He attended the University of Arizona for a year of postdoctorate research. He began his career with DuPont Company at the DuPont Experimental Station in 1952 and served in the U.S. Army at the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, Md., before joining the faculty of Davis & Elkins College.
Brigadier General Henry Glenn Watson, U.S. Army retired, a former member of the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees, died Feb. 13, 2014, in the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg at age 83. The Belington, W.Va., resident was laid to rest on May 14, 2014, in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
Watson served on the Board from February 1996 through June 2003. During his tenure, he was on the Enrollment Management/ Admission Committee.
of the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees, passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at age 99.
a special Library Construction Committee. He was a faithful major donor contributing not only to the Annual Fund, but also significant gifts to the Highlands Scholar Fund, Plant Fund and the construction of Booth Library. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1984.
He was born December 26, 1914, in Elkins. Mr. Wolfe was elected to the Board in 1987 and served six years before resigning due to business commitments. He was an active member on the Development Committee and
Watson was born Aug. 9, 1930, in Cookville, Tenn.
Mr. Wolfe’s entire career was spent in radio and television broadcasting.
In Memoriam
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with Dana Baxter Dr. Dana Baxter starts her third year at Davis & Elkins College this semester and, by her own admission, is over-the-top, rock-star passionate about teaching criminology. And students are responding. This fall, there are nearly 60 students interested in majoring in the Criminology program. Some may say that the increased interest is a national trend due to glamorized crime TV, but some has to be related to Baxter’s enthusiastic pedagogy and maybe, just a tad, to her 6-inch heels. D&E: You successfully defended your doctorate thesis in February, and are now a Ph.D. What made you decide to study criminology? DB: It’s a funny story and one that shows how you can change. I remember watching “Silence of the Lambs” when I was young and I fell in love with Clarice Starling. I was obsessed with what she did and decided right then that’s what I wanted to be. Growing up in Central Pennsylvania I knew IUP [Indiana University of Pennsylvania] had one of the best criminology programs in the country so I told my dad that’s where I wanted to go. That’s where I learned that I probably couldn’t be a Clarice, only about 100 people can end up doing what she did at the FBI, but I did eventually feel the call to teach. D&E: That brings up the age-old question, why teach rather than do? DB: I actually was employed as a loss prevention analyst for American Eagle Outfitters for several years which reflected my interest in white collar crime and employee internal theft. But when I was in graduate school I took a class in Teaching Ethics and I loved it! I wanted to be able to do that. If you had asked me 10 years ago, when I received 36 | Davis & Elkins CollEgE Forward
my undergraduate degree, if I’d be teaching at a college someday, I would’ve said, “no way.” And now, here I am; lovin’ it. But I think it’s important that I had those other work experiences. It adds credibility to my lessons. D&E: Why did you accept the teaching position at D&E? DB: I had researched the school before I applied and checked out the website. I liked what I saw and it was close to Pittsburgh, which I love! Then when I came to the campus, I got the same warm feeling as when I was at IUP. I just went with my gut. I also loved the idea that I could really make an impact on the program. I tend to be an overachiever anyway, so right away I wanted to double my enrollment. D&E: You are known for some interesting class projects, such as having a staff member pretend to be murdered and students have to solve the crime. How do you describe your approach to teaching? DB: (Laughs) I actually have a philosophy on teaching that I tell the students at the beginning of the semester. I view the classroom as a rock concert. They should leave the class feeling energized and feeling like they got their money’s worth! I do the best performance I can up there; I’m usually exhausted at the end of class. But I know the students won’t care about what I say or teach if there’s no reference to their lives. So I try to make it interesting. And I believe you learn more when you are having fun. Plus it gives me the chance to murder people and get away with it (just kidding!) D&E: Best teaching moment? DB: I think it’s when a student tells me, “I wish I could stay here longer” or “I learned so much from you.” As a teacher, the best moment is when I can look around the classroom and see
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
By Nanci Bross-Fregonara
that they “get it.” Also, and I know I’m going to get teary, but it was amazing to see the change in my students over two years as they really blossomed and became more open to their own ambitions. Some of the young women would tell me, “There are things now I want to accomplish in my life.” I like being a strong female role model for them. D&E: So that brings us to your shoes . . . DB: I knew it! You can’t interview me without a question on them. I admit it; I am a shoe fanatic. Everyone knows that. It’s been who I am since my junior year of high school when I went to the prom and wore my first pair of high heels. I loved them! It took me a while to prove I could wear 6-inch high heels on these [D&E] hills, but I did it. Now if I don’t have them on, like when we had a foot of snow, students will ask me where they are.
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