Inside Erskine 2025 - Digital Version-LowRes

GLENIS REDMOND CLASS OF 1985

POET AND LITERARY CITIZEN

Poet Glenis Redmond ’85 is a 2025 recipient of the Order of the Palmetto and is featured on p.14.

Photo by Will Crooks

Inside Erskine

Fall 2025

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Joyce Guyette

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Contributors

Ben Auten

St. Claire Burns Donaghy ’97

Noah Jordan ’22

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Will Crooks

Diversion Books

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Steve Ritland

Dr. Kyle Sims ’93, ’10 (Sem.)

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Erskine's newly designated arboretum honors Professor Emerita of Biology Dr. Janice Hamilton Haldeman

As Men's Tennis reboots, former coach Vardon Cox recalls what made it rewarding.

SPEAKER TELLS CLASS OF 2025 THEY ARE

'STEPPING INTO A CALLING'

More than 150 college and seminary graduates were recognized at a ceremony under the towers of the Erskine Building May 10, with U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs serving as Erskine’s commencement speaker. “You are stepping into a world that desperately needs light, integrity, and hope,” Biggs told the students. “You are not just graduating into a career. You are stepping into a calling.”

The first woman to represent South Carolina’s Third District in the House of Representatives, Biggs holds a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries from Carolina Bible College and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Samford University.

She is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. She worked as an intensive care unit nurse and a nursing home administrator and was a medical crew director for five combat missions and three combat support missions in Afghanistan.

Biggs said she wanted to share her story with the graduates, not because she considers it extraordinary, but because it is “a testimony to

what God can do and to what he can do with a willing heart.”

A native of rural Mississippi, Biggs was not born into privilege. “I worked two or three jobs at a time for most of my life,” she said. “I’ve always maintained a deep sense of duty and desire to serve, which drew me into nursing.”

Her path into the Air National Guard began when she was a nurse serving as an administrator in a facility for veterans. “Graduates, listen, because sometimes, God just whispers to you,” she said. “A lot of times we wait for a big clap of thunder or something just to fall in our lap, and I can tell you, it doesn’t happen like that.”

While hosting a program for veterans at the facility, Biggs mentioned to the guest speaker her sense of regret that she had never considered military service. The speaker told her that the age cap for medical service personnel was higher than for other enlistees.

“From that moment on, I’m not sure if I was running from something or running to it,” Biggs said, “but after careful consideration and prayer, God whispered to me and made it very clear to push through that door.”

Making her way “through that door” required a lot of effort, but she was determined. At the age of 40, Biggs found herself on a running course, seeking to meet the military’s physical requirements. She could hear the other candidates, most of them half her age, running behind her. “All that did was make me go faster,” she said. “I would rather have died on that course than to let any one of them pass me.”

Based on her experience, Biggs issued a challenge to the graduates. “Be someone known for your drive, your grit, and your work ethic, and it will take you very far,” she said.

The speaker encouraged the Class of 2025 to “go forward boldly” with the assurance that they can trust God with the future. “Take the lessons you’ve learned here—in faith, in scholarship, and in community—and build something beautiful,” she said. “Build strong families, strong communities, and help build an even stronger nation.”

Finally, Biggs said, “Let your life preach the Gospel louder than your words ever could. And wherever God takes you, remember that He goes before you.”

U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs

2025 Graduates

Seminary Graduates

Jack and Ryan Vogenitz

AWARD RECOGNITION SPOTLIGHTS FIVE-WAY

TIE

FOR HIGHEST GPA

College awards were announced by the provost, Dr. Edward Clavell . The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award was given to Jonathan David Claxton of Albemarle, N.C. a summa cum laude graduate who completed a major in Accounting with minors in Business Administration and Political Science; the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award was given to summa cum laude graduate Hailey Faith James of Beaufort, S.C., who completed a double major in Chemistry and Psychology; and the H.M. Young Ring, the highest honor for a member of the senior class, was given to Gabriel Paul Collier of Holly Hill, S.C., a summa cum laude graduate who completed a major in Bible and Religion as well as a major in English, with Departmental Honors in both majors, and a minor in Philosophy.

Five members of the Erskine College Class of 2025 tied for highest academic average: Sullivan Award winner Jonathan David Claxton of Albemarle, N.C.; H.M. Young Ring recipient Gabriel Paul Collier of Holly Hill, S.C.; Kayley Marie Preston of Williamston, S.C., who majored in Psychology with Departmental Honors; Jack Thomas Vogenitz of Anderson, S.C., who majored in ChemistryBiochemistry with Departmental Honors and a minor in Biology; and Ryan Bates Vogenitz of Anderson, S.C., who majored in Accounting and History, with Departmental Honors in History.

Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson welcomed guests and introduced the commencement speaker.

Dean of the College D. Shane Bradley presented the candidates for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Dean of the Seminary Dr. Seth J. Nelson presented the candidates for seminary degrees and offered the invocation and benediction. Dr. Edward Clavell and Board of Trustees Chairman C. Alan Runyan conferred the degrees.

Serving as faculty marshals were Dr. George Schwab, crucifer, and Dr. Kokou Abalo, mace bearer.

The graduates were inducted into the Erskine Alumni Association by its president, Dr. Sanita Cousar ’77

Graduating students wore a “Stole of Gratitude” to be presented to a family member or another person who had offered them support and encouragement during their college years.

Music for the event was provided by the Erskine College Choraleers, directed by Dr. Keith Timms and accompanied by Prof. Sharalyn Hicks, and Erskine College Sinfonia, conducted by Dr. Cassandra Fulmer. Stephanie Casanova, a graduating music major, led the singing of the alma mater.

Jonathan David Claxton

Hailey Faith James

Gabriel Paul Collier

eside ’s Gala

Famed historian speaks at President's Gala, delivers Stukes Lecture

Erskine welcomed more than 100 alumni and friends to the Bowie Arts Center Feb. 28 for the 2025 President’s Gala.

Historian Patrick K. O’Donnell, featured speaker, also delivered this year’s Stukes Lecture Feb. 27. In both talks, he focused on two Revolutionary War regiments, the Marylanders and the Marblehead Mariners of Massachusetts, or Marbleheaders, “whose agency changed the course of history.”

The prolific author told Gala attendees, “All of the books I have written have found me in one way or another,” recalling as an example his visit to GreenWood Cemetery in New York, site of the Battle of Brooklyn in August 1776.

A rusty sign at the cemetery, “Here lie 256 Marylanders, American heroes,” inspired O’Donnell’s interest in a regiment whose attacks allowed the beleaguered Americans to retreat and regroup, saving Washington’s army from destruction early in the Revolutionary War. Researching the Marylanders led to Washington’s Immortals, one of his many books.

In the wake of the Battle of Brooklyn, the Marblehead Mariners, the second regiment O’Donnell spoke about, transported some 10,000 retreating American soldiers and their horses across the East River—in the middle of a Northeaster. O’Donnell called the Marbleheaders’ feat “the American Dunkirk.”

During Washington’s surprise attack on Hessian mercenaries at the Battle of Trenton in December 1776, only one third of his army—the group led by the Marblehead Mariners—was able to cross the Delaware River to make the attack. The Marbleheaders seized a bridge, closing the sole path of retreat for the Hessians and resulting in their surrender.

O’Donnell also cited the pre-Revolutionary War activities of some of the men who became the Marblehead Mariners, a regiment comprising black, Native American, and white men. For example, a group of Marblehead fishermen resisted an attempt at press-ganging, common British practice at the time. One of them harpooned the British lieutenant who had boarded their vessel and tried to force them into military service.

“Freedom and liberty, the principles that we see today, [were] forged in Marblehead, and these are groundbreaking principles,” O’Donnell said.

“History’s my passion,” he said. “Preserving history is my goal.”

The President’s Gala was the fifth such event that Erskine has hosted in recent years. The Joseph T. Stukes Lecture series brings a distinguished lecturer in history to Erskine each year through a fund established by students and colleagues of Stukes, a professor of history and vice president for academic affairs at Erskine College who died in 2016.

ARBORETUM OPENING SPARKS EXCITEMENT AT FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

Plying an outsize pair of scissors, Professor Emerita of Biology Dr. Janice Haldeman cut through a bright green ribbon to mark the opening of the Janice Hamilton Haldeman Arboretum at Erskine during the Third Annual Flower & Garden Show May 17.

Martin Hamilton, executive director of the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University, spoke at the dedication ceremony, calling the arboretum “a crucial space for learning and for inspiring the next generation” and “a living library.”

During a visit to Due West last year, Hamilton had suggested that the Erskine campus might qualify for designation as an arboretum. According to ArbNet, an arboretum accreditation and networking program, a traditional arboretum has as its primary purpose “to be a tree-focused public botanic garden,” but there are also nontraditional arboreta in municipal parks or on school campuses.

“We looked into it and found that we easily qualified for Level 1 accreditation as an arboretum,” says Senior Gifts Officer Beth Boyd. Haldeman, an avid botanist who joined the Erskine College faculty in 1967, was asked to assist with the application process.

Boyd believes Haldeman is a fitting namesake for the arboretum. “Jan has been a driving force behind the stewardship of the natural resources of our campus,” she says.

One of the earliest biology labs Haldeman conducted as a young professor included a campus tree tour. “I knew then,” she says, “that what we needed was a ‘Campus Tree Walk,’ including tree labels and brochure with a map.”

Years later, having obtained a $1,000 grant for the tree project from Abbeville Savings & Loan (now Abbeville First Bank), she enlisted the aid of students, including Jordi Fernandez ’04 and Claire Mueller ’16. Jordi worked on selecting the trees, attaching the labels, developing the map, and creating a list of “Tree Tidbits” for the brochure. Claire worked on organizing the second edition of the brochure.

“There was also enough money for me to add 12 new tree species to campus, all of which are still alive and thriving,” Haldeman notes, and the project has continued over the past decade. “We’ve moved to online, adding QR codes with tree information for tree signs and a website with a tree walk map and more!” she says with characteristic enthusiasm.

The campus tree walk project provided a foundation for some of the work needed to secure arboretum status for the campus, but the application process was challenging.

“It was a learning experience for sure!” Haldeman admits. “I was made aware of how many aspects there are to maintaining a diverse collection of trees and other woody plants in the form of an arboretum.”

For example, arboretum specimens must be cataloged and listed in a particular order. Erskine’s specimens had been listed in accordance with the campus tree walk and had to be renumbered. Common, scientific species, and family names of specimens must be included, and campus locations must be listed with GPS coordinates. “Finally, the catalog records all history of specimens, including special care, loss, removal, and replacement of specimens as well as all specimen additions to the collection,” Haldeman explains.

The efforts of all who worked on the application requirements were rewarded when Erskine was granted arboretum status.

“The benefits of becoming an arboretum include opportunities to steward our natural resources,” Boyd says. “Our status as an arboretum provides publicity for the college as a place for research and scholarship for scientists and students and elevates our profile in the broader community.”

At the dedication, Haldeman said she is “very, very honored” to have the arboretum named for her. She recalled driving into Due West with her husband and children when her husband Richard Haldeman joined the Erskine staff in 1961 as public relations director. “Our family has received blessing after blessing from God,” she said, pointing upward, “through the Erskine family.”

REV. DR. JOHN KIMMONS

My wife and I are blessed to make our Erskine contribution with a monthly draft from our bank account. This allows me to express thanks for the strong education and encouraging relationships that helped me become a good elementary teacher, high school counselor, coach, and pastor. Erskine is people—students, staff, and alumni who encourage mental, physical, and spiritual growth. Giving monthly by subscription helps me with my giving goals, saves me time, and helps Erskine plan its budget.

“It's more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). I thank God as I give to Erskine. TRY IT—YOU'LL LOVE IT!

- Rev. Dr. John Kimmons ’67

MEN'S BASKETBALL EARNS FIRST CONFERENCE CAROLINAS TOURNAMENT WIN IN 13 YEARS

Erskine Men’s Basketball made tremendous strides in 2024-25, the second year since the return of Head Coach Mark Peeler. The team improved its win total both overall and in Conference Carolinas play by five wins and earned postseason play for the first time in seven years.

The season began with several disheartening defeats. After a narrow home loss to UNC Pembroke January 4, the Fleet sat at just 3-10 overall and 1-6 in conference play. Then, in a sudden turnaround, the Fleet rattled off three consecutive victories on their home floor, two of them in league play, and ended the month of January with home wins over Belmont Abbey and Johnson & Wales. On February 6, a pair of free throws from sophomore Christian Monroe in the final seconds gave the Fleet a 76-75 win over Shorter, and two days later, Erskine won at North Greenville to seal their spot in the Conference Carolinas Tournament.

The Fleet, which entered the tournament as the No. 11 seed, took on eighth-seeded Lees-McRae. Erskine led for most of the night and used a balanced offensive performance with five players reaching double figures in scoring to knock off the Bobcats and give the Flying Fleet their first Conference Carolinas Tournament game victory since the 2012-13 season.

Although Erskine was unable to hold off a late rally by tournament host King University in the second round on the following night, 2024-25 proved to be a big stepping stone for Coach Peeler and his team. The Fleet also won a Conference Carolinas Developmental title for the second straight season.

WOMEN'S GOLF EARNS PROGRAM'S FIRST CONFERENCE CAROLINAS TITLE

When Head Women’s Golf Coach Madison Freeman took the reins at the end of 2024, Erskine’s roster comprised eight studentathletes, six of whom were freshmen. Despite its inexperience, the Fleet had a remarkable 2025 spring season.

After competing in four events in the regular season, Erskine turned its attention to the 2025 Conference Carolinas Women’s Golf Championship, held at Cutter Creek Golf Club in Snow Hill, North Carolina.

The Fleet had a challenging opening round and sat tied for fourth place and seven shots behind the

leader, Mount Olive. However, Erskine’s golfers took charge in Round 2, shaving 13 strokes off their score and catapulting themselves into the lead with a five-stroke cushion on the rest of the field. In the final round, the Fleet held off the competition and maintained its five-shot lead, earning the program’s first Conference Carolinas title.

The Fleet was led by a pair of All-Tournament team honorees, both freshmen: Anni Krawinkel, Erskine’s top golfer, and Maddie McNeece, whose excellent second round fueled the Fleet’s victory and helped her finish tied for third individually.

Five members of the Fleet were named to the AllConference Carolinas team, including Krawinkel, who also earned Golfer of the Year and Freshman of the Year. Madison Freeman was named Coach of the Year.

In May, Erskine earned its first-ever appearance in the NCAA South Regional, capping a historic season for Women’s Golf.

WOMEN'S TENNIS REACHES NCAA TOURNAMENT FOR THIRD TIME IN FIVE YEARS

Head Coach Calhoun Parr and his Erskine Women’s Tennis team turned in another successful season in 2025, reaching the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional for the second consecutive year, the third time in the past five seasons.

Despite losing three of its top four singles players from the previous year—including Emma Bentz, one of the most decorated Erskine Women’s Tennis players in recent history, who graduated in 2024— the Flying Fleet continued its dominance in 2025.

Erskine had one of the most challenging nonconference schedules in the Southeast Region, but this proved beneficial as the Fleet moved into conference play, where Erskine posted an 8-1 record and earned the No. 2 seed in the Conference Carolinas Women’s Tennis Championship.

The Fleet took care of fourth-seeded Barton in the semifinals but was unable to get by topseeded Lees-McRae in the title match, meaning Erskine had to wait over a week to determine its postseason fate. However, due to Erskine’s strength of schedule, particularly in nonconference play, the Fleet received an at-large bid into the 2025 NCAA Division II Southeast Regional as the No. 8 seed.

Though Erskine was defeated by top-seeded Catawba in the opening round, the 2025 season saw continued success for the Erskine Women’s Tennis program, with three juniors named to All-Conference Carolinas Teams: Ariana Jativa, Teodora Stefanovic, and Hanna Vasconez

MEN'S VOLLEYBALL NAMED NCAA STATISTICAL CHAMPION FOR DIGS PER SET

The Erskine Men’s Volleyball team, led by Jason Sall ’23, grappled with an up-and-down season in 2025, following key senior departures from the prior season’s team. Erskine posted a 9-16 record and was the fifth seed in the 2025 Conference Carolinas Men’s Volleyball Championship, where the Fleet lost in the opening round to fourthseeded North Greenville.

Erskine hung its hat on the defensive side of the net throughout the season, leading the entire NCAA with 10.74 digs per set. Overall, Erskine totaled 913 digs in just 85 sets, which earned the Fleet the yearly statistical crown over the 154 other NCAA institutions that have men’s volleyball as an active sport.

Individually, the Flying Fleet was led by junior libero Mikey Widmyer (1.95 digs per set) and junior setter Gino Briglio (1.90 digs per set), who ranked seventh and eighth, respectively, in the category in the conference.

BURROUGHS SHINES FOR SOFTBALL IN 2025

Junior third baseman Gabby Burroughs had a remarkable 2025 season at the plate for Erskine Softball, earning All-Conference Carolinas 1st Team honors as well as National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Southeast Region 2nd Team honors.

Burroughs, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, led the Fleet in average (.480), hits (61), runs (31), home runs (13), RBI (38), on-base percentage (.535), and slugging percentage (.835). In Conference Carolinas play, Burroughs was even better, posting a remarkable .500 average and a 1.421 OPS, both of which ranked second in the conference in league play.

On February 26, in a home doubleheader sweep over Georgia College, Burroughs had a remarkable day at the plate. In Game 1, she recorded a pair of home runs, including a grand slam as the Fleet rallied back from a five-run deficit. The Bobcats, electing not to pitch to Burroughs in Game 2, walked her in two of her three plate appearances. The decision to intentionally walk Burroughs in the fifth became a catalyst for the Fleet's eight-run inning, which helped Erskine overcome a six-run deficit in the nightcap.

Burroughs was the Fleet's first NFCA All-Region selection since Hannah Houge in 2021, and the first Erskine batter to be named to 1st Team AllConference Carolinas since Shi Cain in 2019.

ERSKINE'S LONGEST SERVING COACH RAN A PROGRAM 'I'D WANT MY OWN SON TO PLAY IN'

Vardon Cox ’64 retired from his role as Men’s Tennis coach at Erskine in 2014 after a career that included 500 wins and even more friendships and memories. Now that plans are being carried out to restart Men’s Tennis—a program Vardon loved and led for 45 years—he speaks about how he got into tennis and what kept him coaching through the years.

“When I came to Erskine in 1960, I had never played tennis,” Cox says. “I grew up playing baseball, football, and basketball—I threw a lot of baseball. But I had played ‘bat tennis,’ which is sort of like pickleball. My grandmother had a hard clay tennis court and she bought a tennis net. That helped me.”

During his freshman year, he played tennis with Erskine friends who possessed tennis rackets, including classmate Mason Garrett ’64. Years of throwing baseballs had strengthened some of the muscles he needed for tennis, and he did well enough to earn a spot on the team that year under Grant Johnson ’61, who was then a student at Erskine Theological Seminary. Johnson was a good coach, Cox recalls. “I played my freshman through junior years,” he says, but got sick during his senior year and did not play.

Cox began serving as the director of Watkins Student Center in 1968 and traces his career as Men’s Tennis coach at Erskine back to 1969. He also served as director of summer programs and played other roles on the Erskine staff; assisted famed Erskine coaches Harry Stille and Red Myers for several years; and coached baseball and tennis in the community. “My players understood that I didn’t ‘just’ coach tennis,” he says.

“My biggest challenge was to be competitive with little scholarship money,” Cox remembers. Other college tennis programs in the area had “much better funding.” Lander’s budget, for example, was “four times as much as ours,” he says.

“One thing about tennis is that you don’t want to just have a program—you want to be competitive,” he says. “But you can win and not be respected.” He emphasized both winning and garnering respect as he worked to recruit students for Erskine.

The longtime coach says simply, “I tried to recruit players who were good guys.” He looked for students who were “good citizens, service oriented” and found them. “Only one player of mine in 45 years did not graduate,” he points out, and notes that the tennis team had a high GPA. In his final year as coach, he says, two players went on to medical school, as many of his previous players had done during his long tenure.

Cox encouraged each player to “be a gentleman, work hard.” For international students attending college far from home, he sometimes served as a father figure. He stressed leadership and respectful behavior, both on and off the court.

He sums up his coaching efforts in one sentence. “I conducted a program that I’d want my own son to play in,” he says, adding, “And he did,” referring to Brandon Cox ’03.

Asked about his staying power at Erskine, Cox reveals that he has kept in touch with many of his former players. He can remember the names of physicians and surgeons, coaches, ministers, and men in other occupations who played for him. His extensive recall of their names, professions, families, and what they’re doing now speaks volumes about the friendships that helped make Vardon Cox's coaching career so long and successful.

“The relationships were very rewarding,” he says.

ERSKINE STARS SHINE AT SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CEREMONY

Legendary soccer coach Ralph Lundy, who began his coaching career at Erskine College in 1976, and the late Don Whitehead ’67, a Fleet basketball standout who was drafted by the Chicago Bulls, were inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame (SCAHOF) May 19, 2025.

This year’s SCAHOF inductees were selected from among more than 200 nominees, says former Vice President for Athletics Ralph Patterson, a member of the SCAHOF Board of Directors.

“Erskine alumni and friends should be very proud,” Patterson says. “The fact that Erskine has two of the 10 inductees is a phenomenal achievement for Flying Fleet Athletics.”

Leading the Flying Fleet to seven district titles and three NAIA National Tournaments and racking up 10 winning seasons during his 11 years at Erskine, Lundy also broke new ground.

“In 1984 Erskine Athletics Director Bill Lesesne and Men’s Soccer Coach Ralph Lundy introduced women’s soccer to South Carolina when Erskine fielded the state’s first women’s soccer team," recalls Richard Haldeman, who served from 1961 to 1995 as the school's public relations director. "In three years, Erskine had become a national powerhouse, hosting and finishing second in the NAIA National Tournament in 1987.”

Lundy, who later coached at the College of Charleston, was inducted into the Flying Fleet Hall of Fame, and Erskine gives an annual soccer award in his honor. He retired in 2019 after 44 seasons and “ranks in the top 25 in all-time wins amongst Division 1 coaches,” according to the SCAHOF’s Feb. 3 release, which says of the famed coach, “Lundy has dedicated his life to the game of soccer for the State of South Carolina.” Erskine’s new soccer facility, Ralph Lundy Field, is now under construction.

Whitehead, who was inducted into the Flying Fleet Hall of Fame in 1986, scored 1,359 points during his 87-game career at Erskine. He averaged 19.3 points per game as a junior and 22.3 points per game as a senior, earning AllNAIA District 6 honors after his junior and senior seasons.

“During the 1965 season, Whitehead scored 36 of Erskine's 57 points in a 59-57 overtime loss to South Carolina,” according to the SCAHOF release. “Following the contest, USC Hall of Fame coach Frank McGuire said someone should draft him.” Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1967, Whitehead was later traded to the Houston Rockets and played professionally for three teams in the Eastern Basketball League—Asbury Park, Trenton, and Springfield—from 1967 to 1969.

Patterson phoned Lundy and Whitehead with the news that they would be inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. Whitehead was “incredibly thrilled,” he says, and “Coach Lundy was emotional, too.”

Whitehead, who had been ill, passed away in March, just two months before the banquet. His friend and Erskine roommate, William P. “Bill” Simpson ’66, spoke at the event. Patterson reports that both Simpson and Lundy “shattered the ‘four-minute limit’ in their speeches.”

The SCAHOF banquet “was a special night for Erskine College and an extra-special one for Brenda Whitehead and family, Bill Simpson, and Ralph and Elizabeth Lundy ’84 and family,” Patterson says.

Previous Erskine SCAHOF inductees include Gene Alexander (1975), Red Myers (1992), and Dode Phillips (1960).

Ralph Lundy

Ralph Lundy

Ralph Lundy

Bill Simpson

Don Whitehead Don Whitehead

THOUGHTS OF A LITERARY CITIZEN: ALUMNA GLENIS REDMOND

Glenis Redmond ’85, a 2025 recipient of the Order of the Palmetto and the 2022 Governor’s Award for the Arts, is the first poet laureate of Greenville, South Carolina. Her seven books of poetry include Over Yonder; The Song of Everything; The Listening Skin; and Praise Songs for Dave the Potter (artwork by Jonathan Green).

In your life as a poet, can you trace the significance of place and belonging in your work and vision?

I was born in South Carolina, and my siblings were born in other places that I deemed more exciting: Tacoma, Austin, Niagara Falls, and Evreux, France. For a long time, I felt envious and also like I belonged nowhere. As an Air Force brat, my early years were marked by constant movement.

As a poet, I came to understand that I was divinely born in the very soil I now cherish. My roots run deep in South Carolina. Over time, I’ve learned that I belong everywhere—but especially here. My time at Erskine helped me claim that understanding. Even then, I was forging my own path as both a dancer and a poet. I remember during one convocation—I went to practically every convocation because I was that much of a geek and I was hungry for the arts—a storyteller came, I believe it was Grandaddy Junebug. He held the whole audience in the palm of his hand with children's stories. I did not know it then, but I think this moment was a blueprint for me as poet/storyteller that I could tell stories for a living.

Dr. Bruce Carlock created a play where I could shine. I played a Valley Girl. It was like totally like awesome. I was in my groove. I love the stage. Dr. Carlock helped center me and my unique voice which ran counter to the traditional plays offered.

I have returned to Erskine College several times—as a graduation speaker, as a convocation speaker, and to teach a class through the English Department. I was excited to include Erskine College as one of the sites to receive a Little Free Library with a grant I received from the Metropolitan Arts Council. Thank you to the Euphies for their help to keep it stocked with books.

I come back to Erskine because it is important to return to your educational home. I was a firstgeneration college student, so the path to college was riddled with obstacles. Yet, I found professors and friends at Erskine College who were interested in helping me expand my horizon and claim my identity. I gravitated toward those people who saw my struggles, challenges and gifts and helped me on my path.

What might you tell Erskine students today about calling, career shifts, and keeping your balance?

I majored in psychology and began my professional life as a counselor before fully embracing poetry. My professors at Erskine— especially Dr. John Showalter and Dr. Thomas Gorry—

helped shape me into someone who values community and service. I still recall Dr. Showalter asking our class what we wanted to be. Students answered: “doctor,” “lawyer,” “CEO.” He responded, “A liberal education is not just vocational—it’s meant to expand your horizons.” That stayed with me.

Dr. Engler, one of my Bible professors, had a unique way of signaling importance. He would slam his fist on the desk three times and say, “This is for the test.” But when he struck the desk once, he’d say, “This is for life.” Poetry has become that single fist-pound for me—it’s for life.

To current students, I say: pay attention to your inner compass. Let your heart guide your ambition. That’s how I’ve made it through thirty years as a teaching artist and literary citizen.

Which professors were strong influences on you during your time at Erskine?

Dr. Showalter and Dr. Gorry had the most profound academic influence on me. Their mentorship nurtured my sensitivity to emotional and psychological landscapes, which remains central to my work as a poet and literary citizen.

In the Bible department, Dr. Farley and Dr. Engler helped shape my spiritual and ethical framework. Dr. Farley’s World Religions course deepened my empathy and expanded my sense of the divine—a perspective I carry forward as a woman of faith. Dr. Engler’s fist-pound remains a metaphor I carry: one strike for life. Poetry, for me, is that enduring truth.

Who are some poets or fiction writers who have inspired you?

The first spark came when I was in fifth grade at Aviano Air Base [in Italy]. Jackie Earley’s poem “1,968 Winters” was recited during a Black History Month program. That poem lit a fire in me—it was the first time I saw myself in literature. It gave me voice and agency.

When I returned to South Carolina, I was the kid who actually loved Keats, Wordsworth, and Blake. Their romanticism spoke to my spirit. But I came fully alive in my thirties when I encountered the poet Lucille Clifton. Watching her on Bill Moyers’ Language of Life special, I felt something shift. Clifton helped me connect to my African American lineage and recover lost threads. Poet and translator Coleman Barks reading the 13th-century poet Rumi during that show stirred something deep in me.

I’ve also been drawn to Mary Oliver’s nature poems and [23rd United States Poet Laureate] Joy Harjo’s grounding Native voice. These poets have offered me containers for both joy and sorrow. Poetry has saved my life again and again.

You are the mother of twin girls, now young women, and are a grandmother. How have motherhood, becoming a grandmother, and love of family colored your work as a poet?

Motherhood opened my heart in ways I never imagined possible. My daughters, Amber and Celeste Sherer, are remarkable women and they are people I love to be around. They’ve been my greatest teachers. They’ve witnessed the highs and lows of having a mother who is a working artist. However, I believe they inherited the best of both their parents.

Grandmotherhood has stretched my heart even more. My grandson Julian and I have visited all 47 South Carolina State Parks—journeys that gave birth to The Song of Everything and Over Yonder. Now, I look forward to exploring the North Carolina State Parks with my granddaughters, Paisley and Quinn. A children’s book, Every Wonder Belongs to You, dedicated to all my grandkids, is forthcoming.

by Will Crooks

Photography

LOVE, LAW SCHOOL, AND LOOKING FORWARD

“It's always hard to know whether you're doing what the Lord has for you, until doors that are completely not in your control just start all opening at once—or closing,” says Vincent Dodge ’20

It was not long after Vincent and his wife Rachel Bates Dodge ’21 closed the door on their college experience at Erskine that God’s providence opened another door for them, resulting in their admission to Vanderbilt University School of Law, where they completed their final semester this spring.

How well did their undergraduate preparation position them for law school? The Dodges’ recollections are threaded with humor, beginning with their commitment to Erskine and how they met.

“I remember very vividly visiting Erskine before I decided to commit there,” says Rachel. “I was there with my mom and one of the talks that they gave was that Erskine is a great dating service—‘you’re going to find the one!’” She and her mother “just looked at each other,” Rachel remembers, and their reaction was, “Really? This is their pitch?”

Vincent attended the same presentation, and he says his response to the idea that he might find his future wife at Erskine was “Amen!”

Fast forward several months to freshman orientation, where the pair met in the same orientation group on the first day of school. “Which was great,” Rachel says. Only a few weeks later, she says, Vincent “told me he was going to marry me, and I said ‘no.’” But now, she observes, her husband “gets to say that he was right for the rest of our lives.”

As Vincent and Rachel got to know each other, they began ‘to know and be known’ at Erskine. “We played probably 10 games of chess in Watkins per night while we were dating,” Rachel recalls. “It was such a wonderful community—just the right size to get to build meaningful relationships if you sought them out, and that extends to professors as well.”

Vincent agrees. “A cord of two or three is not easily broken,” he says, making reference to Ecclesiastes 4:12. “When you have a bunch of people who are taking their faith seriously, whenever one falters, it’s relatively easy for the rest to [ask], ‘would Christ be pleased with the way that you're acting?’” Some might see such a question in a negative light, but Vincent says, “If you’re looking for that kind of accountability, you can find it at Erskine.”

As an undergraduate, Rachel majored in history with a minor in business administration. A Supplemental Instruction leader, she was named to Garnet Circle, received the history department’s Clio Award and was a member of the honor societies Alpha Chi and Phi Alpha Theta.

Vincent, who played Fleet baseball, majored in history with a minor in philosophy. He participated in student government, was a Supplemental Instruction leader, graduated summa cum laude, and tied for the highest GPA in the Class of 2020.

Both Rachel and Vincent praise their professors, emphasizing the role of the history department—at that time Drs. Abu Sarah, Brivio, Grier, and Harris—in shaping their time at Erskine and paving their path to law school. The history faculty “moved mountains” to assist her in graduating early, Rachel says, and Vincent says of his philosophy classes with Dr. David Reiter, “Learning formal logic was one of the formative experiences of my life.”

The habits they established as Supplemental Instruction leaders, who must acquire a thorough knowledge of course material to assist fellow students, equipped them for being “cold called”—randomly chosen by the professor to answer a question—on their first day of law school. Rachel notes that working at Erskine’s Write Here Center was also helpful in her study of law, where “a comma can be the difference between, you know, life and death.”

In addition to close calls with commas, Vincent believes there can be close calls in the courtroom. He explains that “the idea of the law is that … you’re supposed to be able to see both sides,” adding, “A lot of times it’s not just one plus one equals two.” Responding jokingly to her husband’s assertion, Rachel says, “But your honor, it could be five,” and Vincent laughs, “Well, it’s the judge’s job to see through all of that.”

On a more serious note, Rachel says, “To be clear, we’re not saying that law school taught us to be dishonest,” and Vincent agrees. “But both sides have an argument,” he says, noting that the legal system “is predicated on the idea that both sides will—within the law—make the best argument possible.”

The Dodges’ performance in law school, both in and out of the classroom, makes it likely they will be making “the best argument possible” in each case they take on as attorneys.

Husband and wife participated in several organizations during law school. Vincent served as a board member for the Federalist Society, an articles editor for the Vanderbilt Law Review, and an intern at the Tennessee Attorney General’s office. Rachel served as philanthropy coordinator for the Women’s Law Student Association and notes editor on the Vanderbilt Law Review, where she published her student note (legal research) and received the Candidates Award. Both received Scholastic Excellence Awards for the highest grades in multiple classes and Rachel received this year’s Founder’s Medal, given to the student graduating first in the class.

In addition to their academic achievements and involvement in existing organizations, Vincent and Rachel made an impact on the culture of the school. As co-founding members of a chapter of Law Students for Life, they helped to create space for pro-life dialogue. “The benefit of a school like Vanderbilt Law—much like Erskine—is that it’s small enough that you get to know your classmates as people first,” Rachel says. “This opened a lot of doors and led to a lot of fruitful conversations about even sensitive topics.”

The hard work of law school is behind them, but Rachel and Vincent are unlikely to slow down over the next few years. Vincent is set to clerk for Justice Sarah Campbell on the Tennessee Supreme Court; then for Judge Andrew Brasher on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals; and then for Judge Anna Manasco in the Northern District of Alabama. Rachel plans to clerk for Judge Whitney Hermandorfer on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In 2027, she will begin clerking for Chief Judge William Pryor on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Dodges’ bond with each other began at Erskine, while their dedication to the law was developed at Vanderbilt. It seems clear that their lives will be sustained by faith as they make their way through the doors that open for them.

Lydia and I give monthly because we want to support Erskine’s success. Erskine poured into us as students and continues to invest in us as alumni. We’re blessed to be able to give back in return.

- Harrison Timms ’17 and Lydia Clarke Timms ’18

around the world ERSKINE

Krysta Schaus ’16

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Head Golf Coach, Simon Fraser University

“My time at Erskine College shaped me into a wellrounded, confident leader, giving me the courage to dream big and pursue my goals with passion and determination.”

Mika Goyette ’15

Montreal, Canada

Co-founder of Sunday Agency, marketing

“My experience at Erskine has shaped me into a dynamic and adaptable professional.”

José Lam ’22 ETS

Panama City, Panama

Pastor, Primera Iglesia Bautista de Balboa, Ancón Christian school director

“Erskine has greatly helped me deepen my knowledge of the Word of God, not only intellectually but also by fostering a greater passion for practical Christian living.”

Meghan Wycoff Hunt ’97

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Fourth grade teacher, Christian Academy of Guatemala “Erskine provided a nurturing environment to learn and grow both academically and spiritually.”

Marilyn Allison Simmons ’76

Pucallpa, Peru

Missionary with South America Mission

“Having Christian fellowship while I attended Erskine allowed me to grow spiritually.”

Ashton Thompson ’11

Madrid, Spain

Academic Officer

“Erskine was the stepping stone and nurturing environment I needed to bridge the gap from home to abroad, opening the doors to a vast and exciting world, ready to explore.”

Suzanne Brawley Allers ’88

Kandern, Germany

World Witness Missionary

“I care for refugees and immigrants escaping war and persecutions in their home countries. My Erskine experience taught me the value of knowing people as individuals who are created in the image of God and worthy of love and support.”

Semming Austin ’91

Oslo, Norway

Senior Strategic Advisor in the Director General’s International Relations staff of the Norwegian Tax Administration

“My year at Erskine provided me with skills that have been relevant and useful in my career in international relations.”

Matthias Benoit ’23

Maule, France

Master’s student in clinical psychology and psychotherapies, Université Paris 8

“Erskine has allowed me to be consistent in my work and has shaped my understanding of what religion brings to people, which will be a great tool for my practice.”

Benjamin Musuhukye ’05, ’06 ETS

Kigali, Rwanda

Country Director, Reach the Children of Rwanda International (RCRI)

“My Erskine experience gave me a strong foundation for what I am doing today. My professors’ selflessness and willingness to totally depend on the Lord gave me momentum to serve the Lord through RCRI.”

Zeeshan Sadiq ’19 ETS

Sahiwal, Pakistan

Spiritual Services Director & SEED Ministry Facilitator, World Witness

“Erskine Seminary has significantly changed my life: helping me discover the beauty and glory of the Reformed faith, equipping me for teaching and preaching, and infusing me with the vision of preparing future godly leaders for the church in Pakistan.”

Melissa Porterfield Rains ’99

Nairobi, Kenya

African Missionary Trainer, IMB

“My husband and I train national partners to serve effectively in cross-cultural missions. The community of Erskine allowed me to grow in my faith, leading to service in Kenya.”

Rachel Ernest ’13

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Middle school social studies teacher

“I didn’t think I would ever use my history degree from Erskine, but now I’m teaching ancient and world history overseas!”

Lewis Jones ’90

Sydney, Australia

Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students

“My role is to direct and develop our ministry among university staff and graduate students. Erskine taught me that all knowledge, both of God and the world, is related and to be thought of together.”

ERSKINE ENCOUNTERS IN RWANDA: ‘THE ODDS

DON’T SEEM TO MATTER MUCH’

When a news update about the first Global Diploma in Theological and Christian Leadership graduation in Rwanda was emailed to Erskine alumni and friends, it reached Casey Hughes ’14, who has been teaching at an international school in Rwanda for seven years with her husband Eric Spolstra. Casey’s reaction was something like “What in the world? There are Erskine people here in Rwanda?”

She contacted Director of Global Theological Education Martha Margaret Cotten ’97, ’20 (Sem.) using the email address listed in the story.

“I wrote her back and we had them over for dinner,” Martha Margaret recalls. “We reminisced about all things Erskine—climbing the towers, Drs. Haldeman and Edwards, and sweet friendships we each made during our four years in Due West.”

This unlikely meet-up, across the world from Due West, is an example of Erskine’s “Expanding Reach,” one of the four “pillars” of the strategic plan introduced by Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson

Another Erskine alumni encounter in Rwanda occurred just a few weeks after the Cottens’ dinner with Casey and Eric. Martha Margaret and her husband, World Witness missionary and adjunct professor for the Global Diploma Program Rev. Sam Cotten ’95 hosted Director of Seminary Admissions and Church Relations Dr. Kyle Sims ’93, ’10 (Sem.), his wife Kelly Counts Sims ’95, and Board of Trustees Secretary Margaret Kiser ’02, ’05 (Sem.).

Kyle Sims taught Old Testament and did some preaching during that visit to Rwanda. “Margaret and my wife Kelly led teacher training at the Nyabihu Christian School on how to incorporate faith in learning and also led a three-day seminar on Christian Education for local churches,” he reports. “These will be ongoing projects that they will continue to lead and expand.”

He notes that the Nyabihu school was founded by Reach the Children of Rwanda International (RCRI), which was founded by Benjamin Musuhukye ’05, a graduate of Erskine Seminary.

“Working together in Rwanda with other Erskine graduates is like working with family,” Kyle says. “One of the great things about being an Erskine alum is that no matter if I am preaching in South Carolina or visiting Rwanda, there is an instant connection you make when you meet another Erskine alum.”

The progression of life has a way of teaching and maturing us and making us grateful. My years at Erskine Theological Seminary (1982-85) were a time of deepening understanding of God's call on my life. I was ordained in June 1985, and the adventure of Christian ministry began. Forty years have now passed, and retirement soon beckons. What I learned back then still influences who I am today. And I am grateful.

It seems a bit tardy to say “Thank you” in 2025. Fortunately, there are other ways to show gratitude. A couple of years ago, my wife and I started sending annual gifts to Erskine College and Seminary. In addition, we felt led by God to bequeath a portion of our estate to Erskine.

I would encourage all Erskine graduates, seminary and college alike, to become donors to Erskine. Jesus told His disciples, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matt. 10:8, NIV) or “Give as freely as you have received!” (NLT). May it be so!

Rev. Jay T. Weigel

Class of 1985

Erskine Theological Seminary

www.erskine.edu/giving/

Sam and Martha Margaret introduced Kyle, Kelly and Margaret to Casey and Eric. That made six Erskine alumni plus an Erskine spouse “coming together over a shared vision for missions, education, and the global church!” Martha Margaret says.

The unexpected “Erskine reunions” in Rwanda have been meaningful for all the participants. “This fun, ‘against the odds’ encounter filled me with awe. The chances of meeting other Erskine graduates in Rwanda have to be tiny,” Martha Margaret admits. “But then again, when God is at work and people are following his calling, the odds don’t seem to matter much at all.”

The Global Diploma in Theological and Christian Leadership was created through a partnership between Erskine Theological Seminary and World Witness, a missions agency of the ARP Church.

We are thankful for our generous alumni and friends like Rev. Weigel whose gifts help us equip students for ministry, missions, and the marketplace. Will you join us?

GORE HAS BEEN ‘THERE THROUGH EVERY STEP’ FOR THE SEMINARY AND ITS STUDENTS

Professor of Systematic Theology and Dean of the Seminary Emeritus Dr. R.J. Gore, who is retiring at the end of 2025, has used his talents well, making his mark as a teacher and administrator for nearly three decades at Erskine Theological Seminary (ETS).

Equipped by God with “courage, theological acumen, and administrative savvy” for his administrative role, he led ETS to embrace “a renewed commitment to the Bible as God’s inerrant and infallible Word,” says Dean of the Seminary Dr. Seth Nelson.

As for Gore’s work as a teacher, he “demonstrated a gracious approach to Reformed theology that drew in students from many theological backgrounds, introducing them to the beauty of the doctrines of grace,” Nelson says.

The Rev. Dr. Brian Howard, pastor of Adams Farm Community Church (ARP) in Jamestown, North Carolina, has benefited from Gore’s gifts as a teacher as well as his influence as a seminary administrator.

“I’m grateful for my time at ETS under Dr. Gore,” says Howard, who graduated from Erskine College in 2000 and completed two master’s degrees at the seminary—Christian Education in 2004 and Divinity in 2005—as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2014. “His leadership gave us a perfect balance of academic rigor and pastoral tenderness.”

Looking back on his long career, Gore cites the significance of being named vice president and dean in 1998, two years after joining the faculty. It was in that role that he worked to expand the number of master’s programs offered,

adding “four new master’s degrees…in pastoral ministry, theological studies, counseling, and church music.”

As vice president and dean, Gore also led the faculty to approve “a trial year’s worth of online classes,” he recalls, adding, “In 1999, I hired Steve Lowe, an expert in distance education, to start what we initially called EDEN— Erskine Distance Education Network.”

The effects of the EDEN initiative were still evident two decades later. The distance education program at the seminary grew so well, Gore observes, that “by the time COVID hit, we were able to transition immediately to entirely digital online classes.”

In 2001, he led the seminary through its reaffirmation of accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), completing an essential administrative task.

As he continued his leadership and classroom teaching at ETS, Gore was working on Covenantal Worship: Reconsidering the Puritan Regulative Principle. The book was released in 2002. He considers it his most important publication “because it changed the discussion about worship in all evangelical Presbyterianism.”

In 2004, Gore was deployed as an Army chaplain in Iraq. “I began developing a close relationship with the Army to create a 10-year partnership for Doctor of Ministry education for Army chaplains,” he says. The degree program attracted military chaplains who, in addition to their online studies, came to the Erskine campus for some of their classes.

During his deployment, Gore “learned something about leadership under the worst circumstances,” he says. His service overseas prepared him “for further promotions as an Army officer”—he became a colonel—“and for teaching the Doctor of Ministry class in leadership.”

It was also in Iraq that Gore “learned something about caring for people who are hurting or grieving.” That experience, he says, helped to shape “The Problem of Pain,” a seminary course he taught for 20 years.

Classroom teaching has been a mainstay of Gore’s career, and his former students—from one who claimed a seat in the first class he taught at Erskine to several who graduated this year—testify to the impact he has made on their lives.

“In February 1996, I had the blessing to sit in on the first class that a young chaplain taught at Erskine Theological Seminary,” says the Rev. Charles A. “Drew” Collins, Jr., who notes that Gore was a captain back then. Collins received the Master of Divinity degree in 2000 and is presently a student in the Doctor of Ministry program.

Now serving as rector of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Savannah, Georgia, Collins characterizes that long-ago classroom encounter with Gore as “the beginning not only of a student-teacher relationship, but a friendship that has continued to this day.”

At a celebratory program in Bowie Chapel early on Commencement Day 2025, several graduating seminary students spoke about their time with the retiring professor.

Citing Proverbs 4:7, Terrell L. Jones, a Doctor of Ministry graduate from Due West, told Gore, “Thank you for helping us get understanding.”

“When I took a course with Dr. Gore, I would want to take another one,”

said Reid Thayer, a Master of Divinity graduate from Lake Placid, Florida. “At the end of the day, his pastoral heart always rose to the top.”

Morgan Roberts, from Lynden, Washington, is grateful for Gore’s guidance in helping her settle on a focus of study as she changed her mind along the way and eventually completed a Master of Arts in Practical Ministry. She had begged Gore not to retire until she graduated and joked that maybe that was why he stuck it out. “He truly seeks to love his students well,” she said. “Thank you for being there through every step.”

Acknowledging the longtime professor’s contributions to ETS over nearly 30 years, Nelson says, “I honor Dr. Gore in the Lord. The seminary owes a debt of gratitude to him.”

Gore is working on several writing projects and says he will “continue to serve the church as needed.” He is looking forward to spending more time with his family.

Dr. Ralph Jackson “R.J.” Gore, Jr. was named Dean of the Seminary Emeritus in 2021. He is a retired U.S. Army Chaplain (Colonel) whose 29 years of active and reserve service included work as a Group Chaplain, 172d Corps Support Group in Balad, Iraq, from December 2003 to December 2004.

In addition to Covenantal Worship (2002), Gore is the author of Introduction to Systematic Theology (2013) and Getting Started: An Introduction to Systematic Theology for Students and Laymen (2023). He is the editor of Celebration (2018), a compilation of sermons by seminary faculty members commemorating the 180th anniversary of ETS.

Gore and his wife Joan, a retired Christian school teacher and administrator, live in Due West. They have three adult children—Matt Gore ’05 and ’07, ’10 (Sem.), Colin Gore ’09, and Alison Gore— and one grandson.

SEMINARY GRADUATE RECEIVES ORDER OF THE PALMETTO

The Rev. David Dority, a 1988 graduate of Erskine Theological Seminary, has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor given in South Carolina. He was recognized during a ceremony June 22 at South Main Street Baptist Church in Greenwood, S.C.

Members of the Greenwood area legislative delegation, including state Rep. John McCravy, former state Rep. Gene Pinson, and state Sen. Billy Garrett, presented Dority with the Order of the Palmetto Certificate.

St. Claire Burns Donaghy ’97 wrote about the event for the Greenwood Index-Journal, observing that Dority was “visibly moved” and “said God blessed him with a ‘wonderful wife’ who has been an encourager.”

Donaghy noted that as the crowd began gathering in the sanctuary of South Main Street Baptist Church, Dority said, “I’m not used to hoopla.”

Community leaders, including Randy Culbertson with Lions Club International, spoke with enthusiasm about Dority’s service. Culbertson characterized Dority as “ ‘a follower of Christ’ in every aspect of life,” according to Donaghy.

Dority has been a church deacon and Bible study teacher, served with his wife Claudia at the Immanuel Lutheran Church soup kitchen, volunteered with adult literacy programs, and delivered meals with his wife for Helping Hands and Hearts, a ministry at South Main Street Baptist Church.

Donaghy reported Dority's grateful response to the award. “I'm thankful God has given me an opportunity to serve him and to reach out and serve others,” he said.

(Top and bottom right photos courtesy of the Greenwood Index-Journal)

READ ALL ABOUT IT: RITLAND BROTHERS SEARCH FOR LOST SPECIES

For twin brothers Kyle and Trevor Ritland, 2015 graduates of Erskine College, curiosity was nurtured in the red clay and creeks of South Carolina. A few years later, curiosity led them to the cloud forests of Costa Rica, chasing a lost species and writing the story of that pursuit. Their new book, The Golden Toad, is part ecological mystery, part personal reflection.

Blending field notes, local lore, and philosophical musings, authors Trevor and Kyle tell how they retraced the steps of biologists who went before them in the attempt to recover the golden toad’s ecological footprint and solve the mystery of its sudden disappearance. Their quest took the Ritland brothers to a far-off land, where they were aided by maps and clues and a local guide.

As sons of Dr. David Ritland, who taught biology at Erskine for nearly 30 years beginning in 1991, a relationship with the natural world was “bred into us from a very early age,” Kyle says. It all began in Due West, South Carolina, “a small town that exists within nature” and the twins’ childhood stomping grounds.

“Being able to walk across town in 10 minutes, climb trees, and encounter nature on foot in such a small and hands-on way definitely made a difference,” Kyle says.

Trevor agrees. “It’s so important to have those things as a kid—a river you can get to, woods you can run around in—because it builds a relationship with nature.”

It was their strong connection with the natural world that eventually sent them on their quest, but before they went to Costa Rica, they went to Erskine College.

They developed writing proficiency in Dr. Christine Schott’s workshopstyle creative writing classes; they gained inspiration from T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land and other works in Dr. Amanda Sigler’s poetry class; and they

learned about multimedia storytelling by studying filmmaking under Dr. Steve Sniteman, with help from local filmmaker Chris White. The brothers also took several of their father’s biology classes, including “Mechanisms of Disease” and “Entomology.” On a slide in one of his presentations, they got a glimpse of the golden toad, later the object of their quest.

The Ritland brothers’ experience at the small college gave them an advantage. “What was great about Erskine when we were there is that it was really like choosing your own adventure,” Trevor says. “And if what you wanted wasn’t there, you could invent it.”

Invent they did. When the campus rock wall closed, they founded a climbing club. For Winter Term during their senior year, they created their own course. “We called it ‘Adventure Term,’” Trevor recalls. “We talked some friends into joining us for a little documentary about looking for crocodiles in the Everglades.” With the full support of the English faculty, they earned academic credit for the trip. Eventually, they started a nonprofit of the same name.

“We went on one or two other trips,” Trevor says. “A couple of years later, we said, ‘We should be doing this.’ The idea was to take college students and recent graduates into the field to create multimedia stories— photography, videography, articles, social media—whatever the medium.”

Now, there may be a second Everglades trip in the works: a reunion of the original crew to see how the crocodiles have been getting along.

After college, the twins went their separate ways, Kyle to pursue graduate work in the U.S. and Trevor to a teaching assistantship for a study abroad conservation ecology program in Costa Rica, in a little town called Monteverde. The town sits just below a ridgeline on the Continental Divide in the Cordillera de Tilarán—the only place in the world where golden toads have been known to live.

As the mystery of the golden toad tugged at Trevor and eventually captured Kyle, the brothers found themselves drawn back into the field. This time, it would be more complicated than hunting crocodiles with camcorders. Those who want to know the outcome of their search for the golden toad will enjoy reading the Ritlands’ book.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT | IN MYRTLE BEACH AND BEYOND, GRADUATE HAS MADE HIS MARK

Colonel Thomas C. “Buddy” Styers, USAF, Retired

Colonel Thomas C. “Buddy” Styers ’64 is an accomplished alumnus whose work and volunteer efforts, mostly in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, have made a major impact on his community and garnered significant recognition for him.

Styers served in the United States Air Force for 26 years. His wife Penny played an important role in his successful career. “I doubt you can find another Air Force wife who contributed more to the accomplishment of her husband’s military responsibilities,” he says. “This was demonstrated prominently during our last five years where I served as senior Base Commander at two major Air Force bases.”

He has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with three

oak leaf clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

While on active duty, Styers completed a master’s degree in public administration at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. In 1995, three years after retiring from the military, he was named Executive Director of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority, leading a project to transform a closed Air Force Base.

The redeveloped space opened in 2008 under the name “The Market Common,” a mixed entertainment, residential, retail, and office space which became a major source of employment and tax revenue. The Market Common was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2019 as “one of the most successful Air Force base redevelopment projects in America,” according to WBTW News 13.

Styers and his wife Penny, who celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this year, still reside in Myrtle Beach. He has served as president of the Myrtle Beach Rotary Club; a member of the Erskine College Alumni Association Board of Directors; a member of the Presbyterian College Board of Visitors; vice chairman of the Partners Economic Development Corporation; and a member of the South Carolina Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper) Customer Advisory Council.

The Colonel Buddy Styers Legacy Endowment for Workforce Development was established in his honor by the Horry-Georgetown Technical College and the HGTC Foundation, and the Colonel Thomas “Buddy” Styers Athletic Complex at Grand Park was named for him.

Looking back on his military and civilian careers as well as his volunteer endeavors, he calls his wife “the linchpin that held everything together.”

Styers was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in a ceremony March 25, 2024 led by Gov. Henry McMaster. “It was a wonderful event,” Styers says. “It came as a surprise to me.”

NEWS

CAREER SERVICES REBOOT FOCUSES ON CONNECTIONS

Cruise to Alaska with Erskine.

Join us for a seven-night cruise to Alaska May 24-31, 2026, featuring three evening lectures on Christianity and culture with Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson!

Experience incredible sights such as Dawes Glacier and Stephens Passage and enjoy a night of special dining, a $100 shore excursion credit, onboard gratuities, a beverage package, and more!

Learn more at www.erskine.edu/alaska/

THANKFUL

FOR THE BELL ENRICHMENT FUND!

The late Charles and Edna Bell, members of the Chester ARP church, were not Erskine alumni, but chose to invest in the lives of Erskine students, faculty, and staff members with a generous gift which provides nearly $400,000 annually for special projects. The Bell Enrichment Fund supported the following endeavors last year:

- Biology/Chemistry Summer Student/Faculty Research Program

- Development of Erskine History Museum/Archives

- Due West Family Medicine counseling services for students

- Erskine Family Night meals

- Fine arts programs

- Erskine Seminary pastor/leader/missionary seminars and conferences

- Academic Support Center

- Fleet Fellowship

- Annual Worldview Survey

- Campus Master Plan and Economic Impact Study

Erskine is excited to introduce its revamped Career Services Office, housed in the Advancement and Alumni Office.

Led by Alumni Development Officer Andy Anderson ’93, the Career Services Office will assist students and recent graduates with internship and job search strategies, resumé review and writing advice, Linkedin profile tips, interview coaching, and networking opportunities. Students and alumni will also gain access to Handshake, a widely used job board and professional networking site. Experienced alumni will have the opportunity to connect with students and post jobs on Handshake.

Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations Paul Bell ’84 has already received positive feedback about the new venture.

“The opportunities that have opened for our students at this early stage have exceeded our expectations,” he says. “The enthusiasm comes not only from alumni but also from employers in South Carolina and beyond. With such support and the guidance of Andy Anderson and the interdepartmental team of faculty comprising the Career Services team, this is going to be of enormous benefit for Erskine graduates.”

Anderson, who has worked in both the public and private sectors, gained valuable experience at the University of South Carolina, where he worked in the Career Center as an Employer Relationship Manager—helping locate employers willing to provide internship and job opportunities for students—and as an Undergraduate Career Coach in the prestigious Darla Moore School of Business.

Anderson says he is excited to help “equip students for lives of service and leadership,” doing his part to come alongside students and realize Erskine’s vision.

“It is a blessing for me to help provide avenues through which students can express their God-given talents and abilities to His glory professionally,” Anderson says, adding, “My sincere hope is that Erskine's students will ask

a unique question—not only ‘What should I do?’ but also ‘Who should I be?’ in the workplace.”

As the Career Services Office kicks into high gear this fall, Anderson says he would like to hear from alumni interested in sharing internship or job opportunities or in returning to campus for speaking engagements, class visits, career coaching, or networking.

“I'd love to have alumni assisting the next generation in finding their passions and exercising the educational muscles they developed at Erskine!” he says.

Bell shares Anderson’s passion for connecting students and alumni.

“So much of the Erskine experience is about relationships,” he says. “We know that our alumni are eager to assist students and recent graduates by making job connections, providing internship opportunities, and sharing lessons learned from their personal career journeys.”

For more information about the Career Services Office, visit alumni.erskine.edu/ career-services/ or email Andy Anderson: anderson@erskine.edu.

ALUMNUS ADVISES ‘KINDNESS INSTEAD OF HOSTILITY’ ONLINE

Dr. Corey Emanuel ’05 spoke at TEDx Inglewood and on the Don’t Recycle Project YouTube channel in 2024. Emanuel, who holds a Ph.D. in media psychology, discussed how to use social media in healthy ways.

“I really examine how television, film, particularly social media, AI—how all of these different technologies influence human behavior,” Emanuel told Don’t Recycle Project host Pynk Roze.

Emanuel first became interested in media—and especially how it reinforces stereotypes—in childhood. As a business administration major at Erskine College, he took courses in sociology and psychology, which piqued his interest in the social sciences.

During his interview on the Don’t Recycle Project, Emanuel addressed social media addiction and strategies for using social media as a helpful tool while setting appropriate boundaries.

In his TED talk, “Your Influence Is Your Legacy,” Emanuel focused on the black community, its values and aspirations, and how social media can align with those ideals. Emanuel conducted a survey which found that black Americans ranked “community feeling” above financial success, personal image, and personal growth.

“We spend about 2 hours and 20 minutes each day on social media platforms,” Emanuel said, so how people engage with one another in the social media space affects “community feeling.” Emanuel encouraged listeners to “rethink echo chambers,” “challenge your confirmation bias,” and “foster empathy and understanding.”

“You can create a positive online community by responding more with kindness instead of hostility. Don’t be so quick to cancel someone because everyone is doing it,” he said. “Know your why. Recognize there are real human beings on the other side of these social media platforms.”

Emanuel's first book, Empathy Crisis, is scheduled for publication in 2026.

ERSKINE

SENIOR CHOSEN

AS 'VOICE OF THE LAURENS RAIDERS'

Erskine College senior baseball player Jackson Edwards has been tapped as the “Voice of the Laurens Raiders” for GoLaurens.com, the online newspaper reported. In his new role, he will announce broadcasts for football, basketball, baseball, and softball games played by Laurens County School District 55.

Jackson, a right-handed pitcher for the Fleet, transferred to Erskine from North Greenville University at the end of the 2024 season. Before that, he played baseball as a Laurens Raider, graduating from Laurens District High School in 2022. Jackson is set to graduate from Erskine with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2026.

“This is just an unbelievable opportunity,” Jackson said in an article published on GoLaurens.com. “This is something that's been on my heart the last few years, getting to call playoff baseball games and getting to be the voice of a program that did so much for me.”

PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS REPORT ON RESEARCH AT SPRING 2025 CONFERENCES

Erskine psychology students participated in three conferences in spring 2025.

At the South Carolina Psychological Association annual conference March 14-15, junior Caroline Kelly won first place for her presentation “The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning Regarding Working Memory, Emotional Expression, and Vigilant Attention: A MetaAnalysis.” Senior Hailey James placed second for “Gender Differences in the Expression of ADHD,” and sophomore Ailena Mykins secured third place with “The Psychological Effect of Injured Athletes.”

Several students attended the University of Georgia Psi Chi Annual Conference in Athens, Ga., March 27, including senior Kaley Ingle, junior Kaleb Hinson, and junior John Janco, who presented their research. Junior Miracle Splan attended the Carolinas Psychology Conference (CPC) April 5, presenting her research on children who age out of the foster care system.

Photo credit: GoLaurens.com

Kaley Ingle, Kaleb Hinson, and John Janco Dr. Midcalf, left, with Miracle Splan

ERSKINE STUDENTS, MEET VIETNAM!

In a spring break adventure led by Assistant Professor of History Dr. Christiane-Marie Abu Sarah, a group of Erskine students traveled to Vietnam, where they rode in basket boats, took traditional calligraphy and cooking classes, toured a rice farm, visited a Buddhist palace, and met pilot Nguyen Hong My—to name just a few of their activities.

“The Vietnam trip was arranged by the International Studies program to provide students international experience and help meet their international proficiency requirement,” says Abu Sarah, director of the program. “Students from other majors joined us as well!”

For Ryan Vogenitz of Anderson, S.C., who graduated summa cum laude in Accounting and History this year, the most thought-provoking experience of the trip was meeting Nguyen Hong My, the first Vietnamese pilot to shoot down an American plane in the Vietnam War. Nguyen was soon shot down himself. Decades later, in 2008, Nguyen came to the United States and met with the pilot he shot down as well as the pilot who shot him down.

“Talking through a translator, they exchanged stories and befriended one another,” Ryan says. “When we asked how he could befriend people he was trained to kill, Nguyen explained that he knew the Americans were just doing their duty for their country and had no malice against them. This was a sentiment we found throughout Vietnam when asking about the war.”

Max Garrido of Summerville, S.C., a senior who will graduate in December, is an International Studies major who plays Fleet Football. “The best day of the trip, in my opinion, was when we spent a day with a rice farmer and got to learn about the process in Vietnam of taking rice from the field to the table,” he says.

“We rode bikes across the town, we met a water buffalo, we planted, processed, and cooked rice, and we ate with the farmer’s family,” Max recalls. “It was truly a rare moment, and I’m glad that I was able to experience it.”

Enchanted by the natural beauty she encountered, senior Megan Shearon of Beaufort, S.C., a summa cum laude graduate in Biology this year, remembers a visit to Tam Coc, a small town in the north of Vietnam. During a boat ride on the river there, “We viewed hundreds of limestone islands with numerous caves and rice paddies surrounding them,” she says. “I was completely amazed by the natural structure of those islands. I have never seen anything so beautiful and awesome.”

Megan was impressed by “the genuine community that the Vietnamese generally have together, and the overwhelming generosity and interest the children have [in] American people and foreigners in general.” The trip offered “so much rich and in-depth history of Vietnam it was almost overwhelming,” she says. “I have never experienced anything so different but moving at the same time.”

In addition to Max, Megan, and Ryan, students on the trip (and their majors) included Jordyn Autry, Education; Bryce Bendig, Biology; Andrew Coenen, History; Stone Driggers, English and Information Technology; Jonah Garren, International Studies; Jerry Robertson, Information Technology; and Dani Thurston, Business and Digital Marketing.

Abu Sarah says she is working with Associate Professor of History Dr. Alessandra Brivio “to gauge interest for a trip to Italy this upcoming May.” The trip would be “a joint collaboration between International Studies and History” and would “likely welcome alumni and parents as well.”

Marriages

CLASS OF 2025

Natalie Gable ’25 wed Jacob Adams on Oct. 12, 2024. (Photo #1)

Ty Jackson ’25 wed Billie Setzer on May 25, 2025. (Photo #2)

Abby Lackey ’25 wed Jonathan Cooper ’23 on June 14, 2025. (Photo #3)

Reles Littleton ’25 wed Katie Walenceus on Sept. 28, 2024. (Photo #4)

CLASS OF 2025 (SEMINARY)

Morgan Roberts ’25 wed Benjamin Appleton on July 19, 2025. (Photo #5)

CLASS OF 2024

Rebecca Bowers ’24 wed Tim Ashe ’24 on Oct. 11, 2024. (Photo #6)

Morgan Dutton ’24 wed Cameron Spires ’21 on Nov. 16, 2024. (Photo #7)

Sharon George ’24 wed Josh Dorsey ’25 on Nov. 9, 2024. (Photo #8)

Amelia Heichel ’24 wed Nate Hickey on Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo #9)

CLASS OF 2023

Alexis Blackmon ’23 wed Jacob Tuttle on Dec. 21, 2024. (Photo #10)

Allie Carter ’23 wed Jason Sall ’23 on May 10, 2025. (Photo #11)

Vanessa Harshaw ’23 wed Austin Bercume on May 25, 2025.

Olivia Jans ’23 wed Seth Kemfort ’23 on April 6, 2025. (Photo #12)

Cheyenne Szabo ’23 wed Brice Fishburne on Oct. 26, 2024. (Photo #13)

CLASS OF 2022

Kara Ridlehuber ’22 wed Currie Bradshaw on June 28, 2025. (Photo #14)

CLASS OF 2021

Taylor Antley ’21 wed Brock Brockman on Oct. 19, 2024. (Photo #15)

Karson Powell ’21 wed Isaac Giddens ’20 on March 2, 2025.

Grayson Reames ’21 wed Miriam Brantley on Jan. 10, 2025. (Photo #16)

Elizabeth Sims ’21 wed Will Phillips on Aug. 10, 2024. (Photo #17) 1 2 3 47 6 5 8 9 10 11 15 12 14 16 13

Marriages

CLASS OF 2020

Todd Hardy ’20 wed Lyndsey Mack on Dec. 14, 2024. (Photo #18)

Alexis Lyda ’20 wed Drew Stocklein on March 21, 2025. (Photo #19)

CLASS OF 2010

Rebecca Nesbit ’10 wed Andrew Drozdak on June 6, 2025. (Photo #20)

CLASS OF 2007

Helen Joy Paul ’07 wed Jimmy Harrington on Oct. 5, 2024. (Photo #21)

CLASS OF 1991

Ann Woodson Prime ’91 wed Curt Armstrong on Apr. 12, 2025. (Photo #22)

CLASS OF 1964

Shelby Robinson Fullerton ’64 wed Kenneth Deragon on Jan. 25, 2025. (Photo #23)

Births

CLASS OF 2022

A son, Lawrence Rhett Hughes, was born to Miriah Yoder Hughes ’22 and Evan Hughes ’21 on Aug. 12, 2024. (Photo #24)

CLASS OF 2021

A son, David Mitchell Tomlin, was born to Kara Rabon Tomlin ’21 and Hunter Tomlin ’21, ’24 (Sem.) on July 7, 2025. (Photo #25)

CLASS OF 2020

A son, Daniel David Bartel, was born to Anna Bowker Bartel ’20 and Ben Bartel on Aug. 17, 2024. (Photo #26)

A son, Kolton John Clark, was born to Elizabeth Aylesworth Clark ’20 and Tanner Clark on Oct. 15, 2024. (Photo #27)

A daughter, Amelia Rose Lawing, was born to Ramsey Conner Lawing ’20 and Paul Lawing ’21 on Feb. 20, 2025. (Photo #28)

A son, Rocker Callahan Watts, was born to Trey Watts ’20 and Callie Ivey Watts on July 17, 2025.

CLASS OF 2019

A son, Levi Gladhill, was born to Laurel Middleton Gladhill ’19 and Dakoda Gladhill on May 19, 2025.

A daughter, Hartsell Greene, was born to AnnaTaylor Hydrick Greene ’19 and Jesse Greene on April 2, 2025. (Photo #29)

17 18 20 21 19 25 22 23 27 24 26 28 29

Births

A daughter, Maeve Harter Harris, was born to Kate Deak Harris ’19 and Ian Harris on April 17, 2025. (Photo #30)

A daughter, Avery Elizabeth Long, was born to Sarah Dodd Long ’19 and Joseph Long ’19 on Aug. 26, 2024. (Photo #31)

CLASS OF 2018

A daughter, Lyla Skye Glover, was born to Rachel Lloyd Glover ’18 and Justin Glover ’17 on Jan. 17, 2025. (Photo #32)

A son, Alexander Sloan Timms, was born to Lydia Clarke Timms ’18 and Harrison Timms ’17 on Dec. 6, 2024. (Photo #33)

CLASS OF 2017

A daughter, Millie Leah Hutto, was born to Lucy Jeffs Hutto ’17 and Connor Hutto on Nov. 22, 2024. (Photo #34)

A daughter, Halle Jane Jordan, was born to Raygon Hendrix Jordan ’17 and Ross Jordan on Jan. 27, 2025. (Photo #35)

A son, Adam Smith, was born to Chance Fortenberry Smith ’17 and Austin Smith on April 21, 2025. (Photo #36)

CLASS OF 2014

A son, George Kankaras, was born to Kailagh Powell Kankaras ’14 and Darko Kankaras ’14 on Aug. 14, 2024. (Photo #37)

A daughter, Claire Ernestine Prohaska, was born to Daniel Prohaska ’14 and Angelica Prohaska on Feb. 17, 2025. (Photo #38)

A son, Andy Pruitt, was born to Amanda Richmond Pruitt ’14 and Bryce Pruitt ’13 on Oct. 25, 2024. (Photo #39)

CLASS OF 2013

A daughter, Kennedy Horne, was born to Chandler Adkins Horne ’13 and Justin Horne ’09 on April 23, 2025. (Photo #40)

CLASS OF 2012

A son, Everett Dean Flinn, was born to Reid Flinn ’12 and Samantha Flinn on March 4, 2025. (Photo #41)

CLASS OF 2011

A son, Saunders Glen Barkley, and a daughter, Norah Jeanene Barkley, were born to Meghan Cook Barkley ’11 and Jared Barkley ’11 on Aug. 6, 2024. (Photo #42)

CLASS OF 2004

A son, Nathaniel Jude Lovejoy, was born to Caroline Miller Lovejoy ’04 and Brian Lovejoy on Dec. 16, 2024. (Photo #43)

CLASS OF 2002

A daughter, Savannah Grace Dickerson, was born to Tobe Frierson Dickerson ’02 and Larry Dickerson on July 11, 2025. (Photo #44)

Class Notes

CLASS OF 2024

Jessica Vandiver ’24 was named First Year Teacher of the Year at Hodges Elementary in 2025.

CLASS OF 2024 (SEMINARY)

Dr. Steve Satterfield ’24 retired after 12 years as chaplain at the federal prison in Florence, Colorado.

CLASS OF 2023

X’Avier Allen ’23 graduated from Texas Southern University in December 2025 with a master’s degree in Communications RTF.

Ryan Gladden ’23, ’23 (Sem.) was ordained as a pastor in the ARP denomination at his home church, Tirzah ARP, on April 6, 2025. He was installed as pastor at First ARP Statesville in Statesville, North Carolina on April 27, 2025.

CLASS OF 2022

Faith Flanagan ’22 graduated from Notre Dame College with an MBA in May 2024 and became Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Wheeling University in West Virginia.

Kathryn Torgerson Reisig ’22 became a certified occupational therapist in 2024.

Kara Ridlehuber ’22 graduated from Lander University in May 2025 with a Master of Education for Diverse Learning and Technology.

CLASS OF 2021

Bradley Anderson ’21 became Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Presbyterian College August 1, 2025.

Ryan DeLeon ’21 accepted the position of Head Boys Soccer Coach at The Colony High School in The Colony, Texas in July 2025.

Rachel Bates Dodge ’21 graduated from Vanderbilt Law School in May 2025 and received the Founder’s Medal for first honors in the graduating class.

Madison Plyn ’21 passed the Florida Board of Bar Examiners in September 2024.

CLASS OF 2020

Sam Bennett ’20, CPA, accepted the position of Senior Associate at Alvarez & Marsal in November 2024.

Cassidy Cross ’20 graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina on May 17, 2025 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

CLASS OF 2022 (SEMINARY)

Rev. Grant Van Brimmer ’22 was installed as pastor of Trinity Reformed Church in Newnan, Georgia on November 10, 2024.

Mary Ashley Alexander ’21 graduated from Clemson University in May 2025 with a master’s degree in education.

Got news or updates?

Email alumni@erskine.edu or visit alumni.erskine.edu/update-info/

Osteopathic Medicine on May 16, 2025. He started a general surgery residency at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital in July 2025.

Eddy Gullino ’18 was promoted to Vice President of BlackArch Partners in Charlotte, North Carolina in March 2025.

Rebecca Reiter Norton ’18 graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare in May 2025.

Vincent Dodge ’20 graduated from Vanderbilt Law School in May 2025.

Elizabeth Schneider ’20 graduated from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in May 2025 with a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science. She has taken a job as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Utah.

Nicole Biles Shearin ’20 graduated from Lander University in May 2025 with a Master of Education for Diverse Learning.

CLASS OF 2019 (SEMINARY)

Rev. Dr. Jonathan R. Fisher ’19 was named Director of Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries at Disciples Home Missions in June 2025.

CLASS OF 2018

Zach Bowens ’18 graduated from the Carolinas Campus of the Edward Via College of

CLASS OF 2017

Clarissa Stiving LeGrand ’17 was named Greenwood High School Teacher of the Year for 2024-25.

Kasey McNair ’17 graduated from the University of South Carolina with a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration in May 2025.

Cameron Whitehurst ’17 was installed as Minister of Discipleship at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama on November 10, 2024.

CLASS OF 2016

Ross Henderson ’16 was named Head Coach for the women’s soccer program at Western Illinois University in January 2025.

Kate Krebs ’16 graduated from Appalachian State University with a master’s degree in School Administration in May 2025.

Mike Michelau ’16 signed a contract to play professional volleyball in the Czech Republic.

CLASS OF 2016 (SEMINARY)

LCDR Dr. Adam Erwin ’16, a Navy Reserve Chaplain, was deployed on board the icebreaker USCGC Polar Star to Antarctica as part of Operation Deep Freeze. While deployed, he delivered a sermon at Chapel of the Snows, the southernmost church in the world, and presented his D.Min. work in modified form to help prevent burnout and encourage selfcare among the crew. In civilian life, Erwin is a chaplain with Northeast Georgia Health Center.

CLASS OF 2015

Jacob DeLuca ’15 was named Regional Director of Admissions at Southern Methodist College in September 2024.

Haley Dickey ’15 was named Swansea High School’s Teacher of the Year in 2025.

Christian Sheets ’15 is Vice President at Interim HealthCare, which received the 2025 Growth and Innovation Award, presented by Axxess.

Zack Smith ’15 was inducted into the White Knoll High Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024. He was a three-time all-conference baseball player at Erskine.

Brad Thorne ’15, who played golf at Erskine, won the Spartanburg County Amateur Championship in June 2025.

CLASS OF 2012

Laura Caskey ’12 was promoted to Director of Public Outreach for the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) in August 2024. She has been with the DPH (formerly DHEC) since 2019.

CLASS OF 2011

Dr. Cory Robinson ’11, chief administrative officer at Medical University of South Carolina Health, was selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who in August 2024.

CLASS OF 2010

third grade at Cherokee Trail Elementary School in Donalds, South Carolina.

CLASS OF 2005 (SEMINARY)

Adair Rogers ’05 was honored at First Baptist Church in Laurens for 30 years as Minister of Music and Minister of Senior Adults.

CLASS OF 2004 (SEMINARY)

Rev. Tim Phillips ’04 is the new church plant minister at Liberty ARP Church in Hoke County, North Carolina.

CLASS OF 2001

Terri Ivester ’01, who teaches at Starr Elementary School, was a State Teacher of the Year Finalist in 2025.

CLASS OF 2000

William Gamble ’00 was inducted into the Perry High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024. He was an all-league, all-district, all-county, all-state baseball player at Perry and an all-American infielder at Erskine.

Shaunta Mosley Harris ’00 was recognized January 27, 2025 by the Laurens County School District 55 superintendent for achieving certification through National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT), the highest level of teacher certification.

CLASS OF 1999

Michael Noble, Jr. ’99 was named principal of Robert Anderson Middle School in Anderson District 5 in spring 2025.

CLASS OF 1985

Glenis Redmond ’85 was a 2025 recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. She was also chosen in August 2024 for the 2024-25 Baldwin for the Arts Residency.

Jeff Ruble ’85 was featured in the Post and Courier’s 2024 Power List for Columbia.

CLASS OF 1984

Dr. Faye Sprouse ’84 became Executive Director of the Western Piedmont Education Consortium (WPEC) July 1, 2024. She has served in education for 40 years.

CLASS OF 1980

Stacy Kirby ’80, ’84 (Sem.) joined Clemson Extension in August 2024 as Food Systems and Safety Agent for Greenwood, McCormick, and Abbeville counties. He has 40 years’ experience in the retail food industry.

CLASS OF 1975

E. Van Taylor ’75 is being recognized by a group of former Lander University soccer players, who, in partnership with The Lander Foundation, are establishing a scholarship in his honor.

CLASS OF 1973

Barbara Holloway Smith ’73 received the Distinguished Service Award at the National Association of County Agricultural Agents annual meeting in July 2025. She is a consumer horticulture agent with Clemson Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center.

James Weems ’73 published a book entitled Band on the Run on April 22, 2025.

Adam Sanders ’10, Artistic Director of the Spartanburg Youth Theatre, accepted the 2024 Theatre of Distinction Award, given by the South Carolina Theatre Association.

CLASS OF 2009 (SEMINARY)

Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Agbeko ’09 was elected Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana.

CLASS OF 2007 (SEMINARY)

Rev. Aaron Meadows ’07, ’13 was selected for promotion to the rank of Colonel in 2024. He serves in the 315th Airlift Wing.

CLASS OF 2006

Sandi Creasman Jenkins ’06 graduated from respiratory therapy school at Southwestern Community College in 2025. She graduated summa cum laude and delivered the graduation speech for the health science commencement ceremony.

Julie Hall Stone ’06 received the Golden Apple Award from WYFF 4 in September 2024, honoring her work as an educator. She teaches

CLASS OF 1993

Jodi Long ’93 was named Vice President for Academic Affairs at Daytona State College in August 2024.

CLASS OF 1993 (SEMINARY)

Rev. Morrie Lawing, Jr. ’93 was named Executive Director of Outreach North America for the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in September 2024.

Rev. Dr. Phillip Newton ’93 and his wife Traci were honored by Long Branch Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church on August 25, 2024, marking 17 years that Newton has served as pastor.

CLASS OF 1991

Rick Crowe ’91, Managing Partner and owner at D.C. Prime, as been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the food and beverage industry.

CLASS OF 1990

Kathryn Whitmire Benjamin ’90 has retired from Greenwood County School District 50 after more than 30 years of service.

Andy Young ’73 was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2025.

CLASS OF 1972

Mike Gaymon ’72 became CEO of Valley Rescue Mission in Columbus, Georgia in February 2023. Previously, he published a book called A View from the Backhoe

CLASS OF 1971

John Wes Bailey ’71 achieved the masterpoint rank of Gold Life Master through the American Contract Bridge League.

CLASS OF 1963

Dr. James P. Pressly ’63 received the Award of Excellence from the Department of Surgery at Prisma Health Greenville in 2024.

CLASS OF 1946

Rachel Hickman Spencer ’46 was honored by Covenant ARP Church and the city of Statesville, North Carolina for her 100th birthday. Mayor Costi Kutteh issued a proclamation declaring September 8, 2024 “Rachel Spencer Day.” Spencer passed away December 18, 2024.

In Memoriam

Dr. James J. “Mike” Bowe, Dr. and Mrs. James Rogers Young Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, died June 28, 2025.

A member of the Erskine College faculty from 1979 until his retirement in 2004, he was married to Professor Emerita of Mathematics Dr. Ann Bowe, who survives him.

Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, he was a graduate of the University of Florida and the University of South Carolina, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky.

Some alumni will remember that Bowe and his wife were affectionately known as “He Bowe” and “She Bowe.”

“His enthusiasm and skillful way of teaching mathematics lured me into becoming a math major at Erskine,” says Friedrich Engler ’99. “His love of computers and programming led me to pursue a computer science degree after Erskine.”

Beyond the classroom, Bowe served as a missionary to Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and was active as a musician, lending his talents to Erskine ensembles and other musical groups.

“His improvisational genius in the Pizzazz jazz band challenged me to become a better musician,” Engler says.

Bowe played frequently with Erskine Sinfonia and often participated when the group provided music for commencement.

Survivors, in addition to his wife of 62 years, include his daughter Laura Michelle Bowe, his son Gregory Bowe, and four grandchildren.

Jo Ann Griffith, a retired missionary and member of the Class of 1956, died Dec. 21, 2024.

Influenced as a child by missionaries who visited her home, she dreamed of serving God in Africa. She majored in elementary education and served in the Student Government Association, helping to establish the honor code. She taught first grade in North Carolina for a year and earned a Master of Religious Education degree at Pittsburgh-Xenia Seminary.

She was commissioned in 1959 by the United Presbyterian Church to serve in Ethiopia, embarking on a 47-year missionary career. At Bethel Evangelical Secondary School (BESS) in Dembi Dollo, Ethiopia, she was a teacher and dorm mother for 30 years and became known as “the seed lady,” starting a seedgrowing and distribution enterprise benefiting the school, students, town, and region.

In 2007 she established anonymously the Living Sacrifice Scholarship Fund, an endowed scholarship at Erskine. It has been renamed the Jo Ann Griffith Living Sacrifice Fund since her death.

Friends from Ethiopia spoke at the Celebration of Life for her, and one of her former students, quoted in the program for the service at the Due West ARP Church, described her impact as “immense and immeasurable.”

Surviving her are one brother, one sister, six nieces and nephews, and 10 grandnieces and grandnephews.

Ilse Friedrich Engler, widow of the late Professor Emeritus of Bible Dr. Hans Engler, died Oct. 2, 2024.

Born in Lichtentanne, Germany, she served as a foreign language correspondent in her native country and later moved to Raleigh, N.C. She received a master’s degree in Germanic Languages from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and taught German and Russian at Furman University.

She married Hans Engler in 1972. After her children were grown, she taught full-time, first at Georgia Tech University and Morris Brown College, and later at Clemson University. After her husband’s death in 2011, she took over his teaching duties at Erskine, retiring in 2013.

She assisted Russian and Ukrainian refugees in the community and was a faithful member of the Due West ARP Church, where she sang in the choir for many years.

Survivors include a daughter, Cornelia Engler-Debuchy ’97; a son, Friedrich Engler ’99; one brother; one sister; and three grandchildren, Lola Engler-Debuchy, Samuel Engler-Debuchy, and Eva Engler.

Dr. Bright Anderson Lowry III, Dr. and Mrs. James Rogers Young Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Physics, died Dec. 30, 2024.

Lowry completed his undergraduate work at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and earned the Ph.D. at the University of Chicago.

A member of the Erskine faculty from 1974 until his retirement in 2002, he was especially known and loved as a teacher of astronomy. An authority on the 1849 Henry Fitz Telescope, formerly housed in the Erskine Building, he was the first to see the need for the instrument’s restoration and was responsible for transferring it to the South Carolina Museum.

In Due West, he was active with his wife Judy in their church community; was an inaugural member of the Due West Lions Club; served as chief of the Due West Volunteer Fire Department; and was an instructor for the South Carolina Fire Academy, where the “Chief Dr. Bright Lowry Training for Excellence Award” was established and given to the top student in each class.

“He was representative of the men and women of great intellect who also fulfilled positions of civic responsibility in our Due West community,” says Richard Haldeman, retired Erskine public relations director.

After his retirement, Lowry and his wife, both expert dancers, sponsored a ballroom dance club at Erskine.

Preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Judith Smith Lowry, and his brother Marion Banks Lowry, he is survived by daughters Margaret Lowry Brock and Suzanne Lowry; grandsons Robert Anderson Brock and Edwyn Lowry Brock; a brother, James Lowry; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Robert W. Miller ’39, Oct. 31, 2024

Betty Henry Young ’45, June 27, 2025

Rachel Hickman Spencer ’46, Dec. 18, 2024

Louise Pickering McDowell ’47, May 3, 2025

Margaret Hood Frissell ’49, Nov. 3, 2024

Angela Anderson Hardin ’49, March 14, 2025

David Robinson, Jr. ’49, Nov. 14, 2024

Ann Templeton Mann ’50, Jan. 20, 2025

Faye Ashley Ramsey ’50, Sept. 25, 2024

Leona Terry Craig ’51, Oct. 26, 2024

Rev. Dr. Francis Womack ’51, Oct. 22, 2024

Martha Lauderdale Heinsohn ’52, Feb. 10, 2025

Lucy McDaniel Woodruff ’52, April 4, 2025

June Stafford Ector ’53, July 24, 2024

Rev. Dr. James H. McGill ’53, Oct. 24, 2024

Nicholas Minervini ’53, April 1, 2024

Rev. Robert Sherer ’53, ’57 (Sem.), Sept. 6, 2024

Betty Elise West Aiton ’54, June 30, 2025

Fred Youngblood, Jr. ’54, Jan. 15, 2024

Janet Shipp Graves ’55, Sept. 19, 2024

Harold Lee Bell ’56, Dec. 19, 2024

Martha Harvley Dunlap ’56, Feb. 23, 2025

Dr. Jo Ann Griffith ’56, Dec. 21, 2024

Ronald Griffin ’56, Jan. 7, 2025

John “Wink” Ashley ’57, Jan. 31, 2025

Wade Marlette ’59, Feb. 15, 2025.

Barbara Earle Ropp ’59, July 26, 2025

Gerald Sanders ’59, May 25, 2025

Jessie Lynn Simril ’59, March 30, 2025

Julius “Buzzy” Dudley Bowen ’60, April 11, 2025

Ronald William Parker ’60, July 25, 2025

William Beard ’62, March 9, 2025

In Memoriam

Paul L. Embler ’62, Dec. 5, 2024

Phyllis Pitts Fleming ’62, July 15, 2025

Rutledge Hammond ’62, June 19, 2025

Priscilla Garvin Irwin ’62, Sept. 8, 2024

Paul Stanley May ’62, Jan. 10, 2025

Jesse Medlock ’62, Dec. 20, 2024

Edward Sanders, Jr. ’62, Dec. 9, 2024

Georgia Bowen Davis ’63, Aug. 31, 2024

Bruce “Tad” Gilmore ’63, Dec. 9, 2024

Toni Austin Hurst ’63, June 10, 2025

Edward “Lane” Hurst ’64, June 6, 2025

James M. Williams, Jr. ’64, Feb. 25, 2025

George “Dick” Lovett, Jr. ’65, March 7, 2025

C. Dale Adair ’67, May 5, 2025

Rev. Dr. William Harris, Jr. ’67 (Sem.), March 16, 2025

Pamela Pettit Lominac ’67, June 29, 2025

Richard Mackintosh ’67, Aug. 27, 2024

James McCord ’67, Dec. 17, 2024

Don Whitehead ’67, March 4, 2025

Linda Speed Hubbard ’68, Aug. 5, 2024

William Parker Willis ’68, July 8, 2025

Linda Pollard Bruner ’69, March 24, 2024

Kathryn Cheatham Duncan ’69, March 17, 2025

Roddey “Joe” Ellis III ’69, June 8, 2025

Asa Quincy Hatfield, Jr. ’69, April 1, 2025

John Howison ’69, June 3, 2025

Sally Armstrong Lloyd ’69, Aug. 10, 2024

Martha Smith Hampshire ’70, April 20, 2025

William Yates ’70, July 24, 2024

Charles D. Cook IV ’72, Aug. 11, 2024

David Sorrow ’72, Feb. 5, 2025

William “Dub” Myers, Jr. ’73, Sept. 1, 2024

Katie Shaffer McAleer ’74, June 13, 2025

Margaret Mae Dickert ’76, June 8, 2025

Robert Terrell Kesler ’76, Jan. 30, 2025

Cynthia Diane Powell ’76, March 7, 2025

Rev. James Coad ’77 (Sem.), Dec. 8, 2024

Julie Mize Cole ’77, Aug. 10, 2024

Rev. Ted Hamilton Gaines ’77 (Sem.), Aug. 20, 2024

David. C. Gamble ’77, Feb. 12, 2025

Argyl Williams Brewton ’79, Oct. 8, 2024

Deborah Powell-Anderson ’79, May 29, 2025

Robert C. Anderson, Jr. ’80, April 20, 2025

Karl A. Hatson ’83, April 16, 2025

D. Scott Davis ’85, Feb. 10, 2025

English Jones Brown ’86, July 9, 2025

Marie Will Swick ’86, Dec. 29, 2024

Rusty Jeffers ’93, Sept. 28, 2024

Scott Peters ’03, Feb. 27, 2025

Dr. Alphonza Gadsden ’06 (Sem.), Jan. 17, 2025

Rev. Dr. Justin Gilreath ’10 (Sem.), Nov. 16, 2024

Katelyn Craig Workman ’11, Oct. 23, 2024

FRIENDS

Dr. William De Angelis, a former psychology professor at Erskine, died Aug. 1, 2024.

Dr. Darrell Saunders, a former professor at Erskine, died Aug. 3, 2024. Saunders started the softball program at Erskine and was inducted into the Flying Fleet Hall of Fame in 2009.

Joseph Reynolds, Sr., who was instrumental in the integration process at Erskine and surrounding schools, died Sept. 14, 2024. Reynolds was given the Honorary Alumni Award in 2023 for his support of Erskine students.

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 25, 2025 - 100 Seasons of Soccer Celebration

October 31, 2025- Erskine Open

November 1, 2025 - Homecoming

November 15, 2025 - Swamp Rabbits Hockey Game

November 21, 2025 - Choraleers Concert

December 2, 2025 - Lessons & Carols

March 24, 2026 - Day of Giving

April 18, 2026 - Alumni Day

May 9, 2026 - Commencement

May 16, 2026 - Fourth Annual Flower & Garden Show

www.erskine.edu/events/

To view Erskine’s full giving report, please visit: alumni.erskine.edu/giving/annual-giving-report/

To request a hard copy of the report, contact Lisa Madden at madden@erskine.edu