Homecoming
Spring
Commencement
Making History
Interim President Dr. kendra Boggess
The New Mountain East Conference
From the President’s Desk The first 100 days….. It is my pleasure to bring greetings and a welcome to the Fall 2013 edition of the Alumni Magazine on behalf of the faculty, staff, and students at Concord University. We are certain this year will be filled with many opportunities, accomplishments, and achievements on “The Campus Beautiful.” Since the University has been in session this semester, we have marveled at the changes and improvements to campus that took place over the summer. We certainly hope you will return to Concord this year to see and experience the beauty of the grounds, and the many improvements to the facilities that have been accomplished. The Advancement Office has asked me to provide you with a short story about my first 100 days serving in the office of President and I will attempt to do this now. Upon moving into the President’s office July 1st through the day I write this column, the time has absolutely flown. It has been interesting, filled with many occasions to meet with wonderful alumni, fresh-faced new and returning students and their families, and to welcome back many of the faculty after a summer of teaching, advising, vacations, and travels. When I agreed to fill this position, I didn’t realize I would be throwing out a game ball for a Princeton Rays baseball game, definitely not one of my best moments although I was rescued by an “agile” catcher; didn’t realize that taking part in a pumpkin pie eating contest might be required, (in public no less), nor that I would be filming a video that would be shown to a Concord alumni chapter in Japan. It has also been exciting to be involved with appointing several individuals to new positions on campus while other appointments are yet in process. During July, while attending a national meeting of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, my husband, Ted, and I were able to visit with alumni in the Annapolis area. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what Concord University meant to these alums, and the great memories they have of our beloved campus. Every day has actually been filled with friendly faces offering to help out in any possible way, and with invitations to participate in meetings and orientations with various groups on and off campus. One of the most wonderful opportunities has been holding receptions in the newly renovated President’s Home for faculty and groups of students. Going forward, the plans are to continue to reconnect with the business community, alumni, and those who have been so supportive of Concord in the past. The promising and exciting days have just begun and we hope that you will return to “The Campus Beautiful” soon. When you do, please stop in to say hello. We also encourage you to share your latest updates with us through our Class Notes section. Please join us in celebrating by sharing personal and professional achievements in your life. Best wishes for a successful and rewarding academic year.
Dr. Kendra Boggess Concord University Interim President
Calendar of Events December 3, 2013 • Holiday Open House • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. University Point, Concord University
December 14, 2013 • Fall Commencement • 11:00 a.m. Leslie R. & Ruby Webb Carter Center, Concord University January 31, 2014 • Groundhog Day Breakfast • 8:00 a.m. Jerry & Jean Beasley Student Center Ballroom May 16, 2014 • Alumni Banquet University Point, Concord University
May 17, 2014 • Spring Commencement • 10:00 a.m. - Morning Ceremony • 2:00 p.m. - Afternoon Ceremony Leslie R. & Ruby Webb Carter Center, Concord University
Attention Alumni!
2014
FLORIDA GOLF OUTING
The Advancement Office is planning an alumni golf outing in Florida in January or February 2014. This event is open to all alumni and friends of Concord. For details on the event please contact us at alumni@concord. edu or 304-384-5348.
ALSO, watch for emails, tweets, facebook posts as well as our web billboards at www.concord.edu for more upcoming alumni events!
Inside this Issue Fall 2013
On the Cover
35
Homecoming
Spring
Commencement
Making History
Interim President Dr. kendra Boggess
77
The New Mountain East Conference
Interim President Alumni Director
Dr. Kendra Boggess Sarah Lively Turner '98
President, Concord University Alumni Association, Inc.
Jessica Cook '08
Graphic Designer
Lance McDaniel '10
Project Coordinator Editorial Assistant
9
Interim President Dr. Kendra Boggess is the 11th president of the University and Concord’s first female president.
20
Features 4
Alumni Events
9
The 138th Spring Commencement
15 Alumni Gather at Annual Banquet 17 Classroom Renamed in Memory of Mary Edna Beckett ’54 19 Jamboree Scouts, Families Invited to ‘Experience West Virginia’
Sarah P. Dalton Amy Pitzer
Concord University Office of Advancement PO Box 1000 Athens, WV, 24712 1-304-384-6311 Fax: 1-304-384-6017 advancement@concord.edu www.concord.edu
20 Dr. Kendra Boggess Serving as Concord University’s Interim President 21 The Athens - Concord Town Social 23 Freshman Convocation Welcomes Incoming Students 27 Concord Launches Entrepreneurship Initiative 35 A Fairy Tale Homecoming 47 Retired Faculty/Staff 51 Beyond the Classroom 55 Greek Spotlight - Delta Zeta 59 Stuff the Bus 61 Physical Plant Receives Renovations 62 Charles Erickson Remembered in Ceremony at Erickson Alumni Center 63 Dr. O’Brien Retires Following Dedicated Service 65 Bill Owens Honored as Concord’s First Black Student-Athlete
In Every Issue 3
CU Alumni Association, Inc.
29 CU Foundation, Inc. 66 Heritage & Horizon 69 Class Notes 77 CU Athletics
The CU Alumni Association, Inc. Membership in the CUAA, Inc. supports the following initiatives:
The membership year runs July 1 - June 30 and you can use the membership form below and envelope included in this magazine to mail • Scholarships for Concord students • The formation of alumni chapters all in your membership. You can also submit your membership payment over the country online through Concord’s website • On-campus events for alumni such www.concord.edu/advancement/ as Homecoming and the spring memberships-giving. Upon receipt Alumni Banquet of your membership dues, the • Enhancement of Concord’s alumni giving rate which influences national Alumni Office will mail you a CUAA university rankings, consideration membership card to keep on hand as proof of your membership. for grants, etc. Everyone knows there is strength in numbers and the more dues paying Benefits for CUAA, Inc. members the Alumni Association has, members include: the stronger the organization will be. • Discounts to on-campus events If you are already a member of the • Tax-deductible contribution CUAA, we hope you are planning to • Discounts to certain services, renew your commitment to Concord including the Concord Child for another year. If you are not Development Center currently a CUAA member, we hope • Gift recognitions for each level of that you will consider joining today. membership Thanks in advance for your support of • Plans for additional benefits are currently in the works so this list will Concord, its students and the nearly 15,000 alumni we have worldwide! continue to grow
Upcoming Events Alumni Reception and Dinner
Yankee Chapter Alumni Gathering
Phi Sigma Epsilon 55th Reunion
May 16, 2014 Class of 1964 – 50th Reunion Class of 1989 – 25th Reunion
June 2014 Morgan Museum New York City
May 14-17, 2015 Pipestem State Park
I want to join! Check a box and return this slip in the envelope provided with this magazine. Please be sure to fill out your contact and payment information on the envelope inside this issue.
Join Us Today! CU Alumni Association, Inc. Individual Membership Form Basic $10 - 24.99
Maroon & Gray Club $25 - 149.99
President’s Club $150 - 499.99
Life Membership $500 or more
Local Chapter Dues - Chapter name & amount enclosed _____________________ $________________
3 • Fall 2013
Renew Membership - Amount enclosed $________________
AlumniEvents Yankee Chapter Gathers at Yankee Stadium
New York, NY
On July 13th over 20 Concord alumni and friends gathered at Yankee Stadium in New York City for the Yankee Chapter’s annual alumni gathering. A number of alumni traveled in from outside the NYC area and the game against the Minnesota Twins was just one event in a jam packed weekend of sightseeing, shopping and Broadway shows. Susan Lawrence ’87 coordinated details of the trip and Yankee Chapter President Bob Gallione ’68 was the host for the weekend. Plans are already in the works for next year’s event at the Morgan Museum in June 2014. Above - Top row left to right: Bill Staples ’70, Tom ’64 & Mercy Joyce; bottom row: an unnamed Twins fan, Eva & Bob Gallione ‘68 Below - Left to right: Steve ’74 & Sallie George, Sarah Lively Turner ’98, Sara Seabolt Duncan ’99, Shelley George ’01 and Dan Blednick
Pine Trees Chapter Holds Summer Picnic JoAnna ’73 and Ott Fredeking’s historic house on North Walker Street in Princeton was the setting for the Pine Trees Chapter’s summer event on July 19th. Over 40 alumni and friends were in attendance, including Interim President Dr. Kendra Boggess and her husband Ted. Attendees enjoyed a beautiful summer evening and lots of great food, all while catching up with fellow alums.
Athens, WV
Pine Trees Chapter members gather at JoAnna ’73 & Ott Fredeking’s house Fall 2013 • 4
AlumniEvents Greater Kanawha Valley Chapter Spends an Evening at the Ballpark For the third year in a row, alumni from the Greater Kanawha Valley area gathered at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston for Concord Night at the WV Power game. Over 70 alumni, friends and family attended the game on July 30th and enjoyed a catered picnic on the Party Deck, while watching the Power play the Delmarva Shorebirds. For information on the Greater Kanawha Valley Alumni Chapter you can contact them at charlestonalumni@ mycu.concord.edu, 304-419-3291 or you can join the “Kanawha Valley Concord University Alumni” group on Facebook.
Charleston, WV
Interim President Dr. Kendra Boggess (standing - second from left), Alumni Director Sarah Turner ’98 (kneeling - second from right) and Charleston area alumni gather with the WV Power mascot Chuck during Concord Night at the WV Power game (Left) Joe Jenkins ‘01 and Susana Duarte ’02 with their son Landon; (Middle) Dr. Kendra Boggess, Monica Black-Wieland ‘95 and Edward Wieland; (Right) Jason Lunsford ’99 with his wife Stormy and children Dawson and Campbell
CU Night at P-Rays Game Opens Semester
August 22nd was Concord Night at the Princeton Rays game. This event was held during the first week of classes on campus and was one of the many orientation activities that took place that week. The P-Rays offered free game admission to anyone wearing Concord gear and 5 • Fall 2013
Princeton, WV
the CU Advancement Office passed out Concord water bottles and seat cushions to the over 100 Concord students, faculty, staff and alumni who attended the game. Interim President Dr. Kendra Boggess had the honor of throwing out the first pitch of the game.
Interim President Dr. Kendra Boggess throws out the first pitch of the game
AlumniEvents Pine Trees Chapter Holds Fall Social The Pine Trees Chapter held their Fall Social on Saturday, September 7th at the home of Don and Pam Lane Garner ’66 in Athens. The slate of chapter officers and board of directors positions were voted on during the business meeting portion of the evening. Attendees enjoyed a great spread of appetizers and desserts, had the opportunity to check out Don’s antique car collection and had fun watching the WVU game. Japan Chapter Hosts Dinner Reunion
Ban Yoh, in the Shinjuku section of Tokyo, was the setting for the July 30, 2013 dinner meeting of the Japan Chapter. Seven members of the chapter and two representatives from Concord gathered for a threehour reunion. The chapter was presented with a gavel, a banner, and a table cloth. Many of the alumni traveled for hours by train to join the festivities. Alumni from 1985 to 2010 shared stories and remembrances of their days at Concord. All agreed they would like to return to “The Campus Beautiful” some day.
Phi Sigma Epsilon Planning 55th Reunion
Athens, WV
Nancy Edge Lively ’75, Deborah Gore Gillespie ’74 and Susie Scyphers
Japan
Dr. Joe and Sharon Manzo join the Japan Chapter for a reunion
Phi Sigma Epsilon
Phi Sigma Epsilon will hold its 55th Reunion May 1417, 2015 at Pipestem State Park. A block of 50 rooms has been reserved and cabins are available for rent. Call 1-800-callwva to reserve rooms and cabins. An invitation to the reunion is on the Phi Sig’s Facebook page. For more information contact John Lecco ’79 (jlec@carolina.rr.com) or Jim Crawford ’68 (jamescrawford22@att.net).
Members of Phi Sigma Epsilon gather for a reunion at Myrtle Beach in May. Fall 2013 • 6
AlumniEvents Yankee Chapter Enjoys Gathering in Pennsylvania Recently, Concord Yankee Chapter alumni and friends gathered at Riverdale Rod and Gun Club in Hawley, Pa. to go turkey hunting and trout fishing. Patty and Gary Brown ’66 hosted the event. During the get-together, the group played checkers, the Newlywed Game and trivia and had a cookout to celebrate their friendship. Gordon ’64 and Joyce Jones brought apple pie to the BBQ for everyone to enjoy. - Submitted by Bob ’68 and Eva Gallione
Pennsylvania
Yankee Chapter gets together in Pennsylvania
GiftIdeas Marsh Library 50th Anniversary Coin The Alumni Office has a very limited number of silver coins available for purchase. These coins are one troy ounce of silver and were created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the J. Frank Marsh Library in 1991. Cost for the coins is $35 each. To purchase
a coin please mail a check made out to the CUAA to the following address: CUAA, Campus Box 83, PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712. When ordering, please include your name, phone number, email address and a street address for shipping.
Support the CUAA
7 • Fall 2013
“The Campus Beautiful” is a print by well-known artist P. Buckley Moss produced especially for Concord University in conjunction with the Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. Print size is 11”x13”. Cost is $100 with $15 shipping and handling for each print.
Make all checks payable to: Concord University Alumni Association, Inc. Mail to: CUAA, PO Box 1000, Campus Box 83, Athens, WV 24712. When ordering, please include your name, phone number, email address, and a street address for shipping.
Concord Students Partner with Ruritans for Adopt-A-Highway Program
F
our Concord University students from the Rho Alpha Sigma service fraternity partnered with members of the Spanishburg Ruritan Club on April 22, 2013 to clear litter along sections of U. S. Route 19. Charles Wallace, Tyler Compston, Leanne Watson, and Luke Stevens covered a two and a half-mile stretch of the highway and collected over 20 large bags of discarded cans, bottles, and other trash. For many years, the Spanishburg Ruritan Club has participated in the spring and fall campaigns with the West Virginia Adopt-A-Highway
program, and they clear litter from a nine-mile stretch between Spanishburg and Camp Creek.
Pictured left to right: Charles Wallace, Tyler Compston, Leanne Watson, and Luke Stevens
CU Appears in ‘Nanooze’
Timothy D. Corrigan, D r.assistant professor of physics, and Concord University’s nanotechnology research are mentioned in the West Virginia issue of “Nanooze.” The magazine
is distributed to the state’s middle school students. To see a copy of the publication, go to http:// www.wvresearch.org/wp-content/ uploads/2013/04/Nanooze_WV_ web1.pdf
VISA GIFT CARD WINNERS!
C
ongratulations to the following alumni who were randomly selected as winners from our email update contest:
January - Mike Smith ‘01
April - Michael Prince ‘04
February - Matthew Bennett ‘10
May - David Reeves ‘13
March - Nathan Sowder ‘11
June - Misty Peal ‘96
Thanks to everyone who submitted their email address for the contest! If you are not currently receiving email updates from the Alumni Office, you can update your contact info by selecting the “Alumni Contact Information Update” option that is found under the “Alumni & Donors” tab on the homepage of Concord’s website.
Fall 2013 • 8
Shannon Emmert enjoying the special day
9 • Fall2013
C
oncord University held its 138th Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Two ceremonies took place in the main gym of the Leslie R. and Ruby Webb Carter Center. The 10 a.m. ceremony included candidates for graduation in the master’s program and undergraduates from the divisions of Business, Education and Fine Arts. Participating in the 2 p.m. ceremony were candidates for graduation from the divisions of Languages and Literature, Science, Mathematics & Health, and Social Sciences, interdisciplinary studies and the Regents program.
The Spring 2013 Class is one of Concord University’s largest graduating classes with nearly 370 graduates. Valedictorians are Elizabeth Rose Brundage of Princeton, W.Va. and Rebecca Gwynn Creel of Procious, W.Va. Brundage received a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude. Her major was geography. “I have enjoyed all of my time studying at Concord University and graduating
Top to bottom, left to right: Dr. Mohan Pokharel congratulates graduates; David Moore and Scott Noble, CU Veterans Club, recognize Dr. Aloia; Crystal Jones; Mr. Frank Blackwell, Chair, Concord Board of Governors; and Kyle LaMothe.
Fall 2013 • 10
is exciting,” she said. “I’m grateful to my family for always supporting me through college, and encouraging me to work hard.” After graduation from Concord her plans included pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. At 19 years of age, Brundage is the youngest graduate in her class. The oldest graduate is 67. Creel received a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude. Her major was biology pre-professional. “The fact that I am a biology major valedictorian of my college graduation class is proof that I really can do whatever I set my mind to,” she said. Creel was headed to Marshall Medical School following graduation with the goal of becoming an OB/GYN.
Top: A few of the many decorated caps from the commencement ceremonies. Below, Left to right, top to bottom: Chelsea Callaway (right) with friend and alumni Arthur Jensen ’09, ’11, ’12; Ashley Stepp celebrates with her aunt Sherry Stepp and brother Aaron Stepp ’10; Wesley McKinney sporting his “formal” track & field attire; Cortney Vannatter all smiles after walking across the stage 11 • Fall 2013
Members of the Class of 1963, Mr. Bob Mills and Mrs. Margoline Riggs Mills, led the procession for the morning ceremony in recognition of their 50th reunion. Honorary doctorates were presented to Charles F. Erickson and Laurie Erickson during the morning ceremony. They both received the degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa. They were recognized for their contributions to Concord University, for their work advancing higher education in West Virginia, and for their support of alumni and future generations of students across The Mountain State. Through their work with the Erickson Foundation, they have fulfilled the vision of Mr. Erickson’s father, C.O. Erickson, for West Virginia’s colleges and universities. Both C.O. Erickson and Charles F. Erickson are native West Virginians. C.O. Erickson envisioned a campus home for alumni that would connect them to their alma maters and keep them involved in the life of the institutions.
That dream has been realized in the alumni centers located on campuses throughout this state. Anchoring Concord’s newest landmark, University Point, The Erickson Alumni Center at Concord University is one of these centers. Dr. Aloia said the Ericksons have “committed their love and resources” to the alumni centers. He said they “have been true friends of Concord and the state of West Virginia.” The Spring 2013 Commencement was Dr. Aloia’s final commencement as President of Concord University. He accepted the position of President of the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, Ga. and began his new duties in Georgia on July 1. “We’re going down this road together,” Dr. Aloia said addressing the graduates. “We have a lot to be proud of. We have a bond in Concord University and it will stay with us forever.” “Reflect on your knowledge, cherish it,” he said. “Congratulations on your
Clockwise from upper left: Valedictorians Elizabeth Rose Brundage and Rebecca Gwynn Creel; Mrs. Margoline Riggs Mills ’63 and Mr. Bob Mills ’63, 50th reunion class; Dr. Dan Krider, Grand Marshal and Dr. Gregory Aloia; CU choral group.
Fall 2013 • 12
accomplishment.” The President had a request for the graduates as their names were announced and they walked across the stage. “After you receive your degree allow me the honor to look you in the eye and say thank you for coming to Concord…and I wish you Godspeed,” he said. The Concord University Veterans Club honored Dr. Aloia and Mrs. Mary Aloia during the afternoon ceremony. Concord has been recognized for being the nation’s number one veteranfriendly campus and Dr. Aloia has been instrumental in reaching this accomplishment. David Moore and Scott Noble, both members of the CU Veterans Club and Spring 2013 graduates, made the presentation to Dr. Aloia. Campus Police Officer Dawn Rae Smith recognized Mrs. Aloia. Following both ceremonies a reception was held in the small gym. Graduates and their families and friends carried the celebration outside to the lawn between the Carter Center and the Fine Arts Building for photos and congratulations. To see a list of graduates go to: http://www.concord.edu/ news/2013/05/30/concorduniversity-holds-138th-springcommencement
Top: Family and friends await the new graduates Below (Left to right, top to bottom): Lydia Powell excited to receive her diploma, a message to the graduates from the faculty, Joshua Hanna makes his way to the gym, Dr. Kendra Boggess addresses the graduates, and Randy Ferrill after the ceremony
13 • Fall 2013
Family Marks Five Generations of Concord at May Commencement By Nerissa Young ’87 classroom my niece walked in September as a rookie T heinto teacher is quite different from
the one her great-great grandfather walked into a few years after the Civil War. In May, Michelle Young became the fifth consecutive generation of our family to graduate from Concord University with a degree in teacher education. James E. Keadle, through Michelle’s paternal grandfather’s line, began teaching in 1871 at the one-room Buffalo School. It was a time of McGuffey readers, slates and horse-drawn transportation. He was elected superintendent of schools in Monroe County in 1889. He taught in Monroe County for 25 years before teaching in Summers County. Keadle was an educator for 57 years, served a term as elected superintendent of Summers County schools and even served a term on the Summers school board after he retired at age 76. The second generation comes through Michelle’s paternal grandmother’s side. Bessie Canterbury never knew a time she didn’t want to teach. She boarded to attend high school in Greenville. She walked, hitchhiked or rode a horse to visit home. When she graduated high school in the 1930s and announced her plans to attend college, her mother said they didn’t have the money. Her father was a traveling salesman, and the family survived on a typical Appalachian subsistence farm. Canterbury wept inconsolable tears. Her mother walked down the hill, talked to a neighbor who agreed to co-sign a bank note because women could not borrow money on their own credit and took a loan for $30 to cover tuition. She bought one new pair of shoes and shared room and board with her older brother who was
Members of the Young family celebrate at Concord’s Spring 2013 Commencement. Shown left to right are: Terry Young Dixon, ’89, Patricia Mitchell Young, ’86, Jeff Young, ’84, Michelle Young, ’13, Nerissa Young, ’87, and, Norene Wallace Young, ’59.
at Concord. Her boyfriend, who worked as a farm laborer, visited her on weekends and stuffed change into her purse so she could enjoy an occasional milkshake at The Sweet Shop. Canterbury got her normal certificate and started teaching in one-room Monroe County schools. At her first stop, she was paid $100 a month. The school board provided coal for the stove, but she provided the kindling. She married that boyfriend, Gilmer Wallace, and kept it secret for a year because teaching jobs were reserved for male wage earners. But for one school board member who took her part at a hiring meeting, she may never have finished a 50-year career where she served in many communities in western Monroe County. She returned to Concord after her daughter was born and finished her degree. Her daughter, Norene Wallace, often accompanied her mother to those one-room schools before she was of school age herself. While women of the 1950s had more freedom than those of the 1930s, it was thought that women
went to college to earn their “Mrs.” Norene did that and finished at Concord College with the help of her husband, Weldon Young. She spent almost all of her 20-year career in Monroe County schools teaching special needs students. Her son, Jeff, shocked the family when, after not been especially enamored of his school days, he decided to major in elementary education and spent a decade in the classroom before retraining as the computer network administrator for Giles County, Va., schools. And now the mantle passes to Michelle, who teaches fourthgrade math at Macy McClaugherty Elementary Middle School in Giles County. Va. © Nerissa Young 2013
** Nerissa Young is a proud aunt and secondary education graduate from Concord. She teaches in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. Michelle’s other paternal aunt, Terry Young Dixon, is an elementary education graduate from Concord who teaches preschool at Mountain View Elementary Middle School in Monroe County.
Fall 2013 • 14
Alumni Gather at Annual Banquet
Outstanding Achievements Honored
Harry and Estelle Finkelman (left), and Outstanding Alumnus Dr. James Gillespie
H
arry Finkelman, Concord University Professor of Business, Emeritus, headlined an evening of honors, memories and entertainment for alumni and their guests at the Concord University Alumni Association’s Annual Banquet on Friday, May 17, 2013. The Pais Fellowship Hall in University Point was the setting for the event which included a 5 p.m. reception followed by dinner at 6 p.m. With his trademark wit and charm, Mr. Finkelman shared colorful accounts from his 33year career teaching accounting at Concord and his 51-year record as announcer for Mountain Lion football. The CUAA presented four awards to six alumni for outstanding achievements and service. Recipients of the Golden Alumnus Award are Evelyn Lilly Blake ’42 and Joe Roles ’55. The Outstanding Alumnus Award went to Dr. James Gillespie ’62. Deborah Gore Gillespie ’74 received the Alumnus of the Year Award. Scott Inghram’03 and Josh Stowers ’01 were honored with the Young Alumnus Award.
15 • Fall 2013
The Golden Alumnus Award recognizes a CUAA member who has contributed time and/or talents to Concord University and the Concord University Alumni Association with no less than 25 years of service to the Concord community. Evelyn Lilly Blake studied biology at Concord and developed a lifelong love for nature while she was a student. She especially remembers how one of her professors, Dr. Meade McNeill, nurtured and motivated her interest in science and botany. This interest in science is still with her today. Because of her generous contribution this year towards the establishment of the Allie Irene Strasko Research Trust Fund at Concord, students and professors will be able to learn more about the natural world through research and study opportunities supported by the fund. She and her husband also donated 222 acres of pristine forest land located north of Blacksburg, Va. to The Nature Conservancy for the establishment of a nature preserve, continuing their legacy of concern for the environment. Science, however, wasn’t Evelyn’s
only interest at Concord. She also enjoyed art, which became her minor. She so impressed her art professor, Laura Ann Sarvay, that Sarvay hired her as her seamstress. She also had a love of music that influenced her life while at Concord and after graduation. A member of the Shady Spring High School Band, she joined Concord’s band and played the snare drum. This experience had such an impact on her that in 2007, she donated money toward the purchase of 100 new uniforms for CU’s marching band. Evelyn and her late husband resided in the Roanoke, Va. area for more than six decades. She was a teacher and Mr. Blake was an architectural engineer and professor at Virginia Tech. “Though it’s been just a few years since she was a student on campus, Mrs. Evelyn Lilly Blake has a love for Concord that has endured for over 70 years and it is for this reason that we are honoring her as a 2013 Golden Alumnus recipient,” CUAA President Jessica Cook said. To read about Golden Alumnus Joe Roles turn to the “Heritage”
Recipients of CUAA awards from left to right are: Evelyn Lilly Blake ’42, Golden Alumnus; Scott Inghram’03, Young Alumnus; Josh Stowers ’01, Young Alumnus; Deborah Gore Gillespie ’74, Alumnus of the Year; and, Joe Roles ’55, Golden Alumnus. Not pictured is Dr. James Gillespie ’62, Outstanding Alumnus.
feature on page 66. The Alumnus of the Year is a CUAA member who has contributed time and/or talents to Concord University and the Concord University Alumni Association. Deborah Gore Gillespie is known for her dedication to the Alumni Association, but her outstanding efforts to the organization this year earned special recognition. She was born and raised in Mercer County and after graduating from Athens High School she came to Concord and received two degrees. The first is in social work and the second in education. She received her master’s degree from West Virginia University. Deborah taught for more than 25 years in Mercer County and was nominated as an outstanding teacher during this time. She has been a member and officer of Beta Sigma Phi for more than 30 years, a member of the professional teacher’s sorority and a member of the local Red Hat Society. She was a member of Delta Zeta sorority at Concord and served as the local chapter’s College Chapter Director in the late 70s. A leader in her church, she has served as deaconess, a member of the Board of Trustees and assistant treasurer. She is a very active and dedicated
member of the Pine Trees Alumni Chapter and has served that group as secretary, vice president and president. Deborah has also been a member of the CUAA Executive Council for a number of years, playing an active role in the organization. As chair of the Alumni Day Committee for 2013, she was instrumental in planning the Alumni Banquet. “She is always there when you need her, follows through with everything she commits to and puts forth nothing but the best effort with anything she does,” Alumni Director Sarah Turner said. “I wish every alum could be as active and passionate as she is, but I’m so very thankful for all of her help.” The Outstanding Alumnus is a Concord alum who has made outstanding accomplishments in his or her professional and civic life. Dr. James Gillespie has spent his entire professional career dedicated to the art of music. After receiving his degree from Concord, he went on to obtain a master’s degree and a doctorate in clarinet/woodwinds from Indiana University. He taught music for more than 30 years at several schools including Concord, Indiana State, University of Redlands, Northeast
Louisiana University (Monroe) and the University of North Texas in Denton, where he was a member of the faculty from 1978 until his retirement in 2011. At UNT he served as chair of his division in the College of Music and was named Regents Professor of Music. He has performed at clarinet conferences, given master classes and solo and chamber music recitals around the world. Dr. Gillespie has premiered several new works for the clarinet and has served on the jury for the International Clarinet Competition five times. In 2005, he was honored by the International Clarinet Association with an Honorary Membership at the ICA ClarinetFest in Japan. He performs as a member of the Texas Clarinet Consort and is an artist/clinician for Buffet Crampon and Rico International. For the past 35 years, he has served as editor of The Clarinet, the quarterly journal of the ICA. “Few people can claim worldwide recognition in their field the way this gentleman can, and for this reason we could not be prouder to have Dr. James Gillespie recognized as our Outstanding Alumnus for 2013,” CUAA President Jessica Cook said. Dr. Gillespie was unable to attend the banquet, but sent his thanks and appreciation for being honored with the award. The Young Alumnus Award was created to honor young alumni who have demonstrated distinctive achievement in a career, civic involvement or both and who have not been out of college more than 15 years. The award was first presented in 2012. To learn more about this year’s recipients, Scott Inghram and Josh Stowers, see the “Horizon” feature on pages 67 and 68 of this magazine. Fall 2013 • 16
Classroom Renamed in Memory of Mary Edna Beckett ’54 Mary Edna Beckett ’54
classroom in Concord University’s Science Building has been renamed in memory of a respected and beloved professor who taught there. Science 105 is now known as “The Mary Edna Beckett Mathematics Education Classroom” as a tribute to Professor of Mathematics Emerita Mary Edna Beckett for her commitment to the University and the Mathematics and Computer Science Department for more than 45 years. A dedication ceremony was held the afternoon of Friday, May 17, 2013 at the classroom. A reception followed the ceremony. “I have nothing but good things to say about Mary Edna,” Dr. Kendra Boggess said during the dedication. “There are people who walk into our lives that make a little bit of a difference and she’s somebody that walked into our lives and made a difference to everyone she met. “She was funny. She was bright. She was tart…She had such a wit about her,” Dr. Boggess continued. “Her commitment to Concord and her love of Concord, I don’t think we’ll ever see another person who was so committed. “She spent untold numbers of hours reminding us to be the kind of leaders and the kind of faculty
17 • Fall 2013
that we ought to be. She was a wonderful influence on everyone she touched,” she said. President Emeritus Dr. Jerry Beasley shared his reflections about Miss Beckett’s service as Concord’s faculty president and division chair. “Mary Edna represented faculty exceedingly well,” he said. “She was not the chair of this division. She was literally the mother of this division…she cared in ways that a mother would. “We honor folks like Mary Edna by remembering the very best in them and try in some small way to incorporate some of what they were in our lives,” Dr. Beasley said. “We all have good memories.” Mary Edna Beckett was a resident of Beckett Hill Road in Athens. She retired from Concord University in 2005 following four decades of faithful service. A 1950 graduate and valedictorian of Concord Training School, she received her bachelor’s degree in education from Concord College in 1954 and her master’s degree from West Virginia University in 1959. Prior to starting her college career teaching mathematics and mathematics education at Concord College in 1959, she taught for the Mercer County School System at both Ramsey Jr. High and Central Jr. High in Bluefield. Mary Edna was well respected by her students and her peers serving several terms as Concord faculty president and as chairperson of the Division of Natural Sciences. She was active in Concord’s Alumni Association having served as treasurer and as a member of the Executive Council. The Alumni Association awarded her “Alumnus of the Year” and “Golden Alumnus” honors during her years of service. She was the founder and sponsor
of the Cardinal Key National Honorary Society for outstanding Concord students on campus and each year organized the Honors Banquet. She also served on the Commencement Committee. Mary Edna was also a respected and active member of the Athens community. In 1995 she was honored with the “Total Community Involvement Award” by the Athens-Concord Town Social Committee. That same year she was named Athens Woman’s Club “Citizen of The Year.” She was also a member of numerous professional organizations. She passed away in August 2010. Memorabilia from Mary Edna Beckett’s life will be displayed in the classroom. The Division of Science, Mathematics & Health (formerly Natural Sciences) has collected donations to purchase a display cabinet and gathered memories and mementos.
Above: The marker outside Science 105. Below: President Emeritus Dr. Jerry Beasley sharing a few memories of Mary Edna at the ceremony.
Class of 2013
Celebrates at Hoedown
raduating seniors enjoyed a festive evening in their honor on May 9. A western-themed party held in the Student Center Ballroom featured dinner, games, prizes, music and the opportunity to visit with classmates. CU personnel from across campus helped host the event which was coordinated by the Career/Advancement Services Office.
Concord seniors and employees enjoying a hoedown before graduation. Pictured are (clockwise starting at the left) art professor Jack Sheffler; seniors Lydia Powell , Chelsea Callaway and Alex Cook; senior Ryne Shuff playing one-eyed cornhole; and the welcoming sign to the CU Success Ranch.
Fall 2013 • 18
Jamboree Scouts, Families Invited to
Congressman Rahall Unveils Mobile App
oy Scouts and their families attending the 2013 National Scout Jamboree were invited to experience southern West Virginia’s historical, cultural and natural surroundings thanks to a mobile application developed by the Third District Accelerator. The app connected users to “Experience West Virginia” workshops and performances during the gathering held this past summer at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. Concord University served as an Experience West Virginia sponsor along with Bluefield State College, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, West Virginia State University, New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, WV Campus Compact, and three community and technical colleges - Bridgemont, New River and
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Southern West Virginia. Congressman Nick Rahall unveiled the app during a press conference at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center in Beaver, W.Va. on July 15. “The Jamboree represents a premiere opportunity to showcase West Virginia with the scouts and their families,” Congressman Rahall said. “With the advent of smart phones and tablets, we have entered a brand new chapter in the information age. Utilizing resources from the Third District Accelerator Grant, this app represents social media marketing at its finest. “Thanks to the quick and timely work of the team at Concord’s Rahall Technology Center, programs and events to entertain and enlighten our visiting scout families are at our fingertips,” he said. Concord University is a partner in the Third District Accelerator along with Marshall University, the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI), the Natural Capital Investment Fund and TechConnect West Virginia. Accelerating growth in tourism and advanced manufacturing across the state’s southern region is the initiative’s goal. Congressman Nick Rahall, Dr. Susan Williams, Chair Division of Social Sciences
The Third District Accelerator is funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Appalachian Regional Commission. The Third District Accelerator operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Dr. Kendra Boggess
Serving as Concord University’s Interim President
r. Kendra Boggess assumed the duties of Concord University interim president on July 1, 2013. She is the 11th president of the University and Concord’s first female president. Prior to becoming interim president, Dr. Boggess served as Concord’s interim vice president and academic dean (VPAD). She brings nearly three decades of serving Concord University in academics and administration to her new post. Throughout her career, Dr. Boggess has served on numerous national, state, institutional and divisional committees and has been recognized for her leadership. She is an active and respected member of the local business and civic community. “Concord will continue the momentum that has been building for growth and service to the region during the next academic year,” Dr. Boggess said. “A key component of planning for the next year is the continuation of support for students, staff, and faculty in their many endeavors. I am committed, as well, to meeting with alumni, benefactors, members of the business community, and friends of the University. “Additionally, as the state Higher Education Policy Commission implements their new master plan entitled ‘Leading the Way: Access. Success. Impact.’ Concord will continue its own strategic planning processes and seek to complement our goals with those of the state, the legislature, and the HEPC to meet the needs of the state and the
region. There is much to achieve and Concord’s faculty, staff, students and administrative team are committed to the continued success of our students and the institution,” she said. Since joining Concord’s faculty in 1984, Dr. Boggess’ academic experience has consisted of teaching various undergraduate business courses in Concord’s Division of Business, primarily in business communications and software applications. Her prior administrative experience resulted from service as the Division’s chair from 1996 - 2009, and from more than 25 years work in the private sector. She gained additional administrative experience when elected Concord’s faculty president in both 2008 and 2009. Dr. Boggess served as an associate dean at Concord from 2009 - 2011. She was appointed the University’s interim vice president and academic dean in August 2011. Dr. Boggess holds an Associate of Arts degree from St. Petersburg Junior College in Florida, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from the University of Florida in Gainesville, a Master of Science degree in Vocational Technical Education from Virginia Tech, and a Ph.D. in Business Education with a cognate in Business Management from Virginia Tech. Her dissertation topic was “Ethical Issues in Business Communication: A Comparative Study of the Perceptions of Japanese and U.S. Students.” Her
research interests are in culture’s impact upon business ethics and strategies of effective business communication. While at Virginia Tech, she served as a graduate research assistant with responsibilities for the collaborative writing of an educational consortium’s catalogs and curriculum guides. She has served as a reviewer for the Career and Technical Education Research Association journal for several years. She was elected president of the West Virginia Business Education Association and served as a member of West Virginia University’s Statewide Business Plan Competition Oversight Committee. She was recognized by the president of the Career and Technical Education Research Association (CATER) for her service as the organization’s national membership director and national secretary. Dr. Boggess was also selected as the West Virginia Collegiate Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Business Education Association. Dr. Boggess is a charter member of the board of directors of the Charles T. “Chuck” Mathena II Foundation serving the Chuck Mathena Performing Arts Center in Princeton, W.Va. She and her husband, Ted, an architect, make their home in Princeton. They have been married 34 years and have three sons and daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren.
Fall 2013 • 20
T
Live musical entertainment, an antique car show, time to visit with neighbors and friends and the merriment of the Town Social clown add to the fun and festivities of the annual Athens-Concord gathering. 21 • Fall 2013
he 27th Annual and a complimentary hot Athens-Concord dog meal. Entertainment was provided Town Social lived by bluegrass, gospel group up to its theme – A Country Pride featuring Jim Neighborly Scene in and Patsy Croy. Allen Smith 2013 – as hundreds and Ronnii Joplin performed gathered on CU’s front instrumental jazz/soul/r&b. lawn for the yearly Smith ’05 is senior admissions campus and community counselor at Concord. Individuals, along with celebration. The social, a local business, who have held the afternoon enhanced community and of Sunday, Aug. 11, campus life, were honored featured live musical during the festivities by the entertainment, children’s Athens-Concord Town Social Committee. games, a car show, free admission, craft vendors, The Elder Citizen Award was presented to 92-year-old Athens informational displays
Award recipients include, top row, left to right: Beautification Award, Concord University Physical Plant; Elder Citizen, Gipsie Lane, accepted by daughter Pam Lane Garner ’66; and, Business Longevity, Patrick “Steve” Lilly ’90 of Lilly Tax Service. Bottom row, left to right: Outstanding Citizen of the Year, Dr. David Bard; and, Total Community Involvement, Mountain Lion Baseball Team.
resident Gipsie Lane. Mrs. Lane lived on Church Street in Athens while growing up. She and her husband, the late Dr. Charles Lane Sr., then lived on West Broadway Street for many years. She taught elementary school and he began a dental practice that their son continues to operate. Gipsie and her husband were married for 60 years. The couple raised five children, four daughters and a son. The elder three daughters all graduated from Concord. Daughter Pam Lane Garner ’66 accepted the award on behalf of her mother. The Total Community Involvement Award is given yearly for service to both Concord University and to the Athens area. The Concord Baseball Team, coached by Andrew Wright ’04, received this award for 2013. The Mountain Lion players and coaches all committed around a year ago to fulfill community service through the “1,000-Hours Project.” Each player and coach was to spend 25 to 30 hours of their time during the 2012-2013 academic year
helping out in the local community and on campus. They showed up in numerous places in and around Athens. Their final volunteer hours were completed on May 12, preparing the campus for Commencement Day by helping with last-minute landscaping and sprucing up the grounds. The baseball team won the conference championship, for the second time in three years, and set a new Concord record for wins in a season. The Business Longevity Award was presented to Patrick “Steve” Lilly ’90 of Lilly Tax Service. Steve started his business in 1979 and he provides tax help to both individuals and small businesses. He began his career in tax preparation after taking accounting classes at University of Texas El Paso while he was in the Army. He worked for the IRS for eight years before returning to his wife’s home place in Speedway. Lilly received a degree in business from Concord. In 1996, he passed all four parts of the CPA
exam in one sitting. The Lilly family has a long history at Concord. Steve’s parents, he and his wife, and seven of their children went to Concord. The Athens Lions Club presented two awards during the afternoon. Dr. David Bard, Concord Professor of History, Emeritus, received the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award. Dr. Bard began teaching at Concord in 1966 and retired with more than 40 years of service. Along with his time in the classroom, he also contributed to faculty activities serving in the faculty senate and as president of the faculty. Dr. Bard is a frequently called upon expert in history, political science and Constitution Day activities. He continues a strong involvement in Concord’s cultural and athletic events and is a well respected member of the Athens community. For work in enhancing the charm and appearance of “The Campus Beautiful” Concord University was awarded the Lions Club Beautification Award.
Fall 2013 • 22
Freshman Convocation
Welcomes Incoming Students
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oncord University marked the beginning of the 20132014 academic year with a Freshman Convocation on Monday, Aug. 19 at 3 p.m. in the Main Theatre of the Alexander Fine Arts Center. Dr. Jane Smith, interim vice president and academic dean, greeted the gathering and Interim President Dr. Kendra Boggess offered the opening remarks. The Convocation Address was presented by Dr. Cynthia Khanlarian, Concord University associate professor of accounting. Dr. Khanlarian is the 2013 recipient of the Joseph Friedl Award. This award, presented by Concord’s Student Government Association, honors a faculty member whose unselfish service with student activities promotes student development. Following the program, the Traditions Tree Planting Ceremony was held between the Fine Arts Center and the Carter Center in honor of the incoming students of 2013. 23 • Fall 2013
Clockwise upper left: Dr. Jane Smith, Dr. Cynthia Khanlarian, Dr. Kendra Boggess, Dr. Marjie Flanigan, students at tree planting ceremony
Accounting Graduates to Benefit from
Articulation Agreement with WVU n articulation agreement between Concord University and West Virginia University will allow Concord’s top accounting students easier access into WVU’s Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) Program. Through the agreement, Concord students with a 3.5 GPA in accounting courses and an overall GPA of 3.3 will be guaranteed admission to the program. These graduates will not be required to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) prior to entrance into the MPA program. The agreement was signed on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013 at the WV Council of Accounting Educators Conference in Charleston, W.Va. Additional benefits for Concord University students who enter the MPA program under the agreement include: Acceptance of undergraduate coursework
to fulfill the pre-requisites for program requirements; access to advising while enrolled in their final semester at Concord University; and, full use of the Career Services Center. Participating in the signing were Dr. Kendra Boggess, Concord University interim president; Dr. Scott Fleming, chair of WVU’s Department of Accounting; Dr. Presha Neidermeyer, WVU professor of accounting and accounting graduate program coordinator; Dr. Cynthia Khanlarian, Concord associate professor of accounting; and Mr. Thomas Shelton, Concord instructor of accounting. Concord’s reputation for producing outstanding accounting graduates led to the agreement. “This is a show of faith that WVU believes our accounting majors are outstanding,” Dr. Khanlarian said. “They like our students.”
“They also want to invite our rising seniors who meet the requirements to come to their campus early in the student’s senior year to meet the recruiters. CPA firms and large businesses and government agencies send recruiters to WVU’s campus to meet students and offer them positions,” she said. “This agreement with Concord University is the first one to be signed in the state between WVU and one of West Virginia’s regional universities. We realize this indicates that our students’ preparation in accounting is exceptional and we are proud of our students’ work and all our faculty members’ commitment to student preparation in the business professions,” Dr. Boggess said.
Division of Business Hosts Training Event
FOR HIGH SCHOOL BUSINESS TEACHERS
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oncord University’s Division of Business hosted a professional development seminar June 15-16, 2013. The seminar was intended to help regional high school business teachers in West Virginia better prepare their students to participate in newly developed high school level statewide business plan competitions. The Entrepreneurship Teachers’ Training was held in the Rahall Technology Center. Concord business faculty served as presenters. Speakers and their topics included: Ideation, Dr.
Fred Davidson; Entrepreneurial Accounting, Dr. Cynthia Khanlarian; Micro Foundation of Entrepreneurial Management, Dr. Charlotte Davis; Entrepreneurial Communication/Use of Technology, Dr. Susan Robinett; Entrepreneurial Finance, Dr. Andrey Zagorchev; Risk Assessment and Reflection, Dr. Muhammad Islam; Entrepreneurial Marketing, Dr. Bill Deck; and Strategic Entrepreneurship, Dr. Mohan Pokharel. Dr. Pokharel, Shott Chair of Entrepreneurship and Assistant Professor of Management, served as
the director of the seminar. He said that both presenters and attendees benefitted from the training. “It has been a fabulous learning experience for all of us,” he said. “We had never before had the chance to see at once all of our teaching/ research presentations about a single topic connecting our areas of expertise.” He also sought candid feedback in content and presentation from both teachers and CU faculty members to continue to improve the entrepreneurship modules for effective future delivery.
Fall 2013 • 24
Concord University Named
Among the “Best in the Southeast” By the Princeton Review
oncord University has again been selected among the top colleges in the Southeast by The Princeton Review. In the “2014 Best Colleges: Region by Region” online feature Concord is listed as one of 138 institutions in the “Best in the Southeast” category. Institutions receiving this designation are spotlighted for their academic excellence. The Princeton Review also uses answers from student surveys in the selection process. The rating score categories include: Academics, Admissions Selectivity, Financial Aid, Fire
Safety, Quality of Life, and Green. The Princeton Review explains the criteria for each rating score on its site at www.princetonreview.com/ college/college-ratings.aspx The 12 states in the Southeast category are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. A total of 643 colleges are included among the “2014 Best Colleges: Region by Region.” Along with the Southeast, schools representing the Northeast, Midwest and West are also featured.
Collectively, these institutions named “regional best(s)” constitute about 25 percent of the nation’s 2,500 four-year colleges. The Princeton Review (www. PrincetonReview.com) is an education services company known for its test-prep programs, and college and graduate school guides. The company is headquartered in Framingham, Mass., and delivers its programs via a network of more than 5,000 teachers and tutors in the United States and internationally.
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
RANKS CONCORD UNIVERSITY
AMONG THE BEST REGIONAL COLLEGES IN THE SOUTH
oncord University has been named among the Best Regional Colleges South in the 2014 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges. According to the report, Concord ranks as the number one public institution in West Virginia among Regional Colleges South and places fourth in the top five public schools in that category. The annual publication, released Sept. 10, ranks Concord University 25 • Fall 2013
in the first tier of the Regional Colleges South category. Of the 76 institutions in this category, Concord ranks 47. Concord has consistently placed in the top tier of Best Colleges for the past nine years. Schools are categorized by mission using the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s classification of higher education institutions. According to this classification system, undergraduate study is the primary
focus at Regional Colleges. The rankings are based on criteria that measure academic quality. Each institution is evaluated in areas such as graduation rate, SAT and ACT scores, and student/ faculty ratio. Calculations are also determined by ranking institutions in each category against their peers. For more information visit http:// colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews. com/best-colleges
Roar at a Cleveland Indians game Roar seeing a Broadway Show
Roar enjoying a Yankees game
Roar enjoying some NYC pizza
TAKE ROAR WITH YOU! Show us where you’ve taken Roar! Find your cut out of Roar on page 82 of this magazine.
Roar catching some rays on the beach
Roar hanging out in Charlottesville, VA Fall 2013 • 26
CONCORD LAUNCHES
Entrepreneurship Initiative
Dr. Rebecca J. White ’78 Serves as Keynote Speaker
t’s schools like Concord that are taking a leadership role in entrepreneurship education,” said Dr. Rebecca J. White, keynote speaker for the launch event of Concord University’s Entrepreneurship Initiative. The program took place Monday morning Sept. 9 in the Rahall Technology Center on Concord’s Athens campus. White is the James W. Walter Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Tampa. A 1978
27 • Fall 2013
graduate of Concord, she is also the immediate past president of the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). White spoke on “The current movement of entrepreneurship education Dr. Rebecca J. White ’78 in the USA and beyond.” Along with benefitting Dr. Pokharel introduced the Concord’s academic programs speakers and other guests. Dr. through student and faculty Kendra Boggess, Concord’s interim engagement, the Entrepreneurship president, provided the welcome Initiative is anticipated to make address. a positive impact on the regional Dr. Boggess said the Initiative economic and business climate and “can create a lot of opportunities for to offer outreach opportunities for students.” regional students. “I am passionate about it. I think Dr. Mohan P. Pokharel, who holds many of our students want to be the Shott Chair of Entrepreneurship their own boss,” she said. and is assistant professor of Additional speakers included: management at Concord, is serving Judy McCauley, Director, SBA District as director. The Entrepreneurship Office, WV; Mindy Walls, Advisor, Initiative is made possible through SBDC; Steve Cutright, Director, support from the Shott Foundation BrickStreet Center for Innovation and other resources.
Robbie Parker
and Entrepreneurship; Billy Pantili ’96, a local business owner; and, Chris Tuck ’90, an attorney and a member of the Montgomery County (Va.) Board of Supervisors. Both Pantili and Tuck are members of the Initiative’s advisory board. Concord students, faculty and staff attended the launch event along with local government officials and representatives from the area business community. “The initiative will make space available for students to contemplate business ideas and will propel BIG (Business Idea Generation),” Dr. Pokharel said. “It will prepare our students who have business ideas to effectively participate in the State Business Plan Competition and take advantage of WVU-created entrepreneurial infrastructure in the state of West Virginia,” he said. At the launch, Concord student Robbie Parker was recognized for being among 10 finalists in the 2012-2013 WV Statewide Business Plan Competition. “The Initiative will complement the current business symposium with ‘Meet the CEO/Entrepreneur’ program,” Dr. Pokharel continued. “This will be a forum for our students to meet and greet individuals who have successfully started businesses and hear their entrepreneurial experiences. This will strengthen the Business Division’s existing Business Symposiums.” “Through the ‘Meet the CEO/ Entrepreneur’ program, we will gain
more knowledge about their lived Dr. Pokharel said. “The Initiative experiences and also create a forum will serve as both a pipe for sharing business knowledge (transmitting) and prism (tailoring and pertinent information. This and amplifying) of entrepreneurial knowledge exchange will create a knowledge for local economic win-win relationship between the development. Initiative’s participants and local/ “Knowledge tailoring and regional entrepreneurs,” he said. information amplification will be Dr. Pokharel added that the performed through faculty-guided Entrepreneurship Initiative will student research that addresses also enhance the Concord Business the questions and issues of local Challenge (CBC). Now in its 20th entrepreneurs. This will be a great year, the CBC is a competition vehicle for student involvement for regional high school students and faculty engagement in kindling sponsored by Concord’s Division of entrepreneurial interest in our Business each fall. students,” he said. “In the near future, the Concord For more information on the Business Challenge will have a Entrepreneurship Initiative, component of Entrepreneurship contact Dr. Mohan P. Pokharel at to inspire and entice students of mpokharel@concord.edu or 304neighboring high schools about 384-5247. the entrepreneurship program at Concord University,” he said. “To make student participation more effective, Concord University has already instituted a rapid Entrepreneurship Course for regional high schools’ business teachers.” The first training, held in June, was a collaborative effort among faculty in the Division of Business. Faculty members are also working together to develop an entrepreneurship minor at Concord. Area entrepreneurs can expect to benefit from the Entrepreneurship Initiative as well. “The Initiative will serve as an Dr. Mohan P. Pokharel entrepreneurial information hub for local entrepreneurs, as it collaborates with federal and state small business development offices, USASBE, and the other entrepreneurial centers of various universities to gain and disseminate Dr. Pokharel, Dr. White and Dr. Kendra Boggess launch the pertinent Entrepreneurship Initiative and Student Entrepreneurship Club information,”
Fall 2013 • 28
The
FIVE ACES Scholarship Established he new Five Aces Scholarship for Concord University students has been established by a group of former and current Concord administrators and faculty, along with other friends of the University. The group, known as the “Five Aces,” wishes to help financially support students pursuing higher education. The endowed scholarship is funded by a charitable contribution by the “Five Aces” group through the Concord University Foundation, Inc. with the intention of using the
interest earned from the funds to assist eligible students with the expense of textbooks. Five Aces contributing to the scholarship include Mr. Greg Ball ’85, Mr. Phillip Ball ’86, Dr. David Bard, Dr. Jerry Beasley, Dr. Joe Manzo, Mr. Ray Mull and Dr. John Seago. Contributors also include the late Sen. Homer Ball ’48, the late Dr. Joseph Marsh ’45, and the late Mr. Kevin O’Sullivan. Selection criteria for the Five Aces Scholarship include the following: The student must have completed a minimum of 59 credit hours with a GPA of 2.5 or better
Harkins Named
and must be enrolled at Concord University for a minimum of 12 credit hours for the semester in which the scholarship is awarded; and, the student must be a resident of the state of West Virginia with preference given to students from Mercer, Monroe, McDowell, Raleigh, Fayette, Wyoming and Summers counties. For more information about the Five Aces Scholarship, please contact Dr. Marjie Flanigan, vice president of student affairs and dean of students, at mflanigan@ concord.edu or 304-384-6035.
Executive Director of Concord University Foundation isa Harkins of Franklin, Tenn., has been named executive director of the Concord University Foundation. She began her duties on Oct. 1, 2013. “The addition of Lisa Harkins as director of the Foundation at Concord University has helped us to reenergize our efforts in her areas of responsibilities,” Dr. Kendra Boggess, interim president, said. “Lisa’s enthusiasm, positive attitude, and broad range of experience promises to enhance the operations of the
29 • Fall 2013
University and its Advancement team. We are very glad that she has joined us.” Harkins has a strong background in development and fundraising along with experience in event planning. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas, Austin Texas. “I am honored to be a part of the Advancement team at Concord University,” Harkins said. “I am looking forward to continuing the essential work of the Foundation.”
Homer K. Ball Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Concord Students
foursome representing First Sentinel Bank is the winning team of the annual Homer K. Ball Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament held Friday, June 14 at Pipestem Resort State Park. The team included John Thompson, Matt Tiller, Matt Stull and Greg Shupe. Second place finishers representing the Bluefield FOP Lodge are Jesse Ruble, John Whitt, Dennis Dillow and Scott Myers. Proceeds from the tournament are used to fund scholarships for Concord University students. Through the years, the event has raised more than $200,000 and funded approximately 800 scholarships for Concord students. Ball, a Lerona, W.Va. native, graduated from Concord in 1948. He served as sheriff of Mercer County, West Virginia state senator and director of the physical plant at Concord. Ball was also an avid golfer. In 1991, the annual golf tournament benefitting Concord was named in his honor. After his passing in 2008, the tournament was renamed the Homer K. Ball Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament. His sons, Phillip Ball ’86 and Greg Ball ’85, carry on the tradition today. The captain’s choice tournament began at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start on Pipestem’s 18-hole course. A luncheon followed in the picnic shelter near the golf course.
First Place team
Second Place team
Fall 2013 • 30
Scholarship for Teacher Education Students
Honors Legacy of Beryle Crockett Santon ’50
eryle Santon’s dedication to Concord University, the profession of teaching and to her students was evident to all who knew her. In 2008 Dr. Santon, a 1950 graduate of Concord, established a scholarship for students following in her footsteps to become educators. The Beryle Crockett Santon Teacher Education Scholarship Fund was set up to provide financial assistance to students attending Concord University. The scholarship is for education majors who have been admitted to the teacher education program and are West Virginia residents. The fund honors Dr. Santon’s many years of outstanding serve in teaching at Concord. Beryle passed away in January 2013, but through the scholarship bearing her name, her family, friends and colleagues are continuing her exceptional legacy to help aspiring educators pursue and 31 • Fall 2013
fulfill their dreams. A native of Herndon, W.Va., Beryle Crockett Santon was a resident of Princeton, W.Va. at the time of her death. Dr. Santon was a dedicated and active member of the Concord University Alumni Association and the Pine Trees Alumni Chapter. She held many leadership roles with these groups including serving on the CUAA Executive Council and as the organization’s president. She was also named Alumnus of the Year by the alumni association and was presented the Bickey Award for her service to Concord. Prior to her retirement from Concord, Beryle devoted more than 50 years to being an educator and always felt teaching was a most important profession. She received her public education in Kanawha and Mercer counties and her undergraduate degree in education from Concord in 1950. She continued her studies by earning a Master’s Degree in Education from WVU and her Doctorate in Education from VPI. Additionally, she completed graduate work at Marshall University, Rutgers University, University of Virginia and the WV College of Graduate Studies.
Beryle had experience as a public school teacher, textbook publisher consultant, college professor and retired as Director of Student Teaching and Coordinator of Field Experiences at Concord. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Princeton and was an active member of the Delphian Club, Red Hat Society and numerous professional, honorary and academic organizations including Alpha Delta Kappa, American Association of University Women, Association of Teacher Educators, Delta Kappa Gamma, National Council for Teachers of English, Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, WV Association of Colleges and Teacher Education, WV Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development and the WV Association of Teacher Educators. She was involved in multiple committees that developed reading and curriculum at the school, county, regional and state levels during her tenure at Concord. During her career as an educator, she received many honors and awards from the organizations in which she had membership. For more information on the Beryle Crockett Santon Teacher Education Scholarship or to make a contribution to the scholarship, contact Ms. Lisa Harkins, Concord University Foundation executive director, at lharkins@concord.edu or 304-384-6056.
Harless Extends Generosity to Concord
W
est Virginia businessman and philanthropist James H. “Buck” Harless is a longtime and faithful supporter of Concord University. His generosity has impacted countless individuals and organizations and Concord is most appreciative to be counted among these. The James H. Harless Development Suite in University
Point was named in his honor for his significant contribution to this project. This impressive area offers office space where fundraising efforts on behalf of the University continue to advance Concord’s mission. Mr. Harless is an advocate for Concord students as a contributor to the University’s scholarship program. Along with his own support, Mr. Harless encourages others to contribute as well. In 2003, he served as keynote speaker for Concord’s scholarship fundraiser at the Greenbrier Hotel. He says he is especially proud of the University’s Appalachian Leadership Education Foundation (ALEF) program because of the opportunities it offers southern West Virginia students for expanding their education and leadership abilities.
Concord recognized Mr. Harless in 2003 for his exemplary service by awarding him an honorary degree. During the May 17 commencement ceremony, he was presented the Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa. A native of Taplin in Logan County, West Virginia, Mr. Harless is a resident of Gilbert, W.Va. He is chairman of the board of International Industries and president/chairman of the James H. Harless Foundation. He is past president/chairman of the Larry Joe Harless Community Center Foundation. Mr. Harless has received an extensive list of honors and awards. Among these accolades are: Coal Man of the Year, 1976, WV Coal Association; West Virginian of the Year, 1983, Charleston Gazette Mail; Spirit of Life Award, City of Hope, 1984; John Marshall Medal of Civic Responsibility, 1994; Public Citizen of the Year, WV Bar Association, 1998; First Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc., 2008; and, Because of You Award, Miners Celebration, 2013.
James H. “Buck” Harless Fall 2013 • 32
Mr. Kevin O’Sullivan passed away Saturday, May 11, 2013. He was director of student affairs, assistant professor of education, emeritus. He was born June 20, 1935 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to the late Timothy Daniel and Mary Bernice O’Sullivan. As a young man, he served in the Army before graduating from Mississippi State University. Kevin moved to Athens in 1966, where he began a lengthy career at Concord University that spanned four decades. In addition to his
administrative roles, he served as the Mountain Lion golf coach and mentor for 10 years, combining his love for the game with his unique way of inspiring those he came in contact with. Kevin believed strongly in a life of service and dedicated his time and efforts to various organizations over the years, including Tender Mercies Food Pantry of Princeton, Catholic Charities of WV and other local and national charities.
Charles F. Erickson passed away on July 4, 2013. He was born in Man, W.Va. the son of Charlie O. and Ethel Erickson. Charles graduated from Greenbrier Military School and attended WVU before joining the military. He served two years in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. He then joined his father, C. O. Erickson, in business. Together they built Durfees Cable Company into the largest cable operation in West Virginia. Charles also built cable systems in Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan. Charles and his father both felt strongly about the importance of higher education to the future of West Virginia and to the country. After C.O.’s death in 1993, the
Erickson Foundation was formed. Charles promised his father he would run the foundation focusing on providing a home on West Virginia college and university campuses for alumni to remain connected and involved with each institution. To date there are 13 Erickson alumni centers throughout West Virginia including Concord’s Erickson Alumni Center in University Point. In May, 2011, Charles was inducted into the Order of Vandalia, WVU’s highest honor, and in 2005 he was named Mountaineer of the Year. In May, 2013, he received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Concord University.
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Dr. Roland P. Sharp Sr., a rural practitioner in West Virginia for nearly six decades and founding president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2013 at the age of 105. Dr. Sharp was born in 1907 to Odessa Jordan Sharp and Aaron Sharp on a small farm in Frost in Pocahontas County, where four generations of Sharps were raised. He attended primary school at Cove Hill and Raywood, and graduated from Edray District (later Marlinton) High School in 1926. He completed his college degree in 1936 at Concord. Thereafter, he earned his master’s in biology at West Virginia University and graduated in 1943 from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (Missouri), now A.T. Still University. He worked throughout the time he earned his degrees, initially as a school teacher and later as a professor of pathology and anatomy.
His first 17 years in practice were spent serving miners and their families in Mullens. In 1962 he returned to serve the residents of Pocahontas County from his office in Green Bank until his retirement in 2001 at the age of 94. From 1972 to 1978 he worked to establish the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) in order to train primary care physicians and served as its first president. His many accolades include Practitioner of the Year, the Distinguished Service Certificate, and Outstanding Medical Educator awarded by state and national osteopathic societies, as well as an honorary Doctorate of Humanitarian Service conferred by Concord. In addition to his practice, Dr. Sharp raised polled Hereford cattle at his farm in Frost and was active in Rotary, loved music of all kinds and was a talented organist and piano player.
2012
t h a n k
HonorRoll DONOR
PLEASE NOTE:
y o u
In the Spring 2013 issue of the Alumni Magazine Ms. Alicia McClaugherty Hypes should have been listed in the $100-$249 donor category for 2012 in the Foundation Donor Honor Roll. The Foundation Office apologizes for this omission.
Fall 2013 • 34
35 • Fall 2013
And so
our journey begins...
Homecoming…one of Concord’s most anticipated events. The 2013 edition of this weeklong celebration, held Sept. 30 – Oct. 5 on “The Campus Beautiful,” lived up to its legacy. Unseasonably warm weather, festive autumn decorations, victory on the football field, familiar along with new gatherings for alums, friendly rivalries for Homecoming crowns, all added up to a week to remember.
The Parade
Theme for this year’s student competitions was “Grimm’s Fairy Tales.” Five couples representing sororities, fraternities and other campus organizations
The Parade
Interim President Dr. Kendra Boggess and Grand Marshal Mr. Bill Owens lead the parade down Vermillion Street.
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Students and community members enjoy a warm homecoming evening around the bonfire.
The Bonfire
Participants in this year’s Career Symposium (listed below left to right by row) Row 1: Chris Meadows ’09, Jason Brown ’97; row 2 (far right): Tara Sheets ’06, Andrea Graham ’08; row 3: Heather Ouimette ’07, Amanda Heaton ’06, Justin Marlowe ’01, Heather Suwards ’01, Luke Peters ’01, Jamie Vandergrift ’02; row 4: Heather Vaught ’06, Cody Neff ’13, Rudi Rayhes ’08; row 5: Megan Parker ’06, Heather Toney ’00, Scott Deaner ’02, Ben Lafferty ’00, Jared Tice ’06, Terri Martin ’01, Sherri Wheeler; row 6: Doug Mullins ’94, Carl Wilson ’87, Adam Wolfe ’03; row 7: Shawn Allen ’07, Andrew Meador ’05, Keith Circle ’03, Charles Berry ’72, Robert Smith ’01, Jeff Harvey ’86, Casey Tibbs ’13, David Moore ’13 37 • Fall 2013
The Career Symposium
took part in the campaign for the honor of being named Homecoming Royalty. Billboards displayed around campus; costumes, banners and floats entered in the parade; and creative choreography presented at the Lip Sync contest reflected the theme and counted toward points in the competition. Contest results, along with a popular vote, added up to the winners. At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, the Homecoming Parade made its annual way down Vermillion Street. Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, and Jorinda and Joringel were the stars of the evening enchanting the crowd gathered for this special moment of small town fun. Clear skies prevailed as marchers and on-lookers enjoyed the festivities. Concord’s first black student-athlete, Billy Owens, served as the parade’s Grand Marshal. A former football player for the Mountain Lions, Owens played end for Concord during the 1954 and 1955 seasons. The parade route ended on campus as twilight neared and tradition continued with the “bonfire in the Valley.” Homecoming candidates portrayed their “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” characters again on Friday night during the always entertaining Lip Sync competition in the Carter Center main gym.
The Career Symposium The 5th Annual Career Symposium brought alums back to campus Friday, Oct.
4 eager to share how their Concord education propelled them into rewarding jobs and success in the workplace. Current CU students had the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts from attorneys, business representatives, journalists, social workers, educators and other professionals. Panel discussions in geography, social work, recreation tourism management, political science, public administration, business, biology and chemistry, along with general panels, were conducted in classrooms and the Wilkes Family Chapel in University Point. As a special highlight of the symposium, Jason Brown ’97 screened his film “Miracle Boy.” A West Virginia filmmaker, Brown produced “Miracle Boy” with director Jake Mahaffy. The film is set in Williamsburg, W.Va. and the storyline follows a young boy who is injured in a farming accident and then bullied by other boys. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2012 and won the Top Grit prize for best overall film at the 2013 Indie Grits Film Festival. Prior to the 11 a.m. screening in the Main Auditorium of the Fine Arts Center, communication arts alumni held a panel discussion. The Career Symposium is sponsored by Concord’s Career/Advancement Services Office.
Alumni Gatherings Homecoming weekend offered opportunities for
Alumni Pig Roast
Lip Sync Alums and friends feast at the pig roast. Fairy tales come to life during the lip sync.
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More from Lip Sync
Creativity shines at the lip sync contest.
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alumni to gather, reminisce and rekindle friendships. The Alumni Pig Roast was held the evening of Friday, Oct. 4 at University Point. Guests enjoyed a reception and dinner in the Pais Fellowship Hall. Popular local band JC/BC provided entertainment. In its second Homecoming season, the Alumni Brunch on game day provided a time to dine and visit before heading to the stadium for football action. The Pais Fellowship Hall was the setting for this event on Saturday, Oct. 5. Also, being held for year number two, the Lions Den Tailgate is a special perk for dues paying members of the Alumni Association. The ample sized tent offered a spot to sit with friends out of the sun along with hors d’oeuvres and live streaming of the game. The tailgate was located just outside of the entrance to Callaghan Stadium. Dr. Kendra Boggess, CU’s interim president, hosted an open house at the President’s House prior to the game. Guests were graciously welcomed to this renovated campus landmark that has entertained the likes of Amelia Earhart, Lowell Thomas and Carl Sandburg, and been home to Concord’s leaders and their families. A milestone event for one campus fraternity brought CU alums spanning five decades back to campus. Tau Kappa Epsilon celebrated its 50th anniversary during Homecoming with special gatherings and a time capsule dedication at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. The ceremony was held on the lawn between the Jerry and Jean Beasley Student Center and Sarvey Hall.
Vow Renewal Sunlight filtered through the expanse of windows in the Wilkes Family Chapel on Homecoming morning. The melodious sounds of a piano sweetened the air. A lace dress, flowers all done up in corsages, boutonnieres and bouquets, excited chatter from the narthex…a momentous occasion was about to unfold. Five couples waited to walk down the aisle. The 10 Concord alums were about to say “I do” – again. The husbands and wives in the group each met their spouses while students at Concord. They are the first participants in the new “Wedding Vow Renewal for Concord Couples,” a romantic addition to Homecoming activities this year. Renewing their vows were: Luke Peters ’01 and Heather Sowards ’01; Richard Smith ’66 and Susan Howerton Smith; John (Matt) McCormick ’05 and Juanita Nicole Reed ’09; Joseph Spinella ’05 and Tanya Spinella ’05; and, Mark Ziecina ’05 and Kara Adkins Ziecina ’05. Charles “Abe” Lilly ’95 served as officiant. Concord senior music major Seth Ledford was pianist.
Game Day The Mountain Lions wowed a packed Callaghan Stadium with a 34-17 victory over Fairmont State on Saturday, Oct. 5 and the weather joined
Vow Renewal
Concord alumni pose outside the Wilkes Family Chapel at University Point after renewing their wedding vows. Pictured above (left to right) are Richard Smith ’66 and Susan Howerton Smith, Heather ’01 and Luke Peters ’01, Rev. Charles Lilly ’95, Mark ’05 and Kara Ziecina ’05, Nicole Reed ’09 and Matt McCormick ’05, and Tanya ’05 and Joseph Spinella ’05
TKE Time Capsule ceremony Tau Kappa Epsilon celebrates 50 years at Concord.
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Alumni Brunch
President’s Open House The alumni brunch offers a tasty start to game day. Guests visit the recently renovated President’s House.
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in Concord University’s 2013 Homecoming celebration with an autumn day of sunshine perfection. By the 2 p.m. kickoff, the temperature soared past the 80 degree mark. Alumni, students, fans and other CU friends gathered on “The Campus Beautiful” for pre-game festivities and an afternoon of football. Former Mountain Lion football player Bill Owens was recognized in a ceremony prior to the start of the game for being the first black student-athlete in Concord history. Owens played end for Concord during the 1954 and 1955 seasons. He served as an honorary team captain for the game and joined current CU captains at midfield for the official coin toss. Concord University’s 2013 Homecoming Royalty, crowned in a halftime coronation, are Jordan Manning from Oceana, W.Va., representing Sigma Sigma Sigma and Andrew Miller from Bluefield, Va., representing Sigma Tau Gamma. Concord University Interim President Dr. Kendra Boggess and Dr. Marjie Flanigan, vice president of student affairs and dean of students, crowned the winners. First runners-up are Stephanie Peareth from Durham, England, representing the International Students Club and Phillip Campbell from Man, W.Va., representing Phi Delta Pi. Second runners-up are Brittany Sizemore from Mullens, W.Va., representing Delta Zeta and Zach Arms from Beckley, W.Va., representing Chi Omega Psi. Other candidates competing for the 2013 crowns are Laura Spencer from Richwood, W.Va., representing Alpha Sigma Alpha and Sam Jackson from Princess Ann, Md., representing Tau
Kappa Epsilon; and, Kacie Collins from Cleveland, Va., representing Alpha Sigma Tau and Mike Atwell from Cool Ridge, W.Va., representing WVCU Radio.
Game Sophomore running back Calvinaugh Jones rushed for two touchdowns and a career-high 209 yards while junior cornerback Mike Carey intercepted two passes to lead the Concord University football team to a 34-17 Homecoming victory over Fairmont State Saturday, Oct. 5 at Callaghan Stadium. Concord erased a four-point halftime deficit by outscoring the Fighting Falcons 24-3 in the second half. The 34 points were the second most scored by Concord by that point in the season. The win, Concord’s second in a row, improved the Mountain Lions’ record to 4-1 overall and to 3-0 in Mountain East Conference competition. The loss dropped Fairmont State’s record to 2-3 overall and 1-3 in MEC play. CU’s win combined with Shepherd’s victory against Charleston left the Mountain Lions and Rams as the only two teams undefeated in league play as of Oct. 5. CU had 406 yards of total offense, its best performance since gaining 417 yards at Shepherd last season. For the game, Concord held edges over Fairmont State in total offense (406-226), passing yards (168-107), rushing yards (238119), first downs (17-13) and turnovers forced (3-2). Jones, whose previous career-best rushing total was
Pre-game
Tailgating and a show from the band are part of pre-game activities. Thanks to CU student Sterling Snyder for assistance with photography
Fall 2013 • 42
Game
a 186-yard effort vs. Glenville State in 2012, accomplished his big day on just 25 attempts, giving him an average of 8.4 yards per carry. Jones busted off five runs of over 15 yards including gains of 45 and 46 yards. With his Oct. 5 totals, he had rushed for 341 yards and three touchdowns over his last two games played. Redshirt freshman quarterback Brian Novak completed 9-of-18 passes for 168 yards and one touchdown in addition to one rushing touchdown. Redshirt freshman Tony Miller was on the receiving end of Novak’s touchdown-pass, a 33-yard reception in the fourth quarter.
Additional Homecoming Photos Posted Online
To see more photographs from Concord’s 2013 Homecoming Parade visit: http://www.flickr. com/photos/42005172@N02/ sets/72157636181257873/
The Mountain Lion football team capped off a great homecoming week by out-distancing Fairmont State 34-17
Football action from CU’s Homecoming victory is posted in Concord Athletics Photo Galleries. Go to http://www.cumountainlions. com/galleries/ and click on Football vs. Fairmont State.
43 • Fall 2013
Candidates & Billboards This year’s homecoming candidates include the winners (to the left), Jordan Manning - Sigma Sigma Sigma & Andrew Miller - Sigma Tau Gamma; (below, left to right) second runners-up Brittany Sizemore - Delta Zeta & Zach Arms - Chi Omega Psi; Mike Atwell - WVCU Radio & Kacie Collins - Alpha Sigma Tau; Sam Jackson - Tau Kappa Epsilon & Laura Spencer - Alpha Sigma Alpha; and first runners-up, Phill Campbell - Phi Delta Pi & Stephanie Peareth International Students Club.
Above: The victory celebration Left and below: This year’s homecoming billboards featuring Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Snow White, Jorinda and Joringel and Rumpelstiltskin.
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More scenes from Homecoming 2013
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47 • Fall2013
Dale Dickens
Director of Admissions, Emeritus
T
his feature catches up with retired faculty and staff and asks them to update us about their life today while sharing some memories of their days at Concord.
Background I graduated from Marsh Fork High School in Raleigh County, W.Va. After graduating I spent four years in the U.S. Navy and spent most of the time at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. in the Medical Photography Department. After the Navy, I entered Ohio University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. After graduating from Ohio University in 1958, I married Jean Massey ’81 and we have two sons. Jerry lives in Maryland; Jeff in California. Where do you live now and what are your activities of interest? We live in Princeton, W.Va. and attend Johnston Chapel.
Both Jean and I work with the Mothers of Pre-School Children Program (MOPS), Divorce4Kids and Nursery at the Church. We also work with our Bible Fellowship Class at the Bluefield Union Mission. Most of our outside activities and interest center around athletic events and travel. Most of the time, the two are intertwined. We enjoy going to athletic events involving Concord and WVU and also attending the Princeton Rays games. If we are not attending athletic events, we enjoy seeing America especially the
National Parks. We love to walk along the pristine streams in the Smokies or to witness the majesty of the Yosemite. How long did you work at Concord?
During the 22 years I worked at Concord (1972-1994) my time was totally devoted to the College. I had no outside activities. Since Concord had never had a position dedicated to recruiting students such as Director of Admissions, or Director of Enrollment, the program had to be built from the ground up. When I came to Concord in 1972, the office didn’t even have a telephone. Nelrose Price ’46, Registrar, would peck on the heating pipe to let me know the Admissions Office had a call. Over time, the Admissions Office was provided with beautiful offices to welcome students and adequate equipment, supplies and staff.
The position required that I spend most of the time on the road building and maintaining relationships with high school guidance counselors in West Virginia and surrounding states. One day when I was home, I stood to go outside and our son, Jerry, said “bye Dad” and I wasn’t going anywhere. He had become accustomed to me being away. My friend, Buford Young, former Professor at Concord knew how much time I spent on the road and gave me a copy of the song “Cat’s in the Cradle.” Fall 2013 • 48
What did you find especially rewarding during your time at Concord? Helping students with college enrollment, especially those that represented the first generation in their family to attend college. Pre-registration was instituted during my tenure in the Admissions Office. When I arrived at Concord, the registration process was a nightmare. Students stood in line all day just to find at the end they had no classes available. Assistant Director of Admissions, Lisa Stinnett, started the very successful Concord Ambassadors Program in 19931994. The students volunteered to take prospective students on tours and to answer questions for them.
Serving as advisor to numerous students and watching them progress through the education process from recruitment to graduation. Instituted the program to bring grade school students to campus to introduce them to a campus setting. Ashland Oil provided funding for the program. Being instrumental in establishing the Carter Scholarship fund. Filming football games for the football team in West Virginia and other States. (VA, TN, NC, SC, AL, IN, NJ) Honors & Offices
I was the first living recipient of the Anderson-Milam Award. This award is given to the person who has contributed the most in the Admissions-Registrar area in West Virginia. I was inducted into the Concord Football Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service. Served as Secretary of the West Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and
49 • Fall 2013
Admissions Officers (ACRAO) for many years and I served as President during 1976. What is the best athletic event you attended at Concord?
Watching the football program go from one win in three years to a perfect season under Tony Coloboro. Winning the WVIAC Tournament in Charleston under Coach Don Christie.
What offices, committees did you serve on at Concord? • President’s Cabinet • Pre-Registration Committee • Concord Athletic Hall of Fame • American College Testing Program • National Council Accreditation of Teacher Education • Athens-Concord Town Social Committee • Scholarship Committee • Residency (WV or out-of-state) Committee Concord Presidents during my tenure • Joseph Marsh • Billy Coffindaffer • James Rowley • Meredith (Med) Freeman • Jerry Beasley
Concord Academic Deans during my tenure • Milton Edge • Marvin DeBoer • Donald Bronsard • Craig Willis • John Carrier • David Bard • George Moore served as Interim Dean
What is your favorite memory of the Sweet Shop? Sweet Shop-more than a memory………………………………..Let’s begin with those addicting pinball machines: the tournaments, one on one, the many hours spent in fierce competition and the ever present equalizer: “TILT”! Bertha stood behind the counter barking orders exuding her ever-present personality. She served bowls of bean soup, hamburgers, and whatever else was still available. The forbidden back stairs were a gateway to enhancing meaningful friendships; “skullduggery at its best” to avoid the beady eyes of the “enforcers” downstairs. We shared a single bathroom nicknamed the “furnace room”. In the winter you had to ignite the gas heater to have heat. To occupy the toilet you had to sit next to the heater. Being unable to regulate the intensity of the blast furnace caused immediate “sunburn”. A cast of characters inhabited the “inner sanctum”: Jim Neville (the owners son), Jim Lustig (Heby), DB (dirty body), Al “in your face” McClintock, and myself, Uncle Hurk. We were the residents of the Sweet Shop sharing one T.V., one bathroom (with the exception of Jim Neville who had his own), studying, discussing current events, and philosophizing about the trials and tribulations of college life. The Sweet Shop-our safety net, a place to hang, to perform perfunctory needs, study, and just kibitz. This was for many who passed through the doors before and after us a place called….. home. - Dennis Hurley, Jr. ’70
The Sweet Shop was open my freshman year (1959-60). I remember that it was always crowded and thick cigarette smoke permeated the air making breathing difficult and eyes water. The most impressive aspect of The Sweet Shop was hundreds of carved initials on the tables, to which my boyfriend and I added ours for posterity. I have often wondered what happened to those tables!!! - Louise Bays Fox ’63 My favorite memory of the Sweet Shop is treating myself to a pizza roll when I would ace one of Dr. Bard’s history tests. I wouldn’t allow myself to get a yummy pizza roll for no reason, which gave me even more incentive to study hard so that I could reward myself with one! My visits became so frequent that Bertha knew what I wanted before I ordered! Gotta love Bertha! She was always a treat in and of herself! Boy, how I miss those pizza rolls! - Amy Greer-Knowles ’85 Since I lived in Princeton and commuted on Claude’s bus, I often had free time which was usually spent in the Sweet Shop. There was always a four-some for bridge, accompanied usually by Ann’s ice cream soda. A player who shall remain nameless went to get a coke and we stacked his hand - it was a winner! He was first to bid, but the last bidder called a misdeal (no face cards). He was really deflated, but
played on. When we told him what we had done, he took it very well after a little huffing and puffing. - Louise (Lou) Ryan Grimm ‘46 Jim’s Spaghetti! - Nancy Edge Lively ‘75
Question for the next issue: What is your favorite cafeteria/dining hall story?
Fall 2013 • 50
Faculty: Beyond the Classroom Field Science Provides
Unique Learning Experience for Geoscience Students
uring May and June 2013, 19 environmental geoscience students travelled to Utah and Colorado to participate in Concord’s five-week summer geology field camp. Each summer, more than 2000 undergraduate students from universities around the country participate in geology field camps as a culminating experience in their education. Concord’s six-credit course is offered every other year, and this year we had more student participants than many large state universities throughout the country – even some research institutions with very well known geoscience programs. Geology field camps are a unique experience in higher education. They require students to live and work together for an extended period of time while tackling complex, realworld problems. In essence, the course is an immersive exercise in
51 • Fall 2013
Concord students and faculty on the summit of Mt. Elbert, Colo., in June, 2013. At an elevation of 14,439 ft, it is the second highest mountain in the contiguous United States and the highest in the Rocky Mountains.Pictured are (L to R): Donnie Kirk, Joanna Kimmel, Caleb Harrison, Jason Holley, Ryan Baisden, Luke Stevens, and faculty members Dr. Steve Kuehn (Assistant Professor of Geology), Dr. Joseph Allen (Professor of Geology and Chairman of the Division of Science, Mathematics, & Health), and Ms. Eva Lyon (Lecturer in Geology). Photograph by Sheena Grabski of Sheena Harper Photography
problem solving that integrates all of their classroom learning. Most importantly, it teaches students to ask the right questions, while fostering team building and collaboration. All of these skills are highly sought after in the workplace, and the students gain them by creating and interpreting geologic maps. Geologic maps are created in order to make sense of the seemingly chaotic distribution of materials that can be found at Earth’s surface. The maps show the distribution and age of an enormous variety of rocks and unconsolidated sediments
present at Earth’s surface, and allow scientists to accurately predict their distribution thousands of feet underground. Creating such maps is an extremely challenging technical task that requires knowledge of complex geologic processes, and utilizes spatial reasoning skills including the mathematics of trigonometry and geometry. After geologic maps are created, they provide many benefits to society. Historically, they were created to aid exploration for strategic ore metals and energy resources such as coal, petroleum, and uranium, especially during
World War II and the ensuing Cold War in the 20th century. Since then, uses have greatly expanded and include: (i) delineation of biological habitats and ecosystems; (ii) watershed protection; (iii) assessment of susceptibility to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, and extreme weather events; (iv) development of water and soil resources; (v) assessment of climate change impacts; and
Water Sampling: CU students analyze the chemistry of acid mine drainage in the field. In collaboration with Professor Kato Dee of Colorado Mountain College (CMC), students learned about modern remediation strategies for abandoned mine lands. L to R: Donnie Kirk, Kato Dee (CMC), Luke Stevens, Al McCreary.
(vi) land-use planning, including transportation networks, engineering and construction, and the development of wind, solar, and conventional power plants. Learning to make geologic maps builds fundamental field skills that are critical for career development. Although many professional geoscientists devote extensive time to office work utilizing computer models, or perhaps even programming them, the data are ultimately derived from the field. As a practical example from the energy industry, professional geoscientists are challenged to determine exactly where fossil fuels can be located thousands of feet underground. Since an individual exploration and development project can cost millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars, it is critical to get it right. In the environmental industry, geoscientists are often asked to predict how and where toxic contaminants are likely to migrate through groundwater and surface waters over time. In both examples, scientific predictions must be based upon both classroom
Students prepare for a day in the field near Leadville, Colo.
knowledge and practical wisdom gained in the field in order to reflect reality. Like most geology field camps, Concord operates a course in the western United States. Most universities do so because a diverse range of geologic environments can be accessed in close proximity to one another, and because the arid climate preserves rock and sediment in a pristine state at the surface, which helps students to learn. Concord alumni have an advantage over graduates from many other universities because our students
By: Dr. Joseph Allen Professor of Geology Chairman of the Division of Science, Mathematics, & Health
Fall 2013 • 52
Students compile geologic maps in the shade following a two-day mapping exercise in the desert heat of Colorado National Monument. During the trip, students camped in tents at several locations throughout Colorado and Utah, and stayed in residence halls at Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, and Colorado Mountain College in Leadville.
also gain early field experience in the Appalachians during afternoon field exercises near campus and extended weekend field trips during the regular academic year. For many students, the crosscountry van ride for field camp is their first trip away from West Virginia and the immediate vicinity. However, participating in the course is a major commitment for students in terms of time, money, and family obligations. Not only must they pay additional tuition for a summer class, they also must save to pay for their room and
board while travelling and give up potential income from summer jobs; students with families may have additional expenses for child care while away. After completing college and entering the workforce, published studies show that geoscientists reflect upon their field camp experience and the collegiality that develops from it as a seminal moment in their development as both a scientist and a person. Field camp also introduces students to the wide range of geologic environments they are likely to encounter during their
Following a three-day mapping exercise at Ruby Mountain, Colo., Dr. Steve Kuehn (left), Concord assistant professor of geology, explains how volcanic ash and violent mudflows are formed and deposited. 53 • Fall 2013
career. Although most Concord geoscience alumni are living and working in West Virginia or the nearby Appalachian region, their jobs frequently demand that they travel or work with data from elsewhere in the world. In their careers, our alumni have worked on projects in Europe, the Middle East, Alaska, California, the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachians, and elsewhere throughout North America. As noted by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), society is facing more issues and challenges that require application of geologic skills than ever before. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and AGI predict that the United States will require at least 95,000 more geoscientists by 2018. Given that there are fewer than 2000 new graduates entering the workforce annually, well-qualified geoscientists face a remarkably strong job market. Industry geologists are always surprised and impressed that we operate our own camp and intimately tie it to our specific, environmentally based curriculum. Concord’s field camp adds a sense of legitimacy to our environmental geoscience degree, and the success of Concord alumni in the job market can be largely attributed to the field camp experience.
Group photograph at an abandoned mine site above Leadville, Colo. Greg Allen ’70 (back row, left), current Vice Chair of the Concord University Board of Governors, resides in Arizona and joined the class for a field trip.
Keeping Up With Concord Social media has allowed people to keep in touch with individuals, groups and activities all across the globe and Concord is using some of these tools to keep its alumni connected to the university and each other. You can keep up with Concord through any (or all!) of the following outlets:
Facebook— Concord University Alumni Association, Inc.
(Facebook changed the formats of their groups so if you were a member of the previous CUAA group you will need to “like” this group.)
Find Our Magazines
On the Web
LinkedIn— Concord University Alumni group Twitter— @CampusBeautiful
Flickr— http://www.flickr.com/ photos/42005172@N02/sets/
We hope you will take advantage of each of these sites as a quick and easy way to keep up with Concord!
Look for archived copies of the Concord University Alumni Magazine on CU’s website at: http://www.concord.edu/advancement/publications
Fall 2013 • 54
Delta Zeta Greek life is an important part of the college experience for many Concord students. Bonds that are formed between brothers and sisters remain strong and continue to thrive as students become alumni. “Greek Spotlight” is dedicated to CU’s fraternities and sororities.
Zeta Sorority was D elta founded at Miami
University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1902 by six young women: Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Keen, Julia Bishop, Mabelle Minton and Anne Simmons. It was the first sorority to be founded at the university. Beginning as Delta Sigma Epsilon at Concord in 1928, it was absorbed into Delta Zeta in 1956. The Epsilon Delta Chapter on Concord’s campus currently has a total membership of 40 women and over 2,392 volunteer hours since the beginning of summer 2013. The Starkey Hearing Institute, House Ear Research Institute, The Painted Turtle, and Gallaudet University are Delta Zeta’s philanthropies.
For more information on Delta Zeta, please visit www.deltazeta.org. To contact the Concord Chapter, email dz.epsilon.delta@gmail. com.
55 • Fall 2013
1902
The founding members of Delta Zeta
2013
The current Concord DZs
Delta Zeta Facts • • • • • • • • •
Founded: October 24, 1902 Miami University, Oxford, Ohio Founders: Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Keen, Julia Bishop, Mabelle Minton, and Anne Simmons Colors: Rose and green Flower: Pink Killarney rose Jewel: Diamond Badge: Roman Lamp Mascot: Turtle Philanthropies: Speech and hearing impaired and The Painted Turtle Camp Number of Collegiate Chapters: 160 in the United
• • •
States and Canada Number of Alumnae Chapters: Over 200 alumnae chapters offer continuing association in 49 states, including Hawaii as well as the United Kingdom and Canada. Surfing Sisters is the first virtual alumnae chapter, established in 1998 as an option for alumnae who do not live near an established college or alumnae group. Number of Initiated Members: Over 250,000 Number of collegiate members: At any given time, Delta Zeta has more than 14,000 undergraduate members.
Delta Zeta at the 2013 Alumni Banquet Delta Zeta is well represented in the winner’s circle at the Annual Alumni Banquet in May 2013. Award recipients and guests – all members of Delta Zeta - attending the event are from left: Gail Rector ’63; Carrie Wyrick ’05; Deborah Gore Gillespie ’74, Alumnus of the Year; Evelyn Lilly Blake ’42, Golden Alumnus; Emily Myers Duke’02; and, Melanie Farmer ’07
2013
The DZs at Homecoming
The Delta Zeta Creed Fall 2013 • 56
Faculty Highlights
Conference Presentations and Attendance Dr. Charlotte Davis presented at the EGOS (European Group for Organizational Studies) Colloquium, Montreal, Canada, July 3-5. The title of her presentation was “Responsible leader behavior: Cultural factors and cross-cultural challenges,” and was presented in Sub-theme 29: Unmasking Corruption: Critical Perspectives on Corruption and Anti-Corruption. Dr. Davis also attended and participated in the Academy of Management Conference in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 8-13, where she attended the Junior Faculty Consortium and the Teaching and Learning Conference, and chaired a paper session on Diversity in the Workplace. Dr. Muhammad Islam attended and participated in the AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) 2013 Sustainability Conference in Washington, D.C., June 23-25. He also attended and participated in the Society of Business Ethics Annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 9-11.
Dr. Cynthia Khanlarian presented at the 2013 American Accounting Association Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif., Aug. 3-7. The title of her presentation was “Frustration in Online Learning.” The paper was coauthored with Rahul Singh.
Dr. Jie Luo attended and participated in 2013 American Accounting Association Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif., Aug. 3-7. 57 • Fall 2013
Dr. Mohan Pokharel attended the West Virginia Career and Technical Education Conference in Charleston, W.Va., July 23-25 as part of his continuing efforts to involve secondary business education teachers in entrepreneurship education. At the conference, he presented to and networked with teachers about Concord’s Entrepreneurship Initiatives including the June 2014 teachers’ training and the Entrepreneurship Initiative launch on Sept. 9. Dr. Pokharel also attended and participated in the Academy of Management Conference in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 8-13. Mr. Tom Shelton attended and participated in the 24th Annual Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Global Fraud Conference in Las Vegas, Nev., June 23-28, earning CPE credits toward the renewal of his Certified Fraud Examiners license. This conference is attended by over 2,500 participants representing 60 countries.
Publications
Dr. Fred Davidson’s peer-reviewed research article, “Creative solutions to Management Problems via Dreamstorming” has been accepted for publication by the Journal of Business and Economics. Dr. Cynthia Khanlarian’s peerreviewed research article, “An Exploratory Longitudinal Study of Web-Based Homework” has been accepted for publication in the journal Issues in Accounting
Education. The paper is coauthored by Dr. Raul Singh. Dr. Johnnie Linn’s peer-reviewed research article, “A Deterministic Solution for Force-Using Bilateral Monopolists” has been published in the Pennsylvania Economic Review. Dr. Jie Luo’s peer-reviewed research article, “Lean accounting and information adjustment in efficient industries: assimilation ahead?” has been published in the Academy of Accounting and Financial Studies Journal.
Student Highlights – Classroom Success
During the Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 semesters, students in the capstone course in Strategic Management participated in the computerized Capsim business simulation and surpassed the 90th percentile of points earned in the simulation’s competition. Through the collective efforts of the students’ performance on the simulation, Concord University was listed in Capsim’s “Hall of Fame” of the global group of accomplished universities. The Capsim simulation provides students with a venue to make integrated business decisions pulling from their degree program knowledge in computer operations, accounting, finance, management, marketing, and forecasting, and inculcates in them skills for competitive positioning, resource leveraging, and core competency enhancing strategies.
A picturesque venue for your wedding, reunion or special event.
For more information contact the Concord University Office of Special Events.
Wilkes Family Chapel Seating capacity: 120
John & Lucia Pais Family Fellowship Hall Seating capacity: 120
Seminar Room Seating capacity: 20 1-304-384-6286 cuevents@concord.edu
Fall 2013 • 58
BECKLEY UPDATE
Volunteerism Shines
with Successful ‘Stuff the Bus’ Campaign oncord University’s Beckley campus is known for its outstanding community service. Students, faculty and staff are dedicated volunteers in an everexpanding list of activities and events. Millard Francis with the Raleigh County Board of Education accepts donations from Dr. Boggess and Roar.
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One recent project – the “Stuff the Bus” campaign – was especially successful. “Stuff the Bus” helped children in southern West Virginia have the school supplies they needed to start the new school year. Pam Wallace, administrative assistant/student at Concord’s Beckley campus, coordinated the activity. “Our goal is to fill the bus with as many supplies as possible,” she said as a call to action during the campaign. “Our children need to know that they are supported and that they can have all the tools they need to succeed in education. Each
pencil, pen and notebook gives them the power to do just that.” At the conclusion of the monthlong campaign every seat on the big yellow school bus was filled with school supplies. Wallace said support from individuals and businesses in the community was greatly appreciated. This support was a big boost in making the project a success. While the campaign was officially held during August, Wallace said work began on the project in April. Students at Concord’s Beckley location at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center began collecting school supplies during the spring semester. The “Stuff the Bus” campaign’s kickoff was held on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Beckley Walmart. Another collection day was held at the Beckley Walmart on Saturday, Aug. 10. The bus was stuffed even more on Saturday, Aug. 17 during an afternoon collection at the MacArthur Walmart. Area business helped encourage giving by donating prizes to the effort. Along with the designated collection events, a collection bin located at Concord’s office at the Erma Byrd Center also offered a place for giving. CU’s Athens campus also got on board to “Stuff the Bus” by collecting school supplies. The wrap-up event was held on Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 5-7 p.m. at the Erma Byrd Center. The following supplies were on the “Stuff the Bus” wish list: hand sanitizer, tissues, pencil cases, black and white notebooks, erasers, glue, folders, rulers, pencil sharpeners, highlighters, pencils, pens, loose leaf notebook paper, crayons, magic markers, colored pencils, backpacks, calculators, spiral one-subject notebooks, spiral three-subject notebooks, staplers, note cards, whiteout and flash drives.
Helping “Stuff the Bus” in Beckley are, clockwise from bottom left, Dr. Kendra Boggess and Dr. Susan Williams ’91; Roar and Tara Taylor ’95, office administrator; and Mariah Patterson and Dr. Chuck Becker.
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onstruction work on the Alexander Fine Arts Center and Marsh Library is coming to conclusion, and is approximately 90 percent complete. Each building should reach substantial completion on time. The Fine Arts Center will have a new elevator, an improved air-conditioning system, a new roof, several new hood and vent systems and a fire sprinkler safety addition to the main stage in the theatre. The installation of air-
conditioning and humidity control highlight several renovation projects in the Marsh Library. Additionally, the Library has received a fire systems upgrade, and a new roof and main entrance. The front stairs have just been completed, and the Mountain Lions have been re-set so they can continue their constant vigil. Campus Drive, the main road encircling campus, has been repaired and newly paved. We would like to
thank the Department of Highways for their efforts on this project. Wingspan, a new dining concept, was launched this fall on the first floor of the Jerry and Jean Beasley Student Center bringing both a new menu and restaurant design to campus. Beginning sales numbers indicate the new dining venue is a complete success.
(Far left and going clockwise) The new steps outside the Marsh Library, the renovations to the Alexander Fine Arts Center, the new Wing Span dining location, and the new drive through campus.
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Charles Erickson
Remembered in Ceremony at Erickson Alumni Center
he late Charles F. Erickson’s contributions to higher education in West Virginia were saluted at Concord University on Oct. 4 in a special ceremony at the Erickson Alumni Center. Charles Erickson shared the vision of his father, the late C.O. Erickson, of establishing alumni centers on college and university campuses across the state. The Erickson Alumni Center at Concord’s University Point is one of these. A portrait of Charles Erickson was unveiled in the Alumni Lounge of the center during the afternoon ceremony. “We dedicate this room in his memory,” Concord
University Interim President Dr. Kendra Boggess said. Dr. Boggess recognized “the amazing vision they brought to the project here at University Point.” Sarah Turner ’98, Concord’s alumni director, assisted in the unveiling. Mrs. Laurie Erickson said in her remarks during the program that the Erickson family plans to carry on the work of her husband and father-in-law. She said that her husband believed “every corner of the state needed an alumni center.” “I’m thrilled to be in this building at the point,” she said. Mrs. Laurie Erickson (above); Portrait of Charles Erickson above the fireplace in the Alumni Lounge of Concord’s Erickson Alumni Center (below).
DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that ordering your Concord alumni gear is as easy as a few clicks of the mouse? Anyone can order Concord items through the Concord University Bookstore website. Just visit http://concord.bkstr.com to see what is available and to place your order. This service allows alums to show their Concord pride no matter where they are! Fall 2013 • 62
Dr. O’Brien Retires
Following Dedicated Service
Keith Lilly, Instructor of History, and Dr. Bill O’Brien “chat” about American history
r. William O’Brien officially retired from Concord University on June 30, 2013 after a distinguished career that included more than 20 years as director of Concord’s Beckley Center. “Dr. Bill” taught history and political science at Concord beginning on the Athens campus in the 1970s. Along with his teaching and administrative duties, Dr. O’Brien wrote and administered two grants totaling more than $2 million, a capstone to his dedicated service to Concord. Both “Southern West Virginia Teaching American History Project” and “PRISM WV and America’s Founders” dealt with encouraging a renewed focus on American history in southern West Virginia’s public school classrooms. Dr. O’Brien also pursued funding
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to create a Center for the Study of the U.S. Constitution at Concord in Beckley. Sharing his expertise in American history with students and the community, Dr. O’Brien has taken part in Concord’s Constitution Day forums. A fixture in the greater Beckley, W.Va. area, Dr. O’Brien serves the
Dr. Bill on the airwaves
community through a variety of organizations and projects as both a member and in leadership roles. Among these are membership in the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce; president of the board for the United Way of Southern West Virginia; two terms as president of the Rotary Club of Beckley; president of the Raleigh County Historical Society; and a member of Beckley’s city council. His work with the United Way led him to the dance floor as a participant in the “Dancing with the Stars” fundraiser. Dr. O’Brien is also recognized as a radio personality across the region. He has hosted a talk radio show for an area station. His two-hour internet radio “chats” in conjunction with the PRISM grant have drawn listeners from Boston to Ireland.
We have a for someone you know.
Dear Alumni and Friends, We have a special place for someone you know. You are in a unique position, as an alumnus or friend of Concord University, to recommend prospective students to the University. The special person you know may currently be in high school or in the workforce…and searching for the perfect fit for college. Please submit the name of your special person and we will follow up to see if we can meet his or her academic needs. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting someone who is special to you!
Submit this form in the envelope provided. The information you supply below is all that’s required and you don’t have to complete the form on the envelope. Or, you may call 1-888-384-5249 or email alumni@concord.edu to make your referral. (Please mention that you are making an alumni student referral when you call.)
Student’s Name:______________________________
Kindest regards,
Address:_ _____________________________________
Sarah Turner ’98 Director of Alumni Affairs
________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________
Legacy Scholarship is Now Available
Name of high school and graduation date:
We are proud to announce the availability of the Concord University Legacy Scholarship.
________________________________________________
Did you graduate from either Concord College or Concord University? Then, your son or daughter will be eligible to apply for the Concord University Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship is non-renewable and is contingent upon available funds. Encourage your son or daughter to apply early!
Here are the criteria. The successful recipient must: • be either a first-time freshman or student who transfers from another institution
Parents' Names: _____________________________
________________________________________________ Are Parents Alumni? ________
• be a dependent of either a Concord College or Concord University graduate • have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA and 18 on the ACT or 870 (verbal and mathematics score only) on the SAT Funds are limited so please check with the Concord University Admissions Office regarding scholarship availability.
If current college student, name of institution: ________________________________________________ Your Name: ___________________________________ Class Year: ____________________
Address: ______________________________________
________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________ Thank you for your recommendation!
Fall 2013 • 64
Bill Owens Honored as Concord’s First Black Student-Athlete
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Mr. Bill Owens is honored at Homecoming events. Shown clockwise: Joining Dr. Boggess at the start of the parade route; riding as Grand Marshal; visiting with friends Joe Friedl ’62 and Huey Miller ’56; watching the game as honorary team captain; and, speaking with BSU officers Juwan Waddy, vice president, left, and James A. Riley, president. Below: Billy Owens as a Concord student.
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r. Bill Owens, Concord’s first black student-athlete, returned to campus during Homecoming 2013 for several recognitions in his honor. A former football player for the Mountain Lions, Mr. Owens played end for Concord during the 1954 and 1955 seasons. He served as Grand Marshal for the annual homecoming parade on Thursday, Oct. 3 and was recognized in a pre-game ceremony prior to the football game at Callaghan Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 5. An honorary team captain for the game, he joined current CU captains at midfield for the official coin toss. Mr. Owens spoke about his experiences as a Concord student during a forum hosted by the University’s Black Student Union (BSU) on Friday, Oct. 4. The event was held in the State Room of the Jerry and Jean Beasley Student Center. The BSU presented two awards to Mr. Owens. He was recognized for his “contributions to Concord and the African American communities and students” with a Lifetime Honorary Membership in the BSU. The Legacy Award recognizes his “contributions as a forerunner for black students of Concord University.” Prior to attending Concord, Mr. Owens, a Giatto, W.Va. native, served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He majored in biology and physical education at Concord. His career path led him to the Long Beach Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, N.Y. where he worked in the engineering department. In 1973, he was asked to oversee the building of an addition to the hospital’s nursing facility. He retired in 2006 following 34 years of service. From 1989-2002, he served on the city council’s Board of Appeals.
Heritage & Horizon Joe Roles ’55 Exemplifies Spirit of Golden Alumnus Through Service to Concord and Life of Distinction
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o qualify for the CUAA’s Golden Alumnus Award, an individual must have contributed “no less than 25 years of service to the Concord community.” Joe B. Roles, a recipient of the award for 2013, certainly meets that qualification. “This gentleman has been an active supporter of Concord for much more than 25 years and will be seen at every alumni event in the Northern Virginia/D.C. area and at many events in Athens as well,” Alumni Director Sarah Turner ’98 said during the awards portion of the May 17 alumni banquet. “He was honored previously by the CUAA with the Alumnus of the Year Award in 1989, but the Awards Committee felt like after another 24 years of dedicated service to Concord that it was time to recognize Joe Roles as a 2013 Golden Alumnus recipient.” Joe is a native of Union, W.Va., a Monroe County town seeped in history. His birthplace is the historical boyhood home of Spanish American War and Monroe County hero Lt. Col. Andrew S. Rowan located on Union’s main street. When he was three years old, Joe’s father moved the family to nearby Salt Sulphur Springs, the community where he would be raised. A 1951 graduate of Union High School, Joe continued his education at Concord. During his college days, Joe was a member of Phi Delta Pi and served as the business manager for “The Pine Tree.” He graduated from Concord in 1955 with a degree in business administration. After serving two years as a medic in the army, Joe moved to Northern Virginia to work as a pharmaceutical rep. A highlight of that portion of his professional life was calling on the White House physician. Joe decided it was time for a career change. He moved from the pharmaceutical field to construction. Ranked at the top of his profession, Mr. Roles was a “Class A”
Golden Alumnus
The Golden Alumnus is a CUAA member who has contributed their time and/or talents to Concord University and the Concord University Alumni Association, with no less than 25 years of service to the Concord community.
Joe Roles ’55 building contractor. He was involved in both commercial remodeling and government work. When he retired as a home inspector, Joe turned his attention to writing. His novel, “Mary Jane’s War,” is based on a true story and is tied to the Civil War history of Monroe County. Mr. Roles was the featured author in Concord’s 2009 “Book Award” program, an invitation only event for high school juniors. He provided complimentary copies of “Mary Jane’s War” to each of the participating students. Concord students benefit from the scholarship that bears his name and is awarded through the Concord University Foundation. Mr. Roles is a member of the West Virginia Society of Washington, D.C. A hometown hero of sorts, he was honored by serving as Grand Marshal for the 2011 Farmer’s Day Parade in Union. Joe currently lives in Annandale, Va.
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Heritage & Horizon Josh Stowers ’01 Takes Skills Learned in CU Classrooms On Career Path from Educator to Public Servant
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or a public servant, the ability to put yourself in the shoes of your constituents is an admirable trait. As a threeterm state delegate, now deputy treasurer and soon-to-be assistant state treasurer, Josh Stowers has the issues and concerns of his fellow West Virginians on his mind. He credits his Concord experience for providing him with valuable life skills. “My Concord education has helped me in my career in a number of different areas,” he said. “However, the courses that forced me to think Josh Stowers ’01 critically and from the perspective of others have been the most beneficial in not only my professional life, but in my personal life as well.” A 1997 graduate of Fayetteville (W.Va.) High School, Josh majored in biology at Concord and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2001.
“My Concord education has helped me in my career in a number of different areas. However, the courses that forced me to think critically and from the perspective of others have been the most beneficial in not only my professional life, but in my personal life as well.” During his Concord days, he was a member of the Biology Club, Gamma Beta Phi honor society and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He also met his wife Jennifer, a 2002 Concord grad, while he was attending CU. Reminiscing about his days at Concord, Josh says some of his best memories include “everything from homecoming weeks, Libby and her words of wisdom in the cafeteria, hanging out on the library steps, fishing at Camp Creek, Spring Breaks in Daytona, meeting my wife, to so many more fond memories.” “They all have and will continue to have a special
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place in my heart,” he said. Josh earned a master’s degree in education and educational leadership from Marshall University and has completed work toward a doctorate in public school administration. He has 10 years of experience in West Virginia public education on his resume. For the first four years he taught high school biology at Guyan Valley High School and at Capital High School. In 2007 he became assistant principal at Horace Mann Middle School in Charleston. Elected in 2008, Stowers has served during three terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates for the 22nd District, representing portions of Lincoln, Boone, Logan and Putnam counties. As a delegate, he was vice chairman of the House Education Committee. His main focus while in the Legislature has been to curb the dropout and truancy rate among West Virginia students. He was the author and lead sponsor of the comprehensive 2010 Graduation Improvement Act. The highlights of this legislation included raising the dropout age to 17, providing more funding for juvenile drug courts and piloting middle school vocational education. He was also a member of the Pensions and Retirement, Roads and Transportation and House Finance committees. During his fifth year as a delegate, Stowers was tapped by the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office to serve as Deputy Treasurer. He began his duties there on July 15, 2013 in preparation to move into the Assistant Treasurer’s position upon retirement of the individual who currently holds that title. Stowers will officially become Assistant Treasurer on Jan. 1, 2014. He has been active in his community, serving on the Kanawha Valley March of Dimes Revenue Committee and as a member of the Lincoln County Economic Development Authority. The Concord University Alumni Association honored Josh in May of this year with the Young Alumnus Award.
Heritage & Horizon Scott Inghram ’03 Considers Concord the Place to Be For Education, Mentoring and Employment
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or Scott Inghram, “Concord is home.” Scott has received two undergraduate degrees from CU and now works at his alma
mater. He majored in sociology and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003 and the next year completed a Bachelor of Social Work degree. As a Concord student, Scott worked in an area that provided training for his current position with the University as the Director of Grants and Contracts/Office Scott Inghram ’03 of Sponsored Programs for the CU Research and Development Corporation. Scott conducted and presented research on the University’s behalf, as well as assisted with the institutional coordination of grant proposals and reports. He was also a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and was chosen as the 2003 sociology graduate of the year. He explains how his Concord education – and his work experience as a student – have contributed to career success. “Through work as a student assistant in Dr. (John David) Smith’s office, I garnered an in-depth understanding of the external funding process from proposal preparation to award closeout,” he said. “This experience, from a programmatic standpoint, has assisted me in my approach to administration as I understand the hardships one must overcome in order to meet sponsor objectives while operating under administrative policy and procedure. I believe this viewpoint has aided in making meaningful relationships with principle investigators, staff, administration and sponsors. “Furthermore, it has provided me with a different perspective of the award administration process as opposed to many of my peers in the research administration profession,” he said. Scott also acknowledges the professionals he encountered in the classroom and on the job for providing a solid educational foundation. “As an undergraduate student at Concord, I had
the opportunity to learn from a cadre of exceptional educators, leaders and innovators,” he said. “Along with education, the Concord community offered me mentorship shaping the decisions I make on a regular basis. My education at Concord not only prepared me for graduate study but also trained me for competent work in a myriad of settings.” With two undergraduate degrees to this credit, Scott traveled to Tulane University to pursue a master’s degree in social work. He added to his experience in the field of grants and research by working in Tulane’s Office of Research Administration as a grants and contracts specialist, grants and contracts officer and as a research administrator. Inghram completed his Master of Social Work in 2009. The tug of Concord pulled him back to Athens and to his current position with the CU Research and Development Corporation. “The opportunity to professionally practice at my alma mater promoting the hard and interesting work of our faculty and staff is an honor,” he said. “I value Concord University and I am grateful to be a small part of the work conducted on our Campus Beautiful.” Scott also contributes to the CU community by teaching classes for Concord in both the Athens and Beckley locations. He is an alumni advisor for the Concord chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. He is a dedicated member of the Concord University Alumni Association. Along with his service on the CUAA Executive Council, he is also a member of the Employee Alumni Chapter and the Pine Trees Alumni Chapter. His selection as a recipient of the CUAA’s Young Alumnus Award for 2013 is a well deserved honor. Inghram is compiling an impressive record as a public servant. He is a member of the Athens Town Council and the Development Authority of Mercer County. His professional affiliations include membership on the National Council of University Research Administrators, the National Association of Social Workers and the NASW West Virginia Chapter. Fall 2013 • 68
Class Notes Achievements Jim Haun ’52 was recognized as the Mercer-Tazewell County Board of Realtors’ top selling agent for 2012.
Leroy Mabe ’55 was given a life membership award from the West Virginia Society for Certified Public Accountants. Leroy was recognized for his more than 50 years of service to the organization. Mary Jane Otey Fizer ’57 had a book, “Mommy Couldn’t Find Her Eyelashes” published in March 2013. Fizer taught elementary school for 48 ½ years and after retirement was encouraged by co-workers and friends to write a book about some of the things first graders said to her over the years. George E. Phillips ’61 and Fred Schrom ‘61 were inducted into the McDowell County Sports Hall of Fame in May 2013.
Sisters Martha Gianato Rector ’63 and Jenna Gianato Calovini ’69 have co-authored a book entitled, “Luke’s Daughters: A Memoir of Northfork, West Virginia.” Inspired by a desire to preserve a historical footprint, the warm and humorous memoir leaves a clear snapshot of family, the times, the people, national politics, the slow path to integration, and the customs of living and growing up in southern West Virginia in the 1950s and 1960s. This book puts a positive slant on Appalachia and the Million Dollar Coal Fields rather than the usual dreary accounts that often depict southern West Virginia and that region. Norman J. Pingley ’68 was inducted into the Randolph County Athletic Hall of Fame in August 2013.
Marcia Brumbach ’71 was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame’s 2013 class. Marcia lettered in four sports at Concord – field hockey, basketball, swimming and softball – for four years. She was named the Outstanding Female Athlete in both her junior and senior years and was later the first female inducted into Concord’s Sports Hall of Fame. Marcia has also been recognized as an outstanding coach in girls’ field hockey and women’s basketball, both on the high school and college level. Robert Tuckwiller ’76 has been named Best Mountain Artist by Blue Ridge Country Magazine. During his 35 year career as a professional artist, Tuckwiller has painted and sold several thousand original paintings and prints. He received a B.S. degree in art from Concord and a master’s degree from Hollins University in Liberal Studies in Visual and Performing Arts. Acclaimed as a realist, Tuckwiller’s award winning landscapes can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the world. Tuckwiller has also written and produced two outdoor dramas, Riders of the Flood and Big Dreams – Restless Spirit, which were performed during the past decade at the Island Park Amphitheater on the Greenbrier River in Ronceverte, W.Va. Every five years Blue Ridge Country magazine asks its readers to vote for their favorite people, places, Robert Tuckwiller ’76 activities, and this year they named Tuckwiller as the Best Mountain Artist. The magazine has a readership of 325,000 and covers the states of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Joe Belcher ’77 was elected to a four year term as a County Commissioner for Buncombe County (NC) and was sworn in to office in December 2012. In addition to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, he also currently serves on the MSD (Metropolitan Sewer District) Board and the TDA (Tourism Development Authority) Board. A 33 year resident of Buncombe County, Joe recently retired as a Vice President with Berkshire Hathaway (Clayton Homes).
Joe Belcher ’77 69 • Fall 2013
Lynn Richardson ‘77 has been named president of the Tennessee Press Association, the trade association of daily and non-daily newspapers across the state. Richardson accepted the position at an induction ceremony held June 14 in Memphis.
Lynn Richardson ’77
Class Notes Canessa Lockhart Stafford ’79 currently serves as pastor of Tirzah Presbyterian Church in Waxhaw, N.C. Canessa received her Master of Divinity degree from Duke University in 2006 and is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). R. Michael Bailey ‘87 CHESP, was elected as association president for 2013 for the Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE) at their annual conference this past September. Bailey began his term on January 1, 2013. Bailey has over 20 years of experience in health care and is currently employed at the Greenville Health System in Greenville, South Carolina where he serves as Director of Environmental Services. At the local level he served as President of the South Carolina Association for the Healthcare Environment in 2005 and 2006. He was awarded the James Wolfbrandt Mentorship Award at the AHE Exchange Conference in September.
R. Michael Bailey ’87 Bret Munsey ’92 now works for the Philadelphia Eagles as the team’s NFS scout. Munsey joins the Eagles after spending the 2011-12 season as the head coach of the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League. Prior to his stint in Orlando, Munsey served two seasons as the director of player personnel for the Florida Tuskers of the UFL where he succeeded Eagles player personnel executive Rick Mueller in evaluating player personnel for the team. During his stint as the head coach of the Philadelphia Soul from 2006-08, Munsey led the team to a 35-20 overall mark in three playoff seasons, including a 13-3 record and Arena Bowl title in 2008. Scott McClanahan ’00 recently released his fourth book “Crapalachia: A Biography of Place.” Scott earned a masters’ degree from Marshall University and currently teaches at New River Community & Technical College.
Josh Stowers ’01 resigned from the WV House of Delegates to take a position in the West Virginia Treasurer’s Office. Stowers began his duties as deputy treasurer July 15. He will train to replace Assistant State Treasurer Danny Ellis, who will retire at the end of the year.
“Crapalachia” by Scott McClanahan ’00
Coben Thorn, M.D. ’06 completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Florida on June 30th. He and his wife, Stephanie Young Thorn ‘07, have relocated to Greenville, S.C. where Coben is employed by Carolina Emergency Medicine, P.A. and the Greenville Health System. Coben is now working on becoming a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine.
Jessica Lilly Doty ’07 received the Significant Impact Award from the West Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters Association for 2013. The annual award recognizes an individual who has made contributions to news reporting, management and education in broadcasting for a minimum of five years or a maximum of 19 years in the West Virginia broadcast journalism community. Jessica is an adjunct broadcasting instructor at Concord and advisor for WVCU, the student radio station. She is also southern West Virginia bureau chief for West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Meagan Cahill ’08 was named the Mercer County Teacher of the Year for 2013-2014. She was also selected as a finalist for WV Teacher of the Year. Meagan is the Title I Reading Specialist for Bluewell Elementary School. Ola Adams ’09 participated in the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship program with the Chicago Bears during their training camp in July. He was one of five fellowship recipients the team selected to observe and participate in preseason practice at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill. Currently Adams is a defensive coordinator for the SUNY Cortland football team. Ashley Hicks ’11 now works for the WV Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) as a Youth Program Coordinator for their Youth Environmental Program (YEP) for District 5. Her district includes Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, Putnam, and Wayne counties. Julie Meikle ’11 is the Staff Auditor of United Bankshares Inc. in Parkersburg, W.Va.
Fernando Voss ’11 is now serving as Branch Manager at MOTORTECH Americas, LLC in New Orleans, La. Megan Godfrey ’12 competed in the Miss West Virginia Pageant on July 1, 2013.
Ola Adams ’09
Fall 2013 • 70
Class Notes Molly Sanborn ’13 was recently hired as an Admissions Counselor for Concord University.
Weddings
Emily Myers ‘02 and Matt Duke were united in marriage Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Knotty Pine Lodge in Fraziers Bottom, W.Va. The wedding party included three of Emily’s Delta Zeta Sorority sisters: Crystal Dilley Smith ‘01 served as matron of honor, Jada Simpson Mitchell ‘02 and Susan Thorn Thomas ‘01 served as bridesmaids. Emily and Matt reside in Cross Lanes, W.Va. Emily is employed by Moroch as a Senior Communications Specialist and Matt is a Mechanical Engineer with Jacobs Engineering. Tara Bragg & Brandon Etter ’10
Brandon Etter ’10 and Tara Bragg exchanged wedding vows on May 21 2012, at North Myrtle Beach S.C. The couple resides in Bluefield W.Va.
Mary Harman ’11 and Joseph Parks ’10 exchanged wedding vows on September 7, 2013 at Nesselrod on the New River in Radford, VA. In May, Mary earned her Masters of Science in Geography from Virginia Tech and currently works there as a research associate for the International Affairs Office. Joseph is a policy analyst for the Department of Corrections for the State of Virginia. The couple resides in Radford. Brittany Clay ’12 married Joseph Stanley on July 14, 2012.
Mary Harman ’11 & Joseph Parks ’10
Emily Myers ’02 & Matt Duke
Taylor King ’12 & Jay Howard
Taylor King ’12 and Jay Howard were married on May 25th, 2013 in Peterstown, W.Va. Since graduation, Taylor is now attending graduate school and is enrolled in Marietta College’s Physician Assistant program in Marietta, Ohio. Jay is finishing his undergraduate studies in Applied Management with a minor in history at Ohio University.
Anniversary John ’50 and Betty Leffers ’51 were married 62 years on May 30, 2013. They met at the Sweet Shop in 1950 while they were both students at Concord.
Obituaries
Carolyn Kallmerten ’35: July 7, 2013. She was a native of Charleston and a resident of Nitro for the last 36 years of her life. She graduated from Charleston High School in 1931 and received a B.A. in education from Concord in 1935. She also went on to attain her master’s degree from Columbia University. Carolyn had a love for teaching and belonged to teaching sororities and fraternities for many years. She taught 40 years in Kanawha County Schools and was very active with many organizations on the local, state, and national levels. Carolyn was a dedicated member of Christ Church United Methodist for 87 years and proudly held the oldest member title. During her years of service, Ms. Kallmerten lovingly founded and directed the children’s choir for many years. She loved the music programs and was a member of the chancel choir for over 60 years. Singing in the Wesleyan Choir and Carolyn Kallmerten ’35 being a member of the Bell Choir were also a highlight of her membership of the Church. Carolyn held a membership in the Tiskelwah Chapter 45 and Nitro Chapter 143 of the Order of Eastern Star. She was Past Matron of Tiskelwah Chapter 45. She belonged to International Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem being a
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Class Notes Past Worthy High Priestess. Carolyn also worked many years previously for the Order of the Rainbow Girls. Her work was as organist for WV Grand Assembly and Grand Cross of Color and District meetings for several years. Carolyn was a member of Pilot Club International.
Dr. Robert Lewis Shumate ’37: July 31, 2013. Dr. Shumate was born March 2, 1917 in Mullens. He was the son of Dr. Robert and Jennie Workman Shumate. He graduated from Mullens High School and attended Concord and WVU. He graduated from Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. with the Degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in May of 1942. He married the love of his life Harriet Virginia Hadden, daughter of Alexander and Reaetta Hadden of Athens, W.Va. in 1941. They were married for 63 years until her passing in 2005. Robert enlisted in the Navy in April 1942 and reported for active duty at the Naval Air Station Dispensary in Norfolk, Va. on January 2, 1943. He remained at the Dispensary until September 1944 when he was assigned to the medical department of the USS Hancock, CV-19, an Essex class aircraft carrier. The Hancock operated in the Pacific and received five battle stars. Robert left the Navy a Lt. Senior Grade in February of 1946. Proud to have served on the Hancock, Robert was a member of the USS Hancock Association and looked forward to the reunions with his shipmates. After the war, Robert settled in Bluefield, W.Va. where he practiced dentistry until his retirement in 1979. He served as President and as Secretary-Treasurer of the Mercer-McDowell Dental Society and as a member of the Executive Council in the West Virginia Dental Society. He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and served on the board of Deacons, President of the Men of the Church and the Men’s Bible Class. After his retirement he became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Placid, Fla. Robert spent 25 years in Florida actively pursuing golf balls and fresh water fish. He returned every fall, until he was 90, to deer hunt in Virginia. Harriet Fink Cope ’39: June 4, 2013. Harriet was born in Maben, W.Va. November 4, 1918. She was a graduate of Concord Teachers College in Athens, W.Va. Harriet worked as a physical education teacher, taught at Pepperdine University, worked as a social worker for Los Angeles County and was a devoted minister’s wife. She was married for 42 years to H. Frank Cope, a Church of Christ minister and a chaplain in the US Army. He preceded her in death having passed away in 1983. Harriet was a member of Oak Hills Church of Christ. She was a devoted Christian for over 70 years having answered the call of Christ when it was shared by her husband, who was a traveling evangelist when Harriet was 21. Harriet is survived by a number of family members.
Andrew Bogema ’43: May 12, 2013. Andrew was a 1943 cadet of the 15th College Training Detachment (CTD). He and his wife Elizabeth Woody Bogema ’43 were married for 68 years. After graduating from Concord he went on to the University of Michigan School of Pharmacy. He owned Bogema Pharmacy in Boyne City, Mich. He is survived by four children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Joseph Larry Zingale ’52: May 1, 2013. Born August 24, 1922 in Keystone, W.Va., he was the son of the late Joseph and Grace Rivoli Zingale. Larry was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and past member of the Bluefield Elks Lodge, Bluefield Moose Lodge and of Sons of Italy and a member of V.F.W. Bluefield, Va., and American Legion. Larry received a B.S. from Concord, his master’s degree from West Virginia University, and his Ph.D. from Florida State University. As a student, he was a member of the Concord Commanders. Following his education, he was the Assistant Band Director at Florida State University, Assistant Band Director of University Band at WVU, Band Director of Concord University, and Band Director of Morehead State University. Larry was also Chairman of the Division of Fine Arts at Central Florida Community College and Director of the Jazz Program and Professor at Miami-Dade College. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Joan Brown Zingale and six children. Jim Calabrese ’53: April 17, 2013. Mr. Calabrese was born Feb. 18, 1931, in Windber, Pa. and was a graduate of Westinghouse High School in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Concord. He played with the Concord Commanders while he was a student. On June 11 1955, he married Mavis Surface Calabrese ‘56. Jim and Mavis moved to Statesville in 1961, where he began working with Iredell-Statesville School System. In 1961, he became the band and music director at Statesville High School and started the Grenadier Marching Band. In 1974, he moved to West Iredell High School and started the Warrior Marching Band. He retired in 1995. He was a member of the St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church and was a former member of the Statesville Civitan Club. He formed the Mitchell Community College Band and was a talented clarinet and saxophone player who could play solo, duet, trio, quartet, or with a full band. He was a member and performed with the Take Note Band. He was invited and played with the Tommy Dorsey Band, Lawrence Welk Band, Liberace, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Bob Hope Show, Patti Page, Glenn Miller Orchestra, and the Southern Fried Jazz Band in Charlotte. William Randolph Freeman ’53: April 7, 2013. Born September 9, 1927 in Bramwell he was the youngest son of the late Charles Wesley Freemen and Martha Wheeler Freeman. He was a graduate of Bramwell High School and a 1945 graduate of Concord. William was a retired salesman for AFLAC Insurance and was a U.S. Army veteran serving in World War II. He was a member of the Calvary Chapel Church in Princeton. He is survived by three nieces.
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Class Notes Alfred Collins ’55: May 19, 2013. Born June 13, 1929, in Union, he was the youngest of four sons and one daughter born to Addie Catherine and Charles William Collins. After graduating from Greenville High School, he attended Concord for three years, then entered the U.S. Army in 1951, during the Korean War. He went to Fort Meade, Md., and on to Camp Breckenridge, Ky., for basic training. He was then sent to Brook Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas and on to Denver, Colo., and Seattle, Wash., for medical training. He sailed to Toyko, Japan and on to the 282nd General Hospital in Osoka, Japan for 13 months of duty. On off duty days, he enjoyed bicycling through rural areas around Osaka and visited with the native people. On returning home, he earned his B.S. degree from Concord, took graduate courses from Virginia University and WVU and earned his M.A. degree from Wesley Theological Seminary. He came to Bolivar United Alfred Collins ’55 Methodist Church as a student pastor, Sept. 21, 1957, and married Catherine Butts on Sept. 20, 1958. He was an ordained Methodist minister in the West Virginia Conference and served the Bolivar Church for four years. Afterwards, he was the lay speaker, chairman of the Administrative Board and adult Sunday school teacher for 30 years. He received his M.A. degree in Education Guidance and Counseling from George Washington University and worked for 25 years in public school counseling with the Loudoun County, Va., Board of Education. While working at Loudoun Valley High School, he was the golf coach. His interest and activities included serving as scout master and Explorer advisor for 10 years. He enjoyed taking a group of scouts to Camp Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico for 10 days. He was the first manager of Camp Manidokan in 1958. He served on the Board of Directors of Jefferson Memorial Hospital, was president of the Loudoun County Retired Teachers Association, secretary of Virginia Lodge No. 1, IOOF, president of Harper Cemetery Board of Trustee and EMT for the Friendship Fire Co. and Ambulance service. He had been a member of the Charles Town Lions Club for 33 years with perfect attendance, president for six terms, secretary for nine years, zone chairman, region chairman and district governor. Genevieve Dewese ’55: April 23, 2013. She was born on November 25, 1931 in Isaban W.Va., to Greenway and Mazie Cline. She attended Iaeger High School, and graduated from Concord with a degree in Elementary and Secondary English. For the next 33 years, Genevieve was a dedicated English teacher at Huff Consolidated in Hanover, W.Va. as well as Baileysville High School. Keeping in contact with all of her students over the decades, it was evident that she had a unique bond and impact with them leaving a life-long impression. She was also a devout Christian. She was an avid gardener and was especially well-known for her display of Christmas lights every year. At the time of her death, she was the longest living member of Hanover Baptist Church. She is survived by a number of family members.
Charles N. Jeffries ’55: March 29, 2013. He was born August 6, 1933 in Clintonville, W.Va. to the late Elbert and Polly Jeffries. Upon completion of his master’s degree from Marshall University, he moved to Michigan to begin teaching in Sandusky, Mich. Charles was also a principal in Sandusky until he took a job selling textbooks to public schools for the next 20 years. After selling textbooks he opened a small business in Clinton Township, until he retired at 63. His love has always been family and the hills of West Virginia. He liked the outdoors and when weather was good, he could be seen outdoors on his tractor. He liked to travel by car and had driven all of the continental United States including Alaska. He is survived by a number of family and friends. Ronnie E. Atkinson ’58: July 14, 2013. He was born April 21, 1935, in Boissevain, Va., a son of the late Harry Elwood Atkinson and Hazel Frances Webber Atkinson. He was a graduate of Gary High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Concord. He was highly respected professor of Parkersburg Community College of 42 years. Mary Elizabeth Mabe ’61: September 17, 2013. Born on July 30, 1924 in Mercer County, she was a daughter of the late James Matthew and Arlie Eureka Wood Beggs. She was a graduate of Bramwell High School and Concord College and was a retired school teacher from Mercer County with 26 years. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher’s Sorority and the Montcalm-Bluewell Woman’s Club. She was a member of the Bluefield OES#66 and a former member of the Rock Chapter of the OES. She is survived by various family members and friends. Dennis Ray Perdue ’62: June, 16, 2013. Dennis was born and raised in Premier in McDowell County by his parents, Margie Worrell Perdue and Dennis Whitten Perdue. Dennis was a 1958 graduate of Welch High School where he was a three sport star athlete. While at Concord, he attained the honor of all-conference in football and baseball. He taught science and coached at Gary High School for five years and during this time he was the assistant coach to Sid Cure and they led the Coaldiggers to a state championship in football. After earning a master’s degree from WVU he moved to south Florida and continued teaching and coaching. His teaching and coaching career in Florida started at South Broward High School. At South Broward he was an assistant coach in football and coached the golf team for many years. He retired in 2000 but was called back to duty due to his science background and worked an additional eight years at Cooper City High School teaching biology. He also coached golf there and was very successful. Dennis was also a very accomplished golfer. He has in his trophy case a City of Hollywood Men’s Championship trophy as well as a number of runner-up statues. Dennis is survived by a number of family members and friends.
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Class Notes Michael Edward “Mickey” Belcher ’64: October 1, 2013. Born July 11, 1941 in Blacksburg, Va. he was the son of the late, James E. “Big Jim” Belcher and Clara Louise Thomas Belcher. He was a 1959 graduate of Princeton High School and received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and mathematics from Concord. He also received his master’s degree in secondary education in 1990 from the College of Graduate Studies. Mickey was a retired Mercer County Schools science and chemistry teacher. He taught several years at Bluefield High School before transferring to Princeton Senior High School where he taught until retirement. He worked for Dupont for two years as a Chemist Foreman, eight years at Appalachian Regional Hospital and six years at Bluefield Regional Medical Center as a Clinical Chemist. He also served as Assistant Plant Manager for Celtite in Princeton and as an Assistant Manager for Eckards in Princeton. He was an active member of the First United Church in Princeton where he served as a Sunday school teacher and on numerous church committees. He was also a member of the Chancel Choir and Adult Handbell Choir of the church. Mickey was a member of the American Chemical Society, National Education Association, West Virginia Education Association, and the Mercer County Education Association. He also served as Chaplain for Gideons International in the Mercer County area.
Della Pettrey Dale ’65: June 12, 2013. Born in Athens on July 18, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Fred B. Pettrey, Sr. and Frances Evelyn Long Pettrey of Princeton. She had been a resident of Clifton Forge since 1968. She retired in 2000 as a school teacher and school administrator in the Clifton Forge City School System and the Alleghany Highlands School System. At her retirement she was an assistant principal. In addition to a bachelor’s degree from Concord, she also received her master’s degree from James Madison University. She was a member of the National Education Association, Virginia Education Association, the Alleghany Highlands Educational Association and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church where she had served has a choir member and Sunday School teacher. She is survived by a number of family members. Jayne Elizabeth Marshall ’65: April 18, 2013. Jayne was born Oct. 12, 1943, in Princeton, W.Va., to the late James Marvin and Ruby Elizabeth Gadd Marshall. Jayne graduated from Concord with a Bachelor of Science in education. She was very proud to be a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She later did graduate studies at Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va. Her teaching career spanned more than 30 years, beginning in Pensacola, Fla., and ending in Fredericksburg, Va. in 1998. She is survived by a brother, two sons and two grandchildren. Bob Hilmon ’66: June 22, 2013. Born May 9, 1940, in Amonate, Va., he was the son of the late B.H. and Diamont East Hilmon. He retired from Princeton Community Hospital where he served as a supervisor in the business office. Bob was a 1957 graduate of Tazewell High School and was a U.S. Army veteran. He is survived by a number of family and friends.
Laura Elizabeth “Liz” Maxey Henry ’67: June 24, 2013. Liz graduated from Spanishburg High School and Concord before earning an advanced degree from West Virginia COGS. She worked many years for Mercer County Schools as a high school math teacher and vice principal. She is survived by her husband, three children and two grandchildren. Donald Lee Perfin ’67: July 17, 2013. Donald was born on March 10, 1938 in Elbert, W.Va. to the late Frank S. Perfin and Mary Semonco Perfin. Donald had been a resident of Bluefield, W.Va. for the past seven years and was a graduate of Gary High School and received his degree in education from Concord. He was a retired McDowell and Tazewell County teacher and coach. Also, Donald proudly served his country in the U.S Navy from 1959 to 1963. He is survived by a number of family and friends.
Kathleen “Kathy” Jackson ’74: May 7, 2013. Born June 30, 1952, in Princeton, W.Va., to Ennis and John McCabe, Kathy received her license to practice social work after graduating from Concord with her Bachelor of Arts degree. Dedicating her life to social work, she started at Bluefield Regional Hospital where she spent eight years before moving to Princeton Community Hospital for the next 25 years. She was passionate about connecting with patients and families to assist in difficult decisions. She was active in various committees at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In her spare time she enjoyed reading and cooking but mostly loved spending time with her family, in particular her two sons. She is survived by numerous family members. Sara Bailey Stevens ’82: August 20, 2013. She was the daughter of Gene Bailey ‘57 and the late Betty Brock Bailey ‘58. Sara and her husband, Dave Stevens ’81, were married for nearly 32 years. After graduation, Sara taught school for six years at Spanishburg Elementary School, and she earned a Master of Arts degree from WVU in 1987. From 1993 to 2013, she taught her six children at home and prepared them well for their further education. She also worked alongside her family at Bluestone Nursery Christmas tree farm. Her oldest daughter, Bethany Stevens Johns ‘10, is a second grade teacher in Loudon County, Va. Her oldest son, Caleb Stevens (attended CU in ‘06-‘07), graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2011 and is Sara Bailey Stevens ’82 in flight school in Pensacola, Fla. Her younger children, Luke Stevens (Class of 2014), Jesse
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Class Notes Stevens (Class of 2016), and Hannah Stevens (Class of 2017) are now on campus at Concord University. Luke and Jesse are RAs at South Towers, and Hannah is involved in the Bonner Scholars Program. Her youngest child, Libby Stevens, is a seventh grade homeschool student and a likely candidate for the CU Class of 2023. Sara was an active member of Covenant Baptist Church, the Spanishburg Ruritan Club, treasurer for the HEARTH homeschool group, and a member of the board of directors of the WV Christmas Tree Growers Association. Memorial contributions may be made to the Concord University Foundation, Elizabeth Brock Bailey Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1405, Athens, WV 24712. Dr. Michael Joseph Poletti ’85: September 1, 2013. Michael, age 50, was born to Elizabeth and Mario Poletti of War, W.Va. After being raised in War, Michael earned his bachelor’s degree from Concord, his MBA from Radford University, and his doctorate in Marketing from Mississippi State. Michael loved teaching and helping his students become successful. He taught business and marketing at several colleges and universities in his 25 year teaching career, the last at Fayetteville State University.
Beverly “Bev” James Maxwell ’04: June 29, 2013. Born in Princeton on March 25, 1948, he was the son of the late Will O. and Grace Bowling Maxwell. Bev was a graduate of Spanishburg High School, Concord and Bridgemont Technical College. He was a basketball referee, a director for various Run/Walk races in the area, was previously employed by 911, he had retired from the United States Postal Service and presently was working for the WV Dept. of Highways. He was a charter member of the Bluestone Valley Volunteer Fire Dept., was a Captain and Training Officer of the Athens Volunteer Fire Dept., was an EMT and was involved in community activities including the Spanishburg School PTO, the Bluestone Valley Fair and he was a member of the Shawnee Baptist Church in Kegley. Bev was a contract instructor at the National Fire Academy in Emmittsburg, Md., a First Aid and CPR instructor with the National Safety Council and Princeton Community Hospital; and, he had extensive training in Hazmat, Terrorism, Extrication and Basis Life Support. Additionally, he was an adjunct professor at New River Community and Technical College. He is survived by numerous friends and family.
Alumni Spotlight: Gayle Dunn and the W.Va. Commemorative Coin Gayle Dunn ’03 is the Senior Graphic Designer at The Bronze Look in Princeton, W.Va. As part of the celebrations of West Virginia’s 150th year of statehood, she designed a commemorative coin exclusively for The Bronze Look customers. In a news release from The Bronze Look announcing the availability of the coin, Dunn says, “I’m really excited to have had the chance to design a historic coin celebrating this state. I’m very proud to be a native mountaineer. How often do you get this kind of opportunity? We have the best customers, so I wanted to design the best coin possible to represent our wonderful state.” The coin is made of
one troy ounce of .999 pure silver and the design honors symbols unique to West Virginia. One side features the black bear (state animal) and rhododendron (state flower) with the state motto “Montani Semper Liberi” (Mountaineers Are Always Free) and the other side features a mythic female figure with 35 stars around the edge of the coin, which represents West Virginia being the 35th state to be added to the union. Only 1,863 coins were made, making them limited edition commodities.
Gayle Dunn ’03 and the coin she designed
Lindsay Crance, a student employee in the Office of Advancement, wrote this Alumni Spotlight.
Calling for Class Notes We want to hear from you! Send us your personal and professional accomplishments, news on marriages and family additions and updates on other noteworthy events in your life. Photographs are welcome as well. Please email your news items to advancement@concord.edu or mail them to Concord University, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712.
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A r e t h e MOUNTAIN LIONS in your will? Ye s
N o
I don’t have a will
I f y o u a n s w e r e d “YES”. . . If Concord is in your will or other estate plans, please get in touch with the Concord University Foundation, Inc. at 1-304-384-6056 or check out your options online at www.gftpln.org/Home.do?orgId=6307.
I f y o u a n s w e r e d “NO”. . . Think about putting Concord in your plans by making a valuable and meaningful gift that costs nothing today!
I f y o u a n s w e r e d “I DON’T HAVE A WILL”. . . Then it is time to start planning! Visit www.gftpln.org/Home.do?orgId=6307 for more information on how you can leave a legacy at Concord University.
Spring Fall 2013 • 76 30
CU Athletics
Concord Among Charter Members of
Mountain East Conference n Monday, July 1 the Mountain East Conference officially welcomed its 12 charter members of the newest NCAA Division II league. The new league’s charter members include: Concord University, Fairmont State University, Glenville State College, Notre Dame College (Ohio), Shepherd University, The University of Charleston, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (Va.), Urbana University (Ohio), West Liberty University, West Virginia State University, Wheeling Jesuit
University and West Virginia Wesleyan College. “We are very excited that our 12 members are moving forward as members of the MEC as of today,” said Commissioner Reid Amos. “This is one of several landmark days for the Mountain East as we officially become the newest active NCAA Division II conference this year. We have every confidence that our new conference will be highly competitive and will provide great opportunities and memorable experiences for our studentathletes.”
The new conference began competition in the fall of 2013 after receiving approval from the NCAA in February. Eleven schools are currently members of NCAA Division II with Virginia-Wise nearing completion of Candidacy Year 1 of the NCAA Division II membership process. The 12-team regional all-sports league will sponsor championship competition in 16 men’s and women’s sports during the 2013-14 academic year.
Concord Wins First MEC Championship
(945). The Mountain Lions and Rams were followed in the top-five by Charleston (947), Notre Dame College (949) and West Liberty (963). After shooting a 79 in round one and 76 in round two, Muscari found himself in a tie for seventh place before shooting a tournamentlow round of 70 to end the event at +9 (225) to force a playoff with Fairmont State’s Jess Ferrell. Muscari proceeded to beat Ferrell on the first hole to take home medalist honors. In addition to Muscari’s firstplace finish, Concord placed three
other golfers in the top-10. Patrik Leveau finished sixth at +15 (231) followed directly by Brady Noland in seventh place with a three-round score of +16 (232). Matt Morgan rounded out the quartet in ninth place after shooting a +17 (233). All four golfers kept their roundby-round scores under 80 for the duration of the tournament. Concord’s third-round team score of 301 was easily a tournament-best. The Mountain Lions’ fifth finisher was Phill Campbell, who shot a +83 (299) to come in 58th place.
GOLF
Concord University men’s golfer Evan Muscari earned medalist honors after winning a one-hole playoff and three other Mountain Lions finished in the top-10 en route to Concord claiming the first Mountain East Conference championship on Oct. 15 at the Longaberger Golf Club in Nashport, Ohio. CU earned the inaugural conference crown after a threeround total of 921 (PAR), 24 shots ahead of second place Shepherd
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CU Athletics
BASEBALL Mountain Lions Win Fifth WVIAC Championship The Concord University baseball team scored five runs early and withstood a West Virginia State comeback attempt to claim the school’s fifth West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship with an 11-4 victory on Saturday, May 4 at Epling Stadium in Beckley, W.Va. The Mountain Lions had previously won conference titles in 2011, 2001, 1961 and 1954. Head coach Andrew Wright has now won two conference championships in three seasons as Concord’s head coach. The victory also improves Concord’s record to 36-18 overall. The 36 wins are a Concord single-season record. Concord’s championship guaranteed them a spot in the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Freshman outfielder Andrew Seigel and senior pitcher Devin Smith went a combined 6-for-8 from the top of the Concord batting order with each player accounting for three hits. Seigel also scored three runs and drove in three more while Smith scored twice and had one RBI. Senior outfielder Jacob Mays and junior first baseman Joey Miller tallied two-RBI games each and sophomore third baseman Ryan Johnston went 2-for-5 with one RBI and one run scored. On the mound, Smith pitched 4.2 innings, allowing five hits and four runs while striking out two batters. Junior Chris Baker (8-1) came on in relief of Smith and threw 4.1 innings of shutout baseball for the Mountain Lions. The Mountain Lions wasted little time establishing a lead with five runs in the first two innings. Seigel was hit by a pitch to lead off the game and Smith drove a double to left field to give Concord runners on
The team celebrates their conference victory
second and third with no outs. Mays then brought Seigel in with a sacrifice fly that was preceded by an RBI-double from Miller and a run-scoring single from senior shortstop Josh Wenger. Concord made it a 5-0 game in the second inning off of a Seigel double and a Smith single that scored sophomore catcher T.J. Brockway and Seigel, respectively. West Virginia State managed to break up the shutout with an RBIdouble from Garrett Kiser in the fourth inning, but CU reclaimed its five-run advantage in the bottom of the frame when Johnston ripped a single down the left field line to score Smith, who walked earlier in the inning, to put CU up 6-1. With their season on the line the Yellow Jackets responded with a three-run fifth inning that knocked Smith out of the game for Baker and cut Concord’s lead to just two runs (6-4). However, there would be no miracle comeback for WVSU as the Mountain Lions quickly regrouped in the bottom of the fifth to load the bases leading to Seigel delivering a two-run single that gave Concord a
comfortable 8-4 lead. Concord continued to add insurance runs with one in the sixth and two more in the seventh. Meanwhile, Baker silenced the Yellow Jackets batters with four straight shutout innings to end the game and help claim the conference crown. Concord outhit West Virginia State 14-11 and had three extrabase hits off of doubles from Seigel, Smith and Miller.
Devin Smith
Fall 2013 • 78
CU Athletics
FOOTBALL CU Opens MEC Play with 36-3 Victory over WV State
Brian Novak
The Mountain Lions held West Virginia State to just 211 yards of total offense en route to a 36-3 win Sept. 14 at Callaghan Stadium in CU’s first Mountain East Conference football competition. The triumph kept Concord’s record perfect on the season at 2-0 overall and 1-0 in MEC play. The loss dropped West Virginia State’s record to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play. As a team, Concord held advantages over West Virginia State in virtually every statistical category including total yards (391-211), passing yards (317-138), rushing yards (74-73) and first downs (1512). The Mountain Lions’ defense intercepted three passes off of Yellow Jacket quarterback Tyler Seals including senior cornerback Riyahd Richardson’s 30-yard “pick six” in the third quarter. Senior linebacker Jake Lilly and senior safety Davon Marion also intercepted passes. Lilly recorded a game-best 13 tackles for the second time in as many weeks to go with his
79 • Fall 2013
interception. Sophomore defensive Henderson for the 86-yard score. A lineman Ervin Moore tallied two two point conversion attempt was sacks and a total of four tackles for unsuccessful, but the Maroon and loss on the day. Junior defensive Gray still took a 9-0 lead into the lineman Will Greathouse also second quarter. collected four tackles for loss as part The Mountain Lions pushed of his career-high 10-tackle game. their lead to 15-0 off of Brindo’s Other defensive contributors touchdown pass midway through included junior defensive lineman the second quarter. WVST finally Keith Ferguson (nine tackles), ended CU’s shutout attempt with sophomore linebacker Austin a field goal at the 1:33 mark in the Dotson (eight tackles), junior first half and headed into halftime linebacker Gary Saylor (seven trailing Concord by 12 points (15tackles) and junior defensive back 3). Shawn Billups Jr. (five tackles). The second half was all Concord Offensively, Concord was paced as the Mountain Lions opened by sophomore wide receiver the third quarter by forcing two Tiko Henderson, who hauled in consecutive three and outs by five receptions for a career-best the Yellow Jackets’ offense with 143 yards and one touchdown. Richardson earning his interception Henderson’s score was an 86-yard return for a touchdown on State’s reception in the first quarter from third drive of the period to boost sophomore quarterback Brian CU’s advantage to 22-3. Novak. Concord added two touchdowns Novak finished 21-for-30 for off of matching one-yard runs from one touchdown, 281 yards and redshirt freshman Sam Wright and four interceptions. Also throwing junior Ben Nester in the fourth a touchdown pass was redshirt quarter on its way to the 36-3 win. freshman tight end Dalton Brindo, Richardson’s interception was who caught a backwards pass from his 11th career INT, the fourth most Novak and found sophomore wide in Concord history. Also moving up receiver D.J. Holmes who went 36 the CU record books was Lilly, who, yards for the score in the second as of Sept. 14, stood third all-time in quarter. total tackles with 285. Marion came away with his first interception of the season on the Yellow Jackets’ opening series which set up a 12-play, 50-yard Concord drive that ended with a successful field goal by sophomore kicker Andy Ellington to make it a 3-0 game with 8:47 left in the first quarter. On the ensuing possession, West Virginia State managed to drive the ball down to the Concord 14-yard line before being forced to settle for a field goal attempt which was blocked by Dotson. The next series saw Novak find Jake Lilly
CU Athletics
ALUMNI Emily Gallagher ’12 Recognized By W.Va. Press Association Former Concord multi-sport student-athlete Emily Gallagher has certainly made a name for herself since she left the fields of Athens in 2012. Gallagher, now working for The Times West Virginian in Fairmont, was recognized by the West Virginia Press Association for her journalistic skills in the past year. She received second place in the Best Photography Essay for her photo work on the Veterans Day Celebration in Fairmont.
HALL OF FAME
2013 Hall of Fame Class Announced The Concord University Athletic Department announces that former standout student-athletes David Herscher, Mike Lazo, Lewis Muse and Samm Nester have been selected to be enshrined into the Concord Hall of Fame this year. All four were recognized prior to kickoff at CU’s homecoming game against Fairmont State while a formal induction ceremony for the group will be held in May. Herscher was a mainstay on the football team’s defensive line from 1979-82. He earned All-West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors as a junior and senior in 1981 and 1982. While at Concord, Herscher helped lead the Mountain Lions to a 31-9-2 record as well as back-to-back WVIAC
Gallagher also was awarded third place for Best Service to the Community for her reporting on Marion County fighting back on the drug epidemic. “I didn’t think in my first year in the journalism field I would get one award let alone two,” Gallagher said. “All my professors at Concord realized my potential and really pushed. I carried it over to my career.” During her four-year collegiate softball career, Gallagher appeared in 84 games for the Mountain Lions. She was also a member of the women’s soccer team from 2008-
2011. In the classroom, Gallagher helped spearhead the creation of Concord TV – a video series featuring Concord coaches, athletes and teams. Gallagher used the classroom setting as a springboard to her career. “The small classroom atmosphere and the hands-on approach at Concord really helped my writing, photography and video skills,” she said. “Since my professors had experience working in the journalism field, it helped me relate to them a lot better.”
championships in 1980 and 1981. Lazo is arguably the top quarterback to ever play at Concord. During his collegiate career (199598), He was a four-year starter who completed 496-of-1,029 passes for 7,830 yards and 55 touchdowns. Lazo still holds Concord career records in passing yards and yards per completion. Lazo also ranked sixth in WVIAC history in total yards (8,385), eighth in passing yards and 13th in touchdown passes. Muse starred for the Concord men’s basketball team from 200305 and was a two-time first team All-WVIAC choice. As a senior in 2004-05, he was named the WVIAC Player of the Year. Muse was a dynamic scorer, leading the nation in points per game as a junior and ranking third as a senior. In addition to his scoring prowess, Muse also averaged 6.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists
and 2.2 steals per game in his 53game Mountain Lion career. To this day, Muse’s career average of 28.2 ppg is the highest in CU history. Nester is one of the most decorated players in Mountain Lions women’s basketball history. In addition to being named to the WVIAC Freshman of the Year in 2004-05, Nester was a three-time all-conference choice, a WVIAC AllTournament selection in 2007-08 as well as the 2007-08 Neal Baisi award recipient, which recognized the top athlete from West Virginia at a WVIAC school. For her career, Nester scored 1,655 points (14.5 ppg), shot 46.0 percent from the field and averaged 6.1 rebounds per game while leading CU to a 70-45 record.
Athletics section compiled with assistance from CU Sports Information Director Tyler McIntosh and graduate assistant Wes McKinney ’13
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Department of Human Performance
Receives Attendance Award at State Conference oncord University’s Department of Human Performance had 24 students attend the state conference of the West Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (WVAHPERD) Oct. 3-5, 2013 at Glade Springs Resort in Daniels, W.Va. The two dozen CU
representatives earned Concord the high attendance award. This is the second time Concord has received the award in the last three years. Also representing the department were Dr. David Campbell, chair of the Department of Human Performance and associate professor of health education; Dr. Wesley Meeteer ’06, ’08, assistant professor of physical
education; Dr. Mike Miller ’03, ’05, assistant professor of health and physical education; and Dr. Jill Nolan, assistant professor of health education. Student Jenna Kuhn was elected to represent health and physical education students from West Virginia at the national AAHPERD convention in St. Louis, Mo., in April 2014.
Education Students, Faculty
Join Buddy Walk
oncord University education students and professors recently assisted with a project aimed at raising awareness of children with Down syndrome. The CU representatives helped with a Buddy Walk at New River Park in Beckley on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 5. In its first year, the walk was sponsored by Down with That, a local support group for parents who have children with
Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Society started the walks in 1995 as a form of advocacy. “They asked if we would be willing to host a couple activities,” Dr. Andrea Campbell, associate professor, early education, said. The Concord students responded with “all sorts of activities for the children” according to Campbell. “They also participated in the walk as well,” she said. The CU delegation offered
International Programs spotlighted on the web Check out the web page for Concord University’s International Programs. The site includes information on International Admissions, English as a Second Language, the International Center and more. Go to: http://www.concord.edu/international
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activities in the walk’s play area including sand tables and bubble blowing. The nearly 15 Concord students participating represented the University’s pre-school, special needs, elementary education and special education majors. Faculty assisting with the event along with Campbell are Dr. Bea Harris, associate professor, early childhood special education; and Dr. Kathryn Tucker, assistant professor of education.
(From page 26)
TAKE ROAR WITH YOU! We want to see you with Roar wherever you go! Cut out Roar, to the left, and take him on your fun adventures. Then, take a photo with our friendly mascot and send it to us so we can share with the rest of the CU alumni family!
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For additional information please contact the Office of Advancement at 1-304-384-6311