Arches - Winter 2018

Arches WINTER 2018

Tennessee Wesleyan University Magazine

Dear alumni and friends, You may have noticed that this magazine is a little different than past issues. We hope you find the new format aesthetically pleasing, as well as an effective vehicle to showcase the many great things that are going on at your University. As you read through this issue of Arches, you will quickly find some of the many reasons that I am honored to serve as the 21st President.

Our students, faculty and staff are impressive, and I am honored to work alongside them as we strengthen and create new academic programs, serve our community and make higher education accessible for many generations to come. I look forward to the launch of our new occupational therapy program, the Center of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Social Innovation through the Goodfriend School of Business and so much more.

We are especially thankful for so many of you who have provided such wonderful support to the Proud Heritage, Strong Future Campaign. Your gracious gifts have powered the campaign to historic heights and enabled the institution to make numerous strategic initiatives a reality.

We are thrilled with our progress on the Colloms Campus Center project. It is going to be a stunning building, with all the modern amenities that our students, faculty, staff and community deserve. This facility will radically change the landscape of campus and provide another community venue for our students to connect, dine and have access to vital support resources.

Thank you for showing your Bulldog Pride! We appreciate you encouraging students to attend TWU and your support of the Proud Heritage, Strong Future Campaign.

Filled with Bulldog Pride,

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Dr. Harley Knowles President

Arches

Tennessee Wesleyan University Magazine

Board of Trustees Members Mr. Allen F. Carter, CIC, Chair Mr. Hugh Queener ‘77, Vice Chair Rev. Dr. Vant Hardaway ‘71, Secretary Stephen W. Brumit ‘80 The Honorable Jerri S. Bryant ‘84 Dr. Stephen Byrum, Ph.D. ‘69 The Honorable Carl E. Colloms ‘64 Mr. Jeffery L. Cunningham ‘90 Price Foster, Ph.D. ‘63 Mr. Paul H. Gaffney ‘90 Ms. Laurie Hallenberg, J.D. Danny R. Hays, M.D. ‘57 Ms. Tenna Hornsby‘84 Mr. Bryan Jackson Mr. William (Bill) Killbride ‘72 Don J. King Jr., M.D. ‘68 Mr. Rick Lay ‘78 Mr. Larry Mauldin Dr. Regenia L. Mayfield ‘59 Rev. Dan Moore ‘74 Charles (Butch) Peccolo Ms. Patricia B. Purushotham Rev. Thomas (Tom) Reed ‘73 Mr. Jason Robertson Mr. Jerry Smith ‘61 Mr. J Lee Stewart ‘72 Hugh Walker III ‘65 Dr. Larry D. Wallace Mr. Mark White ‘76 Mr. Jim Winer Ms. Shirley S. Woodcock ‘78 Director of Marketing & Communications Katherine Davis Writers Dan Digmann Makenzie S. Tucker Graphic Design Joanna Rowell Photographers Tommy Botello Ben Finch Joanna Rowell

Alumni Tennessee Wesleyan

A S S O C I A T I O N

Alumni Association Board of Directors Erica Peden ‘14 President Meloyne Adams ‘93 Joshua Bragg ‘14 Matt Dannel ‘09 Judi Davis ‘71 Ashley Ervin ‘10 Nathan Ervin ‘ 11 Dana Ferguson ‘13 ‘17 Matt Harper ‘13 ‘17 Abriel Hardaway ‘13 Frank Horning ‘75 Dianne Mitchell ‘81 Karen Morrow ‘15 ‘17 Greg Moses ‘07 Jordon Nelson ‘12 Mason Onstott ‘12 Karen Raby ‘13 Brooke Satkowiak ‘03 Lacey Stewart ‘06

features

in every issue

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2017 Homecoming Recap

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Letter from the President

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TWU’s Harvey Heroes

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University Updates

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The Pride That Binds

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Advancement Update

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2017 Winter Commencement Recap

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Academic Updates

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Sam & Stella Roberts Endowment

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Faculty Spotlight

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Athletic Updates

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In Loving Memory of

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In Memoriam

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In Honor of

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Class Notes

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Cover Profile

Subscribe to Arches!

Want Arches delivered to your inbox rather than your mailbox? Visit www.tnwesleyan.edu/arches and learn how to subscribe to the digital edition.

Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations Randy Nelson ‘93 Director of Alumni and Donor Relations Haley Duncan ‘16 Director of Development Lacey McDonald

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University Updat U.S. News and World Report Rankings

Day of Service

The 2018 U.S. News and World Report education rankings were released fall 2017, and Wesleyan, again, is ranked in the top 20 of best regional colleges in the South.

Christmas Tree Lighting and Reception On Dec. 4, 2017, the campus and Athens communities joined to welcome in the Christmas season at the annual campus tree lighting.

The Athens Area Children’s Choir performed, TWU students led prayer and scripture readings and the night concluded with a countdown and lighting of the tree.

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On October 26, all first-year TWU students participated in the annual Day of Service. nearly 300 students, faculty and staff volunteered 1,500 hours at a variety of organizations throughout McMinn county.

Campus Security Officer Wins Regional Award TWU Campus Safety Officer, Stacy Shirk, was named “Employee of the Year” for Dynamic Security’s Knoxville District.

Officer Shirk was presented his award

by Pamela Pauley, District Manager for Dynamic.

tes Expanding Services for Military Veteran Students

Becoming a Gigabyte Campus In early fall 2017, the TWU campus upgraded bandwidth to become a gigabyte campus. This upgrade provides students, faculty and staff educational and entertainment resources expected on a college campus.

LEA Super Summit Luncheon

Pictured left to right: Tennessee Sen. Mike Bell, Rep. John Forgety, TWU Registrar Julie McCaslin, Director of Veteran Services Nicole Mullaney, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Grant Willhite.

TWU has received a grant through the Veteran Reconnect program, established a Veterans Services Office and earned a 2018 Military Friendly School Designation from G.I. Jobs. The grant program focuses on improving the assessment of prior learning for student veterans returning to college, helping them more easily convert previous military experience into college credit and improving the transition between military service and postsecondary education.

The Department of Education hosted 37 local principals, central office supervisors and directors of schools for the 2017 Fall Local Education Agency (LEA) Super Summit Luncheon. The partners offered helpful feedback, as well as expressing appreciation for the quality of our students, student teachers and graduates.

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2017 Homecoming Recap

President Dr. Harley Knowles welcomes alumni and discusses exciting new initiatives happening around campus.

Alumni, faculty, staff, current students, friends and family together enjoying a BBQ tailgate lunch and live entertainment.

Local artist, Cole Sitzlar, and his band provided entertainment for those attending the BBQ tailgate lunch.

The cheerleaders and Wesley get the crowd excited by leading spirit-filled cheers.

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Hunter Simpson helps lead the Lady Bulldogs to a win against Carver Bible College with a score of 63-43.

Carol Aebersold, co-author of the book “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition,” was our key note speaker for the Alumni Awards Breakfast.

Piper Smallen is getting her own copy of the book signed

by Carol. She attended TWU in 1967.

The Tennessee Wesleyan University Concert Choir performs for alumni, family and friends.

Harry Howard ‘67 and Joe Eldridge ‘67 spent some time reminiscing at their 50th year reunion.

Bo ‘74 and Lynn Perkinson ‘76 speaking with Dr. Burkette Witt ‘14 H at the Alumni Awards Breakfast.

HOMECOMING AWARDS Visit www.tnwesleyan.edu/alumni/alumni-awards to read more about each recipient.

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1 - 1967 Men’s Basketball Team TWU’s First Team of Honor

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3 3 2 - J. Neal Ensminger Distinguished Alumnus Award: Ellen Naff Kimball ’79

4 - 2017 Hall of Fame Inductees Pictured left to right: Tara Lynn Young ‘96, Nathan Blanton ‘00, Travis Baldridge ‘95, Eric Lawrence ‘93, Thomas Dexter Hughes ‘93, (not pictured) Dr. Bill Battle ‘56

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Pictured left to right: Greg Moses, outgoing president, Ellen Naff Kimball, and Erica Allen, incoming Alumni Board President

3 - Robbie J. Ensminger Friend of Wesleyan Award: Matthew Harper ‘13 (middle)

Transformational Campaign Succcess Since its launch in 2013, the Proud Heritage, Strong Future Campaign continues to serve as the catalyst that has accelerated the university’s strategic plan. The amazing generosity of alumni and friends has exceeded campaign expectations and has set new historic levels in charitable giving to the University in a single fiscal year. So far, this campaign has generated gifts and commitments totaling more than $19 million with the campaign conclusion scheduled for December 2018.

The campaign has four main priorities: facility enhancements, faculty and instructional support, scholarships and the TWU annual fund. Each priority encompasses specific projects designed to meet strategic initiatives.

We hope you will join us on this exciting journey and become part of this historic campaign. For more information, please contact the Advancement Office at 423.746.5330 or email advancement@tnwesleyan.edu.

Campaign Impact Highlights • Reece Hall - grand opening October 2016 • Construction of the Colloms Campus Center underway • Creation of $3.6 million of new annual and endowed scholarships for students as of December 2017 • Kilbride Nature Sanctuary established March 2014

• Ginny Elliott Financial Investment Center and Goodfriend Seminar Room established in Elliott Hall March 2016 • Bulldog Fitness Complex established in fall 2016 • MBA online program launched fall 2014 • Social work program launched fall 2016

• Engineering science program launched fall 2017 • Professional leadership in criminal justice program launched fall 2017 • Director of occupational therapy program hired summer 2017 • Established the Goodfriend School of Business March 2017

Colloms Campus Center Expected to be completed January 2019 Arches Winter 2018

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TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY’S

HOW ONE GROUP OF STUDENTS DEFINE BULLDOG PRIDE THROUGH SERVANT LEADERSHIP. Written By: Makenzie S. Tucker Senior, international studies major Expected graduation May 2018 Alternative break trips have a predetermined notion to be boring and full of work. Our trip to Beaumont, Texas was anything but that. The group of students that went, accompanied by Dean Mashburn and Todd Humbert, were eager and willing to do whatever was necessary at the time. We completed two projects during our three work days. Each day brought new challenges, and we tackled them smoothly, working as a team every step of the way.

At Frank’s house, our main goal for the day was to clear out all his flooring so that he and his family could come back in and replace it with new flooring. We split up into groups of two and three and picked a room to start in.

The floor was more damaged than we originally thought and it caused one of our team members, Emma W., to fall partially through the floor. This incident gave us an opportunity to work as a team, and as the established team, we moved forward to work together to point out weak spots on the floor for each other. This incident also gave us an opportunity to share a memory and, later, laugh together.

The next two days we moved locations and worked on Hilda’s house. Hilda’s home had had much more damage, with water reaching from floor to ceiling. Her home required a bit more creativity when it came to dividing up tasks.

We would need to tear down every single wall, as well as the cabinets and other furniture from the back room, which, sadly, was hit the hardest. It took us two days, but we got all of the walls down and cleaned up. We were able to save a few keepsakes like kitchenware and her church hats - some of the items she desperately wanted saved if possible.

All in all, this trip was spent with a great team of servants for the people of Beaumont, Texas. We also had a free day spent at NASA and the Kemah Boardwalk, but you could tell by the energy we all shared at the project sites that NASA was never the reason for coming on the trip. It was merely a bonus to the knowledge that we were able to help two families. We were able to help begin the process of rebuilding their lives after a devastating hurricane, three and a half months after the damage occurred.

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Academic Updat Tennessee Wesleyan faculty and the Office of Academic Affairs are committed to providing excellence in more than 30 majors currently offered to TWU undergraduate students. We are also committed to developing new programs to meet the demand in our prospective student pool, giving even more undergraduates the opportunity to experience the TWU difference. We are likewise committed to undergirding our current students with the best tools available for their success.

Dr. Grant Willhite, Vice President for Academic Affairs

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Our first group of engineering science students began this past fall. The program was developed in collaboration with Tennessee Technological University to provide a 2+2 pathway for engineering students. These students will first obtain a foundation at TWU in the science and mathematics necessary for engineering and then transfer to TTU for their final two years. Upon the completion of their degree at TTU, these students will receive a degree from TWU in Engineering Science in addition to their engineering degree from TTU.

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Dr. Patrice Cole, director of the Kilbride Nature Sanctuary (KNS), worked with the Natural Sciences Department to develop a biology emphasis in environmental science. This new area of study will give students the opportunity to specialize in the study of environmental science and conservation.

These students will utilize KNS for research and course laboratories. Dr. Cole was instrumental in securing significant foundation funding for research stipends and scholarships for environmental science students.

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The social work program continued to pursue accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education with a site visit in October. Linda Garza and Tammy Walker have created a dynamic and rigorous social work program built on the firm foundation of TWU’s historically popular human services program.

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Several initiatives aimed at student success were rolled out in fall 2017. Trained and paid tutors in math, science and writing were introduced, in addition to Neff Scholar Tutors and volunteers, resulting in a significant increase in number of tutoring hours used and tutoring sessions attended.

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TWU students continue to travel across the globe for study abroad opportunities. Recent trips have resulted in students studying in France, New Zealand, Japan, Peru, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Planned opportunities in the near future include Australia and New Zealand, Ireland and Costa Rica.

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Dr. Martha Maddox, Associate Dean of the TWU Goodfriend School of Business, and Anne Montgomery, Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives, continue work on a track of study in innovation and entrepreneurship. This track will likely result in an interdisciplinary course of study linking students from across campus with course work and other programs to stimulate creativity and entrepreneurship.

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The TWU-Fort Sanders Nursing program established a relationship with Maryville College to allow Maryville pre-nursing students to seamlessly transfer to the TWU nursing program. Previously, Maryville College had partnered with Vanderbilt University. This arrangement will allow these students to receive a Maryville College Bachelor of Science degree in addition to their TWU Bachelor of science in nursing (pending SACSCOC approval).

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Faculty and student scholarship is an important part of the TWU experience. Recently, students in the natural sciences presented posters of their original research in the areas as diverse as histology, materials chemistry, and organic synthesis. Recent faculty accomplishments include the publication of “Narrative, Race, and Ethnicity in the United States” (The Ohio State University Press) co-edited by Dr. Shaun Morgan, Associate Professor of English. Dr. Dan Gilbert, Professor of Business Administration, self-published his second novel, “Escape from Cairo.”

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Robert Mullaney Associate Professor and Founding Director of the Occupational Therapy program

Credentials bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy Master of Business Administration (specializing in health services) doctorate in business administration (specializing in management), doctorate in occupational therapy

Previous experience: 17+ years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist multiple years of occupational therapy program start-up and teaching experience served in various capacities, from staff OT, to pediatric hospital rehab. manager, hospital assistant director, OTA program director, business consultant and entrepreneur Originally from the Miami, Florida area, Dr. Mullaney joined TWU after relocating from Richmond, KY where he taught MOT and occupational science students and served as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at Eastern Kentucky University.

Dr. Robert Mullaney is developing a pre-occupational therapy concentration. This new area of study was developed in conjunction with our Health and Human Performance Department and will provide an undergraduate pathway that gives TWU students the best track for admittance to the MOT program. The first pre-OT course will be offered in the spring of 2018.

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SAVE

THE DATE

Homecoming 2018 November 9-11

IRA

Help further the mission of Tennessee Wesleyan University with the

CHARITABLE ROLLOVER

If you are 70 ½ or older you can avoid taxes on direct transfers of up to $100,000 from your IRA while impacting the lives of students at TWU! Learn more by visiting www.tnwesleyan.edu/ira or contact the Advancement Office at 423.746.5330 or advancement@tnwesleyan.edu.

The Pride That Binds

However you define it, TWU is a community connected through Bulldog Pride.

Dan Digmann “Bulldog Pride” is the real deal.

Sure, the term eludes some sort of a formal definition, but any person connected to Tennessee Wesleyan University knows exactly what Bulldog Pride means.

That’s because it’s more than just a slogan slapped on a T-shirt, hashtagged on a Tweet or painted in white on a royal blue wall.

Bulldog Pride is a confident feeling that comes from being connected to a thriving community that is grounded in more than 155 years of tradition and extends beyond the 40-acre campus in Athens, Tennessee.

And this feeling sparks the never-ending series of student, faculty, staff and alumni stories like the few that are featured here.

Each one is different, but they all are tied by that one common and prideful thread.

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Heather Jaramillo, 2013 alumna Heather is head of the physical education department and head girls’ basketball coach at Sweetwater High School in Sweetwater, Tennessee. She married her high school sweetheart and college best friend, Hector Jaramillo, and in July 2017, they welcomed their first child, Harrison Lee. “From my time spent as a Lady Bulldog for Coach Jeff Rice, I learned a lot about perseverance, dedication and hard work. Bulldog Pride to me meant using my passion for basketball to be the best player, teammate and student for my school.”

TWU state of mind “Bulldog Pride is cherishing the relationships made through my athletic and academic journey.

It is knowing that with hard work and dedication you can accomplish what you put your mind to.

I believe TWU taught me that.”

Paying the pride forward “I am using the same principles I learned at TWU and putting them to practice. I found that when students feel they are appreciated, my students work harder at their education, and my players work harder on the court.”

Lesa Allmon, TWU catering director Lesa has worked at TWU for more than 11 years. She connects with students every day and said she wants them to know the university truly is their home away from home.

“Our faculty and staff go out of their way when a student or someone in the community needs help. Being a small campus is a major plus. You aren’t lost in the crowd or just a number in a classroom. With our campus being on a smaller scale, every person here is someone special.”

Actions speak louder than words “You don’t tell students about Bulldog Pride. You show it. You show it when they walk through the door of the dining hall with a smile and hello. It’s a sense of knowing that you are part of the big team, and we all get to play in the game, not just certain people.”

Community-wide pride “Walking down the main streets in Athens, you see a TWU sign in a window. TWU isn’t just a university, it is a community inside of a community that is filled with pride in what we stand for and what we do each day.”

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Todd Humbert, TWU residence life director Todd grew up in Athens, Tennessee, and he’s served as the TWU director of residence life since July 2017. His wife, Michelle Hand Humbert, graduated from TWU in 2004. They have been married for more than 12 years and have three children.

“I think that TWU has a lot to offer to more than just the surrounding community, and I hope the name of TWU is able to expand to a wider audience. What’s been exciting is to see the cooperation between departments and offices, the family-like atmosphere, the approachability of the faculty and the friendliness of the staff.”

Points of Bulldog Pride “Our faculty take the time to invest in each student from a place of caring. Also, in Residence Life we want to not only have students’ immediate future in mind, but we want to make investments that will last long beyond their time at TWU.”

Shaking the status quo “I want our residents to make memories that will outlast their time here. What I hope happens is that we, as an institution, do whatever it takes to rise above the status quo and put TWU’s name on the map for people all over the U.S. and the world.”

Sarah Quillen, 2017 alumna Sarah is a Quality Divisional Team Leader at Morgan Olson in Loudon, Tennessee. She was in her mid 40s, was a single mother to a 16-year-old son at home and had a grown married son and two grandchildren when she pursued her business degree.

“Living in Athens, TWU was only five minutes from my house. I knew a couple of students and they told me about the small classes and more personal relationships with teachers. I chose to become a Bulldog myself.”

Ageless efforts “I was a 46-year-old adult in day classes for two years with mostly young students right out of high school. They made me feel welcome, and I generally forgot my age. Moving into the Management Excellence classes put me with more mature adults that were also just as much pleasure to be with.”

Pride in the workplace

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“It takes us all working together and not judging others for being different. Bulldog Pride has helped me carry this attitude to my workplace. As a leader, I know everyone is different and each carries a different talent to the table. Together we can do it.”

Matt Harper, 2013 and 2017 alumnus Matt is the assistant director of transfer recruitment at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. He and his wife, Katie Morgan-Harper – also a proud TWU alumna, were married in August 2017 and live outside the Washington, D.C. area. He’s the fifth member of his family to attend TWU. Two of his aunts, one uncle, and his mother attended TWU, and his brother will graduate in May 2018.

“I had four other members of my family before me leave a legacy at Wesleyan, and I felt like I wanted to continue that and build upon their reputation. Also, once I started my sophomore year at TWU, I truly felt like I was becoming a part of something bigger than me and it felt right.”

Pride in personal bests “Wanting and feeling the need to help and assist people in being the best person they can be is where I see Bulldog Pride. Whether it be the professors, staff, students or volunteers, TWU wants and looks to assist people in every way that they can.”

Going Greek at TWU “I first realized Bulldog Pride when I became involved with my fraternity on campus, Delta Zeta Phi. I then realized that I could use my involvement with the men’s basketball team and other organizations on campus to not only improve myself but my alma mater as a whole.”

Check out more stories and see how current students define Bulldog Pride at www.tnwesleyan.edu/bulldogpride.

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ATHLETIC UPDATES

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Hunter Simpson Scores 1,000th Career Point on January 2nd In the game against Appalachian Athletic Conference foe Reinhardt University, junior Hunter Simpson became the 24th Lady Bulldog to score 1,000 career points with her three-point basket in the second quarter. Hunter currently sits at 1,185 points, slotting her at 16 on the scoring list.

Hunter Simpson Named AAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week Hunter Simpson has been honored as the AAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week four times this season. The most recent weekly award came for the junior in the 11th edition of the awards on January 28.

WOMEN’S SOCCER Women’s Soccer Makes History with Postseason Run The women’s soccer program won their first-ever NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship Tournament game this past season, beating The Master’s University (Calif.) 3-0.

The win put the team in the first Elite Eight in the program’s history and made them the first women’s program at TWU to play in a quarterfinal game.

Women’s Soccer Earns Highest Ever Ranking After their historic run in the postseason, the women’s soccer program garnered the highest ranking in the program’s history. The Lady Bulldogs came in at 11 in the final poll of the 2017 season.

TENNIS Alum Francisco Gallardo Selected To Lead Men’s And Women’s Tennis Programs Francisco Gallardo, a 2016 graduate from TWU and four-year men’s tennis player, was hired to the post of head coach for the men’s and women’s tennis teams.

Gallardo had an overall record of 119-49 as a player.

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WOMEN’S LACROSSE Derrel Martin Hired to Lead Women’s Lacrosse Program In late August, athletic director Donny Mayfield announced the hiring of Derrel Martin as head women’s lacrosse coach. Martin brings a decade worth of experience to the Lady Bulldogs program, and looks to build on a program which won the 2017 Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament Championship.

TRACK & FIELD Sam Roberts Hired as Cross Country/Track and Field Coach A familiar face takes over the Cross Country/Track and Field programs as assistant coach Sam Roberts steps into the head coach spot. Roberts has head coaching experience as he was the head coach at Knoxville West High School for 21 years and has won multiple heading coaching awards.

Josh Parson Named AAC Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week Josh Parson has been honored as the AAC Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week in three of the four announcements of the weekly awards, the most recent coming on January 23. Josh currently ranks 2nd in the 60m Dash and 1st in the 200m Dash in the NAIA. Josh won the 60m Dash and 200m Dash at the ETSU Indoor Track and Field Invitational.

BASEBALL Billy Berry Returns to the Helm of the TWU Baseball Program The baseball program at TWU brings back a constant force in the program’s history as former head coach Billy Berry returned to the program as head coach. Berry was with TWU from 2005-2015, winning the NAIA Baseball National Championship in 2012.

THREE STUDENT-ATHLETES NAMED 2017 DAKTRONICS-NAIA SCHOLAR-ATHLETE TEAM The NAIA announced their 2017 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete Teams for men’s and women’s soccer and TWU combined for three members. McKenna Loges and Skotti Bullington of the women’s soccer team and Jacob Loper of the men’s soccer were named to the team.

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Winter Commencement Recap

Rev. Dr. Sam Roberts encourages graduates to live a life of quality, not quantity.

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Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Award recipient, Stephen Bryant.

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Award recipient, Brittany Spence.

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s the 84 graduates lined up outside, their family, friends and supporters filled the seats of Townsend Auditorium with an excitement and anticipation unique to a winter commencement ceremony.

“The winter commencement is always special. Given the number of graduates, we are able to house the ceremonies in Townsend auditorium. The venue is decorated for Christmas, our traditional candlelight ceremony is blended into the program, and all of this combines to make this commencement an intimate, family event,” says Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Grant Willhite.

Commencement speaker, and former Tennessee Wesleyan professor, Rev. Dr. Sam Roberts addressed the graduates, commending them on finishing the race and winning the prize.

Throughout his address, Roberts spoke of the transcending power the TWU community has. Using stories from his time at Tennessee Wesleyan he shared how one community can come together - share love, care and compassion to change the way we look at life. Ending his address, Roberts encouraged the graduates, “qualitatively, you can look at a community – even

perhaps this community – and you can look at your life, and death, and see much more than what’s physical and quantitative.

I hope and pray that you will. That you will live a life fulfilled, not unfulfilled. That you will think about the quality of your life, and not just its quantity.”

In total, the list of degrees conferred included ten Masters of Business Administration, 73 Bachelor of Science and one Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In addition, the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Awards were presented to the male and female undergraduate students with the highest cumulative grade-point average.

During this sixth winter commencement, there was no shortage of bulldog pride as the graduates were welcomed into the alumni family.

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Endowment Honors Epitome

n 2017 conversations between the advancement staff and faculty members in the philosophy and religion department began about a way to honor Rev. Dr. Samuel and Rev. Stella Roberts - ultimately resulting in the development of The Samuel R. and Stella M. Roberts Chair of Philosophy and Religion endowment.

The endowed chair will be awarded to a faculty member in the philosophy and religion department that demonstrates qualities set by the example of the Roberts’ service and leadership. It will further the department and the development of future students at TWU. The belief in the impact is shared by donors: “I believe it will enhance the work of deserving professors and provide extraordinary opportunities for students as they prepare to serve in the spirit of United Methodist traditions and faith,” shares donor, Cindy Massingale.

More than 30 people have contributed gifts to establish the fund, including a matching challenge from Dr. Lynn and Cindy Massingale. Cindy reflects, “I think the world of Sam and Stella. I wanted to be a part of honoring them and establishing a legacy for the future.” Having worked at TWU for many years, she understands how an endowed fund will help the department and the student experience.

Cindy shares that the Roberts are the epitome of Bulldog pride and what the university stands for. “It’s not an exaggeration to say that virtually every student who attended TWU during their tenure came in contact with one of them and were positively impacted by them.”

Gifts can still be made, ensuring the endowment will grow and continue to impact faculty and students at Tennessee Wesleyan. To donate, visit www.tnwesleyan.edu/give.

of Bulldog Pride

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF 1940 Rudolph A. Hoppe Hixson, TN November 8, 2017 1942 Kathryn R. Ball Cleveland, TN December 28, 2017 1944 Martha E. Buttram Athens, TN August 30, 2017 1946 Geraldine G Gustin Naperville, IL October 12, 2017 Hugh F. Henderson Oak Ridge, TN October 5, 2017 1948 Nancy Wilkins Burn Athens, TN November 24, 2017

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James E, Johnson, Jr. Athens, TN December 24, 2017

Frances Tollett Cannon Nashville, TN November 25, 2017

Edwin F. McKenzie Athens, TN August 18, 2017

1952 Margaret Reynolds Cocoa Beach, FL July 9, 2017

Damon Mitchell Sevierville, TN October 9, 2017 Max A. Trew Riceville, TN October 28, 2017 1949 Betty J. Faulkner Chattanooga, TN August 11, 2017 1951 Bobby L. Byrum Athens, TN November 18, 2017 Charlotte A. Crutchfield Dalton, GA October 6, 2017

Lela A. Tinney Chattanooga, TN December 1, 2017 1954 Charles A. O’Rear Flintstone, GA November 11, 2017 1955 Eleanor Roberts Dannel Athens, TN August 29, 2017 Earl Keahey Spring City, TN August 24, 2017

Anne H. Longley Franklin, TN September 10, 2017

1957 George W. Wilson Wharton, NJ September 4, 2017 Hugh O. Wilson Athens, TN October 3, 2017 1958 Charles E. Lanier Richmond, VA November 28, 2017 John B. Milton, Sr. N. Smyrna Beach, FL August 19, 2017 Jasper Rogers Dalton, GA January 23, 2017 1959 Clara L. Huguley Birmingham, AL September 30, 2017 Jimmy Parris Athens, TN November 9, 2017

Wilbern R. Rhea Rockwood, TN September 15, 2017 1960 Josie A. Hoback Hixson, TN January 5, 2018 Dr. Robert J. Shearer Etowah, TN November 25, 2017 1961 Jewell B. Barnard Athens, TN August 17, 2017

1970 Johnny E. Coe Delano, TN October 6, 2017 James Copenhaver, Jr. Ooltewah, TN September 16, 2017

1980 Edward K. Taylor Knoxville, TN December 29, 2017 1993 Horace P. Moore II Niota, TN August 6, 2017

1972 Sidney C. Milsaps Knoxville, TN July 20, 2017

2009 Pamela E. Tucker Madisonville, TN December 29, 2017

Donald Shaw Knoxville, TN July 19, 2017

Friends of Wesleyan: Mary S Longmire Arnold Andersonville, TN August 22, 2017

1967 Charles Davidson II Newnan, GA July 4, 2017

1973 Robert K. Perry Athens, TN January 10, 2018

1969 Lamous L. Arnwine Englewood, TN November 24, 2017

1974 Gene D. Griffitts Maryville, TN July 9, 2017 Wallace F. Fowler, Jr. Athens, TN January 12, 2018

Una F. Campbell Akins Riceville, TN October 27, 2017 James W. Sherman Athens, TN January 6, 2018

Helen Grills Mt. Juliet, TN September 8, 2017 Grace L. (Hamby) Smith Tullahoma, TN July 1, 2017 Employees of Wesleyan: Connie Clary Akers Athens, TN September 5, 2017 Arches Winter 2018

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IN MEMORIAM Martha Ann Wampler Abbott Mrs. Joyce C. Bagwell Connie Akers Mr. Charles M. Davis Mrs. Judi H. Davis Mr. J. R. Dodson, Jr. Dr. Shelley F. Griffith Mrs. Beverly Harrison Miss Betty Keirn Mr. James E. Kirkland Ms. Dean McKeehan Mr. James W. Thompson Raymond Bowering Dr. James G. Clark Jack Bowling Mr. Melvin Reynolds Mrs. Oda Browder Dr. James G. Clark G. Larry Burger Mrs. Edna B. Burger Mr. & Mrs. Frank Buttram Mr. Larry A. Gaby Willis F. Buttram, Jr. Dr. James G. Clark

Nancy W. Dooley Burn Mr. George R. Arrants Jr Mrs. Jean D. Arrants Mr. Chris Champion Mr. Thomas L. Dooley Mr. John N. Foy Ms. Valerie Rutledge Ms. Margaret Stein Dr. Kathleen K. Wheatley

Eric Martin Eaves Mr. Marvin L. Eaves

Gene Griffitts Mrs. Denise B. Wood

Margaret Beaty Echols Mrs. Nancy E. Sentell

Charles, Alice, Cecil, & Mary Hardin Dr. James G. Clark

Emmagene Cate Ms. Emily S. Cate

Dwain & Sheila Farmer Mrs. Anne D. Fleenor

Dr. Carl Honaker Mr. Dan E. Self

Claude Catron Mr. Virgil Mincy

Mrs. Sam N. Foster Mr. John Edmonds Jr Dr. J. P. Foster

Jack & Charlotte Houts Dr. James G. Clark

Inez Clemmer Miss Wanda F. Sutton Harold Coker Mr. William L. Snyder H.L. & Lucile Davis Mrs. Anne D. Fleenor Judge William Dender Mr. Carroll L. Ross Durwood Dunn Dr. Myra K. Peavyhouse

Robbie Ensminger Dr. Lillian A. Cook Mrs. Betty Grater

Charles M. Fullgraf The Fullgraf Foundation Gen. Warren & Katherine Giles Dr. James G. Clark Mr. Doug Greene Mr. Daniel C Smith Dr. Mary Greenhoe Miss Elizabeth L. Fronk Mr. Richard E. Swett

Jacquelyn Seaborn Hawk Mr. Robert J. Hawk

Nancy Ketchersid Howard (class of 1966) Dr. Harry L. Howard Doris Jones Colonel Linda J. Shockley James E. Johnson Mr. S. T. Hamilton Sara Beggs Kay Dr. Toombs H. Kay Jr Margaret Kesterson Reynolds Mrs. Shirley S. Overton

Sara Jo Emert Kramer Mr. Roy F. Kramer Jackson C. Kramer Melrose Foundation, Inc. Mae Cannon Logan Mr. James E. Johnson Anne Hayes Longley Agnes C. Cash Mrs. Barbara P. Deal Mr. William R. Steves Dale R. Ledford NashTrash Tours Ms. Jeannie D. Williams Suzanne Maloney Mr. Steven D. McArthur Dr. W.C. Mason Mrs. Helen S. Clark Geneva Maxey McArthur Mr. Steven D. McArthur Cecil McFarland Ms. Mary R. McFarland Jody McKenry Mrs. Deborah P. Koger

Sidney Milsaps Mr. Daniel C. Smith

Herbert Reed Mr. James C. Reed

Rev. Damon Mitchell Mrs. Barbara P. Deal Mrs. Margaret B. Green

Rev. Ray E. Robinson Dr. and Mrs. Douglas and Sharon Vanderbilt

George Oliphant Holston Conf. UMC Foundation, Inc. Agent

James Sherman Dr. Martha E. Maddox

Charles E. Peavyhouse Mr. Harmon L. Jolley Dr. Myra K. Peavyhouse Ray M. Peavyhouse Dr. Myra K. Peavyhouse Robert “Bob” Perry Mr. Stephen E. Henley Dr. Martha E. Maddox Dr. Scott A Mashburn Mrs. Cynthia B. Massingale Dr. Shelley F. Griffith Englewood United Methodist Church Chuck & Kay Redfern Mr. and Mrs. Jerry N. Estes Elizabeth Reed Mr. Phillip J. Reed

Ken Wilburn Mrs. Deborah L. Hunter Mr. James C. Richardson Pam C. Wilson Mr. C. H. Wilson

Jane Shultz Dr. James G. Clark Jack & Helen Thacker Dr. James G. Clark Jack Thompson Mrs. Barbara S. Thompson Lela A. Tinney Mr. H. P. Tinney President Charles Turner Mrs. Mary I. Pringle Mrs. John (Barbara) Ward Mrs. Ann Gass Genevieve Wiggins Dr. Myra K. Peavyhouse

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IN HONOR OF Class of 1957 Mrs. Barbara P. Deal

Linda Garza-Small M.S.S.W Mr. James W. Thompson

Drs. Tom and Diane Long Mrs. Kathy L. Garner

Class of 1961 Mr. Richard J. Besch

Bob and Wendy Goodfriend Mr. R. Carter Runyan Hon. Jerri Bryant

Geneva M. McArthur Mr. Steven D. McArthur

Don L. Banner Mrs. Lynn B. Nicholas Bill & Judy D. Biddle Dr. James G. Clark Dr. Joseph “Leo” Collins Ginger Brown’s Academy of Performing Arts Dr. Harley Knowles and Cindy Coulson Mrs. Grace C. Keith

Jim & Nancy H. Grant Dr. James G. Clark

John & Della Sue Middleton Mrs. Tenna M. Hornsby Mr. William C. Garner

Dr. Danny Hayes Mr. George W. Thorogood, Jr.

Patricia Hickman Price Mr. Richard C. Price

Bryan A. Jackson Jackson and Runyan CPA, PLLC

Rev. Drs. Samuel and Stella Roberts Mr. & Mrs. Ralph and Lushep Baldwin Dr. & Mrs. Robert and Patricia Bledsoe Mr. & Mrs. Doug and Kate Bledsoe Mr. & Mrs. Hal and Susan Buttram Ms. Pat Chester Ms. Ruth Chiga Dr. Jim & Karen Dawson Dr. Chris Dover Mrs. Shannon Earle Mrs. Alice Engsminger Rev. Charles Ensminger Dr. Sean Hayden Dr. Suzanne Hine Mr. & Mrs. Bryan and Beth Jackson Ms. Nicole Krewson Mr. & Mrs. Rick and Dawn Lay

Hazel Cannon Johnson Mrs. Barbara W. Patterson

Sean & Reid Clanton Ms. Brenda Clanton

Betty Keirn Mrs. Josephine A. Jackson

Barbara & Ed Deal Dr. James G. Clark

Grace Coates Keith Dr. James G. Clark

Dwain & Sally Ealy Mrs. Ellen E. Petree

Bill & Betty Hardin King Dr. James G. Clark

Dr. Bill & Carolyn Foree Dr. James G. Clark

Nellie Hutsell Kyker-Sliger Happy 91st Birthday Mr. William B. Pemberton

Richard & Nancy French Dr. James G. Clark

Amy Eastridge Lawson Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Eastridge

Ms. Dorothy Leann Long Dr. Lynn and Mrs. Cindy Massingale Mr. & Mrs. Scottie and Lisa Mayfield Dr. William McDonald Mr. Greg Moses Mr. Randy Nelson Dr. & Mrs. Phil and Karen Ott Mr. Matthew Pinson Hon. Jerri Bryant and Mr. Carter Runyon Mr. & Mrs. Mark and Laura Seaton Mr. Steve Slaughter Mr. & Mrs. Jerry and Shirley Smith Rev. & Mrs. Jason and Jill Stuckey Mr. & Mrs. Hunter and Kathrine Watson Rev. Carol Wilson Debbie F. Samples Mrs. Anne D. Fleenor Jerry & Shirley Smith Dr. James G. Clark Mrs. Joy Smith Mrs. Ann Gass Zachary D. Smith Mrs. Sherry A. Smith

Due to an unintended oversight, the following gifts were not included in previous editions of Arches during the time they were recorded: Judith Jones Sullins Mr. William B. Wilson Jr Bill Jackson & Carrie Scruggs Dr. Jo A. Jackson Dr. Burkett Witt Dr. James G. Clark Mrs. Barbara R. Smith Morgan & Paul Dr. James G. Clark Betty Carolyn Ward Rev. Archer I. Coppedge Ms. W.B. (Carolyn) Pemberton Mrs. Nellie H. Kyker-Sliger Burkett Witt Ms. Anna Lewis Dr. Keith Wheeler Dr. N. E. Love Barry & Susan Willis Ms. Jo L. Lundy Joe P. Wimberly Dr. Donald W. Schaefer Joshua Dwain Williams Class of 2014 Specialty Enterprises

HONORS Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor James Russell Taylor The Education Department John V. Morey Maxine Armstrong Baker Gordon T. Moore Ray Myron Peavyhouse Dr. Myra K. Peavyhouse Dr. Danny Hays Rhonda Brandon Keith Wheeler N. Eric Love Dr. Hugh & Dixie Lamb Bob Lamb Drs. John & Susan Wood Dan B. Kelly Edward Dew Mr. Wayne Gochenour Josh Dwain Williams Lester Simerville

Louise Harms John Morey

Ruth Holmes Emert Roy Kramer

MEMORIALS

Virginia Walthall Wendy J. Wolf

Sara Jo Emert Kramer Roy Kramer

Robbie Ensminger Virgil Mincy

Sarah Virginia “Ginger” Houston Nancy J Proctor

Dixon, Lena and Donald Rule Carolyn R. Nardo

Etta Mae Jewell Tarpley Greg & Fran Rooker Anne Longley Dale Ledford Agnes C Cash NashTrash Tours

Professor Doris Jones Linda J Shockley Dwain Farmer Lester Simerville

Charles Edwin Peavyhouse Dr. Myra K. Peavyhouse Dr. William Sullins, Sr. Evan and DeLane Haren Doug and Rhonda Brandon Rhonda Brandon Norman William Meyer Eleanor K Meyer Arches Winter 2018

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF

James Walter Sherman, age 94, passed away on January 6, 2018. At the age of 11, James began to work with his mother at Tennessee Wesleyan in the Maintenance dept. He was dedicated and devoted to his job for more than 70 years. Most alumni will remember him driving the old blue truck and his friendly smile.

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Nurse Connie C. Akers, age 66, passed away on September 5, 2017. For 20 years, Nurse Connie loved the students at Tennessee Wesleyan. Many students saw her as a mom away from home.

She was active in campus life and served as the sponsor and was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority.

Robert “Bob� Perry, age 66, passed away on January 10, 2018. Bob was a member of the Tennessee Wesleyan class of 1973 and a member of the Sigma Epsilon Fraternity. He served at Tennessee Wesleyan for 11 years as the director of financial aid before retiring in 2016. He was an avid Bulldog fan and volunteered as the announcer at the Bulldog Basketball games.

MASTER Tennessee Wesleyan University

of

BUSINESS

A

D M I N I S T R AT I O N

Online community with the TWU support you love.

Online flexibility 2 concentrations to choose from Courses start every 7 ½ weeks Complete in 12 months Academic support available online or in-person Learn more – www.tnwesleyan.edu/mba

CLASS NOTES Richard Anderson ‘60- honored for his legacy of coaching basketball at Bevill State Community College, Fayette, AL. Rev. Randy Martin ‘70 - named district superintendent of the Chattanooga district of the United Methodist Church.

Lisa Lusk ‘99- named vice president and Financial Center manager of First Bank’s Hixson branch office.

Erica Waggoner Green ‘14 - passed the Bar Exam after graduating from University of Tennessee College of Law. She is currently associate attorney for Kramer Rayson LLP, Knoxville, TN. Tyler Caviness ‘14- graduated from University of Tennessee College of Law. Sydney Varajon ‘14 - working on her PhD from Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.

Jennifer Hand ‘04- author, speaker and ministry leader. She started the non-profit, Coming Alive Ministries five years ago.

Jeri McNew ‘14 - Daisy Award Winners. This award is a recognition program saying, “thank you” to extraordinary nurses everywhere.

Timothy Womac ‘05- Teacher of the Year at McMinn Central High School, Athens, TN.

Krista Foust Godsey ‘16 - charge nurse at University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Andrew Busie ‘11 – Teacher of the Year at North Middle School, Lenoir City, TN Garrett Casson ‘11 - received his education specialist degree in educational leadership in August.

Allison McCutchen ‘13 - completing her master’s degree in an interdisciplinary studies program at Texas Tech University.

Dana Ferguson ‘13 ‘17- in her second year at the McMinn County Economic Development Authority.

She started the All McMinn Modern Professionals Group.

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Eric Schaefer ‘16 graduated from the Nashville metro police academy; he finished third in his class and ranked first academically.

Lauren Oglesby Stuart ‘16 – Teacher of the Year at North Middle School, Lenoir City, TN Kristen Lingerfelt Franklin ‘17 received “New Teacher of the Year” award from Highland Park Elementary School, Lenoir City, TN. Kimberly Newkie ‘17 - nursing supervisor and manager at Open Arms Care, Ooltewah, TN.

Daelyn Waldroup She’s on the cover!

Hometown: Athens, TN Major: elementary education Expected graduation: May 2018 Why I love TWU: I love TWU for several reasons! We are 30 minutes away from bigger cities, but we still get to keep our small-town charm. Wesleyan provides several opportunities and events that allow students to have fun whether it’s local or a few cities away. I also love the age and traditions! While Wesleyan hangs on to our traditions, it is also welcoming to new ideas and growth!

After graduation: I plan to find a teaching job locally that will allow me to step into the position of an educator, mentor and role model. I look forward to giving back to my community!

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204 E College St Athens, TN 37303 tnwesleyan.edu

SAVE THE DATE

Monday, April 30, 2018 - Tee Time: 1 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Haley Duncan, Director of Alumni and Donor Relations at 423.746.5210 or hduncan@tnwesleyan.edu