[Summer 2013] Commentary

commentary T H E O FFI CIAL M AGA ZINE O F CO K ER CO LLEG E – HAR T S V ILLE, SOU T H C AR O LINA

BASEBALL'S CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON

REDEFINING EXCELLENCE: THE CAMPAIGN FOR COKER ATHLETICS & RESIDENCE LIFE

MURPHY-OSBORNE AWARD RECIPIENT JAMES SWEENEY

S U M M E R 2013

|

V O L . 41 , N O . 2

coker.edu | cokercobras.com | facebook.com/cokercollege | youtube.com/cokercollege

COMMENTARY

A M E SS AG E F RO M D R. RO B E RT L . W YAT T PR ESIDENT of the COLLEGE

Summer 2013 | Vol. 41, No. 2 coker.edu | cokercobras.com facebook.com/cokercollege | youtube.com/cokercollege

TEAM

If you have been on campus in recent months, the signs of growth are hard to miss. The towering construction crane positioned just beyond the nownearly completed residence hall is arguably the tallest symbol of Coker’s steady expansion, but it is hardly the only one.

This issue of the Commentary is dedicated to sharing exciting highlights not only of the construction projects underway but also of the numerous transformations that are redefining the Coker Experience.

A R T D I R E C T O R

Kyle Saverance ’06 Executive Director of Marketing & Communications ksaverance@coker.edu E D I T O R S/C O N T R I B U T O R S

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Laura Hoxworth

Norah Wofford ’11

Content Manager & Writer lhoxworth@coker.edu

Publications & Web Designer nwofford@coker.edu

Barb Steadman

VIDEOGR APHER

Director of College Relations bsteadman@coker.edu

Seth Johnson ’12

Chris Dougherty

Interactive Media Developer sjohnson@coker.edu

Manager of Athletic Media Relations cdougherty@coker.edu

Ben Beetch ’10 Manager of Special Program Marketing bbeetch@coker.edu

The Commentary is the official magazine of Coker College and is published by the Office of Marketing & Communications.

COKER COLLEGE Office of Marketing & Communications 300 East College Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550-3797 843.383.8000 | marcom@coker.edu

COKER.EDU

For example, as Coker prepares to begin competition in the South Atlantic Conference and field teams in two new sports (wrestling and track and field), loyal Cobras will find ample reason to cheer stories about this year's impressive endings in soccer, tennis and baseball, which culminated in our first-ever appearance at the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship.

I expect you will also be drawn to stories of academic successes, exemplified in the pieces about James Sweeney and Dean Page, and to the piece about the Celebration of Academics, a singularly "Coker" initiative in the capable hands of Dr. Jim Lemke, the recipient of this year’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

Of course, for most, the college’s culminating academic experience, Commencement, stands in a class all its own. This year we enjoyed an inspiring presentation by 13-Emmy-Award-recipient and Mercury Media owner Ted Shaker, whose central messages about growth and patience were particularly apt.

I hope these sunny months of summer are offering you a chance to rest, relax and reaffirm your loftiest dreams. Fall will be here soon and with it fresh opportunities for still more growth.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert L. Wyatt

table of contents IN THIS ISSUE summer 2013

3 Titletown

13 Unlimited

17 Unprecedented Growth

How Coker athletics—and one historic championship season—are putting Hartsville on the map

The two sides of 2013 graduate and MurphyOsborne award recipient James Sweeney

Redefining Excellence: The Campaign for Coker Athletics & Residence Life

19 A Commitment to Education

9 Spirit of Inquiry 2013 Celebration of Academics focused on discovery

10 Q&A w/ Cathy Cuppett Spanish professor Cathy Cuppett on her sevenweek sabbatical spent volunteering in the Dominican Republic

15 News Briefs

Dean Page, student and owner of nonprofit Successful After-School Sites

Highlights from a busy year in the Coker community

16 Service Above Self Alumna Anne L. Matthews appointed first female vice president of Rotary International

11 We made it!

20 #cokerpride Students, alumni, and friends of the college take to social media to share why they love Coker

21 Class News Alumni news and notes from your Class Representatives

Class of 2013 celebrates at 105 Spring Commencement th

DEPARTMENTS CONNECT athletics & campus life

LEARN academics & faculty news

ACHIEVE awards & accolades

GROW looking toward the future

ENGAGE coker in the community

ADVANCE alumni news

WEB EXTRAS To view this video plus many more, visit: youtube.com/cokercobras BECOME A SUBSCRIBER OF OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

HOW COKER ATHLETICS— AND ONE HISTORIC CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON— ARE PUT TING HARTSVILLE ON THE MAP.

FORGET BOSTON. MOVE OVER, GREEN BAY.

THERE’S A NEW CITY VYING FOR THE BADGE OF "TITLETOWN." Okay, so it might be a few years before this community of 7,700 can really compete

with the greats. But the Hartsville High School Red Foxes have a history of bringing home championships in football, basketball, and softball (including this year’s state title in football)—and after this year in Coker College athletics, it appears that winning tradition is spreading across town.

With both men’s soccer and men’s tennis capturing regular-season titles in the fall, it was already a solid year for Coker athletics. And then, almost out of nowhere, came the baseball team. After placing a respectable second in the regular season, a sudden streak of unstoppable momentum propelled the team to both conference and regional championships, and the Cobras became Coker’s first baseball team to ever compete in an NCAA tournament— finishing with the third-best record in Coker history.

That’s not too bad for a team ranked eighth out of nine teams in the conference preseason.

If this trend continues, Coker could help turn winning into a city-wide tradition. "We're going to have to issue a proclamation and really change the name to Hartsville to 'Titletown,'" said Hartsville mayor Mel Pennington in an interview with WBTV News 13 after the Cobras brought home the regional championship. "People always complain about their water bills, but I can tell you drinking this water, around here, is a pretty lucky thing.

"So if you're in athletics, I would tell you that you just might want to stop by Hartsville and have a sip of what we're selling."

A FAIRY-TALE SEASON nobody that’s got the heart of a champion like Coker College. And that’s what we’re going to remember about this group."

And in hindsight, those preseason rankings only make the success that much sweeter. For Schmotzer, they underscore the heart and determination of his team. "The cosmic thing about it is that we were picked to finish eighth, yet we’re one of the eight teams in the nation still standing months later," he said. "Take that to the bank."

JUNIOR FICO KONDLA TEAM RUSHES THE FIELD AFTER WINNING THE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

So they didn’t stop. The conference title brought media attention, and during the twoweek break between tournaments, the community started to sit up and notice the Cobras. The team headed off to the regional championship in a whirlwind of bell ringing, newspaper articles and TV appearances. And the Cobras rode that wave of momentum all the way, beating No. 1 Mount Olive—not just once, but twice—to advance to the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship for the first time in the history of the program.

It was a monumental moment for the team and the individual players who had worked so hard to get there. When the last pitch was thrown and the Cobras collapsed into a pile of yells and hugs and cheers, the energy on the field was electric. At that moment, they knew they’d made history. "That’s what we’ve been trying to do in the four years since I’ve been here, and we finally did it," said Witzel. The work finally paid off."

So what exactly was it about this year? They had the skill, of course, and Schmotzer made sure they put in the work. But when it comes down to it, Schmotzer said it was something less tangible that made the difference. "If you look at our positions, and compare it to other positions on the field—the Aikens, even the Georgia Colleges— they’re bigger; they’re faster," he said. "But there’s

CONNECT

For Dave Schmotzer, Coker’s head baseball coach for 21 years (and the only coach the program has ever known), that preseason ranking felt like a slap in the face. He knew his team was better than that. Thankfully, it wasn’t enough to deter his faith in their potential—and his belief in the value of hard work.

If there’s one thing Schmotzer teaches his players, it’s that you have to put in the effort to get the results. Schmotzer wasn’t going to give up on his team, so he worked them hard from the start. "You pour your heart into something, and you pour your soul into something, and you don’t skip a minute," he said. "So you know that you gave it your best."

Right from the beginning, the season looked promising—the Cobras racked up win after win, anchored by key performances from a few standout players. Senior starter Dan Meyer was a linchpin for the team, finishing the season 8-4 with a 4.35 ERA. Then there was closer Zach Loraine, a junior transfer who became known for performing under pressure. He finished the year with 15 saves, just one away from tying for the best in 2013 among Division II schools. Offensively, junior first baseman Fico Kondla led the team with a .418 average and with 50 RBIs. But it takes more than a few good players to make a championship team. And this year, the Cobras had it all. They had the skill, the determination, and the heart—and finally, those intangible qualities that brought it all together. Ask anyone who saw them in action this year: the Cobras possessed a certain team unity and an unbreakable spirit that pulled them through many tough situations. "We just had a good vibe with the whole team this year," said senior Tyler Witzel. "I knew something good was going to go down. We had a lot of team bonding, a lot of team chemistry."

The Cobras finished second in the regular season behind Mount Olive, earning a trip to the Conference Carolinas tournament for the first time in years. The outlook was good for a solid performance postseason. But then, after going 1-1 in their first two games, it looked like that might be the end of the ride.

And that’s when the magic started. Suddenly, the Cobras took off. They started to draw attention as they fought through the tournament, winning four straight games to claim the conference title. That was a big moment, but it wasn’t the end. "We just have that mindset where we have one goal," said Kondla, "and we’re not going to stop until we achieve that goal."

"If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, win a championship."

IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY...

The regional title win—the dogpile, hoisting the trophy, that irreplaceable feeling of triumph—is a moment none of those players will ever forget. But if possible, it was even more meaningful for their coach.

Head baseball coach at Coker since ’93, Schmotzer knows what it’s like to win. He also knows what it’s like to give it your best and still come up short. But through it all, he’s driven by a love of the game and a belief in the lessons his players take away from their time at Coker. With more than 30 years and 600 wins overall to his credit as a college baseball coach, he’s developed a coaching philosophy that goes beyond the field.

He teaches the technique, of course, and the strategies—but he also teaches the value of hard work and the importance of perseverance in the face of defeat. His lessons transcend the details of the game into advice his players will take with them into the rest of their lives, whether or not that includes baseball.

It’s the type of coaching that players respond to. Plus, it helps that Schmotzer has an eccentric way of speaking that lends itself to quoting.

Spend just a few minutes speaking with him, and you’ll leave with at least a couple of sound bites to take with you. The team is always quoting "Schmotzer-isms," but there was one phrase in particular that stuck this season. Schmotzer didn’t realize it would become the team’s mantra that carried them through every step of the journey, but he happily repeats it now: "If you want to be happy for a day, eat a steak. If you want to be happy for three days, buy a car. If you want to be happy for a week, go on a cruise. But if you want to be happy for the rest of your life, win a championship here at Coker College."

After the regional win, as the guys drenched Schmotzer in water and hoisted him on their shoulders, it was clear they knew who to thank for their success. "Winning for coach is huge," said senior Keith Wolf. "He’s been here 21 years, and that’s all he’s talked about, is if you win a championship, you’ll be happy for the rest of your life.

Seeing him after the game, almost in tears, just makes everything worth it."

But Schmotzer, despite the pride he clearly has for his team, doesn’t talk much about his own role in the season. His personal reward is the character and maturity he’s seen them develop throughout their college careers—and the knowledge that they will remember this fairy-tale season forever.

"This is a moment they can refer to, and they will refer to, I can promise you," he said. "Most of them will get through this turmoil in life because they know what it is to bite a nail. That’s what I’m most proud of."

—Dave Schmotzer, Head Baseball Coach

MULTIPLE MILESTONES As if there weren’t enough to celebrate on the day of the regional championship win, the Cobras had one more accomplishment to commemorate that day.

When the guys left for the regional tournament, they knew there would be one drawback if they succeeded in making it all the way. Because the tournament fell on Coker’s official commencement weekend, 15 seniors had to miss their college graduation. It was a disappointing scheduling conflict, but a sacrifice the players were willing to make for their team.

So when they did find that success in North Carolina, Coker College brought graduation to them. President Robert Wyatt and provost Tracy Parkinson, along with several professors and members of the board of trustees, traveled to Mount Olive and donned caps and gowns for an impromptu graduation ceremony right there on

TEAM W/ PRESIDENT ROBERT WYATT & PROVOST TRACY PARKINSON AFTER THE SENIORS GRADUATED ON THE THIRD BASE LINE

ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS The Cobras didn’t have the performance they had hoped for in the NCAA Division II Championship tournament. Despite the support of family, friends and fans, they dropped out of the race with losses to the No. 1 Tampa Spartans (the eventual champions) and the No. 7 Grand Canyon Antelopes.

But when they returned to Hartsville, the Cobras returned to a college and community they had made proud. They closed out the season with a 38-16 record, the third best season in Coker history. Loraine was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, and the rest of the team will move on to whatever the next challenge may be. They will always be remembered at Coker as the first baseball team that made it to the NCAA finals. The team that took a dismal ranking and turned it into multiple championships. The team that didn’t give up.

Looking back, it was undoubtedly a historic year for Coker athletics. Who knows—maybe in a few years, people will know Hartsville as the city of champions. But here’s the one thing we do know: wherever they go in life, the 2013 Coker College baseball team will cherish the memory of this season forever.

"For them to be able to take this in, absorb it, treasure it … It’s an everlasting memory," Schmotzer said. "It’s forever. And that is what I’m so happy about. That these guys have this thing in their heart called Coker College pride."

SENIOR MEN'S SOCCER PLAYER, NOAH LASCELL

SENIOR MEN'S TENNIS PLAYER, JAMES CORFIELD

MEN’S TENNIS

MEN’S SOCCER

WINS REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP

WINS REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP

In April, the Coker Cobra men's tennis team made history as it captured the Conference Carolinas regular-season championship for the first time ever.

Though they fell short in the program’s first-ever Conference Carolinas tournament appearance, it was still a record-breaking year for the program. In the second season under head coach Tom Simpson, the Cobras went 18-5 overall and 10-0 in Conference Carolinas. After winning the regular season title and making it to the conference tournament final, the season came to an end in a 5-2 match against Limestone College.

A young team, the Cobras had just one junior, one sophomore and four freshmen that made up the lineup. Freshman Andre Staab lead the way as Coker's first ever regionally ranked player. He is ranked No. 12 in the Southeast region according to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). The men's tennis team also cracked the national polls, earning a No. 39 ranking by the ITA. That marked the first time a Coker's men's tennis team has been ranked nationally in program history.

"To be ranked nationally speaks volumes for our program," Simpson said. "The men worked hard to put together a great season. It's rewarding to see them recognized for their efforts."

Postseason accolades for the squad included four all-conference selections: Andre Staab (first team), William Marrafao (second team), James Corfield (second team) and Tom Sizeland (third team). In addition, Simpson was named conference coach of the year and the United States Professional Tennis Association Southern Division coach of the year.

Along with the national ranking as a team, Staab is currently ranked No. 32 by the ITA in singles. He is the first men's tennis player in Coker history to earn a national ranking. Staab, also named the ITA Southeast rookie of the year and conference freshman of the year, went 15-5 in singles play.

This year marked another standout season for the Coker men’s soccer team. In October, the program captured its second consecutive regular-season Conference Carolinas championship thanks to a 2-1 win over Limestone College, with junior Akeem Prendes scoring the game-winning goal for Coker in the 74th minute of play.

The Cobras entered the match in second place behind Limestone. Coker struck first when senior Noah Lascell took a ball from Tony Quiroz down the sideline and placed it in the upper right corner in the 19th minute of the match.

Then with just 30 seconds remaining in the first half, Thomas Metzemaekers scored the equalizer for the Saints making it 1-1 at the break.

The score remained even until Prendes beat the keeper on a header off a cross from Stephen Scrivens in the 74th minute. The goal gave Coker the lead and the eventual win.

The Cobras ended their season in the quarterfinals of the Conference Carolinas tournament with a 2-1 loss to Queens University of Charlotte. Coker finished with a record of 12-4-1 overall and 8-1-1 in league play.

The team’s performance was recognized with a slew of postseason awards. Seven Cobras earned all-conference nods, and the program took three of the four major individual awards.

For the second consecutive season, the Cobras boasted the conference's player and coach of the year, with senior forward Niko Tirkkonen and head coach Paul Leese taking those honors. Senior James Sweeney, also the recipient of this year’s Murphy-Osborne award, was named defensive player of the year. The team was also ranked No. 10 in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America and Continental Tire Division II Men’s Southeast Region poll.

CONNECT

the field. The seniors walked across the third base line—on the field where they had made history just moments before—to receive their diplomas and celebrate the second personal milestone in a matter of hours. Surrounded by family, professors, and teammates, the seniors heard their president call their names as they officially became members of the college’s alumni association.

For a team that boasted 19 players on the spring honor roll, it’s clear that success in baseball wasn’t their only focus in college. So for these athletes who perfectly represent the combination of athletics and academics that exemplifies the NCAA Division II model, the ceremony was a fitting end to their college career. "We had the best of two worlds in one day," Schmotzer said. "It’s a memory these kids will never forget."

For Witzel, the experience was even more personal and meaningful than a typical graduation ceremony. "We just won a championship," he said.

"I’m graduating and getting my diploma with my jersey on. That was way better. Ask any of the seniors, they would have loved to do that."

LEARN

LEARN

DR. MAL HYMAN, PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY

When students graduate from Coker College, they haven’t just earned a degree. They’ve earned an education.

As a testament to this belief, Coker hosted its fourth annual Celebration of Academics in March—a week-long, campus-wide event bringing together the entire academic community. The celebration, which continues a tradition that began during President Robert Wyatt’s inauguration, exemplifies the college’s commitment to hands-on education and the pursuit of lifelong learning.

"One of the most satisfying aspects of putting these programs together is the knowledge that students, faculty, staff and the community grow as a result," said professor of political science and philosophy Dr. Jim Lemke, who organizes the annual Celebration of Academics and directs the Center for Research in Leadership and Community Development.

"When dozens of creative scholars—writers, scientists and artists of all forms—gather to share personal stories of their academic explorations, something quite special inevitably occurs. Engagement becomes learning, students and faculty become collaborators and we become a more vibrant community."

This year, the celebration included a lecture by retiring professor of communication Dr. George Lellis, dozens of poster presentations of student research and service-learning projects, a Performing Arts Showcase, and nearly two dozen presentations of student-faculty research projects.

Undergraduate research is rapidly becoming a key part of the Coker experience. Last October, assistant chemistry professor Dr. Gordon Brown received a three-year, $143,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for his research on molecular interactions using low-frequency microwave spectroscopy.

PERFORMING ARTS SHOWCASE

As this year’s presentations showed, the research process embodies the Coker spirit of discovery and learning. "I love teaching, but my favorite part of my job is doing research with students," said Brown. "And in a sense, that’s where probably my best teaching happens. It’s our philosophy at Coker that you don’t learn to be a scientist by reading books and taking notes and taking tests. You learn to be a scientist by doing science."

Research experience is an attractive resume addition for students—but according to Dr. Joe Flaherty, assistant biology professor and director of undergraduate research, the benefits extend much further. "Undergraduate research provides significant one-on-one faculty-student mentoring while students learn valuable skills relevant to graduate and professional studies and to a career," Flaherty said.

For students, research is a way to get more involved in the process of learning and discovery, and to feel that they are contributing something new to the scientific world. "I found out that Dr. Flaherty was doing such intellectual and cool research that I jumped on board," said junior biology major Kristen Oliver.

"The celebration of academics is a very valuable event for students because it’s an opportunity for us to showcase what we’ve been working on. And it’s not specific to any particular department. It’s biology, psychology, mathematics—anything on campus. And I think it’s important for students to be able to say, 'Hey, this is what I’m working on. This applies to not just Coker, but to real life, and real problems'."

Whether it’s performing arts or biology research, the Celebration of Academics offers a unique chance for students and professors to gather and explore challenging topics—and, inevitably, the process of learning itself. "It’s a humbling experience. You’re going to be asked questions that you aren’t going to have good answers for," said assistant professor of sociology Mal Hyman.

"But that’s the spirit of inquiry. It’s a chance for all of us to learn and have a feel for the process of knowledge."

WEB EXTRAS To view this video plus many more, visit: youtube.com/cokercollege 9 | SUMMER

2013

C A M P U S I S S U E

SENIOR MATHEMATICS MAJOR, JAMES SHUMPERT

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER OF OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

LEARN

with cathy cuppett During her recent sabbatical, Spanish professor Dr. Cathy Cuppett spent seven weeks in the Dominican Republic volunteering with the non-profit organization Outreach 360. We sat down with her to learn about her experience.

What is the Outreach 360 program?

Their purpose is to give children a life of choice through education. They have a learning center where children from the community come five days a week to learn English and Spanish literacy, and they also do learning camps in communities where they don’t have a center.

In the Dominican Republic, the school systems aren’t that well-funded, and children only go to school for half a day at most schools—which is maybe two and a half hours of instruction time.

I actually went into one of the public schools, and in some classes there were over 40 children in class with just one teacher. Outreach 360 feels that education is the way for kids to have more opportunities. Their goal is ultimately for children who go through their program to be able to go to college or be gainfully employed.

What made you choose this program for your sabbatical?

I want to take students abroad. But what caught my eye about Outreach 360 is that it’s going abroad, but you’re doing service learning at the same time. And that speaks to me personally.

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

I enjoy doing community service, and I would enjoy that more probably than taking students on a tour of important sites. So I just went for it, and it turned out to be a really great experience.

What was your day-today life like while you were there?

The first month I taught Spanish literacy in the learning center. During the course of the week you read a book with the children, and it’ll have something to emphasize such as spelling, or talking about the structure of the story. The books come with teacher guides and activities, but you can also create activities on your own.

The last three weeks I led teams and worked the literacy station in the learning camps. We would read a book with the kids and do activities with them, and 20 or 25 minutes later they would move to a different station—which could be English learning, or something like lifestyle skills, teambuilding games, recreation, or health.

The evenings are set aside for lesson planning, or they’ll show a movie or give short talks on culture and education. One week we learned how to do "bachata," a dance that’s popular in the Dominican Republic. On Friday

afternoons they take the group to the beach, and on Friday morning they go to a market town called Dajabón, which is on the border of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. You see the Haitians coming across the bridge pushing empty wheelbarrows or carrying huge things of rice on their heads, and you get to see that cultural interaction.

What did you gain, personally and professionally, from the experience?

One of the best things, for me, was that I felt that all of my skills and abilities were useful in an immediate and tangible way. For example, I teach Spanish here but I don’t get to use it much on a daily basis. But there I was using it every day to talk to children, to teach them, to talk with Dominicans and sometimes to help non-Spanish speaking volunteers communicate.

You gain a lot of confidence in yourself.

In a professional way, it was good to spend time in a Spanish-speaking country. And to really get to know this organization so I feel confident and enthusiastic about taking students there.

What is your favorite memory from the trip?

With a group of older kids, we took the book they were reading and made it into a play that they performed for the little kids. It was a very boisterous class, but the day we did the play, they were so great. They were really trying to help without my telling them to, and they were excited about doing it. This one boy who was incredibly, incredibly shy—he actually volunteered to say extra lines, which was pretty amazing.

If you get to take students on trips like this, how do you think it will benefit them?

First is just to be in another country.

That’s huge. But what I saw from the groups I worked with is they grow in confidence—confidence in their ability to effect change. They always feel by the end of the week that they’ve come a long way in how they teach and communicate with children, and they see that the children have actually learned something during those four days. So I think people realize that they can effect change in the world, and it doesn’t take a whole lot—basically just willingness to give it your best shot.

FOR A FULL LIST OF FACULTY PROMOTION, TENURE AND SABBATICALS

PLEASE VISIT COKER.EDU

T HE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .

C O M M E N TA RY

| 10

LEARN

WE

MADE IT class of 2013 celebrates at 105 spring th

commencement

On a sunny spring morning in May, 188 new graduates—one of the largest classes in Coker history—walked across the stage in front of Davidson Hall and received their diplomas.

For President Robert Wyatt, the ceremony held personal significance. Wyatt also began his Coker journey four years ago, starting his tenure as president when most of the 2013 graduates were freshmen.

"I suspect you came to Coker expecting good things here," he said to the graduates. "I hope we delivered. When Nancy, Lara and I moved here four years ago, along with you—Coker’s Class of 2013—we expected good things, too. And we were not disappointed.

"You will make a positive difference the world over," he continued, "and I could not be more proud."

During the ceremony, Wyatt also conferred a Doctor of Humane Letters on this year’s commencement speaker, owner and managing partner of Mercury Media Ted Shaker.

With a career that spans three decades at the

11 | S U M M E R

2013

C A M P U S I S S U E

forefront of sports and news media, Shaker has received numerous national awards—including 13 Emmy Awards for excellence in the creation of sports programming and two George Foster Peabody awards for outstanding work in news and sports.

To the Class of 2013, Shaker offered these words of advice: "Life is a marathon. It is not a sprint."

Emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of challenges, Shaker told the graduates that the ceremony was a celebration marking the end of one journey—and the beginning of another.

"Know that as you head out on your run from here, the road won’t always be straight," he said.

"But don’t lose sight of your dreams, and take every opportunity that comes along.

"It’s going to be a long, rewarding, and exciting journey."

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

+

Several individuals received special recognition during the ceremony.

Five graduates (Lindsay Davis, Leslie Hanna, Elizabeth McCarley, James Shumpert and James Sweeney) were recognized as first honor graduates, each having earned the highest academic cumulative grade point average of 4.0. The class of 2013 voted to award Dr. Kevin Kenyon 1 (pictured), associate professor of history, with this year’s Master Professor Award.

The Alumni Cup was awarded to Lindsay Davis, Zachary Durham, Leslie Hanna, Stephanie Harrelson, Elizabeth McCarley, Andrew Morris, Ashli Pollard, James Shumpert and James Sweeney. The Alumni Cup is awarded by the Coker College Alumni Association to the members of the graduating class who have earned the highest academic averages for their junior and senior years.

1

LEARN

2

"It’s not that you stumble—you will. It’s how quickly you get up, and how you negotiate the obstacles, that will define you who are. Coker clearly has prepared you for those challenges."

—Ted Shaker, 2013 Spring Commencement Speaker W W W. C O K E R . E D U

2

(pictured)

T HE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .

C O M M E N TA RY

| 12

ACHIEVE

UNLIMITED The two sides of 2013 graduate & Murphy-Osborne award recipient James Sweeney

It’s difficult to put a label on James Sweeney.

On the one hand, you have a math and computer science double-major, perfect 4.0 student, and aspiring professor. But on the other, you have a record-holding four-year starter and two-time captain for the Coker College men’s soccer team.

Clearly, James never limited himself to being a certain type of person. It’s this focus and determination that made him the recipient of this year’s prestigious Murphy-Osborne award, an honor given each year by Conference Carolinas to the most outstanding student-athlete in the conference.

Each year, student-athletes are nominated for the Murphy-Osborne award based on academics, athletics, leadership and service, and community excellence. Chosen from a pool of 11 semi-finalists, James is the first Coker student to win the award since softball player Liz Clack in 1995. Between his academic success, his achievements on the soccer field, and his community service with the campus Enactus team, James Sweeney learned how to combine his two talents—the athletic and the academic—to find success in both.

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE The youngest of four siblings, James was a natural competitor from an early age. He’s been playing soccer with his two older brothers as long as he can remember. "Being the youngest, whether we were playing hockey in the driveway or soccer in the backyard, they always just threw me in goal," James says. "So that helped shape me into a goalie."

James can particularly thank older brother A.J. for bringing him to Coker. Just three years apart, James says he and A.J., who also played soccer at Coker before graduating in 2010, always had a close but competitive relationship. James first became interested in playing soccer at Coker after visiting campus for games and seeing the positive experiences his brother had on the team.

James was attracted to Coker’s academic environment, but it was ultimately head soccer coach Paul Leese’s recruitment that sealed the deal on his college decision. James chose Coker because he knew he could get the balance of both academics and athletics he wanted. "The program was in the middle of the pack, but I saw potential," he 13 | S U M M E R

2013

C A M P U S I S S U E

says. "I knew I would be able to make an impact, and I knew that over the years it would be able to grow into a championship team."

And he was right. During his four years on the team, James led the Cobras to an overall record of 49-19-9. He holds the school record in games started (74), shutouts (32) and goals-against average (0.787). During James’s career, Coker has won the conference regular-season and tournament titles twice and, in his junior year, the team earned a bid to the NCAA tournament and hosted the second round of regionals for the first time in school history.

"James is one of the most driven and committed players I have worked with," says Leese. "He demands the very best of himself and his teammates—and is disappointed if he doesn't get that level of performance."

THE ACADEMIC DRIVE But despite his athletic success, James says he was more academically minded before college.

Even now, his insatiable appetite for learning is evident. Though he can easily tell you his least favorite part of math (proofs), coming up with a favorite leaves him momentarily stumped. "All of it?" he jokes. (Eventually he settles on Real Analysis, which he also says was his hardest class. He likes a challenge.)

While James wasn’t set on studying math when he arrived at Coker, it didn’t take long for him to decide on a major. "After a single semester here, I knew that’s what I wanted to do with the rest of my life," he says. James particularly enjoyed the collaborative classroom environment he found in Coker’s math department. "I’ve heard before that you learn the least by just getting lectured to, but you learn the most from teaching others," he says. "So when we work together we’re teaching each other, and we all learn the best methods to do each problem."

During his four years at Coker, James not only maintained a perfect 4.0 average, but he also participated in research outside of class and taught SAT prep to local high school students with Enactus. "In my six years of teaching and mentoring upper level mathematicians and computer scientists, I have known many students who excel in one

particular facet of science," says Dr. Paul Dostert, assistant professor of math and computer science. "There has been only one student who has excelled at every single task that I have thrown at him, and that is James Sweeney."

James attributes much of his success to Dostert’s influence. "Dr. Dostert has impacted my life greatly," James says. "When he teaches, he teaches with passion—he has a good time doing it, and he wants to be there every day."

In fact, James hopes to follow Dostert’s example and become a professor himself. In August, James will be attending the University of South Carolina to pursue a graduate degree in math, with the eventual goal of obtaining his Ph.D. Someday, he wants to work at a college like Coker—where he can become the mentor. "I think the best feeling when you’re teaching someone is that moment you see in their eyes where they finally understand it—and you’re the person who helped with that," he says. "That’s a good feeling."

THE PERFECT BALANCE

Looking back, James embraces both sides of himself, saying they’ve equally helped him become who he is today. But James wasn’t always the confident, effusive kid who reflects so insightfully on his accomplishments. Both on the field and in the classroom, James says his college experience has transformed him from a shy freshman into a more self-assured, mature adult.

"He was a typical freshman in that he would keep his thoughts to himself," says Leese. "But James quickly developed into a leader and was vocal in instructing those around him during games and practice." And according to Dostert, that typical freshman student has become an independent thinker ready for the academic rigors of grad school. "James has evolved from an exceptional classroom student to an outstanding thinking and researcher," Dostert says.

In the end, James says those two halves of his life aren’t even so separate after all. In class, James says he benefits from the competitive edge he’s gained from soccer. And as a goalie, his logical mind helps him appreciate the mental aspect of the game. "Many coaches talk about having 'a coach on the field,' says Leese, "and James is exW W W. C O K E R . E D U

ACHIEVE

actly that. He is a smart and sharp soccer player who not only understands how we play tactically as a team, but also how to anticipate situations as they develop and prepare himself and his teammates to handle them."

Plus, by participating in so many varied activities, James realizes he’s grown as a person and figured out where he wants to go in life. "Because of those extracurricular activities, I was able to determine that I wanted to be professor," he says. "I would never have known that if I wasn’t going outside of the classroom and working with other people."

Reflecting on his accomplishments, James is grateful to his family, his professors, and his community for helping him achieve so much. As for what’s ahead? With his résumé, James’s options for the future are nearly unlimited—clearly, limits aren’t really his thing (unless, of course, we’re talking calculus). But James likes to keep his aspirations grounded in what really matters. When asked what mark he’d like to leave on the world, his answer is surprisingly modest: "So many people have such a negative view of math," he says. "If I could become a professor and change just one kid from hating it to loving it—that would be a good enough accomplishment for me."

JAMES’S INDIVIDUAL AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS INCLUDE: 2013 MURPHY-OSBORNE AWARD FIRST HONOR GRADUATE 2013 2013 ALUMNI CUP DAKTRONICS ALL-AMERICAN & TWO-TIME ALL-REGION SELECTIONS TWO-TIME NATIONAL SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA’S SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICAN TEAM SELECTION CAPITAL ONE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN TEAM THREE-TIME ALL-CONFERENCE, TWO-TIME CONFERENCE SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR CONFERENCE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR FOUR-TIME CONFERENCE PRESIDENTIAL HONOR ROLL & COKER DEAN’S LIST MEMBER C.G. TIMBERLAKE COKER COLLEGE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR COKER ATHLETIC FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR W W W. C O K E R . E D U

T HE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .

C O M M E N TA RY

| 14

NEWS BRIEFS It’s been an eventful semester for Coker College. With continued growth in all areas of campus, the college is making headlines. Here are just a few of the highlights.

ACHIEVE

For full stories and more up-to-date Coker news, visit us online at coker.edu/current-top-stories

2012-2013 COKER COLLEGE ENACTUS TEAM

Coker students’ community service projects ENACTUS PLACES IN NATIONAL this year included painting an educational mural TOP 40 Dr. Jim Lemke, Coker College professor of po- at a local elementary school, teaching SAT prep litical science and philosophy, was honored in April to high school students, and collecting books for Following a win in the regional competition in with the South Carolina Independent Colleges and local children as part of a new literature advocacy Atlanta, Ga., Coker College’s Enactus team (previUniversity’s (SCICU) Excellence in Teaching Award. project. ously Students In Free Enterprise) placed in the top Lemke, a Coker faculty member since 1973, di40 in the national competition in Kansas City, Mo., rects the College’s Center for Research Leadership ALUM RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL in May. and Community Development and has guided REPORTING AWARD Enactus encourages students use business conmany students through Coker’s pre-law specializacepts to develop community outreach projects, Coker alum and CNN producer Christopher transform lives and shape a better, more sustaintion.

"Dr. Lemke has demonstrated, as much as any Dawson (’93) received the 2013 Award for Excel- able world. This year, Coker’s 40-member team supfaculty member to have served at Coker, a commit- lence in International Reporting, presented by In- ported more than a dozen projects in the Pee Dee ment to the philosophy of round-table learning," terAction at the organization’s Forum 2013 meeting region and a new international enterprise, a comsaid Provost Tracy Parkinson. "Dr. Lemke has the in April. The award recognizes exemplary reporting mercial bakery and youth training program that is capacity to set high goals, expect achievement, by a U.S.-based journalist who has informed and being established in Rwanda, Africa. and yet always see and seek the potential in every educated U.S. audiences about international development or humanitarian affairs. student."

COKER ADDS NEW TRACK & Dawson became the lead producer for CNN’s FIELD PROGRAMS Impact Your World in 2007. Over the next four years, COKER MAKES NATIONAL he built this new project into an award-winning Coker athletics continues to grow with the anCOMMUNITY SERVICE cross-platform initiative for CNN, CNN Internation- nouncement of two new intercollegiate sports for HONOR ROLL al, HLN, CNN.com, CNN Mobile and CNN Radio. the 2013-14 academic year: men’s and women’s Dawson also expanded Impact Your World to track and field. The teams’ first official season will In March, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) named Coker College offer an immediate viewer response for breaking be spring 2015.

The additions mark the fifth and sixth NCAA to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Commu- news, which became paramount when natural disasters struck. Dawson was directly responsible Division II athletic programs added since Athletic nity Service Honor Roll.

"Coker College’s selection to the Honor Roll is for each disaster response, which culminated in Director Lynn Griffin began in 2010—bringing Cokrecognition from the highest levels of the federal award-winning, extensive coverage on the 2010 er’s total number of programs to 19. The teams will government of Coker’s commitment to service and Haiti earthquake. Dawson won the ShelterBox compete in the South Atlantic Conference, which civic engagement on campus and in our nation," Global Media Award in 2011 for his continued focus Coker joined on July 1. A national search for a head on Haiti’s recovery. men’s and women’s track and field coach will begin said Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS.

LEMKE WINS TEACHING AWARD

in fall 2013.

15 | S U M M E R

2013

C A M P U S I S S U E

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

PRESIDENT OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, RON BURTON & ANNE L. MATTHEWS

ACHIEVE

Service Above Self Alumna Anne L. Matthews appointed first female vice president of Rotary International

Anne L. Matthews didn’t set out to become a trailblazer or a role model. She just wanted to devote her life to helping others.

As it turns out, she’s done both. An accomplished educator, published author, and public speaker, Matthews was recently appointed to serve as the vice president of Rotary International for the 2013-14 year—the first woman elected to the position.

Founded in 1905, Rotary International is a humanitarian organization devoted to both community and international service. Operating under the motto "Service Above Self," Rotary is perhaps best known for its contributions to the fight against polio. Since 1985, Rotary's PolioPlus program has worked through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to help immunize more than two billion children in 125 countries—reducing the number of polio cases by 99 percent.

"Rotary is the greatest service organization in the world, and I believe that my purpose in life is to serve others," Matthews says. Since becoming a Rotarian in 1989 (the first year Rotary allowed women into the organization), Matthews has held several leadership positions within the organization. She is also the first woman to be elected to serve both as a trustee of The Rotary Foundation and as a director of Rotary International.

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

A native of Lake City, S.C., Matthews says growing up with five brothers helped her learn to work well with men. But above all, she credits her parents for her success. "The greatest influence in my life was my parents, who epitomized 'Service Above Self,’" she says. "They believed in me, encouraged me and supported me."

After earning her baccalaureate degree from Coker College, Matthews went on to earn a master’s in business from Appalachian State University and a doctorate from the University of South Carolina. She has served on a number of boards of business, education, economic and civic organizations, including the board of the American Cancer Society. A member of Leadership South Carolina, Matthews has received two appointments from President Ronald Reagan. She has also been honored by the YWCA, the Girl Scouts of America, received the key to Lake City, S.C., and was inducted into the Hall of Fame from Florence County School District 3.

But throughout her many service endeavors, Matthews has always placed a particular focus on education. A former director with the South Carolina State Department of Education, she is also president of Matthews and Associates, an educational consulting firm based in Columbia, S.C. "I don’t think anything is more important than getting a good education," she says. "I say this everywhere I go: Education is the first step to preventing or eliminating most of the world’s problems."

Unsurprisingly, Matthews highly values her own education and the opportunities it has pro-

vided her. "I received a well-rounded liberal arts education at Coker, which I believe is the foundation for success in life," she says. Among her many honors, Matthews received the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from Coker College in 1987 and a Doctor of Humane Letters from Coker College in 1988. She also served on the Board of Trustees of Coker College from 1980 through 1985 and again from 2003 through 2008.

Now, Matthews will turn her focus to her new role as vice president. Her responsibilities will include working with the board to make policy decisions, traveling across the world to speak and visit Rotary programs, and collaborating closely with the organization’s president. "First and foremost, I consider serving as vice president an honor," she says. "Whether the job is done by a male or female is immaterial; what is important is that the individual who serves is effective in the role."

But with that said, Matthews is grateful to the female leaders who came before her, and hopeful that her appointment will serve as encouragement to those who will follow her. "Women have contributed significantly to Rotary initiatives and will continue to do so," she says. "They will now know they have the opportunity to serve in higher roles in our organization."

For those women, and anyone else hoping to succeed in business and in life, Matthews offers this advice: "Dream big and reach as high as you can. Because if you believe in yourself and you prepare yourself, the opportunities are unlimited."

T HE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .

C O M M E N TA RY

| 16

GROW

{GROWTH} unprecedented

"Your college, Coker College, is growing.

And it is for all the right reasons."

— President Robert Wyatt

It’s been a groundbreaking year for Coker College. Literally. Within three months, Coker officially broke ground on two major construction projects that, together, make up one monumental campus expansion. It’s all part of Redefining Excellence: the Campaign for Coker Athletics & Residence Life—the most ambitious capital campaign in the institution’s century-long history. Through this campaign, the college will gain up to six new residential facilities (with the first set to open this August) and a state-of-the-art athletics complex.

Born out of the college’s strategic plan, "Redefining Ready: Destination 1500," the Redefining Excellence campaign is more than just a construction project. It represents Coker’s commitment to continual growth and improvement.

At a time when many colleges (particularly the small, residential ones) are struggling just to stay afloat, Coker continues to thrive. The announcement of the campaign follows a period of development across all levels of the college—including four straight years of enrollment growth, an increase in the size of its faculty, the opening of the Wiggins School of Education, the establishment of a graduate program, and an increased commitment to wellness programs and NCAA Division II athletics (culminating in a decision to join the South Atlantic Conference at the start of the 2013-14 academic year).

Redefining Excellence marks the biggest undertaking yet. And with construction in progress on both projects, it’s off to a promising start.

Around here, the energy is contagious.

Just step onto campus and you’re bound to catch a glimpse of construction or a snippet of excited conversation that makes one thing clear: This is, undoubtedly, the start of something big.

In January, Coker hosted its first groundbreaking ceremony of the year. The celebration marked the start of construction on the first building of the Residential Village, a new apartment-style housing complex situated at the corner of East Carolina Avenue and South Second Street.

The third new residential housing facility Coker has added in two years, the expansion is proof of the college’s forward momentum. Under the ambitious strategic plan, Coker aims to grow to a community of 1500 students by 2015—and that growth is well un-

17 | S U M M E R

2013

C A M P U S I S S U E

The Residential Village

derway. "Following four straight years of increasing enrollment and plans that call for still more growth, our need for new facilities is obvious," said President Robert Wyatt at the ceremony. "Meeting this demand is a challenge we relish."

But necessity aside, the new space promises to be both a perk for current students and a draw for future Cobras. Designed to complement existing campus architecture, the complex will have the look and feel of a modern village neighborhood. Each three-story building will hold 12 suites and a large wrap-around porch on every level, with single bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a kitchen and a large living/dining area in every suite.

"When we accept students into the Coker family, we’ve made a commitment to them, as they have to us, to do our very best to make sure the four-year experience is exceptional," Wyatt said. "Providing a selection of premium housing options is part of that commitment."

Dean of Students Jason Umfress also spoke at the ceremony on the importance of residential life to the college community. "Residential life, a defining characteristic of Coker College, is rightfully credited for helping to create that challenging yet supportive environment that students need to develop and achieve their potential," he said.

For many students, apartment-style dorms provide the independence of off-campus living with all the benefits of being close and connected to campus. The first building is on schedule to open this August.

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

GROW

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

STUDENTS REVEALING THE RESIDENTIAL VILLAGE PLANS

On April 25th, exactly three months later, Coker celebrated the next phase of the campaign with yet another groundbreaking ceremony. This time, it was for the new multi-million-dollar athletics complex named for Sonoco Board of Directors Chairman and retired President and CEO Harris E. DeLoach and his wife, Louise H. DeLoach.

In an address to the crowd, Harris DeLoach emphasized the couple’s belief in the importance of education. "We are convinced that supporting education in Hartsville is the single most important thing we can do to ensure the long-term prosperity of this community and this state," he said.

Wyatt spoke to what the development says about the college as a whole. "If news reports lead you to believe that the futures of many residential colleges are increasingly in doubt these days—and they are— this gathering today and the developments we are celebrating should send a clear message about Coker College," he said. "Your college, Coker College, is growing. And it is for all the right reasons."

The 71,000 square-foot facility will have a main gymnasium with a seating capacity of 1,832, plus features including a practice gym, classroom space, training rooms, offices, a conference room and a café.

"We are constructing much more than a new physical structure at this site," said Tricia Meinhold, vice president for institutional advancement at Coker. "Building on traditions a hundred years and counting, we are redefining expectations of and for

our students, this college and our community."

The new facilities will do more than just improve the experience for current students. They will also help attract future students, particularly student-athletes. "This will…allow basketball to go out there and get the recruit that we may lose to a bigger school," said Athletics Director Lynn Griffin in an interview for WBTV-13 News. "We’ll have the facility to be able to bring those students in."

Looking Ahead Of course, this is just the beginning. It will be years before the college will fully experience all the benefits of this unprecedented growth.

But for now, the outlook is promising. "Over the last four years, the campus has grown exponentially," said 2013 graduate James Sweeney. "It’s really good to see when you come to a college that they’re still making improvements to make it the best it can be.

It’s good to know that the school isn’t digressing or staying the same; it’s always getting better."

For a more in-depth look at the campaign’s goals and plans, plus information on how to get involved, take a look at the enclosed booklet or visit the campaign website at redefining-excellence.com. Stay tuned for more updates as the campaign progresses—and in the meantime, we invite you to join us on this journey. With your help, we can keep striving to create the best possible experience for students and alumni of Coker College.

T HE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .

HARRIS E. DELOACH JR., RETIRED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT SONOCO PRODUCTS CO.

The Harris E. & Louise H. DeLoach Center

C O M M E N TA RY

| 18

ENGAGE

A COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION

ENGAGE

If anyone understands the value of education, it has to be Dean Page. As a student at Coker College and the owner of a nonprofit after-school program for disadvantaged kids, he’s devoted his life to it.

A native of Dillon, S.C., Page grew up in a neighborhood he describes as "rough." While he never let it affect his own ambitions, the culture of violence and addiction he saw—which started young, and led to a nearly 50% high school dropout rate in his community—always troubled him. Even when he graduated high school in 1986 and left Dillon to serve in the U.S. Navy, Page says he always knew he would be back to help his community.

It took 10 years and a woman named Tanya, but in 1997 he did return to Dillon to settle down. The dropout rates, poverty and violence hadn’t changed. So with Tanya’s background in early childhood development, the pair soon realized they had a calling in the community—and in 2004, Successful Afterschool Sites was born.

The program had a modest start, advertising with a few brochures and a lot of word-of-mouth. "We had no business plan," Page says with a smile. "We didn’t know what we were getting into." Nevertheless, it didn’t take them long to gain a foothold in the community. Page found that they were filling a need in Dillon, and the community responded. "They invited us in," he says. Successful Afterschool Sites quickly formed ties with local schools, churches, and other organizations, and the program grew.

Ten years later, the program has grown from serving 85 kids to 410 every day. Open to children ages 3-18, it runs from 2:30 to 6 p.m. every school day. A

19 | S U M M E R

2013

C A M P U S I S S U E

mix of paid and volunteer staff members, all screened and background-checked, leads the children in a number of educational activities that range from computer labs to reading games. A wide variety ensures that every student will find something both educational and engaging. In 2008, the program was named Site of the Year by the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.

But despite the program’s success, Page wasn’t content to sit back and rest.

Inspired partly by the children he helps educate every day, Page decided to go back to school himself. Now a junior in the Marion branch of Coker College’s ALPHA (Adult Learners Program for Higher Achievement) program, Page spends his evenings studying Business Administration with a minor in graphic design.

Page says the ALPHA program, which offers courses two nights a week, allows him to take classes while running his business full-time. He hopes his new business knowledge will help him better communicate and market his business’s message, so he can reach as many children as possible. But one of the biggest benefits of going back to school, he says, is the self-esteem he’s gained. From the support network of fellow students to the numerous educational resources, the experience he found at Coker empowered him to keep achieving his dreams. "I feel like I can climb a mountain," he says.

Page has big plans for the future. He wants to change the pervasive mindset in disadvantaged communities that keeps

children in a cycle of poverty by doing whatever he can to advocate for the importance of after-school programs. As for Successful Afterschool Sites, Page hopes to expand soon to neighboring counties and, eventually, to other states. "I’d like to see us develop a model that we can duplicate throughout the world," he says.

"And I feel like when I get done here at Coker, I will be able to do that."

But when it comes down to it, Page’s grand aspirations have a simple motivation: to bring a little hope into the world, one child at a time. "When you’re accustomed to disappointment, it’s hard to believe that someone could care enough about you to want to change your life," he says. "I don’t want to see our kids lose faith in what one or two people can do."

Between his business, the church where he serves as a pastor, his classes, and his wife and three children, Page admits that he has to make some sacrifices to keep up with it all. But when he feels overwhelmed, he just thinks of those moments that make it all worthwhile.

"When those kids realize that after a few weeks, Mr. Dean is still here… they begin to share everything," he says.

"They know they have someone who’s going to be there; someone who’s not going to leave.

"THAT’S WHY I GET UP EVERY DAY."

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

#cokerpride

Students, alumni, and friends of the college are taking to social media to share why they love Coker College.

How do you show your #cokerpride?

Find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram and let us know why you’re proud to be a Coker Cobra!

@cokercollege

facebook.com/cokercollege

@cokercollege

Lyn Snyder (on the baseball championship)

@lotsku22

It was a season I’ll never forget. We weren’t just a team, we were a family. #CokerBaseball #LoveMyTeam #ASeasonNeverToBeForgotten

Way to go Coker College. We are moving right up there in the pecking order! What a wonderful championship. I am so proud of my College!

Once a cobra, always a cobra! #cokercollege #cobras #basketball #cobrabasketball #proudalumni

@valwilke1 @CokerCollege #cokerpride the music and education departments prepared me to be an effective teacher!

@sara_lou22 Support from faculty makes me feel like I can accomplish anything! Proud to be a Cobra and blessed to have great faculty! #cokerpride

@sarahsheals7 #cokerpride because of our smalltown, small-college, all knit together closeness. It’s why I came and why I stay <3

@ismashdbarbie Would you believe me if I said I'm in love… #CokerPride #CobraGang #CokerCollege

Maggie Yu

(on the Celebration of Academics)

Seminar style classes and the spirit of inquiry definitely prepared me for work in the medical community where good communication skills and the ability to engage in intelligent dialogue are highly valued and expected skills.

@mattjarrett21

Kat Friedmann (on the Redefining Excellence campaign)

Way to go, Coker. Makes me proud!

Tracey Lowe Burel

#tbt #cokercollege #cokersoccer #cokerpride

(on graduation)

As an alumnus of Coker, I wish these students all the best! I also want them to cherish every moment! Go Cobras!

Joseph Lemmons

(on Art in New York)

Glad you are still doing this trip, Jean, such an amazing experience. I will remember it forever.

Michael Hood

(on the baseball team)

Way to go guys! Now go win a regional!

Next step! You've made the Cobras from years past proud!

@princessbrandy johnson #dreamschool #cokercollege #accepted #yayyy

For Athletics: @cokercobras | facebook.com/cokercobras |T H@cokercobras E OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

C O M M E N TA RY

| 20

background photo: Sory Boat House, dock

ENGAGE

@KorbinCausey

ADVANCE

CLASS NEWS • Gathered & Written by Class Representatives

ADVANCE

1943 Rosamond Durban McDuffie (Bouka) is still very active in conservation of really old buildings, nature, etc. even though forced to rely on her walker constantly for many years. This is part of the article: "The Rosamond Durban McDuffie Scholarship Fund has been created at the University of South Carolina Aiken in honor of Rosamond Durban McDuffie (Bouka). The scholarship will be awarded to a history major at the university with an interest in historic preservation. Mr. Jack Wetzel, a longtime friend, created the scholarship in her honor.

He had this to say about Rosamond, 'I’ve marveled at what she (Rosamond) has done for our community in her commitment to historic preservation. She is a wonderful person who took a stand and has made a huge difference in making Aiken what it is today.’ Rosamond has led the charge in historic preservation in Aiken through her work with the Historic Aiken Foundation, the Aiken Land Conservancy, and the City of Aiken’s Design Review Board. She is also involved with her garden club, Aiken Area Council on Aging, and is an active member of St. Mary’s Help of Christians Church."

Coker grads of the class of 1968 Billie O’Daniel Jackson, Carolyn Gee Foster and Bouka’s daughters were there to honor Bouka.

A "Townie" classmate, Connie Gardner Gandy, still full of bubbly energy at 91, had a jolting surprise last February, when she learned she had breast cancer and had to have a total mastectomy removing lymph nodes! Connie is already back attending ball games, etc. to watch great-grands play!

Had a good visit (via phone) with Selma Rae Rivers Henderson. Her grandson, Roger Henderson has just been sworn in as a full pledged attorney and is a Second Lieutenant at Quantico. His father is a family court judge. Selma Rae has six grands and six great-grands—equally divided boys and girls.

Much love, Selma Stogner LeHardy

1952 I was thrilled when Barbara Spears Baird called recently. She and Bob are doing well, and enjoy having their children visit often.

Son David and his family are still very involved in tennis. Barbara continues to have double vision problems which are a result of a detached retina.

Betty Lou and I were pleasantly surprised several months ago to get postcards from Elizabeth Stevenson Meigs. "Frog" is still as witty as ever. (She made the comment that it was lovely to see mud after a recent twelve inch snowfall.) She lives in Brooklyn, Connecticut and taught high school for many years.

21 | S U M M E R

2013

C A M P U S I S S U E

Karen Johnson Conway had a second knee replacement in January. She is improving, but needs therapy for awhile longer. Also, glaucoma is another problem to deal with, especially in her right eye. She had a fun trip to Boone to visit family recently and enjoyed her granddaughter’s dance recital.

1953

I had a nice telephone visit with Anne Howell Seavey. As a survivor of the "Big C" she is doing well now and will have another check-up in July.

Betty Jane White Daniels was at her home on Lake Marion when I called her. She is doing better now, after some serious health problems. We hope to have a mini reunion in Florence soon since many of our class are in the area.

Jane Woodward Truett and I had a nice chat. She is still in Hartsville and sees other "Coker Nuts" often. Jane is one of several in our class who hasn’t changed. (I am not one of them, with my wrinkles and salon hair color.) Jane’s grandson, Tom, is completing his freshman year in college and enjoys being in the Gamecocks marching band. Jane and I had a sad time in March.

She lost her 14 year old Westie, and I lost my 16 year old carin terrier.

Betty Lou, Dot Garrell Hanna, and I met in Lumberton for lunch several months ago.

Jane had planned to join us too, but had to cancel. It was such fun to "catch up" on news. The hardest part is agreeing on a day, everybody is busy, busy!

My only grandchild, Anna Townsend, will graduate from high school in Crestwood, KY in June. She has been accepted into the honors college at UK and plans to major in biology. Needless to say, I am beaming with pride. My daughter, Mary, and I will go for the happy event.

My other daughter, Ann, continues to stay busy as a line umpire for the U.S.I.A. with tournaments all over the country. I still enjoy spending time at the beach, playing bridge, book club, and church activities.

Betty Lou and I would like to hear from each one of the "Select Few of ’52." It would be wonderful to have an update on everybody for the next commentary. So many great things are going on at Coker, and we should all be very proud. Please take a minute and send a contribution to the Scholarship Fund.

Love, Frances "Frankie" Nicholson Townsend

(Names listed from left to right) First Row: Joyce Bell, Peggy Warren Smith, Pat Chapman Huff, Jo Anne Boyd Sires, Charlena Chewning Second Row: Toula Latto, Martha Ann Anderson Blackwell, Mitzi DuPre Matthews, Jennie Herlong Boatwright, Sarah Sampson Bel, Beth DuBose Cottingham I’m still so very excited about our 60th reunion which was held April 12 - 13, 2013!

We started the weekend on Friday with a lovely drop-in given by our Coker College President, Dr. Robert Wyatt and his wife Nancy. We’ve made Nancy an honorary member of our class as we have had lunch with her at Bizzell’s Restaurant in Hartsville several times. Those of our class who were there were Toula Latto who was our Student Council President and May Queen, Pat Chapman Huff, Joyce Bell, Charlena Chewning, Daphen Yarborough Edge, Lois Ann Buddin Coker, Jean Fore McDaniel and Mac, Martha Ann Anderson Blackwell and Bryan, Sarah Sampson Bell and James and their son Greg, Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger, Jennie Herlong Boatwright, and Mitzi DuPre Matthews. Those other than our host and hostess were, Dana Kirby '2015, who is a rising junior majoring in Math and Secondary Education and plans to teach in High School and she is a recipient of our 1953 Endowed Scholarship.

Mickey McDowell came up as we were leaving to go to Pat’s house to relax before our next event.

The Hart House at Kalmia Gardens is where we went for a delicious catered dinner. In addition to those who were at the President’s home were Peggy Warren Smith and Jay. We had a Memorial Service by lighting a candle and reading the names of our classmates who are deceased. We then went around the table and told a little something about ourselves. Pat Dampier, Director of Advancement and Alumni Services, gave us a bottle of hand soap that is labeled Cokernuts, Class of ’53, with Joyful, Caring, Willing, Grateful, Friendly, Clean, Praying, Loving, Giving, Strong, Helping and Kind Hands. Pat also informed us that we met our goals for the Annual Scholarship Fund and our 1953 Endowed Scholarship Fund. She called Catherine Rice Tharin,

•

and we sang "For He’s (She’s) A Jolly Good Fellow" to her because she offered to combine her Katy-Did-It Endowed Scholarship Fund of $11,857.00 to our 1953 Endowed Scholarship Fund. Words cannot express how much we thank you "Cat" for your generous gift! The total of the 1953 Endowed Scholarship Fund is now $43,304.00!!!

On Saturday morning some of the drama students presented selections from Spring Awakening in Watson Theater. After that a group of Coker Singers led in the singing of the Alma Mater. Electa Anderson Small ’85, President, Alumni Association called the meeting to order. Minutes were approved, she gave the Alumni Association Report, Nominating Committee Report, the Election was held and the new president, Gayle Buckheister Sawyer ’70 gave a nice "thank-you" speech for being elected. After Gayle’s speech, we had our picture made.

We then went into the auditorium where Dr. Robert Wyatt gave a college update.

Tricia Meinhold, Wes Daniels and Tiletha Lane gave reports. Pat then presented our checks to the college. Next we went to the newly decorated Susanne B. Linville Dining Hall for a delicious luncheon catered by the college. Some stayed for a tour of the college campus which was very beautiful. We commend Dee Pierce and Pat Dampier, and any others that were involved who made Alumni Day very special.

Let’s go back to some news since our last newsletter. We learned that Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger’s daughter-in-law, Sandra Roberts was in an automobile accident on October 14 and had many broken bones and many operations. Betty Jean and her son Michael Roberts spent weeks and weeks at the hospital with her. It is a miracle that she’s walking again and will be able to go back to her teaching job in the Fall. Their youngest son and Betty Jean’s grandson (of course) will be graduating from High School at the end of this year and will be going to college.

On October 26 Pat, Charlie and Jennie came over to Lexington and I met them at O’Charley’s for lunch. Then they came over to my house for dessert.

We are so saddened by the sudden heart attack and death of Pat’s 27 year old granddaughter Emilea Huff McCauley on November 10, 2012 in Greenwood, SC. She leaves behind her husband and two children, her mother Patty Huff in addition to her grandmother Pat. Please pray for them as they really hurt because of their loss. My daughter Kay and I went to the Memorial Service in Greenwood. Her mother Patty Huff went to Honduras on a mission trip and she said, "she left part of her heart there." On December 13, I went over to Hartsville and spent the night with Pat and we talked a lot about Emilea. We went out to supper that night and the next day Charlie came over for lunch and we played W W W. C O K E R . E D U

our "3-13" card game.

Charlie goes over to Hartsville to visit Pat a good bit. While there they call some of our classmates. They’ve recently talked with Jean Stevens Edwards, Mary Frances Coker Johnson, Tommie Long McClain and Barbara Lowery Mims. Sarah Sampson Bell called Louise Bristow Kinsey and talked with her. Charlie and Pat went over to Lake City after the reunion and visited with Felicia Brown McElveen as she wasn’t able to go to the reunion. She was surprised by their visit!

Pat and Beth DuBose Cottingham ’55 are on the Alumni Board together. They went to a meeting in February. Lois Hatfield Anderson ’54 is also on the Alumni Board. By the way, we saw Lois at the reunion in April!

We didn’t get to talk to her much since we were occupied with our class.

We were saddened to hear that Velna Rollins Patrick’s ’50 husband "Pat" passed away. Then we heard that Velna has had a stroke and rehabilitation. We’re praying for you Velna.

From time to time I talk to Louise "Cooter" Tapp Joye ’51 and Doris Johnson Gray ’51.

In fact, last November I went to Beaufort and had a wonderful lunch at Doris’ house.

It was so good to see her and Sammy.

"Cooter" and I are in a Bible Study together.

Since February I’ve gone from my friend "the wheelchair" to my friend "the walker" and my friend "the cane". I had some torn ligaments and tendons in my knee which has been very painful. I’m beginning to feel better now and I’m looking forward to my youngest grandson Clark DuPre Cothran’s graduation from Dutch Fork High School in Columbia, SC and he will attend college to major in Music.

Remember our Mini-reunion will be held on April 4, 2014 at 12:00 pm at the Hart House at Kalmia Gardens in Hartsville, SC. It surely is fun to keep in touch with old friends. It would be nice to hear from you anytime. Until next time "Beloved"……….

Much love, Mitzi DuPre Matthews

1958

(Names listed from left to right) First Row: Virginia Blakeney, Mary Kay Rickenbaker, Patricia Anderson Hobbs, Joanne McFaddin O’Bryan Second Row: Betty Barnes Walpole, Suzanne Currier Sodeyberg. Hazel Johnson Nichols, Katie Ballenger Third Row: Linda Gause Connor, Virginia Hall Brinson Caine, Mary Harvey Holmes, Patricia Clark Jackson, Helen Kolb Chambless I was so terribly disappointed that I had to miss our 55th Class Reunion. I know it must have been a wonderful experience for those lucky enough to make the trip back to our beloved Coker College. I want to thank Linda Gause Connor and Hazel Johnson Nichols for all the work they did in making the reunion a success. My husband Gil’s health prohibited him from making the trip, and I could not leave him behind. On a happier note, our youngest granddaughter, Charlotte, was baptized on Easter Sunday and our son, David, sang in the choir.

Connie Booker Moe was so sorry that she could not attend the reunion this year.

Family has to come first and this year it’s the 50th birthday of their second daughter.

Connie is still a certified personal trainer through ACE (American Council of Exercise).

She says "teaching a chair exercise class at church twice a week, cooking once a month at church, learning to knit at church, in a book club, investment club, and a neighborhood bridge club. And of course there’s Sunday, class president, and then hold and rock babies at the second worship service." She and her sister-in-law attend several local live theater groups at night and she and her husband try to get to a movie and dinner once or twice a month.

Connie writes, "Don and I will be traveling out to the West Coast in May/June to check on dear friends who are not doing well, as well as, Don’s brother in Calif. We hope to stop in to see Jane and Max Correll and up to NY to see Beth Owens. Other than that, our only other travel is to the Outer Banks in July for 2 weeks….. I hope to see all of you for our 60th!!"

Virginia Blakeney Case writes: "We are heading to Florida to visit family starting April 2nd and returning to Coker the 11th or 12th on the way back. Cannot believe we are making #55 this year. We are not amused!!!" Her husband, Del, will celebrate his 50th college reunion in June at Lock Haven University. He went into the Navy right out of high school. They also look after Del’s 92-year-old mother for 2 weeks while Gayle, Del’s Sister-in- law, makes her way to Florida to visit family and friends. Gayle is the primary care giver for Mom Case-who is in good health and still mobile and cooks and cleans, etc.

Joanne McFaddin O’Bryan and Cecil are looking forward to Masters Week and then

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

spending lots of time this summer in Highlands, NC, to get away from the Augusta heat. Their daughter and her husband live in Augusta and have 4 boys. She is a Mortgage Loan Officer for GA Bank and Trust. Their son-in-law is a Manager at SRS. One grandson graduated from UGÅ and is an accountant in Atlanta. One grandson gets his Masters in May and will work for the CIA. One grandson graduates from Law School in May {USC}. One grandson is a junior at USC. Their son and daughter-inlaw live in Titusville FL, and they have fun visiting them 4 times a year for a week. He is a civil engineer with the Dept. of Defense at Patrick AFB and Cape Canaveral. The daughter-in-law is an electrical engineer for NASA. Their granddaughter is 13 and dances competitively and their 10-year-old grandson enjoys tennis and baseball.

Mary Kay Rickenbaker wrote in March: "I am rejoicing that I am seeing signs of spring - even though it is a very cold day!

I never tire of looking out of my windows and seeing the lake - what a peaceful feeling of gratitude. I have never regretted moving from Belton, my home for 31 years.

It was painful to leave the church that Eddie had pastored and the many friends that had supported me during the 20 years of his illness and after his death. I feel confident, however, that this was a move that I needed. I have many new friends and lead a busy life. It is so busy that every now and then I have to declare an "at home" day. It is nice to have 2 daughters so close, but my grandchildren are all grown - no baby-sitting jobs for me! I sometimes wish for those days, but I am sure I would not have the energy to do much! My grandchildren are scattered. I have learned that they respond to texting, so texting I do!!!"

James Lamar Caldwell, Jr. writes: "Our peach trees, blueberries and one of two pear trees are in full bloom. My roses are beginning to leaf out and the bees are buzzing around here. Lucy’s Camellias have been really beautiful this year and the Azaleas should be blooming soon. Our 26-year-old granddaughter has completed a Personal Trainer course. Our 21-year-old granddaughter is completing a Medical Records course. Our 22-year-old granddaughter is attending the second semester of her Junior Year at Iowa State University attending a university in Shanghai, China.

She is majoring in Psychology and plans to skip a master’s degree and go straight for a PhD. She has a perfect 4.0 average at ISU and is active in a number of organizations.

We can communicate with her in China by email and Lucy has done that. I’ll be doing that shortly."

Hazel Johnson Nichols and Jim had a wonderful train trip to New Orleans and California for the month of January. February they were in Florida for three weeks, one of which was spent with their daughter, son-in-law Tim, and two grandchildren, at Disney. Hazel enjoys helping with lunch at Room In The Inn (homeless shelter) on a regular basis in Nashville.

Suzanne Currier Soderberg now has an email account. I am not sure how comfortable she feels using it just yet, but she did seem excited to have one. The address is slsoderberg@icloud.com. How about everyone sending her a greeting and she can reply and find out how wonderful the internet is.

Linda Gause Connor is staying very busy tutoring chemistry, babysitting and travel-

ing to see grandchildren perform!! Their oldest granddaughter is at UNC School for the Arts in Winston Salem, NC. She and Neuman drove up to see her perform. Then drove on to Alexandria, VA to see their next oldest granddaughter perform in elementary school performance as Rapunzel in "Into the Woods, Jr." over the weekend.

They then rushed back to SC to see their only grandson perform in "Beauty and the Beast".

Annette Cooke Stokes writes: Genuinely proud of our Class! Wish I could be present to help celebrate, but it is not possible this year….It pleases me to see Coker adding resident apartments.

Gordon and I have 8 grandchildren: one batch (5 of them) came within 5 years of each other and they are now finishing college and two are married! It pleases me greatly to see them productive and tax paying! Had a recent visit from granddaughter Tracey, our number 1 grandchild.

She lives in CA with her husband of 2 years, and though a cum laude graduate of Baylor University, she sells Samuel Adams beer!

Matthew, one of our twin grandsons, is photo journalist for sports TV, filming sports of all kinds all over Texas. Michael, the other twin, is an apprentice electrician in Pt. Arthur, TX. He works and goes to school, and will graduate full-fledged electrician in about 9 years! Jonathan graduated last Dec. with a degree in automotive technician, and works in Houston with a Dodge dealership. Jake, our youngest of the first batch, is graduating Houston Community College in May with a degree in computer technology. He will attend either University of Houston or TX A & M next fall, and continue working for an IT company in Houston.

The second batch came in threes! Our triplet grandchildren are 9 years old and becoming real people. Janelle is shy, quiet, athletic, and loyal. Brooke is creative, girly girl and would have made a wonderful only child! Greg is his grandfather all over – sweet and gentle until …. Then watch out! He does well with his two sisters. They live in Houston, but love coming to Lago to build forts in our trees, ride bikes on our hills, and adore our lake.

I (Annette) am beginning to be counted on again for committee and church work. For a long time during 2012 and 13, I was "iffy" because of my precarious health. Haven’t run fever in about 2 months now, and that helps!

I (Annette) will take responsibility for Women’s Club (membership 250) Scholarship Committee in June. We will give $15000 in scholarships this spring. I went to Coker, as many of you did, with scholarship help, so I try to pass it on. God willing, and my left knee holds up, we will cruise the rivers of Austria and Germany in June 2013, followed by knee replacement surgery in July or August.

Emma K. Thomason Ballenger writes "Thank you for the lovely 55th reunion week-end at Coker. 13 classmates made the event very special."

It is so good to hear from Annette what she would have shared at the reunion. Annette, you were missed!

Everyone, please send me your latest activities and adventures for our Winter issue, (Deadline is October 15th), especially those of you who do not have email. We want to hear from you.

T HE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .

C O M M E N TA RY

| 22

ADVANCE

Between Pat, Charlie and me we received Christmas cards from Joyce Bell who told of having a hip replacement and is still enjoying going to her Bible study. Fran Worley Bond wanted us to have a blessed Christmas. Sarah Sampson Bell and James, Jean Fore McDaniel and Mac, Nina Franklin, Truey Tarbox Thieker and Forest who are now living at Palmetto Assisted Living Apt. 1302, 7811 Parklane Rd., Columbia, SC 29223, Betty Carol Mobley Bynum and Bundy are among those who sent cards.

Betty Carol has had some problems with her heart and now has a Pacemaker. Betty Lou "Boo" Brown Stewart has had "Shingles".

She and her daughter went by Florence and had lunch with Margaret Hewitt Hoffmeyer then went on to the beach and met with June Rogers Danner.

ADVANCE Susan Shumaker Class Representative

1959

Isn’t it amazing how time flies! Can you believe that we are now 75? Here are a few notes about "us"!

As our 75th birthdays have come, there have been celebrations. Katie Huggins Hennecy’s daughter-in-law hosted a group from the class—you can readily imagine the conversations there! And Faye Gurley Reynolds was feted in December, with her daughter-in-law hosting a group. Doesn’t that sound as if daughters-in-law are a special group?

ADVANCE

Bonnie Cone Sawyer and an entourage from Coker enjoyed the fall foliage in New England, and Bonnie described the leaves as "spectacular"!

Shirley Land Lupfer deserves a full page!

She and Mike have traveled a lot, to include the Crystal Bridge Museum of American Art in Arkansas. Shirley celebrated her 75th in Dubrovnik, Croatia, then on to Venice.

In August they went to Glacier National Park in Montana. Later when they went to London, Dresden, Berlin, and Prague, they were joined by Eric (son) and his wife. Later Mike and Shirley went to Cuba and Mexico.

How’s that for world travels!

But they have not stopped volunteering. He is on the theater staff, and Shirley continues her duties as a docent at the city museum. Mike and Shirley have funded an award for excellence in undergraduate teaching at the University of Memphis.

Shirley commented in her letter that "in my comments at the ceremony, I told Grannis and Davidson stories." Coker will always be with us!

In trying to gather news I spoke with Holly Mims Westcott. She and Warren had been to a horse show with Molly Creadick Gray which was held in Hitchcock Woods in Aiken. Molly’s husband (Pete) has been elected to be a trustee for Hitchcock Woods, the largest urban forest in the country.

Holly, of course, enjoyed seeing the Grays and will be more in touch now that they are so close. Holly’s husband has retired from Tennessee State University and they have moved to Aiken. One sad bit of news from Holly—her younger sister passed away in 2012.

Betty Crawford Moore spent time in New York City with her granddaughter, then went with friends to Baja, Mexico.

That’s all the news I have—Holly is responsible for the next alumni news. Please keep in touch with her, or at least one of us, so you can be included.

Pat Crawford Fields

1960 I was at Coker for Alumni Day this spring and the campus was so beautiful. The trees and flowers were in full bloom and it was a perfect spring day. I was asked to serve on the Alumni Board again and the new memebers were urged to attend Saturday’s events before our term begins in July 2013.

I assume that all of you know that I lost my beloved William last year, March 17, 2012, after fighting a long brave battle with cancer that spread to his liver accompanied by his diabetes weakening his body. It’s been a painful and difficult year, but I’ve been so blessed and thankful for good friends, family, and my church family reaching out to me in so many acts of love and kindness. A

23 | S U M M E R

2013

C A M P U S I S S U E

number of you have called and checked on my and I appreciate it so much. So many of you have sent cards, memorials, and notes which meant so much. For fear of omitting a name I won’t try to list all of you, but please know that every expression of your love and sympathy is deeply felt and appreciated. I know so many of you also kept us in your prayers and I’m so grateful.

I heard from a number of you at Christmas- Barbara Pittman Hinson, Elizabeth Huggins Barrow, and Barbara Singletary Bryan. Also June Ergle Melton and Ed sent a nice Christmas card. Ann Parker Gallop and Jerry celebrated Christmas with daughter Sarah and their grandson at Joshua’s request and planned to be in Beaufort with their Gallop family on Christmas Day. Elaine Johnson Hays ’58 and C. Frank Hays, III sent a nice Christmas letter and a cute card of their adorable twin grandsons, dressed in red, sitting in a red double seated Radio Flyer wagon. Frank had medical problems during the spring of 2012, was hospitalized for 6 weeks followed by 3 weeks in a rehab facility and out-patient therapy for 3 months. Elaine’s father was also sick during that time and died in late August at 98 ½, following a wonderful life with his alert mind and quick wit until his last hours. Elaine and Frank weren’t able to enjoy the beach and USC ballgames as usual but hope to have more time for both in 2013.

It was good to hear from Louise Atkinson Cleveland and Bubba during Christmas.

Their card pictures a beautiful family. Their son and daughter-in-law have two adorable children, son Charles (6) and daughter Sawyer (2). Several trips were made to Ft. Bragg, NC to visit the "younger" Clevelands while Charlie was deployed to Afghanistan (March thru June) and on many other occasions.

Louise and Bubba hope the children will return to the DC area sometime this summer (2013) upon completion of Charlie’s threeyear command at Ft. Bragg. Louise and Bubba traveled with friends and family during 2012 including The Homestead Resort in Warm Springs, VA, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and ten days in Florida. They also hosted many friends including Louis and B Lott.

Louise continues to enjoy her piano studies with concert pianist Thomas Pandolfi and practices daily when not traveling. Much of their lives continues to center around Burke Presbyterian Church and their volunteer service projects.

As usual, the Christmas card from Evelyn Parsons Weaver and Tom showed a beautiful and growing family. The oldest of the five grandchildren received his Masters in Accounting degree from UF, became a CPA and is working with Ernst and Young in Atlanta. His sister completes her Dental Hygiene degree in May. These are the children of Evelyn’s older daughter, Marcia, and John Sand. Their second daughter, Amy, and husband John Bryan have three sons. The oldest son also went to UF and was slated to begin an Accounting internship in Atlanta in January. The second grandson at 18 is getting his high school diploma and AA degree from St. Pete College in May and the third son is a high school freshman. Wow! I understand, Evelyn, your remarks, "As we get older, grandchildren’s lives take precedence over most anything else!" But what a family to be proud of! Last fall she and Tom enjoyed a cruise to interesting ports in Central America and the Panama Canal.

Another much appreciated Christmas card and letter came from Ann "Winkie" Hay-

ward Griffin and Phil. What a nice looking "Griffin Gang"! If you recall Ann and Phil had two sets of twin girls. Now the family has grown to nineteen with spouses and grandchildren. Ann also shared that the week following our 50th reunion she and Phil had plans to attend a conference in New Berm. Ann suffered a "minor" catastrophe by falling in the hotel lobby, dislocated her left shoulder and broke both of them.

The surgeon told Ann that she would never have full use of her left, but with physical therapy and water aerobics, she has full use of both, though they are weak and tire easily. Other than that she said she and Phil are doing well. One correction, Ann, I would say this accident was a "major" catastrophe!

Anne Hancock is grateful that she is able to enjoy her home and yard in Greenwood, but admits that are times when she wishes her house "would clean itself." Her travels have been limited this year to our great country; no travels abroad. She enjoyed her annual trip to Phoenix, Arizona to see friends and spending three weeks with her brother Bill and wife Fran at their beach place. Her beloved, Charles, remains at an assisted living facility in Auburn. Two of their friends have been great to bring Charles for weekend visits. Anne continues to be involved in many activities and organizations in Greenwood as well as still serving on the Board of Trustees at Coker and other boards elsewhere. Her "retirement years are really busy, hectic, but rewarding."

Our sincere sympathy goes out to Sue Morrow Turpin in the November 13, 2012 loss of her beloved husband John. In a recent conversation with her, she said his severe case of diabetes destroyed his kidneys leading to other complications and death.

I can certainly relate to your pain and loss and I’m sure other classmates that have faced losing a spouse know the hurt you’re dealing with.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how great Patti Posey Bullen and Don were and still are during the long illness and death of William. Their telephone calls, visits and many kindnesses meant so much. I say this in credit to a small college called Coker where we made lasting friendships that still sustain us during the passing years. And even our spouses noticed a difference in what our class had and still enjoy.

Until next time my love to you, Ann Matthews Bragdon

1962 You are the best links to our other classmates, so please remember to share any of your news and that of others you discover.

Please also remember to consider donating to Coker when you are able.

Sadly we have lost another classmate. Kay Lawrimore Byrd died on February 11, 2013. Kay had not been well for a number of years, but had bravely battled and conquered quite a few cancers. It is good to remember that she was able to attend our 45th reunion. Anita Jones Stanton was notified of Kay’s death by Kay’s daughter, Sharon Knight, and was good enough to pass along this information to us.

On Feb 15th and 16th Molly Holbrooke Birchler, Ida Pace Storrs, Frances Segars Kelley and Moonpie (Nancy Thornhill Bolden) met for a Ladies of Coker weekend.

They had a very nice time with an exciting and unusual ending to the gathering because it snowed on Saturday while everyone were eating lunch. Beautiful, big flakes

were falling and everyone was in a hurry to get home safely.

Sara Anderson Kummer writes that she and sister, Charlotte Anderson Ross '60, did a lot of travelling from April 2012 through March 2013. They cruised in Holland and Belgium and visited Sally Bahous Allen '60 in Seattle. In November they took 3 granddaughters to Italy. In February and early March the sisters visited Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. The South American trip was wonderful, mostly in national parks. They dipped their fingers in the Straits of Magellan at Punta Arenas, gawked at glaciers and deep blue lakes, ate wonderful seafood on Chiloe Island and visited a temperate rain forest. They had a barbecue and horseback ride on an estancia in Argentina, had tango lessons in Buenos Aires, a visit to a herbal healer, and sailed within touching distance of icebergs on a beautiful lake. Sara’s family is fine. Daughter Liz left to visit a friend in India in April.

Granddaughter Sara is in 7th grade and into archery, Anne and Dave are moving into a new house in May, Katherine is six and baby Nicholas (born In October, 2012) is 6 months old. All of her family members are beautiful, smart, and practically perfect!!!

She sends love to all our classmates.

Mary Bell Kittle and Joe had a wonderful time spending two weeks in Hawaii with Air Force friends they met in the early 1970’s and who also live in San Antonio. They visited Maui, Hawaii and Oahu. The Kittles are now en route to their summer home in Orkney, VA., which they enjoy every year.

Gayle Brandt Faust sounds very well. She is working in her garden and enjoys visits with her sons. Her volunteer job of tutoring young children through the United Way Consortium makes her so happy. She tutors two children and looks forward to beginning a new school year in the fall. She enjoys seeing Henri Ramsey van Arsdall and Ida Pace Storrs from time to time and keeps up with Nancy Wilson by email.

Peggy Brown Buchanan and John are still dividing their time between Mount Pleasant, SC and Quincy, IL. Daughter Mary Ryan was recently married in Savannah to a very nice young man. The Buchanans had a wonderful time planning, helping and participating in this very special event. Their other daughter, Margaret, has found a great nursing job near home with hours that allow her to spend more time with her twins.

Peggy looked wonderfully well and happy when I saw her in Charleston in April.

Carole Causey Boyles and Richard have had an eventful winter and spring. Richard has had knee replacement surgery, which kept Carole close to home for six weeks.

She has had a kidney stone problem since November. Thank goodness she has had no pain. A week before Christmas the Boyles bought a Shih Tzu puppy. Carols says she does not know what she was thinking. It has been a full time job but he is very cute and lots of fun. She plans to fly to DC with her daughter-in-law on May 16th for her granddaughter’s graduation. They are going just to celebrate and sightsee.

Jo Ann Clayton Leist was trying to reach her sophomore year roommate, Susie Watkins Hadwin to catch up. Have not heard if they ever connected, but I hope so.

Brenda Cromer Miller writes that she has just finished a term on the Garden Club of South Carolina board as Publicity and Publications director. During that time she edited five years of gardening columns that W W W. C O K E R . E D U

were published in The South Carolina Gardener, the magazine of GCSC. The resulting book, "Along The Garden Path", featured photographs of South Carolina gardens and informative horticulture essays. Brenda’s oldest granddaughter graduated from The College of Charleston this year and her youngest is an incoming freshman at Ole Miss. Brenda had a wonderful weekend in New Orleans at a niece’s wedding. Great food! She stays busy serving on the board of The Fairfield Memorial Hospital Foundation and on her church ECW board. Her bridge club gave up cards years ago in favor of enjoying monthly lunches. In June she plans to go to her 55th Spartanburg High School reunion.

Molly Holbrooke Birchler and Al so enjoyed a wonderful visit with her son Boyd and his new wife last Thanksgiving.

Katherine is a new resident to this Great country and had never been to this part.

Molly thinks they gave Katherine a royal fill of local custom and good southern foods.

She is a lovely person, hard working and smart. Boyd is a fortunate man to have her for a wife and vice versa.

Peggy McCue Freymuth sounds well. She is enjoying working in their garden and has been happy to have had nice weather.

Husband Wayne is recovering from a broken foot Teenager Harleigh enjoyed participating in a music contest in Florida and her softball team won a championship. All else is well.

Liz Moore Weir called just before Christmas and reported that their three children and their families are planning to have a fullfamily reunion for Christmas and they are so looking forward to that.

Nancy Rogers Watkins has retired, after working either as a professor or a federal executive for 50 years. She is thoroughly enjoying life on the farm (with weekly trips to their apartment in D.C. to see friends, etc.). Both of Nancy’s children live nearby, which adds to her enjoyment. She and Law are planning trips to New York City in June and to Italy, Austria, and Germany in October. Besides an additional visit to India for her husband, whose son, daughter-inlaw, and two grandchildren live in Kerala, Nancy and Law will be happily ensconced at home. She hopes to get back to translation of George Sand’s "Nanon," which she has been put aside for some time.

Ida Pace Storrs called in November to ask about Hurricane Sandy. She had a new (safer) bathtub installed the next week and was looking forward to having seven celebrate Thanksgiving at her house.

Betty Saunders Brooking writes that she enjoying visits from her grandchildren who are growing up very nicely. When younger, they spent every summer with the Bookings, normally four or five weeks. However, as years pass they have gotten so involved with sports, socializing and mission trips there are only a couple of weeks when all are all able to visit together. Enjoying that W W W. C O K E R . E D U

Frances Segars Kelly’s latest adventure is building a goat barn and fencing in an area for a pasture. Manly (Henry’s brother) and Frances built a barn in the back yard. She has gotten two baby goats and a miniature donkey for husband Henry. She wonders if she is too old for manual labor, having dug holes for the posts with a hand held post hole digger.

Eleanor Sharpton Pitts and Bill are well and are celebrating 50 years of marriage this year. They plan a trip to Scotland and England in the fall. Time flies! She sends love to all.

Flo Staklinski Taylor and Bill are planning a trip to South Africa July 18th – August 2nd - safari and all! Flo is chairing the Pro Am at Country Club of Roswell again. The recipient is STAND UP FOR KIDS. She is so excited to help keep at risk young adults from dropping out of high school. This nonprofit has an 86% graduation rate.

Gwen Thomason Adams has been pretty much around home in Laurens since she last wrote. They still enjoying going to games at USC. But during the Christmas holiday break Gwen and Herbert took all five of their grandsons, ages 23 to 11, to the Outback Bowl in Tampa. It will certainly be a time to remember. She also mentioned that their middle daughter, husband and three sons were in Las Vegas awaiting the final day for the Miss America pageant. Ali Roger, Miss SC is from Laurens and is their son-in-law’s neice. They all were so excited.

She received an award for raising the most money for her platform: special needs children. She raised over $30,000.

Nancy Thornhill Bolden has decided to return to live in her home in Hartsville. She has been making the most of every minute and is always so busy – and cheerful.

Joanne Tuten Bellamy began 2013 by breaking her leg! By the end of May she reports she is in therapy three or four days a week. Her son, Matt, has been a wonderful help. David, her older son, is an architect who has been actively working with the Levine Jewish Community Center in Charlotte which has sponsored the construction of a Butterfly Project garden. Children from 60 schools (public and private) and civic and religious organizations have created and painted more than 2,700 ceramic butterflies which are scattered around a special garden. The purpose is to memorialize the 1.5 million youth who perished during the Holocaust and to help combat antiSemitism. He is also consulting with groups in other cities who want to start their own Holocaust Memorial projects.

Bruce Williams and Mary-Frances '64 have just returned from a 30 day cruise to South America. They flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina and boarded the MS Veendam, a Holland America ship, cruised down to Cape Horn thru the Magellan Strait and up the West side going to ports in Chile, Peru, Ecuador, through the Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale. When they reached Cape Horn, there was a Southern hurricane brewing in the Antarctic with 70 foot waves and 125 mph winds. Overall they enjoyed the cruise. They had a wonderful time earlier at Mary-Frances’ 50th high school reunion in Cranford, NJ. Bruce mentioned that MF’s cancer seems okay and her hair grew back a dark brown with no grey hair. She loves it. She was always a dyed blond and people don’t recognize her now. I introduce her as

my new wife!

Nancy Wilson has been hoping to hear from Mary Ann Wycliff Johnson when things settle down for her. Mary Ann had moved to Scottsdale, AZ to be near her daughter’s family while her Lexington, SC house was listed for sale. Nancy fondly remembers that on May 1st we classmates would enjoy doing something nice for our special friends at Coker. Since I can not be there to do something "nice" for you, I’ll just wish you all a "Happy May First."

Peggy Ziegler Reeves has officially retired from her job (for the second time). She is looking forward to another meeting of the IMA (Association of Accountants and Professional Professionals in Business) in June, this time the meeting will be in New Orleans. She had a lovely short visit this spring to Myrtle Beach and looks forward to attending her 55th high school reunion in August. Donnie plans to go fishing soon with a good friend.

I (Gaby) have travelled quite a bit with my two newly working feet! My 55th high school reunion in Charleston was such fun in April. Two weeks later I left for two wonderful weeks in Paris and London, returning home on May 22nd. It has been more than fifteen years since I was able to visit with my French cousins and they really spoiled me!

Please remember to keep in touch. Any time you want to chat, feel free to let me know and I shall happily return your call.

I shall be thinking of you and hope your summer will be a good one.

Lots of Love, Gabrielle (Gaby) Morandiere

1963

husband Bill Hopkins live in Blythewood and are enjoying retirement.

Rotary International Director, Anne Lamb Matthews, has been appointed by Rotary International President-elect Ron Burton to serve as the Vice President of Rotary International for the 2013-14 Rotary Year.

Anne is the first woman elected to serve as Vice President of Rotary International.

Anne is also the first woman to serve both as a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation and The RI Board of Directors. Anne represents Rotary Zones 33 and 34 as director, but July 1, 2013, she will also represent the Rotary world as Vice President. Congratulations Anne, on your new and appointment and the important work you do worldwide as a Rotarian.

Nita Nunn Danenburg and Marshall continue to very much enjoy sharing time with adorable twin grands Morgan and Cameron.

The children and their parents and the Danenburgs visit back and forth between North Carolina and Georgia.

Also enjoying their precious grandchildren (two boys and a girl) and lots of quality family time in Virginia are Mary Louise Antley Glesner and Jerry.

Continuing to pursue her interest in archaeology and paleontology, Susan Melody Frank returns to Ireland during summer 2013. We’ll look forward to hearing about your new experiences, Susan!

Family visits to Disney World and the South Carolina coast were on schedule for Ann Dobson Hammond and Tom. Ann resigned from a long-held position as book-keeper for her church last spring, which allows more time to pursue other interests.

Naomi Kelley Jackson serves as docent for the Jacob Kelley House and recently did a tour for Becky Sparrow and some friends from the beach. The house is on the historical register and Naomi says no one knows why Sherman’s Army did not burn the house. Becky Sparrow continues to enjoy volunteering at Brookgreen Gardens, doing research at Hobcaw on Bernard Baruch’s Guest Book, and mentoring in Miss Ruby’s Kids Literacy Program.

Ellen Harden Rogers lives in Raleigh and visits her newly remodeled lake home in Hartsville often.

(Names listed from left to right) First Row: Carolyn Hawkins Hopper, Mary Ann Buck Loughlin, Carol Phillips Kirven, Libby Whitescarver Privette, Lana Suber Barnett, Genie Ray Watson Cooke Second Row: Barbara Holmes Willis, Carol Hooks Pittman, Margaret Brown Young, Edith Reynolds, Nan Warren Clarke , Kay Elder Williams, Belinda Duckworth Copeland Third Row: Lynda Morillo Hord, Tammie Caskey McGuire, Madeleine Theus McKenzie, Nancy McConnel Wilhelm, Elaine Weeks Bridges

1964 Greetings from your Class Representatives, Lorena Cook James and Becky Sparrow.

Yes 2014 will be our 50th Class Reunion so stay tuned for more news about details as plans unfold. Lorena and I enjoy serving on the Sparrow Scholars Committee in The Center for Engaged Learning at Coker.

Recently, our classmate, Karen Kuehner, joined the Committee so now there are three of our Class represented on the Committee and we so enjoy visiting and catching up on news. Karen Kuehner and

Lorena Cook James and family send deep appreciation to those of you have supported them so faithfully over the past many months as they’ve journeyed with their daughter, Kelly Draganov, on her quest for renewed life in the form of a double lung transplant. She finally received that great gift on January 24, 2013, thanks to her donor and an amazing transplant team in Galveston, Texas. By the time this is published she should finally be home again.

Would be very helpful too, if you can share news of classmates. More later about our 50th Class Reunion in 2014!

Naomi Kelley Jackson, Lorena Cook James, Becky Sparrow & Cameron Council Speth

T HE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .

C O M M E N TA RY

| 24

ADVANCE

Charlotte Daggett Bauguss wrote on April 30th that it was her birthday and is "such a great time to hear from friends new and old (no pun intended). However, the reality is we are getting along in years, but I have been so blessed to have few health concerns and most of my marbles are in place.

While I didn’t graduate with this class, I certainly had some great times with class members. The time I spent at Coker was good and created many lasting impressions.

Wish you all much happiness."

short amount of time when all five visit with no parents is still a treat.

ADVANCE 1968

(Names listed from left to right) First Row: Susan Reichard Allred , Judi Hege Bailey, Judy Brown Pigg, Judy Hesley Toney, Lyn Murph Bartley, Joni Abernathy Second Row: Anne Davis Darby, Pat Pulliam Pruett, Faye White Coan, Gayle Grubbs Stoll, Bonnie Kearney, Charlotte Hamer Moulton

ADVANCE

Third Row: Margaret Bland Cooper, Mary Anne Pate Erter, Nancy Strahan Hall, Martie Dobson White, Gail Randall McInnis, Barbara Nexsen Lansche We missed you! Our 45th Reunion was an exciting time for all nineteen classmates in attendance. Aside from all the constant chatter we managed to quiet down long enough to see our classmate Judy Brown Pigg presented with the 2013 Distinguished Service Award. Our Reunion actually began on Friday afternoon as we wasted no time in showing off photos of weddings, grandchildren, and vacations. And we even had a surprise visit by Dr. Shaffer, who appeared after dinner that night as we were leaving our social at Bizzells.

Meetings, lunch, a tour of campus and then a stop at the bookstore kept us all quite involved. That is until Hesley just had to ring the bell at the restored Bell Tower. She will be on closed restriction until further notice. The next five years will be a time of personal challenge to each one of you to reach out to a member of the class of 1968.

In 2018, when we observe our 50th, let’s make this a real "Golden Girls" Celebration!

Please consider becoming one of the Ladies of Coker, this is a truly wonderful way to honor and support Coker.

Take some time to stay in touch. Grand parenting and retirement activities can keep us all very busy, but make an attempt to renew an old friendship with a former classmate.

Joan Lading Abernathy

1970 Marjorie (Margie) Taylor Player left us after her sophomore year. She is now enjoying retirement after being a secretary/ bookkeeper in a Charleston school for 28 years. She and her husband split their time between their Charleston home and a home in Oconee County where Margie loves to hike. She and her husband have two children and one grandchild.

Rebecca (Becky) Tuten Varner left Coker after only one year. Both she and Margie felt that no one would remember them!

Becky was in the nursing field for many years and today volunteers in a free clinic as well as substitutes once and a while. Becky said she recommended Coker to several who were looking for a good, small liberal arts school as she felt her educational experience while there was top notch. Becky and her husband have three children and three grandchildren.

Another is Angela (Angie) Ryan Bunn. An-

25 | S U M M E R

2013

C A M P U S I S S U E

gie is married to Joey Bunn and they have two grown sons, Rob (45) who is married to Amy with three children and Joel (36), married to Becca with two children. The five grandchildren range in age from 9 to 2 and are four boys, one girl. Angie has been in the financial world and sales management and she and her husband presently own The Joggling Board, Men’s Store and Pawley’s Pedalar retail stores at the Shops at Oak Lea in Pawley’s. Rob and his wife manage the retail stores while Joel and his family live in Pacific Palisades, CA. Angie and Joey live in Litchfield Plantation and are involved in a new Anglican mission church plant, Mission Pawley’s which just purchased the old Waccamaw farms property to build a new church. She enjoys traveling, gardening, boating, cooking and especially their children and grandchildren. Angie is fortunate to still have her mom around at 90 years of age!

Celeste Oliver Phillips is still in Louisville, KY where she lives with her son, his wife and her two grandchildren. She recently started working at the Veteran’s Hospital, still in nursing education, and plans to work for five more years. Her work is keeping Celeste young.

Patricia (Patty) Shuler Noble is a very good nurse for her husband John who was injured in a wreck several years ago. She is a proficient care giver and is much appreciated. Patty said that she is still in a couple of organizations but is not as active as in former times.

Classmates who are recent grandmothers include Jane May Gable who welcomed a grandson in June of 2012, Candace Constable Craven who added another grandson in November and more recently, Nell Cutts Daniels who should hold that title by the time you are reading this. Nell’s daughter Sarah’s due date of July 17th is Ken and Nell’s 42nd anniversary. Jane has another wedding on the horizon so retirement for her may be pushed off a little longer. Candee loves traveling with husband Scott now that they are both retired and spending as much time as she can with her brood of four grandchildren of which only one is a girl.

Linda Smith Bradford reported the formation of an ad hoc committee of the Coker College Alumni Association charged with developing a strategic plan for the association. The current President of the Alumni Association, Electa Anderson Small ’85 is working with a small group (including Gayle Buckheister Sawyer and Linda Smith Bradford) to develop the plan that will be presented to the Alumni Association Executive Board at its January meeting.

In addition, you might want to know that Gayle is President Elect of the CCAA. How proud we are of both Linda and Gayle.

Harriett Wilkes Council, while trying to find some 'lost’ classmates, learned that Harriet Green Brenner died in September, 2012 after suffering with blood cancer for five years. Her daughter Andrea Williams who lives in Greenville made Harriett aware of her mother’s passing.

As for co-rep Harriett Wilkes Council, she’s enjoying being great aunt to three great nephews and two great nieces. She is also glad to have her special friend Jim nearby after his move from Michigan. Harriett is enjoying retirement which gives her time to be involved more with her church and community activities.

The Laurens girls from Coker, Susan Burns Wetmore, Fran Crisp McCaw and Jane Brown Riechmann will join eight other high school friends for their 'Medicare’ birthday gathering at Folly in early May. Susan is still teaching kindergarten at her Baptist church and Fran works with their family business while Jane enjoys travel.

Brenda Thompson Stewart and her husband Larry enjoyed two weeks in Hawaii visiting their son and his fiancée at their home on Oahu. They also got to Maui while there, and spent time whale watching, helicopter sight-seeing and sunning by the pool. No trip to Hawaii is complete without a traditional luau which they thoroughly enjoyed. These travelers will be going to Denver in the summer to visit friends at Vail. When Brenda is home, she still hits the road with a girlfriend making historic trips around the state.

Judith (Judi) Cooper Camak is not even thinking about retirement as she enjoys her work as a financial advisor too much. She does try to get in a little playtime playing golf and going to the lake and of course her two 'grand crown princes’ Hinson and Hayes have their "BeBe" wrapped around their fingers.

Don’t forget 'THE PLAN’!

Jane Brown Riechmann

1972 Harriett Courtney Lemke: My husband, Dr. Jim Lemke will begin his 40th year of teaching at Coker this Fall. Jim was recently honored by the South Carolina Colleges and University’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

I am actively involved with several community organizations in Hartsville and Darlington County. I serve on the Executive Board of the Alumni Association at the College and volunteer at Kalmia Gardens as a Master Gardener. This past year I was elected an Elder at First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville.

This year I am celebrating 35 years of being cancer free from Ovarian Cancer! For the past two years, I have participated in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk in Charlotte. The walk is 39.3 miles over two days. To prepare for my walks, I began a running program 3 years ago. I am running 5K’s in South Carolina and Georgia. My running partner is Dr. Jason Umfress, Coker’s Dean of Students.

Let’s remember our beloved Bell Tower. The bell tower was in desperate need of repair!

Our class issued a challenge to all sister classes to help fund the "repair" project. We need more contributions. The bell tower was built in 1914 and houses the original school house bell of Welsh Neck High School. We rang the bell for crew races, May Day, Graduation, engagements and the one snow! Please email or call the college and ask for the bell to be restored to its original condition.

Come visit the campus anytime. Construction is underway for the new dorm village.

April 25 was the groundbreaking ceremony of the redefining excellence campaign for Coker athletics and residence life. Come see your campus and let us know what you think.

Janie Cleckley Campbell: The facebook group "Coker Peeps" has been so much fun. We would love for more people to go through their old pictures and remind us all of events that happened while we were there.

I have been back at Coker working in Residence Life for 5 years and experiencing Coker through the eyes of a much younger generation.

Our class should be proud of our involvement in restoring our treasured bell tower.

Current students value it, even though they may not use it to celebrate engagements, they do ring in athletic victories.

It is very exciting that we are building a new athletic and wellness facility. The class of ’72 well knows how small the old gym is and how pitiful the locker rooms have always been and how embarrassing the visiting teams have had NO place to shower or dress. When you are contacted about donating to Coker, think about the gym and consider making a donation. My family had enjoyed experiencing Coker with our athletic teams and we loved learning about lacrosse at those very exciting games.

As for family news, this mother has enjoyed having her chicks back under her wings, with both children home. My son, Andrew, got out of the Army this past year after 3 deployments. He has been home, working, and saving money. Our daughter, Patricia, moved home to bring our granddaughter Mikayla into our world. We have enjoyed the baby in the house and have all enjoyed spoiling her. Hope we don’t regret that.

Sammy retired last year and is making upgrades to his shop so he can spend more time enjoying his custom cars.

Let’s do plan to get together more often.

We have much to share. We can support each other in later life. Let us know if you want to visit Hartsville, we promise to roll out the red carpet.

Bet Birdsong Matthews: I will be officially retired from teaching on June 30, 2013!!!!!

I’m excited about experiencing all retirement has to offer…like getting to visit with Coker friends more often! David has been retired for 5 years and has loved working around the farm and on his many projects.

It will fun to now have that forever summer together!

All year I have been reflecting on my teaching career…I’ve thought a lot about how well I was prepared at Coker…so many memories! Alice Bodenheimer Wilson and I are members of the same church and have a lot of fun remembering the good ol’ Coker Days!

Our son, Troy, still lives in Asheville- kayaking is his passion, so he’s on the rivers as much as possible. We love to visit him!

Anna and her husband, Matt, live close to us…it is so much fun having them near. We are not grandparents yet, but my fingers are crossed!

The Class of ’72 needs another beach/ mountain mini-retreat…I’m ready!!!!!!

Carol Ann (C.A.) Hackney Bingham: To all Coker Peeps…I am enjoying teaching 4th grade and GED classes but I am passionate about sharing the Body By Vi Challenge. I have 3 grandchildren and 2 on the way. Life is good.

Janice (Willie) Wilkins: My latest and most important news is I am RETIRING on June 10!! (I’ve heard Bet is too!!!) We need a big party!!!!

I am very excited. Have no plans really.

Summer break will seem just like always. It will feel like retirement when everyone else sees those three words "BACK TO SCHOOL" all over everywhere!

Doing some serious remodeling in the W W W. C O K E R . E D U

house so things are crazy (a little like camping!) but it will be awesome when completed in about a month or so!

1973

Margaret Bissell Walker: I retired (Elementary Principal) 7 years ago and Bill and I now divide our time between our house at North Litchfield (Pawleys Island) and Lincoln, Nebraska. We have 4 children and 6 grandchildren-all in Lincoln and Omaha- so we need to be there for part of the year!

I recently heard from my Coker roommate, Sally Cates West. She is in the Charlotte area- working and spending time with their grandchildren. It had been a couple of years since I had heard from her so it was wonderful to catch up!

I hope to hear news from others- it is always fun to hear what everybody is doing!

Rev. C. Kay Fuino: I had a great time with some of my church ladies at the quilt show in Paducah. We go for the week stay on houseboats and share meals together. The whole town is focused on quilting so it is great fun. If you are a quilter and have not been to Paducah you’ve missed a real thrill.

Some of you may have seen my picture in Facebook with Quiltman and Bobbin.

Blessings to each of you. Hope to see you soon. By the way the Bell Tower looks so good. I’m happy we were a part of the repairs.

Sarah McCanless Haarlow: Living in Hartsville again has reconnected me with Coker in a fun way. It is great seeing Harriett and Janie on a regular basis, as well as attending the ground breaking for the new athletic facility and residence halls and being part of Alumni Day. Starting July I will serve on the Alumni Board at Coker and I am very excited about this. I will replace Harriett as she rotates off.

We attend Wesley United Methodist Church, on the corner across from the college, the same church I attended when I went to Coker. I enjoy serving on several committees there. I have joined a garden club in Hartsville to hopefully LEARN a little, and it has helped me make some wonderful friends here. I also volunteer at a cute retail store here in Hartsville.

Bob is headmaster at Thomas Hart Academy, a private school here where I taught my first time around. My son and his family live here. He is the Mayor and will run for reelection in November. My daughter and her husband are in Columbia, SC. Living in Hartsville certainly makes it easier to see them. We have 6 grandchildren, two here, two in NC and two in GA. So much growth has taken place since our reunion, not only at Coker, but also in the town of Hartsville. We are not getting any younger and I wish everyone would try to come back each year for Alumni Day. Please encourage any friends you are still in contact with. I welcome you to stay with us.

CA, Fish and I had great fun last year. Coker was an important part of our life. Let’s not let that slip away.

We hope to hear from more of you. Feel free to contact us…text, email, facebook message, write or call!!!!

Class of 1972 news from Harriett, Janie, & Sarah

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

Carol T. Atkinson, Ellen Briggs

1975 The following email arrived from Kathy Swygert Speights, "I am still working at our family businesses, Ross Marine and The Island House here in Charleston. We have had a lot of fun running a wedding venue right next to our yacht repair facility.

Doesn’t seem to go together, but it does somehow! I’ll get to retire one day I suppose, but I do kind of enjoy working. Paul is right here along with me in the businesses as well as our two sons, Paul Jr. and Dustin.

My twins have abandoned me! Katie is out in Breckenridge, CO working at a ski resort and restaurant. She was in Asheville at the Biltmore and it was certainly a lot closer.

We hope to visit her sometime next fall, but in the meantime, she will make a trip here in May. Susan was married last June at the Island House to Phillip Brooks and unfortunately his job took him to New Orleans, so she followed!!! We have actually made two trips out there, one to help her move and one for our niece’s wedding. We are happy she has at least one relative out there. She will be here in May to graduate with her Masters from the Citadel! And then there are the grandchildren.....I (we) am soooo in love with these little ones. Charlotte is now 2 yrs and 7 mos. and Sawyer is 2 years and 4 mos. Sawyer just had a little sister on March 16th, Ruby Maeve Speights. She is named for my mother and Chelsea’s aunt and that has really made them both very happy. She is of course very adorable!!! Paul, Jr. and his wife Abigail are expecting a son the end of June. I must tell you, I feel so blessed. It is the best thing watching my kids grow and have families of their own."

Deborah Scarboro Snyder is in contact with the Jacqueline Bullock Szczepanik via the Coker Peeps Facebook Group and invites others to join them.

It was wonderful to hear from Jane Fox Kabriel! Jane lives in Oklahoma City and is making lace and bells for the May wedding of her only child, Laura Beth. She promises to send pictures of what I’m sure will be a wonderful celebration!

Many of us have a BIG birthday this year and Bonnie Yon marked hers in December with a ten day trip to Puerto Rico. Fun in the sun!

Congratulations to Kathi Pleasant Luther on the arrival of grandchild #3, Peter Miles Luther on March 27th.

If you’re looking for paradise, Betsy Mauldin McCray says she’s found it in Polk County, NC. She relocated 2 years ago and simply loves the area. She and daughter Elizabeth are veteran "cruisers" and recently enjoyed a trip to the Western Caribbean.

Newsflash!!! Susie Dunklin Guerry is retiring for GOOD at the end of the school

enjoyed relaxing, spending time together, not having a care in the world, and hunting for hidden treasure at some of Hilton Head’s thrift stores.

Reveley Wilson Thomy reports that daughter Mary Alice and her husband Justin have moved to Lake City. Wil’s family is there too which makes it easy to attend grandsons Daniel and Ryan’s activities. Son John is in Columbia. Reveley teaches a homebound student and works at The Beehive, sister Virginia’s gift shop in Kingstree. Greg cares for his dad who is 99 and in a swing bed at the local hospital, while Reveley’s dad still drives, sings in the choir and serves as a hospital volunteer at 95!

2005

Elizabeth Glenn Marvin is pleased to announce retirement from teaching. She looks forward to having more time with her active 90-year-old mother and daughter Brandy who lives in Denver.

We extend our sympathy to Jacqueline (Jackie) Squires who lost her dad, Joseph Thomas "Tommy" Squires on December 1, 2012. Jackie lives in North Myrtle Beach.

We also lost Walter Marion "Pat" Patrick, Jr. on April 17, 2013. Husband of Velna Rollins Patrick '50; brother of Elizabeth Patrick Gnann '50; father of Rose Patrick Smith ’75.

Keep in touch and have a great summer!

Rose Patrick Smith

1986 Susan Neal Moore '86 graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science in December 2012 with an M.L.I.S. Currently, Susan works for A.J. Eastwood Library at Limestone College, in Gaffney, SC as Assistant Professor, Outreach/Instruction Librarian and Archivist.

Susan is married to Larry Moore and they have three children, Will, a graduate student in History at Winthrop University, Ellen a graduate student in English Rhetoric and Composition at UNC-Charlotte, and Lane a sophomore Journalism major at USC Columbia.

Teresa "Trigger" Martin & Susan Sweatt Robey

1987 Kristin LaTorre Molony and Kevin celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in February and are going on a cruise to Alaska on May 11. They are leaving from Vancouver and are very excited. Also, their oldest daughter, Caitlin, graduated from nursing school from Trident Tech and then leaving for a medical mission trip to Uganda. Their daughter Mallory will be graduating from USC in December with a degree in criminal justice and then applying for law school.

Please keep Cindy Hylton and her mom in your thoughts and prayers. Cindy is helping take care of her mom’s medical needs, relocation from FL to VA, and dealing with the stress of work on top of that.

Emily is home for a very short summer break before heading back to Coker on July 7. We are trying to plan a short family vacation to the NC mountains before she leaves us again.

Cynthia Lee Hylton, Cynthia Lee Hylton & Phyllis Atkinson Palmieri

New updates for the Lloyd’s include great news from the AMTC conference I attended in January. I received a recording contract from Tate Music Group in Oklahoma. I will keep you all updated on when to be on the lookout for my Country/Christian album! Also, I ask that you all wish me luck as I just auditioned for the role of Nellie in Springville Alabama Community Theater’s production of South Pacific. Recently, we enjoyed my daughter, Tori’s, second dance recital. She loves dancing and singing…go figure. Mommy is so proud. Curtis ’02 is proud as well, but he can’t wait until she is old enough to try a sport.

Karen Horton Alewine is currently transitioning all of her work to Xtreme Athletics in Troy, Alabama. Starting in July, she will be teaching dance and Pilates at Xtreme. Karen also has videos of her Pilates classes online!

Personally, I cannot wait to try out one of Karen’s classes. In addition, Karen and her husband, Claude Kittrell (Kit) Alewine, Jr. ’02, hosted three female international students who studied at Troy University.

One student is from Ukraine, one from Uzbekistan, and one from Kazakhstan. The Alewine’s felt very blessed by their friendship with the students and are looking forward to hosting five international students next year, as well as one American. Karen and Kit will also be going on a Missions Trip this summer to the Ukraine, where the student they hosted will act as translator for them! Karen said they have been very busy, but that they are enjoying life in small town south Alabama.

The last fellow classmate Karen spoke with was Karen Ann MacIntyre. Her boyfriend was stationed at Fort Ruckner, and they bumped into each other in a Wal-Mart in Enterprise, Alabama. Small world!

Marjorie Muldrow-Goodson finished her Master in Arts in Elementary Education Program in December. Marjorie is currently working one of the hardest jobs as stay-athome mom to her two year old son until the right teaching position comes her way.

Congratulations to you, Marjorie, on your success in the path of education!

Remember classmates, add SmileRainmaker@aol.com to your inbox, so you can receive my updates and reply with the exciting events of your life. Wish you well and enjoy the heat of the summer!

Jessica Lloyd

2009 Nick Pierce and wife Samantha welcomed their first daughter into their family on January 23rd, Olivia Alexandria Pierce.

Shannon Crouch Bowers

Donald and I ran away to Hilton Head Island for a long weekend in early May. We T HE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .

C O M M E N TA RY

| 26

ADVANCE

Elizabeth Fisher "Fish": Hello to all my Coker Friends! Let’s really try to get together again! Hope you have a wonderful summer! I am looking forward to another summer break soon!

(Names listed from left to right)

year but plans to keep busy with something FUN! In June, she’ll go to Kenya to set up a kindergarten near Nairobi. She’ll spend part of her time there staying in the homes of church members and looks forward to her latest adventure as well as a 3-day safari.

Last summer she and Bert enjoyed a trip to Nova Scotia and traveled with Buttercup, their Golden doodle. This summer they plan to make their way through Kentucky and West Virginia with breweries and whitewater rafting as part of their itinerary.

ADVANCE CLASS REP DIRECTORY The following classes are in need of a class representative: 1941, 1950, and 1955.

1938

1959

Orangeburg, SC 29116 | 803-460-7877

Lne., Knoxville, TN 37922 | 865-675-3013 | jcfields@tds.net

Florence Houck Steele | P.O. Box 9005,

1939

Connie Bell ’93 FJ | 104 Cooper River Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 | 843-650-4791 | CokerGrad@aol.com

Lisa Miller Sneed ’98

Holly Mims Westcott

615-673-7949 | hmwestcott@att.net

Janie Cleckley Campbell | 2045 E. Carolina Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550 843-332-1547 | jccampbell2@bellsouth.net

Susan Sweatt Robey | 1 Cobblestone Court Columbia, SC 29229 | 803-699-6620 | susansrobey@earthlink.net

1973

1987

Lugoff, SC 29078 | 803-438-5638 | pjclyburn@ att.net

Court | Midlothian, VA 23112-2412 804-519-6192 | Cindy.L.Hylton@pmusa.com

Jane Clyburn | 1002 Starcliff Dr.

Connie Bell ’93 EV-FJ | 104 Cooper River

Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 | 843-650-4791 | CokerGrad@aol.com

1974

Hwy, Lake City, SC 29560-6202 | 843-389-4401 | wbragdon@ftc-i.net

pnewman224@yahoo.com

N. Augusta, SC 29841 | 803-640-5695 | dfmosser@comcast.net

1961

Libby Smith

Phyllis Atkinson Palmieri | 1819 New

1942

Sylvia Beard Seppala | 726 Loveville Rd. #59, Hockessin, DE 19707 |302-239-0641 | sylviabs@aol.com

675 Wedgewood Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Regina Swygert-Smith | 5206 Main St.

Fran Lambe

1943

Selma Stogner LeHardy | 415 Lakeshore Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 | 843-332-7952

1945

Katherine Still Campbell | 295 Club Acres Orangeburg, SC 29118 | 803-534-6594

1947

Stephens City, VA 22655-2632 | 540-868-1055 randm@bilbroughterriers.com

1962

Gabrielle (Gaby) Morandiere |300 E. 54th St. #7-K, New York, NY 10022 | 212-832-7462 | gaby.morandiere@verizon.net

1963

Kay Elder Williams | 411 W Windward

Lee Blake Stevenson | P.O. Box 660, Beaufort, Landing Place, Hampstead, NC 28443-2476 910-270-0122 | tapperkay@charter.net

SC 29901 | 843-524-5860 | Lbs26@islc.net

1964

1948

Pat Hesse Hardison | 1300 Queens Rd., Unit

Naomi Kelley Jackson | 2302 Bay Rd.

1975

Raleigh, NC 27612 | 919-789-4829 | dsmithii@ nc.rr.com

Millicent Chewning Macchione | 3011

Rose Patrick Smith | 1801 Stannard Trail

1976

Marilyn Mros Belotti | 1118 Inverness Lne. Hanahan, SC 29410 | Drb90@att.net

1977

Jane McCrackin Suchy | 5303 Bluff Rd. Mullins, SC 29574 | 843-464-7056 | suchysuchy@aol.com

1978

Vicki Smith Chaplin | 839 Bethlehem Rd. Hartsville, SC 29550 | 843-332-5998 | Chaplins4@aol.com

Dr. Daniel Moses | P.O. Box 2403

318, Charlotte, NC 28207 | 704-373-3056

1949

Jacksonville, FL 32203 | 904-662-3558 | dan1204@bellsouth.net

Lorena Cook James | 24 Dearborn Rd

1979

Circle | Georgetown, SC 29440-7278 | 803-348-6748 | andee33@aol.com

Lois Hatfield Anderson ’54 | 210

Saddlebrook Lne. | Hopkins, SC 29061 | 803-776-0926 | LHAnderson32@aol.com

1951

Betty Lee Jordan Gandy | 1201 Wisteria Dr., Florence, SC 29501 | 843-662-2797

1952

Betty Lou McIntyre Barclay |329 Lee

Circle. Dillon, SC 29536 | 843-774-6122 | Bbar830771@aol.com

Frances "Frankie" Nicholson Townsend 201 Kinney Circle , Bennettsville, SC 29512 | 843-479-9398

1953

Pat Chapman Huff | 507 Wilmar Ave. Hartsville, SC 29550 | 843-332-3755 | Phuff507@cs.com

Mitzi DuPre Matthews | 200 Juanita Dr.

Lexington, SC29072 | 803-808-8462 | Bmatthews4@windstream.net

1954

Lois Hatfield Anderson | 210 Saddlebrook Lne., Hopkins, SC 29061 | 803-776-0926 | LHAnderson32@aol.com

North, SC 29112-8201 | 803-874-3332 | lorenajames@windstream.net

Becky Sparrow | 306 Salt Marsh Circle

5B, Pawley’s Island, SC 29585 | 843-237-7525 rgs01781@gmail.com

Cameron Council Speth | 89 Jordan Rd. Strafford, VT 05072 | 203-641-5871 | cece@speth.com

1968

Joan Lading Abernathy | 20037 Oak River

Court, S. Chesterfield, VA 23803 | 804-590-1644 | jabernathyva@comcast.net

1970

Harriett Council Candee Constable Craven Jane Brown Riechmann | 2970 St. Johns

Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205 | 904-384-8650 | stjohnsjane@bellS..net

Sarah Jo Wood Safrit | P.O. Box 388

Sarah McCanless Haarlow | 369

Brookwood Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 843-816-4995 | sarahhaarlow@gmail.com

Harriett Courtney Lemke | 411 Prestwood

Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 843-861-6005 | hlemke19@gmail.com

Dr., Nashville, TN 37205 | 615-352-5732 | Susan.

Shumaker@comcast.net

C A M P U S I S S U E

Barbara A. Britton ’82 | 6716 St. Julian

1982

Debra Holt Zsembik | 325 Moss Ave.

Port Orange, FL 32127-6136 | 386-760-6430 ddshouse@yahoo.com

1983

Glenn Douglas Bridges | 18-F Old S. Court Bluffton, SC 29910 | 843-815-4745 | daddydolphin@hargray.com

Keelea.LeJeune@hotmail.com

Roslynn D. Elom | 572 E. McIver Rd.

2002

Blayke Epley Turrubiartes | 1847 Arnold Dr., Charlotte, NC 28205 | 704-535-1504 | blaykee@gmail.com

1990

2003

Kathy Harsh Cunningham | 6004

Highmarket St., Georgetown, SC 29440 | 843-344-1492 | khc1224@aol.com

Wes Daniels | 201 Chester Ave. Hartsville, SC 29550 | 843-616-2485 | wdaniels@ coker.edu

Amy Gibson | 6 Corby Court, Columbia, SC 29229 | 803-462-9851 | Algibson90@bellsouth.net

Emily Marovich Tupper | 15825 Quorum Dr., Apartment 2313, Addison,TX 75001 emilymarovich@yahoo.com

1991

Helen Mason Allen | 1823 Misty Vale Rd. Charlotte, NC 28214 | 704-575-1314 | We3allens@bellsouth.net

Kelly S. Jenkins Evans, GA 30809-2734 | fredie.williams@gmail.com

Angela Hodges Taylor

1994

Jennifer Spray Blankenship | 2977 Dance Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 | 843-332-9835 blankcamp@aol.com Viola DeDe Lawrence

dede_lawrence@yahoo.com

Charlotte, NC 28211 | 704-365-6763 | djcraig@ bellsouth.net

Duckhorn St NW, Concord, NC 28027 | 704 786-1857 | nj2sc2nc@ctc.net

Michelle Wiscovitch King | 400 Gandy Dr.

Sam J. Fryer III | 1610 S.wood Court

1985

1996

Heather McConnell Buckelew | 1606

Florence, SC 29505-3195 | 843-629-8372 | S_Fryer@fsd1.org

Tracie Johnson Paschal | 1111 W. Roseneath Rd., Florence SC 29501-5745 | TraciePL@aol.com

Karol Lowery | Klowery727@aol.com

Electa Anderson Small | 204 Lantana Circle, Georgetown, SC 29440-7278 | 803-348-6748 | andee33@aol.com

Place , Atlanta, GA 30349 | 404-344-0692 | rbacote518@hotmail.com

1997

Regina Bacote Donithan | 5482 Rosehall

Alison Elizabeth Wood | 2400 Pine Haven St.

1986

| Beaufort, SC 29902-6042 | 425-338-9760

Irmo, SC 29063 | 803-749-3922 | triggermartin@aol.com

Ashley M. Pruett | apruett76@yahoo.com

Teresa "Trigger" Martin | 133 Tall Oaks Dr.

Keelea R. LeJeune

Pennie Cathey Peagler | 183 Royal Oaks Lne., Lexington, SC 29072 | 803-926-8410 | penniepeagler@hotmail.com

1995

Hartsville, SC 29550 | 843-857-0084 | michaelbking@bellsouth.net

2000

Palmyra, NJ 08065 | 856-303-1090

1984

Donna Craig | 801 Longbow Rd.

Hartsville, SC 29551

Stephanie Carwile Murray | P.O. Box 299 Panola TX, 75685 | 318-773-0133 | Stepahnierodeo@aol.com

1993

Anne E. Neely | The Tree House P.O. Box 204, Shallotte, NC 28459 | 910-754-5375 | aeneely@aol.com

Hartsville, SC 29550-4123 | 843-383-4692 | CIRCEmyTW14/Sunbeam@hotmail.com

Sheila Brodie Trapp | 1343 Antioch Rd.

Meg Quilty Liebe | 803 Washington Ave.

Way, Fayetteville, NC 28314 | 910-860-7650 | jmb1jmb2@aol.com

Susan Holroyd Shumaker | 315 W. Meade

1989

1966

Darlington, SC 29532 | 843-395-2173

1972

2013

29526 | 843-248-3925 | lhickman@sccoast.net

Rebecca Lynn Teal

Florence, SC 29506 | 843-667-0502 | Ravenrose3@aol.com

Columbia, SC 29229 | 803-699-7924 | mcdowellx5@aol.com

Fredie James Williams | P.O. Box 2734

Barbara Ward Mishoe | 154 S. Main St., Greeleyville, SC 29056 | tnmishoe@ftc-i.net

27 | S U M M E R

Lee H. Hickman | 703 Beaty St. Conway, SC

Dean S. Legge | 808 S. Poplar Ave., Andrews, SC 29510-3032 | 843-264-9398 | dean@dawgpost.com

Lisa Bryant McDowell | 9 Alison Way

1981

Beaufort, NC 28516-0388 | 252-728-3213 | sarahjo@centurylink.net

1958

1980

Shonda Miles Knotts | 4915 Langston Rd. Timmonsville, SC 29161-8370 | 843-346-5126 Shonda.Knotts@PalmettoGBA.com

2001

Eleanor Powell Clark | 106 Arapaho Circle

1965

Manning, SC 29102 | 803-410-0003

Lynn Williams Oates | 3417 Oates Hwy, Lamar, SC 29069 | 843-332-3040 | lwoates@rd.runner.com

Terrace, Ashburn, MD 20147 | 703-726-1190 writerdeb1@aol.com

1999

Stone Bridge Trail, Conyers, GA 30094 | 770-388-0067 | Millicentmacchione@yahoo.com

1992

1956

1957

Debbie Schultz McLaren | 20184 Foothill

1988

Susan D. Weathersbee | 137 W. Home Ave.

1971

Peggy Cantey Gardner | P.O. Box 42

Donna Farrell Mosser | 1003 Tamarack Dr.

Market Rd., Hartsville, SC 29550-9303

Hartsville, SC 29550-6948 | naomijac@rd.runner.com

Electa Andeson Small ’85 | 204 Lantana

Cynthia Lee Hylton | 14405 Woodswalk

1960

Ann Matthews Bragdon | 1563 Johnsonville Pat Newman | 352-792-3565 |

1940

ADVANCE

Pat Crawford Fields | 1713 Scenic Valley

1998

2004

Selena Davis | 410 Emmary St., Hartsville, SC 29550 | SelenaCobras20@hotmail.com

Julia Cox Kokemor | 12787 Hwy 90 Kenner, LA 70070 | 504-466-3096 | jucarcox@hotmail.com

2005

Jessica Brill Lloyd | 1241 Old Oak Rd., Birmingham, AL 35235 | smilerainmaker@aol.com

2006

Jennifer Jackson | 200 Cedar Branch Rd. Loris, SC 29569-5834 | 843-756-4469 | jenmarie_john315@yahoo.com

2007

Kristin Caswell | 141 Pacific Ave. Chapin, SC 29036-7315 | 706-394-9122 | kcaswell@vertixinc.com Ladrica R Jones-Christain | 2612 Wisdom Lne., Effingham, SC 29541-6392 843-667-3400 | ladricaj@hotmail.com Nikki Daniell Johnson | 843-669-1083 |

nikkidaniell@gmail.com

2008

Veronica Gallo Bambery | 502 Cashua St.

Darlington, SC 29532 | veronicagallo@hotmail.com

Shereza Mazyck Middleton '07 | 5145 Seymour Rd. , Dalzell, SC 29040-9144 | smiddleton26@yahoo.com

2009

Shannon Crouch Bowers

bowers.shannonc@yahoo.com

2010

Chad Daniels | 134 W. Home Ave. Hartsville SC, 29550 | 843-709-7507 | daniels.chad5@gmail.com

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

The Office of Institutional Advancement would like to thank the friends, alumni, faculty, staff, foundations and corporations who gave so generously to Coker College this year.

MEMORIALS The following memorials were received January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

Lillian Lee Andrews '48 Rachel Collier Flowers Pat Chapman Huff Pat Chapman Huff Tracey A. Welborn

Katherine Jackson Barton

Frankie Braddock Pat Huff

Reginald Brown Edie Williford Brown

Margaret Henry Burr Pat Chapman Huff

Kim Chalmers

Pamela Gill Franklin Margaret Chalmers

Edith Chapman Pat Huff

Edith Cook Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Gayle and George Sawyer Frances and Charles Hupfer

Mildred Abbott Currier

Suzanne L. Currier Sodergerg

Dr. James Daniels

Julie and Dale Leatherwood

Susan Holroyd Shumaker

Lucy Lee Tedder Davis Selma Stogner LeHardy

Patricia Maxwell Day '59 John E. Day, Jr.

Timothy Dean Pat Chapman Huff

Beverly Denny Dority Dr. and Mrs. Walter Cottingham

Sybil Gainey Dudley

Ruth Peffer

Jane Woodward Truett

Gus Hoffmeyer

Tom Puffer

Pat Chapman Huff Elaine and Frank Hays Lib Bishop Tiller '50 Nancy and Budgy Wilhelm Louis and Lilian Dillard Stephens Mr. and Mrs. William M. Timberlake Lois H. Anderson Betty Lee Gandy

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Eugene Hudson

Pat Huff

J. Dick Kelley

John Luther Edens, Jr. Patricie Hanahan Engman Geoffrey Engman

Earl F. Fisher, Jr.

Dr. and Mrs. Walter Cottingham

Earl F. Fisher, Jr.

Allene and Lewis Reep

Mary Jones Folger Pat Chapman Huff

Terrace T. Ford

Robin Henderson

Emsley A. "Tunnie" Freeman Donna J. Freeman Davis

Harrell Gardner

Pat Chapman Huff

Hazel McConnell Cason Roy Oates

Tom Griggs Pat Chapman Huff

Mike Hamden

Pat Chapman Huff

Leslie Harrell Pat Huff

F. Trent Hill, Jr. Andy and Vicki Eaddy

Information received January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

Claire Creel McKenzie ’48 in the death of her husband C. M. McKenzie on March 16, 2013.

Velna Rollins Patrick ’50 in the death of her husband Walter "Pat" Patrick on April 17, 2013, who was also the brother of Lib Patrick Gnann ’50 and father of Rose Patrick Smith ’75.

Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer ’51 in the death of her husband Gus Hoffmeyer on March 19, 2013, he was also the grandfather of Courtney Smith ’03 and Phillip Hunnicutt ’12.

Catherine Russ Pate ’51 in the death of her mother Myrtle Russ Johnson ’47 on May 4, 2013.

Susan Holroyd Shumaker ’58 in the death of her husband J.G. Shumaker on April 29, 2013.

Curtis Chapman ’63 in the death of his mother Edith Evans Chapman on May 29, 2013, she was also the mother-in-law of Donna Gates Chapman ’65 and grandmother of Todd Curtis Chapman ’91.

Ann Matthews Bragdon ’65 in the death of her husband William H. Bragdon on March 17, 2012.

Ann Bailey King ’68 in the death of her sister Mary Bailey King ’63 on June 6, 2013.

Jessica Markley Lee ’70 in the death of her mother Anne Amelia Daugherty Shaw ’46 on June 18, 2013.

Jacqueline Squires ’75 in the death of her father Joseph Thomas "Tommy" Squires on December 1, 2012.

Mr. and Mrs. Len Gaskins

Tracey A. Welborn

Edward Quilty

Rita Moran Lois and Jerry Gibson

Billy Richardson

Howard and Patricia H. Dampier

Jack Rushing

Pat Chapman Huff

Ellie Scherer

Gil Shumaker

Lamar and Lucy Caldwell

Ginger King Hilderbrand

Charlie C. Singleton

Selma Stogner LeHardy

Buck Snipes

Selma Stogner LeHardy

Marie Southard

Clement LeHardy

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Stogner

Emilea Huff McCurry

Selma Stogner LeHardy

Daphen Yarborough Edge

Benjamin McCutcheon, Jr. Andy and Vicki Eaddy

Elizabeth Ann Stoudenmire Betty Jean Roberts Hunsinger

Kate Lyles Teal

Anne Merck McDowell Dr. and Mrs. Walter Cottingham

Bernice McIntyre

Pat Chapman Huff

Mary Ann Terry

Andy and Vicki Eaddy

Betty Jean Roberts Hunsinger

Jean Virgin

Nancy and Budgy Wilhelm

Jean Campbell Williamson '45

Sarah W. Mobley

Nancy and Budgy Wilhelm

William D. "Billy" Nicholson Walter Marion "Pat" Patrick, Jr.

Holly Teal Johnson ’92 in the death of her mother Kate Lyles Teal on May 1, 2013.

Karen Edwards ’98 E in the death of her mother Eleanor J. Scherer ’91 E on January 9, 2013.

Pat Huff

Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Lee, II

Jeanette B. Martin

on May 13, 2013.

Tiletha Lane

Jo Anne Yount

Mary Ridgeway

Ruth Ludlam McClam '46

Rosemarie Quilty Arnau ’87 and Meg Quilty Liebe ’89 in the death of their father Edward Quilty

Colby Wright

Martha Jackson Singleton

Martha Blackwell Martin

Jane Andrews Sligh ’77 and Johnny Andrews Jr. ’74 in the death of their mother Lillian Lee Andrews ’48 on March 1, 2013, she was also the mother-in-law of Debra Bass Andrews ’74.

Pat Huff

Mr. and Mrs. William M. Timberlake

Virginia King

Pat Chapman Huff

Coleman Worley

Andy and Vicki Eaddy

Bob Shirley

Barbara Kirkley Kelley Jane Woodward Truett

Andy and Vicki Eaddy

Mr. and Mrs. Julius H. Zobel, Jr. Ms. Carolyn S. Yarbrough Dr. and Mrs. Mike Williams Mr. and Mrs. Subbi P. Mathur Mr. and Mrs. Raymond A. Kessler, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. E.O. Horger III Mr. and Mrs. Ernest W. Avinger Carol Norman Burgess Dr. and Mrs. S. M. Witherspoon Roberta L. Shepard Col. and Mrs. John L. Leaphart Col. and Mrs. Charles Calvert

Mark and Christie Happ

Pat Chapman Huff

SYMPATHY

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

Trent Hill

ADVANCE

Ralph and Belinda Aurin Juanita Barnes Grace Jackson Ingram Charles and Gerrie Ingram Nancy Ingram Acker Charles and Emily Bolt Oak Ridge Bridge Association

Elizabeth Davidson

Dr. and Mrs. Walter Cottingham Mrs. Broy S. Moyer Mr. W. Allen Nickles III and Ms. Susan L. Anderson

IN MEMORIAM

LIBRARY

Information received January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

The following gifts of books and/or media were given to the Charles W. and Joan S. Coker Library Information Technology Center January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

Edward J. Quilty Faculty/Staff Elizabeth Marshall Crowther ’36 Mary Jones Folger ’38 Evelyn Bagby Montgomery ’39 Katherine Jackson Barton ’40 Jane McMaster Roehrs ’41 Ruth Elizabeth Ragsdale Sitton ’41 Evelyn LaUna Coggins Ross ’42 Jane Chappelle Mayes ’45 Norma DuRant Pollitt ’45 Jean Campbell Williamson ’45 Jeanette Brunson Martin ’46 Ann V. Miller Outen ’46 Anne Daugherty Shaw ’46 Jean L. Gray ’47 Myrtle Russ Johnson ’47 Lillian Lee Andrews ’48 Dorothy Broadwell Rumph ’48 Betty Culbreath Barnwell ’49 Reba Melise Tyler Mercer ’49 Carolyn Jane Todd ’49 Margaret Rion Wilkins ’51 Anna Katharine Edens Gaudreau ’53 Mary Maxine Fore Taber ’58 Mary Eleanor Ballard McLeod ’59 Miriam Teal Griggs ’60 Kay Lawrimore Byrd ’62 Alma Marie Mumn Gardner ’63 Mary Bailey King ’63 Ann Watson Barden ’65 Dixie Hughes Britton ’70 Bernice McIntyre Coleman ’70 Keith W. Williams ’78 Barney L. Grover ’80 Lori Horaz Fedor ’91 Eleanor J. Scherer ’91 E Wanda Mack Eans ’00 E

Dr. Cathy Cuppett Andy and Vicki Eaddy Dr. Margaret Godbey Jean Grosser and Larry Merriman Ms. Petite B. Hammonds Mal Hyman Dr. George Lellis Todd Rix Dennis Schaefer Sonoco Products Company Dr. Tracey Welborn

T HE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .

C O M M E N TA RY

| 28

ADVANCE

SCHOLARSHIPS & ENDOWMENT The following gifts to Scholarships & Endowments were received from January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

Alice & Virgil Smith Piano Scholarship

Anna M. Myers

Robert S. & Ann Ludlam Winfield

Ann Matthews Bragdon

Dr. Anne Lamb Matthews

Andy & Vicki Eaddy

Brent & Tina Weeks Weaver

Ann Ludlam Winfield '44 Endowed Scholarship Ann Matthews Bragdon Endowed Scholarship Dr. Anne Lamb Matthews Endowed Scholarship Anna White Hill Endowed Choral Scholarships Christine & Brent Weaver Endowed Scholarship

ADVANCE

Class of 1953 Endowed Scholarship Jennie Herlong Boatwright

Fran Worley Bond Charlie Hunt Chewning Walter & Beth DuBose Cottingham Daphen Yarborough Edge Toula Latto Mitzi DuPre Matthews Tommie Long McClain

Class of 1956 Endowed Scholarship Shep Porter Wallace Class of 1963 Endowed Scholarship Lana Suber Barnett

Flora Galloway Borkholder Genie Ray Watson Cooke Susan Melody Frank Jennie Turner Gustafson Michaele Powell Hawthornthwaite Carolyn Hawkins Hopper Mary Ann Buck Loughlin

HONORARIUMS

Madeleine Theus McKenzie Dell Bethune Walker Nancy McConnell Wilhelm Kay Elder Williams Barbara Holmes Willis

Gail Etters Pilger Ellen Harden Rogers

Class of 1964 Endowed Scholarship Naomi Kelley Jackson C. G. Timberlake Memorial Endowed Scholarship Olive & William M. Timberlake Coker Singers Carolyn Donati Johnson Dr. Lois R. Gibson Book Endowment Dr. Lois Rauch & Dr. Jerry Gibson Edna Earle Poyner Endowed Scholarshp Elizabeth Cockfield Bushardt

Elisabeth Hauser Annita Ward Hunt Paula Fulcher Kemp Judith Hesley Toney Ray Vance

Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Elisabeth Hauser Friends of Dance Scholarships Dick & Sylvia McLamb Puffer George Sawyer Kalmia Endowment Drs. George & Gayle Buckheister Sawyer I.A.A.P. Scholarship Fund Agape Hospice of the Pee Dee

Mary I. Buchner Willie M. Cannon Carolina Pines Medical Group Patricia H. Dampier Martin S. Driggers Bruce & Marsha Eide Phyllis G. Fields Tony & Terry Floyd Gardner Roofing, Incorporated Susan M. Henderson Teresa G. Hendrix Elaine B. Hodges

Dr. Malcolm and Jacque McLeod Doubles Dr. Paul F. and Nancy E. Edinger Kevin and Pamela Gill Franklin Dr. Lois Rauch and Dr. Jerry Gibson Carolyn Donati Johnson

Nan Carter Howard

Randolph W. Hope

Charles Cottingham

Sarah Jo and Leonard Safrit

Robert H. and Jeannie W. Goodson Richard and Carolyn Swallow

William and Nancy Strahan Hall

Carolyn Donati Johnson

George and Ann Bryant Coker

Kiwanis Scholarship Kiwanis Club of Hartsville Lavaughn Robinson McCall Endowed Scholarship Graham Wood Nancy Barrineau Endowed Scholarship Teressa Thompson Harrington Nickey Brumbaugh Endowed Art Scholarship Betty J. Robertson Coughlin Randolph W. Hope Endowed Scholarship Sara Cottingham Piano Endowed Scholarship Sarah Jo Safrit Endowed Scholarship Steinway Piano Fund

Strahan Endowed Scholarship Student Emergency Fund

Study Abroad Scholarship Grace Jackson Ingram Susan Coker Watson Endowed Scholarship

Mark and Christie Happ

Information received through January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

Information received January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

Congratulations on the marriage of Kathy Swygert Speight’s ’75 daughter Susan Speights to Phillip Brooks on June 1, 2012.

Congratulations to Candace Constable Craven ’70 on the birth of her grandson in November 2012.

SEND US A WEDDING PHOTO OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM WITH ALL YOUR COKER GUESTS!

Congratulations to Jane May Gable ’70 on the birth of her grandson in June 2012.

Judy Brown Pigg '68

Elizabeth Cockfield Bushardt

Anita M. Colbert

Jo Anne Boyd Sires

Elizabeth Cockfield Bushardt

Sarah Spruill

J. Michael Baxley

Ida Pace Storrs

Pat Chapman Huff

Jean Watkins

Dr. and Mrs. Walter Cottingham

Merle Davis Baxley

Doris R. & Ernest W. Avinger Carol N. Burgess Charles & Vivian Calvert Fletcher & Martha Langford Derrick Garden Club of Charleston E.O. & Polly C. Horger Raymond & Lenora S. Kessler John & Lynda Lazarchick John & Shirley Leaphart Subbi P. Mathur Broy S. Moyer W A. Nickles, III Roberta L. Shepard Keeling & Barbara J. Warburton Sandra L. Wilcox Cornelia C Wilkie Mike & Martha T. Williams Oliver & Jean Campbell Williamson S. M. & Joan K. Witherspoon Carolyn S Yarbrough Julius H. & Joanne Moody Zobel

Dr. Lois Rauch and Dr. Jerry Gibson

Kenneth Lewis Wilmot Endowed Scholarship Patricia J. Wilmot Kim Chalmers Art Travel Fund Margaret T. Chalmers

BIRTHS

Ellen T. Hayden

Priscilla Perry Arnold

WEDDINGS

Linda Rhyne

Class of 1958

Jean C. Williamson Endowed Scholarship Susan L. Anderson

Joanne Moody Zobel Endowed Scholarship Julius H. & Joanne Moody Zobel Joseph Rubinstein Endowed Education Scholarship Dr. David and Gay S. Blackmon

Barbara Steadman

Patricia Meinhold Brian Peffer

Information received January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

Tiletha B. Lane Lowes Lucus, Auman & Warr Keesha R. McKnight Darnell B. McPherson Tricia & Ross Meinhold Morningside of Hartsville Mr. Rooter Plumbing Tracy S. Parkinson & Nichole Long Adrian P. Parnell Chris & Dee Pierce Mary R. Ridgeway Jennifer S. Rhodes Cheryl L. Smith Charles & Betty Young Sullivan Steve & Paula Terry Whitney M. Watts J. B. Weaver Tracey T. Welborn Bonnie Wilcox Nancy A. Zimmerman

Virginia and Larry Gantt

Bernice Blackwell 100th birthday Jill Brantley

Frances S. Kelley XYZ Seniors Club of St. Luke UMC

Bert and Johnnie Brantley

Mrs. Fran Wall Weaver

Rev. Tommy Browne '62

J. Michael Baxley

Tiletha Lane

Dr. Robert L. Wyatt

Dr. Will Carswell

Pamela Gill Franklin

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Swallow

Helen Kolb Chambless Class of 1958

Trisha Braid Collins Elizabeth Cockfield Bushardt

Steve Efland

Allison, Lisa, and Brad Crandell

Pat Chapman Huff

Dr. and Mrs. Walter Cottingham

Edgar H. Lawton

Congratulations to Caitlin Hudson Luther ’06 and Cory on the birth of Peter Miles Luther on March 27, 2013 and to grandparents Kathi Pleasant Luther ’75 and Nancy Timms Matthews ’76 and Dave S. Matthews ’91.

Congratulations to Kathy Swygert Speights ’75 on the birth of her granddaughter Ruby Maeve Speights on March 16, 2013.

Congratulations to Christian Stryker '04 and Tasha Hughes Stryker '05 on the birth of their daughter, Alice Geneva Stryker! 6lb, 15oz., 20 inches, born June 18, 2013.

SEND US BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN!

Ione and John Lee

Joseph J. Lawton

Ione and John Lee

Beverly McLaughlin Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Lee, II

29 | S U M M E R

2013

C A M P U S I S S U E

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

KALMIA GARDENS DONATIONS Information received January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

HONORARIUMS

Information received January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

Information received January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

Rose Mary Cappellari

Lindsey Allen

Harry and Rita Moran

Mark and Lesley Allen

James and Elizabeth Gettys Charlie and Frances Hupfer Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Drs. George and Gayle Sawyer

Pine and Lake Garden Club

Magnolia Garden Club

Bill and Olive Timberlake

Adrienne Rogers

Carolyn Newsom

Pine and Lake Garden Club

Eddie and Linda Drayton Kalmia Garden Club Donald and Phyllis Sheely

Jane Spruill Larry and Virginia Gantt

Harry and Rita Moran

Katherine W. Harvin

Rose Marie Newsom

Harry & Rita Moran

Rose Marie Newsom

Stanley Byrd Mary R. Ridgeway

Rose Marie Newsom

Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer

Edith Cook

Betty Culbreth Sybil Dudley

Susan Harvey Dan Hill

Nan Lawton

ADVANCE

The Honorable J. Michael Baxley Richie and Heidi Bond Charlie and Renee’ Bowman Castalian Club Howard and Rhonda Coker Libba Coker Ronnie and Debra Grant Karen Gentry Wade and Lee Hicks Ronnie and Patty Holley Ronnie and Carole Howard Joint Venture Jewelry Kaye McElveen Thomas and Peggy Peck Pine and Lake Garden Club Jessie Coggeshall Rogers Sonoco Foundation Howard and Judy Trout John and Judy Johnson Walker

MEMORIALS

Muriel Harrington Betsy D. O’Connor Genelle A. Oneal Edward Quilty

Marvin L. Reynolds Buck Snipes

Mildred N. Sullivan Margaret Rion Wilkins

A N N UA L SCHOL A R SH I P F U N D

HAVE YOU GIVEN YET? A gift to the Annual Scholarship Fund is more than just a gift.

Every contribution, no matter the size, goes directly toward scholarships and programs that create valuable opportunities for current and future students. Your gift is an investment that makes it possible for Coker students to build a better future—for themselves, for Coker, and for our world.

GIVE ONLINE AT COKER.EDU/GIFTS

IT ’S SAFE. IT ’S SIMPLE.

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

WEB E X TR A S

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT GIVING TO THE ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND PLEASE CONTACT US AT

development@coker.edu or 8 43. 383. 8014

To view our Annual Scholarship Fund video visit: youtube.com/cokercollege BECOME A SUBSCRIBER OF OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

T HE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .

C O M M E N TA RY

| 30

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID OFFICE OF M A R K ET I NG & COM MU NIC AT IONS 300 East College Avenue

843.383.8000

|

|

Hartsville, South Carolina 29550

1.800.950.1908

facebook.com/cokercollege

|

|

COLUMBIA, SC PERMIT 1204

coker.edu

youtube.com/cokercollege

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

save the date

HOMECOMING FRI & SAT OCTOBER 4th-5th

2013

food 路 music 路 games 路 tailgating 路 performances | #cokerpride