Alumni Magazine Spring 2016

Men's Basketball Wins the MEC

The Seventeenth Annual Fall Commencement

Holiday

Open House

2016

Groundhog Day Breakfast

From the President’s Desk

Calendar of Events

Greetings friends,

After a remarkably warm, balmy end to the fall semester and a holiday season filled with sunshine, weather realities did set in last week with our first real snowstorms. Our wonderful students have returned to campus and sledding down the hill opposite the Jean and Jerry Beasley Student Center is reported to have been as much fun as when you last engaged in that activity. Spring semester promises to bring us many important and interesting challenges and activities and your edition of the Spring Alumni Magazine will provide you with summaries and updates about what is happening on the Campus Beautiful.

Fall semester was filled with inspirational, interesting, fun events and activities, and we hope you were one of the many participants involved in those campus events. The Holiday Open House was well designed, generated great attendance, wonderful musical performances, a visit from Santa, delicious decorating opportunities, and beautifully themed holiday trees.

Fall Commencement was a memorable event for those graduating and their many guests. The day included a remarkable assemblage of speakers, the awarding of two honorary doctorates to members of the Concord University community whose contributions have been substantial, and performances by our band and choral groups. It was a great way to conclude a semester filled with classes and labs, art, and musical presentations, travel experiences, and faculty/student research projects being completed. The Student Government Association, our Greeks, and many other clubs have enlivened the campus with their organizational skills, social activities, and hearts for service. These groups are essential to a vibrant campus and enrich each of our lives as they help us build treasured memories of their college years. In our classrooms, Concord faculty continue to maintain the high standards for which the University is well known in order to best serve our graduates as they take their next steps into the world, be it in a career or graduate school. We owe our faculty and staff a debt of gratitude for giving so much of themselves to help students become successful citizens and community members.

As you look through this edition of the Concord Alumni Magazine, we hope you will enjoy the offerings and have time to reflect upon your days on campus. Please enjoy our stories relating to the Veteran’s Ceremony/5 Star Challenge, along with this semester’s Groundhog Day Breakfast.

Finally, I’d like to remind you that membership in Concord University’s Alumni Association is one of the best ways to remain involved with your school. Every graduating senior has an opportunity to establish him or herself as a new alumni friend. Staying connected with campus in meaningful ways is made easier by your memberships in the Alumni Association, so we hope you will join us in supporting our Advancement Office in its exciting efforts.

We want you to know that we will continue to be interested in each of you now and in the future. When you think of Concord, please share regular updates about yourself. The Class Notes section of this magazine is an important means by which we can learn about your accomplishments and the milestone events in your lives.

Dr. Kendra Boggess Concord University President

May 7 • Spring Commencement • 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Carter Center Athens, WV May 14 • Beckley & Beyond Alumni Chapter Social • 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Chocolate Moose Beckley, WV May 19 • CUAA Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A • 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Chick-fil-A Beckley Galleria Beckley, WV June 10 • Homer Ball Golf Tournament • 8:30 a.m.

Pipestem State Park July 15 • Pine Trees Summer Social

August 14 • Athens-Concord Town Social • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Concord University Front Lawn October 15 • Homecoming 2016 Concord University Athens, WV

October 22 • Yankee Chapter Alumni Tailgate • CU vs. Shepherd football game Shepherdstown, 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 Spring 2016

On the Cover The CU Men's Basketball team captures their first MEC title.

Photo Credit: Sam Santilli

68 15 9

Men's Basketball Wins the MEC

The Seventeenth Annual Fall Commencement

Holiday

Open House

2016

Groundhog Day Breakfast

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

19

Features 9

2015 Holiday Open House

14 Fall 2015 Senior Dinner 15 The Seventeenth Annual Fall Commencement 19 2016 Groundhog Day Breakfast 23 Veterans Appreciation Day 27 Concord University Faculty Senate 29 Concord Artists

Doug Maddy '69

31 Beckley-Raleigh County Dinner 74 Donor Honor Roll

In Every Issue 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

3

CU Alumni Association, Inc.

4

Alumni Happenings

31 CU Foundation, Inc. 37 Legacy Family 39 Retired Faculty & Staff: Staying Connected 43 Beyond the Classroom 47 Greek Spotlight: Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity 52 Beckley Update 53 Alumni Entrepreneurs 55 Heritage & Horizon 60 Class Notes 67 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!

ATTENTION ALUMNI! Are you a Concord alum living in the Greater Kanawha Valley in WV? Are you interested in getting involved with the local alumni chapter? If so then we need your help! The Greater Kanawha Valley Alumni Chapter is looking for some alumni to assist with planning chapter events, representing CU in the Kanawha Valley, etc. If you are interested in being a part of these efforts please contact Sarah Turner, Alumni Director, at 1-304-384-5348 or alumni@concord.edu

Charleston alumni gather prior to CU’s MEC Tournament quarterfinal game vs. UC

I want to join!

Check a box and return this slip in the envelope provided with this magazine. Please be sure to fill out your contact and payment information on the envelope inside this issue.

Join Us Today!

CU Alumni Association, Inc. Individual Membership Form Basic $10 - 24.99

Maroon & Gray Club $25 - 149.99

President’s Club $150 - 499.99

Life Membership $500 or more

Local Chapter Dues - Chapter name & amount enclosed _____________________ $________________

3 • Spring 2016

Renew Membership - Amount enclosed $________________

To pay your dues with your credit card or debit card, please call 1-304-384-6311

Alumni Happenings Clearwater, Florida Each winter a group of CU alums gathers in Clearwater, Fla. to keep in touch and share memories from their days at Concord in the 1960s. This year’s get-together was held January 29 and 30, 2016. All the men attending were members the Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity that was on campus then and is now the Phi Sigma Phi Fraternity.

First row from Left to Right - Judy (Schab) Miller ’67, Sharon (Gilbride) Cox ’66, Michael Stein ’66, Michael Strong ’67, and David Nell ’68 Back Row from Left to Right - Gary Miller ’69, Mrs. Michael Strong, James Crawford ’68, Stella Nell, Norm Gavazzoni ’67, Connie Gavazzoni, Linda Roman, and Jack Roman ’66.

Concord Honors 1990-1991 Men’s Basketball Team The 1990-1991 Concord University men’s basketball team was recognized on its 25th anniversary of winning the District 28 Championship and advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NAIA Tournament during the Feb. 20, 2016 contest between Concord and Notre Dame at the Carter Center.

The silver anniversary team was coached by Steve Cox who led the team to the 1991 WVIAC Tournament Title and then won the best two out of three game series against West Virginia Wesleyan for the District 28 Championship. The two playoff wins against WVWC were the first postseason wins in a national tournament for a Concord team in any sport.

After besting West Virginia Wesleyan, Concord moved on to the round of 32 in the national tournament in Kansas City where it defeated Southern Colorado 106-

91 to advance to the NAIA Sweet 16. The Mountain Lions fell in the round of 16 to Oklahoma City who went on to win the NAIA National Championship in 1991.

The 1990-1991 team featured Concord’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, Ron Ward, who had 2,872 points and 1,416 rebounds over his four-year career. Ward scored 1,021 points in final season at CU. The all-time assist leader, Chuck Scott, also played on that team and handed out 842 assists.

Todd Lusk played on the 19901991 team and scored over 2,000 points in his career and owns every major three-point shooting record at Concord. Todd Keffer who was a freshman on the 1990-1991 team went on to score 1,000 points in his career as well.

Other members of the team included Jason Eldridge, Scott Goins, Henry Lipscomb, Andre Nabors, Chris Pauley, Jim Pettus, Kevin Richardson and Tony Tooley.

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Alumni Happenings Fayetteville, West Virginia A table full of Concord alums participated in the Create WV conference held September 2426, 2015 in Fayetteville, W.Va. Shown (left to right): Frankie Scott Bennett ’11, Katie Sickman ’11, Joseph Carowick ’15, Brittany Means ’12, Brandon Brown ’12, Micalyn Miller ’13, and in the background, Katie Crickenberger Ickes ’83.

Check us out

ONLINE Check out the Concord University Alumni Association website for all your up-to-date alumni news and updates.

Please visit: www.concord universityalumni.com

5 •Spring 2016

Alumni Happenings Beckley Rotary Dr. Kendra Boggess addressed the Beckley Rotary Club at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center in December 2015. Several Concord alums attended.

Shown at the meeting are, from left, Wendy Holdren ’11, Jessica Scheuler ’09, Richard Jarrell ’84, Bill Baker ’62, Dr. Boggess, Eddie Isom ’88 and Dr. Peter Viscusi.

Calling all Tri-Sigmas!

Sigma Lodge in Need of Repairs The 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 last summer and plans are in the works for new flooring,

doors and windows. If you would like to contribute to the renovations, you can mail a check made out to the CU Foundation at the following address: PO Box 1405, Athens, WV 24712. Please put “Sigma Lodge Fund” in the memo line. Contact sarahjane1088@yahoo.com with questions about the project.

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

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!

Spring 2016 • 6

ATTENTION

ALUMNI!

The Concord University Alumni Association has a number of alumni chapters that are always looking for new members. If you live in any of the following areas, we hope you will consider joining your local alumni chapter: 1. Pine Trees Chapter (southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia counties) pinetreesalumnichapter@hotmail.com

2. Beckley & Beyond Chapter (Raleigh, Summers, Greenbrier, Wyoming and the southern half of Fayette counties) beckleyalumni@mycu.concord.edu

3. Greater Kanawha Valley Chapter (Kanawha, Boone, Cabell, Putnam, Clay, Lincoln and the northern half of Fayette counties) charlestonalumni@mycu.concord.edu 4. Yankee Chapter (Northern States - NY, NJ, DE, MA, CT, RI, ME, VT, NH, PA) rgallione@aol.com 5. CU Employees Chapter alumniemployees@mycu.concord.edu

6. Roanoke / New River Valley Chapter swvirginiaalumni@mycu.concord.edu The Alumni Office is also in communication with alumni in the following areas regarding starting a new chapter or reorganizing an old chapter:

• Charlotte, NC

• Northern VA/ Washington, DC/Eastern Panhandle of WV

Now, even more ways you can donate to or join the CUAA!

• Florida

• Morgantown, WV

If you are interested in being a part of any of these chapters please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@concord.edu or 304-384-5348.

Alumni E-mail Accounts

Help Graduates Stay Connected to CU Beginning with the May 2014 class, all CU graduates will automatically receive an alumni e-mail account. Individuals graduating prior to May 2014 will be able to request the service. This is a great way for alumni to stay connected to Concord.

The account offers 50 GB of e-mail storage and 25GB of

Help Us

document storage on OneDrive. The “mycu.concord.edu” email account the alum used as a student will continue to be valid as well. The handle or username will remain the same with the new alumni account.

For example, smithj15@mycu. concord.edu becomes smithj15@ alumni.concord.edu as an alumni e-mail account.

Information is sent to all new graduates about the new alumni account including a link to a tutorial about its use. For alums graduating prior to May 2014, request your new alumni e-mail account by going to https://apps.concord.edu/ machform35/view.php?id=72399

Rescue a Lost Mountain Lion!

While the Alumni Office makes every effort to keep in touch with all Concord alumni, we know there are some alums for which we do 7 • Spring 2016

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.

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

October 2015 - Omar Aboulhosn '89 Congratulations to Concord alum and Mercer County Circuit Court Judge Omar Aboulhosn ’89 on being appointed as a new United States magistrate judge, serving Bluefield and Beckley, WV. To read more about Judge Aboulhosn’s appointment, please visit the following link: http://m.bdtonline.com/opinion/u-s-magistrate-aboulhosn-an-excellent-appointment/ article_3e4afafc-5e49-11e5-9e45-833cffb307e2.html?mode=jqm Congratulations Omar on a very well-deserved appointment - we are proud to call you a Concord alum!

November 2015 - Amanda Sammons Meadows '04 Amanda Sammons Meadows ’04 was recently recognized as one of two RESA I Exemplary Educators for 2015.

Raleigh County's (WV) Amanda Sammons Meadows teaches kindergarten at Bradley Elementary School. Meadows has a BS in elementary education and a master's degree in reading from Concord University. She became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2010, and won the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award in 2013.

Meadows, who has been teaching for eight years, has known that she wanted to be an educator since she was 10 years old and tagged along with her father to a shelter for abused women, where he worked with the student residents of the shelter.

She said her rewards come daily as she sees the looks on her students' faces as they accomplish something they didn't realize they could do.

She provides "hands on" activities related to the 100th Day of School, Kindergarten Boot Camp (taught by a member of the military for Veterans Day) and the marriage ceremony of "Q" and "U." Meadows said the most important thing she does for her students is to believe in them and love them.

December 2015 - Brenda Thompson '95 Congratulations to Brenda Hampton Thompson ’95 on being named the 2015 Mercer County Teacher of the Year! Brenda is a 1st grade teacher at Sun Valley Elementary School. To read about Brenda’s recognition please visit the following link: http://www.wvva.com/story/30475635/2015/11/09/mercer-county-presents-gift-to-teacher-ofthe-year-brenda-thompson#.VkJWa7Ai-SA.email

January 2016 - Brittany Keys Anderson '10 Brittany Keys Anderson ’10 was recently selected as one of the best and brightest educators by RESA I, earning the organization’s Exemplary Educator Award. Anderson taught first grade at Memorial School in Mercer County (WV) before becoming the principal at Alderson Elementary School in Greenbrier County.

Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Concord and a master's degree in education leadership from Liberty University. In 2013, she was chosen as Teacher of the Year at Memorial School. Anderson now leads the staff and students of Alderson Elementary School in Alderson.

Congratulations Brittany on a well-deserved honor!

Spring 2016 • 8

9 • Spring 2016

Concord Celebrates the Season with Holiday Open House uests enjoyed an evening of holiday music, refreshments and festive fun at the annual Holiday Open House at University Point on Dec. 1. Concord student vocalists and musicians provided entertainment. Santa Claus, ready to hear wish lists from children, settled in for the evening in the Erickson Alumni Lounge. Children of all ages enjoyed decorating cookies in the Seminar Room.

The Holiday Hall of Trees, which was located in the Pais Fellowship Hall, added to the charm of the evening. Theme for this year was “Christmas Movies.” CU faculty, staff and students shared their talents to decorate these wonderful trees. To view trees, please see next page.

Live holiday music, talking with Santa, and decorating cookies make for a fun night at the Holiday Open House.

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“Christmas Movies” was 2015's theme for the Holiday Hall of Trees.

Top row (left to right): "12 Days of Christmas"; Academic Success Center - "A Christmas Carol"; Office of Advancement - "Christmas Vacation"; "All I Want For Christmas"; Athletics - "White Christmas"; Second row: Child Developement Center - "Frosty the Snowman"; "Elf"; Financial Aid Office - "Charlie Brown Christmas"; International Office "Polar Express"; "Jack Frost" Third row: "Miracle on 34th Street"; "Prancer"; Office of the President "A Christmas Story"; Registrar's Office - "It's a Wonderful Life"; "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" Fourth row: "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"; "Scrooged" 11 • Spring 2016

CU Community Continues Tradition

of Collecting for Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Project he Concord University community has collected gifts for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree since 1988. Faculty, staff, students and members of the local area responded overwhelmingly again in 2015 according to Lynnis Hill, administrative assistant and coordinator of Concord’s Angel Tree collection.

“The Salvation Army Angel Tree project was alive and well at CU again,” Hill said. “One hundred angel tags were placed on the Christmas tree in the Student Center and in the first couple of weeks all the angels had been adopted off the tree.”

She said that “blessings came to the givers and to the receivers” and extended “a sincere heartfelt thanks to those who participated in this program.”

Along with toys and clothes for the children, a dozen bicycles were donated by participants at Concord as well.

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Lynnis Hill, administrative assistant and coordinator of Concord’s Angel Tree collection, stands among the bags, boxes and bicycles collected by the Concord University community for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree project.

Look for archived copies of the Concord University Alumni Magazine on CU’s website at: http://www.concord.edu/advancement/publications

Spring 2016 • 12

Faculty, Staff and Students

Collect Gift Items for Area Children

oncord University faculty, staff and students made the holidays brighter for children in four southern West Virginia counties through the Holiday Helping Hand project.

Eleven children in Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming counties were adopted by the Concord community and participants donated gifts for the children from their wish lists. The children ranged in age from one year to 18 years old.

Toys, clothes and other items were also collected for Spark of Love, a community Christmas project in Logan County that assists children in need.

Concord worked with local school personnel in Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming counties to coordinate the gift giving in those counties and with a Spark of Love representative for the Logan County distribution.

Toys, clothes and other items, donated by Concord University faculty, staff and students, for area children in need.

“We hope to make this an annual tradition,” Lora Woolwine, executive secretary to the president, said.

“Last year, CU adopted two families that were in need and supplied everyone in both families with Christmas gifts and a holiday meal.”

“Concord University participates in a variety of community service projects throughout the year and this project is just a small way for us to help families who may need a little extra assistance at Christmas,” she said.

Community Service Project

Assists Feeding Hungry Children

tudents in two University 100 classes at Concord University assisted local school children in need for their community service project during the fall semester.

The students, members of classes taught by Mrs. Lora Woolwine and Dr. Richard Druggish, collected donations for the Feeding Hungry Children project.

Feeding Hungry Children is a mission of the First United Methodist Church in Princeton, W.Va. The project provides small packages of food to needy school children in the area who may go without adequate nutrition on the weekends when they don’t have access to school meals. Students in pre-k, kindergarten, and the first through sixth grades are served by Feeding Hungry Children.

Along with donations of food,

13 • Spring 2016

the University 100 students also collected new and gently used children’s books to give to the children.

The Concord students and their instructors delivered the food and books to First United Methodist Church on Nov. 14.

“Patty Flanagan who heads this program at the church came to my class to share poverty statistics and the specific need in our area,” Druggish said. “My class was made up of future education majors and we were inspired by this project and the opportunity to give to the local students. Hunger needs must first be met before learning can take place.”

“Concord University has always had a strong commitment to serving our community through various service projects,” Woolwine said.

Food and book donations collected by University 100 students await delivery to the Feeding Hungry Children project.

“I am proud as an alumnus and an employee to help to continue this tradition.”

Individuals or groups wishing to help or donate to Feeding Hungry Children may contact Mrs. Patty Flanagan at 304-487-1089.

Fall 2015 Grads

Celebrate Milestone raduating seniors were honored at the Senior Dinner held on Dec. 3 in the Pais Fellowship Hall in University Point. The dinner, hosted by Career Services and the Alumni Office, offered a delightful evening for the soon-to-be graduates and their guests. Senior Dinners have become a popular event at Concord and are held at the end of each semester.

Top to bottom, left to right: Fall 2015 graduates and their families gather at the Senior Dinner; Career Services Coordinator, Bren Yeager; guests enjoying their dinner; fall 2015 valedictorian, Amber Nicole Lynn Jessee.

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that ordering your Concord alumni gear is as easy as a few clicks of the mouse? Anyone can order Concord items through the Concord University Bookstore website. Just visit http://concord.bkstr.com to see what is available and to place your order. This service allows alums to show their Concord pride no matter where they are!

Spring 2016 • 14

2015 FALL COMMENCEMENT

15 • Spring 2016

2015 FALL COMMENCEMENT

oncord University held its Seventeenth Annual Fall Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 in the Leslie R. and Ruby Webb Carter Center. The ceremony began at 11 a.m. in the main gym. Graduate and undergraduate candidates meeting requirements for graduation in December 2015 participated.

Along with candidates for graduation from West Virginia, candidates from out-of-state represented: Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York and Michigan. International students representing Japan, Nepal, Mauritania and Brazil were also among the candidates for graduation. The Fall 2015 class included five veterans.

Valedictorian for the Fall 2015 class is Amber Nicole Lynn Jessee of Princeton, W.Va. Jessee received a Bachelor of Science in Education, summa cum laude.

Two honorary degrees were presented during the ceremony.

Arthur J. “Pete” Ballard of Peterstown, W.Va. received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities, honoris causa.

An Honorary Doctorate of

Top to bottom, left to right: The 2015 fall commencement drew large crowds; Krystal Frost marching with the rest of her classmates into the ceremony; Tyler Kerr excited for the ceremony to begin; Allison Lambert with her husband Levi.

Spring 2016 • 16

2015 FALL COMMENCEMENT

Above: Creative students display their caps.

Below: Clockwise from top left: Andrew Gondor; Keynote speaker, R. Booth Goodwin II; Student Government Association President, Ronni Wood speaks to the graduates; and Jake Munsey celebrates with family and friends after the ceremony.

17 • Spring 2016

Humanities, honoris causa was presented posthumously to James D. “Jim” Connolly.

R. Booth Goodwin II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, served as keynote speaker.

Greetings from the United States Senate were delivered

by Mike Browning, regional coordinator, on behalf of the Honorable Joe Manchin, III. Jordan Maynor, field representative, brought greetings from the United States House of Representatives on behalf of U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins. Kay Goodwin, cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, offered greetings from the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts. West Virginia Senate President William “Bill” Cole delivered greetings from the West Virginia Senate.

Concord University President Kendra Boggess issued the welcome. Greetings from the Board of Governors were delivered by Elliot Hicks, chair of the Board of Governors. Dr. Susan Williams, faculty president, offered greetings on behalf of the faculty. Greetings from the Alumni Association were brought

by Rose Kessinger, president of the Alumni Association. Ronni Wood, president of the Student Government Association, delivered greetings from the Student Government Association.

Valedictorian Amber Nicole Lynn Jessee also offered remarks.

The Concord University Band and the ConChords provided musical selections prior to and during the program. A reception was held in the Carter Center small gym following the ceremony. Thanks to the unseasonably warm and sunny weather graduates and their guests also gathered on the Carter Center lawn for photographs and congratulations after the program.

2015 FALL COMMENCEMENT

Honorary Degrees wo honorary degrees recognizing exemplary personal and professional accomplishments were presented during the commencement ceremony.

Arthur J. “Pete” Ballard of Peterstown, W.Va. received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities, honoris causa.

Ballard graduated from Concord in 1953 and has achieved acclaim as an artist and an educator. He has received numerous honors during his career including recognition from the state of West Virginia and the Concord University Alumni Association’s Golden Alumnus award.

An Honorary Doctorate of Humanities, honoris causa was presented posthumously to James D. “Jim” Connolly. A resident of Princeton, W.Va., Connolly founded Conn-Weld Industries, growing the business into a successful international venture.

He established a scholarship at Concord which has helped area students attain a college education and was a dedicated leader in the community.

Top: Accepting the posthumous honorary degree in honor of Mr. James “Jim” Connolly are, from left, his children Mr. Mike Connolly and Ms. Pat McCormick, and family friend Mr. Tom Giffen. President Kendra Boggess is shown at right. Bottom: President Kendra Boggess presents Mr. Arthur “Pete” Ballard with a citation in recognition of his honorary doctorate.

Va l ed i c tor i a n aledictorian for the Fall 2015 class is Amber Nicole Lynn Jessee of Princeton, W.Va. Jessee received a Bachelor of Science in Education, summa cum laude.

Her majors were Elementary Education (K-6) and Early Childhood Special Education (PreK-K).

“I feel so honored to be named valedictorian of the Fall 2015 class,” Jessee said. “I am so grateful for the exceptional professors and mentors who have

guided me along the way, as well as the unconditional support from my family and friends. I will value the knowledge and skills I have learned at Concord for the rest of my life.”

She said that her plans following graduation from Concord include teaching in a prekindergarten or kindergarten classroom and attending graduate school.

Amber Nicole Lynn Jessee Spring 2016 • 18

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CONCORD CHARLIE PREDICTS SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER West Virginia Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Commissioner of Tourism Amy Shuler Goodwin Serves as Grand Groundhog Watcher at Annual Breakfast

he news of the day on Groundhog Day 2016: Concord Charlie saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter.

Concord University President Kendra Boggess relayed the famed groundhog’s weather forecast to guests gathered for the 38th Annual Concord University Groundhog Day Breakfast held Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016 in University Point’s Pais Fellowship Hall on the Athens campus.

During a cell phone call from Charlie at the breakfast, Boggess learned that the furry prognosticator did indeed see his shadow.

“It looks like six more weeks of winter,” she said sharing Charlie’s prediction with the audience.

Clockwise starting from top: Concord University friends and family enjoy the annual Groundhog Day Breakfast; Grand Groundhog Watcher Amy Shuler Goodwin; Alicia Besenyei, Vice President for Advancement; a news crew ready to report Charlie's prediction.

Spring 2016 • 20

Top to bottom, left to right: Roar with Concord Charlie; guests at the 2016 breakfast; the 2016 Grand Groundhog Watcher, Amy Shuler Goodwin, right, receives her official certificate from Alicia Besenyei, Vice President for Advancement; Amy Shuler Goodwin gets a photo with Roar; President Kendra Boggess receives a phone call from Concord Charlie with his weather prediction.

21 • Spring 2016

According to Groundhog Day tradition, if the groundhog sees his shadow the morning of Feb. 2, six more weeks of winter can be expected. An early spring will be on the way if he doesn’t see his shadow.

Concord Charlie has been the official predictor of the coming of spring for 38 years on Groundhog Day at “The Campus Beautiful.”

The Concord Charlie tradition was originated in 1978 by the late Professor R.T. “Tom” Hill. As chairman of both the geography department and the Appalachian Studies program at Concord, Hill started the Groundhog Day Breakfast as a means to celebrate a bit of Appalachian heritage and highlight the program.

Charlie shared the spotlight at the breakfast with the 2016 Grand Groundhog Watcher, West Virginia Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Commissioner of Tourism Amy Shuler Goodwin. The Grand Groundhog Watcher honor is bestowed on an individual who has positively impacted life and culture in West Virginia.

Goodwin spoke about the positive impact the travel and tourism industry has on West Virginia’s economy.

“We’re the fun people, but we’re the money people,” she said. “We bring in the business.”

Goodwin was appointed to her current post in June 2014.

Highlights of her work in the position include launching #GoToWV, which now spans across multiple social media platforms and has generated hundreds of thousands of new followers each month. She also unveiled Wild, Wonderful West Virginia’s “Real.” campaign, which is aimed at promoting the real stories and real life experiences of people living in or just passing through the Mountain State.

“Travel is about experiences,” she said. “We have something unique, different and ‘Real.’”

Marshall University School of Pharmacy, Concord University Sign Agreement

he Marshall University School of Pharmacy and Concord University signed an articulation agreement Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015. The signing took place in the Alumni Lounge in the Jerry and Jean Beasley Student Center on the Athens campus.

The 3+4 Concord-Marshall Pharmacy Articulation Agreement allows students to complete a threeyear undergraduate program at Concord and then matriculate into the Marshall University School of Pharmacy. Students in this program receive an expedited application review and an early admissions interview. Marshall University School of Pharmacy will reserve one or more positions annually for Concord University students in this program.

The students are able to receive their Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry (Pharmacy Option) from Concord University upon completion of their first year of pharmacy school. The students complete both the bachelor’s degree from Concord and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Marshall University in a total of seven years,

Dr. H. Glenn Anderson, Associate Dean of Academic and Curricular Affairs, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, seated left, and Dr. Peter L. Viscusi, Vice President and Academic Dean, Concord University, seated right, sign the agreement.

Shown back row, left to right: Laura Rudolph, Director of Recruitment and Development, Marshall University School of Pharmacy; Terri Moran, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Marshall University School of Pharmacy; and Dr. W.R. Winfrey, Chair Division of Science, Mathematics & Health, Concord University.

one less than would be required without this dual degree program.

“Concord University welcomes this new collaboration with the Marshall University School of Pharmacy which provides another

great educational opportunity for our students,” Dr. Peter L. Viscusi, Concord University vice president and academic dean, said. “This initiative is yet another example of how Concord can offer quality education that leads to promising careers that enhance the services we are committed to providing to our area, region and state.”

“Marshall University School of Pharmacy is very pleased to partner with Concord University on this simplified pathway for students,” said H. Glenn Anderson, Pharm.D., associate dean of academic and curricular affairs at the Marshall University School of Pharmacy.

“Helping students navigate the pharmacy school admission process is a value added proposition for Concord University, Marshall University, and the communities of southern West Virginia. Pathway students will receive a progressive, state-of-the-art pharmacy education while maintaining close ties to the southern region. These graduates tend to bring their skills home to the benefit of the community in general.”

Student Affairs Staff

Recognized at State Conference

oncord University student affairs staff members were recognized at the West Virginia Association of Student Personnel Administrators (WVASPA) and the WVTRIO 2015 joint annual conference held Nov. 4 and 5 at the Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg.

WVASPA is the state student affairs organization and WVTRIO are federally funded college opportunity programs.

Dr. Marjie Flanigan, Concord University Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, received the Stella Cooksey

Distinguished Service Award at the conference. The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding achievement over an extended period of time in the student affairs profession.

During the award presentation, Candice Stadler, WVASPA’s immediate past president, read excerpts of the nomination letter calling Flanigan a selfless leader, a tireless student advocate, and an encouraging mentor.

Other Concord staff recognized include Dr. Sarah Beasley and Mr. Steve Jarvis, who were on the conference planning committee.

Beasley, Concord’s Director of Retention, chaired the committee and was installed as president of WVASPA. Jarvis, program specialist with Concord’s Academic Success Center, was elected as a member-at-large.

Beasley, Jarvis, and Eric Lopez, CU graduate assistant, also presented a conference session entitled “Redesigning a One-Stop Shop on a Shoestring Budget: Low-Cost, High Impact Practices.”

More than 80 individuals from campuses across the state attended the first ever WVASPA/WVTRIO joint conference.

Spring 2016 • 22

Concord University Honors Veterans,

Holds ‘5 Star Challenge’ Commitment Ceremony

oncord University saluted the contributions and sacrifices of U.S. military veterans and service personnel and pledged increased support for student veterans during the annual Veterans Appreciation Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015. The program began at noon in the Wilkes Family Chapel located in University Point on the Athens campus.

Highlighting the program was a commitment ceremony in recognition of Concord’s acceptance of the “5 Star Challenge” and awarding of two veterans awards.

The “5 Star Challenge” is an initiative of the Office of Veterans Education and Training Programs within the Division of Student Affairs at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS).

West Virginia public colleges and universities accepting the challenge have been called to action to adopt a set of exemplary standards that support student veterans and their families. The challenge is a tribute to the military tradition of issuing “challenge coins” to service members who exemplify the values and standards of their military units.

Special guests for the ceremony included Dr. Paul L. Hill, Chancellor of the Commission, and L.G. Corder, Director of Veterans Education and Training with the Commission and the WVCTCS. Hill congratulated Concord University President Kendra

23 • Spring 2016

Left: The Concord University band performes before the event. Right: The PikeView High School JROTC presents the colors.

Left: Richard W. Woods, the 2015 recipient of the Student Veteran Award. Right: David Moore, the 2015 recipient of the Veterans Advocate of the Year Award.

Boggess for accepting the challenge to “do even more” and to have an “even deeper commitment” to student veterans pursing a college degree.

Lisa Spencer, Veterans Certifying Official, introduced the “5 Star Challenge.”

During the commitment ceremony, Corder presented

Boggess with the “5 Star Challenge” coin signifying Concord University’s role in the initiative.

Misty Lopez, President of the Concord Veterans Club and a veteran of the U.S. Army, introduced the special award recipients.

Concord alumnus and U.S. Navy veteran David Moore received the Veterans Advocate of the Year

Award. Moore began his military service in 1969 when he entered the Navy. He was assigned to a unit and deployed to Vietnam in August of that year. After completing this tour he returned to the United States and retrained for another deployment.

Retiring from a successful naval career with the rank of Command Chief, Moore embarked upon another career in management. He reached a top level of performance in retail sales nationally.

Upon retirement from this career, he lasted one day in retirement and realized he was not yet meant for retirement. He decided to continue his education at Concord and graduated in 2014 with a Master of Social Work.

Moore’s desire was to give back to the veteran community and assist veterans that are sufferers of P.T.S.D. and traumatic brain injuries. He is currently a Readjustment Counselor with the Veterans Administration at the Beckley Vet Center. He resides in Princeton.

Richard W. Woods received the Student Veteran Award. A native of Athens, Woods enlisted in the U.S. Army right out of high school at the age of 17.

During his military career, Woods served as Combat Engineer, Dental Hygienist, Patriot Systems Repairer and Military Intelligence. He was deployed multiple times. His first deployment was Operation Desert Storm, where he served as a team leader in 1990-1991 with the 588th Engineer Battalion. In 2000-2001 he was assigned as the section NonCommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of a section for the 507th Maintenance Company for Desert Tracker. In addition he did two rotations as a Platoon Sergeant for Operation Iraqi freedom.

He served 21 years on Active

Duty, retiring in 2008 as a Sergeant First Class. Woods then worked as a corrections sergeant for the Virginia Department of Corrections for five years. He is currently enrolled at Concord pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. As the University’s Veterans Advocate, he calls on his previous experience as a determined and compassionate leader to help fellow student veterans navigate the transition from military to civilian life.

The Concord University band performed outdoors prior to the ceremony as guests arrived.

Dr. Charles Becker, Concord University Vice President for Business and Finance and a U.S. Army veteran, served as Master of Ceremonies. Presentation of the Colors was conducted by the PikeView High School JROTC. Concord music education major Allison Whitener sang the National Anthem.

A detailed outline of the “5 Star Challenge” can be found at www. cfwv.com, the state’s free college and career-planning website. For more information on Concord University’s Veterans Office visit: www.concord.edu/veterans

Left: L.G. Corder, Director of Veterans Education and Training with the Commission and the WVCTCS. Right: Dr. Paul L. Hill, Chancellor of the Commission.

Above: The 5 Star Challenge emblem.

Below: President Boggess addresses the guests.

Spring 2016 • 24

Pete Ballard’s 1872 Fashion Doll Honors Founding of Concord

25 • Spring 2016

he latest in an illustrious line of fashion dolls created by renowned artist Arthur J. “Pete” Ballard took center stage at Concord University on Thursday, March 3, 2016.

The doll, which Ballard is donating to Concord, was dedicated in an 11 a.m. ceremony in the Presidents Room of the Marsh Library.

In recognition of Concord’s Founders' Day – Feb. 28, 1872 – Ballard has designed Laurie Ann, who is dressed in period costume similar to that worn by ladies of that era. Ballard named Laurie Ann after the late Laura Ann Sarvay, a former chair of Concord’s Art Department who was one of his mentors.

“Laura Ann was the first person I met when I came here,” he said.

Ballard, a resident of Peterstown, W.Va., graduated from Concord in 1953 and has achieved acclaim as an artist and an educator.

Describing Sarvay as a “dear friend and teacher” Ballard said, “It was she who taught me to make papier-mâché. The dolls are all papier-mâché.”

A nationally known costume designer, museum costume historian and conservator, Ballard earned the Award of Merit from the North Carolina Historic Preservation Society and a Golden Globe Award from the national Retail Merchants Association. He has achieved special recognition for his exquisitely designed and crafted fashion dolls. These delightful creations are part of numerous museum collections, all donated by Ballard.

“We will treasure Laurie Ann and remember this day and the stories you shared with us,” Concord University President Kendra Boggess said in her remarks during the ceremony.

She said that as a “center” of education, the arts, creating, politics and the community, Pete Ballard “epitomizes” Concord’s motto of “Come to Learn. Go to Serve.”

Ballard taught for many years at the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, N.C. His career as an educator also led him to Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and China.

He is among the Outstanding Educators in America and has received the Order of the Arts and Historical Letters from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Ballard is a recipient of the Distinguished West Virginian award and the State’s Order of the 35th Star. He has been named a Golden Alumnus by the Concord University Alumni Association and in December 2015, Concord awarded Ballard an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities, honoris causa.

Concord University Vice President for Advancement Alicia Besenyei referred to Ballard as one of the University’s “distinguished

Pete Ballard '53 explains the fashion styles of the 1870s and what went into creating this fashion doll.

alums.” She said that dedicating the doll in recognition of Concord’s founding was especially significant.

“Concord University is 144 years strong,” she said, noting that the University has established a tradition of “quality education and service.”

Clockwise from top left: The late Laura Ann Sarvay was the inspiration behind the name of the fashion doll, Laurie Ann; Pete addresses the crowd and members of the media; Pete answering questions from the media; Pete and President Boggess pose for a photo with the doll.

Spring 2016 • 26

Concord University

Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate of Concord University is an elected body through which the faculty expresses its concern for the welfare of the University and the University community, develops and disseminates ideas for University improvement, stimulates communication, contributes to the formation of general University policy, and performs those duties and functions especially allocated to or assumed by the faculty, subject to the limitations imposed by the laws of the State of West Virginia and rules of the Board of Governors of Concord University, and subject to the review of the parent body, the Faculty of Concord University.

Faculty Senate Officers

President, Susan Williams, Ph.D. (2014-16) Dr. Susan Williams is an Associate Professor in Recreation and Tourism Management and is Chair of the Division of Social Sciences. She is Faculty President and 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.

Vice President, Gabriel Rieger, Ph.D. (2015-16) Dr. Gabriel Rieger is an Associate Professor of English in the Division of Humanities.

He earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from the University of Toledo.

Continuing his education, Dr. Rieger received his doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. He is Vice President of Concord’s Faculty Senate and has taught at Concord since 2008.

Secretary, Darla Wise, Ph.D. (2015-16) Dr. Darla Wise is a Professor of Biology in the Division of Science, Mathematics & Health.

She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from SUNY College at Fredonia, Fredonia, N.Y. Dr. Wise received her doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. She serves as the Secretary of Concord’s Faculty Senate.

27 • Spring 2016

Parliamentarian, Charles Brichford, Ph.D. (2015-16) Dr. Charles Brichford is a Professor of English and Chair of Concord’s Division of Humanities. A resident of Princeton, W.Va., he is in his 23rd year at Concord. Dr. Brichford earned a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College (Iowa) and both a master’s degree and doctorate from Indiana University/Bloomington. He is Parliamentarian of the Faculty Senate.

At Large Alice Hawthorne Allen (2013-16)

Sally Howard (2013-16)

David Chambers (2013-16)

David Campbell (2013-16)

Carmen Durrani (2013-16)

Divisional Business, Cynthia Khanlarian (2015-17) Education, Kathryn Liptak (2015-17) Fine Arts, Cory Williams (2015-17)

Science, Mathematics & Health, David Hill (2015-17) Social Sciences, Joan Pendergast (2015-17)

Humanities, Jonathan Berkey (2015-17)

Educational Personnel Preparation Advisory Committee Hugh Campbell (2015-17)

SGA Representative Kristen Richmond (2015-16)

State Advisory Council of Faculty Representative Johnnie Linn (2015-17)

Alternate, Joseph Allen (2015-17)

Board of Governors Faculty Representative Michelle Gompf (2015-17)

Alternate, Andrea Campbell (2015-17) Spring 2016 • 28

Reidmiller, Art Education Student Present at Conference

ssociate Professor Dr. Lauri Reidmiller and Concord University’s art education student Lorri Cunningham copresented “Dale Chihuly Inspired Sculptures” at the 2015 West Virginia Art Education Association State Conference at West Virginia University in Morgantown last fall.

The purpose of the West Virginia Art Education Association is to advance West Virginia art education and promote the arts as essential elements in education programs.

The presentation focused on teaching the participants the process of creating Chihuly inspired sculptures by heating and sculpting sheets of acetate and adding

color with porcelain transparent pigments. Methods to integrate this process and lesson into their existing art curriculums were also presented.

This interactive presentation also provided the educators in attendance with background information on glassblowing and American artist, Dale Chihuly, who uses blown glass as the primary medium for large-scale installations and environmental artwork all over the world. Assisting with the presentation was art education student Della Allen.

From left, Dr. Lauri Reidmiller, Lorri Cunningham and Della Allen

Alumni Represented

in ‘Emerge’ Exhibition

everal alumni recently displayed their artwork in “Emerge.” The exhibition, sponsored by the Tamarack Foundation, featured the work of 18 students and recent graduates from West Virginia colleges and

29 • Spring 2016

universities.

“Emerge” was exhibited at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston, W.Va. Billed as “A Selection of the Best & Brightest” students and graduates, “Emerge” featured paintings,

drawings, sculptures, photographs and more.

Concord University alumni participating in the exhibition are Kylene Babski, Mandy Lester, Kimberly L. Sexton, Sterling Snyder and Nicole Suptic.

Kevin Bennington Exhibits Work at Bluefield College

ssistant Professor of Art Kevin Bennington ’00 recently displayed his work at the Bluefield College Art Gallery in Bluefield, Va. His solo exhibition was entitled “Time 4 Influence Continued.”

“These artworks stem from my passion in the field of graphic design and my love for many of the native rivers and lakes in southern West Virginia,” Bennington said in his artist statement.

During the past dozen years, Bennington has been compiling a collection of nature based photos that now numbers more than 9500 entries. Among the locations photographed are Sutton Lake, Cranberry Glades, Bull Falls, Brush Creek and the New, Greenbrier and Bluestone rivers.

“As an artist these photos are my inspiration to create these scenes displayed,” he said. “From memories and past dreams I used my photo database to construct these one of a kind nature based scenes.

“Over the last five years my work has been focused on informing

viewers of how important pollution awareness is to our environment and in many cases I try to draw attention to both extremes of beauty and pollution,” Bennington said.

“In my later work I show the pristine environments and polluted environments as interactive artworks. With many of the works viewers can rotate or open the panels on each artwork to reveal the clean and polluted environments,” he said. “I used this method to hold the idea of window blinds or curtains. I ask viewers what do they do when they do not want to see something outside? Many of them reply, ‘close the window shade or window blind.’

“Each work is comprised of hundreds of photos of West Virginia rivers and lakes,” he said. “Trees, water and animals have been added, changed, modified or saturated to fit each particular landscape.

“As seen from the eye of an artist, each viewer will take from the work what they desire but as a graphic designer I create these pristine artworks to help promote

and communicate that pollution in our West Virginia rivers and lakes is a problem. Maybe if we are more aware of how beautiful our surrounding region is, we will be less likely to pollute these environments,” he said.

Works of art by Kevin Bennington '00

Mark Moore

Part of Dairy Barn Show

ark Tobin Moore, art instructor at Concord’s Beckley campus, had a painting, “Recycled in West Virginia: Take Two Aspirins and Call Me in the Morning,” in a juried exhibition at the Dairy Barn Art Center, Athens, Ohio. The biennial show, “OH+5:

Ohio Border Exhibition,” ran earlier this year and showcased the best of works submitted by artists in Ohio, as well as Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia.

The jurors were Susan CrehanHostetler, Gallery Director of the

Hostetler Gallery in Nantucket, Mass., and Athens, Ohio, and Bartholomew Ryan, Independent Curator, and former Milton Fine Curator of Art, Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, Pa., and Assistant Curator of Art, Walker Art Museum, Minneapolis, Minn.

Spring 2016 • 30

NEW SCHOLARSHIPS UNVEILED AT BECKLEY-RALEIGH COUNTY DINNER he announcement of two new scholarships for Concord University students and a generous gift to the Concord University Foundation highlighted the Foundation’s Beckley-Raleigh County Dinner on Nov. 12. The dinner, a fundraising event that helps support Concord University and its students, was held at The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels.

Concord University Vice President for Advancement Alicia Besenyei announced that Dr. Brad Lane has endowed two scholarships. Lane, a Concord alumnus and Princeton optometrist, has established the Lucy Epperson Hale Memorial Scholarship and the Kevin Garrett Baseball Scholarship.

The Lucy Epperson Hale Memorial Scholarship honors Lane’s late grandmother. The scholarship is intended to benefit students studying biology with first preference given to graduates of Wyoming East High School followed by students from Wyoming County.

Lane has established the baseball scholarship in recognition of Kevin Garrett, Concord’s Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach. This scholarship is intended to benefit a student actively participating on

31 • Spring 2016

Top: Bill Baker ’62, Donnie Holcomb ’79 and CU Foundation Board Chair Doug Maddy ’69 visit at the reception. Bottom: Mike Kessinger ’72 and CU Alumni Association President Rose Kessinger ’68 catch up with Steve Akers ’74 before the dinner starts.

Left: Dr. Brad Lane. Right: Shown left to right at the Concord University Foundation’s Beckley-Raleigh County Dinner are: Casie Justice, Concord University Foundation Executive Director; Kevin Given, initial investor of MedExpress and Chief Operating Officer of Quail Valley Golf & River Clubs; Dr. Kendra Boggess, Concord University President; Dr. Frank Alderman, CEO and co-founder of MedExpress; Alicia Besenyei, Concord University Vice President for Advancement; and Sarah Turner, Concord University Alumni Association Executive Director.

the CU Baseball Team as determined by the coaching staff.

“Dr. Lane is incredibly generous to Concord,” Besenyei said. “From sponsoring golf tournaments to buying tickets to all of our events and serving on our Foundation Board of Directors, his support is overwhelming. As an alum, he knows first-hand how beneficial scholarships are to Concord students. We are truly grateful to have Dr. Lane as part of the Concord family.”

Keynote speakers Dr. Frank Alderman and Mr. Kevin Given presented a donation to the Concord University Foundation on behalf

of MedExpress. Alderman is CEO and co-founder of MedExpress, and Given, a 1989 graduate of Concord, is initial investor of MedExpress and Chief Operating Officer of Quail Valley Golf & River Clubs.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who so generously helped make our event so successful,” Casie Justice, Concord University Foundation Executive Director, said. “We thank each and every one of you for giving your time and resources to the advancement of Concord University.”

Sponsors for the Beckley-Raleigh County Dinner include: Judge Omar

and Weena Aboulhosn, The Gregory and Lorraine Allen Foundation, Aramark, Sam Baker Insurance Agency, BB&T, E.T. Boggess Architect, Inc., Chick-fil-A–Beckley Galleria, Concord University Alumni Association, First Community Bank, Kevin Given, David and Sandy Kirby, Kirby Lester Financial Group, Dr. Brad Lane, Little General, MedExpress, Mountaineer Automotive, R.T. “Ted” and Susan Rogers, Robert and Margaret Sayre, The Hugh I. Shott, Jr., Foundation, Inc., John David Smith, and United Bank.

Please visit concord.edu/cufoundation and click the “Donate” button.

Spring 2016 • 32

George M. ’54 and Dori V. Edwards Memorial Scholarship Fund Recognizes Dedication to Teaching scholarship that honors the memory of a former educator and his wife has been established through the Concord University Foundation to help CU students attain their educational goals.

The George M. ’54 and Dori V. Edwards Memorial Scholarship Fund was created with a gift from the couple’s estate.

In awarding the scholarship, first preference will be given to graduates of Fayetteville High School then students out of Fayette County. The first scholarship will be awarded to an incoming student for the Fall 2016 Semester.

George Matthew “Matt” Edwards was born in Kingston, W.Va. on Oct. 2, 1932. He graduated from Concord in 1954; attended Wayne State University and Stetson University; and, earned a master’s degree from West Virginia University.

Mr. Edwards was a United States Army veteran and a member of the American Legion. He and his wife, Dori Vaglio Edwards, lived in Fayetteville, W.Va. They were members of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Oak Hill, W.Va. A retired principal and teacher, Mr. Edwards served schools in Fayette County including Nuttall High School and Fayetteville High School. He was Superintendent of Fayette County Schools for 14 years. Along with his career as an educator, Mr. Edwards was a partner in Vosler-Edwards Insurance Company and belonged to several local organizations.

Mrs. Edwards was born on Nov. 3, 1926 in Piedicavallo, Italy.

A graduate of Fayetteville High School, she attended West Virginia University and Beckley College and earned an ABA degree. Mrs. Edwards was a retired banker having worked at Fayetteville

33 • Spring 2016

George M. '54 and Dori V. Edwards

Federal Savings and Loan (now United Bank) for 43 years. She retired from there as president of the branch.

The Edwards were married for 54 years until Mr. Edwards’ death on Aug. 5, 2014. Mrs. Edwards passed away on Jan. 12, 2015.

“Matt and Dori were married over 50 years and were wellmatched. He was outspoken and funny. She was quiet and detailed.

Both had a great sense of humor, loved their community and believed strongly in education,” said Steve Pilato, Executor of the Edwards Estate and friend of the couple.

According to Mr. Pilato, the friendship between their families spans generations.

“Our family ties with the Vaglios and Zorios, my grandfather, go back over 90 years,” he said.

Establishing the scholarship continues Mr. Edwards’ legacy of mentoring, inspiring and encouraging young people, Mr. Pilato said. His dedication to education lives on through the fund, he said.

“Matt loved young people and mentored them to be better than they appeared,” Mr. Pilato said.

“Matt pushed young people to reach their potential.”

He said his friend’s “stern, firm and directed” guidance of students offered “lasting results for their lifetime.”

“Their gift was a way to continue

their pledge for the education of young people in Fayette County, and provide opportunity for those who may need a little push or help,” he said. “I am truly honored to be a part of the George M./Dori Vaglio Edwards legacy in Fayette County.”

Along with Mr. Edwards, another close family member was also an educator and Concord alum. Mr. Pilato believes her dedication to teaching further encouraged the Edwards in their contribution to Concord.

Dori’s sister, Lia Vaglio, studied music at Concord. Her career path after graduating from Concord led her to Fayetteville High School where she served as music director for more than 30 years. Mr. Pilato said that during his high school years, he was a member of the glee club which she directed.

He said Lia loved music, and like her brother-in-law Matt, loved young people and furthering their education. Their lives, he said, were “all about education.”

For additional information on the George M. ’54 and Dori V. Edwards Memorial Scholarship Fund contact the Concord University Foundation at 304-384-6056.

Shown from left are Steve Pilato, Executor of the Edwards Estate and Alicia Besenyei, Vice President for Advancement, Concord University.

1872 Club Launched with Gift from David Harris Honoring His Father, D. Lee Harris ’37 r. David Harris has honored his late father, Dr. D. Lee Harris, with a substantial and generous gift to the Concord University Foundation.

The donation marks the 100th anniversary of his father’s birth and recognizes the bachelor’s degree he received at Concord.

D. Lee Harris, who graduated from Concord in 1937, was born in Jenkinjones, W.Va. in 1916.

A portion of Dr. Harris’ donation to the Concord University Foundation has been used to launch the 1872 Club. Concord was founded on Feb. 28, 1872 and the 1872 Club salutes the University’s rich history. Friends, alumni, and supporters of CU are being asked to donate $18.72 (or increments of 1872).

Of Dr. Harris’ total gift, $18,720 was used to create an unrestricted endowment in the Concord University Foundation. This fund will be used to help provide scholarships or help offset the cost of campus projects as determined by the Foundation Board of Directors.

The role that education played in his and his parents lives compelled David Harris to make the donation.

He said the gift is a way of saying thank you and to signify his belief in the value of education.

“I feel I owe it because it (education) made such a huge difference in our lives,” he said. “I strongly believe in education.”

The donation also acknowledges the gratitude his father felt toward Concord for providing his education.

“My father was always very grateful to Concord,” he said.

As a youngster, D. Lee Harris attended Dublin, Va. public schools.

He majored in English and Social

D. Lee ’37 and Mary Belle Harris

Science at Concord and served on the Pine Tree and The Concordian staffs.

Following his graduation from Concord, Dr. Harris worked for Equitable Life Assurance Society.

Upon volunteering for the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940, he was assigned to the Air Weather Service.

In Sept. 1943 he graduated from forecasting school at Chanute Field, Ill. and went on to serve as a forecaster at several air bases in the southeastern U.S. Dr. Harris served with the U.S. Weather Bureau at three field stations following the end of World War II. In 1949, he joined the Bureau’s research division. He was assigned to investigate the possible effects of nuclear explosions on weather as his first extensive research project.

According to David Harris, this research involved “computer simulations of dropping nuclear bombs on hurricanes.” The goal, he explained, was to attack “the eye of the hurricane out at sea so it would blow up off-shore and not be violent.”

Dr. Harris would go on to initiate the Weather Bureau’s Storm Surge Research Program.

“He was in charge of hurricane research for many years,” David Harris said. “He did that for most of his career.” He was also a member of

the American Meteorology Society for more than 50 years.

D. Lee Harris furthered his education by earning a master’s degree in mathematics from George Washington University and a Ph.D. in meteorology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Harris transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers Coastal Engineering Research Laboratory in 1967 as Chief of the Oceanography Branch.

Retiring from federal service in 1980, he joined the Department of Coastal and Oceanographical Engineering at the University of Florida. He taught there until retiring in 1985 and continued to reside in Gainesville, Fla. He passed away on Feb. 24, 2007.

His wife, Mary Belle Harris, was a teacher and public school librarian.

David Harris shares his father’s aptitude for mathematics, science and computer technology.

He earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and psychology from Carnegie-Mellon University and both a master’s degree and a doctorate in psychology from Texas Christian University. David Harris also holds a doctoral degree in computer and information science from The Ohio State University.

Dr. Harris was a member of the CIA Senior Intelligence Service from 1988 until his retirement in 2003. He also served as an adjunct professor for more than three decades at George Washington and American universities in their graduate programs where he taught computer science, management science and telecommunications.

Additionally, Dr. Harris spent four years on active duty with the U.S. Army Computer Systems Command and retired as an LTC with nearly 30 years of commissioned service.

Spring 2016 • 34

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.

35 • Spring 2016

Concord Students

Continue with VITA Program

oncord University students prepared income tax returns for qualifying area residents again this year. This is the fifth year that Concord has served as a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program site.

The VITA program offers free basic income tax return preparation and electronic filing for senior citizens, persons who make $54,000 or less per year, and other qualifying individuals. VITA is a program of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The students volunteering with the program have been trained and are IRS certified to prepare tax returns. Dr. Cynthia Khanlarian, CPA, CMA, directed the student volunteers. She is an associate professor of accounting at Concord.

Income tax preparation assistance was available on Concord’s Athens campus two evenings a week during February and March except during the week of Spring Break. Concord’s VITA volunteers also prepared income tax returns at the Commission on Aging in Princeton on several occasions.

Concord offered two new services for 2016 as part of the VITA program. A drop off service allowed taxpayers to bring their tax information to the Concord site and a student prepared the return and had it available for pickup at a later date. Computer work stations were also available for use at no charge by qualifying individuals wishing to prepare and file their own returns.

Ashleigh Taylor and Shea Boothe (above), and Robert Sumpter (below).

Geology Program Awarded National Science Foundation Grant for Teaching and Research Innovation

new $176,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Improving Undergraduate STEM Education program will enable all students enrolled in Concord University’s environmental geoscience (geology) program to participate in an extended research experience from the beginning of their sophomore year to their senior year.

“When college students participate in research with professors, it builds confidence, motivation, and enthusiasm. It also helps to enhance their learning and improve career preparation,” Dr. Joseph L. Allen, professor of geology and principal investigator for the grant, said.

Concord’s student research program differs from more common approaches that are short-term and only available to a select few. By instead making a multiyear experience available to all

geoscience majors, the program is expected to provide a bigger impact to a larger number of students.

The student research projects are based on samples from an ancient, 1.4 billion-year-old fault zone in the Rocky Mountains that once generated a series of earthquakes.

Each student will study different samples in the laboratory as a major component of four courses over a two-year span. Then, they will conduct field studies at the sample site during Concord’s summer geology field course. A significant part of the student research will be to examine the microscopic and chemical features of the samples using Concord’s electron microprobe facility.

While learning to do science, the students will also learn to communicate that science. They will create social media content about their research experiences and will share it with West Virginia high school students. They will

also collaborate with non-majors enrolled in general education geology lab courses at Concord.

The grant, titled “Testing the Impact of a Multi-year, Curriculumbased Undergraduate Research Experience (MY-CURE) in the Geosciences” is being led by Dr. Allen along with co-principal investigator Dr. Stephen C. Kuehn, associate professor of geology. Dr. Elizabeth Creamer, a professor of educational research and evaluation in the School of Education at Virginia Tech will work with the Concord team to evaluate student learning.

A summer mini-grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and Research and a sabbatical award from Concord University supported preparation of the successful NSF proposal. This is the second NSF research grant awarded to Concord in its history.

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Bickey Family

Values Concord’s Ability to Motivate, Mold and Create Memories

ife lessons, inspiring professors and conversations around study tables in the library add up to memorable experiences at Concord for the Bickey family.

“My late husband Dan and I had/have wonderful memories of Concord, though separate ones,” Cynthia Bickey said. “Only after our first son Matt was born in 1970 did we get serious about finishing college.

“We had both graduated earlier from Beckley College, which we were attending when we met. Dan worked full-time and commuted to Concord, graduating in 1972.

Then I returned, at first commuting, but when that proved too hard for me, Dan moved our little family to Princeton until I graduated in 1975,” she said.

Dan majored in business with a concentration in management.

“The practices and philosophies he learned at Concord, especially under Leonard Sledz and Harry Finkelman served him and our company all his life. Another favorite teacher of his was Dr. Bergstein, whose large personality and cigar-chomping lectures fascinated Dan,” Cynthia said.

Cynthia, a native of Beckley, W.Va., majored in language arts with a minor in library science.

“My favorite memory at Concord was playing Laura in a student production of ‘The Glass Menagerie.’

My favorite classes were Burgher’s speech and constitutional law, Roth’s specialized mini courses in literature, Ofsa’s composition classes. I truly loved English and literature; I just never wanted to teach it,” she said.

“Dr. Hambrick, who was head

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Dan and Cynthia circa 1971

Matt and Dan circa 2003

of the English Department when I was at Concord, gave me the most meaningful compliment I have ever received. He said, ‘You have the capacity for growth.’ That may have been something he told many students, but it has helped me remain spongelike about learning, and I will never forget it,” she said.

“If Dan were alive, I know he would join me in agreeing that our time at Concord truly made us the people we became,” she said.

“In 1977, Dan started his company Mine Power Systems with nothing more than his incredible talent for salesmanship, a contract with Exide Battery Corporation, and $10,000 profit we had made with the sale of a rental property,” she said.

“One gets steered into teaching with a major like English, so I taught for a year and a half before Dan started our company, but I never liked it, and never felt suited to it,” she said. “From 1980 on, I worked as in-house management and accounting at MPS, a job which enabled me to work and also have the time I needed for our four children.”

“Dan was always actively involved in touting Concord’s excellence, making sure people knew about

this great little college in another Athens,” Cynthia said.

Dan Bickey was a native of Bridgeport, Conn. He lettered in baseball and football in high school.

Along with his Beckley College and Concord degrees, he also received a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Charleston in 1997.

Early in his career, Dan taught fourth and fifth grade at Bellepoint Elementary School in Hinton, W.Va. and was a salesman for Burroughs Corporation, where he received sales training he considered invaluable to his professional success.

His business, Mine Power Systems, is an industrial battery distributorship and battery charger manufacturer. He was awarded two patents in 2013 for innovative uses of direct current in battery operated equipment.

Bickey began building commercial real estate property in Beckley in the early 1980s. He would continue building, renovating and restoring properties there averaging one project per year and was credited with changing the face of downtown Beckley.

His civic and community involvement included serving as

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chairman of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce; chairman of the Beckley Intermodal Gateway Project; and chairman of Concord’s Board of Advisors. He also worked with the New River Parkway Authority; United Way of Southern West Virginia; Beckley Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow; Mabscott Lions Club; Beckley Renaissance Committee; and the Salvation Army. Bickey also served on the vestry of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

Inspired by his son George’s acting career, he developed the Raleigh Playhouse to foster the arts in Beckley. He built the Cynthia Bickey Art Gallery, dedicated to his wife, as a gallery space for the Beckley Art Group.

Sadly, Dan passed away in July 2014.

“I miss him every day,” Dan’s son, Matt Bickey said. Matt is now president of the companies built by his father.

“There was a time when I thought I wanted to be a poet,” Matt said. “Unfortunately, that is a rare profession. Then I thought I might become a filmmaker. I studied film at the New York Film Academy in 1997-1998, graduating from their advanced program of study, but one day as I was preparing to move to Los Angeles, my father called and asked if I might want to come work for him.

“The rest, as they say, is history.

It’s been a happy one and Concord was a big part of it,” he said.

Matt began his college education at Transylvania University, in Lexington, Ky., but transferred to Concord. He majored in English and philosophy and minored in political science and music. He graduated in 1993.

Matt’s campus involvement at Concord included serving for two years as ombudsman with the Student Government Association.

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“I remember well meeting weekly with then-president Dr. Jerry Beasley to discuss issues of concern that had arisen,” he said.

“I edited the school’s arts and literature magazine Reflexes for two years, and I worked full-time at the Bluefield Daily Telegraph as a sportswriter during my whole time

Matt with his sons at a CU game

at Concord,” he added.

The individuals who taught him at Concord are especially memorable to him, he said.

“Concord was certainly special to me because of the professors I was lucky enough to have,” Matt recalls.

“Chief among them would have to be Dr. Thomas F. Tierney, Dr. Robert J. Bateman, Dr. Bettina Hanlon, and the late Dr. Dean Shackelford. Those four didn’t just teach me subjects; they all had a role in teaching me how to think critically, and there aren’t many days that go by where I don’t employ thought processes I learned while studying under them.”

“I look back and have so much respect for those four professors, especially, because each of them was so open to inquiry and so giving of personal time,” he said. “I also remember Drs. Bell, Burgher, Federici, Ofsa, and Kiernan quite fondly.”

The Marsh Library also holds a big place in his Concord memories.

“I spent so much time in the library,” Matt said. In recalling memorable experiences, he says, “so many of them are just conversations that happened around one of the tables at the library.”

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“Many of those people have gone on to be lifelong friends,” he said.

He goes on to explain other attributes that make Concord special.

“What makes Concord a special place to me is that it is a little bit remote. It may not seem so remote now, in the era of the internet, but I like to look back on it as a little academic village, nestled in the mountains, where some of the professors live right across the street from the school, and most everyone knew everyone else,” he said.

“I like to think of it as the place where I hunkered down and read the great thinkers and stories of the ages and then got to talk about them with some of the brightest minds I ever met,” he said. “I like to think of it as the place where the person I became was formed.”

“I try to stay in touch with Concord these days mostly by attending the occasional sporting event, and when I do, I usually stroll through the campus and admire the many ways it has changed, and the many ways in which it has stayed the same,” he said.

Matt and his wife, Heidi, live in Beckley. He has four children, Evva Dianne, Danny, Baxter, and Lucy.

Cynthia currently serves as vice president and consultant for MPS and lives in Florida.

Along with Matt, the Bickey children are George, Bronwen and Melissa. George’s wife, Heather Ouimette-Bickey, graduated from Concord in 2007. Dan and Cynthia’s family also includes a dozen grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

“Even considering what he accomplished in his business, in building projects, in downtown Beckley development, he always considered his family his greatest treasure, his most important legacy and so do I,” Cynthia said.

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Nancy Meade ’02

Administrative Assistant to the President, Emerita 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 My hometown is Princeton, W.Va. I attended Mercer County schools, and graduated from Princeton High School in 1967. Immediately after high school, I attended West Virginia Business College and McLain’s Business College in Bluefield, W.Va., where I enrolled in a secretarial science program. I have a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree (Magna Cum Laude) from Concord College (University) with an emphasis in Sociology and Business Administration. I may very well hold the record for the person taking the longest time to obtain a college degree! While working full time and taking care of my parents, I managed to take three to six hours per semester over a long period of time, so, in doing the math, you can see what I mean by that comment! My co-workers and I would joke and say, which will come first: receiving your degree, or your retirement – and, it was close! The diploma came first, but barely! The self-satisfaction of my Concord diploma hanging on my wall outweighs any hardship I may have gone through to obtain it!

My parents were Marvin and Katherine Lester, both hailing from Russell County, Virginia.

They always encouraged me to “go to school until they close the door on you,” and told me that I could “do anything I wanted to do.” My earliest memory of my father is hearing him up at 3 a.m. on a snowy, wintry day, putting on his work boots to get to “the shop” to load his truck, and be on the road by 7 a.m., and not returning home until late at night.

He took pride in his work, and had a strong work ethic, which he instilled in his children.

Among the earliest memories of my mother is when she served as a “homeroom mother.” I remember the immense pride I felt when she walked into my classroom one day to help with the assigned activity. She was gracious and beautiful, and even came to my desk, and sat with me! Throughout my life, she always had my back, and taught me that “gentle ways are

best.” I had one sister, Barbara (who passed away in October 2015), and my brother, Joseph Lester, resides in Bluewell, W.Va.

In June, 2000, I married my junior high school sweetheart, Danny Meade, and almost 16 years later we are still in awe that we were able to come full circle and find each other after a 40year hiatus! All is well!

How long did you work at Concord? What positions did you hold?

In early spring, 1969, my mother took a message from Mr. Homer K. Ball, who was calling to offer me a job at Concord College.

When I came home from classes, and my mother told me about the call, I could hardly contain my excitement! That was in April, 1969, the beginning of my affiliation with Concord. My first job! Unfortunately, the job was funded by a federal grant, and funds were not renewed for the program...thus June 30 became my final day of work. But, there is a silver lining to this sad story! Shortly after being notified that my job was being eliminated, I was contacted by Mr. J. Otto McKinney, then Business Manager of the College, who interviewed and hired me for a secretarial position in the Business Office, where I stayed for 17 years. During those 17 years, I was fortunate to work for Mr. J. Therin Rogers, Mr. McKinney, Mr. Dave Klingensmith, and Mr. Jack Grose. I then had the opportunity to apply for a position in the President’s Office to work with Dr. Jerry L. Beasley where I worked as Administrative Assistant until I retired in 2005. I worked at Concord for 36 years, and made many lifelong friendships.

What did you find especially rewarding during your time at Concord?

Working at Concord University was rewarding in so many ways. The various positions I had while at Concord each had their uniqueness.

I was never bored, because each day brought new adventures! I was given the opportunity to interact with students (and, sometimes

Spring 2016 • 40

their parents), faculty and staff, visitors to the campus, and local and regional communities.

Two people immediately come to mind who left a footprint on my heart as they visited and lectured at Concord: Dr. Louise McNeil Pease, author of “The Milkweed Ladies,” Poet Laureate for the State of West Virginia until her death. She was a delightful lady! And, Denise Giardina “Storming Heaven” author and native West Virginian who wrote extensively about the mining wars in West Virginia. Being a loyal West Virginian, these ladies spoke my language, and I have re-read each of these books countless times! I also enjoyed working with the Princeton-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce to bring Mountain Stage to campus for a performance. That was so exciting, and we filled the seats in the Alexander Fine Arts Center! And, many others come to mind, but space is limited! It was a proud time to be a Concordian!

What is the best athletic event you have attended at Concord?

Oh, wow! It would be hard to select “the best!” But, immediately my mind goes back to the days of Ron Ward and his crowd electrifying slam dunks! 1991 was an especially exciting year when Concord’s basketball team was WVIAC tournament and play-off champs, and represented the campus in Kansas City. Over my 36 years at Concord, the archives of my mind can take you all the way back to the days of watching Will Johnson, Randy Jennings, Tom Cook, and countless others – all could be counted among “the best!”

How many Presidents and Deans did you work under while at Concord?

The presidents were: Drs. Marsh, Coffindaffer, Rowley, Freeman and Beasley.

The academic deans were: Drs. DeBoer, Edge, Willis, Bronsard, Carrier and Turner.

What offices did you hold, what committees did you serve on, and what organizations were you involved in while at Concord? What honors and awards did you receive from Concord?

As Administrative Assistant to Dr. Beasley, I represented him on the Board of Directors at the Princeton-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce, and served on various committees with the Chamber, including the annual 41 • Spring 2016

Christmas parade, and the Women’s Expo. I worked closely with the Concord University Board of Governors; worked with the Rotary Club of Princeton on the Scholarship Committee, which Dr. Beasley chaired, as well as various other events. I received several accolades from the Chamber and the Princeton Rotary Club, which were really Dr. Beasley’s, but had my name on them!

I was a member of Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society, and was the recipient of the DeNuzzo Award in 2001.

Are you, and if so, how are you staying connected with students?

There are several students with whom I have managed to stay in contact with letters, Christmas cards, and an occasional visit. But, there are many with whom I have reconnected via Facebook. It is interesting to see and hear about their families, careers, and where life has taken them.

How are you involved in the life of the University today?

Again, Facebook is a wonderful avenue of connection! I celebrate Concord’s victories, and mourn her losses. I love to read about the growth of the University, and the very many accomplishments and advances that have evolved. “The Campus Beautiful” has a very special place in my heart.

Where do you live now? What are some of your activities, interests as a retiree? What hobbies, projects, community service, civic organizations are you involved with now?

Danny and I live in Bluefield, W.Va., and have been able to do some traveling as we both are now retired. We are active in our church, and have found boundless peace and satisfaction through our church family.

A few days before I retired from Concord, my good friend, Anita Moody, took me to lunch, and asked me what I planned to do in retirement. I told her then that I wanted to learn to quilt. Anyone who knows me well, knows that was quite a shocking statement!

After Anita regained her composure, she encouraged me to “go for it!” And, I have!

Making quilts has become an obsession with me, and I have a bucket list for those to whom I want to give a quilt – a lofty goal, but possible, I think!

What was your favorite class at Concord and why?

I always loved Dr. Berkey's history classes. He always started his lecture by playing a song that he somehow related to the content he was teaching that day!

His West Virginia History class was by far one of my favorites. He was so passionate about it even though he's not even from WV, he's from Pennsylvania!

- Cassidi Hall '12 Even though I was not a Social Studies major I took Ms. Virginia Dolan's West Virginia history class, as an elective.

The Social Studies majors said I was crazy, but I found her class to be very interesting and it was probably the only 8 a.m. class I never missed! She knew more about my small hometown in the eastern panhandle than I did. By the way, my hometown is so small it's not on most maps.

- Lois Henderson '78 My favorite class at CU was with Kathy Hawks! It was my Ed 307 class! Dr. Hawks read a book or story to start each class, and she taught us to love to teach reading. She always was positive and willing to help! She helped us see that reading didn't come easy to all and that each child learned in different ways! She made me want to teach even more after that class! Dr. Hawks goes above and beyond.

- Jordan Manning '15 My absolute favorite class was WV History with Dr. Bard. His class was the reason I chose to teach history. My most memorable class moment was being in the American Revolution class that was the last class he taught at Concord.

We stood out in the hall and clapped.

Phenomenal professor!

- Kelly Holdren-Mills '06 My favorite class at Concord was Communication Law with Lindsey

Akers. Hailed as "the hardest class in the major" by everyone I'd talked to, it ended up being so interesting.

If I could've taken it 100 times over, I would've in a heartbeat.

- Sarah White '15 My favorite class was Comm Law from Dr. Burgher.

- Amy Wentz Berner '98 My favorite class was with Lethea Gibson Smith. She was teaching the class how to add an image to a professional webpage. I quickly entered the code for the image in HTML format.

She was surprised at my achievement as she hadn't taught the class the process yet. Perhaps that's why I went on to design Tri Sigma’s website for the remainder of my college experience.

- Amber Hager He '07 My favorite class was Abstract Algebra taught by Dr. Krider. You just can't help but be in awe of how intelligent this man is. He is also one of the kindest people I have ever met.

- Randi Payne Nichols '13 Mr. Casto's Jewelry Design. It included lapidary work and basic metal skills and provided a foundation for continuing studies, teaching opportunities, and a lifelong passion for jewelry design, creation and adornment. I love my bling! There were others, of course: Mrs. Dolan's history class; an early childhood education class; and, as strange as it may sound, French Phonetics. Some professors and subject matter just resonate, stay with us and serve us in our futures.

- Carol Zika '68 Any psychology class with Jan Atkins Krell. She was an incredibly strong, educated and determined woman, and

I learned a lot about real life from her.

She used to smoke cigarettes during her lectures. Yeah, that's been a while back.

- Kimberly Carr Enochs '87 I was fortunate enough to have had Mr. J. A. Butcher for a class called Creative Design. He told me that he liked my designs because my mind didn't get in the way of what my hand was doing. I wasn't sure at the time, but I accepted it as a compliment later.

- Robert Tuckwiller '76 Any Dr. George Moore class and any Dr. Ron Burgher class...best professors I had period. Learned more from them and they gave me great insight into what I wanted to do with my future.

- Omar Aboulhosn '89 I HAVE 2: GEORGE MOORE and WW CASTLE. Moore was one of the best lecturers in the country.

- Ben Crawford '58

My favorite classes at Concord were West Virginia History, U.S. History taught by Virginia Dolan. I also enjoyed the Special Methods class she taught in student teaching. Other classes that were favorites were two Political Science classes taught by Edwin R. Van Deusen – International Relations and Introduction to Political Science.

- Eddie McQuail ’70

Question for the next issue: What is your favorite memory from finals/ graduation week?

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Students: Beyond the Classroom Editor’s Note: The Division of Social Sciences offers a number of opportunities that take students “Beyond the Classroom” for academic enrichment. Following are several recent activities.

Division of Social Sciences

Offers Conference, Research, Lecture Opportunities Geography Students Excel

at Conference Competitions oncord University students enjoyed stellar victories at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Division of the Association of American Geographers held in Pensacola, Fla. Nov. 21-23, 2015.

Students Elisa Sperandio and Katie Testerman swept the undergraduate poster competition in physical and human geography.

Student Robert Jessee, as the high scorer in the world bowl competition, earned a trip to San Francisco for the March meeting of the Association of American Geographers.

The student poster competition involved undergraduate students from 10 states. It was judged by faculty from the region, who remained anonymous by mixing with interested members of the

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Left to right, top to bottom: Nick Edwards, Elisa Sperandio, Logan Knight, and Katie Testerman

audience as they viewed the posters on display, asked questions, and heard presenter responses.

Sperandio, working under the guidance of Dr. Shimantini Shome, presented on migration into

Germany from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Her work is titled “Life through the Eyes of the ‘Invader’: A Case Study of Immigration in the DüsseldorfEssen Area.” She conducted research with refugees in Germany over the summer.

Testerman worked under the guidance of Dr. Tom Saladyga. Her poster was titled “Fire History and

Concordians

Avian Species Composition in a Ridgetop Dwarf-Tree Forest.” She conducted fieldwork on Spring Mountain in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania in May 2015 where she surveyed bird species in a globally rare ridge top dwarf-tree forest landscape.

Also presenting at the conference were Logan Knight and Nick Edwards.

Robert Jessee

Conduct Draisine Tour Feasibility Study he use of draisines (also referred to as rail carts) is a popular recreational activity in parts of Europe.

In Germany and Austria, heavy reliance on rail transportation has led to policies of protection for disused sections of rail. There are no currently operating draisines in the United States, so a challenge of this research was to collect people’s opinion about riding a device they have probably never seen or heard of.

In the United States, disused sections of rail are often decommissioned, disassembled and used for recreational purposes as “rail-trails”. In countries that do not remove disused rail because of an eye for potential future need, the use of draisines has created a way to use the railroad right-of-way for recreational uses while keeping the track and ballast intact.

The use of intact rail for recreational use is largely unheard of in the United States. The purpose of this study was to introduce the concept of draisine use to an audience with no prior knowledge of the activity and to assess the respondents’ reaction and the subsequent feasibility of a draisine facility in West Virginia.

The National Coal Heritage Area is considering the feasibility of a rail-cart facility in Raleigh County and Concord University was asked to help with the initial research. This study was funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration through Concord’s participation in the EDA’s University

Center program.

Two CU students, Selina Moreland and Tonya Miller, were hired to interview people at local visitor centers and tourism sites. Using small tablet devices, people were shown a short video about draisines and then given a questionnaire about their interest.

The results of the study showed that people were very interested in this new outdoor activity, with 83 percent of respondents interested in trying it and being willing to drive up to an hour to participate.

Someday, these rail-cart rides may be another part of the recreational mix for visitors to southern West Virginia.

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Chomsky Lectures

on Poverty and Inequality in America enowned public intellectual Noam Chomsky addressed Concord University students live from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on Tuesday, Feb. 23. His lecture on poverty and inequality in America was broadcast in the Fine Arts Center’s Main Auditorium. Following his remarks, Chomsky fielded questions from the audience.

Chomsky’s ideas and scholarship are known the world over. He has been described as one of the most widely quoted, most widely cited, and one of the most influential intellectuals of our time. Chomsky has been teaching at MIT since 1955 and today he serves the institution as Emeritus Institute Professor in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy.

Sponsors for this event were Concord’s Department of Sociology and the Division of Social Sciences.

Noam Chomsky lectures the Concord community on poverty and inequality in America, as well as answers questions from the audience.

Find out all the reasons people love CU by visiting www.concord.edu/advancement/i-heart-cu 45 • Spring 2016

Michele Binegar '95 with her students decorates her classroom door at Parkersburg High School.

Gene F. Bailey ’61 with Roar at the 2016 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

Frances Scyphers '43, took Roar to Grand Bahama Island.

Roar made it onto the classroom bulletin board of Michelle Blankenship Dooney ’07 at Cumberland Road Elementary School in Fayetteville, NC.

TAKE ROAR WITH YOU! Roar recently traveled to the Great Wall of China with Rita Thompson Minick '75.

Roar and Cerisia Cummings, DO ’82 at a Maasai village during a medical mission in Tanzania Africa, 2015.

Show us where you’ve taken Roar! Find your cut out of Roar on page 82 of this magazine.

Spring 2016 • 46

Phi Alpha Delta

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.

Overview

2001

The CU chapter of Phi Alpha Delta (PAD) started in 2001 to provide support and mentoring for students interested in pursuing law as a profession.

Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International is a professional service organization composed of pre-law students, law students, legal educators, attorneys, judges, and government officials. PAD was founded in 1902 for the purpose of promoting professional competency and achievement within the legal profession. It is also the first law fraternity to admit women.

Mission Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International is a professional law fraternity advancing integrity, compassion and courage through service to the student, the school, the profession and the community.

Vision

We are the preeminent law fraternity promoting the bonds of fraternalism and we are the leader in the development and advancement of professional ideals.

Core Values

Bound together by tradition and our common interest in the law, we share these core values: Integrity, Compassion, Courage, Professionalism, Service, Diversity, and Innovation.

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2006

The Concord University Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity won the National Mock Trial Competition in Washington, D.C. defeating the University of Arizona in the finals. The team won “Outstanding Defense Team” for the third year in a row, and Bryan Henderson and Matthew Stonestreet, who played the part of defense attorneys, were recognized as “Outstanding Defense Team.”

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Founded: July 26, 1902 Location of Founding: Colonial Tavern in South Haven, Michigan First law fraternity to admit women: September of 1970

2015 Mock Trial Competition

Concord student Saul Harlow, third from left, receives the Outstanding Advocate award.

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Size: 196 chapters, 97 alumni chapters, and over 270,000 members Founded at Concord: December 10, 2001 Colors: Purple and Gold Greek letters: �A∆

Phi Alpha Delta at Concord Concord’s Pre-Law Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International was chartered March 31, 2001. In addition to the mock trial team/class, Concord’s Legal Studies and PreLaw Program offers a variety of classes that assist the students in preparing for law school or other careers. Concord teams have consistently fared well at the annual mock trial competition.

Phi Alpha Delta crest

Members of Concord University’s Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity For more information on the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity please visit www.pad.org Spring 2016 • 48

Highlands to Highlands: A Mountain Lion’s Journey Editor’s Note: George Williams attended Concord University as a student veteran. He served as a veteran’s advocate in Concord’s Veterans Office during his time at the University. n the lively city of Dundee, Scotland, just off the River Tay, resides Concord University alumnus George Scot Williams, a man simply in love with life.

Currently working on his Ph.D. in English Literature at the prestigious University of Dundee, Williams, from the comfort his small flat, fondly reminisces of his time as a Concord Mountain Lion, which he generously credits for much of his academic and personal success.

However, in spite of his recent achievements, George’s journey began in a place very different from his present station. In fact, Williams describes his voyage to the Scottish Highlands, a place of great opportunity, culture, and diversity, as being “nothing short of an epic adventure,” an adventure that began on turbulent waters.

Having lived most of his days in the port city of Wilmington, N.C.,

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where he raised three children, George Williams was primed with a love of the sea. But despite his fondness for all things nautical, which propelled him into a nineyear-long naval career and the opening of his own maritime electronics business, George, upon the relocation of his three recently graduated daughters, decided to move away from his familiar surroundings – a decision that caught many off guard.

“Needless to say, some people thought I was crazy!” Williams exclaims. “I mean, looking back on it, it did seem a bit ridiculous to pack up our whole lives, especially at our age. I was 40, for crying out loud!

Nonetheless, the nest was empty, and so was my heart, really.” So, in search of personal fulfillment, George and his supportive wife, Robin, embarked upon their “adventure,” as Williams refers to it, in 2005 – the first

stop being the mountains of wild, wonderful West Virginia.

“The decision to move to West Virginia was completely random,” George says. “Well, it was random other than the fact that Robin and I had always wanted to live in the mountains. And what better mountains are there than those in West Virginia? So, after very minimal research, we settled on Princeton. It seemed like a nice place to live.”

New to Mercer County, George settled into his new life by taking on a job as an automotive mechanic at the Walmart in Princeton. “I came to West Virginia, of all places, in search of something more,” Williams recalls.

“But after two years of working as an auto mechanic, I thought to myself,

By James Gooch ’15

George Williams '11 is currently studying at the University of Dundee in Scotland pursing a Ph.D. in English Literature.

One of the many castles on the beautiful coast of Scotland.

‘Is this it? Could this really be it?’”

Distraught by his circumstances, George, while under the hood of a customer’s rusted Ford Taurus, had an idea that would dramatically alter his life forever.

“Never in a million years did I dream I would end up back in school,” says George, “but the opportunity was knocking at my back door. Literally.”

Conveniently nestled in the neighboring hills of Athens, George Williams discovered a small liberal arts college, Concord University, where he enrolled at the age of 42. “I didn’t know what I wanted to study; all I knew was that I wanted more out of life – something new. I wanted to learn about something I had never learned about before.”

During his first semester, George encountered a few hurdles. “It was certainly tougher than I expected,” he recollects. “Due to my less than desirable SAT scores, I was placed in one of Concord’s remedial English classes.”

The class, English 90, was taught

by Mrs. Rosalie Peck. However, despite the fact that he experienced a rough beginning in collegiate English, George saw this particular course as the unlikely gateway to his scholarly future, which was confirmed a few semesters later, when he found himself in one of Dr. Gabriel Rieger’s

they were presented.

“I fell in love with the way he addressed the material, the way he expressed the historical significance of each piece we studied,” George says. “He made the texts breathe.

He gave them a life of their own. He made me want to know more.”

Following his curiosity, George, upon completion of Dr. Rieger’s course, declared himself an English Literature major. “I was an automechanic no more,” he says.

In addition to the praise given

World Literature courses.

“Dr. Rieger, I have to say, was the slingshot that flung me into the world of literature. I mean, I had always loved to read, but my experience in that particular course positively changed the way I view literary texts.”

When asked what about Dr. Rieger’s class altered his approach to literature, George confirms that it was not the dense volumes of ink and paper that had such a dramatic effect on him, but the way in which

Traditions such as this bagpipe performance abound in the Scottish countryside.

Spring 2016 • 50

to Dr. Gabriel Rieger, George affectionately recalls many of his other professors, specifically the English department’s Dr. Michelle Gompf and Dr. Stephen Rowe.

“They were always so personable and available when I needed them,” George says. “I always knew they cared for me because they took time outside of class – massive amounts of time – to mentor me, to help me hone my analytical writing skills, and to encourage me on more personal levels, too.” This dedication, according to George, is what he still values most about CU. “Though it’s small in size, Concord is not lacking when it comes to devotion. As a matter of fact, I truly believe that its quaintness is what makes the university so grand. There, students develop close relationships with their professors, people who seem to care so much.

It’s a family, really – my family.”

Upon graduating summa cum laude from Concord University in 2011, George Williams decided to head out on yet another “adventure” – this time across the globe.

One of the many reasons George chose the University of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland to earn his Master of Letters in Literature was the amount of time it would take to complete the degree. “One year!”

St. Andrews Golf Course 51 • Spring 2016

George Williams '11

George exclaims. “One year verses two in the States. With that said, I packed my bags, slipped on my kilt, and flew across the pond.” In spite of his enthusiasm, George is quick to state that his arrival at a new school in a new country didn’t come without immense adjustment.

“My first day in class was a complete culture shock,” George recalls. “My jaw almost hit the floor when my professor came in with two bottles of wine, which he shared with

the class. You don’t see that kind of thing back home.”

Although George’s experiences in Scotland differ greatly from those he had in Athens, W.Va., he says that his professors there, like those at Concord, “are some of the most helpful, encouraging people” he’s ever had the privilege of knowing.

George graduated in 2012, completing his M. Lit degree with distinction. He is enrolled in a Ph.D. program at the University of Dundee and is submitting for his doctorate this year.

He has high hopes for the future.

When asked what his long-term goals are, he says, “To have a Ph.D. before I die. Truly. I approach my life day by day. It’s the reason I am where I am, a happy place, a proud place, a grateful place.” But despite being in a good place, Williams does not shy away from vocalizing how taxing the work at hand is.

“It’s true, I am stressed, but I much prefer this kind of stress to the stress I experienced before coming to Athens,” he said. “Since graduating from Concord, I have hope, a new lease on life, if you will. I mean look at me! I have accomplished so much as a result of my time there.

I wouldn’t trade it or any of the experiences it provided me for the world.”

BECKLEY UPDATE

Children Enjoy Polar Express Experience at Beckley Center

oncord’s Beckley campus held a Polar Express Experience on the evening of Dec. 4 for a group of children in the area. The Buddies is a collection of families with children with Downs Syndrome.

About 30 families came out to visit at the Higher Education Center and they enjoyed family games, crafts for them to take home, cookie decorating and a visit from Santa Claus himself!

Many of CU’s Beckley students came out to volunteer with staff as well as students and staff from New

River Community and Technical College. The evening featured the “Golden Ticket to Ride” for the Train Conductor, Adam Miller, to punch to make sure they visited all stations. Myra Harper, owner/ operator of the McDonald’s in the area, brought tea, sandwiches, and vegetable trays to go with hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn.

The families were able to play giant ring toss and giant Jenga as well as some old school family games. They made ornaments, stockings and a picture frame for their picture with Santa.

Elsa and Anna from Frozen were also able to join the group for the whole evening and Roar made a special appearance too!

Santa and friends at Polar Express Experience

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

Spring 2016 • 52

Alumni

Entrepreneurs

In conjunction with the launch of Concord’s Entrepreneurship Initiative in 2013, the Alumni Magazine includes this regular feature that spotlights successful entrepreneurs within our alumni ranks.

For these individuals business is thriving and their stories pay tribute to the knowledge and know-how they gained from a Concord education.

Joseph Cincinnati ’86

Makes Medicine His Business as Orthopedic Surgeon oseph P. Cincinnati, D.O. is making a profound impact on the medical landscape of the Martinsburg, W.Va. region in the state’s Eastern Panhandle. As an orthopedic surgeon, he performs approximately 500 surgeries annually. On the business side of healthcare, he has established several leading medical facilities.

He is a founding member and the current manager of both the Center for Orthopedic Excellence and the Tri-State Surgical Center in Martinsburg.

“We currently have four partners who are members of CFOE and have 12 surgeons and specialists who provide services at the surgery center,” he said. “One hundred percent of my office time is spent at CFOE. I perform about 300 surgeries per year at the surgery center and about 200 per year at the hospital.”

The surgical center and CFOE are located in the Tri-State Professional Complex. Dr. Cincinnati and two

53 • Spring 2016

Joseph Cincinnati ’86

other orthopedic surgeons own the complex and rent office space there to other medical practices. The complex contains approximately 70,000 square feet.

Dr. Cincinnati said that the group where he trained during his residency influenced him to become an entrepreneur.

“Also, I felt I could serve my community better by expanding

orthopedic care that was not available when I moved to Martinsburg,” he said.

In discussing the rewards of being involved in the business side of medicine, he said, “It is most rewarding being able to give back to the community that supports my business.”

Joseph grew up in Oak Hill, W.Va. and when he was in the ninth grade,

transferred to Hinton High School. “I graduated from Hinton in 1982,” he said.

He majored in biology at Concord and says that he is appreciative of how his courses prepared him for the rigors of medical school. “The biology program, including the tough chemistry courses, prepared me for the difficult years of med school that followed,” he said.

Reflecting on his days as a Concord student, he says, “My best memories always involve the close friends I made while there. I remain close with several of those friends today.”

“I was the first member of the Newman Community,” he added.

He and another student were the first persons to live in the Newman House.

Joseph Cincinnati received a bachelor’s degree from Concord in 1986. He continued his education at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine where he earned a Doctor of Osteopathy degree. He completed his internship in orthopedic surgery at Doctors Hospital, Inc. of Stark County in Massillon, Ohio and his residency in orthopedic surgery at Ohio University/Doctors Hospital.

A desire to help others led Dr. Cincinnati into medicine as a profession. His decision to specialize in orthopedic surgery arose from his personal experience.

“I chose medicine because I wanted to help people,” he said. “I chose orthopedics mainly because my mother had rheumatoid arthritis very badly and had to have multiple surgeries to allow her to be mobile.”

“My job carries great satisfaction by giving people much better quality of life,” he said.

Dr. Cincinnati explains that he is motivated in his work by “the enjoyment of meeting new people every day and the satisfaction of helping someone in need.”

“Helping someone who has been injured or in pain and providing them relief and improved health and quality of life is most rewarding,” he said.

Dr. Cincinnati is active in the

community in a number of ways.

“I’m involved with hospice, March of Dimes, and all local high school sports programs. I volunteer at all football games and my practice is team doctor for all four local high schools. I’m team doctor for Musselman High School,” he said.

His membership in professional organizations includes the West Virginia State Medical Society, West Virginia Orthopedic Society, West Virginia Society of Osteopathic Medicine, American

Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics and Eastern Panhandle Medical Society.

He is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery. His appointments include serving as Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and Preceptor with Eastern West Virginia Rural Health Education Consortium.

Dr. Cincinnati has served in leadership positions on the Medical Executive Committee at City Hospital including as President of the Medical Staff. He has also been a member of several additional committees at the hospital.

He is a board member of the Eastern Panhandle Integrated Delivery System and has served the organization as Chairman of the Board. Dr. Cincinnati is on the board of MVB Financial Corp. and is Chairman of the Board of MVB East.

When asked if he has a business

Above: Center for Orthopedic Excellence. Middle: Tri-State Surgical Center. Below: Tri-State Professional Complex

philosophy, he replied, “My philosophy was instilled in me by my dear mentor and friend who passed away two years ago. Dr. Sahib Shammaa from Hinton, W.Va. always told me ‘Work hard now, play later.’”

Spring 2016 • 54

Heritage & Horizon From Doodles and Daydreams to Pastoral Landscapes Robert Tuckwiller ’76 Achieves Acclaim as Professional Artist obert Tuckwiller displayed an artistic ability at an early age. He loved to draw and paint and in elementary school, he often drew pictures in the margins of his notebook paper. Along with working on his classroom creations, Robert also liked to daydream during class.

His teachers took note of this and wrote on his papers and a report card that Robert doodles too much during class and likes to daydream.

Ultimately, the doodles and daydreaming paid off.

Tuckwiller has achieved a successful career in art and today he is well known as a talented and prolific landscape painter.

Born in Ronceverte, W.Va., Robert grew up on a farm just west of Lewisburg, W.Va. in Greenbrier County. His parents enrolled him in his first art class when he was nine years old and later supported his dream to study art at Concord when most persons in his family went elsewhere to college and studied agriculture.

“I am very appreciative of the learning opportunities and experiences I had as a student at Concord,” he said.

“The professors I had were very knowledgeable and encouraging, yet they challenged all students to express their own creativity and individuality in their projects.”

“I remember that Dr. J. A. Butcher once told me that he really liked my designs because my mind didn’t get in the way of what my hand was doing. I wasn’t exactly sure what he meant by that at the time, but I accepted it as a compliment later,” he said.

Some of Tuckwiller’s best Concord memories surround the people he met and the friends he made from locales as diverse as the New River Valley and New

"New River Crossing" by Robert Tuckwiller 55 • Spring 2016

Robert Tuckwiller holding a workshop York to Boston and Bangkok. Many of them remain his friends today, he said.

“I have great memories of the fun we had participating in intramural games, mostly basketball and softball, but I also learned to play racquetball and loved that too,” he said. “I was fortunate to have a car, a used station wagon, and with the nearest fast food restaurant being in Princeton, there were always lots of students who wanted to ride with me to Princeton.”

He said that some of his closest friends at Concord were in the Crazy Eights and he participated with them in a lot of activities. One of his first leadership experiences in college was being elected to the Hall Council for his dorm.

Tuckwiller received a bachelor’s degree in art from Concord in 1976. Today, nearly 40 years after graduating, he readily acknowledges that Concord was the beginning of what would become a successful career.

He explained that Concord helped build the foundation for his profession by developing the knowledge and skills he needed.

Along with the opportunity to study art history and modern art, Robert also had opportunities to create jewelry, pottery and sculptures at Concord. He further developed and broadened his drawing and painting skills while he was a student and these are the skills he has called upon in his work as a painter of landscapes.

“I never imagined that I could be a successful professional artist. Back then it was only a dream, but that dream came true and it is the only professional

Heritage & Horizon career I have ever had,” he said.

The total Concord experience provided him with a diverse education that has served him well, he said, helping to make him a well-rounded student and later, a successful businessman.

Acclaimed as a realist, Tuckwiller depicts the quiet beauty of the pastoral countryside and the natural environment through his paintings. His award-winning artwork can be found in more than 30,000 private and corporate collections throughout the United States and abroad. He has sold several thousand original paintings and has released 119 signed and numbered limited edition prints, 71 of which are sold out and available only on the secondary market.

Tuckwiller’s artwork is also available on notecards and is featured on a calendar he produces annually.

For the past several years he has generously donated a copy of the calendar to each guest attending Concord’s Groundhog Day Breakfast.

He holds workshops, participates in select shows and exhibits and displays his work year round at galleries in Lewisburg, W.Va. and Christiansburg, Va. He holds an annual open house at The Tuckwiller Art Studio which is located in his Newport, Va. residence.

Tuckwiller has a number of honors and awards to his credit. He is a Virginia General Assembly Honoree, a member of the Greenbrier East High School Hall of Fame, and a recipient of the BlueRidge Country Magazine’s Best Mountain Artist Award. The Concord University Alumni Association honored him with the Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2005.

Additionally, he was the only artist and one of only 20 Virginia businesses selected for the QVC Quest for America’s Best Tour.

Among his commissions are two murals – a landscape at the Carilion Giles Community Hospital in Pearisburg, Va., which is 8 feet tall and 75 feet long, and a landscape at the First National Bank Branch in Narrows, Va., which is 6 feet tall by 20 feet wide. In 2015 he was commissioned to create an original painting commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

Tuckwiller received a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts grant award to fashion a sculpture of recycled materials collected from the New River and nearby areas. The sculpture, which was made of aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and other items, depicted the scenic Cascades waterfalls.

In his free time Robert enjoys hiking, biking, fishing and canoeing, all of which provide him with inspiration and subjects to paint.

Tuckwiller has been married for 40 years to Janet Echols Tuckwiller from Monroe County, West Virginia.

They have two daughters, Amelia and Gloria.

“My wife, Janet, has been an influential part of my life

Above: Robert signing a painting at an open house event. Right: Robert joining the CU family to hear Concord Charlie's weather prediction at the 2014 Groundhog Day Breakfast. and has always encouraged me to pursue new ideas and interests no matter how crazy they might seem to be,” Robert said.

For instance, after hearing him talk for years about a book he had read in high school, “Riders of the Flood,” and how he thought it would make a good outdoor drama, Janet encouraged him to write a script for it.

He completed the project and under his leadership, the outdoor drama premiered in 2002 at the Island Park Amphitheater next to the Greenbrier River in Ronceverte. For the next 10 years he continued to produce and present the play with an all-volunteer cast and crew. He later wrote another script for a second outdoor drama, “Big Dreams, Restless Spirit,” as a sequel to “Riders of the Flood,” and it was performed too.

In 2010, after hearing him talk for years about wanting to go back to college to work on a master’s degree, Janet talked him into enrolling in a graduate program at Hollins University.

“I wasn’t sure if I could do it because I was much older,” he said. “However, I found that as an older student, I was much more committed to studying and learning. I loved going to college again. I developed more extensive oil painting techniques, participated in political and theatrical activities, wrote a children’s book, and conducted art workshops.”

His thesis was an in-depth study of the painters of the Hudson River School, and he received his master’s degree in 2012.

Tuckwiller shares his formula for success and how Concord figured into his achievements.

“You can be anything you want to be if you surround yourself with positive people, work hard, and stay focused. The road is never smooth, but around the bend is always another opportunity,” he said. “I will always be grateful for the experiences I had at Concord University and the role it has played in my life.”

Spring 2016 • 56

Heritage & Horizon Brittany Means ’12 Turns Love for Appalachia Into Rewarding West Virginia Career rittany Means is passionate about Appalachia and her home state of West Virginia. As Conference Director and Program Manager at Create West Virginia, she is living out her excitement for the region through her career.

“Create West Virginia works to forward the innovation economy in West Virginia, to help us engage in a global economy and nourish creative communities,” she explained. “The five pillars we base our mission on are entrepreneurship, technology, diversity, education and quality of place.”

She served as the Conference Director for the 2015 Create West Virginia Conference held in Fayetteville, W.Va. last fall. “We believe creative communities are strong in these pillars and that Fayetteville is a showcase creative community,” she said.

Her office with Create West Virginia is located in Charleston, W.Va., which is her hometown.

Brittany credits the support of Concord, and especially the Geography Department, with helping her fulfill her dreams.

“As part of my Appalachian Geography class, Dr. Towers and the Geography Department were influential in finding me a scholarship to the Appalachian Studies Association Conference,” she said.

“It changed my life! Suddenly, I realized there were not only other people, but hundreds of other people, who shared my passion for West Virginia and Appalachia.

“It helped show me that I could further my education in a meaningful way. The conference registration scholarship helped me afford that experience, which I never could have had without the department’s support,” she said.

“Two years ago, as a member of the steering committee of the Appalachian Studies Association, I helped co-found and create an organization-wide effort to engage students and young professionals in the field,” she said. “This committee is called Y’ALL (Young Appalachian Leaders and Learners), and, at each gathering, I talk about how wonderful my first ASA conference experience was, and how it shaped who I am today. Concord made it happen!”

She says she also values “the confidence in my potential that certain professors had.”

“They believed in me, challenged me, and helped me reach parts of myself I’d given up on,” she said.

Brittany says she has many fond memories from her 57 • Spring 2016

Brittany Means with family and friends at her Concord graduation.

days as a Concord student.

“Some of them are from my classes, such as group debate exercises in Dr. Berkey’s West Virginia History class around whether or not the formation of West Virginia was legal,” she said. “Some are of individual interactions with professors – like Dr. Baker, who took the time to convince me I was capable and he believed in me.”

“But most of my favorite Concord memories came from just hanging out around campus, sitting at Subway and talking with friends for hours, hanging out in the dorms, especially on my sorority floor, or getting together with friends off campus. Simultaneously, best and worst memories happened during 24 hour library hours during finals week, too,” she said.

“Fraternity and sorority formals were always a blast,” she added, “and, Homecoming as an alumna has been a wonderful time to re-experience campus and see everyone again.”

Brittany belonged to the Newman Club, helped found the Spanish Club, and was part of the Honors Program at Concord. As a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, she served as Membership Recruitment Director and Parliamentarian and chaired the Music, Efficiency, Alumnae Relations and Rules committees.

She was also nominated for the sorority’s Mabel Lee Walton Award.

She was a member of Concord’s Appalachian Studies Committee in the Fall of 2008. Working with faculty, she helped decide the direction of the program and the Appalachian Studies minor at Concord.

Brittany graduated from Concord in August 2012

Heritage & Horizon

Brittany as an AmeriCorps member with Habitat for Humanity

with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. She explains how her Concord education is helping in her career.

“My education at Concord went far beyond just academics. In addition to developing critical thinking, writing skills, and general knowledge, my holistic education taught me how to manage my time, network effectively in social situations, and develop goals for myself,” she said.

“My honors capstone in leadership, especially, shaped the way I thought about my future and who I wanted to be,” she said. “I’ve always thought it was important to take classes in which I was interested, not necessarily those that would apply towards my major (to my advisor’s chagrin). For that reason, I learned a lot of general Cap at CU’s commencement life skills at Concord any time I strayed from the path that have helped me become a much more rounded person."

“CU’s liberal arts, inclusive and holistic education definitely helped me think more widely about the connections I make on a day-to-day basis, and how people or organizations could benefit from each other in ways that aren’t always apparent,” she said.

Means continued her education at Appalachian State University where she received a Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies in May 2015. With a concentration in Appalachian Culture, she focused her research on the Hispanic experience in Appalachia.

She has a variety of research and administrative experience to her credit Brittany Means ’12 including serving as a graduate assistant and research associate. Additionally, she has conducted a number of presentations and projects and done an extensive amount of speaking and writing on the topic of Appalachia. A published author, Means has contributed to Reflexes, Concord University’s Literary Magazine, The Bluestone Review and Holler: A Journal of Poetry and Prose. She served as co-editor of The AppalCore and has articles forthcoming in several journals.

Her community service includes work with Habitat for Humanity as an AmeriCorps member in Franklin and Durbin, W.Va. and with the Watauga County Habitat for Humanity. She has served as a tutor/teacher for English as a Second Language classes and recently volunteered with a food drive and distance run along with other community events. Means continues her work with the Appalachian Studies Graduation day at Appalachian State University Association in various leadership positions.

Brittany and her fiancé, Joseph Carowick, met at Concord. Joe graduated from Concord in 2015. They are planning to be married in July.

When asked what the future holds for her, Means replied, “If I’m any sort of lucky, I’ll be able to stay in West Virginia and help move her ever forward!”

Spring 2016 • 58

DEAN RICHARD KENNY FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Mr. Dean Richard Kenny Sr., 84, of Raleigh, N.C., passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2016. Dean was born on January 17, 1931, in Iowa City, Iowa, to the late Bernard J. Kenny and Ellen Olson Kenny.

He was preceded in death by an identical twin brother, Gene Edward Kenny, and his daughter, Dr. Sheryl Sue Russell. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn Sue

Kenny; three children, Dr. Dean Richard Kenny Jr. (Sheryl), Marsha Kenny and fiancé James Belanovich, and JoEllen Boggess (Jeff); eleven grandchildren, Chuck Brown (Catherine), Erica Kimrey (Erik), Courtney Pollard (Preston), Girma Russell, Sean Whittaker (Katerina), Deanna Whittaker, Richard Kenny (Lindsey), Bryce Kenny (McKenzie), Dr. Rhett Kenny, Chase Kenny, and Alyssa Boggess and fiancé Brandon McDuffie; and nine greatgrandchildren.

Mr. Kenny graduated from the Professional Children’s School of Acting, New York City, N.Y. and was in “Life with Father” on Broadway, along with other plays. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Public Relations from The University of Iowa and a Master of Science degree in Communications/ Management from Kansas State University. He served for 21 years in the United States Navy, retiring as Lieutenant Commander in 1974. He worked for Concord College’s Center

for Economic Action as Director of the Small Business Development Center from 1971-1990.

He was an active member of many organizations during his life: West Virginia Citizen’s Conservation Corps., Princeton Ruritan Club, Princeton Kiwanis Club, Princeton Jaycees Club, Mercer County (West Virginia) Commission on Aging, Vietnam Veterans Center, Mercer County (West Virginia) Chamber of Commerce, State Small Business Advisory Council, Kerbela Temple, Scottish Rite, Blue Lodge, Moose Lodge, and Elks Lodge.

Dean was a member of the Princeton Presbyterian Church in Princeton, W.Va. before retiring to North Carolina. He then became a member of the North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene where he served as an usher and was active with S.W.A.T. (Servants with a Tool) ministry. He will always be remembered for his ability to make everyone smile and will be greatly missed by all.

Concord Participates

in College Goal Sunday Workshops oncord personnel in Athens and Beckley helped students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during College Goal Sunday on Feb. 21.

Concord University was among 25 locations across West Virginia hosting College Goal Sunday workshops.

Free tax preparation was provided on-site for students and families completing a FAFSA by CU students participating in the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

59 • Spring 2016

program. A completed income tax return is necessary to complete the FAFSA. The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV), the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education, the West Virginia Department of Education, and the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts work together to coordinate College Goal Sunday in West Virginia.

Sharon Manzo (left) and Sarah Wambe help with College Goal Sunday

Class Notes Achievements Timothy R. Oxley ’76 was appointed Interim Vice President for Institutional Assessment and Effectiveness at Fairmont State University in July, 2015 with primary responsibilities for institutional and program assessment, accreditation, and strategic planning.

Tim joined Fairmont State University in January 2002 and served as Assistant Timothy R. Oxley Vice President for Academic Services '76 prior to joining the FSU School of Business as Associate Professor of Business and MBA Program Director. In October 2012, he was appointed Associate Dean of the School of Business and was promoted to rank of full professor in August of 2014. Tim was employed at Concord University from 1992 until 2001 where he last served as Director of Sponsored Programs and Executive Director of the Research and Development Corporation. Prior to his full-time faculty appointment, Tim had served as an adjunct faculty member for Glenville State College, Concord University, Pierpont Community & Technical College, Fairmont State University, and was a charter faculty member of the WV Remote Online Collaborative Knowledge System (ROCKS) program.

Katherine A. Bruch ’90 was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the US Army on January 1, 2016. Kathy attended Bluefield High School and graduated from Concord with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She enlisted in the US Army Reserve in 1990 and served in the Texas Army National Guard as a Combat Medic. Upon completion of Katherine A. Bruch Officer Candidate School in 1993, she '90 entered active duty as a Medical Service Corps Officer. Over her 26 year career, Kathy has been assigned to various duty stations across the US and has also served abroad, deploying to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Republic of South Korea, and Afghanistan. She has served at both the Army Office of The Surgeon General and Army Human Resources Command, and was the Troop Commander/HR Chief for Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Ga. Kathy completed her master’s degree in HR from Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas and attended Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. She is a member of the Official Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3) and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for HR for the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Fort Detrick, Md. Her parents Bob and Mary Bruch are also Concord Alumni

Emily Phalen Austin ’35 Celebrates 100th Birthday Emily Phalen was born November 4, 1915 in Hiawatha, W.Va. She attended Concord College, was a member of Delta Sigma Epsilon, and graduated with the Normal School Class of 1935. She went on to complete her bachelor’s degree during school breaks.

She taught at Crane Creek Elementary, then Bramwell Elementary before moving to San Diego, Calif. in 1949. After one year at Ocean Beach Elementary, she taught for two years at the American School in Tokyo, Japan. Returning to San Diego, she married another West Virginia native, Hewson Austin, a widower with two daughters. They added a daughter and son to the family. Emily taught at Sherman Elementary until her retirement in 1975.

After retirement she volunteered as an art teacher in San Diego, and again in Elizabethton, Tenn. after moving there when her husband retired in 1979. In 1996, after Hewson’s death, she returned to California to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Back in California, at age 81, she returned to volunteering as an art teacher until she was 93. Over the years, Emily was an avid bridge player, artist, quilter and musician.

She now lives with her daughter and spends her days working crosswords and virtual jigsaw puzzles on her iPad. Last November, she celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends. She was also

Emily Phalen Austin '35 honored during a special assembly by the students at Santa Sophia Academy, where she had been the volunteer art teacher for over a decade.

Spring 2016 • 60

Class Notes Classmates Reunite at Rose Parade after Five Decades Gene F. Bailey and Charles Cassell graduated from Beaver (Bluefield) High School in 1957, Bluefield Junior College in 1959 and Concord College in 1961 with bachelor’s degrees in business administration.

Both entered the U.S. armed forces in early 1962 after short stints in retail management. Gene was in the Army and Charles was in the Air Force.

They hadn’t seen each other for approximately 54 years until meeting at the Rose Parade. A Christmas card and a couple of emails resulted in a reality mini-reunion in Pasadena along with a few hundred thousand observers. Cassell, a longtime resident of Northern California indicated that he would be in attendance at the 2016 Rose Parade and normally watched from the location of the Norton Simon Museum. Gene and his wife Judy had secured grandstand seats a few blocks away so the understanding was that Charles would walk to the grandstand vicinity after the parade had passed and would look for the “guy” with the cap with WV on it.

Gene and Judy would look for the man wearing a cap and sweatshirt with the Stanford colors and logo.

Charles was spotted shortly after the parade standing in the street by Gene who was seated with several thousand spectators in the grandstand and with several friends shouting “Hey, Charlie!” and waving the WV cap. Eye contact was made and the mini-reunion took place. A little effort and a lot of luck resulted in a short get-together to discuss the past and present.

Roar also attended the Rose Bowl game between Stanford and the University of Iowa. (class of 50 and 61), and are lifelong residents of Bluefield, W.Va.

Mark Angle ’93 has been awarded an extended contract and nominated for a national communication award in his role as Superintendent of the Douglas County School District #15 (Days Creek) in Oregon. Angle has been commended by the district’s board of directors for his leadership in a number of areas including enrollment, improvements in employee and student morale, money management and staff development skills. Under his leadership, the district has launched a new website and utilizes social media such as Facebook and Instagram. Angle has been nominated by the Douglas Education Service District for a national “Superintendents to Watch” program. The designation spotlights individuals with no more than five years of experience as a superintendent for exceptional leadership in district communication utilizing both traditional and new methods of communication that engage the district and connect with the community. Angle is serving in the dual role of superintendent and principal.

61 • Spring 2016

Charles Cassell ’61, left, and Gene F. Bailey ’61 at the 2016 Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

Cassell spent the majority of his working career with The Boeing Corp. in Northern California and has enjoyed the past several years of retirement following the Stanford Cardinals football team around the country. Bailey spent the vast majority of his working career with Consolidation Coal Co. (Consol Energy), serving as an executive in human resources. Although now in the 18th year of retirement, he still serves as a Business Consultant for BrickStreet in Charleston, W.Va. as well as working with several Bluefield area service organizations.

Gene and wife Judy also travelled to Israel for a 15-day visit in October of 2014. They were able to visit Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Masada, Jericho and the West Bank. They were also on the banks of the Jordan River, the Mediterranean Sea and the borders of Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Nick Bias ’06 coached the University of Charleston cross country team to a third place finish in the 2015 Mountain East Conference tournament. Bias is in his second year as the head coach for men’s cross country and track & field.

Stephen Wilson ’13 received a Master of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Multicultural and Transnational Literatures from East Carolina University in December 2015. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Concord. Stephen currently teaches English and Theatre Performance at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W.Va.

Birth

Mark Jacob Lawhorn

Steven J. Lawhorn ’03 and Jessica Lawhorn announce the birth of future Concordian Mark Jacob Lawhorn. He was born on September 10, 2015.

Class Notes Passings Elizabeth “Marguerite” Miller ’44: January 11, 2016. A resident of Princeton, W.Va., she was born on April 2, 1922 to the late Charles Shafer Miller and Iva Cotton Miller. She is preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Charles E. Miller, Millicent M. Woodroof, and twins, Virgil William Miller and Virginia Frances Miller.

After attending and graduating from Mercer School, and Princeton Marguerite Miller High School, she graduated from '44 Concord College with a bachelor’s degree in Education and from West Virginia University with a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. Marguerite started teaching for the Mercer County Board of Education at Oakvale High, Bramwell High, Matoaka High and Princeton Junior High schools. At PJHS, she began her career as a Guidance Counselor. In 1966, she moved to the Mercer County School Board Office as Director of Guidance and Counseling and served in that capacity until her retirement in 1981. She retired with 45 year of service to Mercer County Schools. Marguerite won several awards during her lifetime including Concord (University) Golden Alumnus. Her post retirement activities found her teaching Sunday school at First Baptist Church in Princeton, and she was active in circle and WMU activities at the church. She was able to keep up with her circle and church attendance until September, 2015, always wearing a stylish hat. She had the longest membership in the church until her death. She held membership in the Matthew French Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for 71 years. She was Regent and held other offices and was in charge of sending sympathy cards to widows of Vietnam veterans in Mercer County for the Chapter. She was the oldest member of the Princeton Delphian Club, last doing hostess duty in December 2015. When able, she loved attending the Retired School Counselor’s luncheons. This group of ladies were her special friends, who always kept up with her during good times and bad. She knitted breast prosthesis for the Princeton Community Cancer Support Group and also knitted baby caps for the nursery at the hospital. She was still active in the Mercer County Association of Retired School Employees. She read the obituaries every day to be sure that the deceased personnel were recognized at the Annual Memorial Service.

She entered Glenwood Retirement Village at the beginning of November and was living in Assisted Living at the Village. She continued to work crossword puzzles and read her Guidepost large print Daily Devotional Book and her Bible. She had read through the entire Bible each of the last five years. She consulted the daily schedule at Glenwood, so that she would not miss any of the activities. Survivors include three nieces, JoAnna M. Fredeking (Otto), Sarah M. Young (Gary) and Susan M. Santon (“Jigger” Smith); five great nieces and nephews, Ann Graham (David), Jack Fredeking (Kathy), Bill Fredeking (Terri), Kevin Young (Larissa) and Karen Hyrkas; eight great, great nieces and nephews; two great, grand nieces; and her caregivers, Ann Howington and Ramona Archie who were unwavering in their loyalty and care.

Mildred Lee Pashion Cowen ’49: July 25, 2015. Millie was born to Mitchell and Rosa Pashion and was one of six children. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, George Cowen; her sister, Thelma Toney of Gauley Bridge, W.Va.; and her brothers, Mitchell (Mike) Pashion Jr. of Princeton, W.Va., and Edward Pashion of Jackson, Mich. Millie is survived by her sisters, Betty (George) Campbell of Mildred Lee Oak Hill, W.Va., and Nancy Farmer of Pashion Cowen '49 Pearisburg, Va.; stepdaughters, Susan Adams of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kay and Louis Fricke of Huntington, W.Va.; and numerous nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren. Millie was a lifelong teacher. She taught for 41 years in West Virginia and briefly at a military base in Labrador, Newfoundland. She touched many lives with her caring nature and love of kids. Her love for traveling took her to all 50 states and numerous different countries. She made new friends everywhere she traveled.

In her final years, Millie made her home in Pearisburg, Va., under the care of her sister, Nancy Farmer and nieces and nephews, Bobby, Becky, Brett, Barry and Babette and their families.

Norma Saul ’53: October 23, 2015.

She was born in Verdonville, W.Va. to Joe A. Ellis and Sarah Elizabeth Ellis. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her daughter Sarah Anne Saul Dye and her son-in-law Mike Dye and sister Geneva Schneider and husband Dan C. Schneider. She is survived by her husband of 61 years Charles O. Saul Norma Saul '53 and sons George Saul of Columbia, S.C. and Charlie Saul of Beckley; four grandchildren Andrew Dye, Katy Dye Cutshaw, Edward Jeff Saul and Michael Saul; five great-grandchildren; and niece Linda Honeycutt and Diana Slusser. Norma grew up in Charleston W.Va. and graduated from Charleston High. She is a past worthy advisor of the Rainbow Girls. Norma graduated from Concord and was a member of Alpha Sigma social sorority and Pi Omega honorary fraternity. With her teaching certificate in hand she began teaching at Welch High School, Sissonville High, Sophia High, Stoco High, Woodrow Wilson and ended up at Park Jr. High teaching typing for more than 20 years. She retired and took one year off but went back and substituted until she was 79. Her inspiration to be a teacher came from her stepfather Mr. Shrewsberry while living in Glen Jean during the depression. She also worked with her husband at his dental office as an accountant and dental assistant. One of her favorite pastimes was to compose poetry and she had several poems published.

Joy Thomas Crowder ’58: October 27, 2015. Born May 11, 1927, in Meadow Bridge, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Warren Dempsey and Anna Bernice Johnson Thomas.

Joy graduated from Meadow Bridge High School with the

Spring 2016 • 62

Class Notes class of 1945. Married to E.F. “Bud” Crowder on January 31, 1948, she graduated from Concord College and began a long teaching career starting at Red Springs, Layland, Lee’s Tree and enjoyed the rest of her career teaching mostly first grade at Meadow Bridge Elementary School. A resident of Meadow Bridge, Joy was a Christian and longtime member of the Springdale Church of Christ. Preceding her in death was her first husband of 57 years E.F. “Bud” Crowder, January 14, 2006 and second husband Justo Gonzales, July 13, 2015, whom she married Dec. 24, 2007; her brothers Roger and Teddy H. Thomas and an infant daughter Martha Ann Crowder. Survivors include her four children E.F. “Buddy” Crowder (Freda) of Beckley, Sharon M. Crowder (Steve) of Bell Canyon, Calif., Lisa Neal (William) of Buckhannon and Ed Crowder (Vickie) of Bridgeport; grandchildren whom she adored, Natalie Neal Austin (Dilton) of Buckhannon, Kristen Crowder of Bridgeport and Kimberly Clark (Jamie) of Roanoke, Va.; several loving great-grandchildren; and one brother W.D. “Jr.” Thomas of Meadow Bridge. Joy was also a loving aunt to many nieces, nephews and to sisters-in-law Eugenia, Peggy and Gayle Thomas, all of Meadow Bridge.

During her life, Joy loved teaching, reading, and sewing, staying up late many nights with her sewing machine creating beautiful clothes and other items for herself and family. She was also a wonderful cook and baker spending every holiday in her kitchen preparing fabulously delicious meals for her family, friends and relatives.

Dianne Elizabeth Bellomy ’59: December 31, 2015. Dianne was born January 10, 1939 in Charleston, W.Va. to the late William G. Bowling Jr. and Pearl Hartley Bowling. Following her graduation from Concord College, she was a gifted and successful public school teacher in New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina. She and her husband, Lacy, moved to Winston-Salem, N.C. in 1973 where they started Bellomy Research, Inc. and she took on the role as Corporate Secretary and Executive Vice President. Although gifted in academics and business, Dianne’s true heartbeat was found in the love of her husband, family and friends, and most profoundly anchored in the foundation of her faith. She was a wonderful woman of dignity and warmth. The celebration of Dianne’s love spotlights a life of a godly daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Surviving are her beloved husband of 56 years, Lacy; siblings, Gloria Tribou (Richard) of Satellite Beach, Fla., and W.E. Bowling of Midland, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving her are her adoring daughters Angela Anderson (Curtis) and Lora Sessions (John), as well as seven grandchildren: David Sessions, Nathan Sessions, Lilly Sessions, Campbell Anderson, Gentry Anderson, Anna Hartley Anderson and Ella Anderson.

Norma Jean Arnott Wendt ’60: May 17, 2015. Jean was born in Prosperity, W.Va. She was the daughter of Carrie and Henry Arnott. She is survived by her husband Charles Wendt; daughter Noel (Neal) Knoblock and son Mark (Kim) Wendt; and grandchildren: Gabrielle, Duncan, Wesley and Serenity. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Charles, Mary and Ralph. Jean graduated from Concord College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and Physical Education. She was a Home Economics teacher in Dade County and a Home Economist

63 • Spring 2016

for Florida Public Utilities in West Palm Beach, Fla. Jean was a longtime member of the United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC) and member/past officer in the Gold Coast Doll, Night Owl Doll and the Miniature Group Clubs. She was a resident of North Palm Beach, Fla.

Benjy Paul Profitt ’61: October 30, 2015. A resident of Alexandria, Va., Mr. Profitt was born on July 31, 1933, in Blackwolf, W.Va., the son of the late James Elliott Profitt and the late Mary Lee Profitt. Four brothers, three sisters, a son, Bret Profitt and grandson, Luke Profitt also preceded him in death. He leaves behind a devoted wife, Virginia (Betty) Profitt and a daughter, Kelly Profitt Benjy Paul Profitt Rutherford of Winchester, Va. He '61 is survived by four grandchildren, Hunter, Emily, Tanner and Landon. Mr. Profitt attended Bramwell and Beaver high schools in West Virginia. He was in the Navy for four years and then played football for and graduated from Concord University. He taught school in Fairfax County at Bryant Intermediate and Hayfield. Mr. Profitt was a member of the VFW and Moose Lodge. He enjoyed golfing and loved the outdoors and hunting and fishing. He was an avid football fan.

Martha Frances Gianato Rector ’63: July 29, 2015. Martha was born and raised in Kimball, Northfork, and Welch, W.Va. She was always very proud of being a West Virginian and being from McDowell County. Martha attended school in McDowell County, W.Va., and Boyd County, Ky. and graduated from Concord University (College). She taught for 37 years in McDowell and Raleigh counties Martha Frances with various subject areas taught Gianato Rector '63 including Spanish, English, Journalism, Photography, and School Newspaper. Having had several opportunities to leave the classroom, Martha felt she could best impact education by being in the classroom with her students. Several students later in their lives would call and thank her for the variety of skills she taught them. Martha enjoyed her family very much with one of her biggest joys being her grandchildren. Vacationing on the coast was also a big part of her life, starting with her parents going to the beach at a very early age. These coastal visits continued throughout her life. Another sign showing her pride and love of West Virginia, Martha and sister Jenna authored a positive book about their experiences of growing up in McDowell County in the 1950s and 1960s. Martha had recently relocated to the Winston Salem, N.C. area to be closer to her daughter and family. Mrs. Rector was preceded in death by her parents, Luke and Virginia Gianato. Surviving include husband Don; daughter Laura and husband Mark; grandchildren Roland and Kayleah Jaworski, all of Winston Salem; sister Jenna Calovini and husband Jim; sister-in-law Gail Rector; niece Jennifer Somogyi and husband Michael;

Class Notes and aunts Mary Gianato, Marie Nickerson, and their families.

Nancy Ellen Elkins ’65: November 3, 2015. Born July 10, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Delmas and Willa Peters Elkins of Beckley. An educator, Nancy received her bachelor’s degree from Concord College. She earned her master’s degree from West Virginia University and her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. Over the course of her career, she taught at Westhampton College, Shepherd College and Raleigh County Schools. Nancy enjoyed doing construction work and built her home at Flat Top Lake. She will be remembered by many for providing a haven for wayfarers, teaching swimming lessons at Flat Top Lake, and cutting and splitting her own firewood. She was a member of several girls’ softball teams coached by her father. Later in life, she was a member of the Bethlehem Chapter No. 71 of the Order of the Eastern Star. Survivors include her brother, John Rush Elkins and his wife Joyce Foster of Beaver, W.Va.; two nephews, Perry John Elkins and his wife Billie Follensbee of Springfield, Mo., and Gregory Lewis Elkins and his wife Tracie of Ft. Washington, Md.; one aunt, Glenna Peters Underwood of Charleston, W.Va.; and numerous cousins.

Debra J. Lusk ’73: October 26, 2015. Debby was born September 5, 1950 in Bluefield, W.Va. and was the daughter of the late William P. Lusk and Roberta Carson Lusk of Bud, W.Va. At two years of age, Debby contracted polio – a disabling disease that limited her physical abilities but did little to affect her independent spirit and determination.

After graduating from Herndon High School in 1968, Debby worked at Wyoming General Hospital for a year prior to enrolling at Concord College where she received a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification in English. Determined to be a positive influence and example of independence and success, Debby pursued a master’s degree and certification in special education at the WV College of Graduate Studies (now Marshall University). She taught both elementary and high school special education until her retirement from Wyoming County Schools in 2002. Throughout her life, Debby traveled extensively, was a sponsor of student organizations, and a member of the WV State Special Education Advisory Council.

A resident of Athens and formerly of Bud, she was a member of Athens Baptist Church. Debby is survived by her mother, Roberta Lusk; her two sisters, Diane Quesenberry of Athens and Linda Clark of Frametown, W.Va.; her brother, William (Bill) Lusk and wife Yvonne of Floyd, Va.; two nieces, Melissa Wilson and Christina Hughes and husband Drew; five nephews, Joseph Quesenberry, IV and wife Fran, Andy Lusk, Aaron Lusk and wife Krista, Jarrod Lusk and Nathan Clark.

Also left to cherish her memory are five great-nieces, Ari, Ali, Abi, Rhys and Kyndal; two great-nephews, Brandon and Collin; special friends, Sandra Goodwin and Dr. Nancy Burton (Burt); and her beloved papillon, “Baby.”

Eddie Karnes ’75: November 30, 2015. Affectionately known as “Eddie” all his life, Edward Lee Karnes was born on December 18, 1935, in Matoaka, W.Va. He was the son of the late Claude Edward and Rosa Ophelia Cook Karnes.

One of three children, Eddie was preceded in death by his brother Tom. He is the beloved brother of Claudia Karnes Nesbit and her husband, Robert of Wesley Chapel, Fla. Eddie

spent his childhood in Matoaka, where he graduated from Matoaka High School. He furthered his studies at Concord College where he received a bachelor’s degree. Eddie began his career in the microbiology laboratory at the Bluefield Sanitarium. In 1957, he transferred to the Miner’s Memorial Hospital in Beckley as the bacteriology supervisor and instructor in the School of Medical Technology. Eddie taught more than 220 students over the course of the school’s existence. It was well known that in the northern part of the state, the leading expert in bacteriology was at WVU; in the southern part of the state, it was Eddie Karnes. Many, many students were grateful for the quality of knowledge that Eddie Karnes instilled in them. In 1985, Eddie became the bacteriology supervisor at Raleigh General Hospital. He retired in August of 2000. A resident of Beckley, Eddie was a devoted member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Beckley.

In addition to his sister Claudia and her husband Robert, Eddie leaves to cherish his memory his nieces and nephews, Kathy Garces and her husband, Fred, Kelly Karnes, Kyle Karnes and his wife, Gina, Karen Chaudhry and her husband, Omar; three great nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law Mary Faith Karnes. Eddie Karnes was blessed with many friends.

Deborah Lynn (Hickman) James ’81: November 11, 2015.

A resident of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Deborah was born April 19, 1959, in Princeton, W.Va. to Junior Harless and Amelia Faye (French) Hickman. She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Jordan Blake James. Deborah earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Concord University and a master’s degree in English from Marshall University.

Upon moving to Upper Sandusky, she was employed by the University of Findlay as a professor, serving on the English faculty within the College of Liberal Arts. Her main discipline was teaching writing and rhetoric. She loved teaching and helping all her students to reach their full potential. It was a joy in her life, so much so that she taught classes sponsored by the university in programs at Lima Correctional Institution and the Allen County Correctional Institution.

Deborah felt like she was defined by music, loved animals and literature, shared her ability to write beautiful prose and always displayed a quick wit and wonderful humor with her family and friends. Deborah is survived by her husband, Peter Jenkins; her beloved daughter, Brett James; her two grandchildren, Colton and Emma, all of Tiffin; one sister, Susan Hickman of Princeton; one brother, Jerry (Debra) Hickman of Bluefield, Va.; a nephew, Josh (Jessica) Hickman and family of Canonsburg, Pa.; two paternal aunts; and a host of cousins.

Kimberly Sue Martin Jackson ’82: November 16, 2015. A resident of Bluefield, W.Va., she was born in Bluefield and was the daughter of Robert and Anita Pendry Martin. Kimberly was a graduate of Bluefield High School and Concord College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Art Education. She retired this past June after teaching Art, grades 9 through 12, at Richlands High School. She helped with the prom decorations for many years. She loved her talented art students and with them, displayed many art shows. She especially loved working with pottery projects. Kimberly loved riding her horse, Sunshine Lady, and participated in shows for several

Spring 2016 • 64

Class Notes years. She loved fishing, boating, swimming and reading. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Ruth Martin and James and Corbia Pendry. Left to cherish her memory are her parents; her devoted and loving significant other, Marvin Lively; aunts and uncles, John and Jane Martin of Richlands, Va., Jack and Evelyn Martin of Pineville, W.Va., Connie Gorman of Prince George, Va., Gaynelle Phillips of Columbus, Ohio, Danny and Sandra Pendry of Pineville, Connie Santini of Hopewell, Pa., Linda Stone of Richmond, Va., David and Jamie Pendry of Cody, Wyo.; many cousins; and her beloved cat, Luna.

David C. Klingensmith: January 5, 2016. He was born in Parkersburg, W.Va., the son of the late Dr. Ralph E. Klingensmith and Mary E. Speece Klingensmith. He moved to Athens, W.Va. at an early age, where he attended public schools. His father was a longtime principal of Athens High School and professor at Concord College. His mother was a talented harpist, active in church and women’s David C. organizations. David was a graduate of Klingensmith the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He was a career Coast Guard officer, retiring in 1971 with the rank of Commander, having served primarily in engineering duties. He served as Business Manager at Concord College after retirement from the Coast Guard. He was a registered Professional Engineer in West Virginia, and ended his working career with 13 years of service as Professor and Chairman of Engineering Technology at Bluefield State College, retiring in 1987. He was Secretary and Past Master of Concord Lodge #48, A.F. & A.M., and Secretary of Athens Chapter #26, R.A.M. He was for many years President of the Athens Medical Center, member and Recorder of the Athens Town Council. He was also Treasurer of the Athens Cemetery Association, an active member of the Concord United Methodist Church, a longtime member of the church choir and had held most of the administrative positions in the Church Council. An avid runner, he competed in road races into his 60s, and was co-founder and President of the Southern West Virginia Road Runners Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Alice Thurston and her husband Dr. Richard Thurston.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Barbara Mann “Bobbie” Klingensmith of Athens; his brother, Dr. Walter Klingensmith and his wife Betty of Beckley; daughter, Kathryn Klingensmith-Gordon and her husband Charlie of Mobley, Mo.; son, David A. Klingensmith of Griffith, Ind.; son,

Jonathan Klingensmith and wife Joyce of Topsfield, Mass.; daughter, Marla Klingensmith Churchill and her husband Bertram of Panama City, Fla.; and seven grandchildren.

Robert Austin Mouser: December 7, 2015. He was born October 4, 1978 in Pine Bluff, Ark., son of Kirby Mouser and Melissa (Pike) Simpson.

He attended Jefferson High in Charles Town, W.Va. and graduated in 1997.

He was involved in the music program.

His first job was as a line chef at Golden Corral where he used all his knowledge learned through working Robert Austin as a child at the Colonial Steak House Mouser in Pine Bluff. He went on to attend Concord College. He was a faithful member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. In 2007 he continued his educational journey by attending the University of Arkansas Community College in Morrillton, Ark. After graduating with honors and singing as a core member of the choir, he went on to pursue his business degree from the University of Central Arkansas. On May 4, 2013 he graduated from UCA with a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis on Insurance and Risk Management. In 2014 when Robert and Jennifer made the move to Bryan, Texas, he worked with the local minor league baseball team, the Brazos Valley Bombers.

He subsequently was employed by Automated Records Collection/Legal Monkeys where he worked researching and gathering legal and medical information for people who were injured in various situations. Robert “Austin” was a man of faith and a member of the United Methodist Church and recently a member of First Baptist, Bryan. He loved his family, fraternity, music, movies, animals and helping anyone in need. He was a wonderful husband that never let a day go by without telling Jennifer he loved her and that she was beautiful. His heart might have been weak but it was so, so big. Robert is survived by his wife Jennifer Barnett Mouser; his parents, Melissa Simpson and Kirby and Rosalind Mouser; his siblings George Simpson, Owen Mouser, Becky LaBee (Scott), William Simpson (Shannon); his grandmothers.

Etoyle Mouser, Sissie Atkinson McClanahan and Rosalind McClanahan; in-laws Sam and Sharon Barnett; sister-inlaw Jessica Barnett; nieces and nephews, Lacey LaBee, Hannah LaBee, Grant Simpson, Kobe Simpson, Parker Dirst; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Martin Mouser; step-father, Royce Simpson; maternal grandparents, Robert and Frances Pike; paternal grandfather William Mouser; and step-grandfather, Dr. John McClanahan.

Calling for Class Notes We want to hear from you! Send us your personal and professional accomplishments, news on marriages and family additions and updates on other noteworthy events in your life. Photographs are welcome as well.

Please email your news items to advancement@concord.edu or mail them to Concord University, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712.

65 • Spring 2016

We have a for someone you know.

Dear Alumni and Friends, We have a special place for someone you know.

You are in a unique position, as an alumnus or friend of Concord University, to recommend prospective students to the University.

The special person you know may currently be in high school or in the workforce…and searching for the perfect fit for college. Please submit the name of your special person and we will follow up to see if we can meet his or her academic needs.

We look forward to hearing from you and meeting someone who is special to you!

Kindest regards,

Sarah Turner ’98 Director of Alumni Affairs

Submit this form in the envelope provided.

The information you supply below is all that’s required and you don’t have to complete the form on the envelope. Or, you may call 1-888-384-5249 or email alumni@concord.edu to make your referral.

(Please mention that you are making an alumni student referral when you call.)

Student’s Name:______________________________

Address:______________________________________

________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________

Legacy Scholarship is Now Available We are proud to announce the availability of the Concord University Legacy Scholarship.

Did you graduate from either Concord College or Concord University? Then, your son or daughter will be eligible to apply for the Concord University Legacy Scholarship.

The scholarship is non-renewable and is contingent upon available funds. Encourage your son or daughter to apply early!

Here are the criteria. The successful recipient must: • be either a first-time freshman or student who transfers from another institution

• be a dependent of either a Concord College or Concord University graduate

• have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA and 18 on the ACT or 870 (verbal and mathematics score only) on the SAT Funds are limited so please check with the Concord University Admissions Office regarding scholarship availability.

Email: _________________________________________ Name of high school and graduation date:

________________________________________________ Parents' Names: _____________________________

________________________________________________ Are Parents Alumni? ________________________

If current college student, name of institution: ________________________________________________ Your Name: ___________________________________ Class Year: ____________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

________________________________________________

Email: _________________________________________ Thank you for your recommendation!

Spring 2016 • 66

CU Athletics

Men’s Cross Country Team Captures First MEC Title

Cox Named Coach of the Year ed by three runners in the top 10, the Concord University men’s cross country team won its first Mountain East Conference Championship on Oct. 24, 2015 at the Bridgeport Recreation Complex.

The league title was the first for CU since 2007.

In addition to winning the team championship, CU’s accolades included head coach Mike Cox being named MEC Men’s Coach of the Year after the race.

Senior Stephen Starliper led the charge for the Mountain Lions with his second straight second-place finish at the MEC Championship.

Starliper completed the 8,000-meter course with a time of 28:22, nearly two minutes faster than the time he won the Pre-MEC Meet with in September.

Starliper was followed closely by freshman Jason Weitzel who finished third crossing in 28:36. For his efforts, Weitzel also earned MEC Freshman of the Year.

Sophomore Justin Snyder ran a time of 28:54 to place sixth, 26 spots higher than he finished last season at the league championship.

The trio of runners earned AllMEC First Team for placing in the top 10.

Freshman Michael Ruhnke ran

67 • Spring 2016

Above: Coach Mike Cox congratulates senior Stephen Starliper on his secondplace finish and on leading the Mountain Lions to an MEC victory. Below: Jason Weitzel (left) and Justin Snyder (right) receiving their All-MEC First Team awards.

29:21 to place 13th while junior Cimarron Nicely finished 15th, running 29:34 to round out the scoring runners for the Mountain Lions.

The team score of 39 points bested second-place West Virginia Wesleyan who had 60 points.

Junior Brandon Lee also finished

inside the top 20 with a 17th-place showing as he ran a time of 29:47.

Lee, Nicely and Ruhnke all were named to the All-MEC Second Team.

Freshman Tyler Kosut rounded out the finishers for Concord as he placed 25th with a time of 30:35.

CU Athletics

MEN'S BASKETBALL Concord Wins MEC Championship Selected for NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament The Concord University men’s basketball team roared back from an eight-point second-half deficit to win its first Mountain East Conference Championship, 70-64, over Notre Dame March 6 at the Charleston Civic Center.

With the win the Mountain Lions moved to 22-9 for the season capturing their first conference crown since 1997 and advancing to their second ever NCAA regional tournament.

Concord was selected to participate in the 2016 NCAA Division II Tournament out of the Atlantic Region playing against West Liberty on March 13.

In the MEC contest with Notre Dame, Concord was led by the frontcourt duo of senior forwards Terry Hopewell and Jametrius Wade who each recorded a double-double in the championship game. Hopewell went for 19 points and 13 rebounds and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the foul line. Wade, meanwhile, posted his first double-double of the tournament by scoring 13 points and collecting 13 rebounds.

Both teams started the game slow with Concord missing six of its first eight shots to allow Notre Dame to jump out to 17-9 lead with 11:25 left in the game. The Falcons would run their lead out to 26-13 at the 8:30 mark of the first half before CU started climbing back into the contest.

Freshman guard Tommy Bolte

BEST OF 2015

2015 was a successful sports year for Concord University athletics as Concord produced one conference championship (men’s cross country), two NCAA regional appearances (men’s golf, softball) and eight all-region performers across five sports (baseball, men’s cross country,

The Mountain Lions win their first MEC Men's Basketball Championship. Photo Credit: Sam Santilli started a 9-0 run by drilling a threepointer while Hopewell and Wade each had a layup. Wade capped the run with two free throws. However, Notre Dame maintained a 33-29 lead at the intermission.

The Falcons continued to hold an advantage on the Mountain Lions until Concord rattled off a 26-10 run that spanned nearly eight minutes as the Maroon and Gray took control of the game.

Included in the 26-10 spurt was a 15-5 run. During the 15-5 outburst, senior guard Rob Reed, who finished with 12 points and was named the MEC Tournament’s MVP, hit consecutive three-pointers, while Wade added four points and Hopewell an old-school three-point play to give the Mountain Lions a 46-44 lead.

Eventually, CU ran its lead out to 57-49 with 9:04 remaining in the game.

NDC chipped away at the lead, getting the deficit to 61-60. But, Concord answered with five straight

points to leave little doubt that the Mountain Lions were going to clinch their first conference crown in basketball in nearly 20 years.

All five Concord starters finished in double figures. Junior guard Michael Sanchez scored 12 points while fellow junior guard Aaron Miller added 12 points.

After Notre Dame shot nearly 40 percent in the first half, CU limited the Falcons to 30 percent (12-for40) in the second half. Concord is responsible for Notre Dame’s two lowest-shooting halves of the season.

The Mountain Lions held NDC to 28 percent shooting in the 85-75 Feb. 20 win at home.

The Maroon and Gray owned a 4338 advantage on the glass while also outscoring NDC 30-20 in the paint.

Along with Reed, Hopewell was also named to the All-MEC Tournament Team.

Notre Dame was led by Tyree Gaiter who posted 23 points and eight assists.

football, women’s soccer and softball).

Now, relive the top ten moments and storylines from 2015.

University softball team had made steady improvement under head coach Alisa Tasler and had notched a 30-win season in 2014.

The Mountain Lions sat on the NCAA Regional Tournament bubble in 2014, but ultimately were left out of the postseason field.

No. 1 - Softball Makes NCAA Field, Tops West Chester for Tournament Win In the two years prior, the Concord

Spring 2016 • 68

CU Athletics No. 2 - Calvinaugh Jones Breaks Career-Rushing Record

Lauren Lewis CU was seeking to take the next step and make the NCAA Tournament field. Concord took a major step by not losing in the month of March and winning 17 straight games to put itself in prime position to make the postseason.

Two key wins over Mountain East Conference contender and regional foe Charleston in the season’s home stretch appeared all the Mountain Lions would need to make the NCAA Tournament.

After going 2-2 in the MEC Tournament, CU was selected as the sixth seed in the NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament, meaning the program had its first national tournament berth, just six seasons after winning a single game.

Led by the sweet swinging of power hitters sophomore outfielder Lauren Lewis and junior catcher Alyssa Morris that coupled with the clutch pitching of senior Lacey McDougall and junior Allie Reid, the Mountain Lions faced West Chester in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Buckhannon, W.Va. CU grinded out two runs in the first inning and another in the second inning with aggressive base running from sophomore shortstop Alayna Furr and junior second baseman Kristen Rose and timely hitting from Lewis.

In the circle, Concord turned to Reid who had been nearly unhittable since the beginning of April. And on this hot, steamy May afternoon Reid stifled the Rams and held them to a meaningless solo home run in the seventh inning as CU went on to win 3-1 for its first ever NCAA Tournament win during its first NCAA Postseason appearance.

The Mountain Lions will be primed to take another positive step on the softball diamond in 2016 as they return six starters from last year’s team.

69 • Spring 2016

Calvinaugh Jones For most, a two-yard rush to begin the second half of a football game is miniscule to the overall outcome of the game. However, a two-yard run by senior running back Calvinaugh Jones at Notre Dame on Oct. 17 pushed Jones to be the all-time leading rusher in the history of Concord football.

Jones finished the game with 139 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Over his four years in the Maroon and Gray, Jones amassed 4,638 yards, 38 total touchdowns, and helped Concord to a 33-13 record from 20122015. Additionally, Jones broke Brian Kennedy’s rushing record by 520 yards.

Jones averaged over 5.3 yards a carry over his career, and broke 100 yards rushing 28 times throughout his career.

This past season, Jones set a new career-high in rushing yards in one game, rushing for 260 on Oct. 10 against UVa.-Wise and three touchdowns on just 17 carries, an average of 15.3 a carry.

Jones has been honored numerous times over his four-year career. He was honored as a BSN second-team All-American, 2014 AFCA AllAmerican, Daktronics Second-Team All-Region, BSN Regional Offensive Player of the year, and the Mountain East Conference Player of the Year.

Jones led the third-ranked rushing attack in the MEC last season, rushing for 1,175 yards on 191 carries and 14 touchdowns. He also added two receiving touchdowns.

Jones was instrumental in Concord’s historic season in 2014. He rushed for over 1,700 yards, had 12 touchdowns, and averaged 6.7 yards a carry as Concord went 13-1 and made a run to the national semifinals.

Jones has etched his name into

the record books, and has been an influential part of Concord’s most successful four-year run in the program’s history. Breaking the record marks a fitting end for the senior from Glen Burnie, Md.

No. 3 - Men’s Cross Country Takes Home MEC Title One Concord athletic team won a Mountain East Conference Championship during 2015 and that distinction goes to men’s cross country.

Heading into the MEC Championship Oct. 24, the men’s team was riding a wave of momentum having won three consecutive meets while finishing second in another meet to start the season.

However, the Mountain Lions were going to have to beat a strong field that included defending MEC champion West Virginia Wesleyan along with perennial contender Wheeling Jesuit to win its first men’s conference title since 2007.

On a day when the Mountain Lions needed to be their best, they were.

Senior Stephen Starliper led a trio of Concord runners in the top six as Starliper finished second with a time of 28:22 on the challenging course at the Bridgeport Recreation Complex in Bridgeport, W.Va. Freshman Jason Weitzel followed Starliper by placing third (28:36).

Sophomore Justin Snyder ran to a sixth-place finish (28:54). Three more CU runners finished in the top 20 with freshman Michael Ruhnke finishing 13th (29:21). Junior Cimarron Nicley had a 15th-place showing (29:34) and junior Brandon Lee placed 17th (29:47). All six runners earned either first-team or second-team All-MEC. Freshman Tyler Kosut rounded out the CU finishers in 25th (30:35).

In what was expected to be a tight team race, the Mountain Lions cruised to a 21-point win over West Virginia Wesleyan (39-60).

Besides winning a team championship, Weitzel was also named the MEC Freshman of the Year while head coach Mike Cox was named league coach of the year after guiding the Mountain Lions to their first conference crown in eight years.

CU Athletics No. 4 - Men’s Basketball Completes Turnaround, McBride Wins Coach of the Year

Kent McBride After coming off a very forgettable 8-21 season in 2013-14, Concord was selected 10th in the 2014-15 Mountain East Conference Preseason Poll. What happened next did not go according to script.

Concord finished off its 2014-15 season winning 13 of their last 16 games to secure a first-round bye in the Mountain East Conference Tournament, earning the third seed in the league tournament.

The Mountain Lions had an average start to the season at 4-3, before streaking to a 16-6 finish to the year.

Concord head coach Kent McBride helped notch the program’s first 20win season since he was a standout point guard for the Mountain Lions during the 2003-04 season when they finished 22-7. CU finished 20-9 on the year, and improved immensely on both ends of the floor in just missing out on making the NCAA Tournament.

Concord returned Cam Shannon, Mike Boyd, Paul Byrd, Aaron Miller, Terry Hopewell, B.J. Hamlet, and Taylor Smith from the 2013-14 team, and added junior college transfers Rob Reed, Jametrius Wade as well as freshmen Babe Murphy, Nick Deems, and Cal Cistaro.

McBride coached a triumvirate of all-conference performers in Aaron Miller, Mike Boyd, and Terry Hopewell. Aaron Miller led the Mountain Lions in scoring for the year, with his 18.6 ppg. A substantial jump from the 8.3 he averaged during his freshman campaign, earning him first-team honors. Boyd also notched first-team honors after leading the Mountain East in assists. Hopewell made jumps in his numbers as well,

averaging a double double last season on his way to earning Honorable Mention MEC honors.

The Mountain Lions also made their mark on the region, ranking eighth in the Atlantic Region going into the MEC Tournament.

Not only was Concord’s turnaround from eight wins to 20 wins the biggest improvement in the MEC, it was also one of the best turnarounds in the nation from one season to another.

For his job in coaching, McBride was selected by his peers as the MEC Coach of the Year.

No. 5 - Trio Earns Academic AllAmerican Status While Concord sports thrived on the field, three CU student-athletes excelled in the classroom.

Senior linebacker Cade Rogers and cross country runners, senior Stephen Starliper and Jordan Weitzel earned academic all-American honors in 2015.

Rogers was named a CoSIDA Academic All-American after his stellar performance on the field and in the classroom in 2015. The Sparks, Nev. native collected 65 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss (TFLs), two sacks and a team-best three blocked kicks during the 2015 season.

The blocked kick Rogers recorded at Glenville State was returned for a Concord touchdown.

Meanwhile, Starliper and Weitzel were selected as Academic AllAmericans by the USTFCCCA (United State Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association). In his last year of eligibility, Weitzel finished 22nd at the Mountain East Conference Championship in 2014. Weitzel also finished sixth in both the 5,000-meter run and 10,000-meter run at the MEC Track and Field Championship in May. Starliper placed second at the MEC Cross Country Championship in 2014.

The Hancock, Md. native also finished fifth in the 5,000-meters at the MEC Track and Field Championship on his way to earning academic accolades.

Honorees must have a cumulative GPA or 3.25 or greater and must have finished among the top 30 percent of total eligible runners at his or her regional championship (total Division

II teams in the region multiplied by seven runners per team) or in the top half of the field at the NCAA Championships.

No. 6 - Alyssa Morris Claims AllAmerican Honors

Alyssa Morris 2015 was the most successful year in Concord softball history. A large part of that success was due to the excellent play of power-hitting catcher Alyssa Morris, who capped off her junior season by earning National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Third-Team All-American honors.

Morris became the first CU softball player to earn All-American status.

In addition to earning AllAmerican honors, Morris was also named to the NFCA All-Region First Team, Daktronics All-Region First Team, First Team All-Mountain East Conference and was also named to the All-MEC Tournament Team for her exemplary play throughout the 2015 season.

Morris saw her play rise to new levels from 2014 to 2015 as a Mountain Lion, with her batting average rising by 25 points from .368 to .393, as well as increases in home runs (11 to 15), hits, (57 to 64), and RBI (35 to 51) as the Virginia Beach, Va. native led Concord in each statistical category.

In addition to her offensive prowess, Morris also helped Concord on the defensive end. She posted a .989 fielding percentage, and only committed two errors the entire season. She also appeared in 53 games for the Mountain Lions and helped Concord achieve a team 2.17 ERA in games that she caught, good for second in the Mountain East Conference.

Morris has started 156 games in her career as a Mountain Lion, and has helped Concord reach new

Spring 2016 • 70

CU Athletics heights.

The Mountain Lions have compiled an 85-73 record in her three years as a starter. Morris will look to continue her recent streak at the plate when she plays her final season for the Maroon and Gray in 2016.

No. 7 - Rob Reed Goes for 40 Points Versus W.Va. State

Rob Reed On a day when Concord honored two very important players in its program, senior guards Mike Boyd and Paul Byrd, then-junior guard Rob Reed stole the show on a snowy, cold day in Athens against West Virginia State.

During the 2014-15 season, Reed’s role for the Mountain Lions was to sub into the game off the bench and provide energy and scoring. On this February afternoon, Reed would indeed score and score in bunches.

The South Bend, Ind. native checked in five minutes into the game.

After a slow start, Reed canned his first three-pointer at the 12:24 mark of the first half. Just 62 seconds later Reed all of a sudden had nine points.

He would finish the first half with 15 points.

Reed would get hot in a flash to start the second half. After netting five points early in the half, Reed would stroke home three triples in a 53-second stretch from the 15:03 mark to the 14:10 mark of the second half.

When Reed capped off his day with a three-pointer with 4:06 left in the game, he had tallied 40 points and 10 three-pointers. The 10 three-pointers tied a Mountain East Conference record as well as a Concord singlegame record. Reed’s 40-points was also just the third time an MEC player has eclipsed 40 points in a contest.

71 • Spring 2016

No. 8 - Kari Simon Cements Place in Record Books

Kari Simon Senior forward Kari Simon capped off her decorated Concord career by earning all-region honors for the third time in her career. Simon was selected to the NSCAA All-Region Third Team, and was also selected to the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association Atlantic All-Region Second-Team for her efforts in 2015.

Simon earned numerous accolades during her four-year career with the Mountain Lions. Included with the All-Region selections from 2015, Simon also earned first team All-MEC for the third year in a row, and tied the Mountain East Conference lead in goals. She was also named Second Team All-Region in 2014, and ThirdTeam All-Region in 2013. Simon also earned second-team All-WVIAC honors in 2012.

Simon was consistent throughout her four years as a Mountain Lion, notching at least eight goals in every season. Simon has also started 67 of the 68 games that she appeared in for the Maroon and Gray, including a streak of 66 consecutive games started to conclude her career.

In addition to her individual success, Simon was also a crucial part of Concord’s wins over the past four years. The Mineral Wells, W.Va. native scored 10 game-winning goals over the course of her career for the Mountain Lions. She also was the leading scorer of the Concord team that advanced to the semifinals of the WVIAC Tournament in 2012.

Simon also scored the game-winning goal against Seton Hill in the game prior to that to send Concord to the postseason that year.

In Concord history, Simon finished her career ranked fourth all-time in points in Concord history with 81 points. She also finished tied for

fourth in goals (35) and eighth alltime in assists (11).

Simon ended her career with a two-goal performance to help Concord earn a draw versus West Liberty on the final day of the regular season, a fitting end to her storied career with the Mountain Lions.

No. 9 - Meadows Wins MEC 400-Meter Dash Title

Jacob Meadows Breaking 50 seconds in the 400-meter dash is a big deal for a men’s track and field sprinter.

Winning a conference championship in the event is an even bigger deal.

During his sophomore season, Jacob Meadows was striving to do both.

In 2014, Meadows had run 50.75 seconds for a then-personal-best.

Unfortunately, the season was cut short due to injury before the conference meet.

The Beckley, W.Va. native elected to not run the 400-meters during the indoor season in 2015 setting himself up for the possibility to win a conference championship in the event come the outdoor season.

During the outdoor campaign, Meadows ran the event three times, but his best time was 50.58 seconds.

At the MEC Championship, Meadows broke through with 49.73 seconds in the preliminary round of the 400-meters assuring his spot in the finals in the event. He would go on to run an even faster time of 49.40 seconds in the finals, clinching the win and individual MEC Title in the 400-meters.

Meadows was Concord’s first men’s track and field individual champion since Robby Peters won the 5,000-meter run and 10,000-meter run in 2013.

CU Athletics No. 10 - Kevin Garrett Returns as Baseball Coach A familiar face returns to the dugout at Anderson Field for the Concord University baseball program.

Kevin Garrett

After former

head coach Andrew Wright left for the same position at the University of Charleston, Concord Director of Athletics Kevin Garrett assumed the position of head baseball coach, a role he held from 1996-2010.

Concord compiled a school-record 355 wins in his first stint as head coach. During his tenure, Concord won its first WVIAC Championship in

40 years in 2001, and he also helped the Mountain Lions reach the NCAA Tournament three times.

Garrett has also had five players sign professional contracts under his tutelage. He has won the WVIAC Coach of the Year three times, and holds numerous records including the single season win-percentage record of .763.

Price Named Head Football Coach

second-best scoring defense in the MEC (20.8). Concord ranked second in rushing defense (115.9) and fourth in passing defense (226.4).

In 2014, Price’s defense was first in the MEC in takeaways (32) and second in sacks (23).

Additionally, Concord ranked in the top among all Division II teams in interceptions (22). Concord’s ability to create turnovers and put pressure on the opponents’ offense helped the Mountain Lions make an appearance in the NCAA Division II national semifinals. Along the way, Concord won the Super Region One Championship and MEC Championships.

During the 2013 campaign, Concord may have had its best defense in Price’s tenure as defensive coordinator as they finished top-10 nationally in scoring defense (third / 14.2), total defense (third / 268.1), third in third-down conversion defense (.258) and fourth in passing defense (159.7).

Price has coached 28 allconference players, 13 all-region players, two conference defensive players of the year and one academic All-American in his tenure at Concord.

In addition to coordinating the stout defense of CU since 2011, Price has also coached linebackers at Concord since arriving in Athens prior to the 2009 season and served as the football team’s academic coordinator.

This past season, the Mountain Lions had their first academic All-American in program history in senior linebacker Cade Rogers.

Along with Paul Price coaching some of the best defenses in the MEC, Price also has extensive knowledge coaching the offensive side of the ball. Price coordinated West Virginia Wesleyan’s offense from 1989-1993 and had two different stints as defensive coordinator (19941995, 1999-2008).

Price has been a part of five conference-winning coaching staffs (1995, 2002, 2003 at Wesleyan, 2011 and 2014 at Concord).

Between coaching stints at West Virginia Wesleyan, Price was the head coach at West Virginia Tech from 1996-1998. Price coached 28 allconference players and graduated 92 percent of his players over a threeyear period.

After exhausting his eligibility as an offensive lineman at West Virginia Wesleyan and receiving his diploma in 1984, Price started his coaching career at Hudson Valley Community College in New York, where he received his master’s degree.

FOOTBALL

Concord defensive coordinator Paul Price has been named the new head coach of the Concord University football program.

Price was appointed to the post in January when former head football coach Garin Justice announced that he had accepted the offensive line coaching position at Florida Atlantic University.

“Paul has been an integral part of our turnaround here at Concord over the last seven years,” Concord Director of Athletics Kevin Garrett said. “As the defensive coordinator, he helped make our defense one of the best in the region.

“Most importantly, Paul cares about the kids on the team and he wants to see them succeed not only on the field, but wants each player to do well in life” Garrett continued.

Price will be the 19th coach in program history dating back to 1898.

He has been at Concord since 2009 where he coached linebackers from 2009-2011 before taking over as defensive coordinator prior to the 2011 campaign.

Under Price’s guidance, the Mountain Lions’ defense has been a regular near the top of the Mountain East Conference/West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference statistical categories. This past season, the Mountain Lions had the

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.

Spring 2016 • 72

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.

Join the Club!

JOIN the team that is building the foundation for a generation of champions. For more information and to see up-to-date Concord University Athletics News, please visit www.cumountainlions.com

Alumni, Community Members Share Experiences

In Health Careers Exploration Class ssistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Kimberly Chambers has taught a Health Careers Exploration class the last three spring semesters.

“A rather large part of that class is having individuals come in and speak with the class about their professions,” she explains.

“The number of former Concord students, alumni and individuals that have an affiliation with the university and/or the community that are willing to give of their time to help these students explore possible careers” is especially noteworthy, Chambers said, adding that their service and contribution of time is appreciated.

Concord Alumni speaking with

73 • Spring 2016

Chambers’ students about their careers this semester include: Kelsey Mills, physician assistant; Daniel Puckett, pharmacist; Brad Lane, optometrist; Laura Cox Williams, dentist; Morgan VanBlaricom, medical lab scientist; Crystal VanBlaricom Sadler, physical therapy assistant; Tara Shleser Reed, physical therapist; Jessica Aliff, physician; and, Jessica Ferrell, veterinarian.

Community members speaking this semester include: Janet Horn, human resources at Princeton Community Hospital; Randy Maxwell, chiropractor, and, Donna Shay, speech pathologist.

Alumni that have presented to the class in the past include:

Samantha Creel-Chaffin, physician; Seth Graham, pharmacist; James Meredith, audiologist; James Kyle, physician; Kevin Martin, dentist; and, Phillip Wright, pharmacist.

Community members participating in the past include: Catherine Dodson Zimmerman, occupational therapist; Lori Persinger-Lovern, physical therapy; Natasha Barker, physician assistant; Tabitha Cox, physician assistant; Lori Tucker, physician; Alan Desmond, audiologist; Melanie McClain, physical therapist; Hollea Lopez, occupational therapist; Frances Lounsbury, chiropractor; John Sommers, EMT; and, Cindy Belcher, infection preventionist.

Honor Roll D O N O R

2 0 1 5

The following is a list of individuals who paid their Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. membership dues between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015. Membership in the Concord University Alumni Association supports student scholarships, as well as activities for alumni on Concord’s campus and across the country. The membership year runs July 1 to June 30 and is open to Concord University alumni, family and friends. If you are interested in joining the Concord University Alumni Association, please contact the Alumni office at (304) 384-5348 or alumni@concord.edu or use the enclosed envelope in this magazine.

Lifetime Membership $500 or more Sam Baker Cathy Burnley Whitney Courtney Joe Friedl Robert Gallione Thomas Joyce George McKelvie Kevin B. Powell Herbert S. Sanger, Jr. Anita Skeen Jared Tice Lt. David Eugene Vandevander Jack White Rebecca White

President’s Club $150 - $499.99 Glenn Ables Elizabeth Baker William H. Baker Arthur J. Benson Kendra Boggess Amedeo A. Basconi John Bruch Robert & Camille Brunner Teresa Conner-Kerr Irvin Crane Virginia Lee Farley John Frazier Joseph A. Giompalo

Robert C. Greear, Jr. Michael Green Louise Grimm Saurabh Khemka Harry Krall James E. Long Christy McGinnis Howard McNeal Huey Miller Donald Moore Ken Moore William P. Morgan, Sr. Vickie Pashion Julia Ann Pauley Cathie Roberts Melvin Shumate Col. Stanley Smith Cecil Smith Jr. Alan Steinberg Stephanie Thorn Mary Carol Turner

Maroon & Gray Club $25 - $149.99 Dennis & Laura Adams John Allen Elizabeth Angelici John Arbuckle, Jr. Frances Auville Gene F. Bailey Steve Bailey William C. Bailey

Noah D. Barnette Ira Barry Billy Beckett Katie J. Begole Kalie Berry-Wilson Eric & Alicia Besenyei Dana Birdsall Paul Blankenship Michael D. Blasucci Elizabeth W. Bogema Mary Catherine Bones Floyd Boone Rita Bostic Janice Bowen Ellen Bradley Gary S. Brown Donna Bryant Richard Bullins Rose Ann Burgess Cathy Burnley Pam Bynum Sharon Callard Jenni Canterbury Overton Caperton Lorenzo & Elisabeth Carter Lois Caruth Mario Ciarlo Ruth Clausen Jennifer Clayton Jane B. Claytor Bertie L. Cline, Jr. Robert Collins Tony Colobro Buster Cook

Spring 2016 • 74

we thank you for your Contribution

Alumni

Honor Roll 2 0 1 5 w e t h a n k y o u f o r y o u r C o n t r i b u t i o n

Charleen Cooke Janice Cox Shirley Cox Jeremy Craft J. Russell Curle, Jr. Henry & Kathryn Davis J. Michael Davis Paul (Tom) Davis Jean Dickens Jerry Dickens Patricia DiStefano Gerald Divecchia Sam Dobson Regina Doss Jeffrey Dotson John Dougherty Emily Myers Duke R. Blaine Dunavant Sheila Dunavant Nancy & Don Dunford Sherry East Garland Elmore Kenneth Elmore Willis L. Elmore Anne Endres Virginia Epperson Elizabeth Eskew George R. Fanning Daniel W. Farley Stacey Kessinger Ferragamo Meleah Fisher Marjie Flanigan Douglas Fowler William H. Freidl Pamela Garner Lester Genden Eugene E. Gilhooly Frances E. Gillespie Patti Gillian Earl Goodwin Sandra Goodwin Janet Gore Rebecca Gore Shirley Halsey James D. Hammond Terrence Hardee Ouida Harman Carolyn Harshbarger Doug Harvey Bob Hedrick Daniel Henderson Nancy Hodges Paul Hodges Bonnie A. Hopkins

75 • Spring 2016

James Hopkins Mary Hopkins Brian Huggins Dennis J. Hurley, Jr. Alice Hypes Betty Jo Hypes Constance Jackson Nancy Jackson Laura Jaworski Peggy Johnson Wendell B. Johnson Ronald & Norma Keiser Ted & Anne Kessinger Steven & Amy Knowles Marilyn Lackey Mary Beth Lamb Richard & Susan Lawrence Rick Thomas Lawrence Danny Lindsey Tracy Linkous Virginia Little Dennis Lucas Michael Lusk Doug Maddy Cole Malcolm R. Talmage Mallory Autumn Malloy Sharon Manzo Robert Martin Thomas & Patricia McIntyre Alice McKenzie Edward J. McQuail, III Kristen Meador Jacqueline Meese Lisa Pashion Miles Russel Dean Miles Craig & Barbara Miller James H. Miller Gary & Tina Mills Barbara Morgan Roy Morgan Ashwin Mundra Jody & Veronica Murphy Duane Neely David Nell Patricia Nichols Michael Norris John D. O'Connor William & Sharon Ofsa Jack Owens Fredrick Oxley Sandra J. Parente Megan Parker Adam Pauley

Misty Peal Mary T. Perez Kenny Pettrey Kerri Pettrey Rhonda Phillips Mohan Pokharel Ryan Prince Greg Puckett Carolyn Quadt Navahlia H. Quesenberry Rosanna Reaser Donald & Martha Rector Gail Rector James C. Rhodes Margradel Richmond Robert Ritz J. Kenneth Roberts Penetha Robertson Tina Robinette Cara Robinson Denise Roche Steven Rosenquist Betty Rover Margaret Sayre Gordon Schultz Frances Scyphers John Scyphers William J. Sealey Shirley Sheppard Gerald Short Kathleen Sickman Lethea Smith Robert Michael Smith Ronald P. Smith Jim Sovine Patricia Sparks William Stark Joe L. Stevenson Joshua Stowers Chester Sword Robert & Julie Tate Catherine Taylor Mark Thomas Robert Thomas Sandra Thomas Karen Tiller Janet Tucker Sarah Lively Turner Alan Van Cott Jaime Vandergrift Fred W. Vondracek Robert & Cathy Wagner John L. Walker Melva Jean Walker

Honor Roll 2 0 1 5 Bonnie Wallace Kimberly Ward Thomas Wells Elizabeth J. Wharton Susan Wilcox Joan Lusk Wiles Thomas Wilson Thomas Woodbury Anthony Woodyard LuAnn Wright Carrie Wyrick

Basic Membership $10 - $24.99 Tina Adams A. Marcella Adkins Lindsey Akers Shawn Allen Mai Aoki Jerry Beasley Charles Becker Kathryn Bell Barbara Blankenship Ellen Bolt Dewey Bone, Jr. Kathryn Bradley Mergie Bradley James & Patricia Branscome George Brooks Gary R. Brown Tony Cahill Mark Campion Jessica Nevi Chapman Deborah S. Clark Erin Clark Lee Clark Jim & Joyce Coiner Kacie Collins Anita Conner Charlene Cooper Dennis Crumb Lisa Darlington Deborah Dean Rachel Lucas DePue Maggie Dillon Rick Dillon Eddie Marie Dockery Clarence & Betty Dorman Sandra Dorsey Patricia Drumwright Judith K. Edwards

Kelley & Martha Endres Brenda Epling Melanie Farmer Mayer Foner Tommy & Lillian Foti N. Louise Fox Brenda Frazier Joe & Betty Friedl Teresa Frey Deborah Gambino Salvatore M. Gebbia Dale & Mary Lu Geiger Yuki Gouno Mary Bowling Graybeal Lorenzo Griffin Bryan Grose Lindsey Nash Gum Cassidi Hall Sarah Hampton Bruce & Judith Hansen Rachel Harless Gail S. Harmon Genevieve Hatcher Diana P. Haynie Michael Hight Natsuki Hikino Demetria (Mitzi) Stanley Hull Albert Hutchinson Alicia Hypes Charles Scott Inghram Hiroaki Ishizuka Marvin Lee Jarrell Phil & Nell Jeffries Betty Keaton Roy & Linda Keeney David Kittinger Kathy Lamb Hila A. Lane Brandi Larabee John R. Largent Celia Laverty Donna Lester Clark Lilly Nancy Lively Martha Livesay James Long Rebecca Lovejoy Brenda Miller Mann Kristen Mann Joseph Manzo Dan Mark Vincent V. Matera Shirley McCormick Jason McDaniel

Elizabeth McKinney-Brooks Travis McReynolds Betsi Meissner Chisato Minami Sachiko Miura Tammy Monk Bob Monohan Ann Y. Mulheren Connie Parker Bob Pauley M. Kelly Pendry Brenda Pittsenbarger Amy Pitzer Carolyn K. Pratt Sandra Puckett Judy I. Raborn Donald Ratcliff Rayla Ratzlaff Amanda Revels Danielle Richmond Wayne Robbins Allison Schaeffer Danny Seams Betty J. Sherman Erma Smith Eugene O'Dell Smith Jefferson David Smith Jeremy Smith Virginia Lee Smith Norman W. Staples Lisa Pendry Swearengin Nori Tamura Jacklyn Tardy Ashli Taylor Dixie L. Terrell Marion Trzeciak Chris & Susan Tuck Candace Vance Tess Vaught Gerry VonVille Lawrence Wagner, Jr. Mirrandia Ward Rumi Watanabe Andrea Webb Nancy Ann Williams Josh Wise Adam Wolfe Patricia Wolfe Holly Woods Lora Woolwine Shigeki Yaginuma Josh Young Spring 2016 • 76

Honor Roll 2 0 1 5 w e

F o un d at ion

t h a n k y o u

The following is a list of businesses and individuals who have donated to the Concord University Foundation, Inc. from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. Donations to the Concord University Foundation support not only student scholarships, but also faculty development and capital improvements throughout the campus. Donations received by the Concord University Foundation include scholarship funds, annual giving, Foundation fundraising dinners, 1872 Club, annual golf tournament and the University’s greatest need fund. Thank you to all of those who donate their time, energy and money to assisting the Concord University Foundation in its mission of supporting Concord University. If you are interested in supporting Concord University, please contact the Foundation office at (304) 384-6056 or foundation@concord.edu.

$100,000+

f o r y o u r C o n t r i b u t i o n

Sean Hall Connie Hall Nicole Hartsfield Donald Holcomb Thomas Horner David and Sandy Kirby Donna Knighton $10,000 - $99,999 Brad Lane William McKee Mary Covey Sean O'Sullivan ACH Corporation of America,

Inc. Carol Pewanick Susan Rogers Appalachian Eye Care Margaret Sayre Estate of George & Dori John Shott Edwards Estate of Shelby Charles Melton Walton Scott Shrewsbury John David Smith National Collegiate Athletic Nancy Stoll Association Peter Viscusi Pepsi Bottling Group LLC Jack White The J. Alfred and Maxine F. Poe ACH Insurance and Financial Foundation, Inc. Planning, Inc. American United Employers II, $1,000 - $9,999 Inc. Aramark Gregory Allen AUE Staffing, Inc. Gary Anderson BB&T Branch and Trust David Barnette Company Jerry Beasley Beckley Area Foundation, Inc. Charles Becker Chick-fil-A at Beckley Galleria Jean Bennett FSU Alicia Besenyei Employers Innovation Network Kendra Boggess LLC David Bolen Estate of Roland P. Sharp Jo Covey First Century Bank, Inc. Michael Flanigan First Community Bank Marjie Flanigan Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation, Inc. Ryan Flanigan InFaith Community Foundation Kevin Given Kevin Powell's Enterprises, LLC Michael Haga Kirby Lester Financial Group Charles Hall David Harris Estate of Lia Pais Preservati Family Charitable Trust Foundation

77 • Spring 2016

MedExpress Urgent Care Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Saint Joseph's College Sam Baker Insurance Agency The Greenbrier America's Resort The Gregory & Lorraine Allen Foundation.

The H.P. & Anne S. Hunnicutt Foundation, Inc. The Nin P. Liu Fund The Pace Family Foundation, Inc. United Bank, Inc. Virginia Laser Corporation

$500 -$999

Omar Aboulhosn Vishal Badiani Gregory Ball Phillip Ball Janet Bilotti William Blanton Suzanne Courtney Richard Dillon Victor Foti John Friedl Joe Friedl Thomas Giffen Brian Graves Victor Grigoraci Joseph Hall Roger Hall Gordon Harvey Bruce & Patricia Henthorn Ronald Keiser Susan Landis Richard Lawrence

Honor Roll 2 0 1 5 David Masich George McKelvie Don Meadows Richard Miller Ralph Modena Cathie Roberts Donald Smith John St. Clair Jack Stafford Diana Tibbs Janet Tury Jennifer Ware Thomas Wise AAUW Concord University Arnett Carbis Toothman FOP NO. 80 Jacobs Family Irrevocable Trust Jam Family Foundation, Inc. Memorial Funeral Directory & Cremation Center, Inc. Mountain Vending, Inc. Princeton Rescue Squad Seaver Funeral Service, Inc. Smith, Lilly & Ball, PLLC

$250 -$499

Judy Angles Arthur Benson Tom Davis Toni Fowler Keith Furr Robert Greear Cindi Khanlarian Walter Klingensmith James Kyle Charles Lane Kathryn Lester John Long Nell Longo Steve Lonker Jason Lunsford Alice Maxson Michael McKeever Gary Mills Victor Morgan David Pearce Melba Rilott Glen Scott Barry Stowers Christopher Ziemnowicz ABC Sports Camps LLC Alliant Wellness & Chiropractic

Autrey & Toler AC Blue Run Baptist Church Charter School Associates Inc. Chepenik Management Inc. Insurance Land, Inc. Little General Store, Inc. Logical Air Solutions, Inc. Real Time Services, Inc. Verizon

$100 -$249

Mildred Acker Gary Allen Erin Alls Elizabeth Angelici Roger Anthony Charles Autrey Donna Aylor William Baker Cheryl Barnes Welch Batten Diana Bauer Robert Beckelheimer Michelle Berry Derek Bonnett Harold Brewster Overton Caperton Albert Caperton Margaret Collmus Roseanna Coomes Allen Coppinger Patricia Cox Irvin Crane J. Russell Curle Earl Damewood Bill Deel Sandra Deskins Patricia DiStefano Charles Elliott William Facello Wanda Farmer Estelle Finkelman Dan Fitzpatrick Shirley Fletcher Tommy Foti Joyce French Betty Friedl Chester Friedl Robert Gallione Kevin Garrett Dale Geiger Stephen George

Richard Giardino Eugene Gilhooly William Goldberg Michael Green Carl Greever Louise Grimm Diane Grych Terri Gunter Henry Hancock John Himmelsbach Paul & Nancy Hodges Elizabeth Hoffman Frank Hoge Mary Hopkins Doris Hoskins Ken Hountz Larry Hurst Gene Isbell Everett Jennings Barbara John Molly Johns Thomas Joyce Joe Keatley Beverly Kincaid-Sanna C. Kirk Richard Lester Janet Lewis Richard Lowry Fred Lucas Doug Maddy Autumn Maloy Ruben Marshall Michael Massimini Kathy McCoy Jason McDaniel Elizabeth Miller Huey Miller Catherine Moore William Morgan Ruth Morgan Robert Mustard Andre Nabors Jerry Nicholson Crystal Otto Laura Parker-Barua Julia Pauley Emily Pels Anna Peterson Maryzabeth Philip Amy Pitzer David Poppy Navahlia Quesenberry Christine Racer

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Honor Roll 2 0 1 5 w e t h a n k y o u f o r y o u r C o n t r i b u t i o n

Donald Rector Eddie Rhodes Barbara Richko Margradel Richmond Susan Robinett Tina Robinette Gary Rogar Stephen Rowe Robert Ryan Jane Sanders Yvonne Satow John Seago William J. Sealey D. Shannahan Michael Sherman Clayton Shrewsbury Margaret Simpson Nancy Sipp Anita Skeen Leonard Sledz Stanley Smith Ronald Smith Gertrude Snidow Rose Solomon Broden Staples Joe Stevenson Gayle Swank Carol Thornton Sharon Tinder Barbara Tippett Kathryn Tucker James Weatherford Loraine Werner Cheryl Williams Thomas Wilson Adam Wolfe Rebecca Wood Carrie Wyrick John Zorio A Taste of Memphis Inc. Athens Lions Club Brown, Edwards & Company,

L.L.P. City National Bank of West Virginia Coles Mountain Building LLC Community First Radio, Inc. Conn-Weld Industries, Inc. Custom Manufacturing Service Danny's Bar Dave Shields Company H G Carte Electric Inc. Moss, Krusick, & Associates, LLC

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Mountaineer Investigation & Security, Inc. Princeton Health Care Center Wells Fargo Foundation Educational Matching Gift Program

$1-$99

Rodger Adams Ellen Adams Jay Adkins Helen Akers Joanna Allen Zachary Alvis Christopher Arbogast William Ashley Jacqueline Bailey Samuel Banton Lisa Beck Terri Belcher William Bingham Bruce Blankenship David Blatt Victoria Boardwine Andrew Booth Jeffrey Bowers Joann Bradfield Paige Brinkley George Brooks Hank Burnley David Burton Paul Butler J. Catron Nancy Chewning Donald Christian Sharon Clark Savanna Clevers India Cline David Cloonan Robert Clore Melissa Colagrosso Sandra Collins Anita Conner Roger Cook Ellen Corcoran Timothy Corrigan Steven Cox Pauline Craig Toni Crapser Timothy Crews Sarah Dalton

Lisa Darlington William Dempsey Elizabeth Diehl Philip DiFrancesco Gerald Dotson Emily Duke Thomas Dunbar Mary Dunn Nicole Duvall Nancy Dwight Nancy Ellison Kenneth Elmore Peter Evans Sarah Fancher Brianna Farley Patricia Farley Nancy Farmer Patricia Farmer Joe Fields Darrell Frasier Teresa Frey Justin Friedl Krystal Frost Dana Garnett Edward Germain James Gilbert William Goggin Crystal Goss Jade Gravley Karen Griffee Deborah Griffith Patricia Grubb Lindsey Gum James Haga Carl Haga Lenora Hagerman Tina Harris Janie Harvey Elizabeth Harvey Tammy Haynie Amanda Heaton Karki Patricia Heilman Robyn Helton Lynnis Hill Martha Hissam Jean Holbrook Charles Holdren Sally Howard Donna Hoy John Hull Morgan Hypes Philip Insley Ben James Brenda Jenkins

Honor Roll 2 0 1 5 Penny Jenkins Ronald Jessee Helen Jones Casie Justice Danny Keatley Betty Keaton Karen Kelley Preston Kendrick Tyler Kerr Peggy Kinnaird Kathy Kirk Sulaxya Lama Thomas Lamb Hila Lane Michelle Laneave Susan Lawrence Richard Lawrence, II Carol Learmonth William Lester Robin Lewis Betty Lovejoy Tracy Luff Beverly Lytton Lauren Manning Joseph Manzo Sharon Manzo Albert Martine James McClellan Desi McClung Lisa McKenzie Marie Meadows Ron Melnik Connie Michael Trina Miller Bob Mills Harrison Mills Delores Mock Tamara Monk Kay Monohan Carolyn Montgomery Lydia Moody K Mooney Doug Moore Pat Morgan Valerie Morris Donna Musick George Myers Abdallah Najjar Martin Neat Beth Nelson Jill Nolan Christy Oliver Ernestine Olsavsky Tiffany O'Sullivan

Robert Owen Michael Parker Cindy Patterson Sarah Patton Adam Pauley Jessica Pennington Liston Pennington Paul Pennington Christie Plymal John Porter Alicia Price Marjorie Price Randall Price Roy Putnam Rayla Ratzlaff Richard Reese Sandra Rhodes Vanshell Rollins James Ross Elizabeth Roth Jeremy Sallie Joyce Salters Amanda Sands Stephen Satinsky George Schenck Helene Schwartz Ronald Shomo Bikki Shrestha Kari Shrewsbury Erica Smith Jeremy Smith Susan Southard Robert Souza James Sovine Donald Stafford Albert Starkey Dave Stevens Jesse Stevens Mariah Stricklen Brittany Strother James Surratt Daniel Swank Tylor Tabit Andrea Tabor Shraddha Thapa Mary Thomas Kimberly Thomas Ray Trzeciak Sarah Turner Elizabeth Vandall Jaime Vandergrift Norm Vaughan Tess Vaught Nancy Vorono

Joseph Walker Connie Ward Charleen Weatherford Austin Wickline Teresa Wiley Stiles Wilkins Amy Williams Edna Witt Lora Woolwine Phillip Wright William Wyatt Bren Yeager Jack Yeager Patty Zimovan Amazon, Inc. Cheap Thrills Records

Mountain Lion Club Mildred Acker Charles Autrey Samuel Banton David Barnette Janet Bilotti William Bingham Jeffrey Bowers David Cloonan Suzanne Courtney Irvin Crane J. Russell Curle Tom Davis William Dempsey Richard Dillon Keith Furr Eugene Gilhooly Brian Graves Michael Green Terri Gunter Tina Harris Elizabeth Hoffman Thomas Horner Molly Johns Thomas Joyce Ronald Keiser Charles Lane Carol Learmonth Jason Lunsford William McKee George McKelvie Huey Miller Victor Morgan Jill Nolan

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Honor Roll 2 0 1 5 Anna Peterson Christie Plymal Sandra Rhodes Barbara Richko Stephen Rowe Jane Sanders Stephen Satinsky William J. Sealey Clayton Shrewsbury Barry Stowers Gayle Swank Daniel Swank Rhonda Tabit

GiftIdeas

Kimberly Thomas Thomas Wilson Rebecca Wood ABC Sports Camps LLC Alliant Wellness & Chiropractic Appalachian Eye Care Autrey & Toler AC Coles Mountain Building LLC Community First Radio, Inc. Employers Innovation Network LLC First Community Bank H G Carte Electric Inc.

National Collegiate Athletic Association Saint Joseph's College The Greenbrier America's Resort The Gregory & Lorraine Allen Foundation

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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HOMECOMING 2

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OCTOBER 15, 2016