TH E MAGAZ I N E OF
Volume 61, No. 1 | Spring 2016
Serving Appalachia
Pg. 12
Four Students. Four Stories.
Campaign Begins Pg. 10
worthy of further for some time, and decided it is a place ely clos lege Col ins Elk & is Dav ched “I have wat I want to do our part – and encourage progress in recent years, my family and its en Giv ent. stm inve us serio III, October 8, 2015 the College.” – James S. McDonnell of re futu -term long the re assu help to others – Jim McDonnell ment of 25 million dollars – Trustee mit com ge llen cha his and – ces With these two simple senten t. . Provided, of course, we do our par altered the course of D&E’s history ll Challenge: Here are the terms of The McDonne te provisions qualify. • All gifts, pledges and irrevocable esta Fund), capital projects or ng on-going operations (The D&E udi incl e, pos pur any for be can y • The nt. the College’s permanent endowme in the College’s and commitments will be included s gift ing tch ma all and ds fun nge • The Challe e 30, 2018. ure Campaign that concludes on Jun 10-year, $100 million Secure the Fut s deeply for the College. and serious help of ever yone who care We’re going to need the continued we each consider three things: Toward that end, I’d like to suggest
r. 1. A gift to The D&E Fund every yea interest. ject or program that is of particular pro cial spe e som to ge pled ar e-ye 2. A thre
te plans. 3. Provision for the College in our esta lly at may not be in position to help financia e som But ure. Fut the re Secu help t is to mention our These are tangible ways we can that doesn’t cost any money. And tha do can all we ng ethi som rse, cou of is, h do this, this time. There e to someone new ever y day. If we eac lleg Co ins Elk & is Dav in e prid h, connection to, relationship wit her future will be secure. the College will be transformed. And College… do our part.” ent…assure the long-term future of the stm inve us serio her furt of thy wor e plac “A sidering the part you may the D&E family. Thank you for con in us of h eac to out ring on acti – Jim’s words and be able to play.
G. T. ‘Buck’ Smith President
IN THIS
The Magazine of
Carol Schuler, Vice President for Development
Editor: Nanci Bross-Fregonara Writers: Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Jamie Joss, Linda Howell Skidmore and Chris Young
Photographers: Sam Santilli, Nanci BrossFregonara, Paul W. Hendrix, Linda Howell Skidmore, Chris Young and Jessica Wilmoth
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ISSUE Secure the Future: The McDonnell Legacy
About the Magazine
Forward magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Communications & Marketing. To subscribe or to submit your news, please send an email to fregonaran@dewv.edu or write to Nanci Bross-Fregonara, 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241.
The Mission of Davis & Elkins College To prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world.
About the College
Davis & Elkins College, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the West Virginia Human Rights Act is an equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identification, or genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, admission to and enrollment with the College, including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, transfer, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination, educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship and loan programs, housing, athletic and other Collegeadministered programs and activities. Inquiries regarding Title IX and/or 504 compliance and the filing of a complaint should be referred to the College's Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator or Deputy Coordinators.
Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees June B. Myles, Chair Richard C. Seybolt, ’63, Vice Chair William W. Nuttall, ’70 Secretary Reginald Owens Sr., ’83, Treasurer Mark S. Barber, ’75 Wendell M. Cramer, ’59 Peter H. Dougherty, ’75 D. Drake Dowler, ’69 Nancy Evans-Bennett, ’66 David A. Faris, M.D. Robert T. Gregory, ’59 Charles E. Hill Bruce Lee Kennedy, II, CFA James S. McDonnell, III David H. Morrison, ’79 William S. Moyer
©2016 Davis & Elkins College
Eric J. Nilsen, ’82 Donald M. Robbins G.T. 'Buck' Smith William H. Sudbrink, ’59
Life Trustees Karen H. Berner, ’64 Carter Giltinan John H. Harling, ’53 Thomas J. Martin, D.D.S., ’50 David A. Rutherford Dorothy H. Wamsley Joseph M. Wells, III
Chair Emeriti Henry M. Moore Paul S. Stirrup, ’60 L. Newton Thomas Jr. Leonard J. Timms Jr.
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Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education Officially Dedicated
Also...
On the Cover
D&E students and alumni, from left, Jason Mallow, ’13, Emilee Coberly, ’14, Jacob Henry and Sarah Marshall bring to life how D&E serves Appalachia. Photos of students by Nanci Bross-Fregonara Photo of Spruce Knob, W.Va. courtesy www.forestwander.com
2 News Around Campus A Roundup of Happenings on the Hill 8 Faculty Focus Bringing Back the Stars Bill King's Poetry Celebrated Saindon Wins Dissertation Award
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Alumni News and Notes:
MacGregor Instrumental in Opening Sport Concussion Clinic
21
Olszewski Selected to Lead Men's Soccer Program
10 Features
Secure the Future Campaign Begins Serving Appalachia The Chronicle of Higher Education: Presidents of Small Colleges Bank on Fund Raising to Survive
18 Making a Difference McCutcheon Awarded Fellowship for Cultural Study in Kenya 20 Athletic News Nick Patella Named Head Men's Basketball Coach Lacrosse Program Begins with New Leadership Track and Field Expanding Athletic Program Women's Soccer Finishes as G-MAC Stand-Out 25 Throwback Forward 26 Homecoming 28 Alumni News and Notes Alumni Awards Presented Alumni Notes Alumni Events Calendar 34 In Memoriam 36 Q&A with Martin White 37 Hat for Hallie
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Spring 2016
Serving Appalachia Four Students. Four Stories.
Volume 61, No. 1
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NEWS AROUND CAMPUS
Davis & Elkins Supporters Come Together for First Day of Giving New records set for dollars and donors
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
By Linda Howell Skidmore
People from across the globe who care about Davis & Elkins College came together on October 15 for the College’s first Day of Giving, a virtual fundraising event that set records for both dollars raised and the number of donors who gave. Once all the gifts were tallied, 412 people had given $236,602 to support D&E’s future – a record for both. And even better, every gift was doubled through the McDonnell Challenge and counted toward D&E’s $100 million Secure the Future campaign.
D&E students sign the Giving Day Thank You banner set up in Madden Student Center.
Schuler and the College marketing team, Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Chris Young, Linda Skidmore and Jessica Wilmoth, developed the idea for the campaign.
“We wanted to try something very different to enhance our fundraising this year and online media seemed like the best place to focus our energy,” notes Schuler. “It The results were most gratifying. was an integrated marketing campaign Our first Day of Giving was that took several months to prepare. We launched with a wonderful video affirming of people's care for produced by Robert and Jennifer Peak, D&E, and also a lot of fun. the parents of current student Dakota Peak, and leveraged social media and – Carol Schuler, Vice President direct mail to involve alumni and for Development friends. The resulting enthusiasm took care of the rest.” “The results were most gratifying,” says Carol Throughout D&E’s Day of Giving, students Schuler, D&E vice president for development, who adds, “Our first Day of Giving was affirming and faculty showed their immediate thanks through Twitter, Facebook, online videos and of people’s care for D&E, and also a lot of fun.”
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First Class Graduates with BSN Degrees By Linda Howell Skidmore
Photo by Wes Hendrix
A group of Davis & Elkins College nursing students rose to the next level in their careers at the end of the fall 2016 semester as the first graduating class in the RN-BSN program. The
2 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
class of 21 was recognized at the Fall and Winter Graduates Ceremony. “The students’ enthusiasm is high and they have expressed many rewarding comments to the faculty,” said Threasia Witt, coordinator of the RN-BSN program. Designed for working RNs, the program began in January 2015 and has since admitted nearly 50 students in three classes. All classes Recognized as the first graduating class of the Davis & Elkins College RN-BSN program are, from left, first row, Kim Gordon, Melissa Kisner, Martha Knotts, Silvia Triplett and Lisa Simmons; second row, Rebecca Hauser, Cecilia Fischer, Misti Shine, Kelli Bachtel, Rebecca Gower, Summer Moore, Tiffany Carr, Sherry Burrows and Kylie Helmick. Graduates not pictured are Kristen Clevenger, Misti Elmore, Whitney Graham, Kayla Hess, Jennifer Howard, Sarah Marks and Sabrina Martin-Vernon.
a large, signed “thank you” banner. Gifts came in all sizes, with the first at $10, the second at $1,000 and the largest of the day at $10,151.50. “It was a great way to begin our fundraising this year – and truly a celebration,” adds Schuler. “Giving Day was one of several campaigns alumni and friends can be a part of before June 30. The Development Team is already planning on ways to build on what we learned – namely, that D&E alumni and friends are generous in spirit, and they want to have fun.” Giving Day was part of D&E’s Secure the Future campaign, which continues through 2018. To make a gift toward the campaign, call Vice President for Development Carol Schuler at 304-642-5576 or email schulerc@dewv.edu. Gifts may be made online any time at secure.dewv.edu/ giveonline. are offered online, making it more convenient for students to fit their courses into their work schedule. The program emphasizes leadership and management, evidence-based practice, teamwork and collaboration, and the current health care system. The program grants up to 72 credits for prior educational experience, 28 credits of nursing, 12 general education credits and up to 24 credits for professional experience. All graduates will have to complete 124 credits to obtain the baccalaureate degree. For additional information, visit the D&E website at www.dewv.edu or contact Admission Counselor Rabia Mirza at 304808-1406 or online@dewv.edu.
By Linda Howell Skidmore The second annual GIS Day at Davis & Elkins College served as the backdrop for the introduction of a new minor that will benefit students in nearly every type of career. Beginning with the 2016 spring semester, students have the opportunity to declare a minor in geospatial analysis.
– Dr. Joe Roidt
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This minor will provide students from a variety of majors with an invaluable set of analytic tools that are in increasing demand in a wide variety of fields.
“GIS can help individuals make better informed decisions, whether it’s in business, public health, education or any other field,” says Dr. Crystal Krause, assistant professor of biology and
D&E Hosting Symposium on Faith, Spirituality and Higher Education By Linda Howell Skidmore Davis & Elkins College is hosting a special daylong symposium focusing on the relationship between religion and higher education this March. The “Symposium on Faith, Spirituality and Higher Education” includes presentations from award-winning national authors, lectures and panel discussions. The symposium is one of four initiatives the College will implement through a Chaplaincy Grant from NetVUE and the Council of Independent Colleges with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc. “Hosting this symposium allows D&E the unique opportunity to learn alongside other regional colleges and universities about a topic that higher education can no longer put on the back-burner,” says the Rev. Kevin Starcher, Benfield-Vick Chaplain. “Institutions of higher education must learn
environmental science at D&E. Photo by Wes Hendrix
Students Have New Option for GIS Minor
The geospatial analysis minor prepares students to apply the science of geographic information with the applications and technologies of geographic information systems (GIS), cartography and remote sensing. Geospatial technologies represent and analyze geographic location and characteristics of physical and human environments. Applying these software technologies, geospatial data are layered and analyzed to understand and communicate complex phenomena such as natural disasters, environmental impact, land cover change, migrating populations and changing economic trends. Citing a variety of specific examples, Krause says the technologies can be applied in criminology to pinpoint area-based data in studies of the locations of crime, crime rates and police patrolling practices, and how those relate to physical and social characteristics of neighborhoods. Krause says the use of GIS technology is rapidly increasing in the public health field and is utilized by the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, to take seriously the influences of religion and spirituality in society. The physical peace of the world, as well as the internal spiritual peace of our students, requires colleges and universities to engage religion and spirituality in a thoughtful, nurturing manner.” Starcher explains that the purpose of the symposium is three-fold: • To provide college administrators, chaplains, faculty members, students and faith leaders an opportunity to explore how religious traditions and practices can enhance the higher education experience; • Examine practices for cultivating the positive roles of faith and spirituality within academic institutions; • Offer time for institutional teams to develop action plans to nurture and strengthen spiritual and religious life on their respective campuses. Drs. Rhonda and Douglas Jacobsen, co-authors
Dr. Crystal Krause, assistant professor of biology and environmental science at Davis & Elkins College, standing, explains some of the many uses of geographic information systems (GIS). A new minor in geospatial analysis was announced when the College hosted its second annual GIS Day with presentations by area residents who explained how they use the technology in their careers.
Federal Emergency Management Association and state and local health departments to target prevention and intervention. “I’m very grateful to Dr. Michelle Mabry, chair of biology and environmental science, for recognizing the importance of this burgeoning field and to Dr. Krause for her efforts in creating this important program,” says Dr. Joe Roidt, vice president for academic affairs at D&E. “This minor will provide students from a variety of majors with an invaluable set of analytic tools that are in increasing demand in a wide variety of fields.” of the award-winning No Longer Invisible: Religion in University Education, are presenting the keynote address. The Jacobsens co-direct Religion in the Academy, a project that focuses on the many ways religion, spirituality and big questions of human meaning and purpose interact with university education. They also serve as consultants, workshop leaders and lecturers at public and private campuses. No Longer Invisible: Religion in University Education draws on conversations with hundreds of professors, co-curricular educators, administrators and students from institutions spanning the spectrum of American colleges and universities. Panel discussions will share best practices from colleges and universities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, featuring presenters from Westminster College, Harless Center (a faith-based community for students at West Virginia University), Interfaith Youth Core, the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Thiel College. News Around Campus
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Photo by Linda Howell Skidmore
NEWS AROUND CAMPUS
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
D&E Hosts Railway Tourism Conference By Linda Howell Skidmore The Center for Railway Tourism at Davis & Elkins College hosted a day-long inaugural West Virginia Railway Heritage Initiative conference devoted to finding ways to promote the state’s unique railroad history and practices to the growing heritage tourism market. Tourism representatives from throughout West Virginia heard presentations from Doug Arbogast, rural tourism specialist at West Virginia University’s Community Resources and Economic Development unit of Extension Service; Jane Bostic, public relations director for Wild Wonderful West Virginia; Jerry Doyle, an author and teacher familiar with West Virginia railroad history and a participant in several rail preservation efforts; and Kelly Pack, director of trail development for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. James D. Porterfield, the Center’s director and organizer of the event, says the conference served as a kick off to the ongoing effort of groups working together to brand railroading in West Virginia to a national market.
Students Making Art Their Business By Linda Howell Skidmore Making art and making a living as an artist are two different ventures. By combining the two, Davis & Elkins students are gaining some business experience and earning extra income.
The launch of “Inspiring West Virginians” provided Davis & Elkins College education majors and their professors with a new teaching tool. The innovative video web series, featuring dynamic West Virginians who are leaders in the sciences and engineering, is designed to encourage middle and high school students to explore careers. Learning how to access the information and incorporate it into their classrooms are, from left, Sue Talbott, assistant professor of education at Davis & Elkins; and education majors sophomore Joe Mehl of Parkersburg, W.Va., and junior Kaylee Rosencrance of Elkins. The series is funded by the Myles Family Foundation and produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and Elkins native Jean Snedegar.
Arts Ink, a student-run arts gallery, bloomed out of junior Nicola Merriman’s Arts Advocacy class project and officially opened in Myles Center for the Arts in January. Although the notion for the business had been discussed in the Art Department for a number of years, it took Merriman’s fortitude and support from the administration to make it a reality.
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
assistant professors of art Michael Doig and Brett Kern. Although both are also working artists, they’re not taking charge of the business. Instead, they’re mentoring students in all aspects of entrepreneurship and sharing their experiences in the field. “You can go a lot of places and learn how to make art. We want our program to provide the answer to how you make a living by making art,” Doig said. “This is just the first step.”
Since there’s no common formula for determining the asking price of an “My brain didn’t stop,” Merriman says of artwork, Doig explains that’s another the long hours she put in for three to four part of the business he and Kern hope to weeks making preparations and writing a instill in students. business plan she was required to submit “We often have students who undervalue to D&E President G.T. ‘Buck’ Smith. their work,” Doig explains. “They need “’Buck’ was really excited and has been to consider the time, supplies, amount a huge support. I was pretty emotional when we got the store because it’s so nice of work they put in and of course the quality. Then, sometimes it’s still difficult to see something you work so hard on to assign a value.” come to life.” Once the project was approved, members of Arts Ink and the Art Club got to work under the guidance of
4 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Arts Ink is open for business. The student-run art gallery in Myles Center for the Arts serves as a real world experience in entrepreneurship and making a living as an artist. Displaying some of the works are, from left, senior Julia Tenney, junior Duncan Lint and junior Nicola Merriman.
Any D&E student, faculty or alumnus may submit work for review by the 11-member jury. Once the work is accepted, it goes on display in the gallery and the artist is paid when the piece is sold. For more information on submitting work, email artsink@dewv.edu.
FPA Presents Live Theatre to Area Students
Photo by Tom Hackman
By Nanci Bross-Fregonara For some young students, seeing a live production of performing art can be life changing. So, this past fall Division of Fine and Performing Arts faculty decided to provide that opportunity. More than 2,200 students from every elementary school in Randolph County were bussed to Harper-McNeeley Auditorium where they laughed and applauded engaging student performances of "The Dinosaur Musical."
Photo by Wes Hendrix
Phipps Lecture Highlights Faith The Great Hall in Halliehurst was filled to near capacity as the Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, center, president of the historic Union Theological Seminary in New York City, delivered the Phipps Lecture. Jones’s talk, “Practicing Progressive Faith,” focused on social justice and touched on early capitalism and current levels of wealth. Among members of the Phipps Lecture Committee are, from left, chair Dr. Robert McCutcheon, professor of English and religion; Tina Vial, coordinator of church relations; Dr. Bryan Wagoner, assistant professor of religious studies and philosophy; Jones; Benfield-Vick Chaplain the Rev. Kevin Starcher; and Carol Schuler, vice president for development. Jones was Wagoner’s mentor and adviser when he was a student at Yale Divinity School. She is a leading theologian who regularly contributes to scholarly and public discussions on matters of faith, social justice and public life. She is the author of several books including Calvin and the Rhetoric of Piety and Trauma and Grace.
This was a wonderful opportunity for Randolph County students to experience something exciting and new.
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The D&E theatre program presented three exclusive showings of "The Dinosaur Musical" to area elementary students in Myles Center for the Arts Harper-McNeeley Auditorium this past fall.
“We decided to present the show as an outreach, realizing that the students of Randolph County don’t have many opportunities to see high-quality live performance,” said Tom Hackman, division chair. The D&E theatre program put on three special shows for area students.
– Debbie Fincham, Randolph County Board of Education
Hackman was pleased with the response he received from each school’s principal when he presented the concept. “Our hope is that it will be the first step in an ongoing outreach program,” he said. Debbie Fincham, professional development coordinator with the Randolph County Board of Education, said, “I’ve heard only great comments from the teachers and the students about the shows. This was a wonderful opportunity for Randolph County students to experience something exciting and new and I look forward to future partnerships with D&E.” “We plan to use our fall production slot each year to produce something applicable to the students,” Hackman said, adding that the October 2016 performance will be a classic geared for grades 6-12 in the region. For the D&E students on stage, having the opportunity to perform in front of an audience of elementary students was both challenging and fun. Jacob Currence, a junior theatre major from Elkins, said, “It was very different performing in front of 700 children. You never knew how or what they would react to.” Currence remembers having his interest in theatre piqued in elementary school when a travelling theatre group performed a play about bullying. “If children are not shown something new at an early age, they are less likely to be interested or willing to give anything a try,” Currence said. “Just as children should always be made to try different types of food, it's great to expose them to different types of pastimes and entertainment.” “Without theatre reaching young children,” he suggested, “there is no way to keep it alive.” News Around Campus
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News AROUND CAMPUS
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Celebrating the future of education are, from left, John C. Allen Jr., Joyce Allen, and John C. Allen Sr.
Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education Officially Dedicated
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The $1 million endowed chair, a gift from Joyce Allen’s four children, will provide a professorship, as well as professional development opportunities, to enhance D&E’s teacher education program. The Allens are also the parents of Susan McKee Crimmins, Thomas Braxton McKee and Peter Kingsley McKee Jr.
The $1 million endowed chair, a gift from Joyce Allen’s four children, will provide a professorship, as well as professional development opportunities, to enhance D&E’s teacher education program.
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Davis & Elkins Trustee Emerita Joyce Allen was joined by her husband, John C. Allen, her son John C. Allen Jr., the campus community, alumni and scores of friends to celebrate the dedication of the Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education in Booth Library.
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
By Linda Howell Skidmore
Tina Vial, coordinator of church relations and assistant director of development support, center, and Karen Wilmoth, director of development records and reports, unveil the portrait and plaque designating the Joyce Butler McKee Allen Chair in Education.
As part of the dedication, Davis & Elkins President G.T. ‘Buck’ Smith read letters of congratulations from U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and former Virginia State Sen. Russ Potts, R-27th District. The dedication was preceded with a lecture, presented by alumnus Dr. Robert G. Smith, ’65, focusing on teachers working together to improve student learning.
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
A former educator and reading specialist in Harrison County schools, Joyce Allen completed her final term on the Davis & Elkins Board of Trustees last June after serving since 1992. The dedication was part of the annual Homecoming Weekend celebration.
6 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Davis & Elkins College alumnus and distinguished educator Dr. Robert G. Smith, ’65, delivers the Allen Chair Lecture in Education in Booth Library. Titled “The Power of Collaborative Inquiry: Teachers Working Together to Improve Student Learning,” the lecture focused on how professional learning communities increase student achievement and heighten teaching skills.
Barber, Morrison Serving Alma Mater on Board of Trustees By Linda Howell Skidmore Two Davis & Elkins College alumni, Mark S. Barber ’75 and David H. Morrison ’79, are the most recent members elected to the Board of Trustees. Earlier this year, Barber returned from a two-year assignment in Europe serving as Deputy Treasurer - Global Relations at Connecticut based General Electric Company, and resumed Mark S. Barber ’75 active service on the Board of Trustees. He returned to campus in October for the Trustees meeting and to give the keynote address at the President’s Dinner honoring his former professor, Dr. Gloria Payne. Commenting on his valued presence as a member of the D&E Board of Trustees, Board Chair June Myles noted, “Mark brings an important perspective to issues that come before the Board. We are immensely fortunate to have his expertise in the world’s financial markets to help guide the College’s financial affairs and investments.” As a member of the GE’s Corporate Treasury leadership team, Barber was responsible for the short-term funding and corporate investment operations of GE and GE Capital worldwide until November, 2013. Part of his experience since the financial crisis
of 2007-2010 and passage of the Dodd-Frank Act had been to work with policymakers and regulators on a range of financial reform topics. During his recent assignment in London, England he served in a similar role, engaging European policymakers and central bank leaders to advocate for sensible and balanced financial reform and promote economic growth. Barber has worked for GE Capital and GE since 1989, when he joined the company as assistant treasurer. Before joining GE, he was a member of the Ford Motor Credit treasury organization and prior to that was employed with the Prudential Insurance treasury staff. Barber and his wife, Lynn, reside in Weston, Conn. They are the parents of two sons, Stephen and Alex. Morrison, a leading defense authority, retired in 2012 as corporate vice president (Government Operations) for the Boeing Company. In that position since 2009, Morrison was responsible for implementing and overseeing all Boeing strategic and tactical interactions with the U.S. Congress and related federal agencies. “David brings a wealth of corporate and government leadership to the Board,” Myles noted. “We are immensely fortunate to have not only his expertise and experience, but his passion for the central ideas and programs of the College as we move into a promising new era.” Prior to joining Boeing, Morrison served as Lockheed Martin’s vice president for Legislative Affairs and chair of the National Security and International Policy practice at the Podesta Group, a bipartisan team of advocacy and strategic communications specialists. Morrison also had a 22-year career with the federal government, serving as staff director
David H. Morrison ’79
and clerk of the House Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations. In this role, he was responsible for developing legislation to fund all U.S. military and national foreign and defense intelligence activities.
He began his career with the federal government in 1985 as a budget analyst with the Office of Management and Budget's National Security Division. In 1990, he became a professional staff member on the Senate Appropriations Committee/Defense Subcommittee. In that position he oversaw all Department of Defense operation and maintenance programs, the Defense Health Program, and all working capital fund activities. Through his tenure on the Committee, he became recognized as one of the leading experts on Department of Defense's operations and support activities. Morrison has received numerous awards for his work, notably the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal in 2000. He also serves as a senior adviser to the Center for Strategic and International Studies and is president of the board of directors for the National Council for the Traditional Arts. Morrison is currently pursuing graduate studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. He earned a Master of Science degree in public affairs from the University of Maryland in 1985 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Davis & Elkins in 1979. Morrison and his wife, Phebe N. Novakovic, reside in McLean, Va. They are the parents of four daughters and one son.
back to her namesake home, Graceland. She planted all three; however, only one flourished. The massive oak thrives today beside the flagpole near Graceland Inn.
A Tree With a Story Visitors to Davis & Elkins College almost always comment on the beauty of the campus. While the trees provide a striking backdrop with their blooms in spring and brilliant foliage in fall, there’s one ancient oak that stands as a living history to the founders’ family.
In the early 1920s, Grace Davis Lee and her husband Arthur traveled to Tokyo, Japan, in celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary. While visiting the Imperial Gardens of the Emperor, she retrieved three acorns and brought them
Mark Lanham, coordinator of special collections at D&E, explains that a metal sign was once affixed to the trunk proclaiming it the “Honeymoon Tree” and detailing its history. The sign includes the marriage dates of 18981923 and a few BB gun holes from when their sons had used it for target practice. Plans are underway for creating a new plaque to share the unique story of the great oak. - Information gathered by Makeia Jonese News Around Campus
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FACULTY FOCUS
Bringing Back the Stars
By Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Renaud Stauber admits that as a child he was a “nerdy space kid.” He was born during the 1960s Space Race and grew up watching Carl Sagan intone on the popular TV show Cosmos how the universe is billions and billions of years old. He remembers that at some point of his childhood his first dream of driving a Zamboni morphed into being at the controls of a planetarium. Flash forward to today. Stauber, now assistant professor of mathematics, physics and computer science, walks into D&E’s Flynn Planetarium like a kid in a candy store, all zipped up in a navy blue pseudo flight suit — the same one he wore when he tested deployable space telescopes as a Ball Aerospace engineer.
As a professor, Stauber is able to share his lifelong enthusiasm about space and particularly astronomy—even if he isn’t an astronaut. One of his most vivid memories of stargazing was observing the night sky when deployed in the U.S. Navy, far away from light pollution. “Growing up in Belgium, the sky was always too light. I remember the first time driving a submarine at night on the water’s surface and the stars were everywhere. I felt like they were in the air surrounding me.” It is that fascination and sense of awe that he wants to share with others. Stauber has already led some Night Sky programs at D&E, but he wants to do more and have regularly scheduled
Did you know? According to Davis & Elkins College: The Diamond Jubilee History, by T.R. Ross, the Flynn Planetarium is named after the late Bernard Flynn who served as chairman of the Development Committee of D&E’s Board of Trustees in the l970s. The author states: “His role in helping to secure funds for the construction of the Science Center was indispensable and in recognition of his services, the Planetarium has been named in his honor.” 8 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
“We couldn’t test them on Earth, so I had the opportunity to go on zero G flights and test them,” he explains. “It was great and I love it when kids ask me if I’m an astronaut.”
events. He is hopeful that the planetarium’s 50-year-old Viewlex projector can someday be replaced with a digital model; yet for now, he is thankful that it could at least be repaired. “There’s only one company in Virginia that can repair these projectors,” he said, “and they spent three days on it.” The Viewlex is so old that the star patterns illuminated on the planetarium’s domed ceiling are essentially pricked out of thin tin. The 1960s console includes a time clock-like setting so that the projectionist can illuminate what the sky looked like on any given day, in any given year. It looks amazingly like the dashboard of the DeLorean in Back to the Future. “In a way, it is almost like time travel,” Stauber says. “You can set this clock for any day in time and see what people were looking at that night.”
Renaud Stauber, assistant professor of mathematics, physics and computer science, stands by the Viewlex projector he uses when giving planetarium shows in Flynn Planetarium.
Stauber explains that when the Flynn Planetarium opened in the early 1970s, it was state-of-the-art. “When Sharmi Roy [professor of mathematics] gave planetarium shows, she would have 10 carousel slide projectors set up, all perfectly synched. Unfortunately, today we have thousands of dollars’ worth of slides that we can’t use because of outdated, broken equipment.” While Stauber plans to apply for grants to assist in replacing the Viewlex, he and planetarium director Shawn Stover, are not deterred from providing more shows. “It is important that the next generation of scientists and engineers be excited about astronomy,” he says while projecting breathtaking images from Hubble. “We should understand how the universe works. Astronomy helps put our own personal lives in perspective and makes us realize how enormous creation is.”
King's Poetry Celebrated Online, in Song By Nanci Bross-Fregonara D&E professor of English Bill King has had several poems published recently and is the first to admit, “it was a good year for me.” “It’s nice to interact with the world, get feedback, and start a conversation, especially when writing about things that folks can relate to—like physical or mental illness (the Postcards, ‘How Hard We Paddle,’ ‘Lost By Gum,’ ‘Something for Nothing’), connection to place or home (‘Flight,’ ‘Burning,’ ‘Winter Song’), or grief and loss (‘Hawks at Dusk’). “I hope these poems speak to these issues in a way that resonates with readers and affects them in a positive way,” he added. The extensive list of journals and anthologies in which his poems were published include Appalachian Heritage, “Flight,” “Hawks at Dusk,” Spring 2015; A Narrow Fellow: Journal of Poetry, “How Hard We Paddle,” “Lost By Gum (Untrue),” Spring 2015; Revolution John, five poems from Postcards from the Chemo Chair, 23 May 2015; Kestrel, “Postcard on Hell,” Summer 2015; Naugatuck River Review, “Something for Nothing,” Summer 2015; Poecology, “Burning Inside the Glass Rim of the World,” Summer 2015; Stone River Sky: Anthology of Georgia Poetry (Negative Capability Press), “Winter Song,” June 2015; and Still: The Journal, "Postcard from the Tygart," "Postcard to My Boy at Sweet Sixteen," "Postcard Sabbath Song," and "Postcard on Time." Fall 2016. “Winter Song” was the inspiration for a choral work composed by D&E Artist-inResidence Jack Gibbons and performed by the College Choir under the direction of Liz Marshall-McVean last fall. The poem, inspired by the creation of a backyard wetland when his son was younger, is filled with imagery of summer as it changes to frozen quiet. “It’s about a lot of interrelated things: love of place, including nature; yearning; love and hope; the desire for and blessing of one more season to live,” he says. One of King’s favorite poems, “Hawks at Dusk” was written in memory of William Kirk, a D&E class of 2007 graduate who passed away December 11, 2014. Kirk had been in several of King’s classes including the American Nature Writers course, and participated in the 2006 Winter Term course Nature Writing set in Big Bend National Park. “William was a wildland firefighter—mainly out West, a landscape that he loved,” King said, “and he enjoyed the environmental writing of Edward Abbey, a fierce protector of the desert Southwest.”
Saindon Wins Dissertation Award By Linda Howell Skidmore A work by Dr. Brent Saindon, assistant professor of communication at Davis & Elkins College, has been selected by the Visual Communication Division of the National Communication Association as Outstanding Dissertation of the Year. Saindon was awarded his Ph.D. in communication from the University of Pittsburgh this spring. Titled "Reconfiguring Absence: Daniel Libeskin's Jewish Museum Berlin Project and the Rhetorical Negotiation of Cultural Display," Saindon’s dissertation traces the development of the Jewish Museum Berlin from 1989 to 2002. It argues that a consistent
Hawks at Dusk —for William Kirk
Tonight will be the longest night in the history of the Earth, I am told, but even such a little eternity beggars imagination, while the things of this world, illuminated by the distant sun, do not. They still deserve our attention: twelve red-tails on the way back from your memorial today, one on the top of a steel light post just outside Fairfax, one crossing in flight low over the road, and the rest in the high arms of trees along the two-lane that splits the George Washington and the Thomas Jefferson National Forests. You knew this area well. Your childhood friend said you could walk its rocky trails in the dark, so maybe you knew what you were doing when you took your leave of us. They will eat carrion, hawks, but more often are the silent shadow that precedes mercy. They carry the wounded skyward. Will, I do not know what wildfire raged in your heart, what wind outflanking the hard won line, blew up in your face, but I’m sure you would have seen each one of them while the rest of us, stuck in the traffic of our crowded byways, would not. Let me tell you, except for that one in flight, they were standing at attention like tomb guards at the National Cemetery who don their blue plumage in any weather, and never forget.
narrative, characterized by German philosopher Ernst Bloch’s concept of anticipatory illumination, shows up in these various conversations and influences the building’s eventual use as the Jewish Museum Berlin. The case study emphasizes that public art and architecture projects can be rich sites of rhetorical invention worthy of close study during their development. “It is affirming to have my research work recognized as worthy of praise,” Saindon says. Saindon received the award at the National Communication Association annual convention in Las Vegas, Nev. During the conference, he also chaired a session titled
“Polysemy, Tradition and Gender: Irritating Images that Challenge Social Meanings” and presented his essay “Generic Hybrids and Cultural Conflict: The Case of the Jewish Museum Berlin.” The dissertation was also the runner-up for an award from the American Society for the History of Rhetoric. Saindon is currently revising the dissertation as a book and hopes to send a manuscript to review next year. Saindon also holds a Master of Science degree in communication from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Fort Hays State University (Kansas). In addition to teaching at D&E, he serves as the adviser to the Calliduz Debate Team. Faculty Focus
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Photo by Chris Young
Campaign Begins
Davis & Elkins Accepts $25 Million McDonnell Challenge
In presenting the gift opportunity, Jim McDonnell said, “I have watched Davis & Elkins College closely for some time, and decided it is a place worthy of further serious investment. Given its progress in recent years, my family and I want to do our part – and encourage others – to help assure the long10 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
The McDonnell Challenge was formally accepted by the Trustees at their fall meeting and Board Chair June B. Myles publicly announced the offer later that evening at a dinner attended by trustees, faculty, invited guests and representatives of the staff and students.
on-going operations, capital projects or the College’s permanent endowment. Noting that the College has moved in recent years from ‘surviving’ challenges of the past to ‘sustaining’ the present, President G. T. ‘Buck’ Smith said, “With this opportunity now before us we are finally positioned to where we can reach for a new level of significance, for a future that holds possibilities that were never before within reach.
“We are profoundly grateful to Jim McDonnell “It won’t be easy, and there are no guarantees,” and his family for this magnificent and he added. “But by mobilizing the entire College generous provision,” she said. “In a single act, family – trustees, they have set an students, faculty, staff, example for us all. alumni, friends, parents, Now it’s up to us to I have watched Davis & community – and all do our part.” Elkins College closely for of us working together, All gifts, pledges and we can indeed meet some time, and decided it irrevocable estate challenge, and provisions will is a place worthy of further this Secure the Future! That qualify in matching serious investment. ultimately is what Jim the challenge. They McDonnell is making – James S. McDonnell III can be for any possible. ” purpose, including
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On the eve of last fall’s Homecoming celebration, the D&E Board of Trustees accepted a $25 million Challenge from James S. McDonnell III and the McDonnell family foundations. The challenge funds and all matching gifts and commitments will be included in the College’s 10-year, $100 million Secure the Future Campaign that concludes on June 30, 2018.
term future of the College.”
The McDonnell Legacy The McDonnell Center Dedicated, 2007 Davis & Elkins College celebrated a dream come true in 2007 when, after more than 10 years of planning, The McDonnell Center for Health, Physical Education, and Athletics became a reality. Campus leaders had recognized the need for a new facility to support its programs in physical education, intercollegiate athletics, campus recreation and fitness, and that vision was fulfilled thanks to the initial $3 million lead gift commitment in 1997 from Mr. and Mrs. James S. McDonnell III. Their gift inspired the generosity and hard work of more than 400 individuals and organizations who then contributed to this project.
The McDonnell Center
Did you know?
Any gift to D&E from now until June 30, 2018 will not only help the College Secure the Future, but will be MATCHED 100%, thanks to the generosity of the McDonnell family. Whether you donate to The D&E Fund, a capital project, endowed scholarship or other fund, it will have twice the impact! This is the perfect opportunity to be a part of the history-making McDonnell Challenge. For more information, contact Carol Schuler, Vice President for Development, (304) 642-5576 or schulerc@dewv.edu or President 'Buck' Smith at buck@dewv.edu.
Many others followed their lead, either through direct gifts or through volunteerism and initiatives dedicated to making the project a success. This included nine donors who made individual commitments greater than $100,000 each, the Centennial Campaign leaders and volunteers who made the project a centerpiece of the campaign; the 2006 D&E Student Assembly, which raised $25,000 through the Student Assembly Challenge; and the individuals and organizations who responded to a Community Challenge funded by an anonymous donor.
McDonnell Chair in honor of Dr. Gloria M. Payne Dedicated, 2008 Although the unveiling and official dedication of the James S. McDonnell Foundation Chair in Business and Economics in honor of Dr. Gloria M. Payne took place in April 2008, funding was originally established in 1985 with a lead gift of $350,000 from the Foundation in appreciation for the education of Marcella McDonnell Stevens, daughter of Elizabeth and James S. McDonnell III. The College sought to increase the funding to $1 million in 2000 when the Centennial Campaign was launched. In 2005 when the fund had reached $600,000, the McDonnell family announced a challenge to generate the remaining $400,000 — they would match up to $200,000 in new gifts received by December 31. This inspired an intensive campaign led by Wendell M. Cramer, class of 1959, and John E. Whitman, class of 1950. With the response of alumni and friends of the College, funding surpassed $1 million in December 2007.
McDonnell Family Foundation Gives $10 Million 2010 The James S. McDonnell Family Foundation of Lincoln, Mass., announced a $10 million gift to Davis & Elkins College during the annual Founders Day Convocation in September 2010. It was the largest gift in the College’s 106-year history and was used for debt retirement and the College’s permanent endowment. Commenting on the Foundation’s decision, James S. McDonnell III said, “Given the remarkable progress of Davis & Elkins in recent years, we want to help position the College for an even brighter future, and set an example for others to join in helping make that possible." McDonnell holds degrees in aeronautical engineering from Princeton University and in aeronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Following service in the United States Air Force, he was a corporate executive and director of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation for many years. At the root of McDonnell’s philanthropy is the desire to inspire others to join in strengthening the College. “I am particularly keen about D&E’s mission ‘to prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world,’” he said. “But to do that costs money. We need the help of everyone in order to best serve our students, and secure the College’s future. “I know first-hand,” McDonnell continued, "with this gift, I want to help make sure it is able to continue doing so into the long future.”
'Buck' Smith and Jim McDonnell Secure the Future Campaign Begins
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Serving Appalachia Four Students. Four Stories. Looking at data is more than just comparing numbers on a chart. It provides an opportunity to explore what those numbers represent and in this case, real students whose lives were impacted by D&E in meaningful ways.
Jason Mallow Year: Class of 2013 Hometown: Bartow, W.Va. Major: Growth area program, Hospitality Management Stats: First Generation Student, Appalachian Region The same day Jason Mallow, ’13, walked across the May commencement stage, he packed up his car and headed for Big Sky Country — Montana. There he became the youngest assistant location manager at Glacier National Park. “It was like waking up in paradise every day,” Mallow says. Unfortunately, it was only a seasonal job; Glacier closes when the roads become covered with snow in late summer. But he came to know other seasonal workers who loved moving from location to location and the sheer joy they experienced by not being tethered to a long career behind a desk. This made a lasting impression on him. When growing up in Bartow, W.Va., Mallow already preferred the hospitality industry. While
his brothers and father would go to his grandfather’s timber company, he chose to join his mother in her mom and pop store in town and, later, in her small restaurant. “You learn a lot from working in this field,” he says. He remembers watching his mother be courteous to her customers and says, “We’ve lost that ability to be kind and respectful. That’s something you grow up with.”
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
A recent Securing the Future report gathered by the Office of Academic Affairs, included significant themes that kept percolating to the surface. Specifically, more than two-thirds of our graduates come from Appalachia (an area defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission) and nearly half of those are first-generation students. First-generation students from Appalachia have made up almost a third of our graduates since 2007. In addition, D&E is experiencing high levels of growth in several key program areas: the sciences, criminology and business. Intersecting those circles, we interviewed four students with four different stories.
A 2010 graduate of Pocahontas County High School, Mallow is the first in his family to go to college. As a teenager, he understood how that decision would affect his life. “I knew I had to go to college to make a good living and do what I enjoy,” he says. When he visited D&E, he first fell in love with the family atmosphere, then found out about the Highlands Scholar Program and opportunities to work on campus. He credits “Chef Mel,” Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management Melanie Campbell, for keeping his energy, competitive nature and desire for self-improvement going.
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Not only was she like a “mother hen,” he suggests, “she had a way of breaking down the industry into terminology we could all understand. She’s worked in the field and a lot of her experiences come from the same places we would like to be some day.” Jason Mallow speaks with other employees at Allegheny Springs at Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
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Mallow worked extensively in college, including an internship at Applebee’s, yet graduated in only three years. After his employment at Glacier, he became house manager of the newly opened Vintage Restaurant in Elkins and is currently general manager of Allegheny Springs at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Despite the long hours and windy commute down the mountain to his home in Elkins, he loves his job and enjoys the good working relationship he has with his supervisor. “One of the most important things I learned in [Professor of Business] Vickie Mullennex’s human resources class was that people leave their boss, not their job.” He took that lesson to heart. While working at the guest services desk on a recent snowy afternoon he joked with his staff and complimented them on a recent job well done. As for the future, it is still uncertain. “If you had asked me six years ago what I wanted to do, I would have said, ‘own my own business.’ But now I don’t want to be tied down like that,” he says. “I keep thinking of those seasonal folks; I want to enjoy life.” – Nanci Bross-Fregonara
35% of all graduates since 2006 have been first-generation students.
Emilee Coberly Year: Class of 2014 Hometown: Valley Bend, W.Va. Major: Growth area program, Criminology Stats: First Generation, Appalachian Region Emilee Coberly, ’14, likes to help people. It’s something she always wanted to do professionally and something she learned about in more than one way while attending Davis & Elkins College.
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Emilee Coberly speaks with a probation officer with whom she works at the Randolph County Drug Court in Elkins, W.Va.
earning a college degree was never in the plan. Growing up in Valley Bend, W.Va., she hoped to get a job shortly after graduating from Tygarts Valley High School. Then, along came an introduction to Davis & Elkins College Upward Bound, a federally funded program that prepares firstgeneration or income eligible students for post- secondary education.
“It’s probably the only reason I went to college,” A case manager for Randolph County Drug Court, Coberly works with adult drug offenders she says. “If it hadn’t been for Upward Bound, I don’t know what I’d be doing.” who choose to complete the rigorous one-year program instead of going to jail and others who A Highlands Scholarship and a friend who had have just completed their sentence. On a daily already selected D&E reaffirmed Coberly’s basis, she meets with clients and documents choice on where to further her education. After practically everything going on in their lives in earning her bachelor’s degree in criminology, an effort to provide she’s thankful she made support and resources decision because Everyone cared so much that to help them succeed. what she experienced and I think that helped inside and outside the “It’s the best experience I’ve me more than anything classroom played a part she approaches been in the middle in my field. That caring is inherhow career. of because you get something I want to pass “I think D&E being a to watch someone change,” Coberly says. forward and I use it in my small campus helps you Although Coberly career. Every day I think realize how significant just one person can be,” always had her about how I can help. Coberly says. sights on a career – Emilee Coberly in criminal justice, Dr. Dana Baxter, assistant
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Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
31%
or 377, of our graduates since 2006 have been first- generation students from Appalachia
professor of criminology and criminal justice, helped her discover which area of her field would best fit and encouraged her to seek an internship – the first one ever offered through the Randolph County Probation Office – that eventually led to her current job. “Dr. Baxter made such a tremendous difference in my life,” she says. “She brought everything together for me and put such care into helping me realize what I wanted for my future.” It wasn’t just Baxter whose caring qualities were evident, Coberly explains, it was everyone – other faculty, staff and the close knit community of students. “Everyone cared so much and I think that helped me more than anything in my field,” Coberly says. “That caring is something I want to pass forward and I use it in my career. Every day I think about how I can help.” – Linda Howell Skidmore
Serving Appalachia
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I’d love to stay in the state after I graduate, doing something that I will enjoy the rest of my life. D&E was the right decision – a quiet, little campus with people who helped me choose the best road for me to take.
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FEATURE
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
– Jacob Henry
Jacob Henry Year: Junior Hometown: Moorefield, W.Va. Major: Growth area program, Environmental Science with Computer Science Stats: First Generation Student, Appalachian Region Jacob Henry, an easy-going junior from Moorefield, W. Va. has enjoyed the outdoors since his young days playing with his brothers on the hundreds of acres his family has owned for generations. “There was never a dull moment,” he laughs easily as he recalls spending hours with his granddad on his farm. The passel of boys would spend Thanksgiving out in the woods and summer days rolling around in the creek that went through their property. “We can stand at a certain point and everything we see, we have access to,” he says. 14 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
“We grew up outside.”
perfect for him.
When Henry started to think about college, however, he focused on computer science. A strong student at Moorefield High School, he was attracted to Davis & Elkins because of its small size and close proximity to home. Large state schools held little interest to him. He feels that because of the close relationships with his professors, he found a way to combine his love of computer technology with the outdoors.
“Today everything is going to computers, but I have an interest in the environment. McClain and [GIS instructor] Crystal Krause really helped me figure out what direction I want to go in. They encouraged me.”
Today he is majoring in both computer science and environmental science with minors in geospatial analysis and mathematics.
“I figured getting both majors would be better down the line,” he says. Adding environmental science to his academic plate was a suggestion from program coordinator Russ McClain, and after taking a geographic information systems (GIS) class, he felt like he ought to add that as well. The timing of the new geospatial analysis at the College was Jacob Henry learns stream surveying techniques from Mike Owen, US Forest Service aquatic ecologist, with fellow D&E student Trisha Higgins.
Last summer he put his classwork experiences to the test when he worked with the West Virginia Division of Highways doing state road assessments. “I was able to be outside, work on my own, while making sure a bridge construction project wasn’t polluting the stream,” he said. The experience allowed him to start finetuning his career goals. Henry is the first in his family to attend college and he hopes his brothers, ages 16, 11 and 7, will be inspired to do the same. “My parents wanted to go to college, but back then it was hard to do,” he says adding that he helps pay for his college expenses by working part time on and off campus. Come next May, he fully expects to find work in his field. “I’d love to stay in the state after I graduate, doing something that I will enjoy the rest of my life.” Henry says. “D&E was the right decision – a quiet, little campus with people who helped me choose the best road for me to take.” – Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Sarah Marshall Year: Senior Hometown: Covington, Va. Major: Growth area program, Biology with minor in Chemistry Stats: Appalachian Region On the first day of her internship last summer, Sarah Marshall started to wonder if she might be in a little over her head. The Davis & Elkins senior was among fewer than a dozen students selected for the competitive WV-Idea Network for Biomedical Research Excellence program, ironically at Marshall University.
Her work was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Toxicology at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and focused on the effect the antioxidant catalase has on obesity. Effortlessly and without pause, she can detail the eight weeks of tests on the mice subjects and how the results could apply to humans. “I am really blessed that I had this rewarding experience,” Marshall says describing the intense program with full days in the lab and evenings filled with workshops. “It’s all about how passionate you are and how hard you are willing to work.” Yet her real lesson was that she wants to keep learning, and for that she says she’s started in the right place. Sarah Marshall at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine where she completed an internship last summer.
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
“I was overwhelmed at first because all the other students were from larger universities,” Marshall explains. “Once we got into the lab, I realized that I had as much experience as the others.”
Since fall 2006, 1,222 students have graduated from D&E.
70%
of those graduates, or 856, are from Appalachia. (as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission)
Davis & Elkins College was just what Marshall was looking for – a small, close-knit community where she could study biology. “The campus has a unique beauty and a lot of cultural aspects,” Marshall says reflecting on her first visit to the College. “Then, seeing how nice the people were really won me over.” It wasn’t long until she also connected with the region’s heritage celebrated by the Appalachian Ensemble and Augusta. This provided her with a taste of home away from her home, the 6-square-mile city of Covington, Va. The nature of her studies, she knew, would be demanding, but the instruction exceeded her expectations.
“We may be a small college, but the experience all our professors give us is tremendous,” Marshall says. “They teach us things in the lab that can be applied to real life situations. I’m still learning and I want to learn as much as I can.” She explains that her parents, both Presbyterian ministers, have provided much support, but haven’t been able to lend career advice in the biology field. For that she turned to her professors, the same ones who encouraged her internship. Just on the cusp of earning her Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry, Marshall says she feels empowered to take the next step in her education. “Our classes are a little more intense because they want us to be really successful, and I think it’s working,” Marshall says. – Linda Howell Skidmore
Serving Appalachia
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Photo by Chris Young
President ‘Buck’ Smith talks with Don and Barbara Judy of Elkins, right, and Sandy Neel, vice president for enrollment management, left, at a recent Board of Trustees dinner.
Presidents of Small Colleges Bank on Fund Raising to Survive Editor’s Note: This article was published in the February 3, 2016, “Chronicle of Higher Education,” the leading news publication for college presidents and other higher education professionals. It is the third time in recent years Davis & Elkins College has been featured. We share this with permission. By Lawrence Biemiller ELKINS, W.VA. This past fall, not long after learning that this year’s budget would be lower than last year’s by about 10 percent, or $1.5 million, Davis & Elkins College got a welcome surprise from its president, G.T. Smith, known to everyone here as Buck: A longtime trustee and his family’s foundation had just pledged $25 million to the 800-student college. That would be a big gift for any institution, but it’s huge for a college as small as Davis & Elkins, which occupies a series of steep hillsides overlooking downtown Elkins and, before the announcement, had an endowment of just over $30 million. The trustee, James S. McDonnell III, made $10 million available right away, with the rest doled out in a series of $5-million matches as the college works to raise $35 million from others. The campaign, configured around Mr. 16 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
McDonnell’s willingness to contribute in a way that would have the most possible leverage, is due to wrap up in 2018 and is being called Secure the Future. The gift was a vote of confidence in Davis & Elkins in a year during which the highprofile fight to save Sweet Briar College raised questions about the fiscal health of many small institutions and made fund raising even more challenging for some. But the gift also highlights the complexity of fund raising at small colleges, where presidents have an outsize role in attracting donations — a role that is critical even though Marjorie Hass, president of Austin College, in Sherman, Tex., sums it up as being "chief storyteller." Depending on the week, "fund raising is between 25 and 75 percent of my time," says Ms. Hass. "Some of that time is spent traveling from place to place. Some of it is working with donors. Some of it is ‘friend raising.’ And some of it is huddled up with my development officers strategizing." "The faculty want you on campus," says Bryon L. Grigsby, president of Moravian College, in Bethlehem, Pa. He usually does two fundraising swings through different parts of the country every quarter, he says. "People want you at this recital and that game, but you need to be off campus so much to be doing development well." It’s also a role that many other people on
the campus don’t understand. Sharon D. Herzberger, president of Whittier College, in Whittier, Calif., was first asked to get involved in fund raising while she was a psychology professor at Trinity College, in Connecticut. "I was terrified, because my only fund-raising experience before that was going door to door as a high-school student." At the college-president level, though, fund raising is altogether different. "It’s forming relationships with people and finding out ways that they want to make a difference, rather than twisting people’s arms," Ms. Herzberger says. "It’s matching people with the opportunity that would please them. It’s a fun activity, and it has such an impact on an institution." Here on the Davis & Elkins campus, Mr. Smith is as likely to be chatting with a high-school student and her parents making an admissions visit — "He’s my secret weapon," says Sandy Neel, director of admission — as he is to be catching up with the chairman of a local bank. ("Buck has taken the major-gifts program to a whole new level," says Carol M. Schuler, vice president for development.) Mr. Smith was previously president of Chapman University, in Orange, Calif., and of Bethany College, in Bethany, W.Va., and he’s in his second stint as president of Davis & Elkins — his second unpaid stint, since he’s never accepted a salary here. He retired in 2013 after six years in the job and after getting enrollment up from 511 to 800, only to return
this past summer as interim president when his successor left to become president of the Appalachian College Association. Now 80, Mr. Smith has promised that he and his wife, Joni, will stay until Mr. McDonnell’s gift is matched or until the board finds another successor.
A 5-Step Approach In his spacious office with a view over Elkins, Mr. Smith insists that he has "never identified myself as a fund raiser." But in the development world, Mr. Smith was among the pioneers of "moves management," a five-step approach to seeking major gifts where each step is a "move" to be managed. The steps are identifying potential donors, finding information about them, gauging their interests, getting them involved, and persuading them to invest. But he’s also quick to cite the slogan printed on a box of Eaton letter paper he was given when he graduated from high school: "To get a letter, send a letter." The first rule of philanthropy, he says, is that if you don’t ask for anything, you won’t get anything. Beyond that, the trick is paying attention: "We listen to what peoples’ passions are, and try to hear where there’s a connection." Just recently, he says, Davis & Elkins reconnected with David H. Morrison, a 1979 graduate who is a retired Boeing Company vice president. No one from the college’s small development staff had visited him [until Ms. Schuler met him two years ago. Then,] after he had a long conversation with Bryan Wagoner, an assistant professor of religious studies and philosophy, Mr. Morrison suggested creating a new Center for Faith and Public Policy, and volunteered to support it. He has since joined the Board of Trustees. "Large gifts are so idiosyncratic," says Robert R. Lindgren, who has been president of RandolphMacon College, in Ashland, Va., for the past 10 years and before that was vice president for development and alumni relations at the Johns Hopkins University. "Each is its own case study. What’s the dynamic? What’s the family? Who’s the dean?" "There’s an old bromide in fund raising: People give to people," he adds. "But people give to people because of a vision about where an institution might be heading." That’s why big donors to small colleges typically expect to talk to the president — "they want to be reassured about the vision and the future of the institution." And he cautions that "if folks lose confidence in a vision, that can affect fund raising." "Leadership is important in any institution, but particularly in smaller ones it’s hugely important, because we don’t have a very long bench," he says.
He notes that when he left, Hopkins employed about 340 people in development-related jobs — as many employees as Randolph-Macon has altogether. The 1,400-student college has 11 development officers, he says. In the aftermath of Sweet Briar’s crisis, he says, he and the development officers have been repeatedly asked, "How do you sustain the college’s business model?" That’s understandable, Mr. Lindgren says, because many people who give large amounts do so with a thought to creating something that will outlive them. The idea that a college might instead close is alarming. Mr. Grigbsy, of Moravian, says he’s also hearing "more questions about the value of the liberal arts, and is it translating into jobs or graduate school?" And donors have learned to ask how much backing colleges get from their own trustees, he says. "That’s the first thing I’ll hear from a donor — what’s your trustee support?" (Many small colleges expect all board members to give regularly.)
Mr. Smith insists that he has "never identified myself as a fund raiser." But in the development world, Mr. Smith was among the pioneers of "moves management," a fivestep approach to seeking major gifts where each step is a "move" to be managed. The steps are identifying potential donors, finding information about them, gauging their interests, getting them involved, and persuading them to invest. A key to long-term success, Mr. Lindgren says, is having a development program that reaches potential donors at all levels. "In this age, where you have these gigantic gifts that are the largest part of campaigns, you have to remember that they all start somewhere. I think Mike Bloomberg’s first gift to Johns Hopkins was five dollars," he says, referring to Michael R. Bloomberg, the billionaire former New York City mayor who has given the university more than a billion dollars. Ms. Hass, of Austin College, agrees. "In the annual fund, part of what you’re investing in is
building up a relationship — your annual-fund donors will be your multimillion-dollar donors of the future." She also works closely with the development officer who focuses on planned giving. "Most endowment growth is funded by estate gifts," she says. "Those are less glamorous, and they’re not likely to yield results during the tenure of the people who raise the money. But they’re absolutely essential for the future of the institution." “At a small college every gift counts, it literally does," says Ms. Herzberger, the Whittier president. That can be an advantage, she says, when competing with larger institutions for donors. "We may not get the same press, but we do have the ability to say, Your gift can really have a transformational impact here. You give a million dollars to Whittier, that makes a big difference." But a small college’s lack of visibility can also be a hindrance. Maria M. Klawe, president of Harvey Mudd College, in Claremont, Calif., says raising an institution’s public profile is important because the colleges with the best reputations raise the most money. "I do an enormous amount of speaking, and a lot of that is about raising visibility," says Ms. Klawe, who has been president for 10 years and has vowed not to retire until Harvey Mudd is as well known as Caltech and MIT. Here at Davis & Elkins, Mr. Smith isn’t talking about retiring either. In addition to trimming the budget to keep spending in line with revenue, he has persuaded the board to swear off borrowing and pay for all improvements with donations. He regularly walks potential donors around the hilly campus, where they meet the students and faculty members and, not coincidentally, see classrooms that need upgrades, floors that need new carpet, a roof-mounted air-conditioning unit that is long overdue for replacement. “A donor would say, Yes, for $20,000, $40,000, let’s make this difference,” says Mr. Smith. “Then right on down the hall are four more classrooms the way they used to be. Someone else will say, I’ll take this one on.” “Buck,” says Ms. Schuler, the development vice president, “has a remarkable ability to connect with people.” Lawrence Biemiller writes about a variety of usual and unusual higher- education topics. © 2016 Chronicle of Higher Education. Reprinted with permission. Please note the addition of one point of clarification indicated in brackets.
Presidents of Small Colleges Bank on Fund Raising to Survive
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Making A Difference
Bob McCutcheon speaks with children at the Huruma Children’s Home in Ngong, Kenya, during one of his previous visits to the East African country.
McCutcheon Awarded Fellowship for Cultural Study in Kenya By Linda Howell Skidmore Dr. Robert McCutcheon, professor of English and religion, began the spring semester in Kenya, devoting his time to researching the country’s literature and culture through a $15,000 Appalachian College Association Faculty Fellowship. Titled “Kenyan Call: Vocation in the Fiction of Ngugi Wa Thiong’o,” McCutcheon’s project explores ways in which vocation is expressed in modern Africa. His research is focusing on Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, a Kenyan writer whose novels follow the themes of liberty and identity in terms of vocation. “In the Bible, God’s call is clear; it arrives as a voice to patriarchs and prophets,” McCutcheon says. “According to Paul, and later Luther, God equips people, sometimes unlikely ones, to a place in society — to a vocation. That doesn’t seem to happen these days, and the writers I have studied from Shakespeare to Ngugi question whether or how a call comes through. In Africa, Christianity and its call can seem compromised by the colonialism they arrived with. Yet the church I have found there is vibrant. 18 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
“Scholars suggest that for us moderns, call can be ‘mediated’: we gain a sense of our purpose not directly but rather though friends, family and others. My teaching at D&E has provided a path for me to answer my call to discipleship.” McCutcheon is based at the Presbyterian University of East Africa as a guest lecturer this spring. He will also visit orphanages, schools and nursing homes sponsored by West Virginia’s sister presbytery in Nyeri. The theme of vocation mirrors a current Davis & Elkins initiative, in conjunction with the Lilly-funded CIC/NetVUE, to enable students to frame their educational experience in terms of purpose in life. McCutcheon hopes his research will further this undertaking when he returns to his teaching this fall. His course in world literature will investigate whether the independence granted postcolonial societies since roughly 1960 is genuine. Last summer, McCutcheon chaired a panel on Ngugi Wa Thiong’o and presented the paper “Invisible Voices: The Call of Vocation in ‘A Grain of Wheat’” at the African Literature Association Conference in Bayreuth, Germany. As a result, he was commissioned to write a review essay for the ALA journal on the critical reception of several major African novelists. McCutcheon’s interest in Kenyan culture dates back to 2006, when he first visited the African continent. Since then, he has participated in West Virginia Presbytery Friendship Missions to Nyeri, Kenya, in 2011 and 2013.
In January 2017, McCutcheon will lead another group of Davis & Elkins students to Nyeri in Kenya’s Central Province in the Winter Term course, Kenya Mission. In addition to teaching English and religion at Davis & Elkins, McCutcheon co-led a Nicaraguan Study Tour for students in 2014 and served as coordinator of study abroad opportunities and chair of the Phipps Lecture Series. He has participated in numerous sessions for scholars including the Salzburg Seminars “Libraries in the 21st Century” in Salzburg, Austria in 2004, and the Presbyterian Church (USA) Conference for Clergy and Laity in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2005. Among his ACA curricular development projects are “Exercising the Mind: Ancient Greek Philosophy,” at the Center for Hellenic Studies in Washington, D.C., in 2007; “Sacred Spaces” in Greece in 2006; and “Art and Architecture in Ancient Greece,” at the Center for Hellenic Studies. He is also the author of a number of scholarly articles and three novels, Touched Out (Bellissima Publishing) 2008; The False Start (Bellissima Publishing) 2007; and The Starting Block (Bellissima Publishing) 2006. McCutcheon holds a Ph.D. in English from Stanford University, a master’s in philosophy from Oxford University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Duke University. McCutcheon will make a presentation on his work in Kenya at the ACA Annual Summit in the fall.
– Jim McDonnell
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I have watched Davis & Elkins College up close for some time and decided it is a place worthy of further serious investment. Given its progress in recent years, my family and I want to do our part – and encourage others – to help assure the long-term future of the College.
The campaign to create a $100 million endowment for D&E Your gift now – to the D&E Fund, a capital project, endowed scholarship or other fund – will be matched 100% until June 30, 2018 thanks to the generosity of the McDonnell family. Please join in & send your gift now at www.dewv.edu/giveonline.
N
ick Patella, an Elkins native son who went on to play for former head basketball coach John Beilein at West Virginia University, has been leading the D&E men’s basketball team as head coach this season and loving the chance to be coaching in his hometown.
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Nick Patella Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach
“Nick's vision for the men's
When his hire was basketball program embodies first announced, the spirit of hard work and D&E Director of Athletics Jamie perseverance he gained from Joss said, "With the Patella was an being raised in the Elkins resignation of former invited walk-on community, the state of West head coach Chris who earned a Cottrell, we reached Virginia and his pursuit to play scholarship at West out immediately to Virginia University NCAA Division I basketball at Nick to share the and played from WVU.” vision and mission of 2002-2005 the college and our under one of the – Jamie Joss, D&E Director of Athletics athletic program, and nation's top college to explore his possible basketball coaches, interest in joining us. Once President Smith and John Beilein, now head coach at the University I learned how closely aligned Nick's personal of Michigan. Despite his playing career being philosophies, goals and expectations are with cut short due to a series of concussions, Patella ours, we arranged for him to meet with members continued with the team throughout their of the team. 2004-2005 Elite 8 season, shifting his focus to coaching and absorbing as much knowledge as "Nick's vision for the men's basketball program he could from Beilein. embodies the spirit of hard work and perseverance he gained from being raised in the "I have always been involved in basketball," Elkins community, the state of West Virginia and Patella stated. "I started out coaching at the his pursuit to play NCAA Division I basketball college level then made a decision to help at WVU," Joss added. "We quickly realized we develop younger student-athletes at the high had our next head coach right here in our own school level. I am blessed to be afforded this backyard."
20 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Above: Coach Patella in action during a recent game against Shepherd University. Left: Coach Nick Patella was an Elkins High School stand-out who successfully made it to NCAA Division I play at WVU. Archive photo.
opportunity to return to college basketball in my hometown. It's where I belong and it's where my heart is." After graduating with a multidisciplinary studies degree in 2007 from WVU, Patella was an assistant for head coach Bill Lilly at West Virginia Wesleyan College. After spending three years at WVWC and earning his MBA degree, Patella shifted his coaching focus to AAU basketball with Halo Hoops in Wilmington, N.C. He spent four years with Halo helping youth basketball players achieve their goals of playing collegiate basketball. Most recently, Patella coached at his alma mater, Elkins High School. Prior to that he served for three years as head men's and women's golf coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College as well as the college's sports information director in 2013-14. Patella and his wife, Ann Marie, from Fairmont, N.C., have one son, NJ.
"I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead the men's soccer program at Davis & Elkins College. I am thankful to President 'Buck' Smith and Director of Athletics Jamie Joss for showing faith in me to lead a program with such a rich history," Olszewski said. "The enthusiasm and philosophy of the President and his wife, Joni, for Davis & Elkins, the vision of Jamie Joss to move athletics in a forward direction within the fabric of the College's mission, the optimism of the coaching staff, and the wonderful support from the alumni and friends of the program, convinced me how special D&E is." Olszewski replaces Greg Myers who retired after finishing his fourth coaching stint at D&E this season. Myers guided the Senators to a 7-8-1 overall mark winning four of the last five games. The Senators fell 6-5 on PKs in a 1-1 draw in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Championship semifinal. "We are grateful for Coach Myers' continued service to D&E this past season. It was a great opportunity for our coaches, staff and studentathletes to spend another season with such a legendary coach and caring individual," said Joss. "For us to be fortunate to find someone with similar coaching distinction, knowledge of the game, and alignment with the mission of the College, such as Frank Olszewski, shows the legacy that Coach Myers built at D&E to attract such a strong coach to lead our men's soccer program."
Olszewski Selected to Lead Men’s Soccer Program
Photo by Chris Young
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rank Olszewski, a veteran NCAA Division I head men's soccer coach at Towson University and United States Soccer Federation National Team staff member, has been named D&E’s new head men's soccer coach.
head men's soccer coach. He led the Senators to a 13-6-1 mark in one season. In 39 years as a collegiate head coach, Myers finished 342-23473, including a 64-22-8 record as coach of the Senators. "I am very aware of the history of the program and the storied individuals who have profoundly represented D&E," Olszewski added. "Not only have they made contributions at Davis & Elkins, setting a standard for excellence, but also to the development of the game in the United States. People like Greg Myers, former All-American Bill Nuttall, Nils Heinke, Hank Steinbrecher, Tom Martin and Jack MacDonald, and so many more."
Olszewski, who regards Myers as one of his coaching mentors, followed a similar path, beginning his coaching career at age 26 at Towson where he first met Myers. During his 32-year career with the Towson Tigers, Olszewski registered the Myers, a D&E all-time record “I am passionate about the game Hall of Fame number of wins member, helped and I am passionate about working in school history vault D&E soccer with 287. The with students... growing and building to prominence, Tigers, which as a team is what it's all about.” winning two were nationally NAIA National ranked nine – Frank Olszewski Championship times during titles in 1968 Olszewski's and 1970 in his second coaching appearance in tenure, captured seven conference Elkins. Myers found his way back to Elkins in championships and appeared in the NCAA 2009 when he was named athletic director and
tournament twice, reaching the second round in 2001 and third round in 2006. Of his former student-athletes at the collegiate level, 51 are domestic professionals, 10 are international professionals and 40 are coaching at the collegiate and high school levels. Most important to Olszewski is the commitment his student-athletes have to academics. During his tenure at Towson, squads earned 11 academic achievement awards from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and 248 former student-athletes earned Conference Academic Honor Roll. Olszewski brings tremendous recruiting connections from around the United States, having served as a coach and development academy scout as a member of the U.S. Soccer National Team staff for the U14-U20 National Teams. "I am passionate about the game and I am passionate about working with students in a college setting to become the best that they can be as people, as students and as athletes. Growing and building as a team is what it's all about," Olszewski said. "I can't wait to get to know the student-athletes on the team and help them to reach their goals, as well as working with assistant coach Bedi Swan to move the program in directions that will make everyone proud."
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Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Lacrosse Program Begins with New Leadership Peets Named New Women’s Lacrosse Coach Emily Peets, a former standout women's lacrosse player at Monroe Community College (MCC) in Rochester, N.Y., and NCAA Division I Delaware State University, has been named the new head women's lacrosse coach. Peets comes to D&E following a successful season coaching the Dover High School (Del.) Senators girls program to a 10-5 record. "With women's lacrosse ready to launch its first season, we wanted to continue positioning the program in a positive direction," said Director of Athletics Jamie Joss.
a new program as a student-athlete at Delaware State, I understand the challenges and emotions the student-athletes will be encountering this year." During her time at MCC, Peets helped the Tribunes capture the 2011 and 2012 NJCAA national championships, earning All-NJCAA Region III second team honors recording 56 goals and 32 assists in two seasons. She is also very committed to service, having worked with the Lupus, Cancer Society and Diabetes foundations.
Anken Selected to Lead Men's Lacrosse Program
Peets brings head coaching experience at the club lacrosse level having coached Monster Club Lacrosse in her native Pittsford, N.Y., since 2011 and Victory Lacrosse the past year in Delaware.
Brian Anken, a 12-year veteran head coach, has been selected as the head men's lacrosse coach and assistant athletic director for facilities and logistics at D&E. Anken comes to D&E after five years as head coach at the Virginia Military Institute. During his tenure at VMI, he helped the Keydets record their first victory over a service academy in program history, defeating Air Force in 2014. Under his guidance, the first players in VMI history were drafted into Major League Lacrosse and 36 of his student-athletes entered military service after graduation.
"This is a tremendous privilege to lead the program in its debut season," Peets said, "and I am thrilled to become part of the D&E family and Elkins community. Having experienced building
"Over the past 15 years, Brian has risen from a young assistant at Rochester Institute of Technology to become a successful head coach at three institutions," Director of Athletics Jamie Joss
"Emily brings the unique experience of being part of the first-year program at Delaware and awareness of what to expect in launching a new program," Joss added. "She also brings the mindset of success from her national championship days at MCC and her vision of holistic development of the student-athlete which aligns with the studentcentered focus and mission of Davis & Elkins College and our athletic program.”
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said. "At the heart of his coaching is his capacity not only to provide young men with a positive lacrosse experience, but to mentor them in their studies and character development, and life after lacrosse." "Building a program from inception has always been a dream. I have inherited a tremendous group of young men who are ready to get to work and build a solid program," Anken added. "We will certainly have some obstacles with the timeline for this season that opens on February 19, but it will make us stronger for the future. We are going to build a program that the College will be proud of with players of character who value hard work and accountability." Prior to VMI, Anken was head coach at Lycoming College (Pa.) for four years. After posting a 4-10 record in his first year, his team went 10-6 in 2008, earning him Conference Coach of the Year honors. Following with an 11-5 record and sharing the 2009 conference regular season title, and an 11-6 mark in 2010, his teams posted the best three-year conference record in program history (23-5). Anken began his head coaching career in 2004 at Mars Hill University (N.C.) and earned Deep South Conference Coach of the Year honors. In 2006, he led the team to a 10-5 record and their first national ranking in program history. The Cheektowaga, N.Y. native, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Medaille College in Buffalo, N.Y. He and his wife, Mandy, have one daughter, Parker.
Track and Field Expanding Athletic Program
“We are elated to find a coach of Jason’s experience both as a head and assistant coach,” Director of Athletics Jamie Joss said. “Jason was an elite-level collegiate and professional runner who understands the commitment to thrive competitively, but his true passion is for studentathletes to achieve academic excellence, display strong character and graduate to achieve success after D&E.” The Senators will compete in both indoor and outdoor track seasons of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference joining Alderson Broaddus, Cedarville, Kentucky Wesleyan, Malone and Trevecca Nazarene. The Senators will expand
Women's Soccer Finishes as G-MAC Stand-Out Despite being picked just sixth in the preseason coaches’ poll, women’s soccer had a stellar season under the direction of second-year head coach Gene Smith. The Senators finished the regular season as Great Midwest Athletic Conference champions and were narrowly beaten in a 1-0 overtime loss against Cedarville University in the G-MAC Championship semifinals. Freshman forward Katrina Giantsopoulos had a standout season, leading the nation in several categories. Giantsopoulos finished second in NCAA DII women’s soccer, with 29 goals, first in goals per game (1.61), first in points per game (3.89) and first in total points (70). Finishing 14-4 as a team, the Senators led the nation in points per game (12.06) and goals per game (4.56). The team also finished the season tied third in the nation on total points (217), fourth on assists per game (2.94) and
Pyles joins D&E after serving as associate head coach/recruiting coordinator at West Virginia Wesleyan College where he helped coach the women’s cross country team to a conference title and an individual runner to an NCAA DII AllRegion team. He helped the men’s cross country team to a runners-up finish in the conference meet and a top 10 regional finish. “The vision that Jamie (Joss) and the college as a whole have for the track and field program was what really attracted me to this position,” commented Pyles on his decision to come to D&E. “I had been the associate head coach at West Virginia Wesleyan working under the head coach there, so the opportunity to return to the head coach role was a nice added benefit.”
A native of Gallapolis, W.Va., Pyles graduated from Point Pleasant High School in 2000 and went on to Marshall University to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education in 2005. During the year he was also an assistant track coach at Winfield High School, helping the men's and women’s teams to AA State Championship team titles. “There is a lot of work to do this upcoming spring, summer and fall but I'm already looking forward to that first competition in the 2017 track and field season! I'm off and running with recruiting this spring and hope to bring in student-athletes who will not only be quality athletes on the track, but more importantly have great character! Pyles served as an assistant coach while completing his master’s degree, helping the team break five school distance records and coached the first Marshall C-USA All-Conference cross country runner. “I've always loved the Elkins area with it being located in the mountains with access to higher elevations close by. The availability of running trails and dirt roads is endless, which is a runner's dream!”
sixth in total assists (53). D&E swept Great Midwest Athletic Conference honors. Giantsopoulos was named 2015 Offensive Player of the Year, Taylor Morton was named 2015 Defensive Player of the Year and Smith was named Coach of the Year. Giantsopoulos and Morton were also named to the Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) All-Midwest Regional Team for women’s soccer. Giantsopoulos was named to the 2015 Division II CCA Women’s Soccer All-America First Team and earned NCAA DII Newcomer of the Year. Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Jason Pyles has been selected as the head men’s and women’s track coach. The addition of men’s and women’s track and field increases D&E's varsity athletic program to 18 teams, with intercollegiate competition for track and field beginning with the 2016-17 academic year.
the facility partnership with Elkins High School, which allows D&E to practice at the EHS track and field, while the Tigers will continue practice and competitions at D&E's The George A. Myles pool and cross country course.
Freshman Katrina Giantsopoulos was named Newcomer of the Year.
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Men's Soccer Goes to Post-Season Play
Volleyball Makes it to Semifinals Senator volleyball recorded one of its best seasons in recent years under first-year head coach Kylie Carrington. Adjusting to new players and a new coach, the team started off slow. However, they found their feet mid-season and recorded a nine-match winning streak en route to postseason conference play. D&E came up short against Cedarville in the G-MAC Championship semifinals. The Senators finished regular season play with a 6-4 at conference record and ended the fall 15-16 overall.
Men’s soccer had a roller coaster season under the leadership of D&E Hall of Fame coach Greg Myers. The team started off slowly but found its form late in the fall to progress to post-season play. The Senators finished the regular season with a string of strong performances on the road that included a 2-1 win in double overtime against conference rival Alderson Broaddus, denying the Battlers an opportunity to make it to NCAA Regionals. Keeping up their form, D&E coasted to a 3-0 win over Salem International University in the G-MAC championship quarterfinal. However, the run came to an end as the team suffered a heartbreaking semifinal loss, 6-5, on penalty kicks against Alderson Broaddus.
Freshman middle blocker Charisse Mitchell earned Great Midwest Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team Honors.
German duo Lukas Grosse-Puppendahl and Niklas Rasch-Hegelund proved rock solid on defense this year, with both players earning honors from the
The team has achieved things this season they never knew they could. I am so grateful for the dedication and commitment the team has given. – Kylie Carrington, Head Coach
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Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Junior Ross Stewart celebrates a goal during 3-0 victory against Salem International University.
In her rookie campaign with the Senators, Mitchell tallied 158 kills averaging 1.53 kills per set and 80 blocks heading into the conference tournament. "It's always hard finishing a season with a loss, but to look back on the entire season it has been extremely successful," Carrington said. “The team has achieved things this season they never knew they could. I am so grateful for the dedication and commitment the team has given."
Be sure to get all the results and recaps on SenatorNation.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @SenatorNation and like us on Facebook to stay up to date with all athletic activities at Davis & Elkins. 24 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
conference. Puppendahl was named to the 2015 G-MAC All-Conference First Team while Rasch-Hegelund was named to the 2015 G-MAC All-Freshman Team. The pair provided protection in front of goal to fellow countryman Daniel Nock. Nock, a senior goalkeeper, organized his back line to record 73 saves in the 17 games the Senators played and held three shutouts overall. Myers retired after finishing his fourth coaching stint at D&E. Myers helped vault D&E soccer to prominence, winning two NAIA National Championship titles in 1968 and 1970 in his second coaching appearance in Elkins.
Cross Country Posts Strong Season
The Senators hosted the G-MAC Cross Country Championships this year, with the men finishing a strong third and women capturing sixth as a team. Junior PJ Louzy and freshman Danielle Haynes were both named G-MAC Athletes of the Week in the fall, with strong performances at the start of the season. Danielle Haynes earned All-Conference honors for the women, narrowly missing the Freshman of the Year award as well. Shane Ickes came on strong in the second half of the season and was named to the All-Conference team for the men.
ThrowBack
The photo montage was first published in the 1956 Senatus yearbook.
M
ore than 60 years ago, in 1955 to be exact, Davis & Elkins College hosted its first Boar’s Head Dinner. It was a rather formal affair, designed with a 1600s feel, complete with a boar’s head on a platter, trumpeters, minstrels and the singing of the ancient Boar’s Head Carol. Through the years, the menu has changed from ham to shrimp and steak, and the trumpets have been replaced with kazoos. Even the boar’s head is now a beribboned ceramic pig. Nevertheless, the event still celebrates the beginning of the holiday season on campus and brings the students together in a ceremonial, but fun setting. After a several years’ hiatus, the Boar’s Head Dinner returned in 2014 thanks to the energy of D&E Trustee Nancy Evans-Bennett Messersmith.
Photo by Wes Hendrix
Campus organizations are now honored for outstanding service to the community and receives the Boar’s Head trophy. This past year, the award went to the D&E Art Club. Senior Julia Tenney of Ellamore, W.Va., junior Jacob Antoline of Elkins, junior Nicola Merriman of Wheeling, W.Va., and junior Matt Zorn of West Union, W.Va. are shown accepting the trophy.
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HOMECOMING
Clockwise from top: “Take me out to the ballgame, take me out with the crowd…” alumni and current members of the baseball and softball teams strike up friendly games during Homecoming. Scott Sanders, ’93; Will Kendrick; Mike Wood; Brad Banzhoff, ’14; Bryant Hines, ’15; Matt Barr, ’13; Cameron Martin, ’13; Colby Fisher, ’14; Houston Darling, ’14; Treavor Dubiel, ’14; Mike Paratore, ’14; Christian Scott; Tyler Gibbons, ’14; Jake Smith; Zach Bradfield; Ryan Butts; Tyler Mason; Travis Phelps; Bragg Easton; Al Johnson; Noah Jarboe; Tyler Honeycutt; Lance VanNoy; Forrest Williamson; Will Oliver; Ryan Ray; Isaac Riggleman; Robbie McKinney; Owen Arbogast and Joshua Hammerton.
26 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Saturday breakfast with alumni and students included, from left, Amanda Yeargan Monroe, ’02, and husband, Kirk; Larisa Draeger Swartz, ’00; Georgette Miller and Bill Turner, ’72; with current student, Denise Folley. Celebrating their 50th Reunion – The Class of 1965! Sam Strohm, Dick Bendy, Walt Cathie, Judy Shelton, Tom Mullis, Sue Lloyd Woodworth, Sally Grabe Monk, Art Wheatley, Rob Smith and Bob Gentry. Go Senators!!!! Showing their D&E Pride – Bill Glenn, ’69, and Bill Nuttall, ’70. George and Virginia “Ginny” Smith Holborow, ’55, visit with President 'Buck' Smith during the Half Century Club luncheon.
save the date!
October 14 – 16, 2016
Clockwise from top left: Congratulations to Dr. Gloria Marquette Payne, ’43, for 70 years of service to D&E! Among the many to celebrate the special President’s Dinner with Dr. Payne were Debbie Larkin, ’11; Mary Ann DeLuca, ’80; and Debbie Madden. Reuniting at D&E’s High Tea – Bob Gentry, ’65, Jeannie Shoaf Gentry, ’67, Sandy Wilfong Smith, ’66, and Rob Smith, ’65. Autumn Appleby, ’15, and Amanda Serafini, ’14, along with current softball team members: Samantha Smith, Victoria Krystynak, Chelsie Stover, Amber Labille, Kayla Whoolery, Samantha Davis, Kaitlyn Giffin, Lexi Smith,
Katie Manson, Katelyn Norton, Allie Lapallo, Sierra Yowell, Sara Tobin, Alyssa Cairns, Danielle Norton, Katlyn Huffman and Taylor Norton. Better late than never… Dick DeLisser, ’64, Ron Wilt, ’62, Lee Levering, ’58, and Jim Phillips, ’57, receive their Half Century Club medallions. Homecoming/Fall meeting of the National Alumni Council: Mike Deneroff, ’09; Barry Greene, ’83; Cory Toth, ’06; Karen Kober Michetti, ’84; Patti Bennett, ’85; Phil Turske, ’10; Kelly O’Donnell Edwards, ’87; Craig Hamilton, ’81; Maribeth Headley Robenolt, ’82; Dave Kirby, ’83; Larisa Draeger Swartz, ’00; Debbie Payne Fragale, ’81; Rob Beckwith, ’67; Robin White Rybczynski, ’86;
Dave Blaszczak, ’74; Rachel Halperin Montgomery, ’91; Amanda Yeagan Monroe, ’02; Jared Meabon, ’01; Laura Constantine, ’81; Brian Anderson, ’90; Karen Kauffman Scherling, ’67; Scott Sanders, ’93; Greg Kiewitt, ’91; and Larry Hunt, ’67. The Saturday evening Homecoming concert featured D&E’s Artist-in-Residence Jack Gibbons and a cappella group Northern Kentucky Brotherhood. Photos by Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Jess Wilmoth, Linda Howell Skidmore and Chris Young
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ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES
Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Ross, Berner and Knox Honored during Awards Ceremony
By Linda Howell Skidmore Davis & Elkins College honored three of its alumni during the Homecoming Alumni Awards Presentation and Reception in The Joni and Buck Smith Arts Forum in Myles Center for the Arts. Honorees were Mike Ross, ’61, Distinguished Alumnus Award; Karen Harmeier Berner, ’64, Tower Award; and Michael J. Knox, ’08, Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest award given to a Davis & Elkins College alumnus or alumna who has made significant contributions to society in his or her career. The criteria for selection include career advancement and related service to others, significant honors in one’s field, and commitment to Davis & Elkins College. Mike Ross is a successful business owner, former legislator and community leader. Born in Coalton, W.Va., Ross’s father was an Italian immigrant coal miner and his mother was a homemaker. After graduating from Coalton High School, he attended Davis & Elkins College. He also worked temporarily as a coal miner and heavy equipment operator. In 1971, Ross and his business partner, Robert Wharton, started Ross & Wharton Gas 28 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
Company, which today provides livelihoods for several full-time employees and many independent contractors throughout West Virginia. He also serves as chairman of the board of Mike Ross Inc. and president of Braxton Oil & Gas Company.
Displaying their alumni awards are, from left, Mike Ross, ’61, Distinguished Alumnus Award; Karen Harmeier Berner, ’64, Tower Award; and Michael J. Knox, ’08, Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. A reception for the honorees was attended by family, friends and the campus community.
Ross was elected in 1992 to represent the residents of West Virginia’s 15th Senatorial District. During his 12 years in office, he served as chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure, Rule-Making and various other committees, and he proposed the legislation that authorized the Davis & Elkins College license plate. In 2009, he was appointed by then Governor Joe Manchin to fill the West Virginia House of Delegates 37th District seat left vacant by the death of Delegate Bill Proudfoot.
Scholarship. In addition, he has supported pediatric diabetes research at WVU Children’s Hospital, the United Way of Randolph County, the Mountain State Street Machines Auto Extravaganza and, for 21 years, has organized and sponsored Coalton Days.
Locally and regionally, Ross supports various community projects. At Davis & Elkins, he has supported the College’s West Virginia Highlanders 2015 appearance in the nation’s 4th of July parade, the “Candlelight Christmas” concert by D&E Artist-in-Residence Jack Gibbons, The D&E Fund, the Highlands Scholarship, the Eastern Regional Science Fair, renovation of the Hermanson Campus Center, the Senator Club, performances by the West Virginia Symphony, the Randolph County Scholarship Fund, the D&E Baseball Team, the McDonnell Center's Mike Ross Concession and the Mike Ross Endowed
The Tower Award is presented to a D&E alumnus or alumna for outstanding commitment and service to the College and its alumni programs. The criteria for selection include volunteering of time, talent and/or funds in support of the numerous student and alumni programs the College offers. Karen Harmeier Berner graduated from Davis & Elkins in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She retired in 1999 as senior buyer for Wyeth Research. Prior to that she was employed as a research microbiologist at Carter Wallace in Cranbury, N.J., and at the University of Pittsburgh where she worked for Dr. Ralph Buchsbaum, author of the first textbook in invertebrate zoology. Throughout her career and during her retirement, Berner has continued as a faithful
Davis & Elkins supporter. She is an Emerita Life Trustee after serving on the Board for nine years in the capacity of secretary and on the Academic Affairs Committee. Since 2008, she has been an active volunteer, adviser, patient advocate, board member and spokesperson for Pennies In Action Foundation, which is dedicated to raising funds for cancer vaccine research. Funds are used to supplement grants that shortfall the individual patient expenses incurred in the clinical trials at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Berner received the vaccine, made from her own white blood cells, in 2007 and has remained cancer free since. In 2013 and 2014, she accompanied Dr. Brian Czerniecki, Dr. Gary Koski and Uschi Keszler to the World Research Innovative Congress In Brussels, Belgium, acting as a patient advocate for breast cancer vaccine research being done at the University of Pennsylvania by Dr. Czerniecki and his team. At the Congress in 2014, she also participated in a panel discussion about patient advocacy. A resident of Yardley, Pa., Berner previously served her community as landscape
Currently a 9-12 physical education and health teacher at Frontier School Division Manitoba, Canada, Knox also has worked as a 5-8 physical education teacher at Frontier School Division, a K-9 physical education teacher at Brochet in Manitoba, and an adjunct instructor in the Sport Science Department at Davis & Elkins.
chairperson and later as vice president of the Board of Palmer Farm Village. Berner also is a past member of the Pennington First Aid Squad, Hopewell Township Dispute Committee and the Garden Club of Long Beach Island. She has served on the Board of Deacons, on two pastor nominating committees and as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Titusville, N.J.
In 2015, Knox attracted national attention when he started and successfully completed a GoFundMe campaign to bring 14 young soccer players to a FIFA Women’s World Cup game. The trip was just one effort Knox initiated to enhance youth sports. He also organized free coaching and player clinics from provincial sport organizations to a remote aboriginal community. In addition, he volunteers as a coach for middle school boys basketball, middle school boys and girls indoor soccer, junior varsity boys basketball, varsity boys and girls soccer, and varsity track and field.
The Outstanding Young Alumna/us Award is presented to a young alumna/us who graduated within the last 10 years and shows promise in his or her profession, including professional achievements and honors, community service/ service to others, and commitment to the College. Michael J. Knox graduated from Davis & Elkins in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and a minor in education. He was a four-year starter for the Senator soccer team and a four-time All-WVIAC selection, 2004-2007. He later went on to earn a Master of Science degree in athletic coaching education from West Virginia University in 2010.
Knox is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers, the Manitoba Teachers Society and the Manitoba Physical Education Teachers Association.
Since then, he has shared his passion and talent for athletics with others through his career and community service.
Dr. Katie MacGregor, ’08, a sports medicine physician at the University of Calgary, helped launch Calgary’s first sport concussion clinic last fall. The Acute Concussion Clinic at the University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre serves the public and campus athletes by providing both awareness and medical care.
“
“
By streamlining the process and having a specialty clinic, we are able to see more patients and expedite care. – Dr. Katie MacGregor
Modeled after the University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre’s Acute Knee Injury Clinic, the new concussion clinic is based on self-referrals. New patients will be prompted to fill out a concussion screening tool through an online system, which will be automatically sent to sports
Photo by Riley Brandt, University of Calgary
MacGregor Instrumental in Opening Sport Concussion Clinic
medicine physicians at the clinic for review. “By streamlining the process and having a specialty clinic, we are able to see more patients and expedite care,” says MacGregor. Patients are assessed using the same screening protocols that many professional sports leagues currently use. MacGregor’s interest in sports medicine grew out of her career as a student-athlete at Davis
Dr. Katie MacGregor, ’08, is a physician who has been actively involved in the launch of the Acute Sports Concussion Clinic.
& Elkins where she was a member of the women’s soccer team and women’s ski team. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry, she was admitted to the University of Ottawa and earned her MD in 2012.
Alumni News and Notes
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ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES
Dear
Son of Rocky and Diana L. Conrad VanNoy, ’76, D&E senior Lance VanNoy is in his final season of baseball. See 1976.
Please publish this Alumni Note in the Davis & Elkins College Forward magazine in print and online. Name Maiden name
Class Year Here is my news:
The Swift family. See 1966.
1951 Okey E. Chenoweth Jr., Oakland, N.J., continues to write and teach. He is the host of “The Poets Corner” at Fairleigh Dickenson University – WFDU 89.1 FM, 7:30 a.m. the fourth Sunday of the month. Photo enclosed?
Yes
No
Please update my records: Current Address Email Phone Thank you to the many alumni who submit notes for publication in Forward magazine. We enjoy sharing your news, both in these pages and on our website. If you have a note, please complete and return the form above, or email your note to morganw@dewv.edu. Sending photos? Just mail your prints or disk, or email your photos to our alumni office. If you are sending a digital photo, it should
Cell be 1 MB or larger. Please remember to use high resolution settings on your camera or cell phone. Unfortunately, we are unable to use low resolution images. Send all materials to:
Davis & Elkins College Alumni Office 100 Campus Drive Elkins, WV 26241 or email morganw@dewv.edu.
See more "then and now" photos posted on D&E Facebook! 30 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
1952 Virginia “Ginny” Smith Holborow, Kensington, Md., was surprised during a reunion at Elkins High School with an original copy of the October 13, 1955, The Tiger Cub newspaper that announced her arrival to teach English II and bookkeeping. After graduating from D&E and prior to teaching at EHS, Ginny taught commercial subjects and English for three years at Coalton High School. She was very grateful to her friend Beverly Armentrout, Elkins, W.Va., for keeping the newspaper for her all these years! 1954 Arthur “Art” Hirshey, Merrick, N.Y., is the proud grandfather of two “grown-up” granddaughters.
Marty Layton Barth, ’76, and former first lady of Pennsylvania, Michelle Ridge. See 1976.
Army-Navy Academy’s “Man of the Years” – John A. Maffucci, ’54. See 1954.
Selfie, James D. Wells, ’73. See 1973.
Paul, ’78, and Nancy Cook Estler, ’77, and their family. See 1977.
1954 John A. Maffucci, Oceanside, Calif., retired from Army-Navy Academy after 59 years of service and was honored as “Man of the Years.” John was the athletic director for 43 years and coached football (22 years), basketball (18 years), golf (25 years), baseball (12 years) and cross country (12 years). He also served as director of alumni affairs, ASB adviser, director of transportation and a four-month stint as academy president. 1955 Paul “Bob” Macklin and his wife, Berniece, Hampton, Va., have been blessed in their 59 years together with a great family, seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Their health is pretty good as they enjoy their “octogenarian” years. 1956 Morgan A. Fink Jr. recently bought a house in Satellite Beach, Fla. Currently, it is a vacation spot when he is not in Woodbridge, Va.
1958 William "Bill" Chase and his wife Linda, Chesterfield, Va. have been married for 55 years. They have been blessed with three children, 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Linda has been an educator in public and private Christian schools and is the author of a soon to be published book of worship poems and psalms. Bill has been an elder of Cornerstone Assembly of God for 25 plus years. 1959 Almeda Shimer Huffaker and her husband, Jim, celebrated 52 years of marriage December 28. They live in Lynn Haven, Fla. Mariwyn McClain Smith and her late husband, George A. Smith, '61, met at D&E. They had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary before he passed away in July. Mariwyn continues to live in Thomas, W.Va.
1963 John and Nancy Bohne Locke, '64, Woodcliff Lake, N.J., recently celebrated
Celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary - Bill and Linda Chase. See 1958.
their 51st wedding anniversary. “D&E gave us a wonderful education, an opportunity to find a loving marriage partner and lifelong friendships! Thank you D&E!”
1965 R. Gerald “Gerry” Wright and his wife, the late Harley B. Sandford Wright, visited D&E in spring of 2013. They were pleased with the improvements and changes on campus – it brought back many happy memories for them of their time as students. Gerry continues to reside in Moscow, Idaho. 1966 Gary “Tim” Swift and his family enjoyed their annual vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina this past summer. While there, they were treated to a wonderful performance of The Lost Colony by their son, Jamie. To their surprise, another D&E alumnus was there as well – Bradley Carter, ’15, was making his debut as Old Tom. Tim writes, Brad’s performance was “a job well done!”
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ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES
Allison Carol Rich, daughter of Joe, ’04, and April McKenzie Rich, ’05. See 2004.
Nicki Hinkle, ’04, and her sister, Jennifer, complete “Color Me Rad.” See 2004.
1967 Carole Leland Lutness, Valencia, Calif., received the Lifetime Activist Award for her service to the Santa Clarita Democratic Alliance for Action. The Democratic Alliance for Action, founded in 1994 and chartered by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, share goals that are consistent with the national Democratic Party platform. 1973 James D. Wells, Nitro, W.Va., was recently elected to the position of president-elect of the Eastern Region International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR), an association of public sector human resource professionals from Maine to West Virginia. Jim will serve as president of the Eastern Region in 2016-2017. For numerous years, Jim has maintained professional certification credentials of SPHR, SHRM-SCP and IPMA-CP. Since retiring in February 2008, with more than 33 years of active service with the state of West Virginia, Jim has established his own human resource consulting firm, Human Resource Respond, LLC. 32 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
NFL’s annual Punt, Pass & Kick Competition - George Triplett, son of Jeff and Silvia B. Triplett, ’08, and grandson of George R. Triplett, ’56, and Norma Jean Rector-Triplett. See 2008.
1976 Diana L. Conrad VanNoy taught for 34 years in Randolph County and currently serves as a substitute teacher. Her husband, Rocky, is a retired school counselor and is currently a financial aid consultant for WV Clearing House. Their daughter, Jessica, 29, is a West Virginia University graduate with a master’s degree in public history. She is married to Aaron Kittle, and is assistant director of Prickett's Fort, a living museum in Fairmont, W.Va. Their son, Lance, 22, is a senior at D&E, majoring in business management. He has played baseball for the Senators three years and will play his final season this year. He has been named to the all-conference first team and athletic scholar in the G-MAC Conference. He played in Atwater, Calif., during the summer of 2014 for the Atwater Aviators, a collegiate league, and was recognized as player of the week in the Golden State Collegiate Baseball League. Diana enjoys traveling, most recently returning from a twoweek trip to France and Italy in October. Marsha “Marty” Layton Barth, Wernersville, Pa., author of The Shattering,
continues in prison ministry as a motivational and inspirational speaker. She writes, “God continues to open so many doors.” In March 2015, Marty spoke during a state event for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, where she met several state dignitaries, including the former first lady of Pennsylvania, Michelle Ridge. In April, at another state function, Marty met Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and in October was in Maui, Hawaii, at Barnes and Noble for a book signing. Marty shares, “for me it has never been about selling the book, but getting the healing message and the reality of a God that loves us, to the people.”
1977 Paul, ’78, and Nancy Cook Estler, Huntington, W.Va., have two daughters, both married, and their first grandchild. Their family is healthy and happy. Nancy retired after teaching elementary school for 36 years, while Paul continues to work at his wood-working business, Paul’s Specialties. They love to hear from old friends – look them up on Facebook and in the new D&E Alumni Directory!
Save the Date for These Upcoming D&E Events! March 8-9, 2016 D&E Spring Classic Golf Tournament Sebring, Fla.
April 2, 2016 Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter Longwood Gardens and Half Moon Restaurant & Saloon, Kennett Square, Pa.
May 7, 2016 Maryland Alumni Chapter Tour of Heavy Seas Brewery and Urban Pirate Ship Cruise Baltimore, Md.
May 13-15, 2016 Senator Nation Weekend including Hall of Fame Induction May 20-21, 2016 Commencement Weekend September 16-18, 2016 Family Weekend October 14-16, 2016 Homecoming
Alumni Chapters
For more information on events in your area, make sure to check the D&E website for these Alumni Chapters and Groups: California Bay Area Alumni Group Carolinas Alumni Chapter Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter Florida – Suncoast & Orlando Area Alumni Chapters Indiana Alumni Chapter Maryland Alumni Chapter New York Metro Alumni Chapter Ohio Regional Alumni Chapter Tri-State Alumni Chapter (Western Pa., Northern W.Va. and Eastern Ohio) Virginia Alumni Chapter West Virginia Alumni Chapter Friends of Senator Soccer Nursing Alumni Council
1990 Richard L. "Rich" Hoffman, Greenwood, Ind., was recently appointed director of clinical oncology research at Hematology Oncology of Indiana in Indianapolis, Ind. 1999 In October, Sean P. Gallagher, Berryville, Va., was honored for 10 years of service with FEMA. He received the U. S. Department of Homeland Security Certificate of Federal Service. 2004 In October, Nicole R. “Nicki” Hinkle, Elkins, W.Va., and her sister, Jennifer Heishman, ran “Color Me Rad” in Morgantown, W.Va. Color Me Rad is loosely based on the Hindu Festival of Colors, otherwise known as Holi. The festive colors used are a sign of winter’s end and spring’s new beginnings. Nicki writes, “it was wet and cold, but fun - we were definitely dedicated!” She sends out an invitation to fellow alumni and friends to participate in D&E’s first color run/walk on
Amanda Yeargan Monroe, ’02, and husband, Kirk; David Rutherford; Gerald Lawrence, Jr., ’02; Suzan McClelland Bright, ’71, and friend Ed Linn; Michel, ’49, and Lucylle “Lucy” Chambers DeBaets, ’49; and Wendy Morgan, ‘12 gathered in the Fredericksburg, Va., area on November 7, 2015 at the Potomac Point Winery and Park Lane Tavern for a great time of fun, food and fellowship. The event was even more special as we also celebrated the 68th wedding anniversary of Michel and Lucy – they were married on November 27, 1947.
September 5, 2015, found alumni and friends from the Indiana Alumni Chapter once again gathering to tailgate and cheer on coach Greg Myers and the men’s soccer team in a matchup against Bellarmine University at the University of Indianapolis, Ind., Key Stadium. Those attending were Debbie Payne Fragale, ’81, Alice Fragale and Christiana Fragale; Mickey Owens, ’74, and her sister, Barbara Owens; James Queener, ’90; Bill Pilat, ’61, and his family; Karen Wilmoth, ’83; Jessica Wilmoth; and Wendy Morgan, ‘12.
Saturday, May 7, to be hosted by the Art Club with all proceeds to benefit the Davis & Elkins College Art Department. Joe and April McKenzie Rich, ’05, are the proud parents of a son, Jonathan Hunter Rich, and their newest addition, daughter Allison Carol Rich. Allison was born on July 16, 2014. The Rich family purchased their first home in August 2015 and live in Elkins, W.Va.
2008 Benjamin W. Jones sends greetings from New York, N.Y.! He continues to work in the entertainment industry. A few of Ben’s recent roles were in The Travel Channel’s Monumental Mysteries, HGTV’s Flea Market Flip, and commercials for Samsung and Bud Light. To follow Ben, go to www. benjaminwjones.com. Silvia B. Triplett and her husband, Jeff, are so proud of their son, George. For the third year in a row, George received firstplace honors in the Pittsburgh Steelers’
region of the NFL’s annual Punt, Pass & Kick competition for the 14-15-year-old bracket with a combined measurement of 412 feet for his punt, pass and kick attempts. George’s score in regionals was enough to land him in the top four scorers out of the 32 regions in his age division to compete in the finals that were held on January 3 in Indianapolis, Ind., when the Colts hosted the Houston Texans. George finished a strong second place in his age bracket with a combined score of 393.8 feet. George is a sophomore at Elkins High School where he follows, not only in his father’s footsteps as a kicker at EHS, but also in his grandfather’s footsteps on the gridiron as a member of D&E’s Scarlett Hurricanes. George is the grandson of George R. Triplett, ’56, and Norma Jean Rector-Triplett, ’56. All reside in Elkins, W.Va.
2015 Summer 2015 found Bradley Carter making his debut appearance as Old Tom in The Lost Colony in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Alumni News and Notes
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IN MEMORIAM
T
he individuals listed below include members of the D&E family whose passing we have learned about within the last several months. We remember them here on behalf of all alumni and friends of Davis & Elkins College.
Alumni 1939 1939 1942 1942 1943 1943 1943 1948 1948 1948 1949 1950 1950 1950 1950 1950 1950 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1952 1952 1952 1952 1953
Ward B. Andrews, September 8, 2015 Leigh Ann Hutton Wood, June 21, 2010 Anne E. Haislip, November 30, 2015 Mary P. Snider, date unknown Julia A. Millar Ellis, May 12, 2015 June Bright Kimball, January 4, 2015 Richard G. Polites, September 18, 2015 Clarence H. "Chuck" Conner, November 19, 2015 Norma A. Swink Hinchman, June 30, 2015 Robert G. Yoakum, February 18, 2010 James W. Macomber, August 12, 2011 William M. Benton, December 14, 2015 Betty J. Miller Hershberger, May 23, 2014 Betty Little Liles Intemann, August 26, 2015 Marjorie A. Gibson Miller, October 19, 2015 Charles Wehrle, July 26, 2015 George R. Winkler, October 25, 2015 Stanley G. Gibson, May 12, 2003 Charles G. Hillyard, August 13, 2015 Robert P. McLean, October 14, 2015 Matthew R. Purvis, March 26, 2015 Allen D. Stewart, March 5, 2013 Elizabeth "Betty" Hawes Bragg, September 13, 2015 James Graham, September 26, 2013 Mary B. Liggett, November 26, 2012 Macarius Targonsky, June 27, 2014 Eugenia A. Yarbrough Hanson, September 6, 2015
1953 1953 1953 1953 1954 1954 1954 1954 1954 1955 1955 1956 1957 1957 1959 1960 1961 1961 1961 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1969 1971 1972 1972
Roy Hedrick, November 29, 2015 Calvin P. Herrick Jr., May 7, 2015 Kenneth R. Robson, September 28, 2015 George L. Summers, March 25, 2013 William H. Adams, April 21, 2012 William R. Goddin, July 27, 2015 Rosie W. Nethken Bland, October 3, 2014 Ivan L. Hartman, April 6, 2015 Michael S. Rura, July 13, 2012 Mary L. Lambert, October 16, 2015 Frank C. Perriello, August 30, 2015 Benno Silberman, December 25, 2014 Richard T. "Dick" Griffin, September 7, 2015 Joseph "Chuck" Janecek Jr., September 15, 2015 Richard W. Sattler, September 2014 Brendan A. Smith, December 10, 2015 Paul I. Bowman, date unknown A. Bruce Gibson, November 26, 2015 Norma L. Veazey Lent, July 24, 2015 JoEllen Simpson Watring, November 3, 2014 Anthony DeMatteo, Jr., January 16, 2016 C. Roger Vanture, November 22, 2013 Charles D. Joseph, December 19, 2015 William A. Doyle, February 20, 2015 Kenneth H. Rose, August 10, 2015 Sarah "Jan" Spinks Van Metre, June 28, 2015 Patricia C. Epperson, July 22, 2015 Gary L. Kreps, July 9, 2015 Beda G. Johnson Ludlow Willis, October 31, 2002
See more "then and now" photos posted on D&E Facebook! 34 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
1973 1974 1975 1976 1976 1978 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1987 1996 1998 2007
David B. Martin, August 2, 2015 Malcolm C. Cantwel, July 18, 2008 Jane V. Watson Danz, November 25, 2015 Edward "Des" Park, October 25, 2014 Ken I. Saunders, June 25, 2012 Reta M. Armstrong, October 26, 2015 Judith M. Mace, July 3, 2014 Marty L. White, December 16, 2015 Robert E. Douglas, October 12, 2015 Amy J. Snedeker, June 2015 Vicki A. Whytsell Wotring Walters, November 23, 2011 T. McClellan "Mac" Pritt, September 5, 2015 Brenda K. Carr, December 13, 2015 Charles R. Simmons, July 24, 2014 William T. Kirk, December 11, 2014
FRIENDS & FAMILY Mary L. Martin Glah, August 21, 2015 Former Student Eleanore "Ellie" Lesser, October 11, 2015 Former Employee Dorothy "Tillie" Montoney, August 14, 2015 Former Employee Robert T. "Tom" Oliphant Jr. , May 23, 2015 Great Grandson of Stephen B. Elkins Cheryl A. Miller Shimp, November 24, 2015 Former Student Yvonne Valentine, August 15, 2015 Former Employee
Dr. Russell G. Fitzgerald Former Chair of the Education Program Dr. Russell G. Fitzgerald, former chair of the education program, director of teacher education and certification, and professor of education, died Thursday, October 15, 2015, in Lynchburg, Va., at age 84. Dr. Fitzgerald served at Davis & Elkins from 1989 to 1994.
Rev. Samuel J. Marshall Former Trustee The Rev. Samuel J. Marshall, a former member of the Davis & Elkins College Board of Trustees, died November 7, 2015, at St. Mary's Hospice House in Watkinsville, Ga., at age 89. Marshall served on the Board of Trustees from 1968 to 1975. He was ordained as a minister of the United Presbyterian Church by the Presbytery of
William David Winters Student Davis & Elkins College student William David “Will” Winters of Fairfax, Va., died Friday, December 18, 2015, as the result of injuries suffered in an automobile accident near his home. He was a sophomore at the time of his death. A hospitality major, Winters was a member of the Davis & Elkins Hospitality Club and worked in
Dr. Fitzgerald also served as president of the West Virginia Association of Teacher Educators, editor of the West Virginia ATE Journal of Education Research, a consultant and evaluator for the West Virginia Governor's Committee on Education and a member of the West Virginia Council on Professional Education. Later in his career, he was president of Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. As a representative on the U.S. Secretary of Education's Advisory Council, he was invited by President George W. Bush to participate in the initiation of the No Child Left Behind program.
Mahoning June 9, 1954, at Christ United Presbyterian Church in Canton, Ohio. During his career, Marshall served churches in New Jersey, Maryland, Michigan, West Virginia and Alaska. His service to the Presbyterian Church included the General Council of the Synod of West Virginia, chairman of the Interpretation and Stewardship Committee and several national committees. In addition, he was elected president of the West Virginia Council of Churches. As a member of the Marine Corps, 4th Division during World War II, Marshall participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima and received the Purple Heart.
Benedum Dining Room and with the College catering service. He was also a member of Alpha Sigma Phi. Davis & Elkins hosted a memorial service at the beginning of the spring semester giving students, faculty and staff the opportunity to share memories honoring Winters’ life. He is survived by his parents, Christopher and Patricia Winters; sister, Alex Winters; grandmother, Zuni Rojas; and numerous other loving family members.
In Memoriam
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with Martin White By Nanci Bross-Fregonara
Martin White, D&E’s new director of campus safety and security, comes from Pittsburgh with an impressive set of bullet points on his resume. His experiences range from keeping the campus of Carnegie Mellon safe to maritime training for merchants travelling through the pirate-infested Liberian seas. Add to that his current role as an assistant pastor at Lighthouse Cathedral Church in downtown Pittsburgh and you have a set of skills that curiously seem to make perfect sense for his new position.
shape with a long-term goal of getting all our policies and procedures up to national standards. We’ve already started working on those and I have a great team here to help. In September we will undertake a county-wide emergency preparedness drill, which is critical in this day and age. It will be a collaboration with area EMS teams, fire departments, city police and other first responders and the first time something like this, on this scale, has been planned.
You’ve been travelling around the world for years as a maritime security trainer and have experience as a police officer at a much larger university. What attracted you to D&E?
To be honest, I had never heard of D&E or even Elkins before. I just happened to see the posting online. But when I got here, I was attracted by its family atmosphere; it’s not a business setting. In the couple of months that I’ve been here I’ve met almost everyone! What’s on your to-do list? I see you have a strong background in training and security procedures. Now that I’ve had time to process what we need, I’ve been able to prioritize. The first step is to get all the infrastructure in great
36 | Davis & Elkins College Forward
What are the changes you’ve seen in campus security from when you started in 1987? Back then, most student-based issues were related to alcohol consumption, and drinking was more tolerated. Now we have a swing with stronger no alcohol policies and a switch to amnesty rather than punishment. We want to make sure the kids are safe. In other words, you won’t be punished if you let us know something or take care of someone. There has also been a pendulum swing with Title IX. Years ago, no one really talked about it or fully understood it. The real turning point came after the false allegations at Duke and then the situation at Penn State. That changed everything. Photo by Nanci Bross-Fregonara
The initial attraction was that D&E is a small school. When I was at Carnegie Mellon, where there are 10,000 students, I was in charge of a single department. Now I have the opportunity to be in the command position. I can do a lot of things here. I’m excited.
to this college community is not far removed from what I do with my life.
When you told your friends of your plans to become campus security director, did they ask if you were crazy? (Laughs) Well, they did wonder why I would come to a smaller school. ‘Why are you going backwards?’ they said. But, I wanted to stop all the long-distance travelling and now I am only three hours away from where my home and my church are. I can have more work/ life balance. The work balance is easy because this is who I am. Bringing something positive
If you could tell a college student one thing on their first day (because you know that’s all they’ll let you), what would it be?
(Pauses) That’s a good question. I think I would tell them it is important to have a connection with a higher power and to have that connection so ingrained that it helps you with your decision-making. I truly believe that many of today’s problems are due to a lack of spirituality. You need something greater than yourself as a guide to life.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Hallie Gets a New Hat By Linda Howell Skidmore
“
Buck and the Board of Trustees are committed to funding capital projects in advance through gifts from individuals, private foundations and other grant sources. Having two lead gifts in hand plus the preservation grant allowed us to start the project before winter. We are so grateful that was possible.
“
– Carol Schuler, vice president for
Photo by Wendy Morgan
Generous lead gifts from two private donors combined with grant funds and mild weather helped fast-track the roof replacement on the 125-year-old Halliehurst mansion during the late fall.
development
Leaking, with shingles missing and roof railings blown away, Halliehurst was in desperate need of a new “hat.” Private gifts from two families – one a stock gift of more than $72,000 and the other a combined cash and stock gift of more than $30,000 - got fundraising off to a quick start in combination with a $55,000 matching grant from the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office, Division of Culture and History.
Carol Schuler, vice president for development, noted that the early funding was critical for moving the project forward. “Buck and the Board of Trustees are committed to funding capital projects in advance through gifts from individuals, private foundations and other grant sources. Having two lead gifts in hand plus the preservation grant allowed us to start the project before winter. We are so grateful that was possible.” With late fall temperatures in Elkins hovering in the 50s and 60s, workers with Pioneer Roofing began the project in mid-November and continued throughout December. Work included removal and abatement of existing asbestos shingles, replacement of roofing section and shingles, and installation of flashing.
Alumni Director Wendy Morgan had to erect a tent in her office near the third floor ballroom to keep dry before the work was completed on the roof above her head.
In December, an additional grant of $100,000 was received from The Daywood Foundation in Charleston, W.Va., thanks to the efforts of Trustee Newt Thomas, bringing the total funds in hand and committed to the project to more
Contractors took advantage of the warmer winter temperatures to work on repairing and replacing the roof on Halliehurst.
than $275,000. Now, it’s up to alumni to “top off ” giving for the project. “With the very gracious help of the National Alumni Council, we will be contacting alumni who may have a special connection to Halliehurst. Many alumni lived here and many others attended classes or choir. But, of course, we welcome gifts from every class – the more the merrier!” says Schuler. A second phase of repairs to Halliehurst is in the planning stages and includes painting where needed and replacement of the original roof railing that was damaged in a winter storm in January 2009. For more information on making a gift to the Hat for Hallie campaign, please contact Vice President for Development Carol Schuler at schulerc@ dewv.edu or 304-637-1338. Or give online today at https://secure.dewv.edu/ giveonline.
Making a Difference
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