[Winter 2011] Commentary

commentary t h e O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F co k e r coll e g e – h a r t s v ill e , s o u t h ca r olina

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V o l . 39, N o . 1

coker.edu | cokercobras.com | facebook.com/cokercollege | youtube.com/cokercollege

COMMENTARY

Tom Giffin sat with his wife at a small table on the crowded sidewalk café of the Mellow Mushroom in Clemson, S.C. Less than 24 hours earlier, Tom accepted a job interview for the position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Coker College. Surrounded by people wearing Clemson attire, Tom was contemEngage

Hall of Fame Induction 1994 Men’s Baseball

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Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s A DVOC ATE

Coker Hosts First-Ever Winter Commencement 4 ENG A GE

The Last Lecture Series 6 S UPPORT

Coker Receives 1.2 Million Dollar Gift 8 I MPA CT

Coker Honors Bush’s 35 Years of Service

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Winter 2011 | Vol. 39, No. 1 coker.edu | cokercobras.com facebook.com/cokercollege | youtube.com/cokercollege

STAFF A R t Di r e c t o r / D e si g n e r

Kyle Saverance ’06 Executive Director of Marketing & Communications ksaverance@coker.edu E d i t o r s/C o n t r i b u t o r s

Y OUTUBE V I DEO S

Ashley Simatic

Harrison Waters

Content Manager & Writer asimatic@coker.edu

Interactive Media Developer hwaters@coker.edu

Barb Steadman Director of Media Relations bsteadman@coker.edu Kyria Hoffman ’10

G r a p h i c D e si g n I n t e r n s

Norah Wofford ‘11 Janet Walker ‘11 Samantha Fletcher ‘13

Administrative Research Clerk khoffman@coker.edu

The Commentary is the official magazine of Coker College and is published by the Office of Marketing & Communications.

COKER COLLEGE Office of Marketing & Communications 300 East College Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550-3797

coker.edu

plating the possibilities at Coker when he spotted a woman across the sidewalk.

She was wearing a Coker College shirt.

“Imagine that,” Tom said. “Right there in the heart of Clemson, I ran into an advocate of Coker College. My excitement for working there was heightened ten times by this woman’s enthusiasm.”

After Tom strode across the pavement and chatted with the woman, he discovered she had received the shirt as a gift from Jason Umfress, Coker’s Dean of Students.

Now Coker College’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Tom champions the importance of advocating the College. In fact, it is the first in his four steps of action to assist the College in reaching its goals.

“You just never know who may hear your message about Coker,” Tom said. “Advocating can resound far and wide.”

The additional three steps of Tom’s development philosophy are engage, support and impact. Taken together, these concepts can help the College gather the necessary support to redefine the student educational experience at Coker, partially by enhancing campus facilities and incorporating more hands-on learning opportunities in diverse forms at all stages of the academic career. Through philanthropic support, the College is able to realize the potential for significant institutional growth.

“ Advocate. Your voice can be heard anywhere.”

In Tom’s eyes, to advocate for Coker is simple. It merely requires you and every other member of the Coker community to spread the word about the best kept secret in South Carolina.

“Be proud of our size, our beautiful campus, our dedicated faculty and staff,” Tom said. “And be proud of our goal to produce students that can communicate, adapt, problem solve and interact.”

Coker’s strategic plan requires students to be actively involved in their learning experience.

Sitting in the back of a classroom and blending into a wall is simply not an option at the small, student-centered College. Students must complete externships, internships, community service, research and/or study abroad.

These requirements prepare students for graduate school and help develop professionals that are attractive to a wide spectrum of potential employers. And the results of these requirements make Coker a college to be proud of, a college worth advocating.

“We are asking every one of our friends to tell the Coker story to anyone they come in contact with during their day,” Tom said. “Wear your Coker colors – the t-shirts, the pins and the hats.

And always remember, in terms of educational quality, it’s not bragging if it’s a fact.”

“ Engage. You will [re]discover passion.”

“ Support. Never before has your help been more important.”

“Impact. Just make one.”

“I want to put the people with passion in front of the people with resources,” Tom said. “You can spend an hour talking with me, but you’ll get more by spending three minutes with a student or a professor.”

In a conversation with a dedicated scholar or a committed faculty member, you will begin to discover, or rediscover, what Coker is all about.

The heart of the College is not the buildings but the students, and the only way to truly see Coker is to pause for a moment and look directly at them.

So take one glimpse into the mind of a student eager to learn, spend one afternoon cheering for the Cobras on the playing field or pass one evening listening to aspiring musicians at a concert. The importance of Coker’s work will become clear.

“And you will become engaged for a lifetime,” Tom said.

In today’s society, education can take any student to professional heights. Gaining access to a quality education is frequently the only thing holding individuals back from achieving greatness.

“The first step in becoming educated is just getting into the building,” Tom said. “And that’s where I can help. That’s where anyone can help.”

Whether in the form of your expertise, time or monetary donations, your support is vital for Coker to continue being an educational, cultural and economic force in the lives of so many people. Simply, your support can and will help students get into the right buildings.

“Because I went to college, I have been able to go to places in this world my dad never would have imagined,” Tom said. “The bottom line is that a good education can take you anywhere you want to go.”

Your advocacy, engagement and support together create your impact on Coker.

“We can make tremendous change in very little time,” said Tom. “The beauty of our institution is our size. One gift, from one person, can make a greater impact than it would at a larger institution.”

Your gifts enable Coker to remain on the cutting edge of technology, improve campus facilities, create scholarship support for students, provide study opportunities all over the world and allow the College to achieve a variety of educational goals.

“Personally, I love knowing that in the near future, there will be buildings, books and students that weren’t here when I came. That’s tangible evidence of our collective impact.”

And the evidence of your impact is truly everywhere: in the goose bumps you feel during a dance concert in Watson Theater, in the thoughts provoked by students’ paintings hanging on the walls of the Cecelia Coker Bell Gallery, and most importantly, in the unconstrained joy written across the face of a student who has just received their bachelor’s degree.

“Advocate, engage, support, impact,” Tom said.

“All together, these concepts will help redefine ready for Coker students, and redefine Coker College to the world.”

Months ago, when Tom Giffin sat with his wife at a small table on the crowded sidewalk café of the Mellow Mushroom in Clemson, S.C., he could only contemplate the possibilities at Coker. Now, he can take those possibilities, and with your help, make them reality.

“Advocate, engage, support, impact,” Tom said. “All together, these concepts will help redefine ready for Coker students, and redefine Coker College to the world.”

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WEB EXTRAS To learn more about advocating, engaging, supporting and impacting the College, visit: coker.edu/development

THE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE, H A RT S VILLE, S .C .

COMMENTA RY

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ADVOCATE

ADVOCATE

J ay L u c as, 2010 wi n t e r Co m m e n c e m e n t S p e ak e r

COKER HOSTS FIRST-EVER WINTER COMMENCEMENT Coker College hosted its first-ever winter commencement ceremonies on Friday, December 17, 2010, in the Watson Theater of Coker College’s Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center. Jay Lucas, representative for the 65th District in the South Carolina House of Representatives, delivered the keynote address

J o sÉ Co l i n a, A d j u n c t P ro f e ss o r o f t h e Y e a r

and was awarded an honorary doctorate of law.

WEB EXTRAS For more photos & information, visit: coker.edu/winter-commencement

The College awarded 77 degrees to day and evening students, and the Class of 2010 presented the Distinguished Adjunct Professor-of-the-Year Award to José Colina.

Colina, an Adjunct Professor of Spanish, previously won the award in the 2005-06 academic year and has taught in the ALPHA program since 2001.

Before Colina recieved his award, Jay Lucas delivered the commencement address.

“We are honored to have Jay Lucas as our commencement speaker,” said Coker President Dr. Robert Wyatt [ top left ]. “Jay is a true champion of our region of South Carolina. His outstanding leadership skills serve as a great example for our graduates as they prepare for the next phase of their lives.”

Lucas has served the 65th District in the South Carolina House since 1998 and was elected Speaker Pro Tempore on November 17, 2010. Lucas is also a partner in the law firm Lucas, Warr and White, Attorneys at Law. Lucas served as Financial Director for the City of Bennettsville from 1982 to 1984, County Administrator for

Fairfield County from 1984 to 1986, County Attorney for Darlington County from 1990 to 1994 and Hartsville’s City Judge from 1995 to 1996.

He has been named Legislator of the Year and Professional of the Year and won the Earle E. Morris, Jr., Public Policy Award.

Currently, Lucas is Chairman of the Darlington County Republican Party and is a member of the Hartsville Lions Club. He is a past Board Member for the Hartsville Chamber of Commerce, past Chairman for the Hartsville National League and past Co-Chairman for the South Carolina House Rural Caucus.

In 1975, Lucas graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of South Carolina (USC) with a bachelor’s degree.

From USC, he also earned a Master of Public Administration in 1981 and a Juris Doctorate in 1987, graduating third in his class.

Lucas resides in Hartsville, S.C., with his wife, Tracy, and son, Will.

COKER SINGERS/CHAMBER SINGERS PRESENT CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Coker College Singers and the Coker Chamber Singers presented their annual Christmas concert, “Arise, Your Light Has Come, A Coker Christmas,” on November 30, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville.

Conducted by Dr. William Carswell, Associate Professor of Music at Coker, and accompanied by Ronda McElveen, organist at First Presbyterian, the Singers presented a variety of holiday songs including timeless classics such as Silent Night.

The Coker Singers are the largest choral group at the College with more than 35 members, while the Chamber Singers are Coker’s premiere choir consisting of just 16 vocalists.

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COKER ATHLETICS ADDS MEN’S LACROSSE

Coker College alumnus, Terrance Hayes class of 1994, has received the 2010 National Book Award for Poetry. Hayes received this most prestigious award Wednesday night at the 61st National Book Awards Benefit Dinner and Ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.

Hayes’ award-winning book, “Lighthead,” is his fourth collection of poetic works. According to the National Book Foundation, “With one foot firmly grounded in the everyday and the other hovering in the air, his poems braid dream and reality into a poetry that is both dark and buoyant.”

“Hayes’ fourth book puts invincibly restless wordplay at the service of strong emotions,” a New York Times review stated in April.

Hayes graduated from Coker in 1994, where he was a standout student-athlete excelling in the classroom and on the basketball court as a member of the Cobra men’s team. A talented and gifted writer, Hayes said he was exposed to ideas and subjects at Coker that continue to fuel his poems.

“Through his numerous accomplishments, Terrance Hayes has become an extraordinary example of how Coker’s approach to the liberal arts provides the foundation for personal and professional success,” said Coker President Dr. Robert Wyatt. “He has made his alma mater proud by once again being recognized for literary excellence on a national platform.”

Hayes’ previous poetry collection, “Wind in a Box,” was named one of the Best 100 Books of 2006 by Publishers Weekly. His other books of poetry are “Hip Logic,” which won the National Poetry Series Open Competition and was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award, and “Muscular Music,” which won the Kate Tufts Discovery Award. His other honors include a Pushcart Prize, three Best American Poetry selections, a Whiting Writers Award, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Currently, he is a professor of creative writing at WEB EXTRAS Carnegie Mellon University and lives with his family in For Hayes’ profile, visit: coker.edu/featured-links/3-studentPittsburgh, Pa.

Coker College is pleased to announce the addition of men’s lacrosse as a varsity sport for the 2011-12 academic year. Lacrosse is action packed and employs skill sets from hockey, basketball and soccer; making it a great addition to the Coker Athletic Department.

The Cobra men’s lacrosse program will begin competition in the fall of 2011.

“Adding men’s lacrosse redefines our portfolio of sports teams in a manner consistent with our strategic direction,” said Coker President Dr. Robert Wyatt. “It helps open new recruiting markets for us, particularly in the northeastern section of the United States. Lacrosse players typically have higher than average SAT scores and fit the student athlete profile we desire to maintain at Coker College. “ Coker will become the seventh member of Conference Carolinas to have men’s lacrosse, joining Belmont Abbey College, Lees-McRae College, Limestone College, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte and St. Andrews Presbyterian College.

“Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and currently six Conference Carolinas schools play lacrosse and are respected within NCAA Division II,” Director of Athletics Lynn Griffin said. “As Coker redefines ready, it is a perfect time to introduce lacrosse to the College and to Hartsville.”

In November 2010, Tony Smith became Coker’s first lacrosse coach. Smith comes to Coker from Belmont Abbey College, where he was the assistant coach and defensive coordinator. A graduate of the University of Maryland-College Park, Smith holds bachelor’s degrees in history and government and politics. He earned his master’s degree in sports administration from Wingate University.

“The addition of lacrosse at Coker is very exciting not only for the College, but for Hartsville,” said Chairman of Coker’s Board of Trustees Goz Segars. “Lacrosse is a sport that few in Hartsville have seen before, and we believe this fast-paced and exciting game will catch on within the community.”

The Hartsville community will have ample opportunities to see the Cobra lacrosse team when they take the field in 2012 thanks to collaboration between Coker and the City of Hartsville. The Coker lacrosse team will practice and play their games on the football field at Byerly Park.

The addition of men’s lacrosse will give Coker 14 NCAA Division II athletic programs.

profiles/1440-terrance-hayes

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COMMENTA RY

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ADVOCATE

ALUM RECEIVES NATIONAL BOOK AWARD

ENGAGE

ENGAGE

Members of the ’94 team include the following: Shane Bailey

Sean Cowley

Jeff Swangim

Hal Edwards

Justin Towey

Chris Counts

Brandon Thompson

Robby Alexander

Jason Kupcak

Lou Warner

Cade Thompson

Bob Elliott

Ryan Christmas

Jason Forster

Brian Holladay

John Crowther

The Coker College Athletics Department inducted the entire 1994 Coker base-

Allie Oswald

Sam Arminio

ball team to the Athletic Hall of Fame during halftime of the Coker women’s

John Curnias

Doug Podrabsky

soccer match versus Chowan University as part of the College’s 2010 Home-

Terry Clarkson

Brian Eatz

Chad Parrott

Rob Darnell

coming celebration.

Brian James

Benji Blanton

Robbie Reed

Jeremy Lynn

Chris Goodrum Head Coach - Dave Schmotzer Assistant Coach - Brooks Shumake

COKER INDUCTS 1994 BASEBALL TEAM INTO HALL OF FAME

In just the second year of the program’s existence, the 1994 Coker College baseball team put together what can be considered one of the greatest seasons in the history of Coker Athletics. The success of the team brought national recognition to the baseball program and to Coker College as a whole.

Led by Head Coach Dave Schmotzer, the 1994 Coker College Baseball Team finished with a record of 48-12. The springboard for the season’s success was an 8-2 spring trip

to Texas, which included a 3-0 victory over NCAA Division I ranked Texas Christian University. The team was ranked as high as #3 and finished the season ranked #6 in the national NAIA poll. The Cobras won the Carolinas Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAC) Tournament, the NAIA Mid-East Regional and a berth in the 1994 NAIA College World Series in Des Moines, Iowa. The team’s Regional Championship and trip to the College World Series were firsts in Coker baseball history.

Coker College proudly introduces “The Last Lecture Series,” an annual celebration of academic excellence and the individual achievements of its much-loved faculty. It is a privilege for an institution as blessed as Coker College is with talented faculty to redefine what it means to be ready for tomorrow’s challenges. In establishing this forum for retiring faculty presentations, we invite students of all ages to pay tribute to excellence and step into stories that will inspire greater individual and shared successes than we have yet imagined.

FEATURING Joseph H. Rubinstein, Professor of Education Watson Theater | Reception: Stein Gallery Russell R. Hamby, Professor of Sociology Charles W. Coker Auditorium in Davidson Hall | Reception: Drawing Room Deborah I. Bloodworth, Associate Professor of Theater Watson Theater | Reception: Stein Gallery Patricia G. Lincoln, Provost & Dean of the Faculty, Professor of Biology Watson Theater | Reception: Stein Gallery

For more information, visit: coker.edu/the-last-lecture-series 6 | W I NTER

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The Last Lecture Series is free and open to the public.

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[L e f t t o Ri g h t] Ly n n G r i f f i n, Ra n dy a n d Gai l B l a n t o n (pa r e n t s o f B e n ji B l a n t o n), Dav e S c h m o t z e r a n d D r. Ro b e r t W yat t

Five Coker College education majors were given the assignment of planning a project that advocated for a child-related cause in the fall of 2010. The students, Amber Phillips, Jessica Baipho, Jessica Sims, Kim Morris and Jessi Ingle, chose to be advocates for play. They chose play because of the importance they feel it plays in learning during early childhood education.

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ENGAGE

COKER STUDENTS RAISE MONEY AND AWARENESS FOR PLAY IN SCHOOLS

WEB EXTRAS To view this video plus many more, visit: youtube.com/cokercollege BECOME A SUBSCRIBER OF OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

FACULTY/STAFF SERVE “LATE NIGHT BREAKFAST”

As part of the project, the students raised money to donate to a local Hartsville elementary school to buy playground equipment. The group sold t-shirts to raise the money, and in October they presented Washington Street Elementary School with a check for $717. In order to further their project, the school graciously matched their donation.

In addition to raising awareness of the importance of play within the Hartsville community, the students raised awareness throughout the state of South Carolina when they were asked to present on the advocacy project at the South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children Conference in Columbia.

Under the direction of Coker Professor of Education Dr. Darlene Maxwell, the students presented their project entitled, “Why Play?” Their presentation and project explored the inherent benefits of play and how and why it addresses the most essential needs of young children.

Coker College is also a major advocate for play. Each year the Coker Education Department hosts “Play Day” to promote the importance of play and to honor young children and those who nurture them. This year’s “Play Day” will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the Bell Tower Lawn.

At the close of the fall semester, students once again prepared for that most daunting of tasks, taking final exams. In order to help the students at Coker prepare for the pending all-nighters, the faculty and staff of the College gathered together to host a time-honored tradition at Coker, “Late Night Breakfast.”

The first “Late Night Breakfast” was held 30 year ago and is a chance for the faculty and staff to give the students a much needed study break on the night before exams begin.

This year more than 20 faculty and staff members were on hand to prepare and serve food for nearly 240 students.

We would like to thank all of the faculty and staff that volunteered their time and effort to make this a great night of food and fun for the students at Coker.

THE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE, H A RT S VILLE, S .C .

COMMENTA RY

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SUPPORT

COKER EXPANDS CAMPUS THROUGH GENEROUS GIFT Coker College is pleased to announce that the College campus is once again expanding thanks to the generous contributions of Hartsville supporters. The Coker College campus will expand by approximately 2.37 acres on South First Street in Hartsville through a gift from Booster and Ron Windham.

“We are very excited and deeply appreciative of the Windhams’ gift to Coker College,” said Coker President Dr. Robert Wyatt.

In addition to the land, the Windhams’ gift includes a 10,000 square foot warehouse. This warehouse will be the future site for Coker Physical Plant and Maintenance storage.

The entire gift is valued at $100,000.

According to Wyatt, “The Windhams’ contribution will allow us to make improvements to our already impressive facilities.”

“This stands as another example of how Coker College and its local supporters are continuing to work together to advance the Coker experience for both students and the community,” said Wyatt.

SUPPORT

COKER RECEIVES $1.2 MILLION GIFT Coker College is pleased to announce a $1.2 million gift from the family of Major James L. Coker. The gift comes to Coker by way of a trust that was originally established by the Major in 1911 for the support and maintenance of the College.

“Coker College is, once again, indebted to our founder and his family for their ongoing support,” said Coker President Dr. Robert Wyatt. “The significance of this gift becomes apparent when thought of not in terms of dollars but in terms of people. This gift will directly impact Coker’s students, faculty and staff.”

Wyatt believes the funds will help jumpstart some of the more compelling ideas found in Coker’s “redefining ready” strategic plan.

“Coker College is determined to redefine what is meant by an exceptional student educational experience,” Wyatt said.

The College is preparing students for the next step in their lives – their careers, graduate school, etc., in a different manner.

“We are preparing our students to be ethical leaders, to be financially and physically fit and to be engaged in making a difference in their communities and in other communities around the world,” Wyatt said.

In accordance with the Major’s intention that the trust provides for a long-term viability of Coker, the $1.2 million will be maintained in the College’s endowment and managed accordingly. However, a percentage of these funds are available on a yearly basis for strategic initiatives as determined by Coker’s administrative team.

“The Major’s vision to provide a private high school for young women has morphed into a vibrant, engaged higher educational experience for more than 10,000 students who have passed through Coker,” Wyatt added.

[ left to right ] Kaye Crook, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Don Amaral, active member of the Coker College Board of Trustees, Vicki Eaddy, former Assistant to the President of the College, Steve Terry, Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services in Lake Tahoe.

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BETTY WIGGINS PASSES Elizabeth McArn Campbell Wiggins passed away on December 30, 2010.

She served on Coker’s Board of Trustees and was an avid supporter of the College’s Kalmia Gardens. Wiggins recieved the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for excellence of character and service to humanity from the College.

REAVES McCALL PASSES William Reaves McCall, architect, author and local historian, passed away on January 21, 2011. He was born October 27, 1930.

McCall was honored in 2006 by Coker College with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. He served two three-year terms on Coker’s Board of Visitors.

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SPARROW SCHOLARS PROGRAM

this level is really helping me develop professionally.”

Dobbs is in the process of launching a Saturday morning reading program for children at the Hartsville Memorial Library, where she volunteers each week.

“I’m very glad to have Kira working with us,” said Lori Strickland, the Children’s Services Programmer at the library. “She is bright, articulate, eager and responsible.”

The first Sparrow Scholar, Jessica Barnes, graduated in December 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in communication. She is now the Hall Advisor and Community Service Coordinator at the Alabama School for Math and Science (ASMS) in Mobile, Ala., where she organizes service learning efforts for students.

“I had hoped I would find a job that would allow me to take part in or help coordinate service opportunities,” she said.

The SSP has initiated a unique partnership between the local community and the College. The SSP Committee consists of three members of the community, Becky Sparrow, committee chair; Judy Jacobs, a retired school teacher; and Kathy Baxley, Executive Director of the Darlington County Free Medical Clinic, as well as two Coker representatives, Darlene Small and Michele South, Administrative Assistant for the Center for Engaged Learning.

“As Frank Bush retires the end of this year, we want to thank him for his guidance in making our dream a reality,” Sparrow said. “Darlene Small has provided wonderful leadership in the program’s development, and we just could not function without Michele South.”

Students interested in applying to the Sparrow Scholars Program should contact the Center for Engaged Learning.

SUPPORT

Hartsville native and Coker College graduate Becky Sparrow met with Coker’s Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Frank Bush, in early 2007 to discuss a unique scholarship idea with a service learning component.

After a series of meetings and Bush’s leadership, the idea became a reality with the creation of the Sparrow Scholars Program, established in honor of Sparrow’s father, the late Luke Sparrow. Luke was a lifelong resident of Hartsville and a great believer in the American tradition of volunteering and giving back to his community.

Today, Coker’s Sparrow Scholars make life-changing differences in Hartsville and beyond by immersing themselves in the community and focusing their energy where it’s needed most. Each week, they volunteer for at least two hours at various non-profit organizations in Darlington County, and during the summer, they complete at least two weeks of service in their home community.

“In Dr. Wyatt’s inauguration speech, he said, ‘A student of Coker College must have the opportunity to experience the difference he or she can make. We want our students to be prepared to serve, to act and to do,’” recalled Sparrow.

“We know that Sparrow Scholars, through their service learning experiences, are having that opportunity,” she continued.

Through an intense screening process involving an extensive application and an interview with the Sparrow Scholars Program (SSP) Committee, one sophomore is selected to become a Sparrow Scholar each year. The student then participates in an orientation of the non-profit organizations in Darlington County, selects a service learning project and begins fulfilling the community service requirements.

“Scholarships like the Sparrow help students to cover the costs of their education while giving back to the community through service,” said Darlene Small, Director of

the Center for Engaged Learning. “In community service, both the giver and recipient benefit, and the lives of all participants are the better for it.”

The purpose of the program is to identify and support emerging leaders in the College’s student body by providing three, three-year scholarships. Scholars learn community service principles through individual and group learning experiences. The scholarships are awarded based on community service, academic achievement, demonstration of leadership qualities, participation in extracurricular activities and financial need.

“The Sparrow Scholars Program has helped me grow into a more compassionate person,” said Jessica Covington, a current Sparrow Scholar and a junior communication major. “Ever since I started my community service programs as a Sparrow Scholar, I’ve found myself getting more involved in other ways.”

Covington has completed semester projects at the Hartsville Boys & Girls Club and Darlington County First Steps. For her summer projects, she volunteered as a teacher’s assistant at Blenheim Elementary in Blenheim, S.C., and with the Children’s Defense Fund in Bennettsville, S.C. Covington is currently serving as a cheerleading coach at Thomas Hart Academy in Hartsville.

“Jessica is very knowledgeable,” said Selena Davis, a 2004 Coker alumna who is the Director of Athletics and physical education teacher at Thomas Hart Academy. “She shows enthusiasm, arrives in a timely manner and works well with her kids. The kids have absolutely enjoyed working with her, and I look forward to her working with our cheerleaders again during basketball season.”

Kira Dobbs, Coker’s sophomore Sparrow Scholar double majoring in early childhood and elementary education, completed her first summer project at Camp Henry in Newyago, Mich., where she directed the art program for camp attendees, ages 7 through 17.

“Through the volunteer work I’m doing for the Sparrow Scholars Program,” Dobbs said, “I’m getting prepared for my future career of teaching. Interacting with children on

WEB EXTRAS For photos and more information, visit: coker.edu/featured-links/4/1286sparrow-scholars-program.html

Give to Cok er’s A n nual Scholarship Fu nd • T he

Annual Scholarship Fund is Coker College’s yearly campaign to raise financial support for its students.

• Every • T he

gift to the fund helps new and returning students attend Coker.

goal for the fund in 2010-2011 is $450,000.

• Gifts

to the fund are tax deductible.

• A lumni

gifts to the fund positively influence Coker College’s national ranking.

Give online at www.cok er.edu/GIFTS It’s Safe. It’s Simple.

Y o ur ntact und rect R G IFT IFTS ur con t a c t f o r the t h e A nnual n n u a l S ch c h o llarsh arship Fu nd is Dir ector of MAJO OR

W es e s Dan i els e l s ’03 — wdaniels@coker.edu or 843. 383.8178

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THE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE, H A RT S VILLE, S .C .

COMMENTA RY

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F r a n ki e [L e f t] a n d F r a n k B u s h

IMPACT

COKER HONORS BUSH’S 35 YEARS OF SERVICE Coker College honored Frank Bush, who has been the College’s chief fundraiser and a key member of Coker’s leadership team for more than three decades, on October 21, 2010. Surrounded by family, friends and co-workers, Bush was the guest of honor at a retirement party to recognize his 35 years of service to Coker College.

“Frank’s significant influence can be seen all around the Coker campus and the Hartsville community,” said College President Dr. Robert Wyatt. “Coker is indebted to him and his wife, Frankie, for leading our advancement efforts for so many years.”

Highlighting the evening was the announcement of the Frank Bush Endowed Scholarship, a $52,000 scholarship to be awarded to a fine arts student at Coker. The scholarship was established by alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Coker in honor of Frank Bush’s service to the College.

“I was extremely surprised to have a scholarship endowed in my name,” said Bush. “I was overwhelmed to receive such an honor.”

“I have truly been blessed to have worked with so many outstanding people,” Bush added. “I’m often asked why I stayed at Coker so long, and the answer is that Coker is better than other colleges. The transformation a student makes here is life changing.”

Bush came to Coker College in 1975 as Director of Admissions. In 1979, he established the Office of Development with the responsibility of raising funds for the College’s facilities, academic programs and scholarship fund. In 1988, Bush was named Vice President for Institutional Advancement with oversight of the development, alumni relations and public relations functions of the College. In 1995, Bush was appointed Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Over the course of his career at Coker, Bush has raised approximately $80 million for the College, including capital campaigns and annual scholarship funds. Some of his achievements include the funding of campus facilities such as the Gladys C. Fort Art Building, opened in 1983, the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center, opened in 1997, and the Charles W. and Joan S. Coker Library-Information Technology Center, opened in 2008.

Bush officially retired from Coker in January 2011. He and his wife, Frankie, still reside in Hartsville. Bush continues to work in Hartsville as the Senior Vice President for Myers-McRae, a higher education executive search firm.

IMPACT

Frank Bush Endowed Scholarship Lois Hatfield Anderson Marguerite Assey Frances Atkinson Frank Avent Judith Bailey Dick and Michal Millen Baird D. Kenneth Baker John R. Barclay, Jr. Elizabeth Whittle Baxter James and Nancy Baker Bell Miriam Hooks Benefield Marjorie Hooks Bethea Steve and Donna Bilby Bryan and Martha Ann Blackwell Bill and Elizabeth Blakeney Robert and Anne Gardner Blomeyer Gay Fort Boswell Gray and Linda Smith Bradford William and Ann Matthews Bragdon James and Julie Poole Brice Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain Bene D. Brockman Robert and Sandi Brown Frank and Frankie Bush Charlie and Joan Coker James L. Coker IV Gregory and Barbara Connor Walter and Beth DuBose Cottingham Jim and Pam Simmons Cox Rollins and Nancy Culpepper

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Howard and Patricia H. Dampier Marie Daniels Dr. and Mrs. B. James Dawson Harris and Louise DeLoach Fletcher and Martha Langford Derrick Osmund and Barbara Dibble Dixon Rion and Ann Dixon Bruce and Brianna Bunce Douglas Edward and Linda Drayton Graham and Frances Drayton Kirk and Jane Dunlap Dave and Karen Lear Edwards Patricia Hanahan Engman James and Esther Baskin Ferguson First Citizens Bank Wade and Mary Fletcher Rachel Collier Flowers Caleb and Delie Fort Kevin and Pamela Gill Franklin Larry and Virginia Gantt Thomas and Terry Giffin Penelope Coker Hall Dr. S. Anne Hancock Byron and Lillian Utsey Harder Edward and Teressa Thompson Harrington George and Cindy Hartley Hartsville Family YMCA Edgar and Nan Lawton Ed and Tru Lawton Marion and Greta Hawkins

Walter and Ellen Tollison Hayden John and Marvis Wiggins Henry Wade and Lee Hicks Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Patricia Chapman Huff Reid and Martha Little Hunter Charles and Frances Hupfer Betty Wray Jones William and Mary Coker Joslin Hoyt and Stephanie Kelley Barbara Kirkley Kelley Phil and Iris Kennedy Barbara Nexsen Lansche John and Ione Coker Lee Jack and Anne Linville Jim and Vicky Linville Dr. Anne Lamb Matthews W. Reaves McCall Mary Jane McDonald Jim and Claire Redman McGee Harry and Rita Moran Cecil and Joanne McFaddin O’Bryan Walter and Velna Rollins Patrick Wayne and Judy Brown Pigg Dick and Sylvia McLamb Puffer Eunice Ford Rogers Richard and Carol Luth Ruthven Leonard and Sarah Jo Wood Safrit Willie Calbutt Saleeby Kyle Saverance

Bonnie Cone Sawyer Stephen and Anne Schulte Edward M. Shannon III Dabney and Rose Patrick Smith Gus and Cameron Speth Florence Houck Steele Jim and Mary Lathan Steele Charles and Betty Young Sullivan Steve and Paula Terry Lib Bishop Tiller Bill and Olive Timberlake Jane Woodward Truett Howard and Donna Tucker Michael and Ray Torrance Vance John and Judy Johnson Walker Shep Porter Wallace Anna H. Waters Susan E. Watkins Lee Howard Watson Zan and Pat West Harold and Jane Wheeler Jim and Sara K. Wilds William and Nancy McConnell Wilhelm Oliver and Jean Campbell Williamson Robert and Ann Ludlam Winfield Louis and Linda Yount Bud and Joanne Moody Zobel

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ACS AWARDS $50,000 GRANT TO CHEMISTRY PROFESSOR

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COKER ALUM NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR

COKER FORMS STUDENTS IN FREE ENTERPRISE (SIFE) TEAM

Coker College alumna Marie Mascio, class of 2006, has been named the Teacher of the Year for Meadowbrook Elementary School in Augusta, Ga., for the 2010-11 school year. Mascio received this most prestigious honor at the annual Richmond County School District Teacher of the Year Banquet earlier this month in Augusta.

“I am extremely honored to have received this award,” said Mascio. “It is hard to believe that I have received this award after teaching for just three years. Some teachers are never even nominated.”

A fifth grade teacher at Meadowbrook, this is the second time in three years that Mascio has been nominated for this award by her fellow teachers.

“I have learned a great deal in my four and a half years of teaching which helped me grow as an educator,” she said. “But it was Coker College that gave me the knowledge and attitude to never give up no matter the situation. My experiences in the Education Department gave me some great ideas that I have taken, used and made to fit me as a teacher. I am very thankful for all the professors at Coker who helped me get to where I am today.”

Coker College is pleased to announce the formation of a Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team.

An international non-profit organization, SIFE brings leaders in business and higher education together to mobilize college students to make a difference in their communities while also developing the skills necessary to become successful business leaders.

“Adding a SIFE program at Coker is great,” said Neil Sickendick, Coker’s Director of SIFE. “SIFE is a great way for our students to redefine their educational experience with hands-on teaching of free market economics and business concepts.”

SIFE is the second largest collegiate organization behind the NCAA, with more than 1,800 active college and university teams worldwide.

Sickendick was recruited to Coker from Drury University, where he was a member of Drury’s internationally acclaimed SIFE team. The Drury team has won three SIFE National Championships, two SIFE World Cup Championships and has appeared on NBC’s Morning Show and CNN. Students participating in SIFE form teams that apply business concepts to outreach programs that they develop to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. These teams then present the results of their projects at a series of regional and national competitions, where they are evaluated by business leaders that serve as judges. The national champions for each country then meet in the SIFE World Cup once a year.

“Coker’s SIFE team has the opportunity to make a big impact in Hartsville and surrounding communities, and also on the national and international stage,” Sickendick said. “SIFE will give Coker’s students a chance to interact and be seen by business leaders from around the world.”

The SIFE International Organization is governed by a group of 200 senior leaders from some of the world’s leading companies, including 3M, Campbell Soup, American Greetings, Kellogg, Wal-Mart and KPMG. To date, SIFE International has contributed nearly $22 million to enhancing the quality of life for people worldwide.

Coker’s SIFE team has received startup funding from several individuals who have actively participated in SIFE on the international level. This funding allowed Sickendick, Coker President Dr. Robert Wyatt, SIFE Faculty Advisor Brianna Douglas and two team members, Timothy Strickland and Noah Lascell, to travel to Los Angeles in October for the SIFE World Cup competition and will provide support for the anticipated 15-20 projects to be completed during the 2010-11 academic year.

ARIZONA NAMES COKER ALUM ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR Coker College alumna Tiffany Ewart McKee, class of 2001, has been named the Assistant Principal of the Year for the state of Arizona and will now represent Arizona in the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)VIRCO Assistant Principal of the Year Program.

Assistant Principal at Old Vail Middle School in the Vail Unified School District, McKee has the opportunity to be selected as the NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year from the 50 State Assistant Principals of the Year when she travels to Washington D.C. in March for the NASSP Program.

A double major in biology and chemistry at Coker, McKee also holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Chadron State College and a master’s degree in teaching and teacher education from the University of Arizona.

Currently, she is working on her doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Arizona with a focus on the role of leadership in implementing and sustaining school/ business/university partnerships that promote the retention of quality teachers in secondary math and science.

Currently, Tiffany and her husband, Ben McKee, Coker class of 2002, live in Tucson, Arizona, with their two daughters Aaliyah (13) and Adriana (11).

WEB EXTRAS For more information on SIFE, visit: sife.org

THE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE, H A RT S VILLE, S .C .

COMMENTA RY

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IMPACT

Coker College Chemistry Professor Dr. Gordon Brown has been awarded a grant from the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Petroleum Research Fund (PRF). The $50,000 grant will enhance Coker’s chemistry program by supporting Brown’s research on “Rotational Spectroscopy Investigation of Interactions between Carbon Dioxide and N-containing Cyclic Compounds.”

Brown, an assistant professor of chemistry, will receive the grant over a two-and-a-half year period. The grant will be used to purchase equipment to construct a new microwave spectrometer, while also assisting in the payment of summer research student stipends.

“Dr. Brown’s receiving this grant is a direct acknowledgement that his research is highly regarded in its own right and that it will provide exceptional experiences for the Coker students who engage in the research with him,” said Dr. Patricia Lincoln, provost and dean of the faculty.

“The project funded by this grant is an essential part of Coker College’s ongoing, concerted efforts to integrate faculty research with the education of our undergraduate students.”

The ACS grant will allow Brown to further research that centers on studying the interactions between carbondioxide gas and a variety of small nitrogen-containing organic molecules. This study is motivated by the desire to better understand molecular interactions between carbon dioxide and materials used for carbon capture and storage (CCS). An important issue in the petroleum field is that of carbon dioxide “pollution” and its affect on climate change.

It is important that the petroleum industry, and petroleum users such as electrical power generators, become more efficient at CCS in order to minimize the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. If successful, this study will provide information that will guide the next generation of carbon trapping materials.

According to Brown, “By better understanding these interactions, it will be possible to design better materials for carbon-dioxide trapping, thus reducing CO2 emissions in factories, power plants and even vehicles.”

“A huge benefit of being awarded this grant is that even after this project is finished, the equipment upgrades will allow us to do many experiments that are not possible with our current spectrometer,” said Brown. “Coker students for many years to come will benefit from the use of the spectrometer that will be built by our current students.”

Brown added that this research will be conducted completely by his research students. They will build the spectrometer and conduct the necessary experiments as well.

Although Brown will be there to guide them during the entire process, he said, “Even though successful experiments will be desired, perhaps the most important outcome of this project will be the experiences Coker students will have conducting cutting-edge scientific research.”

“We are delighted that Gordon’s work has been recognized by ACS,” said Dr. Robert Wyatt, president of the College. “His classroom and lab work is helping Coker redefine how chemistry is taught and practiced.”

The Petroleum Research Fund is an endowed fund, managed by the American Chemical Society that supports fundamental research directly related to petroleum or fossil fuels at nonprofit institutions in the United States and other countries.

DEVELOPMENT

MEMORIALS The following memorials were received from August 1, 2010 through January 26, 2011 Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Adams Alice Adams Brown Sammie Lowery Baggett Charlena Hunt Chewning Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Lee Pickens Baker Dr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Terry Lisa Townsend Barbour Joyce Johnston Utt Ashley Barrow Mary Bell Kittle Hylda Inabinet Bass Dr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Terry Robert Bass Dr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Terry Lynn Beasley Murray and Timothea McDonald Shirley Caldwell Becken Scott C. Becken Cecelia Coker Bell Becky Sparrow Irene Brasington Pat Chapman Huff Deward Brittain Dick and Michal Millen Baird Frank and Frankie Bush Reaves McCall Betty C. Wiggins Reginald C. Brown, Jr. Howard and Pat H. Dampier Gwendolyn Norwood Burch J. Lamar and Lucy Singletary Caldwell J. D. Byrd Pat Chapman Huff Merlin Byrd Murray and Timothea McDonald Glenn Alden Carmichael Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Edna Chapman Pat Chapman Huff Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Edward D. “Mickey” McDowell Suzanne Inabnit Cheatham Laura Cheatham Palmer Hannah Lide Coker William and Mary Coker Joslin Gwendolyn Terrell Cook Lorena Cook James

SCHOLARSHIPS & ENDOWMENT

DEVELOPMENT

The following gifts for Scholarships and Endowments were made from August 1, 2010 through January 26, 2011 Alice and Virgil Smith Piano Scholarship Sid and Hilda Carter Alumni Scholarship Milton and Cynthia Gantt Ann Ludlam Winfield Endowed Scholarship Ann Ludlam Winfield Barbara Dibble Dixon Endowed Scholarship Osmund and Barbara Dibble Dixon Class of 1953 Endowed Scholarship Sarah Sampson Bell Betty Mobley Bynum Charlie Chewning Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Toula Latto Mitzi DuPre Matthews Jean Fore McDaniel St. Luke United Methodist Church XYZ Seniors Group

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William Joseph Cook, Jr. Lorena Cook James Ethel Lide Council Gus and Cameron Council Speth Rev. Thomas Crum Harriett King Van Norte Coker Dampier Mitchell Dampier Dr. James D. Daniels Al and Pam Haynes Dale and Julie Plyler Leatherwood Dan and Sheila Schmotzer Dr. Elizabeth Davidson Claire Creel McKenzie Gabriella Morandiere Rev. Richard F. Dority, Sr. Walter and Beth DuBose Cottingham Pat Chapman Huff Jean Fore McDaniel Rev. Dr. John Doubles Lou and Vicki Norment Dr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Terry Kimberly Edwards Dr. Jeanne F. Cook Gertilee Elvington Jack and Judi Elvington Jody Gaskins Sandy Gaskins Richard Gettys Andy and Vicki Eaddy Dr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Terry Barbara Bailey Goodson Dr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Terry Valleria Grannis Gail Power Helms Bill Griffin Pat Chapman Huff Ellen Wicker Griggs Pat Chapman Huff Wanda Harrison Denise Walden Susie Gaines Hautala Bundy and Betty Mobley Bynum Jean Herring Christie Happ Voncile Higbee Jack and Judi Elvington Liz Hoffman Howard and Pat Huggins Dampier Terry Adams Hook Becky Sparrow Frances Warlick Van der Vate

Carl H. Huff Bundy and Betty Mobley Bynum Betty Reaves Herring Susan Utley Hunsinger Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Dr. Martha Coker Zeigler Huntley Martha G. Caldwell Polly Jordan Huntley Ann Matthews Bragdon Charlena Hunt Chewning James D. “Dick” Kelley Frank and Frankie Bush J. Lamar and Lucy Singletary Caldwell Walter and Beth DuBose Cottingham Andy and Vicki Eaddy Pat Chapman Huff Charles and Frances Hupfer Willie and Jackie Kelley Dr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Terry Bud and Joanne Moody Zobel Ruth Adams Kelley Naomi Kelley Jackson Virginia Nevins King Virginia King Hilderbrand Clement LeHardy Selma Stogner LeHardy Mickey Dolgeris Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Budd Matthews Bundy and Betty Mobley Bynum John Maxwell Nell Cutts Daniels W. Reaves McCall Charlie and Joan Coker Howard and Pat H. Dampier Pat Chapman Huff Jim and Mary Lathan Steele George and Lib Watkins Frances Mitchum Webb Raymond A. Harris Charles Ray McKinney Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Tom Moody Pat Chapman Huff Richard Murray Ida “Susie” Bellamy Murray Diana Cobb Nall Becky Sparrow Bennie Newman Pat Chapman Huff Carol “Kay-Kay” Duelley Nooft Myra Cato Coffey Nell Cutts Daniels Jane Brown Riechmann

Mary Moore Parnell J. Lamar and Lucy Singletary Caldwell Ann Henson Gettys Pat Chapman Huff Dr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Terry Sylvia Parks Price Millie Wells Moody Clara Chapman Quick Pat Chapman Huff Edward Burke Roberts, Jr. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Billy Gordon Rogers Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Dave Rogers Pat Chapman Huff Judith McColl Smoke Frances Warlick Van der Vate Josh Stanton Ann Henson Gettys Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Stogner Selma Stogner LeHardy Benjamin Stuckey Ann Henson Gettys Dr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Terry Thurston Stuckey Ann Henson Gettys Pat Chapman Huff Dr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Terry Hunter Lawton Swann Becky Sparrow Frances Tyner Pat Chapman Huff Leonce and Eleanor Vaughan Dexter Vaughan Kathryn Owens Waldrep Dr. and Mrs. Brooks Bannister Martin Ward Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Mozelle Warlick Frances Warlick Van der Vate Lukie Watkins Pat Chapman Huff Matthew Wendell J. Lamar and Lucy Singletary Caldwell Betty C. Wiggins Bobby and Cindy Dempsey Andy and Vicki Eaddy Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer William and Mary Coker Joslin Richard and Sylvia McLamb Puffer

Class of 1956 Endowed Scholarship Shep Porter Wallace Maxine Locklair Amos Class of 1963 Endowed Scholarship Madeleine Theus McKenzie Edith Floride Reynolds Dell Bethune Walker Margaret Brown Young Class of 1964 Endowed Scholarship Lorena Cook James Becky Sparrow Gus and Cameron Speth Naomi Kirby Jackson Evelyn Van der Vate Diana Cobb Nall Endowed Social Work Scholarship Jean Virgin Dr. Jeanne F. Cook D. L. Scurry Foundation Endowed Scholarship D. L. Scurry Foundation Eleanor Whittinghill Vaughan Endowed Music Scholarship James Vaughan L. Robert Vaughan Florence Houck Steele Endowed Scholarship John L. Steele III Frank Bush Endowed Scholarship (see page 10 )

Gilbert and Faye Coan Endowed Scholarship Gilbert and Faye Coan Hannah Lide Coker Endowed Scholarship William and Mary Coker Joslin Howard W. Tucker Tree Endowment Howard and Donna Tucker The Inabinet Family Endowed Scholarship Laura Cheatham Palmer Jacquelyn Everington Jacobs Endowed Scholarship Jacquelyn Everington Jacobs Jane Perler Norwood Endowed Scholarship Jane Parler Norwood John C. and Leland S. Hungerpiller Memorial Scholarship James E. and Page Hungerpiller Joyce Johnston Jordan Utt Endowed Scholarship Conrad and Marilyn Glasgow Katherine and Charles Kirkland Dunlap Endowed Scholarship Kirk and Jane Dunlap The Katydidit Endowed Scholarship Catherine Rice Tharin Lavaughn Robinson McCall Endowed Music Scholarship Charlie and Joan Coker George and Lib Watkins Frances Mitchum Webb

Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Dr. Lois Rauch Gibson Book Endowment Professor Dick Puffer Nancy Barrineau Endowed Scholarship Teressa Ann Thompson Harrington Nan Carter Howard Nickey Brumbaugh Endowed Art Scholarship Elizabeth Robertson Coughlin Ruth Lawton Wilds Endowed Scholarship Jim and Sara K. Wilds Ruth Ludlam McClam Endowed Scholarship Ruth Ludlam McClam Sarah Jo Wood Safrit Endowed Scholarship Sarah Jo Wood Safrit Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain Endowed Music Scholarship Richard and Michal Millen Baird Betty C. Wiggins W. Reaves McCall Frank and Frankie Bush Susan Coker Watson Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship Maggie Meyer Study Abroad Scholarship Christina Glover Wallerstein

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HONORARIUMS The following honorariums were given from August 1, 2010 through January 26, 2011 Marguerite Assey Susan Bartenstein Necci Christina Glover Wallerstein Bryan and Martha Ann Blackwell Mr. and Mrs. Sid Carter Deborah Bloodworth Wes Daniels D and Amber Brown Wes Daniels Frank Bush Lois Hatfield Anderson Marguerite Assey Frances Atkinson Frank Avent Judith Bailey Dick and Michal Millen Baird D. Kenneth Baker John R. Barclay, Jr. Elizabeth Whittle Baxter James and Nancy Baker Bell Miriam Hooks Benefield Marjorie Hooks Bethea Steve and Donna Bilby Bryan and Martha Ann Blackwell Bill and Elizabeth Blakeney Robert and Anne Gardner Blomeyer Gay Fort Boswell Gray and Linda Smith Bradford William and Ann Matthews Bragdon James and Julie Poole Brice Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain Bene D. Brockman Robert and Sandi Brown Heather McConnell Buckelew Charlie and Joan Coker James L. Coker IV Gregory and Barbara Connor Walter and Beth DuBose Cottingham Jim and Pam Simmons Cox Rollins and Nancy Culpepper Howard and Patricia H. Dampier Marie Daniels Wes Daniels Dr. and Mrs. B. James Dawson Harris and Louise DeLoach Angela English Dent Fletcher and Martha Langford Derrick

IN MEMORIAM Information received July 21, 2010 through January 26, 2011

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Osmund and Barbara Dibble Dixon Rion and Ann Dixon Bruce and Brianna Bunce Douglas Edward and Linda Drayton Graham and Frances Drayton Kirk and Jane Dunlap Dave and Karen Lear Edwards Patricia Hanahan Engman James and Esther Baskin Ferguson First Citizens Bank Wade and Mary Lutie Fletcher Keith and Rachel Collier Flowers Caleb and Delie Fort Kevin and Pamela Gill Franklin Larry and Virginia Gantt Thomas and Terry Giffin Penelope Coker Hall Dr. S. Anne Hancock Christie Happ Byron and Lillian Utsey Harder Kim and Teressa Thompson Harrington George and Cindy Hartley Hartsville Family YMCA Edgar and Nan Lawton Ed and Tru Lawton Marion and Greta Hawkins Walter and Ellen Tollison Hayden Pat and Marvis Wiggins Henry Wade and Lee Hicks Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Patricia Chapman Huff Reid and Martha Little Hunter Charles and Frances Hupfer Betty Wray Jones William and Mary Coker Joslin Hoyt and Stephanie Kelley Barbara Kirkley Kelley Phil and Iris Kennedy Barbara Nexsen Lansche John and Ione Coker Lee Jack and Anne Linville Jim and Vicky Linville Dr. Anne Lamb Matthews W. Reaves McCall Mary Jane McDonald Jim and Claire Redman McGee Harry and Rita Moran Cecil and Joanne McFaddin O’Bryan Walter and Velna Rollins Patrick Wayne and Judy Brown Pigg Dick and Sylvia McLamb Puffer Donald and Peggy Zeigler Reeves Eunice Ford Rogers

Molly Davis Grainger Lindsay ’64 Judith Powell Norris ’64 Judy L. Keeter Cannon ’66 Kay Simmons Moski ’66 Louis Parker Wise ’74 EV Elizabeth Jan Hill Farr ’75 John T. Simpson ’75 Diane Kelly Goldberg ’76 Rev. John Carroll Doubles ’85 James E. Manor ’87 EV Jean Evelyn Herring ’09

Richard and Carol Luth Ruthven Leonard and Sarah Jo Wood Safrit Willie Calbutt Saleeby Bonnie Cone Sawyer Stephen and Anne Schulte Edward M. Shannon III Dabney and Rose Patrick Smith Gus and Cameron Speth Florence Houck Steele Jim and Mary Lathan Steele Charles and Betty Young Sullivan Steve and Paula Terry Lib Bishop Tiller Bill and Olive Timberlake Jane Woodward Truett Howard and Donna Tucker Michael and Ray Torrance Vance John and Judy Johnson Walker Shep Porter Wallace Louis and Anna H. Waters Susan E. Watkins Lee Howard Watson Zan and Pat West Harold and Mary Jane Wheeler Jim and Sara K. Wilds William and Nancy McConnell Wilhelm Oliver and Jean Campbell Williamson Robert and Ann Ludlam Winfield Avery and Linda Yount Bud and Joanne Moody Zobel James Kimberly Chalmers Sara Douglas Hart Class of 1961 Sylvia Beard Seppala Class of 1962 Gabrielle Morandiere Peggy Reeves Class of 1995 Heather McConnell Buckelew Wes Daniels Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Katherine Kalber Dunlap James L. Dunlap, Jr. Vicki Eaddy Wes Daniels Jan Bonnette Frye Marguerite Assey Lynn Griffin Wes Daniels Tim Griggs David Darling Austin Harper Tamara and Lynn Cole

Elaine and Frank Hays Ben Outen and Michael O’Hara Sara Elizabeth “Beth” Hendrix Teresa Griggs Hendrix Lee Huey Ginny McCown Fleming Dr. Patricia G Lincoln Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Flaherty Susan Bartenstein Necci Marguerite Assey Mr. and Mrs. Scott Nelson Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Linda Lovett Parker Marguerite Assey Ann Rice Phillips Marguerite Assey John J. Pilger Abigail Etters Pilger Professor Dick Puffer Wes Daniels Richard and Carol Luth Ruthven William and Mary Coker Joslin Sarah Jo Wood Safrit Marguerite Assey Kyle Saverance Wes Daniels Courtney Smith Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Wes Daniels “Special Classmates” Maxine Locklair Amos Florence Houck Steele John and Judy Steele Richard Swallow Hank Alewine Anne Dennis Trotter Marguerite Assey Emily Morovich Tupper Wes Daniels Joyce Johnston Utt Beth Campbell Stephanie Davis Conrad and Marilyn Glasgow Robert L. Vaughan Virginia and James Vaughan Christina Glover Wallerstein Marguerite Assey Women’s Basketball Team Dr. Cathleen Cuppett Dr. Robert L. Wyatt St Luke United Methodist Church XYZ Seniors Group

LIBRARY The following gave gifts of books or media to the Charles W. and Joan S. Coker Library-Information Technology Center from August 1, 2010 through January 28, 2011 Alexa Bartel Clemson University Libraries Charlie and Joan Coker Dr. Cathleen Cuppett Dr. Fred Edinger Professor Jean Grosser Serena Hill Professor Edwin L. Isley Caitlin D. Luther Nancy Matthews Gordon McBride Reaves McCall Dr. Thomas V. Mincheff Professor Richard A. Puffer Dr. Michael Siegfried Dr. Tracey T. Welborn Cheryl Wingert Dr. Graham Wood

THE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE, H A RT S VILLE, S .C .

DEVELOPMENT

Carolyn Carson Schaible ’29 Alice Henderson Hill ’37 Helen Wilkerson Holladay ’37 Harriet Holman McIver ’37 Lera Frances Robbins Hovis ’38 Edith Woodham Howle ’40 Anne Tarte Wiesen ’41 Gertrude McNeill Campbell ’42 Lucy Tedder Davis ’43 Katherine Marsh Beasley ’44 Mary Mitchell Sanders ’47 Sammie Lowery Baggett ’49 Mary Moore Parnell ’52 Dave L. Rogers ’53 Peggy Blakely Jackson ’54 Rev. Samuel Jerome McKenzie, Jr. ’54 Rev. Richard F. Dority ’55 Marion White Messier ’57 Carolyn Andrews Carter ’60

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SYMPATHY

Mary Lou Nye Holley ’51 in the death of her brother Jimmy Nye on August 6, 2010.

Linda Williams Stanton ’62 in the death of her husband Josh J. Stanton, Jr. on October 21, 2010.

Edie Williford Brown ’84 in the death of her husband Reginald Brown, Jr. on December 9, 2010.

Information received July 21, 2010 through January 26, 2011

Lucy Singletary Caldwell ’54 and James Lamar Caldwell, Jr. ’58 in the death of their grandson William Matthew Wendell on July 31, 2010.

Ann Dobson Hammond ’64 on the death of her daughter-in-law Triva Hammond on May 26, 2010.

Renee Shepard Smitt ’84 in the death of her father David W. Shepard on September 20, 2010.

Marilee Wiesen Willis ’66 in the death of her Anne Tarte Wiesen ‘41 on September 17, 2010.

John J. Santos, Jr. ’86 in the death of his uncle in August 2010.

Ray Vance ’69 in the deaths of her mother in February 2010 and her mother-in-law and father-inlaw during the summer of 2010.

Libby Nesbitt Hastings ’91 in the death of her husband Gene Hastings on May 4, 2010.

Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain ’43 in the deaths of her husband Deward (Britt) Brittain on August 24, 2010 and her nephew Dr. John C. Hungerpiller on October 23, 2010.

Anne Daugherty Shaw ’46 in the death of her mother Maureen Markley Bense on August 9, 2010.

Adele Hubbard Williams ’46 in the death of her husband Steve C. Williams, Jr. on August 20, 2010.

Kathryn Watkins Hill ’48 in the death of her husband Thomas E. Hill on October 22, 2010.

Ann Henson Gettys ’50 in the death of her husband Richard E. Gettys on September 12, 2010.

Ruth Ingram Jackson ’50 and Sue Kirkley Arledge ’59 in the death of their brother-in-law James Dickson “Dick” Kelley on September 27, 2010.

Carolyn Cannon Kellihan ’50 in the death of her aunt Maureen Markley Bense on August 9, 2010.

Margie Lee Connell Stuckey ’50 in the death of her husband Thurston Stuckey on August 15, 2010.

Anne Blake Townsend ’56 in the death of her daughter Lisa Barbour on December 2, 2010.

Carolyn Norwood Winburn ’57 in the death of her sister Gwendolyn Norwood Burch on August 25, 2010.

Charlotte Anderson Ross ’60 in the death of her husband Ben. Susan Martin Bryan’61 in the death of her husband Edward Lee Bryan on August 31, 2010.

Bleeker Sisk Cannon ’61 in the death of her sister in fall 2010.

Lou Frances S. Gardner ’61 in the death of her father Benjamin N. Stuckey on September 10, 2010.

Peggy Brown Buchanan ’62 in the death of her aunt Lucy Tedder Davis ‘43 on November 18, 2010.

Gail Arnette Sinclair ’62 in the death of her son James Michael “Mike” Sinclair on July 16, 2009.

WEDDINGS

BIRTHS

Information received July 21, 2010 through January 26, 2011

Information received July 21, 2010 through January 26, 2011

Congratulations to Nicole Crider ’07 and Matthew Owens on their marriage on July 17, 2010.

Congratulations to Doris Duke Striaght ’62 on the birth of grandson Yusef Thomas on July 13, 2010.

Congratulations to Amy Kesler ’02 and Jason Cory Anthony on their marriage on May 15, 2010.

Congratulations to Mary Louise Glesner ’64 on the birth of granddaughter Bailey Grace Glesner on July 13, 2010.

Congratulations to Peerapab “Tin” Prasertkul ’02 and Tiffany Mastle ‘06 on their marriage on June 19, 2010.

SEND US A WEDDING PHOTO OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM WITH ALL YOUR COKER GUESTS!

KALMIA GARDENS November 2010 – January 31, 2011

DONATIONS

DEVELOPMENT

Polly Tedder Howle ’56 in the death of her sister Lucy Tedder Davis ‘43 on November 18, 2010.

Tyler and Ellen Baldwin Ruth Baronda Clifford and Shirlyn Daniels Bellum Dr. and Mrs. David Blackmon Ritchie and Heidi Bond Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain Frank and Frankie Bush Mr. and Mrs. Ron Cannon Charlie and Joan Coker Elizabeth Coker Fitz Coker Dr. and Mrs. Richard Conner Bob and Betty Corning SPC Credit Union Charles Davis Eddie and Linda Drayton Kirk and Jane Dunlap Progress Energy Charles W. and Joan S. Coker Foundation Kooken Family Foundation Sonoco Foundation Linville Family Foundation William and Elizabeth Gabel Mr. and Mrs. John Gainey

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Congratulations to Candee Constable Craven ’70 on the birth of grandson Mason Robert on May 5, 2010.

Congratulations to Elaine White Gilbert ’70 on the birth of grandson Miller Lestrude Upchurch on October 18, 2009.

Loree Gandy Professor Jean Grosser Walt and Susan Harvey Marion and Greta Hawkins David Holt Ronnie and Carole Howard James and Elaine Shoemake Hungerpiller Charles and Frances Hupfer Professor and Mrs. Mal Hyman Charles Isgett Bill and Mary Coker Joslin Edgar and Nan Lawton Marilyn Lesser Kevin and Tina Mahoney Rev. and Mrs. Mike Malone Kathy McCall Roy and Margaret McCall Mary Jane McDonald Dan and Betty Elkins McEachin Mr. and Mrs. William Miller Kathy Moore Harry and Rita Moran Vern and Nancy Meyers Dr. and Mrs. M. B. Nickels Louis and Vicki Norment Pepsi Cola of Florence Peggy Peck Dr. and Mrs. James Pennington Frank Prehoda Tom Rogers Jenny Rogers

Ginger King Hilderbrand ’70 in the death of her father Ray King on December 28, 2010.

Lori Sims Lowe ’91 EV in the deaths of her motherin-law Paula Smith Lowe on August 29, 2010 and her father-in-law Billy Lowe, Sr. on September 30, 2010.

Jessica Markley Lee ’70 in the death of her sister Maureen Markley Bense on August 9, 2010.

Paige T. Lockman ’97 EV in the death of her mother Frances Broadway Tyner on September 20, 2010.

Sue Todd Babb ’72 on the death of her mother in September 2009.

Jen C. Roberts ’05 in the death of her grandfather on September 19, 2010.

Vicki Carpenter Waters ’72 on the death of her granddaughter at birth in May 2010.

Diane Perkinson ’10 in the death of her husband David Perkinson on January 8, 2011.

Beth Stewart Dana ’73 in the death of her brother Jack on August 2, 1009.

Barbara Kirkley Kelley ’75 in the death of her husband James Dickson “Dick” Kelley on September 17, 2010.

Brad Mobley ’75 and Ruthie Henderson Mobley ’75 in the death of his mother Jean Bailey Mobley on October 9, 2010.

Congratulations to Lynda Patton Land ’70 on the birth of grandson Xander Lucas Smith on March 12, 2010.

Congratulations to Mary Edmunds Reed ’70 on the birth of grandson Barrow Hugar Reed on November 14, 2009.

Congratulations to Jean Southard Riddle ’72 on the birth of grandson Thomas Hodge Jacobs on February 1, 2010.

Congratulations to Carol Hatton Kinney ’75 and Sonny on the births of grandson Miles and his cousin Colton.

Congratulations to Kathi Pleasant Luther ’75 and Chuck on the birth of grandson Noah on June 16, 2009.

Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Rubenstein Steve and Alice Rumpf Leonard and Sarah Jo Wood Safrit Willie Saleeby Barry and Lea Saunders Donald and Phyllis Sheeley Robb and Joann Simonini Spring Beauty Garden Club Jim and Dot Stone Clyde and Mary CatherineStuckey Sara Timmons Dr. and Mrs. Howard Tucker John and Judy Johnson Walker John and Martha Ward Clyde and Myrtle Weaver Jim and Sara K. Wilds Ben and Anne Williamson

HONORARIUMS Dr. Ronna Askins Mr. and Mrs. Greg Askins Mary Lou Bailey Steve and Alice Rumpf Merle Davis Baxley Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Beth and Bill Blakeney Ann Gay Duvall Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain Kent and Kyle Segars

Congratulations to Kathy Swygert Speights ’75 and Paul H. Speights ’75 on the births of granddaughter Charlotte Ellis Speights on September 21, 2010 and grandson Sawyer Matthew Speights on December 2, 1010.

Congratulations to Brianna Bunce Douglas ’01 and Bruce Douglas ’03 on the birth of daughter Lila Mays Douglas on January 6, 2011.

Congratulations to Caroline Benson Beasley ’09 and Jason on the birth of daughter Stella Rebecca Beasley.

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Frank Bush Steve and Donna Bilby David and Patsy Cannon Dr. Ronna V. Askins Donna and Curtis Chapman Edith Chapman Jim and Phyllis Cox James and Holly Prescott Dr. and Mrs. Malcolm C.Doubles Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Liz Gilland Steve and Cheryl Scott Bobbie Kelley Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Anna Hungerpiller Kent and Kyle Segars Mary Elmore Jordan Belva High Mary Coker Joslin Richard and Carol Luth Ruthven Nan Lawton Ed and Tru Lawton Dr. and Mrs. Jim Lemke Trent and Anna White Hill Mary Jane McDonald Gus and Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer Pam Newsome Olivia G. Doughty Holly and Jim Prescott Trent and Anna White Hill

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John and Pam Newsome Ruth Rogers Nielsen Charles and Adrienne Rogers Walt and Susan Harvey Rosemarie Shelly Dr. and Mrs. C. Brooks Bannister Sam Tomlinson Drs. George and Gayle Buckheister Sawyer Catherine J. Trowell Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Trowell Billy Weaver Charles and Adrienne Rogers Betty Wiggins Sloan Hunberpiller Brittain David and Patsy Cannon Bob and Betty Corning Eddie and Linda Drayton Kim and Terry Harrington Walt and Susan Harvey Robert and Janet Snow Dr. Kenneth L. Wilmot Patricia Evans Wilmot Mayme J. White Willie and Leigh Ann Bizzell Ruth Woodham Dr. and Mrs. Harry T. Hickson

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QR CODES Quick Response (QR) codes have bridged the gap between print and digital media. With a downloadable application, users scan the two-dimensional barcodes through a smartphone camera and are instantly linked to a webpage with relevant pictures, text or videos.

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class news •

G at h e r e d & w r it t e n by cl a ss R e pr e se n tat i v e s

•

Dear Classmates, Many of you won’t remember me as I was a graduate of Coker’s South campus located at Fort Jackson. Coker has always been dear to my heart, and I have served as a volunteer for many years.

My latest undertaking is that of Class Representative for the class of 1940. I cannot begin to tell you the stories I have heard, the laughter I have shared with the members of the class of 1940. It is truly a pleasure to call someone—someone whom you have never met, yet have a common thread. Remember…it is the Coker experience that binds all of us together regardless of the year or the campus from which wer graduated.

I would like to challenge you to “adopt” an earlier class. The time involved is minimal, yet the rewards are enormous. These alumnae paved the way for us; now it’s our turn to give back to them.

Best wishes to you all!

Connie (Bell) Hucks ’93 EV

1937 Emily Henderson Remington is still busy organizing musical events at Franke at Seaside. She did hear from Grace Forsythe that Harriet Holman McIver had passed away. Emily turned 94 recently.

1938

Florence Houck Steele Post Office Box 69

Davis Station, SC 29041 803-478-8783 | 803-460-7877 cell phone Class of ’38,

Eunice Ford Rogers says her lifestyle is slow.

She has some broken bones and uses a walker but her mind is good. I surely enjoyed talking with her.

Her granddaughter will graduate from college in the spring. She said Betty is still in Tulsa and Nancy is in Greenville.

Alma (Annis A. Reames Walker, 20 Camelot Way 1C, S. Weymouth, MA 02190) chatted with me on the phone then wrote me a nice letter with her news. She said her sons didn’t want her living alone so she moved in with Bob and Linda in September. She has had a few health problems but she is still holding on. Her older son, Bill, just had heart surgery and is much better but will retire from the Fire Department soon. She also told me she tries to stay active, helps at the Church Thrift Shop, Plays Bingo once a week. She says this and her doctors visits keep her busy.

I talked with Sarah Myers Dickinson who lives in Lookout Mountain, GA. She lost her husband four years ago. She has two sons, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Our telephone connection was poor so we didn’t get a chance to chat much.

I had a nice long chat with Mary Jones Folger (24 Boxwood Lane, Greenville, SC 29601). She is doing

really well. Says she has someone coming in to check on her. I hope when I visit my son in Spartanburg we can get to see her.

Hope Tallevast Godefroy and I talk to each other frequently. She says she has had to slow down a lot. We enjoy our phone visits immensely.

I chatted with Hilda Rowe Rutherford for several minutes. I still haven’t received her letter but I’m sure it will come soon.

I have not been able to reach Barbara K. Frampton or Helen Watford Sassard. Frances Robbins Hovis passed away August 18, 2010 at a medical center in Knoxville, TN.

I talked with Verda Mobley Steele. She is residing at Morning Star, Lancaster SC.

I finally got Nancy Bridges Fussell this morning.

She lives alone in her apartment in Mercer Island, Wash.

She has two sons and a daughter who live near her and two sons and a daughter who live in Maryland. She is in a Retirement Community.

I have enjoyed talking with all of our classmates I am still doing really well for my 92 years. Still drive mostly in the day. Still have my duplex at the Methodist Oaks in Orangeburg. Stay there in January and February and visit every other month several times. I’m still a Gamecock of 70 consecutive years. I attend all the home games and two of the away games. My son and daughter-in-law live in Spartanburg and my daughter Sandra lives during the summer in Highland NC and during the winter in St. Augustine, FL. They both call me every day (I guess to be sure I’m still living???) and I love that and they visit me frequently.

I hope I haven’t bored you with all this news. I’d love to hear from any of you anytime.

Love you, Florence Steele

1939

Lisa Miller Sneed ’98

1940

Mary Constance [Connie] Hucks ’93 EV

104 Cooper River Road Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 843-650-4791 | CokerGrad@aol.com

Dear Class of 1940,

Since I last wrote to you, we have lost three of our dear friends and classmates.

Graveside Services for Mary Mathis Watson Guyton, were held at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 19, 2010 at Rose Hill Cemetery, directed by Richardson Funeral Home. The family received friends following the service at the Cemetery.

Mrs. Virginia Williams Anderson ’39, passed away Monday, May 31, 2010, at her home. Virginia was born December 9, 1917, in Mullins, SC, a daughter of the late former Governor and Mrs. Ransome J. Williams.

She was the widow of William D. Anderson Jr and was pre-deceased by her sister, Nancy R. Wilson of Lake City. She was a graduate of Coker College, class of 1939, and taught high school in Springfield and Lake City, SC.

I learned that Carolina Chandler Caddell passed away on February 23, 2009.

Our sincere sympathies are extended to the families of these two very special friends. We will miss them dearly but will fondly treasure the many memories shared together.

Margaret Davidson Baker says her life is full and she and her family are all doing well. We talked about Coker and she declared that she just loved everything there and genuinely treasures the lasting friendships.

She has always been proud to call Coker her alma mater.

Gladys McNeill Bellamy is doing alright and said

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that she sure does love reading our news column.

I talked with Janet Langston Jones ’39 who said she doesn’t get out much anymore. She told me that she is living now “in the suburbs of heaven”. We talked about our alma mater, and she remembered with great admiration her Coker days.

Katherine Jackson Barton told me that she had a wonderful 90th birthday. She thanked me for remembering her birthday and keeping in touch, and she even complimented the homemade birthday card I sent. Her children and all but one of her grandchildren joined her for a magnificent luncheon. She praised her family for taking such good care of her.

Other than a minor blood pressure problem, Ruby Whittington Oliver is doing just fine. I called one evening while her daughter, granddaughter, and great grandson were joining her for dinner. I told her that she should enjoy her family and I would call back later.

Frances Humphries Price says that she and her family are doing unusually well but staying very busy.

She and husband Hampton went to Symphony Summer Fest and said it was just great. It’s so hot these days that they are staying indoors as much as possible. Frances is a Sudoku puzzle solver and we talked and talked about the magic of math and how much we both love numbers. We even shared strategies of those addictive little puzzles.

I chatted a long time with Mary Luther Hudson who admitted that she is “just old”. Although one of her daughters and her family lives in TX she gets to see them often. Another daughter lives in Hartsville so she gets to visit the campus once in a while and said that it is just beautiful. Last time she was there, she even got to visit her old dorm room. She let me know that the food was so good when she was at Coker. She recalled the smell of fresh yeast bread wafting through the campus.

As she described that delicious aroma, I could almost smell it. As she was recalling fond memories of her days at Coker, she told me that she thinks of Loree Harrington Gandy so very often.

When I asked Nell Godwin Morris how she was doing, she said that she couldn’t complain. She admitted that we all need to slow down. Nell is in the process of selling the Perpetual Care Cemetery and that will definitely allow her more time to spend with the Three Rivers Historical Society. She said that the books are selling well, and she mails them daily. Nell enjoyed a wonderful 92nd birthday.

I talked to Frances Humphries Price who let me know that her granddaughters are both in college this year; one is in medical school, and the other is a sophomore music major. The grandsons are living nearby, so they get to see them more often. Frances still works every other Saturday in the convenience store at Springmoor. Additionally, she is volunteering at the library there once a month.

Still knitting those little baby caps, Katherine Jackson Barton asked if she was knitting too much.

A kind nurse responded, “We always have a baby who needs a cap.” Kat knits and donates the baby caps to a local hospital in AL where she lives near her family.

Ruby Whittington Oliver still comes to Myrtle Beach for a visit periodically, but she said it’s just too hot to come down here now. She recalled that back during the freezing winter months, she promised herself she would not fuss when the hot weather came. Well, with this heat, I believe she’s changed her mind! Ruby has a little puppy [she claims belongs to her daughter] that she has relentlessly spoiled. She rocks little Choco like a baby.

Did you know that Frances Humphries Price

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was the first elementary librarian in Smithfield, NC? Although a math major, she had six credit hours in Library Science from Coker which earned her the position. She also taught seventh grade and later returned to earn a Masters degree in Library Science.

After many trips to various doctors, Loree Harrington Gandy is doing well. She has given up on some medications and walks 30 minutes each day before the temperature begins to rise. She also works in her beautiful yard. Now if I had her “green thumb” perhaps I could have more than just silk plants in my home! Loree said that it was such a blessing to see her class back in the Commentary, and she thanked me from the bottom of her heart. I assure you, dear class of ’40, that it gives me much pleasure and I feel honored to be your class representative.

Of course Nell Godwin Morris won’t slow down but just so much. She is very involved with the Brown Town Museum located between Lake City and Johnsonville.

Her daughter and family from Dayton will be visiting in August and perhaps that will give her some time off from her many responsibilities in the community. Nell let me know that she is most appreciative for the class of 1940 to return to the Commentary – she just loves our column.

Marjorie Brunk Nettles confessed that she doesn’t get around like she used to but she has a lot to be thankful for. She still sees Octavia “Ta” Moses Mahon ’39 quite often and she is so thankful for her good health. Margie sees Helen Montague James ’39 but she is not doing real well but still manages to go to church.

Margie was down at the beach last month visiting with her daughter from FL. She said the entire family: three daughters, including Carol Phillips Kirven ‘63, and all her grandchildren and great grandchildren are doing well.

With the Third Army moving into Shaw Air Force Marjorie Brunk Nettles is praying for a rise in the economy. So many have been unemployed, and this will be a great economic boost for her hometown of Sumter.

Herb and I tried to escape the heat of the beach this summer by spending several days in the NC mountains.

We simply adore picnicking and found a beautiful spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway where we enjoyed a feast of boiled shrimp. Another picnic was in TN as we ventured towards Gatlinburg, but this was a more traditional spread with fried chicken and watermelon. In April our family gathered to celebrate my mother’s 80th birthday.

We congregated again for a steak cookout on the 4th of July. Herb does cook the very best steak in the world!

YUM!

We are already planning our November vacation which will be in Playa Mujeres, Mexico. We are so looking forward to a week of peace and tranquility.

With both of us working full time, and trying to fit in all the events in our lives, it is so rare to have any relaxation time.

As always, a great big “thanks” for allowing me to serve as your class representative. And don’t forget to tell someone that you love them!

Cordially, Connie

1941

Norma Mathis Pate

128 Walnut Lane #124 N. Augusta, SC 29860 803-439-7930 cell phone | ndmp8@juno.com

1942

Rep or co-rep needed

1943

Selma Stogner LeHardy

415 Lakeshore Drive Hartsville, SC 29550 843-332-7952 Co-rep needed

1944

Rep or co-rep needed

1945

Katherine Still Campbell

295 Club Acres Orangeburg, SC 29118 803-534-6594

1946

Rep or co-rep needed

1947

Lee Blake Stevenson

Post Office Box 660 Beaufort SC 29901 843-524-5860 | Lbs26@islc.net

1948

Pat Hesse Hardison

1300 Queens Road, Unit 318 Charlotte, NC 28207 704-373-3056

1949

Lois Hatfield Anderson ’54

210 Saddlebrook Lane Hopkins, SC 29061 803-776-0926 | LHAnderson32@aol.com Class of 1949,

How I wish there were thirty- six hours in a day and ten days in a week! Then maybe---just MAYBE--I’d have a chance to get in touch with each of my new friends in the Coker bunch of 1949! I’ve had a wonderful time catching up with a few of you and am excited about finding (or finding at home) the rest of you! I’ll be in touch. In the meantime, send a note to me at 210 Saddlebrook Lane, Hopkins SC 29061.

Ann Stuart Ashley ’48 lives in Charlotte, N.C. When I asked her how she was, she said, “Well I’ve been younger and better”! Ann lived in Fairmont, N.C. with her family after her marriage ad did bookkeeping at Waccamaw Bank there. She and her husband James (called Red) have two daughters. One of them lives in the Lake Lure area and the other lives in Waxhaw. The daughter in Waxhaw has Ann and Red’s only grandson.

Red, whose health is not great, has enjoyed gardening through the years and still plants a small vegetable garden. I LOVE the gardening tip Ann shared: Red buys bags of top soil, punches holes in the bags, puts plants in the holes and watches them GROW! Ann’s birthday is April 6.

Lib Tomlinson Atkins is living at Bethea Baptist Retirement Home between Darlington and Florence and does a fair amount of selective TV viewing. She finished Coker in three years, having gotten married after her sophomore year. She and her husband live on Richardson Circle in Hartsville and Lib taught school at Carolina School in Hartsville. She stopped teaching for a while to be a stay-at-home mom, but went back to teaching when their two sons were in junior high school. I missed getting info about one of her sons, but the other son lives in Lafayette, Louisiana. Lib’s birthday

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We did a lot of music and her husband, Bob, and I used to sing together. Shirley says she doesn’t play the piano any more; Bob says he doesn’t sing any more and since I don’t sing in crowds any more, I guess our musical days are just about done! Shirley and Bob have four children: daughter Ashley lives in Shreveport, Louisiana where her husband is professor of English in a college there; son Steve and his wife Shirley live next door to Shirley and Bob and Steve works with Farm Service Agency; son Dan is an architect in Charlotte; and son Scott has two sons. (I didn’t get enough info on where Scott lives nor how Shirley’s seven grandchildren are divided up!)

Shirley enjoys reading and as we talked, I found that she and I both are moving slowly through THE HELP. The Maces stay busy and are enjoying life!

I had a lovely near- visit with Joanne Moody Zobel.

I am amazed at all she and Bud do! They divide their time between Aiken and Isle of Palms, but consider Isle of Palms their permanent home. She says that their children, who are scattered, come as often they can. It gets, according to Joanne, interesting when all of them are together with the spouses and children. Her children have moved around some and she spoke of places like Pennsylvania, Richmond, Houston, and Boston! Joanne plays a lot of bridge and does volunteer work. She also stays in touch with our Alma Mater! Though Bud is having difficulty with rotator cuff, he is convinced that he can still fish by casting with his left hand! He also still does some golfing and is presently building rocking chairs for the great grands! SPUNKY!!!

Listen, Y’all, If you’ve enjoyed this column and you’d like to see another one, please get in touch with me. My e-mail address is lhanderson32@yahoo.com.

My telephone number is 803-776-0926. It will help me GREATLY if you will send me some info about you. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM EACH OF YOU!

Wish I could meet each one of you! Love to you!

Lois Hatfield Anderson, Class of 1954

Electa Andeson Small ’85

204 Lantana Circle

Georgetown, SC 29440-7278 803-348-6748 andee33@aol.com

1950

Velna Rollins Patrick

1 Granville Road Columbia, SC 29209 803-776-3046

Rose Patrick Smith ’75

1801 Stannard Trail Raleigh, NC 27612 919-789-4829 | dsmithII@nc.rr.com Dear Class of 1950,

Our class reunion was quite an event! After we realized that we had actually graduated from Coker College 60 years earlier, and that we are really 80 years old, we settled down very nicely and enjoyed all the festivities!

On Friday night Dr. and Mrs. Robert Wyatt and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bush greeted us, welcoming us back to Coker and to the Drengaelen House. Ms. Lyn Blackmon and Mr. Wes Daniels were our dinner hosts. We enjoyed a delicious meal in the lovely former home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Coker.

Sharing in the wonderful fellowship around the table were Lillian Dillard Stephens and Steve, Pam Huggins Chapman and Henry, Frances Matheson

Leppard, Mary Johnson Bowie, Willie Calcutt Saleeby, Ann Livingston Joyeusaz, Lib Bishop Tiller, and Velna Rollins Patrick and Pat.

On Alumni Day we were joined by Connie Lee Freeman and a friend, and Ernestine Cato Blakeney along with her two beautiful daughters. Looking back to the 2005 reunion, our class attendance was the same in 2010.

On a sad note, we learned that 39 of our classmates are deceased. In fact, Dr. Edward Flaherty, who had made plans to attend, died just a few days earlier.

I sincerely thank each contributor to our class gift for your generosity. The amount we presented to Dr. Wyatt was impressive, but since additional gifts were being received, I do not know the total at this time.

Coker enrolled the largest freshman class in the college’s history for 2010 -2011, which reminds us that the need for financial support in order to provide scholarshipassistance is critical.

By the way, the students we met, and those who performed various helpful duties on Alumni Day, were well informed, friendly, and happy! Assets, indeed!

Hope to hear from you! Velna

1951

Betty Lee Jordan Gandy 1201 Wisteria Drive Florence, SC 29501 843-662-2797

Dear classmates,

In 2011 we will have our 60th Reunion. Can you believe it? Begin preparing now for that special time.

I was saddened to learn of the death of Emily Carmichael O’ Boyle in April. I know you join me in expressing sympathy to her family.

I had a phone visit with Catherine Russ Pate in April. She was retiring from her volunteer work at Wesley Methodist Church. She began working there as part time while she was a Coker student. She won’t be idle though; she and Gerald do stained glass professionally.

Their four grandchildren are also professionals. Charlie is a sculptor. He is doing fine sculptors that depict the fine wars and they will be a National Memorial to Veterans’.

Martin does portraits and paintings for the National Park Services. Jerry is a Newspaper photographer. Laura is a nurse at Duport and an occupational nurse at McLeod Medical Center. Quite a talented and busy family.

Rachel Collier Flowers, Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer, Catherine R. Pate joined me as our Reunion Committee Members. You will be hearing from us and the Alumni Office about our reunion plans.

As always, I remind you to send your donation to Coker.

Another reminder that seems to fall on deafness--send news…

Love, Betty Lee Gandy

1952

Betty Lou McIntyre Barclay

329 Lee Circle Dillon, SC 29536 843-774-6122 | Bbar830771@aol.com

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is December 17.

Sammie Lowery Baggett had a granddaughter visiting with her the day I called. Damon (granddaughter) is from D.C. and was enjoying being with her grandmother. Sammie’s health is not great, but she is looking forward to feeling better. She has three daughters, two granddaughters, and a grandson, Riley, who lives with her. Sammie enjoys her family, gardening, reading, and selective TV. She suggests “Golden Girls”! P.S. Sammie passed away on August 6, 2010. We offer our sympathy to her family.

St. Augustine, Florida is home to Lib Owens Barnett and has been since the death of her husband.

She and her husband lived in West Columbia, SC and had a wonderful family---Two daughters and two sons.

She now has two granddaughters, two grandsons, one great grandson, and one great granddaughter. Lib was basically a stay-at- home mom, but she did clerical work for a little while. She and her husband were dancers and greatly enjoyed traveling around the country doing just that! She says she’s up and around still, but has given up the dancing! Lib reads a lot and I discovered that she and I enjoy reading some of the same things. Her birthday is April 30.

Betty Culbreath Barnwell has a wonderful, positive outlook on life! She says she has a few aches and pains, but that each day is GLORIOUS! She lives in Charlotte, N.C. after having lived in Columbia for many years. I loved her little stories about her life in Columbia.

I had been on her home street the very day I talked to her! She has two sons, one of whom had a heart attack but is okay now. Betty has loved sewing, especially lovely lingerie--- and now enjoys reading, particularly the Bible and magazines. She gardens around her patio home and walks the mall everyday.

Jean Shelley Andrews, who lives in Fairmont NC is in good health, thank Goodness! Her husband, who is a retired banker, has had a few health issues, but is doing fair. They have a daughter who lives nearby and there are three grandchildren. Jean taught business classes in high school for some time and now enjoys teaching Sunday School at her church where they are very involved. She also helps encourage her 16 year old grandson who was in a terrible accident a little more than a year ago. His name is Robbie Barr and he is learning again to walk and talk. I have put his name (with Jean’s permission) on the prayer list at my church and I encourage all of you to keep Jean and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Jean’s son-in- law (father of Robbie) is now in the ministry. Jean sends greetings to all of her classmates. Her birthday is October 8.

Betty George Hurlbutt and I have something in common besides Coker--- We both know a lot about carpal tunnel syndrome. I’ve recently had surgery on one hand for that condition and Betty is bothered by the same thing. Her health is pretty good and she’s thankful for that. Betty left Coker after two years and went to Hawaii to continue school. The schooling there didn’t work out so she just enjoyed Hawaii for a few months and came back to the mainland. She got married and had two sons. One son is Merchant Marines and the other lives on James Island near Charleston SC. Betty’s husband, who was the Forestry Commission, passed away in 2009. She told me about an experience her husband had with Gov. James F. Byrnes after I had shared with her about my connection with Gov. and Mrs. Byrnes. Betty’s birthday is May 28, and since my birthday is May 26 and my daughter Electa’s is May 29 we might just plan a birthday BASH!

Shirley Prescott Mace and I used to go to church together in Marion, SC and I was thrilled to talk to her!

Frances “Frankie” Nicholson Townsend 201 Kinney Circle Bennettsville, SC 29512 | 843-479-9398

THE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE, H A RT S VILLE, S .C .

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1953

Pat Chapman Huff

507 Wilmar Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550 843-332-3755 | Phuff507@cs.com

Mitzi DuPre Matthews

DEVELOPMENT

200 Juanita Drive Lexington, SC29072 803-808-8462 | Bmatthews2@juno.com Dear Classmates,

Greetings to you during this hot summer. I hope you are staying cool and taking good care of yourselves.

When I heard that we would have class news published only once a year, I knew I had better keep a good account of things as they happened. So, here goes for this year so far.

We have all been so saddened by the deaths of Susie Gaines Hautala in April and Callie McCuen Simpson in May. Do you remember that Susie was our freshman class president and Callie our junior class president? Both of them continued after graduation with their dedication and love to Coker and to our class.

We are really going to miss them.

We are so grateful to someone at our 50th reunion who suggested that we have a mini-reunion the years that we don’t have a five-year reunion. So every year since 2003 we have met annually. This year we had a wonderful gathering April 9th when we had Coker’s new president, Dr. Robert Wyatt and his wife, Nancy; our alumni director, Lyn Blackmon, and alumni office secretary, Dee Pierce as our guests. Others attending were Peggy Warren Smith and husband, Jay from Jacksonville, Florida; Sarah Sampson Bell and husband James from Pembroke, North Carolina; Truey Tarbox Thieker and husband Forrest from Columbia; Betty Carol Mobley Bynum and husband Bundy from Winnsboro; Margaret Hewitt Hoffmeyer from Florence; Mitzi DuPre Matthews from Lexington; Charlie Chewning from Darlington; Chuck Cottingham from Centenary and Mickey McDowell from Elliott, husbands of Sara Frances Coleman and Anne Merck; Virginia Lee Poston Matthews from Florence, and me. After a delicious catered lunch, Dr. Wyatt brought us up to date on the college. The group agreed to meet next year the first Friday in April and at Kalmia Gardens again. Please mark this date on your 2011 calendar and plan to join us.

Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger, who always comes to our get-togethers, was on a cruise with some family members and missed coming to the mini-reunion. She had two wonderful graduations to attend recently.

A grandson graduated from high school and a granddaughter from chiropractic college.

Our little group of Cokernuts who try to meet monthly enjoyed going to Webster’s in Mullins and afterwards to Betty Jean’s home during the spring.

Meeting us there were Jean Fore McDaniel and husband Mac from Sacramento who were spending some time at their home in Pawleys Island. Another time the group came to Hartsville to my home and another to Bishopville and on to Mickey McDowell’s. It has been so good to have Betty Carol and Bundy with us on most of these occasions.

There are a number of you to whom we extend love and sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Martha Lyons Shealey lost her husband Harold and Mitzi DuPre Matthews lost her husband Budd. Lib Watford Watkins’ daughter Donna; Ina Claire Bryant’s brother Roy, and Fletcher Allen, husband of our deceased classmate, Betty Fink Allen, have all passed away during this year.

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Please let me hear from you if there is someone I have missed.

Betty Jean, Charlie, Mitzi and I spent a week at the beach in June. Meeting us for lunch at the Sea Captain’s House in Myrtle Beach one day were Sarah Sampson Bell and James; Chuck Cottingham; Mickey McDowell; Dwight Hyman, friend of Betty Jean’s, and Ann Colclough Terry ’51. Daphen Yarborough Edge had planned to be with us but fell the day before and broke an arm. So, the next day we visited her in her new condo in Little River.

The children of Dave Rogers surprised him with an eighty-first birthday party during this year. Oh, how I would have loved to have been there to celebrate with him. Has anyone ever forgotten that wonderful voice of his?

There have been so many delightful telephone calls and notes from so many of you. Thanks to Beth DuBose Cottingham ’55, Felicia Brown McElveen, Cat Rice Tharin, Joan Carter McKissick, Margaret Hewitt Hoffmeyer, Virginia Lee Matthews, Lib Watford Watkins, Peggy Warren Smith, Daphen Yarborough Edge and Jean Fore McDaniel for sharing with me.

Charlie Chewning’s sister Barbara continues to be in a nursing home in Darlington, and Charlie could not be a more devoted sister. Many days she is visiting her twice a day. Charlie is so good about calling classmates.

She has called Everette Gause Stauffer, Sara Huggins Fowler, Tommie Long McClain and Barbara Lowery Mims. Barbara had some surgery and spent time in rehab.

Betty Carol Mobley Bynum, Bundy and Mickey McDowell enjoy lunch together in Camden from time to time. Betty Carol had knee surgery recently. It has been so nice reconnecting with her.

Without many of you wonderful friends, I would have had a more difficult time dealing with life without Carl. I was so touched at our grandson Jeremy’s wedding in March where there was an empty chair in memory of Carl.

I want you to know that Coker is in good hands with our new president and all is going well there. I am not sure of our percentage of giving this past year, but I do know that many of you did give, and I am proud of the number.

You are dear to me and I know that Mitzi shares the sentiment that it is a privilege for us to be your class representatives.

My love and best wishes,

Pat Chapman Huff

1954

Lois Hatfield Anderson

210 Saddlebrook Lane Hopkins, SC 29061 803-776-0926 | LHAnderson32@aol.com Class of 1954,

I’ve caught fewer of you at home this go-round than I have in a long time, but I always enjoy chatting with those who are available. Maybe you next time!

Betty Stokes Cottingham and I had a good visit over the phone. She was enjoying reading a book THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE and suggested that many of us might like it. Betty and I have discovered that we often read the same things. She loves doing yard work, but like most of us, has found SC July heat doesn’t allow us to do all we’d like. She now focuses on as I don on container gardens—less backbreaking labor, less digging more easily moved to shady spots and certainly eye-catching. Betty’s granddaughter and her two little

ones are now living with Betty along with Betty’s son whose health is not good. Never a dull moment at the Cottingham place. Betty has recently had foot surgery but is doing well.

Miriam Powers Jordan and Chubby have just finished planting their den! From what I hear, they won’t be doing that again soon. They spend as much time as they can at their house at Surfside beach but don’t live down there the entire summer. Both of them are up to their eyes in volunteer work in family, church and community. Their great grandson, Kire has just celebrated his first birthday and a grandson Jason is getting married a few weeks from now. At the time we last talked, granddaughter Caroline was on a great trip to Alaska. Miriam and I both feel great pride when, our monthly Woodmen of the World meetings, we park next to each other and sport our Coker license plates.

Back in early summer I sat with the Canteys at our annual James F. Byrnes luncheon and learned that he is nephew of Jo Simmons Aiken. He didn’t have and real news of Jo but told me of some of her travels. Maybe I can get in touch with her before January, 2011.

I talked at length with Martha Little Hunter. She and Reed have been gone, gone, gone--- seeing folks they hadn’t seen in a long time, trying out new golf courses and restaurants, and visiting with their children.

There were three grandchildren graduating this spring: one from high school and one from middle school.

Martha stays BUSY with physical fitness, golf, hospital volunteering, Bible teaching, and other things. She and Reed are well and we’re all grateful for that. Martha has given up her spot as co-rep for our class, so I’m looking for one of you to raise your hand and volunteer to help me!

An e-mail from Sarah Kolb Bivins gave me a rundown of their schedule for mid-August and it makes me breathless! They’ll be at Ridgecrest staff meeting and will celebrate, along with their children and grandchildren their 55th wedding anniversary. Among the guests for the gathering will be Sarah’s cousin Ann Gelzer Black ’55 who was at Coker, too. After those wonderful times Sarah and Lee will be at their condo at Garden City Beach for several days. Some family members will be with them. Sarah is also hoping to see some of her high school classmates for their 60th class anniversary in Conway. Their granddaughter Beth (named for Beth Cottingham DuBose) turned 14 on July 14. She is daughter of Simona. Ruth Ann’s children, Aaron, 8 and Taylor, 5 will be attending school in Lexington, Ky. Sarah reports that they are all healthy!

Ellen Bramlett Clarke wasn’t home when I called, but Jim was. They had a wonderful trip to England in the spring and traveled extensively in other areas of Europe.

Much of their travels abroad are centered around family history…They’re well!

Mary Sue Sowell DuRant and Marion are retired in Titusville, FL. They have not been able to come to my high school class reunions (Marion and I were classmates) because they have some dogs that require their attention. Sue and Marion are doing great!

Marilyn Fairfax Glazebrook is still in Virginia. I was saddened to learn that her husband Bob had passed two years ago. She is working on a part-time basis with the Commonwealth assembly. I just know that must be fun! She stays involved with her church and other things, but would love to hear from you.

Finally caught Chris Bates Mink at home! She and Al had been visiting their son Frank and his family in Tennessee. It wasn’t any cooler there than it was here.

Chris is feeling better, thank Goodness. She has begun some self-injections for her rheumatoid arthritis and it is

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is SOME task! Bobby graduated through the evening program, I think he and his wife, Marlene love Coker almost as much as we do!

Electa Anderson Small ’85 and Joe are still in Tulsa, OK and do not know when they’ll be returning to their home at DeBordieux near Gerogetown. They like Tulsa a lot and that’s a good thing. Electa comes home fairly frequently to check on her property here. I’m still doing a bunch of things connected with the business, but I’ve learned to roll with the punches! It is sometimes even exciting!

I’m doing well---Recently had carpal tunnel surgery on one hand and it wasn’t bad. Now I am looking at a different had surgery for trigger fingers. My days are full---yard, garden, rental stuff, neighborhood, church and various other things which I enjoy. Though I’m busy like everyone else, I still have time to answer the phone calls from you or respond to an email. My address has not changed: 210 Saddlebrook Lane, Hopkins, SC 29061.

My email address is landerson32@alol.com . My phone number is 803-776-0926. WRITE! EMAIL! CALL!

At a recent meeting at Coker I learned that only 17% of Coker alumni contribute ANYTHING to the annual scholarship fund. This is so embarrassing to me. I hope each of you knows that you may send as little as a dollar annually and help change that ugly number. Many foundations and organizations as well as individuals base their contributions to a college on percentage of alumni. We can do better than we are doing! Send a dollar…. Send ten dollars… Send millions… Send whatever you can afford and continue to LOVE Coker!

With love to each! Lois

1955

Hoyland Lowery Fisher

925 Dogwood Court Hanahan, SC 29410 843-747-9764 | hoyfish@bellsouth.net Co-Class Representative Needed Dear Classmates,

Hope each of you is having an enjoyable summer.

This is less news than you normally get but I am still having health problems and have not felt like calling or emailing.

A special thanks to the Reunion Planning Committee for the time and effort spent in planning and executing a great 55th Class Reunion April 9-10 (Friday and Saturday). I am so sorry I was unable to attend because of illness; however, I will try and relay some highlights of the weekend as told to me by Sarah Pauline Jackson McRae and Allene Stuckey Reep.

The following classmates attended Friday evening’s informal get together at Sarah Pauline’s home: Allene Stuckey Reep, Betty Shaw Merck, Wilhelmina Kirkland Miller, Patsy Hill Yarborough, Liz Turner Jordan, Virginia Tomlinson MacKinnon, Claire Redmond McGee, Mickey McIntosh Atkinson, Betty June Dixon Gandy, Joan Tisdale Harrington, and Sarah Pauline Jackson McRae. Everyone enjoyed great food and friendship. The group reminisced about the wonderful time spent at Coker. Looking at pictures brought back many memories. Also, family pictures were shared.

Received a card from Beth DuBose Cottingham saying how disappointed she was that only she, Allene, Sarah Pauline, and Betty Shaw Merck attended Saturday’s reunion activities at Coker. Beth said it was a beautiful day and the campus was lovely. Sarah Pauline presented the class contribution to the college. Thanks to those of you who contributed to our alma mater.

Sarah Pauline’s granddaughter graduated from college with a degree in nursing and was married June 5 at Santee Canal State Park in Moncks Corner. She is working in Charleston.

Ginny says that Lou Phillips Hancock’s husband, Tom, recovered from the injuries sustained when he fell last fall from a deer hunting stand and resumed coaching softball. However, he became ill in March and had cancer surgery. Lou says it went well. Please keep Lou and her family in your prayers.

I look forward to getting some news for a future issue of the Commentary. Also, remember to send a contribution to Coker—small or large.

Love, Hoyland

1956

Peggy Cantey Gardner Post Office Box 42 Manning, SC 29102 803-435-6862

Barbara Ward Mishoe

154 South Main Street Greeleyville, SC 29056 843-426-2591 | tnmishoe@ftc-i.net Greetings Coker friends,

I certainly hope everyone is well and happy. I haven’t heard from many of you since the last notice, but some have responded. I’m hoping everyone is getting geared up for our reunion next year! The Alumni Office is working on some new plans, and I really hope it works out. It will be great if they can.

Liz Degenhardt Campanile traveled down south visiting in the spring and stopped by our house for lunch and a little conversation. Now that she has retired, she is a professional traveler. She went on to Peggy Rogers Neighbors’ house in Beaufort and phoned later to tell me that Peggy and her husband were fine and staying busy. In June, Liz traveled out to visit her daughter in California. She has a house with many bedrooms, and I plan to take her up on her invitation to visit!! Anyone interested??

Barbara Joyce Chambers keeps in touch by e-mail, and I have enjoyed that! She writes that she and Del (Della Mae Revels Hartis) met in Charlotte in the spring to meet the new Coker President. They had hors d’oeuvres, met a lot of people from the Charlotte area, and enjoyed seeing Frank Bush. In April, she and five friends went to Charlotte where they had lunch at the Dunhill Restaurant then on to the Blumenthal for a concert featuring Frankie Valli and the Beach Boys. She says the place was packed, and they saw lots of people from Salisbury who had skipped church to go to the concert!! Later in the month, Barbara had toe surgery on two toes on her left foot that had been damaged from a fall down the steps when her father was living with them. Hope it is better now, Barbara. She also wanted me to warn you all about taking the sleep medicine, Ambien. It seems that about a year after her daughter died, Barbara began having panic attacks. If you haven’t had one, it makes you feel that you can’t breathe or get enough air to your lungs. After some time went by, she finally went to the doctor who prescribed the Ambien.

Now the reason for this background, one morning she woke up, went into the bathroom where she realized the end of her spine and the back of her head were extremely sore. She had no idea what had happened and told some friends at their Canasta game. They insisted she tell her doctor immediately. He took her

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proving beneficial. Both of the Minks are doing well, but Al doesn’t hike anymore. He really misses that! They are still involved with their grandkids.

Betty Reaves Herring has a son Bert who goes to my church, and I found Betty through him. She, her sister Charlotte and about a dozen others (six of them children) were enjoying a few days together in the mountains of GA. Betty had a wonderful trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon in the spring and took a helicopter ride over the Canyon. A first for her! This summer, Betty picked delicious blueberries at Lucy Singletary Caldwell’s. Betty had talked to both Shirley Dobbins Middleton and Gay McLemore Beaumont as she was traveling in their respective areas. They, too, are fine! One of the things Betty has recently enjoyed was attending a play in Hartsville and seeing Lara Wyatt perform. Lara is the daughter of our Coker president and his wife.

Mary Ellen Williamson Sprawls has had shingles AGAIN but has survived and is doing well. She still travels with various groups and a now planning a trip to Amish country in PA and to Branson in November. Even more exciting than that to me is that she is going with me and a crowd of retired Woodmen of the World and friends to Pigeon Forge in September. Mary Ellen still helps her sons in their business and also helps with her grandchildren. She continues to sew but is not doing as much quilting because of some trouble with her rotator cuff.

Surely you’ve heard that our dear friend Jerome McKenzie passed away recently from a massive heart attack. I had talked to him sometime earlier and had planned to stop by his home which is near a farm where I pick tomatoes for canning. On the day that I picked tomatoes, heavy clouds were overhead and severe thunderstorms were forecast. I didn’t go see Jerome and I really regret that. I hope to see his wife soon.

LaVerne Hancock and I are in touch infrequently.

He pastors a beautiful country church in my community and many of my friends attend there. He and Barbara live in the city and are enjoying that. They’re both well.

I want him to write a Commentary column about their five remarkable children. He doesn’t talk about them a lot because he doesn’t want to brag. I’ve told him it is OKAY if we brag about our offsprings! LaVerne was the one who told me of Jerome’s death, but I could not go with him and Barbara to the funeral.

Beth Fore McMillan is still in Florence and is not as well as she’d like to be. I urged her to plan to join her brother, sister-in-law and the rest of us on our trip to wherever in Sept. 2011. She didn’t say “No”.

My friend Henry who helps me in my yard and I are going to Hartsville one day soon to dig some elephant ears from Frances Johnson McElveen’s yard. My daisies came from here! Frances and Don stay busy wit the usual things: family, church, neighborhood, etc. She does a good bit of volunteer work at Coker!

I see Willie Hughes Van Patten ’52 at church every Sunday for she’s in the Sunday School class that I teach.

Willie moved to Columbia more than a year ago and immediately came to Shandon. She has some pretty serious health issues but got some better reports last week. Her only son Jonathan (37) and Willie in your prayers, please.

Louise Bristow Kinsey ’53 is also in my Sunday school class. She is so faithful to be there when she is able. Her son Jud is part of Shandon’s outstanding men’s quartet. (The name of the quartet is Stepl, pronounced Steeple) and they are superb!

One of my Coker friends, Bobby Chandler ’79, is in charge of ushers for EVERYTHING at my church and that

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off the Ambien and explained that it had been known to cause people to do things they did not remember.

She is now on Xanax which helps the panic attacks. Her granddaughters are growing up too fast—Anna Edward is 15 and Mary Maxwell is 7.

Ann Gelzer Black and her husband have put their house on the market with the possibility of moving to a cottage at the Presbyterian Home Retirement Center or a smaller house elsewhere. They are busy with their children and grandchildren and life in general. I know the feeling, Ann.

I was thrilled when I found an e-mail from Sylvia (Claudette) Lockee Taylor. She wrote a little about what had been happening to her. She taught school for 31 years retiring in 1995. Her name change came when she worked at Lockheed when she first went to Texas.

She and her husband, John Taylor, have been married 53 years, have two sons, Jay and Jeff, who both went to Baylor and are CPA’s and have their own CPA firm. Both sons are married. There are 3 grandchildren, Samuel, Mary, and Ellen (who was adopted from China). They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2007 with a family cruise including even the grandchildren and repeated it all again with another family cruise in July 2010. She has actually done all of the grandchildren’s pictures in needlepoint which took a year for each child and has now started on one for each of her sons and their wives.

What a feat!! Sylvia does a lot of volunteer work—with the Salvation Women’s Auxiliary and the church. Sounds like she has a great life!

I received a short note from Rosie Ravenel Bee after July 4th. She said they had a great family time on the 4th. They saw most of their children and grandchildren and all enjoyed the fireworks. They, too, thank God for all the freedoms we have in this country.

All my family is well! Two children both live in Lexington, SC, and work in the school system—son, Tommy, teaches history at the high school and is the baseball coach, married with 2 children, a boy and a girl, and wonderful wife who works part-time with her dad and drives the kids; daughter, Carolyn, is an elementary guidance counselor, married to a great boy she met in college who is the principal of a middle school, with 2 children, a boy and a girl. The older daughter, Martie, lives in Georgetown, has 3 grown children, boys, Eric and Lee, and daughter, Anne. Eric is married and has a daughter, 3. I retired, as you probably remember, in 2000 from teaching school among other things, then quit teaching in 2005. I still substitute some in high school. My latest venture is entering politics—I am a candidate for the State House of Representatives from our district. I really don’t have much chance of winning, but we’re trying to get people interested in voting again, and didn’t think the person running should not have any competition. The rest of the time, I’m doing all the things you get to do when you retire and people know you might be available!!

Don’t forget to start planning to come to the reunion next year!!

Barbara Ward Mishoe

1957

Lynn Williams Oates

3417 Oates Highway Lamar, SC 29069 843-332-3040 | lwoates@peoplepc.com Dear Class of ’57,

Here it is...news time again and me with no news!

Well, I have gleaned a little news so you will not have to hear about EVERYTHING I have done!!!!

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I see Ann Gay Blakeney Duvall and Almena “Mena” Gainey Galloway once a month at a high school lunch. Ann Gay is doing good--still working part time at the Florence Library. Mena visits children and grandchildren often as she slowly recovers from Joe’s death.

Had a note from Frances Bishop Wray after the last Commentary issue--hope this info is still appropriate.

She and Joe live on Lake Lanier near Tryon, NC. Joe has back problems (2 surgeries) but they continue to volunteer for various mission projects. (Their volunteer work makes me feel like a “slug”!!) They enjoy their 5 grandchildren and do some traveling.

I had a marvelous trip to Bavaria, Austria and Slovakia in Feb. Would go again in a heartbeat. Also had a great trip to Santa Fe with Coker. Lyn does wonderful trips--come join us if you can--but plan to be spoiled!!!

Have another Western trip in Sept. to some of the canyons.

In between my trips, I have 2 granddaughters getting married in Aug. so I have a busy summer ahead of me.

Let me know what is going on in YOUR life and you won’t have to read about MINE!!

Love Lynn

Lynne Daniel Ivey sent this in to the alumni office “Ms. Marian Duke Daniel, 74 passed away peacefully Thursday, April 15th, 2010, at Trident Medical Center in Summerville SC.

Ms. Daniel graduated with honors from Coker College in 1957 with a BA in English and Vocal Performance. She was active in Student Government, the Glee Club and in English Department activities, and was Coker’s May Queen in 1957. She received her M.Ed. with a specialization in reading and learning disabilities from The Citadel” We send our sympathy to Lynne and the Daniel family.

Class rep or co-rep needed

older daughter, Phyllis, who lives with her husband, Mike, near Des Moines, IA. Another granddaughter, Katy, is finishing high school classes through Provost Academy, an online charter school sponsored by the state of South Carolina. Katy is looking forward to receiving her high school diploma soon. Summer is a busy time at the Caldwell’s with a garden, flower beds, grass and fruit trees growing full blast. Two of the peach trees have finished producing for this year and two more are on the way. They have had an abundance of blueberries again this year and friends and neighbors are lucky enough to enjoy those with Lamar and Lucy.

Lamar wrote that “I’m still partially blind from Macular degeneration and have a back full of arthritis but doing well otherwise” and is looking forward to hearing about his classmates in the spring.

Annette Cooke Stokes wrote that Gordon continues to improve, though she had to tease him about “you almost made it 6 months without going to the hospital”. He needed to have his hernia repaired after two trips to ER on June 4. After all the heart problems near the end of last year, they were delighted to get that fixed. They went to Cancun, Mexico with their daughter and friends in March, a lovely and interesting trip. Then April took them to THE Master’s in Augusta, GA, where they visited Annette’s sister and enjoyed two wonderful days at the Masters. Although Annette does not play golf, she was very impressed.

They are enjoying having their second grandson and his girlfriend visit for a weekend and the seven year old triplets were scheduled to arrive for a week. Life gets more interesting every day. In August, they are planning to head for Washington DC for a week of exploring and “getting my brother’s son married.” They are hoping to visit the National Cathedral, which they have never seen. Annette continues to serve as President of the Lago Vista Women’s Club, the largest civic club on the north shore of Lake Travis, near Austin. The club gave $11,000 in scholarships this year! “It is a never-ending miracle.”

Gabrielle (Gaby) Morandiere

1959

1958

Substitute Class Representative 300 East 54th Street # 7-K New York, NY 10022 212.832.7462 | gaby.morandiere@verizon.net Dear Coker ’58 Classmates,

Well, we have made it through a really chilly winter and a very warm summer continues. Our new president, Dr. Wyatt, must have his hands full with Coker’s busy schedules. The alumni office has asked me to act as a temporary class rep for your class, the very idea of which delights me. But I am letting everyone down as somehow all the projects I have been tackling lately have needed to be finished before this past week. I have let your class down and I apologize.

Briefly, let me ask you to please let me hear from you from time to time. This fall I shall try to reach a lot of you, but please remember that your classmates and Coker need to know how you are faring. Of course, it is always delightful to hear about you and any friends with whom you keep in touch. If you would like to speak by telephone, I will happily call you back. Please remember to give to Coker when you are able, no matter the amount. Everything helps.

Lamar Caldwell and Lucy Singletary Caldwell ’54 have been married for 54 years and are proud to share the good news that their 19 year old granddaughter has received a four year scholarship to Iowa State, beginning her freshman year in August. She is the only child of their

Pat Crawford Fields

1713 Scenic Valley Lane Knoxville, TN 37922 865-675-3013 | JCF97@prodigy.net

Holly Mims Westcott

7813 Harpeth View Drive Nashville, TN 37221 | 615-673-7949 hmwestcott@att.net

Though our class had its wonderful fiftieth reunion in 2009, March of 2010 was reunion time all over again for me. I drove to South Carolina for a reunion with high school classmates and took advantage of the trip to reconnect with Coker classmates as well.

Obliged to take a detour via Johnson City, TN, I called on Betty Crawford Moore, who offered me a wonderful lunch. Of course, I got recipes for everything.

In addition to Betty’s company, I enjoyed that of Belle, her beautiful Bassett Hound. Betty had recently been to Winnsboro where an in-law (I won’t try to explain the exact connection) invited her to a book club meeting at Laurens McMaster Livings’ house, not realizing that Laurens and Betty have such a long history together.

On the Monday before my return to Tennessee, Molly Creadick Gray picked me and daughter Lauri Yeargin up at the Gravatt Camp and Conference Center near Aiken, which Lauri serves as Executive Director.

We made our way to Barbara Dibble Dixon’s house in

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campus. Her brother Rollins is a Hartsville contractor who contributes to the college.

Our major May event was definitely the Great Nashville Flood of 2010. We were fortunate to suffer only inconveniences, no disasters, but it was sad to witness the vast devastation of property and even loss of life on the part of others. The flood also hit Clarksville, where Anne Davis Glass lives, but she encountered no problems, though businesses nearer the river suffered.

Anne had two celebrations to take her mind off local calamities: Her grandson’s first birthday on May 8 and Mother’s Day with her family on May 9.

The Coker Commentary plans to publish class news only once a year in the future. We do not yet know how that’s going to work, but don’t let that keep you from letting Pat know what’s going on with you. Even if we can share it only once a year, we need your news!

Holly

1960

Ann Matthews Bragdon

1563 Johnsonville Highway Lake City, SC 29560-6202 843-389-4401 | wbragdon@ftc-i.net

If you didn’t attend our 50th Reunion April 9-10 you missed a wonderful time of fun, fellowship, renewed friendships and giggles as we recalled many good memories from our days as “Coker- Nuts”.

Missing from our class photo are Patricia McLaurin Wright and Beverly Touchberry ’58 who attended our Friday night reception in the drawing room but weren’t present on Saturday. Also Pam Binnicker was there Friday and Saturday, but wasn’t outside when the picture was made. Louise “Sissy” Cothran Lachicotte returned for her first time since graduation and had a great time. She wondered why she hadn’t made the effort before and suggested we do another reunion in two or three years instead of waiting five years. Also Jeuel Gilliam LaTorre’59, Ann Alford Fowler, Carolyn Cobb Hurren and Charlotte Anderson Ross attended and hadn’t been before unless it was shortly after graduation and during the two times I missed due to my son’s critical illness or the Alumni Saturday I was taking comps finishing masters degree. Patti Posey Bullen and I thought everyone had aged gracefully and we didn’t look a day older than the classes celebrating behind us.

Patti Posey Bullen and Don have had a busy summer traveling. They did a month long driving trip to visit Don’s sister in Northern California and others along the way. They made stops going out and returning.

She especially enjoyed visiting Santa Fe (again) and Taos, New Mexico on the way to the west coast. They left again July 6 to drive north, first to visit children and grandchildren in Virginia and spend some time with them at the beach. Then they planned to continue on to Maine to spend time with their next door neighbors who vacation there each summer and have invited Patti and Don several times. They plan to spend a night with us the firs week of August on their return trip to Florida.

Carolyn Andrews Carter of Columbia who was in our freshman class died April 12, 2010 following a period of declining health. Her sister Joan Andrews Godwin and husband reside in Lake City.

Our condolences to Angie Lupo Jordan in the death of her husband Glenn Jordan February 20, 2010.

She and Glenn had three daughters and one son and have eight grandchildren. Angie has been a caregiver for her parents and her husband for many years.

Our congratulations to Charles and Louise Atkinson Cleveland on the May arrival of their

granddaughter, Sawyer Isabella Cleveland. She joins her three and a half year old brother. Louise’s son is a colonel in the US Army and has been in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan many times these past years. This past year he has been in DC on a fellowship as part of the Army National War College. He and his family will move to Ft. Bragg this summer where he will command a Brigade.

Barbara Singletary Bryan sent an e-mail filing me in on her children and grandchildren. Her oldest grandson, Rhet Richard, son of her second oldest daughter Lori completed his sophomore year at Clemson this year.

He’s on a full academic scholarship, is a treasurer of the Student Government, president of the Student Alumni Council and an honor student. He received the Alumni Council “Rookie of the Year” award. Last summer he went to Guatemala and this summer he will be going to France. The reason Barbara is so proud of him (and you should be, Barbara) is because her oldest granddaughter, and daughter of Natalie, Barbara’s oldest daughter, hasn’t been as fortunate. She was in an ATV accident this summer before her ninth grade. She suffered brain damage and was in a comma for 12 days.

She had to learn everything over again- even how to tell time. She has no memory of the years before that time.

She was written up in the McLeod Hospital Magazine as a miracle child and appeared on the miracle network program. She has a part-time job and manages well.

They feel blessed that she’s alive. Thanks, Barbara for sharing their beautiful stories. Both grands have made great strides, each in their own way. Barbara added “I would love to have news from some classmates who were absent.” Absentees, call write or e-mail me so I can get your news in our column next time.

Angelyn Odom Durant joined us for the Saturday part of our reunion. She hadn’t been to the past several reunions and somehow I was unaware of Howard’s death in 2003. He was a 10 year lung transplant survivor. Angie, we send our very belated condolences.

They were parents of two daughters, one son and six granddaughters.

Congratulations to Phyllis Byrd Blackman and Ned who celebrated fifty years of marriage December 19, 2009.

Carolyn Cobb Hurren returned for our reunion and looked great. She and husband Weiler, Physics professor at The Citadel, have five children who all have received graduate degrees. They have 12 grandchildren, six boys and six girls.

Louise “Sissy” Cothran Lachicotte lives in Mt. Pleasant and is the mother of two daughters and grandmother or three grandsons.

Jeuel Gilliam LaTorre returned for her first reunion with our class. You may recall she bumped up and graduated a year early. She is Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences at Clemson University. She has twin daughters, both married and living in the Atlanta area. One of her daughters has 6 year old twins (a boy and a girl) and the other has a son.

Dorothy Harvey Lavisky was another of our classmates who graduated a year early. She has attended before, but didn’t make this reunion. She lives part time in the NC mountains. Having two sons, one in Chapin and the other in Lexington, each with a son and a daughter, which they see often and enjoy very much.

It was good to see Charlotte Anderson Ross again.

She lives in Ninety Six and was married to Ben Ross, now deceased, and they had three sons ages 41, 48, and 50. Grandchildren include three girls and one boy.

Charlotte’s sister Sara Anderson Kummer ’62 who was undergoing chemo at the time, came with her.

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Columbia, where a number of classmates gathered for a delicious lunch: Doris Kirk Miller, Elizabeth Whittle Baxter, Barbara Roney Whittington, Faye Gurley Reynolds, Bonnie Cone Sawyer, and Katie Huggins Hennecy, all looking absolutely terrific. I had another introduction to a much adored canine, Lulu, a charming black Cockapoo who is more Cocker than “poo.”

Katie reported that Frank is doing well in his recovery from open heart surgery. She goes with him to cardiac rehab and works out too, so it’s good for both.

Elizabeth had recently been on the Caribbean cruise that hit the news when a virus broke out and the ship made an early return to Charleston. In May, Elizabeth once again took off, this time on Coker’s Santa Fe trip, along with Faye Gurley Reynolds and Barbara Dibble Dixon. They reported having a wonderful time.

A month or so later, Bonnie wrote that she and her son Bill and his family were planning a trip to Oregon, most specifically Grants Pass, where she was born. Her family left there when she was just two, and she’s spent nearly seventy years wanting to go back to see the place where she was born. Bonnie also told me she had a new grandson, James Steven Sawyer, giving her a grand total of a dozen grandchildren, three each from her four children. Congratulations, Bonnie!

Barbara’s pretty back yard came in for further embellishment in mid-April when she wrote, “I went to the spring flower festival at the state farmer’s market yesterday so I have my day’s work cut out for me. Bought some geraniums, wave petunias, million-bells, thyme, tomato plants and portulaca - oh, and a red mandevilla. I finally quit buying when I ran out of cash!” Dr. Matthews would be proud that our class has produced so many avid gardeners.

In April, my daughter Lauri had lunch with Molly and Pete Gray at Molly’s favorite Aiken restaurant, Malia’s, and then in May, Molly and Lauri made another lunch date when Pete went on a sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands with son Geoff and son-in-law Dan Reitz.

Molly sent pictures showing glorious sunsets over the water. It is so nice that my daughter and a good Coker friend are getting to know each other!

Shortly after my SC excursion, I got an email from Mary Holmes Burkett. She and son Michael, who had come from San Francisco, had made a trek up the coast to Brookgreen Gardens where “There were thousands of bulbs blooming, tulips of many varieties, daffodils, narcissus, hyacinths, lily of the valley, dianthus.”

Michael’s visit gave Mary the perfect occasion to take in some spring beauty.

This message from Pat Crawford Fields came in May: “We leave tomorrow for ten days in Washington-the state--flying into Seattle and then going toward Mount Ranier--but not hiking it, to be sure. . . . Then we go to Victoria Island in Canada. Jim is a wonderful travel agent and does a ton of research to seek out what would interest us--as well as what ‘deals’ he can find. . . He is wonderful in a lot of other ways, too!” Having celebrated our class’s 50th anniversary in 2009, Pat and husband Jim will travel to the Citadel for Jim’s 50th reunion in the fall of 2010.

I got a newsy email in June from Dale Culpepper Jones, who lives with her husband in Merritt Island, FL. Her daughter, an electrical engineer, works for NASA, as does her son-in-law. They live in Titusville. There are two granddaughters, one a high school senior and the other a college senior. Her son is a veterinarian in Winter Park. Dale visits Hartsville, the town she grew up in, regularly. One of the designated gardens at the new library is named for her parents, Bob and Leland Young Culpepper, so look for it next time you’re on

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Now for an update on the Bragdons. After taking it easy the week following our reunion, my first order of business was to write a letter going to each of you that attended. I wanted to know what a wonderful time I had and to have such a turnout was great. It you weren’t there, we missed you. Also, to say again how much I appreciated the reunion committee. Phyllis Byrd Blackman, June Ergle Melton and Sherrill Jordan you made my job easy.

What a wonderful surprise you gave me on Saturday when our class gift over $8000 was presented to the scholarship fund in my honor. Anytime a gift goes to the scholarship fund, it is money that is put to good use especially since giving has declined somewhat, but still so badly needed. You made me feel so special.

When I told Patti I was struck speechless, she said “You speechless? No way!” So I’m saying thank you now, after not being able to respond that day.

I spoke to Dee Pierce, secretary to Lyn Blackmon in the Alumni office on Monday following our reunion.

The errors in our souvenir booklets happened just as suspected. Being a little overwhelmed she had a couple of students helping and apparently they didn’t proof read the copies. In the past, they’ve just copied the sheets as we returned them, but I suppose they thought this would make them more uniform. Next time, two or three of us may need to volunteer to proof read before they are copied. I’m sure texting and other technology which we didn’t have as students don’t help in the spelling and grammar area today.

Now, back to the reason you never got the letter I wrote to you one week after the reunion. Remember, at the Friday night reception I announced that William had completed his chemo two weeks earlier? I thanked your for so many keeping us in your prayers we felt confident the news would be good when he had a scan a month after completing the chemo. The scan was set for two weeks after reunion weekend so I decided to wait and insert a paragraph letting you know the results when I processed the letter. The results came back questionable about the liver, so another one had to be done, then MRI with contrast, then another without contrast. Next, a liver biopsy was ordered which showed cancer in the liver. Seems we had been going in slow motion as each time we had to wait on someone on vacation to read the results or x-rays were questionable.

The oncologist then said we could go to Duke or MUSC which were doing a procedure on cancer in the liver. We chose MUSC because of distance and the oncologist knew many of them as he attended med school there.

Next, the nurse coordinator for the MUSC doctor was on vacation and we had to wait another week for her to return, study William’s case, call us with appointment schedule, etc. Finally we went to MUSC on June 9 and returned home June 11. The scans there were so much more powerful than what the machines in Florence could do. Three small cancers showed up in the liver.

The doctor did a procedure that he has used for several years now called Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA). He treated the two larger spots and we are returning for another treatment on the smaller third spot July 15-17.

The treatment weakens you for several days afterward and William was monitoring his diabetes and keeping his blood sugar under too close control. It dropped dangerously low, he passed out and I had to get 911 to get him to the emergency room where he spent most of the day. Since he has been eating more and taking less insulin he has picked up and doing well. We took the yearly family beach trip around Father’s Day and he got along well. We got lots of rest. My two sisters and a niece did all of the cooking which was great. Our almost 95

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year old mother went and we had a restful good time.

Please continue to pray for us. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. We still have hope.

Send me your news.

Love to each of you, Ann

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Sylvia Beard Seppala

2271 Brackenville Road Hockessin, DE 19707 302-239-0641 | sylviabs@aol.com

Regina Swygert-Smith

5206 Main Street Stephens City, VA 22655-2632 540-868-1055 | randm@bilbroughterriers.com

1962

Gabrielle (Gaby) Morandiere

300 East 54th Street #7-K New York, NY 10022 212-832-7462 | gaby.morandiere@verizon.net Dear Classmates,

Well, my dears, we are all very hot after a really chilly and damp winter. None of this has kept our classmates from doing a lot. We 70ish year olds are moving around pretty well. Thank you so much for keep in touch when you can. It is heartwarming and makes me feel young again. There is a chance that Coker’s twice-yearly class news may only be published once a year in the future.

We will need to find a way to keep in touch on our own.

It will be even more important to know if any of your contact information changes and/or that of our friends.

If you have internet access and are not receiving emails from me from time to time, please let me know how to reach you this way. As always, our news is listed below in alphabetical order using the last names we had when we were students. I encourage you all to remember to give to Coker when you are able, no matter the amount.

Everything helps.

June Ammons and her pups are fine but HOT and waiting for a break in the weather. She still enjoys singing in her church choir. June hopes to be able to join the Columbia lunch set when she visits her brother there. And she would love to have classmates nearer Easley plan some luncheon get-togethers.

Sara Lawton Anderson Kummer is feeling very well after completing her chemotherapy in April.

Her eyelashes and eyebrows are back, and her hair is growing again. She has a pretty blond wig on which she gets many compliments. To celebrate, she drove by herself down to Florida in April to visit several friends and family members. Sisters Charlotte Anderson Ross ’60 and Sara had a wonderful trip to France in May. After a few days in Paris, they went by bus to Burgundy where they boarded a small river cruiser at Maçon and cruised down the Saône and into the Rhone. They visited Avignon and Arles, flying home from Nice. They recommend taking small 46 passenger riverboats. The food was fabulous and the company, great. Sara will be teaching again this fall semester at Ninety Six High and is glad they still need her.

Gail Arnette Sinclair and her husband James unfortunately lost their son in July, 2009 due to a motorcycle accident. James Michael Sinclair was 42, loved to cook and was a caring and protective son to his parents. Their daughter, Sharon Arnette, was born in

Honolulu, HI and now lives in Montgomery, AL, where her husband serves in the military as a commander on the general staff. Their daughter graduated from high school this spring, 17th in a class of 256, and has received a full scholarship to attend college in AL. After spending their early years in the military, Gail and James returned to Camden, where James had grown up and where they enjoy living now. They have horses on a small family farm not far from their house in Camden.

Gail is grateful to participate in a wonderful Bible study.

Margaret Aull Werts is currently preparing for a not-very-small family reunion in Holden Beach, NC. There will be seventeen Werts-and-family having a wonderful time for a week near the end of July.

Mary Bell Kittle and Joe returned to their cooler Orkney Springs, VA, mountain house in June and will stay until October or November. They always enjoy a week’s special retreat near their house. Mary plans to go to NC to visit one of her sisters for a week. She is delighted to be able to report that they are “maintaining the status quo”.

Sherrie Berry Wolski drinks her favorite Pepsis out of her very own really truly soda machine. She asks who might remember the night South Dormers decided to call Marco Polo in Italy. The operator was trying hard to find a number for him. By the time she called back with M. Polo’s contact information, our housemother answered the telephone and was furious at her charges.

The same housemother would drop by Valerie Powell White’s room but never figured out that the bottle on a tabletop had liquor in it. And, Mary Bell Kittle’s alarm clock made soooo much noise but never woke her up.

The girls from neighboring rooms had to break into Mary’s room to wake her up and turn off the noise.

Peggy Brown Buchanan wrote in April that she was able to stop in Columbia en route to Kanuga in NC. She joined Gayle Brandt Faust, Henri Ramsey van Arsdale and Ida Pace Storrs at Ruby Tuesday’s for lunch and had a wonderful visit. John continues to spend two weeks as Interim Bishop every month in Quincy, IL, often with Peggy in tow. They are happy to be based in Mount Pleasant again after all these years. This summer they are looking forward to their annual family reunion with their daughters and grandchildren at Kanuga, a retreat center in Hendersonville, NC.

Brenda Cromer Miller has been very busy with The Garden Club of South Carolina. The GCSC has taken on a daunting task of documenting public and private historic gardens in South Carolina. So many of these gardens are in decline and in danger of being lost. “Garden Parties” are being held across the state, gardens are documented as they presently appear and the information will be stored in Charleston with the SC Historical Society. Brenda was in Hartsville in May and documented two fabulous private gardens. She would love to have other classmates who might be interested join. A “Follow the Blooms” Garden Week tour is planned for May, 2011. There is an art competition with a prize of $1000 for some lucky artist. The winning art will be printed on posters which will announce the tour details. Brenda suggests that any Coker artist interested in entering this contest go to the GCSC web site http:// www.gardenclubofsc.org for more information. Brenda was looking forward to her annual Fourth of July visit to Priscilla Barrett Haynsworth in the mountains.

Doris Duke Straight is happy to continue working at the Thornwell Home for Children. A couple of years ago she became Administrative Assistant to the President of Thornwell and enjoys doing a lot of interesting things with normal hours and weekends off. This feels luxurious after spending thirteen years

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happily able to play nine-hole rounds of golf.

Harriet King van Norte and Bob are still busy with their feral cats and are taking care of one of the new babies. They enjoyed celebrating her 70th a few days ago and are out and about even in this heat. It has been so hard to find them, but persistence pays.

Peggy McCue Freymuth is celebrating the fact that she made it through a really rough year beautifully.

Mid-July, 2009, cancer was discovered and she has successfully reacted to surgery and chemotherapy. Her husband, Wayne, has been a wonderful support and chief cook and bottle washer. When I called in late spring Peggy was touring Fort Sumter with her grandchildren and when she called me more recently she sounded strong and well and is pleased to have lost over sixty pounds. Their busy daughter and grandchildren live just a few houses away, so there are a lot of people celebrating.

Paula Moran called to report that her son Jonathan is getting married on August 29th at Marineland in Florida. Jonathon loves boating and fishing and they decided this would be an appropriate place to tie the knot. Paula still works in the mornings and enjoys that as well as walking three or four miles every day. Cataract surgery in May has made a big difference. Her nice orange nightgown turns out to really be rose-colored.

Paula was telling me about a Coker senior trip to Myrtle Beach. Her roommate was Carol Elting Richardson and those two had some funny tales to tell.

Ida Pace Storrs writes that she has been enjoying reading The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. As those of us who are enjoying this exciting series know, we need to skim the beginning pages to get to the real story. Ida reports “It has been hot as Egypt” this summer but the rains help. Once she had her yard sprayed for mosquitoes, Ida and VIP (pup) Archie have enjoyed sitting in the yard or on their porch when it cools down in the evenings.

Most exciting is the fact that Ida has been relegated to having Chemotherapy treatments every six weeks. At first, she missed seeing the chemo group of friends who had become really close, especially one also named Ida. But I should think that these friends’ treatments will overlap again, just not as often as before. Frances Segars Kelley is trying to find a good time to borrow Ida, Henri(etta) Ramsey van Arsdale and Gayle Brandt Faust for a picnic at Lake Wateree. Ida is still enjoying wearing a Tee Shirt she bought when visiting Mary Bell Kittle in San Antonio in 1993.

Valerie Powell White made it to Washington, DC, for Christmas with her daughter, Vanessa. Vanessa oversees ten programs for a Public Health specialty group, which has been pretty demanding and exhausting. Valerie and her two cats are purring away in Missouri. She teaches Yoga and has enjoyed taking classes at the Himalayan Institute of Yoga in St. Louis, MO and where Val is concentrating on Meditation.

Caroline Quick Zweidler and her husband are well. She is a substitute organist and pianist in an international, interdenominational church near Zurich, Switzerland. They have two daughters, one who lives in the French speaking section of Switzerland and has young twin daughters whose native language is French, but who speak some German and a bit of English when they are around Caroline. Their other daughter lives not far away from the Zweidlers in the German section of Switzerland. Caroline and her husband have so enjoyed travelling a lot. They went to Israel last year and love going to Asia. While catching up with Caroline on the telephone, we had a chance to make a three way call to Joanne Tuten Bellamy, which was pure pleasure.

Nancy Rogers Watkins wrote in May to say she

was thoroughly enjoying relaxing in a hammock under the weeping cherry tree, reading The Liar’s Club while drinking a few cups of tea.

Frances Segars Kelley writes that she has been President of the Swamp Fox Quilters for two years. This has really kept her busy with “fun stuff”. Go to their very impressive web site to see what they do. http:// www.swampfoxquilters.com. There are 60 members and about 13 of them get together each Thursday for something even if it is only for lunch and gabbing.

Frances says they have a wonderful time “playing,” but it looks as though they accomplish a lot. She is still kept busy by those grandchildren, yard work and playing ball.

Flo(rence) Staklinski Taylor and Bill will not be in New York for the tennis Open this year, but they are still playing and having fun, even at our age. She writes that they went to Puerto Rico in February. and did not miss the snow in Atlanta. On one nice trip they visited Flo’s Mom, now 91, in Florence, SC and continued to Lumberton, NC to celebrate Bill’s mother’s 93rd birthday.

Then they drove to Ocean Isle for the rest of the week.

“We are blessed to still have their mothers to visit and to see how well both are.” Flo and Bill are hoping to make it to the Chotoa Resort in Blowing Rock, NC in mid-August and then to Hilton Head, SC at the end of the month. Flo continues to work at the Atlanta Mart Apparel and Gift Shows and Bill is doing some consulting.

Gwen(dolyn) Thomason Adams and Herbert drove a 15 passenger van more than 5100 miles from Laurens to Glenallen, Alaska the last 2 weeks of April.

A young missionary couple from Laurens are living in Glenallen and a friend from their church donated this van for their work. There was a need for two drivers, so the Adams were delighted to find that the dates for this project suited them the best of those offering to deliver the van. What a wonderful trip, seeing so much of the USA as well as Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon Territory before arriving at their destination. Warning: The Alaskan Highway is no super highway. Soon after flying back home, they and two of their four grandsons drove to Omaha, NE and back to see the finals of the College Baseball World Series. USC played UCLA. USC won two of the required three games, so USC was #1.

Somehow they were able to leave Omaha and make it to Nashville, TN the first day and returned to Laurens the afternoon of the second day. Their older grandson plans to begin his freshman year at USC and the younger is to begin his junior year in High School.

Nancy Thornhill Bolden’s Harold reports that all is well and that their grandchild and Nancy’s daughter are visiting. They are having such a good time dashing here and there.

Joanne Tuten Bellamy’s yard was filled with berries and fruits from her trees and bushes when we last spoke, around the 4th of July. Her son has a wonderful vegetable garden. It must be a beautiful sight and a thrill to be able to pluck one’s own. She was recovering happily from a lovely visit from her Charlotte son’s family. Four year old EE seems to have had a grand time and certainly makes his grandmother laugh.

Pawley’s Island seems to have a wonderful parade every July Fourth which is so long it meets itself coming and going. Joanne sees Eleanor Sharpton Pitts from time to time in the grocery store and says Eleanor always “looks great”. We commiserated about the end of Jack Bauer’s 24 and do not know what we will do for excitement now that the series is over.

Cathy Ward Parker sounds fine and is healing after a dreadful break of her thigh bones last September. Poor thing stayed in the hospital for six or seven weeks. The

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living with and caring for troubled teens twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Doris supposes she will eventually retire, but at the moment she loves what she is doing and working at Thornwell. “It really is a great place and I am very proud of the work we do for hurting children.” When she wrote at the end of June, she was impatiently waiting for the birth of her son’s first child - a boy - due any moment. Ten days later Yusuf Thomas was born on July 13th at 10 pounds 5 ½ ounces. Doris was there. Her youngest daughter’s children are 12, 10, 8, and 6. The oldest three are boys and the youngest is her only granddaughter.

Julia “Judy” Eadon Gibson was happily married to Tom until he died suddenly in June, 2002. They had four wonderful daughters, the two eldest live in Summerville, SC, with their families and the youngest, in Beaufort, with two children, ages 2 and 5. Sadly, Judy’s third daughter, Julie Amick, died at 30, leaving a wonderful husband and an adorable little boy who is now 16. The whole family, including nine grandchildren, look forward to their annual family vacation on Lake Jocassee, near Clemson. Judy and her sister live close to their mother, who is 90 years old.

Carol Elting Richardson went to visit her daughter, Georgia, in Las Vegas, NV on January 27th to help prepare her house for sale. But Carol was not able to return to NC until March 21st. Unfortunately as Carol was helping redecorate, she claims a Poltergeist threw a picture off a wall and it landed on her left hand, smashing fingers and tendons. Her two-week visit became a two-and-a-half month visit. Carol’s eyes have been doctored after a few difficult years and seem to be working very well again. Charlotte Cothran Taylor and Carol are planning to celebrate their “Big–7” birthdays in North Myrtle Beach in August. Charlotte loves taking care of her grandchildren.

Edith Ganelle Watts has moved to a dear little house on the other side of Lumberton where she has built a deck and fenced in the yard for her fox terrier, Sophia. There is a horse on the other side of the fence which comes over to talk to Edith. She always has carrots or apples for the horse and the fox terrier is beginning to figure out that that animal is there to stay. She has nearly finished preparing her house in the city of Lumberton for sale. Poor Edith fell down the stairs in March and broke and hurt her arm and wrist from the shoulder to her hand. Healing is slow, but she is delighted to be able to move better. She is visiting her niece, 4 year old “grandson” and family in Leesburg, VA, as I write this.

While she is in VA, someone else is selling her no-longerwanted household items.

Molly Holbrooke (Thomas) Birchler and Al are headed for Port Clinton, OH in July to visit with Molly’s son, Boyd, and his children, Olivia, 8 and Elliott, 6. They plan to stay in a condo right on Great Lake Erie and listen to the waves splash against the beach with the seagulls screaming. Football season fast approaches and Al and Molly will head to West Lafayette, IN to see his “Boilers” play in several football games. Molly especially loves eating the fine Catfish dinners available there. She reports she has not heard much from any of our dear “Coker Nuts”, but had hoped some Hartsville classmates might try to get those in the area together for lunch at Bizzell’s during the summer. Perhaps there will be time this fall. Molly loves watching “Selling New York” on HGTV and wishes she had a few million dollars! Of course, if she could buy something here, we might have lots of classmates come for visits. I’d love that. We could probably find some decent substitutes for Bizzell’s.

Al had cervical disk surgery in late February and has recovered very well. There is no more pain and he is now

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Parkers have had guests this summer and are happy to have more scheduled to arrive in August and September way “up there” in Nova Scotia. She still enjoys playing the organ in their church.

Bruce Williams and Mary Frances ’64 have been travelling again. They took wonderful 32 day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Europe. The Atlantic crossing was good and then they docked all over Europe including Istanbul, Ephesus, Venice, Rome, the Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini. It was a beautiful cruise and there was only one rainy day and that was in Venice, where they stayed for three days, so it was not bothersome. Bruce was good enough to send a few of the 1600 photographs they took. I wish I could share them with you. They suggest that everyone plan to go to beautiful Mykonos and Santorini.

Nancy Wilson has been busy but thriving. She has been working in a temporary/part-time job for a landscape company since February. A long-time friend and previous boss from Del Webb days owns the firm.

She does a lot of customer service and computer work from 7:30 AM until about 1:30 PM. The Phoenix, AZ, firm is less than two miles from her home and she really enjoys the work. Originally Nancy was to work until June, but she is still there and plans to stay as long as she is needed, because she says it is an ideal situation.

Peggy Zeigler Reeves sent news that she fell down the steps on February 13th, breaking her right wrist in three places. On February 19th surgeons implanted a plate and screws. Donnie has been a wonderful chief cook and bottle washer, helping in so many ways. While chatting with Donnie in mid-July I am convinced he is related to John Buchanan, husband of Peggy Brown Buchanan. They sound just alike. At any rate, Peggy Reeves is back at work every day. They enjoyed a trip to North Myrtle Beach in April and are hoping to make it to Brunswick, GA soon to visit Peggy’s brother’s family.

And last, Gabrielle/Gaby Morandiere, has been enjoying her new feet, attending a few plays and concerts and is actually able to attend a family camp in NH at the end of July for the first time in years.

I am working hard to produce a resource guide of Senior Housing and other issues for seniors living in Manhattan. A non profit I support, Health Advocates for Older People, tries to help seniors stay healthy and safely in their own homes as long as they can. I serve on one of the boards and a minister who is also on the board requested a book for him and others to use when concerned about older parishioners, clients, friends or relatives. It has been very educational. New York City has so many good opportunities for seniors from all walks of life and who can be helped even if their finances are not strong.

Please keep in touch and help us stay in contact with all our classmates. Have a wonderful fall and winter.

With great affection, Gaby

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Nancy Warren Clarke

P.O. Box 988 Montreat, NC 28757 828-371-0572 | frauclarke@mindspring.com

Edith Floride Reynolds

105 South Rosemary Avenue Andrews, SC 29510 843-264-5173 | edithreynolds@verizon.net

One of our classmates has travelled so much this summer with her daughter and grandchildren, you

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won’t even believe it’s possible. Lana Suber Barnett got out of Whitmire, South Carolina and hit the road.

How about flying to Fresno CA, renting a van, visiting Yosemite, San Francisco and the Redwood Forest? They drove along the coast of Oregon (very different from the SC beaches) missed seeing Mt. St. Helen because of snow. Then they boarded a ship for a seven day cruise to Alaska, including a helicopter ride over glaciers. The dog sled ride was a terrifically fun challenge. At this writing, Lana and her grandchildren are going on a mission trip to Cleveland, Ohio to help in the Bible School in several new churches. What a special summer!

Tammie Caskey McGuire and Ron venture often from Summerville to their condo-beach get-a-way on Folly Beach as often as they can. Their son and his family with 16 month old daughter Truitt Maria live close by on James Island. Tammie and Ron love travelling by boat to visit Truitt and pass by Mary Bailey King’s house. Mary continues to live with her parents, who still live at home at ages in the upper 90s. I think Mary’s grandchildren help them all keep up a lively pace of life. Mary’s second home-away-from home is the Episcopal Church on James Island, where she has served for many years as an officer. She has been many times on mission trips and mercy ship trips.

Madeleine Theus Garwin manages her huge home and garden in Furman, SC. She also has a grandchild on James Island and two in Austin, Texas. When she married to Kenny, she shared the joy of his children and four grandchildren. Madeleine is busy enjoying retirement, going to concerts, etc. She spends a lot of time “getting ready to get ready” in case she decides to “downsize”.

Any body else in that boat?

Another classmate who loves boating is Barbara Holmes Willis. She and Jimmy live near a pond in Massachusetts. On the other side of the pond they have a “get-a-away” cabin to which they often “boat” and have lovely quiet time. Their daughter was married near there last summer (2009). Barbara is also a traveler to foreign places. How about an 11 day vacation to France last October. Jim went to China, the Netherlands, Germany and Washington, DC on business - right, Jimmy? Barbara is still a well accomplished weaver!

More grandchildren stories! Doris Duke Straight has a new grandson. His name is Yusef Aden Straight.

The little lad weighed about 10 pounds and 5 oz. Wow! Doris is busy working as the Administrative Assistant to the President of the Thornwell School for Children in Clinton, SC. She spends any spare time renovating the home she inherited when her mother died a few years ago. Anybody want a good deal about 1/2 a city block away from Jeremy Creek off the Intercoastal Waterway in McClellanville, SC?

Back on land with Cathy Smith Smith. If you should go to Raleigh, NC you might get lucky and capture a fleeting glance at a 2003 white Cadillac. That will be Cathy at the wheel. She is fixing up her old ’93 taupe Cadillac for her granddaughter. Live it up, Cathy!!

She loves her book club, bridge club, club sandwiches, Bible Study at the Lutheran church. Cathy has been in education all these years. Even though retired, she still helps write grants to help school children.

Genie Ray Watson Cooke and Ham still live in Jacksonville. They visit grandchildren (and son and daughter-in-law) in Decatur, GA. They travelled to Charlotte this past summer to hear their daughter, Katherine preach in the First Presbyterian Church, where she is the associate pastor. Genie Ray, Ham and family will join the extended family on Edisto for the 40th time this summer.

Anna Phillips Chandler spend many weeks at

various beaches this summer. She went to Pawleys Island, Litchfield, Hilton Head Island. S.C. beaches are a great place to go for fun in the sun. At home, Anna is quite a veggie gardner, but roses are her favorite. She has 40 bushes that she tends with loving care. Anna is enjoying good health and her 3 grandchildren. Her oldest granddaughter is going on her first mission trip to Philadelphia this summer.

As for me, Nan Warren Clarke— still unpacking, etc. in our new home in Montreat, NC. Erskine spends practically every morning into the afternoon up in his study working in 19th century documents, etc. For him this makes for a happy retirement. I’m out and about more in “today’s world” with children, grandchildren, church, etc. I’ve been able to adjust not singing in a church choir, but sitting with our daughters and their families (except the teenagers, who sit in the balcony) and Lucas (4) who walks in for the children’s time and waves mightily as he passes our pew. In early August I will take our two oldest granddaughters to Maine where we will spend most of a week in a “camp” with no running water, no electricity, no in door plumbing, etc.

Then we will travel to Ocean Point where there is a nice swimming pool at our motel. I will send the girls home after 10 days, then stay another week visiting friends and in-laws. After a few weeks back in NC I head off for Germany (by myself!!) to celebrate the 70th birthday of a long-time friend. I’m sure more of you have many interesting adventures to share. Please write to Edith or me or do e-mail, facebook, etc. Our 50th is soon!!

Love, Nan

News from Georgia Ann Jenkins Porcher came a few days after the January Commentary deadline.

Husband Philip is trying to let go of his vocation and enjoy retirement while she is trying to back off so many “causes” and activities. They are both trying to “live in the now” which more about “being” than “doing”- Son Philip FINALLY got married in late 2008 to Elizabeth Garfield, a widow. She brought two daughters into the Porcher family and they added a third, Grace Elizabeth, in November 2009. Philip and Elizabeth live in Charlotte as well as daughter Lisa and her family- Georgia Ann and Philip visit other daughter Kelly and her family in Alaska in March or early April.

Madeline Theus McKenzie Garvin had a wonderful time Easter week with her children and grandchildren at Sea World and Disney- she is happy that her son and his family have moved to James Island which allows her to see them more often.

Kay Elder Williams, Nancy McConnell Wilhelm, Jennie Turner Gustafson, Edith Floride Reynolds, and Jean Virgin ’64 met for lunch one day at Surfside Beach in July- It was nice to catch up with everyone. We decided this will be an annual event for us.

Kay and her family are doing well- Before she retired one of her favorite units to teach was on the U.S. Supreme Court- when son David, a North Carolina Pender County commissioner, went before the Court with a redistricting case, he took her as a guest- their county attorney represented as well and they won their case- Plantiff for the case was the state of North Carolina- Kay says it was exciting to see the justices and the judicial process at work- “Horray for the little guy!”

Nancy and husband Budgy are loving being back in the “loop” at Surfside again- She says it feels like home having their friends and kids so near- They are also enjoying daughter Libeth’s six month old twins, Emily and Will.

Jennie an husband Gus hope to do some traveling when he finds out if the U.S. State department will be sending him back to Vienna, Austria. He usually makes

W W W. C O K E R . E D U

505 Law Street Hartsville, SC 29550 843-857-0782 | rgs2000@aol.com

once dined. Edith and Becky especially enjoyed getting to know the students, where they were from, their career goals, etc. The four Coker alumnae provided yummy contents for the traditional Coker College Brown Bags!

We’re getting news from Facebook now! This from Mary Louise Antley Glesner: “SHE’S HERE! SHE’S HERE! Our granddaughter finally arrived tonight at 8:15 (July 13, 2010). Precious little Bailey Grace Glesner weighing in at 8 pounds 4 ounces; 20 inches long....healthy with a good pair of lungs. VERY long day for mommy Suzanne!

All doing well.”

Cameron Council Speth and Gus attended their Orangeburg High School 50th reunion in April. About 75 classmates returned for a weekend of remembering and sharing plans for the future. It was a lot of fun. Cameron and Gus are enjoying life in Vermont. This summer they have added five laying hens to their little farm. Anyone need eggs?

It’s not a bit too early to start planning our 50th Coker Reunion in 2014! Plans are underway to begin a Class of 1964 Scholarship fundraiser this year! Look for a letter from Becky and Naomi about setting up a planned giving program over the next three years to endow a Class of 1964 Scholarship. The idea is to “Pledge” an amount each year.

Cameron Council Speth

1965

several trips a year, but the government has not been able to afford any so far this year. Jennie says “It’s hard to believe we are all approaching 70.”

Edith, along with Jean Virgin ’64, Becky Sparrow ’64, and Bleeker Sisk Cannon’61 provided “bag lunches” (Remember when?) for two groups of Coker students on field trips to Hobcaw Barony Discovery Center in Georgetown on Winyah Bay- They were amazed at some of the rules and regulations that were in place when we were students- It is definitely a different world today!

We hope to get some up-to-date- news to you soon on your class endowment soon.

Stay in touch. Edith

1964

Lorena Cook James

24 Dearborn Rd North, SC 29112-8201 803-874-3332 | lorenajames@windstream.net

Becky Sparrow

986 Forest Road New Haven, CT 06515 203-453-8985 | cece@speth.com

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1966

Class rep or co-reps needed

It seems our class has had a lot of illnesses, etc. over the last few years. We still miss Mary Jane and Joy.

Kay Simmons Moski died in Atlanta this summer after a long illness.

Todd Davies Smith had a stroke in December and continues to deal with the aftereffects. She and Dave sold their houses in VA and are building a house near Ocean Isle Beach, NC. It is about 10 minutes from Anne E.’s house. odd’s mother died this spring and that was another blow for Todd.

Anne Ellis Neely is enjoying living in her Tree House on the coast and has become a member of the OIB Turtle Patrol. This along with volunteer activities at her church and in the community keep her busy.

Pam Phillips Ivesterand Terry live on Lake Hartwell. Pam, Ann E. and David Veneklasen (Mary Jane Jacobs Veneklasen’s husband) went together to Atlanta to Todd’s mother’s service.

Jane Colitz Williams has had some health problems, but seems to be better. She is retired from the public schools, but is teaching some courses at York Tech. She enjoys her two grandsons.

Karen Moore Lorenz and Dean continue to travel a lot. They especially enjoy going to visit their twin grandsons.

Melissa Patrick Lerner also had a stroke, but she doing well, with little aftereffects. She and Louie Lerner are proud grandparents.

Melinda Hudgins Adams and her husband came to NC coast for a visit with Todd and Anne E. Melinda has also had a lot of health problems, but she keeps on going like the Every-ready Bunny. It was fun to get together.

Anne E. Neely

The Tree House, P.O. Box 204, Shallotte, NC 28459 910-754-5375

Class rep or co-reps needed

1968

Joan Lading Abernathy

20037 Oak River Court Petersburg, VA 23803 804-590-1644 jabernathyva@aol.com | jabernathyva@comcast.net

Judy Brown Pigg

2412 Old Hickory Lane Hartsville, SC 29550 843-332-5600 | Juliapigg@roadrunner.com

It’s hard to believe, but it has been forty-two years since we graduated and left Coker College behind us!

Well, not everyone moved away from Hartsville. Judy Brown Pigg keeps up with classmates, who like her, are still residents of the college town.

Judy Brown Pigg and Wayne have been doing some traveling lately. A cruise around the Hawaiian Islands with her sister, Jane and her husband turned into quite an adventure. Due to a delay caused by a possible tsunami, the couples were stranded an extra two days on Oahu. Needless to say, the complaints were minimal.

They also made a trip in the spring to California, visiting with their eldest daughter Julie and her family.

Spending time with their granddaughter Kate was the highlight of their trip. They will all be gathering again together at Ocean Isle Beach in July to celebrate Kate’s second birthday.

Nancy Baker Bell now resides on Carolina Avenue since she and Jimmy decided to downsize. Their home is now occupied by their oldest daughter, Elizabeth, and her family. As much as Nancy enjoys her new home with its beautiful landscaping she still manages to spend time in Bluffton on the May River.

Angelyn McCarver Bateman is now retired and seems to be busier than ever. She really enjoys having the time to spend with her grandchildren and visiting Lake Junaluska, NC where her mom resides during the summer.

I’m still in the classroom teaching Mathematics to college freshmen, considering retirement in a few years.

Living my life on a school calendar means my visits to family in Florida, daughter in Atlanta, and son in Murrells Inlet have to be scheduled along with everything else, so retirement is looking better all the time.

Judy is turning the writing over to me, having served faithfully as our representative for many years.

Don’t forget to offer her thanks for the great job she has done, and remember to stay in touch so that we can all share our news with one another.

Joan Ladinig Abernathy

1969

April Garnier Poitras

1903 Surrey Oaks Court Arlington TX 76006 817-274-5633 | ajpoitras@sbcglobal.net DEVELOPMENT

2010, Year of the 50th High School Reunions!

We hope many of you were able to attend and enjoy yours. Among our classmates at the gatherings in the spring and summer were Diane Barber, Ann Dobson Hammond, Naomi Kelley Jackson, Lorena Cook James, Becky Sparrow, Cameron Council Speth and many others we’re sure. We’d love to hear your reunion stories.

Anne Lamb Matthews, nominated by incoming Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith and confirmed by the Rotary International Board of Directors as a Rotary Foundation Trustee, began a 4 year term on July 1, 2010. Anne is the first woman Trustee elected by this method and the second in TRF history; in addition, she is the first non-Past RI President to serve from her Zone.

Anne’s Rotary District Governor Alan W. Walters congratulated her on this major accomplishment and great honor, recognizing her many years of service to the Foundation Board and to Rotary. Ann says she will enjoy working with her fellow 14 Board members and that Rotary has opened so many doors and given her friends all over the globe. Congratulations from your Coker friends, too!

After retiring from her full-time job, Diane Barber is enjoying part-time work as a traveling dialysis Social Worker in S.C. and may get to visit with many of you as she is called throughout the state. Diane’s daughter Joy returned to India mid-May where she assists in setting up volunteer programs in non-profits for large companies which send employees to work a period of time in India. Daughter Lisa continues to love her job as Associate Director of the Alexandria YMCA in Raleigh.

Becky Sparrow, Jean Virgin, Bleeker Sisk Cannon ’61 and Edith Floride Reynolds ’63 had a very successful second Coker Brown Bag Project at Hobcaw for 14 Coker students and Dr. Edinger. On a hot June Friday, their picnic lunch was held inside Bernard Baruch’s home at the formal dining room table where the Baruch family, FDR, Winston Churchill, Henry and Clare Booth Luce

Eleanor Powell Clark

106 Arapaho Circle Darlington, SC 29532 843-395-2173

1967

Leigh Anne Farnell

Post Office Box 685 Boothbay, ME 04537-0685 207-633-3676 | lafjpn@roadrunner.com

Paula Fulcher Kemp stays busy in retirement as a registrar for a lectures series for seniors at the University of Texas in Austin. At the end of July, her husband Bill travels to Mexico to teach ESL while she stays home to

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oversee a kitchen renovation. Paula and Bill hope to go on a few vacation trips before Christmas.

Betsy Coker reports that life continues at a moderate pace for her- horsing, motorcycling, and camping.

Harriet “Libby” Cannon Danel writes that she loves being retired and has no idea why she thought it was fun to work all those years. 32 years with Bank of America seems like a long time, but the years flew by, just as the years since our graduation have flown by.

Libby has enjoyed reconnecting with a few classmates.

She had lunch with Estelle Truesdale McKenzie and her husband Mike. She met Marsha Hatfield Marcelli and her husband Dave for a lovely afternoon and pizza at their beach house. She also talked with Diane Parker Mann on the phone. Libby and her husband enjoy traveling-especially cruising. They kept a blog on the last two cruises at jackandlibby.blogspot.com.

Her son Keller lives close to her. Her daughter Eliza lives in Nashville. Jack’s two, Chris and Jen are in the Atlanta area. Jen has three girls and three boys from age eighteen to five. She was saddened to learn of her Coker roommate, Libby Jane Cress Moss’ death and has been in touch on Facebook with her daughter, Ashley.

Mandy Hubbard Sedgwick continues to LOVE retirement. She and husband Mike live on Tybee Island, which is crowded with tourists this summer because of the Gulf beaches oil spill. She says we need to pray for all those that have been touched by this disaster. Their pet cock-a-poo, Mitsy keeps them active and loves her walks. Mandy looks forward to the Hubbard Family Reunion in Durham, NC in July.

April Garnier Poitras and husband Joe’s biggest enjoyment is spending time with their first grandson, who is 17 months old and toddling around exploring everything. They are very happy to be expecting another grandchild in November when youngest son, Mark and his wife have their first baby. They traveled to Florida in June and look forward to escaping the Texas heat in August by traveling to Yellowstone, Teton, and Glacier National Parks.

Hyatt Ann Keels Brandt sends her greetings to all members of the Class of 1969! At this point, she is still employed by the SC Budget & Control Board. Her family is healthy and reports that her oldest son, Stewart returned safely from Military duty in Qatar. His wife and four children join her in celebration! It was 40 years ago when she welcomed his father back from Vietnam. She is pleased to report that she enjoyed a delightful visit with Leigh Anne Farnell and her husband Jeff in Maine last September and her mother and she enjoyed a brief visit with Leigh Anne and her mother in July when they came to SC. Those special moments in time mean so much!

Classmates: Please inform the Alumni Office of any new e mail addresses or any changes of mailing addresses for yourselves or other classmates.

1970 DEVELOPMENT

Jane Brown Riechmann

2970 St. Johns Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32205 904-384-8650 | stjohnsjane@bellsouth.net

Classmates, it’s hard to believe that over forty years have gone by since we donned those caps and gowns.

But those who attended our reunion can attest to that fact. We surely enjoyed seeing everyone and catching up with one another. Those who attended were: Caroline Jordan Black, Connie White Boleman, Marguerite Sloman Botkin, Linda Smith Bradford, Myra Cato

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Coffey, Harriett Council, Nell Cutts Daniels, Jane May Gable, Elaine White Gilbert, Martha Sherrill Flowers Herbert, Linda Burnett Jeter, Beth Abrams Jones, Jessie Markley Lee, Pat Jacobs Lipe, Ginny French Lyles, Lucy Maxwell, Beverly Armstrong McLaughlin, Chris Reynolds McNinch, Diane Thrasher Mills, KayKay Duelley Nooft, Codie Simmons Quarles, Mary Edmunds Reed, Roxanne Copeland Richardson, Jane Brown Riechmann, Gayle Buckheister Sawyer, Joyce Floyd Shaw, Betty Moore Snowden, Brenda Thompson Stewart and Ray Torrence Vance. Seven fellows were brave enough to join our Friday evening party. It was SO good to see classmates who were making their first trip back in forty years. We missed four classmates who had planned to attend but had last minute emergencies that kept them away: Candee Constable Craven, Sandy Myers Denny, Martha Carpenter Shaleuly and Pie White Sharpe. In fact, we missed all of you who were not there. Time melted away and we were all seventeen (okay, some were eighteen and Nell was only sixteen)!

One thing for sure is that we were all impressed with the Coker of today. The campus has not looked better.

Candee Constable Craven emailed that she has grandson number two. Mason Robert was born May 5, 2010 to her daughter Meredith and her husband. He is little brother to 4.5 year old Blake.

We had three MOB’s (Mother of the Bride) at the reunion: Elaine White Gilbert, Jessie Markley Lee and Nell Cutts Daniel.. I am happy to report that they all survived the weddings!

Elaine’s younger daughter Ginger became Mrs. Ray Teachey on May 1, after becoming engaged on Labor Day, 2009. During that quick eight month span, Elaine (and husband Vic) not only worked on a wedding but also welcomed a second grandson, Miller Lestrade Upchurch who was born to their older daughter Laura and her husband on October 18, 2009, joining his older brother Max. Both girls, husbands and grandsons live not too far away so that makes Elaine very happy.

Jessie Markley Lee sent a picture of her beautiful daughter Caroline and son-in-law Will Barnette as they were departing the Citadel Chapel. Jessie said everything was even better than she had imagined….at least she thinks that’s the case and will verify when she sees the video!

It was great hearing from Ginger King Hilderbrand. Both of her sons are following their dad Terry in the military. Their two boys, both married, are serving in the Army. Their younger son Matt is stationed in Afghanistan while their older son Neil is serving with the Ranger Training Brigade in Florida. Ginger and Terry have two grandsons, Boone and Case. Terry works at Georgia Tech in the Research Institute and Ginger is enjoying retired life after teaching math for many years in Georgia. We give thanks to and for our military families.

Lynda Patton Land is also retired after 37 years of teaching. She cannot quite let go as Lynda says she plans to volunteer at her former school as well as teach reading there one day a week. But her retirement was not Lynda’s biggest news! The birth of her and Gene’s first grandchild, Xander Lucas Smith, on March 12 took top billing. Lynda is loving taking care of her precious grandson 3 to 4 days a week while his parents work.

Speaking of grandsons, Mary Edmunds Reed has her second. Barrow Huger Reed was born on November 4, 2009. He joins older brother Thomas Center Reed.

Both are sons of Mary’s older son Center and his wife Virginia. Are any girls being born these days?

Before she and her three daughters and oldest granddaughter headed out of Jacksonville on a cruise,

Fran Crisp McCaw and Jane Brown Riechmann enjoyed a morning together at Jane’s home in Jacksonville.

Fran’s three grown and married daughters are all beautiful as is her red-headed oldest granddaughter.

Report is that the all-girl vacation was super. Fran now has six grandchildren. The others were a little young (and some male) to take this trip!

Mary Judd Utley Montgomery wrote to say how much she hated missing the reunion. She is already planning for our 50th in 2020! Mary (Judd) has been in business for 36 years in their family owned insurance agency. At the time she wrote, she was looking forward to a week at the beach with her husband Buck. Art is still one of her passions which she enjoys when time permits.

She had heard from Niramol Eed Thanomkulbutr who said she was doing well and that things had quieted down somewhat in Bangkok.

Linda Burnett Jeter says that her husband Jay has very few regrets about retiring from teaching. The Jeters are now both retired and are watching with interest as their daughter Jayne pursues an acting career. Jayne was chosen for an acting apprenticeship at Horizon Theatre in Atlanta which lasts through May of 2011. After that, Hollywood perhaps!

Retirement is also good for Pie White Sharpe.

After learning that a balance problem was not serious, Pie is thankful and enjoying reading, gardening and volunteering.

And another recent retiree is Martha Carpenter Shaleuly who was at Furman University for 12 years as Director of Teaching Fellows. That job allowed her to see Gayle Buckheister Sawyer from time to time and I am sure both will miss that connection. Speaking of Gayle, she and Beverly Armstrong McLaughlin, who both now live in Rock Hill have promised to see one another more often after being together at our reunion. It was so good to see Beverly doing so well at the reunion.

A big thank you to our reunion team – Myra Cato Coffey, Kay-Kay Duelley Nooft, Mary Edmunds Reed and Linda Smith Bradford. Kay-Kay was a super corep and we will all miss her positive, can-do attitude.

Her death on July 16, 2010, saddens us all. Our deepest sympathy to Al and the family.

The Coker website is setting up a link by classes (if I understand correctly) which will show the current monies collected toward our annual goal for the Alumni Scholarship Fund which always runs July 1 – June 30. We surpassed our goal for 2010. Thanks to all who participated. I am hoping that many of us will participate in “THE PLAN”. I know as I write this, I am at $40 and counting and by the time you are reading this, I will be at $80. I do hope you find that you are able to participate as well.

Thanks to all who sent news. Please send your news or any you know of fellow classmates so we can all be “in the know”! Best wishes to all for a safe and happy summer and fall.

1971

Sarah Jo Wood Safrit

Post Office Box 388 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-728-3213 | leonards@mail.clis.com

Priscilla Perry Arnold, Lynda Rhyne, Trisha Braid Collins, Elizabeth Cockfield Bushardt and Sarah Mims ’72. celebrated a mini Coker reunion in late May with a three-day trip to Myrtle Beach. They are looking forward to a bigger reunion, when our class gathers in June 2010 for our 40th reunion.

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1972

Mary “Sister” Wham Thomas

205 Water View Drive Columbia, SC 29212 803-781-3294 home | 803-240-2896 cell thombpa@bellsouth.net

Co-rep needed Hello Class of ’72,

We as the class of ’72 officially turn 60 years old this year.

I am our new class representative and would love to hear news from you during the coming year.

I am still in Columbia with husband CP who is retired. Our daughter Brooks is in Asheville with husband Chris and our grandchildren Mia 5 and Gray 1. Son Palmer lives in Mountville and is a dentist in Laurens, and son Andrew is a student a USC. I am an RN at Juvenile Justice and spend my free time between Asheville with the grands, Litchfield at the beach house, and Mountville with my mother (who at 94 still talks about falling in the lake during our crew race victory).

I hope in our 60th year we find time to communicate and renew meaningful friendships.

My best to you all!

Mary “Sister” Wham Thomas

Mary Ann Gentile Miller writes “You certainly made my day, Sister! It was great talking with you and I hope to see you soon. My son Don, 30 (June 26) lives in Denver , graduated from USC, single…no grandchildren!

My daughter, Lee (Nov. 18) is 24, lives in Cola, working on masters in Integrated Media, combo major PR, Marketing and Advertising. My husband George works for Consolidated Southern Industries in Anderson and I work for South Carolina MENTOR as a Program Manager for Therapeutic Foster Care.

That’s life in one paragraph! Again, no grandchildren!!!!

Cokernut! I have not said or heard that in decades, how funny!!”

MA

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childcare and preschool programs assessing their programs for quality programming under the state’s star-rating systems.

My daughter, Amarinthia, is living in Seattle now.

My son, Matthew, is in Murfreesboro, TN.

My summer had been uneventful. We did get a quick weekend visit to Sullivan’s Island before Amarinthia moved. I plan to go to Seattle for a visit in September.

Hope all is well with you and yours,

Janie Cleckley Campbell is having a great time back on campus at Coker working in Residence Life.

No she is not like “mama Sue”… but does get to know a lot of the students. She helps place students in their rooms; assists when they get locked out; helps them find community service opportunities, and works with RAs and Commissioners. Coker has had Commissioners for over 35 years… a long standing tradition some of you Shrinking Violets know about first hand. Janie actively supports our family classes each year… this year she will be yelling for the sophomore/juniors in all competitions. Violet Power!!! She and Sammy enjoy two grandsons greatly who just attended “Week in the Wild” at Kalmia Gardens. What a great place to play. Her daughter Tricia is living in Charleston and son Andrew is serving his 3rd tour with US Army in Iraq. Pray for our troops.

Hey everyone—I had a weak moment and agreed to be our class representative and get news from our class…I have known this since March and consciously put it on the back burner. Well July 15 is the deadline!!

I have heard from Jean and hope to hear from Bet soon.

Please email me or call me (c) 803 240-2896 with what you are doing this summer, how your family is, or anything!!

I keep busy with working (part time—38 hours in 3 days) every week, keeping up with my mother who will be 94 this month and still lives at home in Mountville, and running up to Asheville to be with 2 grandchildren—and oh, I do have a husband and a youngest son Andrew at home!!

Please let me hear—it would be fun to have lots of news.

Thanks so much,

Love y’all Sister

1973

Jane Clyburn

1002 Starcliff Drive Lugoff, SC 29078 803-438-5638 | 803-669-4487 clyburnpj@bellsouth.net | jane@ctp-cpa.com Dear Classmates,

Well, I think my last news stated that I was going to be moving into a new house. That didn’t happen. After picking out the lot I wanted, the plans I wanted, AND my colors, the contractor said he never said he would buy my house… hindsight is 20/20 as they say. I should have gotten it in writing, but I trusted my real estate agent.

So, I have refinanced and am going to try and get a few things done to the house and maybe give it another shot in a year or so. Meanwhile, I’ve got this PODS full of stuff that was just crammed in by my agent and two others to get my house cleaned out… what a mess. I’ve got to get it cleaned out and get rid of it but it sure is too hot to be doing stuff like that… whew.

My grandkids are growing like weeds. Ryan will be 5 on July 25th and Logan is 2 and a half.

I went through allergy testing and let me tell you

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Vicki Carpenter Waters lives in Cambobello where she and Buddy built a log home 4 years ago. Buddy retired from contracting and sons Ben and Gabe now run the business. Vicki’s daughter Marie is an auditor in Knoxville. She spends time with her granddaughter 3 and grandson 2 and also gardens and keeps up with the 17 acres around their home. Condolences to Vicki and her family who lost a granddaughter at birth in May.

Julie Jay Carter recently moved to Weaverville NC. She is finishing treatment for breast cancer and is doing really well. She lives near her twin sister and has twin girls--Jennifer and Elizabeth. Julie is expecting her first grandchild any time now--agrandaughter. Julie is in the process of starting a retreat for small groups with a former seminary colleague.

Janice “Willie” Wilkins is still teaching in Greenville, but has retired from coaching volleyball and softball.

She enjoys working with runners as a personal trainer.

She is presently recovering from micro-fracture knee surgery and hopes to be back to running marathons soon..

Sue Todd Babb is teaching in Greenwood. She is getting ready to start her 33rd year and still loves it! She says she is now teaching kids of her former students.

She plans Literacy Day at Greenwood High and raises money for a free summer book for each of the 1700 students. She and John enjoy spending time with their

nephews and their families nephews and caring for John’s mother who is in an assisted living facility near them. Condolences to Sue whose mother died suddenly last September. Sue says that we may be getting older, but the friendships are as fresh and new as the day we met each other on that hot day in 1968!!!

Hello Class of 1972! It was great to catch up with a few classmates in October 2009 at Litchfield. The Mini Reunions are such fun. Who would have thought we met 40 years ago (in 1968)? Yes, we still act as if we are 20 years old instead of 60 years old! Sam and I are still in Sumter. Mom is very near in an Assisted Living Home.

My sister, Julia A. Southard ’70 will retire from LSU in late June and move to Mt. Pleasant, SC. It will be nice to have her near. I have a new grandson. Thomas Hodge Jacobs was born Feb. 1, 2010 in Mt. Pleasant, SC. All four children are thriving. We enjoy our free time on the coast with the five grandchildren. Jean Southard Riddle

Pictures l to r: Jean, Sister, Amy, Courtney, C A, Bet, Janie and Mims Sarah Mims is still in Asheville. She is a psychotherapist and is currently in transition. She has been spending time in Edgefield with her brother and mother (88), both of whom have had health issues. Her mother continues to live in the old homeplace.

Sarah says she might return to speech therapy in the near future, but still doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up!

Betty Birdsong Matthews writes “Thanks for taking this on Sister!!!! I am reminded daily of how important our Coker friendships are. My mom Natalie West Johanson ’47 has cancer and is under Hospice and family care. She regularly hears from her Coker roommate (Lora Evie “Burnsie” Burns Thomas) and other Coker friends who are supporting her with phone calls and cards. How inspiring and special that is to her and to us! One day she received a card postmarked from Florence and I asked who it was from. When she told me a Coker friend Marjorie Hooks Bethea ’46, I said “Wow, Coker girls...” She finished my sentence with “really stick together!” So, thanks, Sister, for doing your part to help the Class of ’72 connected and sticking together!

Okay, let’s see...I am still teaching - 1st grade - in Winston-Salem. I’m not sure about retirement yet because those 5 years of teaching in Florence, SC will have to be bought back, so no decision yet! David retired 3 years ago and has enjoyed every minute of it.

He restored his ’67 Mustang the first year, built furniture the 2nd year, and has been working on our daughter’s 1927 farm house this past year. We’re very excited that she and her husband moved their house (yes, moved...it was quite exciting to see!) not far from us – we’ve already worn a path through the woods! Troy is also helping, so we’re enjoying getting to spend more time with him.

He lives in Asheville and is a river enthusiast - kayaking is his love. Taking care of my mom (I’m cherishing every minute), our kids (no grandchildren yet), my teaching, church activities, friends, and the good life out here in the country keep us busy! I’ve also really enjoyed reconnecting with Coker friends on Facebook!

What a GREAT time a group of us had last October at the beach!!!! Jean, Sister, CA, Courtney, Janie, Mims, Amy, and me - what a blast! It was as if we had never left Coker - we picked up where we left off and added on!

Talking was non-stop, we sat on the roof till 2am most mornings, we ate and ate and played and played – I’m ready to do it again SOON!”

Amy Webb writes: Hey Sister, Well, I have not been one to send news of my life too often, so feel privileged!

Working for the state (TN) DHS office in the Childcare Assessment unit, visiting state licensed

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that was no fun. The test itself was not too bad, but I think I had an allergic reaction or something. My right arm, my upper chest, and starting on my left shoulder broke out. I don’t think I have ever had something itch as much as that did. I finally got some relief with prednisone. I never thought I’d be happy to take that stuff. I’m not looking forward to running out of it. I hope the rash doesn’t come back.

I received the following news from a few classmates.

To Monty Smith, I apologize for not including your information in the last Commentary. I didn’t receive your email in time. And to Beth Dana, I apologize to you also. I didn’t receive your email at all until you recent it. I appreciate both of you understanding.

Nancy Wilson writes “Hey! I don’t know too much news from Charleston, SC. Becky Reynolds officially retired from MUSC... She is now a lady on her “own time” living in Mt. Pleasant. I think Frankie Cauley Earnst is a GRANDMOM again but I can’t remember when the latest arrived. Maybe she or Karen shared that news already.

Becky Reynolds sends “Hi Jane – not much news from this end…

I’m thoroughly enjoying retirement and use every opportunity to travel and visit with friends. In March, I went on my first cruise since college. That was a treat.

I also visited a friend in Richmond, KY in April and plan to visit another friend in Longmont, CO in late June.

I’ll spend the 4th of July week at Litchfield Beach with family – always a treat. Other than that, life is rather quiet and stress free – I love it and feel so fortunate and blessed.

Monty Smith “I’ve been elected to the Board of Directors of Pinecone (pinecone.org), The Piedmont Council of Traditional Music.....being an avid bluegrass musician, I’m honored to serve in this capacity...Pinecone is one of, if not the largest musical organization of its kind in the State of N.C, with many, many members.....I’m still teaching, working with the handicapped in the Wake County School System, here in Raleigh....we now have 140,000 students in our district. Needless to say, it’s a large task to manage that many schools and kids... don’t know how they do it...but, I’m looking forward to retirement in a few years...but I’m much too young(yea, right)...hope to see all of my friends and classmates of ‘73 and other classes at one of the Alumni days. I’m anxious to get back to Coker and Hartsville in the spring...no prettier sight...

Beth Stewart Dana “Hello Jane, Happy New Year!! Many of you may be aware I donated a kidney to my brother, Jack in August of 2000. He had renal failure from diabetes. He suffered a setback in April and died on August 2, 2009. He was only 62. It was a very difficult time, but we are all coping.

On a much lighter note I went to Buenos Aires, Argentina in November with 3 lady friends as a girls’ week and had a wonderful trip. If you haven’t been to South America. I highly recommend it. Very European, but pesos instead of Euros and great shopping.

Now to the rest of you… once again, if I don’t’ get it, I can’t report it. If you have retired, moved, or just changed emails, please shoot me an email with your updated information. I’d love to have correct addresses, phone numbers and emails for everyone.

I hope everyone has a wonderful summer. I’ve been to Edisto once and am looking forward to going again in September. Right now it seems so far away. I LOVE THE BEACH!!!!! Oh well, one day…

Take care and keep in touch

Jane Clyburn | jane@ctp-cpa.com

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1974

Pat Newman

P.O. Box 357833 Gainesville, FL 32635-7833 678-849-5308 | pnewman224@yahoo.com

1975

Rose Patrick Smith

1801 Stannard Trail Raleigh, NC 27612 919-789-4829 | dsmithII@nc.rr.com

We had a fabulous reunion! If you weren’t able to join us, we missed you and you missed a plain ‘ole good time. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Annual Scholarship Fund. We reached our class goal.

Yeah!!! You’re the best!

A big “THANK YOU” to Susie Dunklin Guerry and Bert who opened their beautiful home to us for the Friday night get-together…so much fun with good food and a lot of laughing and talking! The dining room table was covered with pictures and other memorabilia which stirred up so many memories. Diane Roden Dinneny came down from NJ and spent several days with Susie.

Susie teaches at a private kindergarten so Diane was an “extra pair of hands” to help Susie get ready for the party.

Diane’s daughter Kate Lyn is in graduate school working toward a MLIS degree. Meagan has made the decision to continue her education in Boston. Miriam Anderson stayed for the weekend too. She and her husband John Stocker live in Goose Creek where Miriam teaches art.

Daughter Kristin is married and lives in Beacon, NY while son Ryan is engaged and plans an October wedding.

Denise Norris Walden and her husband George joined us on Friday night. They live in Hartsville.

Sonny Kinney and Carol Hatton Kinney also came on Friday on their way to the Masters. They have five cute grandchildren and enjoy family time at Kiawah.

Carlotta Johnson Wiggins and Johnny enjoy boating and spending time with grandson Miles. Johnny also braved Friday night where he and George were the “official” photographers. With a chair full of cameras, theirs was no easy task! When two girls immerged from the house and the photos had to be re-done…well, you had to be there.!

Kathi Pleasant Luther and Chuck became firsttime grandparents last June with the arrival of Ian and Emily’s son, Noah. Corey and Caitlin live in Hartsville and Charlie is back in Charleston.

Barbara Horton Kissick came to the reunion from Colorado Springs, CO where she serves as the athletic director at a charter school for grades 1-12. Husband Andy teaches special education and also works with teachers.

Cindy Kennedy Lockerman teaches ESL in Charlotte. Three of her children are married and daughter Blake (Coker graduate) is expecting her first child and works with children who have special needs.

Everyone wanted the recipe for the sweet tidbit that Martha Short Rivers brought to the party. Martha graciously shared it and out it went via email! Martha’s girls are both scholars and doing well. She and Larry have had the opportunity to travel abroad for his work.

Floy Henry Fanning lives in Chapin and teaches students who are visually impaired. Jennifer attends college in Greenwood and is a Teaching Fellow. Kimberly is a rising high school senior and a member of the swim team.

Carolyn McMillian Dunn and David live in Chapin where he has a stump grinding business. Carolyn continues to fly for United and enjoys visiting Claudia

and the grandchildren in CA.

Bebe Prosser Beasley teaches kindergarten in Bishopville. Amy lives in Raleigh and Matt is about to finish college with an eye toward graduate school. Bebe and Agnes Avery Lyles are still fast friends. Agnes hopes to “downsize” and wasn’t able to be with us on Saturday due to an open house. Hope it sold! Agnes works parttime at the Y.

Bonnie Yon lives and works in Mt. Pleasant.

Daughter Cameran Eubanks sells Armani at Saks in Charleston and does some modeling. Cayce Eubanks lives in Charleston and works as a waitress.

Cheryl Lane is in Greeleyville and teaches at Francis Marion. Her daughter will graduate from Clemson with a degree in Animal Science. Cheryl’s menagerie includes horses, chickens, dogs and cats!

Betsy Mauldin McCray and daughter Elizabeth live in Waxhaw where Betsy still loves to ride horses.

In addition to her involvement in the Pony Club, Betsy enjoys her work with a therapeutic riding group.

Reveley Wilson Thomy is President of the Lake City Community Theatre, President of the Wednesday Afternoon Book Club, and volunteers at the Food Bank.

Grandsons Daniel and Ryan live nearby.

With Hannah away at college, Deborah Scarboro Snyder has come out of retirement to supervise UNCC student teachers.

Lisa Hardwick McCutchen and Gwyn have completed and moved into their beautiful new home.

You should see the dog entrance! The contractor told Lisa that if she’d design it, he’d build it! The McCutchen’s breed and show Basset Hounds and have placed dogs in homes around the country.

Priscilla Corriher Weaver joined us on Saturday along with her friend Becky. Priscilla is the “heart and soul” of Landis Plumbing Supply, the company started by her late father. She and Donny have two beautiful girls: Lauren, a nurse and Sara who is studying to be a teacher.

We heard from several folks who were not able to come to the reunion. Polly Wyman Bowers and Jackie Bullock Szczepanik sent their regrets. Susan Hite Wade had a conflict: two granddaughters participating in the Central Carolina Skating Classic. Sarah Creech Vick was unable to join us due to her dad’s birthday celebration.

Sarah’s daughter Allie graduated from college in May works for Wachovia is Charlotte. Suz spent the summer in Raleigh and is a NCSU College Ambassador.

Back tracking some, the Christmas season always brings news and Christmas 2009 was no exception. I learned from Denise Johnson Baker that Elizabeth “Jan” Hill Farr passed away on September 19, 2005. We extend our sympathy to Jan’s family.

I also had a card from Mary K. Wallace Newton who retired from Northeastern Technical College after 34+ years of service. She began her career as Director of Admissions and at the time of her retirement she was Dean of Students. In retirement she has done some teaching and interim administrative work. She writes, “My husband, Larry, has retired but still helps one son, Jeffery, on the farm. Jeffery ’96 and his wife, Stacey Vaughan Newton ’01, both graduated from Coker.

When Jeffery was in school it was nice to go to his soccer games and to be on campus again. It brought back a lot of memories! Jeffery and Stacey have two sons and the grandsons are a very important part of my life. Our other son, Dewey, lives and works in Wilmington.”

A great family photo arrived from Jane Beckett Phillips! She and mark live in Salinas, CA. The family spent Christmas 2009 at Lake Tahoe where Jane had her first white Christmas. She and Mark have four children,

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who range in age from 29 to 14, and two grandchildren.

Jane writes, “We are on a two acre farm with 3 horses, goats, pigs, chickens, and 4 dogs. I’m in my 23rd year here teaching kindergarten! So ready to retire, just be a grandma, and ride horses! We still have our toy store…. visit us at thinkertoys.com. Love to all our mutual friends!”

I hope you’ll use the class list you received as part of the reunion planning process to keep in touch with each other. Let me know if your contact information changes….don’t want to lose you Rose

1976

Marilyn Mros Belotti 1118 Inverness Lane Hanahan, SC 29410 Drb90@att.net

1977

Jane McCrackin Suchy

1011 Poplar Street Marion, SC 29571 843-423-1989 | suchysuchy@aol.com

1978

Vicki Smith Chaplin

839 Bethlehem Road Hartsville, SC 29550 843-332-5998 | Chaplins4@aol.com

Dr. Daniel Moses

Post Office Box 2403 Jacksonville, FL 32203 904-777-8179 | dan1204@bellsouth.net

Congratulations to Dr. Daniel Moses on his bio being published in International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England, The Top 200 of 2010! He also helped with a Teaching Tolerance documentary Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case that Made History which will have 25,000 copies distributed with a teaching kit to schools across the nation.

1979

Debbie Schultz McLaren

20184 Foothill Terrace Ashburn, MD 20147 703-726-1190 | writerdeb11@aol.com

1980

Lee H. Hickman

1982

1989

325 Moss Avenue Port Orange, FL 32127-6136 386-760-6430 | ddshouse@yahoo.com

183 Royal Oaks Lane Lexington, SC 29072 803-926-8410 | ppeagler@columbiastaffing.com

Debra Holt Zsembik

1983

55 Managhan Drive, Apt 306 Hardeeville, SC 29927 843-208-3272 | daddydolphin@hargray.com

1984

801 Longbow Road Charlotte, NC 28211 704-365-6763 | djcraig@bellsouth.net

Michelle Wiscovitch King

400 Gandy Drive Hartsville, SC 29550 843-857-0084 | michaelbking@bellsouth.net

1985

Electa Anderson Small

204 Lantana Circle Georgetown, SC 29440-7278 803-348-6748 | andee33@aol.com

Tracie Johnson Paschal

1111 West Roseneath Road Florence SC 29501-5745 raciePL@aol.com

1986

Susan Sweatt Robey

1 Cobblestone Court Columbia, SC 29229 803-699-6620 | susansrobey@earthlink.net

Teresa “Trigger” Martin

133 Tall Oaks Drive Irmo, SC 29063 803-749-3922 Home | 803-318-1413 Mobile triggermartin@aol.com

1987

Cynthia Lee Hylton

14405 Woodswalk Court Midlothian, VA 23112-2412 804-639-2814 | Cindy.L.Hylton@pmusa.com

Susan D. Weathersbee

1988

Barbara A. Britton ’82

6716 St. Julian Way Fayetteville, NC 28314 910-860-7650 | 877-820-9147- toll-free jmb1jmb2@aol.com (put Coker in subject line)

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1990

1819 New Market Road Hartsville, SC 29550-9303

Lisa Bryant McDowell

9 Alison Way Columbia, SC 29229 803-699-7924 | mcdowellx5@aol.com

Millicent Chewning Macchione

3011 Stone Bridge Trail Conyers, GA 30094 770-388-0067 | Millicentmacchione@yahoo.com

6 Corby Court Columbia, SC 29229 803-462-9851 | Algibson90@bellsouth.net

Kathy Harsh Cunningham

6004 Highmarket Street Georgetown, SC 29440 843-527-0530 | khc1224@aol.com

Believe it or not - it has been 20 years since we graduated from Coker! We will be celebrating with a reunion on October 1 -2. We really want to get as many people as possible to come back to Coker for this reunion. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathy Harsh Cunningham, Alex Gossett Shifflet, Athena King, or myself. We would be glad to fill you in on the reunion plans.

Athena King graduated from USC with a PH D in Political Science. Congratulations, Dr. King!

Jessica Sellers ’04 graduated from Columbia College with a Masters Degree in Human Behavior and Conflict Management. Congratulations, Jessica!

Kristin LaTorre Molony’s youngest daughter, Mallory, graduated from Bishop England High School on May 28 and is headed to USC in August. Her oldest daughter, Caitlin, just finished the Certified Nurses Aid class and loved it. She is headed into the nursing program at Trident Tech this fall. Congratulations Mallory and Caitlyn! Keep up the good work!

Becky Walden Guy is married with four children.

She is an Ed Tec II in Kittery Maine!

Becky and her husband also own a hotel and a hotel furniture liquidating business. Becky, it was great to hear from you. Please keep in touch!

Dale ’92 and Julie Plyer Leatherwood ’92 are on the move. Dale has been working for a Florida based company for a year and a half, and they finally decided to make the move from New York. They now live in Lake Mary, FL, just north of Orlando. Julie is excited about leaving all of the snow behind!

In April, I went to the Sparkleberry Fair here in Columbia.

As I was wandering around one of the exhibits, I heard a familiar voice. When I turned around, I was thrilled to see Marie Daniels! She was there working with the group from Clemson Extension Services providing educational workshops to kids. We had a great time catching up and reminiscing about the good old days at Coker!

Alex Gossett Shifflet provided us with the following update on Hartsville:

If you have not been to Hartsville lately you really need to visit. Hartsville has undergone a lot of renovations. We are building a new Hampton Inn downtown and hold on to your hats; it is going to be four stories! Coker has also made a lot of improvements to the campus - it is beautiful. I hope to see you all in October and I would love to here from you. I am not good about checking Facebook so if you would like to email me I teach Theatre and Public Speaking at

THE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE, H A RT S VILLE, S .C .

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1981

803 Washington Avenue Palmyra, NJ 08065 856-303-1090

Amy Gibson

Donna Craig

Phyllis Atkinson Palmieri

137 West Home Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550-4123 843-383-4692 CIRCEmyTW14/Sunbeam@hotmail.com

Meg Quilty Liebe

Glenn Douglas Bridges

703 Beaty Street Conway, SC 29526 843-248-3925 | lhickman@sccoast.net

Pennie Cathey Peagler

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Northeastern Technical College. My email is ashifflet@ netc.edu. It would be nice to see everyone’s little people or send me some pictures. Whitman and Grace will be 10 in October - growing up too fast. Thanks, Alex! It was good to hear about all that is going on at Coker and in Hartsville. I hope that everyone will want to come out and see the changes for themselves when they come back for our 20th Reunion in October!

Please try to make it to the reunion if at all possible.

It would be great to see everyone!

Amy

1991

1994

Jennifer Spray Blankenship

2977 Dance Drive Hartsville, SC 29550 843-332-9835 | blankcamp@aol.com

Viola DeDe Lawrence

dede_lawrence@yahoo.com

Congratulations to Terrance A. Hayes on 2010 National Book Award Winner, Poetry for his four collection of poetry call Lighthead.

Helen Mason Allen

1823 Misty Vale Road Charlotte, NC 28214 704-391-0931 | We3allens@bellsouth.net Helenm.allen@cms.k12.nc.us

Hi All - I hope this newsletter finds the Class of 1991 doing well and enjoying life!! I am doing very well and not a lot has changed since the last time I checked in with ya’ll. I’m still working at an elementary school in Cornelius NC and I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job, it is never the same thing each day and I love that. My husband is a student at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Charlotte NC and this keeps him quite busy. Our daughter, Emily is 13 years old and a rising 8th grader. This was the year that she grew past me and is now 6’1” tall and enjoys being taller than her mom. She is a very talented swimmer which means I keep quite busy taking her to practices and going to swim meets on weekends throughout the year. Life is good!

I have heard from a few of you this time and I would LOVE to hear from more of you. If any of you are on Facebook, please look me or ANY of your Coker classmates up, it is a FANTASTIC way to keep with the alumni and Coker as well I heard from Jerry Thomas, he wrote that he was in France where he was studying international business law this summer. He completed his PhD in Political Science this past semester at the University of Kentucky (Way to Go!!!). He is one semester way from completing his JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

I wanted to let you know some very sad news was that Libby Nesbitt Hastings lost her precious husband, Gene on May 4th. Please keep Libby and their children Raime and Chase in your thoughts and prayers Please drop me an email and let me know what is going on with the awesome and amazing Class of 1991 I CANNOT believe that in 2011 it will have been 20 years since we graduated. WOW, time files!

Helen Mason Allen

1992

Kelly S. Jenkins Fredie James Williams

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P.O. Box 2734 Evans, GA 30809-2734 frediew@netscape.net

1993

Angela Hodges Taylor Class co-rep needed

C L A S S E S 1995 -2010 V isit www . coker . edu /alumni to read you R class news

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