[Winter 2016] Commentary

WINTER

2016

VOL. 45, NO. 1

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

DR. STEVE TERRY

A COKER LEGEND RETIRES AFTER 40 YEARS WINTER LIGHTS

CELEBRATING THE TRUE IMPACT OF ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

SENIOR JUBILEE SMITH FEEDS THE HUNGRY AND LEAVES A LEGACY IN HARTSVILLE

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

What makes a good story?

WINTER 2016 | VOL. 45, NO. 1

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR L AURA HOXWORTH

Director of Institutional Identity lhoxworth@coker.edu

ART DIRECTOR NORAH WOFFORD ’11

Manager of Creative Services nwofford@coker.edu

CONTRIBUTORS SETH JOHNSON ’12

Video Production & Broadcast Media Specialist KYLE SAVERANCE ’06

Vice President for Institutional Identity and Information Technology PEGGY SMITH

Advancement Officer BARB STEADMAN Secretary of the College & Director of Constituent Relations DEE PIERCE Manager of Resource Development MEGAN WAINWRIGHT Advancement Records Specialist ELIZABETH COXE HUBBARD Media Relations Coordinator

Most compelling stories have a few things in common: An interesting, complex protagonist. A colorful supporting cast.

Challenges overcome and lessons learned. Progression. Growth.

We have some great examples for you in this issue. Take Hailey Owens, who tells her own story of overcoming fears on page 5. Or Jubilee Smith (page 21), whose story of initiative is an inspiration to anyone who has ever thought, “What if…?”

Some stories, like those of our endowed scholarships (page 15), have an impact that extends further than we can imagine. We are so thankful for these gifts. Others are complex, with many volumes linked together by a beloved hero—like our own Steve Terry, whose new chapter we celebrate on page 11.

The truth is, there’s no one formula for a great story. That’s what makes them so compelling. Each Coker story is fascinating because of its individuality, and together, your stories—faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends—make Coker what it is.

Of course, many Coker stories are just beginning. Our real privilege is being able to shape those stories and watch them unfold. The best we can hope for is to be one piece of a student’s life story … a turning point that sets the stage for a vibrant, rewarding future.

As we begin a new year full of promising beginnings, we hope you’ll enjoy reading the stories in these pages—and continue following those that are still being written.

Most of all, we hope you’ll continue letting Coker be a part of yours.

Sincerely,

SUSAN KEMP Proofreader

COKER.EDU

Dr. Robert L. Wyatt

table of contents IN THIS ISSUE winter 2016

11 A Man of Many Stories

As a tribute to Dr. Steve Terry on his retirement, students, friends and colleagues of the Coker legend share their favorite memories of his 40 years at Coker.

15 Winter Lights

By illuminating the paths of promising Coker students, endowed scholarships, provided by generous donors, invest in the future of the college.

21 A Trans4mations Success Story

For senior social work major Jubilee Smith, the most satisfying work is helping provide for others when they need it most.

3 Faculty Spotlight

9 Cobra Voices

2 0 #cokerpride

5 Facing Fears, Finding Vocation

10 News Briefs

23 My Coker Story Is...

19 Board of Trustees

25 Class News

Q&A with Assistant Professor of Criminology and Sociology Todd Couch

My Coker Story: SCICU McLean Student of the Year Hailey Owens ’15

7 The DeLoach Difference The impact of the DeLoach Center’s first full year in operation

LEARN

academics & faculty news

CONNECT athletics & campus life

Coker Cobras answer: “What does being a student-athlete mean to you?”

Highlights from a busy year in the Coker community

Welcoming four new members to Coker’s Board of Trustees

ACHIEVE awards & accolades

GROW

looking toward the future

Students, alumni and friends of the college take to social media to share their #cokerpride

The Coker community shares their stories in just a few words

Alumni news and notes from your Class Representatives

ENGAGE

coker in the community

ADVANCE

alumni news

LEARN

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. TODD COUCH, SOCIOLOGY AND CRIMINOLOGY Dr. Todd Couch joined the Coker faculty in 2014. Originally from Texas, he’s fascinated by topics surrounding inequality in society—an interest that led to him earning both doctorate and master’s degrees in sociology from Texas A&M University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Midwestern State University. But achievements aside, his first love is being a mentor to his students and encouraging critical thought. We sat down to talk with Todd about his own Coker story, what it’s like to teach emotionally challenging subjects, and where the field of sociology is headed.

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

What drew you to studying sociology?

“As a kid growing up in Texas, I was always conscious of inequality issues. Having a white mother and a black father—it’s something that I saw all the time and that personally impacted me. I remember being out in the front yard with my family, and people driving down the street yelling slurs at us. It was always a part of my life, but I didn’t have the language to talk about it. Sociology gave me a language. It gave me an ability to better understand my experiences.”

How did your own Coker story begin?

“When I came out here to interview, what I really enjoyed were the faculty relationships I saw. It seemed like they had very good working relationships with one another, and that’s something I wanted. Another thing that sold me on Coker was the amount of first-generation students. Being a first-gen student myself, I was clueless when I went to college. The thing that made all the difference for me was my advisor—she was able to show me the ropes, because my parents couldn’t. I wanted to be able to be that person for other first-gen students. Drawing on my personal experience as well as my sociological training, it can be a very traumatic experience being a first-gen student, in that you’re the first person in your family changing social classes. Helping students work through those kinds of issues is something that I try to do consciously.”

Do you see yourself as a mentor to your students?

“I’ve been a mentor since I was in high school, so it’s something that I’ve always been drawn to. It’s about being a resource—constantly making myself available for the person I’m mentoring or, in this context, my students. I think my students know that if they need something, and they reach out to me for it, that I will do a lot to help them. Show me some effort on your part, and I will more than meet you halfway.”

Why do students today choose to study criminology?

“No one comes to college planning to study sociology. But then they take a class. And I find that even today, they’re saying the same thing that I did—that it gives them a language. Students end up changing their majors for the language it gives them to understand their experiences.

We have a lot of people coming here planning to major in criminology, but they’re not necessarily clear on what that is. With criminal justice, the sole focus is on locking people up. Criminologists want to understand criminals so we can prevent them from committing in the first place. So it’s a very different approach to understanding crime. Once students get involved, and they understand the differences, I think it resonates with them more than the punitive nature of criminal justice.”

What do you enjoy about teaching?

“I find teaching to be incredibly fun. Where the research part of grad school was work, teaching to me has never been work. The best part of any class for me, hands down, is when I can get a student to make an argument and support it with evidence. If I can do that, my day is made. A big part of sociology and criminology is the process of what we call debunking—teaching people to look past the smoke and mirrors that are taken for granted. We have a lot of assumptions about the way things are, but those assumptions are not always true. Getting students to think critically, using data, is a huge thing for me in all of my classes.”

How do you think the landscape is changing for the fields of sociology and criminology?

“Current events—violence and terrorism—are shaping the academy at large. I recently have begun to focus my research more on the sociology of violence, and the sociology of terrorism has become a new subcategory because it’s something that we live with today in ways that we never have. There’s a growing community of scholars that are trying to understand those things.

How do we define terrorism? What does it mean to be a terrorist?

It’s a growing field across the academy.”

With such difficult topics of discussion, how do you break down barriers to create a classroom environment that’s conducive to learning?

“I believe in being honest with students, but I also try to be inclusive with the way we talk about things. It goes back to something my dad always used to say when I was a kid: ‘It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.’ Getting students to think critically about issues while being sympathetic to the positions that they may be entering the class with—that’s one thing that is very difficult about what we do as sociologists and criminologists. I try to be a little more sympathetic to students, and being at a place like Coker that’s student-focused allows that. You get to know your students, and you get to know their stories and see the way those stories shape who they are.”

How would you describe yourself as a professor?

“My goal as a professor is to try to be very welcoming and engaging. I try to take down the curtain of ‘professor’ and let students see that I am a real person. Teaching the stuff I do, it’s very heavy and dark. It’s crazy. I will tell them a silly story about myself, about my life, just to break up the tension. All of my students have seen pictures of my dogs! Getting them to see me as an actual person is a big part of my teaching style, because that develops rapport with students. And if you can develop rapport with students, then they trust you. And if they trust you, then that will translate to engagement in the classroom.”

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LEARN

Facing fears, finding vocation MY COKER STORY: DECEMBER GRADUATE AND SCICU M c LEAN STUDENT OF THE YEAR HAILEY OWENS

On December 12, 2015, Hailey Owens reached a goal she had been working toward for years: She received her bachelor’s degree from Coker College. But she was also recognized for something she never expected when she began her college journey. This year, Hailey was named as the SCICU (South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities) J. Lacy McLean Student of the Year. The annual $2,000 scholarship award honors the most outstanding student nominated by SCICU's 20 member colleges and universities.

Mentoring and helping others are central to Hailey’s experience at Coker and her goals after graduation. Originally from Pelion, S.C., Hailey plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health and eventually develop her own leadership program to help prevent drug and alcohol abuse in schools.

Her college accolades include membership in Phi Chi the international psychology honor society, Dean’s List (every semester), and the Susan Coker Watson Scholarship for study abroad in Spain and Portugal—but those distinctions merely scratch the surface of what she’s achieved at Coker. In her own words, Hailey reflects on her transformation here.

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

“I remember the first time that I came to Hartsville. I was there with my family to watch my cousin, Anna Oswald, play in a Coker softball game. As we drove down Carolina Avenue, I remember seeing Bizzell’s, Minnie’s, the Midnight Rooster, and an old candy store. I loved that all of these places were just a short walk from campus. Whenever we went to see Anna’s softball games, we would always stop by her dorm room, visit Coker’s campus, and eat lunch in town—and the more we visited Hartsville, the more it felt like home. When it was time for me to start looking at colleges, I knew without a doubt that Coker was the first place that I wanted to visit.

When I first came to Coker as a prospective student, I attended a lecture with other prospective students. I remember reading the schedule of events and thinking that the lecture would be the most terrifying session of the entire day. When I walked into the classroom, Professor Puffer began a round-table discussion with all of us about our biggest fears going into college. Looking back now, my biggest fears were really nothing to be afraid of. I have excelled far beyond my expectations, and I have loved every minute of my time at Coker. Professor Puffer may not remember this lecture, but I will never forget it.

"Looking back now, my biggest fears were really nothing to be afraid of."

That was also the day that I met Dr. Li, the Chinese professor at Coker. She encouraged the prospective students to step out of their comfort zones and learn Chinese. Her lecture demonstrated that Chinese is a tonal language, can be fun to learn and is useful in many professional fields. Dr. Li welcomed me into the Chinese

Culture Club as its treasurer during my sophomore year at Coker and later as the club’s vice president. She has been a wonderful support system for me throughout my time at Coker, and I could never thank her enough.

Many of my high school classmates chose to attend larger colleges and universities, but I preferred the small class size and hometown feel of Coker’s campus. Like many other students who have chosen to attend Coker, I wanted my professors to know me by name; I didn’t just want to be a number. The most meaningful times during my days at Coker have been the mornings when I was walking from one class to another, and a professor stopped and simply asked, 'How are you today, Hailey?'

Since I first came to Coker as a freshman, I have gone through so many changes. I’ve had changes in major, changes in friends, and many changes in opportunities along the way. But all of these changes have been for the better. My experiences here have led me to discoveries about myself; I have new interests, new goals, and new passions. I have learned that I am passionate about advocacy, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, leadership, community, and travel. To me, graduating is a culmination of all of the wonderful experiences, memories, and things that I have learned while at Coker.

After graduation, I plan to use the passions that I have discovered during my time at Coker to earn a master’s degree in public health. Coker has prepared me to achieve this goal by providing me with a support system throughout my academic career and by opening up my mind to all that I have to offer the world. I am confident that I am ready for whatever experiences lie ahead of me, and it’s all thanks to the preparation that I have received from my family and from my alma mater, Coker College.”

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CONNECT

THE D eLOACH DIFFERENCE One year after the Harris E. and Louise H. DeLoach Center opened its doors, we reflect on how the largest expansion in Coker’s history has transformed campus—and the Hartsville community—for the better.

At a cost of $12 million and a size of 71,000 square feet, the Harris E. and Louise H. DeLoach Center marks the largest campus expansion in Coker College’s history.

The state-of-the-art athletic facility is home to Coker’s men's and women's basketball and volleyball teams. It features a 1,908 seat gymnasium, an auxiliary gym, two interactive classrooms, 10 locker rooms, a studentathlete-only weight room, a sports medicine and training room, a fitness center, a team store, a walking track, a café and athletic offices.

The DeLoach Center replaced the 700-seat Timberlake-Lawton gymnasium. “In all my years of being here, without a doubt, the college hit a home run when they decided to build this facility,” said head coach of the men’s basketball team Dan Schmotzer. “I would rank the DeLoach Center as one of the finest facilities in the South, if not in the whole country, for Division II sports.”

One significant change was the addition of a designated student section in the main gym, fondly referred to as “the Snake Pit.” Coker student and Snake Pit leader Derrick Nelson

recognizes the center’s contributions to both campus life and athletics. “The DeLoach Center has provided students on campus with a first-class facility to use for exercise and entertainment,” said Nelson. “Opportunities for each sports team have expanded with the opening of DeLoach, from new locker rooms to a high-quality weight room to improve team fitness.”

The DeLoach Center is named for two of the college’s staunchest supporters and proponents for excellence in education in Hartsville and South Carolina, Sonoco Board of Directors Chairman (and retired president and CEO), Harris E. DeLoach and his wife, Louise H. DeLoach.

“I hope this building reflects our deep appreciation for the good work of students, faculty, staff, alumni and the administration of Coker College,” Harris DeLoach said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “More importantly, however, we want it to reflect how passionately we believe in the role that education plays in the success of the people of this community.”

alumna, and former Cobra basketball player, is the tourism and special events director for the city of Hartsville. She has seen firsthand how the DeLoach Center is bringing the community and the college together. “The DeLoach Center has awarded Hartsville the opportunity to accommodate a variety of tourism-related expenditures and activities,” said Cohen. “The community is utilizing Coker’s resources more; that connection is really starting to flourish.”

Suzy Moyd, executive director of Main Street Hartsville, an organization that seeks to build a vibrant downtown in Hartsville, recognizes the significance of having access to the college’s multi-million dollar facility. "The DeLoach Center brings the city of Hartsville a beautiful, much-needed, stateof-the-art venue for everything from national events such as the Retriever Dog Trials to local events such as the Duke Energy Lights Up the Night Community Festival and Laser Show,” said Moyd. “It provides us with an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between the city and the college, as well as establish our community as a tourist destination."

Jessica Cohen, a Coker graduate student,

FOR EVERY 1 TIMBERL AKE-L AWTON FAN, THERE ARE 2.7 D eLOACH FANS

1,908 FANS

700 FANS = 25 TIMBERLAKE-LAWTON FANS 7 | WINTER 2016

= 25 DeLOACH FANS W W W. C O K E R . E D U

NUMBER OF GAMES PL AYED

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106 TOTAL

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TEAM STORE

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5

550 TRANSACTIONS = 50 TRANSACTIONS

$14,000 IN SALES SINCE AUGUST 2014

COMMUNITY EVENTS

DUKE ENERGY LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT L ASER LIGHT SHOW HARTSVILLE WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS 2015 AKC MASTER NATIONAL OPENING CEREMONY & AWARDS DINNER CAROLINA PINES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER HOLIDAY CELEBRATION BL ACK CREEK DUCKS UNLIMITED BANQUET & WILD TURKEY FEDERATION BANQUET

3.64 %

15

BASKETBALL & VOLLEYBALL SUMMER CAMPS W/ AN AVERAGE OF

75

96.36% IN GIFTS LEFT TO RAISE

& PLEDGES RAISED TOWARD A GOAL OF

$12,000,000.00

KIDS PER CAMP THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

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CONNECT

COBRA VOICES “WHAT DOES BEING A STUDENT-ATHLETE MEAN TO YOU?” Kaitlyn Kimball

Sarah Elliott

Junior / Women’s Lacrosse / Exercise Science & Psychology

Junior / Women’s Tennis / Psychology

“To me, being a student-athlete means sacrifice for something greater than yourself. It means putting your school, campus, and teammates before yourself. The life of a student-athlete is a constant state of being hungry, tired, sore, and without free time. But if you ask any of us, we wouldn't change a thing.”

“It means that I am gaining skill sets that will carry me throughout the rest of my life, such as teamwork, leadership, and reliability.”

Tom Sizeland Senior / Men’s Tennis / Biology

Jesse Sternberg Junior / Spirit Squad and Women’s Lacrosse / Social Studies Education “Being responsible for more than just yourself. You are responsible for yourself, your team, and Coker as well.”

“Getting a chance to play the sport I love while gaining a degree that will set me up for a successful future.”

Kevin Branch Sophomore / Men’s Basketball / Physical Education

Derrick Nelson

“Hard work and dedication.”

Senior / Wrestling / History “Being a student-athlete is everything to me. It is the culmination of my childhood dreams. I could not be more proud to be a Coker wrestler.”

Autumn Walters

Charles Huff Senior / Wrestling / Physical Education “Holding yourself to a higher standard. If I had to put it in one word, I would say it’s about commitment.”

Sophomore / Track & Field / Communications “To be given the title of student-athlete is an honor. Representing Coker as a student-athlete matures you and gives you the chance to build bonds with amazing people that will last a lifetime.”

Artur Cabral Junior / Men’s Volleyball / Computer Science “It means to be able to succeed on and off the court. Coker has taught me how sports can help you study and how work in the classroom can make you a better athlete. Here at Coker, we can start unknown, but we finish unforgettable.”

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Jack Leech Senior / Baseball / Criminology “Being responsible and trustworthy in the classroom and on the field.”

Rebekah Addison Freshman / Softball / Physical Education “Having a family when you aren't at home. Your team becomes your best friends; they become your family. Your coaches care about you and want you to succeed, not just in your sport but in life. There is honestly nothing I'd rather be than a studentathlete.”

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

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

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

2

1. National Rankings For the 20th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has named Coker College one of America’s Best Colleges in its 2016 rankings.

Coker ranks as one of the top 20 regional colleges in the South region.

Washington Monthly’s September-October issue has ranked Coker College No. 63 among the baccalaureate colleges in the nation that contribute most to the public good. This marks the fifth consecutive year Coker has been ranked in the magazine’s top 100.

For the 11th consecutive year, Coker College has been named a Best College in the Southeast by nationally known education services company The Princeton Review. Coker was one of 139 institutions listed in the “Best Southeastern” section of the “2016 Best Colleges: Region by Region” feature. Only about 25 percent of America’s 2,500 four-year colleges are included.

2. Partnership with Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School Coker College, in partnership with Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School in Darlington, S.C., has established a program to bring international students to South Carolina. Beginning with the 2015-16 school year, college-bound high school students from around the world will

3

be living on Coker’s campus while attending Trinity-Byrnes.

The program is initially housing five students, all from China, for the 2015-16 school year. The students are living together on the Coker College campus in the Saleeby House on East Carolina Avenue. They are chaperoned by house parents from the Trinity-Byrnes staff.

During their time in South Carolina, the students will have access to Coker amenities including the dining hall, the library and the 71,000 square-foot DeLoach Center, which opened in 2014 and includes a fully equipped fitness center, a walking track and a café.

Trinity-Byrnes provides transportation to and from its campus, which is approximately 14 miles from Coker. The students will learn and participate in all student activities at TrinityByrnes and will stay through graduation if they so choose.

3. Susan K. and Walter N. George Residential Hall On August 20, 2015, Coker College hosted a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Susan K. and Walter N. George Residential Hall. The event marked the fifth new building that Coker has opened in five years.

The Susan K. and Walter N. George Residential Hall is named for Walt George, a five-year

4

member of the Coker College Board of Trustees and the Chair of the Board, and his wife, Susan. It is the second of six residential halls to be built over the next few years within The Village at Byerly Place as part of the Redefining Excellence campaign.

Housing 48 students in all, the 18,096 squarefoot, three-story residence hall has 12 total apartments, with four students per unit.

4. South Carolina Music Teachers Association Conference On Nov. 5-7, 2015, Coker College hosted the South Carolina Music Teachers Association’s 55th annual conference, where an exceptional group of performers and educators shared their talents through recitals and master classes.

The South Carolina Music Teachers Association is composed of over 300 independent and collegiate music teachers. The conference brought South Carolina’s music teachers, both pre-college and collegiate, to Coker’s campus, as well as dozens of competitors from across the state to compete for the privilege of representing South Carolina at the Southern Region Conference.

The conference included a recital highlighting Coker’s music faculty and chamber singers, as well as a recital from Boris Berman, a distinguished pianist from Yale University.

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ACHIEVE

A MAN OF MANY STORIES Steve Terry is many things to many people.

Throughout the four decades he has faithfully served the Coker community, he has held numerous leadership positions— both academic and administrative. In his earliest days on campus, Steve coordinated athletic programs and coached both the baseball and the men’s basketball teams.

Later he served as athletic director, chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education and assistant dean of the college.

In 1982, he was tenured as a faculty member, and he’s been a member of the college’s administrative team

11 | W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

since

1990.

Most

DR. STEVE RETIRES A YEARS WIT

recently, he’s served as vice president for enrollment and contract services.

But Steve’s contribution to Coker can’t be summed up by a list of titles—nor by a list of the numerous awards he’s won, boards he’s served on, or professional memberships he’s earned (which are simply too numerous to list in this limited space).

Steve has seen the college through decades of change and growth. Depending on who you talk to, he has many names: coach, dad, mentor, professor, golf partner, friend. But one thing has never changed—his steadfast commitment to Coker and his natural

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

E TERRY AFTER 40 TH COKER ability to build meaningful, personal relationships.

Nearly everyone who has been a part of the Coker community in the last 40 years has a story or memory to share about Steve. As he officially retires, we thought the best way to honor a legacy so strong—and a story so multi-faceted— was to hear it directly from the students, coworkers, and friends who make up his Coker family. These are just a few of the people whose stories he has shaped during his time at Coker, and through them, his Coker legacy will last long after his retirement.

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ACHIEVE JESSICA BRILL LLOYD ’05 “I will never forget when my fiancé (now husband, Curtis Lloyd '01) was graduating from Coker, and the rainy day put the ceremony at the Center Theater. Curtis's tickets were taken up by his parents and grandparents, which left me waiting in the throng of people in the lobby of the theater trying to stay out of the rain and hoping for a seat at the ceremony. Dr. Terry saw me waiting and called me over. All he said was, 'come on,' and the next thing I knew, he steered me to an open seat where I was able to take a perfect picture of Curtis as he graduated from Coker College. A precious memory that still brings tears to my eyes! Thank you, Dr. Terry, for everything.”

Left to Right: John Whitlock, Reamer Evans, Coach Steve Terry & Alexander Baker

GINGER FREEMAN “As Steve's assistant for the past 16 years, I appreciate the assignments and opportunities that he afforded me. This allowed me to grow professionally and stretch beyond my comfort zone. Because he believed in me, I came to believe more in myself. This is a gift of a true leader.”

TRACEY BURNS “He is a kind and gracious gentleman who impacts the lives of everyone he meets. And it doesn't hurt to have him on your team for Coker Trivia at the Staff Olympics!”

JULIA RAFALOWSKI “Steve makes daily work life a joy on the second floor of DeLoach.

He always has a smile on his face and is always ready to share something to make your day better. Steve gives his support to all of the athletic teams and their coaches, and he is always there with an encouraging word or email. He is pretty much the coolest guy on campus. I'm going to miss him dearly.”

CLEMENTINE "TINA" ASHE ELLIS ’82 “I had Coach Terry for swimming course and was having difficulty.

He told me to get on the edge of the pool and just practice standing on the edge as if I would dive. Following the instructions of Coach Terry, I learned to swim on that day. When I see classmates still today, they remember that day so well. I overcame my fear of water and will be forever grateful to him.”

ERNEST SESSION ’84 “A year after Coach Terry recruited me, I called him having spent my first year at another college. He invited me up for a tryout, and the rest is history as I stayed, played, and graduated in 1984. That recruiting trip changed my life, allowing me to attend and graduate from a prestigious college, preparing me for life by exposing me to a great education. I have, through that experience, been able to run a successful business for 26 years.”

SARA ATKINSON ’14 “Dr. Terry always checked in with me while I was at Coker to make sure student life was going well and that I personally was doing well. He will truly be missed at Coker College. His stamp is forever embedded in the culture of Coker, and his actions and devotion to the college adds to his legacy. Dr. Terry, we are forever thankful for your contribution to our alma mater and for your love that you poured into Coker.”

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SHIRLEY M cCLERKLIN-MOTLEY “Steve is the type of person who makes the sun appear to shine a bit brighter. No matter how many times I felt in despair, Steve always made me feel as if what I have contributed to the Coker community is truly valued and that he was grateful for my presence on campus.”

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

HEIDRUN KRISTMUNDSDOTTIR ’15 “He taught me to not judge a book by its cover. You see this Southern gentleman, full of wisdom and knowledge—but underneath all of that, he is just this country-and-camo-lovin' kid who loves goofing around! Dr. Terry, thank you for forever having something smart to say and putting a smile on my and my friends’ faces.”

MARY CONSTANCE “CONNIE” BELL ’93 “Always at every campus function, Dr. Steve Terry is the epitome of a true CokerNut. He will be sorely missed as I think of him as a pillar of Coker.”

RYAN VENTO ’15 “Steve has taught me to keep a positive attitude in and out of the workplace—and that a sense of humor goes a long way.”

Steve with his immediate family

WILL CARSWELL “Steve’s commitment to and passion for this place is an inspiration to me. He cares deeply for our students, the staff and faculty, and the community in which we live. He does this with a quick wit and humor that puts you at ease. His dedicated service to Coker is an example that we all should strive to emulate.”

MERIANNE BAKER COWLEY ’93 “I did work study in the Admissions Office my senior year. I was at the front desk one day, and my bangs kept falling down in my face. Dr. Terry put a paperclip in my hair to hold my bangs back. I wore it the rest of the day!”

ROBIN PERDUE “I enjoy the vast amount of stories that Steve has and shares with everyone. It is amazing to sit and listen to the way things were and see how far the College has come. Steve has had a great impact on the College, and we will forever be thankful.”

KAREN EDWARDS ’98 “Steve, you are an extraordinary person, and we are all fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you. In addition to your years of tireless effort on behalf of Coker, you have warmly and consistently extended yourself to make every person you encounter feel valued and appreciated. May all life's best be yours.”

SHANNON CROUCH BOWERS ’09 “During my time at Coker, every day without fail he would greet me with a smile and a ‘Hey girl.’ It became a routine that I genuinely looked forward to every day and made my time at Coker one of the best times of my life.”

LISA BRUORTON JONES "FLEA" ’88 “Coach Steve Terry treated us all like family from the moment we stepped on the Coker campus. I am forever grateful and blessed to have had him as a mentor and a friend. His positive support, belief, and encouragement helped motivate me to obtain my goals of becoming a physical education teacher and a coach. He is a great teacher, supporter, and friend who has had a lasting impact on my life and helped to mold me into the person that I am today.”

ANN HUDSON ’00 “Steve was always so helpful and considerate to me. I am an alum, having graduated in 2000, and he was there to encourage me and make me feel like I was truly a part of the Coker Family.”

ROBERT WYATT “It's hard to imagine Coker College without Steve Terry. He has been part of the fabric of this place for more than 40 years. The consummate professional, Steve embodies the characteristics that define Coker. He takes pride in his work, pride in Coker and pride in our students. Whether he is flipping pancakes at Late Night Breakfast before finals or attending event after event after event, he deeply cares about students and their success—and they know it. For legions of Coker students, Steve Terry is Coker College. We are a better place because of him.”

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s t h g i l r e t n i w GROW

Endowed scholarships illuminate the paths of Coker students

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” Shakespeare’s popular quote reminds us that while this journey—the pursuit of a destiny— is clearly a personal endeavor, it’s quite natural to wish for a little light on the subject.

Seeing another’s footprint on a wintery path can make a world of difference.

Particularly in the beginning, when most of a student’s story is still unwritten, learning from those who’ve gone ahead is both instructive and inspirational. The legacy of a life well lived, of mountains climbed and hearts that have been blessed by a single, generous intellect, can illuminate more than a path—it can lift a student, a family, a community or a nation.

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Students at Coker College draw on innumerable stories from the institution’s rich history. But perhaps the luckiest students are those whose educations have been directly supported by a named, endowed scholarship—a special fund that has been established to honor an individual or family by providing scholarship aid, in perpetuity, to future students.

Recipients of support from endowed scholarships are selected because their story shares a common thread with the esteemed legacy of the fund’s namesake. Imagine the privilege students receive when they learn that their journey, just barely begun, has been recognized as worthy of such a comparison.

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PHOTO BY SETH JOHNSON ‘12

THE BROWNE SCHOLARSHIP Rev. James Thomas & Eloise Rabon Browne This year, two deserving students are the first to receive support from a scholarship established in honor of the late Rev. James Thomas and Eloise Rabon Browne.

The Browne scholarship was established by Tim and Nancy Browne to honor the memory of his parents. The Rev. Browne was a 1962 graduate of Coker College, a lifelong resident of Hartsville, a local minister and an English teacher with a love for adult education. Mrs. Browne was a faithful and loving mother who supported her husband’s ministry and educational career.

“Nancy and I chose to honor my parents in this way because they always stressed the importance of a great education and the importance of serving your community with a passion,” said Tim Browne.

“This scholarship at Coker honors education majors who have a strong commitment to serve the community. It's our pleasure to help students who have this same passion.”

The Brownes’ story, well known at Coker and in the region, has inspired thousands to live more fulfilling lives. Now it lights a path for Heather Blaschke and Jessica Lowry.

Blaschke, a senior from Fort Mill, S.C., is pursuing a degree in social studies education and is competing with the Cobras on the soccer team. Lowry is a senior Honors Program student from Charleston, S.C., who is majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. While these students’ plans are not firmly set, they can now count themselves as fortunate members not only of Coker’s family but of the Brownes’ as well. As any who knew the Brownes will attest, they find themselves in excellent company.

As good deeds often do, gifts to benefit students this year are multiplying. In 2015, two more families established endowed scholarships to honor their loved ones.

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“ It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”

—William Shakespeare

DR. KENNETH W. KRUEGER SCHOLARSHIP A new endowed scholarship has been established in memory of Dr. Kenneth W. Krueger by his son, Kenneth W. Krueger, Jr., and his daughter-in-law, Dr. Carole King Krueger, both of whom completed their undergraduate degrees at Coker.

Dr. Krueger was born in Falls County, Texas in 1916 and passed away in 2012. When Dr. Krueger was an infant, his father died from complications of a ruptured appendix due to lack of medical care. The tragedy inspired Dr. Krueger’s initial interest in medicine.

While he was in medical school, World War II interrupted his studies, and he joined the Army Medical Corps, serving in the European and Pacific theaters. While in the Army, he met Dr. William Byerly Jr., who urged Dr. Krueger to move to Hartsville after the war.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS AT COKER COLLEGE, PLEASE CONTACT BARB STEADMAN AT 843-383-8016 OR BSTEADMAN@COKER.EDU.

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After completing residencies in surgery and internal medicine, Dr. Krueger settled in Hartsville, where he practiced for 40 years. He served as the Coker College physician for many years and was the first physician in the Pee Dee area to be board certified in internal medicine by the American College of Physicians. Dr. Krueger received several awards for community service, including the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in 1996 and the Rotary Club Citizen of the Year in 2006.

“My father was a great believer in the power of education to improve lives,” said his son.

“He often remarked that he was not a stellar student, but rather a successful one—due to determination and hard work.

He would be pleased to have his name on a scholarship that will aid others in reaching their academic goals.”

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EUGENIA M c ALPINE LEWIS S CHOLARSHIP The most recently created endowed scholarship at Coker honors a trailblazing advocate for the institution, Eugenia McAlpine Lewis, who passed away in 2004.

Beth Stanzione, Lewis’s daughter, recalls her mother’s wholehearted devotion to Coker College and her fierce determination to make a difference. She says her mother persevered and found success because she remained true to herself. It was a labor of love.

“She was a steel magnolia if ever there was one,” said Stanzione.

“Mother was an authentic human being— animated and caring—and she wanted her alma mater to be as strong as it could be.”

Lewis was a 1941 graduate of Coker College. Her mother, Mary Lucia, was a 1916 graduate of Coker and her daughter, Lucia, who graduated in 1966, was Coker’s first third-generation graduate.

Eugenia Lewis joined Coker’s staff in the (then) Coker Alumnae Office in 1960 and was subsequently appointed executive

secretary-treasurer and director of annual giving.

During her tenure, Coker initiated the Hartsville City Campaign. In 1981, Eugenia Lewis was recognized by the Coker Alumni Association with the Distinguished Service Award for “her foresight and determination in the establishment of the association … and for her creativity, imagination, resourcefulness and vision in the pursuit of excellence of her alma mater.”

Eugenia Lewis’s vision and resourcefulness led to the first publication of the Coker Alumni Magazine. In 1968, she received the Time-Life Award for significant magazine improvement in the American Alumni Council’s Southeastern District.

Although each has a unique Coker College story, the families of Eugenia Lewis, Dr. Krueger, the Brownes and the others who have created endowed scholarships at Coker College, have been blessed with a singular understanding: that the reflection of a life well lived can illuminate the way forward for generations to come.

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GROW

New Members Elected to the Board of Trustees GAYLE SAWYER ’ 70 Gayle Sawyer is an assistant professor of educational leadership at Winthrop University.

CONRAD DEESE ’05 Conrad Deese is the vice president of finance for LifePoint’s Eastern Group at LifePoint Hospitals. He serves on two standing committees of the Board: the Athletics Committee and the Promotion and Marketing Committee.

In his position as vice president of finance for LifePoint’s Eastern Group, Deese provides oversight and direction of financial operations, including integration of new acquisitions, budget preparation, capital planning, fiscal accountability and operational assessments.

Deese, who graduated from Coker in 2005, studied business management, played baseball for the Cobras and married Cara, also a Coker graduate (2003).

Deese earned his MBA in finance at the University of Florida. Earlier this year, he was honored with the Coker College Young Alumni Award.

Deese and his wife have three young boys, Peyton, Parker and Paxton, and reside in Franklin, Tenn.

DONNA ISGETT Donna Isgett is the senior vice president of quality and safety for McLeod Health. She serves on two standing committees of the Board: the Audit Committee and the Enrollment and Student Life Committee.

Isgett has been with McLeod Health since 1997. She is responsible for the organization’s corporate program as well as clinical effectiveness, infection reduction, operational effectiveness, risk reduction, case management, physician support and grants. Isgett has direct oversight for a $3 million budget and 100 full-time employees.

In 2007, Isgett received the Milliken Medal of Quality Award. In 2009, she was a Liberty Fellow and received the Lewis W. Blackman Patient Safety Champion Award. She has served on the boards of Darlington Veneer, Diamond Hill Plywood Company, the National Institute of Case Management, McLeod Health Community Board and the South Carolina Hospital Association.

She serves on two standing committees of the Board: the Enrollment and Student Life Committee and the Faculty and Educational Policy Committee.

Prior to Sawyer’s role as an assistant professor at Winthrop University, she served as executive director of the South Carolina Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement and as director of human resources for the Darlington County School District, during which time she was recognized as the Personnel Administrator of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

In July 2013, Sawyer was named the 2013-14 Coker College Alumni Association Board Chairman. In the 1970s, she worked as assistant to the director of the alumni affairs office at Coker College. Sawyer is a founding member of the Ladies of Coker.

Sawyer graduated in 1970 from Coker College. While an undergraduate, she was a Susan Coker Watson Scholar. She received her master’s in education from Clemson University, where she was awarded the Graduate Reading Award, and her Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of South Carolina.

Sawyer’s husband, George P. Sawyer, Jr., is Director Emeritus of Kalmia Gardens of Coker College and a longtime member of the school’s faculty. They reside in Rock Hill.

ANNE BLOMEYER ’ 69 Anne Gardner Blomeyer is the owner of the retail antiques business Annie’s Song and a former GTE executive in planning, policies and operations. She serves on two standing committees of the Board: the Advancement Committee and the Faculty and Educational Policy Committee.

Blomeyer is an avid supporter of various arts and service organizations. She serves as a past president of the Innovators of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, a current member of the Board of the Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Board of Directors, AWARE (Alzheimer’s Women’s Association for Respite and Education), and the Dallas Woman’s Forum.

Blomeyer served on the Coker College Board of Trustees from 1984 to 1989. She also served on Coker’s Executive Committee from 1986-1988 and the Board of Visitors from 1971 to 1983.

Isgett has an associate degree in nursing from Floyd College, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Georgia State University and a master’s in nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina. She is currently completing a master’s in business administration at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Blomeyer graduated from Coker in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in art and religion. In 1984 she received the first Outstanding Young Alumni Award, and 30 years later received the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, both given by the Coker College Alumni Association.

Isgett and her husband, John, reside in Darlington. They have a daughter, Sarah, and a son, JT.

Blomeyer resides in Dallas, Texas, with her husband of 19 years, Dr. Robert B. Blomeyer II.

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HOW DO YOU SHOW YOUR

#cokerpride? @cokercollege

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

@cokercollege

@blackthorn2011

@_simply_sav_

#IAmHappiestWhenI am around all my #CokerCollege friends. They're my second family.

No place I'd rather call home #gocobras

@CarrieBWilks So fortunate to have a coach who checks in with me and who encourages me to be a better version of myself. #cokerpride

@ChellieeeD I've been accepted into Coker, my decision has been made. Coker College '20. I can't wait to be a Cobra!

@kabree_loveya I'm loving it here at Coker. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Finally a Cobra! #coker2019

Karol Lowery

(on the dedication of George Hall) Awesome to see all the growth happening there. I always knew it was a special place. I'm glad to see many others will get to have the same experience.

Lesley Houser @football_kicker84 Got my acceptance letter from Coker today. I am a very very excited and happy person tonight. #cokercollege #feelinggreat

@bbass9 Shout out to everyone starting classes today at @CokerCollege. Have fun, grow your intelligence, and work hard! #gocobras

facebook.com/cokercollege

The new kids are going to love everything that Coker College offers!

The faculty and staff are the nicest people you could ever meet!

Georgette Wilson Thank you for making first time college parents feel confident that this was indeed the right choice for their baby girl. So proud to be a Coker parent.

Marissa Correa @sja107 One of my favorite pics from our visit at @cokercollege yesterday. Still in love with the place that was home for 4 great years of my life #reflectionpond #cokercollege

Welcome #Coker2019! Enjoy your time here. It's a great place to call home.

Darrell E. Daney II On May 14, 2016, I will officially become an alum of Coker College. It's been a long 4 years, and I'm ready to see what the world has to offer! I'm not afraid, doubtful, or intimidated. I'm too blessed for any of that. Not everyone gets to do what they love for a living! #Blessings #ForeverACobra

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ENGAGE

A Trans4 mations Success Story How Social Work Major Jubilee Smith Came to Leave a Lasting Legacy in the Hartsville Community

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Coker College wasn’t originally a part of Jubilee Smith’s life plan.

The Greenwood, S.C., native envisioned herself going somewhere far from home. But while things didn’t work out as she planned, circumstances were in her favor. It turned out to be a move that would lead to academic success and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

“Never in a million years did I think Coker would change my life the way it did,” Jubilee admits.

Coker College has a unique academic and social curriculum for its students: the Trans4mations program, which guides students through a personalized sequence of experiences designed to help them discover their best self. In Coker College President Dr. Robert 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.”

Jubilee is a Trans4mations success story—a textbook example of what Dr. Wyatt envisioned. She is a Sparrow Scholar, graduating early with a degree in social work specializing in pre-law. Sparrow Scholars are recognized for making life-changing differences by immersing themselves in the community and focusing their energy where it’s needed most.

“Jubilee has been an outstanding student leader as a Sparrow Scholar and president of the student organization F.A.N.G.S. (Freely and Nobly Giving Service),” says Darlene Small, assistant dean and director of Trans4mations at Coker College. “She has sought out experiences and helped to develop programs that have had a tremendous impact on the community. She is truly the epitome of service above self.”

Jubilee’s first Sparrow Scholar project focused on eliminating campus waste by feeding Hartsville’s hungry. She started a Hartsville chapter of the Food Recovery Network (FRN), which donates leftover food from the college’s dining hall to the local soup kitchen. For her second project, Jubilee created the Lunch Buddy Program, which teaches vital life and language skills to elementary school children.

The Food Recovery Network is the largest student movement against food waste and hunger in America. In the fall of 2015, the organization recovered its one-millionth pound of food, a milestone that Coker College got to celebrate along with 160 other participating schools across the country.

“I was in the dining hall one day when lunch was ending, and there was this pan of chicken that had not even been touched,” Jubilee remembers. “I was thinking, 'There are hungry people in Hartsville who could be eating this food.'”

There was a lot of red tape to get through before FRN could become a reality. “It literally took a whole semester for me to get everything down so that we could actually start,” Jubilee says. “I almost gave up, but after a lot of tugging and pulling, I got a lot of yesses and it finally happened.”

Four times a week, Jubilee and a small handful of dedicated volunteers transport the leftover food from the dining hall to the soup kitchen. They weigh the food and refrigerate it for the soup kitchen to use as the next day’s meal.

But despite the success of her first project, Jubillee didn't stop there. Her Lunch Buddy project operates with six dedicated volunteers spending lunchtime on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with students at four area elementary schools: Thornwell School for the Arts, Washington Street Elementary, West Hartsville Elementary, and Southside Early Childhood Center.

“It’s developed to help students improve and develop their social skills,” says Jubilee, “whether it’s how they communicate with adults or how they communicate with each other.”

To create her Lunch Buddy program, Jubilee collaborated with the TEACH Foundation, a local education nonprofit. “Jubilee’s Lunch Buddy project is a perfect fit for the Hartsville elementary schools in the TEACH Foundation’s PULSE initiative,” says Sharman Poplava, Executive Director of the TEACH Foundation. “Her project focuses on child development using the ‘social’ and ‘language’ pathways of the Comer School Development Program.

She reached out into the community to create a partnership that will have a lasting impact.”

After her December graduation, Jubilee is hoping to participate in Teach for America while, at the same time, working toward her master’s degree in human service and counseling. She wants to be a Supreme Court justice.

Jubilee doesn’t pretend that her time at Coker has been an easy ride. “Adversity creates encouragement,” she says. “Because you fail, it doesn’t mean you have to stay there. You get up and figure out how to get through it. That’s why I’m graduating.”

This year, Jubilee had the opportunity to represent Coker College and the state of South Carolina as the National Association of Social Workers (N.A.S.W.) student representative for the S.C. chapter. She served on the N.A.S.W.’s board of directors, giving social work students everywhere a voice.

“I tell people all the time that the things I’ve done at Coker, I would never have gotten those opportunities at any other school,” says Jubilee.

“Circumstance is your best teacher,” she continues. “When I work with kids, I let them know that you do not have to be defined by your circumstances. Life has been my biggest teacher and my biggest encourager. Success with no struggle is no success at all.”

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ENGAGE

MY COKER STORY IS ...

It's not easy to put the Coker experience into just a few words—but that's exactly what these students, faculty, staff and alumni did.

On August 22, 2015, the entire Coker community gathered together to kick off another great year at Coker with a big outdoor celebration. Amidst all the fun, we asked them to share their Coker stories with us in just a few words. From the stories with years of history to those that are just beginning, each one had something unique to say. These are just a few of our favorites.

Do you have a Coker story to share? We want to hear it! Write to us at marcom@coker.edu or share your story on social media with #MyCokerStory and you could be featured on our website, on social media, or in a future issue of the Commentary!

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ADVANCE

CLASS NEWS • Gathered & Written by Class Representatives

1952

Hello “Select Few of ’52,”

Flora Collins Baker said that she has had sad times and happy times in the last six months. Her sister, Ann, died in April. She and Bill celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on September 2nd. Their oldest grandson was married in High Point, NC on May 30.

Dot Garrell Hanna and Herb ’51 are doing all right.

Dot had a mild stroke and is doing well. She is having physical therapy and is improving. Their daughter lives close by and they are glad to have her and her family move back closer to home.

Betty Wray MacDonald Jones and I had a nice long visit by phone, and we helped solve all of the world's problems during our visit. She is doing well and has all four children close by.

She enjoys bird watching and recently saw a part Albino Cardinal which is a very rare sighting. We compared the similar symptoms we have which seem to have an effect on people who are part of the growing older population.

I spoke with Jocelyn Johnson Ross's husband briefly but Jocelyn wasn’t available at the time. He seemed to think they were doing all right.

Margaret Hewitt Hoffmeyer and I talked for the first time in years and enjoyed our visit.

She recently had back surgery and had just driven for the first time the day we talked.

She was doing well. Her four children all live in Florence. She has two grown grandsons. One daughter is a doctor. One daughter works at Francis Marion in the Human Resources Dept. One son is a C.P.A. and one is an attorney. She asked me to give everyone her best regards.

Zelda Burt Hinson Mishoe said her husband was an invalid and was receiving home care provided by the V. A. So we do wish she and her husband well.

Barbara Spears Baird and I enjoyed a nice long visit.

She is doing well and her daughter Ann is with her a lot which is very helpful. Even though we have not seen each other in years it felt as if it were a short time ago that we were at Coker.

Some of our class members do not have their telephone numbers listed so I didn’t contact them.

I left messages with some of the others who I didn’t reach by phone.

Shelley Barclay, our oldest lives in NYC and works with the Blacklist Show. She is set decorator and stays busy. Her dog, Homer, participates in dog shows and is really a cute PBGV breed. Chris, our youngest, and I enjoy each other and our dog, Nikaby, and five cats and two Finches. Chris loves to make cakes and casseroles and watch GOLDEN GIRLS. We hope that many of our class members will return to Coker for Alumni weekend April 22 and 23 and participate in the activities for the Golden Circle Class members, AND as always we urge us to contribute to the Alumni Fund.

Take care and “GOD BLESS US ALL.” Betty Lou McIntyre Barclay

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Great news! The sun is shining after about two weeks of dreary, rainy weather. I hope none of you were flooded out of your homes, or had property damage.

We extend sympathy to Karen Johnson Conway in the death of her husband on September 16th. Dr. Eustace Conway taught chemical engineering at several universities before retiring in industry.

Karen’s son, Eustace junior, will appear for the third season on the show, Mountain Man, next spring on the History Channel. Her other two sons also live in the Boone area. Karen continues to live in Gastonia.

I had great telephone “visits” with several classmates, and was unable to reach others.

Jane Woodward Truett sounded wonderful over the phone. She said she hasn’t regained full strength on one side after her stroke last year. Both sons are in the Columbia area and she enjoys having daughter, Theresa Truett Rogal ’86, in Hartsville.

Louisa Porter Presler has lived at Scotia Village in Laurinburg NC almost twenty years. She has three children, five grandchildren and six great “grands”.

Barbara Spears Baird and I chatted like college girls for over an hour! Her daughter, Jeanne, still lives in Valle Cruis where she has an art studio. Her two sons live a short distance from Raleigh. One grandson is an honor student and on the tennis team at college in South Carolina. The youngest grandson is an outstanding tennis player also. Barbara told me she is doing well, but her knees do not like climbing stairs!

Another “phone visit” was with Crickett Blackburn Rogers. Still living at home in Loris, she and Dorothy “Dot” Garrell Hanna see and talk together often. Like many our age, Crickett has several health problems, but deals with them like a true champ.

I stay busy with book club, bridge, choir and other things retired people enjoy.

My son, Jim and his family still live in Crestwood, KY. Granddaughter, Anna is a junior biology major and is playing the flute in the university symphony again.

Daughter Mary is a critical care nurse at Palmetto Richland in Columbia. Ann and her husband, Mark Bowman, live in North Augusta. She is busy with U.S.I. A. tournaments all over the country, and looks forward to the U.S. Open each year.

Please remember to contribute to the Annual Fund. Also, Betty Lou and I would like to hear from everyone in our class.

Love from one CokerNut to another, Frankie

1953 Dear Classmates Having spent some very rainy days in North Myrtle Beach with friends since first grade and feeling so sad for those affected by flooding, I am thankful that Hartsville was spared and I can write what news I have for the Commentary.

After our mini reunion in April, Mitzi DuPre Matthews, Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger and I enjoyed a week at Pawley’s Island, thanks to Jean Fore McDaniel and Mac’s hospitality. We were saddened

•

to realize our group had been so large in the past and now we had dwindled to just three. We really were disappointed that Charlie Hunt Chewning could not go. On a happy note, we spent time with Anne Merck McDowell’s Mickey who was spending time with his daughter Cindy, also at Pawleys. We enjoyed lunch together at Chive Blossom one day and spent the afternoon reminiscing. Another day we visited him and Cindy, delighting in rocking on their big ocean front porch. We always conclude our week with eating breakfast out and then leaving for home.

Mitzi traveled one way and Betty Jean and I another.

Mitzi stopped at a service station in Conway and fell breaking her right shoulder and falling directly on her face. She had surgery the next week in Columbia and was in rehab for many weeks. She already had her plane ticket to visit her first great grandchild, but plans changed. However, the family will get together in December in Florida and she’ll finally get to hold her great-grandson. Girls, please be very cautious, hold on and watch where you walk. We aren’t as spry as we once were!

Soon after the beach trip, my family had its annual pool party at daughter, Brenda’s home in Marion.

Pam Huggins Chapman ’50 and I are the matriarchs of our family. She and I sat inside and played cards while all the others swam and played corn-hole. The corn-hole tournament provided much competition and excitement.

July 1 our sixth great grandchild was born to Erin Stewart Floyd and Dusty. They named him Asher Hicks. Hicks is Carl’s middle name. When I have everyone here for Christmas, it will be 22, plus two friends. Carl often said, “Pat, look what we started!!”

Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger attended the graduation of her granddaughter Lauren Gasque Kuykendall.

Lauren received her PhD from Purdue University and now is teaching at George Mason University in Fairfax VA. Betty Jean’s friend Dwight Hyman suffered a stroke and died soon after her return. Charlie Hunt Chewning and I attended his service in Florence.

We offer our sympathy to Betty Jean. Dwight often accompanied her to our get-togethers.

Plans had already been made for Betty Jean and me to go to Jennie Herlong Boatwright’s for overnight and then for all three of us to visit and take lunch to Mitzi DuPre Matthews. This was cancelled when Dwight died. Maybe later, Jennie?

Peggy Warren Smith had been hospitalized with a type of leukemia and then was still in a rehab center when I talked to husband Jay. He was really ready to get her back home.

Betty Reaves Herring ’54 and I see each other and talk on the phone occasionally. She had attended the 60th wedding anniversary of Sarah Kolb Bivins ’54 in Conway in June. Also there was Beth DuBose Cottingham ’55 and her husband Walter.

Walter was hospitalized and had very serious surgery in July. Please keep him and Beth in your prayers.

He is presently with a nephew in Debordiese who is caring for him. Beth is still in Kingstree and did not have any problems with flooding.

Betty Carol Mobley Bynum broke a bone in her foot and was still wearing a boot when we talked recently. Bundy had been dealing with eye problems W W W. C O K E R . E D U

that improved miraculously from one doctor’s visit to another. The problem had disappeared and needless to say, they were elated.

Charlie Hunt Chewning keeps the communication going with Barbara Lowery Mims, Joyce Bell, Jean Stevens Edwards ’52, and Everette Gause Stauffer.

Early in August I met with the alumni board in Drengaelen. Coker has added banners and new signs which are very attractive and eye-catching. They have given a big lift to the appearance of the campus.

Sarah Sampson Bell’s husband James was inducted posthumously into the Athletic Hall of Fame at U.N.C. at Pembroke. Sarah attended the banquet, when the winners were announced at the football game the following day when the honorees were recognized, her son Greg represented his father. Congratulations to the Bell family for all of James’ honors.

Twins Joyce Collins Warwick ’54 and Frances Collins Hollowell ’54 both need our prayers.

Joyce is receiving chemo for the second time and Frances suffered a stroke recently. Joyce lives here in Hartsville and Frances in Augusta GA. In September I shared again my experiences attending Coker in the 50’s with the freshman class.

This is part of their orientation and attendance is required. Your ears should have been burning that day because I was telling them of the success of our class with our endowed scholarship. I wish you could have heard they applause when I told them how much we had given$54,000 +. The freshman class is 325+ and they were so attentive and responsive to all us panel members.

Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger visited Jean Fore McDaniel and Mac at Pawley’s when they were there in July.

Daphen Yarborough Edge and I visit by phone from time to time. A.J. still has some health problems.

Coker is bursting with enthusiasm, new programs, involvement in our Hartsville community, success in multiple athletic events, growing enrollment, new buildings, etc. I have never been prouder to say I am a Coker graduate. My license plate tells everyone!

Let’s all strengthen our love for the college and spread the word that it’s a great school to attend.

Don’t forget to give to the Annual Fund and our Class of ’53 Endowed Scholarship. My dream is still to reach $60,000 and then I might stop talking about it.

Have a healthy winter. Spend lots of time with family and keep in touch with your Coker classmates.

I love all of you, Pat Chapman Huff

1956 Greetings to Coker Classmates, Hope this finds all of you well! I’m sorry I haven’t written any news lately, but it has been quite hard getting back in the swing of things after Neil’s death in April of 2013. I’ve decided I may as well “suck it up” and move on alone. I’m still in Greeleyville living alone, and if anyone comes through this way, please stop and see me! When I received the notice from Coker the time the information for the Commentary was due, I decided I would try to contact as many of you as I could. I must say, it was a blast for me to be able to talk with as many people as I did.

Maxine Locklear Amos and I keep up with each other by email and she is still living in Lumberton, NC. She and her husband are doing well and planning to downsize her living space by moving to a retirement village located not far from where they now live! She and her husband are busy going through everything to see how much they can give away or throw in the garbage! They have also been on two mission trips, one to Maryland and one to Florida! She helped me tremendously by locating Christina Savvas Homer who is in Sandpiper Rehabilitation in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

If any of you live in that area or are close, I’m sure she would enjoy a visit! I talked with her and she told me she has cancer and is there temporarily, but doesn’t know how long she will have to stay. I also keep in touch with Lib Plowden Anderson who lives in Rock Hill, SC, with her husband Spencer, and they were planning a cruise from the east coast through the islands on through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles.

Then they will go on to San Francisco to visit friends before catching a plane back home!! Wow, what a trip!

I found Maxine McLamb Anderson in Millboro, VA, living on a farm with her husband and loving it! It is the second marriage for both of them. Maxine said they are active in the church. She had 3 children and he had 4, so now they have quite a family!! I called Emma Ann Lawton Benton, but had to leave her a message. I was so glad she called me back. She and her husband are still living in Myrtle Beach. They have 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys, who all live nearby. They had spent the summer in Garden City, and had just moved back to Myrtle Beach the day I called her. I also left a message for Beth Blackmon Brown, but she, too, called me back and we had quite a conversation!

She is still living in Hartsville, has 3 children, taught school for years, lost her husband about 10 yrs. ago, and we both have children living in Lexington, SC and working in the same school district. It’s a wonder we didn’t run into each other at some school function!

Beth has also taken back her name, Beth Blackmon!!

After all these years, I was able to contact Eva Smalley Burke and talk with her. Eva’s husband just died in May, 2015, and I was glad I was able to talk with her for a while. She has 3 children, two boys, and a girl, and has 3 grandsons. She is planning to go to California for Christmas to visit her son who lives in San Diego. Hope you have a successful trip, Eva! I was so glad to reach Sally McTeer Chaplin who is living on St. Helena Island off the coast of Beaufort!

She and her husband had 4 boys (lost one as a teenager) who all live in Beaufort. Sally’s husband passed away about 4 years ago, but she has her 3 boys close by. Sally also told me how to get in touch with Sarah Jane Lang McManus who, if you remember, took the 2 yr. business course and moved with her parents to Virginia. She got a government job working for the CIA! Needless to say she married one of the agents and pretty much traveled the world. They had 4 girls and a boy. They lost the boy, but are really enjoying their girls! When he retired they moved to Columbia and have been there a good while. We will definitely get together because I have to go close to where she lives every month!

Martha Langford Derrick and her husband, Fletcher, are still living in the Charleston area, but not “downtown Charleston” as they once did! They live on James Island on the way to Folly Beach. Martha has had some back surgeries, but is doing well. Fletcher has some heart problems, but is still practicing medicine! They have one son who is an internist in Charleston and one daughter who is a teacher.

Joyce Player Gibbons is still living at the Isle of Palms and as she says “Doing good!” Joyce has two daughters and one son, and you probably remember, her husband passed away several years ago. I left a message for Frankie Whittle Northcutt and she also called back! She and her husband are living near Greenville. He is retired but works at the church helping with maintenance and security. Frankie will be retiring from her job as a tax accountant! They have two sons and a daughter who is a professor at Clemson!

I was able to get in touch with Sylvia Sweet Peed who still lives in Florence. She and her husband have 4 children and 13 grands.

I sent emails to all that have them listed at Coker, and only heard from two of them. Barbara Joyce Chambers writes that her husband had very serious surgery in January 2015 and is doing as well as he can with limited sight and hearing. She has developed neuropathy in both legs from the knees down and

has to walk with a cane. She was going to her high school reunion on Oct. 2, 2015 for a luncheon get together and can ride there and back in the same day.

She won’t be able to come to our reunion because she can’t stay overnight. She is looking forward to news from other classmates. We’ll see what we can do, Barbara.

I also had an email from Summers Ulmer Perkins.

She and Henry have been married 59 years and still live in Clemson. They have four children who all live within 100 miles and eleven grandchildren, some have finished college, some in college, and some still in high school. She and Henry are in good health and stay busy with church work, golf, friends, and family.

They took a trip last January to Israel and Jordan with a church group and both thought it was the best trip that they had ever taken.

Joyce Johnston Utt and I stay in touch over the phone. She lives by herself but her children keep a close eye on her. Anne Blake Townsend is in Wilmington, NC, and I haven’t heard anything from her since Christmas 2014 when I was in Wilmington. I hope all is well.

Peggy Cantey Gardner lives closer to me than anyone and I haven’t seen her in two years. I called her the other day and found out she has had a time the past two years. She started with breast cancer and continued from one thing to another. Now she has trouble walking and with lifting her leg and has been from one doctor to another. She and her husband Ted still live in Manning and 3 of her 4 children are nearby and certainly are keeping an eye on her.

We will be having our reunion next April 22-23, 2016 so please put that in your list of things to do. You should have gotten a letter from me sent out by the Alumni Association giving you the details on what they have planned for us. You will also be hearing from me more about the particulars of where we will be staying!

Contact me if you want to! I would love to hear from all of our classmates.

Barbara “Ward” Mishoe

1957 Dear Class of ’57, News time again. SC is recovering from the recent “Firehose” rain event that so many of us experienced.

Hope none of you sustained damage. I sit on a sandhill so my major concern was fear that my house would slide down into the peanut field!! I was lucky not to slide!!!

No communication from any of you except the ones I see regularly-- Murray Frank McDonald, Sr., Almena Gainey Galloway, Fran Moore Cauthen --all doing good. Ann Gay Blakeney Duvall keeps in touch from Aiken where she lives, now, with her daughter.

I had lunch with her recently on my way to Clemson to see my daughter (who has now moved to Denver, Colorado. So, I will not be making that trip for a while!)

Don't forget April 22-23, 2016 is Coker Reunion Weekend. Even though we do not have a Reunion, hopefully, there will be some there we remember.

I will be there this time since my Big trip will not interfere. Hope to see you there.

Love to all, Lynn Oates

1958 Hazel Johnson Nichols and Jim still enjoy traveling and have made trips to Florida, Helen, Georgia, and a wonderful trip to Yellowstone in May. Future trips are a short trip to Memphis and a visit to Baltimore area and DC in November. Keeping up with adult children and our grandchildren is a full time job.

We have three adult grandchildren and then younger ones eleven and seven. Call or visit if you are ever in THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

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ADVANCE Nashville- we have lots of space.

Katie Thomason Ballenger and Isam enjoyed a cruise to Nova Scotia and Canada. “A highlight of the cruise was being introduced to Anne of Green Gables.

I don’t know how I missed reading that classic, but after seeing the musical, ANNE and GILBERT in Charlotteville, Prince Edward Island, I read the book and found it delightful. I recommend it for reading or re-reading!”

Connie Booker Moe writes: “The most fun thing I did this summer was to join other amputees up in Washington, D.C. I joined about 20 other amputees from the Richmond area to go to the outside of the U.S. Health and Human Services building to protest a Medicare proposal that some say will send our care back to the 70’s. We spent 3 hours protesting Wednesday, August 26, 2015. The weather was wonderful with a nice breeze. I think I was probably the oldest “marcher” and an 8 year old girl was the youngest. Don and I do plan to take a cruise at the end of January to celebrate my 80 years. This past May we spent a couple of weeks in Portugal. It is beautiful!”

I did not know that Connie was an amputee, so I inquired of her and this is her reply: “Back in 2005, I went up to Mercy hospital in Baltimore to have an ankle replacement. That was a surgery not done in Richmond at that time. (I have arthritis...who doesn’t?)

I eventually, after about 17 surgeries and 2 years trying to rid a MRSA infection, and the doctor decided to remove the ankle. Therefore since 2007, I’ve been a below knee amputee. I continued to be a Personal Trainer, teach exercise classes, to drive (with a special left leg drive gizmo), activities at church, coming to our 50th reunion, etc.!

In January 2014, I had the other ankle replaced. It has worked beautifully! I can walk without a limp with both legs! The only big problem I have ever had is my back. As you can imagine, with each new prosthetic leg, the length changes and we have to work really hard to get the leg length correct and the back happy again. So far, the last 2 shots in my back in 2014 have worked well.

Thanks for asking about my amputation. I don’t mind discussing it or show it off at all. I have decided to be active in 2 new activities. One being the amputee group locally, and NAMI. NAMI stands for National Alliance for Mental Issues. We have some close family with bi-polar disorder and other issues, so I decided in my spare time I’d get involved with that organization.

I do still teach an exercise at church 2 times a week.

It is my way of “giving back.” I’m also still certified as a personal trainer with ACE.” Connie, we are so proud of you. You are truly an inspiration. Thanks for sharing this with us.

This past summer I spent traveling north, east and south (in U.S.) with different groups of friends. I had a wonderful 8-day trip through Michigan to Mackinac Island in June. Then I spent 10 days with my brother and his wife on a trip to Myrtle Beach in July. I had one day home before catching an early flight to Boston and spent 10 days in Maine (Boothbay Harbor and Bar Harbor) with a couple of friends of over 50 years. I spent the last 4 days in July at Lake Junaluska, near Ashville. A few days later I returned to the Smoky Mountains and spent 4 days with 12 friends at the Buckhorn Inn in Gatlinburg. It is a wonderful B&B with great food. I highly recommend it. We got snowed in there last February. Then I headed south and spent 8 days at Mirimar Beach, near Destin. It is now October, and next week I board a bus for a Kentucky trip.

I have lost touch with several of you. Your emails just bounce back as “undeliverable”. Please email me at susan.shumaker@comcast.net and bring me up-todate on your life.

Susan Holroyd Shumaker

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1959 Once again it is time for me to gather news of the Fifty-Niners from Coker.

Tricia Fisher Williams had a couple of statistics that would interest you. She now has 32 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren! She has “family night” each week with 15-20 in attendance. Tricia is active in in an exercise class and with church work.

Bonnie Cone Sawyer continues to do gardening and she has been to Canada.

Nancy Phillips Sebastianelli had a bad fall and cut her eyeball. She had two surgeries and says that now she can see.

South Carolina flooding has been on everyone’s mind as I write this. Holly had heard from Barbara Dibble Dixon and says that her home was not damaged but was distressed at what had happened to so many others.

Mary Holmes Burkett was not affected but had lots of water in the streets nearby. Mary is very involved with her family as many are and travels to see them frequently. Mary does water aerobics and makes use of the pool just outside the back door of her condominium. She had the “Burkett Beach Bash” the first week in August and there were 18 in attendance.

Doris Ann Maxwell English reads a lot as a member of a book club and reads a lot. She has 3 grandchildren.

Camellia Ann Chinnes Lane is active in her church and has a circle of friends who “look after” her.

Betty Crawford Moore’s year was highlighted by a trip to Santa Fe for the 6 operas of the season. She returned to Johnson City in time to go to Hawaii with friends. She spends her time at home gardening, hiking and music and all the “usual stuff”.

Our wishes for a complete recovery to Elizabeth Whittle Baxter who fell on a Charleston sidewalk injuring her face and breaking an arm which later required surgery.

And finally, our sympathy to the family of Mary Alma Gee Langston who suffered from Alzheimer’s for a number of years. As Holly reminds us all Mary was a pivotal member of our class who was a top honor graduate and never forgot her Coker roots.

1960 Louise Atkinson Cleveland writes it has been a year since her accident. She is much improved, has mastered walking with a rollator and is playing the piano again. She enjoyed a visit from Lois Sawyer Lott and B in June and hopes to be able to travel herself by next summer. She was pleased to say that her son has been selected for brigadier general-the promotion will be made after the first of the year.

Lois and B not only traveled to Northern Virginia to visit Louise but they had a wonderful two week trip to Ireland and Scotland. Now that summer is over, they will be leaving the Highlands home for Florida.

Lois is thrilled that music seems to run in the family.

Her 15 year old grandson, Graham, plays timpani in the high school band, cello in the orchestra. The twins play also. Luke, who is president of his seventh grade class and on the soccer team, plays viola in the advanced band. And Travis plays tennis, baseball, and drums in the Junior High orchestra.

Evelyn Parsons Weaver and Tom have had a good summer and are looking forward to cooler weather.

Sherrill E. Jordan, Beverly Ann Touchberry and I see each other often and make each visit a special occasion.

I would love to see all my class mates names in print so call, write or email me.

Laura McLeod

1962 As usual, our classmates are listed in alphabetical order by the last names we had when attending Coker. This news is submitted in mid-October and the next will be will be due in mid-April. Please remember to let us hear your news and any changes in contact information for you and any classmates with whom you keep in touch. Please remember to keep Coker in your giving plans. Our donations mean a great deal for current and future students as well as for college rankings. Coker is ranked among the “Best Colleges” in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review, and by Washington Monthly as No. 5 for value among colleges in the Southeast region.

Unfortunately, classmates Carole Causey Boyles, Lee McCown Huey have lost their husbands this summer.

And Molly Holbrooke Thomas Birchler lost her sister in October. I know we all are sorry to hear this news and will all keep them in our prayers, especially during holidays and birthdays.

Sara Anderson Kummer shares that her travel since last spring’s trip (already reported - Sicily and Malta) consisted of a lone driving trip to visit several friends in Florida, including several days with Dot Herlong Hay in Leesburg. They had a great time. Dot’s twin, Sydney, has moved from the Washington, DC area and built a house across the street from Dot and Charles.

The Hays live in the house she grew up in, on land that was originally her grandfather’s dairy and orange farm. The ‘big house’ is no longer in the family, but it is still beautiful. Sara also visited a Swedish friend from Liberia days and a cousin in Palm Bay, a friend from the Australia trip and a friend in Jacksonville.

The best thing that has happened to me recently is that she adopted a sweet and loving rescue pup, a very energetic part redbone/coon hound, part boxer, named “Trumpet”. Sara is reading Alexander Hamilton

by Ron Chernov. She hopes to get to New York this winter to see their family friend Lin Manuel Miranda who just won a Macarthur Genius Award for the play Hamilton.

Mary Bell Kittle, husband Joe and their constant companion, “Just A Dog” have closed up the summer house in Orkney Springs, VA and have returned to their San Antonio, TX base. The summer was a good and a fairly quiet one. Now their normal activities will get into full swing again and they will catch up with their sons and friends.

Sherrie Berry Wolski and Gaby have enjoyed our recent birthdays and are enjoying preparations for a favorite annual celebration - Halloween. Sherrie works hard to decorate her yard and house. Every year we say we may be getting too old to continue to do this. But we do! She has a lot of Trick-or-Treaters coming from near and far. Sherrie continues to exercise as often as possible and she is delighted with the results.

Gayle Brandt Faust has enjoyed trips upstate to family gatherings which have been most pleasant.

On June 19th she had a home invasion during the 1 ½ hours she was gone. They kicked in the 15 light (glass) door from the deck and stole both her TVs and computer. Her sons replaced the TVs and gave her a new computer for her birthday. She had never had a new one before. Then on September 11th there was a car accident. The other car rear-ended hers and resulted in little damage for that car but more to Gayle’s. Hopefully, it will get fixed sooner than later. All in all she has had a good year and has been healthy, which is the most important thing. When I decided to try to reach some Columbia classmates after the floods, Gayle had just returned home. Her street had been evacuated but she was fortunate to have just lost electricity. She stayed in a school for several days and nights and then was picked up W W W. C O K E R . E D U

by a son where stayed until I reached her. Many of her neighbors were taking out their belongings to the curbs for pickup to throw away. But Henrietta Ramsey van Arsdale, who has lived a block away seems to have lost her beautiful house and fabulous garden in the flood. There is updated news about this from Ida Pace Storrs.

Peggy Brown Buchanan wrote as she and John were en route to Kansas City, where he was to be honored at a Gala at a retirement center which he helped found 20 years ago. They are excited to be going and to see old friends. The Buchanan enjoyed their annual family gathering week at Kanuga in Hendersonville, NC. Carole Causey Boyles was good enough to let us know of the loss of her husband, Richard Lee Boyles, on July 25, 2015. They met when he was a student at UNC-Charlotte and later had two sons and one granddaughter. Both have been very active members of their Baptist church. Unfortunately he had Alzheimer's which progressed very rapidly over the past year.

Doris Duke Straight first wrote that she spent the summer caring for her daughter’s two children while she worked and occasionally added her son’s two boys to the mix. Doris loved every minute of it. The really exciting news is that her son and daughter-inlaw are expecting a little one in March. More recently, after the flooding, Doris wrote that there was no flooding in her house though some local roads were washed out and new routes had to be taken to reach some places. She mentions that Ida McCaskill ’63 had some flooding at her house as did so many others Carol Elting Richardson had not done much of anything special by summer’s end. However, Carol and Charlotte Cothran Taylor had said that if they were in fairly good condition at age 75, they would take a cruise. They were to be cruising the Mexican Riviera for a week in October. They had made flight and cruise reservations and promise to share further details upon their return.

Judy Ann Griggs and a cousin have postponed this year’s plans to enjoy their annual visit to the beach due to the storm and floods. And hope to make it later. Her church is undergoing huge renovations and restorations as its old age has been showing.

Dorothy Herlong Hay and Charles are well and she writes that this summer they had a lovely visit with Sara Anderson Kummer who came to Florida and spent 3 days with them. They had a great time. Dot hinted to Charles the other day that she is getting itchy feet and have not been anywhere in months.

They are hoping to get up to Georgia to meet their new granddog soon. In the spring they are planning one of those trips where they just get in the car and go anywhere they want. It just has to be somewhere they have never been before. They love road trips.

Molly Ann Holbrook Thomas Birchler has shared the sad news that her sister, Elizabeth Holbrook Underwood ’65, died on October 1st, 2015, after years of suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. Thank goodness Molly and Al had been able to visit Betsy just a few weeks before her death. In June Molly spent five days visiting with oldest son Marty and his family who live in the Fort Collins, CO area, such a beautiful area of this country. Later Molly and Al spent a week in NW Ohio visiting family and friends.

Molly’s two sons and family were there to celebrate with them. Molly is happy to have been able to install the new Windows 10 and is looking forward to watching a wonderful DVD of Unfinished Song, a darling British film which I hope you all have seen.

Beverly Jones Dinkins has shared this: “I’ve been so saddened by all the devastation in this great state of SC. A lot of my friends here in Sumter have lost everything. Then there are so many who are homeless and still in shock and unable to process all that has happened. I was one of the fortunate ones - no flood damage at all. However, it is so

heartwarming to hear the many wonderful stories about all the volunteers who are ‘out there’ working long hours to help others.”

Harriet King van Norte writes that her main priorities since she last wrote continue have been to get rid of paper accumulation and to exercise. Her trip last spring to Holland was wonderful. She met some very nice people and the flowers were gorgeous at Keukenhof. Delft was a lovely little town, the Red Light District was interesting and our last night featured a river cruise with dinner. Our Director/ Guide deserved my A++ rating. On October 14th, Harriet and her friend Angela plan to fly to Montreal for a few days. Angela was unable to go to Holland because of a detached retina just before the trip so Harriet is looking forward to spending some time with her friend and to enjoy another adventure, a Christmas gift from husband Bob. Norma Jean Little Ford and her husband still live in Loris and really enjoy their apartment in Waynesville, NC which is in the Smoky Mountains. Their son and granddaughter live near Loris, which is very nice.

Lee McCown Huey unfortunately lost her husband, Brigadier General Frank Huey, on July 30. 2015. Their two children are Frank and Eleanor. Frank served in the Marine Corps as an aviator before retiring. He loved flying, mechanical challenges and teamwork.

He was also interested in auto racing and vintage cars and remained close to his Marine friends, school friends and family.

Peggy McCue Freymuth wrote that her daughter, Anne, was married to Shane Carter on May 31st, on a lakeside. Anne’s daughter, Harleigh, was maid of honor and her son, Tanner, gave her away. Harleigh performed in NYC with her high school chorus last April and did very well, being the only southern school participating. Tanner attends the middle school of the arts and enjoys comedy. Peggy and Wayne feel relieved to live on a high ridge and their house was not affected by the floods.

Paula Moran continues to enjoy her eight cats and is happy to have supper dates with her son and daughter-in-law nearly every month.

Gaby Morandiere and her son, John Barrow, enjoyed a wonderful trip to Chicago in June. Gaby’s first cousin’s daughter got married there. It was a treat to visit that lovely city and it’s museums and scenery, of course. But it was especially nice to see cousins we have not seen very often, as we live pretty far away from each other.

Ida Pace Storrs reports that her year has been interesting and that everything that was old is new again. She quotes Winston Churchill “If you are going through hell, keep going.” A family of raccoons decided to move in underneath her house and under the roof. $20,000 later they have been removed. Then the rains came and a large tree landed on the roof of the house. Fortunately it only took two days to deal with that. The size of the logs taken away were impressive. Her area of Columbia was not flooded, though they lost water. Wonderful neighbors were really helpful and she and her dog Archie have survived but are inundated with mosquitoes. So many Columbians had major losses.

Ida enjoys watching the Undercover Boss series on CBS. Henrietta Ramsey van Arsdale lost her beautiful house and garden in the floods according to Gayle Brandt Faust and Ida Pace Storrs. Ida reports the house was totaled and all of it’s belongings and special decorations are gone. But when Ida drove by a few days ago a contractor mentioned that there are plans to rebuild after raising the ground higher. Ida says Henri’s daughter, Eileen, had been staying with her mother and after the flood Henri was taken in by a more fortunate neighbor.

Nancy Rogers Watkins writes that 2015 has brought four wonderful trips this year, all in the U.S. they explored the state of Arizona in April, attending

a wedding and visiting friends statewide. In July Nancy had a fabulous week in the San Francisco area, visiting friends and family, followed by a week in Vail and Denver with her sister, Susan. In August Nancy and Law went to the Berkshires, where they saw plays at Shakespeare and Company, followed by discussions for our seminar members with the actors and directors. They made visits to friends in NY and in Boston. And finally, spent a fabulous week in September on Harbor Island outside of her hometown of Beaufort, where they breathed in the lovely aromas and beautiful scenery of the Low Country. The best thing, though, was that Nancy’s Coker roommate, Lee McCown Huey, came down to spend the day with them. Walks on the beach at Hunting Island, buying and cooking just-caught shrimp, and long talks about family and about what we learned at Coker (Law says that we got a better education than he did at Yale!) made for a memorable day. Nancy ends with some news of her daughter Ellen, who has appeared on national television several times this year, being interviewed about her scientific work, and who played in the national Ultimate Frisbee championships last month. She has a well-rounded life, and we love the fact that she and her husband, Matt, also a scientist, live nearby.

Flo Staklinski Taylor writes that she and Bill are well and looking forward to the UNC Homecoming. They hope to take a river cruise in 2016.

Gwen Thomason Adams and Herbert have travelled less often but they did spend two weeks at the beach in June. Two of their daughters/spouses were able to join them for a couple of days each, along with 3 of their ten grandchildren. Everyone has their own schedules and it is getting harder and harder to get all of us together. They also were able to visit Lee McCown Huey soon after her husband died. It was so good to meet her two children as well. We had a pleasant time catching up and expressing our sympathy. She has not changed - always smiling and upbeat.

Nancy Thornhill Bolden continues to enjoy activities in Hartsville and York. She asks if anyone has extra copies of our class annuals that she might buy or give a new home. She has misplaced hers. Nancy has been enjoying reading the historical novels and watching the Starz TV series Outlander.

Joanne Tuten Bellamy volunteers with the Georgetown Police Department program called The Voice. Volunteers make calls to 40 homebound elderly three days a week to make sure they are alright. These police throw a wonderful Christmas party for them, cooking the meal and picking up, the participants to take them to and from the party.

Volunteers bring presents and dessert, and the attendees talk about this party for the rest of the year.

Please know that your news is so important for us all and I thank you very much for keeping in touch.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas and a precious New Year in 2016. You are being thought about and I send great affection and very best wishes, Gaby

1963 Dear Classmates, Your representative fared Hurricane Joaquin well with just some water from the tidal creek in the back yard. I sincerely hope things are well with you. The hurricane did not stop Nancy McConnell Wilhelm, Nan Warren Clarke, Edith Floride Reynolds, Lynda Morillo Hord, Kay Elder Williams, and Carol Phillips Kirven from gathering at Carol’s home in Myrtle Beach. There is always room for more!

Here is news from the North from Flora Galloway Borkholder and Barbara Holmes Willis. Barbara, in Massachusetts, reports a record- breaking 110 inch snowfall. Relief came when she and her husband THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

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ADVANCE Jim traveled to Berkeley, California, to visit their grandgirls where they visited the zoo, played games and made good memories. This fall daughter Lauren and family are in Ithaca, New York where she is teaching in the law school at Cornell University.

Other travels included Charleston in April and a family reunion in Black Mountain in July. Jim and Barbara just returned from France after having traveled with graduate school friends.

Barbara continues weaving in her studio in Concord, Massachusetts, focusing on scarves made of bamboo and chenille.

Flora reports that she and her husband live in their original home in Hamlin, New York. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary December 23, 2014.

They have three children, eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter to be born by the time the Commentary is released. Her husband enjoys wood working and creates many works of art on the wood lathe. They can be seen on Itsy. Flora’s company is My Inner Treasures.

Flora enjoys her grandchildren who love coming to her home for special treats. Her spare time is spent in prayer, teaching the Word and ministering freedom to people. She is an Elder in her church and heads the Freedom Ministry. She sends blessings to everyone.

Nan Warren Clarke and Erskine reside in Black Mountain, North Carolina but leave their lovely spot in the mountains to travel. They enjoyed two wonderful weeks with two close friends on a trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone. They saw three grizzlies, NOT up close and personal. From a closer distance they saw two big horn sheep, many bison, elk, and several bald eagles in good view.

The Clarkes had many interesting houseguests during the summer. She is expecting twelve very soon who were in seminary with Erskine and Nan. Nan has busy grandchildren as most of us do. Loryn is a junior in college. Colleen is an active senior in high school and was in GODSPELL in a school production.

Samuel is a very active 7th grader and Lucas is steady as he has entered 4th grade. He is into Legos and enjoys lacrosse.

Nan is still doing ministries with the church, homeless women, in particular and also helping people who need help with clothes, food and money for fuel.

Erskine is currently buried in a writing project. This representative understands he spends many hours in his study.

Edith Floride Reynolds lives in Andrews and continues to work part time at her family’s drug store.

She loves every minute she spends with two-year-old granddaughter Audrey, daughter of Jessica Thigpen Legge and Dean Legge ’99. Edith is looking forward to the arrival of Audrey’s brother in December.

Genie Ray Watson Cooke is very ill in Jacksonville, Florida. Contact the college or your representative if you want her address. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.

Nancy McConnell Wilhelm and Budgy are residents of Surfside Beach. They welcomed their first great grandchild James McFadden Spann IV. Proud parents are Jimbo and Byerly Williams Spann.

Carol Phillips Kirven had her shoulder replaced last June and plans to have the other one replaced in January. She and husband Larry are busy with their church, farm and watching over relatives who need help in Sumter. Their travels have dwindled.

Goode and Gail Mobley of Hartsville are traveling to San Antonio and Corpus Christi while celebrating his 75th birthday.

Lynda Morillo Hord and husband Dick reside in Greensboro, N.C. Daughter Jennifer was married on April 18, 2015 in Marshall, N.C. It was a beautiful,

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loving wedding with a private communion service for the family in the mountains of western North Carolina. Jennifer is the director of an ecumenical work camp overlooking the French Broad River.

Her husband Adam Reda is involved in building log cabins in the mountains.

Sadly, we learned that Anne Auman Johnson from Society Hill passed away this past summer.

Your representative is now participating in lessons from two tap teachers and loving it. She continues Guardian ad Litem for foster children, United Methodist Women activities, bridge and she is looking forward to starting pickle ball very soon. She resides in Hampstead, N.C. with husband Jim. Please be in touch with your classmates and me!

Kay Elder Williams

1964 Cameron Council Speth: As I gather this news, SC is digging out of a 1000-year storm. All of our classmates expressed concern for those with water damage and wishes for safety and healing.

Gus and I had a wonderful summer in Vermont with all six grandchildren visiting two at a time for a week without parents. We are blessed with having lots of wonderful camps and activities to keep the little ones busy. Our new puppy, Folly, has added happy fun to our family of dogs (three yellow labs named after SC islands: Dewees (12), Capers (4), and now Folly (6 months). Life is good on our little farm: we stay busy with a large vegetable garden, 35 meat birds/ chickens (now in the freezer), my volunteer activities, and Gus’ projects trying to help save the planet.

Gail Etters Pilger: My news is that while out speed walking in late August I became distracted answering my cell, tripped and fell going downhill and broke my upper left arm. It was the worst of many injuries but I am on the mend. So “no cell talking n walking” at same time! John is well and learned to cook and heat foods in the microwave plus vacuum and change sheets. So it hasn't been all bad.

Lorena Cook James: All South Carolina has been in crisis mode since Hurricane Joaquin flooded us, literally causing death and destruction. Doug, I and the dogs have been fine in our Calhoun County abode with power still on. Our family members are all safe too. A Blessing! However, our cabin on Black River in Williamsburg County is full of water now.

Doug and his brother had to use a boat to reach the property to assess damages. We will restore it. The cabin is very special to us, so we will take care of it.

Our bit to “Save The Planet.” The environment there is full of birds and other wild life and beautiful cypress trees. The river area in front of the cabin is designated as a protected scenic river. I enjoyed a “Ladies of Coker” meeting in September. Great program and company.

Susan M. Frank: I did spend the month of June in Ireland working on the dig at Caherconnell Stone Fort and had such a wonderful time that I am planning on spending June, July and August in Ireland next summer. I’ll be working at Caherconnell again and also at a prehistoric tomb site dig being run by a friend I met two years ago. In the meantime I’m taking two online archaeology courses—one through a local community college and the other is part of a two-year program through the National University of Ireland in Galway. These online courses are just as challenging as a classroom course so I’m really having fun. Can’t believe how much I love this. Kids and grandkids are all fine and I had a wonderful visit with my siblings in New Jersey recently. All well here.

Anne Lamb Matthews: I spent the month of September in South Africa and in Ghana, West Africa, doing Rotary humanitarian work. I am still traveling too much, but not as much as in the past. I will be

speaking in Manila in early November. You are aware of the tragic situation here in SC. We have so many who are homeless after the flooding. I was fortunate in that my home was not destroyed but many neighbors had huge damage to their homes. I have never seen anything like this. It will be months before we recover.

Naomi Kelley Jackson: John and I had no damage from the recent SC flooding. Naturally our yards are trashed because of the many days of rain. Our only dilemma was that cable went out after the first quarter of the Clemson/Notre Dame game! We had to resort to an old means of electronic communications (radio) to follow the game. However, it all ended well!

Take care classmates, and I look forward to hearing your news.

Linda Milam Law: We in Columbia are experiencing a 1000-year flood. Charlie and I have been blessed by no flood damage, but many in our neighborhood did suffer from water. The grandchildren each had a week with us this summer. That was fun and very interesting! We have a senior who is applying at five colleges and I am glad we did not have essays to write as part of the process.

Pat Holland Chapman: On a very sad note, my dear mother, Jeannette Holland, passed away on September 25. She would have been 94 on October 31, 2015. We are thankful she had a long and productive life, full of friends and family. Frank and I, with two other couples, enjoyed a wonderful trip to Alaska with land trips and ending with a cruise this summer. Another check-off on my bucket list!!

Nell Bates Beasley: Nothing new my way. I’m still getting better after my back surgery. We didn’t have any damage from the floods. Take care!!

Ann Dobson Hammond: Since September 2014 Tom and I have been full time “parents” to Noah, our grandson whose dad, Tony, died in January 2015.

Believe me, it’s not easy at our ages to take on this role but with God’s help and a lot of prayers, we are making it. And there are more blessings for us than you realize—for one thing we have to stay in shape and get plenty of rest to manage the schedule we are on. Noah is in 3rd grade (will be 9 years old on Christmas Day) and I’m the Room Mother for his class—will be going on their field trip next Monday hiking at Jones Gap State Park! He’s also in Cub Scouts and I participate in that each Monday night with him. We also keep our other grandsons as needed. Zane is 16, an honor student at Spartanburg High, a cross-country runner and very active in his Scout troop. Jacob, Andrew and Alexander live about 1.5 miles from us and we keep them after school as needed. Jacob (15) is running cross-country for Greer High and Andrew (12) and Alexander (8) are both playing fall baseball—they are both good baseball and basketball players so trying to support them at games gives us another place to go. Tom and I still enjoy our square dance club and the friends we have made through it. I play in the handbell choir at church and continue to help (without pay) with the finances as Church Treasurer. We also participate in an exercise class three days a week and keep reminding the trainer that we’re too old to be doing some of the exercises! All things considered, I consider myself very fortunate to be alive and in good health!!

I hear from Nita (Nunn Danenburg) via e-mail and she and Marshall go to Georgia frequently to see their twin grandchildren. They are there this week to watch some soccer games. Both Nita and Marshall recently had cataract surgeries.

Carol Chastain Dietrick: In August Joe and I celebrated our 50th anniversary in St. Goar, Germany and Hohfluh, Switzerland. Germany is awesome and the Swiss Alps are absolutely gorgeous. We had the BEST of all vacations as we celebrated 50 wonderful years together. Now we are working on the next 50.

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Mary Louise Antley Glesner: Life is about the same with us. Jerry recently had his first bout with a kidney stone. We spent 6 hours in the ER one Sunday morning trying to figure out what was causing his side pain. And guess what his ER doctor’s name was: Dr. Jesus!! Now you can’t be in better hands than that, can you? Cute young doctor, very personable. Had recent visits with the kids and grandkids and looking forward to gathering all for Thanksgiving.

Diane Barber: I continue to work full time in my job that I love—counseling patients with chronic kidney disease. I work in Clinton, SC and will soon add a clinic in Fountain Inn. I have enjoyed many weekends attending local events in my area. This past weekend I attended a film festival in Tryon, NC. It was great. I had a trip in June to San Francisco to visit old friends and my daughter who is working at Stanford. I will return in November to celebrate Thanksgiving with my friends. We have had 40 Thanksgivings together. My other daughter is still in Raleigh, NC and I visit with her more often. She is enjoying the Clemson football season. I hope all is well with each of you and if you are near exit 1 which is the last exit off of I-26 heading to the mountains, call and stop by for a visit. I send much love.

1965 Anne Butler Carraway and husband Lyle celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July and their daughter is planning a trip for them to one of the islands in January or February. Their grandson graduated in May from Christ School in Arden, NC, and is now a freshman at Clemson University. Their granddaughter is a senior at Wardlaw Academy in Johnston, SC. Anne is a busy grandmother and attends as many volleyball games and other activities as she can. She does a lot of church work, enjoys reading, and is a member of Psi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and enjoys seeing several Coker graduates at meetings.

Liz Swink Ellett has lived in Atlanta for 46 years. Her son Thad married about a year and a half ago, and he and his wife Rachel live close by. Thad is a corporate pilot and Rachel has an interior design business. Liz plays competitive bridge, spends a good bit of time in Montreat, NC, and enjoys trips with family and friends.

Karen M. Kuehner retired several ago from a career in state government, working for the B & C Boards Office of Human Resources as the state director of Human Resource Development. After retiring, Karen did some adjunct teaching for Columbia College and USC, and, after the fall of the Soviet Union, was invited by our State Department to serve on a team of trainers to provide workshops for government officials in Armenia. Now fully retired, Karen is enjoying life in Georgetown with Bill Bailey, her significant other.

Craig Mason Morisak wrote that she and her husband Dan are trying to keep up with his parents. Dan’s father said he didn’t want to observe any more birthdays, but he enjoyed his wife’s 90th birthday party last year so much that he now wants a 95th birthday party in January. Craig says neither shows any signs of slowing down, and, in fact, run them ragged. Hang in there Craig.

Mellie Ertzberger Motes wrote that she enjoyed seeing everyone at our 50th reunion and missed seeing those who did not attend. She encourages everyone who hasn’t been back to Coker recently to do so to see how beautiful the campus is with new and improved buildings. Mellie and her husband David enjoy the beaches and mountains, and recently went to Water Color, FL with their children and six grandchildren.

She spends a lot of time babysitting, attending the grandchildren’s ball games and activities, knitting, and reading.

Mary Williamson Sikes can’t believe it’s been just five months since our 50th reunion. In July, Mary and her new husband Jon went through Norfolk, VA, and had brunch with Marianne Green Roser. Mary reports that Marianne looked wonderful, and they had a great visit. Mary and Jon have been in England since late July, spending time with Jon’s family and friends. By the time this is printed, they will have toured Germany, Italy, France, Austria, and

the Czech Republic, trying to see a few places they have not seen before.

Marianne Green Roser hated to miss our 50th reunion this year, but she is still taking care of a long time friend with Alzheimer’s in Norfolk. She recently caught up with Barbara Wenzel Holton while her daughter was at a Norfolk Hospital having a baby. Marianne’s six grandkids keep everyone on their toes. Her daughter Allison’s boys are 18 and 20 and beginning to find out that adulthood is a much bigger responsibility than they had anticipated. Geoff’s four are 7, 9, 11, and soon to be 13. They are all into sports, so they need a secretary to keep up with the schedule. Marianne says she will always treasure her Coker days, good and not so good. And she will always wish she had put more effort into her studies.

“Hindsight and all that….”

Mickey Utsey Harder and husband have had 43 wonderful years in Clemson. Byron retired from being Clemson’s team physician in 2005, but I am still going strong. After teaching music at Clemson University for 24 years, I shifted into administration and am in my 20th year as the director of the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. The Brooks Center was recently ranked No. 8 in the “Top 25 Most Amazing University Performing Arts Centers” by bestvalueschools.com.

Judy Johnson Walker and husband John recently attended The Midtown Men at the Brooks Center, and it was wonderful to see them. In 1986, Byron and I began an endowment to create the Utsey Chamber Music Series in memory of my parents, and we opened our 30th anniversary season on September 29. The series is free for everyone, and is modeled after the chamber music concerts at the Spoleto Festival. A former neighbor recently left a bequest of $211,000 for the series, bringing us to just under $1M. Our daughter Elizabeth and husband Elliott live in Greenville with their 10 year-old son Reid. Our son Bill and wife Allison live in Simpsonville with their 10 year-old son Bryce and seven year-old daughter Mary Grayson. We live in the car going to soccer, baseball, guitar recitals, etc. Please send news so that we can include everyone in the next issue.

Mickey Utsey Harder

1968 Ok, looks like the class of ’68 must be very busy these days. Responses were very limited so I’m assuming that you are either traveling or babysitting for your grandchildren.

Betsy Walker Chambers is having fun playing bridge with three other ladies who also have “Senior Moments”, taking exercise classes and involved in a bible study group. She also spends time with her first grandchild, Sage Skye Chambers, who was born in November 2014 to her son Geoffrey and daughterin-law Caroline. Being adventuresome, Betsy is considering going scuba diving with her daughter Kelly over the holidays.

Judi Hege Bailey and Bren are still doing a lot of traveling, but had to take a break this summer when he had open heart surgery. He’s made a great recovery but Judi is reluctant to see him back to riding his motorcycle. She now serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Shepherds Center of Greater Winston-Salem which has meant a great deal of fundraising to renovate this fifty year old facility.

Fall means ACC Football for them both as well as her being active with the Winston-Salem Women's Fund.

I can’t believe that we are all getting ready to experience our 70th Annual Celebration, where did the years go? I had no idea that being grandparents could be this much fun. We recently added one more grandson, Grayson, to our family. Chris and our daughter-in-law Melissa are raising him in Murrells Inlet, which is just too far away to suit this grandma.

I hope that each one of you is minimizing that “bucket list” as you spend your time doing things that you enjoy. Please don't forget to share these experiences with your classmates.

Joni

1970 Our most recent devastating class news is the tractor accident that happened to our classmate Martha S. Flowers Herbert. Martha was severely burned on a significant portion of her body on her right side. She has a long, tedious and dangerous recovery period of skin grafts, mobility training, therapy and healing.

Our classmates have rallied to support her with cards, donations, love and prayers. We have other classmates facing serious health challenges that are also in our collective thoughts and prayers. (If you haven't already, please, add Martha to the list of our classmates who are facing serious health challenges and keep each of them in your thoughts, daily.)

George and Gayle Buckheister Sawyer attended a Sawyer family reunion on the West Coast to celebrate the wedding of George's niece in the San Juan Islands off Seattle. Four of the five siblings were able to attend. Several members of our class may remember Father of the Bride Rick Sawyer who was stationed Fort Jackson during our sophomore and junior years at Coker. Yes, we did see whales!

Jane Brown Riechmann writes that she and Mark enjoyed a “family trip” to including their sons and their wives to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park in late August/early September. They were delighted to have our new daughter-in-law Kate join us on this, our third family vacation. They visited the Grand Canyon at a perfect time; no waits, great weather and terrific sights. Fortunately they were in Zion a couple of weeks prior to the devastating flash floods that took the lives of some vacationing there.

We feel very blessed.

Candy Constable Craven reports that their son Jeff, his wife, daughter (age 4) and son (3 in Nov.) visited in Aug. and we had the kids while Jeff and Jessie went to Chicago for a few days. Needless to say, we had a great time - being grand-parents is such fun!! And we are so lucky our daughter Meredith and her family live only 10 minutes away. Both of her boys (age 9 and 5) play hockey so we spend a lot of time at the ice rink! I am so glad I went to the reunion - it was just great to see everyone. I think our reunions should be annually - 5 years is just too long! I would even volunteer to host one in WI - Madison is a great city!

Linda Burnett Jeter reports that their daughter Jayne married her soulmate (Adam Bailey) on September 26, 2015. The wedding was wonderful and joyous!

Roxanne Copeland Richardson has had health concerns and states that she suffered “the widow maker” and survived a 100% blockage. She had 3 more and two aneurysms on the heart. Not devastated...just know they are there and can watch.

Aneurysms are an inherited thing in our family. Also Aubrey fell and crushed his elbow June 5 at the beach. Surgery failed and had his second Sept. 22.

Everything seems better now even though still in cast.

On a happier note, our grandson, John Maddox, just turned 3 and he is perfectly adorable!!! Our thoughts are with all that have suffered this year and hope you all have a speedy recovery!

Diane Thrasher Mills just went to Nairobi, Kenya with 2 friends for 3 weeks. She had a ball and saw all sorts of animals. At the Giraffe House a giraffe kissed me!

Hey, I’ve had worse to kiss me!!!

Judi Cooper Camak was diagnosed last week (Sept.27-Oct.3) with a cystic mass with a nodule in the left side of her brain. Through quick miraculous work of my local doctors she got to see Dr. Adamson, the head of Neurosurgery at Emory, last Tuesday. She had surgery on Friday, they removed the mass and nodule which he admitted that he was surprised at the preliminary benign diagnosis. Her recovery has been phenomenal, she was out of the hospital yesterday, Monday and will stay in Atlanta for two weeks at their until she gets the final pathology results then head home to Johnson City for the remainder of my 2 to 4 week recovery, then back to work. She is doing great and announced that the hangover from hell is THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

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ADVANCE subsiding and she is weaning from the meds. She’s been paying attention to the Trump Comb-over for the back of my head...Looks like it will work, I can tell you that I am the poster child for the power prayer.

Love to everybody Susan Roessler Dirsh’s son got married in April and I still feel like I’m playing catch up! She writes that her family is doing fine. The 3 grandchildren are growing up too fast. Our oldest will be in high school next year!! That’s unbelievable! Hopefully we will have another one or so from this newest union but I’m being a good mother/mother in law and not asking...yet. We’re still enjoying this second year of retirement with some travels as well as lots of volunteering. We just got back from 2 weeks in New England visiting our middle daughter who lives and works in Boston and we enjoyed a Caribbean cruise last spring. We plan to stay put for awhile. Our church is doing an after school tutoring program for kids that are performing below grade level and we’re helping with this very needed and successful program. It still amazes me that so many children can’t read in the first grade so we’re working with several programs the city of Chattanooga is directing to offset this locally by adopting one of our elementary schools. As you can see we’re staying busy but it’s a good busy.

Now to get ready for the holidays!

Jo Beth Young Mewbourn writes that after going through the deluge of the past few days, (October floods) we’re happy to see sunshine here in Columbia.

We were blessed to stay safe here. Jerry and I are well and enjoying taking care of our grandchildren a couple of days each week. Jerry was hospitalized last fall with pulmonary embolisms, but he has made a complete recovery for which we are thankful. We enjoy travel and recently returned from a trip to Barcelona.

Leila O’Neal Stallworth writes that husband David has retired, but is still traveling all over the world teaching engineers’ fiber optics. She is at home taking care of ...everything...house, yard, cars, finances, problems with all of the above!!!! We bought a camper 2 years ago and have enjoyed traveling. It is a 39 foot 5th wheel with every luxury. It’s like taking our home wherever we go! We have our house on the market here in Beaufort as we want to move back to Charleston to be near our children and grandchildren.

I will miss living on the river, but to be close to kids and grandkids will be worth it. Our grandkids from our son are: Bailey, 17, a senior at West Ashley HS. She plays softball, is on student council, in the honor society, on yearbook staff, etc. She is quite a busy young lady. Tanner, 15, a sophomore at West Ashley HS. She plays softball, on yearbook staff, newspaper, and will be inducted into honor society this winter.

She also plays softball on 14 and 16 U travel ball showcase teams. She travels all over and we try to go as much as possible. She is sooo good! LD or Little David is 9 and a student at Ashley River School of the Arts. He is wide open and never meets a stranger. He is our youngest gran and such a joy. He also plays on a 10U travel baseball team even though he is only 9. He pitches, catches, plays 1st, 3rd, and short. Our daughter's son Michael is 15 and also attends West Ashley HS. He plays baseball for West Ashley and plays on an 18U travel baseball showcase team. He plays 1st, catches, 3rd, and short. He is very popular, yet quiet. (He doesn’t get that from me) We try to get to all of their games, but usually have to rotate every weekend. Hopefully, they will all get scholarships to college as a result of the showcase teams.

Heaven knows, the tuition for all of the colleges is astronomical. I have been unable to play tennis since last Feb. as I need shoulder surgery. I am getting closer to having it done as it is getting to the point that I cannot sleep. I am such a wuss! I love working in the yard, so that has been my focus since I could not play. I miss the exercise and am just getting fluffier

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and fluffier! Can’t wait until I can get into my “big girl panties” and get the surgery so I can play again. My USTA 65 team last year went to nationals and came in 2nd in the nation! We impressed ourselves! Ha! Linda Lee Matthews got a good report from MUSC. Cancer free for a year! God is good!

Brenda Thompson Stewart and Larry traveled to Alaska in June leaving a week after their new Granddaughter’s birth. Freya Cloud Wozniak was born June 1st and has turned into a very sweet addition to our Grands! She is number 4.

1971 Our 40th reunion is coming. Hope you have calendared April 22-23 and plan to attend.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Wendy Lamm Leonard and her husband, Danny, on the death July 1 of their son Wayne Leonard Click. He was 38, suffered from bipolar disorder and took his own life.

Wendy and Danny have become advocates with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and are participating in Out of the Darkness Community Walks.

The tenth time was the charm for Ginger Haselden.

She took her tenth trip to Rome this summer and finally got to see the Pope. She was about ten feet away from Pope Francis.

Bonnie Rivers Drumwright and her husband, Jack, had a fabulous Alaskan cruise this summer. She posted a ton of photos on Facebook. They are looking forward to the return in December of their son, Rivers, and his family from mission work in Chad, Africa. They will be on furlough for nine months.

Margaret “Barrie” Murphy Sadler offered her annual Camp Curtain Call again this summer and produced “Cinderella.” Among the cast was her grandson, who visited for two weeks in June.

Katherine Ledbetter Meyer and her husband, Fred, spent the month of June in Paris, living in an apartment, soaking in the city and making all of her Facebook friends jealous. She also sent news of her annual Coker mini-reunion with Julie Stackhouse Eggen, Jan Bonnette Frye and Beth Poole Garrett.

They gathered in Charleston at Beth’s, with their husbands along for the first time ever, for dinner then left their husbands behind for a five day cruise to the Bahamas.

Another annual Coker mini-reunion was staged

by Trisha Braid Collins, Linda Rhyne, Elizabeth Cockfield Bushardt, Sarah Sheppard Mims and Priscilla Perry Arnold. They spent a week in June hiking, eating and laughing in northern California and Crater Lake, Oregon.

Congratulations to Anne Cannon Braniff on the birth of a new grandson and Redskins fan. Gavin Douglas Braniff was born Aug. 18 and is her son’s first child.

Known as Gigi, she has two other grandchildren, Quinn, 4 ½, and Pearson, 2 ½.

Sarah Jo Wood Safrit

1972 Janie Cleckley Campbell Retired! Coker is getting along fine without me.....I knew it would. You need to visit the campus looks wonderful and the students are busy, involved, and inspiring. Now I have time to travel with Sammy to car shows!

Bet Birdsong Matthews I am still loving retirement... freedom to travel is the best! David and I recently explored Michigan - Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, the Henry Ford Museum, Upper Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat’l Park, Pictured Rocks, and many picturesque harbor towns. I had no idea that Michigan and the Great Lakes are so beautiful! I was trying to remember while we were there if we had any

classmates from Michigan at Coker...anybody? I guess we’re all having our Medicare birthdays this year seems really weird, doesn’t it? I just think of us all as the age we were at Coker (David says I still act that way sometimes)! I am enjoying quilting, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, exercising, church ministries, altruistic projects through ADK (teacher sorority), and lots of family fun. No grandchildren yet, but still hoping! Let’s have our own mini-reunion, please, soon - I cherish my time with all of you while at Coker - such deep friendships were made and I think of you all so often. Most of the time those memories make me laugh and wonder how we made it through! Can you imagine how different our lives would have been at Coker if we’d had smart phones and digital cameras? Take care everybody, and PLEASE make plans to attend our next class reunion... they are really fun!

JoAngela Sasser Fierman: So proud of our son, Ben, who was sworn into the Mississippi State Bar. Another “Esquire in the family!

Janice (Willie) Wilkins: It’s finally beginning to feel like retirement for me. Quite a struggle with my Mom and then followed so closely by my brother. But time is helping life become somewhat normal again. Had a great trip to Jamaica a few weeks ago!!! A much needed vacation! My newest retirement project… I have bought a new baby grand piano to attempt to play again.. (since my last lesson when I was 13!!!!) A slow project I’m afraid but much fun and exciting!!

Going to lots of plays and concerts here at the Peace Center and training for the Half Marathon in Savannah in November!!! Pretty much just loving life!!

Sarah McCanless Haarlow: What a thrill it was for me to see Darlene Alford Baxley after all these years.

She was in Hartsville to visit her sister Carol Alford Edwards ’70, who was having back surgery. Darlene is still working and just looks great! Get well wishes to Carol! Our sincere condolences go out to Debbie Brown Brewer with the loss of her dad, Mr. J. Ike Brown.

I had just recently learned that Susan Holley Farley Heath had been battling pancreatic cancer and passed away in July. Her family would surely appreciate prayers from her Coker classmates. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She spent a lot of time caring for her grandchildren and she will be greatly missed by her family and the Aiken community.

Via facebook….

Jane Woodberry Fordham’s son, Hampton, was married in September. Very pretty picture of Jane and her husband!

Elizabeth Fisher enjoyed her travels in Europe this summer. Great pictures on Facebook!

Carol Ann (CA) Hackney Bingham’s daughter, Kate, just achieved the rank of 1-Star Ambassador with ViSalus, the company where she works.

1973

I am in search of help with class news, or someone to take it over from me. I can no longer handle this on my own. My mother is not doing well and I have health issues of my own. Please reach to either be a corepresentative or become the class representative.

I have enjoyed it for all the years I have been your class representative, but just can’t meet the obligation any longer.

You can reach my by email at pjclyburn@att.net.

Thank you all, Jane Clyburn

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1975 After a fantastic reunion last April, Susie Dunklin Guerry and I volunteered to take over as class reps from Rose Patrick Smith who had done a fantastic job all these years. Since Susie lives in Hartsville, she will handle any local meetings required of class reps.

I will be the gatherer of class news and the one that will bug you about getting it to me! As you can see, we have lots of news to share. Trips, retirements and grandchildren seem to be a common theme.

Susie Dunklin Guerry once again graciously opened her home to our class for a pre-reunion get together back in the spring. A fun time was had by all. Penny May Nobles even joined us to remember our times at Coker. Susie has been enjoying her retirement and has travelled far and wide this year. Although Bert has not retired yet as Principal, they have found time to travel in their motor home. They also welcomed into their home this past year a beautiful Chinese exchange student, Lingxin, who became their daughter of the heart. After graduating she invited Susie and Bert to come and experience a once in a lifetime tour of China. She shared her home and family with Susie and Bert while they experienced what it is like to live in China. Lingxin is back in the states now at Purdue University studying computer science and will be celebrating Christmas and spring break in Hartsville with them. They experienced another great trip to Alaska this past summer which Susie highly recommends. They are now preparing to leave on for a 17 day cruise in the west Mediterranean to tour Rome, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Florence, Portifino, Valencia, Gibraltar, and Southampton, just to name a few! Many miles and experiences to remember this year.

Diane Roden Dinneny has had an interesting year in real estate working all hours of the day and all days of the week. This is kind of funny since Owen decided to take early retirement from Merck and Co. after 19 years. His plans are to become a consultant while saving time for more golf. I helped our daughter, Kate find a nice condo which she purchased in March. She is still enjoying being the Youth Services Librarian in a public library. Our youngest daughter is a graphic designer for Aerosoles shoe company which she loves, although the commute is quite long. She designs all their catalogs which some of you may get in the mail. We are off on a family vacation to Cancun in October which I am sure will be great fun.

Reveley Wilson Thomy has also retired from her school district and was hoping to have more free time than she had. She is just as busy but now with family.

Her son, Wil and Heather, now have three sons which they are all enjoying. Their daughter, Mary Alice and husband, are now living in Lake City which they love.

Her son, John, works as a Samsung Rep at Best Buy in Columbia and loves his job. Reveley’s dad is now in a Florence nursing home at the age of 97. Greg’s dad passed away this summer at 100 years old! Greg and Rev have been travelling more and have spent time at the beach and mountains.

Deborah Scarboro Snyder states there is not a lot new in the Snyder home. Her daughter Hannah did graduate from college and her husband, Tom is an artist that has shows throughout the Charlotte area.

Debbie says she got together with Lu Anne Baker Ellison in Columbia after our spring reunion. LuAnne is still working full time and enjoys her beautiful granddaughters. She had no flood damage but her daughter’s house was heavily damaged.

Miriam Anderson is super blessed to have three grandchildren; Cooper who is 4, Jake, 3 and Ella, 1.

She is still teaching art at Berkeley High School where she loves working with teenagers. Her husband, John is a real estate agent and they live outside of Charleston.

Floy Henry Fanning has been teaching for forty years and still enjoys it! Her husband, Rick, enjoys exercising at the YMCA and doing traditional archery.

Her daughter, Kimberly, graduated from Lander University and is a wellness coach at the YMCA. Her other daughter, Jennifer, married Christian Long and teaches K-4 in Irmo.

Carolyn McMillan Dunn sends news that Columbia, where she lives with her husband, was hit hard by the floods but they were very thankful that we were safe and sound. Her big news is that she retired on Sept.

29th. Still hard for her to believe she worked for 36 years as a flight attendant. Any more flying will just be for fun...if she can ever get on an airplane! Carolyn is looking forward to spending more time with her mom, whose memory is failing and with their grandkids in California.

Kathi Pleasant Luther says all is well with her family.

They were not hit as badly as others in the state with the floods. Her three sons and two daughter-in-laws are doing great and her six year old grandson is the most adorable fella you have ever seen! They are so lucky to have him close by so they can go to his sports games and school events. Kathi is still working part time doing reading intervention.

Carlotta Johnson Wiggins says all is well. Her husband, Johnny, is still working full time for John Deere. This past summer he ended up in the hospital for five days after a spider bite on his leg. Scary at the time but all is good now. They have a grandson that they enjoy spending time with.

Bertie Gibbons Nesbitt writes that she has been married to the love of her life for forty years now.

They have four children and nine grandchildren.

Bertie is still teaching, 35 years and counting. Two of her daughters are also in education. She sees Jackie Squires every now and then and says she is still beautiful and full of life.

Bebe Prosser Beasley is happy to report she is a new grandmother to little Audrey Ann. She babysits for her daughter and son-in-law four days a week in Raleigh. Bebe is loving it!

On a sad note, our thoughts go out to Ruthi Henderson Mobley on the passing of James Bradley Mobley in August and also to the family of Janice Tinsley Marshall who passed away in April. We also hope that everyone was safe from the flooding in October.

Diane and Susie

1986 Hello Coker friends, I hope this finds all of you happy, healthy, and prosperous. Can you believe it has been 30 years since we all lived together on the beautiful campus of Coker College. It is time to celebrate the foundation that Coker helped us build so let’s all plan on catching up with each other during Homecoming this year. Be there or be square.

I recently heard from one of our classmates, Teresa Baker and discovered that we have more in common than just our names. We both share a passion for sports and animals. She was gracious enough to share her life story since our years together at Coker and here is what she had to say.

After graduating in 1986 with a BA in Dance, Teresa spent that first year working as an Admissions Counselor at Coker College. She then enrolled in the Master’s Degree program at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. She received her Master of Science Degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Dance in 1989.

After graduation from JMU, she worked as Company Manager for the Battery Dance Company in New York City. While in NYC, she had opportunities to teach dance to under privileged youth, taught a dance fitness class at the American Express Corporate Fitness Center in the World Trade Center, and performed with Battery Dance in NY and on tour.

Upon her return to the Columbia area, she taught

as a Guest Artist in Residence at Coker from ’91-‘92.

While teaching as the Guest Artist, she assisted Nancy Bolden with the Coker College Dance Theatre Company Classes and also ran the youth dance program at Coker College during this time.

In the fall of ’92 Teresa was offered a position with the Beaufort County School District as the first full-time dance instructor in the county. Now she is celebrating her 23rd year of teaching at BHS. She was selected as the Dance Educator of the Year for the South Carolina Dance Association in 1998.

Teresa is married to Al Wallace, a Citadel graduate and retired physical education teacher. They have three boys, Ross (23), Rome (17) and Rhogue (12). When not teaching, coaching or directing for performance events, you will find Teresa cheering on one of her children in their various activities, spending time with the animals on her “hobby farm” or enjoying time reading and relaxing in Beautiful Beaufort by the Sea. Hope to hear from you soon. We want to hear what everyone of you has been doing for the last 30 years.

So come on Cobras talk to me…

Peace, Love, and Happiness~ “Trigger”

1987 Hello, Everyone, I received the following information from our classmate and friend, Jan Powers Fort: I am directing Indigo Choral Society in Georgetown and Electa Anderson Small ’85 is in the group as well. This is the county's community chorus. Also, Anthony and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage at the end of October.

In Mosser family news, my maternal grandmother passed away on May 1. She’d just celebrated her 96th birthday in April, and I’m so glad Emily and I were able to attend her birthday lunch. Grandma had a good, long life, and we are so thankful for that.

Donald and I attended the SC state fair this month.

We had a good time looking at exhibits, visiting the animals, and eating fair food. It’s a good thing we don’t eat that way frequently!

We are enjoying having Emily (class of 2015) live nearby, and having her stop by to visit frequently. She moved in with a friend shortly after graduation and just got her own apartment this month. She’s doing well with her new job as an Associate Recruiter at MAU. Emily is also a class representative for the class of 2015.

Donald is still enjoying playing his ukuleles. He’s actually very good at it and has a big collection of instruments. Some are high pitched (soprano) and others have a more mellow tone, almost like a guitar. He has a camping trip planned this month with a group of fellow ukulele enthusiasts. He will be sleeping in a tent, so hopefully it won't be too cold.

I am enjoying scuba diving, though I haven’t gotten to do much of it since certifying last fall. Emily and I dove with a group at Clark’s Hill last month, and we are participating in an underwater pumpkin carving contest at Lake Murray on Halloween. The Wateree Dive Center (our home dive shop!) is hosting the event to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.

Emily and I are also going to Bonaire in June 2016 with a group from Wateree Dive Center.

My big news is that I’ve been accepted to the Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. I will be doing the majority of my work through distance education, but will have some residence time on campus as well as internships and practicums. I’m really excited about this. If all goes according to plan, I will start school in January.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or whatever holidays you and your loved ones celebrate. Feel free to connect with me via Facebook or e-mail to share any THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

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ADVANCE news you'd like included in future editions of The Commentary.

Kindly, Donna Farrell Mosser

1991 Hello Class of 1991 - Can you believe that in February we will be celebrating our 25th reunion?? Where did the time go?? Wasn’t it just yesterday we were going to soccer and basketball games, going to the Cobra Den on the weekends, and hanging out with each other??? Time has flown by, but the best part of being a Coker graduate is that when you come back, you get to re-live ALL the fun!!! Please mark your calendars for February 5th-7th and come back to Coker!!! There will be lots more information coming out soon with details, but go ahead and mark your calendars to attend! Please let me know what going on with you, either email (helenm.allen@cms.k12.nc.us) or text (704-575-1314). I’d love to hear from you!!!

1992 Greetings to Class of 1992! It is difficult to believe that we have been away from Coker for almost 23 years. I hope that the years have been good to everyone. A little update - I am in Baltimore, Maryland practicing law as a Project Director for the Women’s Law Center of Maryland. Our project serves foreign born victims of domestic violence, human sex trafficking and sexual assault with immigration benefits. It is very rewarding each day. I never would have guessed I would be doing this kind of work when I sat in Professor Quilty’s business classes with Dale P. Leatherwood and U. Rikard “Rik” Alemo.

Just returned from a trip to Costa Rica, such a lovely country and a nice getaway from the cold. I also keep in touch with Mary Lahr Carson Cain who lives in the Raleigh area of North Carolina. I am so thankful to Coker for the introduction of so many wonderful people and ideas. Keep in touch!

Make it a great day!

Suzanne Bailey

1998 Despite my best efforts (email, facebook, etc.) the only news I have been able to glean is that Coyt “Trent” Johnson’s daughter, Kayla, recently married.

2003 I was able to hear from a few classmates who shared with me what they have been up to since graduation or just in the past couple years.

Kimberly Mallard Decell has recently moved from the town of Lexington to the country! She and her husband, Grady Decell ’04, bought 11 acres and built a house in Leesville, SC. They live there with their 2 sons, Cole Sullivan, who just turned 5, and Payson Graham, who was born in August of 2015.

They are enjoying the country life and have even grown a garden and are raising chickens! On the job front, Kimberly is still teaching 4th grade at Lexington Elementary School where she has been for the past 13 years. In between school and home, she still enjoys watching soccer, especially the Lexington Wildcats that Grady helps coach that went to the state championships a couple years back. Life is good, but she still can’t believe we have been out of school for so long! It seems like yesterday!

Adam Hensley and his wife Summer are living in Aiken with their 4 year old son Samuel. He is still with Enterprise Rent A Car, working as an Area Rental manager covering 11 locations in the Augusta, GA market. Summer stays at home with Samuel who keeps them both very busy. Sam just started soccer

3 3 | WINTER 2016

and is actually pretty good. Adam said they are looking forward possibly to baby #2 in the next year or so.

from home. The lack of commute, flexible schedule, and new challenging work are all a very positive change!

After graduating from Coker, Zelda Gassaway completed a Master’s Degree in Organization and Management from Capella University, while continuing to work for the federal government at Fort Jackson, SC. She moved from Columbia, SC to Arlington, VA in 2014, to join her husband Robert (Retired Army Veteran 30 Years) who works with Veterans Affairs. Zelda is enjoying new opportunities working with the Defense Contract Management Agency. Zelda and her husband are looking forward to revisiting Hawaii in 2015 and spending time with their daughter Lauren Gassaway (2013 Coker Graduate) who is stationed in Hawaii with the U.S. Army.

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

Kasey Newman Spicer lives in Lexington, South Carolina. She’s married to Rob and has two boys Evan (9) and Grayson (1). She’s teaching at the South Carolina Virtual Charter School as a special education teacher. This spring, she was accepted in the Master’s of Educational Administration program through the University of South Carolina.

Shalonda Belin is currently residing in Marion SC. She has three beautiful children and three wonderful grandchildren. She is currently employed with SC Vocational Rehabilitation and is loving the type of work that she does. Since graduating from Coker College, Shalonda has been very busy with providing community, and therapeutic services for those in need. She has had some major changes occur (death of spouse, relocating, career change). However, she said she is thankful to God, family, friends and experience while attending Coker. Shalonda’s experience at Coker has provided the tools needed to persevere through obstacles!

One of my besties from Coker and still to this day, Courtney Smith has been working with Daktronics, in the Sports Marketing dept., for 8 years. She covers the Southeast area and travels two to three weeks a month. She resides in South Florida with her longtime boyfriend (Mike) Geiger. She loves anything beach/ sun, Gamecocks, and fun! She spoils her 4-year old niece, and loves hanging out with friends and family.

If you’re ever in Charleston SC or South Florida she says to give her a call!

My old roommate and best friend, Erin Earle Owen, is still residing on the Gold Coast, Australia with her husband Gary and two children Cooper (Girl, 5) and Brody (Boy, 1). She is currently the Director of Allied Health for the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services State-wide. This job allows her much flexibility to continue to live an Aussie lifestyle of morning surfing and afternoon plays at the dog beach with the kids. Her last visit home was in 2011, but given her parents moved to Australia in 2013 and her sister visits annually, she hasn’t rushed back. Erin and her family continue to enjoy the Australian way of living with feeding the koala’s and possums whilst camping to avoiding kangaroo on the golf course. They continue to island hop visiting Vanuatu and this year Fiji for a holiday (much closer from Australia 2.5 hour flight). Their favorite past times are scuba diving and surfing and have started the kids in surf training (nippers) already! Erin is always hoping for visitors to Australia so let her know if you are heading down under!

All the best, Emily Marovich Tupper

2005 It seems that the class of 2005 is extremely busy…I have posted my rant in our Coker Class of 2005 group on Facebook. Hopefully everyone will have a chance to update us in the spring.

Curtis ’02 and I celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary with a Disney Cruise. We are also now Disney Travel Agents with Key to the World travel. I have also been homeschooling our daughter, Tori, for the last year and a half. It is looking like she will be receiving all A’s on her first official report card!

Remember to add SmileRainmaker@aol.com to your inbox, so you can receive my updates and reply with the exciting events of your life. If you are not already a member of our Coker Class of 2005 group on Facebook, please e-mail me so that I can invite you into the group. Wish you well, and remember that we would really like to hear from you. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram under Jessicalloydsmusic.

Jessica (Brill) Lloyd

2009 I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful fall weather! Tailgating, football games, pumpkin patches.....it really is a great time for friends and fun!

I am proud to announce that my husband and I welcomed our first child, Owen in July. Boy is time flying! I know there are several others in our class out there who are also expecting, so congratulations! We can't wait to meet your little ones!

Karl N. Ankersen is currently serving in the US Navy and is stationed in Norfolk, VA. He is an Ensign and completed his first deployment, a six-month cruise down to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific earlier this year. Thanks for your service Karl and best wishes for safe future travels!

If anyone is not getting the Commentary or any other alumni news, the alumni office needs your current information! We want to keep in touch! You can contact me directly or the alumni office!

Sincerely, Shannon Crouch Bowers

As for me, Emily Marovich Tupper, I am still living in Plano, TX which is a suburb town just north of Dallas. I have been here with my husband Greg almost 3 years since leaving Southern California. My son Jackson turned 2 in September so I am enjoying being a mother of a talkative and fun toddler! I still work for Accenture but since having Jackson I was lucky to get a new position which requires 0 travel (quite a change from 100% travel pre-child) and work almost 100% W W W. C O K E R . E D U

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

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

1938

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

1939

Lisa Sneed | 105 Bison Place, Lexington, SC 29072 | ljsneed@coloniallife.com

1945

Katherine “Kat” Still Campbell | 295 Club Acres Orangeburg, SC 29118 | (803) 534-6594

1947

Lee Blake Stevenson | PO Box 660 Beaufort, SC 29901 | (843) 524-5860 | muffy26@ hargray.com

1948

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

1949

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

1951

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

1952

Betty Lou McIntyre Barclay | 329 Lee Circle Dillon, SC 29536 | (843) 774-6122 | Bbar830771@aol.com Frankie Nicholson Townsend | 201 Kinney Circle Bennettsville, SC 29512 | (843) 479-9398

1953

Pat Chapman Huff | 507 Wilmar Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 332-3755 | pathuff1953@gmail.com Mitzi DuPre Matthews | 200 Juanita Drive Lexington, SC 29072 | (803) 808-8462 | bmatthews4@windstream.net

1954

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

1956

Peggy Cantey Gardner | PO Box 42 Manning, SC 29102 | (803) 435-6862 Barbara Ward Mishoe | 154 South Main Greeleyville, SC 29056 | (843) 426-2591 | bmishoe@stc-i.net

1957

1960

1976

1989

1961

1977

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

Laura McLeod | 5226 Mulholland Dr. Summerville, SC 29485 | (843) 821-49673 | alauramcleod@aim.com

Sylvia Beard Seppala | 726 Loveville Road Jane McCrackin Suchy | 5303 Bluff Road # 59 Hockessin, DE 19707 | (302) 239-0641 | Mullins, SC 29574 | (843) 464-7056 | sylviabs@aol.com suchysuchy@aol.com

1962

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

1963

Kay Elder Williams | 411 West Windward Landing Place Hampstead, NC 284432476 | (910) 270-0122 | tapperkay@ charter.net

1964

Cameron Council Speth | 89 Jordan Road Strafford, VT 05072 | (802) 765-4899 | cece@speth.com

1965

Eleanor Powell Clark | 106 Arapaho Circle Darlington, SC 29532 | (843) 395-2173 Mickey Utsey Harder | 94 Crestwood Drive Clemson, SC 29631 | (864) 654-3138 | harderl@clemson.edu

1968

Joni Lading Abernathy | 20037 Oak River Court S. Chesterfield, VA 23803 | (804) 590-1644 | jabernathyva@comcast.net

1969

Jen Baker Smith | 29 Long Lake Drive Bluffton, SC 29910 | (843) 816-0125 | jensmith303@yahoo.com

1970

Brenda Thompson Stewart | 108 Fairway Drive Fort Mill, SC 29715-9747 | (803) 547-7177 | brenstew66@gmail.com

1971

Sarah Jo Wood Safrit | PO Box 388 Beaufort, NC 28516-0388 | (252) 728-3213 | sarahjo@centurylink.net

1972

1973

Holly Mims Westcott | 208 Barnwell Avenue NE Aiken, SC 29801 | (803) 514-2431 | hwestcott@atlanticbb.net

Vicki Smith Chaplin | 839 Bethlehem Road Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 332-5998 | chaplins4@bellsouth.net

Meg Quilty Liebe | 803 Washington Avenue Palmyra, NJ 08065

1990

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

1979

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

1980

Helen Mason Allen | 1823 Misty Vale Road Charlotte, NC 28214 | (704) 575-1314 | helenm.allen@cms.k12.nc.us

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

Lee H. Hickman | 703 Beaty Street Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 248-3925 | lhickman@sccoast.net

1981

Barbara A. Britton | 6716 St. Julian Way Fayetteville, NC 28314 | (910) 860-7650 | jmb1jmb2@aol.com

1982

Dee Holt Zsembik | 1376 Hyde Park Drive Port Orange, FL 32128 | (386) 795-0544 | ddshouse@yahoo.com

1983

Glenn Bridges | 18-F Old Sourth Court Bluffton, SC 29910 | (843) 815-4745 | daddydolphin@hargray.com

1984

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

1991

1992

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

1994

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

1995

Heather McConnell Buckelew | 1606 Duckhorn Street NW Concord, NC 28027 | (704) 786-1857 | nj2sc2nc@ctc.net Sam Fryer III | 1610 Southwood Court Florence, SC 29505-3195 | (843) 629-8372 | sfryer@fsd1.org

1996

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

1997

Frankie Rhodes Watson | 117 Schooner Regina Bacote Donithan | 5482 Rosehall Lane Columbia, SC 29212 | (803) 312-1138 | Michelle Wiscovitch King | 400 Gandy Place Atlanta, GA 30349 | (404) 344-0692 | frankiesapc@yahoo.com Drive Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 857-0084 | rbacote518@hotmail.com michaelbking@bellsouth.net

1958

Pat Crawford Fields | 1713 Scenic Valley Lane Knoxville, TN 37922-7135 | (865) 675-3013 | jcfields@tds.net

1978

Susan Weathersbee Dionne | 137 West Home Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550Naomi Kelley Jackson | 2302 Bay Road 4123 | 843-639-2065 | d.susan93@yahoo.

Hartsville, SC 29550 | naomijac@roadrunner. com com

Janie Cleckley Campbell | 2045 East Carolina Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550 | Lynn Williams Oates | 3417 Oates Highway (843) 332-1547 | jccampbell2@bellsouth.net Lamar, SC 29069 | (843) 332-3040 | lwoates@roadrunner.com Sarah McCanless Haarlow | 369 Brookwood Drive Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 816-4995 | SarahHaarlow@gmail.com Susan Holroyd Shumaker | 315 West Meade Drive Nashville, TN 37205 | (615) 352-5732 |Susan.Shumaker@comcast.

Jane Clyburn | 1002 Starcliff Drive Lugoff, net SC 29078 | (803) 438-5638 | pjclyburn@ att.net

1959

Mouse Belotti | 1118 Inverness Lane Hanahan, SC 29410 | (843) 747-8361 | drb90@att.net

1974

Pat Newman | (352) 792-3565 | pnewman224@yahoo.com Libbie Wilmeth Smith | 194 Third Street Bamberg, SC 29003 | (803) 614-4657

1975

Diane Roden Dinneny | 186 Old Farmers Road Long Valley , NJ 07853-9550 | (908) 581-7710 | DLDin@aol.com

1985

Tracie Johnson Paschal | 1111 West Roseneath Road Florence, SC 29501-5745 | TraciePL@aol.com

1986

Teresa "Trigger" Martin | 133 Tall Oaks Drive Irmo, SC 29063 | 803-318-1413 | triggermartin@aol.com

1987

Cindy Lee Hylton | 9502 Amberleigh Circle, North Chesterfield, VA 23236 | (804) 519-6192 | hyltoncl@verizon.net Donna Farrell Mosser | 1003 Tamarack Drive, North Augusta, GA, 29841-9327 | (803) 640-5696 | dfmosser@comcast.net

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

2002

Stephanie Carwile Murry | PO Box 299 Panola, TX 75685 | (318) 773-0133 | Stephanierodeo@aol.com Blayke Turrubiartes | 2619 Century Oaks Lane, Charlotte, NC, 28262 | (704) 535-1504 | blaykee@gmail.com

2003

Wes Daniels | 201 Chester Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 616-2485 | wesdaniels@hotmail.com Emily Tupper | 5809 Yeary Road Plano, TX 75093 | (863) 205-6590 | emilymarovich@yahoo.com

2004

Selena Davis | 410 Emmary Street Hartsville, SC 29550 | selenacobras20@gmail.com Julia Kokemor | 202 Saint Nicholas St Luling, LA 70070-5110 | jkokemor1@ gmail.com

2005

Jessica Brill Lloyd | 1241 Old Oak Road Birmingham, AL 35235 | smilerainmaker@aol.com

2006

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

2007

Kristin Caswell | 141 Pacific Avenue Chapin, SC 29036-7315 | (864) 241-8124 | kcaswell@vertixinc.com Danielle Johnson Winburn | 107 N 2nd Street, Apt. A Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 857-3812 | nikkidaniell@gmail.com LaDrica Jones-Christian | 843-409-2841 | ladricaj@hotmail.com Shereza Middleton | 5145 Seymour Road Dalzell, SC 29040-9144 | middleton26@yahoo.com

2008

1998

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

1999

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

Karen Edwards | 313 Rosehall Place Atlanta, GA, 30349 | (803) 800-4394 | klowery727@aol.com Dean Legge | 808 South Poplar Avenue Andrews, SC 29510-3032 | (843) 264-9398 | dean@dawgpost.com Becky Teal | 15 N 9th Street McBee, SC 29101-8503 | (803) 335-8450 Sheila Trapp | 1343 Antioch Road Hartsville, SC 29551 | (843) 383-3127 | sheilat@ darlington.k12.sc.us

2009 2010

Chad Daniels | 134 West Home Ave. Apt. C Hartsville, SC 29550 | (843) 709-7587 | chad.daniels@sonoco.com

2011

Margaret McCoy Toney | (803) 210-6113 | margaret.m.toney@gmail.com

Phyllis Atkinson Palmieri | 1819 New Market Road Hartsville, SC 29550-9303

2000

2012

Millicent Chewning Macchione | 3011 Stone Bridge Trail Conyers, GA 30094 | (770) 388-0067 | Millicentmacchione@yahoo.com

2001

2014

1988

Lisa Bryant McDowell | 9 Alison Way Columbia, SC 29229 | (803) 699-7924 | lmcdowel@richland2.org

Keelea R. LeJeune | 3121 Torres Avenue Pensacola, FL 32503 | (850) 393-6861 | keelealejeune@hotmail.com Roslynn Elom | 572 East McIver Road Florence, SC 29506 | (843) 667-0502 | ravenrose3@aol.com

Meagan Stone | 907 Indian Wells Court Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 | (843) 236-8020 | Meaganstone@ymail.com Miesha White | 1706 Willis Drive Hartsville, SC 29550 | Romiesha.white@gmail.com

2015

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

THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

| 34

ADVANCE The Office of Institutional Advancement would like to thank the friends, alumni, faculty, staff, foundations and corporations who gave so generously to Coker College this year.

Information received July 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015.

MEMORIALS Zeke Alford ’81 Dr. & Mrs. Marshall Dent

Cecelia Coker Bell

Dr. & Mrs. John E. Lee

Willah Mae Kirby Bell ’39 Mrs. Nancy Baker Bell

Jean Anderson Benson Dr. Cathleen G. Cuppett

Dr. William R. Blakeney

Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Eaddy Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Dr. John L. Bond

Mrs. Frances Worley Bond

Irma and Basil Boyd

Mrs. Corinne Boyd Hunter

Mrs. Alma Anderson Matthews Mrs. Patti Posey Bullen

Dixie Hughes Britton ’70 Mrs. Diane Thrasher Mills

Mr. J. Ike Brown

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Haarlow

James “Tommy” Browne ’62 Mrs. Tiletha Lane

Calvin Chapman Burr Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Dorothy H. Camp ’18

Mrs. Dorothy C. Brown

Dr. Albert Cannon

Dr. and Mrs. Greg Connor

Donna Gates Chapman ’65 Mrs. Polly Pickett Caldwell Mrs. Linda Crews Pearson

Norlis “Skeet” Chapman Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Peter Coggeshall

Dr. and Mrs. Greg Connor

Harriett Wilkes Council ’70 Mrs. Patricia Shuler Noble

Dr. Paul Coward

Dr. and Mrs. Greg Connor

Dr. James Daniels

Mr. & Mrs. Dan Schmotzer

Dr. Elizabeth Davidson

Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Jackson

Mr. Tom Davis

Mrs. Candace Holcomb

Snickers Deyasi

Dr. Cathleen G. Cuppett

Mr. Dana Harris Dixon

Mr. Charles J. Maddox, Jr.

Mable Dowdy

Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

M. Graham Drayton

Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Enid Vause Eady ’40

Mrs. Frances Humphries Price

Mr. Tommy English

Dr. & Mrs. Marshall Dent

Blanche and J. K. Floyd Mrs. Joyce Floyd Shaw

Mr. Daniel W. Fort

Mr. & Mrs. C.L. Christian III

Mrs. Jean Smith Fort

Mrs. Lois Hatfield Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Baldwin Dr. & Mrs. Brooks Bannister Mrs. Katherine McKay Belk Mr. & Mrs. William Blue, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Breeden Mrs. Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain Mr. & Mrs. Peter Browning Burch, Oxner, Seale Co., CPS's

3 5 | WINTER 2016

Mr. & Mrs. Roy F. Burch, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Lamar Cecil Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Coe Mr. & Mrs. Charles W. Coker Mr. & Mrs. R. Howard Coker Ms. Ann S. Colley Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Corning Mr. & Mrs. Ted Craddock Mr. & Mrs. Harris E. Deloach Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Cholly Fox Mr. James Frankel Mr. & Mrs. William Gee Mr. & Mrs. W. Patrick Graham Mr. & Mrs. Ben Graves Mrs. Mary J. Holland Mr. & Mrs. Earle Hungerford Mr. & Mrs. Billy Hunt Mr. & Mrs. Charles Jackson Mr. & Mrs. Edgar H. Lawton III Dr. & Mrs. Joseph J. Lawton, III Dr. & Mrs. John E. Lee Leslie Berman, Inc Mr. Gardelle Lewis, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Terry Lisenby Mr. & Mrs. John Longstreth Mr. & Mr. J. G. McGee, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Will Miller Mr. & Mrs. Russell Newton Mr. & Mrs. John S. Nichols, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Jim Peery Mr. & Mrs. Tom L. Rankin Mr. Stephen Robertson Mr. & Mrs. Dalt Ruffin Mr. & Mrs. Luck Sackett Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Safrit Mr. & Mrs. R. Downie Saussy Mr. & Mrs. James Scott Mr. R. Daniel Sellers, III Mrs. Jacqueline J. Segars Mr. & Mrs. Park Smith Mr. & Mrs. Ray Snead Mr. C. Brian Speas Dr. and Mrs. H. W. Tucker, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Kent Van Allen Mr. & Mrs. Daniel T. Wall Mrs. Sara K. Wilds Ms. Rachel Williams Mr. & Mrs. Dick Worthington

Barbara Frampton

Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Winfield

Barbara Roney Whittington

Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Dr. Joe Willis

Mrs. “Aunt Alline” Jordan Betty Long Jordan '44

Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Winfield

Kim McCutchen Jordan Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Rose and Florene Josephs Mrs. Leatrice Weiner

Katherine Tillotson Reagan ’39 in the death

Mrs. Sherrill E. Jordan

Bill Lee

Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mr. Mickey McDowell

Franklin “Frank” Lee

Flora Collins Baker ’52 in the death of her

Dr. Berry Litsey

Mrs. Sheryl Cantey-Bruce

Jean Ludlam ’51

Ms. Tricia McClam

Alma Matthews

Mrs. Sherrill E. Jordan

Ruth Ludlam McClam ’46 Ms. Tricia McClam

Timothea McDonald Mr. Murray F. McDonald, Sr.

Mr. & Mrs. Miall Cedilote Mr. Steve Gordon

Elliott Streetman

Mrs. Charlotte Hamer Moulton Ms. Pat Smith

Mr. Charles J. Maddox, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. John E. Lee Dr. Priscilla Perry Arnold

Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Mark G. Raines

Mrs. Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer

Blaine Riley

Erby and Sue Duffee Jakcson Mrs. Hellen Jackson Jackson

Jacqueline E. Jacobs

Mrs. Barbara N. Lansche Mrs. L. J. Nexsen

Barbara Spears Baird ’52 in the death of her husband Bob in November 2014.

Karen Johnson Conway ’52 in the death of her husband Eustace R. Conway on September 16, 2015.

Jane Woodward Truett ’52 in the death of her cousin Mildred “Millie” Hardin Sawyer ’40 on July 9, 2015.

Betty Carol Mobley Bynum ’53 in the death

James Bradley Mobley ’75

Sylvia Parks Price ’60

Mrs. Sarah Sampson Bell Mrs. Charlie Hunt Chewning Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger Mrs. Mitzi DuPre Matthews Mrs. Jean Fore McDaniel Mr. Mickey McDowell

sister on April 1, 2015.

Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Mr. James “Jimbo” Mims

Mrs. Gail Power Helms

Mrs. Martha Gunter Caldwell

of her husband Harold V. Abbott on October 3, 2015.

Martha Ann Anderson Blackwell ’53 in the death of her sister-in-law Miriam Blackwell Myers ’41 on July 19, 2015.

Leona Davis Perry

Dwight H. Hyman

Lemerle Jackson Abbott ’49 in the death

Mr. & Mrs. Harris E. Deloach, Jr.

John Michael “Mike” McGee

Mrs. Sandy Gaskins

Martha Coker Huntley ’39

husband, Howard M. Pinner, on December 23, 2015.

Mrs. Holly L. Prescott Dr. & Mrs. Greg Connor

Harriett Courtney Lemke ’72

Nancy Nickles

Gus Hoffmeyer, Jr.

Jo Mathis Pinner ’41 in the death of her

Fannie Mishoe Hall ’42 and Jacqueline Mishoe ’46 in the death of their cousin Elizabeth Gerrald Gibson ’50 on August 3, 2015.

Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Woodrow Hamden

of her daughter Katherine “Missy” Reagan on September 20, 2015.

Mrs. Sarah Sampson Bell Mrs. Charlie Hunt Chewning Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Mitzi DuPre Matthews Mrs. Jean Fore McDaniel Mr. Mickey McDowell

Ms. Elizabeth Newell

Dr. Valleria Grannis

Mr. Charles J. Maddox, Jr.

Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Mary Alma Gee Langston ’59

Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff

Jody Gaskins

Dr. Kenneth L. Wilmot

SYMPATHY

Louise Bristow Kinsey ’53

Miriam Blackwell Myers ’41

Marie Moore Gainey

The Harold Dixon Family Dunes Realty, Inc. Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Thomas

Mrs. Marcena Kellahan Tisdale

Margaret Ward Kellahan ’43

Dr. & Mrs. John E. Lee

Wallace Gainey

Mrs. Bonnie C. Sawyer

Mrs. Joyce Medlin Eaton Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Pat Chapman Huff Mrs. Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger

Kinney Segars

Dr. and Mrs. Greg Connor

Sarah "Cissy" Baker Speights ’65 Mrs. Nancy Baker Bell

Gertrude F. Tolson

Mrs. Sherrill E. Jordan

James P. Vaughan

of her son before Thanksgiving 2015.

Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger ’53 in the death of her very special friend Dwight H. Hyman on August 13, 2015 and her brother Franklin “Frank” Lee on November 16, 2015 and her brother William C. Lee in December 2015.

Eva Smalley Burke ’56 in the death of her husband David McGuire Burke on May 24, 2015.

Beverly Smith Hough ’59 (deceased) in the death of her mother Mildred Mozingo Smith on December 9, 2015.

Ann Matthews Bragdon ’60 in the death of her mother Ann Matthews Bragdon on July 8, 2015.

Carole Causey Boyles ’62 in the death of her husband Richard Boyles on July 25, 2015.

Lee McCown Huey ’62 in the death of her huband Brigadier General Frank “Al” Huey on July 30, 2015.

Molly Holbrook Thomas ’62 on the death of her sister Betsy Lee Holbrook Underwood ’65 on October 1, 2015.

Pat Holland Chapman ’64 in the death of

Ms. Edith L. Vaughan

her mother Jeannette Holland on September 25, 2015.

Mr. Dexter C. Vaughan

April Garnier Poitras ’68 in the death of her

Leonce and Eleanore Vaughan Helen White

Mrs. Candace Holcomb

father in December 2014.

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

Hyatt Ann Keels Brandt ’69 in the death of her brother Thomas D. Keels, Jr. in May 2014.

Evelyn Conley Owen ’69 in the death of her grandson Lachlan Tannery.

Wendy Lamm Leonard ’71 in the death of her son Wendy Lamm Leonard on July 1, 2015.

Christine and Brent Weaver Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Tina Weeks Weaver Wells Fargo Matching Gifts Program

Class of 1953 Endowed Scholarship Ms. Toula Latto

Pat Jacobs Lipe ’74 in the death of her mother Jacqueline Everington Jacobs ’44 on September 19, 2015.

Betty Arrowood McCutchen ’74 in the death of her daughter Kim McCutchen Jordan on October 3, 2015.

Ruthie Henderson Mobley ’75 in the death of her husband James Bradley Mobley ’75 on August 14, 2015.

Camilla Harrell Stewart ’85 in the death of her husband James O. “Jimmy” Stewart on November 24, 2015.

Donna Farrell Mosser ’87 in the death of her grandmother and Emily Mosser ’15 her great-grandmother.

Rebecca Susan Lisenby Sellers ’90 in the death of her father Robert Steven Lisenby ’67 on November 6, 2015.

Brenda L. Schmotzer ’95 in the death of her father Charles Burnett Lyon on December 25, 2015.

A. Hoyt Kelley Jr. ’96 in the death of his aunt Celeste Kelley on November 9, 2011.

Ms. Edith F. Reynolds Mrs. Nancy McConnell Wilhelm Mrs. Barbara Holmes Willis

Class of 1964 Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Ann Dobson Hammond Mrs. Lorena Cook James Mrs. Cameron Council Speth

Danny E. and Debbie Johnson Endowed Scholarship Mr. & Mrs. Danny Earl Johnson, Jr.

D. L. Scurry Foundation Scholarship The D. L. Scurry Foundation

Eleanor Whittinghill Vaughan Endowed Music Scholarship Mr. Robert L. Vaughan

Erby and Katie Sue Duffie Jackson Scholarship Mrs. Lemerle Jackson Abbott

Eugenia McAlpine Lewis Endowed Scholarship in Communications Dan Stanzione Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Stanzione

General Scholarships

Central Carolina Community Foundation SCICU

George Sawyer Kalmia Endowment Drs. George & Gayle B. Sawyer

Jacqueline Everington Jacobs Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Barbara Nexsen Lansche Mrs. Mary Wood D. Nexsen Mrs. Ann Ludlam Winfield

Jane Parlor Norwood Scholarship Mrs. Jane P. Norwood

Benji Blanton (deceased) ’97 family in the

Jean Fort Memorial Tree Fund

death of his mother Gail Blanton on July 2, 2015.

Jean Ludlam ’51 Endowed Scholarship

Jacob Coward ’02 in the death of his father

Jim Wilds Scholarship

Paul A. Coward, M.D. on July 4, 2015.

Ginger Davis Freeman ’04 in the death of her mother and Phinon Hawk ’03 in the death of her grandmother Virginia Edward Davis on December 4, 2015.

Jennifer S. Rhodes ’11 in the death of her grandmother Geneva Steadman Smith on July 18, 2015.

Samoni L. Bellamy ’14 in the death of her sister Danyal Denise Bellamy on June 29, 2015.

Kristen Bishop Rebollar ’14 in the death of her father Barry Lynn Woods on December 29, 2015.

SCHOLARSHIPS & ENDOWMENT Algernon Sydney Endowed Scholaship The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation

Alice and Virgil Smith Piano Scholarship Mrs. Pat Smith

Ann Mattews Bragdon Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Patti Posey Bullen

Anna White Hill Endowed Choral Scholarship Mrs. Candace J. Holcombe

Barbara D. Dixon ’59 and Osmund Dixon Scholarship Mr. & Mrs. Osmund W. Dixon, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Kent Van Allen

Mr. Robert H. Greer & Mrs. Tricia McClam Mrs. Sara K. Wilds

John C. and Leland S. Hungerpiller Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain

John M. Williams, Jr. Study Abroad Scholarship Anonymous Ms. Taylor Barefoot Dr. Todd Couch Mr. Paul Dunn Drs. Joseph and Kathryn Flaherty Ms. Laura T. Hoxworth Ms. Chelsea E. Kent Dr. Ye Li Dr. & Mrs. David McCracken Ms. Darlene Small Prof. & Mrs. Richard A. Puffer Ms. Barb Steadman Dr. & Mrs. John M. Williams III

Joyce Johnston Jordan Utt Endowed Scholarship Mr. & Mrs. Conrad Glasgow

Kenneth Lewis Wilmot Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Candace J. Holcombe Mrs. Patricia J. Wilmot

Kenneth W. Krueger Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Carole King Krueger

Leona Davis Perry Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Priscilla Perry Arnold

Lettie Pate Whitehead Endowed Scholarship Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc.

Marjorie H. Bethea ’46 & Thomas Bethea Scholarship Mrs. Marjorie J. Bethea

Merle Davis Baxley ’46 Mrs. Betty J. Robertson Coughlin

Class of 1960

Rev. James Thomas and Eloise Browne Endowed Scholarship

Class of 1963 Endowed Scholarship

her brother Murray Cochran.

Mrs. Teressa Thompson Harrington Mrs. Nan Carter Howard

Mrs. Shep Wallace

Class of 1956 Endowed Scholarship

Janice Cochran Wilkins ’72 in the death of

Nancy Barrineau Endowed Scholarship Nickey Brumbaugh Endowed Art Scholarship

19, 2015.

2015.

Dr. & Mrs. Walter C. Cottingham

Mrs. Mitzi DuPre Matthews Mrs. Jean Fore McDaniel

Joye Segars Davis ’71 in the death of her mother Joye Tucker Segars ’48 on December Linda Dean Fraser ’72 and Sharon B. Dean ’73 in the death of their mother Lauretta Brockington Dean ’43 on November 26,

HONORARIUMS

Mary Elizabeth Dubose Cottingham Endowed Scholarship

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Cleveland

Class of 1965

Mrs. Betty Robertson Coughlin

Mr. & Mrs. Lee Lane, Jr.

Ruth Ludlam McClam ’46 Endowed Scholarship

Mrs. Lillian Utsey Harder

Beth DuBose Cottingham ’55 Mr. & Mrs. Lee Bivins Mrs. Ruth P. Grayson

Frankie Cauley Earnst ’73 Mr. Douglas Earnst

Mr. Robert H. Greer and Mrs. Tricia McClam

Sloan H. Brittain Endowed Music Scholarship

Education Department Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Fogle

Joan Snoddy Hoffmeyer ’51

Mrs. Sloan Hungerpiller Brittain

Ms. Courtney Smith

Steinway Piano Fund

Lee McCown Huey ’62

Dr. and Mrs. Charles L. Sullivan, Jr. Mrs. Patricia J. Wilmot

Ms. Nancy E. Rogers, PhD

Dr. Kevin Kenyon

Strahan Endowed Scholarship

Mr. & Mrs. Collin Liggett

Mrs. Nancy Strahan Hall

Ms. Margaret Meyer ’08

Mrs. Laura Cheatham Palmer

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Moran

Mr. Harold B. Dixon Dunes Realty, Inc. Ivey-O'Sullivan Healthcare, P.A. Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth P. Thomas

Louis Sherwood

The Inabnit Family Endowed Scholarship Willis Chiromed Endowed Scholarship

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Meyer

Mrs. Pamela Gill Franklin Ms. Barbara Steadman

Edward J. Quilty

Mrs. Rose Quilty

Malcolm Kendrick Reed ’15

IN MEMORIAM

Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Reed

Joyce Johnston Utt ’56 (80th birthday) Mr. & Mrs. Conrad Glasgow

Mildred “Millie” Hardin Sawyer ’40 Miriam Blackwell Myers ’41 Lauretta Brockington Dean ’43 Pearl McQueen Ingram ’44 Jacqueline Everington Jacobs ’44 Betty Long Jordan ’44 Nancy D. McLaurin ’45 Lillian Catoe Galloway ’46 Anne Wllson Bethea Powell ’46 Helen Reid Barker Kellahan ’47 Ann Rogers King ’47 Sarah Richardson Weathers ’47 Jean Miller Blackwell ’48 Barbara A. Rush ’48 Joye Tucker Segars ’48 Wylma Wates ’48 Doris J. Copeland Fields ’49 Jacqueline Mishoe ’49 Elizabeth Gerrald Gibson ’50 Virginia Pearl Canady ’51 Anne Conder Seavey ’52 Betty Lou Brown Stewart ’53 Jimmie Rogers (102 yr) ’56 Mary Alma Gee Langston ’59 Nancy King Wactor ’59 Pamela C. Binnicker 60 Ann Parker Gallop '60 Anne Auman Johnson ’63 Betsy Lee Holbrook Underwood ’65 Barbara Ann Pinckney-Boatwright ’67 Robert Steven Lisenby ’67 Mary Huneycutt Sullivan ’74 James Bradley Mobley ’75 Diane M. Cuccurullo ’76 Garry Randall Boyter ’79 Renee Michelle Hutchinson ’83 Norma Ellen Zeigler ’91 Anna Kathryn Hubbard Moore ’96 Alphonzo A. Smith ’00 Paula Louise Mack-Days ’09 Denise Unger Rich ’13 Christopher Mark Fuga ’15 Daniel Wilkins Fort—Coker family Caroline Cannon Harrington—Coker family

LIBRARY Professor Mal Hyman Dr. Michael Siegfried

BIRTHS Mitzi DuPre Matthews ’53 on the birth of great-grandson Ryan Douglas Gilligan on March 2, 1015.

Pat Chapman Huff ’53 on the birth of greatgranddaughter Emmie Pace Huff on January 16, 2015 and great-grandson Asher Hicks Floyd on July 1, 2015.

Nancy McConnell Wilhelm ’63 on the birth of her first grandchild James McFadden Spann IV.

Betsy Walker Chambers ’68 on the birth of her first grandchild Sage Skye Chambers in November 2014.

Sylvia McLamb Puffer ’70 on the birth of grandson Tucker and granddaughter Edie.

Anne Cannon Braniff ’71 on the birth of grandson Anne Cannon Braniff on August 18, 2015.

Sarah McCanless Haarlow ’72 on the birth of grandson Robert Eugene Williams IV.

Betty Birdsong Matthews ’72 on the birth of grandson Charlie on May 1, 2014.

Donna Laninig Holder ’74 on the birth of granddaughter Ana Regina.

Phinon Alicia Hawk ’03 on the birth of daughter Caroline Hawk on September 4, 2015.

Ginger D. Freeman ’04 on the birth of granddaughter Caroline Hawk on September 4, 2015.

Wes Atkinson ’06 on the birth of daughter Nora Jane Atkinson on September 30, 2015.

Shannon Crouch Bowers ’09 on the birth of her first child Owen Bowers in July 2015.

Nick Pierce ’09 on the birth of son Benjamin Alan Pierce on August 11, 2015.

THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

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ADVANCE

WEDDINGS Betty Barnes Walpole ’58 on her marriage to Jim Weller on April 25, 2015.

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

KALMIA GARDENS Information received July1, 2015 - December 31, 2015

DONATIONS Brown Pennington Adkins Funeral Home Dr. & Mrs. Paul Alexander Greg & Lyne Askins Arborworks Tree Service Jack & Francine Bachman Tyler & Ellen Baldwin Dave Bailey Ruth Baronda Merle D. Baxley Dorothy Camp Brown Thomas & Cecelia Brown Walter & Judy Brown Dennis & Lyndell Becker Dr. Caroline C. Benser Rhonda M. Bizzell Richard & Ruth Boiteau Ritchie & Heidi Bond Sandi Brown Roger & Mary Buchner Mo & Sharon Byrd Cayer Raymond & Retha Chapman Dr. and Mrs. R. M. Chapman Charles & Joan Coker Foundation Fitz Coker Howard & Rhonda Coker Dr. and Mrs. Richard Conner Bob & Betty Corning Coldwell Banker & Deborah Gandy Assoc.

Jim & Pam Cox John & Judy Davis John Davis Mary Ester Denny Bubba & Barbara Dixon Olivia Doughty Eddie & Linda Drayton Micheal & Debra Doran Kirk & Jane Dunlap Betty McEachin Andy & Vicki Eaddy Dr. & Mrs. Fred Edinger

Jim & Mary Fernandes Rachel Flowers Steve Ford Jim Fort John & Trish Gainey Colonel George W. Gering Lois Rauch Gibson Carol R. Godwin Bobby & Jeanne Goodson Jean Grosser Andrew & Bonnie Hamilton Patricia Hargrove Terry & Caroline Harrington Dr. Ernest Helms, lll Jim & Cathy Hines Carole Holloway Mal Hyman Charlie & Frances Hupfer Hartsville Furniture Company Hill & Jordan LLC CPAS Jackson Family Chiropractic Jay James Jones Family Eyeware Lakeview Spirits Dr. & Mrs. Phil Kennedy Robert & Diane Kerzner Ben & Nettie Kilpatrick Dr. & Mrs. Keith Kooken Edgar & Nan Lawton Ed & Tru Lawton Dr. & Mrs. John Lee Kenneth & Lenora Lefew Kevin & Tina Mahoney The Reverend & Mrs. Michael Malone Dr. Darlene Maxwell Kathy V. McCall P. L. McCall, Jr. Gordan & Bernice McBride Kaye P. McElveen Jim & Claire McGee Larry Mellichamp Larry Merriman Vern & Nancy Myers Wilhelmina Miller Jamie Morphis lll Mutual Savings Bank John & Trish Nielsen Ruth Rogers Nielsen Kathy B. Nelson Gene & Heather Norwood Spring Beauty Garden Club Rose M. Quilty Dr. Suzanne Parker Chandler & Martha Moye Peel Molly Peterson Chris & Dee Pierce Jim & Holly Prescott Hazel G. Puyet Marie Rhoad Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Rubinstein

Dr. & Mrs. Steven Rumpf John & Carol Ruthven Raceway Automotive Sarah W. Safrit The Reverend & Mrs. Dan Sansbury Drs. George & Gayle Sawyer Segars Better Homes & Garden Realty Bob and Janet Snow Stifel Margaret L. Stone Totally Paws Howard & Judy Trout Bob & Peggy Trowell Dr. & Mrs. Howard Tucker Vintage Joyce Warner Clyde Weaver Lex & Sherry West Elaine Whittle Ben & Peggy Woodward

MEMORIALS Diver Allen Drs. George & Gayle Sawyer Joe Allston

Don & Betty McEachin

Harry & Rita Moran Donna Chapman Mr. & Mrs. David Caldwell

David and Patsy Cannon Adrienne Rogers

Ted E. Haigler, Jr.

The Classic Coastal Cruisers Stu and Joan Griffith Lindsey Gordan Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Gordan Mr. and Mrs. John W. James Mary Coker Joslin Nell Joslin Dr. and Mrs. Rick Lynch Dr. & Mrs. Howard Tucker Darrell Wetherington Sara K. Wilds

Jack Asko Adrienne H. Rogers Dr. William Blakeney

Ellen Cecil Molly Peterson Josephine Cerami Harry & Rita Moran Bernice Clanton

Mrs. Johnnie Norwood Doubles Joan S. Hoffmeyer Rose Marie Newsom Lib Ervin Adrienne H. Rogers Frances DeLoach Haigler Caroline Cannon Harrington

Caroline Cannon Harrington Caroline Cannon Harrington passed away on Nov. 23, 2015, in Darien, GA, at age 76. She was a great-granddaughter of Major James Lide Coker, the founder of Coker College. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a B.A. in art history, she was an accomplished artist whose watercolor paintings of botanical subjects were exhibited in Georgia, S.C., and Rhode Island. She found inspiration in her gardens, in her travels, and in her studies at the University of Georgia’s art program in Cortona, Italy. Her love of Kalmia Gardens, where she spent many happy childhood hours with her grandmother May Coker, made her a passionate supporter and board member of

3 7 | WINTER 2016

Kalmia. Realizing the need for a third entrance gate at Kalmia, she found and commissioned an artist in Savannah to make it. She was a novice judge for the Savannah Camellia Society, served on the Boards of Coker Farms National Landmark Foundation and the Le Conte-Woodmanston Plantation and Botanical Gardens (LWPBC). She planted hundreds of daffodil bulbs at the LWPBC for the Savannah meeting of the Southern Garden History Society in 2014 and loved every minute! She leaves a legacy of joy in service to her passions for plants and people. Donations can be made in her memory to Kalmia Gardens by contacting Mary Ridgeway at (843) 383-8145.

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

Bobby Hart

Adrienne Rogers Mrs. R. Dent King, Sr.

Jim & Holly Prescott

Dan & Betty Hardaway

Barbara H. King

Adrienne Rogers

Sloan Brittain David & Patsy Cannon Joan Hoffmeyer Stephan & Frances Jones Ed Lawton Mary Ridgeway Drs. George & Gayle Sawyer Ben & Ann Williamson

Ollie Krickbaum Harry & Rita Moran Harriett Lemke

Daniel Malloy McEachin Dr. M. B. Nickels Peggy Nolan

Kenny Segars

Ben & Caroline Matthews

Julian & Mary Alice King Betty Wiggins Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Christian

HONORARIUMS Kaye Crook

Bobb E. Riggs

Evelyn C. Hane

Mary Ridgeway

ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL INITIATIVE LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY BY GIVING COKER STUDENTS THE GIFT OF MUSIC—NOW AND FOR YEARS TO COME. DONATE TODAY TO HELP COKER BECOME AN ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ALL-STEINWAY INITIATIVE, CONTAC T BARB STEADMAN AT BSTEADMAN@COKER.EDU OR (843) 383-8016.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT GIVING TO THE ANNUAL FUND PLEASE CONTACT: Barb Steadman bsteadman@coker.edu or 843. 383.8016

T H E A N N UA L F U N D THE GIFT OF OPPORTUNITY A gift to the Annual Fund is more than just a gift.

Every contribution provides immediate support for scholarships and programs that make rich, transformative experiences everyday life on Coker's campus. Your gift is an investment that makes it possible for Coker students to build lifelong friendships and launch amazing life stories that will be a source of pride for generations to come.

Give online at coker.edu/GIFTS It’s Safe. It’s Simple.

THE OFFICIAL M AG A ZINE OF COKER COLLEGE

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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID COLUMBIA, SC PERMIT 1204

OFFICE of INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT 300 East College Avenue

Hartsville, South Carolina 29550

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

ALUMNI DAYS 2016 April 22 - 23

It’s almost time to relive your favorite Coker memories with old friends—and make some new ones! The annual Alumni Days tradition continues this April, with an itinerary that includes: • • • • •

CL ASS MEETINGS UPDATES FROM PRESIDENT WYATT STUDENT PERFORMANCES ALUMNI AWARDS CAMPUS TOURS

Plus, a special reception and dinner in the DeLoach Center will be held for reunion classes and Golden Circle alumni (those who graduated 50 years ago or more). So pull out your yearbooks, call your classmates, and plan your trip down memory lane. See you in April!

For more information, or to register, contact us at 843.383.8178.