Pillars - Fall 2022

The

Fun for Generations

of Kentucky Wesleyan College

Dear Kentucky Wesleyan Family,

What a year thus far! The campus is fully open with no COVID restrictions for the first time since 2020. Our students are enjoying the true Kentucky Wesleyan College experience once again, attending and participating in differing activities that draw us together! Be it in athletics, theater, music, social gatherings or working within the community, the tremor of excitement has been palpable and welcomed.

The atmosphere is bolstered with high energy and enthusiasm as members of our campus community seamlessly interact. It is wonderful to embrace the diversity of the Kentucky Wesleyan College campus, realizing the vast expanse of student and alumni backgrounds that meld together in pursuit of pedagogical and spiritual learning as Panthers.

Homecoming and Fall Family Weekend were phenomenal events and a true showcase of KWC's diversity. It began with a robust and hale Board of Trustees meeting, reminding us of the lifelong care our alumni and friends have for the College! I am grateful for the collective wisdom of our board members. They help us remember our past as we strive for a strong and healthy future.

Other events were equally exciting and unique and included the Hall of Fame and Alumni Awards Dinner and Celebration, the Saturday morning 5K, the Back Together Bash on the front lawn and a football victory Saturday evening, all capped with a service Sunday morning before our Panther nation departed

their Owensboro home. There was an activity for everyone that aligned with individual interests, yet all the events blended and brought the community together as one. A feeling of robust and passionate care for the College permeated the entire weekend and reminded us of the people who have made KWC such a special place in our hearts.

In these pages, you will enjoy reading about a current firstgeneration student and graduates, new programming, a special person in our community who has retired and oncampus improvements spearheaded by student body input. You will also read about those who have supported Kentucky Wesleyan College over the last year and learn how you may become part of this integral group. KWC students, alumni and supporters all have diverse backgrounds and stories. It is humbling to witness the strength which each person brings to our College community and how differing backgrounds merge to form a strong and caring campus family!

I wish you all the best! We will continue to strive to make Kentucky Wesleyan College a premier learning institution and a place where we all feel welcome and are proud to call home!!

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Mitzel, Ph.D. President

ON THE COVER

Celebrating homecoming:

Back, left to right: Dr. Jodi (Parks) Krahwinkel '93, Chris Gendek '10, Lydia Dorman '82, Abby Tivitt '22 and Doug Hoyt '84

Front: Future Panthers Payton Young, daughter of Tyrone and Shiloh Young, and Reece Taylor, son of Leigha and Sam Taylor '97

Tivitt was a member of the Class of '22 Senior Committee, and the new Wesley N. Panther, the gift of the class, was her idea. Dorman is a member of the Board of Trustees. Krahwinkel, Gendek and Hoyt are members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

First Generation Four First-Generation College Students Share Their Stories

With Katherine Rutherman

Foothold in the Future

Introduces New Courses in Animation

By Molly Gross

+ 1,933 = A RecordBreaking Career

Joel Utley '74

Roy Pickerill '75

Give Up the Dream

Jackson

By Eddie Kenny

Renovations

By Katherine Rutherman

The First Generation

Four First-Generation College Students Share Their Stories

The transition to college is one of life's significant milestones. For first-generation students, even the decision to pursue a degree and selecting a college are outside the family experience. For every new student, the campus environment, away from the comfort and familiarity of home, can be exciting, yet daunting. Four first-generation students share their unique stories here, a reminder of the value and impact of Kentucky Wesleyan's commitment to a nurturing, personalized and encouraging environment.

BRENNEN MCGUIRE '23

Exercise science major Panther football wide receiver

Hometown: Danville, Ky.

"I wanted to get a head start in life by getting a college education. I knew I could get a better job with a degree than without one. My family was very supportive and encouraging, and my brother, who is eight years older than me, set a great example. He has a doctorate in education and is an elementary school principal.

"I had never heard of Owensboro or Kentucky Wesleyan College before Head Football Coach Craig Yeast recruited me. He is a family friend and I have known him my whole life. I didn't commit right away because I was weighing my options, but I wanted to attend a small school and Coach Yeast was here, so I eventually chose KWC.

"I made the right choice. Because KWC is small, it was easy to get to know people my freshman year. The transition went great. I missed my parents and my mother's baked spaghetti, but I was excited to be on my own.

"I love playing football here. My parents have not missed a game. My coaches have been great to me. I had just turned

With Katherine Rutherman

18 when I arrived on campus, and they helped me grow up. They stress accountability.

"My professors are very helpful, too. I know they care about me and want me to succeed. They are very supportive and available when I need anything. This is one reason I wanted to attend a small college, and my decision was the right one.

"I encountered a big challenge when I had shoulder surgery in April 2021. I was concerned about being able to finish the semester. I informed my professors a month before the surgery. They were very supportive, and I finished the semester online. I had the surgery in Owensboro and then went home to my parents to recover and get rehab. I think my mother's baked spaghetti helped my recovery, too.

"When I got back to Owensboro, I completed rehab with our trainer, Alex Vogel, and he was great. I don't think I

would have had the attention and support I received here if I had been at a large university. Everyone at KWC was very encouraging during this time.

"I plan to pursue my master's degree next year. I feel well prepared for the next steps in my life. It has been great to learn about other cultures and ways of life with the students here from so many places, and I plan to stay in touch with many people I have met.

"My advice to other first-generation students? 'You can do it. Don't be discouraged and overwhelmed. It will all work out, and you will succeed. Put your best foot forward, and reach out to others. Faculty and staff at KWC want to help you. Build relationships with your professors, and communicate with them. Ask questions. Get help when you need it. That is the key, and someday you will be right where I am – about to graduate.'"

SUMMER (CRICK) ALDRIDGE '14

"God intervened early and often in my younger years. My childhood wasn't glamorous. It was mostly filled with conflict and instability, and I had to 'grow up' early to help raise my younger sisters.

"School became a refuge for me, and I was blessed to have numerous teachers and coaches along the way who instilled in me the understanding that the question was not 'if' I would go to college – it was a 'when.' By the time I was in high school, I knew college would be my next step to self-sufficiency and would help me create a life for myself that would be very different than what I had experienced so far.

"My early obstacles as a first-generation student were mostly monetary. I had been well prepared for studying and time management in high school, but buying things like a fridge and microwave for my dorm room and a laptop and books for class were 'huge' amounts of money I did not have and could not ask my family for. I worked three jobs through college to buy those things, to pay for my Kappa Delta dues and to take care of myself. Having to fund my college experience myself

was something I was embarrassed to admit back then, but it's something I am extremely proud of today.

"As graduation neared, the obstacles changed. They were mostly about what would be next in life, common questions for all upperclassmen, not just first-generation students. By the time those obstacles surfaced, I had built a huge support

Director of Alumni Relations, KWC

system in the Owensboro area, and those people helped me secure the start of my career.

"I have always appreciated people who are brave enough to share their stories with other people. I find it comforting to know that other successful people had rough home lives or struggled with their mental health or at one point had $2 in their checking account.

"Now that I can influence others, I think it's important for me to be transparent. too. That is uncomfortable sometimes, but if I can help others realize they aren't alone by sharing my own struggles, it is worth any discomfort I experience in the moment.

"I want students to realize we all have a choice. We can let our challenges make us bitter, or we can let them make us better. I chose the latter, and I want them to know they can, too.

"God put so many amazing people in my life who kept me in line and let me know when I was slacking – professors like Drs. Michael Fagan and Leslie Korb, staff like Scott Kramer '87, Margaret (Cole) Cambron '78 and Jennifer (Vaughan) Montazemi '00 and friends like Sara (Fleischmann) Williams '15 and Chase Durrance '14. These people and others are the reason I walked across the Commencement stage, a cum laude graduate, and went on to create a life and career I am proud of.

First day of classes: Summer with Chase Durrance '14 and Sara (Fleischmann) Williams '15

"First generation or otherwise, I am proud to have graduated from (and now work for) an institution that supports its students in such meaningful and intentional ways. I am grateful to so many people for my success, and I know we have students today who will come back in a few years to say thanks to those who are making a difference in their lives right now.

"I am also proud to be a part of the First-Generation Committee here. We have earned the College a 'First-gen Forward' designation, and we continue to host events for, provide connections between and celebrate the accomplishments of our first-generation students, faculty and staff."

Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14 earned a B.S. in psychology at Kentucky Wesleyan College and an M.S. in public administration at the University of Evansville.

DR. KIM (CECIL) SCHUSTER '88

Director of Basic and Translational Radiology Research

Department of Radiology and Imaging Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC)

Professor of Radiology

Pediatrics, Neuroscience, Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

"I decided to attend college as I knew I wanted financial independence and to continue to grow in knowledge. My father worked construction in cycles with periods of full employment plus overtime followed by seasons of drought with unemployment. I wanted something steadier . . . and without physical labor!

"My family did not have the financial means to send me to college, and I needed to secure scholarships. While I was awarded a scholarship to a state university, it would not be enough for tuition and housing. In an act of faith, I released that scholarship, as that institution had an early spring deadline for acceptance or denial of the funding. I then participated in the last KWC scholarship competition for matriculation in the fall of 1984.

"One night, a family member asked what my plans were for the future, and I responded that I was waiting to hear on some scholarships. My mother asked why I wouldn't be accepting the James Graham Brown scholarship from Kentucky Wesleyan. I replied, 'what scholarship?' My mother had opened and placed the letter in my stack of college mailings without me realizing it. I raced to my room, read the letter and from that moment, my life changed forever!

"The scholarship and living at home in Owensboro overcame the financial barrier for attending college. However, it did come at cost, as being a commuter student made it hard to fully integrate into campus life.

"I had the perspective as a commuter student that studying was my job. In my time between classes, I went to the library to study. Because of my blue-collar background, I never viewed it as what is now referred to as the 'college experience.'

"The small class sizes at Wesleyan allow students and professors to develop relationships. Drs. Magnuson and Dan Bradshaw (both were coordinators of the Brown Scholars program) made a huge difference in my life. They each believed in me as a person and as a student and then

continued to provide support throughout the years as my career and life journey progressed.

"I was undecided on my major until my sophomore year. Further, upon selecting two majors (chemistry and mathematics), I struggled to select a career path. I selected versatile majors but didn't know I should be shadowing jobs or connecting into networks to land that first job. Thanks to Dr. W.L. Magnuson, I decided to attend graduate school at Vanderbilt University. I knew I needed education to better myself. During this period, I prayed God would direct me by opening doors he wanted me to enter. Through my experiences at Vanderbilt, the pathway emerged for my training and ultimate career.

"While completing my dissertation at Vanderbilt, I worked with Dr. M. Robert Willcott, who shared with me his passion for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS). He connected me with a former student of his, Dr. Robert Lenkinski at the University of Pennsylvania. So I did a postdoctoral fellowship there, and in working with Dr. Lenkinski, I found my career path in imaging research.

"Throughout my journey, God worked to put me in the proper spot for his purposes. In applying my specialty, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), I have been able to help many individuals as well as society at large. For clinical patients receiving MRS, my team and I have discovered new diseases, such as creatine transporter deficiency syndrome, as well as helping others to either confirm or reject a specific diagnosis.

"Upon hiring me, one of the neuroradiologists at CCHMC wanted to test my knowledge. A child with a nonspecific history of fever and seizures and abnormal CT scan was scheduled for an MRI with MRS. The neuroradiologist called to tell me the history and asked if I could come to the reading room to review the MRS. While walking upstairs, I wondered how I was going to distinguish the two diagnoses he was considering from the MRI: metabolic disease or stroke, as both often present with the metabolite known as lactate on MRS. Upon seeing the spectra without lactate, it showed other changes that reminded me of features I observed with early stages of infection, all of which I learned about during my fellowship. Fortunately, the clinicians caring for the child ran additional tests and confirmed my recommendation. It became one of my first CCHMC publications as a case report.

"While a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania,

KWC graduation day with grandfather Joe Cecil, mother Betty Ce cil, Kim, father Joe Cecil and grandmother Helen Cecil.

I was asked to help on a study of children exposed to lead from their home environments. We conducted and published the first studies showing how lead exposure adversely changed brain chemistry. This work was the preliminary data I later used in a grant application to secure funding as part of the Cincinnati Children's Environmental Health center. My team and I went on to publish key papers revealing how lead harms the brain. These studies provided the foundation for ongoing work evaluating how air pollution, flame retardants, perfluorinated chemicals plus other known and suspected neurotoxicants impact the developing brain using a variety of MRI and MRS techniques. This work remains the focus of my career.

"I still remember all those years ago when I first visited KWC.

Everyone, from faculty, staff to students, was genuinely friendly, which impressed me. I knew this was where I wanted to attend college.

"Wesleyan provided me the educational foundation, a solid bedrock, I needed. I enjoyed taking a liberal arts curriculum that allowed me to sample a variety of disciplines. While I was not Methodist, the Christian faith embedded in the environment was valuable as well. KWC suited me perfectly."

Dr. Kim (Cecil) Schuster '88 earned a B.S. in chemistry and mathematics at Kentucky Wesleyan College and an M.S. and Ph.D. in chemistry at Vanderbilt University. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship in radiology at the University of Pennsylvania.

DR. THOMAS MITZEL President, KWC

"My parents worked hard for low pay, and that is why I decided to attend college. This explanation may sound harsh, but they never seemed to enjoy their own pathways. My parents divorced when I was in the fifth grade, and this change exacerbated the financial situation within our house. I started my first job that year and helped pay bills. I did not want the types of careers in which they were working.

"Good mentors within the community were supportive of higher education and were willing to speak to me of opportunities. My older brothers and sisters were also supportive of higher education, and my older brother began his collegiate career when I was a sophomore in high school.

"I did not know how to navigate the financial issues surrounding college. I was unaware of living arrangements, academic or social aspects of attending a traditional college. I missed a great number of scholarship opportunities in my first year as I was unaware of what was available and where I could locate this information.

"I did not realize the time commitment of college athletics nor the time commitment of the sciences. My first two years were a struggle as I navigated these areas and learned through trial

and error what was required of a student academically and athletically while working 30-40 hours per week off campus to help pay bills.

"As a faculty member, I was an official first-generation advisor. Such programs are somewhat common today, but when I became a faculty member, they were not. I was able to interact with students and let them know their struggles were not unique. I could also offer advice from my past on how to ensure success in these students' daily activities.

Dr. Mitzel (second from right) and his younger brother, Tony (far right), on Northern State University track team in Aberdeen, S.D.

"I have always tried to ensure there are programs to help first-generation students become more comfortable in the college environment, and I try to tell my story to groups of students as they arrive on campus.

"After I learned to balance my work, classes, athletics and other aspects of college life, I did well. The first two years were a real struggle. I was working close to 40 hours a week, involved in athletics and trying to integrate into the social life of the campus. I had excellent professors and coaches who recognized my struggle and helped me find that required balance. I would not have obtained my degree had it not been for the wonderful individuals who took their time to teach me about life steadiness.

"My older brother was instrumental in my success. He was the first in our family to obtain a degree, and his struggles mirrored mine in many respects. His advice kept me focused during times when I did not think I could handle everything. I am grateful for his presence and guidance.

"Advising is crucial to first-generation students, and the programs Dr. Cousins (provost and vice president of the College) is constructing with the help of faculty and numerous departments will have a large positive impact on how we ensure that our first-generation students feel comfortable at KWC while they navigate their educational and spiritual pathways. Student life has hosted multiple programs for first-generation students that are social and educational. Our campus overall has put forward a strong effort to ensure that our first-generation students will be successful as Panthers.

"I entered college with plans for an English major. I always enjoyed math and science, however, and I enrolled in calculus and chemistry my first year. In my second year, I enrolled in organic chemistry (and calculus III) as the material appeared very interesting. Organic chemistry is called the "chemistry

Feature Story

of life," and I wanted to learn about the chemical construct of life on earth from the simplest atomic form to the building blocks upon which we are composed.

"I was also on the track and cross country team and working an off-campus job. The professor in my laboratory course allowed me to begin experiments, go to practice and work and return later to finish my experiments. One day, we were conducting a Grignard Reaction, which is exothermic (gives off energy). I was in a hurry and mixed all the chemicals quickly. Unlike laboratories today, we ran reactions on a large scale, and I had about 500 ml of ether as my solvent for this reaction. The 'uncontrolled exothermicity' of the reaction caused by my rashness in mixing the chemicals resulted in most of the experiment covering the ceiling tiles of the lab.

"I cleaned what I could reach, then left for practice and work. Upon my return to the lab, I learned the instructor had ascertained that the ceiling's new paint job was my handiwork. He asked me what happened. I began to tell him that I mixed the reagents too quickly when he stopped me and said, 'That is obvious. Chemically, what happened?' That question led to a two-hour conversation with him about the chemical interactions and power of electron flow. I was fascinated! A mistake that could have ended in my removal from the class culminated in my becoming a chemistry major, going on to get my Ph.D. in organic chemistry and teaching and conducting research in the field.

"This interaction reveals two things; haste makes waste, and more significantly, a single professor has the power to change the pathway of a student in a positive direction.

"That interaction would be considered unique in many institutions where I have worked. Similar professor/student interactions are prevalent at KWC and are one of the chief reasons our students are successful, both while enrolled at the College and well beyond.

"Our daily individual interactions with students are what make KWC so special and our students so strong."

Dr. Mitzel earned a B.S. in chemistry at Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at Boston College. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship in organic chemistry in organic transformations in aqueous systems at The Ohio State University.

A FOOTHOLD IN THE FUTURE

KWC Introduces New Courses in Animation

By Molly Gross, Assistant Professor of English

Kentucky Wesleyan College is 164 years old. We have old traditions like singing the alma mater and relics laying around like a hunk of limestone that fell off the Winchester building when it burned in 1905; students know it as Minerva and re-paint her frequently. Why have we thrived this long as an institution? Because through two re-locations and the constant ebb and flow of programs, we clearly welcome change. We may be sentimental about our history, but we have always leaned into what our diverse students want, what our community needs and what global industries demand. In our ever-digitizing world, one field thrives at that intersection – graphic design.

Professors Heather Logsdon and Shea Stanley with Rachel Kyle '23

Currently, Kentucky Wesleyan offers a bachelor of arts major and minor in graphic design, with course requirements such as beginning drawing, art survey, 2D and 3D design, five levels of graphic design, digital photography and digital painting, to name a few. Accolades for the program include:

l 2022 Animation Career Review for being in the top five Graphic Design programs in Kentucky

l 2021's Best Online Bachelor's Degree Program in Graphic Design by BestColleges.com

l Top 13 Best Affordable Graphic Design Degree Programs GraphicDesignDegreeHub.com

l 4th Graphic Design program in the nation in 2021 with Study.com

And this was all before the decision to launch more animation courses.

Heather Logsdon, full professor of Art and Design and the Art and Graphic Program Coordinator, is the driving force behind developing animation at KWC. The key to her plans was hiring Shea Stanley, now a full-time professor.

"He is the expert in animation, having his master of fine arts emphasis in animation. He is following industry standards that will give our students the skills to work in a professional animation studio in the future," Logsdon said.

A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, Stanley has worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for over 25 years in multiple industries, and his heart is still in the game.

"My first coherent memory is being maybe 2 or 3 years old, with my family at the Starlight Drive-In in Henderson, Ky., and watching the opening credits of Disney's 1973 animated film, "Robin Hood." Follow that up with years of more Disney movies, Looney Tunes shorts and Saturday morning cartoons, and I didn't stand a chance," said Stanley. Having experienced many different jobs in graphic design, it recently became a goal of Stanley's to help students find their own passion. "I love animation and have a passion, appreciation and enthusiasm for it that is fun to share. That's what I hope to bring to my classes."

In addition to existing graphic design courses, Professor Stanley is teaching a brand new course this fall, 3D Modeling and Printing, and will teach Digital Animation and Special Topics in Advanced Animation in the spring. Stanley believes animation courses "will push most students beyond what they were expecting out of the class, but they will end up surprising themselves with what they can accomplish."

Rachel Kyle '23 is a senior graphic design major in our onsite program, and shared, "One of my absolute favorite courses was Introduction to Animation. In it, we learned both 2D and 3D animation software and basics, and it made something that was once daunting to me seem so simple! It really delved into a specific area of graphic design that I love."

What some students may not realize, however, is that studying animation does not only lead to a career with Disney or Looney Tunes.

Teamwork: Jordan Monk '24 and Montana Fey '23 learning together

Graphic design opens doors to careers in video game design, art direction, filmmaking, photography, animation/illustration, web design, even fashion design.

"We have the benefit of every business needing a graphic designer for branding, layout . . . maybe they need a website designed or a product prototype or a logo screen printed? Maybe they need a video effect or a small animation or a manipulated image? Every business needs a graphic designer, and they are looking for students who have been trained in the software with creative thinking to bring solutions to problems," said Logsdon. And these careers are not fading - they are growing.

"With YouTube, streaming [services] and the internet, animation is available for consumption 24 hours a day," said Professor Stanley. The fashion industry is in particular need of graduates with graphic design and animation knowledge for projects such as using pattern-generating software or 3D modeling to create prototypes, and that's only the beginning. "As automation continues to evolve, a person might walk into a store, be 3D scanned and walk out with a custom, perfectlysized garment produced by robotic machinery," Stanley said.

Animators are also "essential to a marketing campaign to help potential customers," explained Professor Logsdon, partly because "multiple studies have reported that customers can retain very complex ideas for a much longer time after watching an animation of the product."

Even so, jobs with Disney or Pixar would not be out of reach for our graduates, and it could lead to involvement in very influential projects.

Disney's "The Mandalorian," for instance, integrates what Stanley describes as "software traditionally used to create animation for video games to create a "virtual studio" in which

actors perform inside of a virtual set that displays photorealistic 3D environments on LED screens," a breakthrough in filmmaking that will only provide more opportunities for animators. Disney's "Encanto," said Logsdon, helped audiences "learn multicultural perspectives combined with imagination and ethics."

Equally exciting as the courses we now offer is the technology we use to teach them.

Graphic design students use a Mac Lab with over 20 new 27inch iMacs loaded with Adobe Creative Suite, Blendr and Mya programs. Adobe Animate is a program Professor Stanley's students use for 2D puppet animation, where a character is "created in parts, much like a marionette, rigged with a bone system that the animator manipulates to bring it to life." With Adobe Creative Suite knowledge being a staple in the graphic design industry, our students wanting to pursue a career in that industry are set up for success.

The program also has four 3D printers so far. "3D modeling is a career that continues to grow," shared Stanley, particularly in the entertainment industry. Not many audiences realize that "every single object in a Pixar movie had to be modeled" off of drawings and are then passed onto animators who equip those models with "movable skeletons," before they are enhanced by artists who add texturing. Stanley helps his students see that 3D modeling is also utilized in video game design, virtual reality, architecture and even the auto parts industry. Professor Logsdon is particularly excited about how this course can equip our students.

"3D modeling and printing is in demand and that is where I want a Kentucky Wesleyan student–not just a graphic design major–all KWC students . . . I want them in demand and hireable with skills that will advance their careers because we promote interdisciplinary learning," said Logsdon.

Program

Nothing gives the graphic design professors more joy than learning about alumni who are truly in that kind of demand. Cassie Toman '13 is a local photographer, Taylor West '11 is co-founder of Tanner and West Designs in Owensboro, Kendall Ganus '14 is a freelance graphic designer in Nashville, Brandon Harper '14, is lead graphic designer for DK International in Atlanta, and Colby Erichsen '22, an online alumnus, has been offered a graphic design position with Tarrant County government in Texas.

In reflecting on her time at KWC, Rachel Kyle feels this program "gives anyone a great head start into their graphic design career. The professors are interested in your personal career prospects and will help you to the best of their ability as you work towards your goals. I love the flexibility in careers this program has, where a student is supported in their individual goals and is taught exactly what they need to succeed."

Incoming graphic design majors choose KWC when they hear what we have to offer. When freshman Chase Foster started looking at programs, he saw KWC was not only close to home but had a high national ranking. "Getting a graphic design degree will allow me to take my interest in art and apply it to a job where I can make a living doing what I love," Foster said.

In academia, as in a game of whack-a-mole, there's always another goal to reach for as soon as the last is out of the way. That's why Professor Logsdon has more plans for the Graphic Design Program. A minor in animation has been proposed, with the proposal for a major in the works. There are also ideas floated about interdisciplinary collaborations.

"Art touches all disciplines on campus as the 'mutt' of disciplines. Animation can easily be cross-listed with English,

communication arts, business and math courses, even for nonmajors," she said. "A business major is surprised to learn they will use branding for their business and embed an animation in their website. A communications major is surprised that the graphic/animation project helps them with their video projects. A former English major (Michaela Priddy '17) used animation software in her senior thesis project at Student Achievement Scholars Day under the guidance of Professor Tamara Coy to write the script and under my guidance for creation/software help."

It's doubtful any of us can imagine childhood without cartoons. And while it may be hard to hear the word "animation" and think beyond Mickey and SpongeBob, today's economy is clearly fostering technologies that broaden that definition.

"Visual communication has been here since prehistoric times when paleolithic people used visual imagery to learn which animals were dangerous. It is instant communication that any society can understand, even through language barriers," Logsdon said. "Animation was the path I chose to develop not only because it is a popular pastime, but it utilizes all the basic foundations of both art and graphic design skills to merge them into one user-friendly society favorite."

Kentucky Wesleyan is before-Mickey Mouse old, and we have old traditions. But its Graphic Design Program clearly has a foothold in the future with the addition of animation courses and equipment. This would all seem like science fiction to our students from the Winchester campus, and in another 164 years the 3D printer may be a relic. But there's a good chance Minerva will still be sporting a fresh coat of paint, since art, however it changes, is a timeless expression.

Students at work in ART 425, 3D Modeling and Printing

= A Record-Breaking Career

By Roy Pickerill '75

It all adds up. Kentucky Wesleyan's own and college basketball's No. 1 play-by-play legend Joel Utley '74 spent 61 years at the mic. He called 1,933 KWC games, making him college basketball's record holder for all-time playby-play broadcast longevity and total games.

He holds the distinction as the only broadcaster at any level in the nation to call 12 NCAA championship games; KWC's eight NCAA Division II titles—1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1987, 1990, 1999 and 2001.

In the summer of 1961, Utley joined the WVJS/WSTO-

Post-game interview with Ken-Jah Bosley '17, former professional ballplayer in Europe

First radio job at Madisonville's WFMW at age 16

FM team in Owensboro. He started his KWC career at the Owensboro Sportscenter on Dec. 2, 1961, when the Panthers defeated California State University, Northridge 100-64.

How did this record-setting Hall of Fame career begin?

The Madisonville, Ky., native says his passion for broadcasting was ignited when, as a 9-year-old, he listened to the legendary Harry Caray call St. Louis Cardinals' games.

"I was fascinated by the word pictures that came out of that box," Utley said. "I never wanted to do anything but be a radio broadcaster.

"My first broadcast 'equipment' consisted of a cutout cardboard microphone, thanks to my Dad . . . earmuffs for my headphones . . . and a shoebox with 'dials' marked by crayons. I used this to create descriptions of my baseball board game as a child."

Utley got his first radio job at age 16 with Madisonville's WFMW, where he broadcasted high school basketball play-by-play for 2 ½ years.

He then moved to WVLK in Lexington for another 2 ½ years while attending the University of Kentucky.

Unlike most play-by-play announcers, Utley has never worked with a color analyst. He does the entire broadcast solo. It is hard to imagine the Panthers playing basketball without him.

Thanks to encouragement from former Panther coach Bob Daniels, Utley finished his bachelor's degree at Kentucky Wesleyan in 1974.

Utley is renowned throughout the Bluegrass and the nation for his contributions to college basketball.

He was selected for Kentucky Wesleyan College's Alumni Hall of Fame (2021) and Athletic Hall of Fame (2013); the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame (2016) and the National Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award (2021).

Utley was inducted into the Kentucky Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in September.

"I think everybody who has ever played, coached or been a fan would tell you that Joel is their best friend," said former Panther coach Mike Pollio (1980-85).

In August 2022, Utley announced his decision to retire as the "Voice of the Panthers" after 61 years. His use of word pictures, learned as a boy in Madisonville, will be missed. "You can see what he is saying," said a loyal fan. "I will miss the view."

Interviewing UK Hall of Fame Coach Adolph Rupp at Bluegrass Airport in 1960

Calling a game

Celebrating his 1,000th game

Never Give Up the Dream

By Eddie Kenny

During the height of the COVID pandemic, Stanley Jackson told former KWC basketball teammate and current Trustee Jim Griffin '86 he wanted to finish what he started, the pursuit of his bachelor's degree from Kentucky Wesleyan College.

Griffin told Jackson KWC offered a pathway to degree completion he could accomplish on his schedule. He encouraged Stanley to connect with KWC Online. Despite his own admittedly limited technology abilities, Jackson contacted Assistant Director of Online Enrollment Josh Baldwin '05 and restarted his path to a college degree.

Jackson's life took several paths prior to that conversation with Griffin. Born in the Park Hill section of Louisville, Jackson was one of seven children. Seeing tragedies in the community, including high crime, violence and drug abuse, occurring at an alarming rate and wanting to provide better for her children, Jackson’s mom, Alma Elliott, worked two jobs and moved to another part of the west end. This move also provided greater exposure for Stanley Jackson the athlete.

Jackson was on the radar of several top Division I programs as a standout at Louisville's DuPont Manual High School, and KWC coach Wayne Chapman made it a priority to recruit the young man when he saw him as a junior. "Coach was there for a teammate but instead turned his interest to me," Jackson recalls.

When he first visited Owensboro, Jackson was amazed at the welcome he received. "The people were unbelievable." On his second visit, he brought his mom, who also fell in love with the community, and particularly felt welcomed by the parents of KWC's Rod Drake '84. Jackson joined a Panther basketball program that boasted three All-

Stanley with wife Linda

The Jackson family

Jackson and his wife, Linda (Roberts) Jackson, met when he was 9 and she was 7. "She's my best friend," says Jackson.

The couple reconnected in 2004 and married in 2006. Between them, they have seven children: Kenya Grace Pace, Adoria Jackson, Stanley Jackson, Jr., Stuart Johnson, Kayla Johnson, Dorian Johnson and Adrian Johnson.

Stanley, the Panther

God had a plan for me. I had so many opportunities to make the left or wrong turn and every time I looked up, someone helped me.

Americans (Drake, Dwight Higgs' 84 and Ray Zuberer '84). They, along with Coaches Chapman and Mike Pollio, served as incredible mentors and teammates, accepting him immediately as part of the program and helping him develop on and off the court.

Jackson and the Panthers made two Final Four appearances in his four years at KWC, and he credited the team mentality as well as support of the Owensboro community for their success. He later realized how incredible the Kentucky Wesleyan family was to the team. "Roy Pickerill '75, Barbara Johnson, Coach Pollio's wife, Ann; they were all integral to our success and our growth."

Following his incredible KWC career, the Panther connection led to his first opportunity abroad, delaying the completion of his degree. Drake, now playing in the Netherlands, let Jackson know they needed a forward. He then began an international career that took him from Amsterdam to London and then to even farther destinations with the Harlem Ambassadors. Despite a layoff due to injury, he surprised even himself by successfully playing at a high level, including time in Mexico, France, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

His playing career came to an end in 1994, and he wondered how he would complete his degree. Despite some attempts at the University of Louisville and outreach to see if KWC offered online programs, he was unable to gain what he needed then.

"It's been a great journey and it didn't sink in until lately that I've had a great basketball career," said Jackson. "It allowed me to experience different cultures and people on my journey."

Fast forward to the pandemic and that conversation with

Griffin. Jackson believes, like much of his life, there was a reason for the timing. "God had a plan for me. I had so many opportunities to make the left or wrong turn and every time I looked up, someone helped me."

Currently a security guard at Louisville's Southern High School, Jackson hopes to complete his degree in education as early as December 2023 and admits he must remain disciplined to do so. He wants to ensure that he honors his family and sees it through to completion. We can't wait to celebrate with him when he does walk across that stage at Commencement.

"I cannot give God enough praise. He has led my journey."

Homecoming 2022

A Taste of the Arts

Panther Pride 5K

The 2nd Annual Panther Pride 5K was a success! Nearly 90 walkers and runners completed the winding and windy route through Panther Park, Foster Field and the quad with a run by the new Wesley N. Panther statue and a marathon-like finish in Steele Stadium.

Pillars Lecture

The inaugural Pillars Lecture Series incorporated academics into Homecoming 2022 with 15-minute Ted Talk-style lectures. Provost Dr. James Cousins welcomed Professor Nate Gross (associate professor of Theatre and director of Theatre), Dr. Andrew Bolin (division chair of Fine Arts and Humanities and assistant professor of Communication Arts) and Hillary (Lantrip) Croft '14, J.D. (KWC Distinguished Faculty Fellow). Professor Nate Gross begins his lecture. "Censored: Explorations in Determination in the Art of Acting and in Life."

Brown Scholars Reunion Brunch

A Brown Scholars Reunion Brunch for our current and alumni Brown Scholars included a keynote from Greg Risch '93, memories shared by Drs. W.L. Magnuson, Dan Bradshaw and Henry Connor, along with laughter, memories shared and friendships renewed.

Michael Wade '80 and Lydia Dorman '82 celebrate as they cross the finish line.

Enthusiastic alumni and friends kicked off Homecoming 2022 with A Taste of the Arts at the Jack T. Wells '77 Activity Center. The crowd, a packed house, enjoyed delicious food and drink, an art exhibit and bite-sized performances from the theatre, band and choir programs. The evening culminated with a celebration honoring the inaugural Outstanding Alumna of the Arts, Pamela Howell '84.

Turner Vaughn '22 and Michelle Trenda '16 perform a scene from Sweeney Todd.

Guests savored a delectable taste of the arts and local Owensboro cuisine.

Outstanding Alumna of the Arts Pamela Howell '84.

Panther Football vs. Hillsdale

Panther football took down G-MAC leader Hillsdale with a final score of 31-27, the first-ever win over Hillsdale in team history.

Defensive lineman Jaden Santos-Lopez '24 revs up Panther fans.

Drs. Connor and Magnuson (longtime coordinators of the program with Dr. Bradshaw) reminisce.

Alumni Hall of Fame and Awards Celebration

Eight honorees received recognition for their distinguished service to the College and their communities at the Alumni Hall of Fame and Awards Celebration. Their contributions to our world reflect their commitment to The Wesleyan Way.

Homecoming

Back Together Bash

The 2nd Annual Back Together Bash on the front lawn was even bigger and better than last year! The event was open to all Homecoming and Fall Family Weekend participants and the broader Owensboro community. Guests enjoyed live music from four different acts showcasing five alumni, food trucks, inflatables, a mechanical bull and more.

The event was presented by Dr. Sara Doolin-Thompson ’94 and Wesleyan Medical Practice. Chad Benefield '93 and Angel (Ballard) Welsh '03 co-hosted a WBKR Live Remote on site.

Members of the classes of 1997 and 1972 returned to campus and were inducted to the Silver and Golden Jubilee clubs.

Cochran Dorsey Prayer Room Dedication

Brooks Holley '24 takes his turn with one of Homecoming's most popular attractions.

Ben Kees '10, Taylor West '11, Josh Hutchison '10 and Vice President of Advancement Eddie Kenny pose for a photo.

Nadia Wilkes '15, Kerry Showers '16 and their group, Off The Record, performed an upbeat show that could be heard throughout campus

Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Inductee Dr. Randall Capps '57 (posthumously)

Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Inductee Dr. Julie Gurwell '89

2022 Alumni Awards

Outstanding Alumnus Jeff White '72 Alumni Achievement Award Antoine Poythress '91 Gus E. Paris Distinguished Service Award Dr. Paula Dehn

Roy Pickerill '75 Alumni Service Award David Ashburn '87 Outstanding Young Graduate Wesley Whistle '12 Honorary Alumna Anna Dixon-Skidmore

Above: Friends and former football teammates congratulated Alumni Achievement Award Winner Antoine Poythress '91. Left to right: Jamie Risch, Julia Poythress, Greg Risch '93, Brian Seider '98, Sam Taylor '97, Brad Bates '92, Melissa Lyons, Chad Lyons '92 and Antoine Poythress '91 At left: President Emeritus Barton Darrell '84 reconnects with Outstanding Alumni Award Winner Jeff White '72.

Sept. 4, 2021, marked 50 years since the tragic death of student Cochran Dorsey on his 20th birthday. Classmates, friends and Sigma Nu brothers gathered to honor his life and legacy with a ribbon cutting and dedication of the prayer room in his memory in the Jack T. Wells '77 Activity Center. His death left an indelible mark on many lives, and he was remembered as a leader of strong character; friendly, popular, fun loving and bright.

Left to right: Carol (Hendren) Matthews '70, Beth (Robinson) Ronk '73, Debbie (Tinius) Crone '75, Pat Corkran '73, Janet (Laswell) Suwanski '72, Kathy Sherman '73, Rich Suwanski '73, Doug Matthews '70, Steve Sanders '71, Steve Uebelhor '71, Rev. Chris Madison '74, Mike Uebelhor '70, Ken Sheaffer '70 and Tom Wonder '72

Campus Renovations

Students were greeted by new and upgraded facilities when they returned to campus in August, many provided by the generosity of KWC alumni and friends. In addition to the upgrades pictured here, the Ralph Center received a new roof and siding. The College seeks to provide a high level education and a comfortable, enjoyable home to each student during their four-year tenure on our campus. We are deeply appreciative of the loyalty of our donors, who work together to make this possible. The work completed to date added $2.1 million to fixed assets with a further $1.5 million planned projects on the horizon in 2023. Exciting renovations in athletic facilities are featured on page 24.

The new patio by Panther Field, home of men's and women's soccer, features slate flooring and pillars from the Winchester campus. A covering will be added in the spring.

Students returned to a refreshed Peeples Hall in August. Renovations included new flooring, furniture and paint in student rooms.

At top: Through the Faith in Action initiative supported by alumni and friends, new flooring, lighting and upgraded audiovisual equipment transformed the beloved Tapscott Chapel. The stage renovation and removal provides ADA compliant access to office and storage space.

Perfect for a pickup game, the new basketball court is located on College Drive beside the new gazebo.

JACK T. WELLS ’77 ACTIVITY CENTER

Generous gifts supported the purchase of the Activity Center and the building and maintenance fund to transform the space for the use of our students and community.

At right: The Cochran Dorsey Prayer Room honors the memory of the member of the Class of '73 who tragically passed away in 1971. The room was lovingly provided by his classmates, friends and Sigma Nu brothers.

Campus Renovations

The campus's second Commuter Lounge was generously provided by Steve and Trisha Frey.

The new kitchen was generously provided by Scott Pickrell in loving memory of his mother, Joyce Taylor. Several appliances were also donated to provide a fully functioning kitchen to prepare meals for students and special events hosted in the Panther Room or Auditorium.

The KWC community is pleased to welcome our newest trustees, who joined the board in 2022.

Cathy (Meeks) Bishop '78

Bowling Green, Ky.

Ms. Bishop retired from English, Lucas, Priest, & Owsley as a paralegal. She serves on the board of trustees at the Bowling Green Medical Center and was inducted to the Bowling Green High School Hall of Fame in 2017.

During her time at KWC, she was homecoming queen and a Kappa Delta. She is a former member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and served as president from 1989-1990.

Noel Clayton '81

Owensboro, Ky.

Mr. Clayton is the former vice president of WaxWorks, where he began in the warehouse, became a buyer and eventually vice president of the Video Division and president of the National Association of Video Distributors.

He led the effort to build the Centre Court tennis complex, where he is general manager. He has been the tennis coach at Owensboro Catholic High School for over 20 years.

Mr. Clayton was a three-sport high school athlete in Tell City, Ind., and played baseball at KWC.

Kelly Frank '96

Philadelphia, Pa.

Ms. Frank is president and general manager of CBS Philadelphia, a position she advanced to in April after four years as director of content for CBS affiliate WTSP in Tampa, Fla. Her journalism career has included stops in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Ga., with CNN, Phoenix, Ariz., Columbus, Ohio, and more.

She served as a trustee from 2012-2018 and was reappointed in June 2022.

A standout softball player at KWC, she was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017 and recognized as the College's Outstanding Young Graduate in 2011.

Board of Trustees

The members of the Board of Trustees offer their time, leadership abilities and resources to guide the College and help ensure its stability and vitality. Through their diverse range of professional expertise, they collaborate to lead KWC into a strong future.

Executive Committee

Sherry (Miller) Feldpausch '83 Chair

Fisherville, Ky. Principal

The Glenview Trust Company Fred Wright '80 Vice Chair New Palestine, Ind. Retired Eli Lilly & Company - Human Resources

Deborah (Carter) Dearing '79 Secretary Saint Louis, Mo. Attorney Dearing Batten & Bauer LLC Jeff White '72 Treasurer Glen Allen, Va. Retired founder of Jefco, glass manufacturer and installer

Board Members

Cathy (Meeks) Bishop '78 Bowling Green, Ky. Retired Paralegal English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP

Rev. Dale Carden '77 Owensboro, Ky. Retired Clergy United Methodist Church

Dr. BC Childress '05 Owensboro, Ky. Director of Outpatient Pharmacy Services Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Noel Clayton '81 Owensboro, Ky. Businessman/Entrepreneur General Manager, Centre Court Steve Divine '94 Owensboro, Ky. Vice President, Trust and Investment Services Independence Bank

Lydia Dorman '82 Las Vegas, Nev. Retired Vice President Coca-Cola Japan Kelly Frank '96 Philadelphia, Pa. President and General Manager CBS, Philadephia

Front row: Dr. BC Childress '05, Dr. Charlie Schertzinger '62, Dr. Elizabeth (Mauzy) Martin '08, Jeff White '72, Sherry (Miller) Feldpausch '83, Fred Wright '80, Debo rah (Carter) Dearing '79, Keith Sharber, Rev. Tom Grieb '78, Doug Hoyt '84 Back row: Talmage Hocker '85, Dr. Catherine (Eblen) Sherrard '95, Rev. Dale Carden '77, Noel Clayton '81, Greg Risch '93, Jim Griffin '86, Dr. Thomas Mitzel, Rev. Dr. Jay Smith '85, Tom Major '79, Rev. Keith Switzer '79, Cathy (Meeks) Bishop '78, Harold "Sonny" Hall '67, Nate Gross, Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14 Not pictured: Steve Divine '94, Lydia Dorman '82, Bishop Leonard Fairley, Kelly Frank '96, Rev. Mark Gibbons '78, Yoselin Herrera-Uribe '24, Roland Shelton

Rev. Mark Gibbons '78 Shelbyville, Ky.

Retired Clergy United Methodist Church

Rev. Tom Grieb '78 Goshen, Ky.

Pastor St. John United Methodist Church, Louisville, Ky.

Jim Griffin '86 La Grange, Ky. President Big Sky Solutions, LLC Retired state and federal law enforcement officer

Harold "Sonny" Hall '67 Owensboro, Ky. Real Estate Agent

Talmage Hocker '85 Louisville, Ky.

Founder, President and CEO The Hocker Group, LLC

Tom Major '79 Elizabethtown, Ky. Manager Houchens Insurance Group

Dr. Elizabeth (Mauzy) Martin '08 Owensboro, Ky.

Optometrist RiverPark Eyecare

Greg Risch '93 Henderson, Ky.

President, Chief Executive Officer Gibbs Die Casting Corporation Dr. Charlie Schertzinger '62 Owensboro, Ky.

Retired Optometrist

Keith Sharber Owensboro, Ky. Vice President Canteen Service Company of Owensboro, Inc.

Roland Shelton

Newburgh, Ind.

Executive Vice President, Strategic Business Partnerships

Old National Bank

Dr. Catherine (Eblen) Sherrard '95 Louisville, Ky.

Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana

Rev. Dr. Jay Smith '85 Smiths Grove, Ky.

Superintendent

Owensboro Disrict of The United Methodist Church Rev. Keith Switzer '79 Owensboro, Ky.

Retired Clergy United Methodist Church

Trustees Emeriti

Wayne Foster '69 Business owner

American Patriot Getaways, Resort Management, Wayne Foster Enterprises, Marcat, LLC Co-owner, Wayjack Ventures David Hocker '59 Owensboro, Ky. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Hocker and Associates, Inc.

Joseph Kenny '60 Indianapolis, Ind. Retired Herff Jones Inc., Vice President of Fine Paper Division Dr. Clarence "Ken" Peters '57 Louisville, Ky.

Retired Physician

Mitch Settle '83 Owensboro, Ky. Managing Director The Settle Group Baird

Ruth Seydel '64 Naples, Fla.

Former Marketing Director IBM Residential Realtor Rev. Glenn Sowards '53 Hopkinsville, Ky. Retired Clergy United Methodist Church John Wallace Jr. Lexington, Ky. Retired General Auditor Ashland Oil Terry Woodward '64 Owensboro, Ky. President and Chief Executive Officer WaxWorks, Inc.

Ex Officio

Bishop Leonard Fairley Louisville, Ky.

Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church Yoselin Herrera-Uribe '24

President Student Government Association

Associate Professor Nate Gross Faculty Trustee

Associate Professor and Director of Theatre

Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14 Staff Trustee

Director of Alumni Relations Doug Hoyt ’84

President, KWC Alumni Association Board of Directors Chief Executive Officer Wendell Foster

Athletics Facilities Renovations

Student-athletes returned in August with enthusiastic approval of numerous upgrades in the Woodward Health and Recreation Center and a new Wrestling Facility. Jones Gymnasium underwent a significant renovation including a refinished and rebranded floor, which was relined to allow multiple practice courts for volleyball and basketball. The facility was repainted from floor to ceiling.

The new women's soccer locker room was introduced to team members when they returned for preseason training. The space includes a dress ing area with personal lockers and storage for our players.

The new Wrestling Facility is located in a former storage building adja cent to the Panther Park Baseball Field.

The weight room has been refurbished and includes new weight train ing and aerobic equipment provided by our partners at Planet Fitness.

Welcome to Our Newest Coaches

By Joel Krenz

Chuck Brown

Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach

Chuck Brown, the head tennis pro at Centre Court in Owensboro, has a long history in the sport of tennis since his playing days in the 90s. He has enjoyed success at every stop in his career.

He began his coaching career as an assistant at the University of Kentucky and then was head coach at Transylvania for 16 years. During his tenure at Transylvania, the men's team won nine conference championships and the women won two titles. He was named the Heartland Conference Coach of the Year a record 11 times and has won two U.S. Tennis Association Kentucky Coach of the Year and U.S. Professional Tennis Association Southern Division Coach of the Year awards.

Brandon Crawford Head Wrestling Coach

Brandon Crawford comes to KWC after three years at Clay High School in Green Cove Springs, Fla., where he coached and developed multiple state champion wrestlers for the winningest high school wrestling program in the state. He has Copper and Bronze USA Wrestling Coaches Certification, an M.S. in kinesiology from Louisiana State and a B.S. in sports management from Post University. During his 12-year stint in the U.S. Army, he held multiple titles including operations supervisor, recruiter and facility manager. He earned six Army Achievement medals for performance and professionalism.

Sean Henderson Head Cheerleading Coach

Sean Henderson graduated from Eastern Kentucky University and competed with EKU and Sacramento State on their large coed teams, where he had multiple top-three finishes at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) nationals. He has coached at all levels from youth to college and worked for the UCA for nearly 10 years. He brings passion for the sport, along with tremendous knowledge and experience, and has the tools and drive to coach at each level.

Angelique McKeny '21 Head Men's and Women's Bowling Coach

Angelique McKeny '21 joined the men's and women's bowling staff as an assistant coach in the 2021-22 season and became head coach this year. She began bowling in a league at age 4. She is a summa cum laude graduate of KWC and was captain of the women's team. She played a major role in the team's achievements, which included multiple NCAA and U.S. Bowling Congress titles. She also achieved numerous singles awards and bowled the only NCAA women's 300 game of the 2019-20 season. She emphasizes mental as well as physical training and has been described as the most accomplished bowler in the KWC program's young history.

Tyrone Young Head Football Coach

Tyrone Young was named the seventh head coach in the College's football history on March 8, 2022. A member of the KWC staff since 2018, he has been a vital influence in reshaping the Panthers' defense into one of the best in the G-MAC. In 2021, the Panthers finished second in the conference in both interceptions and defensive efficiency. To add to the team accolades, defensive back KiShawn Walker '23 became the Panther's first All-American since Keelan Cole '17 in 2016.

Young vibrantly lives and breathes Kentucky Wesleyan with an "academics first" mantra. This emphasis drove last year's team to their highest GPA since the 2018 season. Young strives to build quality football players and high-quality young men.

He began his career as a player at Kentucky Christian University. Following his playing career, the Fort Knox, Ky., native immediately began coaching, starting out at KCU before moving to Kings College in Pennsylvania. After stops at Lock Haven and Anderson, Young found his way to KWC. He is the youngest coach in the G-MAC and one of the youngest in NCAA Division II.

Alumni Scrapbook

Visit kwc.edu/alumnievents for upcoming opportunities to connect with Wesleyan and register, when applicable.

Are We There Yet?

The Kentucky Wesleyan Alumni Association hosts an average of 40 events a year throughout the Owensboro region, the Commonwealth and the nation to connect alumni and friends with the College and one another. We have enjoyed seeing many of you this year and appreciate your participation.

The Office of Alumni Relations hosted six events on the #KWCSummerRoadTrip; 1,500+ miles and over 300 Kentucky Wesleyan alumni and friends in attendance. It was a summer of delicious food, incredible experiences and, most of all, wonderful company. We are already looking forward to next year!

Ed '93, Avery, Owen '23 and Dr. Jodi (Parks) Krahwinkel '93 snap a selfie between innings.

Whitney (Espenlaub) '08 and Tyson Martin '07 and their kiddos pause between rides at Wesleyan Day at Holiday World.

June July

July

Nearly 100 Panthers enjoyed our annual Millionaires Row tradition.

Atomic Bowl Duckpin, Indianapolis Panthers gather for pizza and duckpin bowling at #WesleyanStrikesIndy. W.T. Bennett '59, Beth (Robinson) Ronk '73, Leigha Taylor, Kelly Flick, Becky (McClain) Paulson '75 and Karen Skillman.

Wesleyan Night with the Cincinnati Reds

Holiday World

Jim Griffin '80 & Deidre Blevins pose before a breathtaking view.

Selena Coalter '20, Christian Tooley '20 and Sam Yake '21 get competi tive with fellow Panthers.

Dwight '79 and Cynthia Armstrong reunite with Mike '78 and Cathy (Meeks) Bishop '78

August

August

Downs After Dark at Churchill Downs

Topgolf Nashville

to Gather

Eugene Hargis and Mike Simpson (co-trustees of the Wells Chari table Trust), Eddie Kenny, Gina Wells, Jim Wells and Barbara Wells

Members of the Wesleyan community, including trustees and donors to the Jack T. Wells '77 Activity Center, gathered on June 2 to dedicate the beautiful facility. The newest addition to the campus is named for alumnus and former Board of Trustees Chair Jack Wells '77, who passed away in August 2020. His transformational bequest enabled the College to complete the purchase of the building at 3300 Frederica St. and included the establishment of the Jack T. Wells Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Class of 2022 Makes Its Mark

Reunited and It Feels So Good

We LOVE that friendships that started at KWC stand the test of time. Check out several reunions over the last few months.

Members of the Class of 2022 and the Alumni Association's Board of Directors worked diligently all year to plan, fundraise for and execute the Senior Gift; unveiled days before Commencement.

The wood-carved 8-foot statue of Wesley N. Panther, in front of our prospective student parking area, is visible from Frederica St. We are so proud of our seniors for dreaming up a gift that will be enjoyed for years to come. They worked hard to make it happen.

Brandon Harper '14, Ricky Simpson, Carl Sims '11, Matt Roth '14, Rob Kedenburg '96, Matt Hanks '13, John Glover '02 and Matt Clarke '07

Members of the Class of 2022's Senior Committee and campus community celebrated the unveiling in April.

Sorority sisters Andrea Heaton '10, Emily King '10, McKena (Tichenor) Campbell '11 and Ashley (Braun) Gendek '09 gathered in downtown Owensboro.

Fraternity brothers gathered in Owensboro for the inaugural Sammie Alum ni Disc Golf Tournament.

Linda (Ellis) Mattingly '77, Cathy (Meeks) Bishop '78 and Barbara (Adams) Hill '77 gathered in Bowl ing Green, Ky.

Members of the 2017 Panther Baseball GMAC Championship team were invited back to campus for a special five-year reunion.

Thirty-five former Kentucky Wesleyan faculty and staff gathered at Legion Park for a picnic in April.

Sigma Alpha Mu GMAC

Faculty and staff reunion

Kappa Delta

Alumni Give Back Day

A Different Way for Alumni To "Give" to Their Alma Mater

By Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14, Director of Alumni Relations

Sweat equity. At KWC, that means more than hard work. It means teamwork, laughter, a sense of accomplishment, the joy of giving and some sweat, too. It is The Wesleyan Way in action. And it all came about thanks to the Young Alumni Committee of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

"How can we get young alumni more engaged?" That was the first question posed at the Young Alumni Committee's first brainstorming meeting in late 2020. An energetic discussion and a gem of an idea followed.

"What if we invite our young alumni to campus to roll up their sleeves and give some sweat equity?" posed board member Dr. Jodi (Parks) Krahwinkel '93. "They will feel like they're 'giving back' even if they're not ready to write a check. I'm sure there are plenty of little things like Continues on page 34

Left to right: Mark Shook, Eddie Gomez '08, Dr. Kyle Blackburn '10, Jordan Sprunger, Brandon Cox '10, Scott Kramer '87, Dr. Ryne Williams '12, Brad McCrady '06 and Ken Pernisek '75

Above: Give Back Day captains Josh Baldwin '05, Shawn Tomes '94 and Scott Kramer '87 Below: Selena Coalter '20 and Margaret (Stinnette) Pickerill '75

1956

Joe Roop was inducted into the Muhlenberg County High School Athletic Hall of Fame's Class of 2021. 1

Joan and Timothy Holly celebrated 67 years of marriage. 2

1961

Panther basketball alumnus Lyle Dunbar was inducted into the latest class of the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame. Lyle was a four-year starter for the Panthers, including the 1960 NCAA third-place team. 3

1964

Longtime local businessman and Trustee Emeritus Terry Woodward was featured in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer about his music memorabilia which spans decades and music genres. 4

1965

Tom Johnson recently traveled from Ft. Thom as, Ky,. to gift a beautiful antique mirror to the College. The ornate 11-foot mirror had been in his family for many generations. It is now in the Ralph Center for the Arts, where it will be appreciated by our students and visitors. 5

1968

Panther Basketball Alumnus Dallas Thornton Sr. was inducted into the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame this year. His basketball career spanned 27 years at Louisville Male High School, KWC, Miami Floridians (ABA) and the Harlem Globetrotters. Thornton led the Panthers as a four-year starter to two NCAA Division II National championships in 1966 and 1968 plus a third-place finish in 1967. He averaged 17.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game in his career.

1971

Seretha (Summers) and George Tinsley '69 received the Tinsley Inclusive Change maker Award from the Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation. The award will be given each year at the National Annual KFC Franchise Convention. 6

1975

Sports Information Director Emeritus Roy Pickerill was chosen as the inaugural recipi ent of the D2SIDA Roy Pickerill Service Award by the Division II College Sports Information Directors of America. 7

1979

Ramona (Hill) Logsdon retired after over 30 years with WDRB Media in Louisville. 8

1983

Mitch Settle was recognized as a Barron's Ranked Advisor 2022, his 12th year to earn this honor. Mitch is a trustee emeritus and a member of the Alumni Hall of Fame. 9

1984

Doug Hoyt was named chairperson for Lead ingAge Kentucky's Intellectual and Develop mental Disabilities Committee. He is CEO of Wendell Foster in Owensboro, Ky., and president of the KWC Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Michael Darrell-Hicks, son of president emeri tus Bart Darrell, signed with the MLB's Los Angeles Angels. He is a right-handed pitcher and was the fifth-ranked slider in college baseball last year for Jacksonville University.

1985

Kirk Duncan celebrated 35 years at WFIE TV in Evansville, Ind., as a photojournalist. Kirk has spent 37 years in television news. 10

1987

Scott Kramer, KWC's vice president of fa cilities and executive initiatives, was named the Owensboro YMCA Board Member of the Month.

1988

David Taylor is the new director of external events and mailroom supervisor at KWC.

1989

Dr. Julie Gurwell was promoted from associ ate to full professor status in UK's Department of Neurology. She was inducted into the Ken tucky Wesleyan College Hall of Fame during Homecoming.

1990

Adam Wojtelwicz was named chief financial officer at Trinity Valley School in Fort Worth, Texas.

1991

The National Peace Corps Association fea tured Lawson Glasergreen, including him celebrating the first Peace Corps Week in Antarctica in 2015, earning of the Antarctica Service Medal awarded by the Secretary of

Defense and a teaser about the volume of writings and photographs he is compiling.

1992

Jonathan Moore's short film, "Listening," was chosen as an official monthly selection of the Indie Shorts Fest Film Festival in Los Angeles, Calif. 11

1993

Marjory (Rightmyer) Pippin was named principal at Sorgho Elementary School.

Greg Risch finished the Nashville Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon.

Kelly (McCoy) Wathen was named senior vice president and market leader at PNC Bank in Palm Beach County.

1994

Chris Tracy is the new principal at Franklin County High School.

Shawn Tomes became the College's first ever vice president of mission and culture in June.

1995

Wesleyan Sweethearts Chris and Laurie (Owen) Herrell '97 celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. 12

1996

Kelly Frank was named president and general manager of CBS News and Stations in Philadelphia, including KYW-TV, WPSG-TV, the CBS News Philly streaming channel and CBSPhilly.com. 13

1997

Byron Hall was elected to serve on the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) X12 Board of Directors. 14

1999

Carrie (Bridgeman) Wedding is the new director of special education at Owensboro Public Schools.

Mod Williams and Christy Birdine were married. 15

2000

The Owensboro Innovation Academy, led by Principal Beth (Linder) Benjamin, was awarded Education and Workforce Development Institution of the Year by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. Major Joseph Dowell retired from the U.S.

Air Force. He has accepted a position with the Applied Research Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University. He and his wife, Anna, and their three daughters reside in State College, Pa.

Jami (York) Hernandez began a new role as vice president of commercial lending at MidSouthern Savings Bank, FSB in Louisville, Ky. 16

2001

Panther Head Baseball Coach Todd Lillpop was named the G-MAC Co-Coach of the Year.

2005

Josh Baldwin was promoted to assistant director of online enrollment at Kentucky Wesleyan. He also serves his alma mater on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer featured Trustee Dr. BC Childress, director of outpatient pharmacy at Owensboro Health, regarding his coordination of COVID-19 vaccine efforts for the hospital.

Allyson (Forrest) Sanders was named Lead ership Owensboro's Class Member of the Year by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. She was also promoted to director of sales and marketing for workforce solutions at Owensboro Community & Techni cal College. 17

Matt DeVault, Clint Houk '08, Zach Wood ard '06, Greg Brown and their team, the Kentucky Tile Smokers, earned first place in the Backyard Cook Division at the Interna tional BBQ Festival. Rachelle (Jones) Brown '09 made the team's aprons. 18

2006

Jennifer (Hendricks) Wright was recognized as the Best Attorney in the Best of Owensboro Living Awards. 19

Brad McCrady was featured in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer for his work as one of the Top 20 Elvis Tribute Artists in the world.

2007

Brandon Brooks was named principal at College View Middle School in Owensboro. The Panther baseball alumnus was inducted into the Kentucky Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.

Dr. Amy French accepted a new position as associate professor of college student personnel at Bowling Green State University. The program is one of the top student affairs programs in the country.

2008

Brittany (Leach) Cottoner has begun a new role as director of agency operations at EM Ford in Owensboro.

Wesleyan Sweethearts Alaina (Morris) and Corey Gant welcomed baby girl Sloane Lil lian. Corey was also recently featured in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer for his work as captain of the Owensboro Fire Department's Special Ops team. 20

Lauren (Bishop) Wood began a new role as counselor at the Hopkins County Career & Technology Center. She was also recently named Administrator of the Year for Hopkins County Schools.

2009

Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid Matthew Ruark and Vice President of Student Affairs Rebecca McQueen-Ruark adopted baby boy Asher Charles. 21

Trevor Banks was named head coach and sporting director for Michigan Stars FC. 22

Whitney (Washington) Powers was selected by Today's Woman Magazine as the 2022 Most Admired Woman (Home & Garden). 23

Cassandra (Lockard) Oliver received the "Re member Your Why" Award from the Hopkins County Board of Education.

2010

Stephanie Green was promoted to keeper III of Glacier Run at the Louisville Zoo. 24

Brandon Cox earned his MBA from Louisiana State University. Brandon is the chief marketing officer at LynnGroup and serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Aaron Wingo began a new role as senior systems analyst at The Home Depot. He recently received a citation for a mathematics paper.

2011

Bartley Weaver earned seventh place in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on ESPN July 4. Bartley was the first Kentuckian to participate in the contest and was one of only 16 contestants. 25

Eric Rhodes was named defensive coordinator at Frostburg State University. 26

Alanna (Miller) Osborne received the Mary Harriman Award from the Junior League of Evansville. 27

Lori and Eric Feldpausch welcomed baby girl Vivienne Clare into their family. 28

Scott Woodburn graduated from the Lou isville Teacher Residency Program. He plans to begin teaching at an elementary school designated as an Accelerated Improvement School (AIS). 29

Cara and Seth Carden welcomed baby girl Sayler June.

Sammy Bland (aka DJ Prymtime) was named the official gameday DJ for the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2022 NFL season. 30

Anne and Levi Ray were married.

2012

Wyatt Foust was named women's basketball assistant coach at the University of Buffalo. 31

Collin MacQuarrie was featured in the Ow ensboro Messenger-Inquirer regarding the musical talents he shares with the Owensboro community. 32

Josh Eaves was accepted into Tennessee State University's master of science program in speech and hearing science, his next step to becoming a vocologist and voice disorder clinician.

Mitch Jones received the Legends of Possible Award from US Bank and was named to the 2021 Scotsman's Guide Top Mortgage Loan Originator List.

Grace and Jordan White welcomed baby boy Jackson Phelps White into the world.

Wesleyan Sweethearts David Wathen '12 and Dea (Brandon) '14 welcomed son Denver into their family. David recently graduated and began working as a nurse practitioner with Norton Healthcare in Louisville. 33

2013

Ryan and Samantha Fletcher-Taylor welcomed twin girls Oaklynn and Sadie into their family. 34

Chyna Kelton began a new role as HR man ager at Yager Materials. Chyna has a master's degree in industrial organizational psychology with an emphasis in human resources from Southern New Hampshire University.

Travis Long was promoted to branch manager of the Paducah (Park Avenue) location of Enterprise. After graduating from Kentucky Wesleyan, Travis earned his MBA from WKU and then began the Enterprise Management Trainee Program. This new position is with a Big 10 branch. 35

Quentin Gordon was promoted to unit ad ministrator at the Green River Correctional Complex in Central City, Ky.

Cory Coble was named head coach for the Union County High School girl's basketball team.

CB Walker was named the head men's and women's basketball coach at Jefferson Col lege in Hillsboro, Mo. 36

2014

Panther basketball alumnus James Herzog began a new role as a realtor with the Harris Jarboe Group of Keller Williams Elite Realty in Owensboro.

Hillary (Lantrip) Croft was named a Distin guished Faculty Fellow at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Since graduating from KWC, Hillary has returned to campus numerous times to share her knowledge and experience with our students. She was the keynote speaker for 2022 Honors Convocation and was a member of the Young Alumni Panel for Leadership Wesleyan. 37

Luke Shelley was chosen to participate in TikTok's Agency Accelerator Program. The program selected 30 future media agency leaders within the Australia media industry.

Director of Alumni Relations Summer (Crick) Aldridge was voted Staff Member of the Year at KWC.

Panther Women's basketball alumna T'Essence Phelps joined the Fayetteville Middle School's girls' basketball program as an assistant coach. T is also finishing her master's degree in psychology from Capella University and plans to pursue her Ph.D. in holistic sports psychology.

John Gleason has accepted a new role as a financial advisor at EM Ford.

Chase Durrance was named interim dean of students at West Kentucky Community & Technical College in Paducah, Ky.

2015

Nix and Natalie (Hobgood) Crawford '17 welcomed baby boy John Nix into the world. 38 Zack Duvall and Emily Riney welcomed baby girl Lola Mae into their family.

Dr. Haleigh Stringer began a new role as an optometrist at Family Eye Care of Henderson, Ky. 39

Sara (Fleischmann) Williams was named Young Professional of the Year by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. 40

Stephanie (Pearson) Charville was promoted to projects controls analyst III at Boardwalk Pipeline Partners. 41

2016

Alex Velez and Jake Herth are engaged. Alex is pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology from Spalding University in Louisville, Ky. 42

Dr. Avery (Keller) and Dr. Eric Schmidt, assis tant professor of political science, welcomed baby girl Maren Loretta into their family. 43

Wesleyan Sweethearts Marcus and Bria (Wright) Fillyaw '17 welcomed baby girl McKenna Dae. 44

Crysta Coble and Michael Sanchez are en gaged.

Dr. Emily Yocom graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Marian University in Indianapolis. Dr. Yocum will complete her residency in family medicine at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif.

2017

Wesleyan Sweethearts Audrey (Sanders) and Logan O'Bryan were married. 45

Casey Smith and Jacob Kueker were engaged. 46

Wesleyan Sweethearts Megan (Pryor) and Shon Chisom '16 were married. 47

Rhiannon (Moore) Miller began a new role as district instructional coach with the Waynesville RVI School District in Waynesville, Mo.

Kirk Aldridge began a new role as inside sales coordinator at Gryphon Environmental.

Marissa Olivero was named Lowe's Region 6 Unsung Hero of the Year and was included in their 100% Club. 48

Sydney Morabito and Andrew Roby were engaged. Sydney graduated from the Bellarmine University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. 49

2018

Alyssa and Dillon Schueler were married. Dillon recently started a new job as graphic designer at Greenwell Chisholm. 50

Dr. Matthew Quattrocchi matched with Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Ind., for his pharmacy residency.

Jake Carter and Emme Taylor were en gaged. 51

Dr. Morgan (Uebelacker) Harrington matched with University of South Florida's Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa for her residency in emergency medicine. Mor gan is a member of the inaugural class of the UK College of Medicine-Bowling Green and graduated in May. 52

Caitlin Crabtree began her "dream job" as a PA in vascular and interventional radiology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C.

Tyler Jacobs began a new role as a physical therapy assistant at Breckenridge Health Therapy Services.

Crystal Hopkins earned her master of science in healthcare quality and safety (MSHQS) from Jacksonville University.

Anna (Lake) Crasher was named director of campus ministries at Kentucky Wesleyan and the Messenger-Inquirer did a feature on her and her new responsibilities in August. She married Carlton in June.

2019

Shayla Wright and PJ Dimmig were en gaged. 53

Panther volleyball alumna Dr. Hannah Pierce graduated from the Bellarmine University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She is engaged to Jake Ryan.

Panther volleyball alumna Nicole Venema earned her master of science in sports ad ministration from UofL. Nicole has accepted a position with Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC as their partnership activation coordinator.

Mallory Sacre began a new role as market ing account executive at Regional Land Title Company in Owensboro.

David Thorp began a new role as a legal administrative assistant at Springer Law PLLC in Madisonville, Ky.

2020

Keelie Lamb is a member of the Baerum Basketball Team, which won the Norwegian National Championship.

Sam Bland finished the Nashville Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon.

Morgan Carroll opened her own business, Carroll Trading Co., where she sells "fun, lightweight earrings" and more. 54

Cody Bridges began his new role as a fifthgrade teacher at Newton Parrish Elementary School in Owensboro.

2021

Nilah Roy graduated from basic military training.

Max Dubree began his career as an admis sions counselor at KWC.

Jessica (Shelton) and Samuel King were married. 55

Wesleyan Sweethearts Madison (Vowels) and Tripp Grenier were married. Madison began her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at Sutton Elementary School. 56

Panther bowling alumnus Tanner Johnson bowled a perfect game (300) in the U.S. Bowling Congress Open. 57

Wesleyan Sweethearts Tia Chavella and Zach Williams '22 were engaged. 58

2022

Haley Stevens began her career as assistant athletic director and head softball coach at Central High School in Louisville, Ky.

Adan Cano Gandarilla was accepted into Chatham University's physician assistant pro gram.

Wesleyan Sweethearts Ariel Kennedy and Seth Taylor were engaged. 59

Benton McGill began his new role as a tax accountant at Brown and Cheek Inc. in Bardstown, Ky.

Austin Minton was accepted into UK's in tegrated biomedical sciences doctoral pro gram. 60

Vincient Whatley accepted the position of analyst (billing) at Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline in Owensboro. 61

Megan Crawford has accepted a new position as choir director at Booneville Middle School and Booneville High School.

Shyann Worthington has begun her career as a reading intervention instructor at Alliance Academic in Cincinnati. She works with grades 3-6.

Felicia Velotta accepted a kindergarten teaching position at Audubon Elementary in Owensboro.

Abby Tivitt was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Senior Committee Member of the Year Award. This new award was introduced by the Alumni Office to recognize a graduate for their exemplary service on the Senior Committee.

Michaela Payne has accepted her first teaching job as a sixth-grade math teacher at Meyzeek Middle School in Louisville, Ky.

Lacie Mills is selling real estate full time at Farmer's House Real Estate, LLC.

Camron Blandford began her career at Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline as financial analyst 1.

The Young Alumni Committee is a group within the Alumni Association Board of Directors tasked with engaging with the College's Senior Class and Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD alumni).

painting and landscaping that would be a big help."

And just like that, planning for the inaugural Alumni Give Back Day began.

The committee was thrilled that 40+ alumni and friends ranging from the 1950's to 2021 worked together at the inaugural event during summer break. The volunteers, many sporting free Alumni Give Back Day t-shirts sponsored by Hendrick Screen Company, did everything from low-impact jobs (writing letters to prospective students) to heavy-lifting jobs (relocating desks and other classroom furniture). After the hard work, volunteers enjoyed a delicious free lunch provided by Chicken Salad Chick. The twohour contributions made a nearly $2,000 impact on the College.

The second annual event grew in numbers of volunteers and financial impact, and many who attended the inaugural day returned for more fun in 2022.

"Alumni Give Back Day is an excellent mixture of work and fellowship. KWC does a great job of organizing the event so there is a mixture of sweat and camaraderie," shared Chad Lyons '92. "The first year, my wife and I worked on the new Jack T. Wells Activity Center and this year on the mulch bed under the pine trees on the soccer field. Whenever I talk to my son (Aric Lyons '23), I ask him if he uses the Wells Activity Center and mulch bed. Doing physical service gives me the satisfaction of seeing my contribution at the end of the day. On both days, I feel the work done by the group made a significant impact on the beauty of the school."

Selena Coalter '20, one of the youngest alumni who volunteered, shared that it was a great experience to make a difference in the KWC community as a young alumna. "While I am working on being able to give back financially, serving and giving time to make a difference meant so much. My love for KWC is still very strong, and it was nice to be a part of something that just required my free time!"

Plans for the third Annual Alumni Give Back Day are underway. Watch for the 2023 date!

We love hearing from you!

Send us an update for Class Notes or update your contact information, and you will receive a purple surprise in the mail! Whether it's a move, promotion, wedding or other good news, we would love to know about it!

Office of Alumni Relations 3000 Frederica St Owensboro, KY 42301

You may also submit Class Notes information online at kwc.edu/alumni alumni@kwc.edu

Above: Ed Krahwinkel '93 and Mark Luckett '95 Below: Beth (Robinson) Ronk '73 and Kathy Sher man '73

Dr. John Combs

1929-2022

Dr. John Combs taught English at Kentucky Wesleyan from 19692012, and in his gentle, thoughtful and winsome way, he shared his love for words and literature with several generations.

Born in Stafford, Okla., he spent many years pursuing his education, first earning his B.A. from Southwestern Oklahoma University in speech, followed by a B.D. from Southern Methodist University in theology, an M.A. from Texas A&M in English and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas in English.

Dr. Combs began his KWC career in 1969 as an associate professor of English, after having taught at several institutions in Oklahoma and Texas. He became a full professor in 1975 and was awarded emeritus status in 2002. He taught part-time until 2012.

He was preceded in death by his two wives, Vicki (Lyle) Combs '76 and Joyce (Hudson) Combs, and a son, Jody Combs. He is survived by two sons, John Cranfill Combs and Perry Combs, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

An avid golfer, poker player and trusted friend to many, he shared these words on Facebook two weeks before his passing:

"I am still without pain, and in poker I'm still able to fleece my buddies Wimpy, Henry, Dan, and Bernie out of their hard-earned moolah. In a few days, I will go into hospice. My world is a friendly one. I have enjoyed over 92 years of a full, rich life. I thank all of my friends for being the most blessed part of it."

Dr. Combs enriched and blessed countless lives, and his legacy endures in the many people he influenced and encouraged.

In Memoriam

We offer condolences on the passing of the following alumni and friends of Kentucky Wesleyan College:

Garry Ayer '61

Paul I. Baber '50 Betty (Stewart) Bartley Tremaine Brittingham '99 George William Brooks '62 Rev. Benjamin N. Cain '55 Elizabeth (Greer) Cheatham '49 Cynthia (Rowell) Clausen '96

Dr. John R. Combs

Larry G. Crask '70 Jean Cundiff Ernie Davis Jr. Jean E. Felix John R. Ford '70 Robert Fiocchi '58 Gary Gallup Bennie A. Horrell '61 Robert L. Horrell '62

Janice (Perkins) Krauss '59

Betty J. Morris '65 Leon G. Poole '71 Linda Potts '69

Joan Ramey

Junius Redfearn

Robert C. Rice '60 Catherine Robinson Sam Smith '67

Bishop Robert Spain Samuel Spears '46 Michael H. Welsch '74 Lillian Ruth (Elliott) Westerfield '53 Linda (Waldeck) Woessner '65

WE

Tell us about your lives and careers.

Vickie: "I am an Owensboro native. I retired from Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in February 2021 after nearly 47 years of service as a pharmacy technician."

Keith: "As the son of a United Methodist minister, I lived in six different south central and western Kentucky communities before graduating from high school, after which I pursued a full-time career in radio broadcasting; three years as a disc jockey and then 11 years as a broadcast journalist. I moved to Owensboro in early 1979 as a broadcast journalist for WOMI/WBKR radio and was later promoted to news director.

In early 1987, I left the full-time broadcasting industry to accept the sales manager position with Canteen Service Company of Owensboro, Inc. I spent 34 years with the food service management company, the last 10 years as an owner/partner. The company was sold at the end of 2020, and I have transitioned into partial retirement.

"We are the proud parents of two children, Nicole and Mitch, and have two grandsons."

Why are you involved at KWC?

Keith: "Our first attraction to KWC is by virtue of us both being lifelong United Methodists. We are members at Settle Memorial United Methodist Church in Owensboro, and we are both extraordinarily proud to call Owensboro home. The beautiful campus, its national reputation as a great liberal arts higher education institution and, of course, the championship Panther basketball tradition are all additional motivators for our adoration of KWC.

"Owensboro entrepreneur Jack T. Wells '77 was a friend of mine for over 30 years and a business partner with Canteen Service Company and John Conti Coffee Company for 10 years. It was my deepening friendship with, and respect for, Jack that resulted in us looking at the College beyond its beauty, reputation and basketball prowess. I witnessed firsthand Jack's unwavering love for and devotion to KWC and the enormous pride he had for his hometown of Owensboro. Jack was a very powerful example to me that with success in life comes an obligation to also assist, prepare and empower others for success, especially our youth."

What does your relationship to the College mean to you?

Keith: "Our relationship with Kentucky Wesleyan College is a tremendous source of pride. We love sporting Kentucky Wesleyan license plates on two vehicles. I especially love, while traveling, to engage in conversation with strangers who comment on the KWC license plates. I see it as a great opportunity to brag about Kentucky Wesleyan College and the city of Owensboro."

Vickie: "Being fans of Panther basketball is a special part of our relationship with KWC. We have been season ticket holders for 38 years, and 10 years ago, Keith was honored to be asked to serve as the public address announcer for both Kentucky Wesleyan women's and men's games."

Why is KWC important to the city and region?

Keith: "Beyond the obvious economic impact, there is considerable pride and prestige for the city of Owensboro. While thousands of KWC graduates have gone on to take their talents across the nation and even around the world, there are many who have fallen in love with the Owensboro community and put their roots down to launch careers, raise families and become contributors to our amazing quality of life.

"Simply put, KWC and its students make Owensboro an even better community! It has been said that Kentucky Wesleyan is not just a college in Owensboro; it is a college for Owensboro!"

Why do you give to KWC?

Keith: "Who doesn't love a great return or dividend on their investments?

We firmly believe our financial support yields incredible returns, not just for our community, but for the lives of the students who attend."

Why do you encourage others to give?

Keith: "To borrow again from the example that Jack T. Wells instilled in me, 'Success in life comes with an obligation to assist, prepare and empower others for success.' There is no better way to do this than with an ongoing investment commitment to the College. We hope readers will join us in seeing the returns and dividends these investments will bring!"

Keith and Vickie (Richardson) Sharber

With Katherine Rutherman

"We firmly believe our financial support yields incredible returns, not just for our community, but for the lives of the students who attend."

The President's Circle was created in 2015 to recognize and thank alumni and friends who made a cumulative annual contribution of $1,000 or more to the College.

The 1858 Society was established at the beginning of the current fiscal year (June 1, 2022) and celebrates our leadership donors with six giving levels: Young Alumni President's Circle (gifts of $100 at 0-5 years post-graduation and gifts of $500 at 6-10 years post-graduation), President's Circle ($1,000), Chairman's Circle ($2,500), Ambassador's Circle ($5,000), Trustee's Circle ($10,000) and Founder's Circle ($25,000).

All 1858 Society members will continue to receive the benefits of membership that have been provided to President's Circle members, including two tickets to the annual President's Gala in the spring, invitations to members-only events throughout the year and special communications from the President's Office. Learn more or join today at kwc.edu/1858society.

The following is a list of all donors who invested in the College during the last fiscal year (June 1, 2021–May 31, 2022) and are recognized as members of the President's Circle or the Young Alumni President's Circle. We are deeply grateful for your support.

$100,000+

Dr. Charlie '62 and Margaret (Heltsley) Schertzinger '59

Jack T. Wells Charitable Trust

Marilyn and William Young Charitable Foundation

$50,000 - $99,999

Kentucky Annual Conference United Methodist Church

$25,000 - $49,999

Dr. Ernest W. Abernathy '55

Carson-Myre Charitable Foundation Mack H. Gray III Michael E. Horn '75

B.J. Killian Foundation Dr. W.L. Magnuson and Kirsten Ahnell Larry '64 and Lamone Mayfield Scott Pickrell

Preacher's Aid Society of Kentucky Schwab Charitable Fund Stephenson Family Living Trust Stuckemeyer Family Fund

$10,000 - $24,999

Linda (Huffaker) Abbott '59 Anonymous (2) Atmos Energy Corporation Edward L. Beeler

Boardwalk Pipeline Partners Deborah (Carter) '79 and Ted Dearing Sherry (Miller) '83 and Joe Feldpausch

Jerry Gaidmore '66

Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc. Jim Griffin '86

Holston Conference United Methodist Church Foundation Inc.

Barbara (Howell) Johnson Ed '93 and Dr. Jodi (Parks) Krahwinkel '93 Donna (O'Bryan) '79 and Rick Larkin

Dr. Thomas and Rhonda Mitzel

Mark and Sheree Nelson

Old National Bank Owensboro Health Judy Perry

Rev. Dr. Donald '65 and Pat (Webster) Rankin '55 Greg '93 and Jamie Risch David C. Jr. and Jan Ann (Kirk) Scott '72 Keith and Vickie Sharber

Roland and Renee Shelton

Stephen C. Snyder '71

U.S. Charitable Gift Trust

Vanguard Charitable Jeff '72 and Susan White Fred '80 and Melinda Wright

Joe Wright

$5,000-$9,999

Betty Adams

Paul W. Chellgren

Sandra L. (Schmidt) Dickinson '57

Eli Lilly and Company

Karen D. Fisher-Brasher '77

Steve and Trisha Frey Nancy W. Galster '69

Glenmore Distillery Rev. Tom '78 and Cheryl (Spaulding) Grieb '79

Talmage '85 and Rosemary Hocker

Houchens Insurance Group Koch Foundation, Inc.

Jodi (Parks) Krahwinkel '93

Limestone Bank

Linda (Beyke) Major Tom '79 and Donna Major Matt '08 and Dr. Elizabeth (Mauzy) Martin '08

John and Delynn Paris Raymond B. Preston Foundation John and Beth Reimbold Jeff '88 and Leslie Sampson A.J. Smith '71

Merrylen (Wesley) Sparks '57

Patrick Stuckemeyer

Stefanie Thieneman

Truist

Connie G. White M.D. '76 Dr. Ed Wilson '85

Terry Woodward '64 Wright Brothers, LLC Wright Implement, LLC

$2,500-$4,999

Dr. BC '05 and Hope Childress

Charles E. Cobb '56

Community Foundation of Louisville Dr. Paula F. Dehn

Anna Dixon-Skidmore

Lydia Dorman '82

Doug '65 and Norma Everly

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

First United Methodist Church of Campbellsville

First United Methodist Church of Henderson Fraternal Order of Eagles Yellow Banks Aerie Steven Gray

Drs. Troy '93 and Carol (Haynes) Haleman '92 J. Todd Hall '90

Arthur and Debra Harreld Doug '84 and Brenda Hoyt

Kentucky United Methodist Foundation Inc. Drew and Gail Kirkland

Brenda Lee

Owensboro Municipal Utilities Roger A. Parker '69 Nancy (King) Schmeal '71 Mitch '83 and Kim Settle

Dr. Catherine (Eblen) '95 and Eric Sherrard Rev. Jay '85 and Marian (Helm) Smith '85 Donnie Stroud

Rev. Keith '79 and Sherri Switzer

George '69 and Seretha (Summers) Tinsley '71 Drs. Andrew Johannemann '10 and Stacy Webb '10

Adam '90 and Gina Wojtelwicz Sue D. Woods

Dr. Wendi (Talcott) Zermeno '89 Richard '57 and Nancy (Svara) Zimmerman '58 $1,001-$2,499

Cynthia Abbott M.D. '87 and Marty Thomasson Richard Adkins '90 Kirk '17 and Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14 Dr. Shane Armstrong and Jason Harris AstraZeneca

Mike '78 and Cathy (Meeks) Bishop '78 Dr. Kyle Blackburn '10 and Saumya Tayi John '68 and Joanna (Brown) Blaney '69 Margaret (McCormick) Cambron '78 Rev. Dale '77 and Regenia Carden Carol (Wiedmer) '69 and Bob Carnighan Mark A. Carroll '88

Roger L. Clark '63 Sam R. Clark Jr. '80

Nancy (Wood) '76 and Dr. Henry Connor Pat '73 and Lorraine Corkran Sally (Allen) '67 and Don Crenshaw Crume's Monuments

Dr. Katheryn (Pfisterer) '74 and John Darr Dell Technologies, Inc. Fran (Newell) '78 and John Denham Rev. Mark '89 and Jennifer (Markle) Dickinson '91 Stephen '94 and Shannon Divine Rev. Tom '68 and Susan Eblen

Daniel Frazier

Daniel P. Fuller '95

Richard and Vicky Games

Michael '73 and Margaret Gibbons Green River Area Community Foundation

Michael Greene

Heath B. Greenwell '01

John R. Gregory

Sonny '67 and Christy (Hocker) Hall Ray '85 and Shannon Harper Christina (Kamuf) '00 and Matthew Hayden

Robert D. Hill '68

Independence Foundation, Inc. Jay '11 and Anna Ivey

Neil B. Jesse '62

Drs. Corey '00 and Ashley Johnson Ben '10 and Alexandra Kees

Dr. Arba Kenner '74

Eddie and Wendy Kenny

Linda (Carver) Kingsley '62

LaDonna Koebel '89 and Follace Fields

Nancy (Luckett) '74 and Raymond Kramer Scott '87 and Penny (Mills) Kramer '86

Alan J. '59 and Janice (Perkins) Krauss '59* Bill '63 and Sharon Kurtz

Denise (Hardison) Levasseur '90

Mark '95 and Stephanie (Shively) Luckett '92

Rev. Chris '74 and Virginia Madison

David Sr. '68 and Connie (Ellsworth) Matthews '70

Jerrod Moore

Betty (Wyant) Moseley '53

Dennis L. Newberry II

Randy '64 and Jean (Taylor) Owen '63

Owensboro District United Methodist Church

Col. Tim '97 and Allison Payment

Ken '75 and Patty (Steward) Pernisek

P F Evansville

Roy '75 and Margaret (Stinnette) Pickerill '75 Dr. Wes and Carol Poling Randy '66 and Sharon Raskin

Cindra Stiff and Jimmy Ray Bill and Kathryn Raymer

Beth (Robinson) Ronk '73

Matthew Ruark '09 and Rebecca McQueenRuark

Megan (Evans) '03 and Dr. David Schulte

Settle Memorial United Methodist Church Kathy Sherman '73

Rev. Glenn '53 and Charlotte (Morrow) Sowards '56

Christie (Kell) Stumpf '69

Patricia A. Talbort

Dr. Rollin '61 and Ann Tarter

Sam '97 and Leigha Taylor

Texas Gas Stephen W. Uebelhor '71

Joel Utley '74

Leah (Bennett) Vandiver '77

Steve Varner

Michael F. Wade CPA '80

Crystal (Fishburn) '11 and Steven Walker

Walmart

Dr. David '72 and Sharon (Gregory) Watkins '69

Kenneth Whitfield

Chris '11 and Sara (Fleischmann) Williams '15 Bradley '88 and Danielle (Benson) Woodward '88

$1,000

Kevin Akers

Steve '66 and Callie Anderson

Keith T. Applegate '80

Dwight '79 and Cynthia Armstrong Angela (Chinn) '88 and David Austin

Albert '88 and Lisa (Eisenmenger) Bell '89

Robert Best

Ralph W. Brashear '64

Gary and Virginia Braswell

Debra L. Bunger M.D. '79

Jon D. Chellgren

Evelyn Clark

Rev. Dr. Joe Clark '56

Marcia (Wyant) '63 and Lee Clore* Patsy (Helm) Crady '60

Troy Y. Crissman '97

Barton D. Darrell '84

Delta Company Reunion

James M. Diderrich '82

Russell Doeringer '65

Don Moore Automotive

James R. Dunlop Jr. '84

Dr. Bob and Nancy Flachskam Anita (Simmons) Freer '59

Greenwell Chisholm Printing Michael B. Hardin '95

M. Blake Harrison

Rob '83 and Holly (Cecil) Hast '90

David Hill '73

Rev. Dr. Phil '77 and Barbara (Adams) Hill '77 Dr. William E. Hill '59

Mark '83 and Paige (Fenton) Huls '84

Billy Pat '60 and Ruthie (Hutton) Hume '62

Dennis Jewett

Johnson & Johnson Family of CompaniesMatching Gift

Bill '62 and Gerry (Beard) Jones '62

The Jurenko Foundation

Bettie Kincaid

Brenda Kirtley

Scott '87 and Penny (Mills) Kramer '86 Dr. Frances Lucas

Ronald A. Lunn '71

Thomas MacGregor '69

Charles '89 and Janice (Johnson) Martin '82

Dr. Jerry '60 and June Miller

Dr. Joseph '79 and Lynn Morton Jean Nofsinger

Flora (Jones) Norsworthy '73

Northrop Gruman Foundation

Michael Owen

Owensboro Lions Club

Richard Pedigo '77 and Sandra Davidson

Hal Pennington

OUR STAFF

President Dr. Thomas Mitzel

Vice President of Advancement

Eddie Kenny

Editor, Director of Development and Campus Relations

Katherine Rutherman

Director of Alumni Relations

(Crick) Aldridge '14

Senior Director of Development

Taylor

Director of Advancement Services

(Fike) Moore '12

Grant Writer

Kelly Flick

Daniel L. Perkins '93

Michael E. Pike '78

Public Life Foundation of Owensboro, Inc. Andrea R. Reilly '75

Addie Reimbold '18

Erma (Burns) Risley '84

Rev. Charles T. Rogers '59

Dick '67 and Barbara (Austin) Romer '65

Joe F. Roop '56

Allison (Estes) '02 and Kyle Ross

Katherine Rutherman

Keith '65 and Elissa Sanders

Debra (Miles) Seymour

Carolyn H. Staples

Steve Anderson Farms

Colette (Keyser) '89 and Jerome Terrell

Dr. Gene and Cheryl Tice

Ian '88 and Judith (Goelbel) Tingley '87

Lanny D. Toomey '71

Ron '80 and Susan (Taylor) Tyler '79

Patricia Vine Gina L. Wells

Robert Whittinghill Ryne '12 and DeLanna Williams Pat A. Yager '03

*Deceased

Alumni Relations Coordinator Mary (Turner) McDole '79

Special Assistant for College Relations

Roy Pickerill '75

Administrative Assistant Ruthie (Hutton) Hume '62

Contributing Writers

Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14 Molly Gross

Eddie Kenny Joel Krenz

Brennen McGuire '23 Dr. Thomas Mitzel

Katherine Rutherman

Dr. Kim (Cecil) Schuster '88

Contributing Photographers

Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14

Eddie Kenny Joel Krenz

Charles Mahlinger