Pillars - Spring 2023

Study Abroad throughout the Years

President's Perspective

Dear Kentucky Wesleyan Family,

Spring is in the air, and we are enjoying occasional days of sunshine and higher temperatures. But in every season, the warmth and energy of the campus community warms our hearts and allows the sun to shine brightly over Panther Nation!!!

Our winter sport teams have completed another successful year. The women's basketball team advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years. Our women's and men's bowling teams captured their second G-MAC championships in a row. Our other teams all vied well wherever the competition led. I am proud of their accomplishments and even more proud of the growth they have shown as young adults! Our athletes rank near the top in the nation for community service activities, and team GPAs are also noted at the national level. These young men and women are learning true life skills in a multitude of ways while bringing enthusiasm to their teams and our community!

The rest of campus has been equally active. We were treated to a wonderful winter band concert, and "Chess The Musical" recently finished its run to full audiences in the Wells Activity Center. For those who have not heard our choir, you are missing one of the greatest listening pleasures available. I am always humbled at the level of poise and skill shown by our performers at Kentucky Wesleyan College.

I recently greeted a group of fourth graders visiting the campus. Seeing their exuberance and enthusiasm reminded me that through all the world's trials and travails of late, we have a bright future in our youth. It is our job to help guide them toward careers of servant leadership and instill upon them the importance of being a person who seeks every day to make the world a better place through their own actions.

Pondering this group's future reminded me that we are always building upon the past. It is the collection of children, parents, community members, indeed the entire community, that has helped shape and mold Kentucky Wesleyan College into the premier institution of higher education it is today. Within the pages of this magazine, you will read about a family with generations of connections to KWC. You will delve into their history and revel with them in their hopes for the future. They

have a stimulating and significant tale to describe, helping reveal the strength of the College and of those who have helped build its wonderful and fascinating narrative.

Also within these pages, you will meet alumni and employees, both working abroad and locally, with connections to our Panther community in different ways. Each of these individuals contributes to the generations of stories that make KWC such a magnificent and unique home.

As we reflect on the past and position ourselves for the future, your support remains of the utmost importance. If you have been waiting to give to the College in support of future generations of Panthers, please contact our Advancement team and become an active participant in helping educate and guide our students into a future of which we may all be proud.

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Mitzel, Ph.D. President

Rhonda and Dr. Mitzel at the 2022 President's Gala

Three pillars guide the KWC community.

By Tamara Coy, Professor of English and Study Abroad Director

Study abroad is in the air!

Faculty and students alike are excited about the prospect of study abroad returning fully to campus. With our KWC community venturing out into the world for nearly the sixth decade running, it's time to celebrate those 57 years of students taking the KWC experience abroad and hear from some of those who embraced a global outlook. It all started in 1966 with our NCAA national champions touring West Africa.

KWC's Dallas Thornton '68, along with his championship basketball team, represented the United States on the world stage as part of the Goodwill tours sponsored by the U.S State Department. The team traveled for six weeks, visiting five West African countries on the tour. Dallas saw it as a hugely educational experience. "The biggest fears are what you don't know, but those fears can bring a divide between people. It's important to experience the

Study Abroad

THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

unknown and embrace and learn from it." Dallas's global experiences continued as he went on to enjoy a career spanning 16 years with the Harlem Globetrotters, which took him across the world many times over.

The Panthers had another major international experience in 1984 as the men's basketball team immersed themselves in European culture, visiting France and touring around England to play against six different clubs over their 10-day trip. As Andra Whitlow '87, who went on to play with the 1987 Division II championship team, observed, "It is important to see different cultures. Communicating

[The trip] opened my mind up to do other things. And it set me up for my career.

Stanley Jackson in London

1984

Camron Blandford '22 and Rebekah Dickinson '24 at Blarney Castle in Ireland

"The KWC community is a family wherever we are in the world."

DALLAS THORNTON '68

with people internationally brings us together." His teammate, Stanley Jackson (now completing his degree with KWC online), also took that to heart, playing international professional basketball for almost a decade. Jackson reflected on the impact that traveling abroad with the KWC team had on his life. "It opened my mind up to do other things. And it set me up for my career."

Education is undoubtedly a gateway to careers and life-changing opportunities, and studying off campus can be an essential part of that education. Numerous studies have demonstrated that students who study abroad have increased salaries, raised GPAs and higher graduation rates. Taking oneself out of their 'comfort zone' brings more confidence and maturity, with a better ability to problem solve and adapt.

Codie Drake '18 demonstrates how study abroad opens further educational and career possibilities. "It gave me the confidence to continue to explore the vast world and the many cultures within it." She has lived and worked all over the world before starting her law degree in Michigan.

Over the years, faculty-led courses have seen students travel with me several times to Athens, Rome and London. They have experienced Cuba with Dr. Ken Ayers and visited Israel and Palestine with Dr. Dan Bradshaw. And this May, 50 students, along with their professors, will be traveling abroad. KWC has 20 students participating on a collaborative trip to Australia and New Zealand with Brescia and KWC professor Dr. Christina Starkey. And what will be his second KWC choir tour, Professor Dennis Jewett has 30 choir students visiting Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland in May, including twins Amber and Melina Carter, both juniors. This trip will be their first travel abroad experience, and they are excited to sing in many historic places.

Professor Jewett notes that for many, it may be the first time they have traveled outside the U.S. "Their chance to visit Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Belfast and Dublin will expand their world perspective. Performing with a university choir in Scotland and in world-renowned venues like St. Giles in Edinburgh and St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin will be a oncein-a-lifetime experience."

Other faculty are developing courses and faculty-led programs abroad and away, with Dr. Scot Payne planning to take zoology students on a trip to Costa Rica in spring '24 and Dr. Christine Salmon expanding her language course to France. Math professor Dr. Christina Starkey dreams of running a course in partnership with a university in Germany. We also have professors

Phoenix Jenkins '12, Ashley Hatcher '12 and Jessica Hannah '13 in London

Simeon Pogue '16, Stephanie (Pearson) Charville '15 and Elizabeth (Griffith) Mudd '14 at the Parthenon in Athens

Madison (Dayberry) Turner '15 and Courtney (Gibson) Schneider '16 on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem

like Kari Miller '03, who would like to orchestrate a New York City trip for criminal justice students, and Dr. Janella Moy, who leads the Honors Program, looking to start a capstone course that takes graduating honors students to study away in the U.S.A.

With so many first-generation students at KWC, the College is ready to establish and grow its study abroad programs to make off-campus studies, both abroad and away, even more accessible. We are building on collaborations with Brescia, Sister Cities, partner universities, Harlaxton College and the KIIS Consortium, which offers students and faculty alike a range of study abroad opportunities in summer and winter terms. We hope to create a space on campus to house the off-campus studies office for Study Abroad and Away, possibly along with other services, such as career development and internships under a Center for Student Engagement. With support and time, KWC will bring more study abroad and other off-campus opportunities to the Wesleyan experience.

Support from alumni like board member Deborah (Carter) Dearing '79 has offered a great boost to encouraging our students to embrace educational off-campus experiences.

She and her husband, Ted, established the Dearing Global Outlook Fund at KWC to assist current Wesleyan students with some of the expenses involved in studying abroad. They strongly believe that travel is an important part of a student's education. Deborah feels that "Simply reading about other cultures cannot provide the same learning experiences that actually being immersed in another country and culture can."

With much-needed donations, funding and invaluable support from our alumni, there are countless ways we can enable and encourage students to study abroad. Taking our KWC family out into the world and bringing that diversity and knowledge back onto our campus will see the Panther family continue to thrive and grow in immeasurable ways. As Dallas Thornton said, "The KWC community is a family wherever we are in the world." And together we can help students find their wings.

For more information about study abroad, contact Professor Coy at tcoy@kwc.edu.

You can help our students study abroad and find their wings through a gift to the Study Abroad Restricted Fund. Your donations will enhance their learning experiences in immeasurable ways.

Traveling connects you to so many people across the globe. It connects you to the past and the future.

Codie Drake '18 in Hong Kong

Sacrifice and Service

A WESLEYAN LEGACY

By Katherine Rutherman

Every generation stands on the shoulders of preceding ones, the people whose hard work and determination prepared the way for their successes. A few members of earlier generations become well-known, at least in their communities, and receive accolades for their contributions to the future. But most are behind the scenes, quietly doing their part and giving sacrificially.

Maurice Everly (1917-1983), from Island, Ky., was one such man. He served in the Pacific Theater in the U.S. Army during World War II but never talked about his service. A jack-of-all-trades, farmer and salesman, his bond to Kentucky Wesleyan College

Maurice, Sue (Markwell), Doug '65 and Medorah Everly

At Top – Front row, left to right: Malia and Gianna Mercer; Back row, left to right: Shawn Tomes '94, Kenzie Tomes '21, Isaiah Tomes '26, Marcia (Everly) Tomes '95, Laura (Everly) Girvin '88, Norma Everly, Luke Girvin '25, Doug Everly '65, Sarah (Everly) Mercer '05, Sophia Mercer and Joey Mercer ’04

began in an unlikely manner. Freeman Case, a faithful and persistent member of the Island Methodist Church, called on Maurice and his wife, Medorah, repeatedly and invited them to church. Finally, Maurice, looking out a window, said to his wife, "Here comes Freeman again, and he is going to keep coming until we go to church. We might as well go."

That decision was a turning point in their lives and with their church involvement came new priorities. The Everlys were active and devoted members of the congregation for decades.

With the effort to bring KWC to Owensboro from Winchester in the early 1950s, members of Island Methodist were encouraged to donate to the cause. Companies gave

thousands, school children gave quarters, and many gave something in between. Maurice Everly, an eighth-grade graduate, borrowed $150 because he didn't have the money and donated it to KWC. "Why did you do that?" Medorah asked. He said he didn't know why, he just did.

A little over a decade later, Island Methodist Church played another pivotal role in Everly family life. Maurice and Medorah's son, Doug '65, explains. "Our pastor, Brother George Phillips, was a very persistent man, and I listened to him. He insisted that several of us (including Dennis Kirtley '65 and Jon Bradshaw '67) enroll at KWC. His persistence and my subsequent decision were life changing."

Doug, a business administration and accounting major, fondly remembers two professors, Edward (business administration and economics) and Barbara Greene (political science). He describes them as a very considerate couple who were interested in students and very encouraging. "Mr. Greene was a fine economics professor who was realistic and gave real-world examples. He provided a recommendation for the job I got with Texas Gas after graduation."

Doug married Norma in 1964, and they have always lived on the farm near the Green River where he was raised. He retired from Texas Gas as director of safety and training in

"KWC gave all of us the tools we needed-the knowledge, skills and confidence-to have successful careers and give back to our community."

DOUG EVERLY '65

"I had a wonderful experience as a student, and KWC is such an important part of our family."

KENZIE TOMES '21

1995. They have three daughters, all graduates of KWCLaura (Everly) Girvin '88, Marcia (Everly) Tomes '94 and Sarah (Everly) Mercer '05-and they live nearby on the same farm. Sons-in-law Shawn Tomes '94 and Joey Mercer '05 are Panthers, too, and Shawn is vice president of mission and culture at the College, where he has been employed since 2016, first as director of campus ministries. Shawn and Marcia live in the home where her grandparents, Maurice and Medorah, raised their family.

Two of Maurice and Medorah's great-grandchildren are KWC students today: Luke Girvin '25 and Isaiah Tomes '26, who plays football. Isaiah's sister, Kenzie Tomes '21, recently joined the Advancement team at KWC as development director. "It meant a lot to me to return as an employee," she says. "I had a wonderful experience as a student, and KWC is such an important part of our family."

Shawn arrived at KWC in the fall of 1990 as an at-risk student due to family circumstances. He was an education major and played basketball and football for one year until he was injured. "Sometimes I think of how overwhelmed I was with a lack of financial resources and no understanding of what college was all about when I arrived. I didn't even have a winter coat. I couldn't afford one." He remembers with gratitude that Vice President of Finance Cindra Stiff offered encouragement, interest and direction. "She was The Wesleyan Way to me before we called it that."

"KWC gave all of us the tools we needed-the knowledge, skills and confidence-to have successful careers and give back to our community," reflects Doug. "My parents would be so proud. They both cared about young people, and they were always pleased when young people chose to stay in the area and contribute as adults."

"We are all standing on the shoulders of the Maurice and Medorah Everlys of Wesleyan history," says Shawn. "May we provide strong shoulders for succeeding generations, just as they did."

Faculty Promotions

We extend our congratulations to these faculty members.

PROFESSOR TAMARA COY Professor of English

DR. ERIC SCHMIDT Associate Professor of Political Science

DR. CHRISTINA STARKEY Associate Professor of Mathematics

LIVING OUTSIDE THE BOX

KWC's "Irreplaceable" Impact on an Alumnus in Japan

By Molly Gross, Assistant Professor of English

Sitting at his computer one day as a KWC senior, Justin Whittinghill '05 opened an email to students about teaching in China. How long do you think it would take most college seniors to decide to accept such an opportunity? For Whittinghill, it took five minutes.

"I had no plan," he chuckled, recalling the moment. "Many people go into college saying, 'I want to be a doctor, I want to be a lawyer,' but I had no strong desire to do this or that."

His advisor and English professor Dr. Suzanne Rose had sent the email. "It sounded so interesting and outside the box that I couldn't resist," he said.

China didn't work out, but Whittinghill was sold on the adventure, so after a Google search for similar jobs, he moved from his native Owensboro to teach English in Japan. That was 2006 . . . and he's still there.

As an English literature major and pre-law minor, Whittinghill was well-equipped for his first four years of teaching, then chose to further his education. Having married in that time, he and his wife, Ayumi, moved to Vermont in 2010 where Whittinghill completed his master's in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), then moved right back to Japan for a faculty position at the Kanazawa Institute of Technology. The institute is located in Nonoichi City, a community of 52,000 in the Ishikawa Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast.

Whittinghill soon began writing a column for Owensboro's Messenger-Inquirer in 2014, sharing his observations of Japanese culture. He's written on the funeral custom of filling a casket with flowers, the popularity of KFC (or "Kentucky") for Christmas dinner, and the frequent practice of gift-giving, for which towels are most popular.

He's also noticed "less crime" and "a general politeness," but also "less fun," as there are "thousands of tiny rules that people take very seriously." He admits some social

programs may even seem "terrible" to Americans.

"Several times per year, I'm obligated to help people sort their garbage. In the winter, you'll be doing this outside at 6 a.m. in sleet and snow for a couple hours, and there's no way out of it."

On the other hand, Japan does offer a perk for new parents.

"My wife and I had a child (Nico) in February of 2022, and we both took advantage of Japan's full year of parental leave. We've been extremely glad and grateful to take that kind of time off," said Whittinghill. Plus, his university campus has a built-in daycare where Nico will learn Japanese.

The new parents brought Nico to Owensboro during that leave and stayed through the holidays. While here, Whittinghill (by this point a tenured professor) was invited to give two talks.

"I spoke at KWC in September (organized by the Owensboro Area World Affairs Council) on the fundamental differences in culture between Japan and the U.S., and then in a Brescia University class on human rights issues."

Whittinghill is equally as grateful for his time at Wesleyan as we are that he stays in touch with us and our community.

"KWC's size afforded me the chance to really connect with professors. Dr. [Bill] Conroy [political science] was tough enough to get me where I needed to be, Dr. [Tony] Lee [English] expanded my thinking more than anyone, and Dr. [Kurt] Noll [religion] was truly an excellent educator."

In reflecting on his course of study, Whittinghill offers advice for English majors: "Look for/create opportunities beyond graduation to continue using and improving your skills with the language. Volunteer at a senior center to discuss a book. Submit your work to a creative writing journal. Contact a newspaper about writing a column on something you know well. The only way to get good is the constant pursuit of getting good."

His advice for any student is to consider "leaving your comfort zone" and going abroad, as one can:

1. "Appreciate how societies can function in vastly different ways and still remain fine."

2. "Be outside the majority. Depending on the place, you may become a minority, illiterate and an immigrant. If you're living in the majority, it's impossible to overstate how your perspective changes by spending real time as any of these three."

3. "Set yourself apart. Living abroad is an uncommon path, and you'll carry that experience around for life. I have heard KWC is expanding study abroad, and I applaud them for it. It makes for better-rounded students."

Of course, it's okay to take more than five minutes to decide to live abroad, especially with family in mind. "You'll start to miss important milestones with your family, and you can't get those back. If family is an absolute no. 1 in a student's life, he or she could look for a one-year contract or find something that allows a lot of vacation time."

Still, Justin Whittinghill is grateful he seized the opportunity, and values KWC's role in it. "I don't imagine my life would be the same had I gone to school elsewhere. When I return home for visits, I inevitably meet or reconnect with KWC people, which means the College continues to be a part of my life. Ultimately, it's been irreplaceable."

Full Circle

AROUND THE WORLD . . . AND BACK HOME

By Eddie Kenny

A tour of Wesleyan Medical Practice reveals many stops on Dr. Sara Lynn Doolin-Thompson's '94 life journey. Each patient room sports a different theme and highlights one stop. Beautiful photos of white sand beaches in Hawaii and Florida, Walt Disney World and more bring Sara's experiences to life and provide a welcoming environment for her patients.

Sara's journey came full circle in 2022 when she opened the practice and soon expanded to include Wesleyan Urgent Care. Sublime Skin, a medical spa offering aesthetic treatment and products, is also housed in the facility. The suite of medical services is located across the street from her alma mater's campus at 3221 Frederica Street and for the 2022-23 academic year has served the KWC community as its health services provider for students, faculty and staff.

When the facility celebrated ribbon cuttings and grand openings, Sara expressed her gratitude for the partnership and support from KWC. She was humbled and excited to take care of students, faculty and staff, a way to give back as an alumna for what the College gave her–a chance.

As she showed us each examination room which is themed by different stages of her life and places where she and her husband, Travis, have lived, she also shared the story of her journey in higher education. As a young soon-to-be mother, many colleges and universities closed the door on her but KWC opened it wide, and she is eternally grateful. She was emotional as

she recounted the story.

Her love for health care began at a young age when she was an 11-year-old candy striper volunteering at a local nursing facility. Fast forward to her sophomore year of high school when Sara became a certified nursing assistant and a member of Health Occupation Students of America.

"When I graduated from high school, I was accepted into the nursing program at two different universities and was very excited to begin this journey," recalls Dr. Doolin-Thompson. "But God had another plan for my life. I had found out that I was going to become a mother. Nervous but excited, I decided to change my plans and go to college locally and still pursue health care. I applied to several places with hope and passion! I vividly remember being disheartened, almost deflated, when I met with an admissions leader at one of the colleges. He propped his big, black, shiny shoes on his desk and leaned back with his hands behind his head and said, 'Someone in your condition, I mean being pregnant at such a young age . . . Have you ever thought about going into a different profession? Because nursing and health care is just hard.'

"I remember taking a big deep breath and pausing for a second, and then I looked at him as I was fighting back tears and said, 'No, no, I really have never pictured myself doing anything different, and I know I can do this.' The same week I applied to the nursing program at KWC. I was hesitant, fearful that I would get that reaction again. Honestly, it was the best thing that I could ever have done. I got the opposite reaction. The KWC admissions person said, 'YES, you can do this. Let us help you get on the right track!' And they did just that."

After completing her associate degree in nursing in 1994, Dr. Doolin-Thompson started her bachelor's degree program at KWC but was recruited to assist in heart and trauma surgery in Tampa, Fla. She transferred and completed her bachelor of science in nursing at the University of Phoenix before pursuing her masters in nursing with a concentration for

Continues on page 23

"I am forever grateful for my professors and mentors at KWC. They changed my life."

Commencement at Settle Memorial United Methodist Church, 1994.

Serving in the Dominican Republic

Why I Give

Dr. Joseph Lewis '11

By Katherine Rutherman

Childhood events shape our futures, and Dr. Joe Lewis can point to one such occurrence that established the trajectory of his life's work–a family member critically injured in an auto accident. "I had this idea early on that grew and became a part of who I am," he explains, "and it was desire to care for people who are critically injured."

Today, as a staff trauma surgeon at Lee Health Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Fla., he is the "captain of the ship" when a trauma patient enters the facility. "If a car accident victim presents with a head injury, a broken leg and a ruptured spleen, as head of the team of physicians, I coordinate care with the neurosurgeon and orthopedist, and I do the splenectomy."

Trauma surgeons routinely care for patients with injuries from falls, auto and motorcycle accidents, stabbings and gunshot wounds. Joe shares that because Southwest Florida is growing rapidly, the hospital also treats a largerthan-usual number of construction accident cases. Lee Health's Trauma Center is the only such facility between Sarasota and Miami.

While a high school student in Glasgow, Ky., Joe's mother wanted him to consider KWC, as several hometown folks had attended the College, and she knew its reputation. A good scholarship sealed the deal, and he arrived on campus in the fall of 2007.

After exploring his options as public administration major, Joe returned to his childhood dream and became a biology major. But he recalls the time in public administrator as valuable. "Dr. Kimberley Garth-James [public administration professor] was a big champion for me. She gave me lots of opportunities." He presented a paper at the United Nations on women's rights in Africa with Precious Buxton '09, and interned with Athgo International, a Romanian company, at UCLA, and with the World Bank in Washington, D.C. "Those experiences gave me confidence and expanded my view of the world. I am still very grateful."

As a biology major preparing for medical school, several professors stand out in his memories. He describes Dr. Evelyn Hiatt (biology) as an excellent professor and encourager. "I loved parasitology with Dr. David Oetinger (biology). He was meticulous and that was my favorite class in my four years at KWC." He also enjoyed analytical chemistry with Dr. Henry Connor and says Dr. Buxton Johnson (physics) was a great one, too. "They all made a big difference in my life and my preparation for the future."

Joe says one of the surprises of his KWC years was that the College presidents were involved with students. "I loved Dr. Anne Federlein. She reached out to me and encouraged me, even when I was a newly arrived freshman. I felt the same way about Dr. Cheryl (Downing)

"I remember where I came from and that the sense of community and commitment to students at KWC helped build me.

"I feel a strong obligation to give back to the community that gave me a chance and developed me. It is the best way to say 'thank you' to KWC."

King '70. She always went out of her way to encourage me, too, as did Fred King '70. The Kings were always so warm and friendly and interested in me."

After his 2011 graduation from KWC, Joe enrolled in the University of Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine. "KWC prepared me well for medical school. I knew the basics while other med school students struggled. I recommend KWC to any pre-med student. You will have

an amazing experience." A residency in general surgery at Stony Brook University Medical Center on Long Island and a surgical/critical care fellowship at Orlando Health followed.

Joe was on staff at the University of Florida system at Daytona Beach before his February arrival in Fort Myers. He has also volunteered for a number of medical mission trips to El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Guatemala. "My work is often very difficult but always rewarding. I am living the calling I first sensed as a child."

"KWC prepared me well for medical school. I knew the basics while other med school students struggled. I recommend KWC to any pre-med student. You will have an amazing experience."

Mission trip in El Salvador

It takes a village … to raise enrollment

By Katherine Rutherman

Dr. Stuart Jones arrived on campus as the new vice president of enrollment management Dec. 19, 2022, and he liked what he saw . . . a small, faith-based institution with warm, sincere staff and faculty who care and want the best for the College. An Indiana native with 28 years of experience in higher education leadership at five universities, he most recently served as vice president of enrollment management at Springfield College in Massachusetts.

He has led institution-wide strategic, comprehensive, systematic and data-driven initiatives to identify, recruit and retain students for undergraduate, graduate, international, remote and online learners at main and regional campuses in the Midwest, South and Northeast.

Dr. Jones says there is not one silver bullet to increase

About Dr. Stuart Jones

Ph.D., Northcentral University, education with emphasis in higher education leadership

M.A., Christian Theological Seminary, divinity and theology

B.A., Purdue University, interpersonal and public communications

"I'm a grandfather. I love antiquing, wine tasting, the performing and visual arts, a little golf and lots of movies. My DVD collection includes all the Academy Award for Best Picture winners, and that's about 94 movies. My all-time favorite is 'Ben Hur.' I'm color blind, so I like to paint by numbers with very complicated pictures. Some of them take months."

"Recruiting is both an art and a science. Art builds on what science reveals."

student recruitment, but a lot of silver BB's. "It's not about doing one thing right; it's about doing everything right."

"Recruiting is both an art and a science," he explains. "Science is all about data metrics and analytics with predictive modeling of prospects and marketing research and analysis. It is approaching the process with intentionality.

"Art builds on what science reveals. It's about developing trusting relationships with excellent communication skills and a professional demeanor with an approachable disposition. Art is closing the sale."

Dr. Jones explains that the Admissions team is in the writing stages of a comprehensive enrollment plan for the next three years. "We are implementing as we go, and from the time of my arrival, I have provided lots of training with analysis of where we are, where we need to go and how we will get there. We have a great staff in Admissions, and as we institute best practices, they are part of the process of developing plans and growing as a team."

The plan includes initiatives to increase international enrollment. "Our students will work in a global world, and international students enrich the campus experience. Not quite 1% of our students (19) are from other countries, and we want to see that number grow exponentially."

Dr. Jones also reflects on the value of campus-wide collaboration to increase enrollment. "As the old African proverb teaches us, 'It takes a village.' It will take the entire Wesleyan community-our current students, faculty,

staff, alumni, donors, friends, citizens of Owensboro and members of the United Methodist Church–to help us spread the world and increase our number of students."

"The KWC culture is strong and positive," says Dr. Jones. "I have great expectations for our future. We are on track for increased fall 2023 enrollment. Our alumni and friends are a valuable part of our village and can help by referring prospective students. Your referrals will have immeasurable benefits for KWC and most of all, for students we recruit with your help."

The Office of Admissions recently launched "Recruit a Panther," an easy and quick way to refer a student. "We invite our Wesleyan community to give the gift of a student at kwc.edu/refer," shared Dr. Jones. "Within just a few days we will be in contact with that person, and as a referrer, you will be informed as the student moves though the admissions process.

"We invite you to join us as we move forward together."

"It will take the entire Wesleyan community … to help us spread the world and increase our number of students."

ONE Big Effort Team Wesleyan FOR ONE

By Eddie Kenny

The impact of KWC student-athletes is immeasurable. Members of Panther teams provide incredible entertainment for the campus and Owensboro/Daviess County community, sharing their talents and competitive passion across 20 NCAA Division II sports. These studentathletes are successful in the classroom and give back through numerous community outreach and service activities.

To offer perspective on recruitment and retention responsibilities, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Mark Shook shares an anecdote about President John F. Kennedy, who in 1962, was touring the NASA facilities. He encountered a custodian carrying a broom, interrupted the tour, introduced himself to the custodian, and asked, "What do you do here?" The reply – "I'm helping put a man on the moon."

"That custodian understood the vision and knew his role," says Shook. "It takes one big effort to recruit and retain student-athletes. It truly does a take a village, as Vice President of Enrollment Dr. Stuart Jones reminds us. We understand the vision and our roles, which embody the One Team Wesleyan initiative to recruit, retain and

Academic Successes

3.152

CUMULATIVE GPA

141 STUDENTATHLETES WITH GPA OF 3.5 OR HIGHER

34 STUDENTATHLETES WITH GPA OF 4.0 DURING FALL 2022

3.4 +

GPA OF ALL WOMEN'S TEAMS

3.289

TOP MEN'S GPA – SOCCER

Topping men's tennis by .001

3.659

TOP WOMEN'S GPA – CROSS COUNTRY

Celebrating! Men and women's teams are G-MAC Conference bowling champions.

provide student-athletes with opportunities to experience success in their sport and in the classroom."

Recruiting officially begins on June 15 preceding the junior year in high school. Coaches can get to know students in many ways prior to that date through camps, clinics and club teams, depending on the sport. Coaches spend countless hours building relationships with prospects and their parents during the recruiting process. Efforts include phone calls, text messages, emails, home visits, school visits, high school games, summer leagues, camps, combines and more.

KWC Athletics uses ARMS, a software system utilized to gather data on prospective student-athletes, communicate efficiently with branded emails and texting, create recruiting boards, list family and school contacts, etc. ARMS is also used for NCAA compliance, camps and record keeping with current rosters as well as communications. Currently, the College has thousands of active recruits in ARMS at various stages of the process across KWC athletic sports.

Following recruitment of student-athletes, One Team Wesleyan efforts continue to retain students all the way to commencement. Shook observes that a big part of KWC's retention success is the family environment on campus.

From KWC to service and success around the world

l Secret Service/FBI/Law enforcement

l Actors/musicians

l Military service

l International entrepreneur

l Orthopedic surgeons

l Banking executives

l National TV news producer

l Doctors of internal medicine

l Artists

l Restaurant entrepreneur

l Dentists

l Security director, NASA

l Ophthalmologists

l Engineers

l President, industrial manufacturing firm

l State lawmakers

l Attorneys

l Scientists

l CPAs

l Professors

l Administrator, Mayo Clinic

l Physical therapists

l Athletics director, higher education

l Operations, manufacturing

l Explosives technician

l NFL vice president/general manager

l CEO, YMCA

l Financial advisors

l Director of philanthropy

Fun on the field

Madeline Clements '23

Continues on page 23

Determination on the mound Nick Judd '26

Alumni Scrapbook

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

Celebrating International Women's Day #TheWesleyanWay

KWC highlighted a dozen incredible #WomenOfWesleyan for International Women's Day 2023 on our social media channels. The features included alumnae and friends from a variety of ages, backgrounds and career paths.

Top row, left to right: Kelsey Jarboe '14, Lydia Dorman '82, Alice Shade '91, Audrey (Sanders) O'Bryan '17 Middle row, left to right: Allyson (Forrest) Sanders '05, Anna (Lake) Crasher '18, Becca McQueen-Ruark, Dr. Connie White '76 Bottom row, left to right: Deborah (Carter) Dearing '79, Jami (York) Hernandez '00, Dorothy (Rates) Finiello-Milburn '77 and Kelly (Blanford) Schneider '86

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 always appreciate your participation and hope to see you at a 2023 event.

Read more about this year's lineup at kwc.edu/kentucky-wesleyan-celebratesinternational-womens-day-thewesleyanway/

Celebrating Black History Month: The Wesleyan Way

February was a great month as KWC celebrated Black History Month. The Office of Alumni Relations & Career Exploration featured five outstanding Black alumni –Emmitt Carney '79, Dr. LaTasha Henry '06, LaTasha Shemwell '96, Dallas Thornton '68 and Tevin Vincent '14. From music and athletics to medicine and law enforcement, we had no shortage of incredible Black alumni stories to share.

Look back on the month's celebrations, and read the alumni features here: kwc.edu/a-look-back-at-blackhistory-month-the-wesleyan-way-2023/

Left to right: LaTasha Shemwell '96, Tevin Vincent '14, Dr. LaTasha Henry '06, Dallas Thornton '68 and Emmitt Carney '79

Panther Reunions Are the Best Reunions

AOII sisters gathered in Indianapolis in October 2022. Left to right: Judy (Cox) Larr '69, Bonnie (Nass) Dunbar '69, Susan (Stolte) Thatcher '70, Susan (Chamberlain) Cormier '69 and Pam (Porter) Schill '70

Alumni Scrapbook

AOII sisters reunited. Left to right: Donah (Quinn) McDonald '75, Karen (Baker) Gaddis '73, LaVonne (Hunter) Tisdal '73, Bonnie (Nezin) Knowlton '73, Gale (Kirkwood) Travis '74, Tony (Quinn) Gipe '72 and Sydney (Erbacher) Russler '73 at George '69 and Nancy (Gorrell) Skiadas' '92 Famous Bistro

Both of these eras of sisters reunited for the first time since the pandemic started.

in Louisville Seated left to right: Pam (Hall) Bolton '75, Cindy (Wacker) Rakow '71, Robin (Robbins) McCutchan '71 and Susan (Omer) Godthaab '76 Standing left to right: Linda (Bartley) Branstetter '72, Kathy Sherman '73, Pat (Dibble) Parsons '76, Beth (Robinson) Ronk '73, Andrea Reilly '75, Debbie (Bellamy) Scheip '74, Lydie (Schmitt) Boone '73, Patti (Sparks) Antle '72, Laura Blankenbaker '76, Becky (McClain) Paulson '75 and Sandy (McCardwell) Goodlett '71

KD

These alumni got together in 2022 to relive their #PantherBaseball days. Left to right: Tom Miley '90, Wendi (Wotowiec) Zermeno '89, Elizabeth (Meneely) Gamble '92, Chris Gamble '90, Greta (Pike) Roof '89, Penny (Mills) Kramer '86, Scott Kramer '87, Adam Wojtelwicz '90, Devin Blazier, Bob Cannon '91, Steve Roof '90, Ryan Lemond '89, John Dempsey '87 and Tim Rogers '90

Mary Ann

Foree '68, Joanna (Brown) Blaney '69, Marcia (Fowler) Garland '67, Susan (Estes) Simpson '68, Mollie (Dinwiddie) McGaw '67, Judy (Mathis) Hughes '68, Trisha (Rose) Schmied '68, Carol (Weidmer) Carnigan '69, Sandy (Williams) Cavanaugh '68, Jackie (Robinson) Kirtley '70, Del Marie (France) Vaccaro '68, Martha Neal (Nuckols) Cooke '68 and Sara Ann (Ireland) Wetzel '69

enjoyed a day of reminiscing and selfies at Pixel Palace, operated by Xavier Mitchell '15

Sisters

KD Sisters at Barren River State Park Left to right:

(Tippin)

These football alumni

Left to right: Xavier Mitchell '15, Cody Mills '16 and Nix Crawford '15

Alpha Omicron Pi

Kappa Delta Baseball

Football

Alumni Scrapbook

Kentucky Wesleyan Sponsored November Chamber Rooster Booster Breakfast

Kentucky Wesleyan was proud to sponsor the November Rooster Booster Breakfast hosted by the Greater Owensboro Regional Chamber of Commerce. The morning was packed with representation of #TheWesleyanWay in action including a huge welcome wagon of students outside of the Owensboro Convention Center, a powerful keynote by Trustee Lydia Dorman '82, performance of the National Anthem by the Kentucky Wesleyan Singers and the invocation by KWC Vice President of Mission and Culture Shawn Tomes '94.

In lieu of giveaways, we purchased shoes for an Owensboro child in need through the #WesleyanKicks program. To support this initiative, visit kwc.edu/ WesleyanKicks.

As a cherry on top, 20 lucky guests also received a gift card hidden under their seat to alumni owned/ operated businesses in Owensboro including Famous Bistro - George Skiadas '69, Colby's Deli & Cafe - Collin MacQuarrie '14, All About You Salon and Spa

- Bob Burns '81, Katie Ann Flowers at Cecil Farms- Katie Cecil '09, The Miller House - Kasey (Kirk) Dillow '03 and Legends Sports Bar and Grill - Bill Jones '62.

Alumni and Friends Serve Student Athletes During Break

Basketball and Cheer Alumni Day

We had the best time reuniting with over 75 of our basketball and cheerleading alumni and their families on Basketball and Cheer Alumni Day in February! Both the men's and women's hoops were triumphant, and we celebrated the wins with a postgame reception at The Brew Bridge in downtown Owensboro.

Left to right: Shelly Nichols, Brenda Clayton, keynote speaker Lydia Dorman '82, President Mitzel, Shawn Tomes '94 and Kenzie Tomes '21

#WesleyanKicks shoes doubled as the centerpieces on each of the table.

Members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors served a hot dinner on campus before the cafeteria opened for the spring semester. Left to right: Mary (Turner) McDole '79, Laura Rudolph, John Steitler, Kelly (Keohane) Steitler '94, Mark Luckett '95, Justin Jones '12, Sam Taylor '97, Reece Taylor, Corey Gant '08 and Stephanie (Shively) Luckett '92

Members of the former All American Club served our student-athletes a hot breakfast every morning throughout the holiday break while the cafeteria was closed. Left to right: Kathy Sherman '73, Rob Whittinghill, Kelly (Keohane) Steitler '94, Betty Adams, Charlie Davis, Charlie Schertzinger '62, John Steitler, Jim McKinney '71 and Pat Corkran '73

nurse practitioner and anesthesia from Walden University. She completed her doctor of nursing practice in 2021 through Walden University and focuses on endocrinology and family practice.

"I am forever grateful for my professors and mentors at KWC. They changed my life," she reflects.

Dr. Doolin-Thompson has always been committed to paying it forward and giving back through her medical talents and knowledge. Many of the places visited and showcased throughout Wesleyan Medical Practice were accomplished via medical mission work. These experiences have been the highlight of her career and have included providing health care to people in need all over the world–Nepal, Dominican Republic, India, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands and many more.

Athletics – Continued from page 19

"It is not just our coaches and admissions staff who are responsible; it is every single employee. We all have ownership in the process," says Shook. "Education is not limited to the classroom; our coaches and staff are educators, too. This is One Team Wesleyan; our connections to each other in supporting the College's mission to do what is best for each student in their life journey."

In the past year, the retention rate for fall to spring was 88%-an increase of 14% from the previous year. Because the majority of students are involved in athletics, student-athlete retention drives the

She now brings that experience back home to Kentucky, across the street from the place where it all began academically.

"I have literally traveled around the world taking care of patients and people I don't even know. We may not even speak the same language. I just try to reassure with a smile or nodding of my head," she said. "It absolutely means the world to me to be able to come 'home' and practice in a clinic–Wesleyan Medical Practice, Wesleyan Urgent Care and Sublime Skin–to provide the best health care possible and give back to the community and to Kentucky Wesleyan College. It is the very place that started my professional career.

campus-wide retention rate." Everything we do makes an impact–from coaching to facilities upgrades to programming," says Shook.

"We have come a long way, but more than half of our teams still do not have locker rooms or facilities that allow us to maximize their experience," he reflects. "Every decision we make is an effort toward recruitment and retention. We are excited about our plans to address many identified needs so we can continue to be a strong recruiting tool for the College, attract the best and brightest and compete in an ever-stronger G-MAC and NCAA Division II landscape. We want to recruit, retain and celebrate the successes of as many students as possible."New Text

"KWC believed in me."

"KWC believed in me."

John Morris '80

Hometown: Louisville, Ky.

Major: Double major in political science and business administration; MBA, University of Kentucky, 1983

Career: 40 years in corporate banking, corporate finance and treasury, investment banking and consulting; currently vice president relationship manager in commercial banking with Comerica Bank in Houston.

Ron Travis '82

Hometown: Eminence, Ky.

Major: Accounting

Career: 38 years in the oil and gas taxation business; currently serving as senior manager, Americas indirect tax counsel and advice, Shell Oil Company in Houston.

You Just Never Know

By Ron Travis '82

"On a warm Texas day this past October, I pulled up to a traffic light near my house in The Woodlands, a Houston suburb. As I patiently waited for green, an SUV pulls up beside me and beeps their horn ever so gently. As I look over, the gentleman in the SUV (a well-seasoned gentleman who appeared to be about the same vintage as me) had rolled his window down."

'Hey, I graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan!' 'Oh yea, what year?' '1980.'

'Oh, I was '82, should have been '81.'

"It was clear that he had seen the KWC alum license plate bracket on my vehicle. We didn't have much time, as Houston folks are not overly patient with a couple of old dudes holding up traffic talking about how it used to be. So, we verbally exchanged names and went on our way.

"The next day I kept thinking that I might remember this guy. In fact, the more I thought about it, the more I was sure I did. I didn't 'know him,' but I was sure I remembered him. So, I took to LinkedIn and was immediately able to find him (I mean, in today's world it isn't hard to find someone, unless they are trying really hard not to be found)! I messaged him and received a reply within a few hours. Lunch was set!!

"Over a couple of Cobb salads at a local spot, we dug fairly deep into some KWC memories. We talked about the campus and how neither of us has been back since the 'new' rec center was built, wondering if it impacted the Quad. And the poor unfortunate kids these days, they don't even get the Quonset huts experience! And in how many different rooms, and on which wings, of Kendall Hall we lived. And an assortment of other topics which in aggregate really didn't mean much to anyone

Continues on page 29

John and Ron, November 2022

1965

Dr. Marshall Myers recently published his sixth book, "Enslavement in Kentucky." Dr. Myers earned a Ph.D. in rhetoric from the University of Louisville. 1

1968

Harold "Mike" Robinson was inducted into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2022. 2

1969

George Tinsley was named 2022 Man of the Year by Onyx Magazine. 3

1974

Joel Utley was awarded the Mayor's Award of Distinction by Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson. Joel retired after a 61-year career as KWC's Voice of the Panthers. He was recently inducted into the Kentucky Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.

Panther baseball alumnus Stephen Tornatore was inducted to the Canastota High School Wall of Distinction. Stephen served as teacher, coach and athletic director, and he holds the school's record for career wins in boys' basketball and baseball.

1975

Rev. Jack Clark Robinson was chosen to serve as executive director of the Santa Barbara Mission Archive Library, one of the world's major repositories of colonial California archival material. In addition to his new role, Jack will continue to help facilitate the unification of the 700 Franciscan friars belonging to six U.S. provinces (major administrative units) into one province. 4

1979

Dr. Joe Morton was awarded the Fellowship Award by the Kentucky Dental Association for his outstanding contributions to dentistry in Kentucky. 5

1980

Cynthia (Bowen) Davis retired from UofL's School of Dentistry after nearly 42 years of service. 6

Gary Bielefeld completed the mirror mosaic in downtown Owensboro. Gary, along with a number of KWC student volunteers, installed the original mosaic 40 years ago. 7

Jim Cockrum  was the recipient of the University of Louisville's Student Champion Award. Jim teaches commercial law for UofL's School of Accountancy. He was presented his award by his classmate and colleague, Director of the School of Accountancy Michael Wade. 8

1982

Tom Rogers won the Kentucky Broadcasters Association's Excellence in Broadcasting Award. He won the Radio Division's "Best Digital Product" for YourSportsEdge.com. The award recognized the best locally generated radio website in Kentucky. 9

KWC Trustee Roland Shelton and executive leadership of Old National Bank recently rang the NASDAQ closing bell in New York City. The bank celebrated the completion of its combined merger with Legacy First Midwest.

1985

Buz Edgeworth began a new role as corporate counsel (real estate) at Dollar Tree Stores.

1986

Father Ron Combs was named director of health and hospital ministries for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. 10

1987

Brian Hall was able to open the third well in Africa sponsored by KWC alumni. The spring 2022 Pillars featured Brian and his mission to provide fresh water to those in need. 11

Class Notes

1990

Jamie Duvall, head women's soccer coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College, announced his retirement.

Angela (Plain) Thompson was sworn in as the next Daviess County Family Court (Divisions 4 and 6) judge.

1991

Chuck "Chuck P" Standiford retired from teaching after 27 years at Christian County Middle School.

Sean Mahoney was inducted into the Berea Community High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

1992

Travis Chaney published his book, "The 3 CEOs: The Three Most Important Roles Entrepreneurial Financial Advisors Play." 12

1993

Amy (McIntyre) and Jeremy Lisner welcomed their second and third grandchildren. Evelyn Page and Liam Alexander Steele join big brother Jeriah Leo (3) to parents Salena and Jacoby Steele. 13

Stacey (Smith) Christerson retired after 28 years of teaching. 14

Chip Stauffer was elected sheriff of Henderson County. 15

1994

Andrew Pagel retired from Marshall County Schools after 28 years and recently began his term as Marshall County's deputy judgeexecutive. 16

Joanna (Davis) Shake and her team at GRADD received the 2022 Peggy Satterly Spirit of Kentucky Award at the Governor's Local Issues Conference. 17

Rhett Miller retired after nearly 30 years of teaching in Caldwell County Schools. 18

1996

LaTasha Shemwell's musical career was featured in the Owensboro MessengerInquirer. 19

Jason Potts, CPA, retired from Owensboro Municipal Utilities. 20

Sara Dunn and Luke Curry won the 18 & Under Mixed Doubles in the Freeman Lake Fall Classic in Elizabethtown, Ky. Sara is the daughter of  Leigh (Springate) Dunn and Luke is the son of Stephen Curry '94 21

1998

Gordon Evans II was named an Ohio Super Lawyer Top 50 for 2023. Gordon is a partner at The Donahey Law Firm in Columbus, Ohio.

Mary Elizabeth (Ashcraft) Bailey  was named deputy secretary of Personnel Cabinet for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

2000

After graduating from KWC,  Jessica (Collins) Allen married soldier husband Chaz Allen. On Jan. 22, 2011, while on patrol in Afghanistan, Chaz stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device), instantly losing both of his legs. While he was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Jessica met Sen. Elizabeth Dole, and the encounter sparked Sen. Dole's creation of the foundation, "Hidden Heroes," a nonprofit (see hiddenheroes.org) that empowers, supports and honors our nation's military caregivers, including Jessica. 22

Chyna Kelton '13, Keith Cottoner '06, Lt. Tristan Russelburg '14 and Mark Luckett '95 were selected as members of the Leadership Owensboro Class of 2023.

2001

Matt Brannon picked up his 50th career win. Matt is the head football coach at Daviess County High School. 23

2002

Abby (Miarecki) Shelton was featured in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer for her work as community development director for the City of Owensboro.

2004

La-Troy Farrow was named head men's basketball coach at Kennedy-King College in Chicago. 24

2006

Melanie (Orten) Hofmann  was named Elementary School Teacher of the Year with Hopkins County Schools.

Robert and  Jennifer (Hendricks) Wright welcomed baby boy Declan Hendricks Wright.

Jennifer Hendricks-Wright was sworn in as the next Daviess County Family Court (Division 3) judge.

2009

Chad Hart was named Rotarian of the Year by the Madisonville Rotary Club. 25

Ashley (Braun) Gendek  was selected as one of 20 teachers across the commonwealth to participate in the University of Kentucky's Holocaust Education initiative. 26

Katie Cecil was recently engaged. She was also named 2022 Kentucky Farm Bureau Generation Bridge Advocate of the Year. 27

Marla (Pogue) and Brandon Divine welcomed baby boy Nolen. 28

2010

Dr. Anthony Woodruff was awarded the Kentucky Art Education Association's 2022 Art Educator of the Year for Special Needs Award. 29

Cory Patmore began a new role as a deputy with the Daviess County Sheriff's Office. 30

Tory Stanley was promoted to assurance

senior manager at MCM CPAs & Advisors.

Michael Witten  was promoted to electronic health record manager at Bon Secours Mercy Health in Cincinnati.

2011

John Kirkpatrick won 2nd and 3rd place awards for best feature stories from the Kentucky Press Association. John is director of public relations for Brewco Marketing Group and is the business and nonprofit beat writer for the Owensboro Times. 31

2012

Travis Owsley received the Community Service Award from the Owensboro NAACP.

Wesleyan Sweethearts  Jenisse Palacios  and  Donte Castro '11  welcomed twins. 32

Wesley Whistle began a new role as special assistant in the Office of the Undersecretary of Education. Wesley was previously policy director of the higher education program at New America and was KWC's 2022 Outstanding Young Graduate. 33

2013

Dr. Jeanette Lanoire and Alyssa Elliot were engaged. 34

Callie (Eaves) and Jantzen Latham welcomed baby girl Eliza Jo.

Joey Kramer was named a 2023 "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers. Joey is an attorney at DBL Law in Covington, Ky. 35

2014

Christakis Agisilaou was named the Kentucky High School Boys' Soccer Coach of the Year. Christakis is the boys' soccer coach at Madisonville North Hopkins High School. 36

Heath Williams was named chief financial officer at C. C. Clark, Inc. He and his wife, Alissa, welcomed their second baby, Everett Brooks, in August. 37

Kim (Holt) and Keith Parker were married. 38

Morgan (Oakley) Russelburg began a new role as student success coach at KWC. 39

Elizabeth (Griffith) Mudd was named president of Kentucky Lake Economic Development in Marshall County. She also recently married Taylor Mudd. 40

2015

Anna (Ayers) Ambs was named chief operating officer for Matthew 25 AIDS Service.

Wesleyan Sweethearts  Sara (Fleishmann) and  Chris Williams '11 welcomed baby girl Miller Jane. 41

2016

LaDon Laney began a new role as federal account manager at WSI PBG, LLC. 42

Wesleyan Sweethearts Taryn (Lewis)  and  Michael Polio welcomed baby girl Anna Christine. 43

Taylor and Kevin Kennedy welcomed baby boy Miles Daniel.

2017

Brook Vandeveer was promoted to captain in the U.S. Army. 44

Marissa Olivero and James Trapp were engaged. 45

Sarah Swenson-Woolfolk began a new role as cognitive performance specialist and site lead at Altus Air Force Base. 46

2018

Caitlin Crabtree and Ryan Abdullah were engaged.

2019

Taylor Wright graduated from basic training with the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice and is now a police officer at Leitchfield Police Department. 47

Tori (Vail) and Nathan Johnson welcomed baby boy Atticus Russell. 48

2020

Ethan Maxey was named Whitesville Trinity High School's head baseball coach. 49

Maddie Dawson was named head coach of the Tell City softball team. She was also inducted into the South Spencer Athletic Hall of Fame in August. 50

The work of Samuel White and others at the Treehouse Wildlife Center was featured by Mississippi Valley Publishing. Samuel is a wildlife rehab manager at the facility. 51

Patrick Quire accepted a position as associate attorney with Alex R. White Lawyers PLLC in Louisville. 52

Wesleyan Sweethearts  Christian Tooley and Sam Yake '21 were engaged. 53

2021

Julie Kinsolving was named a 2022 McDonald's Outstanding Educator. Julie is a special education teacher at Burns Elementary School here in Owensboro. 54

Darayon Moore was awarded the PatientCentered Communication Award by the UK College of Medicine. Darayon is a secondyear medical student at the UK College of Medicine – Bowling Green Campus. The award is given for outstanding performance in interviewing skills, particularly responding to patient needs and emotions, in Introduction to Clinical Medicine interviews during the first year of medical school. 55

Maddie Coleman  began a new role as purchasing specialist for the City of Owensboro.

Sarah Dearth began a new role as public relations coordinator at Madisonville Community College. 56

Panther football alumnus  Shedrick Kirk  signed with the USFL's Pittsburgh Maulers. 57

Kirk '17 and  Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14 and  Marshall '11 and  Allyson (Forrest) Sanders '04 opened a new business together. Something Borrowed is an event rentals business that offers a digital photo booth, unique event rentals and event graphic design services.

2022

Keith Williams began his career as a chemical/environmental lab tech at American Electric Power in Rockport, Ind. 58

Ryan Hodges began his career as executive assistant/marketing coordinator at the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. Ryan is also working toward his MBA at USI with a focus in project management.

You Just Never Know – Continued from page 24

Jenifer Heady  was promoted from administrative assistant (athletics) to assistant registrar at Kentucky Wesleyan.

Wesleyan Sweethearts  Rachel (Glenn) and  Brady Blythe '20 were married. 59

Turner Vaughn was featured in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer about his journey to theatre. 60

but us, but it felt good to reminisce. I think maybe we felt younger for about 90 minutes!

"Turns out that John (John Morris '80) and I (Ron Travis '82) both moved to Houston in the mid-1990s; John for a career in finance/ banking, and me, in oil and gas taxation. Since about 1999, we have lived less than one mile from each other here in The Woodlands. In one way, it seems the odds of us living less than a mile apart and meeting in some fashion had to eventually catch up, but on the other hand in a city of 6+ million, really what are the odds?!? I really don't remember what prompted me to order that license plate bracket a couple of years ago. Impulse I suppose. But I'm glad I did!!

"If you are reading this as a KWC alum in the Houston area, reach out to either of us; we are both easy to find on LinkedIn!"

Our thanks to Ron Travis for submitting this account of a delightful chance meeting. KWC connections make life better.

We love to hear from you!

Beverley Byers-Pevitts '61

1939-2022

KWC graduate and former faculty member. Dr. Beverley Byers-Pevitts '61 was a native of Horse Branch, Ky. She earned a B.A. from KWC and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University. She also completed post-doctoral study at the Institute for Education Management at Harvard University. She was president of Park University in Kansas City from 2001-2009. In addition to her service as an educator, Beverley was a women's arts and education advocate, CEO of various advocacy organizations and an authority in theatre and visual arts. Her love of teaching and inspiring young minds was a priority throughout her career. She founded, served and chaired numerous boards, councils and organizations, and she earned many awards and honors in her fields. She was well known and respected throughout the academic, arts and women's advocacy world. She was honored by KWC in several ways; as an inductee to The Order of Oak and Ivy as a student, an honorary doctor of laws, induction to the Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2006 and Outstanding Alumna Award. She is survived by her husband, Bob, and one son.

In Memoriam

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

Valeria (Johnson)

Bickwermert '72

Jerry Birge

Thomas Burton '58

Dr. Beverley Byers-Pevitts '61

Dr. William Douglas

Robert Duncan '63

K. Wayne Foster '69

Gordon Furukawa '62

Roy Gorman Jr. '83

Imogene (Berryman)

Heaberlin Haggard '46

Paul Hurst '66

Willie Johnson '77

David Jones '93

Thomas Kelly '57

Martha (Henry) Ludwiczak '66

Dr. William J. "Yogi" Meadors

Rev. Russell Montfort '50

Albin Motowicki '70

Larry Pitchford '63

Miles Pope '63

Jane Stevenson

Dr. William Snowden '53

Georgia Wade

Nancy (Bruner) Walker '71

John Wallace Jr.

Jeanette (Litsey) Westerfield '63

David Whaley '53

Michael Ryan Wilkerson '06

K. Wayne Foster '69 1947-2022

Trustee Emeritus K. Wayne Foster served his alma mater as a member of the KWC Board of Trustees from 2003-2019 and was chair from 2005-2008. An Owensboro native, he was a visionary and committed leader who served KWC and the Owensboro community with passion and humility. Wayne felt God had called him to create employment, and he did so through The Systems Specialist, Stonegate Estates, American Patriot Getaways and Foster Enterprises. He served as a member of Owensboro Christian Church, the Owensboro-Daviess County Chamber of Commerce, Owensboro-Daviess County Airport Board, Habitat for Humanity, Daviess County High School Boosters and in many other capacities. He was an avid KWC Panthers fan. Wayne was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was inducted to the KWC Hall of Fame Class of 2012 and in 2020 to the Junior Achievement of West Kentucky's annual Owensboro Business Hall of Fame. He was the 2003 Kentucky Businessman of the year, the 2005 Owensboro Entrepreneur of the Year and received the 2006 President's National Leadership Award. Wayne is survived by his wife, Cathy, seven children, 15 grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren.

John Henry Wallace Jr. 1931-2023

Trustee Emeritus John Wallace Jr. faithfully served on the KWC Board of Trustees from 19842009. A Texas native, he was a Texas A & M graduate and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a certified public accountant, and after working for several companies in Texas, the family moved to Ashland, Ky., where John was employed at Ashland Oil Inc. for the remainder of his career. He was named deputy controller of Ashland in 1965 and then internal auditor in 1973, serving in that capacity until his retirement. He was a man of integrity with a deep commitment to serving others and was known as a strong leader in business, church and community life. He served on numerous corporate boards and in many leadership positions at the First United Methodist Church in Ashland, where he was a 60-year member. He served on Ashland's Paramount Arts Center Board for 26 years and as a city commissioner for the city of Bellefonte, Ky., for eight years. He is survived by his wife, Helen, two children, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

OUR STAFF

President

Dr. Thomas Mitzel

Vice President of Advancement

Eddie Kenny

Grant Writer

Kelly Flick

Career Engagement Specialist

Laura Rudolph

Alumni Relations Coordinator

Pillars 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: Pillars Magazine

Office of External Relations

3000 Frederica St | Owensboro, KY 42301 ekenny@kwc.edu

270-852-3146

Send address changes to: Office of Alumni Relations

Kentucky Wesleyan College

3000 Frederica St | Owensboro, KY 42301 alumni@kwc.edu or 270-852-3140

A United Methodist-related college since 1858

Editor, Director of Development and Campus Relations

Katherine Rutherman

Senior Director of Alumni Relations and Career Exploration

Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14

Senior Director of Development

Leigha Taylor

Director of Advancement Services

Jaimie (Fike) Moore '12

Development Director

Kenzie Tomes '21

Mary (Turner) McDole '79

Special Assistant for College Relations

Roy Pickerill '75

Administrative Assistant

Ruthie (Hutton) Hume '62

Contributing Writers

Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14

Tamara Coy

Eddie Kenny

Molly Gross

Dr. Thomas Mitzel

Katherine Rutherman

Ron Travis '72

Contributing Photographers

Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14

Ken Badylak

Joel Krenz

Charles Mahlinger

Roy Pickerill '75

Sydney Smith

Dr. Christina Starkey