Pfeiffer Alumni magazine 2016 by Pfeiffer University Marketing & Communications

“Booming” at Pfeiffer Capital Projects Reflect Growth

Division III

Roommates and Blood Brothers Longtime Friendship Endures

Athletics Wrap Up

Update and Timeline

Falcons Shine

WINTER 2017

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS

what’s inside new additions partnership program faculty update pfeiffer is “booming” student achievements growing student leaders roommates and blood brothers homecoming division III update sports hall of fame bob reasso honored men’s soccer new heights for softball falcon club classnotes upcoming events

4 5 6 10 14 16 18 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 35

EDITOR Susan Messina DESIGNER Gary Veazey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cindy Benson Amy Bunting Jenna Gulledge ’12 Brian Joura Courtney Laughlin ’18 Jeremy Zalacca Pfeiffer magazine is produced by the Office of Advancement, with support from the university community. We welcome your feedback about this issue as well as what you’d like to see in future issues. Please email advance@pfeiffer.edu or call 704-463-3040 To change your mailing address, contribute to Class Notes or be removed from this mailing, call 704-463-3034 or email advance@pfeiffer.edu pfeiffer.edu

facebook.com/pfeifferuniversity pfeifferuniversity @pfeiffer1885

ABOUT THE COVER Pfeiffer’s Admissions team prepares for its move in early 2017 to The Class of 1968 Admissions Welcome Center, known to most alumni as the Delight and Garfield Merner Center (see page 10). Assessing their new surroundings (clockwise from top left) are Dr. Christopher Parker, vice president for enrollment management; Emily Carella, director of undergraduate admissions; Brian Luckett, director of enrollment events, recruitment and engagement; Deborah Wilkinson, director of graduate and degree completion enrollment; and Frances King, executive director of financial aid.

Established in 1885, Pfeiffer University is a globally engaged, regional university distinctive for its transformational undergraduate experiences and leadership in professional and graduate programs that fill demonstrated needs on its campuses in Charlotte, Misenheimer and Raleigh, and online. Vested in its history as a United Methodistrelated university and propelled by an innovative faculty and staff, Pfeiffer prepares its students for a lifetime of achievement, scholarship, spirituality and service. Pfeiffer University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees.

Pfeiffer is on the move! As my second year as president progresses, Pfeiffer’s board of trustees, senior leadership team and I can report with confidence that robust decisions and hard work in 2016 laid the groundwork for what will be a visibly successful 2017. Most noticeable are several exciting capital improvements (page 10). In Misenheimer, the Merner Center is being transformed to serve as a welcome and visitor center, where our Admissions team will greet prospective students, families and other guests. Special thanks to the Class of 1968 for making this renovation possible. Scheduled to open early this year, it is sure to be a campus centerpiece. In addition, our IT group, now led by Dr. Ken Russell ’88 (page 13) will relocate from the Administration building to the first floor of Stokes Student Center to be better positioned to serve our students. Finally, in early summer the Charlotte campus will move to brand new space adjacent to its current site on Park Road to accommodate the needs of our graduate and degree completion programs.

president’smessage

Message from the president

Working with Stanly County and the city of Albemarle, Pfeiffer will expand its academic presence beyond the borders of our traditional campus (page 11)—and introduce its first graduate health science programs in Stanly County. Master’s level programs to train physician assistants and occupational therapists will be located in downtown Albemarle in a new, state-of-the-art educational healthcare building that is currently in the architectural planning stages. This provides a win-win for the city and Pfeiffer; we’re thrilled to be a part of the region’s growth. All this activity supports invigorated undergraduate and graduate marketing and recruitment strategies, which began to bear fruit last fall as we welcomed the class of 2020. With a 10.5 percent increase in freshman and transfer student enrollment, it’s clear that efforts are paying off. At the same time, we must apply equal energy toward retaining our sophomores. To address this important group’s scholarship needs—and assure their return to Pfeiffer—we will begin to award retention scholarships. One source for these are existing scholarships that have not been fully endowed, and as such cannot be awarded to students. By grouping them into one fund for the purpose of retaining deserving second-year students, the generous gifts of those who wish to support hardworking Pfeiffer students can be put to relevant and immediate use. In other news, Ron Laffitte has joined the leadership team as vice president and dean for student affairs (page 4); he replaces Dr. Russ Sharples ’75, who retired last spring. The Francis Center for Servant Leadership continues to set the pace in higher education for exemplary community service and has stepped up to relieve hunger in our region through a thriving Hunger Garden (page 16). And progress continues regarding the timeline set by the NCAA for the university’s transition to competing at the Division III level (page 22). The generosity of alumni and friends to Pfeiffer—as we conclude the 20th year of holding university status—reminds us that we are truly a Pfamily. Without your sustained love and support, Pfeiffer University would not be the wonderful place it is.

Colleen Perry Keith, Ph.D.

WINTER 2017

campusupdate

Pfeiffer welcomes Ron Laffitte to lead student development and Ken Russell ’88 to transform digital information President Colleen Perry Keith recently made two new additions to her leadership team: Ron Laffitte, vice president of student affairs and dean of students; and Dr. Kenneth Russell ’88, vice president for digital transformation and chief information officer. “I believe an organization’s success depends on hiring the right people, getting them into the right positions and giving them the support and empowerment they need to flourish,” said Dr. Keith. “To hire those ‘right’ people, you have to find individuals who fall in love with the mission of your organization and regard their work as their ministry.” According to Dr. Keith, Ron Laffitte and Ken Russell score high on both measures. Both bring to Pfeiffer decades of experience in their respective fields, enabling them to offer not only best practices, but new ideas and vision. Laffitte arrived on July 1, Ron Laffitte assuming responsibility for all aspects of student life. Before joining Pfeiffer, Laffitte held numerous positions at the university level, including associate dean of students, University of Tennessee; assistant union director for activities and services, University of South Carolina; and assistant university center director and program advisor, University of Denver.

“It is a true pleasure to be part of a team that is committed excellence,” said Laffitte. “It is my goal to work with the student life staff, help them grow as professionals, and develop programs and facilities so students can achieve their dreams through the Pfeiffer experience.” Dr. Russell joined Pfeiffer in August, filling the newly-created position of CIO. A former trustee of Pfeiffer, Russell will lead the university’s efforts in academic computing, technology integration and data science. Previously, he worked for Fortune 500 companies, including Duke Energy, as CIO; Bank of America, as a senior executive, and Cisco Systems, as director and strategist for the Advanced Services and Intellectual Capital Transformations groups. “The timing of this chance to serve my alma mater—the place I became a scholar—in ways that align serendipitously Dr. Kenneth Russell ’88 with my expertise, couldn’t be better,” he said. “The ability and organizational will at Pfeiffer to leverage technology with economic and collaborative opportunity offers a clear promise for institutional transformation; I’m thrilled to lead this effort.”

“To hire those ’right’ people, you have to find individuals who fall in love with the mission of your organization and regard their work as their ministry.” - President Colleen Perry Keith

Global influence, local talent This fall, 20 Pfeiffer students majoring in business and management toured the Asheboro, N.C., plant of Timken and Company to learn about the international manufacturer of tapered roller

bearings operations. The students, who visited the facility with Dr. Chris Howard, associate professor of business administration, were introduced to specifics at Timken related to manufacturing, supply chain management, transportation, marketing, human resources and more. To discuss internship opportunities for Pfeiffer students at your organization, please contact mark.mccallum@pfeiffer.edu.

WINTER 2017

Over the past 14 months, Pfeiffer University has initiated and expanded its Partnership Program with businesses of all sizes throughout North Carolina, including several national corporations. Offering specialized programs and financial incentives to businesses and organizations for the shared purpose of furthering the educational attainment of partner organizations’ employees, the Partnership Program helps workforces—and people—stay competitive in a global environment.

said Dr. Peggy Terhune, chief executive officer for Monarch, a nonprofit organization based in Albemarle that supports thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance use disorders. “This agreement allows us to expand the accessibility of higher education to employees who choose to pursue this opportunity, which benefits them, the organization and, ultimately, the people we support.”

Currently, more than 30 partners have signed on with new ones added on a regular basis. They include Monarch, South Atlantic Healthcare Alliance, Williamson’s Chapel, GHA Autism Supports, Time Warner Cable, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and more.

degrees that will help advance their careers,” said Chris Parker. “Our criminal justice degree completion program is just one example of a ‘good fit’ option for this population.”

Last August, Pfeiffer “The Partnership Program launched the Law creates a great deal of Enforcement Excellence synergy between Pfeiffer Program (LEEP), a specialized “Partners offer their employees and our partners, offering extension of the Partnership affordable options for continuing a classic win-win,” said Program, through which Dr. Christopher Parker, employees of partner law their educations while Pfeiffer vice president for enforcement agencies enrollment, who are able to continue their extends its marketing reach.” spearheads the program. educations at affordable “It allows partners to tuition rates. Right now, - Dr. Christopher Parker, offer their employees an LEEP includes ten law vice president for enrollment accessible and affordable enforcement partners, option for continuing including the Charlottetheir educations while Mecklenburg Police presenting Pfeiffer the Department, Concord opportunity to extend its marketing reach to new audiences Police Department and Fayetteville Police Department. and regions.” “Pfeiffer is honored to help those who keep us safe earn the

“Monarch, with its long history of commitment to professional development, is elated to partner with Pfeiffer to offer targeted, high-caliber degree programs to our staff across North Carolina,”

academicupdate

Partnership Program extends Pfeiffer’s reach Agreements allow employees to advance their education at Pfeiffer

For a complete list of Partnership Program and LEEP members, visit http://www.pfeiffer.edu/pfeiffers-partnership-programs. To learn more about partnering with Pfeiffer University for employee education benefits, email christopher.parker@pfeiffer.edu.

WINTER WINTER 2015 2017

academicupdate

Faculty Update Dr. Duane Aagaard (Sport Management) made two presentations for the North Carolina Sport Management Coalition at the NCAAHPERD-SM Convention, Winston-Salem: “Faith on the Field and Classroom” and “Why the Atlanta Braves Should Have the Largest Regional Contract and Why They Don’t.” In conjunction with the Green Bay Packers and St. Norbert College, he presented “Athletic Success and Spirituality: Leading an Athletic Department with a Mission,” at the Sport in Society Conference, Green Bay, Wisc. He also published a book review, “NFL Franchises Inspire Business Success,” Lexington Books, Rowman & Littlefield. Several papers were published at The Institute for Sport, Spirituality, and Character Development, including Leadership Development: If Everything is Leadership then Nothing is Leadership; Fish Out of Water? The Relationships with Non-believers at Christian Universities; and Recruiting: The Process of Finding Mission-fit Athletes. Dr. Sherry Adams (Health and Exercise Science) co-presented “Hypothalamicpituitary Dysfunction Resulting in Anxiety and Decreased Circulating Testosterone Levels Following Traumatic Brain Injury in a Male Rodent Model,” Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, San Diego. She co-presented with Dillon Malloy ’16 three papers, “Heart Rate, Minute Ventilation, and Maximum Oxygen Uptake in Healthy and Post-concussed Collegiate Female Athletes,” Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, San Diego; “Perception of Fatigue in Health and Post-concussed Collegiate Female Soccer Players,” American College of Sports Medicine, Boston; and “Rate of Perceived Exertion in Healthy and Post-concussed Collegiate Female Soccer Players,” National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Asheville, N.C. Dr. Jimmy Atkins (Business Administration) was invited as a visiting scholar to teach at the University of Applied Sciences in Fulda, Germany. Dr. Chris Boe (Education) presented “Like All Scientists, I’ve Got Problems: An Introduction to Problem-based Learning in the Elementary Science Classroom,” National Science Teachers’ Association Fall Conference, Charlotte, N.C. He was appointed to the State

WINTER 2017

Superintendent’s Ethics Advisory Committee as a representative of Institutions of Higher Education (IHE), NCDPI, Raleigh, N.C. Joshua Cross (Art) presented at the third annual Silhouette of a Woman art event hosted by Primax Pink Warriors, Queens University, Charlotte, N.C. Dr. Luke Dollar (Biology) published numerous scholarly pieces. Among them were “Seroprevalence of Domestic and Wild Carnivores to Selected Viral and Parasitic Diseases in Western Madagascar,” accepted by Journal of Wildlife and Diseases; “Lion Populations May Be Declining in Africa but Not as Bauer et. al. Suggest, PNAS (a rebuttal to “Lion (Panthera leo) Populations are Declining Rapidly Across Africa, Except in Intensively Managed Areas,” PNAS. Dr. Dollar also presented at 11th Annual CMS and N.C. Center for STEM’s annual STEM conference, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, N.C.; “Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development,” Immaculata Catholic School, Durham, N.C.; and “Developing Conservation Programs in Madagascar to Protect the Lemur and Fossa,” Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C. He was also a guest lecturer at Dr. Roland Kays’ mammalogy class, N.C. State University, Raleigh, N.C.; secured funding for the Madagascar team’s ongoing wildlife-conflict mitigation and sustainable cook stoves and fuels initiative; and spoke at various elementary schools as a National Geographic Scholar. Dr. Raushan Gross (Business Administration) was published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. Articles include “Organizational Downsizing: The Past and Present Organizational Strategy– A Review,” International Journal of Research in Business Management; and “A Global Outlook on Executive Compensation: A Comparative Exploration,” International Journal of Management Sciences and Business Research. Dr. Gross also made numerous presentations, among them “Examining the Relationship between Leadership Styles and Employee Strategic Thinking,” SME’s 10th International Conference on Humanities, Education, Economics and Management Studies, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and “Procurement Card Basics: Getting it Right the First Time-Starting from the Beginning,” National Association of Commercial Card and Payment Industry national conference, San Antonio.

Dr. David Hollar (Health Administration) was published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including “Evaluating the Interface of Health Data and Policy: Applications of Geospatial Analysis to Countylevel National Data,” Children’s Health Care; and “Validation of a New Instrument to Evaluate Gradients of Empathy,” Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment. Dr. Hollar also made several presentations, including “Assessing Southeastern U.S. Geographic Five-year Differentials in Healthy People Disability Indicators, 2010-2015,” 144th annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, Denver; and “Health Disparities in Biomarkers of Aging and Bioenergetics Across the Lifespan,” 2nd Annual N.C. State Representative Beverly Earle Minority Health Disparities Conference, Charlotte, N.C. He also contributed “Epigenetics and its Applications to Children’s Health,” Epigenetics, the Environment, and Children’s Health Across Lifespans, New York: Springer. Dr. Christopher Howard (Business Administration) presented “Workshop Facilitator on Global Strategic Thinking,” THM International Conference. Dr. Howard also led Pfeiffer’s Phi Beta Lambda National Competition team, which won first place in Leadership. Dr. Douglas Hume (Religion) presented “Making Able the Disabled Christ: Reverse Kalokagathia in Philippians 1:20-2:13 in Light of Disability Studies,” Pfeiffer University Division of Arts and Sciences First Friday, Misenheimer, N.C. He also presented at The Society of Biblical Literature, Atlanta. Along with Dr. Patricia Meyers and David Smith (Advancement), he wrote an extensive proposal for a $600,000 grant to provide a summer youth academy at Pfeiffer. Dr. Hume also was instrumental in the university receiving a $10,000 grant for faculty to explore their vocation as teachers.

Dr. Katerina Ivanov (Healthcare Finance & Economics) presented “Identify Too Big to Fail Banks and Capital Insurance,” Financial Management Association, Basel, Switzerland, “Bank Capital: An Insurance Perspective,” Eastern Finance Association, Baltimore; and “Illiquidity Contagion and Information Spillover from CDS to Equity Markets,” Atlanta. Dr. Angela Kern (Education) made numerous presentations, including “These are Country and These are Really Cool!,” Delta Kappa Gamma International Convention, Nashville, Tenn.; “The Past Shouldn’t Haunt Us!,” North Carolina Association of Gifted and Talented, Winston Salem, N.C.; and “Map it Out!,” Delta Kappa Gamma Southeast Regional Conference, Savannah, Ga.

academicupdate

Dr. Caroline Hohensee (Health Administration) was published in Epigenetics, the Environment, and Children’s Health Across Lifespans, chapter 13, New York: Springer.

Dr. Rosalie Kern (Psychology) presented at the 11th annual conference Southern Society for Philosophy and Psychology, Louisville, Ky. She was also a guest lecturer for a segment of a polygraph certification course for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, The Canadian Police College, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Laura Lowder (Education) published “Screencasting Student Presentations to Save Class Time for Engaging Discussions,” Proceedings of E-Learn: World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education (2015). She also co-presented “STEM Into Simple Machines,” North Carolina Technology in Education Society annual conference, Raleigh, N.C. Dr. Dawn Lucas (Education), co-presented with Dr. Angela Kern “Positive Leadership in the Classroom,” Kappa Delta Pi Conference, Orlando, Fla.

WINTER 2017

academicupdate

Faculty Update (continued) Dr. Susan Luck (Business Administration) published Zen and the Art of Business Communication, Business Expert Press. She is the winner of a Case Competition Award for “What Did IT Say?,” which was selected for a Student Case Competition.

Dr. Patricia Meyers (Religion) co-published “Between Everything,” Abingdon Press, (2015, November). She also presented “The National Children’s Ministry Forum” and served as an editor for “The Daily Christian Advocate,” United Methodist Church’s General Conference.

Dr. Dana Martin (Nursing) co-presented with Dr. Martha Bramlett (Nursing) “Placement of a Comprehensive, Standardized Computer Test of Pharmacology in Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum,” Gardner Webb University 50th Anniversary Celebration and Symposium, Boiling Springs, N.C. She also co-presented with Dr. Bramlett and Dr. Rachel Cozort “Utilizing Simulation in Nursing Education to Develop Confidence and Diminish Anxiety in Clinical Practice,” Sigma Theta Tau International 43rd Biennial Conference, Las Vegas, Nev.

Dr. Ashley Oliphant (English) is in the process of publishing Shark Tooth Hunting on the Carolina Coast and published Hemingway and Bimini: The Birth of Sport Fishing at The End of the World.

Dr. Jon Martin (Health Administration/ Marketing) presented “Marketing Research for Mission-based Thrift Suggests Relationship Marketing Strategy,” Association of Marketing Theory and Practice; “Identifying N.C.’s Key Healthcare Factors,” Triad ACHE Poster Session; and co-presented with Dr. Nur Onvural and Dr. Barnett Parker (Health Administration) “Strong Relationship between Education and Death Rates, Improving HC Delivery Systems utilizing SBU, Lean, and Value-Added Perspectives,” Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. Dr. Randall McClure (English) published “The Future Scholar: Researching and Teaching the Frameworks for Writing and Information Literacy,” American Society for Information Science and Technology. He also published “Rewiring Research & Writing: Frameworks for Information Literacy in a Digital Age,” Association of College and Research Libraries; and “History of the Conference on College Composition and Communication Review,” Kairos. He presented “Information in the Making: What Digital Rhetoric Can Learn from Information Behavior Theory,” Carolinas Rhetoric Conference.

WINTER 2017

Dr. Nur Onvural (Economics/Finance) co-published “Identifying key factors underlying the improved ability of the Social Security Institution of Turkey in providing universal health insurance,” Journal of Health Services Research and Policy. Dr. Onuvral also co-presented several papers, including one with Dr. David Hollar, “Evaluation of a 3D Printing Entrepreneurship Module for Healthcare Education with Exploratory Factor Analysis,” 144th Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association. She was also recognized by Cary magazine with a 2016 Women of Western Wake County Award. Dr. Laura Reichenberg (Biology) presented “Project Genes: Genetics Education for the Next Era of Science,” Pfeiffer University Division of Arts and Sciences First Friday. Dr. Marissa Schwalm (English) published “Safe Sex,” Reed magazine. She was nominated for Best of the Net competition by Hot Metal Bridge for her nonfiction essay, “Dog.” Dr. Daniel Stillwell (Marriage and Family Therapy) presented “Spiritual Competency of MFTs,” AAMFT Annual Conference.

Dr. Jim Vroom (Business Administration) co-published “A Plan for Academic Biobank SolvencyLeveraging Resources and Applying Business Processes to Improve Sustainability.” Dr. Vroom also presented “Do You Hear Me Talking to You? Non-Traditional Delivery Methods for Student Feedback,” as well as “Out of Your Comfort Zone Diversity Assignment” and “Addressing Challenging Design Issues in Web-based/Online Courses,” Association for Business Communications International Conference, Albuquerque, N.M.

academicupdate

Dr. Marilyn Sutton-Haywood (Arts and Sciences) made several presentations, including “Administrative Leadership Workshop: Leading your Department Part II,” Claflin University; and “Building and Maintaining a Collegiality Department,” Council of Independent Colleges Department/Division Chair Workshop, Portland, Ore.

Reverend Leonard Fairley ’81 elected a United Methodist bishop Last summer, Rev. Leonard Fairley ’81, most recently Capital District superintendent in the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, was elected a United Methodist Bishop at the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference at Lake Junaluska, N.C. He started a four-year assignment to the Kentucky/Red Bird Conference, Louisville, on September 1. Throughout his career, Bishop Fairley served as pastor of the Sanford Circuit, Sanford, N.C.; St. Peter UMC, Hamlet, N.C.; Soapstone UMC, Raleigh, N.C.; and St. Francis UMC, Cary, N.C.; as well as superintendent of the Rockingham District and Capital District, the largest district in the North Carolina Annual Conference. “In 1 Timothy 3 we read, ’whoever aspires to be an overseer, desires a noble task.’ In this case, interpreting ‘overseeing’ as serving as bishop, Bishop Fairley and his task are by all accounts noble and honorable,” said President Colleen Perry Keith. “Pfeiffer University joins his family and friends in offering congratulations and best wishes for this tremendous honor.” After graduating from Pfeiffer College, Bishop Fairley earned a master of divinity degree from Duke University. As Capital District superintendent, he served as chief missional strategist, and spiritual and administrative leader 96 churches and 134 active pastors in Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Clayton, Smithfield, Benson, Goldsboro, Knightdale, Wendell and Wilson. He has led and been a member of

numerous boards and agencies of the North Carolina Conference, and participated on mission work teams in Costa Rica, Jamaica, Colombia, Zimbabwe and Haiti, and for the Appalachia Service Project. “In addition to being influenced by my professors at Pfeiffer photo courtesy of spumcmaxton.org College, particularly Dr. Phillip Pharr and Professor Emerson Beyer, who challenged my thinking in religion and philosophy, my experience living on campus and participating in campus life was instrumental,” said Bishop Fairley. “Late night conversations with my roommate, Bart Milleson ’80, who is also a United Methodist minister, accelerated the development of my emotional intelligence.” Bishop Fairley has published a book of poetry, Who Shall Hear My Voice, and is a contributing writer to The Day the Earth Moved Haiti: From Havoc to Healing. Widowed after the 2013 death of his wife, Priscilla Ann Russell, he has two children and three grandchildren.

“In addition to being influenced by professors Dr. Phillip Pharr and Emerson Beyer, who challenged my thinking in religion and philosophy, my experience living on campus and participating in campus life was instrumental.” - Reverend Leonard Fairley ’81 WINTER 2017

cover storycapital improvements

“Pfeiffer University’s endearing strengths—besides its people—are extraordinary academic programs and services. It is vital that we support and nurture them with ambitious facilities and support systems that assure their continued growth and the success of our students.” - Dr. Colleen Perry Keith, president When she arrived in 2015, President Colleen Perry Keith recognized Pfeiffer’s history of program excellence. Now, 18 months later, plans are in motion—and several capital projects underway in Misenheimer and Charlotte—that will direct the university toward meeting strategic goals for improving facilities; driving student engagement; providing new technology for students, faculty and staff; and attracting greater numbers of prospective undergraduate and graduate students to Pfeiffer’s campuses and online programs.

“BOOMING”

Progress in the Queen City Last fall, Pfeiffer announced the sale of its Park Road campus in Charlotte, home for more than two decades to graduate and degree completion programs, to developer Crescent Communities. At the same time, an impending move across the street to the Park Seneca building at 1515 Mockingbird Lane was outlined. The new space, which is currently being renovated to Pfeiffer’s specifications, will be ready by summer 2017. “The decision to sell this property marks a win for all involved,” said President Keith. “Coveted by real estate developers and retailers, this vibrant five-acre corner can become what the market is demanding— while Pfeiffer retains high visibility in its established neighborhood. With Charlotte’s population projected to grow nearly 50 percent by 2030, the sale provides an unbeatable opportunity to move to state-of-theart space, assuring a competitive equilibrium for the university in this expanding market.” With the move, Pfeiffer becomes the Park Seneca’s anchor tenant, occupying nearly three entire floors. The building’s owner, Grubb Properties, will install exterior signage indicating Pfeiffer’s prominent position. Interior renovations will accommodate seated and online course needs; library and administrative requirements; and a new counseling clinic for the Marriage and Family Therapy program. Supporting the entire blueprint is a technology framework designed to grow with the university. In addition, a new roadway to be named Pfeiffer Way will be constructed to connect Mockingbird Lane to the building.

Pfeiffer is

WINTER 2017

“Our marketing strategy includes capturing new Pfeiffer graduates as they make decisions about graduate school,” said Dr. Christopher Parker, vice president for enrollment services. “The technology and administrative services enhancements, combined with the strength of our MBA other graduate programs in health administration, leadership, financial fraud investigations, education, practical theology and marriage and family therapy, make Pfeiffer an exciting choice for most students whether they live in Charlotte or elsewhere after they complete undergraduate programs.”

“This is a game changer for Stanly County. With healthcare changing rapidly, demand for PA and OT services will continue to rise; these programs have the potential to breathe new life into a community like Albemarle.” The Park Seneca at 1515 Mockingbird Lane becomes the new home of Pfeiffer’s Charlotte campus in 2017.

Tom Earnhardt ’81, physician assistant, Carolinas Healthcare; president, CFN Real Estate Development; and consultant to Pfeiffer for the Albemarle project

cover storycapital improvements

Capital Projects Meet Program Growth

Expansion in Stanly County With plans underway to launch Pfeiffer’s first health sciences graduate programs—occupational therapy (OT) in 2018 and physician assistant (PA) in 2020—the university recognizes an unprecedented opportunity to extend its local reach beyond the boundaries of the Misenheimer campus. With classroom, clinical and administrative requirements for these programs exceeding space available in Misenheimer—and a desire to situate these programs locally—the university has collaborated with county and city officials to build an academic clinical facility in downtown Albemarle. It is a decision that county and city leaders believe could be a catalyst for community revitalization.

“A gap is being bridged between town and gown in our community. We see this as only the beginning of a new connection for Pfeiffer, Stanly County and the City of Albemarle.” Chris Bramlett, Pfeiffer trustee and Albemarle City Council

Pfeiffer’s forthcoming physician assistant and occupational graduate programs will be based in downtown Albemarle due to a productive partnership with Stanly County and the City of Albemarle. Celebrating its success are Mark Donham, economic development director, City of Albemarle; Dr. Brenda Diaz, director, Physician Assistant program; Andy Lucas, county manager, Stanly County; Chris Bramlett, trustee and Albemarle city council; Dr. Colleen Perry Keith, president, Pfeiffer University; Ronnie Michael, mayor of Albemarle; Michael Ferris, city manager, Albemarle; Scott Efird, Stanly County commissioner; and Jann Lowder, Albemarle city council.

“This agreement provides an important revitalization and economic development opportunity. We couldn’t be happier for the city, county and Pfeiffer.” Scott Efird, Stanly County commissioner

(continued on the next page) WINTER 2017

cover storycapital improvements

(continued) “The PA and OT programs at Pfeiffer will fill not only educational needs in the region but also market-driven ones,” said Vernease Miller, dean of Pfeiffer’s applied health sciences division. “Rural areas like Stanly County with large populations of older residents are categorically at risk when it comes to accessing high-quality healthcare. Pfeiffer is perfectly poised to offer a specialization in rural health care to address the needs of this region.”

When officials from the City of Albemarle, who are working with the UNC School “As a place that has of Government served students for Development Finance decades, it’s fitting Initiative (DFI) to that it will be the first evaluate opportunities stop on campus for and strategies to prospective students reinvigorate the and their families as downtown corridor, well as other visitors,” learned that Pfeiffer said President Colleen was interested in Perry Keith. “The new establishing an welcome center is Albemarle presence certain to be the place for emergent that new students first programs, they envision themselves A generous gift from the class of 1968 is driving the renovation of the invited President as members of the Merner Center to become Pfeiffer’s official visitor and welcome center. Keith to participate. Pfeiffer family.” The Office of Enrollment Services will move to the space in early 2017. As discussions Making the building’s progressed between renovation possible the city of Albemarle and Stanly County, it was decided that is a gift from the class of 1968, which was set in motion at the land swap between the city and county would benefit all parties. time of its graduation. According to Bob Gulledge ‘68, a former Pfeiffer will construct a 30,000 square foot building to include classrooms, clinical training facilities, cadaver lab and administrative space at the corner of Main and Fourth Streets, currently the site of the Stanly County Museum. As part of the agreement, the museum will move to the City Hall Annex on Second Street. With this exchange, the currently vacant annex becomes utilized while the existing museum building will be razed to make way for a structure Pfeiffer will own while leasing the land from the city with an option to purchase after a number of years. The process is scheduled to begin in spring 2017 and be complete in 2018.

“President Keith understands that partnerships between communities and higher education institutions are symbiotic,” said Ronnie Michael, mayor of Albemarle. “Pfeiffer’s presence undoubtedly will spark economic development, starting with the restoration of the historic Albemarle Hotel into apartments for graduate students and include restaurants and retail to make downtown walkable and livable, while bringing jobs to the area.”

The Pfeiffer College Class of 1968 Admissions Welcome Center Throughout Pfeiffer’s history, the Delight and Garfield Merner Center, located on the Misenheimer campus adjacent to the Administration building, has served the university in a variety of ways—as library, classrooms, special events space, and more. Soon it will be Pfeiffer’s welcome and visitor center—and home to the Office of Admissions.

WINTER 2017 2015

Pfeiffer trustee, it was class president Thad Woodard who came up with the idea for each class member to make an annual contribution equal to the number of years since graduation. After 25 years, the Class of 1968 Fund had reached $30,000— which was doubled through a special fundraising effort. The class made a decision to invest the money in life insurance policies on two of its members, naming Pfeiffer the beneficiary. To fund the Merner Center renovation, the class agreed earlier this year to utilize the balance in a fund created several years ago when one of the life insurance policies was cashed in. The other policy remains intact. The gift, which totals more than $300,000, leads all class giving in Pfeiffer’s history. “It was a brilliant and painless way for us to give back to our alma mater,” said Gulledge. “It was the only way many of us would ever be able to make a significant contribution to Pfeiffer.”

IT Help Center relocated to better serve students Early in 2017, Pfeiffer University’s IT Help Center—along with the university’s entire technology operation—will move into expanded space on the first floor of Stokes Student Center. With this move from its current location on the ground floor of the Administration building, the Help Center, whose employees are on the front line to serve students, faculty and staff through general computer system operations and individual laptop “emergencies,” will be at the center of student activity and accessible to student-related needs.

In addition to repairing and sealing the building’s foundation, replacing all windows, installing an energy-efficient HVAC system and updating the restrooms, the welcome center will include a vast lobby, 13 offices for admissions and financial aid personnel, conference space, family meeting rooms and two spacious patios facing the trees behind the building. Honeycutt Plaza will be extended to disconnect the roadway in front of the building. It is scheduled to open in early 2017.

“Pfeiffer is in the process of shifting toward a ‘technology environment,’” said Dr. Ken Russell ’88, who joined Pfeiffer last summer as vice president for digital transformation and chief information officer (see page 4). “By definition, this means more than IT and a help desk. Technology enables all that we do—and it will allow us to focus on customer service in a new way.” With the investment in technology that Dr. Russell is overseeing, students at all campuses and online will experience a more reliable technology environment, including upgraded internet access and printing as well as improved television. Administrative operations such as enrollment, human resources and the business office will benefit, too. “We can no longer be content with simply administering our data,” he said. “Data is screaming for us to listen to it—and our job is to help the university manage, interpret and apply the information that data represents. That and fixing someone’s computer 30 minutes before a paper is due.”

“This dedicated space supports the university’s marketing plan in a number of ways,” said Chris Parker, whose Admissions and Financial Aid team will utilize the space. “Not only will Pfeiffer make a formidable first impression on prospective students but the Center’s technology and related back-end recruitment systems will put our strategic marketing efforts on par with higher education leaders.” With a 10.5 percent increase in first-year and transfer students arriving in fall 2016—the highest percentage increase since 2011—momentum continues to build as Admissions and Financial Aid are on track to achieve its enrollment goals for 2017. Reaching students who are “the right fit for Pfeiffer” through print, television, radio and digital advertising as well as more traditional recruitment means puts them in the pipeline for the Admissions staff to cultivate as accepted and deposited new students.

Dr. Ken Russell ’88, CIO and vice president for digital transformation (far right), and the IT staff will move with Pfeiffer’s Help Desk to Stokes Student Center, making their expertise more accessible to students and faculty. They include Greg Amato, director of information technology; Andrew Needham, Help Desk technician; Scott Perry, Help Desk manager; Scott Eisnaugle, Blackboard administrator; and Alex Freeman, Help Desk technician.

WINTER 2017

studentachievements

Partnerships and hands-on experience prepare students for law enforcement careers Senior Matthew Eudy knows that when he graduates in May, he will be well-matched and prepared for a career in law enforcement. With a resume that includes a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Pfeiffer and completed Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) certification, he is certain to capture the attention of potential employers. What’s most likely to make his resume stand out among those of other candidates, however, is his participation in the Stanly County Law Enforcement Cadet Program as a high school and college student. “Participation in a cadet or explorer program is an attractive and sought-after credential,” said Dr. Heather Burkard, assistant professor of criminal justice. “It signals to an employer that a candidate not only has hands-on experience in many aspects of the field but also possesses a thorough understanding of what to expect in law enforcement. They know these candidates are ready to hit the ground running.”

“Through the cadet program, I’ve been able to apply what I learn in the classroom directly to the field,” said Eudy, who now serves as a civilian advisor for the program. “I knew other students could benefit the same way.” So far, more than a dozen students have joined. They attend monthly meetings and network with law enforcement professionals, learn to drive police vehicles and handle radios, participate in community service activities such as parking cars at high school football games, and assist with security at parades and other community events. “Cadet program experience makes students better officers and employees,” said Stanly County Deputy Sheriff Todd Green, who has led explorer and cadet programs for 28 years.

According to Dr. Burkard, access to the cadet program further strengthens Pfeiffer’s already competitive criminal Students majoring in criminal justice participate in law enforcement justice program. As of this programs, activities and internships to prepare them to serve the public. Among those involved in the Stanly County Law Enforcement spring, in cooperation with Stanly Community College Cadet Program are (back row) Deputy Green (cadet advisor) (SCC), seniors will be able Johnson Binion, Matt Eudy, Ryan Jones, Chad Leonard to complete BLET before (front row) Dr. Burkard, Alexis Eudy, Michala Wright, they graduate from Pfeiffer, Christi Prater, Ramon Alston The Stanly County Law which is required to be Enforcement Cadet Program, able to work as a sworn officer whether or not a candidate co-sponsored by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office and Albemarle holds a four-year degree. Police Department, engages young people ages 13-21 interested “Because BLET usually is separate from the undergraduate in law enforcement careers in training and activities that process, students often experienced a delay of several months introduce them to the field—and weeds out those who decide between graduating and being able to work,” said Dr. Burkard. they are more suited for a different career. To connect more “Because of Pfeiffer’s partnerships with local law enforcement Pfeiffer students to this career-enhancing opportunity, Eudy, agencies and SCC as well as the internships they’re landing, a New London, N.C., native, worked closely last semester our students are able to enter the work force immediately with Dr. Burkard to forge a partnership with the cadet with qualifications that other candidates often don’t possess. program. Their resumes are rinsing to the top of the pile.”

Criminal Justice at Pfeiffer: Engaged with law enforcement from day one Pfeiffer criminal justice graduates are eligible for higher starting salaries and promotion opportunities not available to their non-degree holding counterparts. Students are fully engaged throughout through their entire undergraduate experience. • Career-related community service • Ray Harrington Criminal Justice Club • BLET certification • Criminal Justice Living-Learning Community • Stanly County Law Enforcement Cadet Program • Guest speakers and networking opportunities • Internships and ride-alongs 14

WINTER 2017

by Courtney Laughlin ’19 At Pfeiffer, the phrase “Beyond Boundaries” is everywhere, inspiring students to constantly push their own boundaries. That is exactly what two students, Bailey Holshouser ’17 and Jayde Kemp ’18, are doing. Bailey, a senior mathematics major from Albemarle, N.C., and Jayde, a junior from Chesapeake, Va., majoring in mathematics with a minor in computer information systems, are first-generation college students and teammates on Pfeiffer’s cross country and track & field teams. Each also has been accepted to the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Training Program. Because of the unique structure of this program, which allows those accepted to complete Officer Candidate School (OCS) over two summers, when Bailey graduates from Pfeiffer next May, she will enter the Marines as a second lieutenant. Jayde will start OCS over ten weeks next summer and follow a similar path. For Bailey, who participated in OCS during the summers of 2015 and 2016, the decision to join the military came after a long conversation with her father. Choosing the Marines occurred during a visit with a female staff sergeant and a captain after exploring several other branches of the military. They explained various available career paths, which made her feel at home and helped her realize that she’d be a good candidate. Because of her high GPA and leadership experience as a competitive swimmer and runner as well as work as a lifeguard, she was regarded a “miracle candidate”—and was selected within two weeks of applying.

Bailey describes OCS’s first summer session as a time for learning the basics, expectations, discipline and about situations that require quick decision making. During the second summer, which is more physically demanding, her group hit the ground running, operated with less guidance, and were tested on responses to stressful situations. In August, just before returning to Pfeiffer for her senior year, she graduated from OCS as a private in the U.S. Marines. With an ongoing role to help teach new candidates and organize events for her group, Bailey regularly attends regular weekend “pool” functions for candidates still in training. These include participating in land maneuvers, six-mile runs, paint ball outings and more.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Marine Corp Officer Candidates School

“I can serve my country and put my degree to work.” –Bailey Holshouser ’17

Bailey Holshouser ’17 and Jayde Kemp ’18 will enter the U.S. Marine Corps as officers when they graduate from Pfeiffer after completing Officer Candidate Training and related requirements as undergraduates.

“The ability to complete officer training and my education within the same timespan was very appealing,” said Bailey, who plans a career with the Marines as a logistics officer. “I can serve my country and put my degree to work.”

studentachievements

Engaging in lifelong leadership and service

The same process is on the horizon for Jayde, who initially considered following her aunt into the Air Force. After declaring mathematics as her major—a decision she made upon taking a math course with Dr. Ying Yaemsiri-King—she got to know Bailey through their common major. Learning about the Marine Corps Officer Training Program set her on a new course. Jayde decided to apply—and was accepted. “I was intrigued by everything Bailey had discovered about the Marines and loved the idea of being part of something greater than myself,” Jayde said. “I want to be able to give back to this country that has been given to my family and me.” Both girls acknowledge that when they arrived at Pfeiffer—a year apart—neither was sure about long-term plans. Today they are active campus leaders. Jayde serves as a sports chaplain as a means to strengthening her faith and sharing her story with other student-athletes. Bailey became a residence assistant to maintain her leadership skills while she finishes her studies. On and off campus, they are demonstrating what it means to go “Beyond Boundaries.”

Contributed by Courtney Laughlin, a sophomore from Randleman, N.C., majoring in sport management and minoring in sports ministry. WINTER 2017

servantleaders

Growing servant leaders from the roots up The Francis Center for Servant Leadership takes seriously its mission to better the “campus, community and world.” Coordinating 41,000 service hours annually—and a variety of volunteer programs and projects—the Francis Center is recognized on local, state and national levels for its commitment to elevating service at Pfeiffer. Last spring, a new project emerged when Kelly Misiak, director of service scholars, noticed a consistent shortage of fresh produce at area shelters when students and Francis Center staff volunteered to serve meals. “Poor quality vegetables are not a good choice for anyone, particularly the vulnerable populations that rely on shelters or food pantries for their meals and nutrition,” Misiak said. “Unfortunately, lack of resources often leaves those supplying food for these groups little option.” Misiak knew that the Francis Center could make a difference for local shelters and their clients. Applying prior experience creating and managing community gardens for the purpose of hunger relief in Greensboro, she set out to do the same in Stanly County. She raised start-up funds for beds, seeds, plants and other supplies through generous donations from the Community Foundation of Albemarle, North Carolina Department of Public Education Youth Leadership Camp, and Campus Compact/ Corporation for National and Community Service. With this support she installed three garden beds on the Misenheimer campus.

As summer progressed, the garden became productive. By fall, the Hunger Garden had donated 400 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, sweet peas, cucumbers, squash and herbs to help feed the region’s hungry. An additional 150 pounds were donated by local farmers and others who participated in The Village Market, a weekly open-air market on Pfeiffer’s campus last summer, and agreed to donate what they did not sell. “Fresh produce has a longer shelf life than the vegetables sometimes donated by supermarkets and can help more people,” said Heather Kilde, executive director, Stanly Community Christian Ministry, Inc., which accesses fresh produce from four sources, including Pfeiffer’s Hunger Garden. “One of our neighbors in need told me recently that since he’s had access to fresh produce from the food pantry, he’s lost 30 pounds, which hadn’t been possible when those options weren’t available.” With an aim to provide students the opportunity to apply conceptual knowledge to real-world settings, particularly those related to social justice, the Francis Center eagerly recruited students upon

Last summer and fall, Pfeiffer’s first Hunger Gar service scholars for Francis Center for Servant of fresh vegetables to food pantries and home The goal for 2017 is to d

WINTER 2017

“My volunteer experience with the garden has taught me that it’s okay to get dirty once in a while because the hard work will pay off,” said Sandra Jimenez Guillermo, biology major and student coordinator for the Hunger Garden project. “Struggling with the weather and other challenges has taught me patience—and even though I’ve gardened for a long time with my father, I’ve learned more through hands-on experience and helping others.” Some students are learning from the Hunger Garden in academic ways. Early this fall, sophomores from the Creativity in the Arts seminar participated in a writing exercise designed to inspire sensory-based responses to their garden volunteer experiences. According to Dr. Marissa Schwalm, assistant professor of English, students produced rich, evocative prose about building community and the value of learning outside the traditional classroom.

Plans are in motion to expand the garden to ten beds next summer as well as add a number of recently donated hydroponic towers for growing additional vegetables. To accommodate the expansion, the garden will move to a larger space behind G.A. Pfeiffer Library where a large supply shed is being built and greater access to water will make lighter work over last year’s efforts. Several staff members will participate this fall and winter by growing seedlings in their offices under grow lights. “Our goal for summer 2017 is to grow, harvest and donate 1,000 pounds of vegetables,” said Misiak. “We are well on our way.”

servantleaders

their return to campus in August to get involved in all aspects of Hunger Garden operation. Local nonprofit and school groups also are able to spend a day volunteering on site.

Expansion and operation of the Hunger Garden—and the ability to support the hunger relief efforts of Stanly County agencies and nonprofit organizations is possible through grants and donations. For more information about becoming a corporate sponsor ($2,500), garden bed sponsor ($250), or day-of-service sponsor ($50), visit community.pfeiffer.edu/HungerRelief.

arden, coordinated by Kelly Misiak, director of Leadership, donated more than 400 pounds eless shelters in and around Stanly County. donate 1,000 pounds.

WINTER 2017

alumninews

Former roommates become blood brothers When Todd Gambill ’89, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management, Indiana University Kokomo, greets freshman each fall, he suggests they pay careful attention to the people they meet. “I tell them to look around because at least one of the people in their sight line will be in their wedding one day,” he said. “I know because one of my children is named for someone who lived down the hall at Pfeiffer—a guy who more than 25 years later donated a kidney when I needed one. So I also tell students to be nice because they never know when they’ll need a spare body part.” When Gambill, from western North Carolina, arrived at Pfeiffer after transferring from N.C. State and met Philadelphia native Josh Embree ’91, they didn’t seem to have much in common. It wasn’t long before they discovered that Gambill’s extroverted personality was a good match for Embree’s introverted nature. The next year, they became roommates and best friends. “I brought him down to earth sometimes but Todd gets credit for making sure I was awake every morning,” said Embree, who works as accounting manager for Pet Valu, North America’s largest retailer of pet products.

“I’d had an inkling it might be Josh, even though the logistics did not make sense,” said Gambill. “What do you say to someone who gives you the opportunity to meet your grandchildren?” Later that day after both surgeries were complete, Embree visited Gambill in his hospital room—and a few days later headed home to Pennsylvania. Now, several months later, Gambill has recovered completely—and has lost 50 lbs., due to an ability to exercise in ways not possible before receiving a new kidney.

Josh Embree ’91 donated a kidney last year to former roommate Todd Gambill ’89. Their friendship has stood the test of time and extended to each of their wives and children.

Embree didn’t hesitate. His friendship with Gambill had remained strong over the years as the two completed advanced degrees, pursued careers in different states and started families. When he learned he was a match, a process that requires many steps over several months, Embree decided to keep the news secret.

WINTER 2017 2015

With the transplant scheduled, Embree and his wife, Lovell, traveled to Indiana. Shortly before the surgeries were to begin, the Embrees revealed to Todd and Jeannie Gambill the donor’s true identity.

“This story reflects the magic that can happen at a small, liberal arts college like Pfeiffer,” he said. “An environment where people spend a lot of time together—in the classroom, at the cafeteria, playing basketball in the old gym—provides a perfect test tube for growing as a person.”

Born with just one kidney, part of which was removed due to childhood cancer, Gambill knew he’d eventually need a transplant. In March 2016, with his kidney functioning at eight percent of capacity, his name was entered on the National Kidney Registry. In addition, his friends and family were able to be tested for compatibility.

“I thought Todd might insist that I keep my kidney,” he said. “In fact, I consider it a blessing that I was able to help him.”

Embree, whose parents, uncle and brother attended Pfeiffer (the late John Embree ’66, Diane Watson Royer ’66, David Embree ’63 and Judson Embree ’93), agrees.

“Todd and I are extremely fortunate to have benefited from Pfeiffer’s nurturing environment where people truly invested in us,” he said. To learn about becoming an organ donor through the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state, visit www.dmv.org/organ-donor.php. For more information about kidney donation specifically, visit www.kidneyregistry.org.

alumninews

Baseball alumni gift

42 former baseball players who played for Coach Joe Ferebee have given gifts totaling $20,000 for new windscreens for Joe Ferebee Field. The windscreens for the baseball complex feature Pfeiffer branding, the falcon eyes and the text, “Welcome to ‘The Joe.’”

How do I become a member? Alumni and friends of Pfeiffer University may join the Emily Prudden Heritage Society by including Pfeiffer in their estate plans or utilizing several types of planned giving instruments to support the university’s initiatives. For more information about gift options, creating an estate plan or notifying Pfeiffer of an estate plan, please visit: https://community.pfeiffer.edu/planned-giving or contact John Lefler ’66 at john.lefler@pfeiffer.edu, 704-463-3039.

Coming in Spring 2017 A new courtyard surrounding Pfeiffer’s iconic statue of founder Emily Prudden, made possible by the contributions of Richard Sloan ’54 and Ben Williams ’68, Emily Prudden Heritage Society members, will be ready for use next spring.

WINTER 2017

homecoming2016

Homecoming 2016: Oh, the Places You’ll Go! On Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, Pfeiffer alumni enjoyed beautiful weather while celebrating another great year in Pfeiffer’s history. The annual Black and Gold Gala on Friday evening provided a perfect backdrop for milestone reunion attendees to reminisce. Live entertainment and a live and silent auction topped off the festivities. Saturday’s events included the annual gathering, Boone Circle dedication, homecoming parade, Junior College luncheon, Lunch on the Lawn, Falcon Zone, alumni games, DII Athletic Games and much more. A.

Black and Gold Gala Alumni and friends celebrated milestone reunion years at the second annual Black and Gold Gala: Fran Knapp ’80 (Hon.), Jane Cashion Brietz ’68, Martha Waters.

B. A Break from Bidding 50th reunion alumni Warren Knapp ’66 and Larry Groves ‘66 connected at the silent auction. C. Reminiscing Ray Hopper ’63 caught up with class member Diane Hill Tornberg ’63 and her husband, Dr. David Tornberg. D.

Twice the Celebration Met-My-Mate couple Jane Williams ’66 and George Singleton ’68 celebrated her 50th reunion and his receipt of the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award.

E. Full House Guests enjoyed gourmet food stations, live music, and a silent and live auction.

WINTER 2017

Tagged Alumni Board President Tomy Aldridge ’75 shared an update with Alumni Board member David Beaver ’05.

G. Met-My-Mate Met-My-Mate sponsor Russ (‘75) and Susan Ingram (‘76) Sharples kicked off the couples’ dance. H. Silent Auction Colletta Bryce ’86 and CJ Jordan placed bids on must-have silent auction items. I.

Live Auction Auctioneer Jackie Morris solicited bids of beloved campus landmark photographs by Pfeiffer junior ChyAnn Ketchum and other students.

Rare Keepsake Nick Sambenedetto ’94 won a framed photograph of Henry Pfeiffer Chapel taken by freshman Kailah Bradshaw.

Roommates Mary Clodfelter Asbury ’76 learned that the auctioneer married a Pfeiffer alumna who was one of her roommates, Ruth Burton Morris ’76.

Reunited Cecilia Foster Moore ’74, Pam Clark Elders ’74, Patricia Emery Smith ’74, Della Daniels Raines ’74, Patti Warner Miller ’74, Ann Wynn Hebsch ’71 and Lou Anne Donahue Gable ’74 celebrated at the gala.

M. 50th Reunion Richard Conner ’66, Larry Groves ’66 and John Lefler ’66 shared memories.

homecoming2016

N. Dancing Shoes Martha and Pat (‘65) Waters took to the dance floor. O. Bring in the Band The Franklin Street Band provided music spanning the years. P.

Alumni Volunteers Alumni Board members Della Daniels Raines ’74 and Stephania Hyatt Cude ’72 welcomed alumni in the registration tent.

Boone Circle Pfeiffer University dedicated the front circle on North Campus in honor of Jerry (‘15 Hon.) and Shirley (‘15 Hon.) Boone. The Boones served Pfeiffer from 1969-82 and returned in 2014-15 to serve as interim president and first lady.

R. Pfriendly Competition The weather was perfect for alumni to return to campus and participate in athletic games. S.

Young Alumni Sarah Yates ’14, Aaliyah Jackson ’16, Katlyn Stevens ’16 and Lexie Makris ’14 enjoyed pleasant weather while taking in athletic games.

Annual Alumni Awards David Melton ’76 was named 2016 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient; George Singleton ’69 was named 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. They were congratulated by President Colleen Keith, Joy Thornburg Melton ’77, Jane Williams ’66 and Alumni Board President Tomy Aldridge ’75.

Parade S. Clubs, organizations and the 2016 Homecoming court participated in the Homecoming parade, featuring Les “Snake” Roberts ’83 (Hon.) as grand marshal.

Junior College Luncheon Catching up in the Junior College luncheon tent were Betty Lowder Gilliam ’51, Betty Treadway Canipe ’50 and Marilyn Patterson Faulk ’51.

W. Framed Met-My-Mate couple Vera DeFusco Smith ’14 and Travis Smith ’12 celebrated being back on campus. X.

Capturing History Faculty and students from the departments of Communications and History gathered oral histories from across the years. Participating were Cathy McCauley ’77 and Tomy Aldridge ’75.

Lunch on the Lawn During lunch in the main tent, alumni made sure to reminisce, particularly Jerry Hewitt ’67, Suzanne Sedberry Hewitt ’67, Carole Clark Williford ’66 and Harold Williford ’66.

Z. Tailgate Jeff Plyler ’02 enjoyed tailgating during the men’s soccer game with Steve Cumming ’92 and Robin Wallace Plyler ’90.

WINTER 2017

athletics2016

UPDATE Move to NCAA Division III Last year, President Colleen Keith and Vice President for Athletics Bob Reasso â&#x20AC;&#x2122;73 announced Pfeiffer University Athletics will begin a transition to competing in NCAA Division III (from Division II) at the conclusion of the 2016-17 athletic season. Since then, the Falcons have been

accepted to the USA South Athletic Conference as part of NCAA Division III. The transition, scheduled to be complete no later than 2021-22. will follow a timeline predetermined by the NCAA. For more information, contact Bob Reasso, bob.reasso@pfeiffer.edu

*If all Pfeiffer student-athletes receiving athletic scholarship aid will be graduated and no longer enrolled at Pfeiffer by the end of the 2019-20 academic year, Pfeiffer Athletics may apply for a waiver eliminating Provisional/Reclassifying Year Four and begin active membership in NCAA Division III and USA South as well as compete for Conference and NCAA Championships beginning in 2020-21.

WINTER 2017

On Dec. 2, the Department of Athletics inducted the class of 2016 to the Pfeiffer University Sports Hall of Fame. Included are the 1979 women’s basketball team along with Damien Argrett ’05 (basketball), Tony Causby ’83 (baseball), Dacia Ijames ’08 (softball) and Jim Keever ’71 (golf). “These athletes are among the finest ever to play for Pfeiffer,” said Bob Reasso ’73, vice president for athletics and Hall of Fame member (soccer). “Their places in the Hall of Fame are well-deserved.” The 1979 women’s basketball team won 21 games, a record that stood for more than two decades. Scoring an average of 80 points per game led to season totals that include 1,057 field goals and 1,601 rebounds, both more than any other Pfeiffer team in program history. The team included four of women’s basketball’s top 12 all-time scorers, most notably the list’s top two, Nancy Scoggins Janas ’81 and Kem Dudney ’79. Damien Argrett is Pfeiffer’s 11th all-time men’s basketball scorer with a total of 1,545 points, holding the fourth-highest career field goal percentage (.617), ninth-ranked free throw total (388), and 11th -highest career rebound total (680) in program history. As a senior, he earned an All-American selection and Conference Carolinas Tournament MVP designation as he led the Falcons to a tournament title and

NCAA Tournament bid. Named to Second Team All-Conference 2003-2004, he was bumped to First Team the following year. Tony Causby’s baseball career was punctuated during his junior year in 1982 with a .401 batting average and .482 on base percentage, numbers that place him in the top-15 for a Falcons single season. That year, Causby was named team MVP and earned a spot on the All-Conference team. As a pitcher, he threw in 15 career games, striking out 75 batters and completing 11 of 12 starts.

athletics2016

Class of 2016 inducted to Pfeiffer Sports Hall of Fame

Dacia Ijames holds nine softball records for hitting and pitching, 2005-2008. She is the all-time leader in pitching appearances, games started, innings pitched, complete games, wins, strikeouts and wins in a season. As a batter, Dacia is career leader in hits, runs batted in and total bases. Ijames was a two-time Academic All-American, two-time First Team All-Conference and two-time All-Region selection. In 2007, she was Pfeiffer’s Athlete of the Year and Conference Tournament MVP. Jim Keever, Pfeiffer’s number-one golfer and team captain while in Misenheimer, is the seventh men’s golfer elected to the Hall of Fame. Keever was a junior champion for the Falcons and ranked as high as number three in Conference Carolinas. During his career, Keever won more than 100 local events.

Members of the 1979 women’s basketball team inducted into the Hall of Fame.

(Below) Athletes of the Year Vada Blue Sherrill ’19, softball, and Nathan Regis ’17, soccer

(Below) Hall of Fame inductees Damien Argrett ’05, Dacia Ijames ’08, Jim Keever ’71 and Tony Causby ’83

“These athletes are among the finest ever to play for Pfeiffer.” - Bob Reasso’73 VP for Athletics

WINTER 2017

athletics2016

Bob Reasso ’73 honored by Rutgers University Athletics On Oct. 14, Bob Reasso ’73, vice president for athletics and head men’s soccer coach, was inducted into the Rutgers Athletic Hall of Fame for achievements over 29 years as the Scarlett Knights’ soccer coach. While there, he led teams to 13 NCAA appearances, the 1990 national championship game, three Final Four tournaments and six league titles; he also coached 19 All-Americans. Compiling an overall record of 351-183-71, Rutgers won ten or more matches in each of 21 seasons with Reasso at the helm and 15 matches seven times. In 1990, Reasso was named NSCAA National Coach of the Year as he guided the Scarlet Knights to a national championship game that resulted in a penalty kick shootout. Rutgers ended that season at 20-3-2 as they knocked off previously unbeaten and No.1 ranked Evansville to advance to the championship match. That year, his team also dominated top-ranked UCLA in the MetLife Classic, and followed with 600 minutes of shutout soccer to close the regular season. The team’s 20 victories, which included a win over Penn State for its first Atlantic 10 title, remain a Rutgers record. During his tenure at Rutgers, Reasso was the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year three times and Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year four times. In 2005, he was honored as a Loyal Son of Rutgers, becoming only the sixth Scarlet Knights head coach to graduate from a university other than Rutgers to be given this distinction reserved for those cherished by the institution.

While at Rutgers, Coach Reasso led his teams to 13 NCAA appearances, the 1990 national championship game, three Final Four tournaments and six league titles; he also coached 19 All-Americans. Reasso compiled an overall record of 351-183-71while at Rutgers.

WINTER 2017

The men’s soccer team finished the 2016 season with a 19-3 record and advanced to the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Division II tournament—with the opportunity to be the first team since 2000 to win back-to-back National Championships. The Falcons’ season ended there, however, as the team dropped a 1-0 heartbreaker to Wingate University. Conference Carolinas play, however, resulted in a perfect 10-0 record and propelled the team to its third consecutive Conference Carolinas Tournament Championship. Throughout the season, they outscored league opponents 48-4, accumulating seven straight shutouts in October. The momentum continued through the second round of the NCAA Tournament as Pfeiffer defeated Lenoir-Rhyne 6-1 to tie the NCAA Division II record for most consecutive home wins (32).

includes breaking the previous record for wins as a coach held by Nicholas Lefko, who coached Reasso as a player at Pfeiffer. “It’s been a great ride and I’m glad we all got a chance to enjoy the journey together.” All season, the Falcons’ offense proved to be the nation’s most prolific, scoring 4.55 goals per game for a program record 100 total goals. Nathan Regis, the reigning National Player of the Year, led Division II with 58 points for the season—finishing in the nation’s top five in goals scored (24) with 10 assists. Three players finished the year ranked in the top five for assists: Santi Moar (19), Jaime Siaj (16) and Martim Galvao (15).

athletics2016

Men’s Soccer: Third consecutive trip to NCAA National Championship ends at Sweet 16 Falcons take third Conference Championship

Other notable honors Nathan Regis: Regional Player of the Year, Conference Player of the Year, Conference Carolinas Tournament MVP; Martim Galvao, Nathan Regis, Dani Siaj, Jaime Siaj: First Team All-Southeast; Tomas Correa, Santi Moar: Second Team All-Southeast; Dani Siaj: Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

“In 37 years as a head coach, this is the best team and best group of kids I’ve ever coached,” said Bob Reasso ’73, who was named Carolinas Conference Coach of the Year “In 37 years as a head coach, for the second time in a row. His four-season record at this is the best team and best Pfeiffer, which stands at 71-16-3,

group of kids I’ve ever coached.” - Bob Reasso’73 VP for Athletics

WINTER 2017

athletics2016

2016 Softball: Setting a new program standard The 2016 season was a banner one for Pfeiffer softball. Finishing the year 39-17 with the most wins in program history, the Falcons won the Conference Carolinas Tournament, beating Limestone College to clinch the team’s second-ever NCAA tournament appearance. In the Southeast Regional, Pfeiffer posted its first tournament win, beating Lenoir-Rhyne University 4-1. Four players were named to the All-Conference team, with pitcher Sam Jarmusch a First Team selection. The senior posted a perfect 8-0 record in conference play with a 1.27 ERA, holding opponents to a batting average of .172 and striking 50 hitters. Named to the Second Team were Vada Blue Sherrill ’19, Rachel Crowder ’17 and Chandler Walker ’18. Freshman of the Year Sherrill, from Hiddenite, N.C., finished the season one of three players in the nation to collect 50 hits, 50 runs and 50 stolen bases. In addition, she broke Pfeiffer’s single-season records for walks (37), runs (58), stolen bases (51) and on base percentage (.507). Crowder, from Burlington, N.C., became Pfeiffer’s all-time leader in home runs (18), connecting for her record-breaking blast in a 4-2 victory against Belmont Abbey College. She finished the season with 62 hits, second in program history for a single season. Walker amassed a .293 batting average, 24 RBIs, 14 stolen bases and 14 extra base hits, while playing outstanding defense in centerfield.

WINTER 2017

“While the entire season was thrilling, April provided our team’s most successful month in 2016,” said Monte Sherrill ’87, coach. “How can you ask for more than a 14-2 record, including a nine-game winning streak to end the month during which we outscored our opponents 97-30?” The Falcons will open the 2017 softball season on Feb. 11 when they travel to Armstrong State University in Savannah, Ga., the site of last season’s NCAA Regional Tournament, to compete in an opening weekend tournament.

“How can you ask for more than a 14-2 record, a nine-game winning streak and outscoring opponents 97-30?” - Monte Sherrill ’87, coach

The Falcon Club provides vital financial support for Pfeiffer University Athletics with funds from members supporting special projects for facilities improvements and equipment upgrades. It also enables the university to sponsor community events such as Special Olympics Basketball and Cheer Camp, a leadership summit for student-athletes, and a spring tailgating barbecue for Falcons fans and the community. Last year, club members provided more than $175,000 in direct support of the Falcon Club and individual “It’s a way for us athletic teams.

we know that the squad will benefit directly from our support.” Falcon Club members enjoy VIP parking, elevated seating, free food and beverages, special events and an opportunity to meet the coaches and sometimes Pfeiffer’s student-athletes. “It’s just a fun place to be before, during, and after the home games,” Jane continued. “We encourage our fellow alumni to join the Falcon Club and meet us there.”

This year, the Falcon Club is focusing on efforts to enhance the lives of Pfeiffer students, the athletic program at Pfeiffer.” Bob (‘65) and Jane Cashion both academically and (‘68) Brietz are longtime through athletics, through - Bob (‘65) and Jane Cashion (‘68) Brietz Falcon Club members. the It’s About Us campaign. For more information about “Bob and I renew our Falcon this endeavor, membership or Club membership each year because it’s a way for us to give back to the athletic program at Pfeiffer,” said Jane. Falcon Club in general, contact the Office of Advancement, “Our donation this year was earmarked for cheer and 704-463-3034. dance, which is now part of the Department of Athletics;

to give back to

WINTER 2017

athletics2016

Falcon Club 2017: “It’s About Us”

classnotes

notable accomplishments 1950s Dr. Clay Sink ’58, professor emeritus, College of Business Administration, University of Rhode Island, is active as a volunteer at the university, auditing degrees and advising students. He sings in the Kingston Congregation Church Choir and enjoys the theater. Dr. Sink says much of his satisfaction began with his education at Pfeiffer and the activities he undertook as a student. Dr. Jane Chambers ’59 was honored by Christopher Newport University’s Alumni Society with the creation of an annual award in her name, The A. Jane Chambers Volunteer Service Award. Professor emerita of English at CNU, Jane is the award’s initial recipient, given for her “dedication and service to the First Decaders Group (which she founded) and the preservation of CNU’s history and early memories” through Memories of Christopher Newport College, The First Decade, 1961-1971, which she authored. The award also recognizes her work as editor and chief writer of the CNC First Decaders website and service on the board of CNU’s 1961 Historical Preservation Club.

Bill Crawford ’66 is a writer and photographer who recently published Just Like Sunday on the Farm: Crawdaddy Remembers the Nam and After, a memoir that includes essays and photos of his time as a combat photographer in Vietnam, and photos that illustrate the photographic technique forensic foraging. The book is available on Amazon. The Class of 1966 celebrated its 50th reunion during Homecoming weekend at the Black & Gold Gala, Lunch on the Lawn, a private dinner in Stokes Student Center, and worship service at Pfeiffer’s chapel. Anne Kelley Harwood ’68 was elected mayor of Badin, N.C., in Dec. 2015. She previously served on the town council. Dr. Thad Woodard ’68 was inducted into the North Carolina Banking Hall of Fame. He is former president and CEO of the North Carolina Bankers Association and a former Pfeiffer University trustee. 1970s

1960s Sally Seaman Davis ’62 is active at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, serving as senior warden. Her husband Reggie Davis ’62, passed away in Jan. 2016. George Pfeffer ’63 was inducted into the Salem County (N.J.) Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. In high school, he played football, basketball and baseball, but played soccer at Pfeiffer and was a leading scorer. He taught and coached at Penns Grove (N.J.) High School and started the Penns Grove/Carneys Point/Pedricktown Big League. Jim Harrison ’64, mayor of Badin, N.C., 2005 to 2015, has retired. Dr. Karen Hodges ’65 was named executive director of Academic Initiatives and Integrity at the University of Arkansas in 2015. She oversees academic dishonesty violations and educational outreach to faculty, staff and students in regard to university academic integrity policy and procedures. Dr. Dan Overcash ’65 retired from the University of South Carolina, where he was an astronomer and professor in the physics and astronomy department, College of Arts and Sciences.

WINTER 2017

Joe (’71) and Lynda Moore (’74) Schortz met then-presidential-candidate Jeb Bush in December 2015. Karen Sowder Caldwell ’72 is a deaconess for United Methodist Church of Berea, Berea, Ohio. Libby Chambers ’72 is retired and a full-time artist. Stephania Hyatt Cude ’72 traveled to Nicaragua for her annual mission trip to Central America where her Western North Carolina Conference (UMC) building team constructed a church and held a vacation bible school. She is president of the United Methodist Women group at Central United Methodist Church, Concord, N.C. Steve Cude ’77 has taught adult Sunday school for 15 years; he serves as a metro district delegate for General Conference, Lake Junaluska. Lee Strong ’73 published his first novel, A Soldier of Poloda (Dark Horse Books). His second novel, Untamed Pellucidar, is due in 2017. Both are set in the spellbinding universe of Edgar Rice Burroughs, creator of Tarzan, John Carter and other characters.

Dr. Jeff Richards ’74 traveled to Kiev to teach a church history course at Kiev Regional Bible College in Vyshneve, Ukraine. This was his fourth trip to KRBC and the Church of the Gospel, a Ukrainian Baptist church, where he also preached during worship services and spoke at the college’s graduation ceremony. Jeff is pastor of New Gilead Church, Concord, N.C., and president of Global Teaching and Preaching (globalteachingandpreaching.com), a mission organization that emphasizes ministry in Eastern Europe and several African Countries. He and his wife, Debbie, have twin grandsons, Thaddeus and Leo, whose mother, Emily, is one of the Richards’ twin daughters. Steve Sykes ’74 retired after more than 40 years with the State of North Carolina, Department of Labor. Carole Bowman Green ’75 was a 2015 finalist in the area of innovation for Health Care Heroes, recognized by the Greater Wilmington (N.C.) Business Journal. The award program honors those who are making a significant impact on the quality of health care in that area. Carole is a certified music practitioner in the field of bedside therapeutic music and provides therapeutic harp music at the bedside of hospice patients (www.harpistoncall.com). She provides music therapy for residents in local health care communities for rehab, acute care, and memory care, and serves as the area coordinator for the Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP.org). Daisy Watkins Washington ’77 has been appointed to the Badin, N.C., Planning Board. She is a former trustee of Stanly Community College, Albemarle, N.C. Cheryl Biggers Markland ’78, ’98 MCE is childhood ministry consultant for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. She lives in Raleigh with her husband, Curtis. They have two children and two grandchildren.

Emily Jones Brantley ’79 was appointed to the Advisory Board for the State of Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services. She was elected to the Gwinnett County State Court bench in 2012 and oversees its DUI Accountability Court. She sits on the board of directors of the Gwinnett Coalition and the Women’s Advisory Board for Gwinnett Medical Center. She was named 2015 Citizen of the Year by the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

classnotes

Dr. Reggie Hudson ’74 was elected chair of the Astrochemistry Subdivision of the American Chemical Society. He taught for 30 years at Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Fla., simultaneously collaborating with NASA researchers. In 2009, he went to work for NASA, leading a small research group studying chemistry at low temperatures. He is now the associate chief for the Astrochemistry Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center outside Washington, D.C., and teaches in the Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland.

Dr. Sylvia Lazenby Lawson ’79 has joined the leadership team of the Maryland State Department of Education as deputy state superintendent for school effectiveness. She has spent nearly 30 years in Maryland education, serving as teacher, vice principal, and principal of schools in Charles and Calvert counties. 1980s Dana Rader ’80 was inducted into the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Hall of Fame, the highest honor given to teaching and club professional members for extraordinary membership service and leadership while contributing to the game of golf and the golf industry. A former Pfeiffer University trustee, Dana owns the Dana Rader Golf School, located in Charlotte, and is listed as one of the Top 100 Teachers in America by Golf Magazine. She was named number three in the country and number one in North Carolina, on Golf Digest’s Top 50 Greatest Teachers in America list in 2003-05 and 2008-present. Diane Anderson Tillery ’80 retired from the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department, after 30 years, and is currently working as a homicide investigator for the Frederick County States Attorney’s Office. Remarried, she has three adult children and enjoys traveling to tropical islands. Kathy Clark Berrier ’82 is vice president for business affairs at American Children’s Home, Lexington, N.C. Robin Seaford Leslie ’82 was approved by the Rowan-Salisbury (N.C.) Board of Education as chief financial officer for the school district. Her experience in financial education administration includes CFO positions at Converse College and Pfeiffer University. Ruth Moose ’86 published her second novel, Wedding Bell Blues. Her first novel, Doing it at the Dixie Dew, published in 2014, won a $10,000 prize from St. Martin’s Press. Ruth, who has published three collections of short stories and six of poetry, was a member of the creative writing faculty at UNC Chapel Hill for 15 years. She lives in Fearrington Village, N.C. Her granddaughter, Madison Moose ’20, is a Pfeiffer freshman and cheerleader.

WINTER 2017

classnotes

(continued) 1990s Jerry Shelby ’90 MBA hiked the 80mile Foothills Trail and waterfalls from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park. He has hiked 78 waterfalls in North and South Carolina. He has also bicycled the Cherokee National Scenic Highway, SC Route 11, from the North Carolina border, through South Carolina, to the Georgia border and back (230 miles), as well as the Natchez Trace Parkway (244 miles) which runs from Alabama to Tennessee. Lori Evans Donovan ’91 is a regular columnist for ABC-Clio’s/Libraries Unlimited’s School Library Connection, writing the Management Matters column. She is an instructional specialist for library services in the Chesterfield County (Va.) Public Schools system and past president of the Virginia Association of School Librarians. She co-authored a book titled Transforming Student Library Aides into Action Learners. Shelly Johnston ’92 was named development director for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Linville, N.C. She served for eight years as executive director of the Lincoln County Arts Council and two years as volunteer manager for Hospice and Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region. Andrea Pouliot ’92, Westport, Ct., is sole owner of WDE Event Management. She has two children, Caroline Elizabeth and Aiden James Rourke. Emily Thomas Coltrane ’93 was named juvenile court services area administrator for the Piedmont Region by the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice. She is one of four juvenile area administrators in the state and oversees juvenile court services in a 19-county area. She began her career as a juvenile court counselor and had served as chief court counselor in District 19 since 2011. Dr. Kevin Misenheimer ’93, ’01 MSOM earned a doctorate from Northcentral University in 2014. Formerly Pfeiffer University’s controller, he is now assistant professor of management at Chowan University.

WINTER 2017

Dr. Jon Sams ’96 is an owner and executive team member of Confluent Health (goconfluent.com). He is also regional director for Texas Physical Therapy Specialists, which operates 21 clinics in the state. He enjoys spending time with sons, JJ and Cameron. Duane Dunston ’97, ’99 MSOM, assistant professor of cybersecurity, Champlain College, Burlington, Vt., has received a grant from the Heisse Endowment to further develop a competitive mentoring program that trains middle and high school students in cybersecurity best practices to defend computer systems. The grant allows him to create video tutorials and a virtual Cloud environment to be hosted at Champlain. The grant will pay for ten schools to participate in the national Cyberpatriots program, conceived by the Air Force Association (AFA) to inspire high school students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Dana Hanson ’97, ’01 MBA retired from Pfeiffer University after serving as assistant dean of student services for the Center for Professional Advancement. She continues to work on special projects as special assistant to the provost. Kelly Dierker Rosato ’97 is senior vice president of human resources for HHHunt, a real estate developer in Virigina, Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina. 2000s Christy Huneycutt Hopkins ’00 works for the Education Department at Stanly Community College, Albemarle, N.C., and is involved in many community organizations, committees and boards. She and her husband, Michael, have five children and ten grandchildren. Vickie West Bryant ’01 passed the bar exam after graduating from Campbell University Law School in 2005. She opened her own law practice in Rockingham, N.C., in 2012, and practices mostly criminal defense, family law and traffic matters. Kim Craddock Grayson ’01 was promoted to vice president in 2015 in her role as director of the BB&T Wealth Solutions Center in Charlotte. This year, she was named co-chair of the BB&T Charlotte Metro Women’s Information Network Business Resource Group and secretary for the BB&T Corporate Women’s Information Network Business Resource Group.

Gene Smitley ’02 was promoted to lieutenant in the Rowan County (N.C.) Sheriff ’s Office. Dr. Jeffrey Beach ’03 MBA published Behold, I Make All Things New (Christian Faith Publishing), an account of God’s plan of an eternal place free of sin and suffering for Christians. It is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other bookstores, and in digital format for iPad, Kindle and Nook. Clarence Ervin ’03 MHA is the first African-American general officer in the North Carolina Air National Guard. Brigadier General Ervin has served as the Guard’s first mission-support group commander and vice-wing commander, and now serves as chief of staff at McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base in Tennessee. Erica Norris Burroughs ’04 is director of family engagement, High Point University, High Point, N.C. She formerly served Pfeiffer as director of development. Faustina Atkinson ’06 MSOCL retired from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction with 32 years of state service. In August, she received North Carolina’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from Governor Pat McCrory, presented by department superintendent Dr. June St. Clair Atkinson. Wendy Fontenot ’06 earned a master’s degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2015. She teaches English and creative writing at East Rowan (N.C.) High School. In 2016, she was elected a deacon for First Baptist Church, Rowan, N.C. Conor Scullion ’07 is warehouse manager for Lewis-Goetz in Rock Hill, S.C. Heather Klein Scullion ’07 is a paralegal at Elrod Pope Law Firm, also in Rock Hill. In 2015, their twins (see BIRTHS) joined sister Charley-Ann. Brennon Graham ’08 MBAMHA is CEO of Growing Home Southeast, a family services company in Columbia, S.C., that provides resources and support for at-risk children and families. He was executive director of The Relatives, Inc., in Charlotte, and has served at-risk youth for 20 years in the areas of homelessness, mental health/behavioral health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities. Billy Belcher ’09 MBA serves as CFO of Community Health Systems, Beckley, W.V., which operates 13 medical locations and six pharmacies. Charlotte Burgos Eure ’09 received a master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University, and retained a license with North Carolina as a licensed professional counselor associate.

Blake Martin ’08, ’15 MHA is executive vice president, in addition to chief development officer, for Monarch, based in Albemarle, N.C. The agency provides support statewide to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance use challenges. Previously, he served as director of annual giving for Wingate University and associate director of major gifts for Pfeiffer University. 2010s

classnotes

Patricia Safrit Chandler ’02 is management information specialist officer for Tarheel Challenge Academy, New London, N.C.

Richelle Bates ’10 was voted Teacher of the Year at Landis (N.C.) Elementary School for 2016-17. Aaron Kepley ’10 was named director of the Rowan Museum, Salisbury, N.C. Previously assistant site manager of Reed Gold Mine, Midland, N.C., he served as historic interpreter for the Charlotte Museum of History and Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site. During graduate study, he won the National Council on Public History Graduate Student Project Award and a N.C. Humanities Council grant. Jean Wood ’10 MBA, MHA is professor and department head of the Radiation Therapy Technology Department, SUNY Erie Community College, Williamsville, N.Y. She has more than 20 years of clinical experience in radiation therapy. Dr. David Barham ’11 graduated from Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and was commissioned as a captain in the U.S. Army. He and his wife, Jessica Sundman Barham ’10, have relocated to Honolulu for his residency in urology at Tripler Army Medical Center. Lanisha Hunter ’12 MHA was named department director at Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro, N.C. She joined the hospital in 2006 and is certified in medical surgical nursing. Brian Ingram ’13 is senior systems engineer with XPO Logistics. He earned a master of science degree in technology systems with a concentration in performance improvement from East Carolina University in 2016, where he is currently pursuing an MBA. Sam Clarkson ’15 Greenville, S.C., has opened Storm Team Construction. The company handles home and commercial buildings and specializes in roofing, siding and gutters. Sherry Waters ’15 MAPT completed a chaplain residency for Carolinas Healthcare System prior to joining The Harvest Center of Charlotte in 2015. As development director, she is responsible for donor care, marketing and communications, and volunteer-partnership engagement. Tyanna Thomas ’16 MBA, MHA earned a master’s degree of management in clinical informatics from Duke University School of Medicine.

WINTER 2017

alumnifeatures

weddings

Brian and Jaclyn Campion (’03) Davis June 10, 2016

Brandon (’12) and Sara Paxton (’12) Snow July 22, 2016

Desmond (’13) and Jamie Taylor (’16) Harrell Sept. 30, 2016

Brent Lawrence (’13) and Kayleigh Peterman (’14) April 17, 2016

Anthony and Myra McGhee (’13 MBA, MSL) Pittman Sept.17, 2016

Chris (’13, ’14 MBA) and Vontenea Williams (’13, ’13 MBA) Stokes April 14, 2016

Tyler (’13, ’14 MBA) and Shannon Bonnel (’13, ’14 MBA) Summers Oct. 1, 2016

Cody (’13) and Leslie Harris Teague Sept. 24, 2016

Cade (’14) and Kim Eurillo (’15) Isley Nov. 12, 2016

Zac (’15) and Lindsey Eudy (’14) Chilton Aug. 27, 2016

Ben Bellury and Sherry Waters (’15 MAPT) March 16, 2016

Zach and Jessica Burgess (’16) Flowers Sept. 17, 2016

births

Jaxon Reese Dec. 25, 2015 to Kevin and Cori Reese (’02) McHugh

Cameron Wellington Aug. 26, 2016 to Stanley and Katherine Cintron (’03) Lue

Ryleigh Lisa and Remi Sarah Jan. 22, 2015 to Connor (’07) and Heather Klein (’07) Scullion 32

WINTER 2017

Elizabeth Faye Jan. 12, 2016 to Jared and Charlotte Burgos (’09) Eure

Olivia Grace Nov. 2, 2015 to David (’04) and Alejandra Buchanan (’03) Miller

Tucker Mason Aug. 4, 2016 to Mason and Melissa Coe (’07, ’11 MSL) Lawrence

Kinley Kate Sept. 4, 2016 to Corey and Kelley Cunningham (’11) Houchen

Lainey July 7, 2016 Lonnie and Kymberly Grubb (’13) Melton

Phyllis Fisher Tucker ’36 Emma Davis Bremer ’38 Helen Ann King Perry ’39 Jennie Poole Curtis ’40 Stephen Sanders ’40 Evelyn Stiles Pless ’41 Franklin Alley ’43 Jewell Everhart ’43 Scott Mabry ’45 Norma Pender Parker ’45 Hallie Dockery O’Shea ’45 Betty Phifer Seaford ’46 Ida Beck Arey ’47 Rachel McCulloch Hipps ’47 Tacoma Fisher O’Connor ’47 Patricia Irish Robinson ’47 Jim Ivey ’48 James Kirk ’48 James Plyler ’48 Carl Turner ’48 Don Baity ’49 Betty Carter Bumgardner ’49 William Coble ’49 Rachel Scott Jones ’49 Edith Copley Lambert ’49 David Alexander ’50 Connie Mellott ’50 Ben Smith ’50 Edward Underwood ’50 Gene Wilson ’50 Virginia Pratt Woodburn ’50 Clara Speight Crowe ’51 Barbara Teague Proffitt ’51 Patricia Boles Royall ’51 Tony West ’51 Doris Russell Yerton ’51 Curtis Covington ’52 Don Craft ’52 Bill Finison ’52

Nan Linville Cheek ’53 Robert Blake ’54 Paul Branson ’54 Larry Sedberry ’57 Noel Hurley ’58 Allen Staton ’58 Toby Bean Boyea ’59 JL Brooks ’59 Ed Griffin ’59 Jack Staunton ’59 Barbara Davis Warren ’59 Elaine Holt Colvin ’60 John Corl ’60 Alberta Riggins Douglass ’60 E.J. Grimsley ’60 Kenneth Marlow ’60 Ben Morris ’60 Bob Holding ’61 Paul Snider ’61 Reggie Davis ’62 Bob Ascher ’63 Barry Hitchner ’63 Larry Greene ’64 Judy Smith Moseley ’64 Lynn Suydam ’64 Betty Mullis McGinnis ’65 George McLaughlin ’65 Juanita Washam Poplin ’65 John Brandau ’66 Johnny Burleson ’66 Henri Shi Hamilton ’66 John McGinn ’66 David Rowe ’66 Willena Carroll ’67 Carolyn Fortenbury Hagler ’67 Becky Simpson Puryear ’67 Dianne Hatley Furr ’68 Martha Hooks Hall ’68 Diane Bilin Graham ’69

Ron Wilson ’69 Richard Chandler ’70 James Tuzenew ’70 Sandra Henson Parker ’71 Mike Sanders ’71 Ronald Bankett ’72 Jeff Bost ’72 Janet Holland Downing ’73 Dean Hart ’74 Fred Ingram ’75 Raymond Joyce ’75 Peter Meadows ’75 Jennifer McGinness ’76 Barbara Berly ’76 Terri Bell Johnson ’79 Janice Webster Cook ’80 Paul Gelinas ’81 Kevin Clay ’83, ’88 MBA Lori Potter Simpson ’84 Neil McElroy ’88 John Hraczo ’94 Monna Jones ’96 MBA, MHA Wanda Boyette ’98 MBA, MHA Robin Johnson ’98 James Kirby ’98 MBA J.P. Padgett ’98 Czarina Cendana-Clyburn ’02 MBA, MHA Jennifer Hyatt ’03 Timothy Shore ’03 MBA Brook Kitchen ’03 MBA Brad Watkins ’04 MBA, MHA Nathan Brooker ’14 Cody Jones ’14 Jennifer Passantino ’14 MSL Joseph Ferguson ’16 MHA Talisha Crowder ’17

alumnifeatures

passings

especially noteworthy Janette H. Barnes ’77 (Hon.) Former Purchasing Director

C.A. Frye Former Basketball Coach and Professor

Janette F. Beaver Hendrick Endowed Scholarship

Edwin C. Hash Judy C. Hash Endowed Scholarship

Rev. Reginald J. Cooke ’51 Former Trustee

Carl M. Hill ’58 Trustee Emeritus

Nancye W. Early Former Pfeiffer College First Lady

Dr. Jean M. Jones Former Dean of Student Development

Dr. Ulrich Froehlich Former Executive Director, Academy of International Business Studies

Jane E. Knapp Knapp Tennis Center

Eleanor W. Knotts Bear and Eleanor Knotts Endowed Scholarship Hilda M. Langley Hilda M. and John W. Langley Endowed Scholarship W. Wallace Martin ’67 (Hon.) Former Vice President for Financial Affairs, Professor and Coach Richard C. Sloan ’54 James and Carrie Sloan Endowed Scholarship WINTER 2017

donorreport

fiscal year 2016 by the numbers July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016

3,274

CONTRIBUTED:

$3,331,676

DONORS

OUR DONORS By Dollars Given Foundations Alumni Friends Businesses/Organizations Religious Organizations

54% 20% 13% 12% 1%

THANKS TO YOU...

GREATEST Foundation giving in PFEIFFER’S HISTORY

The last 2 years have been the

BEST

consecutive years of Total giving since 2003

Businesses and Organizations

DOUBLED

More than DOUBLED our new donors!

their share of Pfeiffer’s total support in 1 year

+1,250

Students, faculty and staff completed

The last 2 years have been the

35,000 Service Hours

HIGHEST

consecutive years of Alumni giving EVER

Learn more about the impact of your gift in our Annual Honor Roll of Donors at https://community.pfeiffer.edu/2016DonorReport 34

WINTER 2017

Unless otherwise noted, all events take place on the Misenheimer campus. For more information, visit pfeiffer.edu Introducing The Fowl Line: Travel in style with fellow alumni to watch Falcons men’s basketball at Merner Gym. The Fowl Line, sponsored in part by the Falcon Club, is Pfeiffer’s alumni bus service that allows fans to skip the hassle of driving—and arrive at the Misenheimer campus in style to watch the game from the Falcon Club while enjoying food, beverages and give-aways. At game’s end, passengers return to the pick-up spot. Visit https://community.pfeiffer.edu/FowlLine for information about cost, reservations and specific locations. Questions: 704-463-3034

upcomingevents

Mark your calendar upcoming events 2017

Fowl Line Dates and Cities: Jan. 27 Thomasville/Lexington/Salisbury Feb. 7 Asheboro Feb. 18 Charlotte

Feb. 19 6 p.m. Events Plus Dinner Series “A Pfeiffer Musical Pfestival” Stokes/Community Room Tickets: https://community.pfeiffer.edu/events-plus Contact: carol.may@pfeiffer.edu

April 21 5:30-9:30 p.m. What the Truck! Boone Circle Food and dessert trucks, craft breweries Contact: amy.bunting@pfeiffer.edu

April 2 6 p.m. Events Plus Dinner Series Featured: Mark Nicholls “Sustainability in Building Design” Stokes/Community Room Tickets: https://community.pfeiffer.edu/events-plus Contact: carol.may@pfeiffer.edu

Sept. 22 - Sept. 23 Homecoming 2017 “Falcons In Wonderland” Information: https://community.pfeiffer.edu/hc17 Contact: amy.bunting@pfeiffer.edu

April 19 11 a.m. Friends of the Library Annual Spring Luncheon Featured author: John Hart Stokes/Community Room Tickets: https://community.pfeiffer.edu/fol Contact: carol.may@pfeiffer.edu

WINTER 2017

Non-Profit U.S. Postage

PAID

Pfeiffer University

Office of Advancement P.O. Box 960 Misenheimer, NC 28109

pfeiffer.edu