Shepherd University Magazine | Spring 2024

SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY

Thanks to our 345 donors, we raised $177,365 on Day of Giving!

BOARD LISTS

Board of Governors

Gat Caperton Chair

Berkeley Springs, WV

James M. Cherry, Ph.D. ’96 Vice Chair Frederick, MD

Karl L. Wolf ’70 Secretary Shepherdstown, WV

David Avella ’93 Arlington, VA

Stephanie Slocum-Schaffer Faculty Representative Knoxville, MD

Henry Kayes, Jr. Martinsburg, WV

Eric J. Lewis ’95 Shepherdstown, WV

Jonathan (jay) Mason ’08 Knoxville, MD

Susan Mentzer-blaır ’72 Knoxville, MD

Kevin Murphy Classified Employee Representative Martinsburg, WV

Austin J. Slater, Jr. ’76 Shepherdstown, WV

Paul Teter Student Representative Romney, WV

Shepherd University Foundation

Christopher S. Colbert ’95 President Shepherdstown, WV

D. Benjamın Deuell, D.O. ’08 Vice President Martinsburg, WV

Austin J. Slater, Jr. ’76 Treasurer Shepherdstown, WV

Karl L. Wolf ’70 Secretary Shepherdstown, WV

Sherri Janelle Executive Vice President Martinsburg, WV

Jason Allen, Ph.D. Martinsburg, WV

Jason Best, Ph.D. Shepherdstown, WV

Pat Moler Egle ’60 Shepherdstown, WV

Randy Friend ’02, ’12

Charles Town, WV

Heidi M. Hanrahan, Ph.D. Shepherdstown, WV

Mary J.C. Hendrix ’74 Shepherdstown, WV

Darren B. Iden ’89 Winchester, VA

Robert H. Jensenius ’72 York, PA

Victoria M. Johnston ’90 Shepherdstown, WV

Matthew P. Knott ’96

Harpers Ferry, WV

The Hon. Lyndsey Matschat ’06

Martinsburg, WV

Cecelia Mason

Martinsburg, WV

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Oates Shepherdstown, WV

Andrew J. Patterson ’95 Burke, VA

Christopher K. Robertson ’89 Inwood, WV

Mary Kathryn Robinson Charles Town, WV

Jenn Sirbaugh ’13 Hedgesville, WV

James S. Scott ’88 Shepherdstown, WV

W. Gregory Snellings ’91 Arlington, VA

Alfred L. (Al) Young ’89 Arlington, VA

Directors Emeriti

Ramon A. Alvarez ’62 Charles Town, WV

James A. Butcher, Ph.D. Shepherdstown, WV

Kenneth E. Harbaugh Williamsport, MD

Jane Ikenberry-Dorrier, Ph. D. ’65 Scottsville, VA

Jerry P. Kerr ’68 Winchester, VA

Elizabeth S. Lowe ’52 Shepherdstown, WV

Allen L. Lueck ’67 Shepherdstown, WV

Susan Mentzer-Blair ’72 Knoxville, MD

David T. Newlin ’76 Winchester, VA

Michael A. Smith ’89 Middleburg, VA

Alumni Association

Katie Swayne ’12 Director (Staff) Martinsburg, WV

Randy Friend ’02, ’12 President Charles Town, WV

Hannah Brumbaugh ’18, ’20 Vice President Williamsport, MD

Daniel Sweeney ’17 Treasurer Shepherdstown, WV

Kahlen Browning ’18, ’22 Secretary Williamsport, MD

Michael Bailey ’12 Rocky Point, NC

David Dalton ’92 Martinsburg, WV

Lori Davis ’06 Martinsburg, WV

David Decker ’89 Martinsburg, WV

Marshall DeMeritt ’09 Shepherdstown, WV

Cheryl Ellmore ’94 Big Pool, MD

Bassell Franks ’12 Martinsburg, WV

Rich Goodman ’14, ’17 Jefferson, MD

Dawn Hatzer ’78 Harpers Ferry, WV

Tricia Katebini ’07 Laurel, MD

Matt Kradel ’99 Martinsburg, WV

Erin Lee ’23 Shepherdstown, WV

Shelby Maly ’17, ’20 Frederick, MD

The Hon. Lyndsey Matschat ’06 Martinsburg, WV

Rachel Moreno ’08 Harpers Ferry, WV

Nick Mummert ’13, ’21 Falling Waters, WV

Tory Orr ’20 Martinsburg, WV

Andrew Potts ’17 Martinsburg, WV

James Scott Jr. ’70 Shepherdstown, WV

Danielle Stephenson ’20, ’22 Charles Town, WV

Judith Van Tol Wilson ’74 Shepherdstown, WV

Directors Emeriti

Arthur J. (Jım) Auxer ’69 Shepherdstown, WV

Robert Fleenor ’74 Martinsburg, WV

Paul “Soupy” Hillyard ’58 Winchester, VA

Lynn Leatherman ’92 Falling Waters, WV

Tripp Lowe ’95, ’97 Shepherdstown, WV

Robin Moses ’88 Charles Town, WV

Francine Phillips ’82 Shepherdstown, WV

Charles Van Metre ’56 Hagerstown, MD

Cindy Vance ’88 Martinsburg, WV

Nelson Vazquez ’86 Fortson, GA

Chris Wooten ’87 Fallston, MD

The Shepherd University Magazine is published by the Office of University Communications, Office of Alumni Affairs, and Shepherd University Foundation for the Shepherd University community–alumni, donors, current and prospective students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of the University. A portion of the production cost is underwritten by the Shepherd University Foundation and Shepherd University Alumni Association.

Editorial Director & Managing Editor

Cecelia Mason Designer

Tory Orr ’20

Contributors this issue

John and Pam Boyle

Sonya Evanisko

Sam Levitan

Chip Ransom ’86

Jack Ransom ’23

Isabella Sager ’22

Dr. Sylvia Bailey Shurbutt

Katie Swayne ’12

Dr. Cindy Vance ’88

Kristi Veach-Ross

Cover photo

Berniece Collis ’77, 2023 Alumna of the Year, was honored during Homecoming week. She remains involved with Shepherd and is a cofounder of the McMurran Scholars Association, a group of former McMurran Scholars who offer scholarships to current scholars to attend graduate school. .

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

We are enjoying the beauty of spring at Shepherd University! The natural splendor of our campus leaps back to life with color and sound; people fill common spaces reveling in the warming weather; and we prepare to celebrate another commencement as successful graduates transition to the next step of their journey. It is a time of hope and promise for nature, and certainly for Shepherd.

We have worked hard over the last year to align ourselves with the everchanging needs of students and the community. I am so proud of our faculty and staff for developing innovative programs and courses that create new opportunities—such as the upcoming Master of Education in educational leadership degree. The flexibility and accessibility of this program will allow current teachers to seek either certification or a master’s degree without having to compromise their time in the classroom.

I am also excited about our ongoing Campus Refreshment Initiative, with noteworthy improvements happening throughout the East Campus Loop and numerous buildings and infrastructure scheduled for upgrades. We are grateful to the West Virginia Legislature and Governor Jim Justice for a significant portion of this project’s funding, and for numerous grants that have come through in support of these efforts. Of course, smaller changes will have a big impact as well, like an upgrade to some student areas with more comfortable seating outside our library—thanks to the President’s Club and the community.

As we continue to move Shepherd University forward, please know how grateful we are for all your support. Whether you share your time and talent with us as an employee or volunteer, contribute financially, or simply come by to cheer on our talented students, we appreciate what you do to make Shepherd University such a special place. On behalf of our entire campus, thank you!

With heartfelt appreciation,

Mary J.C. Hendrix

Expanding the Canvas:

ART STUDENTS TRANSFORM TABLER FARM

by Isabella Sager

When farm coordinator and Shepherd University alum Madison Hale ’21 approached Professor Sonya Evanisko, director of the painting program, for advice on revitalizing the Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm, they turned to public art.

Before the fall of 2023, Tabler Farm visitors would see seven mismatched buildings with exteriors that neglected to reflect the farm's liveliness. Evanisko and Hale wanted to unify this landscape, creating a visual aesthetic that highlights each of the buildings' purposes while representing the farm’s overall mission. Mural projects of this scale, however, often come with a considerable price tag, but Evanisko knew that talented Shepherd University students would be up for the challenge.

“One of the best things we have are incredibly talented art students. They could handle a project of this scale,” said Evanisko.

What blossomed between Evanisko and Hale’s discussion was a new curriculum for a mural painting course, Special Topics: Public Art Murals, that would go beyond the bounds of a standard lecture or studio class.

Mapping things out

Evanisko and her students spent the first few weeks of this 15-week project researching soil structures, local wildlife, and regional flora and vegetation to flesh out their sketches. The class of 12 was split into four teams with each team being assigned one or two buildings to design and paint.

Much of the students’ planning and sketching involved analyzing how elements of local ecosystems work together. Elle Bevins, a sophomore painting major from Berryville, Virginia, and her group were assigned the storage trailers and office building, focusing their designs on a close-up look at the region’s soil.

“We included the root structure of the trees and mycelium mushrooms and all the little creatures that keep our soil healthy and usable for the future,” said Bevins.

Shelby Fernatt, a junior painting major from Elkview, West Virginia, was part of Bevins’ group.

“We played around a lot with the idea of ‘flow,’ trying to incorporate things in the surrounding area,” Fernatt added. “There were trees behind [the box trailers]. We added vertical linework, not just to blend in with the trees behind it, but we also had vertical bars in the window of the office building which helped blend those in a bit more.”

Sadie Palmer, a senior painting major from Thomas, West Virginia, worked with her team to design the three buildings related to the apiary efforts of the farm.

“We focused on our pollinators, with large emphasis on bees and insects,” said Palmer, “but also the flowers that complete the closed system of pollination.”

The class was given the creative freedom to develop designs that

represent Tabler Farm’s mission but also gained experience adapting their creativity to their client’s expectations. Each mural needed to share a similar visual identity, so Evanisko selected the work of one artist to serve as inspiration: Charley Harper, a West Virginia native and wildlife illustrator.

The students needed to balance their ideas with the stylistic characteristics of Harper, who often portrayed nature through an emphasis on shape, color, and simplistic subjects. To start the semester, Evanisko bought her students a Charley Harper puzzle to complete in the painting studio to gain a closer understanding of his artistry.

“For the students, [adapting to another artist’s style] can be a bit of a challenge, but they rose to it,” said Evanisko.

Picking up the brush

After weeks of research and drafting, the class presented their ideas to an approval board, consisting of Hale; Dr. Ben Martz, director of the Agricultural Innovation Center; environmental studies professors Dr. Brooke Comer, Dr. Peter Villa, and Dr. Jeff Groff; and Tabler Farm staff. This was a new experience for these students, who often present their work to classmates and professors during critiques.

“When we do critiques, we introduce our work and the concept behind it,” Fernatt explains. “But this [presentation] was different in that we were presenting essentially a work-in-progress. It helped us practice our professional communication skills and how to come up with those compromises.”

Once their proposals were approved, the students embarked on a monthslong process of sketching and painting the Tabler buildings. This process was not an easy feat. The scale of these buildings – including a 104-foot-long aquaponics building – and the weather conditions involved a lot of physical labor, and an approaching winter deadline put an energizing pressure on the painters.

“In these projects, there are unknowns: the unknown of the weather, the unknown of some structural engineering on a wall,” Evanisko explains. “But that never stops an artist. Creative people thrive on resourcefulness.”

And thrive the students did.

Throughout the painting process, the class displayed a remarkable work ethic and dedication to their project. “[The students] worked when it was cold and rainy and misty, and they were

stepping in mud – they were there the whole time. They pushed through,” remarked Palmer.

For the first time for many of these students, this project was an opportunity to mentor their peers, as newer painting majors were chosen to work with juniors and seniors. This, according to Evanisko, is intentional, as she wants every art student to grow creatively and academically alongside one another. Fernatt appreciates this push from the art program.

“Everybody is really cooperative, and they talk to each other, and they inspire each other,” she said. “The faculty is not afraid to get in there and help someone out, and the seniors are always floating around the studio and helping people out.”

Shepherd’s public art expands

Stepping onto the current grounds of Tabler Farm, it is evident that the class's hard work paid off.

“They’ve transformed it!” exclaimed Hale, farm coordinator. “[The farm] provides visitors with a range of artistic expressions to admire. We receive lots of compliments on their work.”

Tabler Farm’s murals have sparked a public art movement throughout Shepherdstown, and some graduating seniors are ready to tackle some public art projects of their own.

“Right now, I have eight different projects that people are clamoring for us to do,” said Evanisko. Four students from this Tabler Farm mural class, who are graduating in May 2024, have a public mural project that Evanisko passed on to them where they are going to work with the client and complete on their own.

For the spring 2024 semester , Evanisko and her students took on two of the eight projects: a mural for the Shepherdstown ROCS convenience store and a “Celebrate Shepherdstown” mural for the downtown area. Bevins is one of the students who is making

these murals a reality.

On Tabler Farm, they are hoping to recruit more students from a variety of degree programs for additional beautification projects, including a farm map and site signage.

“There is so much potential for student involvement at Tabler Farm. I always say this program is about more than just farming. It's a business, a vision for a better world, a community project,” said Hale.

Evanisko is excited that the hard work of Shepherd University students and faculty is now evident in public art throughout the community.

“I think this is one of the reasons why [the students] choose Shepherd; they hear about what undergraduates do,” explained Evanisko. “We are not afraid to get our students out there. A lot of people talk about experience and talk about what it’s going to be like when you graduate, but we are doers in the art program.” P

2024

October 19

Keep an eye out for upcoming Homecoming events at www.shepherd.edu/alumnievents

by Cecelia Mason

Biographer of Sen. Byrd donates funds for Shepherd interns

Author and historian C.W. Goodyear is conducting research for a biography of Sen. Robert C. Byrd at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education at Shepherd University. Goodyear, author of Garfield: From Radical to Unifier, a critically acclaimed biography of the 20th President of the United States, has also donated to the center to facilitate work on Byrd’s biography.

“I’m excited that my next book will be an authoritative biography of Sen. Byrd,” Goodyear said. “He is the ideal subject: someone whose remarkable political career both shaped the trajectory of our country as well as reflected its transformation over a crucial period of history. I am blessed to be partnered in this effort with the Byrd Center—a place where a world-class collection is matched by the professionalism, diligence, and kindness of its staff.”

To facilitate the research, Goodyear donated approximately $12,000 to cover stipends for two Shepherd students to digitize some of Byrd’s papers. The donation also covered the cost of new digitization equipment.

Interns Joanna Schoonover, a history major from Preston, Maryland, and Anna Steig, an English major from Hagerstown, Maryland, have been digitizing the papers. Their work will benefit Goodyear’s research and help with the center’s desire to make Byrd’s papers more widely available.

“There are numerous beneficiaries to Charlie’s generous donation,” said Tish Wiggs, Byrd Center archivist. “He is receiving invaluable help with his future project; the Byrd Center is getting time and funding to begin a mass digitization project; and Shepherd students are learning valuable technical skills working with a major congressional archive. We are grateful for Charlie’s trust in us and look forward to our continued partnership.”

“We are honored and delighted that Charlie Goodyear will be writing a biography of Sen. Byrd using our resources as the foundation of his work,” said Ray Smock, Byrd Center director emeritus. “He has established himself as a major biographer, and Sen. Byrd’s story is a rich and complex one that needs to be told.”

The first leg of the project will run through the end of the spring 2024 semester, with the possibility of renewal. P

SHEPHERD ACCOUNTING STUDENTS SUCCEED!

by Cindy Vance ’88, CPA, Ph.D

Students in Shepherd’s accounting program have a long history of career success—thanks to the comprehensive and challenging education they receive.

Peter McDonald, a member of the firm at SEK CPAs & Advisors, said his company has “had the pleasure” of working with several graduates and actively seeks interns from Shepherd’s accounting program.

TUNDE ELETU ’20

“The information and knowledge acquired [from the program] will be a valuable asset on your resume.”

“They have consistently demonstrated qualities of excellence, diligence, curiosity, engagement, and readiness for a challenging yet rewarding internship experience,” McDonald said. “As a result of successful internships with top-tier students at Shepherd, we have established a strong relationship with the program. Currently, one of our tax seniors, Nick Chapman ’22, is excelling in his role with the firm.”

Chapman was recently awarded the Merit Award from the West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, which is given to the individual who, on their first attempt taking each of the four parts of the Uniform CPA Examination, makes the highest average passing score.

The recipient of the Merit Award must live or work in West Virginia to be eligible and must have completed and passed all four parts within 12 months. In 2023, Chapman was the highest score holder at 95.25. Chapman also came within a quarter of a point on the exam of earning the Elijah Watt Sells Award, the accounting profession’s most prestigious award.

DANIEL

SWEENEY ’17, Senior Staff Accountant for Decker & Company, PLLC

“The Accounting Program taught me the fundamentals of the profession and touched on every subject that I would later see on the CPA exam and in my job as a staff accountant.”

opportunities at Shepherd in the future and looks forward to continuing the relationship with the accounting program.

Shepherd students have also found success at YHB CPAs and Consultants.

“As with many industries, public accounting faces an unprecedented talent pipeline shortage, so partnering with universities that prepare talented,

McDonald said SEK is excited to be hiring two current interns who will graduate in May 2024, Catherine Vickers, Kearneysville, West Virginia, and Hunter Horman, Smithsburg, Maryland, as fulltime tax staff in June. McDonald said SEK will seek recruiting

NICHOLAS CHAPMAN ’22,

“Shepherd’s accounting program is rigorous in its coursework and prepares students with the skills they need to succeed in the many paths the profession offers. Not only do you gain a wide breadth of knowledge in business and accounting concepts, but you apply them in scenarios that mirror those actually being encountered on the job. My education obtained from Shepherd’s accounting program helped pave the way to a career in accounting and conquering the CPA exam..”

BRYAN NEWLIN ’05, Principal, Risk Advisory Service, Yount, Hyde, and Barbour, CPA

“As with many industries, public accounting faces an unprecedented talent pipeline shortage, so partnering with universities that prepare talented, hard-working accounting students is critical to addressing the increasingly complex needs of our clients. For decades, YHB has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Shepherd University’s accounting program by hiring accounting associates of the highest caliber. They are dedicated, well rounded, and well prepared to meet the dynamic challenges facing our clients in tax, assurance, and client accounting and advisory services.”

hard-working accounting students is critical to addressing the increasingly complex needs of our clients,” said Bryan Newlin ’05, YHB risk advisory services principal.

“For decades, YHB has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Shepherd University’s accounting program by hiring accounting associates of the highest caliber,” Newlin said. “They are dedicated, well-rounded, and well-prepared to meet the dynamic challenges facing our clients in tax, assurance, and

client accounting and advisory services.”

Shepherd students are exposed to all areas of accounting and come out of the program prepared to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam. The accounting program includes applied learning to hone analytical, verbal, and written communication skills; community service through internships and the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program; and engagement with employers and alumni through the annual fall “Meet the Firms” event and the annual spring accounting alumni dinner. Both events are organized and administered by students in the Accounting Club.

The National Association of Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) used to release

the results of the CPA exam every year but stopped making the information public in 2020. In 2018, Shepherd accounting students ranked nationally for first-time test-taker exam pass rates. Shepherd students also ranked 28th out of 242 institutions nationwide that had 10 to 20 graduates taking the test for the first time. Additionally, Shepherd ranked well when compared to other West Virginia institutions, having the highest pass rate in the state in 2014, 2015, and 2017.

We are proud of the many Shepherd accounting students who have achieved success both on the CPA exam and in their careers. We look forward to continuing that tradition for many years to come. P

JENNA MARPLE ’22,

“While the program is rigorous, I am confident that I will excel among my peers because of the education I received. The program also allows you to sit for the CPA exam upon graduation.”

Dr. Cindy Vance developed a survey to ascertain how successful accounting graduates between 2013 and 2023 have been. The online survey response rate was 11% and 89% percent of the respondents said they would recommend Shepherd’s accounting program to prospective students.

What survey respondents are doing after graduation:

• 44% holds advanced degrees

• 22% are pursuing advanced degrees

• 33% are employed in public accounting with the remaining respondents employed in private industry, government, and nonprofit entities

• 33% earn $100,000 or more; 55% earn $80,000 or more; 77% earn $60,000 or more annually

• 67% have held only one job since graduation

• 33% are Certified Public Accountants

• 78% are members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

What survey takers believe was the most beneficial thing they learned at Shepherd:

• The difficult course curriculum

• Computer-based accounting real-world applicability, and accounting ethics

• Shepherd structures its classes and curriculum so that professors are available to the students

• Professors with real-world experience in the accounting profession

• Being taught to learn information rather than memorize it

• Thorough and demanding coursework, which was beneficial when entering the job market

• The courses taught at Shepherd University prepare you for the CPA Exam

Allies for Appalachia supports Appalachian studies program

by Kristi Veach-Ross

Shepherd University has taken the opportunity in recent years to strengthen its academic and community outreach through new and creative ventures. One such venture is the creation of Allies for Appalachia, an advisory board and fundraising arm for the Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities.

For years the Appalachian studies programs were supported only through grants and yearly sales of the Anthology of Appalachian Writers, which left no additional resources for expansion. To give the community a stake in programming and an opportunity to support the region, Allies for Appalachia was established.

“President Hendrix encouraged me to solicit community support for the center,” said Dr. Sylvia Bailey Shurbutt, program director. “So I took her advice and created a society that would give people incentives to support programming that they love.”

Led by a core group of Shepherdstown Area Independent Living (SAIL) members, the initial campaign funded by Allies for Appalachia helped establish scholarships for student travel abroad.

From there, additional gifts allowed the program to bring quality speakers

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For additional information, please contact Sherri Janelle, executive vice president of the Shepherd University Foundation, at 304-876-5043 or sjanelle@shepherd.edu.

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to campus, including Affrilachian poet Frank X Walker and author Crystal Wilkinson, whose lyrical culinary journey Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts was presented to a sold-out crowd in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium this past February.

In addition to vital donor gifts, Allies for Appalachia found its largest success through the Allies Trustees, who began meeting in 2022. The Trustees include Randy Underwood, Karen Zacharias, Ellen Wade, Tam Cole, Todd CiminoJohnson, Jennifer Gerholdt, and Kathryn Ray. They guided the creation of giving levels and membership benefits, made programming suggestions, talked about fundraising, and determined ways to engage allies and students with the community.

Perhaps most importantly, Allies for Appalachia is being steered with the clear mission “to transform the region.” Giving community members an opportunity for input and ownership, Allies for Appalachia has made great strides toward this mission.

For more information or to become a member of Allies for Appalachia, visit www.shepherd.edu/appalachian/alliesfor-appalachia. P

Hans Fogle named executive director of University Communications

Hans Fogle ’05 started his position as Shepherd’s new executive director of University Communications on February 1, 2024.

Fogle, a graduate of Shepherd’s communication program, comes to the University after serving nearly six years as a public information officer for Jefferson County Schools in West Virginia.

“I am excited about this opportunity to return to Shepherd University, the place that sparked my interest in communications and my career in radio,” Fogle said. “Being back at Shepherd is an incredible opportunity. I look forward to working to support the students, staff, and community at Shepherd.”

Before joining Jefferson County Schools, Fogle was the news director and a talk show host for West Virginia Radio Corporation at WICL, WKMZ, and WEPM in Martinsburg, West Virginia. He also worked briefly as a provider liaison for Hospice of the Panhandle. P

CLUB WINS AWARD AFTER NOMINATION BY SHEPHERD PROFESSOR

The Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle (BGCEP) was awarded the Roxanne Spillett Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Honor Award at the Boys & Girls Club Midwest Leadership Conference in St. Louis, Missouri in October 2023 .

The award, which was named after the first female President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, recognizes a Boys & Girls Club that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and lays the groundwork to build sustained, supportive relationships that youth need to thrive.

BGCEP board member, Dr. Chiquita Howard-Bostic, Shepherd professor of sociology and associate vice president of diversity equity and inclusivity, nominated the Club for the award. The nomination highlighted a daylong training for youth with the goal of enhancing communication skills,

social decision-making, and self-reflection—and how the club has taken a comprehensive approach to addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion through training, board and staff recruitment, and programming.

“Ultimately, we want to ensure that our next generation has the tools to address social justice and understand the importance of advocating for others,” said BGCEP CEO Stacie Rohn. “Our kids need to recognize that they have a voice and that other kids are observing how they treat others.” P

Pictured accepting the award in St. Louis are (l. to r.) Dr. Chiquita Howard-Bostic, professor of sociology and BGCEP board member; Stacie Rohn, BGCEP chief executive officer; Patty McIntyre, BGCEP human resources/business manager; and Flint W. Fowler, Ph.D., Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis president.

Victoria Lassahn and Samantha Lassahn

SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT

by Kristi Veach Ross

Through private scholarships with the Shepherd University Foundation, donors have enabled countless Shepherd students to pursue their educational goals, including nursing majors Victoria Lassahn and Samantha Lassahn. From Middle River, Maryland, Victoria and Samantha are looking forward to joining Shepherd University’s 2024 graduating class.

In addition to being a captain on the women’s lacrosse team, Victoria has been featured on the Dean’s List for four semesters and is a member of the Shepherd University Student Nurses Association (SUSNA). Victoria is a recipient of the Florence and Velma Shaw Memorial Scholarship and the Peggy Collins Porterfield Memorial Nursing Scholarship.

Established by Florence Shaw to honor both her and her sister’s service to Shepherd, the Florence and Velma Shaw Memorial Scholarship is designated for an outstanding junior resident assistant selected by the Division of Student Affairs. The Peggy Collins Porterfield Memorial Nursing Scholarship was created by Shepherd alumna Jennifer Porterfield ’93 in 2007 in memory of her mother, who was a nurse at City Hospital and a graduate of the hospital’s nursing program.

“I am exceedingly grateful for each of the scholarships I have received as a student at Shepherd University,” said Victoria. “It is because of the donors of these scholarships that I am able to play lacrosse, become involved on campus, and follow my dream of studying nursing!”

Also engaged on campus, Samantha currently serves as vice president for SUSNA and as a captain for the women’s lacrosse team. Her honors include the 2023

Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Division II Academic Honor Roll, 2023 CSC Academic All-District At-Large, and 2022-2023 Shepherd Nursing Team Spirit Award; she is also a PSAC ScholarAthlete. Samantha has been a part of various student organizations, including Delight Women’s Ministries and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Samantha is a recipient of the William and Jo Ann Jackson Knode Scholarship and the Carl K. Rauch Endowed Scholarship for Nursing. Designated as a general academic award, the William and Jo Ann Jackson Knode Scholarship was established in 2006 by longtime Shepherdstown residents William ’58 and Jo Ann Jackson Knode ’58. The Carl K. Rauch Endowed Scholarship for Nursing was created by Carl K. Rauch ’58, a former professor of mathematics at Shepherd whose legacy includes several scholarships across multiple disciplines.

“Due to the generosity from Shepherd University’s scholarship donors, I have been able to accomplish my goal of playing competitive college lacrosse while also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing,” said Samantha. “These scholarships have allowed me to achieve my goals and grow as an individual and future nurse. Through the selfless gift of these donors, I have been able to lead, help educate, and learn more than I had thought was capable. I am beyond thankful for the opportunities that I have been given; they have shaped me into the person that I have become.”

The generosity and support of donors shape the experiences of students like Victoria and Samantha. Through student scholarships, academic and program support, faculty excellence awards, and other initiatives, the dedication of the Shepherd community will continue to propel the success of future generations of Rams. P

REMEMBERING WAYNE WILSON ’81

by Chip Ransom

The Shepherd University Department of Athletics is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Wayne Wilson ’81 on March 10.

Wilson, a member of the inaugural Shepherd Athletic Hall of Fame class in 1986, was a running back for the Rams from 1975-78, playing under Coach Walter Barr ’62. Wilson was named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic (NAIA) All-America team in 1978. Wilson also participated in track and field as a freshman and sophomore.

“Wayne was an outstanding man who demonstrated excellent skills as a player at Shepherd and attained remarkable accomplishments in the NFL,” said head football coach Ernie McCook in a Facebook post. “He was also a wonderful mentor to the Shepherd players that he coached. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. Coach Wilson will be greatly missed.”

In 1979, Wilson was about five credits short of graduation when he was picked by the Houston Oilers in the 12th round of the NFL draft, returning to Shepherd after his first season to finish his degree. He spent nine years playing professional football for the Oilers, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Redskins. Wilson is 12th on the all-time rushing list with the New Orleans Saints, the team he played for from 1979-86.

After retiring from the NFL, Wilson spent 13 years working for the City of Baltimore, running a program for kids ages 13-18 who were committed to the department of juvenile justice. After leaving that job, his path once again led him to Shepherdstown where for 11 years, from 2006-2016, he was a volunteer coach for the Ram football team. Wilson served as coach for the running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, including in 2015 when the Rams made it to the national championship game.

“Wayne Wilson was an outstanding student-athlete at Shepherd and more than proved his ability to play in the NFL,” said former head football coach Monte Cater. “At the end of his playing career he entered the coaching ranks at both the high school and back here at Shepherd in the college ranks. He was a most valuable member of my staff for a number of years and helped us maintain a very successful tradition. He had a great influence on countless young men and will be greatly missed.” P

BERNIECE COLLIS ’77 Is 2023 Alum of the Year

by Cecelia Mason

The 2023 Outstanding Alum of the Year, Berniece Collis ’77, remains a proud Ram who says Shepherd inspired her to enter the special education field that prepared her for the rich life she’s lived after graduating from college.

Berniece, who is vice president and coowner of Minghini’s General Contractors, grew up in Martinsburg, West Virginia graduated from Martinsburg High, and decided to attend Shepherd because it was affordable.

“I was the first person in the family to go to college. To try to go anywhere else, it would have been difficult,” said Berniece, who earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. “I knew that I wanted to be a teacher by the time I graduated high school and Shepherd has one of the best reputations for teacher training in this region. I could live at home, which made it a lot more affordable, and I could work.”

Two college experiences led to an interest in pursuing special education. During her senior year at Shepherd, Berniece had an internship in a school in Hagerstown, Maryland, teaching physical education to children with special needs. She also spent one summer working in corrective therapy at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center. She enjoyed both experiences and, after graduating from Shepherd, pursued a master’s degree from West Virginia University in specific learning disabilities.

Berniece taught special education in Berkeley County Schools for ten years and was named Berkeley County Teacher of the Year in 1987.

After being named 2023 Alum of the Year, Berniece took a look at her course catalogs from her time at Shepherd, and noted the major changes in the way society approaches disabilities.

“I never really paid much attention before, but one paragraph states ‘all residents of the state who graduate from an accredited high school who do not possess serious health or character defects are eligible for admission,’” she said. “We’ve come a long way. Think of all the kids who have learning disabilities. We know now how to teach them and to teach to their modalities where they can learn.”

Because Berniece commuted to Shepherd from Martinsburg, she wasn’t involved in many on-campus activities. She did go to some games and with her mother to a parent’s day event, which her mom thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, she believes Shepherd was the perfect place to pursue a degree.

“I’ve accomplished what I’ve wanted to do,” Berniece said. “Shepherd can be a lot of things to a lot of people and meet the needs of many. Some people

need to get away from their homes and experience life—to grow up and learn how to study on their own. But I didn’t feel that need.”

Berniece is a McMurran Scholar, the highest honor awarded by the University, and she was instrumental as a cofounder of the McMurran Scholars Association (MSA). This committee, made up of McMurran Scholar alumni, meets regularly to fundraise for the MSA Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded to one McMurran Scholar student each year who is pursuing a master’s degree at Shepherd. Berniece worked diligently to create this scholarship.

Whether she’s helping raise money for MSA, working with numerous community organizations, or helping to manage her family’s business, Berniece believes what she learned at Shepherd prepared her well.

“I think we got a really good education,” she said. “That’s what’s important. The real value lies in the investment that you made in your education and what you’re getting out of it, and I think Shepherd students do succeed.” P

Finest Under 40 AWARD WINNERS

by Katie Swayne

The sixth annual class of Finest Under 40 award recipients for 2023 were Chelsea Zbikowski ’15, Ben Deuell ’08, Will Kramer ’05, and Ashley Batten ’11 (pictured below from left to right.)

The Finest Under 40 award recognizes young alumni leading the way in business, research, leadership, community, artistic, educational, and/or philanthropic endeavors. Each year, awardees are chosen by the Alumni Association Board of Directors based on nomination packets detailing professional expertise and achievements as well as dedication to charitable and community projects. P

WANT TO NOMINATE A FELLOW ALUM?

The Shepherd University Alumni Association is now taking nominations for the 2024–2025 Outstanding Alum of the Year and the next class of Finest Under 40. Each year, these award nominations are voted on by the Alumni Association Board of Directors during the annual June meeting. Criteria and nomination forms can be found at www. shepherd.edu/suaa/alumnirecognition-programs.

All nominations are due by June 1, 2024. Recipients of both the Finest Under 40 and Outstanding Alum awards will be honored during Homecoming 2024 activities.

The Last Dollar Fund offers vital support to students

By Kristi Veach-Ross

Photos by Julia Robak Photography

Established in 2016, the Shepherd University Last Dollar Fund supports and retains undergraduate students by helping those experiencing financial challenges clear their semester bills. As of fall 2023, the fund has aided 237 students in good academic standing who faced financial challenges, with an average of $1,110 awarded.

The annual farm-to-table dinner sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation plays a critical role in supporting this extraordinary fund. Alumni Eric ’95 and Joy ’91 Lewis host the annual event at their home, McMurran Farm in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. During the September 22, 2023, event, Chef Mike Costello of Lost Creek Farm in Harrison County, West Virginia, treated guests to delicious menu items such as a roasted sweet corn chowder, a skillet-fried meatloaf with blackberry pan sauce, blistered green beans, and a dessert of vinegar pie with shagbark hickory whipped cream and West Virginia salt.

Sponsors for the 2023 dinner included Jefferson Security Bank, Scott ’80 and Linda ’81 Roach, Ray ’62 and Mary Alvarez, Walter ’69 and Mary Jo ’73 Brown, Chris and Sherri Janelle, Chris ’98 and Karen Luttrell, Hoxton Planning and Management, and Jefferson Distributing. Members of the Shepherd University chapters of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity volunteered as servers. This year’s dinner raised more than $20,000 in support of the Last Dollar Fund.

“Each year, with the help of many gracious donors, we are able to assist more deserving students,” said Janelle, who has worked closely with the fund since its inception.

Through the incredible generosity of those who contribute to this fund, countless doors have been opened for talented Shepherd students. With continued support, the Last Dollar Fund will help build futures for generations of Rams.

To learn more about the fund or make a donation, visit shepherduniversityfoundation. org/last-dollar-fund/. P

Former Gov. Gaston Caperton donates painting to the University

by Cecelia Mason

A painting that used to hang in the kitchen of former Gov. Gaston Caperton’s house in Charleston, West Virginia, now graces one of the Ram’s Den walls in Shepherd University’s Student Center.

The painting by Nate Loda ’11 is called “Field Trip.” It was included in Loda’s 2011 senior year capstone exhibit and depicts a boy with a backpack wearing a Cleveland Indians baseball cap looking at a large work of art that depicts symbols from Mayan culture.

“I was interested in creating a narrative and juxtaposition of the Pre-Columbian mural versus the child’s Cleveland Indians baseball cap as a way to provoke a dialogue about the representation of historical Indigenous culture versus adaptations or appropriations of their iconographies in contemporary culture,” Nate said.

“I think it’s great that it has a new home in the Ram’s Den, and I hope it can encourage and inspire future generations to broaden their own interest and understanding of history, culture, and mythologies,” he added.

The painting’s journey to Gov. Caperton’s kitchen wall began when Nate invited former Shepherd president Suzanne Shipley to his capstone exhibit. She later purchased the painting as a gift to the former governor who loves West Virginia art. “Field Trip” is among his favorites. Visitors to his home complimented not only the painting but also the frame, which was produced from West Virginia cherry wood by Nate’s father.

“In addition to a cool composition and welcoming color tones, the painting has always given me the impression of a start to a journey, an educational journey,” Gov. Caperton said. “I have long appreciated Shepherd University’s commitment to the fine arts and am happy to add a painting from one of its own to the campus collection.”

On November 9, 2023, Nate and his family traveled from Central New York where he works as a professional artist to commemorate the donation. Current Shepherd Board of Governors Chair Gat Caperton, Gaston Caperton’s son, and current Shepherd President Mary J.C. Hendrix participated in the event. P

’19&’21

Alyssa Roush co-authored the chapter titled “Decentering Whiteness and Hegemony in Fraternity Men Towards Authentic Masculinities” in the book Affirming Identity, Advancing Belonging, and Amplifying Voice in Sororities and Fraternities. The book is 500 pages with 67 authors highlighting the identity experiences of the diverse spectrum of fraternity and sorority members across intersections of identity so often excluded from literature.

’91

Brad Patterson has been promoted by PenFed Credit Union to senior vice president of payments, along with four other colleagues in SVP positions.

’96

Dr. Brian Abbott has joined the ranks of orthopedics at Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville, Maine. He provides non-surgical orthopedic/sports medicine care, including evaluation and treatment of sprains and strains, non-surgical fracture management, osteopathic manipulations, and diagnostic and interventional musculoskeletal ultrasound. Dr. Abbott has been practicing for 18 years, is board-certified in family medicine and neuromusculoskelatal medicine/ osteopathic manipulation, holds a certificate of additional qualification in primary care sports medicine, and is a registered musculoskeletal sonographer.

’22

Emily Keefer has written her debut novel The Stars on Vita Felice Court, which follows main character Val Beckley through a discovery of self-love and growth, published by Koehler Books. Emily is a former reporter for The Journal newspaper in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Her book was released on February 23, 2022, and can be found through Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

’09

Justin Arner has been listed as one of the 19 orthopedic rising stars in 2023 by Castley Connolly. Justin currently works for Burk and Bradley Orthopedics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

’00

Michael Davis operates the Badgerhound Studio and Gallery in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, with fiancée Emily Vaughn. The studio holds classes, and Michael regularly does commissioned pieces. He submits his pieces to various venues and currently has work in the Juliet Art Museum in Charleston, West Virginia.

’74

To read more about some of the alumni below use the QR code to visit our webpage at www.Shepherd.edu/SUAA/Alumni-Highlights

Judith Van Tol Wilson has written and published a children’s picture book titled Growing Smarter. The book is based on Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory to provide teachers with an anchor text for their conversations about all aspects of the growth mindset.

’14

Ben Goldman was appointed as the territory manager for South Jersey at Recovery Centers of America at Lighthouse, a residential inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility serving communities in South New Jersey and the Jersey Shore region.

’57Jimmy Omps is one of two distinguished Shepherd athletes for whom Handley High School has named their gymnasium. Jimmy was a member of the 1955 undefeated Shepherd football team, a three-year basketball starter, and a member of the first-ever Shepherd track and field team in 1954. He was inducted into the Shepherd University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991 and was the first inductee of the Handley Hall of Fame as both player and coach.

’89&’07 Wayne Riser, is getting back into coaching baseball as head coach at Carolina Forest High School in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, after just one year as the athletic director at Spring Mills High School in Berkeley County, West Virginia, during the 2022-2023 school year. Wayne was an outfielder and pitcher at Hedgesville High School and played collegiately at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Shepherd. Wayne spent two years as an assistant coach with Rams baseball in the West WVIAC. Under his head coaching direction, Shepherd joined the ranks as one of the two most consistent contenders for conference championships the league produced. In 22 seasons at Shepherd, his teams won 512 games. He was inducted into the Shepherd Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. He is also a member of the Hedgesville High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

’04Tracy Danzey is a member of the first U.S. Women’s Amputee Soccer team. The team played its first international match against Poland’s women’s amputee soccer team in the Amp Futbol Cup at the Hutnika Warsaw stadium.

’21 Isaac Vila entered basic military training in 2023, graduating in November to become an audio engineer for the U.S. Air Force regional band based at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Previously, Isaac was a broadcast technician for SiriusXM, media operator of Embassy Row, entertainment technician for Norwegian Cruise Lines, and interned as a label assistant for NexGen Music Group LLC and Welsh Sound LLC.

’78 Dr. W. Michael Martin received the Dr. Robert Lynn Canady Lifetime of Service Award from the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals on June 26, 2023, at the annual convention in Virginia Beach. Dr. Martin retired as director of elementary education for Loudoun County Public Schools after 42 years in public education.

’94 Erik Van Horn was the world development art director for Disney Lorcana, a highly anticipated trading card game by Ravensburg, which is out now. Erik is also a professor of gaming design at the University of the Arts in Pennsylvania.

’95 Sandy Dubay has been recognized on the Frederick County Office of Economic Development’s Top 50 EmPOWERED Leaders list in the January 2024 edition of Frederick Magazine. This list recognizes outstanding leadership in Frederick County, Maryland, including those who have contributed to the county’s economy and culture. Sandy is the CEO of PPR Strategies in Frederick.

’03Molly Humphreys, owner of a Shepherdstown, West Virginia, photography studio, Piccadilly Posh, was recruited in 2020 to help create the Healthcare is Human photo project and podcast. Molly’s role was to take photos of healthcare workers during their workdays through the pandemic. Their project has led to many features, talks, and press releases, and was the inspiration behind the Wild, Wonderful & Brave digital exhibition at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley gallery in Winchester, Virginia, from June 2022-June 2023.

’85 Charlene Williams is now the acting head of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). As acting director, she is responsible for strategic oversight of BEP’s operations. This includes the engraving and production operations of United States currency; currency technology, including currency design and security features; and facility project management. Her duties entail overseeing the development of the new Washington, D.C., area facility in Beltsville, Maryland, and the expansion of the Fort Worth facility.

’74

Gary Chrisman was honored by Handley High School in Winchester, Virginia, as part of centennial year celebrations. Gary participated in track and field at Handley and was on the undefeated 1967 football team. He continued his athletic career at Shepherd. He was a member of the Winchester City Council for 10 years and mayor of Winchester from 1992-1996. He was a founder of the Virginia Flag Football Association. Gary has held multiple leadership positions in the Rotary Club of Winchester and received Rotary’s Distinguished Service Award and the Rotary Avenues of Service Award. He has served on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, Alcohol Safety Action Project, FrederickWinchester Service Authority, and Winchester Parks and Recreation.

’07

Billie Jo Hoffman was given the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses by Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital in January 2024. The DAISY Award is given to nurses biannually and is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize and thank nurses for their care and kindness.

’04

Justin McHenry has written a book, Lumuria: A True Story of a Fake Place, which takes readers through the history of the lost continent of Lumuria from its beginnings as a land bridge to being hijacked by alternative religious movements to becoming a crystal city buried in a California mountain and all points in between. Justin is a writer and historian whose work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, journals, and online. Learn more about Lumeria and his other works at justinmchenry.com.

’06

Jeremiah Leiter, CEO of Acoustic Research Systems, was included in the 2023 Pittsburgh Smart 50 Awards that recognizes the region’s top executives of the smartest companies in the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, region for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations.

’11

Jeremy Hairston was named as the new head coach of the Sissonville High School football program in Sissonville, West Virginia. Coming off back-to-back 2-8 seasons, Jeremy was noted for taking over the program and completely changing the culture.

’18

Ashley Wilkins-Franks earned the prestigious Milken Educator Award in 2023 for her contributions to education both inside and outside of the classroom. Ashley is an eighth-grade English language arts teacher in Petersburg, West Virginia.

’14&’17 Rich Goodman

has had an article published on Higher Ed Jobs. He has previously been a contributing writer for The WV Independent Observer, a local Jefferson County paper.

Following a successful athletic career at Romney High School, Richard Fitzgerald Harmison ’51 entered the Army Air Corps in 1945, where he served two years and competed on base football squads. In 1947 he enrolled at Potomac State College and following graduation, he accepted a scholarship to Wake Forest University, playing three games before transferring to Shepherd. Richard married his Shepherd sweetheart, Mary Kathryn Heiskell, just two weeks after graduation. He then coached and taught at Charles Town High School in West Virginia, and in 1959, led the school to its first undefeated football season. In 1960 he accepted a coaching and teaching position at Martinsburg High School and directed the Bulldogs to their first conference football title in 28 years in 1964. He then joined the college coaching ranks in 1964 as an assistant coach at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) before accepting a position at the College of William and Mary in 1969. In 1985, he was named the head football coach at James Wood High School in Winchester, Virginia, where he led the Colonels for five years and retired from teaching in 1993. He is a member of the Shepherd University Hall of Fame, the Potomac State College Hall of Fame, the Martinsburg High School Hall of Fame, and the Hampshire County Hall of Fame.

Ruth Cornelius Orndorff ’59 graduated from Ridgeley High School in West Virginia. In high school, she won the American Legion Oratorical Contest, which resulted in a four-year college scholarship; she chose to attend Shepherd. While at Shepherd, she was one of 918 female college students nationwide selected to take an intensified course in aeronautical engineering financed by the U.S. Navy. Upon graduating from that program (Purdue University), she became a CurtissWright Aeronautical Engineering Cadet working in the wing design department at Curtiss-Wright Aircraft in Columbus, Ohio, where she remained until the end of World War II. She then returned to Shepherd where she graduated with honors and a degree in English. She worked as a teacher and supervisor in the Washington County, Maryland, school system and retired to Largo, Florida.

Scott Lamar Bradford-Doleman ’95 was a beloved son, father, brother, and friend, who left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Baptized in 2003, Scott was a dedicated member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and served faithfully in many capacities. He had a distinguished 19-year career with FedEx Freight, beginning in Hagerstown, Maryland, which culminated in his role as managing director of operations before rising to the position of regional vice president of operations— Northwest, which took him to Phoenix, Arizona. Before his career with FedEx Freight, he dedicated four years at Shepherd, serving as an admissions counselor and assistant men’s basketball coach. Scott was a founding member and former president of the Shepherd University Athletic Club. He was also a former president of the Shepherd University Alumni Association and a director emeritus of the board. Scott was recognized in the Shepherd Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000 as a three-sport athlete in football, baseball, and basketball. He was a giver, mentor, and humble soul, who considered his life’s greatest accomplishment to be his son, Brendan.

Delmas Monroe Humphreys ’68

Williamsburg, VA, 9/21/2023

Wayne Wilson ’81

Columbia, MD, 3/10/2024

Robert M. Brown ’59

Hagerstown, MD, 1/21/2024

Lawrence Henry Leonard, Jr. ’61

Ashburn, VA, 8/10/2023

Rev. Raymond H. Shriver ’61

Waynesboro, PA, 1/4/2024

George Michael Bishields, Jr. ’61

Frostburg, MD, 1/26/2024

William Dale Moore ’64

Martinsburg, WV, 10/8/2023

Floyd Henry Myers, Jr. ’65

Rock Hill, SC, 7/26/2023

Robert A. Wertz ’65

Johnstown, PA, 11/5/2023

James Michael Story ’66

Pomfret, MD, 7/23/2023

Richard “Dickie” Hendricks

Brown, Sr. ’67

Shepherdstown, WV, 9/26/2023

Nancy Ellen Hurley ’67

Hagerstown, MD, 8/15/2023

E. William Chapman ’68

Leesburg, VA, 11/30/2023

John Calvin Gladhill ’69

Middletown, MD, 1/5/2024

North Edward “Ed” Shockey ’69

Trussville, AL, 8/18/2023

Norman G. Sites ’69

Winchester, VA, 10/25/2023

Kathryn “Kay” Elizabeth (Terry) Burkhart ’71

Rehoboth Beach, DE, 9/27/2023

Freddie C. Hammer ’72

Shepherdstown, WV, 12/8/2023

Betty Ann Teets Hutsler ’72

Bunker Hill, WV, 9/28/2023

Norvel LeNarde Willis ’75

Kearneysville, WV, 9/9/2023

William “Bill” F. Lancaster ’77

Charles Town, WV, 1/24/2024

Ronald “Tim” DeWayne Smith ’78

Charles Town, WV, 11/12/2023

Howard Eugene Butts ’79

Martinsburg, WV, 1/1/2024

Dorothy Aikens Hudspith ’80

Aikens, SC, 8/7/2023

Patrick Koskowski ’82

Glen Burnie, MD, 12/23/2023

Ruth E. Nicewarner ’82

Charles Town, WV, 1/14/2024

Laura Carroll Butler ’89

Luray, VA, 8/17/2023

Frederick Joseph Owens ’91

Wilmington, NC, 9/4/2023

Melessa Milstead Wagner ’03

Hagerstown, MD, 11/20/2023

Edith “Edie” Elizabeth Walker ’08

Hedgesville, WV, 11/17/2023

Bobbi Sue (Dunahugh) Krouse ’09

Hagerstown, MD, 8/16/2023

Get involved!

SEE WHAT YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HAS TO OFFER

Make memories, plan to travel, become engaged with your alma mater, build relationships, and begin transforming the future! Once A Ram, Always A Ram!

Regional Alumni Communities: Stay Connected Wherever You Are!

Shepherd has active regional alumni groups in the Eastern Shore/Delaware, Southwest Florida, and D.C./Maryland/ Virginia areas with more groups forming. Reach out to the ambassador nearest you to join or become an ambassador in your area. Visit www.shepherd.edu/suaa/regionalcommunities for more information and photo galleries. Contact Katie Swayne with interest or questions at kswayne@shepherd.edu or 304-876-5524.

Update Your Information and Get In the Magazine

Have you had a significant event, either personal or professional, happen in your life? Maybe a new job or promotion at work? Have you been honored with an award? Did you recently get engaged, married, or have an addition to your family? We would love to share your happiness! Send your news so we can publish it in the Shepherd Students Succeed section of the Shepherd University Magazine. Email Katie Swayne, director of alumni affairs, with your information!

Make sure to stay in touch! Update your contact information at www.shepherd.edu/suaa/update-your-contact-information.

Meyer and Associates

The Shepherd University Alumni Association sponsors an alumni benefits program as a service to alumni. The program offers a variety of attractively priced insurance products, most of which are available to alumni, students, faculty, and staff, as well as their spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, and siblings. Some insurance products include auto, home and renter insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, identity theft protection, student loan refinancing, and more.

For more information visit shepherd.meyerandassoc.com or contact our program administrator (Meyer and Associates) at 800-635-7801.

SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP

Roaming Rams Travel Program/TravelPerks

Join the Shepherd University Alumni Association on one of our exciting, pre-planned group tours, both international and domestic! Current 2024 trips include:

- Colors of Sicily: June 8-16

- Paris & Normandy River Cruise: August 18, 2024 Sailing Date

Check out the full details and how to book your spot at www.shepherd.edu/suaa/roaming-rams-alumni-travel-program/. Announcements of 2025 trips coming soon!

Interested in planning your own fun excursion? Use our partner TravelPerks—www.travelperks.com/alum-suaa. Sustaining members get exclusive platinum access through this partner.

We encourage you to continue your Shepherd experience with the Alumni Association! By becoming a sustaining member, your alumni benefits are expanded to include:

- One homecoming football game ticket (per member)

- One voucher to a regular-season home basketball game (per member)

- Access to TravelPerks platinum service

- Access to Working Advantage discount service

- And NEW as of January 1, 2024 – 20% discount on Student Center rentals to include the Games Zone and Storer Ballroom.

You can purchase a single person sustaining membership for $50 annually, a joint membership for $75 annually, or a young alum membership (graduates in the last five years) for $35! The membership year runs July 1-June 30, however memberships purchased after March 1 are rolled forward into the new membership year.

To learn more about your alumni benefits scan the code or visit www.shepherd.edu/alumnimembership.

FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES seven new scholarship awards

Privately funded awards created through the Shepherd University Foundation provide vital support for student scholarships, academic programs, and faculty excellence. This year the Foundation is pleased to announce seven new awards. To learn more about these awards and the heartfelt stories behind them, please visit shepherduniversityfoundation.org. For more information about creating a named fund, please contact Sherri Janelle at 304-876-5397 or sjanelle@shepherd.edu.

Spencer Family “Dream Job” Scholarship

Pictured: Stephen Spencer

The Spencer Family “Dream Job” Scholarship is designated for students pursuing a degree at Shepherd with a vision of what their dream job would be after graduating from Shepherd. This scholarship honors Dr. Stephen Spencer, who found his dream job as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Shepherd University in 2022 after a distinguished career in academia.

Joseph C. and C. Marie Burkhart Memorial Business Scholarship

Pictured: Joseph C. and C. Marie Burkhart

Shepherd graduate Beverly Burkhart Yeagle ’69 and her husband Merv Yeagle established the new Joseph C. and C. Marie Burkhart Memorial Business Scholarship in honor of Beverly’s parents. The endowed award will support students pursuing business studies.

Richard F. Harmison Scholarship

Pictured: Richard “Dick” Harmison

The Richard F. Harmison Scholarship will support future generations of studentathletes on the football team at Shepherd. The award was created in honor of Shepherd graduate and 1990 Shepherd University Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Richard “Dick” Harmison ’51.

Women’s Basketball Scholarship Fund

In 2016, Pat Sigle ’75 and Linda Staub ’74, former players for the first Shepherd women’s basketball team (1972-1973), established the Women’s Basketball Scholarship Fund. The purpose is to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Shepherd women’s basketball and to raise $50,000 by 2022. Today, the endowed fund will support ongoing basketball scholarships for members of the Shepherd University women’s basketball team.

Rebecca Mason Lidgerding Scholarship Endowment Fund

Pictured: Rebecca and Burt Lidgerding

The Rebecca Mason Lidgerding Scholarship Endowment Fund was established by Shepherd graduate Rebecca Mason Lidgerding ’78. Rebecca earned a B.S. in medical technology and was a flutist in the Ram Band and Wind Symphony. The deferred award will support students pursuing studies in music and biology.

Burt Lidgerding Scholarship for Biology Endowment and Burt Lidgerding Faculty

Excellence for Biology Endowment

Professor emeritus at Shepherd and former dean of the former School of Natural Science, Mathematics, and Engineering, Burt Lidgerding, Ph.D. established two new deferred awards. The Burt Lidgerding Scholarship for Biology Endowment will support students pursuing studies in biology. The Burt Lidgerding Faculty Excellence for Biology Endowment is designated to recruit, recognize, and retain outstanding biology faculty at Shepherd. P

BRENTON DOYLE’S NUMBER RETIRED after being

named Gold Glove Award Winner

by Chip Ransom

Shepherd University retired the number (22) uniform worn by former AllAmerican outfielder Brenton Doyle in a private ceremony on October 22, 2023, in the Student Center Storer Ballroom. Doyle, the starting center fielder for the Colorado Rockies in 2023, later met with fans to sign autographs and take photos. Doyle also took part in the pregame coin toss at the West Chester-Shepherd football game.

Doyle joins Shepherd Hall of Fame baseball player Nathan Minnich (34) as the only Shepherd student-athletes to have their numbers retired.

ESPN announced Doyle as the National League center fielder Gold Glove winner on November 5, 2023. The Gold Glove awards are given to players who have displayed superior fielding abilities at their position. Managers and coaches in each league vote for the awards.

Doyle, a rookie for the Rockies, has now won Gold Glove awards at the collegiate, minor league, and major league levels. P

COACH MONTE CATER

inducted into the 2023 College Football Hall of Fame

Ransom

Former Shepherd head coach Monte Cater was inducted into the 2023 College Football Hall of Fame class at the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas at the ARIA Resort & Casino on December 5, 2023.

Shepherd University and the National Football Foundation (NFF) held an NFF On-Campus Salute for 2023 College Football Hall of Fame inductee Monte Cater prior to kickoff of the East Stroudsburg-Shepherd game on November 4, 2023. P

Participating in the pregame ceremony are (l. to r.) Acting Athletics Director Melanie Ford, Head Football Coach Ernie McCook, Monte Cater, and National Football Foundation-Baltimore Chapter Representative Doug Duvall. by Chip

2023 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

The Class of 2023 are (l. to r.) Nathan Minnich, Ricky Schmitt, Jamie Ritchie, and Josh Kline. P

FALL RECAPS

FOOTBALL

The football team finished with a 9-3 overall mark with a 5-2 record in PSAC East action. Thirteen team members were named to the 2023 All-PSAC East Football Team. Seven Rams gained first team honors, while six were second team selections.

Junior quarterback Seth Morgan, redshirt-sophomore offensive guard Ty Lucas, redshirt-junior center James Bell, junior wide receiver Jeremiah Taylor, freshman return specialist Miles Greer, junior defensive lineman Jack Baxter, and sophomore defensive back Omari Terry were first team selections.

Morgan completed 239-of-364 passes for 2,970 yards and 24 touchdowns. He completed 20 passes or more in six contests. He was a two-time PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week choice.

Lucas and Bell anchored an offensive line that helped Shepherd rank 11th nationally in completion percentage (.655) and average 31.4 points per game.

Taylor led the Rams in receptions (66), receiving yards (859), and touchdown receptions (8). He had four games with 100 receiving yards or more.

Greer ranked fourth nationally in punt returns with a 17.6 average. He had an 86-yard punt return for a score against Southern Connecticut State.

Baxter has recorded 47 tackles (21 solos). He has 7.5 tackles-for-loss (-47 yards) and 4.0 sacks (-24 yards). He added a pass breakup and a quarterback hit.

Terry has posted 43 tackles with 24 solo stops. He added 6.5 tackles-for-loss (-21 yards) and a sack (-27 yards). Terry also had two pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble.

Redshirt-junior running back Malakai Brown, redshirt-sophomore offensive tackle Chandler Brown, redshirt-sophomore Brandon Carr, sophomore kicker James Bozek, redshirt-sophomore defensive lineman Nathan Muhle, and junior linebacker Harold O’Neal were second team choices.

Malakai Brown led the Rams in carries (187), rushing yards (1,099), rushing touchdowns (9), and total touchdowns (10). He added 37 receptions for 276 yards. Brown also has 10 kickoff returns for 276 yards, including a 100-yard return for a touchdown. Chandler Brown and Carr help anchor an offensive line that helped Shepherd rank 11th nationally in completion

percentage (.655) and average 31.4 points per game. Bozek topped the team in scoring with 73 points. He connected on 46-of-49 extra points and has been successful on 9-of-10 field goal attempts. Muhle had 21 tackles (12 solos) with 7.5 tackles-for-loss (-55 yards) and three sacks (-41 yards). He added a pass breakup and a forced fumble. O'Neal tied for the team lead with 71 tackles (37 solos) with 4.5 tackles-for-loss (-10 yards). He added three pass breakups and a forced fumble.

Additionally, five team members were named to the 2023 Academic All-District® Football team. Redshirt-junior defensive lineman Matt Bednarski, redshirt-sophomore defensive lineman Mike Forbes, redshirt-sophomore offensive lineman

Ty Lucas, graduate student long snapper Zach Frye, and sophomore tight end Brian Jester garnered CSC Academic All-District honors.

Bednarski boasts a 3.78 grade point average as a health promotion and exercise science major as an undergraduate while currently pursuing an MBA. He appeared in 12 games with 11 starts. Bednarski recorded 24 tackles with 13 solo stops. He added five tackles-for-loss (-18 yards) and three sacks (-15 yards). He also added a forced fumble, a pass breakup, and a blocked kick.

Forbes has a 3.51 grade point average as a recreation sports management major. Forbes appeared in 12 games with one start. He recorded 20 tackles (10 solos) with 1.5 tackles-for-loss (-6 yards) and a sack (-5 yards).

Lucas maintains a 3.67 grade point average as a business administration major. He appeared and started in all 12 games. Lucas garnered All-PSAC East first team honors for the past two seasons.

Frye has a 3.80 grade point average as a communication major as an undergraduate and is currently pursuing an MBA. He handled all the long snapping duties for the Rams in 2023.

Jester boasts a 3.92 grade point average as a recreation sports management major. He appeared in 12 games with nine starts. He had nine catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

MEN’S SOCCER

The men’s soccer team recorded a 3-11-3 overall mark with a 1-9-2 record in conference play. The Rams recorded wins over UDC (3-1), Shippensburg (21), and Pitt-Johnstown (2-1).

Junior forward/midfielder Mac Long earned 2023 All-PSAC East Second Team honors. Long appeared in 17 games with 16 starts. He was second on the team in scoring with four goals and one assist for nine points. Long tallied the game-winning goal on a penalty kick in a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Pitt-Johnstown.

Additionally, senior defender Conner Brown garnered College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors. Brown boasts a 3.96 grade point average as a biology major. Brown appeared and started in all 17 games for the Rams. He had one assist for one point for the season. He anchored a Shepherd defense that posted one shutout and allowed just one goal in six contests.

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

The men’s cross-country team competed in six meets in the fall 2023 season. The season was highlighted by a second place finish out of seven teams at the Hood College Blazer Blitz and sixth place showing out of 12 teams at the Don Cathcart Invitational hosted by Salisbury University.

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

The women’s cross-country team competed in five meets. The season was highlighted by a first place finish out of six teams at the Hood College Blazer Blitz and a sixth place finish out of 13 teams at the Don Cathcart Invitational.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

The women’s soccer team posted a 7-5-6 overall mark with a 5-5-6 record in conference play. The Rams posted their first winning season since 2005. Shepherd’s 5-5-6 conference mark is the program’s best record as a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).

Sophomore forward Lydia Gable was named a 2023 Second Team All-PSAC East selection. Gable appeared and started in all 18 games for the Rams. She topped the team in scoring with 10 goals and six assists for 26 points. She had four multiple-goal games and tallied three game-winning goals. Additionally, six team members earned CSC Academic All-District® honors. Junior midfielder Delaney Bittner, junior goalkeeper Alayna Burgamy, sophomore defender Clea Harper, graduate student forward/midfielder Sara Hohn, senior midfielder/forward Paris Kimbrell, and junior midfielder Myra Striebig gained honors.

Bittner maintains a 3.89 grade point average as a health promotion and exercise science major. She appeared and started in all 18 games. She recorded four goals and two assists for 10 points.

Burgamy boasts a 3.73 grade point average as a psychology major. She appeared and started in all 18 games. She had 1.27 goals against average with 78 saves. Burgamy recorded eight shutouts on the season.

Harper boasts a 3.71 grade point average as a health promotion and exercise science major. She appeared in all 18 games with 16 starts. She had one assist for one point on the year.

Hohn boasts a 4.0 grade point average while earning an MBA. She appeared and started in 12 games. She recorded three goals and six assists for 12 points. Hohn had one game-winning goal.

Kimbrell boasts a 3.83 grade point average as a business administration major. She appeared and started in all 18 games. She had one goal for two points.

Striebig boasts a 3.72 grade point average as a secondary education major. She appeared in 13 games with 12 starts.

VOLLEYBALL

The volleyball team posted a 14-15 overall record with a 9-5 mark in PSAC East action. Three members of the Shepherd University volleyball team were named to the 2023 All-PSAC East Team. Junior middle hitter Renee Killough earned first team honors, while senior libero Claire Ellis and freshman outside hitter Jordan Pryor garnered second team honors.

Killough played in all 29 matches with 27 starts. She tops the team in total blocks (131), block solos (28), and block assists (103). Killough added 204 kills, 82 digs, 23 aces, and eight assists. She gained PSAC East Athlete of the Week honors for Oct. 16, 2023. She ranks fifth nationally in total blocks (131) and 18th in blocks per set (1.21).

Ellis played in all 29 matches for the Rams. She tops the team in digs (511)

and aces (45). She added 100 assists and four kills. She was named to a pair of All-Tournament teams this season. Ellis recorded 20 digs or more in 10 contests this year. Her 511 digs this season are the fifth most in program history, while her 1,417 career digs place her fifth on the Shepherd all-time list.

Pryor appeared in 29 matches with 28 starts for the Rams. She led the team with 276 kills. She added 265 digs, 38 blocks (4 solos), 37 aces, and 19 assists.

Additionally, four team members were named to the 2023 Academic All-District® Women's Volleyball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators.

Senior setter Victoria Nicholes, senior libero Claire Ellis, junior middle blocker Joi Fairweather, and junior middle hitter Renee Killough have garnered CSC Academic All-District honors.

Nicholes carries a 3.96 grade point average as an environmental studies major. She topped the team in assists (804), was second in digs (272), fourth

in service aces (36), and fourth in blocks. Nicholes finished her career with 2,346 assists to rank fifth on the Shepherd’s all-time list.

Ellis boasts a 3.73 grade point average as a psychology/criminology major. The second team, All-PSAC East choice topped the team in digs (511) and aces (45). She added 100 assists and four kills.

Fairweather boasts a 3.56 grade point average as a nursing major. She appeared in all 29 matches with 20 starts. She recorded 266 kills, 82 blocks, 73 digs, and four assists. Her 266 kills were third while her 82 blocks were second on the team.

Killough carries a 3.67 grade point average as a biology major. Killough, a first team All-PSAC selection, topped the team in total blocks (131), block solos (28), and block assists (103). Killough added 204 kills, 82 digs, 23 aces, and eight assists. P

McClain-Corley, Jordan named TO ALL-PSAC EAST TEAM

by Chip Ransom

Senior guards Daniel McClain-Corley and Phillip Jordan of the men’s basketball team have been named to the 2023-24 All-PSAC East Men’s Basketball Team. McClainCorley, a repeat first-team selection, led the Rams in scoring with a 14.9 average. He added 119 rebounds, 45 assists, 19 steals, and 10 blocked shots. His 52 three-pointers topped the team. He totaled 1,222 career points to rank him 26th on the Shepherd all-time list. He added 379 career rebounds, 158 assists, 61 steals, and 35 blocked shots.

Jordan, a second-team choice, led the Rams in assists (4.4 apg) and steals (1.6 spg), while his 12.5 scoring average was second on the team. He added 112 rebounds and three blocked shots. He topped the team in minutes played with a 36.0 per game mark. His 1,133 career points rank him 33rd on the Shepherd all-time list, while his 349 career assists place him 13th on the Shepherd all-time list. Jordan’s 409 career rebounds rank him 39th. He has also added 109 steals and eight blocked shots in his career. P

GREER, MORGAN GAIN ALL-AMERICAN HONORS

by Chip Ransom

Freshman return specialist

Miles Greer and junior quarterback Seth Morgan of the football team were named to the 2023 Don Hansen Division II AllAmerica Team. Greer and Morgan earned honorable mention honors.

Greer ranked fourth nationally in punt returns with a 16.9 average. He had an 86-yard punt return for a score against Southern Connecticut State. He also added nine kickoff returns for 295 yards for a teambest 32.78 average and he played at defensive back and recorded 43 tackles (28 solos) with one tackle-forloss (-3 yards). Greer added three pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He was a two-time PSAC East Special Team Athlete of the Week selection.

Morgan completed 239of-364 passes for 2,970 yards and 24 touchdowns. He completed 20 passes or more in six contests and passed for 200 yards or more in nine. He was a twotime PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week choice. Morgan ranked 13th in NCAA II in passing yards (2,970) and 18th in passing yards per game (247.5). P