PHOENIX
RISING
CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY | FALL 2020 1
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Table of Contents Letter from the President
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Welcome from Advancement
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2020 Commencement 6 Convocation 8 Record Growth Despite the Odds
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Sweet Home Away from Home
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A Safe Haven 14 Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation 16 Phoenix Features 18 Why I Give 20 Giving Updates 22 The More you Know: Endowment vs. Annual Giving
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Semester in Review
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1842 Founding Members
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Cover photo: Dr. Winstead Paine Bone bust at the new Phoenix Circle on campus 3
Staying AGILE A lettter from our University President
Thank you for your continued support of Cumberland. This fall semester, much like our spring semester, has been a trying time for our CU community - both on campus and off. We continue to remain agile in the face of adversity and traverse an unfamiliar landscape. Our CU family has banded together as a cohesive unit while in the midst of a pandemic and divisive national political climate. Seeing the strength exhibited has been encouraging for me. Welcoming students back to campus brought a breath of fresh air to the university. Our faculty, staff, and students continue to adapt to ever changing circumstances. Overcoming these challenges is what we do best and we will continue to rise up like our beloved Phoenix. It is my privilege to share what has been happening on campus over the last few months with you. Please stay safe and healthy during these uncertain times. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Dr. Paul C. Stumb Cumberland University President
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Welcome from
Advancement A
s I transitioned into my new role as Vice President for Advancement at Cumberland in January, I, like everyone else, had no idea how 2020 would unfold. This year has been a difficult year for all. Nevertheless, it has been uplifting to see the spirit of our CU family come together and reveal itself during such uncertain times. As a community, we continue to care for one another and live “The Cumberland Way”. Although we have been tested from tornadoes to COVID-19, we continue to rise above challenges, and we face them together. Our theme for this academic year is “agility”. We have analyzed, adjusted, and adapted quickly to the evolving environment in which we are now living. Despite these hurdles, this fall, your university announced another year of record enrollment with over 2,700 students making this a 74% increase in students since 2015. We are nearing the completion of Ignite the Vision, a major gifts initiative, completed The Phoenix Circle, and created multiple scholarships to develop programs to benefit students and alumni for years to come.
As we continue to grow and transform, it is my privilege to lead CU’s Advancement and Alumni office. Staci Galentine Vice President for Advancement
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Commencement Commencement June 20, 2020
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e hosted our 178th Commencement Ceremony, celebrating the largest graduating class in school history in a graduate-only ceremony on Saturday, June 20. The 2019-2020 academic year began with the school’s largest total enrollment and concluded with a Commencement Ceremony honoring 615 graduates, the largest number in the university’s 178-year history. Only graduates were allowed to attend the ceremony due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and were socially distanced by being seated six feet apart on Memorial Hall Lawn. Family members, friends, classmates, faculty, and staff were able to cheer graduates on from home via live stream video. “This year has been challenging for many, especially the class of 2020,” said University President Dr. Paul Stumb. “Although this was not the Commencement Ceremony that we hoped to give our graduates, it does not take away from the tremendous accomplishment of earning a college degree. I am extremely proud to welcome all 615 graduates to the Cumberland Alumni family.”
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Convocation
(noun): to come together; group of people formally assembled for a special purpose
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Student Government Association President Allie Garcia offered words of inspiration and encouragement.
The ceremony, which typically includes all students, faculty, and staff, was limited to sixty guests in Baird Chapel. The ceremony was streamed live on YouTube for those unable to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions. CU Trustee Michael Moscardelli was the macebearer and led the procession of deans and senior university administrators dressed in regalia.
Additional awards included the President’s Award for Teaching Excellence presented to Assistant Professor of Nursing Julie Windmiller, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award presented to Herman D. “Boone” and Sally Swain. A Doctor of Literary Letters (honoris causa) was awarded to Michael Jon Spalding, M.D. Cumberland also publicly acknowledged and celebrated the law degree earned by Don Carlos Birdwell over sixty years ago.
e formally kicked off the 2020-2021 academic year with the school’s 179th Convocation Ceremony on Monday, Aug. 24.
The invocation was led by Diocese of Nashville Bishop J. Mark Spalding. President Paul Stumb, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bill McKee, Faculty Senate President Peg Fredi, and 8
The ceremony was rounded out by the recitation of the Cumberland Creed, the singing of the alma mater, and our annual Phoenix Firepit tradition.
Rising Phoenix Award
Jenny Gaffney is a 2006 Bachelor of Business Administration graduate with a minor in Computer Information Systems. She also earned her MBA from UConn in 2017. She now lives in Connecticut with her husband (Chris) and daughter (Grace) and is a Senior Project Manager for Walt Disney’s Directto-Consumer & International business segment. Jenny manages the ESPN Fantasy Games and is a leader for Disney’s Women in Technology initiative. Jenny dedicates her life to serving others through various volunteer organizations.
Award of Excellence: SHEA Aqeel Kadhom Hussein Al Bdairy received his Master’s of Education in Instructional Leadership in December 2016. He is a native of Iraq, where he resides with his wife and children. Aqeel is CU’s first Fulbright Scholar and was recognized by three different levels of Iraq’s government - the Iraqi Cultural Attache in Washington D.C., the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education’s Department of Education, and the Department of Education in his home city, Diwaniya.
Award of Exellence: Rudy Monicka Stevenson is a 2009 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate. She is now a family nurse practitioner. Monicka works with Creative Healthcare and Aseracare Hospice and offers care and comfort to her patients and their families during a fragile and challenging time of life. She shows kindness and acceptance of all through utilizing patientcentered care and expanding awareness of hospice services.
Award of Exellence: Labry Josh Sevier received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cumberland in 2012, Doctorate of Audiology from Pacific University, and recently a Masters of Laws (LLM) in Medical Laws and Ethics from the University of Edinburgh. He is the coordinator of the cochlear implant programs at Children’s Hospital of Omaha and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Josh serves on the legislative affairs committee and was Vice President of Advocacy for the Nebraska Speech-Language and Hearing Association.
Distinguished Alumni Award
In 2019, LaQuita Martin received the Enduring Advocate For Social Change Award by The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). She has been an active member of NCJW, Nashville Section, for over 20 years. Throughout her tenure, she has served as the section’s President and Vice President of Advocacy. She also serves as the Tennessee State Advocacy Chair with NCJW, National. LaQuita acts as a vital partner to organizations throughout the Nashville community and the state to promote NCJW’s mission and values.
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his fall, we announced our largest enrollment in the school’s 179-year history, with 2,704 students, an increase of 6% from Fall 2019. Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Cumberland was able to surpass previous enrollment numbers. This year’s total enrollment represents a 74% increase in total enrollment since 2015. Nationwide, many experts expected a decline in college enrollment this fall. Administration attributed agility in the planning process, small class sizes, and a reputation for a personalized student experience to its success in this area. “Our faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to reach this impressive milestone for Cumberland,” said University President Dr. Paul Stumb. “This has been a challenging year for us and many of our peer institutions in regards to enrollment, and I am thankful that Cumberland has found a way to overcome many of these challenges and is able to provide our students the college experience they expect and deserve.” Cumberland’s Campus Reopening Planning (CROP) Team met consistently throughout the spring and summer to plan for ways to reopen campus in August safely. Quick decision making, the flexibility of faculty, staff, and students, and the small size of campus contributed to the success of the reopening and the surge in enrollment. The fall semester will end at Thanksgiving Break, and classes will resume for the spring semester on January 25. A breakdown of the 2020 enrollment of 2,704 includes 2,397 undergraduate and 307 graduate students. CU students represent 70 Tennessee counties, 34 states and 42 countries.
Record Growth Despite the Odds
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Sweet Home away from HOME
Cumberland’s international students find repose just steps away from campus at the Peach Preserve.
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U’s West Spring Street neighbors, Cal and Danielle Sims purchased Danielle’s dream home, the peach house across the street from the baseball field, in March 2016. They have been welcoming Cumberland University students into their home since 2018.
part of the event, Cal shares about the country that is being highlighted each month.
In 2018, Cumberland alum and Pastor Darrin Reynolds of Immanuel Baptist Church mentioned to the Sims the need for international students to have family support and meals during the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, when many local students go home for break. International students do not have this luxury. Local churches, coaches, friends, faculty, and staff graciously open their homes, but some students remain on campus due to individual circumstances.
“It’s nice to have somewhere to go when you are so far away from home,” said Spanish student and Varsity golf team member Raquel Romero.
Pre-Covid, the Sims family, hosted more than 50 students each month for dinner. Each student was welcomed into their home and invited to place a red dot representing their home on the map covering a wall in their house. Ashley Kambeitz, a former CU student-athlete and President of the International Student Organization, helped the Sims family kick-off and organized the international students’ monthly get-togethers. Each month, students chose a country to spotlight and a meal that corresponds to that country’s cuisine. Previously, they have served Swedish, Kenyan, Argentinian, German, Spanish, and Brazilian food. As
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It’s comforting for students to know they have a family they can rely on when away from their own families and homes.
“They always open the door for us - when we’re sick, for birthdays, whatever we need, we text them. We go and study there. They’re like a family for us here. They spoil us,” said Gisela Amor Garcia, a Spanish Graduate Assistant. “Sometimes, kids will call us. Some have had car issues and other problems, and when you don’t know who to contact, that’s really tough. We love having them, and this is like family to us,” Danielle said. If you are interested in supporting students over the break, please contact Sr. Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations, Courtney Vick, at cvick@cumberland.edu.
Above: CU international students gathered for the Swedish celebration last spring at the Peach Preserve Right: Danielle and Cal Sims in front of their world map, marking each country that our international students call home
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Voice of the Phoenix Cumberland celebrates the retirement of a long time coach and his contributions to the CU Athletic Department
Coach Mitch Walters will retire after serving CU for 33 years minus one year at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss. He has served in a number of capacities during his tenure at CU, including coaching six different sports as well as serving as the athletic department’s eligibility coordinator and overseeing the athletic training department. Walters assumed a new title during the summer of 2009 – Assistant Athletic Director – focusing his efforts on student eligibility and retention as well as scheduling and monitoring class attendance for the more than 600 student-athletes in the Cumberland athletic department. Many around the CU family best know Walters as the voice of the Phoenix, a role in Pictured Left to Right: Coach Woody Hunt, Coach Mitch which he has served for the past 22 seasons. Walters, VP of Enrollment Services and Athletic Director The Tioga, Pa., native came to Lebanon in
Ron Pavan
the Fall of 1987, serving as the assistant women’s basketball coach and head softball coach for two years. He was also the head men’s soccer coach for four seasons starting in 1987. For six years beginning in 1990, Walters served as the head women’s basketball coach, compiling an overall record of 103-76. He was voted the Coach of the Year in NAIA District XXIV and the Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference in 1992. For the next five years starting in the fall of 1995, Walters was the head coach for men’s and women’s soccer. “I believe that Coach Mitch Walters has been the behind the scenes success of our great athletic department,” said Ron Pavan, Vice President of Enrollment Services and Athletic Director. “Mitch is well-loved by our student athletes and alumni. We are forever grateful for his contributions to this program.” 14
Ainhoa Garijo Garrido Class of 2020 and 2021 Masters of Buisness Administration
Ainhoa Garijo Garrido ranked sixth nationally and first in the East region in singles with a 5-0 record in the final ITA Collegiate Tennis NAIA Fall National Rankings. The Albacete, Spain, native won the ITA Southeast Regional over Tomomi Nagao from the University of the Cumberlands who is currently ranked second in the East Region. Garijo Garrido and Jessica Hernandez ranked eighth in the nation and second in the East Region with a 4-0 record on the season. They won the ITA Southeast Regional over the doubles team of Nagao and Fros from the University of the Cumberlands in September.
John Olivieri
Class of 2021 Sports Management and Marketing Minor John Olivieri is a senior wrestler from Murfreesboro, TN. He is currently ranked #6 in the NAIA for his weight class. “Being a wrestler at Cumberland has been one of the best experiences of my life,” said Olivieri. “It has been tough and has truly humbled me.” Olivieri is a father to four-year old, John. “Coach Hicks has been an amazing role model to me,” said Olivieri. “He was a college athlete when he had a child, and that has really helped us bond and connect. Coach Hicks has helped me mature and become the man I am today.” 15
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he Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation scholarship program awards annual scholarships and grants for the education of deserving female students with financial need at more than 200 accredited educational institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. A significant number of scholarships and grants support students interested in health education, specifically medical, nursing and allied health fields. Chartered in 1946, the Foundation was created by Conkey Pate Whitehead, Lettie Pate Whitehead’s youngest son, in memory of his mother. Mrs. Whitehead was a passionate supporter of education, and she gave generously to many educational institutions during her lifetime. Mrs. Whitehead, born in 1872 in Thaxton, Virginia, was a philanthropist, businesswoman, and the wife of Joseph Lettie Pate Whitehead. Source: Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation B. Whitehead, one of the original bottlers of Coca-Cola. At age 34, she became a widow and oversaw her late husband’s bottling business and real estate investments. She was appointed to the board of The Coca-Cola Company in 1934, becoming one of the first women in American history to serve on a major corporation’s board.
$81,000 Lillian Barnes Alyssa Buckland Aleigha Buhler Magen Bush Abbigale Carter Kayle Caudill Molly Christian Ashley Cole Kaitlin Corum
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Daphne Dekmar Amanda Edwards Alish Gallagher Courtney Galloway Shaira Guevara Stephanie Himes Toni Hullett Natalie Hunt Hollie Kepley
Typhanee King Taylor Kirby Denice Kirtland Jessica Kuende Danielle Manning Katherine Mullins Stephanie Olin Katie Overton Laura Parker
awarded to Jeanette C. Rudy Nursing and Health Professions students for 2019-2020
Vongphet Phommachack Laura Pruitte Glenda Rodriguez Kristy Rowe Kelsey Rumfelt Lauren Salazar Kathryn Sherman Chelsea Smith Makenzie Smith
Hannah Spring Julliane Stewart Thaia Tep Amanda VanZile Sarah Weaver Brittany Winston Keri Winters
Women Supporting
WOMEN
Left to Right: Makenzie Smith, Samantha Phommachack, Lillian Barnes, and Shaira Guevara
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Phoenix Features Our Phoenix Features spotlight the lives and accomplishments of our outstanding faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Abby Pitts
Director of Student Retention & TN Promise Support
What made you decide to go into retention and TN Promise services?
Coming from a financial aid background, I loved helping students realize that education is attainable through a financial perspective. Now I get to do that through coaching and relationship building with TN Promise students and retention services on a deeper level.
What is the main goal for your department?
My personal goal is to make sure we help and assist students in finding their best fit at Cumberland.
What do you love most about Cumberland?
I love that CU feels like a family and everyone here embraces the students, faculty and staff, as a family.
Sophomore Business Administration Student
Annie Cater
What got you interested in photography?
My dad started taking photos of my older brother while he played basketball and I became fascinated by it. So, he showed me the beginnings and it just kind of blossomed from there.*
What are your plans post-college?
I want to be a sports media manager for a D-1 school or for the NFL. That’s really where all the hype is. Being around all that energy from fans who are so passionate about the game and the excitement they get from seeing their favorite players on the field is invigorating.
What’s something that stands out about your experience at CU?
My professors are willing to sit down one-on-one with me anytime I have a question or don’t understand what’s being taught in class. They want to understand what I don’t understand and figure out a solution. They’re all so personable!
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*Look out for some of Annie’s photographs featured throughout this issue!
Evelyn Cason W
Class of 1968
hile a student, Ms. Evelyn (White) Cason had incredible professors and administrators including her psychology professor, Ruby Thornton, Lucy Scott Brown, and Dr. Stockton. Her professor, Frank Burns, helped her publish her work. Her favorite courses were psychology and literature. Eager to learn and better herself, she always sat in the front row during her classes. She was a model student and was just as much a leader then as she is today.
“My experiences at
CU only made me stronger and ready for the real world.
After Cumberland, Evelyn landed a job through her sister with the State of Tennessee in the revenue department. Although she is retired now, she hasn’t missed a beat and lives a very full life of being surrounded by her loving family and friends, volunteering and traveling.
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“
Why I
G IV E
CU alumni from all over the U.S. share why they give back to the community that gave them so much. Learn how you can give back to CU!
Meet the Alumni Board: New Member Edition
Jake Collier 2015
Karli Collins 2015, 2016
Kenny Sallis 2013
Kyle Musice 2013, 2015
Lauren Stevens 2013
To join the CU Alumni Association, contact Courtney Vick, Senior Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at cvick@cumberland.edu.
• Become a mentor in the new Mentoring
WAYS TO
GIVE
Program, a partnership between the Office of Advancement and Alumni and Career Services! Contact Courtney Vick at cvick@cumberland.edu.
• Join the Corporate Membership program as an exclusive opportunity to help support Cumberland University.
• Visit www.cumberland.edu/giving and click “Give Now”.
To learn more, visit www.cumberland.edu/alumni.
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1. “Two of the first people I met when I stepped
on campus Fall of 2003 were Coach Hunt and Dr. Stumb - and they were instrumental in my success at Cumberland and my overall growth as a human. My wife, Kailani (also a CU alum) and I hope that our donations can bring experiences like ours to others in the future.” -Mike Minkel ‘06 and ‘18 Aptos, CA & Lebanon, TN
2. “The wrestling and business programs have
given me the drive, knowledge, and foundation to start my own company, Palomar Landscape, in San Diego. I donated to CU in hopes of current and future students experiencing even a portion of the learning and growth I did during my time in Lebanon especially from Coach Hicks and Dr. Landis.” - Peter Donchev ‘17 San Diego, CA
3. “I give back to CU because of the strong
sense of community I felt as a student and continue to feel as an alum. I now have a greater understanding of how many people supported and helped me along the way as a studentathlete and person. I will forever be grateful for the people and friends I met from all over the world while I was in Lebanon. ” - Maddie Barbier ‘16 & ‘18 New Orleans, LA
4. “Being a recent graduate, I’ve seen how the
generosity of others giving to CU makes a direct impact on current students. I attended CU because of others’ kindness, and I know that this rings true for most of our current students. I give because I appreciate what others did for me.” -Tensaye Taye ‘20 & ‘21 Atlanta, GA & Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
5. “As a first-generation college student, I
understand how scholarships help make dreams become a reality. I was only able to attend Cumberland because I received scholarships funded by the generosity of others. CU gave me a home away from home, including my Kappa Sigma Fraternity family. It is our responsibility as alumni to provide others the same opportunities afforded to us.” -John Winnett ‘04 Washington D.C.
6. “In 1944, I traveled to Omaha Beach for combat, and in 1946, I made my way to Lebanon to begin my education at Cumberland. On July 3, 1949, I came home with many wonderful memories. Although it has never been much, I give when I can because Cumberland deserves all I can contribute.” -Jack Hamlin ‘49 Springfield, MO
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Giving UPDATES An update on the 2020-2021 fiscal year’s Major Gifts Initiative campaign and a breakdown on different giving opportunities.
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Your gift to CU is an investment in current students and the future of our university. To learn more, visit www.cumberland.edu/giving.
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Gordon Petty’s 100 Birthday Celebration CU Alum, Dr. Gordon Petty, turned 100 in September! He had a large crowd wish him well during his drive-through birthday celebration.
Civil Rights Movement Freedom Rider Visits CU
CU Nursing Tackles COVID Training CU nursing students participated in the TN Alternate Care Site (ACS) - Nashville Function Exercise with the Tennessee Department of Health and others. The exercise focused on operations for medical surge support in the event of a large increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Freedom Rider and Civil Rights activist Dr. Ernest “Rip” Patton Jr. visited campus and spoke during “It’s Time to Rise Together,” a diversity series featuring notable guest lecturers and panel discussions.
Dr. Carole Bucy Speaks on Women’s Rights In August, Davidson County Historian and lecturer Dr. Carole Bucy presented, “100 Years & Counting: Why Tennessee’s Ratification of the 19th Amendment Still Matters” for the first Library Lecture Series of the year.
I AM Human Parade Sanctuary for All hosted the “I Am” parade where students, faculty, staff and community members marched from the football field to the Learning Commons. SFA’s mission is to create, empower, & advocate to better our community. SFA advocates for a fair and just community for ALL.
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Trustee’s Honorary Doctorate Cumberland Trustee and Founder of Equal Chance for Education, Dr. Michael Spalding, received an honorary doctorate from Cumberland.
SEMESTER in R E VI E W A look back on all the happenings at CU this fall semester
Classroom to Career: Conversation with Law Enforcement
Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award Coach Woody Hunt received The Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. This honor is awarded to coaches who have led their team in excellence, cultivated talented athletes, and are shining examples of mentorship and character within the sports industry.
Cumberland University hosted members of local law enforcement for an open discussion on careers in the law enforcement industry. Pictured: Deputy Chiefs Kay Lokey and Damian Huggins
It’s Time to Rise Together CU kicked off the diversity series, “It’s Time to Rise Together” through the events “Celebrating Black Voices”, “Celebrating Native & Indigenous Voices”, and “Celebrating Hispanic Voices”. 25
Jeremy Johns Roy Jones Christina Jones Larry Justis Blake King Anthony Leonard Ronald Lester Eddie Lovin LaQuita Martin Taylor McElroy Shelley Gardner Dana Clegg Shannon Mull Gerry George Brandi Coates Phillip Murphy Sharon George Zachary Cole Kyle Musice Jeremy Goodman Jake Collier Teri Nunley Jacqueline Cowden Jason Goolesby Patrick O’Conner Charles Gregory Bruno Cunha Karlie Odum Shelia Gregory Stephanie Davis Libby O’Guin Debbie Gryszko Jacob Dunn Alicia Pare Mary Brooke Haley Gavin Duvall John Parker Stephen Eubanks Deborah Hampton Samantha Heithcock Charles Parrish John Fanning David Proctor Eryca Henry Autumn Finley Mark Riggins Sheridan Henson Emily Fischer Sarah Rogers Harry Flemmings Bryce Holmes Kenneth Sallis Ronald “Woody” Alicia Fondeur Brett Schultz Hunt Julia Friddell Gena Shearon Jennifer Jenkins John Gallagher Troy Simpson Luca Joens Kristi Galligan
FOUNDING MEMBERS
A.C. Agee Jodway Amanda Arseneau Haley Austin Anthony Barnabi Courtney Batt Rick Bell Jenny Bennett Keshia Binion Mitchel Bone W.P. Bone Melinda Bone Justin Bradford Kara Brannon Patrick Bratcher Joshua Cameron Gloria Caples Sherri Cassetty Mark Cheathem
Lynn Smith James Snider Harold Stanford Lauren Stevens Naaman Stillwell Paul C. Stumb Alice Sullivan Tensaye Taye Terry Thompson Seth Thurman Juan Torres Howard Tubb Courtney Vick Jamey Vick Donna Vick Kelsey Wezel Pamela Wiggins Marvin Wilcox Amber Wilson John Winnett Sally Wise Katelyn Wolfe Mark Wolfe
To learn more or to join the 1842 Society, visit cumberland.edu/alumni.
Great things are happening at CU right now, especially for alumni! The Alumni Board has been hard at work this past year. Our mission is to engage alumni and to continue to advance CU for current and future students. Whether you join The 1842 Society or become a mentor, you continue to help make a difference in students’ lives for years to come. Please feel free to share your thoughts, ideas, and comments with us. We love keeping up with our alumni! Best regards, AC Agee Jodway ‘13 President of Alumni Association & Board of Directors
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1 Cumberland Square Lebanon, TN 37087
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