2015
Homecoming
Athens • Concord Town Social
2015
Founders' Day
Concord Geology In Greenland
From the President’s Desk Please allow me to offer you a warm welcome to the Fall 2015 edition of Concord University’s Alumni Magazine on behalf of our dedicated faculty and staff, and wonderful students. Fall has arrived and with it, the fresh and exciting faces of returning and new students to “The Campus Beautiful.” We are now enjoying the results of our newly developed Freshmen Orientation Days that have climaxed on campus with Freshman Convocation where we invited more than 400 new students to follow the faculty in traditional academic regalia to a ceremony planned to welcome them to campus. It was a wonderful start to the school year and we appreciated all the amazing planners and participants for making it special! Another sure sign that fall is here was the successful Athens-Concord Town Social, which was moved forward one week so that our students could be involved and in attendance. The planning committee held a post-event review and were pleased to learn that there was overwhelming support for the new format. The planning for the next Social in 2016 has already commenced and it’s going to be more fun than ever. So if you couldn’t make it this year, please make plans to join us next year. We hope you’ll enjoy the article and photos of the Social in this edition of the Alumni Magazine. You’ll see that a large section of this magazine is dedicated to our Homecoming. Many alums make this day a destination to meet old friends and to reminisce about times on campus, while watching the Mountain Lions take to the field once again. We enjoyed seeing and visiting with all of you who attended Homecoming activities and events this year. Another several pages of this magazine will provide you with information about the many new accolades that have been awarded to Concord in the last few months. It is humbling to know how difficult some of these distinctions are to earn, yet to know that you’re part of the team who has worked so hard to earn the accolades makes each of us prouder than ever of what we do as an institution. We hope you’ll enjoy the updates and offer kudos to our wonderful faculty and staff who make these awards possible. We are working on a number of new slogans that will serve to distinguish Concord University even more in the near future. One that I like and that we have been using this fall is “History in the Making: Be A Part of It” which refers to our major renovation projects which will begin in April 2016 when we begin renovating the Towers. You may want to drive by and get some “before and after” photos to remind yourself how much they’ll be changing. Our Track restoration project will also take place in early May-late July which will make for some very exciting times on the Concord campus. Please know that your membership in the Concord University Alumni Association is a great way to stay connected. Memberships help support events like Homecoming and the Spring Alumni Banquet, along with the formation of new alumni chapters. I look forward to your visits this year and appreciate your taking the time from your travels to stop in at my office to introduce yourselves and to share your stories. We have had the good fortune to be associated with so many outstanding individuals in our careers as professors, tutors, advisors, and staff members. We will always enjoy hearing from you when you visit! Please continue to send us regular updates on the exciting events taking place in your lives. Our Class Notes section is an important means of staying in contact with our alums. Please know that we always look forward to hearing what our graduates have accomplished and about the milestone events in their lives. Thanks to each of you for your unique and special contributions to Concord and for your ways of staying connected. We look forward to seeing you at an event soon! Dr. Kendra Boggess Concord University President
Calendar of Events December 1 • Holiday Open House • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. University Point Athens, WV December 12 • Fall Commencement • 11:00 a.m. Carter Center Athens, WV February 2 • Groundhog Breakfast • 8:00 a.m. University Point Athens, WV February 21 • Jazz Ensemble Concert • 7:00 p.m. Tamarack Beckley, WV April 7 • Charleston Dinner Charleston, WV
April 8 • Beckley & Beyond Alumni Chapter Social • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Calacino's Beckley, WV April 21 • Scholarship Appreciation Dinner University Point Athens, WV April 22-24 • Alumni Weekend Concord University Athens, WV May 7 • Spring Commencement Carter Center Athens, WV October 15 • Homecoming 2016 Concord University Athens, WV For details on any of these events please contact alumni@concord.edu or 1-304-384-5348. We hope to CU soon!
ALSO, watch for emails, tweets, facebook posts as well as our web billboards at www.concord.edu for more on these and other upcoming alumni events! If you are not currently receiving email updates from the Alumni Office please visit the following link to update your contact information: https://apps.concord.edu/ forms/view.php?id=22384
Inside this Issue Fall 2015
On the Cover Roar joins in the fun at the annual Homecoming Parade.
29 21 9 49
2015
Homecoming
Athens • Concord Town Social
2015
Freshman Convocation
Concord Geology In Greenland
President Vice President for Advancement Alumni Director President, Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. Chair, Concord University Foundation, Inc. Graphic Designer Staff Writer PR/Marketing Coordinator, Sr.
Dr. Kendra Boggess Alicia Besenyei Sarah Lively Turner '98 Rose Kessinger '68
Features 9
13 Concord Accolades 17 Concord Media Day: Fall 2015 19 Mountain Lion Radio Showcase 21 Athens • Concord Town Social 27 Concord University Research & Development Corporation
Doug Maddy '69
Freshman Convocation 2015
Board of Directors
29 Homecoming 2015 49 Artic Travels: Concord Geology in Greenland 59 Dancing with the Stars
Lance McDaniel '10 Sarah P. Dalton Amy Pitzer
Concord University Office of Advancement PO Box 1000 Athens, WV, 24712 1-304-384-6311 Fax: 1-304-384-6017 advancement@concord.edu www.concord.edu
In Every Issue 3
CU Alumni Association, Inc.
4
Alumni Events
24 CU Foundation, Inc. 39 Retired Faculty & Staff: Staying Connected 43 Beyond the Classroom 47 Greek Spotlight: Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society 53 Legacy Family 55 Beckley Update 57 Alumni Entrepreneurs 61 Heritage & Horizon 67 Class Notes 75 CU Athletics
Did you know that money from Concord University Alumni Association membership dues is used to support events like Homecoming and Alumni Weekend? Did you know that CUAA dues help support items like student scholarships, alumni outreach events and even the Alumni Magazine? Did you know that CUAA members enjoy discounts on merchandise at the CU bookstore, a discount on child care at the CU Child Development Center and opportunities for “members only” events like receptions at the President’s House?
Did you know that Concord’s 2013-2014 alumni giving rate was only 4 percent? Did you know that a school’s alumni giving rate is a determining factor for items such as national rankings and grant applications?
Each year the CUAA relies on the support of alums just like you in order to handle alumni business and move the Association forward. Alumni support has always been critical, but as state budgets continue to dwindle and costs for everything continue to rise, alumni support is crucial to the success of the University and the CUAA.
For as little as $10 a year you can play your part in Concord’s success and can give back to the school that gave you the education you needed for your chosen path in life. For the cost of a couple of trips to Starbucks you can have an impact on the future of your alma mater. The need has never been greater. The ways to give have never been easier. Simply use the envelope in this magazine to mail your dues in or visit http://concorduniversityalumni.com/alumnimemberships/ to pay your dues online.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Upcoming Events Beckley & Beyond Alumni Chapter Social April 8, 2016 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Calacino's Beckley, WV
Alumni Weekend
Phi Sigma Epsilon Reunion
April 22-24, 2016 Concord University Athens, WV
June 1-4, 2017 Pipestem State Park Pipestem, WV
I want to join! Check a box and return this slip in the envelope provided with this magazine. Please be sure to fill out your contact and payment information on the envelope inside this issue.
Join Us Today!
CU Alumni Association, Inc. Individual Membership Form Basic $10 - 24.99
Maroon & Gray Club $25 - 149.99
President’s Club $150 - 499.99
Life Membership $500 or more
Local Chapter Dues - Chapter name & amount enclosed _____________________ $________________
3 • Fall 2015
Renew Membership - Amount enclosed $________________
To pay your dues with your credit card or debit card, please call 1-304-384-6311
AlumniEvents Greater Kanawha Valley Chapter Alums in the Charleston area had a couple of opportunities over the past few months to get together and show their support for Concord. On June 11 alumni gathered at Appalachian Power Park for their annual Concord Night with the WV Power game. Attendees enjoyed a warm summer evening and a picnic style meal while they took in the game and reminisced about their days in Athens. On October 1 the weather was a bit cooler and the sport changed from baseball to football, but it was another great evening for Concordians
to gather and spend some time together. This time the location was Laidley Field and the game was the Concord vs. University of Charleston football game. While the Mt. Lions did not end the game with a win, a number of local alumni were there to cheer them on—including a number of Alpha Sigma Phi alumni, who hosted their own tailgate prior to kickoff. Anyone interested in attending alumni activities in the Kanawha Valley should contact alumni@concord.edu
Pine Trees Chapter The Pine Trees alumni chapter held their summer picnic July 17th at the home of Ott and JoAnna Fredeking ’73. They also held their fall social at the President’s House on campus on September 26th. Both events were well attended and guests enjoyed good food, great hospitality by the hosts and plenty of time for catching up. Anyone interested in joining the Pine Trees alumni chapter can reach them at pinetreesalumnichapter@ hotmail.com
Fall 2015 • 4
AlumniEvents Concord Night with the Princeton Rays On August 20th Hunnicutt Field in Princeton was covered with maroon and gray as the Princeton Rays once again hosted Concord Night with the P-Rays. This game has become an Orientation Week tradition at Concord, taking place during the first week of school. The P-Rays offer free admission to anyone wearing Concord colors and the stands get filled with students, alumni, faculty and staff who come out to cheer on this local minor league baseball team. The National Anthem was sung by current CU student Alli Whitener and head CU football coach Garin Justice threw out the first pitch.
Check us out
ONLINE Check out the new Concord University Alumni Association website for all your up-to-date alumni news and updates. Please visit: www.concord universityalumni.com
5 • Fall 2015
Survey Winner! Anne Endres ’11 was the Visa gift card winner for completing the alumni survey.
With the holidays right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about what to get the special people in your life for Christmas. If you are trying to figure out what to get the alum you know that has everything, why not give them the gift of CUAA membership? For as little as $10 you can buy an Alumni Association membership for a friend or family member— we will even send them a note with their membership card letting them know their membership is a gift from you! If you are interested in giving the gift of CUAA membership this year please contact alumni@concord.edu or 304-384-5348 for additional details.
HOMECOMING 2
0
1
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OCTOBER 15, 2016 Fall 2015 • 6
ATTENTION
ALUMNI!
The Concord University Alumni Association has a number of alumni chapters that are always looking for new members. If you live in any of the following areas, we hope you will consider joining your local alumni chapter: 1. Pine Trees Chapter (southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia counties) pinetreesalumnichapter@hotmail.com
2. Beckley & Beyond Chapter (Raleigh, Summers, Greenbrier, Wyoming and the southern half of Fayette counties) beckleyalumni@mycu.concord.edu
3. Greater Kanawha Valley Chapter (Kanawha, Boone, Cabell, Putnam, Clay, Lincoln and the northern half of Fayette counties) charlestonalumni@mycu.concord.edu 4. Yankee Chapter (Northern States - NY, NJ, DE, MA, CT, RI, ME, VT, NH, PA) rgallione@aol.com 5. CU Employees Chapter alumniemployees@mycu.concord.edu
6. Roanoke / New River Valley Chapter swvirginiaalumni@mycu.concord.edu The Alumni Office is also in communication with alumni in the following areas regarding starting a new chapter or reorganizing an old chapter:
• Charlotte, NC
• Northern VA/ Washington, DC/Eastern Panhandle of WV
Now, even more ways you can donate to or join the CUAA!
• Florida
• Morgantown, WV
If you are interested in being a part of any of these chapters please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@concord.edu or 304-384-5348.
Alumni E-mail Accounts
Help Graduates Stay Connected to CU Beginning with the May 2014 class, all CU graduates will automatically receive an alumni e-mail account. Individuals graduating prior to May 2014 will be able to request the service. This is a great way for alumni to stay connected to Concord. The account offers 50 GB of e-mail storage and 25GB of
Help Us
document storage on OneDrive. The “mycu.concord.edu” email account the alum used as a student will continue to be valid as well. The handle or username will remain the same with the new alumni account. For example, smithj15@mycu. concord.edu becomes smithj15@ alumni.concord.edu as an alumni e-mail account.
Information is sent to all new graduates about the new alumni account including a link to a tutorial about its use. For alums graduating prior to May 2014, request your new alumni e-mail account by going to https://apps.concord.edu/ machform35/view.php?id=72399
Rescue a Lost Mountain Lion! While the Alumni Office makes every effort to keep in touch with all Concord alumni, we know there are some alums for which we do 7 • Fall 2015
not have a current mailing address, phone number and/or email address. If you know of any alums who do not receive the Alumni
Magazine, please contact us at alumni@concord.edu or 304-3846311 and let us know.
Japanese Alumni
Express Devotion and Enthusiasm for Concord oncord University has six alumni chapters. What makes one of these unique is that it’s approximately 6800 miles from “The Campus Beautiful.” On July 11, 2015, members of the Japan Alumni Chapter traveled by train from various cities in Japan to Tokyo for a dinner meeting. The longest commute was one and a half hours from Kanagawa. This alumna pointed out, however, that the Concord delegation traveled 13.5 hours from the U.S. A small but enthusiastic group, the chapter was chartered in 2011. Efforts to reach out to other alumni living in Japan are ongoing. It is remarkable how devoted these alums are to Concord. All expressed, in one way or another, their love for the University and the people they met here. “Please say hello to Gurnie Taylor in Starbucks.” “Is Joe Blankenship still there?” “How are Steve and Sharon Rowe and Nancy Ellison?” “Congratulate Dr. Boggess on her presidency.” How did these alums choose Concord? One “young” man indicated he was the first Japanese
Back row, left to right: Ishizuka Hiroalci, Dr. Joe Manzo, Sachiko Miura, Shigeki Taginuma, Yuki Gouno, Rumi Watanabe, Hiroshi Watanabe. Front row, left to right: Mai Aoki, Subaru Watanabe, Chisato Minami, Nori Tamura, Natsuki Hikino.
student to enroll, the year was 1982. He began his academic career in the states in California but decided he was better suited for a smaller venue. Making his way to West Virginia, he enrolled at Davis and Elkins. When the tuition became too costly he transferred to Concord College. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in math with a minor in statistics in 1985. Many of these alums came to Concord from JCFL, Japanese College of Foreign Language.
The day before the alumni meeting, Dr. and Mrs. Joe Manzo visited JCFL where Dr. Manzo presented the Concord story to 39 students. Although campus was closed for summer break, these students returned to campus for the presentation. Within the power point presentation were pictures of four JCFL students who were enrolled at Concord this summer; these pictures were a big hit with the audience.
Student Shares CU Experience
with Russian Classmates nternational student Anastasiia Vorobeva spent the fall semester of 2014 at Concord University. Upon her return to Volga State University in YoshkarOla, Russia, she reported on her experiences at Concord in an article in her school’s student newspaper. Dr. Roy Ramthun and Dr. Joe Manzo have translated the spirit of the story that appeared in the Russian publication. “The story itself speaks to the hospitality, support, and travel she experienced while at Concord
University,” they said. “She notes how welcome our institution made her feel.” Anastasiia took classes in recreation and tourism management, her major, and a geography class. She worked in the geography department for three months. While in the United States, Anastasiia traveled to the Cherokee reservation in North Carolina. She also visited the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C., where she and her fellow students met with the chief cartographer for the
National Geographic magazine. The Concord students also spent time at the museums at the National Mall. Anastasiia’s final excursion while at Concord University was a visit to the University of Georgia for an academic geography meeting. Anastasiia has since completed her undergraduate degree in Tourism Management in Russia. She accepted a position in the international office of Volga State University and is looking forward to her next visit to the United States.
Fall 2015 • 8
9 • Fall 2015
Melanie Daniels ’04
Provides Firsthand Advice to Incoming Students
Concord's Class of 2019 together for Convocation.
oncord University marked the beginning of the 20152016 academic year with a Freshman Convocation on Monday, Aug. 17 in the Main Theatre of the Alexander Fine Arts Center. Melanie Daniels served as the Keynote Speaker for the afternoon convocation. Melanie graduated from Concord University in December 2004 with a degree in Elementary Education and a Special Education endorsement. During college, she was a resident assistant, volunteered at local schools and was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. After graduating from Concord, Melanie worked as a resident director for Concord while getting a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Upon completion of her master’s degree, Melanie taught for Raleigh County Schools. She is currently the principal of Marsh Fork Elementary School in Raleigh County. In her address, Melanie shared
Counterclockwise from top: CU's newest freshmen make their way to the their convocation ceremony; Concord grad, Melanie Daniels '04 was the keynote speaker; Students learn their new Alma Mater.
Fall 2015 • 10
tips with the incoming students that she had learned from her Concord days. Topics included practical items like learning to do laundry and the importance of phoning home to keep in touch with family. She also encouraged the new CU students to become involved in
campus life. “Branch out and join a club or organization,” she said. “I encourage you to get involved.” “Meet people, study hard, be nice to others,” she continued. “I’m excited for you and I wish you lots and lots of luck.”
The convocation was followed by the traditional Tree Planting Ceremony in honor of the incoming students of 2015. The ceremony was held on the lawn between the Fine Arts Center and the Carter Center.
T REE PL A N T I NG C E R E M O NY
TRADITION OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR FRESHMEN
Editor’s Note: Dr. Marjie Flanigan, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, offered the following remarks during the Freshman Convocation. o the class of 2019, “Welcome!” The Freshmen Tree Planting has special significance as a Concord University tradition. For our first year students, it serves as a symbol for the roots you are forming as you begin your undergraduate journey and it establishes your special contribution to the campus. Throughout your stay at Concord, you will witness the tree’s growth, much as the faculty and staff, along with your families and friends, will witness your growth. It does not happen all at once, but gradually, and sometimes so subtly that we may miss the nuances of your changes. When you return to Concord as alumni, your tree’s height will serve as a reminder of your years here and your own growth and development—as a student, a professional, and as a person. As you sit here today, it may be difficult to grasp the importance of the moment. This Convocation officially welcomes you into the Concord University family; it is the beginning of your college education. You may fail to sense your place in history or the presence of the thousands of other students who sat in these same seats—or other chairs in different venues at Concord—ready to embark on their educational journey. This tree planting is a reminder 11 • Fall 2015
of those who came before you. In the spring of 1915—almost 100 years ago—the trees known as The Pines were planted by the agriculture and botany classes. Some of the trees were cut down when the Student Center was built in the late 1960s and the pines were milled and used to panel the Alumni lounge on the 3rd floor of that building. In 2007, Concord’s tree planting tradition was renewed, and each entering class since then has taken part in this celebration. We hope that this tradition continues long after we all are gone from campus. With a risk of stretching an analogy too far, please bear with me as our tree symbol is extended. Today, as you begin your Concord University experience, please picture the underground growth symbolized by the roots you are establishing, as the roots of knowledge, service, citizenship, friendship, honor, and integrity. These are the pillars upon which your tree grows and on which your Concord education stands. By nurturing your roots, you ensure your continued growth, development, and longevity. Your tree, the graduating class of 2019, is the Tricolor European Beech. According to the literature, your tree is a large shade tree that displays stunning variegated foliage, often pink-purple, green,
and white, blooming in April and May but with beautiful fall leaf color. The European beech is low maintenance, preferring partial shade and medium water, with good tolerance to deer. It is native to Europe and grows well in the upper half of the U.S. Although it grows slowly, eventually, with proper care, your tree should reach 20 to 30 feet in height and spread 10 to 20 feet. Your tree will be a tall, beautiful deciduous tree. You should know that by planting the Tricolor European Beech, you are adding your special signature to “The Campus Beautiful.” Again, on behalf of the faculty, staff, and your fellow students, welcome to the Concord University family!
Above: Dr. Marjie Flanigan. Below: Students participate in planting their tree.
uring the month of July the Advancement Office sponsored Freshmen SendOffs in Greenbrier, Summers and Wyoming counties in West Virginia. These events were held at local parks and provided an opportunity for alumni and CU current students to visit with incoming freshmen and their families. Alums and current students shared stories about their Concord experience while the incoming students were able to ask any last minute questions they had before coming to campus. If you are interested in planning a Freshmen Send-Off in your area next summer, please contact 304-384-5348 or alumni@concord.edu
Above: Samantha Tuckwiller with her parents. Below: Clint Marsh with his mother.
GiftIdeas
Pine Trees Chapter Offering Ornament The Pine Trees Alumni Chapter is offering the second in a series of CU ornaments. The 2014 ornament features McComas Hall. These make great gifts and can be a special addition to your own collection of Concord memorabilia. Ornaments may be purchased for
$20 each. An additional charge of $5.80 is required for shipping. All proceeds go toward the Pine Trees Scholarship Fund.
Contact pinetreesalumnichapter@ hotmail.com or call 304-384-9457 for more information.
Fall 2015 • 12
U.S. News & World Report Ranks Concord University
AMONG THE BEST REGIONAL COLLEGES IN THE SOUTH
Concord University has been named among the Best Regional Colleges South in the 2016 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges. According to the report, Concord ranks as the number one public institution in West Virginia among Regional Colleges South and places sixth in the top ten public schools in that category.
The annual publication, released Sept. 9, ranks Concord University in the first tier of the Regional Colleges South category. Of the 74 institutions in this category, Concord ranks 47. Concord has consistently placed in the top tier of Best Colleges for the past 11 years. Schools are categorized by mission using the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s classification of higher education institutions. According to this classification system, undergraduate study is the primary
focus at Regional Colleges. The rankings are based on criteria that measure academic quality. Each institution is evaluated in areas such as graduation rate, SAT and ACT scores, and student/ faculty ratio. Calculations are also determined by ranking institutions in each category against their peers. For more information visit http://colleges.usnews. rankingsandreviews.com/bestcolleges
The Princeton Review Names Concord University AMONG THE ‘BEST IN THE SOUTHEAST’
13 • Fall 2015
Concord University has again been selected among the top colleges in the Southeast by The Princeton Review. In the “2016 Best
Colleges: Region by Region” online feature Concord is listed as one of 140 institutions in the “Best in the Southeast” category.
Institutions receiving this designation are spotlighted for their academic excellence. The Princeton Review also uses answers from student surveys in the selection process. The rating score categories include: Academics, Admissions Selectivity, Financial Aid, Fire Safety, Quality of Life, and Green. The Princeton Review explains the criteria for each rating score on its site at princetonreview.com/ college/college-ratings.aspx The 12 states in the Southeast
category are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. A total of 649 colleges are included among the “2016 Best Colleges: Region by Region.” Along with the Southeast, schools representing the Northeast, Midwest and West are also featured. Collectively, these institutions named “regional bests” constitute about 25 percent of the nation’s 2,500 four-year colleges.
The Princeton Review (www. PrincetonReview.com) is a leading tutoring, test prep and college admission services company. Every year, it helps millions of college- and graduate school-bound students achieve their education and career goals through online and in-person courses delivered by a network of more than 4,000 teachers and tutors, online resources, and its more than 150 print and digital books. The Princeton Review is headquartered in Natick, Mass.
Concord University Named Among ‘50 BEST VALUE SMALL COLLEGES FOR A BIOLOGY DEGREE 2015’
Concord University ranks 12th on the Best Value Schools list of the “50 Best Value Small Colleges for a Biology Degree 2015.” The list was released by the Best Value Schools website.
Concord is one of four West Virginia schools named in the list, and one of only two West Virginia institutions in the lists’ top 15. To arrive at the rankings Best Value Schools utilized the College Navigator website which is operated by the National Center for Education Statistics. Among the data used in selecting the schools is size and net price.
According to Best Value Schools, institutions ranked on the list “have something unique to offer, but they all unite in the desire to provide a high caliber curriculum for a lower than average cost.” For additional information visit www.bestvalueschools.com or http://www.bestvalueschools. com/rankings/small- collegesbiology-degree/
Concord University Included Among '50 BEST VALUE SMALL COLLEGES FOR A BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE 2015’
Concord University has been named among the “50 Best Value Small Colleges for a Business Administration Degree 2015.” Concord is ranked 11th on the list that was released by the Best Value
Schools online guide. According to the website, these 50 schools “boast an ideal combination of quality, selectivity, and affordability on comfortably small campuses.” Concord is noted for “affordability and flexibility and rigorous academic studies.” To arrive at the rankings Best
Value Schools utilized data from College Navigator. The schools’ net price was also used in determining the rankings. For additional information visit http://www.bestvalueschools. com/rankings/small-collegesbusiness-administration-degree/ Fall 2015 • 14
Concord University Included Among ‘50 MOST AFFORDABLE SELECTIVE SCHOOLS FOR A BSW’
Concord University has been named among the “50 Most Affordable Selective Schools for a BSW” by Social Work Degree Guide. Concord is ranked 25th on the list that was released by the online guide. Concord University is one of only
two West Virginia institutions of higher education on the list. To arrive at the rankings Social Work Degree Guide utilized data from College Navigator and the directory on the Council on Social Work’s Education website. Among the factors used in determining the rankings are net price and accreditation. The mission of Social Work
Degree Guide is “to provide expert information about the best accredited social work degree programs across the United States…” For additional information visit http://www. socialworkdegreeguide.com/ or http://www. socialworkdegreeguide.com/ affordable-selective-schools- bsw/
Concord University Ranked Among MOST AFFORDABLE SMALL COLLEGES IN EASTERN UNITED STATES
Concord University ranks 10th on the Great Value Colleges list of the “100 Most Affordable Small Colleges East of the Mississippi.” The list was released by Great Value Colleges, a premier website whose mission in providing information to students is to
help them “get the best possible education for their money.” Concord is one of four West Virginia institutions named in the list, and along with West Virginia State University, is one of only two West Virginia schools in the list’s top ten. The methodology employed in ranking the colleges is based on the institutions’ size, location and net price. For this particular list, the process began with looking at
Concord University Named Among "The 100 Most Affordable Small Colleges in America 2015" For additional information and to view our ranking, visit http://www. bestvalueschools. com/most-affordablesmall-collegesamerica-2015/ 15 • Fall 2015
traditional, four-year schools with 4,000 students or less located east of the Mississippi River. This narrowed the contenders to more than 400 institutions in the eastern United States that qualified. Next, each college’s net price was evaluated leading to the final ranking based on average annual cost. For additional information visit http://www.greatvaluecolleges. net/affordable/small-collegeseast-of-the-mississippi/
Concord University Named Among "50 Most Affordable Selective Small Colleges for a Psychology Degree 2015" For additional information and to view our ranking, visit http://www. bestpsychologydegrees. com/top/affordableselective-small-collegesfor-a-psychology-degree/
Concord University Receives National Honor For Gear Up Involvement
oncord University has been recognized nationally for work with a program that assists students in West Virginia in preparing to enter and succeed in college. The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) named Concord University the 2015 national “GEAR UP Community Partner of the Year.” The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 during the organization’s National Conference in San Francisco. The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships is a “non-profit, nonpartisan organization working to increase access to higher education for economically disadvantaged students.” Concord was recognized for its support of the West Virginia GEAR UP program, a federally funded grant program that helps students from low-income areas prepare for college. West Virginia GEAR UP serves more than 5,000 students annually in 10 West Virginia counties. The project is coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission under the leadership of Dr. Adam Green, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, which received its second consecutive GEAR UP grant last year. “Concord University has supported West Virginia GEAR UP from the beginning,” Melissa Gattuso, College Access and Success Program Director for West Virginia GEAR UP, said in her nomination of Concord for the award. “Our first Student Leadership Academy was held at Concord. Our first GEAR UP U! was held at Concord. Concord was one of the first colleges to join our Text 4 Success Campaign. They host our College Prep Rally during College Application and Exploration
Week. They host two College Goal Sunday sites. They support our College Decisions Days.” Additionally, Concord has worked with elementary, middle and high school teachers to integrate college preparation activities within area schools and has offered more than half a million dollars in scholarships to students graduating from high schools participating in the GEAR UP program. “The entirety of Concord University works together to provide experiences, opportunities, and support to West Virginia GEAR UP students, faculty, staff, and Melissa Gattuso, College Access and Success communities. Concord Program Director for West Virginia GEAR UP, left, presents the “GEAR UP Community Partner of the University’s dedication Year” award to Kendra Boggess, Concord University to students has touched President. many lives and the good people of Concord Ms. Gattuso presented the award University are revered as family to to the University’s President, Dr. West Virginia GEAR UP,” the NCCEP Kendra Boggess. conference brochure stated. Dr. Boggess acknowledged Dr. Marjie Flanigan, Vice the efforts of Dr. Flanigan, the President of Student Affairs at Admissions Office staff, and all Concord University, traveled to the others involved in GEAR UP. NCCEP National Conference in San “How very proud we are of Francisco to accept the award. all of the work that has been “This is an outstanding honor for accomplished in Concord’s GEAR UP our university,” Dr. Flanigan said. program and grant,” she said. “We believe it is a key part of our GEAR UP, which stands for mission to make sure that all West “Gaining Early Awareness and Virginians have access to highReadiness for Undergraduate quality higher education programs. Programs,” is a national initiative Our collaboration with the GEAR UP funded by the U.S. Department of project has helped us work handEducation. The program provides in-hand with our communities to services to approximately 551,000 eliminate and overcome barriers students in low-income schools that might prevent students from across 43 states and 1 territory. pursuing their dreams of earning a More information about the college diploma.” Community Partner of the Year In a special ceremony at Concord Award can be found at the NCCEP on Monday, July 27, Dr. Flanigan and website, www.edpartnerships.org.
Fall 2015 • 16
Media Appreciation Day
Held at Concord University
oncord University saluted the region’s media outlets during Media Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015. This is the second year for the event which brings media representatives and Concord officials together for a morning discussion on the latest news and developments at the University. The gathering was held in University Point on the Athens campus and was hosted by Concord’s Office of Advancement. The program began at 9:30 a.m. in the Wilkes Family Chapel with welcoming remarks. Guests then had the opportunity to attend several sessions allowing them to gather information and story ideas on a variety of topics. Academics and athletics were the focus of the first concurrent sessions which ran from 9:45 a.m. until 11 a.m. in University Point. Chairs of the University’s six academic divisions participated in a discussion in the chapel while Mountain Lion coaches reported on the 2015-2016 season in the alumni lounge. A session with the President’s cabinet featured “Story Idea Networking” and was held from 11:10 a.m. through 11:50 a.m. in the Pais Fellowship Hall. Media then had the opportunity to attend a showcase of Concord’s radio station, WVCU-FM, at noon in the Marsh Library.
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Top to bottom, left to right: Amy Pitzer kicks off Concord Media Day Fall 2015 in the Wilkes Family Chapel at University Point; The President's Cabinet meets with members of the media; CU Athletic Directer, Kevin Garrett talks with the media; Division of Education Chair, Dr. Richard Druggish shares news with those present.
WANTED
Concord is Looking for alumni who have career advice to share and are willing to be guest bloggers for our Alumni Career Services Blog Series.
REWARD
Providing current Concord students with some wisdom and guidance as they make their way towards graduation. Visit hub.concord.edu/career-services/ to check out previous offenders.
CONTACT
Contact alumni@concord.edu or 1-304-384-5348 to turn yourself in! Fall 2015 • 18
Jessica Lilly ’07, Adjunct Instructor in Concord’s Division of Fine Arts, welcomes guests.
Mountain Lion Radio Showcase
Spotlights Concord University’s WVCU
oncord University’s WVCU Mountain Lion Radio was showcased in a special event on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015. The noontime celebration was held in the Presidents’ Room at the J. Frank Marsh Library. WVCU began broadcasting on May 1, 2015. The new LP-FM radio station was granted licensure by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) last year. Concord’s application was approved to build and operate an LP-FM educational station on the Athens campus. The station, which has been launched by Concord University’s Broadcasting and Journalism Program, is located in Room B19 of the Marsh Library. Listeners may tune into the student-managed station by turning their radio dials to 97.7. Live broadcasts and streams from WVCU can also be heard online at http://wvcu.concord.edu “The radio station will give students hands-on experience in running a radio station,” Jessica Lilly, an adjunct instructor in Concord’s Division of Fine Arts, said. Lilly has been instrumental in making the radio station a reality for Concord University’s campus. “The station will also provide opportunities for the community to stay in tune with Concord University and even get to know new music,” Lilly said. “The vision of this station is a vision for the
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Above right: David A. Barnette ’73 offers remarks. Mr. Barnette is a member of Concord University’s Board of Governors and legal counsel for the West Virginia Broadcasters Association. Bottom: Concord President Kendra Boggess addresses the showcase audience.
community. We hope student productions will help provide a service to people in the region.” The West Virginia Broadcasters Education Foundation has contributed $15,000 to the radio station project through donations in 2013 and 2014. Concord’s collaborative relationship with West Virginia Public Broadcasting has also been an invaluable resource in making this long-term initiative a reality. Business sponsors providing additional support include: Wes Hinkle State Farm Insurance, Cheap Thrills Records, Custom Dreams Tattooing, Aramark Higher Education and The Riff Raff Arts Collective. Concord University faculty and staff, along with Lilly, that have offered vital support to the radio station project include Alvin White, Media Specialist, and William Bailey, Radio and Television Services Manager. WVCU is programmed and operated by Concord students and administered by the faculty of the Communication Arts Department within the Concord University Division of Fine Arts. Listeners are treated to a diverse yet fresh blend of music, news, public affairs, and sports. Content can be created by students, faculty, staff, and community members.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT WVCU 97.7 • WVCU began broadcasting May 1, 2015.
• WVCU serves Concord and the town of Athens with original programming, news, weather and emergency alerts.
• WVCU broadcasts at 11watts and can be tuned in up to 5 miles away. • WVCU has a power backup and continues to transmit during power outages and serve as a source of information for the community.
• WVCU can receive and transmit over 50 different types of emergency alerts including:
- Severe Weather Alerts
- Local Area Emergency Alerts
- Natural Disaster Alerts - Civil Emergency Alerts - FEMA Alerts
- Homeland Security Alerts
To learn more about WVCU go to wvcu.concord.edu; email wvcu@ concord.edu; or call 304-384-6044 or 304-384-5981. Follow the station on Twitter @WVCUConcord and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ concordradio
Concord student Jesse Stevens speaks about his role with Mountain Lion Radio.
DID YOU KNOW? Concord University’s mission is to provide a quality education, to foster scholarly activities, and to serve the regional community. The mission is summed up in the words of former President J. Franklin Marsh Sr.: “Come to Learn. Go to Serve.” This has become a Concord motto.
For more on Concord traditions, please visit http://www.concord.edu/advancement/concord-pride-our-traditions
COME TO LEARN. GO TO SERVE.
Fall 2015 • 20
Athens-Concord Town Social Celebrates 29th Year he 29th AthensConcord Town Social offered a sunny afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship. This ever popular gathering was held on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015 on Concord’s front lawn. Theme for this year was “Athens and Concord University: A Community United.” Traditionally held on the second Sunday of August each year, the Town Social moved to a new date on the calendar for 2015 – the third Sunday of August – to allow Concord students moving into the residence halls and their families the opportunity to enjoy the festivities. The Town Social features live musical entertainment, children’s games, free admission and an array of craft vendors and informational displays all in a family friendly, small town atmosphere. Two popular area musical groups returned to the Town Social stage this year. Margo and the Bluegills offered their “eclectic, rockin, folkin blues” while the Allen Smith Trio entertained with “classic R&B with a twist of smooth jazz and soul.” Individuals and businesses that have enhanced the community and campus life of Athens and Concord University are honored each year at the gathering. The Athens-Concord Town Social Committee presented
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four awards. Mary Lu and Dale Geiger of Athens are recipients of the Total Community Involvement Award. The Geigers have given back to both the Athens and Concord communities for many years. As longtime WE CAN volunteers, Mary Lu and Dale work with area children and have served on that organization’s board. They have also unofficially “adopted” many Concord students. This community minded couple has devoted time in public service to the Town of Athens. Dale was once fire chief for Athens and Mary Lu served on the town council for many years. Dale also currently organizes volunteers for a local food pantry. The tireless and selfless work of this husband and wife team has made the Athens-Concord community a better place. Helen Ball of Athens was honored as the 2015 Elder Citizen. Helen was born in Gary, the daughter of a coal miner. When she was five years old, the family moved to Princeton where Helen attended the local schools. She graduated from Princeton High School. During World War II, Helen served as a “Rosie the Riveter” without the rivets. She went to work for the Celanese Corporation in Pearisburg, Va. commuting there
every day by bus. The plant supplied the war effort with material that was used to make parachutes. When the war ended and the men returned home, Helen went to work for J. H. Lilly who developed Lilly Grove in Princeton. She also worked for the First Methodist Church in Princeton where she met Homer Ball through his sister. She and Homer married and she continued working at the church until their first child was born. The family moved to Athens where Homer had a grocery store at the corner of Vermillion Street and Church Street. Helen also worked at Pipestem State Park in the office at the par 3 golf course. Helen and Homer raised four children, Laura, Phillip, Greg and Martha (deceased). Helen has two grandchildren, Martha and Jackson. Greg and Lisa Godwin of Athens were recognized with the Extra Miler Award. The Godwins epitomize lives led for others. Greg is pastor of Concord United Methodist Church in Athens and a scout leader. Lisa is a local elementary school teacher. They continuously give of themselves and no task is too large or small in their service. They’re a friendly presence everywhere they go. Their dedicated work and
Community Awards kindnesses extend beyond the walls of the church and school into the Athens-Concord community and beyond. The View Bed & Breakfast on Rt. 20 in Athens is the recipient of the Business Longevity Award. This charming inn opened its doors on Jan. 1, 2000 and is the remodeled family home of proprietress Elizabeth Muldoon. Situated on seven acres at the edge of town, The View offers a tranquil look at the valley and mountains from the deck and back patio. Indoors, guests enjoy the pleasantly decorated accommodations and Elizabeth’s warm and friendly hospitality. Guests at The View have included family members of Concord students in town for commencement; international travelers vacationing in the area; and, individuals returning to their hometown for the Athens-Concord Town Social. “I’ve had people from all over the world,” Elizabeth said. Countries represented by her guests include Japan, South Africa, Ireland, France, India, Brazil and Great Britain. The Athens Lions Club presented the 2015 Citizen of the Year Award and the Beautification Award during the Town Social. Paul Hodges of Athens was named the 2015 Citizen of the Year. Mr. Hodges developed the Athens
Award recipients: (Left to right, top to bottom) Emily Stock, The Jean Beasley Athens-Concord Town Social Memorial Scholarship; Mary Lu & Dale Geiger, Total Community Involvement; Greg & Lisa Godwin, Extra Miler; Elizabeth Muldoon & The View Bed & Breakfast, Business Longevity; Helen Ball, Elder Citizen; Anne & Ted Kessinger, Beautification; Srene & Roger Lokay, Beautification; Paul Hodges, Citizen of the Year.
Concord Trails (ACT) for use by citizens, students and visitors to the area. He was recognized for his dedication to providing a stimulus for individuals to join walkers and runners in seeking to improve their health and increase opportunities to socialize. The one mile, two mile and three mile trails begin on the Concord campus near the parking lot at the football field. Large, permanent maps of the trails are located at the start of the trails and at the town park next to the Athens Post Office. Painted ACT signs which indicate the trails can be found on sidewalks on campus and throughout the town. From many possible recipients in Athens, the Athens Lions Club chose to present two Beautification Awards for 2015. One award was selected for a formally manicured yard and a second for a year round seasonally decorated yard. Anne and Ted Kessinger of West Broadway Street were the winners for their consistently manicured lawn and yard. The foundation plants and plants edging the side yard are always perfectly clipped and weeded. Small decorative trees fit the house snugly and have been kept perfectly shaped. The yard has never been anything but mowed to an exact height. Their property would fit well in a formal garden anywhere.
Srene and Roger Lokay of North State Street were the winners for their seasonally decorated home. The beautification of the whole property has been a project of the Lokays since they moved there. The porch is the highlight of the property. Each season the decorations are changed to match the spirit of the time. For the summer season, they lined the driveway with beautiful flowers that were visible from either end of the street. The Athens-Concord Town Social Committee presented two scholarships to incoming freshmen from the Athens area that are attending Concord University this fall. The recipients are Peggy Ballengee and Kristan Brabb. The Jean Beasley AthensConcord Town Social Memorial Scholarship was also awarded at the Town Social. This is the first time the scholarship has been presented. The scholarship is in memory of Jean Beasley who was a community leader and former chair of the Athens-Concord Town Social Committee. She served as Concord’s First Lady for more than 20 years. The scholarship recognizes the hard work of incoming or current CU students who are from the Athens area. This year two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to current Concord students Jonathan Pennington and Emily Stock.
Fall 2015 • 22
1872 Club
Salutes Concord’s Rich History
oncord University was founded on February 28, 1872. This year, we want to honor our rich, 143-year history by getting 1,872 friends, alumni, and supporters to donate $18.72 each. Upon donating, you will become a member of our “1872 Club” and will receive a special gift to commemorate this honor. Only 24 percent of Concord
University’s budget is funded by the state of West Virginia. This makes private giving more important than ever to keep a college education within reach for students and their families. The goal of Concord University’s Annual Campaign is to raise money to increase access and opportunity, fund research, create activities, support the academic and student experiences, and maintain
and improve our campuses. To become a member of the 1872 Club or for more information contact the Concord University Foundation, Inc. at P.O. Box 1405, Athens, WV 24712, or foundation@concord.edu, or www.concord.edu/cufoundation or 304-384-6266.
Board of Governors Member Frank Blackwell
Named West Virginia Superintendent of the Year
rank Blackwell, Wyoming County Schools superintendent and a member of Concord University’s Board of Governors, was named the 2016 West Virginia Superintendent of the Year by the West Virginia Association of School Administrators. The award ceremony was held June 25. Blackwell was first appointed to Concord’s Board of Governors in February 2008 and reappointed in August 2013. He is a former
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chairperson of the board. Blackwell’s career as an educator has spanned nearly five decades. He has served as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent. He has been superintendent of Wyoming County Schools since 1982. A resident of Mullens, W.Va., Blackwell is known as a community advocate of excellent schools and successful students. He holds an A.B. and a M.A. degree from Marshall University.
Frank Blackwell
A r e t h e MOUNTAIN LIONS in your will? Ye s
N o
I d o n’ t h a v e a w i l l
I f y o u a n s w e r e d “YES”. . . If Concord is in your will or other estate plans, please get in touch with the Concord University Foundation, Inc. at 1-304-384-6056 or check out your options online at www.gftpln.org/Home.do?orgId=6307.
I f y o u a n s w e r e d “NO”. . . Think about putting Concord in your plans by making a valuable and meaningful gift that costs nothing today!
I f y o u a n s w e r e d “I DON’T HAVE A WILL”. . .
Then it is time to start planning! Visit www.gftpln.org/Home.do?orgId=6307 for more information on how you can leave a legacy at Concord University.
Fall 2015 • 24
Robert and Rosemary Carucci Goss ’74 Honor Her Parents with Scholarship elen and Tony Carucci passed a set of high standards on to their daughter, Rosemary, that have served her well in reaching acclaim in her personal and professional life. Rosemary Carucci Goss ’74, and her husband Robert Goss, share her parents’ legacy through the Carucci Memorial Scholarship at Concord University. The scholarship was established upon the death of her mother in 1997 and is for a student from McDowell County (W.Va.) with a preference for those majoring in teacher education or the visual or performing arts. “My parents instilled in me the value of hard work, the importance of a good education and the belief that I could accomplish most anything I wanted to do,” Dr. Goss said. “For these values I am very thankful and this scholarship was a way to honor them.” Dr. Goss is Residential Property Management Advisory Board Professor and Associate Director, Program in Real Estate at Virginia Tech. “My grandparents immigrated from Hungary and Italy to find work in the Appalachian coalfields where both of my parents were born in 1919 and lived throughout their lives,” Dr. Goss said. “My mother was one of seven children who were all raised by their coal mining father when his wife died leaving seven children ranging in age from 3 months to 12 years. “Mother dropped out of school in the 8th grade to go to work as a housekeeper and later as a store clerk. She married my father in 1945 and went on to run her own business – a tavern and restaurant in Cucumber (W.Va.).
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Helen and Tony Carucci on their wedding day with Rosemary’s grandfather Enrico Carucci. Tony had just returned home from serving in WWII.
She spoke fluent Hungarian and was a frequent interpreter for the Hungarian miners who lived in the area,” she said. Dr. Goss said her father lost his mother when he was 17. He enlisted in the military and served in the South Pacific during World War II. “Upon returning from the war he married my mother and worked as a coal miner until the massive layoffs in the early 1960s,” she said. Her parents’ insistence that she have a college education – and the value they placed upon it – impacted Rosemary at a very early age. “From the time I have a memory I knew I was going to college because my parents never let me forget it,” she said. “Both of my parents valued education very much and instilled that value in
me. They began saving early for my college expenses, and I was fortunate to graduate with no debt. Unfortunately, my father passed away after my sophomore year at Concord, but my mother was able to see me complete that degree as well as an M.S. from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. from Florida State." Dr. Goss has achieved a high level of success in her career and is known as a leader in her profession. Under her leadership, the first residential property management program in the United States was developed. Additionally, the National Apartment Association elected her to the charter board of directors of the National Apartment Association Education Institute in 2004 and awarded her the organization’s first Apartment Career and Education Award in 2006. Dr. Goss has served on the faculty at Virginia Tech for more than 30 years. An awardwinning teacher, she has served in numerous leadership positions there including as president of the Housing Education and Research Association. She resides in Blacksburg, Va.
Rosemary Carucci Goss ’74
Lifelong Ties to Concord Motivate Dr. Walter Klingensmith In His Generous Giving and Continued Support rowing up across from campus, Walter Klingensmith developed a love for Concord at an early age. “My dad taught here for years and I grew up right across the road,” he said. “I used to come to all of the basketball and football games and admired all the athletes including Lewis D’Antoni. He was the big hero then in the 30s,” Dr. Klingensmith said. “It was just a great place to grow up.” Walter’s father, Dr. Ralph Klingensmith, taught philosophy and psychology at Concord. The Klingensmith family also included his mother Mary, brother David, and sister Mary Alice. The Klingensmiths lived next door to the Marsh family, residents of the President’s House at the time. Walter’s good friend and neighbor was Joseph Marsh who was the son of Concord President Joseph Marsh, Sr. Joseph would later serve as the school’s president himself. Walter said as youngsters, he and Joe enjoyed playing tennis together and camping along the Bluestone River. When it came time for college, their studies took the two young men away from Athens. “He (Joe) went to Dartmouth while I was at Harvard,” Walter said. Joe Marsh had a car and offered his friend a ride back to West Virginia during the holidays. “He picked me up in Boston
Dr. Walter E. Klingensmith
and we would drive home for Christmas,” Walter said. Dr. Klingensmith received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and a medical degree from the Harvard Medical School. He completed his surgical residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. Now retired, he achieved a successful career as a general surgeon with specialization in thoracic and vascular surgery. He is a former president of the West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Klingensmith is a member of the Concord University Foundation Board of Trustees. His current
involvement in the community also includes service on various church committees. As a generous and gracious supporter of Concord University and the Concord University Foundation, Dr. Klingensmith has contributed to numerous programs and campaigns throughout the years. He is a major donor to University Point and the President’s House renovations. His faithful giving also benefits scholarships for Concord students and activities of Mountain Lion athletics. Dr. Klingensmith is motivated in his giving to Concord by his ties to the University and Concord’s tradition of excellence. “I support Concord because of my heritage,” he said. “It was a big part of my life as a youth.” Along with his personal connection to Concord, Dr. Klingensmith says Concord University’s reputation for strong academics also makes it a special place among institutions of higher learning. Concord, he said, is “recognized as an outstanding school.” Walter Klingensmith is a resident of Beckley, W.Va. He and his wife, Betty, have five children: Sally, Charles, John, Daniel and Mary Emily. The Klingensmith family also includes several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fall 2015 • 26
Concord University Research and Development Corporation
Board of Directors
Since 1999, the Concord University Research and Development Corporation, a nonprofit charitable organization, has worked to foster, support, participate in, and assist in research and economic development activities in furtherance of the educational objectives and mission of Concord University. In tandem with the University, the Corporation manages approximately $7 million in active sponsored research and programming representing over 65 active externally funded programs annually. Joseph Allen, Ph.D. Dr. Joseph Allen is Professor of Geology and Chair of the Department of Physical Sciences at Concord University. He has taught at Concord for 18 years. Dr. Allen received a bachelor’s degree in geology from Michigan State University; a master’s degree in geology from East Carolina University; and a doctorate in geology from the University of Kentucky. He is a resident of Athens, W.Va.
Charles Becker, D.B.A. Dr. Charles Becker serves as Executive Director of the Research and Development Corporation. He has worked at Concord for seven years and is currently Vice President for Business and Finance. Dr. Becker received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Military Institute; an MBA from the University of Virginia; and a DBA from Nova Southeastern University. He resides in Beckley, W.Va.
Kendra Boggess, Ph.D. Dr. Kendra Boggess is Chairperson of the Research and Development Corporation Board. She is the 12th President of Concord University and the first female to hold the position. Dr. Boggess brings nearly three decades of serving Concord in academics and administration to the presidency. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from St. Petersburg Junior College in Florida, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from the University of Florida in Gainesville, a Master of Science degree in Vocational Technical Education from Virginia Tech, and a Ph.D. in Business Education with a cognate in Business Management from Virginia Tech. Dr. Boggess is a resident of Princeton, W.Va. 27 • Fall 2015
Marjie Flanigan, Ph.D. Dr. Marjie Flanigan is Concord’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students and also serves as the University’s Title IX Coordinator. She has worked at Concord for 19 years. Dr. Flanigan earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Masters of Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Florida. She received her doctorate in counseling from Virginia Tech. Dr. Flanigan lives in Princeton, W.Va.
Joseph Manzo, Ph.D. Dr. Joseph Manzo is Professor of Geography at Concord and serves as Co-Coordinator of the West Virginia Geographic Alliance. He earned his doctoral degree in geography from the University of Kansas and began teaching at Concord in 1978. Dr. Manzo is a resident of Athens, W.Va.
Stephen Rowe, Ph.D. Dr. Stephen Rowe is retired from full time employment at Concord having served as Professor of English, library director, and in other positions. He earned an AB degree from Thiel College, a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, MLSIS from Louisiana State University, and a doctorate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He resides in Princeton, W.Va.
John D. Smith, L.L.M. John David Smith is a professor at Concord serving as director of Legal Studies and Prelaw programs and of the Master of Social Work program. He received his undergraduate degree from Concord in 1976; holds master’s degrees from West Virginia University and Marshall University; and earned a J.D. from University of Toledo and an L.L.M. from DePaul University. He lives in Athens, W.Va.
Susan Williams, Ph.D. Dr. Susan Williams is an Associate Professor at Concord and is Chair of the Division of Social Sciences. She is Faculty President and Interim Director of Concord’s Beckley location. She has served Concord for 19 years. Dr. Williams received a bachelor’s degree from Concord; a master’s degree from Marshall University; and a doctorate from West Virginia University. She is a resident of Princeton, W.Va. Fall 2015 • 28
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utumn arrived on “The Campus Beautiful” bringing with it crisp mountain mornings, delightful harvest displays, leaves in many hues gracing the trees, and the excitement of Homecoming. Concord University’s 2015 Homecoming celebration, which was held Oct. 5-10, offered fun and festivities for all Concordians. Reunions for alumni, competitions for students, activities and gatherings for the entire community, and the Mountain Lions’ victory on the football field highlighted this much anticipated week.
PARADE
PARADE & BONFIRE
A huge part of Concord’s Homecoming festivities is the traditional competition among Greek and other campus organizations for the titles of Homecoming King and Queen. Five couples representing 10 student groups vied for this year’s crowns. Theme for 2015 was Pixar movies. During the annual Homecoming Parade, candidates for Homecoming royalty and members of their organizations displayed floats, banners and costumes
Fall 2015 • 30
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related to the theme as part of the competition. Billboards, located around campus, lip sync performances, and a popular vote cast by students are also part of the contest. Movies featured in the competition include “The Incredibles,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Finding Nemo,” “Toy Story,” and “Monsters, Inc.” This year’s parade introduced a new route through campus and town. The popular event was held Thursday, Oct. 8. Participant line-up was located in the parking lot at Callaghan Stadium. The procession got underway at 6 p.m. at the stadium and made its way through the front of campus and up Vermillion Street. The parade then turned right onto Church Street and took its final turn right onto East Broadway Street and concluded in the Wooddell Hall parking lot. Two southern West Virginians whose appearances on NBC’s “The Voice” catapulted them into the spotlight were among celebrities for the night. Country music performer Cody Wickline from Beckley, W.Va., served as the parade’s Grand Marshal. Wickline made it to the top 30 in a previous season of “The Voice.” Krista Hughes, whose recent blind audition performance on “The Voice” turned all four chairs, was also a special guest. A resident of Coal City, W.Va., Hughes has been enrolled at Concord pursuing a degree in biology but has taken this semester off to devote time to her musical career. Along with the CU Homecoming candidate entries, the parade also featured marching bands, Concord groups and community organizations. Homecoming tradition continued after the parade with the bonfire in the Valley. Wickline and the Ohio Burn Unit provided entertainment. Following the excitement of competing in the parade, the Homecoming candidates completed their final requirement in a display of creativity and energy at the lip sync contest. The event packed the
Carter Center main gym on Friday, Oct. 9.
BONFIRE & CONCERT
ALUMNI GATHERINGS
Returning to campus, alumni enjoyed the opportunity to reminisce and rekindle friendships during Homecoming. A variety of events and gatherings offered time to share memories, visit with classmates and former professors, and join in the big celebration. The Concord University Alumni Association (CUAA) held two meetings on Oct. 9. Both afternoon sessions were held in University Point. The CUAA Executive Council convened first followed by the CUAA’s Annual Meeting. CUAA Lifetime Members and President’s Club Members were special guests at the President’s Reception held at the President’s House later that day. Friday events for alumni also included the annual Alumni Pig Roast held on the bottom floor of the Student Center and an Alumni After Hours in Princeton. Game day activities on Saturday, Oct. 10 for alumni included brunch and a Meet and Greet with former professors at the President’s House. Sororities held pre-game teas across campus. Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority held its 90th Anniversary Celebration in the Wilkes Family Chapel at University Point. The Lion’s Den Tailgate opened at noon in the football stadium main parking lot near the entrance to the field. The enclosed tent provided dues paying members of the CUAA and special friends of the University a place to socialize and enjoy refreshments prior to and during the game. Affinity tents, also located in the stadium parking lot, offered a place to reconnect with friends. Alumni groups represented include Science, Social Work, Athletic Training, the Black Student Union, and International Students. The Concord cheerleaders held a reunion and the 1990 WVIAC CoChampionship football team was recognized prior to the game.
Fall 2015 • 32
PIG ROAST
ALUMNI MEET The Concord University men’s and women’s cross country teams hosted the annual alumni home meet the morning of Saturday, Oct. 10 at Pipestem Resort State Park. The women’s 5,000-meter race got underway first followed by the men’s contest on an 8,000-meter course. Men’s Cross Country
LIP SYNC
The Concord University men’s cross country team scored a team victory at its third consecutive meet as it perfect scored the meet with 15 points. Freshman Jason Weitzel finished second overall, but former Concord runner Robby Peters ’13 won the race unattached, meaning his placing didn’t count. Also running the course was CU alum Lance McDaniel ’10 who was the fourth runner to cross the finish line. Weitzel clocked a time of 27:58 on the 8,000-meter course. Senior Stephen Starliper ran 28:05 to finish third. Sophomore Justin Snyder crossed the line with a time of 28:28 for a fourth-place showing. Freshman Michael Ruhnke (seventh / 28:45) and junior Brandon Lee (eighth / 28:53) rounded out the top five for the Mountain Lions. Also competing for CU was junior Cimarron Nicely (10th / 29:04), freshman Tyler Kosut (13th / 29:52), freshman Jacob Ashcraft (17th / 30:46), senior Aaron Martin (18th / 30:52), freshman David Meck (22nd / 31:58), freshman Matt Strand (23rd / 32:05), sophomore Roger Foster (26th / 33:19) and freshman Damon Akers (28th / 34:12). Women’s Cross Country
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The Concord University women’s cross country team posted a nearperfect team score en route to a team victory in the Concord Alumni Meet at Pipestem State Park. Concord scored 20 points to finish ahead of West Virginia Tech (48), Bluefield State (72) and
Bluefield College (102). The win was the fourth in five meets for the Mountain Lions. Senior Vivian Ruiz finished as the top runner for Concord and second overall with a time of 20:51. Freshman Bailey Knowles finished third overall with a time of 21:17 while freshman Karleigh Thompson (4th/21:38), freshman Catrina Russell (6th/22:12), sophomore Kristin Lee (7th/22:19), and freshman Kaylin Kessinger (8th/22:33) rounded out the runners who finished in the top 10 for Concord. Also finishing for CU were freshman Kenna Knowles (13th/22:58) freshman Taylor Hamm (15th/23:09), and senior Rene Miller (18th/24:48).
PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION
GAME DAY
The drizzle was relentless but so were the Mountain Lions and a rainy Homecoming afternoon turned into a victory celebration for Concord University on Saturday, Oct. 10. Kickoff was 2 p.m. as CU took on UVa-Wise. Dedicated Concord fans sat under a sea of colorful umbrellas in the stands at Callaghan Stadium. The Mountain Lions repaid their loyalty with an impressive 63-21 win against the Cavaliers. Tailgates in the parking lot and other gatherings for alumni, students and friends of the University rounded out game day events. A special highlight of the day arrived when winners of the student competitions for Homecoming King and Queen were revealed. Concord University’s 2015 Homecoming Royalty, crowned in a halftime coronation at Callaghan Stadium, are Megastasia Fofied from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, representing the International Students Club and Juwan Waddy from Kilmarnock, Va., representing Phi Delta Pi. Concord University President Dr. Kendra Boggess and Dr. Marjie Flanigan, vice president of student affairs and dean of students,
TAILGATE & PREGAME
Fall 2015 • 34
crowned the winners. First runners-up are Carli Danielle Brewer from Draper, Va., representing Delta Zeta and Tyler Harris from Chesapeake, Va., representing Tau Kappa Epsilon. Second runners-up are Andrea Rollins from Princeton, W.Va., representing Alpha Sigma Tau and Jacob Meadows from Peterstown, W.Va., representing Sigma Tau Gamma. Other candidates competing for the 2015 crowns were: Amanda Woods from Princeton, W.Va., representing Sigma Sigma Sigma and Christopher Poore from Randleman, N.C., representing Phi Sigma Phi; and Kathleen Grace Baker from Oak Hill, W.Va., representing Alpha Sigma Alpha and Noah Boyd Mitchem from Marytown, W.Va., representing Chi Omega Psi.
GAME
The 1990 WVIAC Co-Championship football team. 35 • Fall 2015
Behind a career day from senior running back Calvinaugh Jones, the Concord University football team won its seventh straight Homecoming game as it defeated UVa-Wise 63-21. The win elevated CU’s record to 4-2 overall and in the MEC. Jones rushed for a career-high 260 yards and three touchdowns, two of which were for 62 yards and 82 yards, respectively. The Mountain Lions jumped out quick as Jones, sophomore running back Jamal Petty and sophomore wide receiver TJ Smith all found the end zone within the first 10 minutes of the game. Jones’ touchdown was from 62 yards out while Petty rushed in from three yards. Junior quarterback Brian Novak found Smith on a 37-yard connection. As the Concord offense was piling up the points, the CU defense stymied UVa-Wise as the Cavaliers were held to negative yards rushing and got backed up into their own territory twice in the first half resulting in safeties on errant snaps.
HOMECOMING COURT This year’s homecoming candidates include (from left to right, top to bottom) the winners, Megastasia Fofied from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, representing the International Students Club and Juwan Waddy from Kilmarnock, Va., representing Phi Delta Pi; First runners-up, Carli Danielle Brewer from Draper, Va., representing Delta Zeta and Tyler Harris from Chesapeake, Va., representing Tau Kappa Epsilon; Second runners-up, Andrea Rollins from Princeton, W.Va., representing Alpha Sigma Tau and Jacob Meadows from Peterstown, W.Va., representing Sigma Tau Gamma; Amanda Woods from Princeton, W.Va., representing Sigma Sigma Sigma and Christopher Poore from Randleman, N.C., representing Phi Sigma Phi; Kathleen Grace Baker from Oak Hill, W.Va., representing Alpha Sigma Alpha and Noah Boyd Mitchem from Marytown, W.Va., representing Chi Omega Psi.
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GAME
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For the game, Concord held the Cavaliers to negative rushing yards with nine. It was the first time CU held an opponent to negative rushing since Homecoming last year versus Urbana. Furthermore, it was the eighth single-best game for rushing defense across Division II this season. Along with Jones’ three scores and Petty’s and Smith’s touchdown, sophomore wide receiver Jermeil Douse and freshman quarterback Justin Cogar also added offensive touchdowns for the Mountain Lions. Sophomore defensive back Chaudlier Shepherd intercepted his second pass of the season and ran it back 42 yards for CU’s first defensive touchdown of the season in the second half. Smith finished the day with six catches for 70 yards and a touchdown while junior quarterback Brian Novak was 15-for-23 with 221 yards and two touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Javares McRoy amassed 149 all-purpose yards with 33 on the ground, 65 through the air and 51 on kickoff returns. Defensively, the Mountain Lions forced four turnovers including a season-high three fumbles with senior defensive end Brandon Taylor ripping the ball out on a sack attempt while junior linebacker Denis Ikic caused a fumble on a rushing attempt. Redshirt freshman defensive back Cameron Kerley stripped the ball from the Cavaliers’ Andre Hamilton on a kickoff return. Senior defensive lineman Ervin Moore collected six tackles, three tackles for loss, a season-best two sacks and recovered the loose ball that Taylor forced out. Back to Jones, who entered the game needing 329 yards to break the all-time rushing record at Concord, nearly pulled off the feat in a single game as he collected his second career 200-yard rushing game. Jones weaved and ran through great blocking behind the Mountain Lions offensive line all afternoon.
The 82-yard touchdown run was the second-longest run for Jones in his storied CU career.
MORE FROM HOMECOMING WEEK!
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Bob Mullett (right) with his grandson Brace II (center) and his son Brace (left)
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Bob Mullett
Former Head Football Coach his feature catches up with former faculty and staff and asks them to update us about their life today while sharing some memories of their days at Concord. Background I met my lovely wife, Pam Mullett, at Concord. She has been my rock and the foundation of my professional career. My son, who is a Concord graduate and a member of the Concord University Board of Governors, bleeds maroon and gray and considers Athens, W.Va. his hometown. I am also blessed to have a daughter-inlaw, Stephanie, and two truly amazing grandsons, Brace II and Daly Mullett. I received my B.S. in Education from Concord College. While at Concord, I was Student Body President and a Varsity Football player. I received my master’s degree from Marshall University.
Prior to and after leaving Concord I was a high school football coach and teacher in West Virginia. I have retired from teaching and am currently serving as Head Football Coach at John Adams Middle School, where my favorite football player, my grandson, Brace II, starts for me as a 6th Grader. I also serve the West Virginia Coach’s Association as the Director of the North-South Football All-Star Classic. How long did you coach at Concord? Nearly a decade.
What are some of the highlights of your Concord coaching career? The people. I had the honor of working for Don Christie, our athletic director, who I loved and respected as a person. Working alongside Steve Cox who is a great friend and a wonderful person was a highlight. Will Johnson, Randy
Jennings, Bob Whittinghill, Dale and Jean Dickens, many talented assistant coaches and others that I don’t have space to list – were all such a special part of my time at Concord. We also had the pleasure of working with so many high character, great student athletes: Chris Hairston, Dale Baker, Robert Thompson, Rob Majors, Charlie Wallace, Craig Smith, the Bradley brothers, Tony Dunlap, Danny Lindsay, Carson Jeffers, Benny Jenkins, Bryan Hamm, Forest Irving, Tracy Gravely, Troy Wilt, Billy Pate, Bernie Sorensen, Billy Dalyrhmple and so many, many more. In 1992, we made it to the national playoffs and lost by less than a touchdown to, eventual National Runner-Up, GardnerWebb University on their home field. Our players gave a courageous performance, and to this day, it is one of the best games, in any sport, I have ever witnessed. What awards and honors did you and your Concord teams receive?
We won two Conference Championships and made the National playoffs once. I was also honored to be named the conference Coach of the Year.
We also had a number of All-Americans, including, Bryan Hamm, Tracey Gravely, Forest Irving, Robert Majors, Chris Hairston, Danny Lindsay and Freddie Ford. What did you find especially rewarding during your time at Concord?
During the late 80s and 90s the Concord Athletic Department was like a big Fall 2015 • 40
family. We had a tremendous run of high character, great student athletes who were fun to work with and be around. I am also immensely proud of our record on the field. Even though we had fewer resources than most of the WVIAC football programs during that era, we had a winning record against every program, save Shepherd. That is an outstanding accomplishment. We also thoroughly enjoyed living in Athens. It is a beautiful area and the people care a great deal about their neighbors and community.
Are you, and if so how are you staying connected with the University, your former players and the students? How are you involved in the life of Concord today? We try to get to at least one football game each year. Those are always so much fun and Coach Justice is doing a tremendous job. We have been able to use those games as reunions with players and coaches
from the 80s going forward. Many of my former players from Concord are teachers and football coaches. It is always an honor when those players reach out to me for advice or support and I enjoy those conversations so very much. I have also thoroughly enjoyed participating in the yearly Athletic Hall of Fame Induction events and banquet. We also enjoy supporting the basketball team at the Mountain East tournament every year – Coach McBride continues to do such a wonderful job with the program. Where do you live now? What are some of your activities and interests? What community service and civic organizations are you involved with now?
Pam and I live in Madison, W.Va., which is only 20 minutes from Charleston. We are very active with our church and Gideon program. I am also working with a group to build a facility for the West Virginia Athletic Hall of Fame in South Charleston, W.Va. Pam and I also enjoy spending time with our beautiful, blessed family.
Keeping Up With Concord Social media has allowed people to keep in touch with individuals, groups and activities all across the globe and Concord is using some of these tools to keep its alumni connected to the university and each other. You can keep up with Concord through any (or all!) of the following outlets:
Facebook: Concord University Alumni Association, Inc.
Twitter: @CampusBeautiful Twitter: @ConcordUAlumni
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LinkedIn: Official Concord University Alumni group
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/
photos/42005172@N02/sets/
Pinterest: Concord University Alumni Association Instagram: ConcordUAlumni
YouTube: CUCATVIDEO
We hope you will take advantage of each of these sites as a quick and easy way to keep up with Concord!
University Of Charleston School Of Pharmacy And Concord University Sign Agreement
he University of Charleston School of Pharmacy and Concord University signed an affiliation agreement Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015. This affiliated agreement is The “3 + 4” Charleston Dual Degree Program in Pharmacy. The program will be a prepharmacy program that will give the students the opportunity to complete their degree in two phases: Phase I consists of three years of undergraduate education at Concord University, and Phase II consists of four years of pharmacy education at the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy. UC School of Pharmacy will reserve a total of five (5) positions annually to Concord University, with the understanding that additional positions may be available as determined by mutual agreement between Concord University and the UC School of Pharmacy, in Phase II of the Program for Concord University students successfully completing Phase I. Dr. Michelle Easton, Dean, UC School of Pharmacy, said, “We are excited about this affiliation agreement with Concord University. Part of our mission at the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy is
Dr. Edwin H. Welch, President, University of Charleston, seated left, and Dr. Kendra Boggess, President, Concord University, seated right, sign the agreement. Shown back row, left to right: Dr. Michelle Easton, Dean of School of Pharmacy, University of Charleston; Dr. Susan Gardner, Assistant Dean for Professional and Student Affairs, School of Pharmacy, University of Charleston; Dr. Rajan Radhakrishnan, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Pharmacy, University of Charleston; and Dr. Peter Viscusi, Vice President and Academic Dean, Concord University. Photography by: Brock Burwell, University of Charleston Photographer.
to serve citizens in the Appalachian region and improve access to quality healthcare. We believe this agreement will allow us to recruit and matriculate bright, qualified rising stars who have completed their pre-pharmacy training in West Virginia and wish to gain valuable high quality pharmacy training in an environment that promotes, supports, and is rural health centered.” “Concord University is looking
forward to collaborating with the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy in providing this new educational opportunity for our students,” Dr. Kendra Boggess, Concord University President, said. “This exciting initiative is yet another vehicle through which Concord can offer quality education that leads to promising careers and will enhance the services we are committed to providing to our area, region and state.”
EPAT Students
Collaborate with Australian Counterparts
eacher education students in Concord University’s EPAT (Educational Psychology, Assessment, and Technology) have collaborated this semester with their counterparts at Victoria University in Australia, exchanging information on school systems, types of diversity, teaching methodologies, largescale assessments, and issues in education, among other topics. The students shared their
findings at the Global Collaboration and Diversity Symposium on Wednesday, Sept. 30 in Concord’s Student Center Ballroom. The event included poster presentations, interactive activities with elementary school children and art festivities centering on the Australian theme. During the symposium, students demonstrated diverse technologies (Skype, Google Docs, Voice Thread, Wikis, etc.), while underlining
cultural awareness and acceptance. EPAT is taught by Dr. Anita Reynolds, professor of education, and Dr. Terry Mullins, professor of education. Dr. Lauri Reidmiller, associate professor of art, and her education students offered activities during the symposium. The Global Collaboration and Diversity Symposium has been presented during the fall and spring semesters at Concord University for the past several years.
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Student: Beyond the Classroom Horseback Riding Class
Leads to Winner’s Circle
Editor’s Note: In the following personal account, Concord University student Delaney Najar shares her experiences with Concord’s horseback riding class. The course is taught by Shirley Trail at Mountain Trail Stables in Rock, W.Va. and is offered through Concord’s Recreation and Tourism Management Program. hen I first found out about the riding class, I knew I had to find a way to fit it in to my crazy schedule. Being a Biology Pre-Professional major means I carry a load of heavy classes most semesters. I am so glad that I found a time to join this class. I have always loved horses and dreamed of owning them, but as I grew up I realized that living in the city wouldn’t allow that. So I saw the class as a chance for me to spend time with horses and learn all the proper techniques of riding and horse care. The class was much more than that for me; it introduced me to people who were genuine, kind, and eager to help me learn. Shirley Trail and those who help during the first “trial” run of the class made me realize that my dream could be obtained. Shirley broke down horse care and explained it in a way someone who has never dealt with horses could understand. She showed us how to properly groom your horse before a lesson and then coached us through mounting and the different gaits. She explained how each gait is different and the movement we, as the rider, need
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Victory pass at the West Virginia State Fair. Photo courtesy of the State Fair of West Virginia.
to do to help the horse and for the overall appearance to be better. The tests were based off of all the material she either spoke about or handed out for us to study. The
final exam was half paper and half how you got your horse ready and how you handled them from in the saddle. I appreciated being graded on my work with the horses not
Blue Ribbon Celebration. Photo courtesy of the State Fair of West Virginia.
just how much of the information I could remember. As the weeks of the class flew by, I realized that I would soon be done with the class and left without a way to be around the horses and the wonderful people at the barn. Making this sad fact known, Shirley offered for me to take private lessons after the class ended. I graciously and happily accepted. When I went for my first lesson, I was nervous. Yes, I had been riding horses but it had been in a class setting and never alone. Once I was mounted and going, my nerves washed away. I was hooked. I had found my new hobby and in turn formed some of the best
friendships. Over the next few months Shirley kept placing new challenges in front of me. She took the surface material we learned about riding during the class and expanded it one hundred fold. She began preparing me for horse shows. During my private lessons, Shirley introduced me to a foundation called ATCHA. The American Competitive Trail Horse
Association is a group of people with many different breeds of horses, some rescues, that compete in trail competitions and obstacle courses with their horse. Shirley hosted an event and afterward I tried it with the lesson horse I had been riding. Come to find out we were rather good and started training to compete in the next one. We competed and took third place!
Delaney Najar Biology Pre-Professional Major Owner of a Beautiful American Saddlebred Named Payten (barn name) or Southswinds Winning Title (registered name)
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After this we went back to training for our horse show. I had been riding for almost a year when Shirley introduced me to a horse she had brought home and wanted me to ride him. After the first lap I was in love. Shirley told me he was for sale and my hope began to bloom. I talked constantly about this amazing horse trying to convince my family he would be a perfect addition. Lucky for me my mom also loves horses and saw the potential for the very talented American Saddlebred and me.
We have been together for almost 6 months now. We went to our first horse show in July. We competed in the 47th annual Bluefield Shriner Blue Gray horseshow. We participated in four classes and won a first place blue ribbon in our Academy showmanship, a second place ribbon in the Academy equation, and a third place in the go-as-you-please championship class. For my first horse show it was an amazing experience. Our next show was the West Virginia State Fair. We competed in three classes
and we won a blue ribbon in the Academy equation and Academy showmanship classes. It was so humbling to look back at my start. Going from not knowing proper form or how to truly handle a horse to being able to show in a competitive class and win with my horse. Taking the riding and horses class has been the best decision I have made. It has given me a hobby that I will keep for a lifetime and friendships that will last the same.
RTM Students Enjoy ‘Daily Adventures’ during Scouting Internships
very summer, Recreation and Tourism Management students test their skills and knowledge while fulfilling the internship requirement of their degree. This summer, two students, Lindsey Shaffer and Weston Keith, worked at the Summit Bechtel Reserve located in Fayette and Raleigh counties. Each week, they hosted Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from across the country. Weston, a mountain biking specialist, worked at the reserve last year, so this summer he managed the Mountain Biking Activity Center. Lindsey helped operate the BMX park. I am especially proud to say that both students felt they were wellequipped for their daily adventures after participating in their RTM classes, such as how to create and evaluate recreation programs or managing risk in recreational pursuits. Students from Concord’s Recreation and Tourism Management program work in travel and leisure organizations around the world. They are National Park Rangers, Community
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Dr. Susan Williams, left, Lindsey Shaffer, Lindsey Shaffer on the job. center, and Weston Keith at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
Development Specialists, manage fairs and festivals, and have fulfilling careers in the hospitality industry. Submitted by: Dr. Susan Williams Associate Professor, Recreation and Tourism Management Chair, Division of Social Sciences Faculty President Director, CU Beckley Location
Weston Keith, left, and Lindsey Shaffer surrounded by the reserve’s natural beauty
(Left to right) Lauren Manning '13, Kathy Manning '79 and Ginny Shirley '76 with Roar at the Wyoming County Freshmen SendOff at Twin Falls State Park.
Roar showing off some dance moves at Dancing with the Stars in Beckley, WV.
Roar with Don Dunford, who at 79 years old just completed his application for graduation! Present to assist him is Teresa Frey '96, CU's RBA Academic Advisor
Roar hanging out with R. Michael Smith '01 in his cubicle in Leesburg, VA. Roar catching some rays at Virginia Beach with Ginny Shirley '76
TAKE ROAR WITH YOU! Roar recently traveled to Hogwarts (Universal Studios, FL) with Jeremy Smith ’13.
1st Lt Liston Pennington IV USMC, class of 2011, and Captain Jay White USMC, Class of 2010 with Roar in the Republic of Georgia.
Show us where you’ve taken Roar! Find your cut out of Roar on page 82 of this magazine.
Fall 2015 • 46
Gamma Beta Phi
Greek life is an important part of the college experience for many Concord students. Bonds that are formed between brothers and sisters remain strong and continue to thrive as students become alumni. “Greek Spotlight” is dedicated to CU’s Greek letter organizations.
Purpose
Taken from the Gamma Beta Phi Society, Article II: Nature and Purpose of Corporation, Constitution
The Society is a non-secret, non-profit, scholastic, honor, educational-service organization, for certain students, faculty and staff at accredited colleges and universities that recognizes and encourages excellence in education, promotes the development of leadership ability and character in the members thereof and fosters, disseminates, and improves education by appropriate service projects, through membership in a national association of local chapters of the Society at such colleges and universities.
History Chartered on March 22, 1964 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Gamma Beta Phi Society was created by a group of Southern college educators. Founder of the society, Dr. John W. Harris, served as the Society's Executive Secretary for its first 10 years until Dr. Aaron Todd took on the role and moved the society's head quarters to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Now headquarted in Oak Ridge, Tennessee under the direction of National Executive Director, Mrs. Margaret McCauley, the society is one of the nation's most prominent honor societies. Today there are approximately 138 chapters in higher education institutions across the United States consisting of around 40,000 active members.
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1969
The 1969 class of Concord's Gamma Beta Phi Society serve at the regional science fair.
2012
The Gamma Beta Phi members gather for a group photo.
Gamma Beta Phi Facts • Founded: March 22, 1964 • Location of Founding: Spartanburg, South Carolina • Founded at Concord: December 10, 1965
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Colors: Yellow and Black Continuing Membership Qualifications: Must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale Greek letters: �B�
Code of Ethics
1992
The 1992 Gamma Beta Phi class at Concord (above) and their induction ceremony (below).
The Gamma Beta Phi Society Concord Charter
Gamma Beta Phi crest
For more information on the Gamma Beta Phi Society please visit www.gammabetaphi.org Fall 2015 • 48
Arctic Travels Concord Geology in Greenland
Brightly colored houses in the town of Sisimiut.
ast year in these pages, the article Volcanic Travels featured a geology research trip to the Pacific northwest with Concord students. Not to be outdone, this year two Concord geology students joined me in a field expedition to a remote site in western Greenland north of the Arctic Circle in July and August. Our work was funded by a major grant from the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund. The scientific objectives of the project are to investigate how geologic faults develop through time – but more on that later. Back here in West Virginia, most of the local community was surprised to hear that you could even go to Greenland. We fielded numerous questions, such as – Will you need to carry a rifle to avoid
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being eaten by polar bears or trampled by a musk ox? How will you get around on the ice and avoid falling into a crevasse? What will you eat? Do any people live there? Is it very cold? How will you get there? These are all great questions, which I have to admit that I wondered about before organizing my first expedition there in 2013 with Concord student Luke Stevens (B.S. ’14, Environmental Geosciences). Our field site is on the island of Sarfannguit, a 17-mile-long sliver of land between the Ikertooq and Amerloq fjords. The island rests at the mouth of the fjords where they empty into the Davis Strait, which connects the north Atlantic and Arctic oceans and separates Greenland from Baffin Island in northeastern Canada. Sarfannguit lies 100 miles west of the massive ice
sheet that covers more than threefourths of Greenland. Sarfannguit is a rugged island covered with squishy tundra between scattered dark outcrops of metamorphic gneiss and countless freshwater ponds that served as our source of drinking water. In many areas, the topography rises steeply from the fjords to as high as 1300 feet above sea level. There are no trees, but the scenery is wholly fantastic. An endless rolling landscape of tundra covered with brilliant splashes of green, brown, pink, yellow, blue, and purple. Although Greenland has polar bears, they stay north of our field site during the summer, and
By Dr. Joseph L. Allen Professor of Geology
A final view of the town of Sisimiut as we sail south towards our field research site.
the musk ox herds are only found on the mainland near the ice cap. The wildlife we encountered included a wide variety of birds, Arctic foxes, and an occasional whale. We were engulfed in silence and free of the background din of society. The people of Greenland are clustered into small, isolated communities. With a total population of 56,000, about 6000 fewer than here in Mercer County, West Virginia, Greenland has the
distinction of being the leastdensely populated country in the world. Most of the population is concentrated in and near the capitol city of Nuuk on the southwestern coast of Greenland. Our field site is farther north near Sisimiut, the second largest town in the country with a population of 5500. There are no roads connecting any of the towns or settlements in Greenland, making logistics quite a challenge. The local population travels between
settlements by helicopter or boat, and in the winter by dog sledge. Our travels took us to Sisimiut via three flights on two commercial airlines, and then to the field area on Sarfannguit by boat with the assistance of a local outfitter. He left us on the island for 2 ½ weeks, where we set up a tent camp and accessed our field sites on foot. We also had a 2.5-meter zodiac with a 15 HP outboard engine, which we used to access smaller islands and skerries in the Ikertooq fjord and the Davis Strait. Our trip began with a flight to Reykjavik, Iceland, where we transferred to a flight on Air Greenland, the only commercial airline serving the country. We had a layover between flights and spent the first night camped at Thingvellir National Park in southwestern Iceland. The site has cultural importance because it was the location of the first parliament in the western world in 930 AD. For geologists, it has scientific significance because it lies within the actively spreading volcanic rift valley of the mid-Atlantic ridge, where new seafloor is being created as the North American tectonic plate spreads westward away from the European plate. This was a remarkable experience for a
The zodiac speeds into the Ikertooq fjord skippered by a Concord geology student. Fall 2015 • 50
seasoned field geologist, and even more momentous for our Concord undergraduate students. We spent the second night camped in Nuuk, Greenland, and then continued on with another flight the next day to Sisimiut where we spent the night in a guest house operated by Heli Greenland, our outfitter. From there, we travelled more than an hour by boat to our field site and settled in to accomplish our research objectives. Our daily work plan involved conducting field mapping from early morning until evening. Our evenings featured a hot camp meal cooked over a small backpacking stove. On two occasions, we dined on fresh fish – student-caught Greenlandic cod straight from the fjord. Following dinner, we split rations of chocolate. Mathew Merson (Environmental Geosciences senior) frequently led some poetry readings, typically from the works of Robert W. Service. His works were also a favorite read during the long winter months of Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition just over a century earlier. Although it was six weeks past the summer solstice, it was still light enough to read inside a tent at any hour of the night. The sun circled around us during the day, reaching a surprisingly low high point due south at noon, and barely skimming below the horizon behind mountains to the north after 11 p.m., casting a
Our tent camp on Sarfannguit with CU students Mathew Merson and Michael Green (both Environmental Geosciences seniors).
brilliant sheen of orange and purple across the northern sky for several hours, making it difficult to tell when sunset ended and sunrise began. The low sun generated only modest daytime temperatures. The Arctic summer is in fact quite cool and not unlike November in West Virginia. During the day it was typically 40– 45˚F, and slightly cooler at night. But wind and morning fog could make it feel quite a bit colder, especially when we were working on the coast since the temperature of the ocean was about 34˚ F. The goal of our work is to study
The target of our study – A swirly black and green vein formed by frictional melting during an ancient earthquake rupture several miles below ground. 51 • Fall 2015
a huge system of interconnected faults that originally formed during earthquakes three or more miles deep. These earthquakes left behind an unusual rock type generated by intense friction that melted the ruptured earthquake fault, leaving behind thin black veins speckled with broken mineral fragments. The melting likely happened in a matter of seconds as the earthquake fault moved. Then, the molten material cooled off in a few more seconds to a few minutes leaving behind a thin black vein of rock. We do not yet know the age or exact depth under which these curious rocks formed. But the answers to these questions are part of our research objectives. The earthquake ruptures were later uplifted to the Earth’s surface and eroded off by glacial ice in the recent geologic past, and they now provide a unique fossil record of earthquakes. One of our most exciting discoveries during the 2015 expedition was that the faults could be continuously traced and mapped for more than 8 miles. We expect to extend this for a much longer distance in future expeditions. Even so, this is now the second-largest fossil earthquake zone known in the world. It is at least half as long as a fault system in the Colorado Rockies that has been
studied by Concord students over the past 16 years during our summer geology field course and as part of two National Science Foundation research projects at Concord. So why is it important to study a site such as this? The friction-generated rocks are rare and only found in a few dozen locations around the world. When earthquakes rupture along the San Andreas or other active faults around the world, the hypocenter, where the rupture initiates, is typically several miles below ground. Since we can only observe the hypocenter indirectly by looking at seismograms, our field site provides a unique window into the deep part of a fault where earthquakes form. We hope to answer a variety of questions during our study. For example, how does the geology below ground influence the distribution and length of earthquake ruptures? Do the previously molten rocks tell us anything about how powerful the earthquakes were? These are critical questions that are not well known to science today. The solution to them may help us to understand how earthquakes operate, and from
Spectacular colors of the Greenland tundra, with the Ikertooq fjord in the background.
a larger perspective, how faults begin to form. The latter question is important from a resource perspective because geologic faults can control the distribution of fossil fuels and the flow of groundwater. The value of a research expedition such as this extends to all of the students in Concord’s geoscience program. Those who didn’t travel will have the opportunity to conduct original research in their
Concord geology classes on some of the samples we collected. Nonmajors taking our general studies introductory class in geology will see the photographs, hear the tales, and become immersed in the excitement of scientific discovery. The impact is remarkable and far-reaching. For more photographs and research news, follow us on Twitter @CU_in_ the_field and @CUGeology.
West Virginia Geographic Alliance
Receives National Geographic Society Grant he West Virginia Geographic Alliance, hosted by Concord University, has been awarded a grant of $32,709 from the National Geographic Society. According to Dr. Joseph Manzo, co-coordinator of the alliance and Concord professor of geography, the grant will benefit teachers and students in the public school system as well as Concord University students. “The money will be used to support geography in the classrooms in the form of materials, free graduate (professional development) classes and student activities,” he
said. A number of professional development classes offered through Concord’s Graduate Studies Program will be available to K-12 teachers thanks to the grant. Among the topics are “Learning with Maps,” “Urban Geography,” and “North Africa and the Middle East.” For more information visit: www. concord.edu/graduate/geographyalliance-courses The funding will also help support the annual Geography Bowl for high school students and the West Virginia Geographic Bee, a yearly competition for 4th through 8th
graders. Both events have been held at Concord University in recent years. Dr. Manzo said the grant also helps fund employment for Concord students working during these events and those who work in the office. To learn more about the grant and the West Virginia Geographic Alliance contact Dr. Joseph Manzo at manzoj@concord.edu or 304-3845208. Additional information is also available at: http://www. wvgeographicalliance.org/ Fall 2015 • 52
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Baker Family Committed to Concord, Career Achievement, Philanthropy he Baker Family is eternally grateful to Concord University,” Sam Baker says. Sam graduated from Concord in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His children and other family members followed in his footsteps to “The Campus Beautiful.” Son Ben Baker graduated in 2006 and daughter Madalyn Baker Grose graduated in 2008. Other family members with CU ties include Sam’s wife Barbara, who attended Concord, and his son-in-law Garin Grose, nephew Brad Baker and wife Leslie Gatherum Baker, and niece Brooke Baker Martinez and husband Art. As a teenager growing up in a home where his hard working single mother’s limited wages placed a college education far from his reach, Sam wasn’t headed to college after his graduation from Welch (W.Va.) High School in 1974. The generosity of another individual, however, changed the course of Sam’s life and put him on a path that eventually led to a degree from Concord. Sam shares the heartwarming story. “During the summer of 1974, I received notice that a local businessman wanted me to come to his office ASAP,” Sam recalls. “Mr. Roland L. ‘Rolo’ Taylor was the publisher of the Welch Daily News and had been my Little League Baseball Coach. I had delivered his newspapers for two years until I was old enough to get a valid work permit from the McDowell County Board of Education, which I did on
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The Baker Family
my 14th birthday.” “Mr. Taylor was a high profile man in town and I was absolutely sure that I was in some sort of trouble. I actually avoided him for the better part of a week before I got the courage to come to his office as requested,” he said. “I remember nervously walking into his office. He closed the door and asked me to have a seat. ‘Sammy Joe, what are you going to do with your life? Where are you going to attend college?’” Sam remembers Mr. Taylor asking. “The honest truth was that I didn’t have gas money to drive to Bluefield,” Sam said. “Absolutely no chance of attending college. None. Zero.” “He then said the words that would change my life forever. ‘If I paid your way for the first year, would you go?’ To say that I was stunned is an understatement. Of
course, I immediately said ‘yes,’” Sam recalls. “Mr. Taylor picked up the telephone, called Bluefield State College and asked how much it would cost to send a young man to BSC for one year. He laid the phone back into the cradle, pulled out a large heavy wooden desk drawer and wrote me a check for $500,” he said. “I had literally never seen that much money in my entire life.” Sam said he was the “first person in my extended family to even attempt college.” He attended BSC for two years, then transferred to Concord in the fall of 1976. “My experience at Concord College would best be described as magical,” he said. “I joined a fraternity, played several intramural sports and completely immersed myself into the college experience…” When he graduated, the milestone of earning a college
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degree was monumental. “I was not only the first person in my family to attend college, I was now the first person in my family to officially be a college graduate,” he said. “Upon graduation I accepted a job with the Norfolk and Western Railway which I held for seven years. However, the desire to become self-employed had become engrained in my mind since taking a course at Concord College from Dr. Leonard Bergstein in entrepreneurial studies,” he explained. “In 1986 I accepted a challenge from Nationwide Insurance and my dream of selfemployment was complete.” His career with Nationwide as an agent/owner has witnessed exceptional growth. He currently has five offices in southern West Virginia including locations in Princeton, Welch, Bluefield, Beckley and Bluewell. As a franchisee with Liberty Income Tax since 2002, he operates offices in Princeton, Bluefield and Mullens. He is also owner of Premier Property Development, a commercial and residential real estate development in West Virginia and North Carolina. The Baker children are also excelling in their careers. Ben has been owner of the Lake Norman Screen Printing Factory in Mooresville, N.C. since 2010 and owner of Baker & Sons Development Group (Residential Real Estate Development and rental) since 2007. Madalyn became owner of MPB Properties in 2011. The business deals in residential real estate development and rentals in Mooresville. She is also the internal bookkeeper for all Sam Baker Enterprises operations and the internal bookkeeper for the Lake Norman Screenprinting Factory. This legacy family has established
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a tradition of being honored for exceptional career achievements and community service. Nationwide Insurance has honored Sam Baker with the Champion Award, Presidents Award, Agency of the Year awards and Service Agent of the Year Award for service to the local community. Ben was named Top of the Lake Rookie of the Year by the Mooresville, N.C. Rotary Club in 2013 and Rotarian of the Year for 2015. The Bakers are also known for their philanthropy and volunteerism. Ben recently organized the Mooresville Area Cyclist Charity ride which attracted in excess of 300 cyclists. Proceeds from the event went to the Ada Jenkins Development Center in Davidson, N.C. Madalyn volunteers with multiple animal rights organizations including Great Danes of Ruff Luv in Charlotte, N.C. Sam is an active member of various animal related organizations in West Virginia promoting spay and neuter programs, adoption, and animal rights. He is also a member of multiple chamber of commerce organizations in southern West Virginia. “In 2004 I created the infamous Sam Baker Agency ‘Weenie Wagon’ – concession trailer – which is made available free-of-charge to any non-profit, church or school related group for fundraising,” Sam said. "The wagon is used approximately 50 times per year by various groups and has been instrumental in raising funds for well over 100 different organizations since inception.” Sam founded and organized the Welch vs. Gary “Barrel Bowl” charity golf tournament which is widely recognized as the largest single charitable golf tournament in McDowell County history. The event raised more than $12,000 which
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will benefit McDowell County nonprofit organizations. He also established the Roland L. Taylor “ICAN” scholarship as a way to repay Mr. Taylor for his generosity to him as a youth. “For… several years the scholarship was awarded to the ‘most improved’ student in a few local schools,” he said. “Ultimately the scholarship was awarded to over 20 children.” Members of the Baker family maintain strong ties to their alma mater through service to Concord and connections with other alumni. “We are a committed CU family,” Sam said. He is very active with the Concord University Alumni Association (CUAA). He is a lifetime member of the CUAA and serves on the organization’s executive committee. Sharing his business knowledge, he has served on the Business Advisory Council within Concord’s Division of Business for several years. “I serve as a CU business mentor for graduating students and I serve on the committee to provide mock interviews for senior students,” he said. Sam has also provided the “weenie wagon” for use by Concord’s Classified Staff for scholarship fundraisers. The Bakers have graciously hosted gatherings at their home for alumni in the Charlotte area. “Our family very much enjoys the opportunity to open our Lake Norman home and socialize with fellow CU alums in the Charlotte region,” Sam said. “It is a great way to stay in touch with old friends and share the good news and the fantastic opportunity that CU offers.”
Fall 2015 • 54
BECKLEY UPDATE
Stuff the Bus
Donates School Supplies to Raleigh County Children
chool children in Raleigh County, West Virginia are benefitting from the community’s generous support of Concord University’s Stuff the Bus campaign. Coordinated by Concord’s Beckley campus, Stuff the Bus provides classroom basics from pencils, notebooks and pens, to crayons, colored pencils and backpacks for students in need. Representatives of Concord University presented the school supplies to officials with Raleigh County Schools on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015 at the Raleigh County Board of Education’s administrative offices in Beckley, W.Va. Along with donations from Concord students, faculty and staff, Stuff the Bus receives generous community support from individuals, organizations and area businesses. According to Pam Wallace, Stuff the Bus organizer, the school supplies presented to the Raleigh County children include items donated at two Stuff the Bus collection events at the Beckley Walmart as well as items that were
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Concord University’s Roar helps Stuff the Bus organizers present school supplies to representatives of Raleigh County Schools.
purchased with money collected from fundraisers and business sponsorships. This is the third year that Concord University has participated in Stuff the Bus. Along with Raleigh County students, West Virginia children in Fayette, Summers,
Mercer, Wyoming and Kanawha counties have benefited from the program. For additional information on Stuff the Bus, contact Pam Wallace at beckley@concord.edu or 304384-5612.
Beckley Sociology Students
Continuing Service, Fundraising
oncord University’s Sociology classes at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center have had a busy fall of fundraising and service for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. For several years the students have participated in activities to support October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year the Sociology students began with a Hot Dog/Nacho/Bake Sale on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at the HEC, and then used the monies raised to buy purple and blue ribbons to hang on Oct. 1 throughout downtown Beckley, and sponsor a Chili Night booth for the Women’s Resource Center (WRC). Six volunteers braved the cold at Chili Night and Concord’s successful fundraising paid the booth fee for the WRC. CU also sponsored 33 students in the Stewards of Children training to prevent child
CU reps work at Tailgate Halloween’s Just For Kids booth last year.
sexual assault presented by Just for Kids Child Advocacy on Oct. 5. As part of the Violence in America coursework, students participated in the training that educates adults how to recognize and prevent child sexual assault. The group also had plans to participate in a candlelight vigil for victims and conduct additional
fundraising to allow students to sponsor a Tailgate Halloween booth representing Just For Kids, the local child advocacy center. These volunteer and fundraising opportunities give students education beyond the classroom and truly represent Concord’s motto, “Come to learn. Go to serve.”
Beckley is on Facebook! Keep up with events, campus activities, volunteer opportunities and lots more at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center. Facebook - Concord Beckley Student Services Facebook - Concord Beckley Office
Fall 2015 • 56
Alumni
Entrepreneurs
In conjunction with the launch of Concord’s Entrepreneurship Initiative in 2013, the Alumni Magazine includes this regular feature that spotlights successful entrepreneurs within our alumni ranks.
For these individuals business is thriving and their stories pay tribute to the knowledge and know-how they gained from a Concord education.
Richard Jarrell ’84
Applying Lessons Learned at Concord Paves Way for Successful Career as Business Owner ichard Jarrell’s experiences as a Concord student – both in the classroom and with extracurricular activities – served to challenge and to inspire him. “Some of my best memories from Concord were around the organizations I was part of,” the successful business owner and community leader said. Jarrell, a Beckley, W.Va. native and current resident, is a Chick-fil-A owneroperator. His participation in the American Marketing Association (AMA) was especially important, he said. As president of the AMA during his senior year at Concord, he traveled with other members to the organization’s national convention in Chicago, Ill. “…eight of us drove across country in one of the school passenger vans. It was at that event I caught the vision of a bigger
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opportunity for this young boy from West Virginia,” he said. Bowling was another activity that he counts among his best Concord memories. “I was also a member of the Concord bowling team that competed against much larger schools in the area. We competed against Virginia Tech, UVA, WVU, Marshall, University of Tennessee, Penn State and many more,” he recollected. “We would travel most weekends to tournaments on campuses with Concord being one of the smallest schools represented. I was blessed enough to win the high game award in the conference bowling a 280 against UVA.” He also credits his marketing classes with having a positive influence and being memorable. The classes, he said, “galvanized my love and passion for marketing, specifically our marketing research class where in 1984 I presented
Richard Jarrell ’84
the opportunities of using your computer and TV to make purchases and run your life from home. “Boy, I wish I had continued to
push and follow that dream!” he said. As a student, he was also a member of the Freshman Orientation Team and Phi Beta Lambda. He competed at that organization’s state conference representing Concord and won first place. Jarrell attended Beckley College for two years and continued his education at Concord graduating in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. His career history includes 20 years in menswear retailing. He started with E.M. Payne Co. at the age of 15, then went to work for Georges Fashions of Beckley and Bluefield. After graduating from Concord, he worked for S&K Menswear as a district manager and director of store operations. Jarrell’s affiliation with Chickfil-A began in 1999 as an owner operator of the Chick-fil-A in Chantilly, Va. He brought his Chick-fil-A career back to his hometown of Beckley in July 2006 when he opened a new free standing Chick-fil-A on Eisenhower Drive. In January 2012 he took over the Chick-fil-A in the Crossroads Mall, also in Beckley. Jarrell discusses how Concord equipped him for his professional future. “Concord also prepared me because it showed me that setting goals, no matter how big or small, is important and that we must have confidence in ourselves and our abilities first because if we don’t believe in ourselves, why should anyone else!” he said. “I will never forget a friend that I had many classes with once said, ‘you think you can do anything’...and my response was, ‘if I don’t believe in myself, why should you!’” “Personally, I’m a big believer that in most non-technical areas, the specific field of study is not the most important thing, the most important thing is that you finished something you put your mind to,” he said. “While…my goal to become a pharmaceutical sales rep
never came true, my B.S. degree in business administration gave me a solid foundation for many fields of study.” High expectations and standards are central to his business philosophy, he said. “My personal business philosophy is all about setting clear, high expectations and standards for your team to work from and then don’t negotiate those standards,” he said. “The worst boss I ever had taught me this – ‘The lowest accepted performance is the new accepted standard.’ Meaning it doesn’t matter what expectations you talk about, it’s about what performance you allow to exist in your organization that really sends the message to your team!” Providing opportunities and guidance for young people is important to Jarrell. “One of the things that drew me to Chick-fil-A was the opportunity to employ young students,” he said. “There aren’t many employers that are truly looking to teach 15-, 16and 17-year-old students what it’s about to have responsibility, work with a team, serve guests, have to actually show up to work! “I remember when someone gave me a chance when I was 15 and little did they know I would have a 20-year career in retail which helped form me into the business person I am today,” he said. “I’m also a big believer in servant leadership,” Jarrell said. “As leaders, we must set the tone of servanthood, we must serve our teams, we must serve our communities, and we must serve our customers. When we serve others it sends a message to all those around us that others matter more. “Chick-fil-A’s founder Mr. Truett Cathy often spoke about, ‘if we help others get what they want, they will help you get what you want.’ In my restaurants we try to help everyone in some way, it might not be exactly what they wanted, but we will find out some way to partner with them. Partnership is huge for us!” he said. Putting his beliefs into action,
Jarrell has compiled an exemplary record of community service and volunteerism. While in Virginia, Jarrell said he was very active with the Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce serving that organization as its vice chairman. He was also part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Westfield High School Community Coalition, and the Business and Industry Advisory Council for Fairfax County Schools. The tradition of service has continued with his return to southern West Virginia. He serves on the board and volunteers with the United Way of Southern West Virginia and has chaired the organization’s fundraising campaign. Putting his creative talents to work, he envisioned the popular Wonderland of Trees. As a member of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, he serves on the organization’s board of directors and works with the Education and Beckley Make it Shine committees. Jarrell is also part of the Board of Advisors for Raleigh General Hospital. He has served on the BeckleyRaleigh County Convention Center’s board of directors. Jarrell is also a former member of the Raleigh County Board of Education and sat on the Advisory Board for the Raleigh County Library. He was a grant reader for the Beckley Area Foundation in 2010 and 2011. Jarrell has been recognized continuously for his career achievements and community leadership. Awards he has received include the Best of Chantilly/ Centreville by Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce, Outstanding Mid-size Business for 2003 by Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce, 2004 Chairman’s Award – Mount Vernon Lee Enterprises, and Westfield High School Volunteer of the Year 2003. He was also honored with the Mountain State University Living Leader Award in 2009 and the 2012 Spirit of Philanthropy Award from the West Virginia Grant Makers.
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Alums Offer
Dazzling Performance ne of southern West Virginia’s premier fundraising and social events showcased the talents of three Concord alums. Jessica Schueler ’09 and Allen Smith ’05 were a celebrity dance team with Choskie Harmon ’07 as their choreographer for the 2015 United Way of Southern West Virginia’s Dancing with the Stars. Jessica is the evening anchor with WVNS-TV based in the Raleigh County community of Ghent, W.Va. Allen is senior admissions counselor at Concord and Choskie is executive director of the Chuck Mathena Center, a non-profit venue for the performing arts in Princeton, W.Va. Being selected to participate in Dancing with the Stars is an honor that carries with it a big commitment of time and energy to ultimately offer a captivating performance while raising money for the cause. Months of rehearsals led up to the much anticipated gala on Sept. 18 at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center in Beckley, W.Va. Along with the gala night performance, each of the elite dance teams was responsible for conducting special team fundraisers of their own. To kick-off their fundraising, Allen hosted a dueling guitar concert with fellow musician Ryan Kennedy at Concord’s Subway Stage. His band also helped with a benefit concert in Beckley. Collaborating
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Jessica Schueler and Allen Smith mesmerize the crowd.
with the Hinton Hope Foundation, the team of CU alums hosted a celebrity basketball game at the Summers County High School and a benefit concert in Beckley featuring the talents of area musicians. Dancing before a packed house the night of the gala, Jessica and Allen offered a dazzling performance. “It was so rewarding to finally perform our dance,” Jessica said. “We worked really hard for months practicing, so to get on stage in front of the audience and give it our all, was the best part of the entire experience!” “We told a remixed version of the Aladdin story,” Choskie said. “Our costumes were Aladdin and Jasmine based on the Disney movie,” Jessica said. “We danced to ‘A Whole New World’ from the movie, and the costumes went well with the whole
theme.” The performance also included “Beware the Boys” and “Jai Ho.” “The dance was a combination of hip hop, modern, and Bollywood dance,” Choskie said. “Jessica and Allen did great! I could not have been prouder of their performance. Not only did they attack the choreography but they really played the roles of their two iconic characters.” “This was a wonderful experience,” Allen said. “I made several memories meeting new people, growing an appreciation for dance, and most importantly...giving back to the community. It was certainly unique...more of a once in a lifetime sort of opportunity.” Although they didn’t win an official award, these three Concord alums are stars nonetheless for their huge involvement of time and talent to help their neighbors in need.
Jessica Schueler ’09, Choskie Harmon ’07 and Allen Smith ’05 show off their impressive dance moves.
How did you meet your first friend at Concord? I was supposed to go to the Geography Quiz bowl, and this guy walks up to me in the subway and says "are you Kelly Holdren? Aren't you going to the quiz bowl?" Thirteen years later, Joey Lares '07 is still my best friend, and was my Man of Honor when I renewed my wedding vows. - Kelly Holdren-Mills '06 I can't remember the specific moment that I met most of my friends, but the one story that sticks out to me is my friend Cory. I was in the game room and he came up to me and said he remembered me from dance practice. His frat (COY) and Sigma had just run together for homecoming the previous fall. He asked me to play pool, and I said I was no good, and he said it was ok because neither was he. We played and he really was as bad as he said, until a mutual friend of ours showed up and started playing with us. Suddenly Cory was running the table, although he swore it was just luck and he really wasn't any good. To this day, we're still friends, and I still don't know if he's good at pool or not. - Danyel Blankenship '11 I remember the first friends I made from Sigma. After Hurricane Katrina the university was sending a group of students down to the affected area in March...that's when I got to really know the ladies that swayed my decision to be a Sigma...I was so amazed...I knew I wanted to be one of them...so honored that Danielle Richmond '07 and Jessica Cook '08 made it possible for me to be a Sigma. - Kourtney Melissa Neal '08 I met my first friend on our move-in day! In August 2001, we were moving in the hall across from each other on the 7th floor of Towers. I guess I was trying
to stand out, wearing some wacky 70s-looking pants and Buddy Holly specs. I'm sure she and her parents thought I was so weird! But we found out we had an 8:00 a.m. class together the next day and walked to class together. Almost 15 years later and we are still friends and I don't know how I would've made it through without Amy Bair '05! - Bethany Adkins '05 I met my first friend on the day I moved into Wilson Hall. I walked down the hall and saw her sitting in her room, so I said hello and chatted for a few minutes. She was not very friendly, so I left and went back to my room. We had a floor meeting that evening and our RA asked if anyone was missing their family. The girl who was not very friendly was sitting next to me and started crying, so I tried to console her and talk to her again. That girl, Wendy Trimble Scharf, went on to become my best friend and big sister in Delta Zeta. She later told me she thought I was weird at first because I was "too friendly." After we got to know each other, we realized my outgoing personality and her discerning nature made us two sides of one whole! We are still friends today! - Emily Myers Duke '02 I met a few nice ladies in Wilson Hall on move in day, but I didn't meet my first true friend until a few weeks into the semester. She was a sophomore and I was freshman - but we were both in terrible roommate predicaments. I casually mentioned my situation to the ladies across the hall, also sophomores who knew her, and they said "you all would be perfect roommates." We became roommates out of necessity but our friendship flourished out of common interests. This time of year always reminds me of her since it's
the anniversary of our move-in ... Amy Cocheran James '03 and I are still friends 16 years later! - Christy McGinnis '04 I met my first college best friend a few days after we had moved in. I didn't know many people, other than my roommate that I went to high school with (whole other story there). It was the first weekend there and I had no idea what to do. Melissa Lloyd '97 asked if I wanted to go out with her and some friends. I didn't have "going out" clothes, so she opened her closet up and helped me pick something that wouldn't get me laughed out of the line at the bar. She took me to Rockers and it was all over from there. We danced for hours, talked, flirted with the boys, and laughed all night. I knew I had found a best friend by the time my head hit the pillow that night. We could talk for hours at a time about anything, or nothing. She was a sophomore, so she showed me the ropes of college life. She always made sure I had a ride to Kroger's or Taco Bell and included me so I could get to know others. She showed me how to find the falls, and on more than one occasion hugged me when I cried over boys, grades, or homesickness. I was with her when she met her husband (at Rocker's) and read a poem in her wedding. She was a matron of honor in my wedding. It is hard to find memories of CC that don't include her. She was the peanut butter to my jelly, the ying to my yang. The Bonnie to my Clyde. - Luann Wright ’99
Question for the next issue: What was your favorite class at Concord and why? Fall 2015 • 60
Heritage & Horizon Determination and Persistence Lead Edward J. McQuail ’70 To Outstanding Personal and Professional Achievement r. Edward J. “Eddie” McQuail, III, has achieved distinction as an educator, in the field of library science, and for his longtime service as a dedicated community volunteer. Looking back at his life, however, Mr. McQuail says that professional success and the education necessary to obtain it eluded him for many years. Although he had aspirations of becoming a teacher, he floundered at his attempts to get a bachelor’s degree after graduation from Beaver High School in 1957. A couple false starts in college, including at Concord, kept landing him back at his family’s retail business as his source of employment. The son of a prominent Bluefield, W.Va. family, Eddie attempted college the first time at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. But he didn’t focus on his studies and he left the school without completing his degree. In 1958 he enrolled at Concord. Again, his inability to apply himself academically ruined his chances of graduating. When his grades didn’t measure up, he left Concord and returned to work for his father. Somewhere along the line while he was back clerking at the family furniture store, McQuail’s, Inc., he realized he did want a college degree, that he was capable of obtaining a degree and set his mind to achieving his goal. “I realized I was intelligent enough and smart enough that I should have a college education,” he said. “I realized that working for my father’s business was not my cup of tea.” “I made the decision and came back (to Concord),” he said. This time Eddie put his heart and mind into finishing his degree. “It wasn’t easy,” he said. “I made up a 27 quality point deficit.” He is especially grateful to several individuals at Concord for their faith in him and his ability to graduate. Among his mentors were Virginia Dolan and Kevin O’Sullivan. “They were an inspiration to me,” he said. When asked about extracurricular activities during his second time at Concord he explained, “My getting a degree was most important. I spent day and night staying in school.” His persistence and dedication paid off and in December 1970 he received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Concord. His specialization was social studies comprehensive. When he finally earned his degree, he was elated. “I
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Mr. Edward J. "Eddie" McQuail, III '70 felt like a cloud had been lifted off of me,” he said. Recalling that time and where he is today, he said, “I have come around from the bottom to the top.” As a graduation gift in honor of his success, Eddie’s parents gave him a trip to Europe that summer. Equipped with a degree, he worked as a special education teacher in McDowell County, West Virginia for two years. Then, the individual who had struggled immensely to earn a bachelor’s degree went on to receive not one but two master’s degrees. A class in library science at Concord piqued his interest in the subject. Encouraged by his instructor’s observation that he had “a knack” for library science and the fact that he received an A in the course, Mr. McQuail focused on this area for his graduate studies. He earned a Master of Arts degree with a certification in Library Science Education from Marshall University in 1975. Mr. McQuail then taught for three years in Tazewell County, Virginia. Continuing his education, he obtained a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a school which is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), in 1981. He then
Heritage & Horizon went to work for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as an information specialist. With his second master’s degree Mr. McQuail became certified to be a school librarian. He returned to Tazewell County Schools where he served as Library Information Specialist for a number of years. During that time, he helped reopen the library for the town of Pocahontas, Va. Mr. McQuail was well-liked and respected by his students. “The kids would come to me with their problems,” he said. He retired with more than three decades of service as an educator. Mr. McQuail has received numerous awards and honors for his professional accomplishments and community involvement. Among the highlights are: Elite American Educator, Worldwide Who’s Who (2012); VIP Member, Worldwide Who’s Who (2011-2012); and, Who’s Who in the South and Southeast, Nineteenth Edition, Marquis Who’s Who Publication Board (19841985). He is especially proud to be a member of the Beaver High School/Bluefield High School Class with Distinction. His class was the last to attend the old school, Beaver, and the first to hold their Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies in the auditorium of the city’s new school, Bluefield. Known around his hometown of Bluefield as a reputable historian and school archivist for Beaver and Bluefield high schools, alumni, class reunion committees, historians and researchers often seek him out to assist with locating historical information. Among the documents he has collected are records from Beaver’s establishment in 1903 and papers from Bluefield, W.Va.’s incorporation. His extensive collection of BHS yearbooks is considered the most complete set known in existence. Fittingly, he was honored in the 2007 Bluefield High School yearbook for his dedication to and support for the school and his interest in preserving its history.
Photographs tracing his progression through school – from kindergarten and Catholic school to high school and college – are part of the feature. He is a 2014 recipient of the William Myers “Community Spirit” award for his decades-long assistance in providing archival and historical information to Eddie McQuail's 1959 his neighbors in the Bluefield Concord yearbook area. Honored further by BHS, photo he was named the Beaver/ Bluefield school archivist and historian by the Bluefield High School Foundation, the school administration and faculty senate. His portrait now hangs in the school’s library. A lifelong resident of Bluefield, Mr. McQuail has established a strong tradition of involvement in the social, cultural and community life of the area. He volunteered at Bluefield Regional Hospital for a number of years and has previously been a member of the Bluefield Jaycees, the Bluefield Country Club and the Clover Club of Bluefield. He is treasurer of the Bluefield (W.Va.) Lions Club and is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Greater-Bluefield Chamber of Commerce and the Beaver High School Class of 1957 50th Reunion Committee. Most recently, he has been named to the committee planning a celebration for the 50th anniversary of Bluefield being named an All-America City in 1965. Mr. McQuail is also affiliated with the West Virginia Secondary School Association and the American Library Association. He swims and walks for his health and is an avid bridge player. As a dedicated Concord alum, Mr. McQuail is involved in the life of Concord today as a member of the Concord University Alumni Association and the Pine Trees Alumni Chapter. He attends alumni events including the annual banquet and the Holiday Open House.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that ordering your Concord alumni gear is as easy as a few clicks of the mouse? Anyone can order Concord items through the Concord University Bookstore website. Just visit http://concord.bkstr.com to see what is available and to place your order. This service allows alums to show their Concord pride no matter where they are! Fall 2015 • 62
Heritage & Horizon Dr. Jessica Puckett Aliff ’07 Serving Alma Mater As Physician at Athens Family Practice essica Puckett Aliff, D.O. says her Concord education helped her navigate the rigors of medical school and is guiding her in her career today. Dr. Aliff graduated from Concord in 2007 with an undergraduate degree in pre-med/biology and earned a medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. She is currently the full-time physician of the Athens Family Practice on Vermillion Street in Athens. She assumed the post upon the retirement of Dr. Omar Kassem in June 2015. “My Concord education is helping in my career because the course load prepared me for the amount of material I had to deal with while in medical school as well as learning to multi-task,” she said. “My time in McNair and research with Dr. Darla Wise taught me a tremendous amount about research and peer reviewed articles which is important to help me stay up to date with the ever changing medical field and guidelines.” Returning to the community of her alma mater to practice medicine is rewarding, she says, as Athens is a place she holds close. “I am pleased and honored to be back in the Athens community as the physician at Athens Family Practice,” Dr. Aliff said. “This is an area near and dear to my heart since I had years of dance recitals, band and choir concerts, and of course four years of college experience, on ‘The Campus Beautiful.’
“My Concord education is helping in my career because the course load prepared me for the amount of material I had to deal with while in medical school as well as learning to multi-task. My time in McNair and research with Dr. Darla Wise taught me a tremendous amount about research and peer reviewed articles which is important to help me stay up to date with the ever changing medical field and guidelines.” Dr. Jessica Puckett Aliff '07 63 • Fall 2015
Alumni Director Sarah Turner ’98, right, welcomes Dr. Jessica Aliff ’07 back to the Athens-Concord community. Dr. Aliff is the newly appointed physician at the Athens Family Practice.
“I hope, along with the PA Natasha Barker, and the rest of the wonderful staff at the clinic, to adequately serve the community of Athens and the college through appropriate medical care in a friendly, compassionate office setting. This town has served me for years so I hope to repay the service,” she said. An affiliate of Princeton Community Hospital, the Athens Family Practice is a full-service medical clinic offering health care for patients with a wide spectrum of health issues. The facility provides student health coverage for Concord University. Dr. Aliff plans to increase the practice’s involvement in the community and expand services. “We are working on increasing the available services that we can offer to Concord students…,”she said. “The clinic also hopes to one day offer behavioral health services to the community and the students. “The clinic is taking on a new role being involved in the care of the athletes at Concord and both Natasha Barker and myself plan on attending games to become
Heritage & Horizon more familiar with the athletes,” she said. Dr. Aliff grew up in Princeton, W.Va. and graduated from Princeton Senior High School. From high school to college to medical school, she has been recognized for academic achievement.
Jessica Aliff with her family. Photo Courtesy of Autumn Branscome Photography
Prior to starting college, she attended and graduated from the Students of Excellence Summer Academy. She served as valedictorian for the Order of Hippocrates and was overall salutatorian for the entire academy. She also earned multiple scholarships while
a student including the West Virginia Promise Scholarship (four years), the Directors Scholarship, the Alton B. Douglas Scholarship and the Harry B. Christie Scholarship. Excelling academically at Concord, she received the Lucy Sneed DeNuzzo Award for Academic Excellence and the Jerry L. Blatt Scholarship Award. She was a McNair Scholar, a member of Alpha Chi Honor Society and a cum laude graduate. Outside of the classroom, her activities included membership in Delta Zeta sorority. She says that some of her fondest memories of being a Concord student include the Greek Sing and “spending time in Subway sides with my best friends.” At the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, she was part of the Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Osteopathic Service Fraternity. Dr. Aliff completed a residency at the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Lewisburg. Her professional affiliations include membership in the West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. Dr. Aliff currently lives in Princeton with her husband and baby daughter. She is a member of Lifeline Church in Princeton.
There’s Still Time
to Order an Alumni Weekend T-Shirt
he 2015 Alumni Weekend T-shirt continues to be a popular item in the line-up of CU gear. If you don’t have one of your own, or if you would like to purchase one for someone else, you are in luck because shirts are still available. Alumni Weekend T-shirts bring back memories of some of the reasons why we love CU! That’s why they make great gifts and are a fun item to wear. Order yours today at: https:// apps.concord.edu/forms/view. php?id=99604
Thank you for your support! Happy shopping! Fall 2015 • 64
CURTIS MCCALL
FORMER CONCORD UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER
Curtis Edward McCall, 58, of Ghent, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2015. Born December 6, 1956, in Rainelle, W.Va., he was the son of Phyllis Carol McCall and the late Edward Lee McCall. Besides his father,
DANIEL RUBINSTEIN
Express and Water Worx, Inc. After focusing his full attention on the cinemas, he became a board member and later president of the National Association of Theatre Owners, chairman of the Mid-States Theater Owners Association and President of Shady Spring Youth Football League. Survivors include his wife, Toni McCall; three children, Dylan, Rylie and Cash McCall; brother, Brian McCall and his wife Sue; sister, Danielle (Dani) Englander; motherin-law, Mary Jo Matherly; father-inlaw, James Matherly; sister-in-law, Belinda Evans; nieces and nephews, Madison, Marley and Chandler McCall and Tyler and Sydni Evans; as well as numerous other family.
FORMER ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY
Dr. Daniel Rubinstein of Bowie, Md., formerly of Athens, died on August 24, 2015. He was 86. He is survived by: wife Virginia Rubinstein of Bowie; sister Trudy Rubinstein and brother-in-law Leonard Fellman of Berkeley, Calif; children, Diane Rubinstein and David Anderson of Bowie, Amy Rubinstein and Aaron
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Curtis was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Irene McCall and Roy and Margaret Rice. Growing up in Rainelle, Curtis was a member of the Rainelle United Methodist Church. He graduated from Greenbrier West H.S. in 1974 and received his B.S. from Concord College in 1978. Curtis was very involved with the community having served on the Board of Directors for First State Bank and Trust, City National Bank, the Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Concord University Foundation, Raleigh County YMCA and the Crossroads Merchants Association. Before starting and becoming President and CEO of Marquee Cinemas, he was the owner of Video
Lion of Bethesda, Md., Wendy and Rafael Cordero of Bedford, Mass., Douglas and Gail Rubinstein of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Michael and Valda Rubinstein of Ashburn, Va.; 13 grandchildren, Andrea and Emily Anderson, Madeline Lion, Alexander, Justin, Melanie and Brandon Cordero, Jack, Harry, Benjamin, and Lucy Rubinstein, and Kevin and Nicholas Rubinstein. Dr. Rubinstein was born in New York, N.Y. on January 15, 1929 to the late Sarah and Jacob Rubinstein. He served in the United States Navy for two years and was honorably discharged in 1948. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics at the University of Illinois, ChampaignUrbana in 1958 where he met his wife. He went on to complete his Ph.D. in biophysics at Illinois in 1964. His thesis involved the study
of photosynthesis in algae. Dr. Rubinstein worked as a research scientist in the field of aging at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Baltimore, Md. for three years before taking a job as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Concord College in 1969. He later taught biology, chemistry and physics at Bluefield High School in Bluefield, W.Va. from 1983-1991. Throughout his life, Dr. Rubinstein enjoyed teaching and learning new things. He taught all of his children how to read, taught himself to build one of the first personal computers in the 1970s, and explored economics and software development. He started running long distance during the 1980s and competed in the Pumpkin Run 10K at Pipestem State Park for many years.
CYNTHIA JANE CLARK
Cynthia Jane Clark, 68, of Princeton, W.Va., died Friday, June 19, 2015. Born in Bluefield, W.Va. on January 14, 1947, she was the
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CONCORD UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER daughter of the late William Wesley Clark, Jr. and Neva Barr Clark. Jane was a very capable and caring educator. She served as a teacher in both McDowell County and Mercer County before retiring with 34 years of service. She last taught at Princeton Middle School. Following retirement she taught classes at Concord University for an additional 10 years. Jane was a graduate of Northfork-Elkhorn High School, earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Concord College and her master’s degree from Marshall University. She was an active member of the Concord University Alumni
Association and enjoyed volunteering for the annual West Virginia Math Field Day. In addition to her parents one brother, Bruce Wayne Clark, preceded her in death. Survivors include two sisters, Carol Graves of Virginia Beach, Va. and Jill Gillette and her husband Frank of Pittsboro, N.C.; one brother, Kevin Clark and his wife Ruth of Frederick, Md.; one niece, Julie Gillette Williams and five nephews, Mark and Jeffrey Clark, Jeremy and Jonathan Graves and Joseph Gillette; two great-nieces and five greatnephews.
Look for archived copies of the Concord University Alumni Magazine on CU’s website at: http://www.concord.edu/advancement/publications
Fall 2015 • 66
Class Notes Achievements Linda McLaughlin Scarborough ’87 has joined Anstey Hodge Advertising Group as a communications strategist. Linda started with the advertising agency in Roanoke, Va., after spending more than 20 years as a communications professional for several organizations and public school systems throughout Virginia. During her career, her work has been recognized by the world’s largest advertising competition (the ADDY Awards) through the Linda McLaughlin American Advertising Scarborough '87 Federation and by an international competition for creative professionals called the Hermes Creative Awards. Her previous career highlights include creating the community relations department for Roanoke County Public Schools, serving as the founder of Pro-Media Works, a studio providing voice-overs for a variety of radio and television commercials and telephone answering systems and spending more than a decade in broadcasting working for television stations in West Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Florida and Virginia.
Terrence Hardee ’94 has been appointed the dean of students at Union County College, Cranford, N.J. In the position, Hardee will be responsible for leading the Student Judicial Board, managing the assessment center, and high school outreach among other activities. Prior to joining Union, Hardee served as the vice president of student success at Rowan University at Burlington County and the dean of the University Center at Cumberland County College. Kenneth Moles ’98 has been appointed the new executive director of The Hawbridge School in Saxapahaw, N.C. He has been a classroom teacher and an administrator during his 16 years as an educator in West Virginia and Virginia. He has also served the State Education Agency of West Virginia as a school improvement coordinator and assistant director of the Office of School Improvement. He was an assistant superintendent for Raleigh County (W.Va.) Schools. Moles received a bachelor’s degree in education from Concord and his master’s degree in educational leadership at Virginia Tech. He is working on his doctoral dissertation in educational leadership at Virginia Tech. Hurricane softball coached by Josh Caldwell ’99 and assistant coach Meghan Seibert Stevens ’05, won their second AAA WV Softball State Championship in three years. They were Champions in 2013 and 2015. Hurricane Softball had a record of 37-2 for the 2015 season and Josh
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The Hurricane softball team Caldwell was named the West Virginia softball coach of the year. Meghan and Josh have coached at Hurricane for seven seasons. Josh teaches at Hurricane Middle School and Meghan teaches at Poca High School.
Josh Coffey ’07 has been promoted to head baseball coach at Waynesboro High School. He played baseball at the school and graduated from there in 2002. After graduating from Concord, he returned to Waynesboro serving as assistant baseball coach and junior varsity coach before moving to his new position in June.
Erin Asbury ’13 has been hired as assistant athletic trainer at UVa-Wise. She will work with women’s lacrosse and men’s basketball and will also assist with the football program. Prior to joining the staff at UVa-Wise, she was a graduate assistant at Lindenwood University in Missouri where she also was the athletic trainer for men’s and women’s wrestling and men’s and women’s tennis. Asbury played volleyball at Concord while earning her bachelor’s degree in athletic training. She also holds a master’s degree in human performance from Lindenwood.
WEDDING
Megan Godfrey ’12 and Josh Stephens ’12 were married June 27, 2015 in Abingdon, Va. They spent their honeymoon in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Megan received two bachelor’s degrees while at Concord, one in Biology and one in Secondary Education. She also received her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concord in 2014. Josh received his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Concord with concentrations in Biology and Athletic Training and
Josh Stephens '12 and Megan Godfrey '12
Class Notes
Writing Talents Garner Recognition for Joey Fama ’06 Joey P. Fama ’06 received an award for runnerup in the Northern Virginia International Film Festival. Fama was recognized for writing “Townhouse of Doom,” in the category of best comedy screenplay under 20 pages. This year marks the first Northern Virginia Film Festival which features films and screenplays from all over the world including Canada, Australia, England, Egypt, Kuwait, Germany, France, Ukraine, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and the USA. The film festival’s motto is, “Bringing a Slice of Hollywood to Northern Virginia and Washington D.C.!” Fama’s screenplay has also received accolades from several other film festivals including finalist for best screenplay in the 2014 Back in the Box competition and WriteMovies.com 37 quarter finalist. He was also awarded third prize at the Downbeach Film Festival in Atlantic City for another screenplay, “Donating in Vein.” Fama earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Concord and graduated in 2011 from CU with a a minor in Sports Medicine. Megan is currently the Lead Teacher at Rural Retreat Middle School in Wythe County, Virginia. Josh is currently a graduate student at Emory and Henry College working towards his doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. They currently live in Wytheville, Va.
BIRTHS
Charity Yates Holman ’99 and Rick Holman announce the birth of their daughter Laney Grace Holman. Laney was born on January 7, 2015 and weighed 8 pounds and was 22 inches long. Rick and Charity are also the proud parents of Landon who loves his little sister. Laney Grace Holman Robert Michael Smith ’01 and Kimberly Smith welcomed Ethan Tyler on May 30, 2015. He weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz. and was 20 inches long.
Ethan Tyler Smith
Joey Fama ’06 at the Northern Virginia International Film Festival master’s degree in Education. Last spring, he was awarded his doctorate degree in pharmacy from West Virginia University.
PASSINGS Sibyl Kellen Keesee ’44: September 23, 2015. Born in Princeton, W.Va. on May 13, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Everette James and Zalie McClaugherty Keesee. She retired after 43 years of service as a music teacher in the Mercer County School System spending most of her years at Princeton Jr. High School. Sibyl was formerly an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Princeton where she served in the United Methodist Women and was a longtime member of the Chancel Choir. She was a graduate of Princeton High School and Concord University where she was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority. She was a 56 year member of the Matthew French Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of Princeton Delphian Club and the Mercer County and WV Retired Teachers Association. Sibyl enjoyed playing bridge and was an avid Virginia Tech Hokie fan. She was a resident of Princeton. Survivors include several cousins and many friends.
Arnold W. Harless ’50: July 9, 2015. Born September 13, 1928, he was the son the late Roy and Berchie Allen Harless of Hanover, W.Va. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Hassell “Pete” Harless of Lebanon, Va. and Bernard Harless of Welch, W.Va. He was a resident of Clear Fork, W.Va. He spent his life in service to others as a husband, father, grandfather, church pastor and educator. Survivors are his wife of 62 years, Zenith Harless
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Class Notes Alum Coaches Team in World Police and Fire Games Robert Michael Smith ’01 created a team and served as coach for the Loudoun County Career Firefighters Association (Local 3756) team for the paintball competition in the 2015 World Police and Fire Games. From June 26 to July 5, 2015, over 12,000 athletes from over 70 countries competed in the World Police and Fire Games. The games are held biennially and involve current and retired police officers and firefighters. They travel just like the Olympics and this year the event was held in Fairfax, Va. The paintball competition consisted of 5 vs 5 in rounds of speed paintball. The games were timed and the object of the game was to eliminate the opposing team and capture the flag. The competition field consisted of teams from Canada, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Fairfax County Firefighters, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Northern Virginia area police officers, and New York court officers. The Loudoun County team played its heart out; however, competition proved to be tough for this event and the gold medal was elusive. The Loudoun County Career Firefighters paintball team looks forward to practicing together and competing locally. There’s always the possibility of traveling to Montreal in two years to compete again for gold! of Clear Fork, daughters Carolyn and husband Cameron Hatfield of Clear Fork and Pamela and husband Don Garrett of Pineville, and two grandchildren, Matthew Hatfield of Fairmont, and Megan Hatfield of Hamlin. Arnold was a devout Christian and a member of the Baileysville Baptist Church where he served as Sunday school teacher, devotion leader, and interim pastor. Arnold W. Harless '50 He also served as pastor of the Hanover Missionary Baptist Church for 13 years. Arnold was active in the Rockcastle Association serving as association moderator, and he represented the Rockcastle Association as a delegate to the West Virginia Baptist Convention at Green Lake, Wis. for six years. He served as a counterintelligence officer for the army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Pineville Masonic Lodge No. 138 where he recently received his 50 year membership pin. Arnold was a graduate of Concord and West Virginia University. He began his teaching career at Huff Consolidated Elementary School in 1950, the first year
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Above: The team as a game is getting started. Below: Opening Ceremonies in RFK Stadium.
the school opened. He served Wyoming County Schools with 59 years of service. He spent 11 years as a classroom teacher at Huff Consolidated Elementary School, Oceana High School and Baileysville High School. He spent 17 years as a secondary school administrator in the role of assistant principal at Baileysville High School, principal of Pineville High School and principal of Baileysville High School. He was assistant superintendent of secondary schools for eight years. He served as an elected member of the Wyoming County Board of Education for 23 years.
Coleta Ann Wahl '52: January 6, 2015: Formerly of Shippensburg, Pa., she was born November 1, 1929, in Friars Hill, W.Va, a daughter of the late John Stuart and Nora Spangler Wyatt. Coleta Ann was a graduate of Williamsburg High School in Williamsburg, W.Va. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Concord College and later received her Master's in Education from Shippensburg State College. Coleta Ann was a longtime educator working most of her years with the Shippensburg Area Head Start Program. She was a longtime active member of the Christ United Methodist Church in Shippensburg where she taught Sunday school class. She was a member of the Faculty Wives
Class Notes at Shippensburg University, enjoyed square dancing with her husband and spending time with her family. Surviving are three sons, Max Stuart (Elizabeth) Wahl of Maugansville, Md., Michael, Lewis (Lynette) Wahl of Damascus, Md., and Mark Richard (Mary) Wahl of Loysville, Pa.; four grandchildren, Jillian Michelle, Angela Rose, Alex Joseph, and Richard Steven Wahl; two step grandchildren, Nikkilette Marie and Alexxi Lyn Arena; and one sister, Coleta Ann Wahl '52 Ada Grey Ayres. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Dr. Richard W. Wahl who died June 6, 2012, and one brother, John Stuart Wyatt, Jr.
Janet Lee Hall ’53: June 1, 2015. Born Sept. 8, 1932, in Bluefield, W.Va., Lee, as she was known to her family and friends, was the daughter of the late Beulah Guillion Hall and George C. Hall, who pre-deceased her, and the sister of George C. Hall, Jr., who also pre-deceased her. Lee was a graduate of Fairview Junior High School and Beaver High School, both in Bluefield. She attended Bluefield College for two years, then received a Janet Lee Hall '53 B.S. degree in English from Concord College in 1953. While at Concord, she became a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. An avid lover of language and literature, Lee devoted her life to encouraging others to acquire that same love. To achieve her goal, she began teaching English at Northfork Junior High School in Northfork, W.Va. She also taught in the public school system in Watherbury, Conn., and at Montcalm High School in Montcalm, W.Va. After being awarded a fellowship at West Virginia University, Lee earned her master’s degree in English, then started her teaching career at the college level at Bluefield State College in Bluefield. While she was at Bluefield, she encouraged African-American students to become engaged with the arts, leading her to initiate the first special performance for African-Americans at the Barter Theater. Lee continued her teaching career at the then newly-created Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Va. Over the 32 years that she taught at NVCC, the school grew to become the second largest community college in the country. One of the foundational teachers at the Alexandria campus, Lee began as an instructor of English Composition. As she rose through the professional ranks, she became active in expanding the curriculum, teaching the first English Literature course on campus, as well as the first college-level English Grammar course. Throughout those years, she taught doctors, lawyers, veterans, and numerous government officials. When she retired from the community college in 2000, Lee had achieved the rank of associate professor. She remained living in Northern Virginia, where she spent 47 years of her life. Lee was an avid traveler. Her love of English literature led
to her visiting numerous places in England and Ireland. She also traveled extensively throughout continental Europe, as well as through Northern Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Often she told her students that traveling would provide them with as much education as a college degree would. For many years, Lee was an avid supporter of the academic programs at West Virginia University. She was also a fervent member of the NAACP, becoming a friendly witness for African-Americans, and a leading activist in the Civil Rights Movement. Her early experiences, thorough education, and extensive travel taught her to view each person as an individual, with the respect and dignity that each deserved, no matter what that person’s ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. Throughout her teaching career, she conveyed this egalitarian view to thousands of her students. “Years from now, my students many not remember what a transitive verb is,” she once said, “but they will remember to have dignity and respect for other human beings.” Lee is survived by her husband Mario Ciarlo, whom she met outside the Sweet Shop at Concord in 1952; they married in 1953. Mario is a graduate of Concord class of 1955. Although they divorced in 1957, Lee and Mario remarried 44 years later, in 2001. Lee is also survived by her brother Joseph Edgar Hall, Concord class of 1957, her sisters-in-law Carol Patrick Hall and Donna Scyphers Hall, (Concord 1954-1955). In addition, she has 33 nieces and nephews. Hazel Marie Humphrey Todd ’55: July 21, 2015. She was born in Raleigh County as the first child of Walter Humphrey and Merle Barrett Humphrey. In addition to her parents, Hazel was predeceased by her husband, Charles W. Todd, and by one sister, Francis Humphrey. Surviving Hazel are her brother, Ralph Humphrey of Dry Creek, her sisters Elizabeth Wilkes of Scott Depot, Patsy Humphrey of Dry Creek, and Connie Stone (Mike) of Seth, nephew Brad Phelps (Melanie) of Milton, and brother-in-law, Larry Todd (Brenda) of Beckley. Hazel graduated from Marsh Fork High School and earned degrees from Concord College and Eastern Michigan University. Her 40-year teaching career began at Pettus Elementary in Raleigh County and ended with Tecumseh Public Schools in Tecumseh, Mich. Hazel was a member of the Tecumseh Presbyterian Church (USA). She and Charles lived in Michigan for 49 years before returning to their beloved home state of West Virginia in their retirement years. She was a resident of Scott Depot. She had a keen wit, a fine sense of humor, and a memory to be envied. Jerry Thomas Hinchee ’62: May 19, 2015. A resident of Staunton, Va., he was born February 4, 1938, in Bluefield, W.Va. and was the son of the late Rufus Charles Hinchee and Verna Virginia (Morrison) Hinchee. A 1956 graduate of Beaver High School, in Bluefield and Concord College, he held a Bachelor of Science Degree in mathematics. After 33 years of service, he retired from Westinghouse Electric/ AAF-McQuay, Inc., where he was Operations Controller from 1978 until his retirement in 1995. For several years after retirement, he was self-employed as a consultant in Inventory Management and Control. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Rufus Charles Hinchee, Jr. and a brother-in-law, William Bundy. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy W. Hinchee; a
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Class Notes daughter, Katherine H. Knicely; a son, Matthew T. Hinchee; a sister, Frances H. Bundy; four nieces; a nephew; and five grandchildren: Ryan Thomas Knicely, Elizabeth Wren Knicely, Taylor Samuel Knicely, Kasey Alexis Hinchee, and Krysten Marie Hinchee.
Richard D. “Dick” Silverthorn ’67: May 14, 2015. Dick was a resident of Islip, N.Y. He was the husband of Karen (nee Pedersen), father of Kristen Carter (Jack) and grandfather of Erica and Charlotte. Dick was admired for his calm demeanor, wisdom, compassion, and his years of volunteer work. He was a founding board member of the Old South Islip Civic Organization and was instrumental in founding the Historical Society of Islip Hamlet. Dick was the society’s first president, and then over the years, went on to serve in several other positions on the board. During his tenure as HSIH president, a successful annual Holiday House tour, now in its 22nd year, was launched. Under his direction, the society’s Richard B. Johnson Scholarship became a reality and for more than two decades an Islip High School student has benefited from that monetary award. In the mid-1990s Dick joined the ad hoc group Main Street Restoration. He and others tirelessly worked to raise funds for the renewal of the hamlet with brick pavers and historic-style street lighting. The work resulted in a renaissance for that downtown district. He also served as treasurer for the Sagtikos Manor Historical Society and as a Vietnam War veteran, joined Rusy-Bohm American Legion Post 411 in Islip. (Portions taken from “Remembering a friend, Dick Silverthorn” by Liz Finnegan, Islip Bulletin, May 21, 2015.) Karen Brown Eggleston ’74: June 3, 2015. Karen was born March 3, 1951 in Washington, D.C. and was the daughter of the late Jack K. and Virginia Dare Spence Brown. A resident of Lewisburg, W.Va., she was a member of the Associate Reform Presbyterian Church in Fairlea, W.Va. and was involved in the Women’s Ministries of the church. She was a member of the Preceptor Alpha Lambda Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and FFA sponsor at Greenbrier East High School. Karen loved her family, was a very talented seamstress and an avid gardener, loved reading books, and being at the beach. Surviving are her husband Ron Eggleston; daughter Autumn Fogel and husband Aaron of Nashville, Tenn.; son, Kevin Eggleston and his wife Iris of Ona, W.Va.; sister, Janet B. Turner and her husband Donnie of Lewisburg; aunt and uncle James and Edith Spence of Knoxville, Tenn.; nephews Eric, Ryan and Nathan Turner; nieces, Tracey, Leanne, Haven and Amy Eggleston; as well as several cousins and brothersin-law Michael and Dave Eggleston.
Calling for Class Notes
Ski Warren Thomas ’08: August 6, 2015. The precious son of John E. and Sara B. Thomas of Wyco, Ski was born October 30, 1977, in the Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital. As a child, Ski attended Mullens United Methodist Church and as a youth attended Wesleyan Chapel. As a man, he attended St. Francis De Sales Parish in Beckley, helping with Bingo on Saturday nights. Ski was a 1995 honor Ski Warren graduate of Mullens High School, Thomas '08 being in the Gifted Program. He was a member of the Quiz Bowl, placing 1st place his senior year; was on the Academic Team placing 1st place in 1989; placed in all his school years in the County and State Math Field Days; and was a member of the Mullens High School Wrestling Team, placing in Regional and State Competitions. Ski was a graduate of Concord College. While at Concord, he was captain of the Debate Team. Ski was currently working on his Master’s Degree in Accounting thru Walden University. Ski’s past employment has been with Outback, Applebee’s The Dish Cafe, I-Hop and Coca Cola Bottling. Ski’s maternal grandmother, Sally McDaniel Farley, precedes him in death. Survivors include his father and mother John E. and Sara B. Farley Thomas of Wyco; paternal grandparents W.D. “Jr.” and Eugenia Garten Thomas of Meadow Bridge; and his maternal grandfather Alfred L. Farley, Sr. of Pulaski, Virginia. Ski had a host of friends with fond memories of the past. He touched many lives and he had a giving heart, loving his friends dearly. George Bivens Ide, Jr.: September 17, 2015. A resident of Princeton, W.Va., he was born April 23, 1975 in Lewisburg, W.Va. He was the son of George B. Ide, Sr. and step-mother Betty of Princeton and the late Ellen Sue Dixon Fostek. He was employed at Aramark Food Service as a chef at Concord University for the past six years. George was an avid bird lover who enjoyed wildlife and the George Bivens Ide, Jr. great outdoors. He was formerly of the Methodist faith and attended Radford University. Additional survivors include one son, Elijah Gabriel Sandifer-Ide of Pulaski, Va.; his life partner of four years, Melissa Huffman of Princeton; one sister, Laura Ide of Clairmont, N.C.; two half-brothers and four half-sisters all of the Radford, Va. area.
We want to hear from you! Send us your personal and professional accomplishments, news on marriages and family additions and updates on other noteworthy events in your life. Photographs are welcome as well. Please email your news items to advancement@concord.edu or mail them to Concord University, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712.
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New Faces
Join CU Faculty Ranks
Concord University welcomed nine new full-time faculty members for the Fall 2015 semester.
Dr. Sharon W. Brescoach is joining Concord’s faculty as an Assistant Professor of Public Relations. Dr. Brescoach earned a bachelor’s (Journalism) and master’s degree (Spec. Ed.) from West Virginia University, a master’s degree (Journalism) from Marshall University, and her Ph.D. in Communications from the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Lawrence M. Eppard will serve as an Assistant Professor of Sociology. Dr. Eppard earned a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University, a master’s degree from Virginia Tech and a doctorate in sociology from the University of Florida. His primary doctoral specializations were social stratification and inequalities and sociology of families. Dr. Adriana M. Falco has been named an Assistant Professor of Psychology. Dr. Falco received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland-College Park and earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in psychology (with a concentration in biopsychology) from George Mason University. After finishing her doctorate, Falco traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska where she completed postdoctoral training at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Ida M. Mills is joining CU’s faculty as an Assistant Professor of Social Work. Dr. Mills earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Morningside College, a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University and a doctoral degree from St. Mary’s University.
Dr. Patricia A. Nishimoto will serve as an Assistant Professor of Social Work. Dr Nishimoto earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Longwood College and received a master’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Hawaii. Mr. Chad M. Parsons is an Instructor in English as a Second Language. Mr. Parsons graduated from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa. with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Global Business Management. He has held this post since January 2015. Dr. Jacob Womack was recently appointed as an Instructor of Music and Collaborative Pianist for Concord University. Dr. Womack holds a DMA from West Virginia University, MM from The Pennsylvania State University, and a BM from West Virginia University.
Dr. Jack E. Yeager is joining the CU faculty as an Associate Professor of Finance. Dr. Yeager earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in finance and a doctorate in finance with an emphasis in econometrics from Texas Tech University. Dr. Hong Yin is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Yin received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Shanghai University and earned a doctorate in chemistry from West Virginia University. For additional information go to: http://hub.concord.edu/news/2015/09/15/concord-university-welcomes-newfull-time-faculty-members
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Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight features outstanding achievements of alums and is highlighted on CU’s website. The Alumni Spotlight archive is located at: http://www.concord.edu/advancement/alumni-spotlight-archive
June 2015 - Jill Holliday '01
Congratulations to Jill Holliday ’01 on being named to The State Journal’s 2015 Class of Generation Next: 40 Under 40. The annual award was started 10 years ago as a way to highlight 40 people in West Virginia under the age of 40 who are working and volunteering to make the state a better place. To view the entire list for the Class of 2015 and to read more about Jill and the impact she’s making on WV please visit the following link: http://www.statejournal.com/story/28405415/the-state-journals-2015-class-of-generationnext-40-under-40 Thanks Jill for all you do for your community and for West Virginia—we are proud to call you a Concord alum!
July 2015 - Pat Day '98 and Josh Wyatt '06
Above: Pat Day '98. Below: Josh Wyatt '06.
We find it very appropriate that for the middle of summer we had not one but two alums who are making a name for themselves in the world of baseball. First we would like to recognize Pat Day ’98 for being named Team President/GM of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Minor League Baseball Club. Pat has an impressive resume of experience in minor league baseball and has been serving as General Manager of the Blue Crabs since 2012. To read more about Pat’s new role please visit the following link: http://www.somdbluecrabs.com/blog/post/54/blue-crabs-general-manager-patrick-daynamed-team-president We also wanted to recognize Josh Wyatt ’06 for leading the Pikeview High School baseball team to the school’s first ever appearance in the West Virginia state baseball tournament. The Panthers beat Independence High School in the Region 3 title game to punch their ticket to Charleston, but lost in the Class AA semifinals to eventual champion Bridgeport High School. Wyatt has been the head coach at Pikeview since 2010. Congratulations to Pat and Josh for these outstanding achievements.
August 2015 - Stephanie Thorn '95
Stephanie Thorn was recently named one of Destination Marketing Association International’s (DMAI) 2015 “30 Under 30” outstanding destination marketing experts. Stephanie is the Marketing Coordinator at VisitGreenvilleSC. This prestigious recognition, conveyed to only 30 professionals from across the United States, takes into consideration not only the individual’s background and professional accomplishments, but their knowledge of industry trends and ability to develop and express specific strategies and tactics that have and will continue to impact the direction of their DMO’s efforts. Candidates were nominated by their superiors, with the final application taking the form of a 3-minute video featuring the nominee. This is the fifth year in which DMAI has announced their “30 Under 30”. In addition to her degree from Concord, Stephanie also has a Masters in Geography and an emphasis in Geographic Information Systems and Tourism Planning and Marketing as well as a graduate certificate in Geospatial Information Science from Marshall University. Stephanie was the only recipient chosen from South Carolina. To learn more about DMAI and Stephanie’s recognition please visit: http://www. destinationmarketing.org/dmai-annual-convention/30-under-30 Congratulations Stephanie on such an outstanding recognition!
September 2015 - Angela Frye Keaton '99
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Dr. Angela Frye Keaton had her article “Professionalism Isn’t Just for the Workplace” published in the June/July issue of “The Teaching Professor”. Dr. Keaton is an associate professor of history and commons at Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN. She is involved with the Tusculum College Professionalism Initiative and her article reports on her efforts to incorporate this initiative into each of her courses. To read more about the initiative and her article, please visit the link below: http://www.timesnews.net/article/9090930/tusculum-college-professor-keaton-published-inteaching-journal-about-professionalism#ixzz3jGXmAMfo Thank you Dr. Keaton for your commitment to such an important part of a college education!
We have a for someone you know.
Dear Alumni and Friends, We have a special place for someone you know. You are in a unique position, as an alumnus or friend of Concord University, to recommend prospective students to the University. The special person you know may currently be in high school or in the workforce…and searching for the perfect fit for college. Please submit the name of your special person and we will follow up to see if we can meet his or her academic needs. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting someone who is special to you! Kindest regards,
Sarah Turner ’98 Director of Alumni Affairs
Submit this form in the envelope provided. The information you supply below is all that’s required and you don’t have to complete the form on the envelope. Or, you may call 1-888-384-5249 or email alumni@concord.edu to make your referral. (Please mention that you are making an alumni student referral when you call.)
Student’s Name:______________________________
Address:______________________________________
________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________
Legacy Scholarship is Now Available We are proud to announce the availability of the Concord University Legacy Scholarship.
Did you graduate from either Concord College or Concord University? Then, your son or daughter will be eligible to apply for the Concord University Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship is non-renewable and is contingent upon available funds. Encourage your son or daughter to apply early!
Here are the criteria. The successful recipient must: • be either a first-time freshman or student who transfers from another institution
• be a dependent of either a Concord College or Concord University graduate
• have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA and 18 on the ACT or 870 (verbal and mathematics score only) on the SAT Funds are limited so please check with the Concord University Admissions Office regarding scholarship availability.
Email: _________________________________________ Name of high school and graduation date:
________________________________________________ Parents' Names: _____________________________
________________________________________________ Are Parents Alumni? ________________________
If current college student, name of institution: ________________________________________________ Your Name: ___________________________________ Class Year: ____________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________ Thank you for your recommendation!
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CU Athletics
Mountain Lion Football
Televised Live on WVVA-TV
VVA-TV General Manager Frank Brady and Concord University President Dr. Kendra Boggess signed an agreement on Aug. 24 to air three Concord home football games during the 2015 season. The Sept. 12 game against Fairmont State, the Sept. 26 matchup with West Virginia Wesleyan and the Oct. 24 contest against Mountain East Conference rival Shepherd were part of the agreement. A.J. Good, WVVA sports director, offered the live play-by-play with former Concord assistant football coach Will King joining Good in the booth for color commentary. WVVA-TV is the local NBC affiliate and the games could be seen on channel 6 on Comcast in Bluefield, W.Va., channel 6 on Suddenlink in Beckley, W.Va. and channel 5 on Suddenlink in Princeton, W.Va.
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Shown at the agreement signing are, seated from left, Frank Brady and Dr. Kendra Boggess, and, standing from left, Garin Justice and Kevin Garrett.
CU Athletics Concord Uses Stifling Defense to Beat Fairmont State, 27-10
A stout defense coupled with an efficient offense led the Concord University football team to a 27-10 win over Fairmont State Sept. 12 at Callaghan Stadium in Mountain East Conference play. CU evened its record at 1-1, both overall and against league foes, while the Fighting Falcons dropped to 0-2 overall and in MEC play. The Mountain Lions stymied Fairmont State throughout the game as the Fighting Falcons gained just 201 yards of total offense. The last time CU surrendered that few of yards was Oct. 19, 2013 against West Virginia Wesleyan when it allowed 181 yards. Concord opened up the scoring as the Mountain Lions marched 62 yards on eight plays, and senior running back Calvinaugh Jones plunged into the end zone for a twoyard touchdown. It wasn’t until the second quarter when the Maroon and Gray put together another long drive of 11 plays and 80 yards, but this time senior fullback Shaun Workinger scored six for CU, making it 13-0 Mountain Lions with 8:46 remaining until halftime. Fairmont State kicked a field goal as time expired in the first half to give Concord a 13-3 halftime edge. Out of the halftime break, the Mountain Lions forced one of five FSU punts on the day, and capitalized with a touchdown by sophomore running back Jamal Petty, extending the lead to 20-3. The drive was highlighted by the longest pass of the game from junior quarterback Brian Novak to sophomore wide receiver Jermeil Douse for 49 yards. Once again, the Mountain Lions forced a three-and-out and put together another long drive of 11 plays with Jones scoring his 24th career rushing touchdown and his
second of the game to run the score to 27-3. FSU rallied with a late touchdown in the fourth quarter to put the final margin of victory for Concord at 2710.
Calvinaugh Jones
But on this day, the defense ruled as it limited the Fighting Falcons’ offense to 58 yards on the ground and 17 of those came on one play. Senior linebacker Austin Dotson led the effort with nine tackles. Meanwhile, senior defensive lineman Ervin Moore recorded seven tackles and his 16th career sack. Senior defensive back Jocorey Robins joined Moore with seven tackles. Senior linebacker Brandon Martinez had four stops and a teamhigh 2.5 tackles for loss that totaled 10 yards in negative yardage. Offensively, Jones finished the contest with 20 carries for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman quarterback Justin Cogar ran for 32 yards on six rushes and Petty gained an additional 31 yards and a score. Through the air, Novak was 10for-13 as he found seven different receivers on his completions. Jones and Workinger hauled in two passes for 41 and 11 yards, respectively. For the Fighting Falcons, quarterback Cooper finished the
game 19-for-29 for 143 yards and found wide receiver Fabian Guerra for FSU’s only touchdown.
Concord Scores Early, Defeats West Virginia Wesleyan, 59-17
A powerful and fast-scoring offense propelled the Concord University football team to a 5917 home win over West Virginia Wesleyan Sept. 26 at Callaghan Stadium in Mountain East Conference action. The offense exploded for 588 total yards, 345 rushing yards and 49 first-half points as the Mountain Lions improved to 3-1 overall and against league foes while West Virginia Wesleyan fell to 0-4 overall. Saturday marked the second straight year CU racked up over 340 rushing yards against WVWC as the Maroon and Gray pounded out 348 rushing yards against the Bobcats last season. The 588 yards of offense Concord amassed was the most since the Mountain Lions put up 619 yards against West Chester last season. Senior running back Calvinaugh Jones amassed 118 yards of total offense (69 rushing, 49 receiving and three touchdowns – two rushing, one receiving). All of Jones’ work came in the first half of Saturday’s game as Jones rested in the second half. Sophomore running back Jamal Petty had a career day as he rushed for 171 yards on 17 carries and also scored a touchdown. Petty broke his career-high in rushing yards that he previously set last season at UVaWise with 125. Sophomore wide receiver TJ Smith scored his first two touchdowns of the season, both in the first half as he caught passing scores of 39 and 10 yards. Smith finished the game with four catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Also scoring his first two career CU touchdowns on the afternoon was
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CU Athletics junior wide receiver Javares McRoy. However, both of McRoy’s scores came on the ground as he had a 10-yard score in the first half and a third-quarter touchdown of nine yards. Meanwhile, junior quarterback Brian Novak surpassed two career milestones by completing his 400th career pass on his first completion of the game. Novak also went over 6,000 yards passing in his career on Smith's first touchdown reception. For the game, Novak finished 11-for-16 with 226 yards and three touchdowns. The Mountain Lions scored four times in the first quarter as Jones found pay dirt twice while Smith
and McRoy each scored once. Three more touchdowns in the second quarter, one each by Jones, Petty and Smith, stretched the CU lead to 49-0 before the Bobcats added a late field goal before halftime. Senior kicker Andy Ellington connected on a 32-yard field goal to start the second half and McRoy concluded the CU scoring with a rushing touchdown with 1:22 left in the third. Defensively, Concord forced three turnovers as junior defensive back Akil Bordelon and senior linebacker Brandon Martinez each intercepted their second passes of the season. Meanwhile, senior linebacker Austin Dotson’s jarring hit in the first half
caused a WVWC fumble as junior linebacker Davon McGill recovered the loose ball. McGill led the Mountain Lions in tackles with seven while redshirt freshman linebacker Zach Malone posted a career-high six tackles to go along with his first career sack. The Concord special teams came up with a blocked punt as senior wide receiver Ryan Stewart busted through the protection to allow senior linebacker Cade Rogers to catch the block by Stewart. The Mountain Lions' blocked punt led to Smith’s second touchdown of the day, and CU scored on two of three West Virginia Wesleyan turnovers.
ATHLETIC TRAINING Publications Recognize Concord’s Program The Concord University Athletic Training Program was recognized in the May 2015 issue of NATA News, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s monthly members’ publication, for its participation in the West Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association’s (WVATA) annual meeting in Flatwoods, W.Va. At the conference, Kara Broughman was awarded the West Virginia Athletic Training Student of the Year Award. Broughman, along with Joe Sweet and Sami Spertzel, won the student’s State Quiz Bowl. Concord’s program was again recognized in the WVATA Spring Newsletter for representing the University and the State of West Virginia at the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association (MAATA) Symposium in the District Three Quiz Bowl and Athletic Training Student Olympics in Virginia Beach, Va. This District includes all educational athletic training programs and professionals from West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Washington, D.C. Sweet, Broughman, and Spertzel
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Shown, back row, left to right are Olivia Hawley (UC), Darian Apperson (UC), Adam Gellios (Concord), Paula Ord (UC), Sami Spertzel (Concord), and Joe Sweet (Concord), and in front, Kara Broughman, MAATA Student Rep (Concord) competing at the MAATA District III Student Olympics in Virginia Beach, Va. on May 30, 2015. placed third in the Quiz Bowl competition. The next day at the convention Adam Gellios, Sweet, and Spertzel competed with students from the University of Charleston (Olivia Hawley, Darian Apperson, Paula Ord) to represent West Virginia in the Athletic Training Student Olympics. This is a skills relay event that encourages student involvement and entertainment at the convention.
West Virginia’s team was also granted a five second head start in the relay as the result of collecting more aluminum can tabs than any other state during a district wide service project to raise awareness and funds for the Ronald McDonald House to support the families of seriously ill or injured children receiving medical treatment in local hospitals.
CU Athletics Gellios Representing State in MAATA Student Senate Adam Gellios, an athletic training student at Concord University, was elected as the West Virginia representative to the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers Association Student Senate. He is a resident of Nokesville,
Va. Adam will be working with other senators from the MAATA district to promote the profession of athletic training, develop programs for athletic training students and plan the student portion of the annual MAATA Conference. “This is a great honor as only two
students are selected to represent West Virginia from all AT programs across the state,” Laura Wamsley, Concord’s clinical education coordinator of athletic training, said. To learn more about Concord University’s Athletic Training Program visit http://hub.concord. edu/human-performance/node/3
CROSS COUNTRY Concord Captures Division II Title at Coastal Carolina Invite The Concord University women’s cross country team won its second straight Division II race at the Coastal Carolina Invite Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 in Conway, S.C. Just a week after defeating a threeteam Division II field at the Hokie Invite, the Mountain Lions scored 34 points to take home the win at the CCU Invite, and beat four other teams including conference rival Charleston. Senior Vivian Ruiz was CU’s top runner for the second straight meet as she placed third in Division II and 12th overall. The Charles Town, W.Va. resident and a Mountain East Conference Runner of the Week clocked a time of 20:18. Freshman Bailey Knowles crossed the line in 20:29, good enough for a fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, fellow freshman Catrina Russell clocked a time of 20:53. Two more freshmen, Karleigh Thompson (ninth) and Kenna Knowls (11th), clocked times of 21:34 and 22:00, respectively to round Concord’s top five competitors. Freshman Taylor Hamm (13th / 22:06), sophomore Kristin Lee (14th / 22:08), freshman Kaylin Kessinger (16th / 22:24) and senior Rene Miller (24th / 23:48) completed the field of Mountain Lions. Concord Claims Division II Title at Greensboro
The Concord University men’s cross country team had five runners finish in the top five and stacked eight runners in the top 10 as it won the
The CU Women's Cross Country team does a stride-out before racing. Division II title at the Greensboro XC Invitational Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 in Greensboro, N.C. Freshman Jason Weitzel paced the Mountain Lions as he won his second meet of the season by clocking a time of 27:01 on the 8,000-meter course. Sophomore Justin Snyder ran a personal-record time of 27:29 to finish second. Snyder was followed closely by freshman Michael Ruhnke as he crossed in 27:40. Senior Stephen Starliper was fourth, running a time of 28:01. Junior Brandon Lee rounded out the top five with a 28:19 showing on the 8,000-meter course. Freshman Tyler Kosut finished eighth with a time of 28:54 while junior Cimarron Nicely crossed the finish line in 28:55 to place ninth. Freshman Matt Strand ran a time of 29:40 and finished 10th to round out the top finishers for Concord. Also competing for the Mountain Lions was senior Aaron Martin (13th / 30:06), freshman Jacob Ashcraft (14th / 30:11), sophomore Roger
Brandon Lee Foster (18th / 30:51) and freshman David Meck (19th / 30:53). As a team, CU finished with a score of 15 points while second-place West Virginia Tech had 62 points.
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CU Athletics
MEN'S BASEBALL Garrett Returns to Coaching Position Kevin Garrett has returned as the head coach of the baseball team. Garrett will also continue to serve as the University’s athletic director. Garrett was appointed to the post in June 2015 when former head baseball coach Andrew Wright announced that he had accepted the head coaching position at the University of Charleston. This will be the second stint for Garrett as the head coach of the baseball team. Previously, Garrett led the Mountain Lions from 1995-2010 where he posted a program-record
355 wins, won the 2001 WVIAC Championship and took Concord to three NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Tournaments. From 2000-2010, Garrett's team won at least 20 games in all but one year, and in 2008 CU notched 35 wins. In 16 seasons as head coach Garrett coached nine Division II AllAmericans, four WVIAC Players of the Year and two WVIAC Pitchers of the Year. Additionally, he has won WVIAC Coach of the Year three times (2000, 2003, 2008). Garrett will inherit a program that has won 30 or more games the last three seasons and the 2015 team lost just five seniors.
Kevin Garrett
WOMEN'S SOCCER Alums Travel to World Cup Nine former Concord women’s soccer players traveled to Vancouver, Canada this past summer for the Women’s World Cup. A highlight of the trip was watching the American women win 5-2 over Japan. The alums graduated from Concord from 2007 through 2011. Participating in the soccer vacation were: Leanna Bahwell (Neuner) ’07, Megan Davies ’08, Jess Miracle ’08, Jenny Anderson (Cleland) ’08, Sarah Coelho ’09, Allison Schroeder (Sanders), Cassandra Fortino ’11, Kaitlyn Tomasic ’11, and Katie Cuviello ’10. Athletics section compiled with assistance from Wes McKinney ’13 in the CU Sports Information Office.
For more on CU athletics, check us out online at
www.cumountainlions.com Athletics section compiled with assistance from Wes McKinney ’13 in the CU Sports Information Office. 79 • Fall 2015
WHAT IS THE MOUNTAIN LION CLUB, INC.? The Mountain Lion Club is the fundraising foundation of Concord University Athletics. Financial support from this organization provides for scholarships, facility upgrades, recruitment and retention of talented student-athletes and coaches, and other operating expenses.
2014-2015 MOUNTAIN LION CLUB, INC. DONORS In the recently printed 2014-2015 Concord University Foundation Annual Report, we regret that we did not include a complete list of Mountain Lion Club, Inc. Donors. This comprehensive list serves to recognize and thank our valued Mountain Lion Club, Inc. Donors. • Mildred Acker • The Gregory and Lorraine Allen Foundation • Preston Bach • Samuel Banton • Jerry Beasley • Janet Bilotti • William Bingham • Jeffrey Bowers • Ashleigh Brookman • The Bullington Agency, Inc. • David Cloonan • Community First Radio, Inc. • Irvin Crane • J. Russell Curle • Paul Davis • William Dempsey • Richard Dillon • First Community Bank • Jamette Garrett • Eugene Gilhooly • Brian Graves
THANK YOU!
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Michael Green Benjamin Grimm Terri Gunter Tina Harris Elizabeth Hoffman Thomas Horner Molly Johns Phyllis Justice Ronald Keiser Carol Learmonth Patricia McIntyre William and Martha McKee George McKelvie Mikayla McMullen Barbara Miller Huey Miller National Collegiate Athletic Association Jill Nolan Reggie Perry Anna Peterson Christie Plymal
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Sandra Rhodes Stephen Rowe Saint Joseph’s College Jane Sanders Stephen Satinsky Sea Coast Construction Services, Inc. William J. Sealey Barry Stowers Student Athlete Community Service Network, Inc. Sunshine Children’s Foundation Daniel Swank Gayle Swank Rhonda Tabit Kimberly Thomas Lorin Walls Insurance Agency, Inc. Thomas Wilson Rebecca Wood Thomas Woodbury
Thank you for supporting the Mountain Lion Club and Concord University Athletics. Your support allows the Mountain Lion coaching staffs to attract the highest caliber student-athletes to compete and study at Concord University. With your help, we can give our student-athletes the resources necessary to compete on a national level. For more information on Concord University Athletics news, please visit www.cumountainlions.com.
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Find out all the reasons people love CU by visiting www.concord.edu/advancement/i-heart-cu
Calling all Tri-Sigmas!
Sigma Lodge in Need of Repairs he Tri-Sigma lodge in Athens is a building that holds a special place in the hearts of all Sigmas from Concord. Through the years, the lodge has experienced some wear and tear and the chapter is currently working on making some improvements. A new roof was put on the lodge this summer and plans are in the works for new
GiftIdeas
flooring, doors and windows. If you would like to contribute to the renovations, you can mail a check made out to the CU Foundation to the following address: PO Box 1405, Athens, WV 24712. Please put “Sigma Lodge Fund” in the memo line. Please contact sarahjane1088@yahoo.com with questions about the project.
Support the CUAA “The Campus Beautiful” is a print by well-known artist P. Buckley Moss produced especially for Concord University in conjunction with the Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. Print size is 11”x13”. Cost is $100 with $15 shipping and handling for each print.
Make all checks payable to: Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. Mail to: CUAA, Campus Box 83, PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712. When ordering, please include your name, phone number, email address, and a street address for shipping.
Anyone who joins the CUAA as a Lifetime member will receive a Moss print as their membership gift while supplies last.
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TAKE ROAR WITH YOU! We want to see you with Roar wherever you go! Cut out Roar, to the left, and take him on your fun adventures. Then, take a photo with our friendly mascot and send it to us so we can share with the rest of the CU alumni family!
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