[ Summer 2016] Commentary

SUMMER

2016 VOL. 45, NO. 2

C O M M E N TA RY T H E O F F I C I A L M AG A Z I N E O F C O K E R C O L L EG E – H A R T S V I L L E , S C

the gift of dance Coker College dancers shine on the national stage

FOR FAMILY AND BASKETBALL Beloved coach Pat Hewitt ’69 reflects on what matters most

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON For this father-son duo, education is a family matter

SUMMER 2016 | VOL. 45, NO. 2

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR L AURA HOXWORTH Director of Institutional Identity

ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER KYLE SAVERANCE ’06 Vice President for Institutional Identity & Information Technology

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

CONTRIBUTORS SETH JOHNSON ’12 Video Production & Broadcast Media Specialist PEGGY SMITH Advancement Officer SHELLI WILSON Director of Alumni Engagement DEE PIERCE Manager of Resource Development ELIZABETH COXE HUBBARD Media Relations Coordinator JOSH MILLIGAN ’16 Graphic Design Intern BRYAN RIVERS ’17 Graphic Design Intern REBECCA PARHAM ’17 Content Intern

We talk a lot about family here at Coker College.

Starting with our freshman Commissioner families, it’s a part of the lexicon from the moment a student walks onto campus. In this issue of the Commentary, we have lots of news to share, as usual—but we also wanted to showcase stories about family: what it means, where you find it, and why it matters.

On page 5, you can read about the ties of family in the story of a father and son both pursuing their education together through our Adult Degree Program. Or, on page 11, about how the importance of family guided legendary Hartsville High School girls' basketball coach Pat Hewitt ’69 throughout her award-winning career.

On page 13, learn how 2016 grad Tierra Foxworth turned a heartfelt birthday gift for her mother into a moving dance piece that not only won national accolades but also brought audience members to tears during a spectacular performance at the National College Dance Festival in D.C. this June. (I would know; I was one of those audience members.)

However you came to be a part of this family, we’re so glad you’re here.

So check out upcoming campus events on page 15, find out how to connect with us on social media on page 21, and learn how to become a part of the new and exciting Coker Society on page 16. Because once you’re a part of the Coker family, you’re family forever.

From our family to yours, we hope you’re having a wonderful summer.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert L. Wyatt

coker.edu | cokercobras.com

table of contents

IN THIS ISSUE | FEATURE STORIES

5

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON “The Ronnies,” a father-son duo from Cheraw, S.C., share more than a name— after earning their associate’s degrees together in May, they’re now both pursuing their bachelor’s degrees at Coker.

3

ONE CHAPTER ENDS, ANOTHER BEGINS 108th Spring Commencement: May 14, 2016

7

KICKS FOR KENYA Student-athlete Jacob Chebii organizes shoe drive

9

END OF AN ERA The Schmotzer brothers’ nearly 30-year coaching careers come to a close

15 CALENDAR OF EVENTS What’s coming up at Coker: Fall 2016

11 FOR FAMILY AND BASKETBALL Pat Hewitt ‘69, former Hartsville High School girls' basketball coach and beloved member of the Hartsville community, shares the lessons she learned from Coker and how they influenced her career.

16 THE COKER SOCIETY Introducing a new way to support Coker College

17 NEWS BRIEFS

13 THE GIFT OF DANCE Tierra Foxworth and Tammaka Staley, 2016 dance program graduates, reflect on their award-winning performance at this year’s National College Dance Festival in Washington, D.C.

21 IT'S TIME TO GET SOCIAL Why you should connect with Coker on social media

22 #COKERPRIDE

Highlights from a busy semester in the Coker community

18 HOMECOMING + ALUMNI DAY 2017 Two Coker traditions unite to create the biggest reunion weekend ever

19 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Students, alumni, and friends of the college share their #cokerpride

23 CLASS NEWS Alumni news and notes from your Class Representatives

36 RECOGNITIONS 2016 alumni awards and recognitions

Q&A with Professor Emeritus of Communication Richard Puffer

LEARN

CONNECT

ACHIEVE

GROW

ENGAGE

ADVANCE

academics & faculty news

athletics & campus life

awards & accolades

looking toward the future

coker in the community

alumni news

LEARN

ONE CHAPTER ENDS,

ANOTHER BEGINS 108th Spring Commencement: May 14, 2016

“To the Coker College Class of 2016: Congratulations! You did it! I’d like to thank the faculty and staff. Each of you has either directly or indirectly influenced at least one of these graduates in a positive way. I’d also like to thank the family members who have motivated and helped us up to this point and who will continue to motivate and help us.

Coker is truly a family school with a family atmosphere. And, like most families, it is built on tradition. With any family, it can be hard to satisfy everyone. But, thankfully, at Coker there’s something here for everyone—or at least the opportunity to create it. This is true for classes, career paths, and interest groups.

Also like many other families, we’ve often

bonded over food. Coker faculty and staff have been known to cook or bring food into a meeting or a class. If you’re lucky, you may have even been invited out to lunch or dinner. This family is also very involved in the community and has made sure each of us has had the opportunity to build relationships outside of the college gates—not only in Hartsville, but also in other states or even abroad. I’m sure that each graduate can say that Coker has allowed them the opportunity to become well-rounded and also stay grounded.

Each Coker story is different. However, I can bet that all of our Coker stories are similar in that we’ve learned a lot, we’ve seen a lot, and—whether we choose to admit it or not—we’re not the same people we were when we first stepped foot on

“Each Coker story is different. However, I can bet that all of our Coker stories are similar in that we’ve learned a lot, we’ve seen a lot, and—whether we choose to admit it or not—we’re not the same people we were when we first stepped foot on this campus.”

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Coker College conferred bachelor’s degrees on 144 new graduates.

this campus. I bet you were challenged in some way that changed you for the better.

Maybe your ideas about something have been changed, you’re more passionate about something now than you’ve ever been before, or you learned more about yourself. Maybe you broke out of your shell, and you probably even gained a lifelong friend or two. In my case, I gained family.

Once again, congratulations to you all. Come back if you can, keep in touch, and share your successes! You never know who you’ll inspire with your story.”

– Tanisha Gerald ’16

DR. SHANNON MARRERO Marrero, a pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin Medicine Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Washington, presented the commencement address and received an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

31 individuals received their master's degrees.

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LEARN

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

A father-and-son duo work toward earning their bachelor’s degrees—one step at a time.

Their classmates call them “The Ronnies.”

Ronnie Guinn Sr. and Ronnie Guinn Jr. share more than just a name: most notably, a warm personality and a drive to succeed. But they’ve also shared something else, something that not many fathers and sons get the chance to—a classroom.

In May, Ronnie and Ronnie both graduated with their associate’s degrees from Northeastern Technical College (NETC) in Cheraw, S.C. With one goal completed, they are now moving on to the next: earning their bachelor’s degrees from Coker College.

This spring, Coker’s Adult Degree Program announced two new bridge partnership agreements: one with Midlands Technical College (MTC) in Columbia, S.C., and one with NETC. Starting this August, the Ronnies will be among the first group of students to participate in the new bridge program.

The new program provides graduates of NETC’s General Business program a direct transfer to Coker College— meaning that all of a student’s NETC coursework will transfer to Coker, and he or she will enter with half of the bachelor’s degree requirements already completed. For even more ease and convenience, Coker will offer one business course per week (on Wednesday evenings) on NETC’s main campus. An additional general education class will be offered online, allowing students to complete six hours per eight-week term. With this accelerated program, students like the Ronnies can complete their bachelor’s degrees in only two years.

at Walmart. But a few years ago, with a growing family to look out for, Ronnie Jr. decided that earning his associate’s degree in business was the right step for his career—so he enrolled in classes at NETC. This time, it was his father who followed in his son’s footsteps. For Ronnie Sr., seeing his son succeed at juggling the demands of working full-time, taking classes, and raising a family was the push that inspired him to action. “Seeing him taking classes on top of raising his kids and going to work, I felt like, if he can do it, so can I,” he says.

Their paths didn’t completely match up. Ronnie Jr. started classes first but took some time off when his wife had their second child. They didn’t have all of their classes together, but toward the end, as they got close to graduation, their schedules synced up and they spent time together in class and studying.

They both learned something about each other. Ronnie Jr. says his dad is more talkative than he is—by the end of class, he’ll have turned a group of strangers into friends. Ronnie Sr. says he has seen his son excel in an

Their classma

Growing up in Cheraw, Ronnie Jr. looked up to his father and followed in his footsteps, landing a job in distribution

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academic setting—something he’d never had the chance to see before. It’s shown him a different side of his son.

“I’ve never told him this before,” he says, glancing over at his son. “But it made me really proud to see him doing so well.”

This spring, nearing graduation, both Ronnies heard about the new bridge program with Coker. While neither of them had initally planned on earning a bachelor’s degree, they were immediately interested in the easy transition and the fact they could continue taking classes on NETC’s campus, close to home.

“NETC is pleased that we are able to work with Coker College with successful bridge programs for our students,” says Ron Bartley, president of Northeastern Technical College. “This is a win-win proposition, especially for NETC graduates who wish to continue their education at Coker College.”

Students who are accepted into the program, like the Ronnies, will enjoy a seamless transfer to Coker College.

Bridge program participants will also benefit from

admissions counseling with both NETC advisors and Coker advisors, a waived application fee to Coker and free admission to Coker’s athletic and cultural events.

“Northeastern actively seeks avenues to provide valuable resources to their students,” says Elaine Hodges, director of recruitment for Coker’s Adult Degree Program. “This partnership will afford their business graduates an opportunity to continue their education without having to travel outside of their community.

The faculty and staff of Coker College look forward to working with the NETC graduates to teach, guide, and provide support as they work toward earning their bachelor's degrees."

As for the Ronnies, they’re both a little nervous but mostly excited and ready to begin the next part of their journey. Whatever challenges the road ahead holds, they both feel better knowing they will work through it all together—one step at a time.

ates call them “The Ronnies.”

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CONNECT

Student-Athlete Jacob Chebii Supports Those in Need with Shoe Drive Growing up in a small village called West-Jeman in Kenya’s ElgeyoMarakwet County, Jacob Chebii never owned a pair of shoes. He and his classmates walked barefoot up to 10 miles each day to get to and from school. Today, Chebii is both an athlete and a business student at Coker College—and he’s working to help the children back home in Kenya.

Chebii, a rising sophomore, came to Coker on an athletic scholarship for track and field. He performed remarkably well in his freshman season, breaking several records in both the 5k and 8k categories. He won both the USC Open and the FMU Invitational, finishing in the top 30 in four of his six races. In addition to his athletics and his studies, Chebii also works on campus for Coker College Dining Services.

“Jacob is so dedicated to helping the children of Kenya.”

But soon after arriving at Coker, Chebii realized he wanted something even more: to give back to his community back home. He started purchasing unwanted clothing and shoes from a local used clothing store for $5 a bundle. With the help of his uncle in Tennessee, he sent the items back to his village’s church, Kapkutung Aic Church, which distributed the shoes and clothing to people in the community.

Then, Chebii realized that if he sought the help of the Coker community, he could do even more. The cross country and track and field teams, along with Head Coach Benny Morgan, immediately stepped up to help

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organize the drive. Several campus organizations volunteered to host donation areas, which accepted new and gently worn shoes of all styles and sizes. In the first month alone, more than 70 pairs of shoes were donated.

Encouraged by the initial success of his program, Chebii expanded even further. He reached out into the Hartsville community, working with the Hartsville Area Recreation Department to provide an off-campus community drop-off location. Altogether, in just three months, Chebii collected more than 410 pairs of shoes for elementary and high school students in Kenya.

“Jacob is so dedicated to helping the children of Kenya,” says Darlene Small, assistant

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dean of students and director of the Trans4mations program, who helped Chebii plan and promote his project. “On top of his obligations as a student-athlete, he was willing to do whatever was necessary to make the shoe drive a success. It was also important to him to thank everyone who participated. Caring about those who gave, as well as the recipients, speaks to the character of this young man.”

For Chebii, the experience ignited a passion for giving back. After he graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business, he plans to open a nonprofit organization for athletic students who dream of continuing their education beyond high school.

Chebii is determined to accomplish his goals, and his enthusiasm is infectious. “When you get a chance in life, don’t pass it up or throw it away,” he says.

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CONNECT

END

OF AN

ERA

[ DAVE ]

[ DAN ]

A F T E R N E A R LY 3 0 Y E A R S , M O R E T H A N 1 , 0 0 0 C O M B I N E D W I N S , 8 CONFERENCE

TITLES,

AND

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A L L-A M E R I C A N S ,

THE

S CH MOT ZER

B R OT H ER S’ COACH I N G ER A AT CO K ER CO L L EG E CO M ES TO A CLO S E. 9 | SUMMER 2016

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Brothers Dan and Dave Schmotzer were both two-sport athletes when they attended college at St. Edward’s University, playing basketball and baseball. After graduating, they returned to their hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where they began their coaching careers at a local high school. Thanks to the flip of a coin, Dan became the basketball coach and Dave the baseball coach. Those designations stayed in place for the rest of their coaching careers.

Now, after almost 30 years at Coker, they both retired from coaching at the end of the 2015-16 school year.

Starting in August, Dave will move to full-time teaching within the physical education department, and Dan will split his time between teaching in the physical education department and serving as Coker’s intramural director. Both men will be inducted into the Coker Athletics Hall of Fame in February 2017.

Dan has been the Cobras’ men’s basketball coach since 1987, compiling a record of 374-412. He has coached multiple all-conference, all-region, and All-American players, including four members of the

Coker Athletics Hall of Fame: Dennis Woolfolk, Ray Henry, Monty Carr, and Dan Shanks, Coker’s most decorated men’s basketball player. In addition to his success on the basketball court, Dan spent six years as the head men’s golf coach at Coker from 1998-2003.

"I've been so lucky to be able to both coach and teach, and that my brother and I were able to do it together at a special place called Coker College," said Dan. "I was able to coach athletes I recruited and teach students that Admissions recruited, and that's special. I’m going to be able to still teach and still connect with the kids, and I look forward to that.”

Dave came to Coker in 1992 and retires with an all-time record of 637497-2. Under Dave’s leadership, the Cobras captured seven conference titles, three conference tournament titles, and finished as tournament runner-up twice. The Cobras advanced to the NAIA World Series in 1994 and to the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2013.

Dave has been named conference coach of the year five times, coach

of the year twice, and is ranked No. 18 among winningest active coaches in NCAA Division II. He has coached two MLB Draft picks, John Crowther (1994, 2nd Rd.) and Zach Loraine (2013, 21st Rd.), while numerous players have gone on to sign free agent and independent league contracts during his time at Coker.

“One of the things that you learn as you get older is that everyone thinks it’s about baseball, about how many games you win or lose, but when you reflect back on it, it’s just a tool for learning,” said Dave. “It’s about helping these kids grow up. It’s not just teaching them how to hit, pitch, and run. In heartfelt retrospect, it goes way further than that. It’s cool to know you may have made a difference with some of the guys.

That’s what I’ll miss the most.”

“This is certainly the end of an era," said Coker College President Robert Wyatt. "They have spent 30 years personally caring about each of their players. Wherever these programs go next, it will be because of the foundation they built, and we are grateful for that.”

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ACHIEVE

FOR THE LOVE OF

FAMILY & BASKETBALL Beloved coach and Hartsville native Pat Hewitt ’69 reflects on what matters most There aren’t many things that Pat Hewitt loves more than basketball. But family is one of those things.

positive things that can happen when a college and the surrounding community connect.

As a teenager getting ready to go to college, at first she was set on attending a school in Alabama—until she found out that her family was going to move to Brazil soon. Wanting to spend as much time as possible with them before the move, Pat set her sights on someplace closer to home: Coker College.

It all started at Coker College, where she found her second family.

Fast-forward a few years, and Pat is now one of the most prominent and respected members of both the Hartsville and Coker communities. During her 25-year tenure as head girls' basketball coach at Hartsville High School, she won numerous state Coach of the Year awards and was named National Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 2001. In 1997, she was inducted into the Coker College Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2009, she was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Pat says the small classes at Coker made the environment conducive to interesting discussions and learning experiences, but the real benefit was the sense of camaraderie on campus. “We felt very comfortable and at home because we all knew each other by name,” she says. As a commuter, Pat didn’t live on campus like many of her classmates—but that wasn’t a problem at all.

“A lot of the kids at Coker would let me stay with them overnight,” she says. “We were a big family, and that is what I loved about Coker.”

But more importantly, Pat Hewitt has had an immeasurable impact on Coker, Hartsville High School, and the entire Hartsville community—not to mention the students and athletes she’s coached and mentored throughout the years. She is a prime example of the

Pat excelled at Coker and continued to fall more in love with Hartsville over the next four years. So when she graduated with a teaching degree, accepting a position as a physical education teacher at Hartsville High School was a natural choice. “Coker is so well respected in the academic world—and so is Hartsville High School,” she says. “They both push students not only to be prepared academically and athletically, but also to be wellrounded individuals.”

PAT WITH HER HARTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM AFTER WINNING THEIR FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, 1986

PAT WITH HER FORMER PLAYERS AND GOOD FRIENDS BETH BASS (LEFT) AND PHYLLIS GRIGGS (RIGHT)

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PAT WITH SHANNON JOHNSON AT THE 2004 SUMMER OLYMPICS IN ATHENS, GREECE

PAT WITH HER HUSBAND, LEVAN HEWITT

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As part of her well-rounded Coker education, Pat had played intramural basketball at Coker. At the time, Coker was still an all-female school and hadn’t started competing in intercollegiate athletics. So when she accepted the teaching job at HHS, coaching wasn’t even on her mind. “I never really thought about coaching until I began teaching at Hartsville High School,” she says. “I was the female chaperone at the time, and when I saw what was happening at the end of the full court—I was smitten.”

The excitement, the intensity, and the intellectual nature of the game drew Pat in—and once she started coaching, she was hooked. “I would go to bed at night dreaming of different defensive alignments,” she says. “It was a challenge, but I would eat, sleep, and drink it. I loved it.”

in 2015 to become Coker’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach.

But when Pat looks back on her time at Coker, it’s not her basketball experience or even her teaching degree that she values most. When asked what the most important lesson she learned from Coker was, Pat doesn’t hesitate to reply with one word: confidence.

“I knew when I left Coker I was prepared to teach,” she says. “That is what I took away from Coker: confidence and a big family.” That confidence helped lead to her own professional success, but it also became her coaching philosophy. “I instilled the confidence I gained at Coker into all of my athletes at Hartsville,” she says. “Coker gave me the tools to become who I am today, and I prepared my kids with that same toolbox. The success God has blessed me with started right here at Coker.”

“We were a big family, and that is what I loved about Coker.”

She would go on to build a remarkable career. Pat compiled a career record of 425-181 at Hartsville and reached the state championship game five times, winning three state titles. She led Hartsville to 13 consecutive state tournament appearances and 11 consecutive 20-win seasons. Her squad was ranked eighth in the nation in 1990 and 16th in the nation in 1992, posting a 32-1 record in both years. During the 1989-90 season, Hartsville’s only loss was to national champion Christ the King School.

Notable basketball players coached by Pat have included Women’s National Basketball Association CEO Beth Bass, former N.C. State star Tammy Gibson, and Hartsville Olympian Shannon Johnson—who, after a successful professional career, moved back to Hartsville

Building on what she learned at Coker, Pat always aimed to coach “the whole child.” For that reason, she has become not just a successful coach but a beloved friend and mentor to so many. Johnson, for one, credits Pat with more than being a good coach who helped her learn the sport. She says Pat was like a second mother to her, who invited her into her home and gave her a second family.

And family, of course, is what Pat is all about.

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ACHIEVE

the gift of dance Coker College dancers shine on the national stage

It started as a birthday gift for her mother.

When Tierra Foxworth reached out to her classmate Tammaka Staley about collaborating on a dance piece, her goal was simple: to honor her mother by telling a personal story through the power of dance.

She never imagined that just a few months later, she would not only perform the piece alongside the best college dancers in the country—but also take home the award for best performance.

This June, Tierra, a dance major, and Tammaka, a social work major (both 2016 graduates), performed their collaborative choreographic work “Curveless Smile” at the 2016 National College Dance Festival, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Just to perform at the festival is an incredible honor—of 513 works adjudicated throughout the country this year, only 31 were selected.

But “Curveless Smile” received even more accolades when Tierra was given the 2016 Outstanding Student Performance Award.

Sponsored by the American College Dance Association (ACDA) and

1 3 | SUMMER 2016

Dance Magazine, it is one of only two awards (Outstanding Student Choreography and Outstanding Student Performance) presented to participants in the festival.

“Traveling to D.C. for the first time to perform my own work was a very mind-blowing experience,” says Tierra. “The opportunity to not only dance, but to enter a building that has hosted so many brilliantly talented artists and performances was ultimately a blessing. Unlike any other audience I experienced, an ACDA audience can be especially nerve-racking because the seats are filled with dancers, dance professors, and, more importantly, adjudicators.

One thing that helped was to know that my mom had traveled eight hours to D.C. to receive her birthday gift once more.”

“Curveless Smile,” choreographed by Tierra and performed by both Tierra and Tammaka, is a unique piece in that it is an intertwining of two artistic mediums: dance and spoken word.

Tierra collaborated with spokenword artist Tammaka by blending her original poem, “A Black Girl’s Smile,” with Tierra’s original voiceover reflections on her mother’s life. “We authentically created this piece based on

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our own experiences,” says Tierra.

In March, it was one of two choreographic works chosen from 42 presented at the southeast conference of the ACDA, one of the regional conferences that determine the pieces chosen for the national festival. The adjudicators who selected it described “Curveless Smile” as “...a sophisticated layering of images resulting in a temporal convergence of character image, gesture, and speech that offers a mature statement, directly, but with no sacrifice of complexity.”

It started as a birthday gift for her mother.

Throughout the process, Coker’s dance faculty knew there was something special about the piece.

"The dance faculty at Coker are extremely proud of the beautiful work that Tierra and Tammaka created,” says Angela Gallo, professor and chair of the dance, music, and theatre department at Coker College. “‘Curveless Smile’ is a sophisticated work that resonates on a global level with the audience.”

Naturally, they were thrilled when the piece was selected for the national festival. The annual festival presents three programs and features some of the finest dance works selected from colleges and universities throughout the country.

honor, the panelists said, “The dancer from ‘Curveless Smile’ for the fearless way she embodied a powerful personal testimony.

Her delivery had a vulnerability and openness, creating a genuine theatricality."

“Performing at the Kennedy Center was intimidating at first, because not only was it a huge prominent theater in a huge city, but I was one of the few students of color showcasing work at the ACDA conference,” says Tammaka. “However, after rehearsing with my partner, Tierra, and after fellowshipping some of the other dancers, I began to feel more comfortable and performed as if I were home in front of people I loved most. Representing my spoken word, my culture, and other creative college students was such an honor and I can't wait to see how ‘Curveless Smile’ may evolve in the future.”

“This award is by far the highlight of my dance career,” says Tierra.

“To anyone else it may symbolize a great performance, but for me I think of it as God's way of telling me that dance is for me, no matter how many pirouettes I can or can not execute.

I'm extremely grateful for the nonstop encouragement from the dance faculty and students, my family, and my church family. Without them, the success of ‘Curveless Smile’ would not exist.”

The panelists for the ACDA/Dance Magazine Awards were Dana Tai Soon Burgess, a leading American choreographer; Jennifer Stahl, editor-in-chief for Dance Magazine; and Lisa Traiger, a prominent arts journalist. When describing why Tierra was chosen for the Outstanding Student Performance

Clearly, Tammaka and Tierra are both gifted storytellers, dancers, and artists. Where they found success was in using their own gifts to create a gift for someone else—for Tierra’s mother, and for everyone who had the chance to witness their powerful performance.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AUGUST AUG. 6

FALL 2016

Leadership Coker

AUG. 23 Opening Convocation (start of the academic year)

SEPTEMBER SEPT. 8 Welcome Back Music Faculty Concert SEPT. 23

10-Minute Play Festival

OCTOBER OCT. 1-2

NOVEMBER NOV. 2

Day of the Dead Festival

NOV. 3-5 Student Choreography Showcase NOV. 7 The Vocal Compositions of Arnold Schoenberg, featuring a lecture and performances by faculty and guest artists NOV. 19 Coker Singers and Chamber Singers Fall Concert

DECEMBER DEC. 1-3

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

DEC. 6

Winter Band Concert

DEC. 8

Coker Community Music Fall Recital

DEC. 8

Informal Dance Concert

DEC. 17

Winter Commencement

Parents Weekend

OCT. 1-2 Fall Sports Kickoff / Alumni Games OCT. 3 Guest Vocal Recital, Lynn Eustis OCT. 8 Alumni Association Board Meeting OCT. 10

Taste of Coker

OCT. 13 Kalmia Gardens Wine Tasting Under the Stars

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SAVE THE DATE FEB. 10-11

Homecoming + Alumni Day

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CUT HERE

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INTRODUCING

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C O K E R

What is the Coker Society?

The Coker Society is a circle of loyal alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends who share a deep commitment to the mission of Coker College. These philanthropic leaders transform lives of students through personal involvement and financial support. They understand the power of a Coker education, believe in lifelong learning, and are committed to continuing the story first begun by Major James Lide Coker.

Membership in the Coker Society is extended to donors who contribute gifts of $1,000 or more each fiscal year, July 1June 30, to any fund or department. Recent graduates are eligible for Society membership with a gift of $250 or more each year in the first five years following graduation and $500 or more in years six through ten. Permanent membership is given to those individuals whose lifetime giving exceeds $100,000.

Messages from President Robert Wyatt and invitations to special events keep Society members connected and apprised of news and developments at Coker. However, the greatest benefit for Coker Society members is the knowledge and satisfaction that they are directly empowering a community of learners and leaders at Coker College.

Benefits P ERSONAL INVITATIONS TO PRIVATE RECEPTIONS, UNIQUE COKER SOCIET Y EVENTS, AND AN ANNUAL APPRECIATION GAL A HOSTED BY PRESIDENT AND MRS. W YAT T V IP SEATING AT SELECT CULTURAL AND ATHLETIC EVENTS M ONTHLY NEWSLET TER WITH PRESIDENTIAL UPDATES, CAMPUS NEWS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS B IANNUAL MAGA ZINE, THE COKER COMMENTARY

Become a charter member of the Coker Society by making a member-level gift. For more information on joining the Coker Society, please call Peggy Smith in the Office of Institutional Advancement at (843) 383-8178 or email peggy.smith@coker.edu.

OFFICE of INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

843.383.8014 or 800.652.6537

fax: 843.383.8197

development@coker.edu

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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

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1. Adult Degree Program Launches Two New Bridge Programs This spring, Coker’s Adult Degree Program announced two new bridge partnership agreements: one with Midlands Technical College in Columbia, S.C., and another with Northeastern Technical College in Cheraw, S.C. Plus, thanks in part to these programs, Adult Degree Program business students will now have the option of earning their degrees 100% online.

Both bridge programs will begin in August and will provide graduates from MTC and NETC with a direct transfer to Coker College, meaning all of a student’s coursework can transfer to Coker. In addition, Coker will offer one business course per week on MTC’s Midlands Beltline Campus and one business course per week on NETC’s main campus.

These accelerated programs allow students to complete their bachelor’s degrees in only two years. Participants will also benefit from admissions counseling from Coker College advisors, a waived application fee to Coker, and free admission to Coker’s athletic and cultural events.

2. Coker Collaborates to Hold LiveAction Active Shooter Drill On March 9, 2016, Coker College collaborated with the City of Hartsville and several local emergency response organizations to hold a liveaction active shooter drill on Coker’s campus.

The drill, the latest of several efforts to improve and test the college’s emergency preparedness, simulated an active shooter scenario in real time.

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This allowed local agency representatives and Coker’s emergency operations team to successfully act out response protocols. Participating community agencies included the Hartsville Police Department, the Hartsville Fire Department, Darlington County Emergency Management, Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, the Red Cross, and the Darlington County Sheriff's Office.

“It’s unpleasant to even think about the possibility of something like this happening on our campus, but exercises like this are incredibly important for continuing to test and improve our emergency plans,” said Brianna Douglas, vice president for administration at Coker College. “We need to be proactive and prepared, especially where the safety of our students is concerned.”

3. Professor Mal Hyman Runs for Congress In February, Professor of Sociology Mal Hyman announced his run for the Democratic nomination for South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District. His campaign theme, “common sense for the common good,” emphasizes Congress investing more in America in an effort to create more jobs, opportunity, security, and sustainability.

Hyman has served as a member of Coker’s faculty for 28 years. In his time at Coker, he has coordinated forums on a number of public interest topics such as ethnic harmony, homelessness, globalization, sustainable energy, and police procedures. He has worked for human

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rights around the world, including in Mexico, Nicaragua, the West Bank, El Salvador, Cuba, and Colombia. He received his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles and his M.A. from the University of California, Riverside. He is a resident of Hartsville along with his wife and two daughters.

4. Coker Receives 10-Year Accreditation In January, Coker received its 10-year accreditation with no follow-up required from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in 11 Southern states. Member institutions are reaffirmed every 10 years after a thorough review of all aspects of college operations (e.g., governance, finances, facilities, academic programs, student services, and faculty and staff qualifications). Reaffirmation is an exhaustive process, and while most institutions are reaffirmed, it is rare for a school to be reaffirmed with no recommendations or follow-up required.

“Earning our 10-year accreditation is a tremendous compliment to our faculty, staff, and students and a positive reflection of the work we’re doing on and off campus,” said Coker College President Robert Wyatt. Coker College has been continuously accredited by SACSCOC since 1923 and will undergo its next reaffirmation in 2025.

COKER . EDU

Homecoming + Alumni Day T WO COK E R T R A DI T IONS U N I T E TO FOR M ON E BIG R E U N ION W E E K E N D

Mark your calendars! On the weekend of February 10-11, 2017, we’re planning the biggest Coker College reunion yet— for Cobras and Coker Nuts alike. In lieu of hosting Homecoming and Alumni Day as two separate events, the Coker College Alumni Board has elected to combine the two events into one big reunion weekend. Bringing together Coker family and friends of all ages, this change will allow for more exciting events and programming, while giving everyone an opportunity to unite and share their Coker pride together.

“Discussions about the decline in attendance at the annual Alumni Day held each April led to a decision to have one big reunion each year including all alumni,” says Pat Chapman Huff ’53. “It will be more like a giant family reunion, with interesting events for all ages. The college was concerned about the feelings of us older alumni, but all those with whom I have talked think it is a good idea.”

Below, a note from Carol Turner Atkinson ‘73, President of the Coker College Alumni Association, explains why the Alumni Association has chosen to enact this change. Many more details will be announced in the following months and posted online at coker.edu/homecoming leading up to the big weekend. We can’t wait to see you there!

“In 2014, the Alumni Association adopted a strategic plan that has proven to be a guiding light as we enter our second century as the Coker College Alumni Association. The Executive Board has been working to fulfill the objectives of our plan. Goal #2 of the plan states: ‘Improve and enhance relationships so that alumni feel connected to the College beyond the realm of giving.’

One of the strategies to achieve this goal is to maintain the integrity of an Alumni Day while recognizing the diversity of alumni. After meeting with various committees that included alumni, students, and staff, we found great support for combining the April Alumni Day activities with the Homecoming weekend activities. With alumni of the 1980s to the present already having their reunions during Homecoming weekend, we are finding our April turnout to be rapidly diminishing. This means fewer alumni are participating in the general session and more recent graduates are not aware of the work of our Alumni Association.

After great consideration, the Coker College Alumni Association Executive Board is pleased to offer an enhanced alumni experience by organizing all class reunion gatherings and conducting the business of the association during the Homecoming weekend. It is both challenging and very exciting to envision all alumni arriving on campus February 10 and 11, 2017 for our biggest homecoming ever.”

CAROL TURNER ATKINSON ’73, President of the Coker College Alumni Association

Questions? Contact the Alumni Office at alumni@coker.edu or (843) 383-8014.

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GROW

FACULT Y SPOTLIGHT

RICHARD PUFFER PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF COMMUNICATION

No one understands the power of community better than Richard Puffer.

From his background working at Sonoco Products Company and the Hartsville Messenger to his role as Director of the Byerly Foundation, Professor Puffer has built a reputation as a leader and communitybuilder—not only at Coker, but also in Hartsville. During his 16-year tenure as a fulltime professor of communications, he also built a reputation of bringing his students along with him, teaching them the power of community by example and through experience. We sat down with Professor Puffer to learn more about the importance of community in education.

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HOW DID YOUR COKER STORY BEGIN? “I started getting attached to Coker when I began working as a sports reporter for the Hartsville Messenger. My other Coker story began after I finished my master’s degree. Dr. George Lellis hired me to do speech courses, so I was an adjunct professor while I worked at Sonoco in corporate communications. After 20 years of working with Sonoco, I was looking for a new job, and the full-time professor for communications at Coker left mid-year. Dr. Lellis let me fill the position for that semester. Then, when they were looking for a fulltime person, I applied for the job, and I got it. I felt really lucky to have gotten the job, and for the next 16 years, I really enjoyed the Coker position because it was the best job I had ever had.”

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO HELP STUDENTS BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY? “Most of my life I have been involved in some form of communitybuilding, even in high school. There is a cliché out there about thriving where you are planted—it’s always seemed to me that people want to really enjoy living where they are. When students are here at Coker for a four-year period, I think that they enjoy finding connections with people beyond the campus.”

WHAT CAN WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY TEACH STUDENTS? “The community can teach students so many lessons. When you are trying to build community, one of the things you have to learn is persistence. If you take your eyes off your goal of building your community for one day, you have to find a week to catch up. If you take your eye off of community-building for a week, you have to find yourself six months or a year to catch up. You have to work at it all the time.

From a student standpoint, I think the biggest thing is learning that not everybody thinks like you do. If you can get out in the community and start working and talking and making things happen with other people, you find out that we really do live in a rich, cosmopolitan community where there are a lot of people with a lot of beliefs.

Even though they might not be the same as yours—there is nothing wrong with those people or what they believe. That’s the community working.”

DO YOU THINK LESSONS ARE MORE BENEFICIAL IN A CLASSROOM SETTING OR WHEN THEY ARE TAUGHT IN THE COMMUNITY? “I have a saying—I’m not sure if it’s original with me, but I believe education is learning from other people’s mistakes, and experience is learning from your own mistakes. I think life is a big lesson, and learning is just something that we do. Certain classes are better taught in the classroom atmosphere, but there is a lot of real learning that takes place when you are doing something as you learn it. From a retention standpoint, learning while doing really does help.”

HOW DOES VOLUNTEERING HELP A STUDENT PROGRESS IN THE CLASSROOM? “I think that pretty much depends on the attitude that the student has about volunteering. When you volunteer because it is something you like to do, you set yourself up for some pretty good serendipity. When a communicator who hates math volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, all of the sudden he discovers that it’s math that tells somebody how many shingles need to be ordered. So they learn why they are learning all this stuff at Coker.”

CAN YOU TELL ME OF A TIME WHEN A STUDENT HAD A TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE? “Every student every single year has gone through a transformational experience. Students come into Coker, and they have a certain set of abilities that has made them successful in high school. But around their sophomore year, they begin to realize that maybe they don’t know everything. In their junior year, they begin to start to connect things together. Then I find that when people graduate from Coker, they graduate so much smarter and so much fuller and richer an individual than when they came. The beauty of that is almost every student I have met recognizes what they have accomplished. It has been an amazing position to watch that happen. And because of social media, I can keep in touch with a lot of the people I have taught over the years. I can continue to watch them grow and succeed.”

DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS A MENTOR? “In some cases, I see myself as a mentor—I have mentor-like relationships with several students. However, when it is generally getting a class involved—like when I arranged for the public relations class I taught to tour Coker’s marketing office—I think that is more ‘C’mon, we have a lot to learn in this world; let’s get started’ than mentoring.”

OVER THE YEARS YOU HAVE WORKED ON MANY PROJECTS. WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PROJECTS? “One of the most memorable projects was when students decided they wanted to go down to Louisiana and Mississippi to help with the rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, and they invited me to go with them. That was fantastic—it was student-initiated, studentplanned, student-driven. They worked so hard, and we made some pretty interesting differences. It was just a fantastic, bond-building experience.”

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR YEARS OF TEACHING? “The biggest lesson I have learned is how much more there is that I have to learn. I had a really fun, interesting conversation with Dr. Heusel this morning about communication theorists and communication ideas.

Just in that short 40-minute discussion, I learned an awful lot about a communication philosopher named Kenneth Burke. How much I still need to know and learn has just been an amazing revelation.”

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ENGAGE

IT ’ S TIME TO GET SOCIAL

Connect with Coker: Join us on social media!

Whether you want to start a conversation or browse photos and news, there are countless reasons to follow Coker College on social media.

1. Keep up with Coker news and events There’s so much going on at Coker these days—new programs, new buildings, and all kinds of news and events. Social media is the best way to stay up to date with what’s happening. Get to know current students, find out what events are coming up, learn about new professors, see beautiful photos of campus, and much more—Coker's social media makes sure you’re the first to know it all.

2. Get a “behind the scenes” peek of campus life But it’s not just about being the first to know. With the ease and immediacy of social media, you also get access to the kind of fun, “sneak peek” content that you can’t get anywhere else. From “throwback” glimpses of Coker in the past to real-time photos and videos, it’s a different side of Coker that you can’t find anywhere else.

3. Connect with Coker friends (and meet new ones) Once you’re a part of the Coker family, you’re family forever. And our Coker family is always growing! We all know that social media is a great way to keep in touch with old friends, professors, and college roommates—but it’s also a wonderful way to make new connections, too. Join discussions, reminisce about old times, find new job opportunities and friendships—you never know what could happen.

4. Share YOUR Coker story The best part of social media is that, if you want it to, the conversation goes both ways.

So post on our Facebook wall, send us a direct message on Twitter, or tag us in a photo to share your Coker pride. And be sure to let us know where your story is going next!

@cokercollege @cokercollege facebook.com/cokercollege

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OKAY, SOUNDS GREAT! SO HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? You can find Coker on the social media sites to the left. If you have your own account, just click “like” for Facebook and “follow” for Instagram and Twitter! Or, just go to coker.edu/social-room at any time to see what’s happening on all of our accounts.

(P.S. Be sure to use the hashtag #cokerpride on all your Coker posts!)

COKER . EDU

H OW D O YO U SH OW YO U R

#cokerpride? @cokercollege

Students, alumni, and friends of the college are taking to social media to share why they love Coker College.

facebook.com/cokercollege

Hoyt Kelley @ahkcobra

Lorena Cook James

What a wonderful time to be @CokerCollege alumni! The progress of the college continues to renew and strengthen our #cokerpride.

Love seeing these beautiful photos of my Alma Mater! What a great college it is and continues growing steadily in all sorts of amazing directions!

Leigh @Leighh__ I'm so so so ready to be at Coker College. I've already met so many awesome people, and I'm not even there yet. #Coker2020

Sydney Shull @SydShull Thank you @CokerCollege for continuing to allow me to write out #MyCokerStory !!

Heather Buckelew @JrzGrlinNC Congratulations Coker College Class of 2016 - you're now part of an amazing group of alumni #Cokerpride

Pierce Pliapol @ppliapol15 SO EXCITED AND BLESSED TO SAY I GOT ACCEPTED INTO MY #1 CHOICE OF SCHOOLS. GO COKER COBRAS

Taylor Barefoot Celebration of Academics is one of my favorite events at Coker. Last year I attended several different talks and loved every minute, so this year I decided to present some of my work! I presented my summer research on Characterizations of Pythium Species yesterday, and today I was a part of a Study Away panel to talk about the trip I took to Florida. So proud to be a Coker Cobra!

Iesha Gibbs I love Coker!! It is my second home.

Professors go above and beyond to help the students while also challenging them. Coker prepared me for the real world and help me to create "my story". My story is one of triumphs, success, and determination. Even though

my Coker story has ended my real life story is just beginning!! Thanks Coker!! If I had to start college all over again, I would still choose Coker!!!

Jenny Mishoe Edgeworth Coker College days were some of the best of my life, making lifelong friends and experiencing happy days and times. I truly appreciated the small numbers where so many of us were like a family. So many cherished memories of those days.

Katie Cooper Blessed beyond measure to have had the experience of Coker College. This past Saturday I closed a chapter of my book and celebrated the past 4 years at a school that became home. I wouldn’t trade it for anything and so thankful to the wonderful people I met along the way! So glad I was able to share the moment with great friends and family! Go Cobras!!

@cokercollege

@gabbileanne

@cokerdance

@kerr_kerr_

@tri_sarah_t00ps

I had such a great time at the State House for SCICU representing Coker College! Thanks for such a great opportunity. #cokercollege #gocobras

“My time at Coker has come to an end, but my journey in life is just beginning. Coker played a major role in molding me into the artist I am today. I’ll always carry Coker with me in my heart!” -Darrell Daney, BFA Performance/ Choreography #CokerCollege #ItsYourStory

My campus is prettier than yours. #cokercollege

Orientation day was a success!

Super excited to have #Coker2020 here in the fall #cokerpride #greatdaytobeacobra

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ADVANCE

CLASS NEWS • Gathered & Written by Class Representatives

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1953

Flora Collins Baker called recently and was so glad to have heard from Tiggie Hooks Benefield who seemed to be doing well. We had not talked to Tiggie for some time and were so glad that Flora heard from her. Flora’s husband fell and broke his hip so he was going to be in rehab for some time. He was doing well considering everything. Flora and I had a nice visit.

Dear Classmates,

I talked a few minutes with Betty Wray MacDonald Jones and they were having a storm in Georgia so we cut the conversation short. She seemed to be doing well, and I hope to talk to her again soon.

Betty Wray and I talked recently and we both, in the past, have collected old postcards. She sent me one that has “to my college chum.” It is really cute. Maybe you might get one, one day, saying that too and requesting news.

I am sure that our class members are sorry to hear that Herb Hanna ’51, Dorothy “Dot” Garrell Hanna’s husband passed away in March. Herb was a Coker graduate and well known and liked.

They have a daughter, Beth, who lives nearby with the grandchildren. We extend our sympathy to Dot and her family.

Barbara Spears Baird and I talked awhile and both feel that we are so thankful to be as well as we are and able to talk and laugh. We solved a lot of the world’s problems and also discussed politics. She is doing well and has a daughter nearby.

Lea Margolin Weiner was very proud to have her granddaughter Dr. Shannon Marrero, who is a pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin Medicine Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle WA, be the Spring Commencement speaker at Coker College. Shannon earned her baccalaureate and medical degrees from Brown University and a master’s degree from Harvard University.

I attended the Golden Circle reception at Coker recently. It was very nice and I saw some of the reunion class members. It was a very nice occasion. I did have a time finding the right building where it was held. I stopped and asked for directions after I got near campus and was told the right way to go, and it was a new building. All the buildings looked new to me, but I finally found the sign and the building has the gym in it and is a really fine facility.

I hope that we have a reunion next year and that we all can try to be there. God is good and has blessed us. Take care and please let us hear from you with your news.

Betty Lou

As we approach our 85th year, I know we have a deeper appreciation of every day and an even deeper realization of making the most of each of those days.

I know you were as shocked and saddened as I to learn of our dear Betty Lou Brown “Boo” Brown Stewart’s death last October. How could we ever forget the laughter and joy she brought to our lives?

Discussions about the decline in attendance at the annual Alumni Day held each April led to a decision to have ONE BIG reunion each year including ALL alumni. It will be more like a giant family reunion with interesting events for the different ages. The college was concerned about the feelings of us older alumni, but all those with whom I have talked think it is a good idea. So many our age find it difficult to travel distances any way. Guess we could hire chauffeurs!!

A small but wonderful group met for lunch at Bizzell’s the day before Alumni Day in April and then attended a reception for the Golden Circle Club, as we graduates of 50 years or more are now called. Sarah Sampson Bell, her son Joey and wife Vicki, Charlie Chewning, Mitzi DuPre Matthews, Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger and I were joined by five from the college: Dr. and Mrs. Wyatt, Dee Pierce, Peggy Smith and Shelli Wilson.

Beth DuBose Cottingham, husband Walter and Jo Anne Boyd Sires had planned to come up until the day before, when Walter received a call to come to MUSC the next morning for further tests. Please continue to keep him and Beth in your prayers. Jo Anne still cooks dinner EVERY Sunday for her family, and Beth and Walter are considered family.

At the Golden Circle reception, we visited with Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer ’51 and Betty Lou McIntyre Barclay ’52 and learned of Herb Hanna’s ’51 death a few weeks earlier. Herb was Mr. Fix-it at Coker, a Coker graduate himself and lived in the White House with his wife, Dot Garrell Hanna ’52. We also chatted with Gerry Griggs Boone ’54.

Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger lost two brothers very close together, one in December and the other in January. Both brothers were very active in their communities, and I was privileged to attend each of their services.

Sonoco has its annual stockholders' meeting each April here in Hartsville, and I talked with Jane Woodward Truett ’52 and Betty Reaves Herring ’54 there.

Joyce Collins Warwick ’54, lost her battle with cancer earlier this year. I shall never forget her and her identical twin sister Frances Collins Hollowell ’54 in our Beauty Court at Coker.

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I lost a wonderful friend and longtime next-door neighbor, Margaret Bryan Coker in April and saw Claire Redman McGee ’54 and Jimmy at the service. Claire was lovely and vivacious as always.

Remember how we called on her to do the “Itch” dance in the dining hall?

Oh, my!! I have suddenly remembered long time ago when I would read news of older alumni there were accounts of health problems and reports of losing classmates and here we are doing the same. It must have something to do with AGE. I opened my State newspaper recently only to see the obituary of our beloved Velna Rollins Patrick ’50. How we admired our lovely Christian Council president. I saw her some years ago in Columbia and she was the same gracious Velna.

Howard Clifton Chapman ’83 lost two sons in an auto accident in April. Please pray for him and his family. They were relatives of mine and our families were always close.

Mitzi DuPre Matthews is so excited to have a forth-coming visit with her first greatgranddaughter in a few weeks. Mitzi is still having some problems resulting from the fall she had last June.

Sarah Sampson Bell had a granddaughter to graduate from college this year. We really enjoyed being with her son Joey and his wife when they drove “Miss Daisy” here for the day. Joey is a pediatrician in Lumberton, NC. Pam Huggins Chapman ’50, my sister-in-law, and I stay in constant touch. Pam has a lovely family, and this past year her grandson Michael was on the faculty of Hartsville High and assistant baseball coach.

Remember our special Danny Nicholson when he was at the college? He was here recently for a very large reunion of all Hartsville High alumni where his son Taylor and his band, Atlas Road Crew, were the featured performers. The group had just returned from an extended tour of performances in Europe. It was great to see Frank Bush there cheering for Danny’s son.

Mickey McDowell keeps in touch and supports Coker in memory of our beloved Anne Merck McDowell. I always remind him, since he is living at Clemson now, to help the Tigers and Dabo all he can!!

I love talking with Jennie Herlong Boatwright, Betty Carol Mobley Bynum and Daphen Yarborough Edge but I would much rather be able to see them.

Again we will be going to Jean Fore and Mac McDaniel’s house at Pawleys Island in June. Now it’s just Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger, Mitzi DuPre Matthews, maybe Charlie Chewning and me.

Charlie wasn’t able to go last year, but we are really hoping she can this year.

I have just returned from my brother Jimmy

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Chapman’s funeral in Florida. His military service and burial were in Bushnell National Cemetery.

Jimmy retired after 21 years as an Army pilot, reaching the rank of major. We always thought we would have a general in our family!!

We are slowly but surely creeping toward our goal of $60,000 in our Class of ’53 Endowed Scholarship!! Please consider making a contribution. Just don’t forget to give a gift to the Annual Fund also. We have an excellent reputation at Coker, and we want to keep that intact!! The college is beautiful and really growing. You would be SO proud.

Please take good care of yourselves, and let Mitzi or me hear from you.

Happy 85th Birthday!!! I love you.

Pat Chapman Huff

1958 Flora Collins Baker is looking forward to celebrating her 80th birthday in Montreat, NC in August, with all 19 of her family members present. Her sister Judy is hostess! She wrote this, but missed the last publication: “I am proud to say we were feeling well enough to tackle and enjoy a three week trip to 5 national parks, several national monuments, Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, and Cody, as well as a revisit to Albuquerque. Gordon and I drove our Sante Fe and had just a few reservations along. I made reservations last April in motels near or in the parks, cuz it was tourist season! People ask if we saw animals in Yellowstone...my reply is we saw lots of tourists! And some animals, I must say. Our land is so fortunate to have these treasures. And we enjoyed the 4991 mile drive, together. We enjoyed lots of company over the summer! And we have Lake Travis with water!” She planned to visit her brother Vassie in Warner Robbins Georgia in October. I assume that went well. Then all the Stokes clan l gathered in December for a reunion in Bridge City, TX! “Betcha don’t know where that is! Two grandsons and our daughter and their spouses live there, near Beaumont, southeast Texas.” She adds, “The Christmas family together was so great at our grandson’s home! Nice to have the new generation to continue traditions.”

Connie Booker Moe writes: “My dear husband, Don, took me on a cruise to the Southern Caribbean for my 80th birthday. I snorkeled for the first time and loved it. Hopefully, I’ll be able to go again one of these days. This coming Monday, I’ll start training, with others who have physical disabilities, to row on the James River. I don’t think it’ll be like the crew team at Coker, but I don’t know. I do know there are several people in each boat. More on that later.”

Hazel Johnson Nichols and husband, Jim, enjoyed a delightful evening with Coker reps Peggy Smith, Barb Steadman and other Coker alumni at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville in February. Hazel, Jim and their son Eric are planning a cruise this April to the Panama Canal to celebrate both Hazel and Eric’s BIG birthdays!!

The Nichols children sent Hazel and Jim to Loretta Lynn’s ranch in February to celebrate Hazel’s birthday. They stayed in an adorable cabin and loved the tour of Loretta’s mansion.

Frances Gurley Carpenter sent a note: “Lots of changes have happened in my life. I was interviewed by a local newspaper when I moved

to Sun City Carolina Lakes in Lancaster County, SC March 2008. My words to live by: “To be happy in my new life by letting go of the past. Live to give and to raise my expectations. I go to a fantastic Bible study on Friday at the most caring, loving church in the world, have the best caring neighbors and near my sister Faye, two daughters and their families. God has blessed me in my new life living alone – because I never feel alone.”

Cone Sawyer joined Elizabeth Whittle Baxter at her ocean-view Wild Dunes (Isle of Palms) condo for a relaxing time. The three, plus one more, plan a New England trip that will take them cruising around the various islands along the coast. Like the Dixons, Faye has a garden; it’s considerably smaller, but it should be enough to keep her watering, weeding, and enjoying fresh vegetables through the summer.

Linda Gause Connors writes: “I am afraid my news is very sad. Neuman died very suddenly last Saturday, March 12. I have been very touched to have received cards and phone calls from Coker classmates. My Coker roommate, Mary Kay Rickenbaker ’57 was at the funeral. It was so special to see her. I will be going to Cornelius, NC to spend the week after Easter with my daughter, Cheryl, and her family. Her first grader will be on Spring break so I will probably have some grandmother duties as well. I believe Isam and Katie Thomason Ballenger are planning a cruise to Alaska this summer.”

Ann Grainger Hinson confesses that “Arthur” keeps her company more than she would like, but she keeps on moving anyway. She makes short trips to Charlotte to enjoy her grandchildren there and otherwise is happy to live in what, for many, is a vacation spot, the North Myrtle Beach area. She often does things with Ann Helms Gore and her husband Gardner; they live in Sumter but have a house at Sunset Beach.

Joanne McFaddin O’Bryan’s grandson was married on April 16, 2016 in Columbia. Austin Smallwood and Deidre married with all of his family in attendance or in the wedding. “It was such a wonderful and beautiful (event). We attended everything and enjoyed it so much.”

They both graduated from Law school at the University of South Carolina and are lawyers in Columbia.

I did not realize until now that all of us are celebrating the BIG 80th Birthday this year. We are so fortunate! I woke up to a house full of helium balloons and flowers and cards to start my day.

And the balloons are still “flying” 2 months later.

Susan Holroyd Shumaker

1959 Barbara Dibble Dixon and Bubber are enjoying the company of their granddaughter Isabella, who is living them while she completes a degree in art history. After graduation, she plans to get a masters’ in criminology. Isabella is of great assistance in the kitchen and a good thing too since the garden that the Dixons have planted for this summer will provide them with copious amounts of vegetables to cook.

Mary Holmes Burkett’s grandson Ian has moved into his own apartment, but, with so many siblings living in or near SC, she can’t complain of being lonely. Four remain in SC, while sister Nancy Holmes has moved to Asheville. Only Barbara Holmes Willis ’63 remains far away in Massachusetts, where she is a fiber artist. Barbara returns to SC for two weeks a year to enjoy her hometown and to spend time with her various siblings. Both Mary’s children are in CA, one north and one south. She visits both often and currently has marked her calendar for an upcoming visit with Michael in San Francisco.

Anne Davis Glass’s schedule seems a bit more relaxed than used to be, but she still is called upon often to accompany others. Her Haitian student is still living with her; her church raised money to bring his parents to Clarksville, TN, in December for his graduation. Austin Peay found some funding so that the student, whose degree is in Music Education, can stay on for graduate study.

Faye Gurley Reynolds notes that she and Bonnie

Here’s what keeps Betty Crawford Moore busy: monthly book club meeting; bi-monthly civic club meetings; weekly organized hikes; recorder practices; after-school grandson pick-ups; daily hour-long dog walks, reading; playing in the flower beds; and of course spending time with family and friends. She adds, “We have our annual family beach trip in June, and friends and I are headed for Yellowstone Park in September. In between, I have to get the yard ready for a garden tour and intend to get 11 year old Will introduced to racking up some miles on the Appalachian Trail.” A busy life, I’d say.

Molly Creadick Gray says that daughter Lynne came for a visit recently: “We did a lot of shopping, quite a bit of it in my closet, ate too much, and got caught up on many things.” Lynne’s daughter Claire is still dealing with migraines; Botox treatments and self-hypnosis are helping but not eradicating the problem. She has a boyfriend who offers aid and comfort in hard times. Despite medical issues, she is an achiever, having received High Honors and Leadership Awards at her college. Younger brother Conner is doing well in his marketing and economics program at the Fox School of Business (Temple University) and planning to pursue an MBA. Geoff’s son Cameron has graduated and will get married in Charlotte. Molly adds, “Good grief, I can’t believe our grandchildren are this old!”

Bonnie Cone Sawyer says that “Coker College continues to be in my thoughts as the place where my fondest memories were made.” I’m sure we can all agree with that! One of the things that keeps us close is sharing news in the Coker Commentary. Remember to send what you can to either Pat Crawford Fields or me. We’re always glad to hear from you and so are your classmates!

Holly Westcott

1960 Sherrill E. Jordan, Beverly Ann Touchberry and I met in Florence in April to celebrate Beverly’s birthday. Sherrill says that her emails from Patti Posey Bullen, Lois Sawyer Lott, Louise Atkinson Cleveland, and Evelyn Parsons Weaver indicate they are well. And my recent phone conversation with Sissy Cothran Lachicotte and Ann Bryant Nain find the same is true with them. I am happy to report that Ann Matthews Bragdon who suffered a stroke in 2015 is at home and is making a good recovery.

Laura McLeod

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ADVANCE

1962 News of our classmates is listed in alphabetical order by the last names we had while we attended Coker. I am so grateful to those of you who take the time to share your news as it makes this project so much easier. Everyone seems very impressed with the many changes happening at Coker and I hope we all will remember that Coker needs any support we can give. Please remember to share your news and that of any classmates with whom you have been in touch. And keep us posted if any of your contact information, even email addresses, has changed. Please note that we will be planning for and then celebrating our 55th reunion next April - can you believe it?

Linda Abbott Johnson reports that this has been an interesting year. Her oldest grandson was accepted to Governor’s School in Hartsville and while he decided not to attend school there Linda was happy to be able to show off our college. In January she was diagnosed with kidney cancer which was removed robotically by great surgeon in Spartanburg on March 14th. God has blessed her - no chemo or radiation necessary. While recovery is slow but steady she should be back out gardening before too long. You can’t keep Coker girls down long. She would love to see everyone at our next reunion.

Sara Anderson Kummer wrote to mention she, brother Jim and his wife, Margaret, sister Charlotte Anderson Ross ’60 and Charlotte’s granddaughter were hoping to be able to come to New York to see the most famous play, Hamilton, winner of 16 Tony award nominations.

Unfortunately for them the tickets were too difficult to get and are very expensive. Their cousin who taught in New York City had LinManuel Miranda as a student. He is the star who has performed the character Hamilton as well as being the author of the book and play and wrote the music and lyrics for this show. Sara has a 10-month old dog who is full of energy and whose antics are keeping Sara busy. The dog loves Sara's aging horse and until recently the two were able to run and play. She also loves gardening and keeps busy with that. Sara and I had fun discussing current political events and candidates - fun because we are, of course, not often on the same page.

Gail Arnette Sinclair sounds as lovely, cool, calm and collected as she always has. Her daughter and granddaughter are always attentive and very busy, working in interesting fields. She enjoys keeping in touch with Peggy McCue Freymuth who tries to visit as often as possible.

Mary Bell Kittle and Joe have just left San Antonio for their house/cottage in Orkney Springs, VA, where they love to spend their summers and autumns. Both sons seem to be doing well.

Sherrie Berry Wolski sounds very well and is pleased to have finished her last big project. She has painted the exterior of their house, a gazebo, the deck (after cleaning it with boat deck cleaner), the back porch and stoop which face the lake. She also enjoys bicycling. Seems to me she inherited a bunch of very good genes.

Gayle Brandt Faust reports that her neighborhood in Columbia is still reeling from the flood last October and that Henrietta Ramsey van Arsdale’s beautiful house and gardens were

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totally destroyed in the floods last year. She has decided not to try to rebuild. It seems she is currently living with a son and his family in Lexington. Gayle still enjoys her two bridge clubs, reading as often as possible, church activities and is thankful for her wonderful sons, two brothers and their families and good friends. She has decided not to tutor anymore. While she really enjoyed doing that at first it had become more difficult to feel successful.

Carole Causey Boyles is waiting for a new home to be built and is planning to sell her current house in Marietta, GA. Her younger son is a cardiac nurse in Smyrna. He majored in mechanical and electrical engineering before he decided to go into Nursing. He has a daughter who lives in London with a career in international finance for a large corporation and travels, is currently in Singapore for a short-term assignment. Carole’s older son lives in Canton, enjoying using his skills in a fencing construction business. Her younger sister, Virginia Causey Burk '67, often joins our class for reunion events as her class does not usually have as many plans as ours and it gives the sisters a chance to enjoy returning to Coker.

Brenda Cromer Miller says that this last year has been a real study in self-discipline. She is selling her Winnsboro house of 25 years, and has spent a lot of time going through years of collecting just about everything to find a way to stage her house for the real estate market. Now she has to keep it ready for visitors. It has been slow but every day is a new day and it just might sell tomorrow.

Brenda enjoys gardening and is now getting asparagus daily from a bed planted three years ago. It has been cold so she has waited to plant anything else, hoping to have tomatoes and basil all summer. She has been potting up sentimental plants in anticipation of beginning a new garden in a new house. It has been an exciting year for her children and grandchildren. Daughter, Quentin, is the resource director for a bright but precocious child with Downs Syndrome at St. Patrick’s Cathedral School in Charlotte. Both of them are making progress! Daughter, Sydney, is the Development Director for The Belle W. Baruch Foundation at Hobcaw Barony in Georgetown SC. If you are at the beach this summer you would really enjoy a visit there. Granddaughter Mallie is a graduate of The College of Charleston and now working for the New Jersey General Assembly as Communications Director for Assemblyman Louis Greenwald and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt. This election year is a busy one for her.

Mary Lily, her youngest granddaughter, is a junior at Ole Miss and has begun practice teaching.

She is looking forward to graduation next spring. Brenda plans to visit New Jersey after the elections when Mallie will have more time. She really wants to experience “The Grove” at Ole Miss before Mary Lily graduates. Brenda has planned a fall tour of Hobcaw for her garden club. And she is looking forward to our 55th year reunion in 2017.

Charlotte Daggett Bauguss wrote, sounding relieved that tax season was nearly over and she was good enough to share her new email address.

Doris Duke Straight has a new granddaughter, Ameera, born on March 4th. Doris’ son and daughter in law have two sons, ages 5 and 3 and now their baby daughter. Doris was kind enough to send pictures and I wish I could attach them for you to see these three beautiful grandchildren.

Carol Elting Richardson shared a few words describing the wonderful cruise she and Charlotte Daggett Bauguss took leaving on October 18th and flying cross-country to Los Angeles where they took a cab to the port where their ship was waiting. The cruise to Mexico was quite smooth with no heavy waves even with Hurricane Patricia on its way coming home.

There were 3 ports of call during the cruise. The first port they enjoyed for a day was at Cabo San Lucas. Another day was spent in Mazatlan, and the final stop was in Puerto Vallarta which was the most memorable. The girls were taken to a Tequila factory early in the morning where they met in a “meeting room” to see the process for making Tequila and receive small samples. Actually there were 7 or 8 rounds. After that the girls had to return back to ship which was to depart at around 4:00 PM. Carol overheard something about the hurricane. Thankfully it was behind them and it made a turn away from the ship as they headed north back to LA. Carol and Charlotte have been so busy and cold there was not a good time to get together until mid-March.

Molly Holbrook Thomas Birchler writes that she and Al have survived the winter season “we are doing the best we can with what we have left” and after taking an online survey she has discovered that she has the body of a 70+ year old, but the thinking/mind of a 37 year old. So that is comforting. Her oldest grandson, Noel, in Fort Collins, CO will graduate from high school this month. Since Al would find the long trip difficult, Molly’s son, Boyd, and who lives in Ohio will meet Molly at the Denver airport where he will have a rental car. They plan to take their own a five-day tour of parks, mines and other historical places before arriving for the graduation. AAA has been a wonderful help. Molly has been watching all the Alaskan, Yukon programs on History and Discovery for some months and finds programs about life in these remote regions of life fascinating. The mining programs are especially interesting. Molly would love to plan another “mini reunion” with classmates in close proximity to Coker in near future. If interested let me know and I will begin a summer gathering. It is always good to gather while we still can and catch up on our lives. For those of you near Hartsville let me know a convenient date and I will begin plans.

You can email me @ mollythomas39a2gail.com with ideas. Love, hugs and kisses to Classmates of ’62.

Anita Jones Stanton moved into a new house in Southern Pines nearly a year ago and is enjoying the smaller house but much larger yard. She has fenced in the back yard which her dogs love, especially because they can “talk to” all of their new dog neighbors. Anita has been very involved with genealogical research and has had three different companies test her DNA. She enjoys connecting with new people with whom I have a DNA match and trying to figure out how they are related and has discovered that she has some French ancestry. She was good enough to share photos of her new home and of her adorable Abby and Bella riding on a golf cart. They provide a lot of good exercise and attention.

Harriet King van Norte writes that she and her travelling friend, Angela, spent a delightful fall vacation in Montreal. Although it rained each day, they used the hop on hop off bus and saw the old city, china town, Notre-Dame Basilica, the student

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quarter’s unique architecture, and Saint Joseph’s Oratory on Mount Royal. On their last day, they had the pleasure of attending a piano duet recital at Christ Church Cathedral and enjoying the Rodin exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts. Their hotel recommended some excellent restaurants for evening meals and after dinner they enjoyed the hotel pool on the top floor and seeing the city lights at night.

Susan Martin Bryan, who now lives in Texas, sent a darling Christmas card. She had painted and printed a watercolor of a cardinal pulling the ribbon on a box which is nesting on a holly branch. She mentioned the arrival of a fifth granddaughter and of course everyone is excited.

Plans were to spend Christmas with son Kevin’s family and the hope was that everyone could gather. Sue reports that she is still walking and talkin’ and seems happy and well.

Peggy McCue Freymuth sent a Christmas card mentioning that daughter, Anne, husband, Shane and both children went to Washington, D.C. for four days before Christmas and they had a wonderful time. Peggy was afraid she would slow everyone down, so she enjoyed hearing about the visit. More recently Peggy sent a bit more news. She and Wayne have been visiting their orthopedic doctor more often than they would prefer. Just before Peggy was to have shoulder surgery, grandson Tanner fell from a trampoline incurring a compound fracture in a lower arm and Peggy learned a lot about his favorite cartoons and WrestleMania while helping out. Unfortunately Tanner got an infection and was forced to have more surgery. Daughter Anne had been scheduled for foot surgery so that had to be postponed. Hopefully there will be enough healing and recovery so Peggy can have her shoulder taken care of. Peggy keeps in touch with Gail Arnette Sinclair and even visits once in a while. Peggy has enjoyed watching several of the Ken Burns series on PBS. Paula Moran still enjoys working at Publix several days a week. Her seven cats are always a joy and she sees her son and daughter-in-law when time allows. They are pretty busy and seem happy.

at the beach. Niece Anna has a daughter named Sophia. Ida’s formerly precious car, named Bessie, was unfortunately totaled and she now has a fancy Lincoln. Ida was recently able to catch up a bit with Roz Carrigan Hearon whose daughter and son are living with her.

Betty Saunders Brooking and Hurley are enjoying living in an easier, smaller house in Florence which they are renting until they decide to move closer to their children. Their older son is a teacher and has two children. They live near Atlanta and their daughter is a student at Agnes Scott. Their younger son is a pastor, has three sons in high school and lives in Maryland.

Betty and a friend drove to Myrtle Beach to see one of these grandsons in a concert. Betty’s grandchildren used to spend every summer with their grandparents but now are older and busier with their lives. However, after an annual family reunion this June, all grandchildren will go with Betty for a week’s trip and the destination is a secret. The children will drive and they all get along wonderfully, so it will be fun. Betty’s close friends and she have travelled all over the US, parts of Canada and Mexico for 50 years. They remain close and wonderful friends but recently not everyone is able to leave family at home.

Frances Segars Kelley reports that granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth is a sophomore in college and Alex is a sophomore in high school.

She plays softball with the Robert E. Lee Academy where her father is one of the coaches. The girls’ mother and Frances’ daughter, Dawn, is busy playing tennis with several teams in Florence and played in Alabama in March. Spring break means going to house parties at the beach, which reminds Frances of those good old days. She is still busy with her quilt groups and guilds and looks forward to being at the lake house this summer, fishing and hanging out. She made it to the beach house, but the weather turned cold, so she is planning to return when the weather is warm. In fact, in late January Frances sent an email about their staying inside and covering up because of the cold weather and some ice and snow.

Gaby Morandiere has had a good and very busy year. The Senior Housing Opportunities in the Borough of Manhattan resource directory which I began organizing and compiling in 2009 and was finally “published” online in 2011. It takes at least two months to update the information each year. As an Advisory Board member for a remarkable non-profit here, Health Advocates For Older People, I have really enjoyed learning about various places for housing senior citizens here in New York City. It is so much fun to collect our class news twice a year and to have the excuse to stay in touch. I really love having friends come to visit! My door is open for you anytime you would like to come to The Big Apple. Son John has been working for a number of years at Banana Republic and lives about 24 blocks away. We have a “date night” every Monday when he comes for dinner and it is a lovely treat for me.

Flo Staklinski Taylor shared the sad news that her husband’s sister, Rosalie Faulk, of Lumberton, NC unexpectedly passed away in November. They miss her. Bill’s mother Alice Prevatt of Lumberton also, is in Wesley Pines Nursing Home being cared for full time. Granny, as they call her, is going to be 99 in June. God Bless her. Bill and Flo are doing fine. They still are very active with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, helping others in their time of need through their church, St. Brigid Catholic Church. We are playing more tennis, exercising, and reading quite a bit and are loving the warmer weather! They were very disappointed that UNC lost the final four championship game the evening before she wrote.

Ida Pace Storrs always has wonderful stories to share. She has been busy planting a pair of Paw Paw trees and some wonderful butterfly plants along the sides of her sidewalk, taking the place of weeds. She even has a birdbath nearby. She enjoyed her high school reunion in Nichols and always enjoys seeing her brother and sister-in-law

Joanne Tuten Bellamy has recently adopted a wonderful Sheepdog puppy after losing her nearly 14 year old Daisy in April. Now again there are three precious dogs to enjoy taking care of keep her very busy. Joanne has just signed up to volunteer at Hobcaw Barony and looks forward to working there. She has been

Nancy Thornhill Bolden has been difficult to reach, but she is busy with goings on in Hartsville and York, where her daughter and grandson Luke live.

spending a lot of time trying to get rid of weeds and their deep roots. Her son, Matt, lives nearby and has a beautiful garden filled with asparagus, squash and tomatoes and so much more. The orange trees have a lot of blossoms, so they are hoping for proper weather for the fruit. Gaby has a wonderful online grocery store here in New York City and suddenly found they carry some Palmetto Cheese (name of a pimento cheese) made by Get Carried Away of the Sea View Inn on Pawley’s Island. What a treat it has been to enjoy this wonderful spread and to introduce it to my Yankee friends! Joanne sent me a lot of information about the people who own and run the Inn, restaurant and the wonderful food from their kitchens.

Linda Whittle McCormick sounds well and happy to be living in Sugar Grove in the beautiful NC mountains nearly 20 minutes from Boone. Both of Linda’s sisters live nearby as well as siblings and families of her husband. The McCormicks have two grandchildren in college, their grandson is a senior in pre-med and their granddaughter is a freshman. The McCormicks recently spent a month in Key West.

Peggy Zeigler Reeves writes that she has been busy with yard work and had plans to attend an IMA Carolinas Council conference and board meeting in late April or early May. Don’t forget our 55th reunion will be February 10 & 11, 2017. We’ll need “all hands on deck” and I hope most of us can make it. Please remember to keep us posted with your news. It means so much.

Sending very best wishes to each of you, Gaby

1963 Nan Warren Clarke, recently returned from a great time in Boston, will be making a summer trip to Germany, France and Austria. Her daughter, Legare and granddaughter will travel to Germany and Austria with her. Husband Erskine, an author, is still lecturing and speaking. Nan’s granddaughter is graduating from high school and heading to college.

Barbara Holmes Willis and husband Jim spent 3 weeks in Berkeley, Ca in February, staying at an AIRB&B near her daughter’s home. They enjoyed making valentines with their 5 and 2 year old granddaughters to hang on their star magnolia trees. Barbara was thinking of the snow at home.

They used BART, Uber and bus system to navigate the San Francisco terrain. You’re never too old to try something new. After the Umbrella show in Massachusetts Barbara and Jim flew to Charleston to visit family and walk on the beach at Sullivan’s Island. Barbara continues to weave and has had a studio for 33 years in the Umbrella Community Center in Concord, Massachusetts.

When the Commentary is distributed in the fall Carol Hooks Pittman will have had a one person exhibition at the City Art Gallery in Columbia.

The exhibit will run from April 21for three months. Your representative will send you an announcement so that you can go.

Edith Floride Reynolds has exciting news.

Granddaughter Bailey Vereen will be attending Coker in 2016-2017. She will be the fourth generation of Coker nuts. Edith knows that we are Cobras now but old habits die hard. Good recruitment, Edith! Edith’s other big news is that

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ADVANCE her 6th grandchild and 2nd grandson, Alex was born on December 1, 2015. Congratulations, Alex’s parents Dean ’99 and Jessica Thigpen Legge ’99. More news from Edith; She got along beautifully with a knee replacement in October, 2015.

Flora Galloway Borkholder and husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December, 2014. They have 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Flora continues being active in her church, serving as an Elder, teaching an adult class, being on the prayer ministry team and heading up the Freedom Ministry. This ministry deals with issues that keep individuals from having an abundant and joyful life. Flora’s husband continues his work on his wood lathe in his workshop.

Flora came down South in 2015 to visit family in North Carolina and Myrtle Beach. The North Carolina trip included a visit with family and her first and probably only zip line experience. Myrtle Beach time was mostly in the ocean. Flora still loves to swim and the beach is her favorite place to do so. Your reporter remembers Flora and the other mermaids in their synchronized swimming!

Nancy McConnell Wilhelm and Budgy celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with a nice, quiet dinner. Congratulations! In March Budgy and Goode Mobley went to the RUN TO THE SUN car show across from the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Nancy and Gail Mobley decided they would be nice and drop the boys off at the show.

Not a good idea. The girls were going shopping and that got messed up because of all of the traffic.

Coincidentally, your representative was across the street at a cheerleading competition for her granddaughter Anna, a 10th grader. She is a flyer and gets thrown around. She is on the varsity squad and loves it! They didn’t win but maybe next time.

Husband Jim had a wonderful back surgery recently and can play golf without pain. It is amazing. He is active in American Legion baseball and enjoys the challenge. Your representative stays busy with Guardian Ad Litem, bridge, tap dancing, book club and United Methodist Women.

Respectively – Kay Williams

1964 Anne Lamb Matthews - I stay busy! Leaving on May 28th for Italy. Rotarians meet with the Pope on the 30th. Then I plan to stay in Italy sightseeing for a couple of weeks. Italy is my favorite country in Europe and I go every chance I get.

This summer I will be in Seoul again (this time for the Rotary International convention) and then this fall in South Africa and Ghana doing humanitarian work for Rotary. I am blessed to be able to travel (all volunteer) like I do. I have lost 11 friends in 5 months—not all as old as we are. I have learned to enjoy every day and be so thankful!!

Carol Chastain Dietrick - Joe and I celebrated our 50th anniversary in Germany and Switzerland last August. We were right on the Rhine in Germany and loved it. Switzerland was absolutely gorgeous; especially, all the hiking trails with views of the Alps. Little did we know how dangerous it could have been for Joe. In January

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he started experiencing tightness in his chest that resulted in triple by-pass surgery in Feb. He has made a remarkable recovery and we are grateful for the skilled doctor who did the surgery. We are looking forward to playing golf again the first week of May and thinking about a trip to Maine next fall. Hello to all of my friends from the class of 1964. WOW, has it really been 52 years.

Nell Bates Beasley - Well we have finally had some great weather. The Beasley clan is doing well. I’m busy going to Ghad’s (grandson, age 13) basketball games and Haley’s (granddaughter, 16) dancing competitions. I love to read about all my friends.

Gail Etters Pilger - I have recuperated fully from my fall last August and we just returned to Atlanta after our winter in Naples. Pat Holland Chapman came down in early March and we had a wonderful time reminiscing, sightseeing, shopping and eating out! Even got in a trip to the beach one morning as well. John was a trooper to let us do our thing. John has to have a knee replacement in early June so that will keep us close to home for a while. Oldest granddaughter Julia graduating from Georgia College in Milledgeville this May in exercise science and she plans to go for her masters in occupational therapy at the Medical College of GA in Augusta. Her brother Jonathon enters their medical program this fall for his M.D. degree so we shall the two of them in the same city. Their younger sister, Olivia hopes to enter the nursing program at Augusta University/MC Ga in 2017 to be a nurse anesthetist. Then we’ll have all our body parts covered! Our youngest granddaughter Emma (14) was in Naples for a visit over Easter with Joel and Deana—a nice respite from the Colorado snow and ice for them. We’ll be back in Naples by October so if anyone is down that way, let me know via email or Facebook. I would love to see you!

Lorena Cook James – It’s been a beautiful Spring here in our little woods. Doug and his helpers are progressing well on repairs to our Black River cabin to make it habitable again, and we look forward to summer fun there. I’ve had some health issues over the past months and lots of testing done. I am in physical therapy for recently diagnosed spinal stenosis, but no surgery is anticipated. I’m doing well enough to continue my usual activities. There is so much for which to be grateful. Kelly, Kyle, grand-daughter Bella and a friend of hers will be in Cleveland, Ohio for Kelly to participate as a cyclist in the Transplant Games, modeled after the Olympics. She and Kyle are also ambassadors for “donate life,” the organization which encourages organ donation.

Bella (14) moves on to high school in the Fall and enjoys aerial dance and soccer. We have two small dogs, Josie, a rat terrier mix, and “Honey,” a corgi-chihuahua mix from the SPCA. Our son Bryan’s two black labs are part of the family, too!

Bryan’s cabinet-making business keeps him in his shop or installing for customers. Best wishes to all my Coker classmates! You’re remembered fondly, as the days roll by. May your days be filled with many blessings.

Karen M. Kuehner - Bill and I had a wonderful trip to Oxford, England in March, and are enjoying condo living in Georgetown, SC. Susan Frank - Well, life goes rolling merrily along.

I’m finding that retirement has its challenges and

rewards. I am taking an Irish archaeology online class from the University in Galway and finding the task of researching and writing papers again very challenging. My reward is that I’ll be back in Ireland again this summer, this time for June, July and part of August, working on two different digs.

One is the dig at the fort I have been working on in previous years and the other is a new dig excavating a prehistoric tomb - very intriguing.

Also, perhaps taking on a long hike through the Wicklow Mountains. Not sure I’m up to that challenge so we shall see. Best wishes to all.

Ann Dobson Hammond - I am so sorry to report that Ann’s husband Tom died of pancreatic cancer on April 9 shortly after being diagnosed. She and her grandson Noah are taking care of each other and are doing well. Church friends, neighbors, square dance friends, Noah’s teachers, etc. have been so supportive and they are taking one day at a time.

Pat Holland Chapman - I am slowly working on my bucket list; several years ago I completed visits to all 50 states and have visited quite a few foreign countries. Travel is a great educational experience, and I am grateful so many colleges, including Coker, provide opportunities for students to travel abroad. We have several trips planned for 2016 with friends and family. Frank and I are especially happy that our older son moved back to South Carolina. It gives us an opportunity to be better grandparents to our granddaughters who have been living in New Jersey.

Mary Louise Antley Glesner - Had the kids and grandkids here for Mother’s day, and enjoyed them all.

Mary Louise is having a lot of fun writing simple stories for her grandchildren that feature them as characters in adventures that really happened or might have happened.

Betty Morrell Pait - Life is simple and sweet for Jerry and me these days.Trying to stay healthy and enjoying every minute we can with our one and only great-grandson, Lochlan Thomas Griggs.

He is two and all boy. He makes me realize that I am not 24 anymore. Also enjoying our youngest daughter’s new home at North Myrtle Beach.

Our older daughter and I enjoyed a visit with our son and brother at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah last fall. Hope everything is well with all our classmates.

Cameron Council Speth - Gus and I had a wonderful two-week trip to Spain the end of April-early May. We went on a Road Scholar trip (formerly Elder Hostel) to Andalusia and it was a very good experience. We visited little white villages hidden in the mountains that tourists rarely visit. We loved Madrid, Granada and Seville as well. We will be at home in Vermont for the summer with two-week visits from all of the grandchildren (in pairs) to go to day camps and enjoy living on our little farm. No farm animals but three yellow labs keep us well entertained.

1965 Liles Richardson Nickerson still lives in Atlanta.

Her son Tank and his wife live in Wilmington, NC, and finally had an angel two years ago. Liles reports, “Now I really know what all this bragging about grandchildren is about. I cannot get enough of Luli’s tiny fingers, her rapt attention

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to what she is learning at the time, her precious speech, and the way she flies across the room when we stop by her daycare first on arriving in Wilmington.�

Liles reports, “I have slowed down my interior design business, but am working on two houses at the present time. Michael, my sculptor partner of several decades, and I still love to go to NYC the first week of December, and we summer in Maine for several months. We are off the grid, no electricity, and you can’t imagine how many stars are really in the sky until you get miles away from city lights. Liles says, “I am still so pleased that I chose Coker for my college education.�

Judy Johnson Walker and husband John are happy to say that 2016 has been a healthy one thus far. Visits to Clemson, the Keowee Key area, and the coast keep them occupied. They spent two fabulous weeks exploring France and Italy in April. “One just can’t spend enough time to absorb the beauty and culture. We feel blessed that the “aging process� allows us to continue our travels.

If you haven’t visited Hartsville in a while, you should make plans to do so. It has become a walking city with new restaurants, boutiques, and beautiful landscaping.

Coker students are enjoying new athletic facilities and two new campus apartment complexes.

Come and enjoy the new Coker and the new city!�

Joanne Waldrep Thomason reports from Laurens that she is finally retiring in May after teaching for 50 years! She plans to spend more time with her family, enjoy more gardening, and find more time to volunteer in the community. Enjoy Joanne. You have definitely earned retirement.

Byron and I plan to downsize within the year and move to a multi-generational community with wonderful amenities about three miles from Clemson’s campus. We are looking forward to building another house, this time with a grandkids’ suite. How and why did we accumulate so much stuff? Like Liles, I am so grateful that I chose Coker for my undergraduate education.

Mickey Utsey Harder

1968 Most of us are celebrating seven decades of life this year, so take a deep breath and read on.

Mary Anne Pate Erter plans a Birthday celebration in August, sharing her special day with Bill Clinton. For the time being, she’s holding onto that six in front as long as she can.

Margaret Bland Cooper interrupted her packing to let us know that she and Tommy are headed for eight days in Switzerland and Austria with friends. They also look forward to a week of fun in June at Pawley’s Island with their children and five grandchildren.

Nancy Baker Bell shared that all is going well for the Bell Clan. She is extremely proud to announce that Coker presented Jimmy with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which he had previously received as a student upon graduation from Clemson. Their two eldest grandchildren are now teenagers, others are seven and eleven. “Live is full, busy and good for us here in “the Ville�.� They are looking forward to spending time this summer in Blufton with their family.

Faye White Coan and Gil focus most of their time and energy on caring for their parents and family members, and would love to have us visit them in beautiful Brevard, N.C. In April they welcomed a new granddaughter, Claire, who has a six year old sister, Charlotte. Faye and Gil enjoy getting to see their oldest grandson play soccer and his sister play volleyball for the Palmetto Strikers.

Barbara Nexsen Lansche sends greetings with the sad news that our classmate, Gayle Grubbs Stoll, passed away on March 15th. Also please note that Lyn Murph Bartley has recently lost her mother.

Martie Dobson White and Tom are proud to announce that their son Michael is finishing his Fellowship in Surgical Oncology in California and will be moving East with his family to practice in Richmond, VA. The whole family plans a Disney Cruise in July to celebrate this event. Merrie is still in Richmond so both of their children will be in the same town.

Susan Reichard Allred and Tom have had their recent share of ups and downs. Last August they spent a week on the American Queen cruising down and up the Mississippi River and highly recommend this as a relaxing trip.

Then in December Susan’s step-son, Wes, died unexpectedly. The family recently had a service at Topsail Island to memorialize his life.

With June brings graduations and their grandson, Thomson, will graduate and next year attend Northeastern University in Boston. His fifteen year old sister, Lauren, is also an excellent and well rounded student.

Whoever wrote the quote “with age comes wisdom� did not stop to consider that in later years it’s difficult to remember much of anything that has not been written on a yellow sticky note and placed in a conspicuous location.

My mom, Dottie, passed away in March just two weeks prior to her 94th birthday. We decided to celebrate her life, on her actual birthday, complete with cake and candles. I turned seventy the day after she passed, which has influenced me to look at many things in my life from a different perspective.

So, classmates, please take time to celebrate each and every day with a huge smile on your face and hugs all around for everyone. Our fiftieth is sneaking up on us so feel free to write a yellow sticky as a reminder of this important date.

Joan Lading Abernathy – class of 1968

1969 From Hyatt Ann Keels Brandt-Hi, Frankie et all!

My new street address in 300 Cabin Drive, Irmo, SC 29063. My daughter Anita and I moved to the Ballentine area last September 1, 2016. The last couple of years have been full of transitions for our family. My brother Tommy passed away in May, 2014, and my mother passed away in November, 2015. My older son Stewart returned from a remote assignment for the Georgia Air National Guard, and my younger son Lorne returned from teaching in China for two years. He met and is now engaged to marry a wonderful Chinese young lady who will continue her education in the upper part of the state, while Lorne continues teaching in York County. Anita is working as a PTA at Lexington Medical Center

and other rehab facilities in the area, while I take care of the dogs we have at home....much like a grandmother. My grandchildren are all in Florida, where 2 are in college, 1 graduate’s high school this month and attends college in the fall, and one in middle school. We all have many blessings!

All my news for now!

Through Jackie Shuler - Claudette Sullivan, 69, died Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at her home in Florence. She was born December 11, 1946 in Hartsville, SC, the only child of the late Edward Claude and Genevieve Hodge Sullivan. She was a graduate of Coker College and a high school French teacher with Florence School District One. After retirement she continued her teaching career through Homebound and later at the Florence County Museum. Survivors include a paternal aunt, Bernice Sullivan Ford of Hartsville; a maternal aunt, Frances Hodge Odom of Hartsville; two special friends she considered grandchildren, Will and Madeline Ateyeh; her pets Paris, Cassie, and Matisse that she loved dearly; and numerous cousins and friends. Known by her many students as “Ms. Sullivan�, she never met a stranger and those who met her never forgot her. She was a faithful friend, passionate gardener, and an avid supporter of the Florence Area Humane Society.

A Celebration of Her Life was held Sunday, May 1, 2016 at the Florence County Museum.

Jennie Baker Smith My “news� - Hi Classmates, I sure hope this newsletter finds you well as life goes on. Dick and I are doing just fine. Our “golden years� are overflowing with activities including keeping up with our seven grandchildren, spending time at home in Bluffton or at our cabin near Asheville, and traveling. By the time this is printed we will have enjoyed a trip to Alaska. Neither of us have traveled there before and look forward to this adventure.

I have been in conversation with May Merritt Benson and hope to see her soon as well as some other Coker friends. I also need to do a shout out for my sister, Mary Baker, Class of ’74. She was named Teacher of the Year for Hilton Head Elementary IB. Sure hope many of you are looking toward our big fiftieth reunion (how in the world can this beđ&#x;˜Š!)

From Connie Igleheart Brock: Nothing excitingly new so I did not include any this time. Hope you and your family are doing well. I enjoyed another Mother’s Day with my family! So good to have them back close so we get to spend holidays and other days with them. Still thankful Jim and I are able to be active and spending time with family! My sisters and husbands got together at my middle sister’s home in New York recently (Sylda and Wayne Carver’s). We will be spending the weekend with my youngest sister and her husband (Sheila and Larry Price) at the lake where Scott, Tammy and our grand boys, Jake and Adam, will join us. Then on to the beach for vacation the first week of June with Scott and family where we will celebrate Jake’s 18th birthday and Jim and my 47th anniversary. We have a family wedding Oct. 1 for our nephew on Isle of Palms. Many blessings with thanksgiving!!

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ADVANCE

1970 Mary Jane Tucker Palaganas has some good news to share; her fourth Granddaughter was born on the 23rd of January. Her name is Hope Palaganas and she is Mary Jane’s youngest son’s first baby. She now has 4 granddaughters and 2 grandsons.

Gayle Buckheister Sawyer saw in class news where Leila O’Neal Stallworth’s grandson, David, goes to Ashley River School of the Arts. Small world connection: One of his classmates is Logan Sawyer and they know each other. George and Gayle attended Alumni Day in April sitting with the class of 1971 and had a wonderful time.

The Class of 1966 was a reunion class as well.

Anne Ellis Neely, as part of their 50th class gift, presented an original Shrinking Violet to the College. Go Violet Power! Does anyone remember where the “Mean Green Machine” and the straw hat came from? They also spent some time with Martha Flowers Herbert at her sister’s house in Timmonsville. They report that she is incredible and looks great. She hopes to be back home this fall. Gayle is really excited about the work of the Alumni Office and the vision for strategic planning at Coker. We can be proud. Keep looking for updates on Facebook, twitter, and email. Gayle wants to remind our class of our plan to save money to contribute at our 50th year reunion in January 2020. 50 years! Wow! Martha Flowers Herbert writes that she is doing better, coming along with her recovery. She has had 2 release surgeries on her neck allowing her a greater range of motion. Many, many thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, cards, calls and visits from our classmates! You guys are the best!!

Linda Lee Matthews is enjoying retirement and her grandson! She goes to see him often and likes to spend time with her friends too. Life is good!

Jane May Gable is retired as of February! The big decision was made last summer in anticipation of the birth of two new grandchildren. Also, her mother and stepfather in Richmond needed more physical support. Avery Capps was born in October to join her brother William 3 1/2 years and Walton Eller was born in February. Jane is now a full time grand-mom of three and loving it!

Her family is looking forward to celebrating her mother's 90th birthday in May. Jane is in Raleigh and Richmond often these days. Yes, retirement is wonderful!

Jane Brown Riechmann and husband Mark treated their family (sons Rob and Tim with wives Tina and Kate, respectively) to a trip to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park last August (2015). It was the first trip with the family for Kate but certainly not the last. The next trip is scheduled for next year but the destination is TBD. Brenda Thompson Stewart and Larry traveled to Alaska in June and are doing the Danube in May on a Viking Cruise. This is the first trip to Europe together and hopefully not the last.

Marguerite Sloman Botkin writes that she and AJ stay busy with our kids and grandkids. We have 10 grandkids and they range in ages from 1-18! They are involved in drama, baseball, dance, karate, team jump rope, swimming, gymnastics, horseback riding, piano, violin and band, and so we are either attending events or babysitting.

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It’s heaven still having some little ones to cuddle but they are all growing too fast! Now that we are retired, we do have time to travel. Last August, we spent two weeks in Alaska. It was beautiful!

In March, we spent a week visiting my brother in Hilton Head. I am enjoying my gardens and painting. I had rotator cuff surgery in February, but I am recovering nicely and therapy has helped me get back (almost) to full range of motion.

Thinking of everyone and sending prayers to all!

Brenda Thompson Stewart

1971 Six of us gathered for our class reunion in April.—Liz Cockfield Bushardt, Pricilla Perry Arnold, Tricia Braid Collins, Marguerite Assey, Sarah Sheppard Mims ’72 and Sarah Jo Wood Safrit. George and Gayle Buckheister Sawyer ’70 joined us from Rock Hill, where they stay very busy. George builds Habitat houses, is on the Red Cross disaster team and works with his church garden that last year gave more than 3000 pounds of vegetables to a soup kitchen. Gayle is completing her first year as Coker trustee and is an adjunct professor at Winthrop.

thesis acknowledgements: “Mrs. Sadler, thank you for instilling me with the love of theatre. I will never forget when you pulled me aside that day and asked me if I would be interested in moving into Advanced Theatre because you needed someone for Our Town. Although we never actually performed Wilder’s play, those truly were four of the best years of my life – so far.”

Sympathy, hugs and prayers go out to Barrie Murphy Sadler on the death of her husband, Phil, in December, and to Linda Rhyne, whose father died April 22.

Sarah Jo Wood Safrit Sarahjows66@gmail.com

1972 Janie Cleckley Campbell emailed this to all the class members she had email addresses for.

Hello All, The recent letter telling us of all the activities going on at Coker was a great reminder of how we all benefited from our time there. I loved that last line that said, “Thank you for being a part of the Coker story, it’s YOUR story!”

Liz Cockfield Bushardt has served as a church organist for all 45 years since we graduates, teaches piano and helped form the Lake City Chorale two years ago. She and Dan, now retired, have three granddaughters.

We had professors who challenged us, we had classmates that helped us understand there were lots of different paths through education, and lots of different goals for our futures. How amazing to get together occasionally to share our stories.

Marguerite Assey works hard in her retirement on a two acre garden at St. Matthews. She enjoys fishing at Lake Murray and USC football games.

She still has the same glorious laugh.

I retired from my last Coker job on July 1st. I truly loved being back at Coker getting to know the students and staff. Now I believe the best way for me to actively support Coker is to continue to donate to the Annual Fund. I called the Alumni office the day I got my letter to ask questions about the whole giving timeline. The Annual Fund provides financial support above and beyond what tuition covers. It is a one time solicitation to former students as well as the community at large. If we decide to give now, we will not be asked for money again this year, by anyone.

That made me feel better about supporting this process.

Tricia Braid Collins retired in 2009 and keeps busy with her book club, Bible study, Yoga, kayaking, gardening and deep sea fishing. They have a home at Surfside. Her son, Jason, is an Episcopal clergyman in Conway, and daughter, Rachel, is a speech pathologist.

Pricilla Perry Arnold has really retired this time after 35 years as an ophthalmologist. She and her husband have relocated to Ashland, OR. She has six inherited grandsons.

Sarah Jo Wood Safrit stays busy with assorted volunteer activities. She and Leonard have added a donkey, Rosie, to their cattle farm near Beaufort, NC. Their daughter, Mary B., earned her master’s in vocal performance in May from UNCG and plans a career in opera. Son Wes works at Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, NC Reasons for missing the reunion: Wendy Lamm Leonard had hip replacement surgery right at reunion time and is recovering nicely; Jan Bonnette Frye attended her first family reunion in 25 years, thanks to moving back to SC after all those years on the West Coast; Kathy Hardin was celebrating her birthday on a Caribbean cruise; Susan Weathers Floyd was expecting the arrival of her fourth grandchild, who arrived on her birthday; Susan Bartenstein Necci was at home looking after her mom; Christina Glover Wallerstein couldn’t make the trek from Pasadena; and Katherine Ledbetter Meyer, Beth Poole Garrett, Julia Stackhouse Eggen and Jan Bonnette Frye had gathered just the week before for their annual mini-Coker reunion and to try out Ledbetter’s new BMW convertible.

One of Barrie Murphy Sadler’s former students included the following in his graduate school

Sarah McCanless Haarlow and I talk often about our class and ways to enjoy more fun times together.

As Bob Hope used to say “thanks for the memories”. We truly enjoy hearing from you and hope you will respond to this letter with more of your stories about your families, your accomplishments, your travels and your memories as “Coker Nuts”. Also if you have some suggestions about ways we could make some new Coker memories together we are all ears. You can contact either of us or the alumni office, just tell us your favorite Coker story and what you are doing now.

So I’ve written my check and I hope you will join me in helping to make Coker a great place for current and future memorable educational experiences.

1975 It is time once again to catch everyone up on the news in our lives from the class of 1975. We all enjoy hearing how different and yet how similar our lives are since our “youthful days” at Coker College. Family seems to be the common thread for us all. Grandkids are abundant, retirement has

COKER . EDU

hit some of us and many have experienced the loss of loved ones. Some of us are working at new jobs or long careers while others are traveling the world.

Bebe (Betty) Prosser Beasley has enjoyed being the live-in Nanny for her first grandchild, Audrey Ann, in Raleigh and has loved every minute. She offered her care for a year and she says it has been a wonderful time for her and her family.

Floy Henry Fanning also became a grandmother on April 13, 2016 to Lyla Paige, which she is thrilled about. ! !

Susie Dunklin Guerry has enjoyed having her Chinese “daughter of the heart” going to college in the states and loved having Zoe celebrate the holidays with her and Bert. The time has finally come for Bert to retire in June which Susie is very happy for. She has trips planned for them to visit Greece, Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia. Now that’s the way to enjoy retirement!

Susie also keeps busy by helping with interior decorating needs for friends and takes a donation for charities as payment. What a good and generous person you are Susie! Buttercup is their enthusiastic Golden Doodle who keeps their life fun.

Miriam Anderson is planning on working one more year teaching high school art and is thrilled to report that grandbaby #4 is due in November. She is blessed with 5, 4 and 2 year old grandchildren already. Her daughter, Kristin, lives up in New York state so I always hope we can meet up again during a visit. She and John continue to live in the Charleston area.

Debbie Scarboro Snyder is enjoying working with 12 student teachers for UNCC. I bet they love having her as a mentor and instructor. Her daughter, Hannah has moved into a condo 20 minutes down the road from them and says her place is full of art. Debbie is surrounded with art lovers! Tom is great and working the art circuit with his pottery and photography. Debbie was recently saddened to learn that Valerie Waters, a former Coker student and great friend had passed away from cancer. She was in the class of 1978 but had transferred before graduation.

Carolyn McMillan Dunn is loving retirement! She and David live on Lake Murray and love staying busy with gardening, photography, calligraphy and kayaking. No big trips planned until he retires. She is actually enjoying not travelling, except to California to see the grandkids. Carolyn and her sisters help to take care of their sweet Mama who has Alzheimer’s. She is still living in Mullins with a great caregiver. Carolyn is grateful for the time she spends with her and that her mom is happy and comfortable in her home. She also gets to see Carlotta Johnson Wiggins a lot more when she travels to Mullins.

Lisa Hardwick McCutchen is doing well, still loves spending time with her basset hounds, attending auctions and antiquing. She met up with Carlotta and Carolyn recently in Marion at Webster Manor for lunch to catch up since our last reunion. They enjoyed teasing her about her upcoming cataract surgery. College friends are the best!!!

Diane Roden Dinneny - My life is all about real estate and the spring/summer market. Thinking at times that maybe I should not be this busy at this age!! Owen and I took an 18 day trip to beautiful

Italy in April which was so incredible and I know some of you saw my travel log of photos on FB. Our daughters met us over there for a week on the Amalfi Coast in Positano. Spectacular views, outstanding food, a lot of hiking up and down hills/stairs and great family time. We really do enjoy being with our grown daughters and feel blessed they want to be with us. Megan continues her traveling this September with a trip to Iceland which seems like a very cool destination. Owen took early retirement and is now a consultant for Bristol Myers Squibb. ! !

Betsy Mauldin McCray is living in Polk County at the foot of the Hendersonville mountains. Living on a beautiful farm with four dogs, two cats and four horses, she is happy doing what she loves the most. Her big news is her daughter, Elizabeth, is engaged to Justin, whom she loves and they will be married in May of 2017. They will be living in Indian Land, SC where he is from. Elizabeth still works as a pediatric dental assistant. Betsy has booked a cruise to Alaska planned for June. She recently saw and spoke with Cathy Belk French ’72 at the Block House Steeplechase, who is a professional photographer.

Reveley Wilson Thomy is blessed with another grandson, Tyler, born in October to her oldest son, Wil and Heather. He joins his two big brothers, Daniel, 11 and Ryan, 7. Her daughter, Mary Alice and Justin are expecting September 29th, so life will be even fuller for her and Greg. Her other son, John, is still enjoying working for Samsung.

Reveley enjoys participating in the local musical productions. We all remember her beautiful singing voice from college! Family time at the beach is planned for the summer.

Sadly, our class lost Jane Wiggins Thompson this year. Such a beautiful person, inside and out.

I hope you will encourage any of our classmates to contact me for future news. Hope you all enjoy your summer adventures!

Diane Roden Dinneny and Susie Dunklin Guerry

1987 I started a Master’s program in January and am now a Regent University student studying mental health counseling. I was on campus in Virginia Beach, VA in January for a week of classes and orientation. The remainder of my three-year program includes virtual classes held on line and one week of residency each year. I am truly enjoying the classes and was pleased to finish off my first semester with a 4.0 grade average. I’ve set the bar high for myself! School is intense and takes up a lot of time, but I finally feel like I am on a very fulfilling career path.

I attended the SC Counseling Association conference in February in Hilton Head Island.

It was a great learning experience. Next year, I plan to present a research project I am working on with my brother (a PhD level Licensed Professional Counselor) and one of his colleagues.

I am excited about this opportunity.

I’ve also got big vacation plans coming up at the end of June when I travel with friends, my brother, Mom, and my daughter, Emily N. Mosser ’15, to Bonaire for a week of scuba diving in the Caribbean. I hear the water there is crystal clear and warm, quite different than the local lakes where we usually dive.

Donald ’87 has his vacation week coming up, in early June when he attends his annual ukulele “Woodstock” in Indiana. He is still very much into playing and collecting ukuleles. Donald has also taken up watercolor painting and is quite good at it.

We frequently take our kayaks out on the Savannah River for some exercise and relaxation.

Emily often joins us. It is very peaceful on the water except when the jet skiers appear! When we are able to get away for a lengthy paddle, we choose a location further away from home with very little boat traffic. That makes the bird and wildlife spotting much more productive.

Dear classmates, if you don’t want to continue to be bored with my and my family’s news, please send me yours! You can reach me at dfmosser@ comcast.net, or send me a private message on Facebook.

Kind regards, Donna Farrell Mosser

1997 It has been a long time since anyone decided to add some notes for our class, so I decided to take the reins. I have now been married 15 years and I have two sons and I live in Oak Creek, WI. I joined the Coker Board a few years back and it has been a great experience for me and that is the main reason I have become so involved recently. I am not the only young (relatively) alum on the board.

Justin Towey, Dean Legge ’99 and Hoyt Kelly ’96 are also on the board.

If you have not been back to campus in a while you would not recognize the place, Dr. Wyatt and his team have done an amazing job.

Unfortunately Memorial and Grannis are still standing, but everything else is changed.

The Harris E. and Louise H. DeLoach Center is amazing and a lot of the new buildings are as well. I personally know that the 4 years I spent at Coker were some of the best years in my life and I am sure many of you feel the same way.

I recently spoke to John Curnias ’96 and Lou Warner ’95 and they agreed. Even though we all had different interests we were a tight knit group.

We always travelled to Little Italy or Florence in packs. We all supported the Basketball team and truly enjoyed Dan Shanks throwing it down on Pfeiffer, or Missy Patterson Hernandez ’00 making other schools look like fools on the softball diamond. We all remember the baseball team’s ride to the World Series and the Girls soccer team doing well. Even though I was on the golf team, those memories are just as important.

You might be asking why I am bringing up all of these memories back up? Two words DAN and DAVE. You might have heard the Schmotzer twins are retiring and I want them to go out in style. They were like Fathers to a lot of us on campus and I want to make sure they are never forgotten. Please make an effort to come back to Homecoming next year (February 10 & 11, 2017), so we can celebrate what they have meant to Coker.

I guess as a college we also celebrate class reunions? Who Knew? If you do they Math that would be 20 years for class of 97. Seriously I am calling out all young alumni such as Led, Fergie, Trent, Sheftic, Hal, Summer, Wendy, Chad, Stump

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ADVANCE and everyone else that graduated around 97.

Let’s celebrate the two most important coaches in Coker’s History and reconnect with fellow Cobra’s.

See you in Feb. Go Cobras!

Thanks, Tim Halverson

1998 Karen (Lear) Edwards was elected President of the Central South Carolina Mensa group. Her term began in January 2016.

2003 I was able to hear from a few of our fellow classmates from 2003 and here is what they had to say: Thomas and Monica Carvajal Beben are doing great both professionally and personally! Their business, Smoking Mo’s, has come a long way since they first opened in 2007. In 2012, they bought and renovated a 100 year old bank building in Shelton, WA. They now offer a large family dining room in the original bank lobby, a beer tasting room in what was once the bank manager’s office, and a full bar/lounge in a loft overlooking the dining room. This past year, Smoking Mo’s was selected #3 out of over 120 restaurants as Best BBQ in the State of Washington by our regional news station’s viewers and was chosen as 2015 Business of the Year by our local Chamber of Commerce. They proudly employ over 20 employees, and recently opened a new business, a small event center called The Magnolia Room. Last but certainly not least, they welcomed a healthy and happy baby girl, Grace Ila Mae Beben, on August 6, 2015.

Monica and Thomas say life is all good on the left coast!

Ben Bethea is still employed at Segars Realty in Hartsville, now for 24 years, and checked in to say hi.

Marilynn Lance-Robb is still living in the rural area of Georgetown, SC in a little community call Dunbar about 35 miles from Myrtle Beach, SC. She said she has been blessed with 2 kids (April & Joshua) who are adults now and they have blessed her with 4 grand-kids (Je’Khari, Amery, Isabella & Kylie). She is an entrepreneur owner of MaFlo’s Beauty Salon, MaFlo’s 5 Loaves Bread Ministry and Branch Manager of Carvers Bay Branch Public Library located in Hemingway, SC. Marilynn loves her family, job and helping people.

She also does Outreach Health Education with the National Network Library of Medicine where she teaches Participants how to use the Internet/ Computer to find reliable health information using MedlinePlus.gov. You can read more here: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/ issues/fall12/articles/fall12pg24-26. In a nutshell, Marilynn is loving life, family, and her Coker family and going where God leads her!

I also heard from one of my besties, Courtney Smith. She is living in South Florida with longtime boyfriend Mike Geiger. Courtney works in sports marketing for Daktronics, covering the Southeast Region (SC, GA, FL, AL). She enjoys

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being a part of the Junior League, attending as many sporting events as possible, and spending time with family and friends.

Finally, I heard from Erin Earle Owen another one of my besties and old college roommate who is still doing well living down under in Australia with her 2 little ones (Cooper and Brody) and her husband Gary. Erin has offered to be the new coclass rep with me so for the next commentary you will hear from either of us to get your update.

are not already a member of our Coker Class of 2005 group on Facebook, please e-mail me so that I can invite you into the group. Wish you well, and remember that we would really like to hear from you. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram under Jessicalloydsmusic Jessica (Brill) Lloyd

2014

As for me, Emily Marovich Tupper, my big news is that I am expecting my second child (a little girl) any day now! Actually, since I am due the end of May, by the time you read this I will have already had her. My husband, Greg, and almost 3 year old son, Jackson, and I are very excited to welcome this new addition to our family. And I am looking forward to a 5month maternity leave with both my kiddos until I return to work at Accenture in October.

Stand out Alumni Eren Moses is currently competing abroad in Basketball at Luxembourg.

Since graduation, Eren has traveled to Spain and Australia also to play in the leagues there. Keep the good work!

If you didn’t get a chance to send me an update for this commentary, please make sure the Alumni office has your most recent email address or feel free to email me directly at emilymarovich@ yahoo.com or our NEW class rep Erin Earle Owen at erinearl@hotmail.com and we will be sure your update is included the next time around.

Mindy Morris from Beaufort married Joseph Hudson from Hartsville. Mindy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morris. Joseph is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Carol Hudson Jr. They were wed on September 26, 2015 at Drengaelen House of Coker College.

All the best, Emily Marovich Tupper

2005 Marcos Sola has been living in Hartsville and working for Sonoco since 2008. The opportunity to work for an international packaging company has allowed Marcos to travel abroad every year to amazing places. In January, Marcos traveled to China, Macao, and Hong Kong. While in Hong Kong, Marcos spent time with his best friend, Michael Schmillen ’07, who is an English Professor at a Polytechnic University. Together, they visited The Great Wall, The Xi’an Terracotta Warriors, and the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park! Marcos said that it was a great trip and he plans on returning soon. Back at work, Marcos creates and develops the latest label designs for consumer packages and spends many of his weekends in Beaufort visiting relatives. Marcos said that Life is good and he hopes everyone is doing well.

As mentioned before, Curtis Lloyd ’02 and I are Disney Travel Agents with Key to the World travel, and will be traveling to the Bahamas for Memorial Day with extended family. We are looking forward to a magical vacation. I am also still teaching voice, piano, and dance at a local studio. I am proud to announce that I recently had a routine take home a Regional Champion award! As an independent recording artist, I have scheduled a few events this summer such as Bible Studies for various churches and charity dances.

Our daughter, Tori, is enjoying the fact that her summer has already began as we completed her first grade curriculum at the end of April. We hope that the summer of 2016 brings joy and blessings to all of our Coker family!

Sarah Fowler from Marion is to be married to Cody Singleton from Myrtle Beach. Sarah is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Fowler. Cody is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Singleton. An August wedding is planned.

Sara Jeanne Atkinson from Aynor is to be married to Atticus B. Lum from Advance, NC. Sara is the daughter of Mr. Warren Atkinson and Ms. Gina McDonald. Atticus is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Lum. They plan on a July 23, 2016 wedding at the Coker College Drengaelen House!

Ms. Miesha Y. White

2015 Hello Everyone, Class of 2015 has been very successful 1-year post grad. Some of them are engaged, have new jobs, or have new additions to their family! I myself accepted a position right after graduation as an associate recruiter for a staffing agency in Augusta, GA, my hometown. In my spare time I’ve been volunteering at church with our children’s ministry and have been scuba diving and have a trip planned this summer in Bonaire.

Check out what some of our classmates have been up to since graduation below!

Kirsten Morris - I had a son (Zander) 9 days after graduation! I’m also now a Clinical Counselor in the addiction field.

Monica Shorter - I got a job as the assistant softball coach at Lander University this year. We are doing the best that the program has done in a long time posting a 23-19 record this far.

Taylor Muterspaugh – I got engaged to Codarius Tankerlsey on May 24, 2015.

If you missed the deadline for sending updates or did not receive an email from me, please send me an email at emily.mosser@coker.edu!

Go Cobras!

Emily Mosser

Remember to add SmileRainmaker@aol.com to your inbox, so you can receive my updates and reply with the exciting events of your life. If you

COKER . EDU

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.

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

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

1939

1962

1938

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

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

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, 1952 SC 29526 | (843) 248-3925 | lhickman@ Mickey Utsey Harder | 94 Crestwood Betty Lou McIntyre Barclay | 329 sccoast.net Dr., Clemson, SC 29631 | (864) 654Lee Cir., Dillon, SC 29536 | (843) 7743138 | harderl@clemson.edu 6122 | Bbar830771@aol.com 1981 Barbara A. Britton | 6716 St. Julian Way 1968 Frances Nicholson Townsend | 201 KinFayetteville, NC 28314 | Joni Lading Abernathy | 20037 Oak ney Cir., Bennettsville, SC 29512 | (910) 860-7650 | jmb1jmb2@aol.com River Ct., S. Chesterfield, VA 23803 | (843) 479-9398 (804) 590-1644 | jabernathyva@comcast. 1982 1953 net Dee Holt Zsembik | 1376 Hyde Park Dr., Pat Chapman Huff | 507 Wilmar Ave., Port Orange, FL 32128 | (386) 795-0544 | 1969 Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 332-3755 | ddshouse@yahoo.com Jennie Baker Smith | 29 Long Lake Dr., pathuff1953@gmail.com Bluffton, SC 29910 | (843) 816-0125 | 1983 jensmith303@yahoo.com Mitzi DuPre Matthews | 200 Juanita Glenn Bridges | 18-F Old Sourth Dr., Lexington, SC 29072 | (803) 808Ct., Bluffton, SC 29910 | (843) 815Frankie Rhodes Watson | 117 Schooner 4745 | daddydolphin@hargray.com 8462 | bmatthews4@windstream.net Ln., Columbia, SC 29212 | (803) 3121954 1138 | frankiesapc@yahoo.com 1984 Lois Hatfield Anderson | 210 SaddleDonna J. Craig | 801 Longbow Rd., 1970 brook Ln., Hopkins, SC 29061 | Charlotte, NC 28211 | (704) 365-6763 | Brenda Thompson Stewart | 108 Fair(803) 776-0926 | LHAnderson32@aol. djcraig@bellsouth.net way Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29715-9747 | com (803) 547-7177 | brenstew66@gmail.

Michelle Wiscovitch King | 400 1956 com Gandy Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) Peggy Cantey Gardner | PO Box 42, 857-0084 | 1971 Manning, SC 29102 | (803) 435-6862 | michaelbking@bellsouth.net Sarah Wood Safrit | PO Box 388, Beaupeggycgardner@yahoo.com fort, NC 28516-0388 | (252) 728-3213 | 1985 sarahjo@centurylink.net Barbara Ward Mishoe | 154 South Tracie Johnson Paschal | 1111 West Main, Greeleyville, SC 29056 | (843) 426Roseneath Rd., Florence, SC 29501-5745 | 1972 2591 | bmishoe@stc-i.net TraciePL@aol.com Janie Cleckley Campbell | 2045 East Carolina Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550 | 1957 1986 (843) 332-1547 | Lynn Williams Oates | 3417 Oates Teresa "Trigger" Martin | 133 Tall Oaks jandscampbell71@gmail.com Highway, Lamar, SC 29069 | (843) 332Dr., Irmo, SC 29063 | 3040 | lwoates@roadrunner.com 803-318-1413 | triggermartin@aol.com Sarah McCanless Haarlow | 369 Brook1958 wood Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 | 1987 (843) 816-4995 | SarahHaarlow@gmail.

Susan Holroyd Shumaker | 315 West Cindy Lee Hylton | 9502 Amberleigh com Meade Dr., Nashville, TN 37205 | Cir., North Chesterfield, VA 23236 | (615) 352-5732 | Susan.Shumaker@ (804) 519-6192 | hyltoncl@verizon.net 1973 comcast.net Jane Clyburn | 1002 Starcliff Dr., Lugoff, Donna Farrell Mosser | 1003 Tamarack 1959 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

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

1992

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

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

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

Meagan Stone | 907 Indian Wells Ct., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 | (843) 236-8020 | Meaganstone@ymail.com

Dean Legge | 808 South Poplar Ave., Andrews, SC 29510-3032 | (843) 264-9398 | dean@dawgpost.com Becky Teal | 15 N 9th St., McBee, SC 29101-8503 | (803) 335-8450 Sheila Trapp | 1343 Antioch Rd., Hartsville, SC 29551 | (843) 383-3127 | sheilat@darlington.k12.sc.us

2000 Keelea R. LeJeune | 3121 Torres Ave., Pensacola, FL 32503 | (850) 393-6861 | keelealejeune@hotmail.com

2014 Miesha White | 1706 Willis Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 | Romiesha.white@ gmail.com

2015 Emily Mosser | 1003 Tamarack Dr., North Augusta, GA, 29841-9327 | enmosser@comcast.net

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

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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 January 1, 2016 - June 30, 2016.

MEMORIALS Jesse Adams Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Patricia Waters Allen ’51 Mrs. Susan Allen Morano Dana Banta Ms. Marya Caristi Billlie Kissane Barclay ’59 Mr. John P. Barclay, Jr. Robert Bass Ms. Beth Bass Jean Anderson Benson Prof. Melinda B. Norris Bernice Newman Blackwell Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Jane Herlong Blume Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Mrs. Mitzi DuPre Matthews Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain ’43 Mr. and Mrs. Jim Steele Don & Betty Buhrmaster Mrs. Elizabeth Buhrmaster Cooper Dora Mae Berry Burch ’29 Mrs. May Burch MacCallum Sharon Elmore Case ’68 Ms. Carol Ann Elmore Timothy Owen Chapman Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Brent Lee Chapman Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Donna Gates Chapman ’65 Mr. & Mrs. James Shaw Mac Chapman Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Jimmy Chapman Mrs. Sarah Sampson Bell Miss Charlie Chewning Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Mrs. Mitzi DuPre Matthews Mrs. Jean Fore McDaniel Mr. Mickey McDowell Duncan Chapman Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Gertrude Mae Johnson Chewning ’48 Ms. Cherin C. Poovey Class of 1954 Mrs. Betty Frierson Dawkins Hannah Lide Coker Mrs. Nell Joslin Genie Ray Watson Cooke ’63 Mrs. Nancy Warren Clarke Mrs. Lynda Morillo Hord Dr. & Mrs. James L. Young, Jr. Kerrie Cribb Mr. & Mrs. Sandord Eaddy Mildred Abbott Currier ’24 Mrs. Suzanne Currier Soderberg Amy L. Curtis Mrs. Shannon S. flowers James D. Daniels Mr. Mal J. Hyman Mr. Daniel J. Schmotzer Virginia Davis Mrs. Ginger D. Freeman Thomas Davis Mrs. Ginger D. Freeman Patricia Maxwell Day ’59 Mr. John E. Day, Jr. Martha Ann Kalb DeHart Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Emily J. Fletcher ’11 Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

3 3 | SUMMER 2016

Daniel W. Fort Mr. & Mrs. Harris DeLoach Mr. & Mrs. C. Lynch Christian III Mrs. Jean Fort Mr. Jim Fort Ms. Ruth D. Iseman Mr. & Mrs. Edgar H. Lawton, Jr. Herbert H. Hanna ’51 Mrs. Jane Wodward Truett Caroline Cannon Harrington Mrs. Ione Coker Lee Bill & Vic Haynes Ms. Pamela D. Haynes Lenelle Moody Herring Mrs. Lois H. Anderson Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Geraldine “Sissy” Young Howle Mr. & Mrs. Andy Eaddy Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Carl Eugene “Gene” & Hazel Miles Hudson Mrs. Claire Hudson Gaskins Ruth Huggins Mr. & Mrs. Andy Eaddy John E. Iseman, Jr. Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Peggy Newsom Jacqmein ’53 Mrs. Jacqueline Newsom McKenzie Hannah Johnson Mr. Jody Johnson Dr. Ronald Johnson Mrs. Carolyn Donati Johnson Denise Jones Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Dick Kelley Mrs. Barbara Kirkley Kelley James Andrews “Andy” Kilpatrick Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Diane Kimbell Dr. Joe Stevano William “Bill” C. Lee Mrs. Sarah Sampson Bell Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Mrs. Mitzi DuPre Matthews Dr. James & Harriett Lemke Mrs. Janie Clerkley Campbell Mrs. Marsha Eide Mr. & Mrs. Gary Mims Ms. Cheryl Wingert Dr. Berry Litsey Mr. & Mrs. David Blackmon Alma Anderson Matthews Mrs. Ann Matthews Bragdon Belle Wolfe McCall Mr. P. L. McCall, Jr. Mary McAlpine Mrs. Cindy Griggs W. Reaves McCall Dr. Will Carswell Bill McDaniel Miss Charlie Chewning Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Neal Mishoe Mrs. Joyce J. Utt Carolyn “Bobby” Hughes Murph Ms. Barbara Nexsen Lansche Rev. Stuart Nickles Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Brayeton Cody Norton Mrs. Sandy McKenzie Annie Cole Parsons Mr. Ellis H. Parsons Kit Bland Pate '73 Mrs. Penny Daniel Cox

Velna Rollins Patrick ’50 Mrs. Lib Patrick Gnann Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Lillian Dillard Stephens Mrs. Lib Bishop Tiller Angela Payton Adult Degree Program Communications, Language, & Literature Departments Buck & Jean Pridgen Mr. & Mrs. Andy Eaddy Mr. & Mrs. Edgar H. Lawton III Mrs. Paula Terry Stephanie Garner Reid ’72 Mrs. Janie Clerkley Campbell Margaret Harrell Rhodes Mr. & Mrs. Harris DeLoach Mary Ethel Huggins Smith Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Rebecca Eloise Hayes Smith ’39 Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Sarah Baker Speights ’65 Mrs. Liles Richardson Nickerson Betty Lou Brown Stewart ’53 Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Betty Wray MacDonald Jones Mary Gayle Grubbs Stoll ’68 Mrs. Barbara Nexsen Lansche Mrs. Charlotte H. Moulton Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Moulton Sarah Timmons Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Raymond Tumbleston Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Fran Tyner Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Cindy L. Watts Joyce Collins Warwick Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Miss Charlie Chewning Bill Watson Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Genie Ray Watson Cooke ’63 Mrs. Madeleine Theus McKenzie Thompson J. Watson, Sr. Mrs. Sarah Sampson Bell Gerhard “Kurt" Wegner Sonoco Products Co, Mr. Roger Buckley Matthew Wendell Mr. & Mrs. J. Lamar Caldwell, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Lloyd Whyte Mrs. Candace Whyte Roach

SYMPATHY Connie Gardner Gandy ’43 in the death of her daughter in the spring 2016.

Michal Millen Baird ’43 in the death of her cousin Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain ’43 on May 6, 2016.

Jo Mathis Pinner ’46 in the death of her husband Howard M. Pinner, Jr. on December 23, 2015.

Lillian McLeod Youngblood Partridge ’47 in the death of her twin sister Susan “Sue” McLeod Allen ’47 on January 12, 2016.

Jennie Herlong Boatwright ’53 in the death of her sister Jane Herlong Blume on January 25, 2016.

Jean Fore McDaniel ’53 in the death of her brother-in-law Bill McDaniel.

Pat Chapman Huff ’53 in the death of her cousins Timothy Owen Chapman and Brent Lee Chapman on April 23, 2016 and in the death of her brother Jimmy Chapman on May 6, 2016.

Shirley Dobbins Middleton ’54 in the death of her husband Herbert D. Middleton III on January 17, 2016.

Anne McGuirt Kennington ’57 in the death of her husband William “Bill” Bryant Kennington on January 30, 2016.

Linda Gause Connor ’58 in the death of her husband Laurence Neuman Connor, Jr. on March 12, 2016.

Lynn Smith Gainey ’59 in the death of her mother Mary Ethel Huggins Smith on January 7, 2016.

Dot Tedder Smith ’60 in the death of her mother-in-law Mary Ethel Huggins Smith on January 7, 2016.

Beulah Griggs Chapman ’60 in the death of her husband Kenneth Calvin Chapman on May 5, 2016.

Carolyn Moore Hall ’61 in the death of her husband Joseph Jackson “Jack” Hall on February 23, 2016.

Kitty Kirby Nobles ’63 in the death of her sister Peggy Kirby Lawrence ’63 on January 20, 2016.

Ann Dobson Hammond ’64 in the death of her husband Thomas H. Hammond on April 9, 2016.

Lyn Murph Bartley ’68 in the death of her mother Carolyn Hughes Murph on April 11, 2016.

Susan Reichard Allred ’68 in the death of her step-son Wes in December 2015.

Joan Lading Abernathy ’68 in the death of her mother Dottie Lading on March 10, 2016.

Hyatt Ann Keels Brandt ’69 in the death of her mother in November 2015.

Susan Burns Wetmore ’70 in the death of her father Byron Gene Burns on January 1, 2016.

Janie Calcutt King ’70 in the death of her husband Luke Brockington King, Jr. ’56 on March 5, 2016.

Margaret Murphy Sadler ’71 in the death of her husband Henry Philip Sadler, Jr. on December 27, 2015.

Linda Rhyne ’71 in the death of her father on April 21, 2016.

Wendy Lamm Leonard ’71 in the death of her son Wayne Leonard Click in July 2015.

Claude H. Wint, Jr. ’72 in the death of his brother Rev. Don Wint on February 10, 2016.

Dorothy Garrell Hanna ’52 in the death of her husband Herb Hanna ’51 on March 4, 2016.

Debbie Bass Andrews ’74 in the death of her mother Eloise Kelley Bass ’49 on February 20, 2016.

Fannie White Watson ’52 in the death of her husband Thompson Watson, Jr. on June 14, 2016.

Carol Ann Rambo Godwin ’74 and Beth Herring Rambo ’96 in the death of their sister Joyce Marie "Joy" Rambo on June 15, 2016.

COKER . EDU

Rose Patrick Smith ’75 in the death of her mother Velna Rollins Patrick ’50 on April 13, 2016.

JoAnn Kelley Lee ’75 in the death of her cousin Luke Brockington King, Jr. ’56 on March 5, 2016.

Howard Clifton Chapman ’83 in the death of his sons Timothy Owen Chapman and Brent Lee Chapman on April 23, 2016.

Kimberly Ann Yoxtheimer ’83 in the death of her mother Barbara Howle Yoxtheimer on May 1, 2016.

Thompson J. Watson, Jr. ’86 in the death of his father Thompson Watson, Jr. on June 14, 2016.

Rebecca Catoe Snipes ’88 in the death of her mother Vena Johnson Catoe on February 24, 2016.

Darrin L. Hayes ’89 in the death of his mother Mary Catherine Williams on April 23, 2016.

Patricia Dixon Guest ’90 in the death of her husband Paul Jefferson Guest on January 28, 2016.

Kimberly James Weatherford ’91 in the death of her father Cecil Troy James on January 25, 2016.

Elaine Shoemake Hungerpiller ’91 in the death of her cousin Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain ’43 on May 6, 2016.

Mitchell Dampier ’91 in the death of his brother James Edward Dampier, Sr. on May 11, 2016.

Harold A. Snipes ’03 in the death of his grandmother Vena Johnson Catoe on February 24, 2016.

Jimmy Beck ’03, Amanda Amerson Beck ’04 and Daniel Watkins ’11 in the death of their grandmother Pansy Beck Shaw on May 10, 2016.

Heather M. Watkins Norment ’08 in the death of her father Joe D. “Dan” Easterling, Jr. on January 25/2016.

SCHOLARSHIPS & ENDOWMENT Ann Ludlam Winfield ’44 Endowed Scholarship Mr. & Mrs. Robert Winfield Ann Mattews Bragdon Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Ann Matthews Bragdon Belle Wolfe McCall Endowed Scholarship Mr. P.L. McCall, Jr. C. G. Timberlake Memorial Scholarship Mr. & Mrs. William M. Timberlake Class of 1945 Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Mabel Grooms Hall Class of 1953 Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Sarah Sampson Bell Mrs. Jennie Herlong Boatwright Mrs. Betty Carol Mobley Bynum Miss Charlie Hunt Chewning Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Ms. Toula Latto Mrs. Mitzi DuPre Matthews Class of 1956 Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Joyce Jordan Utt Class of 1959 Mrs. Lynn Smith Gainey Mrs. Tricia Fisher Williams Class of 1963 Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Nancy Warren Clarke Ms. Belinda Duckworth Copeland Mrs. Lynda Morillo Hord Mrs. Carol Phillips Kirven Mrs. Madeleine Theus McKenzie Mrs. Kay Elder Williams Mrs. Margaeret Brown Young

Class of 1964 Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Ann Dobson Hammond Mrs. Lorena Cook James Mrs. Naomi Kelley Jackson Eleanor Whittinghill Vaughan Endowed Music Scholarship Mr. Robert L. Vaughan Faye White Coan Endowed Scholarship Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert Coan Jean Campbell Williamson Endowed Scholarship Ms. Virginia Williamson Joanne Moody Zobel Endowed Scholarship Mr. & Mrs. Julius H. Zobel, Jr. John M. Williams, Jr. Study Abroad Scholarship Dr. Ye Li Ms. Darlene Small Joyce Johnston Jordan Utt Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Joyce Jordan Utt Katherine Still Campbell Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Katherine Still Campbell Kenneth W. Krueger Endowed Scholarship Mr. & Mrs Kenneth W. Krueger, Jr. Kim Chalmers Art Travel Fund Mr. James K. Chalmers Mrs. Carolyn Donati Johnson Leona Davis Perry Endowed Scholarship Dr. Priscilla Perry Arnold Library Fund Ms. Kristine M. Jones Malcolm C. & Jacqueline E. McLeod Doubles Endowed Scholarship Anonymous Dr. & Mrs. David W. Blackmon Marvis Wiggins Henry Endowed Scholarship Mr. & Mrs. John P. Henry, Sr. Nancy Barrineau Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Teressa Thompson Harrington Mrs. Nan Carter Howard Nickey Brumbaugh Endowed Art Scholarship Mrs. Betty Robertson Coughlin Mrs. Tricia Fisher Williams Randolph W. Hope Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Rebecca Hope Rubinstein-Buchler Endowed Scholarship for International Study Dr. & Mrs. David W. Blackmon Dr. & Mrs. Joseph H. Rubinstein Sparrow Scholars Program Ms. Susan M. Frank Student Emergency Fund Mrs. Carolyn Donati Johnson Susan Coker Watson Endowed Scholarship Lee Howard Watson Trust VC Elmore Scholarship Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Thomas

IN MEMORIAM Mary Elizabeth Page Killian 1939 Octavia “Ta” Moses Mahon 1939 Rebecca Eloise Hayes Smith 1939 Lucia Josey Caldwell 1942 Emma Hale Hyatt 1941 Crystelle Lupo Moody 1941 Dorothy Walker Vestal 1941 Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain 1943 Myrtle M. Dudley 1944 Vangalier Poulas Nitz 1944 Molli Dumas Gershon 1947 Lucille Holley Parks 1947 Joanne Prince Webster 1947 Betty Green Boulineau 1948 Charlotte Prince Freeman 1948 Eloise Kelley Bass 1949 Elizabeth Ravenel Harrigan 1949 Betty Lou Fentress Johnston 1949 Betty J. Harrelson Lewallen 1949

Ada Louise Easler Blackman Webber 1949 Velna Rollins Patrick 1950 Jo Ann White Andrews 1951 Frances Hickman Boyd 1951 Herb Hanna 1951 Wilma Hucks Tirrell 1953 Mary Sue Sowell DuRant 1954 Joyce Collins Warwick 1954 Ann Shaw Williamson 1954 Marsha Dugan Oates 1955 Patty Nobles Hodges Olson 1955 Nell Gerrald Thompson 1955 Luke Brockington King, Jr. 1956 Ann Gay Blakeney Duvall 1957 Priscilla Hope Umbers Haflich 1957 Sylvia Yvonne Graham Schmelz 1957 Doris Gunter Huggins Fazio 1958 Louise Grace Turner Ambrose 1960 Annie Causey Booth 1960 Genie Ray Watson Cooke 1963 Peggy Kirby Lawrence 1963 Joan Stephens Lovell 1963 Mary Gayle Grubbs Stoll 1968 Claudette Sullivan 1969 Bland McNair Whitley 1970 Jane Wiggins Thompson 1975 Howard Lee Foster 1976 Carroll Leverne Watson 1978 Willie M. Shaw, III 1980 Carol Ann King Register 1986 Venessa Raven Thomas 1990 Lorene Stewart Simmons 1992 Amy Leigh Curtis 2011 Emily Jean Fletcher 2011 Kerrie Ilease Cribb 2012 Mary Coker Joslin Coker family

HONORARIUMS Class of 1956 Ms. Christine Homer Class of 1961 Miss Isabel Larue Smith Class of 1966 Mrs. Ginny McCown Fleming Class of 1971 Mrs. Priscilla Perry Arnold Class of 1981 Mrs. Pat Ramsdell Segars Class of 1991 Ms. Elaine King Class of 1995 Mrs. Heather M. Buckelew Adult Degree Program Mrs. Christine Webb Mozella Eugenia Anderson Miss Rechel M. Anderson Priscilla Perry Arnold ’71 Mrs. Elizabeth Cockfield Bushardt Mr. Thomas J. Bell Mrs. Johnna Shirley Blade Boulware Mrs. Retha Chapman Dr. Will Carswell Prof. Melinda B. Norris Charlie Hunt Chewning ’53 Ms. Cherin C. Poovey Trisha Braid Collins ’71 Mrs. Elizabeth Cockfield Bushardt Beth DuBose Cottingham ’55 Mrs. Linda Lovett Parker Dr. Cathy Cuppett Prof. Melinda B. Norris Nita Nunn Danenburg ’64 Mrs. Ann Dobson Hammond Wes J. Daniels ’03 Mrs. Emily M. Tupper Education Department Mrs. Mary Williams Lawhon Carol Anne El-Mahdy ’98 Sophia’s Pizzeria Ashley Gallman ’15 Mr. & Mrs. Stephen B. Oeffinger Mr. Nick Grantham Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Ruth Phillips Grayson ’49 Miss Ellen A. Powell Coach David Hanna Mrs. Amanda Shelton Jones Mrs. Liz Clack-Freeman Dr. Susan Henderson ’93 Dr. Darlene Maxwell Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer ’51 Ms. Courtney Smith Joshua Holcomb Mrs. Lois St. George Sarah Ann Alford Horton ’64 Mrs. Ann Dobson Hammond Pat Chapman Huff ’53 Mrs. Gail Bowen Lorena Cook James ’64 Mrs. Ann Dobson Hammond Barbara Nexsen Lansche ’68 Mrs. Linda Lovett Parker Dr. Darlene Maxwell Dr. & Mrs. David Blackmon Prof. Melinda B. Norris Mr. and Mrs. P. L. “Roy” McCall Dr. Will Carswell Wendy W. McCracken ’14 Dr. Cathy Cuppett Juanita DeVault McClerklin Shirley McClerklin-Motley Frances Johnson McElveen ’54 Mrs. Greer Johnson & Mr. Lem Wiggins Gabrielle Morandiere ’62 Mrs. Margaret Freymuth Myra Grayson Nuttall ’74 Miss Ellen A. Powell Miss Eowyn Nguyen Mr. Dylan Bates & Ms. Dana Kirby Dr. Suzanne M. Parker Mrs. Marcy Kershner Dr. Richard Puffer Dr. & Mrs. David Blackmon Linda Rhyne ’71 Mrs. Elizabeth Cockfield Bushardt Sarah Jo Wood Safrit ’71 Mrs. Christina L. Wallerstein Dave Schmotzer Mr. & Mrs. David Blackmon Dr. Patricia H. Chapman Dan Schmotzer Dr. & Mrs. David Blackmon Dr. Patricia H. Chapman Courtney & Erin Mrs. Emily M. Tupper Coker Students Mrs. Rachel Manspeaker Dr. Richard Swallow Mr. Hank Alewine Dr. Steve Terry Dr. Patricia H. Chapman Ms. Gina Cooper Mr. Wes J. Daniels Mr. & Mrs. John Williams, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Julius Zobel Theater & Dance at Coker Mr. Michael Shisko Emily Marovich Tupper ’03 Mr. Wes J. Daniels Kay Elder Williams ’63 Mrs. Vicki Elder Ison Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Wyatt Class of 1953 Mr. John T. Isgett

LIBRARY Mr. Bruce Douglas Mr. John Faulkner Prof. John Foster Dr. Peter Glovickzki Dr. Margaret Godbey Prof. Mal Hyman Mrs. Wendy McCracken Mr. Dennis Schaefer Dr. Tracye Welbourn Dr. Graham Wood

THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

| 34

ADVANCE BIRTHS Claudette A. Hulsey ’97 on the birth of grandson Paxton Dantry Lamoy on January 24, 2016.

Dean ’99 and Jessica Thigpen Legge ’99 on the birth of their son Alex Legge on December 1, 2015.

Brent Freeman Beasley ’02 on the birth of daughter Wren Elizabeth Beasley on April 11, 2016.

Thomas ’02 and Monica Carvajal Beben ’02 on the birth of daughter Grace Ila Mae Beben on August 6, 2015.

Emily Marovich Tupper ’03 on the birth of daughter Avery Alice Tupper on May 27, 2016.

KALMIA GARDENS Information received January 1, 2016 - June 30, 2016

Beth Hendrix Ramer ’13 on the birth of her daughter and Teresa Griggs Hendrix ’04 on the birth of granddaughter Charlee Lynn Ramer on January 4, 2016.

Phinon Hawk Woodside ’03 on birth of her daughter and Ginger D. Freeman ’04 on the birth of her granddaughter Caroline Woodside on September 4, 2015.

Amanda Goyeneche Theus ’07 on the birth of daughter Murphy Milagros Theur on December 31, 2015.

Mindy M. Morris ’14 and Joseph Hudson ’14 on their marriage on September 26, 2015.

Send Us Birth Announcements About Your Children Or Grandchildren! Send Us A Wedding Photo Of The Bride And Groom With All Your Coker Guests!

Chris Marsh ’10 on the birth of son Camden Blake Marsh on June 28, 2016.

Megan G. Wainwright ’14 on the birth of son Ryland Philip Wainwright on April 28, 2016.

Kristen Morris ’15 o the birth of son Zander Morris on May 25, 2015.

DONATIONS Randell Ewing Kalmia Garden Club Kalmia Garden Study Club Libba Coker Curtis & Barbara Lee Linville Family Foundation Mary Jane McDonald Tom Rogers Barb Steadman John & Judy Walker Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Wilson Yaupon Garden Club

MEMORIALS Todd H. Anthony Dr. & Mrs. Brooks Bannister Jim C. Cox, Jr. Kathy Moore

MARY COKER JOSLIN Mary Coker Joslin died on June 13, 2016, in the Raleigh home where she lived for 65 years. She was born in 1922 in Hartsville, South Carolina, into a family who loved nature and gardens, valued education, and had a deep sense of civic and social responsibility. As a child she also benefitted greatly from the cultural opportunities offered by Coker College, whose campus was adjacent to the home of her parents, David R. and May Roper Coker.

Mary continued her education at St. Catherine’s School, Vassar College and later, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1946 Mary married William Joslin. So began a union marked by loyalty, deep respect, and the joy of shared accomplishments. In 1950, they purchased a 4+ acre tract of scrubby pine forest on what was then the northern outskirts of town. Here they built their home, raised their six children, and developed their extensive garden of flowers and vegetables, rare and native plants. Mary and William welcomed people of all colors, religions and nationalities into their home.

Mary loved everything French and became a teacher of its language, literature and art beginning in the late 1960s. She studied and traveled widely in France and taught at Ravenscroft School and St. Augustine’s

3 5 | SUMMER 2016

WEDDINGS

Jane Easterling Dr. & Mrs. Brooks Bannister Lib Ervin Kathy Brannon Dee Hassler Dr. & Mrs. Brooks Bannister Caroline Harrington Edwin & Norrie Cooper, Jr. Mary Jo Griffis Louise Hoffman Edgar & Nan Lawton Bobby Hart Kathy Brannon Carol Herron Harry & Rita Moran Cissy Howle Andy & Vicki Eaddy Chandler & Martha Moye Peel Pine & Lake Garden Club Ruth Huggins Andy & Vicki Eaddy John & Pam Newsome Ed Hursey Adrienne Rogers

Albert James, Jr. Harry & Rita Moran Adrienne Rogers Bucky Lynch Jay Benson Marsha Oates Dr. & Mrs. Brooks Bannister Mr. & Mrs. Frank Hays Pine & Lake Garden Club Buck & Jean Pridgen Andy & Vicki Eaddy Debbie Wagner Dr. and Mrs. Brooks Bannister Enid Weaver Harry & Rita Moran

HONORARIUMS Kaye Crook Bobb E. Riggs Mary Ridgeway Evelyn C. Hane

College, earning a master’s degree and then a Ph.D. in French from UNC-CH. Mary loved learning and the Joslin home was always filled with books on nature, gardening, French language and literature, art, archeology, history and law. Mary herself wrote and published four books, two scholarly and two for general audiences.

Mary and William advocated for progressive causes and were active in the civil rights movement and later in many kinds of environmental initiatives. Before William’s death in 2011, they worked with the City of Oaks Foundation, a Raleigh-based land trust, the Raleigh Parks Department, and the Triangle Land Conservancy to preserve their property for public use and enjoyment. Mary liked to call her garden, with its many trees and shrubs, “the lungs of the neighborhood.” It made her happy that for generations to come the people of Raleigh will be able to learn about nature and to enjoy the garden she and William spent so many years building.

Memorials may be made in Mary Joslin’s name to the City of Oaks Foundation, Inc., 222 W. Hargett St., Ste. 608, Raleigh, NC 27601, or to Kalmia Gardens of Coker College, 1624 W. Carolina Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550. Or you may simply read a Molière play, listen to J.S. Bach, admire a Monet, or sit outside on a summer day and let white clouds moving across a blue sky remind you of how lucky we are to live for a brief time on this beautiful earth.

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE IN HER MEMORY TO KALMIA GARDENS BY CONTACTING MARY RIDGEWAY AT (843) 383-8145.

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RECOGNITIONS • Aw ards & Reco g nitions 2016

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2016 ALUMNI AWARDS

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: PATRICIA ANNE LANCASTER ’63 This award is given annually by the Coker College Alumni Association to a graduate who has reached an outstanding level of achievement in his or her profession.

Lancaster graduated from Coker College magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French. She continued her education and received a Master of Arts and Ph.D. from Emory University. In 1970, she joined the faculty at Rollins College, where she taught French and humanities and ultimately held several administrative positions, including vice president for academic affairs and provost.

During her long career in higher education, Lancaster served as a member of numerous professional educational associations and community boards. She also facilitated or presented at workshops and conferences throughout in the United States and Europe and has published extensively. She received the Hamilton Holt Medallion for Service to Rollins College in 2001 and was awarded the Rollins Decoration of Honor by the Board of Trustees in 2006. Patricia currently lives in Winter Park, Fla.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD: KENNETH P. LEWIS ’01 This award is presented to a graduate of the past 20 years who has already made significant achievements in his or her chosen profession and who shows exceptional potential for future accomplishments.

Lewis graduated with a B.S. in medical technology from Coker College and McLeod Regional Hospital School of Medical Technology. He continued his education and received a Master of Public Health from Florida International University.

Currently, Lewis works as a senior immunology technical consultant with Alere Inc., a global diagnostic device and service provider. He is also the Owner of KPL Consulting, where he works with laboratory management, quality assurance, regulatory compliance and training. In addition, he is currently attending Andersonville Theological Seminary.

Prior to his current position with Alere, Lewis served as a medical technologist at several medical centers. He has also served on the South Carolina HIV/STD Conference Planning Committee and the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council, and is active in his church. He has certifications as a Six Sigma Black Belt Professional and as a Change Management Specialist. He resides in Pageland, SC, with his wife, Joanna.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD: SARAH JO WOOD SAFRIT ’71 This award is given annually to a graduate who has highly demonstrated their commitment to Coker’s ideals of character, culture and service.

Safrit graduated from Coker College with a B.A. in English and has been actively involved with the college ever since. She has served the college in many ways, including as a member of the Board of Visitors and the Board of Trustees, and as the faithful class representative to the Alumni Association for the class of 1971.

Safrit, who belongs to the college’s Linville Family Lifetime Giving Society and the Major James Lide Coker Society, has raised funds to repair the capitals on the columns of the dining hall, established the Sarah Jo Wood Safrit Endowed Scholarship and contributed to the college’s capital programs.

In addition, she generously has contributed both financially and as a volunteer in her community over the years. Her current passions are Friends of the Carteret County Library and Young Life - Crystal Coast. Her service has extended to St Paul’s Episcopal Church in many capacities and to the Parents Council of Elon University where her daughter, Mary B., attended college. Sarah Jo currently lives in Beaufort, NC, with her husband, Leonard.

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ADVANCE

2016-17 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD

EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS:

MEMBERS:

PRESIDENT

Rechel Anderson ’00 Florence, SC

Carol Turner Atkinson ’73 Hartsville, SC PRESIDENT ELECT Heather McConnell Buckelew ’95 Concord, NC

Alexi Boehme ’15 Hartsville, SC Rick S. Blanks ’84 Kannapolis, NC

SECRETARY

Kathy Harsh Cunningham ’90 Georgetown, SC

Whitney Marie Watts ’08 Hartsville, SC

John Wilson DeLoach ’00 Savannah, GA

PAST PRESIDENT

Lou Stuckey Gardner ’61 Hartsville, SC

Gayle Buckheister Sawyer ’70 Rock Hill, SC

Nancy Strahan Hall ’68 Port Jefferson, NY Carolyn Donati Johnson ’80 Hartsville, SC Seth Johnson ’12 Hartsville, SC

3 7 | SUMMER 2016

Hoyt Kelley, Jr. ’96 Mt. Pleasant, SC Alexander S. Kornfeld ’06 Greenville, SC Demetrious McCoy, Jr. ’08 Kernersville, NC Mary Hart Morrison ’08 ’15 Hartsville, SC Lynn Williams Oates ’57 Lamar, SC Tracy Wallace Redfearn ’02 Hartsville, SC Malcolm Kendrick Reed ’15 Hartsville, SC Jennifer Sanborn ’13 Florence, SC Jeffrey Tadlock ’13 Darlington, SC Dallas Witt ’17 Hartsville, SC

COKER . EDU

2016-17 COKER COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

RE-ELECTED TO SERVE THREE-YEAR TERMS BEGINNING AUGUST 1, 2016: Walt George, Charles Hupfer, James Linville, Susan Morano, Goz Segars, Charles Sullivan and Justin Towey.

ELECTED TO SERVE THREE-YEAR TERMS BEGINNING AUGUST 1, 2016: ELIZA INGLE Eliza Ingle is a past member of the Coker College Board of Trustees.

She teaches modern dance, dance history and choreography at the College of Charleston and is a certified Pilates instructor.

As a freelance writer, Ingle has regularly reviewed dance performances for the Post & Courier and the Charleston City Paper. Ingle received her bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and continued her training at the Merce Cunningham and Erick Hawkins Studios. She has performed and choreographed in New York, Massachusetts, and South Carolina. She has also danced extensively with the Anonymity Dance Company and in her own studio.

JOHN CERASANI John is the Higher Education National Practice Team Leader for Northwest Comprehensive, Inc. He has played an integral role in the acquisition and retention of college and university clientele in multiple states across the country. His leadership has helped grow the practice to over 75 higher education clients. John founded Northwest Comprehensive in 2005. In 2015, Northwest Comprehensive merged with Risk Strategies Company. John is part of senior leadership and now serves the role of Midwest Benefits Practice Leader. John is also a key shareholder in the organization.

Before Northwest Comprehensive, John was area-vice president for the Chicago benefits operation of Arthur J. Gallagher and Co. John also spent time as a consultant at a firm that was one of the innovators behind the consumer-driven movement in healthcare (Destiny Health). After receiving his B.S. from Northwestern University, John’s first position in the employee benefits arena was with Great-West Life and Annuity as a benefits consultant.

John is actively involved with many higher education associations, including CUPA-HR, ABACC, and NACUBO. He has spoken at and performed training sessions at many regional and national conferences. John is an active member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and carries and Life and Health insurance license in multiple states across the country. John has a B.S. from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and his hometown is Schaumburg. IL. John currently resides in Chicago.

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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

THE ANNUAL FUND THE GIFT OF OPPORTUNITY

A gift to the Annual Fund is more than just a gift.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT GIVING TO THE ANNUAL FUND, PLEASE CONTACT: JOHNNA SHIRLEY jshirley@coker.edu or 843. 383.8010

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