21 minute read
“Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse”
Matt Hodge PROFESSOR, COMPOSER, AUTHOR… WHAT’S NEXT? By Blake Privette ’22
Some people pick what they want to do and stick with it to a fault. Others, however, see many opportunities and want to explore them all. Life has many doors, and some people cannot bear to leave any unopened. Matthew Hodge, assistant professor of theatre and musical theatre at William Peace University, is one such person. Hodge followed his many passions to build a career as a professor, composer, and author.
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Hodge earned a Bachelor of Arts in theory and composition and a Master of Arts in music from Campbellsville University and a Master of Fine Arts in music composition from Vermont College of Fine Arts. This hard work led to many accolades, including multiple awards for his musical work with charities, and on video games, television and film composition. He has also had many opportunities to work with exalted artists and creative minds in many fields. His most recent creative endeavor, ”Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse: A History of Jazz and Disney,” has garnered significant attention in its own right.
Hodge’s bestselling nonfiction novel has received several awards: the 2020 NFAA (Nonfiction Author’s Association) Gold Award, the 2020 BIBA (Best Indie Book Award) in Nonfiction, a 2020 Literary Titan Silver Award, and most recently, a nomination for the 2021 ARSC (Association for Recorded Sound Collections) Award. The book has also attained bestseller status on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats.
Hodge chose to write about jazz and Disney’s history after noticing a niche that was not being filled in the literary world. “Jazz has a fascinating history, and Disney does as well, but no one was talking about them together… during my research, I was shocked that no one had thought to combine these subjects. There are a ton of books about jazz, a ton of books about Disney, and a ton of books about Disney music… but no books talking about the relationship between jazz and Disney.”
Born and raised in Louisville, Ky., Hodge knew early on that he loved stories and writing. His English classes were among his favorite subjects, and he even won a young author award in elementary school. He loved music in high school, and in college, he discovered musical theater. “It gave me the music and the songs that I loved and the stories that I loved,” he said. “It was a perfect marriage between the two.”
I just really love teaching. I’ve always said that even if I won the lottery, I would still teach. I love being in a room with young people, inspiring them, encouraging them. I’m a huge proponent of learning.
Matthew Hodge, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Musical Theatre
So how do you go from writing for musical theatre to writing a nonfiction novel? According to Hodge, it came from setting a new professional goal every few years. “Throughout my 20s, I was involved in music and the musical theatre world,” he said. “About three years ago, I had done a bunch of that and it was itching me like I wanted to try some writing. So, I decided that the next few years, I wanted to focus on writing.”
But everyone knows you do not make such a career all on your own. Hodge cited several of his professors-turned-colleagues as inspiration for his impressive work, including award-winning professor Dr. Frieda Gebert and Emmy-nominated composer and award-winning filmmaker Don DiNicola.
With so many accomplishments under his belt, one would think Hodge would not be satisfied teaching at a small university in Raleigh, N.C. However, his students appreciate his commitment to education. “Matt Hodge is one of my favorite teachers,” said Emily Freer ’20, a WPU musical theatre major. “I always love coming to his classes and seeing how he will challenge us to think that day. He’s legit the best!” As for what’s next for Hodge, another literary work is already slated to be released in 2021. “Gotham City Sounds: The Music of Batman Villains” will be released through Pulp Hero Press later this year.
Patrick J. Harvey ’19 A LASTING LEGACY OF KINDNESS AND
PASSION AT WPU By: Elizabeth Edwards
Patrick Harvey ’19 spent much of his time in the spotlight as a William Peace University student. Performing on stage through roles in WPU Theatre productions and within the Raleigh community was where he showcased his various talents. In addition to theatre, Patrick was an accomplished vocalist who would often perform at on-campus events as a member of the WPU Singers, including the 2018 commencement ceremony.
Patrick was a beloved member of the student body, and his kindness and spirit for life had an enormous impact on the campus community.
In May 2019, Patrick graduated cum laude from William Peace University with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre. On June 25, 2019, shortly after his graduation, Patrick’s courageous battle with cancer came to a close, and the WPU community came together with his beloved family and friends to remember and honor the memory of an unforgettable student and alumnus.
Patrick Harvey exuded kindness, and he had an undeniable passion for people. He loved to bring joy to all - Patrick was a true testament to the culture William Peace University strives to offer.
James and Linda Harvey knew they wanted to contribute in some way to the place Patrick had called home. In 2020, to honor Patrick’s memory, the Harvey Family donated a beautiful WPU bench that offers a place for students, faculty, staff and friends to rest and be still just outside of the Browne-McPherson Music Building on WPU’s campus. It was in this location that Patrick spent much of his time traveling to and from class and performances, and it is a most fitting way to honor Patrick and add value to the campus grounds.
On Nov. 19, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a private, socially distanced ceremony was held to celebrate the generosity of the Harvey family and to honor Patrick’s memory. The small ceremony included a welcome from Frank Rizzo, vice president for student life and Nicole Davis, LCMHCS, director of the Wellness Center. President Brian Ralph, Ph.D. offered remarks and led the official dedication of the Patrick J. Harvey Bench. R. Lee Carter, Ph.D., WPU chaplain, closed the ceremony with a prayer of dedication.
It was at the bench dedication ceremony in November that the Harvey family announced that they wanted to do more to honor Patrick and his cherished years at William Peace University.
The Harvey family
Patrick’s legacy will continue to live on through the newly established Patrick J. Harvey ’19 Endowed Scholarship. In loving memory of their beloved son and brother, Patrick’s parents, James D. and Linda R. Harvey and brothers, Matthew R. Harvey and Gregory D. Harvey, created this fund to provide financial assistance to students who contribute to the WPU culture and community through kindness. The award will recognize and support students who have a passion for life and learning despite any challenges or disabilities.
To financially contribute to the Patrick J. Harvey ’19 Scholarship please visit peace.edu/give and designate your gift to “other” noting the “Patrick J. Harvey ’19 Scholarship” in the comments.
Patrick’s spirit for life and passion will forever be a part of the WPU campus through these gifts, and our University is grateful to the Harvey family for their investment in our campus and, most importantly, in the success of current and future William Peace University students.
Class of 2020
On Friday, May 7, the Class of 2020 was finally able to celebrate their accomplishment with a special commencement ceremony on Main Lawn.
SPRING 2020 GRADUATES
Nuriddin H. Abdussalaam Joshua L. Anderson Yunior Ayala-Zavala Joaquin M. Bell Chelsi Amina Bittle Jessica Lauren Blankenship Katelyn Elyse Bouthillier Mackenzie Danielle Braden Jamie Michaelle Branch Mikenna Shea Breen Mikayla Lynne Brown Mikayla Lynne Brown Sydney Benjamin Brown April Martina Burch Taylor Katherine Burton Taylor McKenzie Byrd Noah Blake Carter Robert Sandford Casey Julio Adrian Cifuentes Cheyenne Michelle Colburn Thomas Robert Cole Quinten James Craft Zachary Donald Darden Eric Alan Davis Tiayra Le'Renee' Deans Erienne Boston Dickman Joshua David Dismuke Joseph Donovin Lillie Estelle Durant Mary Todd Earnhardt Jakeyia Antonise Ellis Hannah Arezu Farsaie
SPRING 2020 GRADUATES
Camden P. Ferguson Parker John Fernstrum Anthony Robert Florian Justin Emmanuel Foster Crosby Marie Franklin Sha'Nice Laraesa Frazier Deja Nicole Gainey Thomas John Galligan III Jonathan Joseph Gares Alexandra Skye Garrison Mikal Nathaniel Gaylord Coleman Louis Greene Cody Leigh Gundlach William Thomas Hall Nathan Lee Hamilton Olivia Grace Hand Amanda Jane Hanson Elizabeth Frances Harrington Caylan Ashlee Harrison Kelsey Virginia Harrison Braxton James Hirn Marissa Shani Hogan Danielle Ashlynn Hunt Robert Jeffrey Iadicicco Carlee Blaine Jackson Damanpreet Kaur Johal Julia Kelly Johnson Joseph Keaton Joyce Joshua Michael Kelly Emily Marie Koncz Rachel Marsh Lea William Lewis Miranda Areli Lopez Vega Haneef Mangum Abdullah Karim Mansaray Daniel Gerard Mazanec Anaja LaKeiya McClinton Michael Wesley McHale Theresa Leigh Mercaldo Michael Isaiah Milian Mary Stewart Mills Nicholas C. Montrose Emmalee E. Morales Antehya Elyse Murray Agi Kumba Ngie Dalena Han Nguyen Tonya Leigh Bowen O'Dell Maxwell Grayson Owens Jasmine Alysia Paige Jason Andrew Pappalardo Mya Michelle Parks Lindsey Nicole Patterson Brittany Ann Pensyl Emily Rose Price Elizabeth Lauren Ralph Mikayla Lynn Ray Rodrigo V. Reyes Caitlin Blair Richards Rennissa Katie Richardson William Henry Richardson Makayla Nicole Ropchan Dakota Lucinda Sioux
Sager-Leonard Rosa Aileen Salabarria Brett Willoughby Sawyer Sarah Vail Scott Lawton Bryce Shipman Alesha Marie Siltman Jordan Lynn Smith John Austin Speight Sheridan Marie Stanley Shannon Lynn Steele Rachael Madison Thomas Andre Samuel Tidwell Jr. Stephen Brian Tidwell Kenneth Edward Timper Rylie Madison Toomey Shannon Rae Turner Katharine Rogers Unger Brittany Gayle Upchurch Shannyn L. Varghese Aerieal Cierra Vineyard Taylor Thomas Way Katlyn Nicole West Steven O. Wigley Jr. Patrick O'Neal Williams Yaqueline Yañez Peralt Annulysse Kristen Ashley Bailly Jarrett Anthony Bennett Sarah Anne Boone Jacob Gibson Bradfield Trey L. Bryant Jeremiah Jevon Comber Sean Elizabeth Cornett Vanessa Mariah Cruzpagan Gwendelyn Delgado Tara-Lynn Marie Flick Shafi Love Goodwin James J. Hall Alexander Branford Heath Savannah Raine Jackson Sharon Renee Jones
Sara Elise Ackerman Suzanne Crowe Aldridge MacKenzie Danielle Allison William T. Atkins Nina Mariam Gemila
Britton-Steinbacher Jesse David Brown Tatiana Maria Brown Avion Porshe'a Cobb Ashley Maureen Daniels Brianna Nicole Davis Drake Larry Davis Marie Ann Del Valle Coppin Shawna Renee Edwards Lisa Sexton Ezell Michael Jesse Farmer Collin J. Faucette Ashley Kathleen Forehand Caroline Rochelle Garnes Christopher M. Gentry Karla Sofía Gómez Elescano Sonyja Crawford Holt Jala Cordise Hoskins Cole Franklin Jackson Molly Claire Jarman Austin Reid Johnson Brittiney Paige Lynch Courtney Chaunise Martin Nina Yeager Morgan Megan Lynn Mueller José Alfredo Olvera Vermecha Rogers Pulley Francene B. Richardson Delmus C. Russ IV Laura Marie Schmidt Corey M. Short Charles Michael Sterne Tommaso Villa Scott Jeffrey Weischedel Jasmine Alexandria Wilkerson Jacob Colon Woodburn Mohamad Hany Zoror
Jason Dale Lassiter Ryan Alston Lawrence Nichole Renee Lugo Nanette Marie Merritt Brianna Colette Michaud Dyrek Kaseem Miller Jennifer Marie Myers Victoria Ann Nista Robin Lee Oke Maiah Ciearra Overton-Ashford Isabela Raquel Peña Sarah Elizabeth Pigott Michelle Victoria Presutti Raechel A. Robinson Bhomik Rudani Dara Nicole Scott Sara Jean Siwinski Valorie Hood Smith Kylie Adair Taylor Victoria Denice Taylor Victoria Susan Tomeo Jorge Aguilar-Valdovinos Ashley Nicole Varga Devin William Warfield Daniella Nicole Williams Jason Clevo Wilson
SUMMER 2020 GRADUATES
FALL 2020 GRADUATES
Star Alumni PROGRAM
The WPU Star Alumni Program is William Peace University’s official way to recognize and honor our most dedicated alumni. Alumni who give, mentor, attend, connect, and volunteer are honored for their dedication. These individuals participated in all five categories of Alumni Engagement.
To join the Star Alumni, visit alumniconnect.peace.edu
2020 STARS!
Gail Pope ’59 Sara Jo Manning ’60 Mary Templeton ’66 Sarah Barge ’79 Gayle Cooke ’79 Kathy Lambert ’79 Kelly Gaines ’82 Dawn Dillon ’86 Jenny Prince ’91 Kristy Mallard ’93 Rachel Reynolds ’00 Paulette Morrison ’04 Courtney Burns ’07 Elizabeth Edwards ’07 Rachael Rosenberg Buffkin ’07 Stephanie Mathis ’09 Emma Lawrence ’10 Brenna Mickey ’10 Kirsten Benzaquen ’11 Diamond Bethea ’11 Ana Galizes ’11 Brittany Goodman ’11 Megan Elizabeth Hoffner ’11 Gale Wilkins ’11 Taylor Shaw-Adams ’12 Leigh Wallace Dodd ’12 Melissa Manyatis ’13 Brie Dorsey ’14 Christina Trimis ’14 Cheniqua Lassiter ’15 Megan Mansfield ’15 Virginia Mott ’15 Jasmyne Mundy ’15 Christiane Newell ’15 Erica Saraceno ’15 Deja Barber ’16 Samantha Pulley ’16 Maya Bryant ’17 Lindsay Alford ’18 Rebecca Tshibambi ’18 Payton Weller ’19
Sharon Day FULL-TIME CLINICAL WORKER, CHARITY WORKER
AND PELOTON LOVER By Alexa Scattaregia
Most can agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a trying time for almost everyone's personal lives. Quarantine, social distancing, and working from home are the new normal. After what feels like 95,694,845 days of quarantine, morale and motivation seem to be at an all-time low. However, Sharon Day '00 has thrived mentally, physically and professionally during the pandemic. Her motivation in her career, volunteer work and extracurricular activities rubs off on others and can inspire others out of a COVID slump.
Burnout
noun A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.
Sharon Day is a clinical trial manager at ICON plc Pharmaceuticals, one of the world’s largest contract research organizations. In this role, she helped spearhead clinical trials for the COVID vaccine. Day oversaw trials that included 44,000 participants in more than six countries, and she personally worked on the COVID study that went before the FDA for emergency use protocols early in the pandemic.
Despite her busy work schedule, Day still makes time to do a considerable amount of volunteer and charitable work. She became president of the Junior Woman’s Club of Raleigh at the beginning of 2020. “Busy is an understatement; hectic is the keyword. It is the little things that you take for granted. We had our last in-person meeting in March 2020 and have been meeting over Zoom ever since.” Day stated that she feels very fortunate to be a part of a group that always is looking ahead for ways in which good can be done, and community involvement is always crucial. The Junior Woman’s Club of Raleigh is a women's organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service and leadership. Day has helped bring doughnuts to the health care workers of the North Carolina Heart & Vascular Hospital and delivered holiday meals for residents and families of patients at the Hospice Home at Transitions Life Care in Raleigh. She also visits North Carolina Food Bank sites to stock and sort supplies, and she reviews and manages JWC scholarship recipients.
In addition to her volunteer work, Day has found a passion for fitness on her Peloton in the little spare time she has. Receiving the fitness bike for Christmas in 2019, Day decided to bike 150 miles every month. Not only has she met that goal, she has exceeded it. One month she biked 500 miles on a whim. In 16 months, Day has ridden the Peloton over 800 times, totaling over 5,000 miles, and has lost 30 pounds. Her favorite thing about the fitness program is the community she has found within it. Her favorite instructor, Cody Rigsby, has an intense following. The fitness instructor affectionately calls his fans the Boo Crew. As she was scrolling through Facebook, Day found a Boo Crew Facebook group, a group that she is now the proud moderator of. “It keeps me sane. It is a nonexclusive, inclusive group of people who lift each other up. It is so positive to connect with people like that,” Day fondly said about the Boo Crew. In a true full circle, the Boo Crew also connects to Day's professional and volunteer work. During the 2021 Women's History Month, the crew decided to donate to various women's organizations, one that just happened to be the Junior Woman’s Club of Raleigh. The Boo Crew leadership team sent Day a special pair of Peloton shoes for her birthday in March. Both the Peloton and the Boo Crew have given Day a sense of hope during the pandemic, “If you surround yourself with a lot of positivity, it is hard to stay down. I want to be a part of something that is going to bring up the tone. We've had enough bad in the world,” said Day.
Day's fantastic work ethic dates back to her time at Peace. She came to Peace in the fall of 1995 to study biology, ultimately switching to communication studies during her junior year. However, her science background helped to lay the groundwork for her career. Studying and working full time as a student, Day has always kept a busy schedule. She had a work-study job in the Biology department and served as a dorm hostess for Ross Hall. Day also worked off campus in a hair salon, where she networked with clients who worked for pharmaceutical companies. Day stated that she got her first job out of college because of a haircut.
Following her graduation from Peace, she completed a Durham Technical Community College program, where she graduated with high honors in clinical trials research. The science background that she received at Peace gave her an advantage for her second degree. She then worked for a few pharmaceutical research companies before landing a role at ICON plc Pharmaceuticals, where she has worked for the past 17 years.
I didn't come to Peace with a lot, but I left with moe. I left with an undestanding of who I was, and I got so much out of being there."
Sharon Day '00, Clinical Trial Manager, ICON plc Pharmaceuticals
Social MEDIA
Success for the CLASS OF 2020
By Samara Demray ’21
The William Peace University Class of 2020 ended their year with a halt due to COVID-19. It has affected all of our 2020 graduate students, who are now trying to live and maneuver through this unique time.
I’m a full-time analyst for the United States Department of Defense and I’m attending Purdue University Global working toward my master's in legal studies.
Interviews were conducted to gather information about how the 2020 WPU alumni were doing after graduation their plans and what they miss most about Peace.
“I’m a full-time analyst for the United States Department of Defense, and I’m attending Purdue University Global working toward my master’s in legal studies,” said Rennissa Richardson. Since she has moved to Washington she has been trying new foods in her local area but she said that there is nothing like the food available around Peace, and that is one of the many things she misses about Raleigh. Richardson was heavily involved on campus and misses interacting with her peers and attending Late Night Breakfast and Red Rose Ball.
Most events that would have been hosted for the seniors, such as graduation and the senior soirée, were canceled due to COVID-19, which has taken a toll on the graduates. Having graduation on Main Lawn and celebrating this huge accomplishment is one of the many things WPU takes pride in when it comes to its students.
Commencement was postponed in 2020 because it is crucial for alumni to have the same opportunity to wear their cap and gown and receive their diploma. While it will not be the same as a ceremony in 2020, the class will have the opportunity to walk across the stage on Main Lawn this spring 2021 to celebrate their accomplishments.
Rennissa Richardson '20
Despite the halt to the year, many graduates have found fantastic opportunities that perfectly showcase the success of Peace's capable graduates. “I am doing some freelance website work for business owners in the area, and am working as an editor for an entertainment website called Sarah Scoop, where I edit videos and interview
A 2020 alumna and volleyball player, Mya Parks, recently moved to Charlotte, N.C. to further her career and is now working in an IT position for a company called Leidos. “My favorite thing about being a Peace graduate is knowing that my four years there haven’t gone to waste and I can actually use the things that I learned there to build connections and friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Parks.
My favorite thing about being a Peace graduate is knowing that my four years there haven’t gone to waste and I can actually use the things that I learned there to build connections and friendships that will last a lifetime,” My favorite thing about being a Peace graduate is knowing that my four years there haven’t gone to waste and I can actually use the things that
I learned there to build connections and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Mya Parks ’20 reality television stars for the website’s podcast and YouTube channel,” said Alex Garrison, a 2020 graduate who majored in communication.
Michael McHale ’20 recently took the position of WPU campus visit experience and guest coordinator.
Peace has really helped me grow and transform as as a person,” said McHale. “So being able to give back and potentially have a positive impact on others’ lives through this position on campus has been my favorite part of being a part of the Peace community.
Michael McHale ’20
Former Student Government president Deja Gainey ’20 is once again making strides as an master’s candidate at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, with a concentration in American foreign policy in Washington, D.C.
Gainey is most excited about being, “a 2020 Department of State Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow and will enter the U.S. Foreign Services to become a diplomat after grad school.”
Former Student Government President
Deja Gainey ’20
WPU’s 2021 EMPLOYEE AWARDS
By Alexa Scattaregia
The faculty and staff at William Peace University give much of themselves through their daily work to better serve our institution's mission to turn students' passions into purpose. Each year the University recognizes dedicated employees with two prestigious awards: the Bingham Award for Excellence and the Dr. Janice Edwards Service Award.
The Dr. Janice Edwards Service Award is awarded to those who exemplify the characteristics of dedication and loyalty so often displayed by former faculty member Dr. Janice Edwards during her 35 years at Peace. The recipient is nominated by the WPU community and reflects these characteristics and Dr. Edwards’ impossible standards in friendly, cooperative, and effective leadership, in genuine wisdom and deep caring for students and colleagues. The 2020 Dr. Janice Edwards Service Award recipient is head athletic trainer Cora Ray.
The Bingham Award for Excellence is awarded to various Peace employees to recognize their exemplary performance in serving students, alumni, benefactors, and the greater civic good. Nominations are submitted by fellow faculty and staff based on excellence in their colleagues' work at the University.
John Cranham
Roger Christman Janelle Jennings-Alexander
The 2020 Bingham Award for Campus Excellence recipients include Professor Roger Christman, chair of the Department of Art, Communication, and SGD; John Cranham, associate vice president for buildings & grounds; Nicole Davis, director of the wellness center; Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander, assistant professor of English; Michael John, director of public safety; Cheniqua Lassiter ’15, assistant director of adult enrollment services; Dr. Lori McClaren, executive director of the School of Professional Studies; and J. Ryan Webb, associate director of residence life and housing. William Peace University is composed of exemplary employees who show care and concern for our students' well-being. Throughout the COVID pandemic, many employees have taken on more responsibilities in addition to their regular workload. They have put in countless hours to help protect the safety and well-being of our students and employees.
Nicole Davis Michael John
