[ Winter 2017 ] Commentary

C OMMENTARY THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF COKER COLLEGE – HARTSVILLE, SC

INSPIRING PASSION FOR

LIFELONG LEARNING

Our new strategic plan for a thriving campus community CHANGE IN THE WAKE OF THE STORM Hurricane Matthew unites a community in unexpected ways

EMBRACING TRANS4MATIONS A student leaves his comfort zone for the ruins of Ancient Greece

W I N T E R

2016 VOL. 46, NO. 1

WINTER 2017 | VOL. 46, NO. 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITORIAL TEAM OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL IDENTITY KYLE SAVERANCE ‘06 Vice President for Institutional Identity & Information Technology DANIELLE POUPORE Director of Institutional Identity

A MESSAGE FROM DR. ROBERT L. WYATT PRESIDENT of the COLLEGE

IN THIS ISSUE | FEATURE STORIES

ALEC GASCHEN Visual Communications Manager SETH JOHNSON ‘12 Video Production & Broadcast Media Specialist

Dear Friends & Coker Family, The past several months have been a period of great growth for Coker College. We saw record enrollment numbers, received

OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

accolades in publications like the Princeton Review and Washington

DR. WILLIAM CARSWELL Vice President for Institutional Advancement

department’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, cheered on

PEGGY SMITH Advancement Officer

Monthly, enjoyed student events like the fall formal and the theatre our student-athletes (#GoCobras), and even saw the much-anticipated opening of a new and improved College Avenue!

These, of course, are just a few of the remarkable things that

SHELLI WILSON Director of Alumni Engagement

happened in our community since the last edition of the Commentary.

DEE PIERCE Manager of Resource Development

want to draw your attention to one such initiative: the college’s new

DEVIN JENNINGS ‘12 Associate for Advancement & Alumni Engagement

values and will serve as a guiding light as we seek to constantly

KEVIN M c CORMICK ‘15 Associate for Advancement & Alumni Engagement

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ELIZABETH COXE HUBBARD MOLLY BARARI KELLY CLISHAM

You will read about many others in the pages that follow. I especially five-year strategic plan, which highlights our strongest institutional

4 INSPIRING PASSION FOR LIFELONG LEARNING The 2016-2021 Strategic Plan positions Coker College for continued success, with special focus on academic innovation, adult education, preparation of the Homeland Generation, and becoming a destination of choice.

12 EMBRACING TRANS4MATIONS Senior Matthew Stalnaker reflects on his “study away” trip to Greece last summer, taken as part of Coker’s Trans4mations program.

14 CHANGE IN THE WAKE OF THE STORM As Hurricane Matthew moved through Hartsville this past October, the lights went out, trees tumbled down—and our campus community came together.

improve the Coker student experience. I look forward to hearing— and sharing—the inspiring stories that will come as a result of our collaborative efforts. The growth outlined for our future is made possible by the strength of our community, particularly those members of our newly created Coker Society, an organization composed of our most generous donors.

In closing, I thank you all for being a part of our Cobra family. Your philanthropy, support, and unbridled love for our college continue to make this place special for so many of us. Whether you are a longtime alum, or just now beginning your Coker story, I am thrilled

10 BIG DREAMS & SMALL BITES Student speaker Ashley Ruff, ‘16, delivered the following address during the Winter 2016 Commencement Ceremony at Coker College

16 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Trixi DeRosa-Davis, ‘03, 2016 recipient of the iNACOL Blended and Online Learning Teacher of the Year Award.

that you have found your home here.

18 COKER SOCIETY

21 SHOW YOUR #COKERPRIDE!

Upcoming events and VIP benefits make the giving experience special for members of the Coker Society.

Students, alumni, and friends of the college showcase their #CokerPride on social media.

22 CLASS NEWS

19 NEWS BRIEFS Highlights from a busy semester in the Coker community

20 CALENDAR OF EVENTS A sneak peek at the months ahead

Alumni news and notes from class representatives

23 RECOGNITIONS Alumni awards and recognitions

Sincerely,

Robert L. Wyatt

coker.edu | cokercobras.com

LEARN

CONNECT

ACHIEVE

GROW

ENGAGE

ADVANCE

academics & faculty news

athletics & campus life

awards & accolades

looking toward the future

coker in the community

alumni news

To know Coker is to love Coker.

For decades, our institution has enchanted students as they catch their first glimpse of Davidson Hall standing proud at the center of campus. As those same students continue through their education, they are nurtured and supported by dedicated faculty and staff. They take their seat at the iconic round table, where they have the opportunity to learn through the most time-proven of methods—thoughtful discussion with peers and professors. By the time they leave us, our students are practiced at thinking critically, communicating effectively, and offering positive contributions to their communities.

That is the classic Coker story: one of success achieved through hard work, commitment to a better world, and belief in the transformative power of education. This is an environment where excellence is developed, where people come to

1.

ACADEMIC INNOVATION

& GROWTH

PREPARING THE

3. HOMELAND

GENERATION

create their own stories and learn to write the narratives they want for their future.

In short, we believe in lifelong learning, and we believe in teaching our students how to continue growing long after they’ve crossed our graduation stage. Now, as an institution, we are applying those very same values in our own work, as we begin the next chapter in our Coker story: the Strategic Plan, 2016-2021.

This five-year plan highlights our vision for the future of Coker College and its place in the modern higher education landscape. Just as importantly, it outlines the priorities and initiatives that will bring our vision to fruition. As our campus community deliberated the goals and details of the plan, four major themes emerged:

2. A LEADER IN

ADULT EDUCATION

BECOMING THE

4. DESTINATION

OF CHOICE

Between now and 2021, we are re-committing our efforts to support these themes, all of which contribute to our mission of inspiring passion for lifelong learning.

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Theme 1 ACADEMIC INNOVATION & GROWTH

Theme 2 A LEADER IN ADULT EDUCATION

Every student comes to us full of potential, even if they don’t recognize that potential in themselves at first. No matter a student’s background, interests, talents, or personal challenges, Coker will help them to achieve their personal best.

Coker College was one of the first schools in the region to offer adult education courses. Now, we want to be the best. As students of all ages and a variety of backgrounds come to Coker to transform their lives, they are bringing the benefits of their education back to their communities. Our Adult Degree Program has an enormous impact, not just on our students and their families, but on our region and society as a whole.

Students at Coker don’t just learn skills to prepare them for a job; they get an education that will serve them throughout a successful career. Long after their first post-college job, the values taught here–critical thinking, communication, curiosity, and a willingness to learn–will continue to deliver professional benefits.

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Theme 3 PREPARING THE HOMELAND GENERATION

Theme 4 BECOMING THE DESTINATION OF CHOICE

Like the generations before them, the Homeland Generation (also known as “Gen Z,” or “PostMillennials”) are a group of complex, diverse individuals. There is, of course, no one-size-fits-all approach to educating them. We can, however, consider new and improved means of effectively supporting students within this demographic.

Like the students themselves, we can embrace flexibility around shifts in technology, and approach communication with greater fluidity. We can provide them with opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around them. We can inspire them to make it better.

Coker College is not a place where professionals come to settle. We are a dynamic, curious community, and we believe that we are at our best when we surround ourselves with inquisitive, thoughtful people. Providing a positive working environment for high-quality faculty and staff is key to the ongoing growth of our institution.

As we commit ourselves to excellence, we also recognize that the surrounding city of Hartsville plays an essential role in our students’ holistic experience. We will continue to look for new ways to collaborate with city government and local organizations, ensuring that the community benefits from Coker as much as Coker benefits from the community.

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LEARN

“TODAY, YOU BECOME A GRADUATE OF COKER”

WALT N. GEORGE

Chair of the Coker College Board of Trustees & Winter 2016 Commencment Speaker

Celebrating Winter 2016 Commencement

On December 17, 2016, a new group of graduates crossed the stage in the Harris E. and Louise H. DeLoach Center, enjoying their moment of transition from students to Coker College alumni. Mr. Walter (Walt) N. George, III, Chair of the Coker College Board of Trustees, delivered the commencement address and received an honorary degree, the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

In his remarks, George encouraged the class of 2016 to make their mark on the world: “I would urge you to find your cause,” he told the crowd. “Find your passion. Find your reason to give to others and then make it an equal part of your life plan.

Make it part of your day. Make it part of who you are.”

“Find your passion...Make it part of who you are.”

It was advice delivered with conviction, buoyed by George’s own dedication to select causes—including his passion for Coker College. In addition to serving on Coker’s Board of Trustees since 2010 and as its chair since 2015, Walt George and his wife, Susan, are members of Coker College’s Lifetime Giving Society, which honors the college’s most generous donors. One of their gifts resulted in the naming of the Susan K. and Walter N. George Residential Hall, the second residential facility in The Village at Byerly Place.

operating positions with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a subsidiary of Colgate Palmolive Company. He also serves on the boards of directors of Vision Bank, Freshpet, Inc., The Morris Animal Foundation and Old World Spice and Seasoning Company.

“Always remember that we are here for you, and this is your home.”

Throughout his speech to the Coker graduates, George continued to impart wisdom on the class of 2016: “Know who you are. Ensure you are who you want to be, and here’s why: because when you are sure you know and you declare it to be so, then no amount of high wind can blow you off course and no detour will take you in a direction you don’t want to travel.”

“Ensure you are who you want to be.”

“Today, you become a graduate of Coker,” George said in closing. “You are now a part of the Coker legacy. Always remember that we are here for you, and this is your home.”

BACHELOR’S DEGREES ON

70 GRADUATES

TIMOTHY BOONE , ASSOCIATE LECTURER OF CHEMISTRY

AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE, WAS THE

19 INDIVIDUALS WERE GRANTED

George is currently the president of G3 Consulting, LLC, which he founded in 2013 as a specialty consultancy, enhancing value for food and consumer product companies. He was previously president of American Italian Pasta Co., the largest pasta maker in North America, from 2001-2013. During this time, he also served as the Corporate Vice President of RalCorp Holdings Inc. Prior to this, he held a number of senior

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COKER COLLEGE CONFERRED

2016 RECIPIENT OF THE DISTINGUISHED ADJUNCT

PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR AWARD.

MASTER’S DEGREES

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&

LEARN

BIG DREAMS SMALL BITES

Student speaker Ashley Ruff, ‘16, delivered the following address during the Winter 2016 Commencement Ceremony at Coker College.

Several years ago, my friend asked me to drive with him across the country so that he could take his newly purchased—but very used—truck back to his college campus. I looked at the road-weary vehicle and contemplated the 2000 mile journey it would be required to complete. I calculated the probability of success to be…minimal.

Sensing my hesitation, he pleaded, “Come on, can’t we do it if we take small bites?” He was referring to the well-known quote, “Anyone can eat an elephant if they take one bite at a time”. Admiring his enthusiasm and determination, I reluctantly agreed and we mapped out a course of “small bites.” We didn’t focus on the entire journey because it was overwhelming. Instead, we committed to travel to Atlanta. Surely, his truck could complete a four hour trip! And it did. Once there, we immediately reset our goal and headed for Nashville. By continually setting new goals, we successfully crossed 2000 miles and reached our final destination.

“Before coming to Coker, some of us... were afraid to start what we might not be able to finish.”

Many of us here today are completing a similar journey: After all, it’s a long haul from that first college class to earning a bachelor’s degree. Some of us faced severe financial challenges along the way, and in the Adult Degree Program, most of us already had a plateful of family and work-related obligations. Before coming to Coker, some of us had spent years doubting our academic preparation, and were afraid to start what we might not be able to finish. My own journey started almost ten years ago when my world was turned upside down. I became a single parent, and my finances quickly went into a steep downward spiral. Before long, the doors to financial security seemed firmly and completely shut. On the brink of bankruptcy, I knew what I needed to do. I spent many sleepless nights thinking about my options—This was

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a big elephant! So I mapped out a course that included many “small bites,” and I took that first bite five years ago. After a 17-year lapse in education, I submitted my application to Coker College. I was terrified.

Never could I have imagined that one day I would speak here, at a ceremony where I’d receive a bachelor’s degree in business. Yet, here I am. And here you are. We did it! Perhaps for some of you, this is just one leg of your academic journey.

If so, don’t stop here. Take a breath, hug your family and friends, grab a quick nap if you must, and then get right back behind the wheel and continue until you reach your dream destination. For those of us who have finished our formal education, now comes the moment we have dreamed of and worked towards. Our Coker College journey may be ending, but we have arrived at a place full of opportunity.

Before us are choices that didn’t exist before we obtained our degrees. There is so much we can do, and that we ought to do. Our nation and our world are troubled in many areas.

We are facing economic challenges that surpass any we have ever known. Our military is stretched around the globe, protecting so many with too few. We are in the midst of a global healthcare crisis, and the news reminds us daily that there are complicated social, technological, and ethical problems to be solved. The world needs us.

“The world needs us.”

It needs our knowledge, our experience, and our perseverance. We have proven that we are capable of solving these problems. We no longer view obstacles as road blocks, but rather as stepping stones to accomplish what we set out to do. We have learned to analyze a problem to discover possible solutions; we have learned to think for ourselves; we know how to research for answers, to organize ideas, to communicate our vision; and whether we wanted to or not, we have become skilled at working collaboratively in team efforts.

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By far, the most important thing we have learned in this journey is to believe in ourselves. We have seen a glimmer of the incredible, unique people we truly are and have recognized our unlimited potential. We have proven that we can do hard things, and that sometimes, we have to accept help from others along the way.

Much of that help came from those seated in the audience today. We are surrounded by family and friends who rejoice with us in this accomplishment. We appreciate the sacrifices you have willingly made to allow us this opportunity. This moment would not have been possible without the village of family, friends, and co-workers who have supported us, encouraged us—and even, at times, shouldered our responsibilities so that we could concentrate on those endless discussion questions, team projects and individual papers! We have also had incredible professors, instructors and facilitators, who not only taught us, but believed in us before we believed in ourselves. To all of you, we say “thank you!” Thank you for lifting us to these heights. We love and appreciate each of you.

of triumph that my fellow graduates and I feel. We started from so many places, from a wide disparity of backgrounds, with varying abilities and different dreams. Today, we stand together, united in our accomplishments.

We have risen to the challenge of becoming more than who we were at the beginning of our journey. We will rise even higher as we exit these doors to continue to tackle real-world challenges. We will be part of the solution that makes this a brighter world, with a smoother path for our posterity.

I am honored to represent you on this stage today. You are a talented and proficient group of people who have accomplished much, and you will yet accomplish more. We know we can rise to any challenge, because we have each truly become a Cobra!

ASHLEY RUFF ‘16

Student Speaker, Winter Commencement

Yet, as excited as our supporters are, as proud as they may be, as joyful as this moment is for them, it cannot touch the feeling

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LEARN “In Athens, I was surprised to learn that I could walk very far, and everything in the city was so small,” said Stalnaker.

“I’d say the biggest difference between Greece and the U.S. would have to be the mindset. My teachers referred to it as the ‘Greek Mentality.’”

Stalnaker has always been fascinated with other cultures— especially languages. In fact, he has taught himself several languages. He embraces a quote from Charlemagne: “To have another language is to possess another soul.”

To Stalnaker, learning languages is a spiritual experience.

He has accessed YouTube, taught himself with books, talked to people online, and taken many classes to absorb as much as possible.

EMBRACING TRANS4MATIONS STUDENT PROFILE: MATTHEW STALNAKER

Throughout their years at Coker College, students are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones, learning to embrace different cultures and adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and experiences. These are the goals of the Trans4mations program, which all students must complete before graduation.

The Trans4mations program is designed to help students excel in four key areas: academics; community service; studying outside the gates of the college; and a capstone project which ties the learning together. By the time a Coker student graduates, we hope that he or she has transformed personally and professionally—with expanded life skills, a greater knowledge base, and an increased appreciation for diversity.

One Coker student, who recently completed his Trans4mations Study Abroad requirement, is a shining example of someone who has stepped out of his comfort zone and succeeded.

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Matthew Stalnaker is a senior who took a trip to Athens, Greece, this past summer. He first learned about Dr. Margaret Godbey’s Study Abroad trip to Greece last year and immediately expressed interest. While the planned excursion was unfortunately cancelled, Dr. Godbey asked Stalnaker if he might want to take the trip independently.

After much deliberation and soul-searching, he agreed to forge ahead on his own with the support of his friends and family.

“I wanted to learn Greek because it’s part of the legacy of the ancient world we all have gained so much from,” said Stalnaker. “Aside from that, it lets me understand words – and even English grammar – a lot better. Plus, it sounds and looks really cool to me.” German is next on the list of languages he hopes to tackle.

“I wanted to learn Greek because it’s part of the legacy of the ancient world we all have gained so much from.”

“I would like everyone to know that going so far out of your comfort zone can be the best learning experience you could ever hope for,” said Stalnaker. “If you approach traveling or learning abstract concepts in a confident manner, you will learn so much about yourself.”

“I would like everyone to know that going so far out of your comfort zone can be the best learning experience you could ever hope for.”

After landing in Athens, Stalnaker stayed in a neighborhood called Pangrati for three weeks. During his time there, he visited historical sites around Athens, took an excursion to ancient Olympia, and even took part in a Greek language immersion class, which allowed him to meet people from all walks of life.

“To have another language is to possess another soul.”

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CONNECT

Photo taken by Jana E. Pye, Class of 2001

In early October 2016, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley didn’t take any chances prior to category two Hurricane Matthew’s predicted landfall.

Starting the afternoon of Wednesday, October 5, inland schools were closed for the remainder of the week, including Coker College, in preparation of evacuations of the state’s coastal areas.

The storm made landfall in Hartsville late Friday night, October 7, into early Saturday morning, October 8, with a little more than half of Coker’s residential students remaining on campus.

When residents awoke that Saturday morning, Hurricane Matthew was busy stirring up trouble. Winds were blowing 25mph with gusts up to 45mph.

Roads were impassable due to flooding, debris or downed power lines.

Trees were down across many roads, power lines, houses and cars. Most of Hartsville was without power. Darlington County was declared a disaster area by President Barack Obama at the request of Governor Haley. Five storm-related deaths were reported in the state.

Coker’s campus, along with Kalmia Gardens, had a total of 52 trees either completely uprooted or damaged.

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One tree fell on a campus building, causing minor damage, while another totaled two college facilities vehicles and a golf cart. An additional three personal vehicles were either damaged or destroyed from fallen trees.

Several campus buildings were missing shingles and one residence hall had a broken window. The college went without power for five days.

52 trees either completely uprooted or damaged Due to the extensive damage from Hurricane Matthew, Coker didn’t reopen on Monday, October 10, as originally planned. Instead, fall break was extended and classes were cancelled the week of October 10-14, with nearly 100 students remaining on campus.

Residence halls remained open and essential school personnel remained on campus to ensure student needs were met. The dining hall operated on limited hours, still providing three meals a day, as well as a chance for students to charge their devices thanks to generator power.

On Monday, October 10, the Charles W. & Joan S. Coker Library-Information Technology Center had both power and internet access restored. That

evening, the LITC hosted a “Lights On!” party with movies and board games, offering students a chance to enjoy some fellowship, electricity and internet access, three things crucial to the happiness of any college student.

On Tuesday, October 11, the LITC continued to be a haven for students staying on campus. That evening, more games were played and good samaritans brought pizza, cupcakes and doughnuts. On Wednesday, October 12, the college hosted a cookout

in front of iconic Davidson Hall. On Thursday, October 13, campus power and internet had been restored.

Campus-wide recovery efforts were aided by a number of college and community leaders. Sodexo Dining Services made sure, with or without power, everyone had three meals a day. The Facilities Department staff cleaned up fallen trees and debris, keeping campus safe. Campus Safety officers kept campus secure and offered escorts on those pitch-black nights. Student Experience and Residence Life staff provided 24/7 support and monitored the residence halls throughout the storm.

“The crisis response measures executed by the faculty and staff were phenomenal during Hurricane Mattthew,” said Tymon Graham, Director of Residence Life at Coker College.

“Many faculty and staff spent numerous hours on campus, caring for the safety and well-being of our students throughout the days with no power.

After the hurricane, Campus Dining and the Student Experience Office organized a cookout for students.

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The campus worked to facilitate some really good programming for students, as well. The nights in LITC seemed to be a student favorite.”

Coker student Trisha Thompson.

“The understanding and cooperation from residents during Hurricane Matthew was also beyond phenomenal,” said Graham. “The campus truly came together during this time to support and care for one another.”

“Many faculty and staff spent numerous hours on campus, caring for the “We definitely bonded even safety and well-being of our more with our community, students . . .” and one more time I saw Duke Energy linemen worked diligentthat Coker is a wonderful ly to get power back to campus, along and friendly place. I’m very with the thousands of other community members without lights. Hartsville proud to be part of it.”

Police and Fire Departments worked with Coker to make sure students stayed safe. The City of Hartsville and Darlington County helped Coker stay informed about local emergency responses and disaster relief efforts.

If there is one positive thing that Hurricane Matthew brought with it, it’s the gift of togetherness. “As the storm passed, everyone helped each other with whatever was needed,” said

“I felt that all of the students, professors, and staff on campus were very united [during Hurricane Matthew],” said Coker student Gabriel Castro.

“We definitely bonded even more with our community, and one more time I saw that Coker is a wonderful and friendly place. I’m very proud to be part of it.”

Coker College established a Disaster Relief Fund in response to numerous inquiries by the community on how to help the college support its restoration efforts.

Anyone interested in donating can visit coker.edu/disaster-relief-fund.

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ACHIEVE she’s always in touch with parents and students via text, email, and Skype. “They text me all the time,” DeRosa-Davis says of her students. “It’s one of the ways they’re most comfortable communicating. I’ll communicate with them any way they’ll communicate with me.”

With a shortage of foreign language teachers in the state, DeRosa-Davis still teaches part-time in the traditional classroom. She also shares her love of teaching with college students as an adjunct at University of South Carolina Upstate. “It allows me to connect with future teachers. I get to share my wisdom with them.”

Alumni Spotlight

TRIXI DEROSA-DAVIS It’s no surprise that Trixi DeRosa-Davis, ’03 is the 2016 recipient of the Blended and Online Learning Teacher of the Year Award from the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL). This dedicated teacher has spent the last 13 years inspiring a love of learning in students at all grade levels, from elementary school through college.

DeRosa-Davis credits Coker College’s faculty with helping to shape her commitment to education. Since graduation, DeRosa-Davis has kept in touch with Dr. Cathleen Cuppett, who helped to hone her talents. “She’s a great mentor, someone who cares a lot about her students, and she turns that into great relationships.”

“I was one of those who was always playing teacher growing up,” says DeRosa-Davis. Planning to teach music, she earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and double majored in Spanish. The plot twist in her story came during a job interview: The district offered to hire her that same day — as a Spanish teacher. “It just kind of transformed,” she says of her original career plan. “I’ve always enjoyed Spanish. A new passion developed.”

“She’s a great mentor, someone who cares a lot about her students, and she turns that into great relationships.”

“I’ve always enjoyed Spanish. A new passion developed.”

DeRosa-Davis is currently a Spanish instructor and world languages lead teacher for VirtualSC, a state-sponsored online program of the South Carolina Department of Education, serving students in grades 7 - 12, as well as adult students across the state. She’s been teaching full-time for VirtualSC for the last five years and was named the 2016 VirtualSC Teacher of the Year. Prior to her online career, she spent eight years teaching in traditional brick-and-mortar schools at all grade levels.

“They text me all the time. It’s one of the ways they’re most comfortable communicating. I’ll communicate with them any way they’ll communicate with me.”

Of course she’ll take these new ideas back to the classroom to keep her work fresh and innovative. “Constantly be learning. If you stop learning, then you stop teaching. If we want our students to embrace learning, then we have to embrace learning.”

Connection is a running theme for DeRosa-Davis. When she attended iNACOL’s 2016 Symposium in San Antonio to accept her Teacher of the Year award, she spent three days networking with other educators. “I got to meet a lot of amazing people who are working to do great things, not just online, but also in personalized education.”

“Constantly be learning. If you stop learning, then you stop teaching. If we want our students to embrace learning, then we have to embrace learning.”

Following her mentor’s lead, DeRosa-Davis puts extra focus on developing relationships with her online students.

She likes to infuse her personality and sense of humor into lessons to help build a rapport. DeRosa-Davis invents silly words and phrases to help students remember concepts and keep content fresh. She also delves into her musical background, making up her own lyrics to hit songs. Her version of “One Call Away” reminds students to reach out to her at any time.

The constant connection is one of the things DeRosa-Davis enjoys most about the virtual classroom. “One of the great things about online teaching and learning is that learning happens all the time. Students have access to courses 24/7. There’s no set schedule.” Though she doesn’t have the benefit of stopping a lesson to answer a question,

“One of the great things about online teaching and learning is that learning happens all the time. Students have access to courses 24/7. There’s no set schedule.”

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GROW

Join Us

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

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

AT UPCOMING

COKER SOCIET Y E VENTS

INCLUDING: Hall of Fame reception during Homecoming (tickets to Hall of Fame induction and dinner sold separately)

M en's Vocal Ensemble concert and reception

VIP seating and reception at the spring play

M onthly breakfasts with President Robert L. Wyatt

Reception at the Celebration of Academics Performing Arts Showcase

C oker Chamber Series event

1. New Faculty Coker College welcomed nine incoming full-time faculty members for the 2016-2017 academic year: Dr. Julie Bryant, Kyria Flynn, Dr. Casey Gilewski, Dr. Valerie Granger, Nate Gulledge, Dr. Brian Heslop, Danny Malone, Dr. Dustin Ousley and Alyssa Reiser Prince.

2. Record Enrollment

Betty and Charles Sullivan chat with President Wyatt during a reception in the Black Box Theater on December 2, 2016.

Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Graham Wood at the December 9, 2016 piano concert

Michael and Carol Atkinson ‘73, are joined by Board of Trustees member Gayle Sawyer ‘70 and her husband, George, at the Black Box Theater.

Interested in joining the Coker Society? Contact Peggy Smith at (843) 383-8178 or email peggy.smith@coker.edu for more information.

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Enrollment for the fall of 2016 is the largest in Coker College’s 108-year history. The four traditional undergraduate classes are the largest the school has ever enrolled (811 students) with total enrollment at an impressive 1,186 students.

4. Criminology Bridge Program with NETC

7. Princeton Review - Best Southeastern Colleges

Coker College has partnered with Northeastern Technical College (NETC) in Cheraw, S.C., to offer a Criminology Bridge Program for NETC students.

Coker College has been named in the Princeton Review’s “2017 Best Colleges: Region by Region” web feature for the 12th consecutive year. Coker is one of just 139 schools in the Southeast awarded this distinction, which identifies “academically outstanding” colleges and universities.

5. US News & World Report America’s Best Colleges, 2017 For the 21st consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has named Coker College one of America’s Best Colleges in its 2017 rankings. Coker ranks as the sixth best in regional colleges in the south.

6. Welcoming New Board Members

3. Washington Monthly - Top 100 Issue

Coker was happy to welcome two additions to our Board of Trustees this year:

Washington Monthly’s September/October 2016 issue ranks Coker College No. 19 among national universities offering bachelor’s degrees. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Coker has been ranked in the magazine’s top 100.

John Cerasani, a senior vice president with Risk Strategies Company, and Eliza Ingle, a professor of dance at the College of Charleston, who has been elected for a second time to the Coker College Board of Trustees.

8. Lewis Sharp Hosts Atlanta Alumni Social Lewis Sharp hosted a Coker alumni social at his home in Atlanta. Here at the event, Lewis is pictured (center) with Student Government Association President Jamez Taylor and men’s basketball coach Aric Samuel.

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ENGAGE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

10-12

24-25

Homecoming See the full schedule of events & register at bit.ly/cokerhomecoming17

Dance Concert (Faculty & Guest Artist)

MARCH 18

30

31

Oyster Roast at Kalmia Gardens Tickets required. For more information, call Shelli Wilson at 843-383-8082 Musical Theatre Production: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Through April 2. For more information, call Graham Wood at (843) 383-8065 Coker Society Reception & VP Seating at 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. For more information, call Peggy Smith at (843) 383-8178

10-12

Celebration of Academics

10

Coker Society Reception at the Performing Arts Showcase For more information, call Peggy Smith at (843) 383-8178

20

Men’s Ensemble Concert & Reception (Coker Society Members Only) For more information, call Peggy Smith at (843) 383-8178

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21-22

Senior Thesis Dance Concert

22

Spring Concert - Coker Singers & Chamber Singers

25

Trisha Brown Dance Company Performance

30

Spring Concert - Men’s Vocal Ensemble

Spring Band Concert

12

Coker Community Music Recital

13

Spring Commencement

Debbie Mc Guinness @CoachMcGuinness

I love my Dolphin family!! #cokerpride #coker2020

Kendrick Reed @kendrick_reed

peculiarglint says_caroline

Byrd @Byrdnotbird220

AUGUST

So proud of these two for all the hard work they put in to bring Fall Formal back to @cokercollege last night! @coker_cab is the best #cokerpride

Proud to be an Alumni @ Regram from @cokercollege - In memory of the victims of 9/11, Coker students are volunteering throughout the community today.

Thanks for donating your Saturday, Cobras! Now THAT's what we call #CokerPride! #Regrann

#coker2020 are y’all ready?!

Because us Commissioners are ready for y’all! #CokerPride #GoCobras

Fear the Fangs Friday!! #cokerpride

Leadership Coker (Alumni Association Board & Class Representatives) For more information, call Shelli Wilson at (843) 383-8082

IMG Academy Baseball @IMGABaseball

SAVE THE DATE OCT 15-23

@cokercollege

@cokercollege

Community service on this beautiful day #animalshelter CokerWSOC #cokerpride

4

Follow @CokerCollege and share your own stories with #CokerPride!

Kayla @itskaylaangelxo

MAY

12

APRIL

CUT HERE

SPRING 2017

FEBRUARY

#cokerpride!

SH OW YO U R

Alumni Association Travel to Ireland For more information, call Shelli Wilson at (843) 383-8082

Coker College @cokercollege Fear the Fangs! #cokerpride

Congratz to Jake Scheid (@ JakeScheid5) on signing his #NLI with @Coker_Cobras #CokerPride

harleigh_abigail

kimberlysghent Day 8: I'm so thankful for my college and the many opportunities that it has offered me that I don't believe I would have had at another college or university. #CokerCollege #CokerPride

I love attending such a beautiful place. Coker is home. #cokerpride

VISIT COKER.EDU/CAMPUS-CALENDAR TO LEARN MORE.

COKER . EDU

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CLASS NEWS • Gathered & Written by Class Representatives

1953 Dear Classmates, Today I am thanking God that my family and you, hopefully, are safe after the devastating hurricane.

Our lovely town took quite a blow and along with it the college. Slowly but surely we are all returning to our normal lives.

Taking up where our last newsletter left off, I will bring you up to date with news of our class.

Our annual beach trip to Jean Fore McDaniel and Mac’s home at Pawleys Island was on the quiet side in June. The only ones able to go were Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger and me!! We had a wonderful time though and spent time with Mickey McDowell who was also at Pawleys with his daughter, Cindy.

We went out for dinner one evening and did a lot of reminiscing. He loves living at Clemson and has recently sold the family home where he and Anne lived all those many years.

Mitzi DuPre Matthews and one of her lovely friends were in Hartsville attending a church meeting, and after joining them for dinner, I gave them quite a tour of our town. Her friend was not familiar with Hartsville, so it was with a great deal of pride, I “showed off” Hartsville which of course one of the highlights was Coker. It truly is a place to be proud of.

For some time, Jennie Herlong Boatwright had been asking us to visit her in Ridge Spring. Betty Jean, Mitzi and I finally cleared our calendars and made the trip. We were entertained royally with a delicious dinner to which she invited several friends. After spending the night and partaking of Phillips and Jennie’s mouth-watering breakfast, we went downtown to their market where we bought peaches for which that area is so famous.

We were so saddened that our very own Beth DuBose Cottingham’s husband, Walter, died after fighting cancer. Since the funeral was the day we left to visit Jennie, we made plans to go to Beth’s in a few weeks. That was a memorable day with Jo Anne Boyd Sires coming over and bringing lunch.

We were there for four hours enjoying talking about our Coker days!! Our sympathy and love are with Beth.

Betty Jean and I had a lovely visit with Felicia Brown McElveen at Brookdale, an assisted-living home in Florence. I took our senior Milestone with me, and we shared many memories. She sends her love to all of you.

Mitzi and I attended Leadership Saturday which is held at the college. She had come the day before and spent the night with me. We always have a good time. These meetings are always so wellplanned and keep us abreast of what is taking place at the college.

When we learned that Ina Jean Webster Godwin was in a home in Florence, we planned a trip there.

Betty Jean and I had a nice visit with her in Heritage

2 2 | WINTER 2017

1960 Sherrill E. Jordan sent the following email: November 4th was a very special day! Louise Atkinson Cleveland and Bubba came through Florence on their first trip since Louise’s accident and stroke!

•

Home of Florence. Her sister who also attended Coker was visiting too, so we had lots in common.

and there are those out there who want to hear from you. I can make that happen!

To continue working on our “bucket list”, Mitzi, Betty Jean and I decided to go and see Sarah Sampson Bell in Pembroke. We met her and son Joey for lunch and then continued our visit at her home.

Maxine Locklear Amos ’56, came over for a visit and dessert. We had lots to talk about.

Call me: 843-332-3040. or email me: lwoates@ roadrunner.com

Every summer the college has drama workshops for young children. After only nine days of instruction during which they learn and practice a musical production, they present it for two nights. The performances are awesome!! I attended “Mulan” and was absolutely amazed.

I was very honored to have Dr. Wyatt speak to my senior citizens’ group at my church recently. Several remarked afterwards that they were not aware of all that the college is doing. Coker students are very involved in our community.

Charlie Chewning would have been included in all of our visiting, but some health issues kept her from doing so. She lost her great-nephew, one she felt very close to, the week before the hurricane. We are so sorry, Charlie.

I called Daphen Yarborough Edge to check on her since she lives in Little River. Her only problem was no power for a few days. Her husband, A. J., is in a rehab center presently and not well at all. Please pray for Daphen since she is not able to continue to care for him any longer.

We had our visit to Betty Carol Mobley Bynum and Bundy all set up but have postponed it because of all the problems caused by the hurricane.

One more visit Betty Jean and I made was to see Norma “Bootsie” Hurst Owens ‘54, who lives in Covenant Place, a lovely retirement home in Sumter. We had a wonderful visit and enjoyed learning about her life since Coker.

We are all sorry to learn that Jane Cureton Williams died this year. She had lived in Still Hopes for many years.

I celebrated my 85th birthday in June and all of you have done the same or will be doing the same soon.

Can you believe that we are this age?

Please take good care of yourselves. Don’t forget our Endowed Scholarship and the Annual Scholarship Fund. Let’s keep in touch.

My love to everyone, Pat Chapman Huff

1957 Dear Class of ’57, Where are you and what are you doing? Good friends from Coker Days want to know! I know we are old but what do we care? We are still Coker Nuts

I think my trip last March was my best so far. Stayed two days at the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes, France. Spent a day at Monaco--rode a lap of the Grand Prix, gambled at Monte Carlo (lost my 5 euros quickly but enjoyed watching others win! and went in the Cathedral where Princess Grace was married and is buried. Going to London and Scotland next.

Cannot believe I am experiencing so many things Dr. Davidson exposed us to in Civ. classes!

My wishes for good health and happiness to all of you. Let me hear from you.

Lynn

1958 Mary Harvey Holmes is contemplating a move to a retirement village with long-term care, perhaps next January or February. Her family thinks it is wise to prepare. Currently, she is living in an apartment. There are other of our classmates that have already made this move. When Annette Cooke Stokes spoke with her recently, Annette said Mary “sounded good.”

Annette Cooke Stokes broke her shoulder in August and was still healing in November, but was able to do some things. They had a trip to eastern Canada in July, and Niagara Falls! In case you didn’t notice, her name was mysteriously changed to Flora Collins Baker in the last issue of the Commentary.

Anyone know her? Please read the article again, now that you know who I am talking about.

Lucy Parker Stranch has a new email address – “old WINDSTREAM is gone!” lpstranch@outlook.com.

She would love to hear from all of you.

Lamar and Lucy Singletary Caldwell ’54 celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August. They had a great visit in September with their older son Steve who lives in Montana, and their older daughter Phyllis who lives in Iowa. They, along with their younger daughter LuBeth, who lives in Lexington, SC, and Lucy spent a week at the beach. Since Lamar does not care for the beach, he sat out on that trip. He is a “mountain person.”

Lamar celebrated his 86th birthday on October 26.

Congratulations!

I am still very active in the Woman’s Club of Nashville, and do a lot of traveling around the country, either visiting friends or traveling with them. With four sons, I have really enjoyed my two granddaughters. Girls are so different from boys.

Please send me your mailing address so I can keep in touch. There are many I do not have, and some are outdated and incorrect.

Joyce Gregg Fincannon joined us along with two long-time friends from Timmonsville for a lengthy lunch at Olive Garden—Bubba and Louise’s treat!

Louise looks fantastic as does her wonderful husband, Bubba. From here they were going to Bubba’s Citadel reunion and then on to Columbia to meet long-time friends from their days in Berlin.

For those who did not hear the news earlier, their son Charlie was promoted to Brigadier General this year. We saw pictures and he is a handsome dude!

Ann Matthews Bragdon is now living at the Methodist Manor here in Florence. I talked to her earlier and she loves life there. I consider it the finest facility in our area for retirees and those who need assisted living or other special accommodations. I plan to visit with her soon.

Laura McLeod and Beverly Ann Touchberry came to Florence on November 13 for my birthday. We met at my place, then went to Red Lobster for seafood because Laura and I were starving for fried oysters! My first cousin and a neighbor joined us, and a grand time was had by all.

I hear often via email or phone from Lois Sawyer Lott and B. They are doing well and are celebrating the birth of another special grandchild.

Laura McLeod

1961 Coker College Class of 1961: Small in numbers, but strong in spirit! Seven of us attended our 55th Coker Class Reunion: Julie Poole Brice, Easley, SC; Edna DuRant Ellis, Summerton, SC; Gail Power Helms, Charlotte, NC; Barbara (Blue) Littell Nelson, Bluffton, SC; Sylvia Beard Seppala, Hockessin, DE.; Sylvia Eckard Settlemyre, Hickory, NC; and Licia Love Stone, Florence, SC. It was a wonderful time for us to visit, remember our Coker days, and catch up on our adult lives. We appreciated Sylvia Eckard Settlemyre’s husband, Terry, bringing her along with their daughter, Julie. It seems that as we get older, our Coker friends become dearer. We all agreed to try to keep in touch with one another and make a special effort to meet somewhere in 2017 or 2018 to enjoy each other and, again, remember our Coker days.

The Class of 1961 is “reconnecting” again and there has been good response. If there is anyone who has not been contacted or if a classmate knows of someone who has not been contacted, please let us know. A BIG THANK YOU from the Class of 1961 to Regina Swygert Smith for the wonderful job she did as our class representative for so many years. A special THANK YOU, also, to Sylvia Beard Seppala who helped Gina in the last several years. Thank you, Gina and Sylvia for holding our class together.

“We are sharp, young, smart, good looking and the best of the best...No old ladies in our group!!” says Blue Littell Nelson. All of the Class of 1961 agree with her!!!!!!

Frances Gray Atkinson lives at the Methodist Manor in Florence, SC. She and her husband lived in Florence for 45 years. She and her husband then moved to the mountains of NC. After her husband passed away, she moved back to Florence, SC. Her main interests have always been Music and Art. She says she is busier than she has ever been teaching Art and playing the piano for various functions at the Methodist Manor. She says “add Bible Studies and Bridge and my calendar is full”.

Joyce Coates Leasure and Larry live in Florence, SC. At the 50th reunion 2011, Joyce was very sick and her husband, Larry, came and represented her. She is healthy again. They celebrated their 52nd anniversary in 2016. Larry was a teacher and principal for 25 years in Virginia and retired and they moved to Florence. He is a Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol and loves flying with the cadets.

Joyce says “on one trip, we flew to Dothan, Al. and we waited for Rosa Parks and her entourage.

I was so excited, because we studied her story in my class when I taught. I finally got enough nerve to introduce myself to her and told her that my students had studied her story. She was so gracious and I will never forget my encounter with Rosa Parks”! Joyce has a sister who is 6 years younger and graduated from Coker. Daughter, Danielle and husband, Byron Matthews, live in Wisconsin. They have 2 daughters, Makayla, 11th grade, and Sydney, 8th grade. Makayla has beautiful voice. Sydney plays soccer. Danielle was a music and voice major and teaches music at a Christian School. She was in the Miss SC. Pageant as Miss Darlington in 1990 and as Miss Florence in 1992. She won the non-finalist talent award for singing Amazing Grace. Byron works for GE Medical Systems. Granddaughter, Makayla, 13, was in hospital from Jan. to May in 1993 with flu, Mrs and staph. She had 4 surgeries, one a heart-lung by-pass surgery. Her left diaphragm was “nicked” during one of the surgeries which left it paralyzed. She had to give up volleyball which she loved and has to be extra careful. Joyce keeps in touch with Isabel (Ibble) Smith, Mary Miller, Penny Clements. After Coker graduation Joyce, Ibble, Mary, Lillie Easterling, and Penny went to Lake Smith, VA.(outside Washington, D.C.) Mary Miller Roethlisberger, who lives in Wirtz, Virginia met and married a Marine while in VA. They have 3 boys and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary several years ago.

Penny Clements and Lou live in Sierra Vista, AZ. She and Lou celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2016 on an Alaskan Cruise.

Penny transferred to Coker her junior year.

Gail Power Helms and Tim live in Harrisburg, NC. celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in 2016.

She wrote “ It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were students, but there have been such changes since those days that I guess it was long ago”!

Sylvia Eckerd Settlemyre and Terry with daughter, Julie, live in Hickory, NC. Beryl Hills Carter and her husband, live in Lake City, SC. She writes: “We have been blessed with a precious grandson who is now 2. His parents come to see us often and I am having the time of my life bonding with Capers. Our granddaughter attends Clemson where she is a sophomore. After she graduates she plans to apply to veterinary schools.

I retired from AT &T years ago, but am working full time with my husband in furniture restoration in Lake City”.

Betty Robertson (BJ) Coughlin lives in Marietta, GA. She writes: Although I was a day student, it seems my interest in Coker and my peers has increased as my life has slowed down. I say slowed down meaning I retired from the Federal government after 39 years, became a professional sculptor and am trying to ease out of big projects and travel more. My second husband (and the love of my life) died one and a half years ago so I’ve been adjusting to being alone......I am filling that time with duplicate bridge, golf and traveling. I leave for the Pantanal section of Brazil on 9-26-2016 for an 11 day trip into the jungle with a conservation group to observe the habitat of exotic animals and birds. It will be an adventure and a new type of travel for me. I have scheduled a safari for 2017..... trying to “maximize” my time. All of my 4 children live in the Atlanta area.

Licia Love Stone lives in Florence, SC. Barbara (Blue) Littell Nelson and Landy live in Bluffton, SC. Landy retired as a Colonel in the Army in 1989. During August 2016 they were in Italy with their daughter, Julie and her family. They have 2 sons, Sandy and Tom and 5 grandchildren.

Sandy Poole Winn and Ron live in Austin, TX. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in June 2016. They have 3 sons and 5 grandchildren. Sandy writes: “Our youngest son is a single father with primary care for his children. We are VERY involved with those three teenagers (13, 15, 17) and have some care for them everyday. We love it and pray they help keep us young.

We thought in our senior years we would be doing mission trips regularly and although, not in the way we thought, they are our mission field. So happy to be a big part of their lives daily.

Our oldest granddaughter, daughter of another son, is a senior at Clemson this year. She loves it there. SC is like home to her because they lived in Charleston until the family moved to Austin 2 years ago”.

Julie Poole Brice and Jimmy live in Easley, SC. They have 2 children who live close to them and 3 grandchildren. Julie writes: “Although many years have separated us, I still recall many fond memories of our years together. Jimmy and I have been living in Foothills Retirement Community for about 9 months, and haven’t found anything not to like yet.

We’re still healthy enough to participate in many of the activities here and enjoy the freedom from housework, cooking, and yard work. I read twice a week in the Alzheimer’s unit and really enjoy doing that. Also go to exercise classes and “field trips” that they organize for us”.

Mary Shirley Whelchel and George live in Liberty, SC. They had a 52nd anniversary in 2016. The have 4 children who live close by and have 7 grandchildren (ages 21 to 10 years old). A daughter has worked in Atlanta for years and bought a house in Easley 2 years ago. She has been driving to and from Atlanta 4 days a week and now she is thinking of working in Greenville.

Joyce Medlin Eaton lives in Florence, SC. Sally Caskey Sutton and Mark live in Tucker, GA. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in 2016. They have 4 children. Sally writes “May 2015 I was diagnosed with fast growing aggressive breast cancer. I am the “Chemo Queen”. This is a stubborn cancer and does not want to go away. Mark has

Susan Holroyd Shumaker

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been my “rock”. Our family, friends, and neighbors have been fantastic and my oncologist is wonderful.

All of this is in God’s hands so we are thankful for every day”.

Jane McLeod Webb visited in August 2016. Her son lives close to Sally. She lives in Augusta, GA. Pat Cullum Yarbrough and Tom live in Summerduck, VA. They spend time in Moore Haven, FL. during the winter and frequently drive their camper to Alaska in the summer. They have 2 daughters and 4 sons. 10 grandchildren…5 girls and 5 boys and a great grandchild, a girl born December 2016.

Judy McCartt Dickson lives in Taylors, SC. Jane Mcreight Turpin lives in York, SC. Bleeker Sisk Cannon and Bubba live at Pawleys Island, SC. Bleeker writes: Bubba and I have just returned from a river cruise down the Blue Danube from Budapest, Hungary, to Nurenberg, Germany ( August 2016). Loved it, but getting harder to travel internationally and deal with all the airports. Took us 22 1/2 hours to get home!

Emily Mathis Betts lives in Fuquay Varina, NC. Emily writes: I lost Bud in April, and it has been rough learning how to be a widow. Thank goodness both my girls live here, and I have a good support system from the ladies in my Sunday School Class. I have arthritis in my hands, knees and back, and get around with a cane. And yes, that dad gum knee that I hurt while at Coker still gives me fits! And I am determined not to get a knee replacement. I did not make it to nursing school with Blue and Dorcas but I did work in the WakeMed hospital system out of Raleigh as a secretary and learned a lot. No MRSA for me!

Louise Foster Thomason and Buddy live in Seale, Al. and celebrated in 2016 their 57th wedding anniversary. Buddy went to the Citadel and Louise and Buddy met at a Valentine Dance at Coker. Martha Gibbons played the organ at their wedding. Buddy has retired from his dental practice and enjoys golf. They have one daughter and 2 sons. They have 9 grandchildren and 4 great Grandchildren---ages 5 to 1 years old. Louise saw Julie Brice in 2012 at their 55th high school reunion in Easley. Louise has had both knees replaced and a hip replacement in 2016.

Beverly Davis Mims lives in Columbia, SC. She is real active in her church, Eastminister Presbyterian Church.

Esther Davis Pearman lives in Columbia, SC. She has a daughter and a son and 2 grandchildren.

She is very active in her church, Eastminister Presbyterian Church.

Ann Wooten Sanders and husband live in Dalton, GA. She writes: “Finishing in 3 years makes me one of those “in between” alumni! I have wished through the years that I had saved those civilization books, weren’t we fortunate to have had Dr. Davidson for our professor! My husband is a 2 time cancer survivor and thankfully is doing well. We are blessed with 2 children, Becky who teaches in Marietta, GA and Will who is in the Navy and each one has doubly blessed us with 2 little granddaughters; Maddie 11 and Piper 7 (we got a late start)”.

Martha Gibbons has lived in the Columbia, SC area since she graduated from Coker. Her address

24 | W I N T E R 2 0 1 7

is Irmo, SC. She writes: “I think about Coker, classmates and good times quite a lot.

Yep, we are Senior Citizens!!! I tell everyone that it is not the AGE that I mind, it is “the side effects”!!

About 9 years ago I had to deal with a mild post polio syndrome issue - caused “foot drop” and I have been on crutches since then. Slows me down more than I would like, but doesn’t keep me from doing most of what I want to do.

Have out lived 2 husbands - even though I divorced the first one and took my maiden name back (kept it even though married again) - we later became friends again so that we could enjoy the grandchildren at some of the same events and holidays. Second husband had Alzheimer’s. I now live alone with my 17 year old cocker spaniel.

My heart throb - my 6 year old, 1st grade GreatGrandson spends every other weekend with me (he has since he was 1) and we have a good time together!!! Have 2 other great-grandchildren, but never see them, so don’t know them (one of those tragic modern day situations that I don’t like nor understand)!!!!!

Had 2 sons by first husband (after divorce and resumed maiden name both sons changed to Gibbons also), so if you didn’t know how that came to be might make you wonder!!! Have 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Taught Elementary School for 30 years, retired and then did Accounting work for 15 years. Had Accounting been an option for females when we went to college I probably would have been a CPA - I LOVED it!!!!! Been completely retired for some time now. Do a LOT of reading, watch very little television, like to “piddle” in the yard and am involved with a Circle, Ladies Lunch Bunch and Over 50’s with my church!!”

Nancy Stewart Myers and husband live in Roanoke, VA. She is an assistant principal at Oak Grove Elementary. She says she loves what she does and believes it keeps her young being around children.

Her husband is retired. They have 3 grown children and 6 grands.

Sara Ann Baughman Noll lives in Leonia, NJ right outside of New York City. Her husband, who was a conductor, and also the music supervisor at CBS, died in 2008. She still lives in their home and is trying to go through 18 5-drawer file cabinets which are full of music scores, etc. Also has an attic full of costumes collected over the years. Says the task is overwhelming. She has one daughter and one granddaughter, who she takes care of a lot. The daughter (Christie) and her husband are both actors with touring companies, so Sara Ann spends lots of time with her granddaughter.

Mary Frances Irick lives in Evans, GA and her family lives close to her.

Julia LaBruce Holcombe and Johnny live in Myrtle Beach, S.C. They have 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. They welcomed a great grandson in November, 2015 and he lives in Mt. Pleasant, SC so they are happy he is close to them! Johnny had quadruple bypass surgery August 2016.

Susan Martin Bryan is living in Lubbock, Texas to be near her children. Kevin and Chris live in Lubbock, Keith lives in Frisco ( six hours from Lubbock). Cathy lives in Nashville, TN Susan has 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She enjoys her Art work with watercolors which is

beautiful. She took ½ of a semester of drawing with Dr. Nickey Brumbaugh. She makes and prints cards and has a portfolio showing these cards. She enjoys this small business. She enjoys along with painting with watercolors, reading, Church and Bible Study, Pilates, and mostly her grands and great grands.

Susan has always and continues to be a very positive person with a warm personality.

Regina Swygert Smith and her husband, Michael, live in Stephens City, VA. Regina writes: “I continue to work at PhotoAssist on their contract with the US Postal Service for the stamp program. There’s just nothing boring about contributing to the nation’s postage stamp program. What is difficult is remembering that I can’t talk about what I’’m doing until the Postal Service announces the stamps for next year...while I’m working on stamps that the public won’t see for perhaps three more years. Challenging. Funny for me, a dedicated dog person, is another client I work for: Alley Cat Allies!

Interesting editing assignments and when I go to their offices, plenty of cats to entertain me. No, no cats at home.

Michael and I house what we refer to as the geriatric community: 7 terriers aged 15 years down to 7 years. We inherited, literally, an 11-year-old Bedlington terrier (the terrier that looks like a lamb) early this year when a good friend who was one of the world’s top Bedlington breeders died. Nora fit right in with our shorter guys and all is well. We haven’t shown dogs for a few years now but may be getting a young terrier in the next few months so one of us, probably me, can get back in the show ring. Miss the competition.

Had a quick and blessedly uneventful surgery a few weeks ago when I had two small hernias repaired.

My surgeon assured me that I had done nothing to cause them but did say that I was not alone as a woman of my age (ahem!) in having these pesky things show up. Ready to return to Taiji classes and to my grooming clients (I am very specialized, only grooming my two breeds, Norfolk and Norwich terriers) in Washington. Love going into town a couple of days a week.

Have been enjoying serving on the Town Council for our little town for the past three years. Who knew there was so much to do for a populace of under 2000 residents! It’s interesting and rewarding. And not too time-consuming.

And, last, because I wonder if any of you has encountered the same situation. Michael and I traded in my four-year-old Volvo XC90 and our dog van for a new Volvo XC60, thinking we could manage with one car. Great idea! We lasted two months! It was a nightmare trying to schedule doctor’s appointments (mostly his) and my grooming assignments, meetings, and Taiji classes.

Back to being a two-car family.

Sylvia Beard Seppala and Earl live in Hockessin, Delaware in a retirement community. They had a nice trip to Finland to visit her husband’s family in August 2016.

Julie Blocker lives in Savannah, GA. She is retired but is a volunteer for an animal group. She says that it is sometimes busier than when she worked. She survived Hurricane Matthew (October 2016). Big loss was everything in her freezer. She hopes to make it to the next reunion.

Alice Faye Garris Kulmayer from Williamsburg, VA died 10-6-2016 after a long struggle with

COKER . EDU

dementia. Her son, Jeffrey, who is a retiring Army Colonel emailed this news and sent a copy of her obituary. She was from Lakeview, SC. After her Coker graduation, she earned a Master of Science in Education from Troy State University, AL. She was an English teacher in her hometown while her husband, Joseph Kulmayer, was deployed to Vietnam. He was a Retired Army Colonel and preceded her in death. She taught in the states of SC, AL, KS, FL and VA. She was an Army wife for 30 years, moving 23 times before she and husband settled in Williamsburg, VA for 29 years. She served military communities where they lived as a hospital volunteer, Director of the U.S. Army Community Services Program and Editor of the Officers’ Wives’ Club magazine. She was a Den Mother, Advisor, and Merit Badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America. Another son, Joseph, Jr. is a mathematics teacher in England. She had 8 grandchildren. She was laid to rest with her husband at Arlington, VA. The Class of 1961 sends deepest sympathy to her sons, Jeffrey and Joseph.

Sandy Poole Winn passed away in Austin TX and her funeral was October 31, 2016.

Edna Durant Ellis and Larry live on Lake Marion between Manning and Summerton, SC. They have a daughter in Columbia, who is in Education and a son and family in Jonesboro, AR. Their 3 grandchildren lived in Jonesboro, AR. Their “trips” are to Jonesboro.

1962 Coker Class of 1962, Of course, we all wish each other a lovely Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Happy and healthy 2017. Now that the election has been decided, it will be time to move along. It has been so interesting to hear from classmates on all sides and I pray that our country will come together and survive positively. Remember that Coker needs our support. Whatever you are able to donate will be appreciated and used well. Our classmates’ news is listed in alphabetical order according to the last names they used when we were in school.

So sorry to report that our classmate, Linda Elizabeth Oliver Huggins, died on September 11th. Her obituary can be read at http://www. legacy.com/obituaries/name/linda-hugginsobituary?pid=1000000181377354.

Has anyone kept up with Sharolyn Eales Bane?

She did live in Alabama and may have moved to Newport News, VA. But I have not been able to reach her.

Do save the dates for our 55th college reunion which will be held on March 24 and 25, 2017. Try to join us. Although Coker has scheduled Coker reunions and homecoming gatherings on February 10th and 11th, we are having one for our own class in March. Many of our classmates preferred to wait until the weather might be better. We will have our dinner at Drengaelen House on Friday, March 24th and our class meeting and campus tour on Saturday.

Hartsville has several new motel/hotel opportunities from which to choose as well as new restaurants.

Please reach out to your spouses, classmates and friends and let me know when you would like to join us. Of course we are getting older, but then we are all in the same boat. Our class always has such a

wonderful time when we get together and I hope most of us will be able to make it. Please let me know if you plan to come.

Sara Anderson Kummer wrote that after the interesting cruise last spring there have been just short trips to the beach (Pawley’s and Gulf Shores, AL) and a trip to Tennessee. They hope to take another big trip next August. She reports that Dot Herlong Hay got wind but no damage in Leesburg, FL with the hurricane, and is happy for once to be living away from the coast.

Mary Bell Kittle and Joe have returned to San Antonio from a busy and delightful summer in Orkney Springs and are busy settling down again.

They are well and enjoying seeing their TX children and friends.

Sherrie Berry Wolski emailed last spring that with God’s help she can still do so many different things and is so thankful. She never believed she would be doing all the things she loves to do. She sews, cooks, makes decorations, gardens and always loves Halloween, decorates the house and yard and always has a lot of trick-or-treaters. Her fingernails and hands are not happy, but she thinks she has never had pretty hands. When complaining to her grandmother about this, MaMa would say hands do what they are supposed to do and we do not have to have pretty hands. Sherrie thinks everyone in our class at Coker has done such amazing things and she is so glad she was able to attend for our sophomore year. That was where she always wanted to go. At any rate, she is so proud of all our classmates.

Gayle Brandt Faust writes that her area made it through Hurricane Matthew. There were trees down and that caused misery to home owners. I feel so sorry for the people in the lower part of the state. In June Gayle, her two brothers and sister-in-law took a great day trip to Spartanburg, taking a trip down memory lane reliving their childhood. It was a great day. She still plays bridge twice a month and does a lot of reading. Gayle recommended some wonderful books by Jeffrey Archer to Gaby who loved one of his series this summer. She wishes everyone a very happy holiday season and a great 2017.

Peggy Brown Buchanan is looking forward to seeing everyone at our reunion.

JoAnn Clayton Leist received the new listing of the Coker Class of 1962 this week and enjoyed checking out the locations of friends from long ago who she remembers vividly! She wishes that she could attend our 55th Reunion even though she only attended Coker for the first two years!

However, her husband Bill had a stroke in 2004 that made them decide to move to a retirement community in 2005. He had another serious stroke in December 2014, followed by a severe brain bleed in February 2015. He worked extremely hard with therapists of every kind for many months and has made a miraculous recovery, so JoAnn chooses to keep close to home now. They both are very active physically, which helps to keep their spirits up, though she does miss trips to visit family and friends. Joanne sends greetings to all who might remember her. Her new email address is jcleist@ gmail.com. She is planning to reach out to Charlotte Cothran Taylor since they live near each other.

Roz Carrigan Hearon and I had a nice telephone visit. She seems well and is looking forward to our

reunion. Her life seems to be straightening out and sounds ever cheerful.

Brenda Cromer Miller has made motel reservations for our reunion. Her daughter and son-in-law evacuated from Pawleys Island in the wake of Hurricane Matthew and stayed with Brenda. It was a wonderful visit.

Doris Duke Straight’s brother, Thomas Paqual Duke, died unexpectedly in September.

Carol Elting Richardson is expecting to enjoy Christmas at her house with her son Brad and daughter, Georgia, who will be arriving from Nevada. Carol and Charlotte Cothran Taylor still get into trouble at least once a month.

Judith Griggs and a cousin were at the beach when they had to evacuate just before Matthew arrived and they returned home. The next morning after Judy woke up she looked out of the window and saw that a large pecan tree had fallen (even the roots) and the wind had blown lots of branches and limbs had been tossed around the yard/garden during the night. Her church found a wonderful new part time minister several years ago. The congregation is very happy. Family members are arriving for Thanksgiving dinner at a young cousin’s and more are coming to visit in early December.

Dorothy Herlong Hay wrote that she and her husband had such a wonderful time at our last reunion. I think they are going to try to join us for our 55th.

Molly Holbrook Birchler and Al enjoyed their annual visit to see friends and family in the midwest.

The excuse is always to see a big football game at Purdue. The Birchlers are looking forward to having their children and grandchildren come to visit at Christmas. Molly has kindly reserved 15 rooms for us at one of the newer motels for our reunion, Hampton Inn and Suites. You may call them at 843.332.2128 regarding the Coker Class of 1962 returning alumni. The dates are March 24/25, 2017. We can book for either one or two nights, depending on your stay. Rates for a room are $109.00 plus tax or $122.08 inclusive per night.

A good breakfast is also included. When making a reservation either by phone or online please tell them you are a Coker “n” graduate and use this code H62.

Anita Jones Stanton emailed a cousin this morning who lives in Lumberton to see if she had been flooded and had damage from the storm. She only lost power and was staying with her sister-in-law in Laurinburg. Anita asked her if she knew Linda and her cousin emailed about Linda’s death last month.

Her cousin lived a only block away from Linda, their children grew up together, and they were members of the same garden club. No one knew that Linda was struggling with pernicious anemia and blood transfusions just quit working. Anita did not lose power and had no damage although many in Southern Pines were without electricity for several days.

Harriet King van Norte roomed with Linda Oliver Huggins while at Coker. They had been very close and good friends for all these years. In fact, one of Linda’s daughters is named Harriet in honor of their friendship.

Karen Mansfield’s contact information near Chicago is no longer useful. She retired from her job and may

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ADVANCE have moved. Do any classmates have information to help us find her?

Lee McCown Huey sounds well and comfortable.

Her mother, Virginia McCown, died at 97 last year.

For five years Lee was able to be with her mother for supper and to spend every night with her. Lee’s daughter and son both live in Beaufort and have been very attentive. She loves seeing them often.

This summer Lee enjoyed a special trip to Oregon and especially loved seeing the Columbia River. She also went to the Berkshires. So happy to know she is planning to attend our 55th reunion!

Peggy McCue Freymuth was kind enough to share that Doris Duke Straight’s brother has died. Peggy enjoys keeping up with Gail Arnette Sinclair by telephone when unable to visit in person. And Peggy’s daughter, Anne, son-in-law Shaun and grandchildren are well. She looks forward to coming to our reunion.

Paula Moran continues to work at Publix as a part time cashier for about four hours a day. She still has five cats which she adores. One of these is and has always been a talker and when she picks him up from the vet, there is a lot of laughing. She is hoping to make it to our reunion.

Ida Pace Storrs had returned from a wonderful Craft Fair in Columbia which she attended with a friend.

She did not want to leave and was very impressed with the talents of the craftspeople. Ida has heard that the home where she grew up in Nichols has been totally destroyed, so that is very sad to think about. Her companion, Archie, takes great pride in protecting Ida. Not long ago Archie was barking and barking because someone was at the front door. da had been yelling at him to please stop making so much noise, and by the time she opened the front door she discovered a policeman crouched down with a gun drawn! Someone had heard Ida screaming and thought there might be something bad going on in the house.

Valerie Powell White and I had a nice chat about our reunion. She sounds well and is hoping to make it for our 55th. If she can make it she may be able to drive friends from Columbia, SC. Frances Segars Kelley reports they were lucky and had power all during Matthew. She cooked and carried food to some less fortunate ones. A friend from Florence brought frozen meats and veggies to their house and the Kelleys made room in their freezer to save it for her. Granddaughters came over for showers and home cooked meals. Dawn (daughter) and Davie had 8 chicken houses that needed to keep generators running to protect the chickens. Dawn plays tennis with several teams in Florence. She will be playing in Hilton Head later in October for State playoffs. (Sarah) older granddaughter is in third year of college and is in the school of nursing. Alex (younger granddaughter) is playing tennis at school while enjoying her junior year at Robert E Lee Academy. Frances is still active in a number of clubs and quilt guilds while Henry holds down the home front. He takes care of the dog, cat and two miniature goats. Frances, unfortunately, will not be able to attend our reunion as she had already committed to Quilters of SC for that weekend. She is on the State Board and that weekend is the Annual Spring Meeting in Aiken, SC. Florence Staklinski Taylor and her husband, Bill, attended with 40 others an extremely wonderful evening at Chateau Elan--Alumni Social for the

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Atlanta Area Alumni and Friends on 9/9/16 at the home of Lorie and Lewis Sharp ‘93. President Robert Wyatt and staff were there to inform us of ALL the great happenings going on at Coker now and in the past years. HE is truly there for the COLLEGE!!!!! We had a great time that evening. The following day, I attended a brunch along with 12 others to continue hearing about Coker’s student body and recent achievements. I can’t tell you how much we both enjoyed ourselves!!! She and Bill are still reading a lot, working with St. Vincent Society at Church, playing a lot of tennis and just keeping busy! I am proud to announce that we raised $29,000 for Stand Up For Kids and Special Populations at Country Club of Roswell for which I work year round helping to reach our goals! Flo is still working at the Atlanta Apparel Mart. We will be going to UNC homecoming Nov. 5. Looking forward to seeing everyone in March.

Joanne Tuten Bellamy reports that Pawley’s Island was lucky with Matthew. Cable and telephone service were out for a couple of days, but they did not lose electricity. So many trees and some buildings were lost, wires were down, four piers were swept away and Edisto was nearly destroyed.

Her son’s garden always has delightful treats. At the moment the orange trees are full of wonderful, tasty oranges and the persimmons are glorious.

Nancy Thornhill Bolden sounds well and is as busy as she loves to be. At this point she had heard about Matthew’s devastation of Nichols and contacted Ida Pace Storrs’ brother to find out that his Sunday School class and church were busy. They were collecting funds to help with expenses to clear out debris and make repairs for many who have lost so much in order to be able to move back into their homes. Nancy has gotten lots of generous contributions for the funds needed. Grandson, Luke, is happy and well and is proud to be the catcher for his team. Nancy looks forward to our reunion.

Bruce and Mary Frances Williams are happy we have found a spring date to have our reunion. We are hoping the weather will be easier to handle when driving longer distances.

Mary Anne Wycliff Johnson sent an email to Molly Holbrooke Birchler which is nice to share. Mary Anne Wickliffe married Dr. Jo H. Johnson after meeting him on a blind date at Coker. She used to sing in a small group with Nancy Thornhill and June Ammons and married the love of her life at the end of our Sophomore year there. She became a medical artist at the Medical University of SC and then on to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. And has a lot of medical art in books and pamphlets.

Long story short, they were married for 48 years until he died from Parkinson’s Disease on ’08.

They had two children, a daughter and a son. Their daughter lives in Scottsdale, AZ. Their son lives in Jacksonville, FL Her daughter wanted Mary Anne to be close so she moved to Fountain Hills AZ about 10 miles from her daughter. Fountain Hills is an artsy town with many art shows and she carves wood in three carving clubs there. There is a big Carving Show in Mesa next February, about 20 minutes away and she will be helping. So far she does not have many wounds and still has all her fingers. It was so good to get the Coker Commentary and to hear about our classmates - “happiness went through me. I love you all and hope all’s well with everyone. Thank you from my heart.”

Peggy Ziegler Reeves and Donny are well and she

always enjoys participating in various conferences of the Institute of Management Accountants. She is happy to connect with so many friends she has made with this group. There are usually two or three meetings a year in various towns across the U.S. She is hoping to join us for our reunion.

Gaby’s summer was very quiet and I enjoyed being lazy enough to read Jeffrey Archer’s Clifton Chronicles, a very British series about one family through several generations. It was such a treat to sit on my balcony and just read. Various wonderful friends have come to visit and that woke me up from time to time. began the summer cleaning and clearing but did too much lugging and my Scoliosis got angry. I needed to rest my back and leg so that was my excuse to be less active. It is always a treat to stay in touch with so many of our classmates (although I do not always contact as many as I wish). and I look forward to seeing as many as possible in March!

Thank you to all who keep in touch. It makes a huge difference to keep up with your news and that of your friends. Please remember to let me/us hear from you.

With so many best wishes and love to you all for a lovely and healthy Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, Gaby Morandiere

1964 Karen Kuehner: Bill and I are now enjoying condo life in Georgetown, SC. We too keep doing the things that work for us - walking the dog, reading, a bit of travel, (a trip to France this fall and a trip to Egypt planned for the Spring). We did not evacuate for Matthew but chose to ride it out. Fortunately there was no major damage in our area.

Nita Nunn Danenburg: After hurricane Matthew, there are many people to lift up in prayer. We were blessed and experienced some power outage but enough that we actually had to talk with each other. HA! Our grandchildren Cameron and Morgan have moved to Northern Georgia, close to I-85. On a recent trip, we were able to see them each in a soccer game. A learning curve for me on the game.

On the way back we visited with Ann Hammond and her grandson Noah as Greer. (see below) Marshall and I area still ministering to residents at an assisted living facility. What a great group, not without its challenges, but a blessing to us.

Gail Etters Pilger: John and I just returned from 2 weeks during mid October touring southern Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Our primary cities were Munich, Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna, and Salzburg. The day we went to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest in the Bavarian Alps near Berchtesgaden we had about 3 inches of snow and brilliant sunshine on the mountain retreat. These countries are all part of European Union and thriving. We had extensive walking tours every day with so much history given I felt I was back in Dr. Davidson’s Civ’ class! Our grandson is in medical school at Med College of Georgia in Augusta. His sister is there also getting her masters in Occupational Therapy and their younger sister plans a nursing career. Soon we’ll have all our body parts covered! John had knee replacement in June and sailed through it all. We are off to Naples, Florida for a couple of weeks to soak in the sun after chilly Eastern Europe.

COKER . EDU

Susan M. Frank: This has been a busy year. I did go back to Ireland for June, July and August at Caherconnell Stone Fort Archaeology Field School in County Clare for my 6th year. The work is physically demanding and as much as I would like to think that I am as fit as I was when younger, I was finding it difficult to keep up with the students.

The site is getting busloads of tourists now and the professors asked me to be the one to talk to them about the history of the site and the work we are doing. I loved it and actually got good reviews on TripAdvisor so I think I found my niche. So I can still dig for a few hours each morning and then talk to tourists the rest of the day which is perfect. Looks like I’ll be spending my summers in Ireland and the rest of the year in California - not a bad life, happy girl here!

each other. He’s a Weeblo in the Cub Scout Pack our church sponsors and we’ve enjoyed several good (?) adventures with his pack. We camped in tents one night at Camp Old Indian the Saturday after Matthew blew through and the winds during the night were fierce. Yesterday we went to Linville Caverns and Linville Waterfalls in NC and I’d never been in a cavern before—see it’s never too late to learn! I enjoy (?) an exercise class three days a week—actually I enjoy the people in the class and I still play in our handbell choir. Jacob, Andrew and Alexander, my other three grandchildren in Greer, have been involved in cross country and baseball this fall and I’ve been able to attend one activity for each one. Zane, my oldest grandson, is a junior at the Governors School in Greenville, studying creative writing. How quickly these boys have grown!

Nell Bates Beasley: Hurricane Matthew did not affect us personally but lots of people around us really got damaged. We thank God for all his blessings. No news really but I do love to watch college football and walk in this beautiful weather.

Mary Louise Antley Glesner: The news I have would be addressed to anyone who lives in North Charleston SC, area. There’s a handsome young policeman who just joined the N. Chas Police Force.

His name is Josh Scooler! In case anyone happens to meet up with him. He is my sister Marjorie’s grandson; he graduated from Clemson this year and just graduated from the SC Police Academy. Say hello! I’m heading over to Hadensville this Friday for Grandparents’ Day at Dustin’s school – he’s in 4th grade. Will miss Trevor, as he’s now at the middle school. Our kids and grandkids, plus Jill’s guy Fred, will be at our house for Thanksgiving. One of Jerry’s cousins might join us also. Hard to believe the holidays are already upon us!!

Mary Ann McCaskill Tomlinson is not doing well so classmates please keep her in your prayers!!!

Carol Chastain Dietrick: Joe had triple by-pass surgery in Feb. and has made a remarkable recovery. He looks great, feels great and hopes to move on with a long and healthy life. Our son Scott just climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. He started out with five friends and only two made it. Pretty awesome!

Joe and I are going to visit our other son Brian in LA in November. We will spend a few days with Joe’s two sisters that also live there. After LA, we plan to select something from our bucket list for our next adventure. At our age we figure we should get on it without delay. :) Lorena Cook James: Hurricane Matthew did not do much damage here in the country; just a lot of clean-up from downed trees. We definitely have plenty of firewood for the winter now! We love our trees and hate to lose them, but the ones that fell were those Doug was going to have to take down anyway. Our river cabin was in the final stages of repair after last October’s flood. The hurricane and rising rivers have slowed that down, but we are having a simpler version of our Thanksgiving gathering there anyway!

Mary (Elizabeth Gibbons) Stewart: Since my last contact with classmates I have become quite frivolous in my older years. Presently I have five gentlemen I am seeing. As soon as I awake each morning Will Power helps me to get out of bed.

Immediately, I rush to see John! Before I know it Charlie Horse shows up. Now he demands a lot of attention and often a lot of time! When Charlie leaves, Arthur Ritis creeps right in and stays the remainder of the day. Now, Arthur does not like to stay in one place; he insists on going from joint to joint with more intensity in one than the other. After such a busy day, I’m really tired and am glad to go to bed with Ben Gay. What a life! Oh yeah, there is one more. The Preacher man came by the other day.

He said, “Mary, at your age you should be thinking about the hereafter.” I told him, “Oh, I do all the time.

No matter where I am; in the kitchen, the garage, at the drug store, the grocery store, I ask myself, “What am I here after?” Hope this will make some of you laugh. Life is good and I am blessed.

Ann Hammond: My days seem full and I’m grateful that Noah is keeping me so busy! I’m raising Noah (or he is raising me) and I’m very thankful we have

Cameron Council Speth: We had the most extraordinary fall foliage this year! We were fortunate that Hurricane Matthew only took away our screens at the IOP. However, make no mistake: climate disruption is real and serious. We keep doing the things that work for us on our little mountain in Vermont: hiking with our three yellow labs, veggie garden that is entirely too big for two people, grandchildren summer visits, watching baseball/football, reading. Our friend group has dwindled to email friends from past lives and a few really good friends here in Strafford (unfortunately some are very old and keep leaving us behind).

But we stay very busy (doing what is not easy to explain—except to folks who feel the same way). We’d truly love to hear from other classmates.

Please send me your news.

1965 Mickey Utsey Harder, class representative Heather Hinman Raum writes from Lake Gaston, VA, that she recently took a 17-day grand European tour with Viking. During the entire trip, she wished that Dr. Davidson could have been along. Heather enjoys being a part of the FABS group (The Flying Aqua Babes), a group of about 75 members who ride jet skis all over a 34-mile long lake. She also continues to paint (water colors and acrylics) and sometimes sells her efforts. Heather and her husband Richard, whom she met during her senior year at Coker at the train station in Florence SC, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on December 24. Congratulations Heather and Richard. Their five grandchildren range in age from 3 to 18.

It was also great to hear from Carol Metz Peecksen who lives in Mt. Pleasant SC. At Coker, Carol loved

English, math, and music, but had to choose one as a career, so she thoroughly enjoyed teaching most of her adult life. During retirement she has covered the other two on a volunteer basis: Carol serves as the treasurer and as-needed pianist/organist for her church and as accompanist for the chorus at The Franke Home. She also volunteers for ECCO which does everything needed for folks who need a hand, from food and clothes to medical and dental care and job and budget counseling. Carol and John have two sons, John and Scott, whose families live in Savannah, GA, and Denton, TX. John’s family includes their three granddaughters and Scott’s family includes their grandson. They visit regularly and Carol reports that when they went to Denton recently, they saw Sharon Williams Elton. Nereide Ellis and Peggy Boatwright Peck spent some time at a South Carolina beach and had fun catching up with Carol Metz Peecksen.

Judy Johnson Walker and husband John enjoy spending time at Lake Keowee near Clemson and occasional visits to the SC coast, which was really devastated by Hurricane Matthew. They have done some major renovations to their home in Hartsville, although Judy says she had to do lots of convincing because, like most husbands, John does not have a keen interest in the word “updating.” Judy says Coker and Hartsville are very different, and we would all love it.

Sally Schrader Irving reports that she still works as a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in the Tampa Bay area to keep her brain and body moving. Their seven grandchildren are in high school or college. Sally writes that when Pat Hanahan Engman died, she lost her friend and travel companion to our college get togethers. If anyone ever travels towards Clearwater, Sally asks that you please reach out to her.

Mary Sikes wrote that she and her husband Jon recently returned from what’s become their annual trip to the UK. “Jon has a daughter who lives in Ticknall - a lovely English village close to Nottingham - and the last few years we’ve stayed in her house while she vacations in France for a month. Then we “house sit” for a friend who vacations in Ireland for a month! Our “side trip” this year was two weeks in Spain and Portugal including Gibraltar and a day trip to Morocco. We had a lovely time with Jon’s friends and family, including a reunion with RAF friends, then returned to NC for my 55th high school reunion. Now we’re making plans for the sailboat which is “on the hard” in Florida. We’re staying busy.”

Liles Richardson Nickerson writes that she is almost retired, but lucky enough to keep several small jobs. Her lifetime dream of interior design has taken her back and forth to Taipei, Taiwan, Vancouver, Vancouver, Boulder, Baldhead Island, Charlottesville, and Sandersville, GA. Now she is slowing down to enjoy her granddaughter, “Luli,” (Lucy Liles), whom she waited 42 years for. Luli spent lots of time with Liles and Michael at their cottage in Maine this summer, way off the grid with dirt roads, fresh air, water on three sides, no electricity, and zillions of stars in the black dark sky at night. Luli is the 7th generation Nickerson in the cottage.

Hoot Ramsey Synder writes: “I was married for almost 20 years to a good man who gave me two beautiful children. My son has just turned 45 and is the founder of a music school here in Hood

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ADVANCE River where we live. It was his life’s dream since using wooden spoons at age five to drum on my Revereware in the kitchen floor, out in the street, anywhere he could bring a smile to some faces as he poured his soul in his music. The school has after school programs and also develops bands that are given the opportunity to “open” for larger shows in the area. The kids are just amazing and the parents love it also. My daughter, Jennifer, is 47 years old and lives in beautiful Bucks County, PA. She dedicates most of her time to activities in the community, her church, and her daughter’s school. A braver girl than I am, she has a 28-yearold son and a 10 year-old daughter who keep her very busy. My first job out of Coker was as an airline stewardess with Pan Am. Home body that I am, I never quite adjusted to living out of a suitcase, though I did enjoy traveling to some beautiful places and meeting many good people. Alas, I was in love and also anxious to get on with being married and having a family of my own. I retired from Piedmont Airlines as a District Sales Manager in 2000 and returned to my mountains, where I worked for a few more years in the travel industry and then started a small real estate company. In 2003, I lost both of my parents and had a significant health crisis that took away my ability to function on my own for quite some time. I relocated to Oregon to be near my son and his wife. They, along with their two beautiful children, have nursed me through the valley and back to the peak of my life. I enjoy good friends, beautiful scenery and family gatherings here. I have wanted to make a trip back east for years, but health and other issues have prevented my being able to do so. With a little luck, I will be getting back in spring of this year. Crews, Pugh, and Sally are helping me coordinate the trip. Sending my love and best wishes to all.”

Peggy Boatwright Peck says she is enjoying being lazy! Peggy writes, “I volunteer at a little shop, the Re-Tail Therapy Store that sells things and gives the money to the humane shelter. I get to meet a lot of very interesting people. This October Neriede Ellis and I spent a few days on the coast near Charleston.

We groaned at each other’s politics and shook our heads at the tv news, ate too much, and enjoyed meeting Carol Peecksen for lunch. I see Eleanor Clark for lunch now and then. I was in Charlotte for a few weeks this summer and was thrilled to spend time with Jane Norwood. She took me to several neat places to eat and I was welcomed to her beautiful, art filled home. Jane works hard for Coker.

Hartsville was hurt by hurricane Matthew. The down huge oaks will never come back but it is a tuff little town and is doing very well.”

My husband Byron and I have lived in Clemson, SC, for 45 years where he was the team physician for over three decades, retiring in 2005. I taught various music courses at Clemson from 1972-1996, then became director of the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. I had the biggest surprise of my life in 2012 when the stage was named for me. In 1986, Byron and I began a chamber music series at the university in memory of my parents, which offers free concerts to the public. For the past 30 years, people have given gifts from $1 to a bequest of $211,000, and last year we reached my dream goal of $1M. I am finally retiring in June and hope to write a book about my adventures with artists, etc. Byron has had several health issues over the last two years, and once we sell our house, we plan to downsize and build in a multi-generational community not far from where we live now. One

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of my goals is to finally get back to playing the piano again. Our three grandchildren live within an hour from us and we are constantly going to guitar recitals, baseball, basketball, and soccer games. Byron and I plan to spend much more time at our cottage at Edisto once I retire. I have LOVED reconnecting with you. Please keep sending mews.

1968 It appears that many members of the class of 1968 are still actively celebrating their 70th Birthday this year and don’t have much time left to communicate with other Cokernuts.

It’s time to just drop me a line or two to update your current email addresses because I keep getting undelivered statements and have no clue how to reach you.

Martie Dobson White and I managed to have a lunch date this summer while she was enroute to visit her daughter Merri in Richmond. We talked and ate fast, children and grandchildren being our favorite topics.

Time flies by so quickly - have you been noticing?

Our 50th reunion is right around the corner so stay healthy, stay in touch, and stay close to all you love.

Joni Ladinig Abernathy

1972 2017…What an exciting year ahead for our class…

45 years since we graduated from Coker. We hope you are planning to return for the combined Homecoming and our Alumni gatherings. You will be amazed at how much the college and the town of Hartsville have expanded since we were here.

Please join us for this big event.

Sarah McCanless Haarlow and Janie Cleckley Campbell Thanks Facebook for keeping us in touch with some of our classmates: Helen Amann Chiha traveled this summer to The Kennedy Center and to Mt. Vernon for exciting plays and tours.

Cathy McInnis Evans survived Hurricane Matthew with mostly limbs and water around the farm but it caused her to miss her 4 year old grandson’s birthday.

Elizabeth Fisher is a media specialist in Greensboro and enjoyed travels abroad last summer.

Susan Wilson Maxwell and Walter celebrated the first birthday of their grandson “Walter”.

Carol Ann Hackney Bingham had a great field trip with her 4th grade students to Blowing Rock, NC where they experienced hands-on learning about life in the back country. They also visited the Appalachian fossil museum and the Victory Trail at the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Linda Dean Fraser is retired in Charleston. She and Bob and Will traveled to Maine last summer.

Claude Wint‘s granddaughter, Hunter Wint will be married in April at Drengaelen House, Coker College.

1975 Greetings to the class of 1975! Hopefully, the winter is treating everyone kindly. We got through a very negative political season and on a positive note, we can at least agree that we love and support Coker College. Don’t forget to send them a $ donation before the year is up. Alumni support is very important. I haven’t heard from many classmates this time so I will be creative with the news I have received.

Susie Dunklin Guerry had a wonderful cross country trip with her newly retired hubby, Bert and Buttercup, their pup. They had an awesome time visiting the National Parks in Tennessee, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah and South Dakota. The parks they enjoyed visiting were Yellowstone, Zion National Park, Little Big Horn, the Devils Tower, Custer State Park and Mt. Rushmore. They love traveling in their large motor home. As I write this, she and Bert are leaving for a five week trip in Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand. The world is all theirs!

Miriam Anderson is happy to report her 4th grandchild has arrived, Wade Anderson Pratt, born October 28th in Nashville. She had a great visit to meet the little man. Miriam now has three grandsons and one granddaughter. She and John survived the storm that hit the Charleston area which we are all glad about.

Debbie Scarboro Snyder hopes to hear how all of our SC friends are doing after the hurricane and flooding. She is hoping everything or most everything is getting back to normal. On her home front, Tom and Debbie are enjoying their empty nest and Hannah is enjoying having her own home. She’s close by so they see her often. After 25 years, Tom retired from the Charlotte Observer in September and is now teaching and directing duplicate bridge full time. Debbie will be back at UNCC supervising student teachers this spring semester again and looks forward to being back on a schedule.

Amazingly, Blitz, their wiener dog, celebrated his sweet 16th this year.

Carlotta Johnson Wiggins has spent the last couple of months traveling and loved every minute of it!

Johnny and Carlotta went on a Danube River cruise with some friends in August and it was fabulous.

They made stops in Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Germany. They had a wonderful time and saw such beautiful architecture and countryside. In September, Carlotta and her sister went on a trip to California. They traveled to San Francisco and Sonoma and toured vineyards and made all the tourist stops in San Francisco. Good thing she finally decided to retire this year! There is sadness all around them as the county where they live was devastated by Hurricane Matthew.

Their main home is fine, but they had a place on the river (about 30 miles from home) and it was filled with water about 3 feet high for a week. They have lots of friends who lived at the river full time and the river rose so quickly that they only had time to get out themselves. Lots of sadness but they have also witnessed much kindness and love. Please keep all who have lost so much in your prayers.

Her three boys and two daughter-in-law’s are all great, but of course the best blessing of getting old is grandchildren. Only one so far but they do enjoy having him close so that they can spoil him.

Miles will be 8 years old next week, time flies. The

COKER . EDU

boys can not believe how different she and Johnny are with him and are always asking, “Where are the people who raised us?” I guess that is the difference, they don’t have to raise him, just enjoy!

Carolyn McMillan Dunn is still loving retirement!

David joined her in the carefree, retired set and they continue to enjoy their boat and hanging out on the lake. They adore their two grandchilden, ages 6 & 9 that reside in California. Carolyn’s mom is holding her own and Carolyn goes often to help out and visit with her in Mullins. They would love to have visitors at Lake Murray anytime.

Diane Roden Dinneny - Not the best news from me this time. My husband, Owen, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in July and he has just finished his chemo treatments. Life changing to be sure. The good news is, if there is any with cancer, is that it was self contained in the bladder. He will have surgery after Christmas and then they assure us he will be cancer free. Prayers and thoughts would be appreciated! He had to stop his consulting job with Bristol Myers Squibb until he is back to good health. Needless to say, I have cut back with my real estate business to be with him through this process.

The girls are great and dealing with this with great strength. Megan’s trip to Iceland was awesome and she recommends it highly.

Betsy Mauldin McCray is probably is the throws of wedding prep for her daughter at this point.

teaching but still working. Check for him on FB and see the pictures of his little boy…makes you feel young again!

It was great to see Marilyn Bishop, Elsie Coker, and Gail Strickland at the reunion…they have married names but for the life of me I can’t remember them right now… All three are busy working and having fun at it…my guess is they haven’t tried retirement yet…

We were fortunate to spend time with Nancy Zupp Bolten at the reunion. She is doing well and as ever…SO much fun!

Sorry if I have missed any one. Look on FB to find Jenny MIshoe and probably dozens of others… make us a 1976 FB page if you know how to do that…I am barely literate and stumble through technology stuff. I do have a little great niece who helps me when she can. She is 9. I think everyone knows I retired after 34 years of teaching. Loved the job…Love retirement! I am still active – jogging, road races…Number 28 for the Cooper River Bridge run this year, kayaking, boarding the waves… am living in Garden City not far from the beach… have plans for surfing lessons in the spring, lots of company from all over…loving life, Having Fun! Want to hear from all of you – so use this email address as often as possible – or call (843) 425-6826.

Reveley Wilson Thomy has a new granddaughter which has been great after three grandsons. I hope to hear more news from everyone this next year.

1980

Susie and I send you our wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season and new year.

Jack Hammond is in Chesterfield teach high school English. He moved into his grandparent’s/parent’s house about a year ago after renovating it. He is married with three kids and four grandkids. He published a novel a year ago “The Last Hanging in Scots Bend” and is working on the sequel.

Diane Roden Dinneny, Susie Dunklin Guerry Class Representatives

1976 Mike Shisko is still working and traveling the world for Hitachi Consulting. He’s in charge of IT and responsible for global IT infrastructure. He’s visited over 30 countries between this job and his years NY theater…no surprise there right? His wife of 35 years, Tess, had a stroke in 2013 and suffers from lingering aphasia. Mike’s daughters are grown.

Kirsten has been in NYC for 5 years working in fashion – currently at One Jeans Wear – and is responsible for the production of the William Rast line. Alyssa is in Seattle beginning her career in property management with CBRE. Lou Kinsey has retired…from 31 years with the Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation Dept.

She’s had both knees replaced– relegated to the bunny slope though…and traveling. She went to New England this summer and is headed to Hawaii after Christmas. She’s planning on volunteering at the local Humane Society after that trip. I heard through the grapevine that they need to hire at least 3 people to replace her…and that she is really missed.

Paul Lozier reports that he is a multiple grandpa… with a new one just arrived. He brought one of his very beautiful daughters to the reunion…she is an awesome volleyball player and we are all hoping that she chooses Coker for her college career!

Ronnie Floyd brought his precious little girl to the reunion. He is still in Myrtle Beach…retired from

1982 Gregory Bruce’s mother Harriet Bruce Brunson has recently died.

1983 Glenn D. Bridges is putting the drama skills he picked up while at Coker to good use. He recently served as a body-double for actor Seth Green in some scenes with actress Katie Holmes in the movie Coup D’etat, set to be released in 2017. He was invited back to play the part of a vice principal in the same movie. While he hasn’t yet landed a speaking part, he’s been a featured extra in several movies and TV shows, including a French forger in the CBS series “The Inspectors.” He will appear as a doctor in season two of the WGN series “Underground” set to air in March 2017. A list of some of the projects he’s worked on can be found at IMDB.com by entering his name into the search box of the home page.

Glenn D. Bridges

1987 Class of 87, we have our 30-year reunion coming up in February as part of Coker Homecoming. Please make plans to attend. I am going to do my best to be

there and hope to see many of you there as well.

It is a pleasure to be able to keep up with Coker friends through social media such as Facebook.

One person I particularly enjoy hearing from is Athena King who was a couple of years behind us in school. Athena shared the following information with me for the Commentary. “I want to share that I have been named an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Jackson State University, Jackson, MS. This year, I teach - or will teach next semester - Methods, Urban Politics, Introduction to Political Science, Statistics, and Environmental Policy.”

I was also able to talk by phone with Susan Neal Moore not too long ago. Susan and her family are doing well. It was so nice to catch up with her. It’s been more years than either of us will admit since we last talked, but it felt like only yesterday once we got going. Susan was my Commissioner big sister way back when!

I have had a lot going on in my life recently, lots of changes. I’m living full time in Hilton Head Island now and loving it. There is something calming about waking up and seeing the ocean from your front window or being lulled to sleep at night by the sound of waves. My new address is 40 Folly Field Road, C-251, HHI, SC 29928. If you find yourself down this way, give me a shout! We are slowly but surely recovering from Hurricane Matthew here on the island. I evacuated prior to the storm and was away for a very long week. It was nice to finally get back home on Oct. 12, but I returned to find that my condo had flooded during the storm, something I didn’t expect since I live on second floor. Apparently, a significant amount of rain was blown under my front door and about an inch of water flowed from the front door down the hall and into my bathroom. My laminate floors are ruined, but at least my place is still habitable. So many people were not so fortunate.

I’m still in graduate school full time working on that MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I’ve recently been accepted into the Chi Sigma Iota counseling honor society, Lambda Omega Alpha chapter. It is a lot of work, but I’m enjoying the courses. I start my second year in January. I’m also keeping myself busy with scuba diving and did what is probably my last dive of the season on Oct. 29 in Lake Murray as part of Wateree Dive Center’s Carve for a Cure, an event to raise money for breast cancer awareness. About 40 of us carved pumpkins under water. Mine won for best traditional jack ‘o lantern.

I’ve kept that title two years in a row now! This fall, I went camping and scuba diving with friends in upstate SC and have another backpacking/ camping trip coming up soon. My newest adventure is practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I absolutely love it! I don’t know anyone in HHI, and BJJ has been a great way for me to meet people, get some exercise, and learn a little bit of self-defense.

Please send me your news for the next edition of the commentary. You can find me on Facebook under Donna Farrell. I would love to hear from you.

Best wishes to all of you for a Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, or joyful whatever holiday you’re celebrating as we bring 2016 to a close.

Kind regards, Donna

THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

| 29

ADVANCE

CLASS REP DIRECTORY The following classes are in need of a class representative: 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1946, 1950, 1955, 1966, 1967, 1993, 1998, and 2013.

If you are interested, please call the alumni office at 1-800-65-COKER (26537) or 843-383-8082.

1998 Scott Phelps and Paige Brown-Phelps ’99 live in Hartsville with their four children. They are both educators, and Scott coaches recreational; basketball, baseball and soccer. In addition, he recently completed an advanced degree in School administration from the University of South Carolina.

Karen Edwards EV 98 is currently serving as Faculty Associate Director for Distributed Learning Pedagogy at the University of South Carolina’s Center for Teaching Excellence.

Karen

2005 I have been having a tough time keeping up with everything this fall. Curtis has a new full-time job, which we are still adjusting to and school for Tori is taking more of our time. We seem to be getting everything back on track now, so I will try to do a much better job and not miss the deadline in the Spring.

Jessica Lloyd

2010 Forrest Batson - Forrest, his wife, Katie Batson and son Miles are now living in Charlotte, NC. Forrest started working with taxes shortly after graduation, and decided it was what he wanted to pursue. After becoming an enrolled agent in Florida, they moved to Charlotte to work for Taxation Solutions Inc. where he is the Southeast Regional Director.

Jessica Barnes - Jessica earned her Masters degree in higher education administration from the University of South Alabama. She was awarded “”Outstanding Graduate Student” in 2014 and also became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. through the Mobile Alabama Alumnae Chapter.

She is currently a Resident Director at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. Jessica has renewed her passion for running, where she placed 2nd in her age group in her first half-marathon.

Michael Gore - Mike is living in Salisbury, NC where he is the lead Physical Therapist at Stewart PT. Matt Ammons - Matt received a prestigious award in his profession - Lake View High School Teacher of

the Year 2015-2016. He is also serving as assistant baseball coach for Florence-Darlington Tech.

Christmas Story. Needless to say, Kaitlin remains a very busy gal.

Chris Marsh - Chris and his wife, Mindy Marsh ’11 celebrated their 4th wedding anniversary this past summer. Their oldest son, Carson, turned 3 this year and they recently welcomed Camden Blake Marsh to the family. The family is currently living in Conway, SC where Mindy teaches 5th grade at South Conway Elementary. Chis is working on completing the financial advisor training program with Capital Investment Companies. They both look forward to visiting campus soon to see the continued growth of Coker College!

Benjamin Ellis - Ben started a law firm with a few friends in Ohio where he resides in Cincinnati.

Anna Lippard - After completing her Master’s in International Training and Education at American University, Anna moved to Dallas, Texas where she is now a Senior Manager for International Programs at Southern Methodist University. She currently does immigration advising and cultural/educational programs for international students.

Tim Leland - Tim has been working for ACS Technologies as a web developer working with online payments. Tim can’t seem to stop time, because so much has happened. Their son is growing up way too fast and his wife keeps him on his toes. Tim has recently started a blog, where one of his posts was featured in Wired Magazine.

Tyler Edwards - Tyler is working for Formel D, where he was promoted to Quality Manager for NAFTA. He is recently married to his wife, Katie and the two are enjoying the newlywed life!

Robert M. O’Hara - Robert is working at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio as a community Coordinator for the Student neighborhood.

Jay Goldenberg - Jay has been working in the commercial real estate industry for the past few years and landed a position with Lennard Commercial Real Estate where he is doing office leasing in downtown Toronto. Jay is still an avid golfer and still keeps up with Coker golf today.

Brittany Belton Horton - Brittany has truly enjoyed life post-graduation. She is a teacher at New Life Christian Academy in Charlotte, NC. Brittany was married in October 2013 and their first child came October 2014. She looks forward to the future and feels that it looks even brighter!

Jordan Heydt Pridgen - Jordan has had an exciting past year as she was recently married to Sam Pridgen and landed a new job with United Way of the Midlands. She is in charge of their Volunteer Center and is enjoying every minute of it.

Chad Daniels - I currently moved to Florence, Kentucky where I accepted a position with Novolex in July 2016. It has taken some adjusting, but I am enjoying the new adventure and looking forward to pursuing a great career with Novolex. My family has grown over the past few years, as I have welcomed a niece and two nephews into the world. It has been a joy to watch them grow over the years and I can’t wait to teach them more and more as time passes. I try to play golf as much as possible, but the game is not in sync like it used to be!!!

Amy Hall Hansen - Amy recently moved back to the South Carolina area, specifically Spartanburg. She is a psychologist for the Department of Juvenile Justice at the Upstate Evaluation Center. She deals with court ordered psychological evaluations on juveniles. She also had a baby boy back in October 2015.

Kyle Walker - Kyle has moved back to his home town in Centralia, IL where he is working in special education at Jordan Elementary School and coaching freshman football. He has taken up a huge passion for running and has done multiple marathons over the past couple years.

Kaitlin Barnes - Kaitlin is the Education Sales Manager at WonderWorks in Myrtle Beach, SC. While working full time, she is also new to the mommy world, where she welcomed Eden Mae Barnes into the world. She continues to use her degree in dance from Coker by working with Coastal Youth Theatre in Conway in performance/ choreography for Beauty and the Beast JR and A

Marissa Wane Levisen - Marissa was married April 2014, and welcomed a beautiful baby girl named Kylee Paige to the world January 2015. She is a General Manager at Planet Fitness in Florence, SC and spends as much time with family as possible.

Andrew Shychuk - Andrew has been very busy since graduation, but in a good way. He was married in June 2013 and finished up Medical school at the University of South Carolina in 2014. He has been at the University of Florida working on his Internal Medicine Residency training, and he can see some daylight at the end of the tunnel. Andrew and his wife also introduced their son, Charlie, to the world and have been very blessed.

Chad A. Daniels

1962

Lisa Miller Sneed | 105 Bison Pl., Lexington, SC 29072 | lisa.jsneed@ coloniallife.com

1947 Lee Blake Stevenson | PO Box 660, Beaufort, SC 29901 | (843) 5245860 | muffy26@hargray.com

1948 Pat Hesse Hardison | 8919 Park Rd., Apt. 148 Charlotte, NC 28210 | (704) 373-3056

1949

1976

1989

2002

Mouse Mros Belotti | 1118 Inverness Ln., Hanahan, SC 29410 | (843) 7478361 | drb90@att.net

Meg Quilty Liebe | 803 Washington Ave., Palmyra, NJ 08065

Stephanie Carwile Murry | PO Box 299, Panola, TX 75685 | (318) 773-0133 | Stephanierodeo@aol.com

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

1977

Pennie Cathey Peagler | 183 Royal Oaks Ln., Lexington, SC 29072 | (803) 926-8410 | penniepeagler@ gmail.com

Blayke Turrubiartes | 2619 Century Oaks Ln., Charlotte, NC, 28262 | (704) 535-1504 | blaykee@gmail.com

1963

1978

1990

2003

Kathy Harsh Cunningham | 6004 Highmarket St., Georgetown, SC 29440 | (843) 344-1492 | khc1224@aol.com

Wes Daniels | 201 Chester Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 616-2485 | wesdaniels@hotmail.com

Amy Gibson | 6 Corby Ct., Columbia, SC 29229 | (803) 462-9851 | algibson90@bellsouth.net

Emily Tupper | 5809 Yeary Rd., Plano, TX 75093 | (863) 205-6590 | emilymarovich@yahoo.com

1991

2004

Helen Mason Allen | 1823 Misty Vale Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214 | (704) 5751314 | helenm.allen@cms.k12.nc.us

Selena Davis | 410 Emmary St., Hartsville, SC 29550 | selenacobras20@ gmail.com

Kay Elder Williams | 411 West Windward, Landing Pl., Hampstead, NC 28443-2476 | (910) 270-0122 | tapperkay@charter.net

1964 Naomi Kelley Jackson | 2302 Bay Rd., Hartsville, SC 29550 | naomijac@ roadrunner.com

Lois Hatfield Anderson | 210 Saddlebrook Ln., Hopkins, SC 29061 | (803) 776- Cameron Council Speth | 89 Jordan Rd., Strafford, VT 05072 | (802) 7650926 | LHAnderson32@aol.com 4899 | cece@speth.com

1951

Betty Lee Jordan Gandy | 809 Indian Dr., Florence, SC 29501 | (843) 662-2797

1952 Betty Lou McIntyre Barclay | 329 Lee Cir., Dillon, SC 29536 | (843) 7746122 | Bbar830771@aol.com Frances Nicholson Townsend | 201 Kinney Cir., Bennettsville, SC 29512 | (843) 479-9398

1953 Pat Chapman Huff | 507 Wilmar Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 332-3755 | pathuff1953@gmail.com Mitzi DuPre Matthews | 200 Juanita Dr., Lexington, SC 29072 | (803) 8088462 | bmatthews4@windstream.net

1954 Lois Hatfield Anderson | 210 Saddlebrook Ln., Hopkins, SC 29061 | (803) 776-0926 | LHAnderson32@aol. com

1956 Peggy Cantey Gardner | PO Box 42, Manning, SC 29102 | (803) 435-6862 | peggycgardner@yahoo.com Barbara Ward Mishoe | 154 South Main, Greeleyville, SC 29056 | (843) 4262591 | bmishoe@stc-i.net

1957 Lynn Williams Oates | 3417 Oates Highway, Lamar, SC 29069 | (843) 3323040 | lwoates@roadrunner.com

1958

1965

Jane McCrackin Suchy | 5303 Bluff Rd., Mullins, SC 29574 | (843) 464-7056 | suchysuchy@aol.com Vicki Smith Chaplin | 1783 Candlewick Ct., Myrtle Beach, SC 29532-5336 | (843) 332-5998 | chaplins4@bellsouth. net

1979 Debbie Schultz McLaren | 20184 Foothill Ter., Ashburn, VA 20147 | (703) 726-1190 | writerdeb11@aol.com

1980 Susan Weathersbee Dionne | 137 West Home Ave., Hartsville, SC 295504123 | 843-639-2065 | d.susan93@ yahoo.com

Eleanor Powell Clark | 106 Arapaho Cir., Darlington, SC 29532 | (843) 395-2173 Lee H. Hickman | 703 Beaty St., Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 248-3925 | lhickman@ Mickey Utsey Harder | 94 Crestwood sccoast.net Dr., Clemson, SC 29631 | (864) 6543138 | harderl@clemson.edu 1981 Barbara A. Britton | 6716 St. Julian Way 1968 Fayetteville, NC 28314 | Joni Lading Abernathy | 20037 Oak (910) 860-7650 | jmb1jmb2@aol.com River Ct., S. Chesterfield, VA 23803 | (804) 590-1644 | jabernathyva@comcast. 1982 net Dee Holt Zsembik | 1376 Hyde Park Dr., Port Orange, FL 32128 | (386) 795-0544 | 1969 ddshouse@yahoo.com Jennie Baker Smith | 29 Long Lake Dr., Bluffton, SC 29910 | (843) 816-0125 | 1983 jensmith303@yahoo.com Glenn Bridges | 18-F Old Sourth Ct., Bluffton, SC 29910 | (843) 815Frankie Rhodes Watson | 117 Schooner 4745 | daddydolphin@hargray.com Ln., Columbia, SC 29212 | (803) 3121138 | frankiesapc@yahoo.com 1984 Donna J. Craig | 801 Longbow Rd., 1970 Charlotte, NC 28211 | (704) 365-6763 | Brenda Thompson Stewart | 108 Fairdjcraig@bellsouth.net way Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29715-9747 | (803) 547-7177 | brenstew66@gmail.

Michelle Wiscovitch King | 400 com Gandy Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 857-0084 | 1971 michaelbking@bellsouth.net Sarah Wood Safrit | PO Box 388, Beaufort, NC 28516-0388 | (252) 728-3213 | 1985 sarahjo@centurylink.net Tracie Johnson Paschal | 1111 West Roseneath Rd., Florence, SC 29501-5745 | 1972 TraciePL@aol.com Janie Cleckley Campbell | 2045 East Carolina Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550 | 1986 (843) 332-1547 | Teresa "Trigger" Martin | 133 Tall Oaks jandscampbell71@gmail.com Dr., Irmo, SC 29063 | 803-318-1413 | triggermartin@aol.com Sarah McCanless Haarlow | 369 Brookwood Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 | 1987 (843) 816-4995 | SarahHaarlow@gmail.

Cindy Lee Hylton | 9502 Amberleigh com Cir., North Chesterfield, VA 23236 | (804) 519-6192 | hyltoncl@verizon.net

1973

Jane Clyburn | 1002 Starcliff Dr., Lugoff, Donna Farrell Mosser | 1003 Tamarack SC 29078 | (803) 438-5638 | pjclyburn@ Dr., North Augusta, GA, 29841-9327 | Pat Crawford Fields | 1713 Scenic Valley att.net (803) 640-5696 | dfmosser@comcast.net Ln., Knoxville, TN 37922-7135 | 1974 (865) 675-3013 | jcfields@tds.net Phyllis Atkinson Palmieri | 1819 New Pat Newman | (352) 792-3565 | Market Rd., Hartsville, SC 29550-9303 pnewman224@yahoo.com Holly Mims Westcott | 208 Barnwell 1988 Ave., NE Aiken, SC 29801 | (803) 514Libbie Wilmeth Smith | 194 Third St., 2431 | hwestcott@atlanticbb.net Millicent Chewning Macchione | 3011 Bamberg, SC 29003 | (803) 614-4657 Stone Bridge Trl., Conyers, GA 1960 30094 | (770) 388-0067 | Millicentmac1975 Laura McLeod | 5226 Mulholland Dr., chione@yahoo.com Diane Roden Dinneny | 186 Old Summerville, SC 29485 | (843) 821Farmers Rd., Long Valley , NJ 078539673 | alauramcleod@aim.com Lisa Bryant McDowell | 9 Alison Way 9550 | (908) 581-7710 | DLDin@aol.com Columbia, SC 29229 | (803) 699-7924 | 1961 Susie Dunklin Guerry | 143 Erwin Rd., lmcdowel@richland2.org Edna DuRant Ellis | 1525 Hobbs Dr., Summerton, SC 29148 | (803) 478-4658 | Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 332-8212 | oinkoink@roadrunner.com elellis72@yahoo.com

C O K E R ALU M N I #cokerpride

1939

1959

WITH YOUR FELLOW

3 0 | WINTER 2017

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

Susan Holroyd Shumaker | 315 West Meade Dr., Nashville, TN 37205 | (615) 352-5732 | Susan.Shumaker@ comcast.net

STAY IN TOUCH

/cokercollegealumniassociation

Florence Houck Steele | PO Box 9005, Orangeburg, SC 29116 | (803) 478-8783

1938

@cokeralumniassociation

COKER . EDU

1992 Fredie Williams | PO Box 2734, Evans, GA 30809-2734 | fredie.williams@ gmail.com

1994 Jennifer Blankenship | 2977 Dance Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 332-9835 | blankcamp@aol.com Dede Lawrence | dede_lawrence@ yahoo.com

1995 Heather McConnell Buckelew | 1606 Duckhorn St., NW Concord, NC 28027 | (704) 786-1857 | nj2sc2nc@ ctc.net Sam Fryer III | 1610 Southwood Ct., Florence, SC 29505-3195 | (843) 6298372 | sfryer@fsd1.org

1996 Karol Lowery | 1559 Essex Hall Dr., Rock Hill, SC | (803) 800-4394 | klowery727@ aol.com

1997 Regina Bacote Donithan | 5482 Rosehall Pl., Atlanta, GA 30349 | (404) 344-0692 | rbacote518@hotmail.com Tim J. Halverson | 864 East Stonewood Dr., | Oak Creek, WI 53154-7962 | (414) 704-6193 | Thalvers@yahoo.com

Julia Kokemor | 202 Saint Nicholas St., Luling, LA 70070-5110 | jkokemor1@ gmail.com

2006 Jennifer Jackson | 200 Cedar Branch Rd., Loris, SC 29569 | (843) 756-4469 | jenmarie_john315@yahoo.com

2007 Kristin Caswell | 141 Pacific Ave., Chapin, SC 29036-7315 | (864) 241-8124 | kcaswell@vertixinc.com Danielle Johnson Winburn | 107 N 2nd St., Apt. A Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 857-3812 | nikkidaniell@gmail.com LaDrica Jones-Christian | 843-4092841 | ladricaj@hotmail.com Shereza Middleton | 5145 Seymour Rd., Dalzell, SC 29040-9144 | middleton26@yahoo.com

2008 Veronica Gallo | 502 Cashua St., Darlington, SC 29532 | (724) 816-2466 | veronicagallo@hotmail.com

2009 Shannon Crouch Bowers | 1814 Golden St., Newberry, SC 29108-4472 | bowers.shannonc@yahoo.com

2010

Alison Wood | 2400 Pine Haven St., Beaufort, SC 29902-6042

Chad Daniels | 134 West Home Ave., Apt. C Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 7097587 | chad.daniels@sonoco.com

1998

2011

Karen Edwards | 313 Rosehall Pl., Atlanta, GA, 30349 | (803) 800-4394 | klowery727@aol.com

Margaret McCoy Toney | (803) 2106113 | margaret.m.toney@gmail.com

2012

1999

Ali Nelson | 910 Jessamine Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 383-8393 | anelson@coker.edu

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

2014

Becky Teal | 15 N 9th St., McBee, SC 29101-8503 | (803) 335-8450

Miesha White | 1706 Willis Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 | Romiesha.white@ gmail.com

Sheila Trapp | 1343 Antioch Rd., Hartsville, SC 29551 | (843) 383-3127 | sheilat@darlington.k12.sc.us

2015

2000

Emily Mosser | 1003 Tamarack Dr., North Augusta, GA, 29841-9327 | enmosser@comcast.net

Keelea R. LeJeune | 3121 Torres Ave., Pensacola, FL 32503 | (850) 393-6861 | keelealejeune@hotmail.com

2001 Roslynn Elom | 572 East McIver Rd., Florence, SC 29506 | (843) 667-0502 | ravenrose3@aol.com

THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

| 31

ADVANCE The Office of Institutional Advancement would like to thank the friends, alumni, faculty, staff, foundations and corporations who gave so generously to scholarships, and in honor and memory of someone.

Information received July 1, 2016 - December 16, 2016.

INVESTING

IN THE FUTURE

Mary And Bruce Smith’s Children Honor their Legacy

Benjamin Franklin once wrote that “an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

participate, we find that lives start to change in remarkable ways.

At Coker College, we are grateful for a community that believes this to be true.

Many members of our Coker family choose to make investments not only in their own education or the education of their loved ones, but also in the education of students who have yet to walk through our doors. Everyone has their own way of contributing to the educational process—from the students who engage in eye-opening discussions, to faculty who pour their passion and energy into lessons, the alumni who proudly reminisce about their Coker experiences, and generous donors whose investments support our mission of inspiring lifelong learning. When devotion to education meets the opportunity to

Mary and Bruce Smith shared this commitment to education and a belief in its transformative power. The Smiths were beloved community members, with a deep connection to Hartsville. They owned BoSmith Furniture, a downtown store that provided affordable, quality furniture—often for Coker students! For them, the college was a family affair: their daughter, Lynn Smith Gainey, and daughter-in-law, Dorothy Tedder Smith, both attended Coker. Daughter Sara Smith Odom went on to become a professor here, and is now retired from Coker’s faculty.

the Smith children have decided to establish a scholarship in their parents’ names. This fall, the Mary Huggins & T. Bruce Smith, Sr. Endowed Scholarship for Education & Business was endowed by the couple’s children: Phillip and Sara Odom, Dillard and Argent Jacobs, Karl and JoAnn Smith, Howard and Lynn Gainey, and Dorothy Smith (widow of T. Bruce Smith, Jr.).

The scholarship will enable future students to join in Coker’s rich educational experience, ensuring that generations to come will enjoy the benefits of discussion-based, personalized learning.

We can think of no greater investment than that.

The Smiths valued knowledge and fostered a love of learning throughout their home. Now, in honor of that legacy,

THE DANNY E. AND DEBBIE A. JOHNSON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP Danny and Brandy Johnson have fully endowed the Danny E. and Debbie A. Johnson Endowed Scholarship in honor of Danny’s parents. The scholarship will be awarded to a full-time student from Darlington or Chesterfield Counties, majoring in business or history and maintaining at least a “C” average.

WAYS TO GIVE E stablish an endowed scholarship, like the Johnsons or the Smith family.

Contact Peggy Smith at (843) 383-8178 for more information.

Join the Coker Society (See all the perks on page 18!)

M ake a one-time donation in the amount of your choosing at coker.edu/gifts

32 | W I N T E R 2 0 1 7

COKER . EDU

MEMORIALS Jean A Benson Prof. Melinda Norris Virginia Bledsoe Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Dr. Irene Boliek Mrs. Anne Law Finch Martha Nelle Bouknight ‘59 Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain ‘43 Dr. & Mrs. C. Brooks Bannister Matt Cannarella Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Ellen Cecil Mrs. Molly Peterson Kim Chalmers Mrs. Diane Roden Dinneny Jimmy Chapman Mrs. Beth DuBose Cottingham Dr. Charles Cook Mrs. Annita Ward Hunt Mark and Jane Cooper Mrs. Judith Cooper Camak Walter Cottingham Mr. David Allen Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Hoyland Fisher Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Mrs. Mitzi DuPre Matthews Mrs. Jean Fore McDaniel Mrs. Myra Grayson Nuttall Dr. & Mrs. Louis Stephens Dr. James D. Daniels Mr. and Mrs. Andy Eaddy Thomas Davis Mrs. Tracy Burns Mr. Olin Epps Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Dr. A.A. Farhner, History professor and honor of his service at Pearl Harbor, Dec. 4, 1941 Mrs. Margaret Freymuth Dr. Peter Fichte Mr. and Mrs. Richard Puffer Debby Skinner Galloway Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Jody Gaskins Mrs. Sandy Gaskins Doris Johnson Gray ‘51 Mrs. Betty Lou Mace Skinner Mrs. Lillian Dillard Stephens Mrs. Lib Bishop Tiller Joan Gregg Mrs Louise Atkinson Cleveland Herb Hanna ‘51 Mrs. Vera Helmly Ray Harris Ms. Mary Rogers Ridgeway Harriett Hayes Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Sally Hays Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Glenn Holloman Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Christine Savvas Homer ‘56 Mrs. Barbara Joyce Chambers Charles L. Hunley Mrs. Frances Hunley Mr. & Mrs. E. Jackson Mrs. Hellen J. Jackson Hannah Johnson Mr. Jody Johnson Betty Wray Macdonald Jones ‘52 Dr. & Mrs. Louis Stephens Cliff Jones Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Mrs. Diane Kimbell Mr. Joseph Stevano Betty Gandy Kirven ‘50 Mrs. Lillian Dillard Stephens Mrs. Lib Bishop Tiller Dr. Jim Lemke Mrs. Judith Powell Mims Li Bing Wu Dr. Cathleen Cuppett Robert (Bobby) Mace Mrs. Lois Hatfield Anderson Mr. Robert Hamer Manning III Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger W. Reaves McCall Dr. Will Carswell Juanita DeVault McClerklin Ms. Shirley McClerklin-Motley Timothea McDonald Mr. Murray F. McDonald Brayeton Cody Norton Mrs. Sandy McKenzie Greg Outlaw Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Dr. Edna Earl Poyner Mrs. Annita Ward Hunt Mary Anne Sansbury Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Rebecca Slone Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Velna Rollins Smith ‘50 Mrs. Beth DuBose Cottingham Gayle Grubbs Stoll ‘68 Mrs. Ellen Tollison Hayden Judith Byrd Talbert Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Jean Byrd Taylor Mr. & Mrs. Richard Puffer Bland McNair Whitley ‘70 Mrs. Diane Thrasher Mills Mrs. Susan Burns Wetmore Jane Cureton Wiliams ‘53 Mrs. Jennie Herlong Boatwright Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Dr. Kenneth Wilmot Dr. Tracey Welborn

SYMPATHY Ann Ludlam Winfield ‘44 in the death of her husband Robert S. Winfield on September 4, 2016.

Michal Millen Baird ‘46 in the death of her husband Dick Baird on November 13, 2016.

Shirley Prescott Mace ‘49 in the death of her husband Robert G. Mace on June 4, 2016.

Susanne Knight Dabney ‘50 in the death of her husband Joseph E. Dabney, Sr. on December 26, 2015.

Jean Stevens Edwards ‘52 in the death of her beloved friend Nancy Ann Wright on October 20, 2016.

Lynne Eidson Dudley ‘53 in the death of her husband James E. Dudley, Jr. on December 11, 2014.

Beth DuBose Cottingham ‘55 in the death of her husband Dr. Walter C. Cottingham on July 25, 2016.

Norma Jean Johnson King ‘56 in the death of her brother Joseph C. Johnson, Sr. on June 24, 2016.

Beulah Griggs Chapman ‘60 in the death of her brother-in-law James William Chapman on September 21, 2016.

Amy Connor Byrd ‘71 in the death of her mother Amy Sadler Connor on September 22, 2006.

Betty Young Sullivan ‘71 in the death of her Sister Rose Young Collins on October 16, 2016.

Gregory Batchelor ‘00 in the death of his father Julian M. Batchelor, Sr. on December 5, 2016.

Susan Klein Schatz ‘06 in the death of her father-in-law Edward Leroy Schatz on November 5, 2016.

Chad Johnson ‘11 in the death of his Aunt Lisa Lee Lybrand on July 16, 2016.

Amanda Farmer ‘12 in the death of her father William Jerry Lundy on August 19, 2016.

Ellen Buchner Tatman ‘12 in the death of her father Roger Buchner on October 23, 2016 and her brother Adam Wayne Buchner on November 19, 2016.

Kristen Watkins Johnson ‘14 in the death of her Aunt Lisa Lee Lybrand on July 16, 2016.

SCHOLARSHIPS & ENDOWMENT Algernon Sydney Sullivan Restricted Scholarship The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation Anne Lamb Matthews Endowed Scholarship Dr. Anne Lamb Matthews Barbara D. Dixon ‘59 and Osmund Dixon Scholarship Mr. and Mrs. Osmund W. Dixon, Jr. Charles L. Hunley Scholarship Mrs. Frances Hunley Chaty Hayes O’Neal ‘46 Endowed Scholarship Mr. Thomas A. O’Neal, Jr. Class of 1953 Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Jennie Herlong Boatwright Mrs. Betty Jean Hunsinger Mrs. Jean Fore McDaniel Class of 1956 Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Shep Porter Wallace Class of 1963 Endowed Scholarship Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Hord, Jr. Ms. Edith Floride Reynolds Mrs. Nancy McConnell Wilhelm Class of 1964 End. Scholarship Mrs. Lorena Cook. James Dr. Anne Lamb Matthews Mrs. Cameron Council Speth D. L. Scurry Foundation Scholarship The D. L. Scurry Foundation Danny E. and Debbie Johnson Endowed Scholarship Mr. and Mrs. Danny E. Johnson, Jr.

Edna Earle Poyner Endowed Scholarship Ms. Ann Bailey King Eleanor Coker Ruthven Creative Mrs. Carol Luth Ruthven Eleanore Whittinghill Vaughan Endowed Scholarship Mr. L. R. Vaughan Eugenia McAlpine Lewis Endowed Scholarship in Communications Ms. Elizabeth Stanzione Dr. Dan Stanzione and Mrs. Lisa Votta G. J. Wilds III Scholarship Mrs. Sarah K. Wilds Mr. T. Scott Wilds General Scholarships Central Carolina Community Foundation SCICU James W. Lemke Chair for College Services and Leadership SC Commission on Higher Education Jane Parler Norwood Endowed Scholarship Mr. Ballard G. Norwood and Dr. Jane B. Norwood John C. and Leland S. Hungerpiller Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain John M Williams Jr Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship Mr. Paul Dunn Ms. Ye Li Ms. Darlene Small Dr. Joseph A. Stevano Mrs. Laura B. Swain Dr. and Mrs. John M. Williams III Joyce Johnston Jordan Utt Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Joyce Jordan Utt Katherine Still Campbell Endow Mrs. Katherine Still Campbell Kenneth Lewis Wilmot Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Patricia Evans Wilmot Kim Chalmers Art Travel Fund Mr. Nathaniel Lee Gulledge Mr. Larry Merriman and Ms. Jean R. Grosser Lettie Pate Whitehead Endowed Scholarship Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc. Malcolm C. & Jacqueline E. McLeod Doubles Endowed Scholarship Mr. James J. Gibson and Dr. Lois R. Gibson Mr. Matthew C. Hicks Marjorie H. & Thomas Bethea Music Scholarship Mrs. Marjorie Hooks Bethea Mary Elizabeth Dubose Cottingham Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Beth DuBose Cottingham Michal Millen Baird Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Michal Millen Baird Nancy Barrineau Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Teressa Thompson Harrington Mrs. Nan Carter Howard Mrs. Betty Robertson Coughlin Mrs. Betty E. Coughlin Rubinstein-Buchler Endowed Scholarship for International Study Dr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Rubinstein Ruth Lawton Wilds Endowed Music Scholarship Mrs. Sara K. Wilds

THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

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ADVANCE

Sloan H. Brittain Endowed Music Scholarship Mrs. Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain Sparrow Scholars Program Chevron Foundation Strahan Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Nancy Strahan Hall Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship Ms. Ye Li The Inabnit Family Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Laura Cheatham Palmer VC Elmore Scholarship Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Thomas

HONORARIUMS Class of 1951 Mrs. Betty Lee Jordan Gandy 1956 Classmates Mrs. Joyce Johnston Utt Class of 2016 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Puffer Dr. Jill Banks Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Eide Ms. Tayler Barcomb Ms. Toni Infinger Mrs. Robine Jackson Baseball Team Mrs. Donna Casey Ms. Taylor Brown Inc.Hartman & Young Financial Group, Sarah Kolb Bivins & Lee Bivins, 61st wedding anniversary Mrs. Beth DuBose Cottingham Ms. Samantha Celek Mrs. Martha Celek Mr. and Mrs. William Chapman Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mr. Bryson Conner Ms. Harriet Conner Rev. Gene Feagin, Anna and Travis Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Dr. Katie Flaherty Prof. Melinda Norris

Ms. Taylor Forehand Coastal Autoglass, Inc. Ms. Hannah Goodman Ms. Laura Goodman Ms. Nikki Linthiam Ms. Mary Gunter Ms. Nikki Linthiam Ms. Laura Pelkey Mr. and Mrs. P.L. McCall, Jr. Dr. Will Carswell Ms. Hannah Price Mr. Jerry Troutman Ms. Linda Piscopo Ms. Angela Price Professor Dick Puffer Mr. Alex Kornfeld Mr. Dan Schmotzer Mr. Lewis Sharp Jo Anne Boyd Sires ‘53 birthday Mrs. Beth DuBose Cottingham Mr. Nik Sitterly Mr. Marshall Casey Dr. Richard Swallow Mr. David G. Williams David Weiner Mrs. Leatrice M. Weiner Wiggins School of Education faculty & staff Mrs. Susan Daniels Henderson Ms. Maria Williamson Burdette Engineering, Inc. Mr. Douglas Renwick Mrs. Teresa Stovall Mrs. Jane Verdin Dr. Robert Wyatt Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

LIBRARY Mrs. Alexa Bartel Dr. James Beaumier Dr. Cathy Cuppett Dr. Peter Gloviczki Ms Serena Hill-LaRoche Mr. Mal Hyman Ms. Kristine Jones Dr. Rhonda Knight Mr. Anthony Padua Mr. Richard Puffer Mr. Todd Rix Ms. Earthalyn R. Sellers Dr. Michael Siegfired Mr. Alston Singletary

BIRTHS Derek Whitmire ’04 on the birth of Shaya Love Whitmire on 9/8/2016.

Chris Thomas ’09 and Jessica Welch Thomas’10 on the birth of Eli Thomas on 9/28/2016.

Ben Chastain ’10 on the birth of son Harrison Michael Chastain on 8/18/2016.

Kaitlin Owens Barnes ’10 on the birth of daughter Eden Mae Barnes on 2/2/2016.

Casey Plummer Bormet ’12 on the birth of daughter Hayley Lousie Bormet on 11/4/2016.

Brittany Malloy Henderson ’13 on the birth of daughter Emmarie Burke Henderson on 7/6/2016.

William Simpson ’13 on the birth of son Michael Thomas Simpson.

Megan Sexton Molo ’13 and Joseph Molo ’13 on the birth of daughter Emersyn Rhea Molo.

Jessica Smith Howington ’13 on the birth of son Kaleb Howington on 9/27/2016.

April Griggs Bristol ’13 and Joel Bistol ’14 on the birth of son Aaron Isaiah Bristol on 11/16/2016.

Daniel McKenzie ’14 on the birth of son Thomas Aiden McKenzie on 9/16/2016.

Daphne W. Aruthur Dan & Betty Hardaway Dan Beach Dr. and Mrs. Steve Rumpf Matt Canneralla Joan Hoffmeyer Sarah Cassity Harry and Rita Moran

Margaret Roper McGinn Ruth Rogers Nielsen Mary Ridgeway Mr. Wyndham Robertson Allison Roper & Marilyn Roper Richard & Carol Ruthven Sandra P. Smith Lawrence & Jean Shuping Bill & Olive Timberlake Jay & Molly Watters Sandy Weinberg Jewel Wynns Sara K. Wilds Annette G. King Dr. and Mrs. Brooks Bannister Don McCall Susan Coker Ty’Zah Peterson Tracey Burns

HONORARIUMS Dr. Ronna Askins Greg & Lyne Askins Pam Newsome Olivia Doughty Mary Ridgeway Evelyn Hane Bobb E. Riggs Dr. Lois Gibson Dr. George Sawyer Connie Brock Dr. Lois Gibson

Cassie Callahan ’15 on the birth of daughter Gracyn Elizabeth Callahan on 7/27/2016.

WEDDINGS

Margaret McCoy Toney ’11 on the birth of son Rivers Crawford Toney on 9/23/2016.

Neely Davis ‘06 on her marriage.

Avery Bateman-Hailey ’11 on the birth of son Omari Braxton Bateman-Hailey on 10/11/2016.

MEMORIALS

Ellen Cecil Steven & Molly Peterson Dr. James Daniels Andy & Vicki Eaddy Frances Alma DeLoach Haigler T. E. Haigler Ray Harris Adrienne H. Rogers Frank Harnick Harry & Rita Moran Glenn Holloman Joan Hoffmeyer Mary Elmore Jordan Belva High Mary Coker Joslin David Allen Rosemary Armstrong Judy & Winston Charles Harris & Louise DeLoach, Jr. Jean Grosser Terry Harrington, Julia and Susan Dr. L. Eve Armentrout Ma, Esq.

Ashley M. Thompkins ’14 on the birth of son Austin Jamison Rhodes.

Corinne Sutton Farrow ’10 on the birth of daughter Lola Farrow on 7/29/2016.

Mackenzie Hallahan ’11 on the birth of son Levi Hallahan.

Lex & Sherry West Zan & Pat West Dr. Tracey Welborn Gregg Welborn Patricia Wilmot Shelli Wilson Ben & Ann Williamson Elaine Whittle Ben & Peggy Woodward Bud & Joanne Zobel

Learning Lasts A lifetime

Hannah Beard ‘11 on her marriage on 9/3/2016.

Ashley Meador ‘11 on her marriage on 9/4/2016.

START THE NEXT CHAPTER IN YOUR COKER STORY.

Sara Atkinson ‘14 and Atticus Lum ‘14 on their marriage on 7/23/2016.

EMAIL MASTERS@COKER.EDU AND LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS TODAY!

KALMIA GARDENS Information Received July – December 2016

DONATIONS Bobbi Adams Dr. and Mrs. Paul Alexander Paul & Rebecca Alford Anderson Brass Company Arborworks Tree Company Greg & Lyne Askins Dr. Ronna Askins Brown Pennington Atkins Jack & Francine Bachman Dave Bailey Ruth Baronda Merle Baxley Dr. & Mrs. James Bell Cliff & Shirlyn Bellum Dr. Caroline Coker Cepin Benser Dr. & Mrs. David Blackmon Dennis & Lyndell Becker Richard & Ruth Boiteau Ritchie & Heidi Bond Charles & Rene Bowman Stanley Byrd

Shari Carter Mo & Sharon Cayer Bill & Helen Chaplin Raymond & Retha Chapman Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Christian III Charlie & Joan Coker Fitz & Dottie Coker Howard & Rhonda Coker Dr. & Mrs. Richard Conner Bob & Betty Corning Jim & Pam Cox Coldwell Banker Rollins & Nancy Culpepper Hal & Missy Cummings Marie Daniels Charles & Carole Davis John & Judy Davis Mary Esther Denny Bubba & Barbara Dixon Mike & Deborah Doran Hope Dunlap Dr. & Mrs. Fred Edinger Wade & Mary Lutie Fletcher Jim Fort Charles & Joan S. Coker Foundation Deborah Gandy Maxine Garland Colonel George Gering Carol Godwin Jim & Mary Fernandes Drew & Bonnie Hamilton Walt & Susan Harvey

Kathryn B. Hendricks Elsie Henry Jim & Cathy Hines Tamara Hoefer Dr. Flora Hopkins Ron & Carole Howard Dan Hill David Holt Charles & Frances Hupfer Luan Jeffords Jody Johnson Stephen & Frances Jones Nell Joslin Kalmia Garden Club Jay James Dr. and Mrs. Phil Kennedy Charles & Carole Davis Robert & Diane Kerzner Ben & Nettie Kilpatrick Harold & Libba King Dr. & Mrs. Keith Kooken Edgar & Nan Lawton Ed & Tru Lawton Tracy M. Lee Dr. Darlene Maxwell Art Maxwell Richard McKinnon Allen & Lauri McLeland Kathy Moore Harry & Rita Moran Harry & Suzanne Muldrow Vern & Nancy Myers

Scott & Jo Nelson John & Trish Nielsen Ruth Rogers Nielsen Lou & Victoria Norment Charles O’Rourke Dr. Suzanne Parker Chandler & Martha Peel Emily Phillips Jim & Holly Prescott Hazel Puyet Rose Quilty Bobb E. Riggs Ellen H. Rogers Jenny Rogers Laura Rowell Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Rubinstein Dr. & Mrs. Steve Rumpf Sarah Jo Safrit Drs. George & Gayle Sawyer Roger and Connie Schrum Jackie Segars Sara Lee Simons Jim & Mary Lathan Steele Spring Beauty Garden Club Margaret Thomson Howard & Judy Trout Bob & Peggy Trowell David & Christina Wallerstein John & Judy Walker John & Martha Ward Jimmy & Cynthia Watts Clyde Weaver, Jr.

M.S., APPLIED CRIMINOLOGY M.S., COLLEGE ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION M.ED., LITERACY STUDIES Scholarship opportunities are available for graduates of Coker College’s bachelor’s programs.

COKER.EDU/MASTERS 3 4 | WINTER 2017

COKER . EDU

THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

COLUMBIA, SC PERMIT 1204

OFFICE of INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT 300 East College Avenue

Hartsville, South Carolina 29550

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Their Potential Is Limitless.

Together, we can give Coker College students the opportunities they need to be successful.

Everyone has a story, and our incoming students are no different. People come to Coker from a number of different backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances. For many, the personalized education we offer is exactly what they need to thrive—and for some potential students, the ability to obtain that education depends on funding. That’s where the Annual Scholarship Fund can help.

The Coker College Annual Scholarship Fund is a pool of donations from generous alumni, community members, and friends of the college. Every dollar contributed goes toward scholarship funding for our students, providing the financial assistance they need to come here and create their own success story.

IF EVERYONE GIVES A LITTLE, WE CAN GIVE OUR STUDENTS A LOT.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND HELP A STUDENT TODAY AT COKER.EDU/GIFTS