Holiday
Open House
Groundhog Day Breakfast 2015
The Sixteenth Annual
Fall Commencement
From the President’s Desk On a rather chilly and rainy winter day, it is my pleasure to send you warm greetings from the Campus Beautiful. The occasional days of sunshine and brisk weather we get here in Athens reinvigorate the campus. Students have returned and our faculty and staff are enjoying their daily interactions with our young scholars. There are so many good things going on this semester that it is impossible to mention them all, but this Spring edition of our Alumni Magazine does a wonderful job of sharing many of the activities with each of you, our alumni, friends of the University and community members. I hope you are reminded of your days at Concord with fondness and that those memories bring smiles to your faces and hearts while you read this magazine. I also hope that you continue to add days on campus to your busy lives as we really look forward to your visits. Fall semester was certainly a memorable one and the highlights of the Mountain Lions’ success in football are highlighted in this issue. There were many other things going on at the same time, including classes, art exhibits, theater presentations, class travel experiences, and faculty/student research projects being generated. Students have impressed me again this year with their involvement in activities like the Student Government Association, a myriad of clubs, organizations and interest groups, service and social activities. These groups help students to become involved, grow their leadership skills, all while building wonderful memories and proving themselves to be responsible community members. In classrooms, our faculty continue to challenge students with demanding curricula that will serve them well as they matriculate to the world of careers and graduate school. We are very proud of our faculty, staff, and the successes of our students and alumni. As you peruse this edition of the Alumni Magazine, we are hopeful the photographs and articles return you to happy times at Concord and allow you to share in some of the exciting events that are taking place on campus and in the months since our last edition. We hope you enjoy the photographs, feature articles and stories from the Campus Beautiful. I’d like to add a reminder that your membership in the Concord University Alumni Association is a great way to stay involved with your alma mater. We consider every graduating senior as a new alumni friend. We also realize that many of our graduates are seeking ways to stay connected with campus in meaningful ways. Memberships in the Alumni Association help us to support events like Concord’s Spring Alumni Banquet, the newly developing Alumni weekend, and Homecoming activities, so we hope you will join us in supporting our Advancement Office in these exciting efforts. Additionally, we want you to know that we are interested in each of you and your lives. When you think of Concord, please remember to send us regular updates about yourself. Our “Class Notes” section of this magazine is an important means by which we stay connected with alumni; we always look forward to hearing what you have accomplished and want to learn about the milestone events in your lives. Thanks to each of you for your unique and special contributions to Concord and for your ways of staying connected. We look forward to seeing you at Concord again soon! Thank you for your dedication and work on behalf of Concord University and best wishes for a successful and rewarding 2015.
Dr. Kendra Boggess Concord University President
Calendar of Events April 9 • CU Foundation Scholarship Appreciation Dinner • 6:00 p.m. University Point Athens, WV April 18 • Charlotte, NC area alumni event at Lake Norman Sam Baker’s home
April 24-26 • Alumni Weekend • See this magazine's back cover for more details May 9 • Spring Commencement Concord University Athens, WV
May 14-17 • Phi Sigma Epsilon 55th Reunion Pipestem State Park
June 5-7 • Yankee Alumni Chapter Gathering New York City June 12 • Homer Ball Golf Tournament • 8:30 a.m. Pipestem State Park
July 17 • Pine Trees Alumni Chapter Annual Summer Social Home of JoAnna & Ott Fredeking July 23 • Freshman Send-Off Event Wyoming County, WV July 28 • Freshman Send-Off Event Greenbrier County, WV July 30 • Freshman Send-Off Event Summers County, WV
August 16 • Athens-Concord Town Social • 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Concord University Front Lawn
August 20 • CU Night at the Princeton Rays game • 7:05 p.m. Hunnicutt Field Princeton, WV September 11-12 • Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Reunion October 5-10 • Homecoming Week
October 10 • Homecoming Game • Concord vs. UVA-Wise Callaghan Stadium
For details on any of these events please contact alumni@concord.edu or 1-304-384-5348. We hope to CU soon!
Inside this Issue SPRING 2015
9 19 15
Holiday
Open House
Groundhog Day Breakfast 2015
The Sixteenth Annual
Fall Commencement
On the Cover Mt. Lion History: Calvinaugh Jones, his teammates, and the CU coaches go into the history books with their unprecedented 2014 season.
67 President Alumni Director
Dr. Kendra Boggess Sarah Lively Turner '98
President, Concord University Alumni Association, Inc.
Rose Kessinger '68
Graphic Designer
Lance McDaniel '10
Contributing Photographer Staff Writer Editorial Assistant
Features 4
Alumni Events
9
Holiday Open House
13 Gingerbread House Party Supports Senior Dinner 14 Senior Dinner 15 The Sixteeth Annual Fall Commencement 19 Concord University Groundhog Day Breakfast 2015 23 Veterans Appreciation
Sterling Snyder '14
25 Division of Business: Business Advisory Council
Sarah P. Dalton
Speaker
Amy Pitzer
43 Beyond the Classroom
Concord University Office of Advancement PO Box 1000 Athens, WV, 24712 1-304-384-6311 Fax: 1-304-384-6017 advancement@concord.edu www.concord.edu
31 Beckley Dinner Features Rocket Boy Roy Lee Cooke as 39 Retired Faculty & Staff: Staying Connected 47 Greek Spotlight - Alpha Sigma Alpha 51 Beckley Update 53 Alumni Entrepreneurs 72 Donor Honor Roll 2014
In Every Issue 3
CU Alumni Association, Inc.
35 CU Foundation, Inc. 55 Heritage & Horizon 60 Class Notes 67 CU Athletics
The CU Alumni Association, Inc. Membership in the CUAA, Inc. supports the following initiatives:
The membership year runs July 1 - June 30 and you can use the membership form below and envelope included in this magazine to mail • Scholarships for Concord students • The formation of alumni chapters all in your membership. You can also submit your membership payment over the country online through Concord’s website • On-campus events for alumni such www.concord.edu/advancement/ as Homecoming and the spring memberships-giving. Upon receipt Alumni Banquet of your membership dues, the • Enhancement of Concord’s alumni giving rate which influences national Alumni Office will mail you a CUAA university rankings, consideration membership card to keep on hand as proof of your membership. for grants, etc. Everyone knows there is strength in numbers and the more dues paying Benefits for CUAA, Inc. members the Alumni Association has, members include: the stronger the organization will be. • Discounts to on-campus events If you are already a member of the • Tax-deductible contribution CUAA, we hope you are planning to • Discounts to certain services, renew your commitment to Concord including the Concord Child for another year. If you are not Development Center currently a CUAA member, we hope • Gift recognitions for each level of that you will consider joining today. membership Thanks in advance for your support Plans for additional benefits are of Concord, its students and the over in the works so this list will 16,000 alumni we have worldwide! continue to grow.
Upcoming Events Alumni Weekend
Spring Commencement
Homecoming
April 24-26, 2015 Concord University Athens, WV
May 9, 2015 Leslie R. & Ruby Webb Carter Center Concord University Athens, WV
October 10, 2015 Concord vs. UVA-Wise Callaghan Stadium Athens, WV
I want to join! Check a box and return this slip in the envelope provided with this magazine. Please be sure to fill out your contact and payment information on the envelope inside this issue.
Join Us Today!
CU Alumni Association, Inc. Individual Membership Form Basic $10 - 24.99
Maroon & Gray Club $25 - 149.99
President’s Club $150 - 499.99
Life Membership $500 or more
Local Chapter Dues - Chapter name & amount enclosed _____________________ $________________
3 • Spring 2015
Renew Membership - Amount enclosed $________________
To pay your dues with your credit card or debit card, please call 1-304-384-6311
AlumniEvents Beckley & Beyond Chapter The Beckley & Beyond alumni chapter held their fall gathering at Calacino’s in Beckley on October 20th. Attendees enjoyed good food and great conversation during the evening. Some of the alumni in attendance include (from L to R) Jessica Cook ’08, Ashley Barton ’09, Trish Wolfe '12 and Jenni Canterbury ’00 and her daughter Alice. To get involved with the chapter please contact them at beckleyalumni@mycu.concord.edu or find them on Facebook under Beckley & Beyond Concord University Alumni.
Shepherdstown Alumni from all over the Northern VA/DC/ Eastern Panhandle area gathered in Shepherdstown, WV on November 15th to witness a historic day in Concord football history. Attendees enjoyed a pregame tailgate on campus before heading over to the football stadium. Alumni joined students, football parents and other CU supporters in cheering on the Mountain Lions to a thrilling 29-20 overtime win over the Shepherd Rams. With this win Concord finished the regular season undefeated, captured the MEC conference championship and secured a first round bye and home field advantage in the playoffs.
Athens Concord had the opportunity to host two playoff games during the football team’s 2014 season. On November 29th CU hosted West Chester University of PA and on December 6th they hosted Bloomsburg University. The Advancement office and Aramark Dining Services hosted tailgates at Callaghan Stadium for both games and a number of alumni and friends of Concord came out to support CU for these history making games. The Advancement office also hosted a game watching party at University Point on December 13th when Concord played in the NCAA Division II national semi-final game against Minnesota State University- Mankato. Even though the Mt. Lions season ended that day, alumni, staff and students enjoyed watching the game and cheering on the team together.
Spring 2015 • 4
AlumniEvents
COMING IN 2015 Phi Sigma Epsilon Phi Sigma Epsilon will celebrate its 55th anniversary the weekend of May 15-17, 2015. Activities include a Friday night gathering at a cabin at Pipestem State Park and a dinner on Saturday. A block of rooms is being held at Pipestem until mid-April for those needing a place to stay. Call 1-800-CALLWVA for reservations and email John Lecco ’79 at jlec@carolina.rr.com with questions about the weekend.
Check us out
ONLINE Check out the new Concord University Alumni Association website for all your up-to-date alumni news and updates. Please visit: www.concord universityalumni.com
5 • Spring 2015
Yankee Chapter The Yankee alumni chapter will hold its annual gathering in New York City the weekend of June 5-7, 2015. Activities planned for the weekend include an alumni gathering on Friday evening, a Circle Line trip around Manhattan and a Yankee game on Saturday night. For details on the weekend contact chapter president, Bob Gallione ’68 at rgallione@aol.com
C onc or d Un i v ersi t y A l u m n i A s s o c i at i o n , I n c . Award Nomination Form The CUAA gives out four awards each year to alumni who have gone above and beyond with their commitment to Concord University, their profession and their community. Concord alumni can be nominated for the following awards:
1 2 3 4
Alumnus of the Year—given to a member of the CUAA who has contributed their time and/or talents to Concord University and the Concord University Alumni Association.
Outstanding Alumnus—given to a Concord alumnus who has made outstanding accomplishments in their professional and civic life. Golden Alumnus—given to a member of the CUAA who has contributed their time and/or talents to Concord University and the CUAA with no less than 25 years of service to the University community.
Young Alumnus—given to a Concord alumnus who has demonstrated distinctive achievement in their career, civic involvement, or both and who is no more than 15 years past graduation.
CU Alumni Association, Inc. Award Nomination Form
Nominee:____________________________________________________________________________ Class Year: ______________________________ Award:_______________________________________________________________________________
I am nominating this person because: (Please attach a separate sheet if needed)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your Name:__________________________________________________________________________ Class Year:______________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________ Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, March 31, 2015.
Please email your nomination to alumni@concord.edu, or cut out this form and mail it to: CUAA, Campus Box 83, Concord University, P.O. Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712. Award nominations can also be submitted electronically. Visit www.concord.edu/advancement/alumni-association and click on the “Concord University Alumni Association Award Nomination Form” to submit your nomination today! Spring 2015 • 6
ATTENTION
ALUMNI!
The Concord University Alumni Association has a number of alumni chapters that are always looking for new members. If you live in any of the following areas, we hope you will consider joining your local alumni chapter: 1. Pine Trees Chapter (southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia counties) pinetreesalumnichapter@hotmail.com
2. Beckley & Beyond Chapter (Raleigh, Summers, Greenbrier, Wyoming and the southern half of Fayette counties) beckleyalumni@mycu.concord.edu
3. Greater Kanawha Valley Chapter (Kanawha, Boone, Cabell, Putnam, Clay, Lincoln and the northern half of Fayette counties) charlestonalumni@mycu.concord.edu 4. Yankee Chapter (Northern States - NY, NJ, DE, MA, CT, RI, ME, VT, NH, PA) rgallione@aol.com 5. CU Employees Chapter alumniemployees@mycu.concord.edu
6. Roanoke / New River Valley Chapter swvirginiaalumni@mycu.concord.edu The Alumni Office is also in communication with alumni in the following areas regarding starting a new chapter or reorganizing an old chapter:
• Charlotte, NC
• Northern VA/ Washington, DC/Eastern Panhandle of WV
Now, even more ways you can donate to or join the CUAA!
• Florida
• Morgantown, WV
If you are interested in being a part of any of these chapters please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@concord.edu or 304-384-5348.
Alumni E-mail Accounts
Help Graduates Stay Connected to CU Beginning with the May 2014 class, all CU graduates will automatically receive an alumni e-mail account. Individuals graduating prior to May 2014 will be able to request the service. This is a great way for alumni to stay connected to Concord. The account offers 50 GB of e-mail storage and 25GB of
Help Us
document storage on OneDrive. The “mycu.concord.edu” email account the alum used as a student will continue to be valid as well. The handle or username will remain the same with the new alumni account. For example, smithj15@mycu. concord.edu becomes smithj15@ alumni.concord.edu as an alumni e-mail account.
Information is sent to all new graduates about the new alumni account including a link to a tutorial about its use. For alums graduating prior to May 2014, request your new alumni e-mail account by going to https://apps.concord.edu/ machform35/view.php?id=72399
Rescue a Lost Mountain Lion! While the Alumni Office makes every effort to keep in touch with all Concord alumni, we know there are some alums for which we do 7 • Spring 2015
not have a current mailing address, phone number and/or email address. If you know of any alums who do not receive the Alumni
Magazine, please contact us at alumni@concord.edu or 304-3846311 and let us know.
Concordians were invited to join the “I Heart CU” campaign during the month of February 2015 and share why they love Concord. Social media messages, special notes decorating the Welcome Center in the Student Center and photo ops with friends and colleagues added to the fun. For more information on the campaign, visit www.concord.edu/advancement/i-heart-cu
Apron Sales Supporting
Senior Dinners
U BBQ aprons are being sold to help support our two annual senior dinners. The dinners have become a special event for our graduating students to close out their time at Concord. We need your support to continue making the evening special for our graduates and their guests. Cost of the apron is $15. If you'd like us to mail an apron to you or to someone else, we'll be glad to do so
for an additional $4. Just provide us with the correct mailing information. Wouldn't that be a great surprise for your favorite Concord alum or student? And, don’t forget yourself when ordering aprons. A limited supply is available. Please place your order by emailing it to: careerservices@concord.edu. Your support of this project is sincerely appreciated.
Career Services Blog Series
Features Advice from Alums he Alumni and Career Services offices have launched a new program in 2015 – the Career Services Blog Series. Each month a different alum will be sharing advice related to their career, the job search process and/or how Concord helped prepare them for their career. Their
posts will be featured on Concord’s website and through our social media outlets. To read about how Concord prepared alums for their professional life go to: http://hub. concord.edu/career-services/ career-services-blog-series Spring 2015 • 8
A n d O t h er H ol i d ay Fe s t i v i t i e s
9 • Spring 2015
CU Celebrates the Season with
Holiday Open House
G
uests enjoyed an evening of music, refreshments and festive fun at the annual Holiday Open House at University Point on Dec. 2. CU student vocalists and musicians, including the ConChords and the brass and jazz ensembles, provided entertainment. Santa Claus, ready to hear wish lists from children, settled in for the evening in the Erickson Alumni Lounge. Children of all ages enjoyed decorating cookies in the Seminar Room. The Holiday Hall of Trees, which was located in the Pais Fellowship Hall, added to the charm of the evening. Theme for 2014 was “Colors of Christmas.” Various offices, departments and organizations across campus shared their talents to decorate the trees. To view trees, please see next page.
At the Holiday Open House, talking with Santa, live holiday music and decorating cookies foster a fun time for all. Spring 2015 • 10
“Colors of Christmas” was 2014's theme for the Holiday Hall of Trees. Top row (left to right): Office of Advancement, President’s Office, Child Development Center, CU Bookstore Middle row (left to right): Financial Aid Office, Athletics Department, IT Services, Housing Office Bottom row (left to right): Registrar’s Office, Student Support Services
11 • Spring 2015
ANGELS’ ‘
CU Community Overflows with Generosity for
early a dozen bicycles and bag after bag of gifts overflow around the Christmas tree in the Student Center lobby. This outpouring of holiday generosity is the Concord community’s 2014 contribution to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Lynnis Hill, Concord employee and coordinator of the gift drive, is shown here, surrounded by donations as she awaits the arrival of Salvation Army personnel to collect the items for distribution to area children in need. Lynnis says Concord has participated in this program since 1988 and like each year, she thanks all who contributed and made the activity a success.
GiftIdeas
Support the CUAA “The Campus Beautiful” is a print by well-known artist P. Buckley Moss produced especially for Concord University in conjunction with the Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. Print size is 11”x13”. Cost is $100 with $15 shipping and handling for each print.
Make all checks payable to: Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. Mail to: CUAA, Campus Box 83, PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712. When ordering, please include your name, phone number, email address, and a street address for shipping.
Anyone who joins the CUAA as a Lifetime member will receive a Moss print as their membership gift while supplies last.
Spring 2015 • 12
Gingerbread House Party Supports Senior Dinner
uaint, charming, delightful and full of holiday cheer… each of these words describes the gingerbread houses decorated during Concord’s firstever Gingerbread House Party – Girls’ Night Out. The event was held on Dec. 11 at the President’s House. Guests enjoyed decorating their own gingerbread houses while helping support the Senior Dinner at Concord.
Counterclockwise from top left: Dr. Kendra Boggess; Dr. Charlotte Davis; Ashleigh Price ’14 and her mother Alicia Price ’83, Tonya McFadden ‘87; all the ladies enjoying this first event of its kind.
13 • Spring 2015
Fall 2014 Grads Celebrate Milestone
at Senior Dinner
he Career/Advancement Services Office hosted the Senior Dinner on Dec. 4. This special event is held in honor of the soon-to-be graduates each semester. The evening featured a delicious meal prepared by Aramark along with door prizes and gifts for the seniors. Following the dinner, the seniors received their caps and gowns which were steamed by members of the CU community.
Clockwise starting with top center: Kayla Bolen; Brenda Gail Epling, Michelle Hylton, and Stacy Quesenberry; Mark Borromeo and Brittany Loveless; Corey Boothe (center), his mother (left), and Katie Pennington (right); Erin Cook and Kristen Shafer
DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that ordering your Concord alumni gear is as easy as a few clicks of the mouse? Anyone can order Concord items through the Concord University Bookstore website. Just visit http://concord.bkstr.com to see what is available and to place your order. This service allows alums to show their Concord pride no matter where they are! Spring 2015 • 14
15 • Spring 2015
Sixteenth Annual Fall Commencement
Betty Wilkes ’41 Receives Honorary Doctorate
oncord University held its Sixteenth Annual Fall Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014. The ceremony began at 11 a.m. in the main gym of the Leslie R. and Ruby Webb Carter Center. Graduate and undergraduate candidates meeting requirements for graduation in December 2014 participated. Concord’s registrar’s office reports that nine graduate candidates applied for graduation along with 148 undergraduate candidates. Valedictorian for the Fall 2014 class is Joshua Paul Beverly of Beckley, W.Va. Beverly received two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Education, summa cum laude, and a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude. His majors were Secondary Education with a Mathematics 5-Adult teaching field, and Mathematics Comprehensive with a minor in statistics. Beverly plans to attend graduate school in the fall. He is currently employed full-time teaching math at a local high school through a program at Concord. An honorary doctorate was presented to Ms. Betty J. Wilkes of Beckley. Wilkes, who graduated
Top to bottom, left to right: Large crowds were in attendance in December to celebrate this milestone for CU's newest alumni; Sam Dobson expresses his excitement; Art professor Jack Sheffler and his student, Adam Weaver; President Boggess gives words of wisdom and encouragement to the graduates.
Spring 2015 • 16
Above: Students get creative with their caps. Below: Clockwise from top left: Tyler Farley; Shawnee Carnett and her fiancé Brandon; valedictorian Joshua Paul Beverly gives words to the graduates; and Erin Cook with her family after the ceremony.
17 • Spring 2015
from Concord in 1941, received the degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa. (Ms. Wilkes was unable to attend the ceremony.) She was recognized for her dedication to education, philanthropy, and community service. After earning her undergraduate degree from Concord and a master’s degree from West Virginia University, she devoted her professional life to education. Her teaching career in Raleigh County, West Virginia spanned more than 40 years. Her community service, volunteerism and philanthropic heart are legendary in southern West Virginia. She has been honored with numerous awards including the YMCA of Southern West Virginia’s Spirit of Beckley Community Service Award and the Concord University Alumni Association’s Golden Alumnus Award. Both honors she shared with her late sister, Joan Wilkes, who graduated from Concord in 1942. The Wilkes’ generosity extends to their alma mater with a long history of support for alumni, students and all Concordians. The Wilkes Family Chapel in University Point is named in honor of the extraordinary support and contributions Betty and Joan provided to Concord and to the field of education. This legacy of giving is further reflected in the collection of carnival glass that belonged to their late sister, Grace Wilkes, and that is displayed in the Wilkes Museum in University Point. A reception was held in the Carter Center small gym following the ceremony. To see a list of candidates for graduation go to: http://hub.concord.edu/ news/2014/12/13/concorduniversity-holds-sixteenth-fallcommencement
Geologic Travels in North Carolina
A Visit to the Past
Stone Mountain, N.C. is a granite body that formed more than six miles deep during the collision of Africa with North America.
tudents enrolled in GEOL 215 (Field Studies in Appalachian Geology) ventured across North Carolina for two weeks during the summer of 2014. The class is open to both majors and non-majors who are interested in understanding the rise and fall of the Appalachians and older mountain belts that once stood on the eastern margin of our continent. During the trip, students were able to examine fragmental evidence that records the geologic history of the Appalachian region over the past billion years. The class traveled by van and camped at several state parks from the western Blue Ridge to the sandy shores of a barrier island. The students saw evidence for the past existence and break-up of two enormous “supercontinents,”
Members of the class examine a fault (break in the Earth’s crust) that formed at Linville Falls, N.C., during the collision of Africa with North America.
Students examine an outcrop of limestone on the beach at Fort Fisher State Park, N.C., which is part of the record of the opening of the modern Atlantic Ocean.
including a supercontinent called Pangaea that formed the modern Appalachian Mountains and an older supercontinent called Rodinia. Rodinia formed a billion years ago when another continent collided with the eastern margin of what is now North America. This event created a mountain belt where the two continents met. Although the mountains have long-since eroded away, bent rocks and minerals that form in the deep roots of the mountains were uplifted and are now preserved in scattered locations throughout the modern Appalachians. These rocks are now buried deep beneath West Virginia and have been observed in some deep oil and gas wells in our state. Rodinia gradually broke apart between 700 and 600 million years ago as the colliding continent drifted away and opened an ancient ocean basin called the Iapetus Ocean. The supercontinent of Pangaea then formed as the ocean basin began to
close between 400 and 300 million years ago. During this closure, several volcanic islands and the entire continent of Africa collided with the eastern margin of our continent. This event crumpled the upper layers of the Earth like two rugs pushed together on a polished wooden floor and formed the modern Appalachians. Pangaea then began to break up about 200 million years ago as Africa drifted away to the east. This marked the opening of the modern Atlantic Ocean. Students examined sediments left behind as a result of this event on the coastal plain between Raleigh and Wilmington, N.C. The class will be offered again during the summer of 2016. Submitted by: Joseph L. Allen, Ph.D. Professor of Geology Chair, Department of Physical Sciences
Spring 2015 • 18
19 • Spring 2015
CONCORD CHARLIE PREDICTS AN EARLY SPRING Coach Garin Justice Serves as Grand Groundhog Watcher at Annual Breakfast
t’s official! Concord Charlie predicted an early spring.
Concord University President Dr. Kendra Boggess relayed the famed groundhog’s weather forecast to guests gathered for the 37th Annual Concord University Groundhog Day Breakfast held Monday, Feb. 2, 2015 in University Point’s Pais Fellowship Hall on the Athens campus. President Boggess informed those at the breakfast that Charlie told her early on Groundhog Day morning that “we could look forward to an early spring because there simply was no sunshine to be seen.” The president told the crowd how she had been “studying” groundhogs and learned
Clockwise starting from top: Friends and family of Concord come out to enjoy the Groundhog Day Breakfast; Grand Groundhog Watcher Coach Garin Justice; President Emeritus Jerry Beasley; the food is always a highlight of the morning.
Spring 2015 • 20
Clockwise starting from the top: Coach Justice being recognized as this year's Grand Groundhog Watcher by CU Alumni Director, Sarah Turner; Concord Charlie and Charlene made an appearance; President Boggess gives Charlie's prediction; Roar enjoying himself at the breakfast; Dr. Jon Stout '79 (left) and Mr. Ben Faulkner '79 attended the first ever Groundhog Day Breakfast as students; a local television weather team eagerly awaits Charlie’s prediction.
21 • Spring 2015
they are known in some circles as “whistle pigs” and in others as “woodchucks.” She said, “You learn a lot when a groundhog burrows in your office all year long.” According to Groundhog Day tradition, if the groundhog sees his shadow the morning of Feb. 2, six more weeks of winter can be expected. An early spring will be on the way if he doesn’t see his shadow. Concord Charlie has been the official predictor of the coming of spring for 37 years on Groundhog Day at the Campus Beautiful. The Concord Charlie tradition was originated in 1978 by the late Professor R.T. “Tom” Hill. As chairman of both the geography department and the Appalachian Studies program at Concord, Hill started the Groundhog Day Breakfast as a means to celebrate a bit of Appalachian heritage and highlight the program. Charlie shared the spotlight at the breakfast with the 2015 Grand Groundhog Watcher, Mountain Lion Head Football Coach Garin Justice. Justice led Concord University through an unprecedented season in 2014 that included a conference championship, region championship and an appearance in the national semifinals. For these accomplishments in 2014, he was named the Mountain East Conference Coach of the Year and the Don Hansen Football Gazette Super Region One Coach of the Year. Justice inspired the group by speaking about overcoming adversity, beating the odds and never giving up. The theme of his talk was “Living in Vision…Not in Circumstance.” He said, “I am humbled and honored to be named the Grand Groundhog Watcher although I’m not exactly sure what my duties are with that title. I am here today because our team was great – not because ‘I’ was great.”
Plans Underway
for 7th Annual Career Symposium
ooking for a way to give back to your alma mater? Planning to come back to campus for homecoming in 2015? Plans are underway for our seventh annual Career Symposium. The event is traditionally hosted on the Friday before homecoming with upwards of 50 alums volunteering their time to return to campus to talk with current CU students and offer advice from their own experiences. While we have not yet identified which divisions will seek presenters for their students, we encourage you to start thinking
about returning to campus to participate in this program. Over the years this is one event that is always highly ranked and students talk for days about what a particular alum said. It is a tremendous learning experience for students, but alums walk away with a better idea of what to expect from future employees as well. Plus, it’s also a great day to interact with your former professors and share current industry information with each other. The Career Symposium will be scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9, with
homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 10. Further details will be forthcoming on the Concord homepage, www. concord.edu and shared on official Concord media sites with registration to be completed easily on-line. We hope you’ll consider giving back to your alma mater by sharing your insight and wisdom with our current students. If you have questions about this event, please feel welcome to contact the Career Services Office by calling 304-384-5325 or emailing: careerservices@concord.edu
Pine Trees
Alumni Chapter
The chapter invites alumni to join their membership. The mission is to promote scholarships and events held by the Concord University Alumni Association. Dues are $10 yearly. Contact: pinetreesalumnichapter@hotmail.com
Find Our Magazines
On the Web
Look for archived copies of the Concord University Alumni Magazine on CU’s website at: http://www.concord.edu/advancement/publications
Spring 2015 • 22
Tom Davis ’68
Receives Veterans Advocate of the Year Honor
oncord graduate and adjunct faculty member Tom Davis received the Veterans Advocate of the Year Award during Concord’s Veterans Appreciation Ceremony on Nov. 12, 2014. The program, sponsored by the Concord Veterans Committee, was held in the Wilkes Family Chapel in University Point. John Marcum, Concord veterans advocate, offered the greeting. President Kendra Boggess presented remarks on behalf of the University. The PikeView High School JROTC presented the colors. A reception followed the program in the Presidents Room of the Marsh Library. Davis graduated from Concord in 1968. The day following graduation, he received his draft notice during the Vietnam War. He says he immediately decided to join the U.S. Navy. He served in the Navy from 1968 through 1989, with one year out of the Navy (broken service). Tom married Carol Huffman in 1970, and she was with him during his stint in the Navy. They had a daughter, Heather. His military career included four years on a nuclear submarine, six years on submarine repair ships, and shore duty in Charleston, S.C. Davis became a Chief Petty Officer in 1983 and in 1986, he became a commissioned Chief Warrant Officer. He continued his education by obtaining a master’s degree from the Citadel in Charleston while he was on shore duty there. He retired in September 1989. From late 1989 through 1990,
23 • Spring 2015
Davis taught at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W.Va. In 1992, he was hired as an adjunct instructor in Concord’s Biology Department and has been teaching at the University since then. From 1994 through 2001, he coached cross country and track for Concord. He is a resident of Athens, W.Va.
Top: Dr. Boggess. Below (left to right): Concord veterans advocate, John Marcum shares remarks; Tom Davis '68, the 2014 Veterans Advocate of the Year award recipient.
Dr. Boggess, Carol Davis, Tom Davis, and John Marcum pose for a photo after the ceremony.
Concord University Recognized
With National Honor for Community Service
oncord University has been named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Concord is honored in the General Community Service category. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) announced the Honor Roll in December. According to CNCS, “the General Community Service category recognizes institutions that have made a commitment to improving the quality of life of off-campus community residents, particularly low-income individuals.” The CNCS says that service in this category includes activities addressing “education, health, economic opportunity, the environment, disaster preparedness or other human needs including support for veterans and military families.” Concord highlighted the following three programs in the application for the award:
Houston Company Store Project. Through a WV Campus Compact LINK grant, Dr. Susan Williams, social sciences division chair, and her students were paired with the McDowell County Economic Development Authority to assist with developing a business plan for sustainability and a marketing plan for the Houston Company Store located in Kimball, W.Va. The Store holds historical significance for McDowell County and is an architectural example of West Virginia’s coal field heritage. The students spent time in the community and with the townspeople, inspiring the students
to develop ideas for businesses and a museum that would be financially self-sufficient and restore the structure as the iconic center of the community. The project culminated with a final town meeting and a community picnic.
Beckley Women’s Resource Center Collaboration. Under the guidance of Ms. Lori Pace, Concord sociology instructor, CU’s Beckley students have created a long-term relationship of awareness and service with the Women’s Resource Center in Beckley, W.Va. Students participated in awareness events, such as hanging purple ribbons in the downtown area to promote Domestic Violence Awareness month, and various fundraising activities that benefited the center’s operations. Additionally, staff at the WRC have participated in classroom activities and become co-educators for the students, providing them with direct knowledge of the subject matter in real-world situations as seen through the work of the Women’s Resource Center.
Athens Elementary School Collaboration. There are two focus areas to this collaboration: the sitebased school program, a component of CU’s Teacher Education program, and the Bonner Scholars community service program. The site-based school program allows for CU Education faculty to provide instruction to college students in elementary methods courses on-site at the Athens Elementary School. The teacher candidates participate in required classroom activities and then move directly to assigned
classrooms where they practice strategies and methods with the support of the classroom teacher. The Bonner Scholars program provides the school with student volunteers who serve as classroom aides and one-on-one tutors. The scholars also help with special projects and events and provide support to teachers, the librarian and the administrative staff.
The following quote is taken from a press release from the CNCS. The press release is located at: http://www.nationalservice.gov/ newsroom/press-releases/2014/ four-colleges-and-universitiesearn-presidential-honorcommunity “Inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll highlights the role colleges and universities play in solving community challenges. As a result, more students are likely to pursue a lifelong path of civic engagement that achieves meaningful and measurable outcomes in their communities. CNCS, the federal agency for volunteering and service, has administered the award since 2006 in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the American Council on Education, Campus Compact, and the Interfaith Youth Core.” Spring 2015 • 24
Division of Business
Business Advisory Council
The Business Advisory Council (BAC) offers a wealth of business experience that assists Concord University’s Division of Business in the execution of its mission and goals. The Council provides consultation advice for the continuous improvement of programs and curriculum and helps keep the faculty informed of new business trends and practices. The Council also helps students identify internship and career opportunities and works with students providing career planning advice. Sam Baker Sam Baker graduated from Concord in 1978. He owns a number of businesses in West Virginia and North Carolina including the Sam Baker Agency (insurance); Premier Property Development LLC; and, Liberty Tax Service. Mr. Baker has received multiple industry awards such as Presidents Conference and Champion Club along with Service Agency of the Year. His community service involves the Chamber of Commerce, animal welfare organizations, and, Catholic Charities. He splits his time between Princeton, W.Va. and Mooresville, N.C.
Matthew Belcher Matthew Belcher graduated from Concord in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in business. He is currently enrolled at Marshall University where he is pursuing an MBA with an expected completion date of December 2015. Mr. Belcher is a lease analyst for Energy Corporation of America, an oil and gas company in Charleston, W.Va. He is a resident of Kanawha City, Charleston. When he is not working or studying, during the summer he coaches classes at his local gym, CrossFitWV. 25 • Spring 2015
Gary Brown Gary Brown graduated from Concord in 2003 earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in accounting and finance. He is the Small Business Lending Director at First Community Bank (FCB). Among his achievements at FCB is being named the recipient of the 2009 People’s Choice Award. His community and civic involvement includes participation with the Mercer County 4-H Leaders Association. He is a resident of Princeton, W.Va.
Vince Cali Vince Cali is past Chairperson of the Business Advisory Council. He graduated from Concord in 1970 and received an MBA from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1973. Mr. Cali spent the majority of his professional career with Deloitte and Touche, where he was a management consulting partner and a member of the global leadership as deputy to the global CEO. He is a resident of Spicewood, Texas, located outside of Austin, where he serves on the board of Greenlights for Non-Profits.
Deborah D. Clark Deborah D. Clark earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from Marshall University. She continues to teach in retirement as an adjunct faculty member on the university level. Ms. Clark is a resident of Hinton, W.Va., where she serves the community through the Hinton Area Foundation, Summers County Board of Education, Hinton Kiwanis Club and other organizations. She has received numerous honors in the field of education including being named a State Level Awardee of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching.
Linda B. Cox Linda B. Cox has served as Chairperson of the Business Advisory Council. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Concord in 1972 and completed graduate work with the WV College of Graduate Studies and Marshall University. She is Director of Technical and Adult Education for Mercer County Schools. Ms. Cox is past president of the Bluefield Rotary Club and past chairperson of the Princeton-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. She is also a Paul Harris Fellow. A resident of Princeton, W.Va., she attends Johnston Chapel Baptist Church.
William C. “Bill” Hopkins William C. "Bill" Hopkins graduated from Concord University in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting and finance. He is a regional president with First Community Bank for the Southern Region in Princeton, W.Va. Mr. Hopkins is a member of the Princeton Rotary Club; a board and executive committee member of the Mercer County Development Authority; and a past board member of the Princeton-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. An Athens, W.Va. resident, he is a member of Lerona United Methodist Church. Spring 2015 • 26
David Kirk David Kirk is funeral director at Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton, W.Va. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bluefield College and attended Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. A Princeton resident, he is past chairman of the Princeton-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; past president of the Princeton Rotary Club; and a member of the Board of Directors of Princeton Health Care Center. He also holds leadership roles with the WV Funeral Directors Association and the Princeton Independent Funeral Homes Association and is past treasurer of Generation GAP.
Jason Lunsford Jason Lunsford graduated from Concord in 1999. He furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from Marshall University. A resident of Charleston, W.Va., he is a Financial Advisor with Dixon Hughes Goodman Wealth Advisors. Mr. Lunsford is president of the board for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a board member of the Schoenbaum Family Enrichment Center. He is also a member of the Concord University Foundation Board of Directors.
D. Cole Malcolm D. Cole Malcolm received a degree in business with an emphasis in accounting and finance from Concord in 2003 and an MBA from Morehead State University. He is a Senior Manager in the Assurance practice at Dixon Hughes Goodman in Charleston, W.Va. He is a graduate of Leadership West Virginia (Class of 2013), a board member for Fund for the Art’s based in Charleston and the treasurer of South Hills Soccer Association. He is actively involved in his local church, Elizabeth Memorial UMC. He lives in South Charleston, W.Va.
Christy Elliott McGinnis Christy Elliott McGinnis is a commercial banker with BB&T in Charleston, W.Va. She received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Concord in 2004. A resident of the Charleston area, she has served as chair of the Charleston Dinner Committee and as an officer and member of the Greater Kanawha Valley Alumni Chapter. She received CU’s 2014 Young Alumnus Award. A commissioner with the Dunbar Police Civil Service Commission, she is also a mentor for the YWCA’s Girl Talk program.
Tina Bragg McPhail Tina Bragg McPhail is Chairperson of the Business Advisory Council. She graduated from Concord in 1991 with a degree in business and earned an Executive MBA from West Virginia University. Ms. McPhail is the Chief Financial Officer for Triad Engineering, Inc. She holds the Chartered Global Management designation for management accountants. A resident of Charleston, W.Va., she is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Center for Employee Ownership and Morris Memorial United Methodist Church. 27 • Spring 2015
Charles W. Pace Charles W. Pace received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marshall University and a law degree from West Virginia University College of Law. Now retired, he established a distinguished career as an attorney and an accountant that spanned more than 40 years. He served as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Mercer County and Judge of the City of Princeton Municipal Court. Mr. Pace also served on the Concord University Foundation Board of Directors. He lives in Princeton, W.Va. and volunteers with community and church activities.
Andrew Prince Andrew Prince graduated from Concord in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Furthering his education, he earned a Master of Professional Accountancy from West Virginia University. He is a staff auditor with Elliott Davis Decosimo, PLLC. Mr. Prince counts among his community and civic involvement work with Raleigh Rescue Mission, Ronald McDonald House, the American Heart Association, and First Night Raleigh. He is a resident of Raleigh, N.C.
Ralph Conley Salyer, Jr. Ralph Conley Salyer, Jr. earned a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta University and studied law at Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University and Marshall/Wythe School of Law, College of William & Mary. He is a self-employed attorney and business consultant in Lexington, Ky. Mr. Salyer is President of the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers and a member of the Order of the Curia. He is financial secretary of his church and a member of the Kentucky Center for Performance Excellence and the Rotary Club.
William D. Sorg William D. Sorg received a BBA from Marshall University and an MBA from Pepperdine University. He is a retired businessman and lives in Hinton, W.Va. Mr. Sorg is a member of the local and regional advisory councils for Appalachian Regional Hospital. His community involvement also includes service with the Hinton Area Foundation and Graham House Preservation Society. An active member of Hinton First United Methodist Church, he serves as chair of the Endowment Committee, Finance Committee and the Methodist Men.
Andrea L. Tabor Andrea L. Tabor graduated from Concord in 1993 earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance. Her career is currently devoted to her alma mater as she is the Associate Director of Admissions at Concord. She is a resident of Athens, W.Va. Among her honors and awards is recognition from Concord for Leadership and Initiative by Outstanding and Noteworthy Service.
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Concord Art Educators
Honored During WVAEA State Conference
oncord University Associate Professor of Art Dr. Lauri Reidmiller was named the 2014 West Virginia Higher Education Art Educator of the Year by the West Virginia Art Education Association (WVAEA). This award recognizes excellence in teaching, leadership, and contribution to the field of art education at the university and state level. This is the third time Dr. Reidmiller has received this honor. Presentation of the award was made during the WVAEA 2014 State Conference held at the Parkersburg Art Center Oct. 17-18. Kimberly Sexton ’14 and Wayne “David” Poticher III ’13 were also honored at the conference. Mrs. Sexton received the West Virginia 2014 Higher Education Art Education Student of the Year Award. This award recognizes contribution to the field of art education at the university level. Mrs. Sexton, who graduated in Fall 2014, was a student teacher in Raleigh County (W.Va.) when she received the award. She is also the recipient of the 2014 Outstanding Senior in Art Education Award given by Concord University’s Art Department. Mr. Poticher was named the West Virginia 2014 Elementary School Art Educator of the Year for exemplary teaching performance in the classroom. He is a recent graduate of Concord University’s Art Education program and teaches at Rainelle Elementary and Crichton Elementary. Mr. Poticher is also the recipient of the 2013 Outstanding
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Art Educator in the Field Award given by Concord University’s Art Department. “The recipients of these awards are multi-talented, hardworking and dedicated educators who embody why art education is so vital. They have both served as presidents of the Concord University National Art Education Association Student Chapter, presented at state conferences, traveled with me to national conferences and serve their local communities,” Dr. Reidmiller said. “My goals are to increase public awareness of the importance of quality art education. My instruction is designed to set high standards and show my students how these can be achieved. Kimberly and David exemplify what I teach.”
Kimberly Sexton ’14 (left) receives the Higher Education Art Education Student of the Year Award from WVAEA president-elect Jennifer Yerdon LeJeune.
Dr. Lauri Reidmiller (left) receives the Higher Education Art Educator of the Year Award from WVAEA presidentelect Jennifer Yerdon LeJeune.
Wayne “David” Poticher III ’13 receives the Elementary School Art Educator of the Year Award.
Concord University Team Places First In SERMACS College Chemistry Bowl
team of four Concord University students won first place at the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (SERMACS) College Chemistry Bowl held October 16-19 in Nashville, Tenn. Lucas Bolyard, Katherine Engo, Stacy Farley and Jesse Kidd took top honors following several rounds of a quiz bowl competition fashioned after the classic General Electric Television show “College Bowl.” The four students are members of Concord University’s American Chemical Society and were joined at the 66th SERMACS by fellow CU student members Rachel Bishop and Katherine Collins. During the meeting, the students attended seminars and poster sessions focused on various areas of chemical research, and visited with job recruiters and graduate school representatives. Stacy Farley presented a poster titled “Immunoglobulin G biosensor based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering.” The poster presented the results from her research conducted during the summer at West Virginia University as part of the NanoSAFE REU program. Jesse Kidd presented a poster titled “Mechanical activation of
Members of Concord University’s championship College Chemistry Bowl team shown left to right are: Stacy Farley, Jesse Kidd, Katherine Engo and Lucas Bolyard.
covalently linked spiropyran in PDMS networks.” His poster also presented results from his summer research experience. Jesse participated in CCMR REU at Cornell University. Stacy and Jesse are participants in the McNair Scholars Program, which prepares undergraduates for the graduate school application
process and the graduate school experience. Accompanying the students were Concord faculty members Dr. Dana Alloway, associate professor of chemistry; Dr. Kimberly Chambers, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry; and Dr. Darrell Crick, associate professor of chemistry. Spring 2015 • 30
Beckley Dinner Features Rocket Boy Roy Lee Cooke as Speaker he Inaugural Concord University Foundation, Inc. Beckley Dinner was held Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 at Tamarack in Beckley, W.Va. Roy Lee Cooke, one of the original Rocket Boys, was the Keynote Speaker. Pam Wallace, representing Concord’s Beckley campus, served as Student Speaker. Musical entertainment was provided by Dr. David Ball and the Concord University Jazz Ensemble. The fundraiser supports student scholarships, campus improvements, and additional benefits for Concord University. Sponsors for the Beckley Dinner include: Andre Nabors; Arnett Foster Toothman – Bill McKee; Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital; Bessie’s Floral Design; Beaver Coal Company, Limited; Jamie Biggs; BrownEdwards, Certified Public Accountants; First Century Bank; First Community Bank; Kirby – Lester – Mazelon Financial Advisors; David and Sandy Kirby; Brad Lane; Doug Maddy; Nationwide Insurance – Sam Baker; Ted and Susie Rogers; Robert and Margaret Sayre; The Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation; John David Smith; and, WVNS-TV.
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Clockwise from top left: One of the original Rocket Boys, Roy Lee Cooke was the featured speaker for the night, Rick and Tara Taylor , Pam and Thomas Wallace; the Concord University Jazz Ensemble; Doug Maddy speaks to the dinner guests.
Shop to Support Concord
through AmazonSmile Program
mazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets customers enjoy the same wide selection of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on Amazon.com. The difference is that when customers shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon. com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5 percent of the price of eligible purchases to the
charitable organizations selected by customers. You shop. Amazon gives. When you shop at http://smile.amazon. com, Amazon donates to your favorite charitable organization. And of course, that organization is the Concord University Foundation, Inc. It’s easy to give. Choose Concord University Foundation, Inc. as your
organization of choice and shop ‘til you drop. Then, 0.5 percent of every eligible purchase benefits Concord. It is a very small percentage, but with the amount of sales volume that Amazon does, it could add up quickly. It’s just another way to support the programs, mission and scholarships at Concord University!
Concord Participates
in College Goal Sunday
oncord personnel in Athens helped students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during College Goal Sunday on Feb. 15. Concord University was among 24 locations across West Virginia hosting College Goal Sunday workshops. Free tax preparation was provided on-site for students and families completing a FAFSA by CU students participating in the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. A completed income tax return is necessary to complete the FAFSA. The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV), the West Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and several other college access programs including TRIO and GEAR UP work together to coordinate College Goal Sunday. Concord staff and students assist during College Goal Sunday. Spring 2015 • 32
Ella Holroyd Music Scholarship Students Benefit from Legacy of 'Miss Ella' beloved Concord music professor and alumna is remembered by a scholarship in her name. The Ella Holroyd Music Scholarship is offered through the Concord University Alumni Association and is awarded to music/fine arts students attending Concord. Ella Lively Holroyd was born in Athens, W.Va. on Oct. 17, 1885. She was the oldest daughter of Bettie Lively and James French Holroyd. Her parents were children of some of Athens’ pioneer settlers. A gifted musician, “Miss Ella” began sharing her talents as a
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young girl. She started playing the organ at the Athens Methodist Church when she was just 12 years old. She continued as the organist for 25 consecutive years. In 1904, Ella received the first diploma of music granted by Concord Normal School. She spent several years as a public school teacher while also pursing further education in music. Ella attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, the Juilliard School of Music, and the Verdi branch of the Royal Conservatory of Italy. She also received a master’s degree in music from Columbia University. Concord awarded her an honorary Doctor of Music degree in 1964. After an illustrious career as a student at prestigious institutions, Ella returned to Athens and Concord
Ella teaching music at Concord circa 1950
to share her musical talents with her students, neighbors, and friends in the community and the college. She became head of the Concord College music department in 1932. Under her guidance, the department grew from one member to include five instructors. She retired from Concord in 1951. Concord’s Alumni Association honored her with the Golden Alumnus Award in 1963. Dr. Holroyd was named the Outstanding Citizen of Athens by the Athens Woman’s Club in 1976. The award acknowledged her longtime contributions to the cultural life of her hometown. She was 91 years of age at the time and held the title of professor emeritus of Concord College. In her later years she continued to give music lessons, speak to organizations about her life’s experiences, and participate in community events. She passed away in 1981. For additional information about the Ella Holroyd Music Scholarship email alumni@concord.edu or call 304-384-5348.
Eric Hillman ’83 Believes in Giving Back To the School that Gave Him a Chance ric Hillman ’83 gives back to his alma mater because he wants other individuals to have the same opportunity to attend college that he did. He says he is motivated to support Concord University because the school took a chance on him and believed in him. “I was accepted at then Concord College with a pretty heavy financial burden. My dad didn’t prepare for me to go to college, I was a subpar student, and would not have been able to pay tuition,” Hillman said. “My whole college career was made possible through grants, summer jobs, winter jobs, what my dad could afford, and being an art tutor for students at Concord College. “Concord accepted me on a special admittance with the understanding my grades would have to stay above a C average the first semester or I would need to leave. Concord College took a chance on me when I wasn’t sure at the time if I could ever go to college,” he said. Hillman’s success story as an entrepreneur is exemplary. Hillman is co-founder and CEO of Europa Sports Products, the largest sports supplement distributor in the country. His achievement and leadership in his profession and his entrepreneurial vision in the health/nutrition industry have resulted in multiple “Entrepreneur
of the Year” nominations and company growth awards. “One of the main reasons I give back to the University is because I want to give other people the same chance I had,” he said. “It made a big difference in my life, obviously. Who knows what I’d be doing otherwise.” His generosity to Concord has especially benefited Mountain Lion athletics. Following renovations in 2009, the CU football locker room in the Carter Center was named in his honor in August 2010. The “Eric H. Hillman/Jeffery D. Compton Football Locker Room” salutes the support Hillman and his business partner, Jeffery Compton, have provided to Concord. Another facility in the Carter Center also bears the prominent North Carolina businessman’s name. The “Eric H. Hillman ’83 Weight Room” acknowledges his and his company’s contribution of equipment to the gym. Hillman considers the size of Concord’s campus among its best attributes. “CU has everything to offer that a large school does just on a smaller scale,” he said. “The campus environment is incredible, in a remote setting surrounded by forests and mountains.” Concord’s proximity to skiing is a plus as well, he said. Hillman also gives Concord high marks
Eric Hillman '83
for “extracurricular activities like football, hiking, Greek life, caving, etc.” He said that as a student at Concord he participated in these activities. Hillman also belonged to Sigma Tau Gamma and remains an active alumnus of the fraternity. “Nationally, I am on the Board of Trustees for the fraternity and fund the ‘Stan Musial/Eric Hillman Sportsmanship Award’ given yearly at our national convention,” he said. “On the local level, I founded the chapter alumni association and have been the Alumni Advisor for 20 years.” Hillman returned to Concord this past October to serve as Grand Marshal for the Homecoming Parade.
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A r e t h e MOUNTAIN LIONS in your will? Ye s
N o
I d o n’ t h a v e a w i l l
I f y o u a n s w e r e d “YES”. . . If Concord is in your will or other estate plans, please get in touch with the Concord University Foundation, Inc. at 1-304-384-6056 or check out your options online at www.gftpln.org/Home.do?orgId=6307.
I f y o u a n s w e r e d “NO”. . . Think about putting Concord in your plans by making a valuable and meaningful gift that costs nothing today!
I f y o u a n s w e r e d “I DON’T HAVE A WILL”. . .
Then it is time to start planning! Visit www.gftpln.org/Home.do?orgId=6307 for more information on how you can leave a legacy at Concord University.
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Little Free Libraries
Bring Book Exchange to Campus, Town
embers of the Concord and Athens communities are invited to “take a book, leave a book” through the Little Free Library project. With support from the West Virginia Humanities Council, the Town of Athens and Concord University have installed three Little Free Libraries at natural gathering points within the Town and University. The libraries are located at the Athens Post Office, Athens Park, and in front of the CU Student Center. The libraries are intended for residents and Concord students, staff and faculty to give a book and/ or take a book from the attractive boxes through a community book exchange. They were designed and built by local artisans Dale Geiger and Mark Parsell. The official opening of the Little Free Library project was held on Oct. 29, 2014 at the Student Center. Athens Mayor Carol Bard officiated the opening with remarks regarding the project. Mayor Bard said the three Concord/Athens libraries are being well received. “They have been in
Two of the three Little Free Libraries placed around Concord University and the Town of Athens.
use for several months and we have had an excellent response,” she said. “People can take a book and bring a book. We would like to encourage people…to donate more books." She acknowledged donations of books from the Princeton Public Library, Concord’s Marsh Library, the Town of Athens, community groups and individuals. The Little Free Library organization is a not for profit organization whose mission is
Scott Inghram ’03 speaks during the Little Free Library official opening. He has been instrumental in bringing the project to town and campus.
twofold - 1) to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide, and, 2) to build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations. According to the Little Free Library Organization, 10,000 to 12,000 libraries were established between 2009 and 2013. For additional information regarding the Little Free Library Organization, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org
This project is being presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations do not necessarily represent those of the West Virginia Humanities Council or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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Bailey Family’s Ties to Concord Span Generations Editor’s Note:
The Bailey Family is rich in Concord alumni. Looking at the extended family, quite a few members have attended or graduated from this institution. The following article highlights the Concord association of several members of this family showing that the Bailey Family indeed has earned the title, many times over, of Legacy Family.
ilbert Eugene “Gene” Bailey says Concord has been and continues to be his family’s school of choice because of proximity and reputation. “We went to Concord because it was convenient and has a reputation as a good school for education,” Mr. Bailey said. A resident of Mercer County, Gene graduated from Princeton High School and currently lives in Camp Creek, W.Va. His late wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Brock Bailey, also grew up in Princeton where her family ran a popular restaurant. Both Betty and Gene received bachelor’s degrees from Concord. He graduated in 1957 and she graduated in 1958. The Elizabeth Brock Bailey Scholarship Fund has been established at Concord in Betty’s memory. Betty’s mother, Elizabeth Frances Jones Brock, also attended Concord. In addition she attended Berea College and Eastern Kentucky University. She was a public school teacher for more than 20 years. Elizabeth Brock passed away in December 2011 at the age of 102. Her obituary describes her outstanding career as a teacher. “She taught during the Depression and later, in the mid50s, returned to teaching at Kegley, W.Va. Her methods are labeled progressive education today. She
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handled multiple grades in the classroom by having older children tutor younger ones while she focused selective groups on lesson plans in their respective grade,” the obituary states. Through the years, Gene Bailey has established a reputation of distinction and achievement in his career and in his civic and community involvement. He is respected as an educator, government official, business leader, volunteer and neighbor. Along with his Concord degree, Mr. Bailey has pursued graduate work including studies through Marshall University. He has worked as a public school teacher and administrator and has served in local and state government including the West Virginia House of Delegates, Mercer County Board of Education and the Princeton City Council where he served as mayor. The Concord Alumni Association honored him with the Golden Alumnus Award in 2001. He received the Linda Fink Service Award for outstanding contributions to the community in 2004. Gene Bailey continues to own and operate his family’s longtime business, the Bluestone Nursery and Christmas Tree Farm in Camp Creek. For his work with the tree farm, he has been inducted into the West
Gene Bailey '57
Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame. In a Concord issued press release from 2004 announcing the Linda Fink Service Award Mr. Bailey is quoted as saying, “I guess I’ve planted about 500,000 trees in my lifetime. Planting trees is worthwhile, not only in terms of the environment, but because tree growing instills a positive philosophy of life.” Some of these trees have found their way to Concord. The Baileys hold the honor of having trees from their tree farm grace the President’s House at Christmas time during the
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Sara Bailey Stevens '82
Luke Stevens '14 (left) at one of CU's undergraduate research days.
Beasley years. Betty and Gene’s children carried on the family’s tradition of a Concord education. “All my children attended Concord University,” Gene Bailey said. His late daughter, Sara Bailey Stevens, graduated in 1982. Her husband, Dave Stevens, earned a degree in social work from Concord in 1981. Dave followed in his sister Ginny’s footsteps when deciding to attend Concord. “I followed my sister… I started in 1977,” he said. Ginny Stevens Shirley graduated in 1976. “We grew up in Wyoming Country,” Dave said. “I have cousins who are also Concord graduates from Wyoming County.” “I met, Sara, my wife, in the fall of ’79,” he said. “We had two classes together, ‘Marriage and Family’ and ‘Abnormal Psychology,’” he said, jokingly recalling their academic bond. Dave and Sara were married for nearly 32 years until her passing in August 2013.
Sara carried on her family’s legacy of teaching. After she graduated from Concord, she taught at Spanishburg Elementary School in Mercer County for six years. She continued her education by earning a master’s degree from West Virginia University in 1987. Sara home schooled her six children from 1993-2013. She also worked with her family on the Christmas tree farm and was a member of the Board of Directors of the WV Christmas Tree Growers Association. Dave pursued a career in state and federal government. “I retired from the U.S. probation office in 2012,” he said. “I now work with Mr. Bailey on the tree farm.” The latest generation of the family to study at Concord includes Dave and Sara’s children. Daughter Bethany Stevens Johns graduated in 2010 and taught second grade in Loudon County, Va. She is currently a stay-at-home mother. Son Caleb Stevens attended Concord during 2006-2007 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2011. He finished
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flight school and is now a Navy helicopter pilot. Son Luke Stevens graduated cum laude from Concord in May 2014 with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geosciences. As a Concord student, Luke participated in several study/ research trips related to geology. He traveled to Colorado and to Greenland in the summer of 2013. His father Dave reports that Luke is currently in graduate school at East Carolina University furthering his education in geology. The family’s Concord line continues with Luke’s siblings, brother and sister Jesse Stevens and Hannah Stevens, who are current students at the University. Jesse is a communications major and Hannah is studying education. “They are both involved in Campus Crusade,” their father said. The two are also RAs (resident assistants). Younger sister, Libby Stevens, is an eighth grader at PikeView with her sights already set on a college education. Spring 2015 • 38
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Elisabeth “Libby” Alvis
Longtime Concord and Aramark Employee his feature catches up with retired faculty and staff and asks them to update us about their life today while sharing some memories of their days at Concord. Background Ms. Libby Alvis began working in the food services division of Concord University on October 16, 1957, and, as of the date of the dedication of the Dining Hall in her name (May 5, 2008), had worked at Concord for nearly half a century. She has been one of the most recognizable, memorable, and loveable people on campus.
Originally from Hungary, her family escaped to Germany on a cattle train at the end of World War II in 1946 because her grandparents did not want her to grow up under Russian communism. She was 12 at the time. She spent her teenage years in Germany. There, she met her husband, Bob, who was an American soldier from Athens, W.Va. They married in 1953, when she was 19 years old, moved to West Virginia, and raised a family. Often referred to as Concord’s unofficial ambassador, she counts many students, faculty, staff and alumni as her friends. Day after day, she displayed her love and dedication to the students. She befriended and counseled them; often practicing “tough love” when an occasional student misbehaved or made poor choices. The Elisabeth “Libby” Alvis Dining Hall in the CU Student Center is a tribute to Libby’s invaluable contributions of service and compassion to generations of Concordians.
What was it like working in a place that bears your name? Libby: “It was an honor, really. I love the kids.”
What were some of your duties and responsibilities with dining services through the years? Libby worked in several of Concord’s dining service locations including the snack bar and in the cafeteria. Along with her famous position as cashier (and watchdog over the manners of students as they dined in the cafeteria) she helped in the kitchen, assisted with salads, cleaned tables, worked in the “dishroom” and served food. Honors and Activities at Concord
Along with the prestigious honor of being the namesake of the dining hall, Libby also joined the lineup of Concord celebrities leading the Homecoming parade for a number of years. Riding at the head of the parade in a special vehicle, she greeted the crowd and handed out candy. Libby: “It was a funny thing…the kids hollering and screaming ‘Libby.’ I liked it.” Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity honored Libby on Valentine’s Day 2002 by making her their “sweetheart.” What Does Concord Mean to You?
Libby: “This was like a home to me, Concord. That really was like my family. A lot of the children were really sweet. I just loved it. I hated to quit. I just loved the kids. I love the people. I miss it.”
Opposite page: Elisabeth "Libby" Alvis
Spring 2015 • 40
Seeing Former Students
Libby is an unforgettable person and according to her, “I don’t change.” She says she frequently sees former students at the grocery store or Walmart. Glad to see her, they stop to speak. Libby says they ask, “‘Libby, do you remember me?’” She recalls Dr. Jerry Beasley telling her “you are a mother of those children.”
Where do you live now? What are some of your activities and interests as a retiree?
Libby stays busy in retirement enjoying church and community activities and spending time with family and friends. She makes the occasional visit back to The Elisabeth “Libby” Alvis Dining Hall at Concord.
Family
Libby and her late husband, Robert “Bob” Alvis had two sons, one of whom is deceased. She has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Spotlight on
International Alumni
oncord University’s international students and graduates are an important part of the Concord family. Each brings a rich heritage of his or her home country to campus and enriches University life in many ways. We hear again and again of the outstanding accomplishments of our international alumni as they pursue
41 • Spring 2015
graduate and professional degrees and advance in their careers. The Alumni Magazine is setting aside a special space within its pages to highlight the successes of our international graduates. If you are an international alum and would like to share your story with us, please send your information to alumni@concord. edu or Concord University, Office
of Advancement, P.O. Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712. Photos are also welcome. We are also working to update mailing addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for international alumni. If you know of any international alums who do not receive the Alumni Magazine, please contact us at alumni@concord.edu or 304-384-6311.
What is your favorite prank memory from your days at Concord? We toilet papered Scott Sutphin’s truck and the Phi Sigs came after us. - Kara Sutphin '98 We penny locked someone's room so she couldn't get out, and ran a line of baby powder across the bottom of the doorway then used a blow dryer to cover our sister (and the room) in white powder. - Andrea Akers '94 There was a reset button or something like it and when someone was in the shower someone else would press it, causing the lights in the bathroom to go out. Not as funny as most, but not fun when it happens to you. - Randi Nichols '13 I got locked in Genevieve Hatcher's bathroom by Josh Hanna by a hanger and then they turned the lights off on me by the reset button in the foyer! Lauren Manning loves to collect rubber ducks so one day a group of us duct taped all of her rubber ducks all over her walls! - Meagan Lewis '13 I remember a time that we fed toilet paper into the vacuum holes in the dorm hallways! - Brittany Means '12 Before the Towers were built, the Tri-Sigmas occupied the third floor of the New Dorm. I lived in the triple at the end of the hall ("The Suite") with Shirley Hill and Diane Hannah. I was out one Saturday evening (and they weren't), and when I came in, the
lights were out and they were in bed. Careful to be quiet, I went to turn down my bed by the light of a crack in the door. My lovely sisters had sewn the items of clothing that were lying about to the bedspread. Finally, giggles erupted, as they had been gleefully awaiting my return. - Carol Zika '68 We had a planned fire drill. We stationed evil doers on every floor to lock everyone's door. When we came back in, the office had to unlock every door, which took forever and we had one ticked off dorm mother. - Beverly Sanna '68 Going bowling with rotten jack-olanterns on certain floors of Towers. Pouring Deer Scent in heating units on certain floors. - Jennifer Huckaby '97 We had a water gun fight on our floor. Myself and Katelyn Bridgewater took the glass out of the peep hole on the door and would shoot people through the peep hole as they walked by. - Cydney Watkins '10 Driving your car on campus...literally. Anyone that has experienced me and CU would know the experience! Dragging a construction barricade on the elevator and leaving it and letting security drag it off. - Christine Carmichael-Anderson '94
Stymie Hunting for Christmas decorations with the Pi Kapps! That was one heavy angel! - Badonna Lilly '98 Visiting the Sig Tau floor after hours, and hiding in one of those closets in the room. The RA said, "I know you're in there, Patty - I can smell your cheap perfume." I was in there, but my perfume (Poison by Dior) certainly wasn't cheap! I'll tolerate a lot, but don't insult my fragrance. - Patty Bryant '95 I recall one time my roommate and I planned to prank one of our younger fraternity members. We went to Big Lots and purchased several giant bags of popcorn. A few days later, late at night, we crept over to our target's room. We entered the foyer and taped newspaper against the door frame to his room almost all the way to the top and filled the space with the popcorn. - Jody Murphy '96
Question for the next issue: What was your favorite summer experience during your time at Concord (trip abroad, internship, etc.)?
Prank calling from our dorm rooms, pre cell phones. - Sara Duncan '99 Spring 2015 • 42
Faculty: Beyond the Classroom Division of Business
Offers Opportunities for Enhanced Learning oncord University’s Division of Business has a number of opportunities for students that take them into the real world of accounting, finance, management, marketing and other areas of business. These programs and activities move students beyond their coursework and offer valuable career preparation and connections.
Internship Opportunities
The Division of Business encourages students to participate in an internship for academic credit as part of their business studies. The field internship enhances and reinforces the student’s understanding of academic theory, and this experience is more than an opportunity to just earn credit hours but also to gain careerrelated work experience. This experience provides students the opportunity to set themselves apart from other graduates, and a good letter of recommendation from an internship supervisor carries a great deal of weight with prospective employers. Concord business students have participated in internships at local, regional, and national organizations, in a variety of settings including: 43 • Spring 2015
Division of Business Chair, Dr. Susan Robinett (behind), announcing the award winners of the annual Concord University Business Challenge
• Accounting firms • Coal-related industries • Financial institutions and investment firms • Hospitals • Multinational corporations • Nonprofit organizations • Restaurants • Resorts • Retail management • Research institutions • Small businesses • Sports franchises
Symposium Series The Division’s Symposium series invites speakers to campus to make presentations to students about relevant, timely business and career related topics which add to the students’ plan of study. While students are exposed to a wide variety of real-world business topics, they are also given the opportunity to meet and discuss opportunities with the speakers helping them develop
The Entrepreneurship Club introducing elementary school students to the concepts of entrepreneurship on National Lemonade Day.
their networking system. Several students have obtained not only an internship by meeting with a speaker, but several have also obtained employment through meeting with speakers. The Division began the symposium series in 1998 and has averaged eight speakers during an academic year.
Mentoring Program
The Business Advisory Council worked to develop and implement a mentoring program available to junior and senior business students. The purpose of this program is to cultivate a mentoring relationship between a student and a successful professional in order for the student to utilize the experience, wisdom,
and insight of their mentor. This helps guide and instill confidence in them, while alternatively helping them to achieve personal, academic, and career goals. The program was launched in fall 2014 with four student and mentor relationships. The goal is to have at least four or five mentoring relationships in progress during each semester. So far, students who are participating have found the program insightful and have indicated they have learned much from their mentors.
Entrepreneurship Club
Elementary school students transformed the lobby of CU’s Student Center into a lemonade stand on May 7 of last year to gain
a firsthand look at the world of entrepreneurship. The activity was part of Lemonade Day, a nationwide initiative that inspires and equips youth for entrepreneurship through the experience of running a lemonade stand. Customers made their purchases with play money. Along with selling lemonade, the students prepared and advertised their product. The Melrose Elementary School students were joined by Concord students participating in the
Dr. Susan Robinett Chair, Division of Business Spring 2015 • 44
(Left) Rahall Technology Center, where CU's Division of Business resides; and (right) a photo from the launch of the Entrepreneurship Initiative and the Student Entrepreneurship Club.
University’s Entrepreneurship Club. The Entrepreneurship Club is part of Concord’s Entrepreneurship Initiative. Dr. Mohan P. Pokharel, who holds the Shott Chair of Entrepreneurship and is assistant professor of management at Concord, is director. The Innovative Product and Service Demonstration held during the fall semester in 2014 is another Entrepreneurship Club activity. Several Concord students participated in the event held Nov. 17 in the Student Center lobby by displaying and discussing their student-created fragrances, music and art. Dr. Pokharel says that through this activity students are “learning how to market innovative products and services.” His role in the Entrepreneurship Club and this particular activity is “inspiring students and providing support for their products and service commercialization.” The Entrepreneurship Club is also involved in Business Idea Generation on an ongoing basis.
Investment Club
Unique to Concord University’s
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Division of Business is the Investment Club. Students enthusiastically participate in the organization’s ventures, into which students invest a modest amount and the Division has invested $2,000. Students research their holdings and stock purchases during regular meetings.
Master of Accountancy Articulation Agreement
Concord has established a unique articulation agreement with West Virginia University’s Master of Accountancy program. CU graduates who meet the GPA requirement are accepted into WVU’s program and the GMAT is waived if the student chooses not to take the exam. This is a direct result of the Division’s curriculum management and graduates’ success, as WVU approached Concord as a result of CU business graduates’ achievements in WVU's various graduate programs. The articulation agreement was finalized in fall 2012. WVU’s graduate director holds a symposium for Concord students each semester as a recruitment event for their graduate programs.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program Concord University accounting students prepared income tax returns for qualifying area residents again this year. This is the fourth year that Concord has participated in the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. The VITA program offers free income tax return preparation and electronic filing for senior citizens, persons who make less than $53,000 per year, and other qualifying individuals. VITA is a program of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The students volunteering with the program have been trained and are IRS certified to prepare tax returns. Students are also qualified to answer questions about the Affordable Care Act. “Last year, 17 students completed 314 tax returns, filing for federal refunds of $269,982 for area residents,” Dr. Cynthia Khanlarian, associate professor of accounting, said.
Santa and Roar enjoying each other's company at the Holiday Open House.
Roar hanging with Concord Charlie and Charlene at the annual Concord University Groundhog Day Breakfast.
Mandy Griffith '07 with Roar at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, the largest meeting of pharmacists in the world, in Anaheim, CA. Roar enjoying the Princeton Christmas Parade.
April Puzzuoli getting a photo with Roar and Donald Duck.
TAKE ROAR WITH YOU! Roar made his way out to University Point to watch the Mountain Lion football team play in the national semi-final game.
Show us where you’ve taken Roar! Find your cut out of Roar on page 78 of this magazine.
Spring 2015 • 46
Alpha Sigma Alpha
Greek life is an important part of the college experience for many Concord students. Bonds that are formed between brothers and sisters remain strong and continue to thrive as students become alumni. “Greek Spotlight” is dedicated to CU’s fraternities and sororities.
Purpose The purpose of Alpha Sigma Alpha is to foster close friendships between members and to develop women of poise and purpose.
History Alpha Sigma Alpha began on November 15, 1901 at The State Female Normal School, now Longwood University, in Farmville, VA. The Founding members were Virginia Lee Boyd (Noell), Juliette Jefferson Hundley (Gilliam), Calva Hamlet Watson (Wootton), Louise Burks Cox (Carper) and Mary Williamson Hundley. Between 1914 and 1930 the sorority began to flourish under the direction of Ida Shaw Martin and today is said to have over 70,000 members.
For more information on Alpha Sigma Alpha please visit www. alphasigmaalpha.org or visit facebook. com/ASABetaPi. You can also follow us on Instagram at @asabetapi. To contact the Concord Chapter email alphasimgaalphabetapi@yahoo.com 47 • Spring 2015
2000
Alpha Sigma Alpha group photo in front of the library in 2000.
2014
A group photo of ASA last fall
Alpha Sigma Alpha Facts • Founded: November 15, 1901 • Location of Founding: The State Female Normal School, now Longwood University, in Farmville, VA • Founded at Concord: Beta Pi - September 27, 1947
Alpha Sigma Alpha crest
• • • • •
Colors: Crismon & Pearl White Motto: Aspire. Seek. Attain. Mascot: The Ladybug Number of Collegiate Chapters: Over 90 in the United States Greek letters: AΣA
Alpha Sigma Alpha mascot: The Ladybug
Executive Board
The executive board of Alpha Sigma Alpha Beta Pi at District Days in Richmond, VA in February 2014 Homecoming 2014
ASA Tea
Current Beta Pi members with Alums at Homecoming Tea 2014
This year's ASA Homecoming candidate was Katie Pennington who ran with Jayden Shepherd representing Tau Kappa Epsilon
Spring 2015 • 48
Concord Receives $125,000 Research Grant
oncord University has received a $125,000 PUI Incubator Grant funded by the National Science Foundation and subawarded by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and Research. The proposal, titled “Study of the Fluorescence from Quantum Dots Coupled with Gold Nanoparticles,” was developed
by Dr. Timothy D. Corrigan, assistant professor of physics, to study ways of improving bioassays. “Bioassays are frequently used to test for the presence or concentration of infectious agents or antibodies,” Dr. Corrigan said. “For example, a pharmaceutical company may test for the presence of antibodies to determine the effectiveness of a new drug.”
Preliminary work to develop the grant proposal was funded by Concord’s Research Trust Fund grant. Part of the research will utilize Concord’s electron microprobe laboratory. Dr. Michael Norton of Marshall University is a collaborator on the project, and has been awarded an additional $13,000.
Earth Science Focus of Outreach Program for Area Schools
rea school children took a special look at Earth Science through an outreach program conducted by CU Assistant Professor of Geology Dr. Stephen Kuehn and several of his students. They visited classrooms to discuss fossils, time and Earth history. The activity was held in conjunction with Earth Science Week, Oct. 1218, 2104. Dr. Kuehn is also director of Concord’s electron microprobe laboratory. Dr. Kuehn spoke to a junior/senior Earth Science class at PikeView High School on Oct. 23. He visited Athens Elementary School on Oct. 30 to speak to fourth graders.
Dr. Kuehn and some of his students discuss geology with local school children. 49 • Spring 2015
Athens-Concord Town Social Announces Date Change To the Third Sunday in August for 2015
longstanding tradition for Concord University and the Town of Athens is moving to a new position on the calendar this year. The annual Athens-Concord Town Social, historically held the second Sunday in August each year, will take place on the third Sunday of August (Aug. 16) for 2015. The time and location – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the front lawn of Concord University – will remain the same. Event organizers say the change is being made to open up the yearly gathering to Concord students and their families who will be on campus that day moving into the residence halls for the Fall 2015 semester. The new date will also encourage faculty returning to campus to attend. “The Athens-Concord Town
Social committee decided to move the 2015 Social to the third Sunday in August in an effort to get more of the Concord community involved in the event,” Sarah Turner ’98, Town Social co-chair, said. “Since the fall semester begins on Aug. 17th, we will have faculty and students back on campus by then who will have the opportunity that they didn’t have before to participate in the event. “We think this will be a great way to bring the Athens and Concord communities together and are really looking forward to it!” she said. Turner, who is Concord’s alumni director, said the family friendly, small town atmosphere of the Town Social will continue. In its 29th year, the popular event offers the campus community, residents of Athens and guests from across the
area an afternoon to socialize, enjoy entertainment and visit vendor displays and craft booths. Joining Turner as co-chair for the 2015 Athens-Concord Town Social is Dr. Sarah Beasley, CU’s director of retention.
A busy scene from the 2014 Town Social
Keeping Up With Concord Social media has allowed people to keep in touch with individuals, groups and activities all across the globe and Concord is using some of these tools to keep its alumni connected to the university and each other. You can keep up with Concord through any (or all!) of the following outlets:
Facebook: Concord University Alumni Association, Inc.
(Facebook changed the formats of their groups so if you were a member of the previous CUAA group you will need to “like” this group.)
Twitter: @CampusBeautiful
Twitter: @ConcordUAlumni
LinkedIn: Official Concord University Alumni group
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/
photos/42005172@N02/sets/
Pinterest: Concord University Alumni Association Instagram: ConcordUAlumni
We hope you will take advantage of each of these sites as a quick and easy way to keep up with Concord!
Spring 2015 • 50
BECKLEY UPDATE
It's Official:
Concord University Beckley Celebrates Status
he Higher Learning Commission has formally acknowledged the Beckley campus as an official location. With this designation degree programs can now be offered in Beckley. Degrees in education, business and social work will be available. Roar (left), Dr. Peter Viscusi (right) and other CU faculty, staff, and students show their excitement over the location acknowledgement.
CU’s Beckley Campus
Marches in Beckley’s Veterans Day Parade
he Beckley campus participated in the Veterans Day Parade in downtown Beckley on Nov. 11. The parade was one hour and 10 minutes in length. One of CU’s veterans, Adam Miller, was ROAR for the occasion. Rick Taylor drove the parade vehicle. Other participants include Tara Taylor and Emma Taylor along with students Jordan Roark, Jordan Hosey, Tymara Grandjean, Kevin Pegram and Danielle Johnston.
51 • Spring 2015
Roar with members of the Beckley campus at the 2014 Beckley Veterans Day Parade.
Students Volunteer for Chili Night 2014
CU sociology students from the Beckley campus braved the cold to sponsor a Women's Resource Center booth and CU Beckley served hot cider during Chili Night 2014 in Beckley this past fall.
Beckley is on Facebook! Keep up with events, campus activities, volunteer opportunities and lots more at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center. Facebook - Concord Beckley Student Services
DID YOU KNOW? Concord University’s mission is to provide a quality education, to foster scholarly activities, and to serve the regional community. The mission is summed up in the words of former President J. Franklin Marsh Sr.: “Come to Learn. Go to Serve.” This has become a Concord motto.
For more on Concord traditions, please visit http://www.concord.edu/advancement/concord-pride-our-traditions
COME TO LEARN. GO TO SERVE.
Spring 2015 • 52
Alumni
Entrepreneurs
In conjunction with the launch of Concord’s Entrepreneurship Initiative in 2013, the Alumni Magazine includes this regular feature that spotlights successful entrepreneurs within our alumni ranks.
For these individuals business is thriving and their stories pay tribute to the knowledge and know-how they gained from a Concord education.
Janet Bilotti ’77
Award-winning, High Profile Interior Designs Create Distinction anet Bilotti counts prominent CEOs from major corporations among her high profile clients. As president of Janet Bilotti Interiors, Inc., she has her designs featured in the homes of executives representing Hertz, SherwinWilliams, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Simon Properties, Bantam Doubleday and Domino’s Pizza. Janet lives and works in the Florida resort city of Naples, but her design talents have taken her to other locales as well where she has created her distinctive mark on homes and businesses. Destinations in the United States and internationally include Hilton Head,
53 • Spring 2015
S.C., Amelia, Sanibel and Captiva islands, New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C., the Bahamas and Switzerland. Originally from Park Slope, Brooklyn, N.Y., Janet studied visual communications at Concord and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in 1977. She draws upon the lessons and experiences of her Concord art courses in her career. “Art studio classes, three hour classes that met five hours a week, helped me to be creative, while dealing with expectations, deadlines and schedules,” she said. Outside of the classroom Janet
Janet Bilotti '77
Just a small sample of some of the beautiful work done by Janet Bilotti.
enjoyed the fun and activities of campus life. She says that some of her best Concord memories include “living with sorority sisters at Twin Towers, playing intramural sports, events, football games and ‘traying’ in [the] snow.” She was a member
of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and was inducted into Alpha Chi Honor Society. “Upon graduation, I worked as a graphic artist and sign designer, receiving a national sign design award,” Janet said, “I have practiced interior design, based in Naples since 1985. I was director of residential design for a design firm with 20 designers.” She started Janet Bilotti Interiors in 1994. Janet is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and has held various leadership positions with the organization in south Florida including serving as vice president and on the board of directors. She holds the National Council Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and maintains a Florida Interior Design license. Janet describes her design philosophy as “less decorated, more aesthetic and timeless in design, livable, edgy, but approachable.” As for her business philosophy, she says it is “to make clients’ projects better than they aspired to in design, delivery and budget.” She finds enjoyment in her career in “meeting interesting people from all over the world and creating timeless interiors.” As an entrepreneur, she says she enjoys “being truly responsible for the glory or the blame.” Included among the awards and honors she has received are the ASID Presidential Citation and numerous ASID Design Excellence Awards. She has been published in more than a dozen regional, national and international publications. Among these are “100 Designers and Architects of Florida” in 2010; “Spectacular Homes of Florida” in 2006; and, “Visions of Designs, (North America’s Finest Interior Designers)” in 2008. Janet’s volunteer and community involvement includes work with Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society, PAWS and assistance dog training. Spring 2015 • 54
Heritage & Horizon Musical Instruments and the Metropolitan Museum of Art Offer Meaningful Career for J. Kenneth Moore ’70 Kenneth Moore’s love of music and musical instruments has taken him from the former music building at Concord to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Moore is the Frederick P. Rose Curator in Charge of the Department of Musical Instruments at The Met, a position he has held since 2000. His specialization is non-Western instruments. He has worked at the prestigious museum since 1970 rising through the ranks to his current position. His first job there was as a night watchman. He later worked in the photograph and slide library. He joined the staff of the Department of Musical Instruments in 1979 after studying with Emmanuel Winternitz, the first musical instrument curator at The Met, in the areas of music education, ethnomusicology and musical iconography. In the department his titles have ranged from curatorial assistant to associate curator and administrator to his present position.
“Concord gave me the training and tools I needed to further explore music, art and their roles in society. The appreciation of the performing and visual arts provided at Concord has greatly enriched my life…” J. Kenneth Moore ’70 During his career with the museum, he has lectured extensively on its holdings, on museum studies and on organology (the study of musical instruments). Additionally, he has developed contextual display methods, which include performance, and initiated museum programs emphasizing world music cultures. His latest exhibition “The Sacred Lute: The Art of Ostad Elahi” received UNESCO recognition for “promoting cultural diversity through music and art and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.” He also appeared on television in New York discussing the exhibit. Moore’s other recent exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art include “Silk and Bamboo: Music and 55 • Spring 2015
J. Kenneth Moore '70 Art of China” and “Enduring Rhythms: African Musical Instruments and the Americas.” He has served on the faculty of the Institute for Asian Studies, Mannes School of Music and Carnegie Hall and has lectured at a number of institutions including Columbia University, The Juilliard School, and the University of Hawaii. Additionally, he has presented papers both nationally and internationally during a span of four decades. Among the awards and endorsements Moore has received are being named an Associate Fellow, The American Academy of Rome in 2008 and receipt of a U.S. State Department grant to teach in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2014. The Concord University Alumni Association honored Moore with the Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2004. His professional affiliations include leadership and membership positions in a number of organizations devoted to ethnomusicology and organology. Among
Heritage & Horizon
these are serving as a board member for The American Association of Museums (2004-2012) and membership in the International Council for Traditional Music. He has been a consultant and advisor including advising the recently opened Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Ariz.
“Of the many memories I have of Concord, I fondly remember the music faculty, the comradery, talent, and commitment of my fellow students and sitting on the porch of the old music building listening to the ambient cacophony of instruments and songs practiced by hard working music majors within.” J. Kenneth Moore ’70 Moore has various radio and television broadcasts to his credit including appearances on Japanese Television Production and National Public Radio. He has also amassed a lengthy list of published works and contributed to various digital media projects including a departmental blog and website along with YouTube videos. Moore has done freelance work as an arranger/ composer and performs with the Collegiate Chorale. In addition to singing with the group, he serves as the chorale’s mentor. He graduated from Concord in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. He also holds a Master of Art degree in Ethnomusicology from Hunter College and is a Doctoral Candidate in Music (ABD) with City University of New York, Graduate Center. His decision to attend Concord was encouraged during his high school days. “I grew up on a tobacco farm in southern Maryland (Charles County) just across the Potomac from Virginia,” he said. “Several teachers at my high school were Concord graduates and a student three years ahead of me was a music ed. student at Concord. So Concord was highly recommended.” His abilities in music didn’t go unnoticed at Concord and he received several honors as a student. These include a departmental scholarship one semester and
being selected as student conductor in his senior year along with the opportunity to conduct a piece in concert. “Encouraged by one of my teachers, I submitted a composition in the BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) Student Composer Competition and received an Honorable Mention,” he said. “I was active in the chorus, band and theatre. Mr. Paul was there at the time and we became friends.” Moore’s recollection of his Concord days centers around music and the arts. “Of the many memories I have of Concord, I fondly remember the music faculty, the comradery, talent, and commitment of my fellow students and sitting on the porch of the old music building listening to the ambient cacophony of instruments and songs practiced by hard working music majors within,” he said. “I also remember the excitement when, in my last semester at Concord, The Alexander Performing Arts Center opened and those of us in the arts were treated to its excellent facilities,” he said. “For a student in the arts, Concord provided a place to be creative, experiment and learn from your mistakes.” He also remarked on the campus setting and environment. “Of course, one of the main attractions of Concord is its beautiful campus, the mountains, and the right amount of isolation conducive for study,” he said. Moore explains how his Concord education has proven beneficial to his career. “Concord gave me the training and tools I needed to further explore music, art and their roles in society. Although I was a music education major, it was a course in sociology that sparked my interest in ethnomusicology, an emerging field at the time and one which led me to my first curatorial position,” he said. “The great value of a liberal arts education is that it opens possibilities to explore unexpected areas of study. “The excellent musical training I received at Concord made graduate school a breeze and facilitated an understanding of how different musical instruments work and their functions at various times and places throughout the world,” he said. “The appreciation of the performing and visual arts provided at Concord has greatly enriched my life and while my professional life centers around musical instruments, I still use the vocal training I received when performing at Carnegie Hall with my chorus, the Collegiate Chorale.”
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Heritage & Horizon Performing Arts and Education Take Center Stage Along Career Path for Choskie Harmon ’07 oncord University’s high academic standards have helped equip Choskie Harmon to perform his duties as executive director of the Chuck Mathena Center (CMC). Located in Princeton, W.Va., the CMC is a non-profit venue for the performing arts where national touring productions bring live music, theatre, dance and other performances to the area. The facility is also a popular location for celebrations and community events.
Choskie Harmon ’07 Choskie studied English and secondary education at Concord and graduated cum laude in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree. “With any degree, an individual learns so much more than content knowledge, and I am no exception,” he said. “While Concord English and education professors trained me to be a proficient writer and speaker, I was also held
57 • Spring 2015
to a high standard in all of my coursework which helped me develop multi-tasking and organization skills that I employ daily.” Choskie’s responsibilities at the CMC range from programing and funding to financial management and serving as the center’s liaison. “As executive director, I am responsible for implementing and managing the artistic, cultural, and educational programs of the Chuck Mathena Center,” he said. “I also oversee the development of sources for funding, support, and sponsorship for CMC programs and the overall financial management of the Center,” he said. “Furthermore, I serve as the primary liaison with professional arts and cultural groups, individuals, foundations, and corporations who can contribute to the success of the Center’s operations. “As a non-profit theatre, the success of bringing cultural experiences to individuals in our region relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses who want to continue to see the arts thrive,” he said. Choskie says that while his job comes with its share of responsibilities, there are special benefits as well. “Being able to come to work every day to an incredibly beautiful facility is one of the many ‘perks’ of this position,” he said.
“With any degree, an individual learns so much more than content knowledge, and I am no exception. While Concord English and education professors trained me to be a proficient writer and speaker, I was also held to a high standard in all of my coursework which helped me develop multi-tasking and organization skills that I employ daily.” Choskie Harmon ’07
“Additionally, I have always enjoyed seeing a plan come together,” he said. "From being involved with the early stages of booking a show, marketing the performance, and seeing a happy audience leave at the end of the evening to helping a bride pick a date for her wedding, assisting with
Heritage & Horizon
Hip hop hits the Chuck Mathena Center stage with a performance by Choskie Harmon. the many stages of planning, and seeing her first dance with her new husband gives me a sense of completion and excitement knowing that my staff and I helped make these events a success.” Choskie not only works in a facility that promotes and cultivates the arts, he is also a talented performer himself. A native of Princeton, W.Va., he attended Princeton Senior High School where he was involved in the arts including performing with the acclaimed Madrigal Singers. Choskie also holds the distinction of being the first African American from Princeton Senior High School to attend the Governor’s School for the Arts. He participated in vocal training at the prestigious school. Recalling his not too distant days at Concord, Choskie said the dance and musical competitions associated with Greek life are among his fondest recollections. He was a member of Mu Xi Phi Fraternity. “The annual Greek Sing and Lip Sync contests were, by far, some of my favorite memories at Concord,” he said. “As an underclassman, these were some of my first opportunities to make friends and feel involved in campus life. As an upperclassman, I helped plan and choreograph
Harmon’s dance talents include ballet. routines for these Greek life competitions.” His writing abilities earned a first place award in Concord’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Competition. Choskie established a strong work ethic early in his career. While still in college, he put his teaching skills into practice and began instructing dance at Princeton Dance Studio. He carried a full course load at Concord during this time and maintained a strong GPA. He also served as the sales director for a national touring dance competition. Following graduation from Concord, Choskie spent six years in the classroom teaching English in middle school and high school. He tapped into his background in the arts to teach theatre at Bluefield High School. He is an award winning choreographer utilizing his talents in the local area, across West Virginia and in Virginia. His resume also includes experience with pageants. Both the Miss West Virginia’s Outstanding Teen and Miss West Virginia International pageants have benefited from his talents as a performer, choreographer and producer. In addition, Choskie is a repeat performer at the West Virginia Dance Festival held in Charleston, W.Va. Spring 2015 • 58
Kyle Named
to Sport Safety International Advisory Board
r. Jim Kyle ’74 is the newest member of the Sport Safety International Advisory Board. Sport Safety International (SSI) promotes injury prevention and safe participation in physical activity and sports by providing the highest quality educational programming to athletes, parents, coaches and sports medicine professionals. Dr. Kyle joins an elite team of doctors, nurse practitioners, athletic trainers and educators from across the country and internationally to help advise SSI with its work to promote safe sports play. SSI is a company that is based in New Jersey, but works with clients all over the world. It was co-founded by Dr. Robb Rehberg, director of Sport Safety International, and Dr. Jeff Konin. Both Dr. Rehberg and Dr. Konin worked as athletic trainers at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta using emergency protocols developed by Dr. Kyle for heat stress, exercise induced asthma and
Douglas Lloyd Fuller
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athletic collapse. They continue to work together on projects including “Vital Sign Trending in Sports Trauma.” “Dr. Kyle brings extensive experience in both emergency medicine and sports medicine, and his passion for educating athletes, parents, coaches and health care providers will be a tremendous asset to our advisory board and to the educational programming we offer,” said Dr. Rehberg. Sport Safety International has reached more than 150,000 people in 23 different countries through its online education. “This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a team of distinguished professionals who are passionate about keeping athletes safe. Whether it’s promoting prevention, offering education or supplying information, Sport Safety International is top notch and I am honored to be a part of its Advisory Board,” Dr. Kyle said. An emergency physician, Dr. Kyle is the medical director of the
Dr. Jim Kyle '74
Emergency Department at Beckley Appalachian Regional Healthcare. He also serves as the team physician at Concord University as well as the Medical Director of the Paramedic Program at New River Community and Technical College. Dr. Kyle’s 35 years of experience as an emergency and sports medicine physician have led him to positions involving Olympic sports, Division I collegiate sports and world cup soccer among other things. For more information on Sport Safety International, visit www. sportsafetyinternational.com
Former Baseball Coach, Professor, Director of Student Activities Douglas Lloyd Fuller, of Hope Mills, N.C. passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in the N.C. State Veterans Nursing Home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Fuller and Norma Jean Phipps Fuller; brother, Gary Fuller; and sister, Rita Fuller Mullins. He received his master’s degree from Florida State University in 1974, coached the baseball team at Concord University where he also worked as a professor and the director of student
activities during his stay from 1974 to 1991. He also served his country in the Air Force from 1969 to 1973. Survivors include his wife, Joyce “Ricci” Fuller ’87; son, Sheldon Michael Fuller and wife Julie; daughter, Lisa Joy Fuller Wall and husband Robin; and daughter, Carri Ann Fuller Walker and husband Duke; grandchildren, Nicholas and Zachary Fuller, Cameron Wall, Madison M. Walker and Hailey J. Walker.
Class Notes Achievements Nell Jeffries ’53 was recently elected to the Ruritan National Board of Directors. R. B. “Ben” Crawford ’58 received the Youth Services Award from the Montgomery County – Blacksburg (Va.) Kiwanis Club at their annual banquet in October. Ben is a resident of Blacksburg. He was introduced at the meeting by Kenneth R. B. "Ben" Crawford (left) Lyons, field director of the Boy Scout Blue Ridge Mountains Council. “Crawford has been active in Scouting many years serving in nearly every capacity from achieving Eagle to adult positions as Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and council president,” Lyons said. “He has also been an officer in the VA 4-H Foundation, is a founding member of The Community Foundation of the New River Valley, and chaired the call committee at St. Michael Lutheran – the church that started Micah’s Backpack and Micah’s Soup for Seniors.” Kiwanis President Larry Taylor said, “Ben fits the award requirements perfectly that the awardee is one whose name comes quickly to mind when thinking of extraordinary service to youth without regard to self-recognition, and one whose life exemplifies spirituality and service in both church and community.”
Dominick “Mick” Lorusso ’71 was inducted into the Montgomery County Coaches Hall of Fame in November. Lorusso retired in June 2014 after more than 40 years with Valley Forge Military Academy. He coached championship teams in baseball and wrestling. During his career with Valley Forge, which began in 1972, he was a teacher, head of the Department of Health and Physical Education, and Director of Athletics. He made the record books at Valley Forge by being the only coach in the school’s history to record more than 285 career wins. He accomplished this in baseball and wrestling. He coached the baseball team to six championships in the Trojan Spring Classic Baseball Tournament, a competition at Valley Forge that he began. The baseball team also appeared seven times in state playoffs. Under his guidance, the baseball program won 300 games. The 19-4 1981 squad hit .410 as a team, tying a national high school record for team batting average for a season. The American Baseball Coaches Association honored him for a quarter century of coaching. His wrestling teams gained 286 dual meet victories along with an additional 37 tournament championships. Included in these numbers are five titles in the Cadet Invitational and the VF Duals, two events which he established. In the late 1980s during a stretch of three years, Lorusso’s teams compiled a 48-2 record, placed second in state competition two times, and in 1988 claimed victory in the state team battle. This was the only team championship on the state level in Valley Forge history. Lorusso coached more than 30 National Prep School All-Americans and 14 individuals become state wrestling champions under his guidance. He was recognized by both the National Wrestling
Coaches Association for 100 and 200 dual meet victories, and the American Baseball Coaches Association for 100, 200, and 300 wins during his coaching career at Valley Forge. Lorusso was raised in Oreland, Pa., and played baseball at Concord. Returning to the workforce after a short retirement, he currently is working as an assistant to the athletic director at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga. Beverly M. Anderson ’72 has been elected vice chairwoman of the Virginia Beach School Board. She was elected to the at-large seat on the school board in November 2012. A retired elementary school teacher, Anderson has 36 years of experience in education. Ledford Gibson ’88 has been promoted from defensive coordinator to head football coach at Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, N.C. He recently finished his 15th season as an assistant football coach at the high school and served as defensive coordinator there for the past 14 years. In addition to a business degree from Concord, Gibson also received a degree in education from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Selina Cahill ’89 has a new job. She is now Director of Human Resources at The Greenbrier Sporting Club.
Chris Selvey ’89 was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the West Virginia Army National Guard and named the Deputy Commander of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard. COL Selvey is a native of Fayetteville, W.Va. and joined the Army National Guard his senior year at Concord. He became an Chris Selvey '89 Active Duty Guardsman in 1996 and has held numerous command and operational positions throughout West Virginia including command of the 1-150th Armored Recon Squadron (ARS) Headquartered in Bluefield, W.Va. COL Selvey was appointed the Deputy Commander of the 30th Brigade, the higher Headquarters of the 1-150th ARS, in October of 2013 and promoted in May 2014. COL Selvey has deployed on two separate deployments to Iraq in 2004 and 2009 and is currently training for his third overseas deployment with the 30th Brigade on a Peace Keeping operation in the Balkans. COL Selvey has two sons, a daughter and two grandchildren. His wife is Sherri. Misty Peal ’96 has a new job. She is now an attorney at the West Virginia Department of Tax and Revenue.
Jesse Anderson ’97 is the 2014 Park Ranger of the Year. Representing West Virginia, he received the national honor last fall after being nominated by the district administrator of West Virginia State Parks. Anderson is a resident of Greenbrier County (W.Va.) and works as a ranger with the state’s Division of Natural Resources and State Parks and Recreation Section. He received the award during a ceremony in the Governor’s office. Presented by ServiceWear Apparel, the award, as noted on the company’s website, honors “park
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Class Notes Jessica Lilly ’07
Recognized for Work with ‘Inside Appalachia’
Jessica Lilly ’07 is the newly named host and is the managing producer of “Inside Appalachia,” a show produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. “Inside Appalachia” is a weekly show that covers issues and stories that matter to the Appalachian region. Roxy Todd has recently been named producer of the show. The podcast is available to a worldwide audience and was recognized as one of the top three podcasts during the week of Jan. 5-11, 2015 by The Timbre. The site regularly reviews and critiques podcasts. This episode marked the one year anniversary of the Elk River chemical spill that left 300,000 West Virginians without access to safe water in 2014. The Timbre writer Devon Taylor went on to write an entire post entitled “Why we need podcasts like ‘Inside Appalachia.’” Taylor writes that the podcast is important because it helps to give a deeper understanding of West Virginians and Appalachians past the sometimes harsh and shallow statistics. “I don’t know what it’s like to be from West Virginia,”
rangers who have gone above and beyond to serve their park and community.” Anderson managed both Greenbrier State Forest and Moncove Lake State Park, staying on at Moncove to volunteer as “acting superintendent” after being promoted to Greenbrier. The award includes a $1,000 cash grand prize and $1,000 worth of apparel for his parks. Anderson began working for the Parks and Recreation Section in 1996 as a summer naturalist when he was a Concord student. Amy Wentz Berner ’98 now works for the WV Department of Education in the Office of Child Nutrition. She is the Coordinator for the Summer Food Service Program and Civil Rights. Amy and her husband Craig live in Hurricane, W.Va. with their two children, Brett and Leah.
Jamie Lusk '98
Jamie Lusk ’98 led the Westside Lady Renegades to the 2014 Class AA Girls Basketball State Championship. This is his second state championship after going 28-0 in 2012 and finishing state runner-up in 2013. Over the last three seasons, his Lady Renegades have a record of 75-5. Lusk was also honored with the 2013-2014 WV Coaches Association Coach of the Year for Girls Basketball award.
Jason L. Roberts ’99 has been named Executive Director of the Region 1 Planning and Development Council in Princeton, W.Va. Region 1 Planning and Development Council (PDC), a public agency, is one of eleven Regional Planning and Development Councils instituted by the legislature of West Virginia. Region 1 provides comprehensive planning of all
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Taylor wrote. “I might have it all wrong. Short of moving there, I may never know. But for an hour every week I can suspend whatever Jessica Lilly '07 judgments I have and look past the empty statistics about poverty and methamphetamines and try to get a sense of what it means to live there. Thanks to Lilly and the good team at West Virginia Public Radio, it’s never an exercise in pity or guilt, but instead a privilege.” The article recognizes Lilly as a “talented” host. “When I read the article, I teared up and thought ‘she gets it,’” Lilly said. “The article is pretty accurate of what the goals are for ‘Inside Appalachia.’ It’s very rewarding to see the show, West Virginia Public Broadcasting, and Concord University get this positive attention.” To read the entire post visit http://thetimbre.com/ Lilly is Southern West Virginia Bureau Chief for West Virginia Public Broadcasting and is a Communication Arts instructor at Concord.
types for its service area utilizing federal, state, and local funding in addition to offering professional Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) services to both governmental entities and the private sector. Region 1 covers the counties of McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming. Roberts earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from Concord and a master’s degree in geography at Virginia Tech. He has been employed at Region 1 since 2001. He is an adjunct instructor at Bluefield State College and Southwest Virginia Community College and is certified as a GIS Professional by the GIS Certification Institute. Jason and his wife, Donna, reside in Princeton. Donna is a member of Concord’s staff and works in the Division of Social Sciences. Jenni Radford Canterbury ’00 began working in February 2015 as the Public Relations Manager for New River Community and Technical College. Jenni, her husband Joe and their daughter Alice reside in Beckley, W.Va.
Brandy Bagar-Fraley ’04 is currently an English instructor at Ohio University Lancaster. She previously taught at Ohio University Athens. She received a Ph.D. from Ohio University in 2010.
S. Jason Fraley ’04 is a senior vice president and the Enterprise Compliance Risk Director for Huntington Bank in Columbus. He received his MBA from Marshall University in 2007.
Andrew Wright ’04, head baseball coach for the Mountain Lions, received honourable mention in Bob Elliott’s list of the 101 most influential Canadians in baseball. Elliott is a noted baseball columnist with the Toronto Sun. Wright is a native of Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada.
Class Notes Amy Bair ’05 is now part of the surgical team of Davis Health System’s Davis Medical Center. The practice is located in Elkins, W.Va. Bair is a general surgeon with a special interest in pediatric surgery. She received a bachelor’s degree from Concord and earned a medical degree and completed a general surgery residency at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Rhonda Gottschalk ’06 has been named head women’s soccer coach at Bluffton University. With the appointment she becomes the first full-time head coach in women’s soccer history at the university. For the past two years she has served as an assistant coach at Bowling Green State University. Her four-year playing career at Concord included two stints as captain, all conference honorable mention, and second-team all-conference. She received a master’s degree from Ashland University.
Mitchell B. Tuggle ’11 has joined Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso. He works from the legal firm’s Charleston office. He is specializing in civil litigation in regards to product liability, and commercial and general litigation. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Concord, he continued his education at West Virginia University where he earned a law degree, finishing in the top three of his class.
Cortney Vannatter ’13 is weekend anchor/reporter for 59News. She began working with the television station’s news team in May 2013 as an intern and then was hired fulltime as the morning producer. As a CU student, she was involved in campus radio and television and was a member of the indoor, outdoor and cross country track teams. Joey Miller ’14 has signed with the Washington Wild Things for the 2015 season. The former Mountain Lion baseball standout will play first base for the Pennsylvania team. He spent the 2014 season with the Roswell Invaders of the Pecos League. Emily Weckesser ’14 was featured in the November 2014 edition of “Southern Living.” The magazine highlights her design and stationery shop, The Oyster’s Pearl, in the Travel & Culture section. Emily opened the shop in Fayetteville, W.Va., but later moved to Ohio. According to the article, Emily uses high quality paper to create typography prints that are inspired by her world travels and often contain song lyrics.
WEDDINGS
Ashley Hicks '11 and Sean Noland '07
Sean Noland ’07 and Ashley Hicks ’11 were married at Concord’s University Point on Nov. 8, 2014. The pair met at Concord while students. Sean works for the WV Supreme Court of Appeals, and Ashley works for the WV Higher Education Policy Commission. The couple will be taking a delayed honeymoon to Ireland.
Chelsea (Thompson) Roberts ’13 and Billy Roberts were married in Nags Head, N.C. on July 11, 2014. Chelsea received a bachelor’s degree in pre-k – adult physical education. She is a teacher and girls’ varsity soccer coach at Wyoming East High School in Wyoming County, W.Va. Billy received an associate degree in nursing from Bluefield State Billy Roberts and Chelsea (Thompson) College in 2013. He is a Registered Roberts '13 Nurse at Raleigh General Hospital in Raleigh County, W.Va. The couple honeymooned in Cancun, Mexico. They currently live in Wyoming County.
BIRTHS
Heather Coburn Toney ’00 and Charles Toney welcomed a daughter, Savannah Grace, on Dec. 29, 2014. She weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. The family resides in Christiansburg, Va.
Savannah Grace Holly Cash Ridpath ’04 and Lance Ridpath and big brother Cash are proud to announce the newest addition of their family, Westley, born Aug. 5, 2013.
PASSINGS
Laura Caryl Hinchman ’40: Jan. 1, 2015. She was born March 22, 1919, at Mallory, the daughter of the late Anna Brooke McVey Hinchman Toler and Walter Roy Hinchman. A resident of Davin, Laura was a member of the Bruce McDonald Memorial United Methodist Church, the Hemlock Hills Garden Club, where she served as a past president, S.T.A.R.T., and the Red Hats, all at Man, and was also a member of the WV Silver Haired Legislature. She was a graduate of Man High School and Concord and held a master’s degree from Marshall University. Beginning her career as a teacher, she advanced to guidance counselor, and served as Supervisor of the Division of Guidance for the WV Dept. of Education. However, she returned to her first love of teaching and continued until 1991. Her career in education spanned 51 years where she proved herself to be a dedicated educator who cherished all of her former students, followed their careers and families, and maintained contact with all of those she could throughout her life. Laura was a member of many education associations where she served in a variety of leadership positions. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, J.P. “Pete” Toler; five brothers, Woodrow Hinchman, Paul Hinchman, Wetzel Toler, Max Toler, and Jim Toler; two nephews, Norman Hinchman and Eddie Toler; and one niece, Julie Adams. Surviving are two sisters-in-law, Esther Hinchman and Martha Toler, both of Davin; nephews, Walter Ronald Hinchman of Prescott, Ariz., Tom Hinchman of Davin, Dr. David Hinchman of Huntington, Tom Toler of Wisconsin, and Terry Toler of Maryland; and nieces, Sharon Hinchman Tebben of Berkeley
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Class Notes Springs, Terri Toler Dahlstrom of Napierville, Ill., Karen Toler Greene of Jacksonville, Fla., and Laura Toler Coffey of Arvada, Colo.; her dear friend, Patsy Tilley of Davin; and a number of great-nieces and great-nephews. Kathleen Nash Sisson ’47: Dec. 17, 2014. Kathleen was born in Elgood to Aubrey Roscoe and Sally Irene Nash. She graduated from Concord with a degree in music education and taught music in public schools until her marriage to Dr. Reade Sisson, of Oneonta, N.Y. She worked in her Kathleen Nash husband’s office and was very active in the music community in Oneonta. When Sisson '47 she moved to Tucson, Ariz. she purchased a Steinway baby grand piano, which she kept with her and played until her death. She happily shared her talents with the staff and fellow residents of her assisted living communities and was recognized for her musical gifts. She leaves behind a son, Gary Sisson and his wife, Jill, and a daughter, Mary Sisson Eibs and her husband, Jonathan, as well as siblings, Roscoe, Frank and Billie and many, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Reade Sisson; a son, Jeff; and siblings, Ana Lee, Marie and Lucille.
Coleta Ann Wahl ’52: Jan. 6, 2015. Born Nov. 1, 1929, in Friars Hill, she was a daughter of the late John Stuart and Nora Spangler Wyatt. Coleta Ann was a graduate of Williamsburg High School in Williamsburg. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Concord College and later received her Master’s in Education from Shippensburg State College. Coleta Ann was a longtime educator working most of her years with the Shippensburg Area Head Start Program. She was an active member of the Christ United Methodist Church in Shippensburg for many years where she taught a Sunday school class. She was a member of the Faculty Wives at Shippensburg University, enjoyed square dancing with her husband, and spending time with her family. Formerly of Shippensburg, Pa., she was a resident of Chambersburg, Pa. Survivors include three sons, Max Stuart (Elizabeth) Wahl of Maugansville, Md., Michael Lewis (Lynette) Wahl of Damascus, Md. and Mark Richard (Mary) Wahl of Loysville; four grandchildren, Jillian Michelle, Angela Rose, Alex Joseph and Richard Steven Wahl; two step grandchildren, Nikkilette Marie and Alexxi Lyn Arena; sister, Ada Grey Ayres; and sister-in-law, Violette Wyatt of White Sulphur Springs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Dr. Richard W. Wahl who died June 6, 2012, and brother, John Stuart Wyatt, Jr. Nancy L. Norve ’57: Sept. 25, 2014. Born Dec. 24, 1935 in Gilliam W.Va., she was the daughter of the late David H. Lewey and Nancy Susan Adams Lewey; the fourth of five sisters. Nancy was a graduate of Northfork High School, Concord College, and earned her master’s degree from the University of New Mexico. She was a retired school teacher of more than 35 years, teaching high school English classes, where she was honored with an Award of Excellence and Teacher of the Year. Nancy lived in many different states from West Virginia, New Mexico, Maryland, and Illinois to California where she
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taught in most of them. Formerly of Roswell N.M. and San Jose Calif., she was a resident of Birmingham Ala. at the time of her death. She enjoyed traveling the world with her husband Jerry, hosting dinner parties, volunteering at church, sewing and quilting, playing bridge, spending summers with her sisters visiting and playing Scrabble. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Gerard “Jerry” Norve along with her sisters, Bonnie Dooley, Gladys Williams, and Hallie Mangus. Survivors include her two daughters and son-in-law, Claudia White of Yuba City, Calif. and Asta and Todd Durham of Birmingham; her sister Joanne Best of Houston, Texas; her nieces and nephews and their families; four grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. William Robert “Bob” Staton ’59: May 10, 2014. Born in Mullens, on Aug. 31, 1926, he was the son of the late Russell Cunningham Staton and Bertha Webb Staton Harmon. Bob graduated in 1944 from Mullens High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII and was deployed throughout the Americas. Bob received a bachelor’s degree from Concord College and a master’s degree from the College of Graduate Studies. He was an adjunct instructor for SWVCTC. He taught at Herndon, Pineville and Mullens. He was assistant principal at Mullens High School. He later became principal at Herndon, and retired from the school where he started his career. Known to his students as “Zeus,” Bob went the extra mile for students, but would never take credit for the lives he touched. He traveled with his wife to Algeria, Europe and Hawaii. He enjoyed a trip to France with his family to visit a memorial to his brother, Jack, who was killed there during WWII. He and two friends worked together on remodeling and wood working projects for their families, friends and church. He enjoyed hunting and walking in the woods. He was a member of the Highland Avenue Baptist Church, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Association of Retired Teachers and the American Legion. He was chairman of the Wyoming County Republican Executive Committee and the nominee for Justice of the Peace in 1968 and for House of Delegates in 1972. Bob married Marcella Joan Sutphin, on Dec. 18, 1947. They were inseparable until her death on Jan. 20, 1999. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jack, in 1944 and his sister, Charlotte “Peggy” Baker, in 2013. Survivors include daughter, Vicki Fleshman and husband Jerry, of Rural Hall, N.C.; son, Jack and wife Robin, of El Centro, Calif.; son, Rick of Mullens and Charleston; and brother, Thomas and wife Pat of Princeton. He was the grandfather of Kathy Fleshman; Ashley O’Brien and children, Brandi Desimone, Stephen and Christopher O’Brien; Robert Staton II and wife Katie Kovac; Dr. Michael Staton and fiancée, Dr. Danielle Guldner; Carrie Staton and husband John Hale; Blair Shelley and husband Zack; and, Bryce Staton of Mullens. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. His extended family includes the students and teachers whose lives he touched. Harry L. Browning ’62: Jan. 11, 2015. Harry L. Browning was born on Feb. 11, 1940 to Emit Harry and Lena Cooper Browning in Cyclone, W.Va. A graduate of Oceana High School and Concord College, he dedicated his life and career to helping others, especially those often overlooked by society. He worked as a certified addictions counselor;
Class Notes adolescent and adult therapist; youth leader; and program/ center director. He was employed by the Wyoming County (W.Va.) Board of Education; State of West Virginia; East Ridge Health Systems; and Boys & Girls Clubs. He was instrumental in developing the national standards and exam for certified addiction counselors as he was committed to bringing more people into the field and ensuring a high quality of care to those who needed help. He also authored or contributed to multiple professional publications, including “Creating a Healthy Workplace: A Small Business Guide to a Drug-Free Workplace in Appalachian Communities,” which he co-wrote with his daughter. Harry Browning was active in various organizations including the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), Rotary Club, and other service organizations. He especially enjoyed being the leader of Cub Scout Pack 95 when his son was young. Together they loved participating in – and often winning – the Pinewood Derby and Bake Off events. An active member of the Christian faith, he was the lay leader of the Rainelle United Methodist Church for many years and most recently a member of Wesley Chapel in Urbana, Md. He was most proud, however, of being a devoted grandfather to Sarah and Ryan, whom he called his number one granddaughter and his number one grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother William R. Browning, and, special aunt Mary Belle (Browning) Lemons. He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Patsy (Alley) Browning of Urbana; daughter Lea Ann Browning-McNee, her husband Steve and their son Ryan of Urbana; and son Buck Browning, his wife Paula and their daughter Sarah of Hagerstown, Md. He is also survived by sister-in-law Jo Ann Browning of Oceana, W.Va.; nephew Butch Browning, his wife Beth of Salisbury, N.C. and their sons Ross and Clay of Chapel Hill, N.C.; niece Patricia (Browning) Harrison and husband Michael of Morgantown, W.Va.; and close cousins Eddie Dean and Janet Scott of Prichard, W.Va. and Carolyn and George Becker of Lookout, W.Va.
Swansie M. Heape ’64: Oct. 2, 2014. She was born April 29, 1943, in Bluefield, W.Va., daughter of the late Albert G. and Dorothy P. Mitchel. Swansie was a graduate of Bluefield High School and Concord. She taught for the Newport News public schools and Williamsburg Christian Academy. After teaching, she became a devoted homemaker. She was a member Swansie M. of the Williamsburg Christian Church for Heape '64 more than 38 years and was a woman of strong Christian faith, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Swansie had a kind and generous
heart, touching all those she encountered with her words of encouragement and acts of kindness. She was a resident of Williamsburg, Va. Survivors include her husband of 48 years, David B. Heape; son, Michael B. Heape; daughter, Wendy Smith (Lenny Nicholson); grandchildren, Mickey Smith, Bethany Heape, Mary Elizabeth Heape, Caroline Heape and Connor Heape, all of Williamsburg; and sister, Betty Perkins (Howard), of Bluefield.
Gregory Wayne Bailey ’74: Jan. 12, 2015. He was born June 17, 1952 to the late Glen W. and Mary Bailey. Formerly of Dunbar and Charleston, he was a resident of Morgantown. Greg was an education lawyer with Bowles Rice and represented the school systems throughout West Virginia. He was a star basketball player and graduate of Charleston Catholic High School. Greg earned his bachelor’s degree from Concord College and a law degree from West Virginia University. During his career, he served Attorney General Chauncey Browning as an assistant attorney general and later as a deputy attorney general, heading up the Appellate Division in that office, representing the state of West Virginia. He was the first in-house counsel for Kanawha County Schools and was instrumental in the establishment of Riverside High School. Greg was an esteemed colleague of the Bowles Rice firm, and was well respected in the education and legal communities. He was named Best Lawyers’ 2014 Education Law Lawyer of the Year in the Northern West Virginia Region. Greg was also director emeritus and past president of the West Virginia Children’s Home Society. He was a devoted father and loved the arts, traveling and WVU athletics. He is survived by his two daughters, Cassady R. Bailey of Washington, D.C., and Greer S. Bailey of West Haven, Conn.; brothers, Mark W., Brian and Chris Bailey; sister, Mary Janette Sigmon; and nine nieces and nephews. Clifton “Skip” P. Meadows ’81: Jan. 19, 2015. Born June 12, 1949 in Charleston, he was a son of the late James Clifton and Betty Fravel Meadows. Skip was a graduate of Winfield High School, Class of 1967 and Concord University. A resident of Winfield, he worked in banking throughout the Kanawha Valley and retired from United Bank. He was a member of the Kanawha Valley Masonic Lodge No. 36 A.F. & A.M. Buffalo and Scottish Rite Temple, Charleston. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife Jane Euchler Meadows. He is survived by his sons and daughtersin-law, Justin and Jennifer Meadows of Culloden and Clifton and Molly Meadows of Urbana, Ohio; his pride and joy, grandchildren, Jenna Meadows and Owen Meadows; brother, Johnny (Reba) Meadows and sister Betsy Meadows, both of Winfield and nephews.
Calling for Class Notes We want to hear from you! Send us your personal and professional accomplishments, news on marriages and family additions and updates on other noteworthy events in your life. Photographs are welcome as well. Please email your news items to advancement@concord.edu or mail them to Concord University, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712.
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Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight features outstanding achievements of alums and is highlighted on CU’s website. The Alumni Spotlight archive is located at: http://www.concord.edu/advancement/alumni-spotlight-archive
November 2014 On November 1, 2014 the "Celebration of the 50 Year Anniversary of Upward Bound" was held in Charleston, WV. Concord University was honored to have three alumni recognized during the celebration as 2014 TRIO Achievers. All three women participated in the Upward Bound program before coming to Concord.
Dr. Amanda Bailey '02
Amanda graduated from Concord University in 2002 after only three years in college with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She then went on to attend the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, class of 2006 in Lewisburg, WV and earned her medical degree. She did a Family Medicine residency in Altoona, PA at Altoona Family Physicians, graduating in 2009. She then went on Active Duty in the United States Air Force as a family physician, starting out as a Captain and was later promoted to Major. She was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL. While in the Air Force, she did two humanitarian missions: one was to Peru and one was to Suriname, South America. She is currently working in Princeton, WV as a family physician at Mercer Medical Group. She has been working there since November 2012.
Dr. Jessica Ferrell '09 Jessica came
to Concord as a Presidential Scholar and received a B.S. in Biology in December 2009. She then went on to attend veterinary school at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens, GA. She graduated veterinary school with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in May 2014 and accepted a veterinarian position at Animal Care Center in Princeton, WV. She reports that she is now in a position to be where she has always wanted to be. She is home in West Virginia where she can try to give back to the region that raised her.
Dr. Toni Muncy '04
During Toni’s time at Concord, she participated in the Honors Program, Student Support Services, Gamma
Beta Phi, and Alpha Chi. She received the Hawey A. Wells Biology Award her senior year before graduating cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in Science in 2004. She was accepted into the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, WV in 2004. She received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in 2008 and then completed her Family Medicine Residency at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. She became board certified by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians in Family Practice and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in 2011. In 2013, she was registered as a Certified Medical Examiner (FMCSA registered). She is currently employed by Bluefield Regional Medical Center as the Family Medicine Residency Director. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Congratulations to all three of these alums on their outstanding achievements!
December 2014 - Marlene Pierson Joliffe '87 Congratulations to Concord alum Marlene Pierson Joliffe ’87 on recently being named the Vice President of Operations for Commonwealth Fair and Events in Virginia! Marlene has been working with the State Fair of West Virginia for 25 years. Visit the following link for more information on her new role: http://www.register-herald.com
January 2015 - Dr. Ernie Adkins '00 In December Dr. Ernie Adkins ’00 was honored as one of the nation’s top educators when he received a Milken Educator award from the Milken Foundation. Ernie is currently the principal at Princeton Primary School in Princeton, WV. The award that is known as “the Oscars of teaching,” includes a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize in addition to the honor of joining an exclusive fraternity of public school educators in the U.S. In addition to his degree from Concord, Ernie also holds a master's and doctorate from Marshall University. To read more about Ernie and his dedication to his profession please visit the following link: http://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/educators/view/ernest-adkins Congratulations Ernie on a well-deserved honor!
65 • Spring 2015
We have a for someone you know.
Dear Alumni and Friends, We have a special place for someone you know. You are in a unique position, as an alumnus or friend of Concord University, to recommend prospective students to the University. The special person you know may currently be in high school or in the workforce…and searching for the perfect fit for college. Please submit the name of your special person and we will follow up to see if we can meet his or her academic needs. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting someone who is special to you! Kindest regards,
Sarah Turner ’98 Director of Alumni Affairs
Submit this form in the envelope provided. The information you supply below is all that’s required and you don’t have to complete the form on the envelope. Or, you may call 1-888-384-5249 or email alumni@concord.edu to make your referral. (Please mention that you are making an alumni student referral when you call.)
Student’s Name:______________________________
Address:______________________________________
________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________
Legacy Scholarship is Now Available We are proud to announce the availability of the Concord University Legacy Scholarship.
Did you graduate from either Concord College or Concord University? Then, your son or daughter will be eligible to apply for the Concord University Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship is non-renewable and is contingent upon available funds. Encourage your son or daughter to apply early!
Here are the criteria. The successful recipient must: • be either a first-time freshman or student who transfers from another institution
• be a dependent of either a Concord College or Concord University graduate
• have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA and 18 on the ACT or 870 (verbal and mathematics score only) on the SAT Funds are limited so please check with the Concord University Admissions Office regarding scholarship availability.
Email: _________________________________________ Name of high school and graduation date:
________________________________________________ Parents' Names: _____________________________
________________________________________________ Are Parents Alumni? ________
If current college student, name of institution: ________________________________________________ Your Name: ___________________________________ Class Year: ____________________
Address: ______________________________________
________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________ Thank you for your recommendation!
Spring 2015 • 66
CU Athletics
Calvinaugh Jones
Mountain Lion Football
Celebrates Unprecedented Season
he 2014 season was unprecedented for the Concord University football
team. After a 5-0 start to the season, the Mountain Lions found themselves ranked by the American Football Coaches Association poll for the first time in school history. However, Concord was just beginning its ascent and upward trajectory towards the national spotlight. The Mountain Lions breezed through their next five games, winning by an average of 27.4 points in those five contests. At 100, Concord had already captured no less than a share of the Mountain East Conference title, the first league title for the Mountain Lions since 2011. To stand alone at the top of the MEC Mountain, CU had to defeat Shepherd in the final week of the
67 • Spring 2015
regular season, the same team that ended Concord’s title chances a season ago. The regular season finale and conference championship game was an instant classic. After Concord and Shepherd were deadlocked at 7-7 at halftime, CU opened the second half by scoring on a long touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Brian Novak to freshman wide receiver TJ Smith. SU punched right back with a score of its own, knotting the game at 13-13 with three minutes left in the third quarter. The Concord special teams, a unit that scored seven touchdowns throughout the season, came up with a big play as junior wide receiver Tiko Henderson raced 92 yards on the ensuing Rams kickoff to put the Mountain Lions back out front 2013.
Shepherd had its back against the wall in the final moments of the game and responded with a touchdown with just 39 seconds remaining in regulation. Junior kicker Andy Ellington put the Mountain Lions ahead 23-20 with an overtime field goal. The Concord defense kept Shepherd out of the end zone on its possession, setting up a field goal attempt for the Rams. Sophomore defensive lineman Darryl Johnston busted through the line to block the kick. Redshirt freshman defensive back Jeremiah Johnson scooped up the bounding ball and scored a touchdown, ensuring the Mountain Lions would not have to share the conference crown. Two weeks later, Concord hosted its first home playoff game as a member of NCAA Division II in school history as CU welcomed in
CU Athletics
The Mountian Lions lining up against West Chester in their first home playoff game.
West Chester, a perennial regional power out of suburban Philadelphia. Behind 178 rushing yards and a career-long 87-yard touchdown run, junior running back Calvinaugh Jones led the Mountain Lions to their first playoff victory as they defeated WCU 51-36 at a packed Callaghan Stadium. Once again, the Concord special team played a big role in the win as Johnson blocked his second kick in as many games. In fact, the Mountain Lions led the nation in blocked kicks with 10 during the season. This time, senior defensive back Mike Carey picked up the ball and ran it back for a touchdown for CU’s first score. With the win over West Chester, the Mountain Lions were assured they would play one more game
and that one game would be right back at Callaghan Stadium versus Bloomsburg, a team that was ranked inside the top 10 of the national poll for most of the season. The pomp and circumstance of Concord’s first playoff win created a buzz, not only locally, but regionally along the east coast. Not only would the Mountain Lions play for a regional championship and a spot in the national semifinals, but they would do so in front of an estimated five million households along the eastern seaboard as Sports Fever Network in central Pennsylvania broadcasted the game regionally and locally on WVVA-TV in Bluefield, W.Va. Timely scoring and a stout defense led the Mountain Lions to their first ever Super Region
Concord celebrating another touchdown against West Chester.
Fans packed the stands for both of CU's home playoff games.
One Championship as they defeated Bloomsburg 32-26. The championship-clinching play came from junior defensive back Derrick Johnson, who intercepted a pass with less than two minutes left in the game. After outlasting Bloomsburg by the six-point margin, CU was one of four teams left standing in NCAA Division II football along with Minnesota State-Mankato, ColoradoPueblo and West Georgia. The Mountain Lions flew to Minnesota to take on the Mavericks of MSUMankato. The Mountain Lions ultimately fell one game short of playing for a national title, but the 2014 Concord squad was one that will not be forgotten. Concord won the most games in school history, 13, as head coach Garin Justice picked up two different coaching honors, MEC Coach of the Year and Don Hansen Football Gazette Region Coach of the Year. Jones was named MEC Offensive Player of the Year and selected to the AFCA All-America First Team. Ten Concord players were tabbed all-region selections by three different publications as Jones, senior center Rustin Mayorga, sophomore offensive lineman Coleman Osborne and Smith were all unanimous all-region selections after being voted members of Beyond Sports Network, Daktronics and Don Hansen Football Gazette all-region first teams. The same foursome were also voted to the Beyond Sports Network All-America squad with Mayorga picking up first team honors; Jones, second team; Osborne, third team; and Smith, fourth team. The Mountain Lions will return eight starters to one of the nation’s best offensives including Novak, Jones and Smith. The CU defense which finished in the top 20 in takeaways will return six starters in 2015. Spring 2015 • 68
CU Athletics
TOP 10 MOMENTS IN 2014 The year 2014 was filled with so many great moments and storylines for Concord University athletics. Concord sports programs won one national championship (Shawnee Carnett in women’s track), two team conference championships (football and men’s golf) and produced 11 allregion performers across six sports (baseball, football, softball, women’s track and field, volleyball and men’s soccer.)
No. 1 - Concord Wins Regional Championship, Gains National Attention With CU clinging to a 32-26 lead with less than two minutes left to go in the game, Bloomsburg quarterback Tim Kelly had a pass batted by junior linebacker Austin Dotson. The errant ball was picked off by junior defensive back Derrick Johnson sending the fans that had filled Callaghan Stadium on an overcast December afternoon into hysteria. The Mountain Lions had successfully navigated their way to their first ever Super Region One title in a game that had been televised by Sports Fever Network into homes locally, regionally and nationally. A few short years ago, six to be exact, Concord had a dreaded record of 0-11 and now the Mountain Lions were suddenly vaulted onto a national stage with a perfect 13-0 record. Even though the 2014 season didn’t have a storybook ending with a national championship, Concord made it to the national semifinals for the first time in school history and won the most games in program history (13). Before the Maroon and Gray played Bloomsburg for the regional championship, they had knocked off West Chester 51-36 for the school’s first ever playoff win. Prior to beating WCU, the Mountain Lions were 0-8 in playoff games at the NCAA and NAIA levels. The Mountain Lions set several individual records during the course of the season as sophomore quarterback Brian Novak broke both
69 • Spring 2015
the single-season passing touchdown record (33) and single-season passing yards record (3,739). Junior running back Calvinaugh Jones was the program’s first NCAA All-American since 2002. Jones, senior offensive lineman Rustin Mayorga, sophomore offensive lineman Coleman Osborne and freshman wide receiver TJ Smith were recognized by other organizations and publications as All-Americans as well. The Mountain Lions possessed one of the best special teams units in the nation as they blocked 10 kicks, which was a tie for first in Division II. Concord also finished in the top 20 in total takeaways. No. 2 - Carnett Sprints to Second National Championship
Shawnee Carnett Concord has had two NCAA national championships in school history and both of them belong to women’s track and field standout Shawnee Carnett, who won her second during the 2014 calendar year. In 2011, the Sugar Grove, Va. native became CU’s first NCAA national champion as she won the 800-meter run during the outdoor season. After qualifying for the 800-meters during the indoor season with the fastest time in the nation (2:09.52), Carnett breezed through the preliminary round to not only assure a spot in the finals of the event, but capture her fifth All-American distinction. In the final Carnett was in last place at the halfway point, but moved into second place with 200-meters left in the race. During the final lap of the four-lap race, Carnett stormed into first place and pulled away for
the win as she ran a time of 2:08.76. During the outdoor season, Carnett nearly captured her third national title in the 800-meters as she finished second. However, the most-decorated athlete in school history did secure her sixth All-American honor in May. During her career, Carnett qualified for the national championship six times in eight tries and earned AllAmerican status in all six trips to nationals. Carnett exhausted her eligibility after the 2014 outdoor season. In addition to two national championships and six All-American honors, she finished her career as part of 12 different school records. No. 3 - Concord Blocks Kick, Wins MEC Championship When the 2014 Mountain East Conference football schedule was released, the final game of the season paired Concord against Shepherd, a contest that may decide the conference champion. Heading into the season finale, the Mountain Lions sported a perfect record of 10-0 and a 9-0 MEC record. Meanwhile, Shepherd was 8-1 overall and in the conference. Concord had claimed no less than a share of the conference crown while the Rams could join CU as co-conference champions. After the teams were locked up 7-7 at halftime, the second half featured a myriad of exciting plays. On CU’s opening drive of the second half, sophomore quarterback Brian Novak hit a 55-yard pass to freshman wide receiver TJ Smith to give Concord a 13-7 lead. Later in the quarter, SU scored but its extra point was blocked by senior defensive lineman Will Greathouse. The Maroon and Gray quickly answered with a 91-yard kickoff return by junior wide receiver Tiko Henderson, putting Concord back in front 20-13. The Rams forced overtime by scoring with just 39 seconds left in regulation. In the extra session, Concord
CU Athletics scored first on a 43-yard field goal by junior kicker Andy Ellington. After Shepherd’s overtime possession stalled out at the seven-yard line, SU kicker Mark Murphy had his field goal blocked by sophomore defensive Darryl Johnson. The loose ball was picked up by redshirt freshman defensive back Jeremiah Johnson as he raced in for a touchdown. Concord prevailed with a 29-20 win. The league title was Concord’s first since 2011. The Maroon and Gray’s two blocked kicks were part of Concord’s 10 during the season.
yards for a Concord running back in a single season. Additionally, Jones was named the Mountain East Conference Offensive Player of Year. Jones went over 100 yards rushing in 12 of CU’s 14 games in 2014. He will begin his senior season less than 600 yards away from Concord’s all-time rushing mark. Jones has tallied 3,514 rushing yards in his Mountain Lion career. CU’s all-time leader is Brian Kennedy with 4,188. No. 5 – Men’s Golf Wins Back-toBack MEC Championships
No. 4 - Jones Rushes to AllAmerican Status
The CU Men's Golf team Brian Novak hands the ball off to Calvinaugh Jones Concord University football junior running back Calvinaugh Jones took a handoff from sophomore quarterback Brian Novak in the third quarter of Concord’s second round playoff game versus West Chester and weaved his way through the Rams’ defense and found the end zone 87 yards later to give the Mountain Lions a 41-28 lead in the third quarter. The run was the longest of Jones’ career and CU would go on to win its first-ever playoff game downing West Chester 51-36. It was rushes like the one against the Rams that made Jones Concord’s first first-team NCAA All-American since 2002. The Glen Burnie, Md. native was named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) first-team All-American. Jones racked up 1,734 yards and 12 touchdowns during his junior campaign as he led the Mountain Lions to a 13-1 record and a NCAA Division II national semifinal appearance. He averaged 6.7 yards per rush from scrimmage as he amassed the second-most rushing
Two Mountain East Conference Men’s Golf Championships have been played since the league’s inception in the summer of 2013 and the Concord University men’s golf team has won both. In 2013, a veteran-laden squad helped CU capture the inaugural conference championship. However, coach Will Johnson coached a squad of four freshmen to the MEC crown in 2014 at Longaberger Golf Club in Nashport, Ohio in mid-October. Thomas Frazier missed becoming CU’s second straight individual conference champion by one stroke, but was instrumental in the Maroon and Gray’s conference championship. Following Frazier in second, Samuel Berry placed third overall. Andrew Green finished 11th and Todd Albaugh was 33rd at the MEC Championship. Berry was the overall leader after day one of the competition and Frazier started the final day of the tournament as the individual leader. Concord posted the lowest scores on day one (313) and day two (314) of the tournament to hold a 17-shot lead heading into the final day of
competition. The Mountain Lions recorded a score of 310 on the final day, which was only the fifth lowest, but CU went on to win by 14 strokes. Dating back to Concord’s time in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the Mountain Lions have won three straight conference championships and four of the last five league titles.
No. 6 – Women’s Track and Field Wins Four MEC Championships In addition to the two team championships that Concord won, the Concord women’s track and field team won four individual Mountain East Conference Championships this past spring as seniors Shawnee Carnett and Donnie Kirk spearheaded the effort for CU. Carnett, a four-time individual champion, won two titles in her final year of eligibility at the MEC Championship in the 800-meter run and 1,500-meter run. Carnett eased her way to a four-second victory in the 1,500-meters over Wheeling Jesuit’s Jennifer McFarland and won by five seconds in the 800-meters over West Virginia Wesleyan’s Ali Johnson. Meanwhile in the 400-meter hurdles, Kirk ran the fastest preliminary time of 1:05.44 in day one of the competition. On day two of the league championships, Kirk sprinted to a win in the event with a time of 1:03.97. What made the victory even more special for Kirk was the fact that she broke her school record in the 400-meter hurdles. Carnett and Kirk teamed up with freshman Sherrice Williams and senior Demi Kirk to win the day’s last event, the 4x400-meter relay. The foursome combined to run a time of 3:57.90, four seconds better than Wheeling Jesuit. The four titles were the most for Concord at the conference championships since before 2010. No. 7 - Bret Blevins, Joey Miller Named All-Americans Two of 2014’s 11 all-regional honorees belonged to the Concord University baseball team as senior
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CU Athletics outfielder Bret Blevins and senior first baseman Joey Miller not only earned all-region, but were also named All-Americans for their efforts in 2014. Blevins was named Daktronics and National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association (NCBWA) All-American as he tied former Concord All-American Keith Morrisroe for the most all-time hits in Concord history during his season. Blevins and Morrisroe each have 276 as Mountain Lions. Blevins is also CU’s all-time stolen base leader with 87, nearly 30 more than Morrisroe in second place. In his senior campaign, Blevins led Concord with a .418 batting average, 69 hits and scored a team-high 55 runs. Miller was named to the Daktronics, NCBWA and American Baseball Coaches’ Association (ABCA) All-American while also being selected as the NCBWA Atlantic Regional Player of the Year. The power-hitting first baseman batted .390, second to Blevins, with 13 home runs and 71 RBI. Miller finished his brief two-year CU Mountain Lion career with 28 home runs, fifth all-time at Concord. The duo helped produce the most wins (38) in Concord history in 2014 and guided the Mountain Lions to a conference championship in 2013. Blevins and Miller became the eighth and ninth All-Americans for the CU baseball program. No. 8 - Softball Breaks SingleSeason Wins Record
The CU Softball team
Several teams set team and individual records in 2014 and one included the softball team that won its most games in program history by finishing the 2014 campaign at 31-23 and improving on their win total by 11 from 2013. CU was ranked for three straight weeks in mid-April as well as going 13-15 in the Mountain East Conference. A hot start was the key for 2014 Mountain Lions as they began the season by winning 10 of their first 13 games. Outfielder Lauren Lewis earned Daktronics All-Region, becoming the first Mountain Lion to earn allregion accolades in program history. Additionally, Lewis, catcher Alyssa Morris and second baseman Kristen Rose earned All-MEC second team honors. Concord will look to set another program record for wins in 2015 as they return everyone from last year’s record setting team as well as first baseman/pitcher Lacey McDougall who sat out the majority of the season due to an injury suffered in late March. No. 9 - Jones, Willis Reach 1,000 Career Kills The ninth-best moment or storyline of 2014 was senior middle hitter Sarah Jones and senior outside Brytni Willis of Concord University volleyball joining a prestigious club. Heading into the 2014 season, Jones and Willis had already cemented their place in the Concord history books, however, both players were less than 100 kills from achieving 1,000 kills for their respective careers. On Sept. 9 in Concord’s home triangular, Jones recorded 40 kills over two matches versus AldersonBroaddus and King University, including a career-high 23 versus A-B, to achieve 1,000 kills for her career.
A little over a month later, Oct. 14, Willis joined the exclusive fourperson club by recording five kills against Davis & Elkins to reach 1,000 kills in her career. Jones and Willis now rank second and third in school history in career kills with 1,320 and 1,118 respectively. During the 2014 season, Jones and Willis led the Mountain Lions to their most wins (18) in program history since 2002 when they won 20 matches. The senior duo also became the first all-region selections under sixth-year head coach Kate Southcott. No. 10 - Malkiewicz Debuts as Youngest Division II Head Coach
Amanda Malkiewicz When Concord University women’s soccer head coach Amanda Malkiewicz was promoted to the title in May after serving as an assistant coach at CU for two seasons, the former East Carolina University standout became the youngest head coach in Division II. The Forked River, N.J. native coached her first game on Sept. 4 at 24 years and five months old. After dropping its season opener in 2014, Malkiewicz earned the first win of her coaching career with a convincing 4-0 win over West Virginia Tech on Sept. 7. The Mountain Lions followed up that performance with an 8-0 blowout win over Salem International, the most goals scored by Concord since 2010.
For more on CU athletics, check us out online at
www.cumountainlions.com Athletics section compiled with assistance from Wes McKinney ’13 in the CU Sports Information Office. 71 • Spring 2015
Dennis & Laura Adams John Arnold William & Elizabeth Baker Amedeo Basconi Juanita Bishop John Bruch Rebecca Copeland Danny Crane John Frazier Joe Friedl Joseph Giompalo
Maroon & Gray Club $25 - $149.99 Glenn Ables A.B. Altizer Patty Anderson John Arbuckle, Jr. Frances Auville Patricia Bailes Gene Bailey Steve Bailey Wanda Ball
C o n t r i b u t i o n
President’s Club $150 - $499.99
Noah D. Barnette Chase & Ashley Barton Katie Begole Lacy Bellomy Dustin Blankenship Elizabeth Bogema Louis Bougie Jason Brown Robert Brunner Donna Bryant Rose Ann Burgess Cathy Burnley Pam Bynum Jesse Call Corrine Campion Lois Caruth James Cassady Nancy Chewning Mario Ciarlo Mona Clark Jane Claytor Bertie Cline, Jr. Scott Coelln Robert Collins Buster Cook Charleen Cooke Janice Cox Shirley Cox James Crawford J. Russell Curle, Jr. Denise D'Auria-Roche Henry & Kathryn Davis Paul Davis Scott Deaner
y o u r
Greg Allen Jatin Atre Gregory Bailey Cynthia Jane Clark Mary Jane Farmer Michael Kessinger Rose Kessinger Glenn Lowe Sandra Lowe Jason Lunsford William McKee Bob Mills Margoline Mills Kenneth Moles Bonnie Dorsey Shorter Joseph E. Wills Jr.
Robert Greear, Jr. Michael & Sheila Green Janet Hall Thomas Joyce Saurabh Khemka Harry Krall Alex Marshall George McKelvie Gary & Tina Mills Donald Moore Arble Morgan William Morgan Thomas Munsey Julia Pauley Sandra Quarg Donald & Martha Rector Col. Stanley Smith Alan Steinberg Saundra Stofle Jared Tice
f o r
Lifetime Membership $500 or more
y o u
The following is a list of individuals who paid their Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. membership dues between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014. Membership in the Concord University Alumni Association supports student scholarships, as well as activities for alumni on Concord’s campus and across the country. The membership year runs from July 1 to June 30 and is open to Concord University alumni, family and friends. If you are interested in joining the Concord University Alumni Association, please contact the Alumni office at (304) 384-5348 or alumni@concord.edu or use the enclosed envelope in this magazine.
t h a n k
Alumni
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HonorRoll 2014 DONOR
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HonorRoll 2014
t h a n k y o u f o r y o u r C o n t r i b u t i o n 73 • Spring 2015
Bill & Harriet Deel Jean Dickens Patricia DiStefano Gerald DiVecchia Clarence & Betty Dorman, Jr. Regina Doss Jean Drescher Emily Myers Duke Blaine & Sheila Dunavant Sara Duncan Gerald Ellison Willis Elmore Kelley & Martha Endres Elizabeth Eskew George Fanning Virginia Farley Meleah Fisher Douglas Fowler Robert Gallione, Jr. Lester Genden Eugene Gilhooly Janet Gore Louise Grimm Patricia Grubb Deborah Hall Shirley Halsey Blanche Hamden Terrence Hardee Carolyn Harshbarger Doug Harvey Glenn & Linda Hatfield Dan Henderson Paul & Nancy Hodges Bonnie Hopkins James Hopkins Mary Hopkins Dennis Hurley, Jr. Gaylew Hutchison Constance Jackson Nancy Jackson Robin Jarrell Laura Jaworski Phil & Nell Jeffries H.G. Johnson, Jr. Richard Johnson Wendell Johnson Patricia Jones Ted & Anne Kessinger Robert Klucharick Steven & Amy Knowles Robert Kyle Marilyn Lackey Steven Lawhorn
Robert & Hilah Layne Virginia Little Charlene Long R. Talmage Mallory Justin Marlowe Alice McKenzie Edward McQuail, III Jacqueline Meese Ron Melnik Craig Miller Frances Miller Gary Miller Huey Miller James H. Miller Abdallah Najjar David Nell Michael Norris William & Sharon Ofsa Jack Owens, Jr. Fred & Sandy Oxley Daniel Palausky Sandra Parente Glenn & Pamela Parker Megan Parker Adam Pauley Mary Perez Kerri Pettrey Joyce Pritt Greg Puckett Felix Quachey Carolyn Quadt Rosanna Reaser Gail Rector Bob Redden Wilma Reitz James Rhodes Robert Ritz Robert & Martha Rizzo Cathie Roberts J. Kenneth Roberts Tina Robinette Joe Roles Steven Rosenquist Betty Rover Margaret Sayre Nancy Scaggs Linda Scarborough Joyce Schultz Frances Scyphers John Scyphers William J. Sealy Shirley Sheppard Gerald Short
Cecil Smith, Jr. Richard Smith Robert Michael Smith Ronald Smith Jim Sovine Patricia Sparks William Stark Robert & Julie Tate Cathrine Taylor Dorothy Thomas Robert & Sandra Thomas Stephanie Thorn Chris & Susan Tuck Janet Tucker Sarah Turner Alan Van Cott Elizabeth Vandall Jaime Vandergrift Fred Vonderacek Robert & Cathy Wagner John Walker Melva Jean Walker Bonnie Wallace Andrea Webb Elizabeth Webb George Aaron Webb Joan Lusk Wiles Susan Williams Mary Witt Adam Wolfe LuAnn Wright Carrie Wyrick
Basic Membership $10 - $24.99 Sara Ballengee Cheryl Barnes Charles Becker Katie Bell Tim & Mary Bowman Mergie Bradley James & Patricia Branscome George Brooks Lee Clark Jim & Joyce Coiner Lisa Darlington John Dedman Jerry Dickens Maggie Dillon Richard Dillon Jeffrey Dotson Mary Dunn
HonorRoll 2014
Judith Edwards Chuck Elliott Anne Endres Melanie Farmer Karl Fezer Brenda Frazier Teresa Frey Keiara Galloway Deborah Gambino Brad Garner Mary Graybeal Lorenzo Griffin Anupma Gurung Mavis Hairston Cassidi Hall Sarah Hampton Andrew Hashimura Diana Haynie Alicia Hypes C. Scott Inghram Helen Inghram Eddie Isom Holly Jackson Samuel Jackson Matt Jozik Don Knox
John & Mary Beth Lamb Kathy Lamb John Largent Kenna Lee Meagan Lewis Clark Lilly Nancy Lively Laura Lucas Autumn Maloy Sharon Manzo Robin McClue Garrett McCormick Jennifer McGinnis Tamara Monk Bob Monohan Ken Moore Lisa Harkins Moore Anne Mulheren MJ Peal-Auville M. Kelly Pendry Amy Pitzer Crystal Poe Brian Porter Sandra Porterfield Carolyn Pratt Ryan Prince
Judy Raborn Amanda Revels Danielle Richmond Joyce Robinette Chelsey Rowe Rebekah Sams Edward Smith Jeremy Smith Robert & Crystal Smith Virginia Lee Smith Lisa Swearengin Rita Targosky Ashli Taylor Tara Taylor Heather Toney Robert Tuckwiller Tess Vaught L. Gerry VonVille Lawrence Wagner, Jr. Richard Walko Amanda Ward Brooke Wills Lora Woolwine Kenny Young
F o un d at ion
The following is a list of businesses and individuals who have donated to the Concord University Foundation, Inc. from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. Donations to the Concord University Foundation support not only student scholarships, but also faculty development and capital improvements throughout the campus. Thank you to all of those who donate their time, energy and money to assisting the Concord University Foundation in its mission of supporting Concord University. If you are interested in supporting Concord University, please contact the Foundation office at (304) 384-6056 or foundation@concord.edu
$10,000 - $99,999 Norma J. Barr Estate of Darrell W. Stanley Estate of Lia Pais First Century Bank Charles L. Hall Donald R. Holcomb Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation, Inc. William Hussey
June Oblinger Shott Foundation, Inc. Pattye L. McNutt Pepsi Bottling Group LLC Jacob B. Santon Jacinda & Todd Smith The J. Alfred and Maxine F. Poe Foundation, Inc. West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
$1,000 - $9,999 ACH Corporation of America, Inc. ACH Insurance and Financial Planning, Inc. American Electric Power Service Corporation American United Employers II, Inc. Gary W. Anderson
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t h a n k y o u f o r y o u r C o n t r i b u t i o n 75 • Spring 2015
Aramark Arnett Carbis Toothman AUE Staffing, Inc. David A. Barnette BB&T Asset Management, Inc. BB&T Branch and Trust Company Jerry L. Beasley Charles P. Becker David W. Bolen BrickStreet Foundation, Inc. Champion Industries, Inc. Concord University Classified Personnel Association Harriet M. Deel Nancy K. Dobyns Barbara M. Dorff First Community Bank Marjie M. Flanigan Sylvia Fletcher Joe Friedl A. R. Guenthner Huntington National Bank David P. Kirby Lutheran Community Foundation Muirhead and Gaylor Fund Community Foundation of Sarasota New Peoples Bank Andrew J. Paterno Robert M. Perry Robert Pewanick R.T. Rogers Herbert S. Sanger Margaret J. Sayre John D. Smith Nancy C. Stoll Suttle & Stalnaker, PLLC Deborah F. Taylor The H.P. & Anne S. Hunnicutt Foundation, Inc. The National Collegiate Athletic Association United Bank, Inc. Virginia Laser Corporation Peter L. Viscusi Carl Wilson
$500 -$999
A. B. Altizer Linda J. Alvis
Helen Ball Beaver Coal Company Beckley Area Foundation, Inc. Janet L. Bilotti Edward T. Boggess Cheap Thrills Records First Community Bank John D. Friedl Thomas M. Giffen Evelyn H. Goldston Michael W. Haga Joseph E. Hall Bruce D. Henthorn Kirby-Lester-Mazelon Financial Group IBM Corporation Jackson & Kelly, PLLC Jam Family Foundation, Inc. Darrell Kestner Kathryn L. Liptak Steve L. Lonker Doug Maddy Curtis E. McCall William H. McKee George T. McKelvie Don Meadows Richard F. Miller Mountain Vending, Inc. David L. Pearce Princeton Health Care Center Princeton Rescue Squad Cathie Roberts Susan Rogers Stephen D. Rowe Sam Baker Insurance Agency Robert B. Sayre Seaver Funeral Service, Inc. Scott Shrewsbury Donald H. Smith
$250 -$499
Allstate Judith Angles Appalachian Regional Healthcare Curtis J. Armstrong Phillip B. Ball Arthur J. Benson Harold Brewster James M. Brown
Brown, Edwards & Company, L.L.P Ronald L. Burgher Clifford A. Cook Gibbons & Kawash Robert C. Greear Timothy L. Haymaker Virginia J. Henthorn John L. Hudkins Walter Klingensmith Donna K. Knighton Richard Lawrence Kathryn M. Lester John G. Long F. G. Maxson Jonathan Miller Paul W. Schulz Glen A. Scott Radoslav Simeonov Leonard D. Sledz State Farm Insurance Mary C. Turner Verizon James A. White Thomas Wise William W. Wood
$100 -$249
Keil D. Alderson Joseph P. Alexander Elisabeth A. Allaire Roger F. Anthony Robert M. Ashcraft Athens Lions Club Edward J. Bailey Steve E. Bailey Walter M. Bailey Barbara Baker Elizabeth A. Baker Sam Baker Gregory K. Ball David R. Bard Catherine Billings Derek A. Bonnett Laura Boone Charles H. Brichford Brenda S. Brohard John R. Butz Vincent C. Cali Carolyn Callaway Colin F. Campbell Frank Caperton
HonorRoll 2014
Overton H. Caperton Lorenzo M. Carter City National Bank of West Virginia Cynthia P. Cobbs Arnold Coffey Bobby Cole Mr. Combs Donna H. Cook Jessica L. Cook Robert D. Crockett J Russell Curle Custom Manufacturing Service Eddie Dalton Earl Z. Damewood Danny's Bar Fredrick Davidson Carolyn S. De Boer Susan H. Deal Nancy L. Durnan Gerald P. Eden Ellerbee Enterprises, Inc. Charles A. Elliott Kenneth L. Elmore Grace E. Facello William P. Facello Patricia B. Farmer First Community Bank Shirley Fletcher Tommy F. Foti John E. Francis Joyce N. French Chester Friedl Friends of Lucky Chucky Valentine, Inc. Dale E. Geiger Edward F. Germain Rhonda D. Glyman Victor Grigoraci Janet Lee Hall Frederick A. Harris Carol J. Hartley Donald R. Harvey Joe Hatfield John Himmelsbach Paul Hodges John A. Hoffman Frank Hoge Robert D. Holcomb Mary L. Hopkins IBM - Computershare Everett Jennings Marlene F. Jolliffe
Thomas H. Joyce Joe W. Keatley Cindi Khanlarian C. J. Kirk Marcia M. Koch Joseph V. Lagowski Susan Landis Brad Lane Tony M. Larkin Marilyn Lavecchia Richard B. Lester Veneicia C. Lockhart Lakey S. Logan Nell J. Longo Jacqueline P. Lose Joseph T. Manzo Patricia Marino Michael Massimini Christopher McCormick Katherine M. McGraw Michael P. McGraw Elizabeth Miller Paula E. Mitchell A. A. Modena Arble E. Morgan Mountaineer Investigation & Security, Inc. Brace R. Mullett Adam Pauley John Perry Charles A. Peters Amy M. Pitzer Regina S. Poniatowski Stanley Price Martha G. Rector Robert M. Richardson Tina M. Robinette Rita J. Rotenberry Yvonne J. Satow Gail Scott John D. Seago Charles V. Selby Michael J. Sherman Pencie V. Shrewsbury Deborah J. Shumate Melvin I. Shumate Jane Smith Rose M. Solomon Thomas Sopher Lee F. Stafford Rita M. Staten David Stevens Joe L. Stevenson
John W. Stroud Carol Sutherland Bernard M. Swope Carla R. Throm Yvonne M. Trent Priscilla J. Ward Jennifer L. Ware
$1-$99
Virgil L. Adams Michael S. Adkins Darlene Allen Joseph L. Allen Rosemary Allman Timothy J. Anderson Kristi N. Anzivino William T. Ashley Lonnie D. Bailey John C. Baker Allison E. Ball Cheryl A. Barnes Sharon K. Barnett Diane Belcher Donald C. Belcher Christian Bell Bruce E. Blankenship David J. Blatt Richard K. Bolen George R. Brooks Linda L. Brown Hank W. Burnley David Burton Paul C. Butler Kelly L. Casey Nancy M. Chewning Erin M. Clark Ellen R. Corcoran Jennie A. Cordle Nancy C. Counts Brenda G. Cox Joseph F. Cox R. B. Crawford Sarah P. Dalton Amanda L. Damewood Patricia A. Damewood Charlotte A. Davis Richard C. Davis D W. Deck Alan Deibel Philip DiFrancesco Robert S. Dill Richard L. Dillon
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HonorRoll 2014
t h a n k y o u f o r y o u r C o n t r i b u t i o n 77 • Spring 2015
Mary F. Dunn Nancy Dwight Barbara Edelheit Alexander Feher Dan Fitzpatrick Wayne E. Flippen Patsy A. Florence Thomas B. Ford Betty D. Gates Eloise Goldstein Betty M. Goodwin Sandra Goodwin Daniel S. Green Bonnie Greenberg Deborah J. Griffith Deborah J. Halsey-Hunter Randy R. Hamilton Wendell C. Harless Carolyn S. Harshbarger Raymond E. Hayslett Donlie Henderson Jean Holbrook Charles J. Holdren Jack E. Holt Jennifer C. Howard Muhammad Islam Patricia A. Jens Harold G. Johnson Helen M. Jones David M. Katz Danny L. Keatley Karen H. Kelley Kathy Kirk William R. Lester Norma E. Luciano David P. Madeira Autumn A. Maloy David W. Mann Lance D. McDaniel
Kimberly B. McGraw Wesley McKinney MCNB - Trust Division Richard L. Meador Steven M. Meadows Virginia B. Meadows Fred M. Merchant Marguerite Miller Bob D. Mills Tamara Monk Lisa G. Moore Pat L. Morgan James R. Musgrave Abdallah Najjar Rebecca Nelson Walter Nixon Susan Nutt Anne M. O'Sullivan Ernestine C. Olsavsky Tiffany O'Sullivan Fredrick M. Oxley Nick Oxley Daniel S. Palausky Laura M. Parker-Barua Cindy A. Patterson Jessica Pennington Paul S. Pennington Opal G. Perry Sheila Pillath Mohan Pokharel Amy M. Pray Alicia Price Linda J. Ratliff Sakura Reilly Anita V. Reynolds Robert W. Ritz Susan Robinett James Rutherford Molly B. Sanborn
Stephen J. Satinsky Carlene E. Schmoyer Cleve Settle Thomas C. Shelton Gail E. Shrader Richard H. Smith Roger A. Smith Virginia L. Smith Donald E. Stafford Theodore C. Stover Tracy Summers Tara L. Taylor Evelyn Tomchin Ray Trzeciak Christopher A. Tuck Marites B. Vaught Melva J. Walker Anna M. Wall George M. Wallace Elizabeth A. Webb Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign Wells Fargo Foundation Educational Matching Gift Program Patricia V. White Nick Whited Edward L. Whittaker Lee Wickline Cheryl L. Williams Sue P. Williams Susan Williams Ernest O. Wilson Thomas G. Wilson Jean B. Wimmer Erma K. Wood Lora L. Woolwine Carrie E. Wyrick Patty L. Zimovan
TAKE ROAR WITH YOU! We want to see you with Roar wherever you go! Cut out Roar, to the left, and take him on your fun adventures. Then, take a photo with our friendly mascot and send it to us so we can share with the rest of the CU alumni family!
Spring 2015 • 78
Activities scheduled include: Greek Sing CU Spring Theater Production :“Crimes of the Heart� Spring Football Game Alumni Banquet
REUNIONS
for all classes ending in 0 or 5 (1965, 1970, etc.) For more information, please contact us at 1-304-384-6311 or alumni@concord.edu or visit www.concord.edu/advancement/alumni-weekend