Passing the Torch Dr. W.L. Magnuson page 4
Why We Give Dr. Doug ’83 and Kathy (McVan) Wilson ’84 page 7
The Spirit of Wesleyan LaDonna Koebel ‘89 page 8 WINTER 2018
Kentucky Wesleyan College
On the Inside:
Barton D. Darrell ’84, J.D. President
3 President’s Perspective 6 Giving Tuesday/Day of Service 12 Alumni Association 14 Homecoming 16 Alumni Scrapbook 20 Athletics 25 Class Notes 30 In Memoriam
Thomas W. Keith Vice President for Advancement Katherine Rutherman Editor, Director of Public Relations Mary Crawford Senior Development Associate/ Planned Giving Officer M. Blake Harrison Director of Development and Donor Relations Ruthie (Hutton) Hume ’62 Administrative Assistant Eddie Kenny Senior Director of Alumni Relations Julianna Loucks Director of Advancement Services Mary (Turner) McDole ’79 Alumni Relations Coordinator Roy Pickerill ’75 Special Assistant for College Relations April Ray Director of Marketing and Communications Contributing Writers: President Barton D. Darrell ’84, M. Blake Harrison, Tom Keith, Eddie Kenny, Rob Mallory, Brad Moore, Katherine Rutherman, Liz Wacienga Contributing Photographers: Ken Badylak, Rick Wilson (Jacksonville Jaguars), Eddie Kenny, Charles Mahlinger Kentucky Wesleyan Magazine is published by Kentucky Wesleyan College. The mission of the magazine is to maintain ties between the College, its alumni and all other constituents, and to report on issues of importance to these groups. Address correspondence to: Kentucky Wesleyan Magazine Office of Public Relations 3000 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY 42301 krutherman@kwc.edu 270-852-3143 Send address changes to: Office of Alumni Relations Kentucky Wesleyan College 3000 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY 42301 alumni@kwc.edu or 270-852-3146
Features:
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Passing the Torch Dr. W.L. Magnuson by Katherine Rutherman
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Why We Give Dr. Doug ’83 and Kathy (McVan) Wilson ’84 with M. Blake Harrison
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The Spirit of Wesleyan LaDonna Koebel ’89 by Eddie Kenny
On the cover: Professor of Chemistry Dr. W.L. Magnuson, whose legacy of service to Kentucky Wesleyan since 1969 has helped transform countless lives. He will retire in 2018. A United Methodist-related college since 1858
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President’s Perspective Greetings! A tremendous number of successes have occurred over the last few months. I am very proud of the accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students, and am excited to share some of them with you. New academic and professional partnerships The faculty approved seven academic majors that can be tied into the 3 + 3 accelerated degree program with the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. This is a huge cost savings for our students, as they will both complete their education and embark on their professional career a year earlier than normal. This is yet another way we are working to make Kentucky Wesleyan College an attractive destination for affordable, faith-based education. Two Wesleyan students each year will receive guaranteed acceptance into the graduate programs at the Gordon Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University in accounting, business administration or economics. Along with guaranteed acceptance, students will also be given preference for graduate assistantships, which will pay stipends of at least $10,000 per year. Our business and accounting students are in demand, and this sector of the College continues to enhance its already stellar reputation. Each year, two Wesleyan students will be given early assurance after their sophomore year at Wesleyan for admission into the new campus of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in Bowling Green (opening in 2018). Each class is limited to 30 students, and at least two of those slots each year will be reserved for Wesleyan students. Others are also able to compete, along with students from other institutions, for one of the additional 28 slots. Our sciences continue to prepare students for successful careers in medicine, and others are taking notice. We are partnering with the Emory University Candler School of Theology, giving our students who qualify for this opportunity guaranteed admission for graduate theological study. We are one of only two schools in the country that have been invited to participate in this exclusive partnership. As your president, I am dedicated to making sure Kentucky Wesleyan stays committed to its mission, which includes producing great pastors, church leaders and lay leaders for the United Methodist Church. This partnership takes us to a new level in religious training. Forward Ever Enrollment is up. Retention is up. Our students are achieving at high levels. Our faculty members continue to publish and accomplish amazing things. To keep up with the demands of high school students preparing for college, we have added men’s and women’s bowling programs, wrestling, and are bringing back men’s tennis in 2018, giving us 20 NCAA varsity programs in which our scholar-athletes will compete. Our campus ministry efforts, under the leadership of Shawn Tomes ’94, have quickly evolved into the model that other colleges and universities want to emulate. This past year, our baseball and softball teams advanced to the NCAA Tournament in the same year for the first time in school history. Our own Keelan Cole ’17 has become the first Kentucky Wesleyan football player to play in the National Football League and has made quite a splash with the Jacksonville Jaguars during his rookie season. I handed Keelan his diploma at 11 a.m. on April 29, and he signed an NFL contract just a few hours later. Members of the Class of 2017 were accepted to law school, some entered medical school, and one was even hired by the largest accounting firm in the country. The Wesleyan Way truly IS the way to great things in so many walks of life. The above are just a few examples of the successes of our recent graduates. Thank you for continuing to make Wesleyan a high priority through your financial support and personal engagement. The return on your investment is immeasurable.
Barton D. Darrell ’84, J.D. President Winter 2018
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Passing the Torch Dr. W.L. Magnuson
by Katherine Rutherman
It was a classic Magnuson response. “I don’t want an article about me or a photo of me on the cover. I’ll only do this if it’s about our team, and most of all, about our students. Don’t give me too much credit.” So the team reflected and reminisced. Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Dr. Henry Connor was lured to Wesleyan by his Duke University roommate, Dr. Ray Purdom (professor of physics) in 1972. He retired in 2017. “It was great to work beside a good friend, and I found the atmosphere on campus very appealing from the beginning.” Connor appreciated the freedom and opportunity to spend 21 years in research at the National Institute of Health Sciences in Research Triangle Park in North Carolina and enjoyed the variety of teaching options from criminal justice to environmental sciences to chemistry courses. He explained that Dr. Magnuson was appointed in 1969, and the Flachskams arrived in 1975. “We worked very well together; it was part of the deal in the sciences, including biology and mathematics. With the help of our students, we even did most of the move from the Administration Building to the new Yu Hak Hahn Center for the Sciences in 2005 ourselves. That was very exciting and just one example of our team effort over the years.” Connor became the faculty trustee on the Wesleyan Board of Trustees immediately before Bart Darrell became president of the College. “I was honored to serve, and I saw up close the dedication of the trustees. I admire their efforts, as I do President Darrell’s. He continues to be a source of encouragement and motivation. I see a strong and exciting future for the College.” When Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Dr. Bob Flachskam arrived from Ohio State in 1975, he immediately moved in with the Magnuson family. “Nancy had to stay in Columbus for a few more weeks to complete her master’s degree,” he explained, “and I didn’t have any furniture yet, so the Magnusons invited me to live with them. We didn’t even know each other, but I found out right away what kind of person Dr. Magnuson was through that invitation. I became a part of their family and soon became part of the Wesleyan family … a good memory.” Flachskam, who retired in 2015, described two common threads in science faculty relationships in his 40 years at Wesleyan. “There was tremendous camaraderie, and everything we did was about our students. They came first. We made decisions and conducted ourselves with their best interests at the forefront.” Former professor Nancy Flachskam agreed and added, “We were a big family all those years. We still are! I’ve always said Bob and I couldn’t have ended up at any better place for us.” When Dr. David Oetinger, professor emeritus of biology (retired in 2014), was appointed in 1984, the sciences were located on the second floor of the Administration Building, unlike large universities, where separate buildings house each discipline. 4
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Dr. Kyle Watson, former Professor Nancy Flachskam, Professors Emeriti Drs. Bob Flachskam and Henry Connor, Dr. Krystal (Teasley) Hamorksy ’04 and Dr. W.L. Magnuson
For more information on how you can support the W.L. Magnuson Endowed Scholars Program, contact: Mary Crawford Senior Development Associate Planned Giving Officer 270-852-3183 mcrawford@kwc.edu He said the closeness of location enhanced all four majors through regular contact among faculty and students in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. “The Hahn Center has been an outstanding addition to Wesleyan’s academic facilities, and it always warms my heart to see ‘a herd’ of students interacting in the first floor seminar room … the classrooms and laboratories are outstanding environments for our students.” He emphasized the value and power of the dedicated “Wesleyan community of trustees, administrators, generous donors (many of whom are former students) and faculty … past and present.”
“Dr. Magnuson mentored me in my transition from business to pre-med. He met me on the back steps of the Administration Building after hours, outlined a plan and said, ‘We can do this.’ He uplifted my spirits, and I think of his patience today when I mentor medical students.” Jeff Lekson ’84, M.D. Board-certified internist Cincinnati VA Medical Center Cincinnati, Ohio “I decided, as a high school student, that Wesleyan was my number one college choice after my first visit. In my four years with Drs. Magnuson, Connor and Flachskam, I knew it was one of the best decisions I had ever made. I was very well prepared for medical school.”
Dr. W.L. Magnuson will retire after 49 years of service at the helm of the Wesleyan chemistry program after the spring 2018 semester. In the summer of 1969, Drs. Bob Darrell and Magnuson and their families made the trek to Owensboro from Abilene, Texas, in three cars and two Ryder trucks. “Bob and I had been appointed as faculty members at Kentucky Wesleyan from McMurry College. There was an 8-year-old named Bart in one of those cars. What a 49 years it has been!” The addition of new facilities across campus … establishment of the James Graham Brown scholarships and working closely with the program … equipment upgrades for chemistry … Dr. Magnuson says the years have been fulfilling, but nothing compares to interaction with current students and alumni. “Every time I hear from alumni, every time I celebrate one of their successes, it means everything to me.”
Gwen (Ford) Lynch ’86, M.D. Staff physician in neurology Neurocritical care and stroke specialist Cerebrovascular Center, Neurological Institute Cleveland Clinic Cleveland, Ohio
Vice President for Advancement Tom Keith discussed a new endowed scholarship opportunity, to be named after Dr. Magnuson, with several chemistry alumni in the fall of 2016 and received positive feedback. He shared the information with Dr. Magnuson, who was initially hesitant. “I didn’t want it named after me,” he explained, “but I did want to do something for the future of Wesleyan.”
“Many professors, especially Dr. Magnuson, offered encouragement and belief in my abilities during my Wesleyan years, which provided a great foundation for my education and career.”
The W.L. Magnuson Endowed Scholars Program was born with an initial fundraising goal of $250,000. Several alumni and friends of the College have already invested in the program, ensuring the Magnuson legacy will live on at Wesleyan. Beginning in the fall of 2018, the first group of Magnuson Scholars will be selected and will be recognized with this distinction until their graduation from the chemistry program, provided they continue to meet the scholarship criteria. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response,” said Dr. Magnuson. “The College is on solid ground under President Darrell’s leadership, the chemistry program is ready for the future with this endowment, and Drs. Watson and Hamorsky are in the classroom. I’m very happy.”
Kim (Cecil) Schuster ’88, Ph.D. Spectroscopist, Imaging Research Center Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Professor of Radiology, Pediatrics, Neuroscience and Environmental Health University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
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2017 Wesleyan Way Day of Service/Giving Tuesday The College received $187,228 in charitable gifts — a 27 percent increase over the 2016 total — from more than 200 alumni and friends. Giving Tuesday was preceded by the third annual Wesleyan Way Day of Service, which included 417 hours of community service throughout Owensboro and Daviess County by Wesleyan students, staff, faculty and alumni. The two-day event has totaled almost $500,000 in charitable gifts to Wesleyan and over 900 hours of community service over the past three years. The total included 43 gifts of $1,000 or more, and alumni David Hocker ’59 and Jeff White ’72 challenged fellow graduates by committing to match their gifts.
“To have eclipsed our fundraising goal by nearly 25 percent is a testimony to not only the generosity of our alumni and friends, but also to the importance of providing an affordable, faith-based education.”
Junior Isabelle Roth
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President Barton D. Darrell
The Student Success Center team: Shane Armstrong, Margaret (Cole) Cambron ’78, Tonya Johnson and Molly Gross
Doug’s hometown: Middlesboro, Ky. Kathy’s hometown: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Residence: Columbus, Ind. Education: After Kentucky Wesleyan (physics), Doug attended the University of Louisville School of Medicine and did an ophthalmology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Kathy earned her nursing degree at Wesleyan and later became a pediatric specialist nurse. Careers: Doug is an ophthalmologist, and Kathy is the office manager of his practice.
Why We Give Dr. Doug ’83 and Kathy (McVan) Wilson ’84 with M. Blake Harrison
Tell us about your family. “We met at Wesleyan. Our sons Ben (2010) and Matt (2013) graduated from the College as chemistry majors and played football. They are both medical school graduates. Our daughter, Stephanie, is a senior at Purdue and has been accepted to Indiana University Medical School for 2018.”
The Wilson family: Left side, front to back: Alycia (Lynch) ’10, Ben ’10 and Stephanie Right side, front to back: Kathy ’84, Doug ’83 and Matt ’13
Who made a significant impact on your life while you were a Wesleyan student?
basis. Later in my career, when I had the time and opportunity, I decided to combine writing with my other passion, baseball. It was a natural fit and has been very enjoyable. I particularly like to interview former players who were playing when I was young. It’s fun to find out what they are really like. Probably the most memorable character was the subject of my second book, Mark “The Bird” Fidrych. He had such a unique, outrageous, fun personality and just took over the country in his rookie year of 1976.”
Doug: “So many of the faculty at Wesleyan made lasting impressions. That is the benefit of a small liberal arts college — the chance to truly get to know your mentors. I majored in physics, and Dr. Ray Purdom, the head of the Physics Department, was great. The entire Chemistry Department was phenomenal. One of the great things about our sons attending Wesleyan was that Drs. Magnuson, Connor and Flachskam were still there, so we knew the kind of education and experience they would get. Those guys were always available and made such an impact.”
Doug, you were on campus in October to present the Ellie Magnuson Lecture in Literature and Science. What did that mean to you?
Kathy: “Rose Clark in the nursing program was very influential, as were Drs. Henry Connor and W.L. Magnuson, as I spent a lot of time in the Chemistry Department on work study.”
“Being invited back to speak for the Ellie Magnuson Lecture was a significant honor for me. It was particularly meaningful because of the name of the lecture and what Dr. Magnuson means to me and my family. I probably said more words in that 45 minutes than I did my entire four years on campus back when I was a student. It was fun to be on the other side of the podium.” What are your impressions of Kentucky Wesleyan today?
Why did you attend Wesleyan? Doug: “I attended on a James Graham Brown scholarship and also played baseball. This scholarship was very important for me at the time because it allowed me to get the top-notch education I may not have been able to obtain otherwise.”
Doug, you’ve written biographies on several members of the Baseball Hall of Fame. How did that start, and who’s the most interesting character you’ve come across? “One of the great things about a liberal arts education is that you often learn things that aren’t in your major, and they become useful later. I always enjoyed writing, and the writing and literature courses I took at Wesleyan provided a solid
“We are very impressed with the direction Wesleyan is headed today. President Darrell has made a tremendous impact, and we think it all starts with attitude. Everywhere you look, you see signs of enthusiasm.” Why do you invest in Wesleyan? “We have so many great memories of Wesleyan. This is a chance to give back to the next generation, so they will have the meaningful experiences we had.” Winter 2018
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The Spirit of Wesleyan LaDonna Koebel ’89 LaDonna Koebel ’89 has spirit. As a cheerleader for the Panthers during the men’s basketball National Championship season of 1986-1987, there were few who exuded more Panther pride. During her time at Wesleyan, she was also involved in enhancing the student life experience, working with classmate Louise Clausen ’89 to arrange and organize guest speakers, concerts and other campus social activities.
Not Much Has Changed LaDonna remains one of the Panthers’ top cheerleaders today. She is a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, one of Wesleyan’s loudest voices as a social media ambassador, and proudly shares The Wesleyan Way with colleagues and contacts at the State Capitol in Frankfort, where she serves as chief of staff, legislative liaison and communications director for the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet.
So Much Has Changed LaDonna’s enthusiasm for the College comes from the friendships she developed at Kentucky Wesleyan, along with a perspective on life that comes from defying the odds to survive Stage 4 cancer.
by Eddie Kenny
her to the table, obstructing her breathing and preventing her from moving even a fraction of a centimeter, so the radiation could pinpoint the cancer in her throat and lymph nodes and prevent further damage. Within weeks of beginning treatment, she lost the ability to eat and had a feeding tube surgically implanted. She received nutrition through the feeding tube for the next 10 months. Radiation continued, and each day was more difficult than the last as the resultant pain increased. LaDonna’s anxiety also become more and more overwhelming when she was bolted to the table for each treatment. “I can’t tell you the agony, despair and loneliness I suffered,” Koebel said. Her faith, along with the friendships and support from her Wesleyan connections, made all the difference in her time of greatest need.
The Wesleyan Way “It’s amazing how deep the bond is with friendships I formed at Wesleyan,” Koebel says. “In the true embodiment of The Wesleyan Way, other alumni were there for me — caring for me and cheering me on to complete my goals.” Koebel, from Louisville, attended a scholars’ weekend at Wesleyan as an 18-year old high school senior where, by virtue of sitting alphabetically, she met her future roommate, Colette Keyser ’89. The two immediately became friends. They arranged to be roommates and lived together throughout their time at Wesleyan (in the same room!). They were almost
In 2010, Koebel was diagnosed with base of tongue cancer. The news was serious - very serious. “This form of cancer is ‘staged’ by severity and progression of disease up to Stage 4C,” Koebel explained. “Stage 4C is terminal. I was Stage 4B.” Doctors gave Koebel a 40-50% chance of living five years. Numerous doctor visits followed — to oncologists, radiologists, ear, nose and throat specialists, and oral surgeons. The tumor was located where the tongue attaches to the throat, and surgery was not an option. “The only surgery that might save my life was removal of my tongue - I would never speak again, I would never tell my 8-year-old daughter that I love her, I would never eat food again - IF I had the surgery,” said Koebel. For weeks, she received radiation treatments. Doctors made a custom mask formed to her face and neck so they could bolt Collette Keyser and LaDonna Koebel 1987 & 2015
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inseparable. A 1989 story in Kentucky Wesleyan Today entitled, “More than just a little in common,” featured the two and their Wesleyan journey as students. That bond extended beyond graduation and was perhaps never stronger than during Koebel’s cancer battle. Keyser took a week of vacation from her busy schedule to stay with Koebel when she was enduring chemo and radiation. “I didn’t have the strength to stand and had all but lost the ability to eat,” Koebel shared. “I had a feeding tube, but they encouraged me to try to eat as much as I could so my tongue wouldn’t atrophy. Colette cooked food, puréed it in a blender and sat with me an hour for about two spoonfuls. She was upbeat and said, ‘That’s great!’ even though I knew it wasn’t. She took care of my daughter
“In the true embodiment of The Wesleyan Way, other alumni were there for me — caring for me and cheering me on to complete my goals.”
The Spirit of Success ••Eastern Kentucky University, master’s degree, criminal justice ••University of Kentucky College of Law, juris doctorate ••Law practice in civil litigation and employment law for 12 years, London and Lexington, Ky. ••Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, Department of Juvenile Justice for 12 years, served as acting commissioner, overseeing 1,400 employees and a $110 million budget ••Kentucky Personnel Cabinet, appointed chief of staff in 2016 ••Adjunct professor, Eastern Kentucky University College of Justice and Safety, teaching legal issues in adult and juvenile justice, since 1994
and brought her a huge stuffed animal nearly as big as she was to comfort her fears. I think she even cleaned the bathroom - now that’s a friend!” After completing treatment, Koebel was selected to be part of the inaugural LIVESTRONG program at the Lexington YMCA. One of her trainers asked about goals she hoped to accomplish. Her answer — “Completing a half marathon.” Having learned of Koebel’s cancer fight, another Wesleyan graduate, Roger Noe ’87, reached out to offer support and asked if there was anything he could do. When LaDonna told him she wanted to run a half marathon, but had never run a complete mile, Noe immediately volunteered to train with her and run along side her in her first half marathon in Lexington. The pair duplicated the feat just six weeks later when they ran in the Derby Half Marathon in Louisville.
Koebel and Noe at the Bluegrass Half Marathon, 2012
In addition to Keyser and Noe, many other Wesleyan alumni made up Koebel’s support circle, including
Koebel met her husband, J. Follace Fields, while at UK Law School, and they have been married for 22 years. The couple has one daughter, Lauren (16).
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cheerleaders from her Wesleyan days, Marian (McGrath) Ramsey ’89, Kim Cundiff Lemond ’90 and numerous others.
have come from the Wall of Notable Alumni in the BarnardJones Administration Building.
Cheering for Wesleyan
The current display of notable alumni features Koebel, and there by her side is Keyser. The Wesleyan Spirit and bonds of over 30 years live on.
After her inspiring battle with cancer, LaDonna continued to stay in touch with Wesleyan and returned to serve her alma mater as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “I am proud of the work the Alumni Board is doing and proud of the work the College is doing as a whole,” Koebel said. “I encourage other alumni to get involved and stay connected to Wesleyan — both socially and financially. “Wesleyan brings back so many good memories and experiences that made me the person I am today,” Koebel continued. “I’m still a cheerleader for Wesleyan! I’m excited about the work President Darrell is doing to partner with graduate schools to secure Wesleyan as an innovative leader in higher education among private colleges. These partnerships signify the quality education Wesleyan provides to future leaders in business, medicine and law, among other fields — and I want everyone to know about it. Shortly after President Darrell introduced The Wesleyan Way, it hit me to start a ‘Wesleyan Wednesday’ feature on Facebook so other people would be aware of our amazing alumni.” Each week, she highlights a fellow alumnus/a and shares about their career and impact on their community. The series started in summer 2017 and has been a mainstay, shared on the Wesleyan Alumni Facebook and other social media channels. Many of the subjects for “Wesleyan Wednesday”
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Top institution for a bachelor’s degree in Kentucky and #28 in the nation — Washington Monthly
Best Colleges in Kentucky Best Value Schools in the South Best Regional Colleges in the South — U.S. News & World Report In the nation for Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s in Business — OnlineU
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The Spirit of Relationships ••“The structure of Kentucky Wesleyan and the small class sizes allowed me to get to know professors and have lasting relationships.” ••“Dr. Ken Ayers was my advisor and criminal justice was my major. He, along with Barbara Johnson, co-authored a paper with me, which was published and led to my admittance into graduate school.” ••“Joe Britton was my English professor. The impact of his courses had a profound effect on my life. It provided the foundation for the extensive amount of writing I have done throughout my career as an attorney. Margaret Britton encouraged me to get involved in politics, share a voice and be aware of what was going on in the world.” ••“Wesleyan brings back so many good memories and experiences that made me the person I am today. There is great value in an institution and education that allows students to grow and learn, and develop into a person who can be successful in a number of industries and careers.”
The Wesleyan Online Advantage Flexible
Personalized
100% ONLINE
Affordable
degree programs
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Arts
••Business Administration ••Criminal Justice and Criminology ••General Studies ••Psychology
••Graphic Design ••Religion
“I did it! I got my degree, and the Kentucky Wesleyan Online program made it possible. “When I enrolled at the encouragement of a friend, I had concerns about handling the coursework with a full-time job. Yes, I had to make sacrifices, but I found that life was manageable, and I could enjoy life on my own schedule.
kwc.edu/online/ For more information, contact: Dr. Rebecca Francis Associate Dean and Director of Adult and Online Education rfrancis@kwc.edu KWC Presidents Circle.pdf 1 3/31/17 270-852-3222
Kim Morrison B.S., General Studies Completed Dec. 2017
“Faculty and staff were encouraging and easy to contact when I had questions, and I was a significant person to my professors. “If you are considering a Wesleyan online degree program, don’t let your fears stop you. You can do it!” 8:22 AM
for Young Alumni Young alumni are Wesleyan’s future leaders. Graduates of the past 10 years can now pay it forward through the Young Alumni President’s Circle. For as little as $100 per year since your graduation, you can be a part of the group of investors that supports the mission of the College at the highest level. You will enjoy: ••discounted President’s Gala tickets ••invitations to other exclusive President’s Circle events ••updates from President Darrell and opportunities to network ••special recognition in College publications ••tax deduction Give monthly! It’s quick and easy to set up recurring drafts online at kwc.edu/give. You can also make one-time gifts online, or mail checks to: Office of Advancement Attn: YAPC 3000 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY 42301
Class Year
Investment Level (minimum)
Monthly Draft
2017
$100
$8.34/mo.
2016
$100
$8.34/mo
2015
$200
$16.67/mo.
2014
$300
$25/mo.
2013
$400
$33.34/mo.
2012
$500
$41.67/mo.
2011
$600
$50/mo.
2010
$700
$58.34/mo.
2009
$800
$66.67/mo.
2008
$900
$75/mo.
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Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Lydia Dorman ’82 Lydia Dorman earned her master’s degree in communications with an emphasis in corporate communications, training and development from Western Kentucky University in 1983. Since April 1995, she has worked with The Coca-Cola Company, starting in Atlanta, Ga. She has held posts in London, England; Dublin, Ireland; Copenhagen, Denmark (encompassing all of Scandinavia and the Baltic countries) and Toronto, Canada, and currently resides in Tokyo, Japan, as the senior vice president, Coca-Cola (Japan) Company. She began her career at The Walt Disney Company before joining Toyota Motor Manufacturing, where she introduced several organizational development practices. Lydia is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management, American Chamber of Commerce Japan, and Human Resources Committee of Tokyo American Club. She has held positions in a number of charitable organizations domestically and internationally and serves as a member of the Kentucky Wesleyan College Board of Trustees. She was the recipient of Kentucky Wesleyan College’s 2014 Alumni Achievement Award. Rep. Walter (Jody) Richards ’60 Rep. Jody Richards was the longestserving Speaker of Kentucky’s House of Representatives in the Commonwealth’s history. Following his Wesleyan education, he earned an M.A. in journalism from the University of Missouri in 1962 and then combined his life-long love for education and journalism in his career. He first launched a teaching career at Western Kentucky University and then his legislative career when he won the 20th District seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1976. While still in his first term, Richards was chair of the House Education Committee. He later played an instrumental role in engineering Kentucky’s sweeping education reforms through his positions on the state Task Force on Education Reform and Governor Martha Layne Collins’ Excellence in Education Committee. In 1987, Richards was chosen by his Democratic colleagues in the House to serve as their majority caucus chairman, one of five leadership positions. In 1995, Richards was chosen as Speaker of the House. Richards has remained active in the public affairs of Bowling Green and Warren County, serving as past president of the Bowling Green/Warren County Jaycees, the Southern Kentucky Fair Board and the Bowling Green Girls Club Board of Directors. Richards has been honored by numerous organizations over the years, including the Kentucky Wesleyan Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1991. Bowling Green’s Jody Richards Elementary School and Jody Richards Hall at Western Kentucky University were named to honor Richards’ commitment to his community and the Commonwealth. 12
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Dr. Kim M. (Cecil) Schuster ’88 (pictured with husband Jim) Kim M. Cecil, Ph.D., received her undergraduate and postgraduate training in chemistry. After a postdoctoral fellowship in magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Cecil joined the Department of Radiology and the Imaging Research Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 1998. She serves as an imaging research scientist and clinical magnetic resonance spectroscopist. In 2000, Cecil and her colleagues discovered Creatine Transporter Deficiency Syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the creatine transporter gene. Dr. Cecil continues to give back to Kentucky Wesleyan and its students by visiting and speaking to classes and credits Drs. W.L. Magnuson, Henry Connor and Bob Flachskam and Kentucky Wesleyan College as paving the way for the first steps of her discovery. She received the 2009 Kentucky Wesleyan Alumni Achievement Award. A.J. Smith ’71 A.J. Smith’s career in football began shortly after graduation from Kentucky Wesleyan College. He started as a high school coach and steadily worked his way through the ranks, eventually serving over 30 years in the National Football League. Most recently, Smith was senior executive with the Washington Redskins, which followed 14 seasons with the San Diego Chargers in various capacities, including executive vice president/general manager (2003-2012). He spent 14 seasons (1987-00) with the Buffalo Bills, working his way from area scout to director of pro personnel during the team’s most successful period, which included four straight Super Bowl appearances. Smith was widely recognized as one of the NFL’s top executives. He was named the NFL’s 2004 Executive of the Year by Pro Football Weekly, the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA), FoxSports.com and CBS Sportsline.com. In 2006, Forbes named him its top NFL General Manager, and the magazine ranked Smith fourth overall among his counterparts in the four major professional sports leagues in the U.S. and Canada (NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB). In 2009, USA Today ranked Smith sixth on their list of the Top 20 Personnel Executives in the NFL, and Forbes recognized Smith again in 2010, ranking him fifth on its list of the Top 10 NFL General Managers. He was a recipient of the Kentucky Wesleyan College Alumni Achievement Award in 2010 and inducted into the College’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class in 2013.
Alumni Association Board of Directors
Back Row, left to right — Logan Porter ’08, Cindy (Harrington) Napier ’80, Tom Rogers ’82, Christie Stumpf ’69, Janna (Duncan) DeMarsh ’87, Steve Divine ’94, Sam Taylor ’97, Chris Gendek ’10, BC Childress ’05, Dennis Brown ’87, Chris Tolliver ’82, Doug Hoyt ’84, Josh Hutchison ’10 and Jami (York) Hernandez ’00 Front Row, left to right — Jennilin (Deitz) Long ’07, LaDonna Koebel ’89, Lauren (Bishop) Wood ’08, Sandra (Stewart) Mullikin ’82, Kelsey Jarboe ’14, Kathy Sherman ’73 and Megan (Evans) Schulte ’03 Not Pictured: Marcia (Fowler) Garland ’67, Barbara (Adams) Hill ’77, Phil Hill ’77, Ben Kees ’10 and Nancy (Bowling) Wood ’84
Call for Nominations Alumni Association Board of Directors The Alumni Association Board of Directors is a volunteer leadership group that carries out the mission of the Alumni Association through ongoing participation and volunteer efforts. The Alumni Board supplements the efforts of the Advancement division, specifically the Office of Alumni Relations. Responsibilities of board members include: ••Attending quarterly meetings ••Attending annual Homecoming celebrations, including the Alumni Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner ••Actively serving on a standing committee of the board and providing annual financial support to the program(s) of their choice at the College. If you, or someone you know, is interested in serving the College as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, visit kwc.edu/alumni for more details, including online nomination forms. You may also contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@kwc.edu or 270-852-3146.
2017-18 Alumni Association Board of Directors President Dr. BC Childress ’05 Owensboro, Ky. President-Elect Sam Taylor '97 Owensboro, Ky. Secretary Jennilin (Deitz) Long '07 Owensboro, Ky. Directors Dennis Brown ’87 Crestwood, Ky. Janna (Duncan) DeMarsh ’87 Crescent Springs, Ky. Steve Divine ’94 Owensboro, Ky. Marcia (Fowler) Garland ’67 Frankfort, Ky. Chris Gendek '10 Owensboro, Ky. Jami (York) Hernandez ’00 Louisville, Ky. Barbara (Adams) Hill ’77 Frankfort, Ky. Dr. Philip Hill ’77 Frankfort, Ky. Doug Hoyt ’84 Owensboro, Ky. Josh Hutchison ’10 Owensboro, Ky. Kelsey Jarboe '14 Owensboro, Ky. Ben Kees ’10 Lexington, Ky. LaDonna Koebel ’89 Lexington, Ky. Sandra (Stewart) Mullikin ’82 Owensboro, Ky. Cindy (Harrington) Napier ’80 Louisville, Ky. Logan Porter ’08 Greenville, Ky. Tom Rogers ’82 Cadiz, Ky. Megan (Evans) Schulte ’03 Louisville, Ky. Kathy Sherman ’73 Owensboro, Ky. Christie Stumpf ’69 Hartford, Ky. Chris Tolliver ’82 Madisonville, Ky. Lauren (Bishop) Wood ’08 Madisonville, Ky. Nancy (Bowling) Wood ’84 Lexington, Ky.
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Homecoming 2017
Homecoming Royalty
Kentucky Wesleyan Singers
Tapscott Chapel was packed for the Kentucky Wesleyan Singers’ annual Homecoming Concert, led by Professor Dennis Jewett.
Homecoming King and Queen, seniors Lucas Butler and Hannah Mull
Dr. Henry Connor honored with tree planting
Left to right: Dr. Jeff Lekson ’84, Andrea (Swearingen) Clifford ’90, Ginger and Dr. Steve Milne ’89, Christie (Flood) Raleigh ’88 (in front), Dr. Kim (Cecil) Schuster ’88, Dr. Henry and Nancy Connor ’76, Dr. Krystal (Teasley) Hamorsky ’04, Dr. Amy Jacobs ’74, Dr. Arba Kenner ’74, Dr. Barbara (Magnuson) Woodward ’88 and Dr. BC Childress ’05
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Tailgating
A “sisters’” celebration Lydia Dorman ’82 (center) celebrated her induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame with her “sisters,” Dr. Patricia (Hayden) Beckford ’84 — Boston; Jerry Johnson — Washington, D.C.; Anita Jackson — Owensboro; and Penny Hightower, Orlando, Fla.
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Alumni Scrapbook Presenting the trophy in the winner’s circle during Downs After Dark at Churchill Downs Left to right: Doug Hoyt ’84, Jeff Chenault ’89, Janna (Duncan) DeMarsh ’87, Jeff Sampson ’88, Tom Keith, Megan (Evans) Schulte ’03, Dr. BC Childress ’05, Katy (Evans) Harrison ’01, Eddie Kenny and Ric Holladay ’74
Wesleyan Legends Tour Wesleyan Legends Dr. W.L. Magnuson and Roy Pickerill ’75, accompanied by Vice President for Advancement Tom Keith and Senior Director of Alumni Relations Eddie Kenny, hosted receptions for alumni and friends in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Lexington and Louisville in August.
Scott Johnson ’93, Chris Jackson ’97, Roy Pickerill, Katie (Gatman) ’00 and Jeffrey Krohman ’99 in Cincinnati
Dallas Thornton ’68 and Roy Pickerill in Louisville
Dr. Barbara (Magnuson) Woodward ’88, Tom Keith, Dr. Kim (Cecil) Schuster ’88, Dr. W.L. Magnuson, Jeff Felix ’84, Eddie Kenny and Roy Pickerill in Cincinnati
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Drs. Samantha Shaver ’87, W.L. Magnuson and Amy Jacobs ’74 in Lexington
Dr. Magnuson with Katie Robertson ’11 and Dr. Tristan Thompson ’08 in Lexington
Winchester Picnic Kentucky Wesleyan College returned to its Winchester campus home for the annual Winchester Picnic on Saturday, Aug. 5. Alumni and guests gathered in the Spencer Gymnasium for barbecue and updates from their alma mater. The event celebrates Kentucky Wesleyan’s proud heritage and brings together the institution’s alumni from across the generations. Winchester, Ky., was the home of Kentucky Wesleyan College from 1890 to 1951, when the College relocated to Owensboro. The 2018 Winchester Picnic will be Aug. 4, 2018. Back Row (Left to Right) — Emory Clark ’80, Jeff Martin, Drew Martin ’78, Joe Martin ’82 and Ron Kincer Middle Row (Left to Right) — Michael Shearer, Holly Rost, Margie Clark, Rev. Roy Clark ’46, Rev. Lewis Ricketts ’52, Jim Martin ’50, Carle “Buddy” Mahan ’50 and Connie Kincer Front Row (Left to Right) — Marcus Shearer ’47, Betty (Ratliff) Smith ’52, Imogene (Berryman) Haggard ’46, Elizabeth (Henderson) Bunch ’52, Mildred (Cox) Hodson ’50, Joanne (Fox) Ricketts ’55, Peggy (Seale) Snowden ’53, Carol (Combs) Daugherty ’51, Velma Cox and Rev. Billy Joe Cox ’52
Alumni gathered in Louisville before the men’s basketball game vs. the University of Louisville in October.
Sigma Nu Fraternity Brothers Reunite on Campus A group of Sigma Nu brothers from the 1970s returned to Kentucky Wesleyan to reconnect and enjoy a campus tour in July. Back Row (Left to Right) — Dave Parsons ‘76, Tom France ‘75, John Ferguson ‘76 and Jeff Patton ‘76 Front Row (Left to Right) — Dave Concino ‘74, Brent Mathew ‘76, Ken Pernisek ‘75 and David Black ‘77
Wesleyan sponsored Friday After 5 on the Owensboro riverfront in August.
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Additions to Winchester Center Enhance Campus The campus has two new additions, a clock that adorns the cupola tower at the Winchester Center, and a Supreme Digital Carillon at the top of the structure that projects Westminster Chimes and songs across campus throughout the day, including the Alma Mater and Fight Song. The tower was named in memory of Dr. Willard T. Gillespie, a dentist and long-time friend of the College, who generously provided a gift to the Wesleyan General Scholarship Fund through his estate. Dr. Gillespie passed away in July of 2016.
A New Academic Year
Move-In Day festivities welcomed the Class of 2021 for the fall semester.
Opening Convocation kicked off the new year in style at Owensboro Christian Church with music by the Kentucky Wesleyan singers (soloist Jonathan Poland) and the acapella group, Linkin’ Bridge, who starred on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” 18
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Track and Field Gets State-of-the Art Complex Kentucky Wesleyan Partners with Owensboro Public Schools and Owensboro Health to Open New Track and Field Complex An August ribbon cutting celebrated the opening of the new track and field complex at Owensboro Middle School adjacent to the Wesleyan campus. The facility will serve as the home of the Panther track and field teams and is available for public use.
Ribbon Cutting Marks Grand Reopening of Martin Alumni Center The Office of Alumni Relations relocated back to the Martin Alumni Center in 2016. The building serves as the epicenter of planning and execution of an expanding array of alumni events locally, regionally and around the country. President Darrell and Sylvia Jones cut the ribbon in May.
Wesleyan Kicks Shares Shoes
Above: Senior Anna Lake, Director of Campus Ministries Shawn Tomes ’94, junior Jonah White, sophomore Jonny Hidenrite and junior Kayce Dallas. Left: Senior Taryne Knott Wesleyan Kicks, an ongoing Campus Ministries project, has provided over 500 pairs of shoes to local shelters, missions, and elementary, middle and high school students.
Festival of Lessons and Carols
The seventh annual Festival of Lessons and Carols celebrated the beginning of the Christmas season at St. Stephen Cathedral with the Kentucky Wesleyan Singers, directed by Professor Dennis Jewett, and the Brass Ensemble, directed by Professor Kevin Callihan.
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Panther Athletics
Dear Alumni and Friends, We’re growing! Panther athletics is adding new programs, and I can’t wait to see these scholar-athletes in action. With the addition of bowling and wrestling, along with the reinstatement of men’s tennis, the Athletic Department will feature 20 NCAA Division II programs beginning next fall. These additions will enhance our offerings and attract quality scholarathletes from our region and beyond to help us promote the mission of Kentucky Wesleyan, while providing a value-added experience for these students. We have tremendous leadership in place to coach these teams, and I have no doubt they will be successful. Our current scholar-athletes continue to make their mark on the field and in the classroom. In the same year that featured three conference championships and three NCAA tournament appearances, our department cumulative GPA rose to its highest mark in over five years. Additionally, 59 scholar-athletes were named Academic All-Great Midwest Athletic Conference, up 28 percent from last year, and 42 scholar-athletes were recognized by the Division II Athletic Directors Association as Academic Achievement Award recipients, a 50 percent increase from the previous year. If you’ve made it back to campus this year, you’ve likely noticed some changes. We’ve been working to improve the facilities that our scholar-athletes call home for practice and competition. So far this year, we’ve been able to add lights to Panther Field (soccer) and Foster Field (softball), new fencing at Panther Field, a new brick wall at Panther Park (baseball), updates to our administrative office suite, and new scoreboards at all of our facilities. These improvements wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our alumni and all of our contributors to the Panther Athletic Fund. Thank you! As always, if you have suggestions or recommendations for ways we can continue to improve Panther Athletics, you can contact me directly at rmallory@kwc.edu. God Bless, and Go Panthers! Rob Mallory Director of Athletics
Panther Field and Steele Stadium
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Panther Athletics Meredith Daunhauer Becomes First Softball All-American Sophomore outfielder Meredith Daunhauer earned third-team All-America honors from the NCAA Division II Collegiate Commissioners Association and a pair of All-Region selections in 2017. The All-America honor is the first in program history.
Scott Thompson Takes Helm of Bowling Program Scott Thompson, formerly the head coach of South Warren High School in Bowling Green, will assume the reins of the men’s and women’s bowling programs as they begin competition in the fall of 2018. Women’s bowling becomes Wesleyan’s 18th NCAA varsity sport, while the men will compete at the club level.
Wrestling, Men’s Tennis Begin Play in 2018 Director of Athletics Rob Mallory recently announced the addition of men’s wrestling and the reinstatement of men’s tennis for the 2018-19 season, bringing the number of NCAA varsity programs sponsored by Wesleyan to 20. Chris Freije will lead the wrestling program and comes to Wesleyan from Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kan. Women’s Tennis coach Diana (Grinter) Hunter ’83 will also coach the men’s team.
Ken Badylak Named Golf Coach Ken Badylak, formerly the head coach at Saint Joseph’s (Ind.) College, and 2016-17 chair of the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Committee, has been appointed as head coach of both the men’s and women’s programs.
1988 Baseball Squad Honored as Team of Distinction The Panthers’ last NCAA Regional berth, prior to last season, occurred in 1988 under head coach Denny Potts. Potts and other members of the team were honored at the Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony, which took place during Homecoming Back row: Ron Marchand ’89, Wade Shoemaker ’90, Scott Kramer ’87, Barry Oakley ’91, David Lunsford ’89, Ricki Allen, Tony Berenz ’89, Steve Segers ’92, Coach Denny Potts, Tim Rogers ’90, Jeff Hurley ’89, Tom Miley and Donnie Vaughn ’88 Front row: Ryan Lemond ’89, Wes Roberts ’89, Chris Gamble ’90, Bob Cannon ’91, Corey Harper ’91, Tom Loughran ’91 and Devin Blazier
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Panther Athletics
2017 Athletic Hall of Fame
Left to right: Troy Crissman (football), Kelly Frank (softball), Coach Denny Potts (baseball), Pat Conway (golf), Angie Johnson (basketball), John Hill (baseball) and Coach Barbara Johnson (women’s tennis) Not pictured: Jenny Boyd Knepp (basketball and volleyball), Willis Cheaney (basketball) and the Doug Kingsley family
Jenny (Boyd) Knepp ’95 Basketball and volleyball
Jenny Boyd was a member of the 1991-92 basketball team that still owns the best record in program history at 21-7. She was a three-time Academic All-Great Lakes Valley Conference selection and earned GLVC Newcomer of the Year as a freshman and All-GLVC Honorable Mention as a junior. She was GLVC Female Student-Athlete of the Year. Boyd was captain of the 1994 volleyball squad. She still holds three volleyball records.
Willis Cheaney ’95 Basketball
Willis Cheaney earned All-America First-Team honors from the National Association of Basketball 22
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Coaches, Division II Bulletin and Daktronics in 1995. He also earned Second-Team All-America honors from the Basketball Times, was an NABC All-Region selection and was named the GLVC Player of the Year. He brought home All-GLVC honors twice. He is Wesleyan’s career leader in assists, while ranking second in steals.
Pat Conway ’83 Golf
Pat Conway is the only fourtime All-GLVC selection in program history at Wesleyan. He led the Panthers to their best four-year run in program history, placing fourth (1980), runner-up (1981 and 1983) and winning (1982) the GLVC Championship. He placed in the Top Five all four years at the conference
tournament and was crowned individual champion at the GLVC Championships in 1982 and 1983.
Troy Crissman ’94 Football
Troy Crissman was an Associated Press SecondTeam All-American and the NCAA Statistical Champion with nine interceptions his senior year. He ranks in the Top 10 of two statistical categories in the Wesleyan record books, second in career interceptions and eighth in career tackles.
Kelly Frank ’96 Softball
Kelly Frank was a threetime All-GLVC selection from 1992-1994. She led Wesleyan to a GLVC championship in 1994 and
a championship appearance in 1992. She was a threetime All-Academic GLVC honoree. She still holds four career pitching records in appearances, games started, complete games and shutouts.
John Hill ’86 Baseball and football
John Hill was a 1986 AllGLVC selection in baseball and led the team to the GLVC South Division Championship and the program’s first 30-win season that year. He remains the career record holder in home runs, runs scored, runs batted in and slugging percentage. He held the career batting average record for over 30 years at .401. He was also a four-year starter on the football team.
Panther Athletics Angie (Johnson) White ’99 Basketball
Angie Johnson was a threetime All-GLVC selection from 1997-1999 and was named to the Academic All-GLVC Team. She still sits atop the women’s basketball record books with 1,782 career points and 161 three-pointers. She ranks in the top 10 in four other statistical categories, including career free throws, career steals, career rebounds and career assists.
Barbara Johnson
Doug Kingsley ’61*
Denny Potts
Women’s tennis head coach (1979-1983)
Athletics staff
Baseball head coach (1983-1995)
Barbara Johnson is the only coach in Wesleyan history with an undefeated season, going 10-0 in 1980. Johnson was named Kentucky State Tennis Coach of the Year in both 1980 and 1981. She guided the Panthers to two Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Regional Tournaments, including a third place finish in 1981, when the Panthers also finished 19th in the nation.
Doug Kingsley was a heralded baseball player at Wesleyan from 19581961. He served the Department of Athletics in many capacities and was named the department’s business manager in 2011. He served as president of the All-American Club twice and was the recipient of the Cecil Triplet All-American Club Award in 2001. He earned the Kentucky Wesleyan College Alumni Service Award in 2012.
Denny Potts accumulated 269 wins at Wesleyan and led the Panthers to the NCAA South Atlantic Regional in 1988, while bringing home GLVC South Division titles in 1986 and 1988. He was voted GLVC Baseball Coach of the Year in 1984. He coached 18 All-GLVC players during his 13-year tenure.
*deceased
Pair of Panthers Named to NABC Honors Court
Tinsley Inducted into Small College Basketball Hall of Fame George Tinsley ’69, one of the most decorated players in Panther history, was inducted into the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame in November as a member of the Class of 2017. Tinsley was also presented with the inaugural Larry Smith Award, which honors a former player who has used the game of basketball to learn and apply life lessons that have provided personal enhancement and given back to others to change the world for good.
Basketball scholar-athletes Charles Foster and Adam Stanford earned spots on the 2016-17 National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court for their academic success.
Left to Right: Dick O’Neill ‘69, George Tinsley ‘69, Tommy Hobgood ‘69, Dallas Thornton ‘69, Roger Cordell ‘67, Ernie Simpson ‘68 and Jessie Flynn ‘67
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Panther Athletics Former Panthers Sign Professional Contracts
Keelan Cole ’17 made the Jacksonville Jaguars roster as an undrafted free agent, becoming the first Kentucky Wesleyan player to make an opening day NFL roster. Cole played in all 16 regular season games of his rookie season, finishing with 42 catches, 748 yards and 3 TDs. His 17.8 yards per catch ranked second in the NFL in 2017, and an acrobatic one-handed grab against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 5 landed him at #4 on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10. Cole scored his first career touchdown on Dec. 3 against the Indianapolis Colts and followed it up with a 75-yard score the following week vs. the Seattle Seahawks. He had a season-high seven catches for 186 yards vs. the Houston Texans on Dec. 17, as the Jags clinched the AFC South Division title, earning their first playoff berth since 2007. Photo courtesy Rick Wilson, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jordan Jacks ’17 signed a professional contract to continue his basketball career, signing with Lahti Basketball in Finland. Lahti Basketball is a member of the Finnish 1A division, where Jacks became the first American on the roster. Prior to signing with Lahti, Jacks played in the Free Agency Pro Basketball Pro Scout League in Las Vegas, Nev., and was named to the First-Team AllLeague.
Chris Smith ’10 made his Major League Baseball debut with a relief appearance for the Toronto Blue Jays on June 27. Smith got the nod in the top of the ninth inning with the Jays trailing the Baltimore Orioles 3-1. The Louisville, Ky., native threw 13 pitches, nine for strikes, in the scoreless frame. He signed with the Washington Nationals in December.
Ken-Jah Bosley ’17 signed a professional contract to begin his professional basketball career in Israel, playing for the De La Salle Al Quds Jerusalem of the Palestine Super League. Your generous gifts help our scholar-athletes succeed at the highest levels, both on the fields of play and in the classroom. Thank you for your support! For more information, contact Brad Moore, associate athletics director of external operations, at bmoore@kwc.edu or 270-852-3195. 24
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Matt Pobereyko signed a professional baseball contract with the New York Mets organization after starting the season with the Florence Freedom of the Independent Frontier League. He was assigned to the Columbia Fireflies, a Class-A affiliate of the Mets.
Class Notes Krystal (Teasley) Hamorsky ’04 Coming Home, Giving Back by Eddie Kenny
“One thing I have learned about myself over time is I love to educate, and ultimately the most rewarding place for me to do so is at Kentucky Wesleyan.” Krystal Hamorsky returned to Kentucky Wesleyan College at the beginning of the 2017-18 academic year as professor of analytical chemistry. Her career journey has been shaped by what she learned at Wesleyan, and she now has the opportunity to pay it forward by following in the footsteps of professors and educators who set her on her way. “The Chemistry faculty made the biggest impact on me while I was a student at Kentucky Wesleyan,” Hamorsky said. “Academically I was very prepared for graduate school. The graduate course work was not new to me. Dr. Henry Connor was influential in helping me find my interest in analytical chemistry. All of the chemistry faculty were very persistent in asking me what I wanted to do with my life and encouraging me to consider graduate school. Without their reassurance, I would never have gone to graduate school and would not be where I am today. I cannot thank them enough!” A member of the women’s soccer team, Hamorsky was able to balance being a scholar-athlete and holding down a job while at Wesleyan. Following completion of her bachelor’s degree, she earned a Ph.D. in bioanalytical chemistry from the University of Kentucky. During graduate school, Hamorsky developed and characterized novel engineered fusion proteins to be employed for the detection of biological and environmental molecules. She then obtained a post-doctoral research appointment at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where she developed plantmade pharmaceuticals by advancing plant-made monoclonal antibodies, subunit proteins and lectins as therapeutics and vaccines. Her postdoctoral position led to an assistant professorship at the UofL School of Medicine, where she was the bioanalytical support for biopharmaceutical molecules in clinical development. Her research focused on formulation, analytical methodologies and quality studies. As Dr. Connor, Dr. W.L. Magnuson and Dr. Bob and Nancy Flachskam hand over the reins of the sciences after 40-plus years of service, it is reassuring to welcome back Dr. Hamorsky, who benefited from their guidance and education. “Returning to Wesleyan as a professor has been very rewarding,” Hamorsky said. “I enjoy seeing student achievement and this is my way of giving back. Wesleyan was a major player in my success, and I want to see the current and future students be successful!”
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Class Notes 1957-58
1968
J. Richard ’57 and Nancy (Svara) Zimmerman ’58 celebrated 60 years of marriage on August 24. Congratulations!
Daniel I. Carey released a new book, “Water in Kentucky: Natural History, Communities, and Conservation,” in May.
1969 George W. Tinsley was the featured speaker at the Wesleyansponsored Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster event at the Owensboro Convention Center in November. The former Panther basketball great is president and CEO of PenGeo, Inc., and Tinsley Group, Inc. He and his wife, Seretha (Summers) Tinsley ’71, live in Winter Haven, Fla.
1965-67 Dick ’67 and Barbara (Austin) Romer ’65 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. Congratulations!
Tinsley was appointed to the board of The Florida Bar Foundation, a statewide charitable organization whose mission is to provide greater access to justice.
1975 Roy Pickerill was recognized by peers with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 60th annual national convention of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) last summer. Pickerill is sports information director emeritus at Wesleyan and now serves as a special assistant for college relations.
1978 Suzanne (Adelman) Oost and her husband Greg have been living on the Navajo Reservation in Ft. Defiance, Ariz. for the past two years. Suzanne is an emergency room RN.
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1979 Mary (Turner) McDole was named alumni relations coordinator at Kentucky Wesleyan in September. Keith Switzer is the new pastor at Settle Memorial United Methodist Church in Owensboro. His first Sunday was June 25.
1980 Dr. Lori (Griffin) Byron was appointed to the EPA’s Children’s Health Advisory Committee and to the Executive Council on Environmental Health with the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is semi-retired and pursuing a master’s degree in energy policy from Johns Hopkins. Cynthia R. Bowen-Davis celebrated 35 years of service at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry on Oct. 20.
1981 Bob Burns is director of multi-market partnerships for iHeart Media with a focus on Kentucky and Indiana. Ivan Corbin was elected president of The Historical Society of The United Methodist Church at the annual meeting in Anchorage, Ala., in June. Ivan is in his third year as pastor of First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes, Fla. He and wife Debbie became grandparents for the first time last September to Louisa Madeleine Corbin. Mark Davis is a certified lay speaker in the Heartland District of the Kentucky Conference of the Methodist Church.
Class Notes 1982 Chris Duke published his first book, “Outside the Oven,” in Aug. He shares business insights and lessons learned while building his company, Anna’s Gourmet Cookies.
1983 Rene (King) Thompson works for the Center for Accessible Living, a resource center for individuals with disabilities, and is a board member for the Disability Empowerment Conference. In her spare time Rene is a comic writer for Pix-C and co-creator of Ms. Molecule. She and her husband, writer Steven Thompson, live in Covington, Ky., with their son, David.
1984 Owensboro Sheriff Keith Cain was awarded the Sheriff Buford Pusser “Walking Tall” Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award in Tennessee. Timothy L. Keiningham of the Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University received the American Marketing Association’s 2017 Christopher Lovelock Career Contributions to the Services Discipline Award. This international award, the highest award presented in the field of service marketing, is given to the individual whose teaching, research and service have had the greatest long-term impact on the development of the services discipline.
1987 David Ashburn graduated with a master’s degree in adult learning from Walden University in December 2016. Ashburn earned a 3.91 GPA and was
elected to the Golden Key International Honour Society.
1988 Dr. Kim M. (Cecil) Schuster was featured during a segment of NOVA on PBS entitled “Poisoned Water,” in May.
1991 Chuck Standiford was named KHSAA Softball Umpire of the Year award in July during the first-ever Officiate Kentucky Day in Louisville. Chuck has been a social studies teacher at Christian County Middle School for the past 23 years.
1992 Kimberly (Mayberry) Fifer was named assistant superintendent of secondary education for Greater Clark County Schools in Jeffersonville, Ind. She served as principal at three elementary and middle schools in Greater Clark County before accepting the new position. She taught middle/elementary school science and social studies for nine years and began her career in public relations before earning a second degree in education.
1993 Greg Risch was appointed president of Accuride Wheels North America in Oct. and has full profit and loss responsibility for the business. Previously president of Gunite, Risch will lead Accuride’s steel and aluminum wheel production and tire/wheel assembly operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as its wheels engineering and product development teams. Earlier in his 23-year career with Accuride, Risch served as the company’s chief financial officer from Oct. 2011
to Nov. 2015. His other leadership roles included vice president and chief accounting officer, and director of financial planning and reporting. He began his tenure with the company on the finance team at the Henderson operations steel wheel manufacturing plant in Henderson, Ky.
1996 Kelly Frank with WBNS-10TV of Columbus, Ohio, was honored with two awards at the 53rd Annual Ohio Valley Regional EMMY Awards.
1997 Scott Littleton and his wife, Kristin, welcomed twins Kenneth James and John Bradley on Oct. 28 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, Ky.
2001 Autumn (Greer) Wilkins was named head softball coach at Muhlenberg County High School. She has coached the middle school softball team for three seasons, and was head JV and assistant varsity coach for one season. Autumn teaches preschool/Headstart at Central City Elementary School and lives in Central City with her husband, Jason, and daughters Sophia and Isabela.
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Class Notes 2002 Eric Flory began a new assignment as a detective with the Criminal Investigations Division of the Owensboro Police Department. He has been with OPD since 2008 and was named Officer of the Year in 2016. Kristy (Nelson) Burnett was recently promoted to vice president of lending and recognized for 10 years of service at First State Bank of the Southeast in Pineville, Ky. Burnett was also elected treasurer of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival and Pineville Rotary Club. She resides in Pineville, Ky., with her husband, Ken, and children Kaelyn and Kenton. Melanie (Degenhardt) Hudson married high school sweetheart Jack Hudson on Sept. 17, 2016, in Hopkinsville, Ky. Jenny (Paris) Jackson graduated with her doctorate of education in organizational leadership from Western Kentucky University.
2004 John Hagmann earned a master of divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in June. Rick Searcy was named vice president for community living options at the Wendell Foster Center in Owensboro. Searcy served as executive director of the H.L. Neblett Community Center from 2013
College football team. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Alexander, GO Chamber Magazine.)
2005 Dr. BC Childress, president of the Kentucky Wesleyan College Alumni Association, sat on a panel at the 88th Annual Convention of the Kentucky Hospital Association in May. Childress also completed a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Western Kentucky University in 2017. Adam Hancock and his accounting firm, Riney Hancock CPAs PSC, was named as one of Accounting Today’s 2017 Best Accounting Firms to Work For. Jason Tanner of Tanner+West Advertising and Design Agency was honored with two awards at the 53rd Annual Ohio Valley Regional EMMY Awards.
2006 Jennifer (Hendricks) Wright was named Owensboro Living’s 2017 Best Attorney. She and her husband, Robert, welcomed their first baby in Oct.
2008 Emily S. Keenan, Ph.D., CPA is an assistant professor of accounting at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She graduated with her Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University — Carbondale in May 2016 and has been at Ohio University since Aug. 2016.
2009
to 2017. Searcy also worked in services for disadvantaged and disabled youth at Job Corps and the Owensboro Treatment Center, as well as serving as offensive coordinator for the Kentucky Wesleyan
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Heather (Madewell) Clouse is a physician assistant-certified at the Women’s Pavilion in Owensboro. She earned her master’s degree in
physician assistant studies from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., and was licensed in 2012 by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants. DaMarcus Ganaway, former Kentucky Wesleyan and New York Jets wide receiver, became the new head football coach at Ohio County High School in June. He is the CEO and co-founder of Dynasty Sports Performance, where he trains and helps young student-athletes. Matthew Ruark graduated with his master’s degree from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Heath Smith is a parts analyst at Caterpillar Forest Products in LaGrange, Ga., and helps develop parts sales strategies and parts margin improvement.
2010 Brandon Cox was named editor and publisher of the The Daily Sentinel in Scottsboro, Ala. Michael Hinton is the student outreach minister at Traders Point Christian Church Northwest in Indianapolis, Ind. Morgan (Whitney) Pierstorff was named executive director of the Kentucky Economic Development Office in Europe. Pierstorff was a four-year project manager and the Cabinet’s European Representative Office senior manager for over a year. She will lead the Hamburg, Germany, office as executive director. Heath Wright joined Hardin County Schools (Elizabethtown, Ky.) as a teacher at Heartland Elementary School.
2012 Erin (Keith) Jones was married and accepted a special education teaching position at Metcalfe County Middle School, in Edmonton, Ky.
Class Notes Ryne Williams is now clinical director at Results Physiotherapy in Lexington, Ky.
2014 Officer Chelsee Breakfield made history as the first woman to earn a spot on the Paducah Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team.
2015 Paige Kramer teaches fifth grade at Highland Elementary School in Owensboro. She previously taught at Cravens Elementary School. Madison (Dayberry) Turner and Michael Turner celebrated their marriage in July.
2017 Stuart “Drew” Angus Jr. accepted a full-time position as solutions sales specialist with Fastenal in their Cincinnati district. Amber Bryant teaches special education at Owensboro Middle School South Campus. JoCarol Bunch teaches special education at Foust Elementary School. Lauren Burling teaches special education at Burns Middle School. Lauren Connor teaches math at Hancock County Middle School. Erin Dorn is pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical sciences at Marian University in Indianapolis, Ind. Taylor Garcia-Grisham was sworn in as an officer with the Evansville Police Department in July. Megan Grace teaches math at Ohio County High School in Ky. Katie Laughlin is an audio/camera/floor director at WLKY in Louisville, Ky.
2016 Brooke Daugherty is a marketing material specialist at U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company in Nashville. La Don Laney is an account specialist for Sanofi-Genzyme in Boston. Alex Velez is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology at Murray State University. She began the program in Aug. Ciera Woods was accepted to the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and is pursuing a master’s degree in human resource management and industrial relations.
Rhiannon Moore teaches first grade at Truman Elementary School in Rolla, Mo. Michael Mosby teaches physical education and coaches at Hancock County Schools in Ky. Elissa Starheim has been accepted into an accelerated nursing program at Duke University.
Jennifer Walker-Crawford is a core tax associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers. One of top accounting firms in the U.S., PwC hired only four new employees for the Charlotte, N.C., office in the most recent hiring season, and Jennifer was the only one who did not yet have a master’s degree. She passed all parts of the CPA exam in the fall. Taylor Wilson teaches English at Webster County High School in Ky. Bria Wright teaches second grade at Rosa Parks Elementary School and coaches the seventh grade girls’ basketball team at Southport Middle School, both in Indianapolis, Ind.
We love to share your stories! Please send Class Notes information for our next issue to the Office of Alumni Relations. We would like to include a photo, too. Please identify everyone, and include class year and maiden name, if applicable. We look forward to hearing from you. alumni@kwc.edu OR
Nate Stemle teaches English at Apollo High School in Owensboro.
Office of Alumni Relations 3000 Frederica St. Owensboro, KY 42301
Ellen Tichenor teaches at Hanson Elementary School in Hanson, Ky.
You may also submit class notes information online at kwc.edu/alumni
Winter 2018
29
In Memoriam
We offer condolences on the passing of the following alumni and friends of Kentucky Wesleyan College: Charles R. “Chuck” Adams Donna Baldwin Harold A. Bolin ’44 Doris (Bell) Brenner ’64 Charles “Tommy” Brown Jr. Harold “Tommy” Brown ’81 Elizabeth Sheffield Byars Joan (Gray) Capps ’60 Roger V. Clark ’68 Wesley Emory Clark ’80 Charles A. Danhauer William Dinwiddie ’63 Hugh David Edds John Frantz
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Winter 2018
Dr. John Freer Danny Garland ’67 Mary Catherine (Hacker) Gilliam ’53 Jacqueline Gorman Dr. Martha (Spurlin) Grise ’63 Sidney Hood Patricia Jennings ’69 Dr. Robert T. Johnson ’59 Frank Augustus Johnston Sr. Maynard A. Jones Jr. ’65 Russel C. Jones Ashley Dale Lawrence Dr. William A. McManus Jr. Rev. Dr. Douglas D. Moseley ’52
Herbert Parker ’56 Jeffrey Allen Parker Rick Nash Dan Oderkirk Bobby Joe Rickard ’58 Robert A. St. Lawrence ‘67 Piny Cochran Smith John A. Snowden Jr. ’51 Mary (Hart) Snowden ’51 James Hugh “Jim” Waltrip ’64 Larry Whitaker Bruce Woodward
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3000 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY 42301