Winter Western 2015 CAROLINATHE MAGAZINE OF WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

HUNDREDS FROM WCU GIFTS TOWARD SCHOLARSHIPS WCU’S MARCHING BAND HELP ‘FLIP’ A PRISON ARE ON UPWARD TREND TAKES MANHATTAN HORNING IN The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band leads the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade through the streets of City.

SEE MORE ON PAGE 24.

Photo by Jarrett Frazier ’12 Western CAROLINA WINTER 2015 | VOLUME 19, NO. 1 CONTENTS

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The Magazine of Western Carolina University is FEATURES SECTIONS produced by the Office of Communications and Public Relations for alumni, faculty, staff, friends 16 LOOKING FOR JAN O’BRIEN 4 Worth Repeating and students of Western Carolina University. The Facebook said a beloved campus icon views and opinions that appear in this publication 5 Opening Notes are not necessarily those of the editorial staff or had died; the Internet was wrong the official policies of the university. 20 COMMUNITY OF CARING 6 News from the Western Hemisphere CHANCELLOR Hundreds from WCU help transform a David O. Belcher closed prison into a shelter and soup kitchen 12 WCU Athletics CHIEF OF STAFF Melissa Canady Wargo 26 THE 7 PERCENT SOLUTION 40 Alumni Spotlight MANAGING EDITOR Alumni, friends increase their giving Bill Studenc MPA ’10 to provide additional scholarships 46 Class Notes ASSOCIATE EDITORS Randall Holcombe Teresa Killian Tate 30 AN OUTSIDE INFLUENCE 56 Calendar CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER A tradition of mixing academics, outdoor recreation Mark Haskett ’87 leads to a No. 1 ‘adventure college’ ranking 58 The View from Here STAFF DESIGNERS John Balentine Will Huddleston

STAFF WRITERS Keith Brenton ON THE COVERS Wendy Buchanan ’12 Daniel Hooker ’01 FRONT The contours of the landscape surrounding the Western Carolina University Christy Martin ’71 MA ’78 campus, as illustrated in this topographical map from the U.S. Geological Survey, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Department of the Interior, make for a perfect environment for outdoor recreation Ashley T. Evans and learning.

VIDEO EDITOR Joseph Hader ’12 BACK Runners are coated by clouds of color during the Fun Run 5K held on a chilly morning in November on the campus of Western Carolina University. The MARKETING DIRECTOR event was part of a year of activities associated with the celebration of the 125th Robin Oliver anniversary of the founding of WCU. PRODUCTION MANAGER Ashley Beavers

CIRCULATION MANAGER Cindi Magill

BUSINESS MANAGER Linda Mallonee Search for this icon throughout the magazine for stories that feature online extras – videos, photographs and more, available ONLY online. magazine.wcu.edu Winter 2015 | 3 WORTH REPEATING COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS GURNEY CHAMBERS ’61 ON THE PREVIOUS EDITION Thank you for the profile on the late James “Uncle Jimmy” Childress, who owned and DAN J. HEATH (attended 1947-49) was a personality on WRGC- AM in Sylva from the 1950s until a few years into the 21st I enrolled at Western Carolina Teachers College in the middle of the century. Thousands of students quarter in December 1947 after serving in the U.S. Navy for two-and- who attended Western during a-half years. I was 19 years of age. My uncle, Stedman Mitchell, was those years were acquainted foreman of grounds and later director of food service. He suggested I with Uncle Jimmy, or at least his try and enroll. voice on the radio. For much I am amazed at WCU’s growth. While I was there, its enrollment of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, was about 500 or so. There were about 33 cars and 33 dogs owned WRGC was about the only by the students. radio station students could Thank you for your great magazine. My first cousin, a graduate of pick up in Cullowhee. Jimmy WCU, subscribed me to it last year. Her son recently graduated has been one of Western’s there, too. May many follow! great benefactors, especially toward the baseball program. Even as he was approaching MONA (GILLESPIE) TUCKER ’73 MAED ’74 his 90th birthday, he would still make it to an inning or two I would like to commend you on the spring 2014 edition. As with all of Western’s baseball game. of your past editions, I thoroughly enjoyed every article, but most He wrote a little ditty about especially the article titled “A Class Act.” I am thrilled that the N.C. Cullowhee – obviously he views Sports Hall of Fame inducted Coach Bob Waters this year! What a Cullowhee and Western as deserved honor! synonymous – that he sang over the PA system at a game last I had the good fortune of meeting Coach Waters in the spring of my year. The fans seemed to love freshman year at WCU in 1970 when I made the WCU cheerleading it. I am convinced that there squad. For the next four years, I grew to respect Coach Waters are thousands of alumni out as a true leader. He was always supportive of the cheerleaders there who read of Uncle Jimmy’s and worked closely with us to do all we could to promote school passing with great sadness. spirit at WCU. I have such fond memories of football game days when Coach Waters would open the team’s locker room for us to decorate with “Go Cats!” signs and provide treats for the players and RANDY WOODSON, coaches. He was such a kind and gentle man, and provided amazing Chancellor, N.C. State University professionalism and leadership to all of his players, cheerleaders and fans in general. I enjoyed the 125th anniversary Coach Bob Waters was certainly “a class act,” and I will forever feel edition of the Western Carolina honored to have known him during my time at WCU. Thanks for Magazine. Well done! Much to highlighting this incredible Catamount leader. be proud of.

LYNDON SMITH ’61

Have a comment about this issue that you think is A few issues back, you asked for memories of “worth repeating?” Let us hear from you! the WCU/App game. Me and some others drank Email us at [email protected] or send us a moonshine – white lightning – from a jar sitting at letter to 420 H.F. Robinson, Cullowhee, N.C., 28723. Memorial Stadium during the game. Suppose y’all We’ll select a few to share with your fellow readers. are doing great in the valley. All is good here. OPENING Notes

Western Carolina University’s quasquicentennial anniversary, Band, selected not only to participate in the annual Macy’s a yearlong celebration of our university’s 125 years of making Thanksgiving Day Parade, but picked to lead the parade. Yes, a difference in the lives of the students and region we serve, last year was one for the record books. But now is definitely drew to a close in December. Throughout 2014, we spent time not the time to rest on our laurels. looking back at our past, our roots, our historic mission of We must take advantage of the momentum of our 125th service to Western and our growth as an engine anniversary celebration to continue the relentless pursuit of of economic and community development. This looking back our vision for WCU. We must invest strategically in degree has been appropriate because the successes of today and the programs that will prepare our students to fill high-demand opportunities of tomorrow are built upon the solid foundation jobs in our region and state. We must help provide an accessible created during the previous 125 years. Now we turn our attention education to deserving students by increasing privately funded to the years ahead and to the future of this great institution. scholarships for high-performing students in need of financial 2014 proved to be an amazing point of departure for looking assistance. We must increase community partnerships that toward Western Carolina’s future. It was the year WCU began will provide academic opportunities that get students out of offering engineering courses to students in the Asheville- the classroom in order to put their education to the test in a Hendersonville area at our Biltmore Park instructional site, real-world environment. And we must be an active collaborator thanks to the legislative support of Sen. Tom Apodaca ’80 in efforts to move the region forward by playing a significant and his colleagues in the General Assembly. It also was the role in economic and community development, in driving year when the amount of external grant funding for research conversation among leaders in different parts of the region, at WCU rose 60 percent, providing resources for the important and in supporting the area’s cultural strengths. work of faculty and student researchers. Much of the work in the years ahead will revolve around 2014 was the year in which enrollment metrics continued their our continuing efforts to keep our institution’s time-honored climb – in terms of both quantity and quality. Last fall witnessed commitment to student access and student success at the the third consecutive year of record enrollment at Western forefront of all we do. That is why we are ramping up our efforts Carolina, and our students came to campus better prepared for to encourage stronger philanthropic investment in WCU – the academic rigors of university study. And there are impressive efforts that have resulted in the establishment of more than indicators of WCU’s reputational growth in academic quality. 100 new endowed scholarships at WCU since my installation For example, last year WCU placed second nationally in the in March 2012. (You’ll find a story and list of them on Page 26). number of undergraduate students whose research was accepted That is why we are strategically advocating with the General for presentation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Assembly to advance our UNC system and institutional Research – the ninth consecutive year WCU has placed in the priorities. That is why we are aggressively expanding our top 10. It was the year in which our academic programs received network of institutional friends and supporters. In short, high marks from US News and World Report, the Princeton after commemorating our past, we must continue laying the Review and Military Advanced Education magazine. foundation for our future. In 2014, WCU stepped up to help lead the charge to reinvigorate This is an amazing time at Western Carolina University, full the WNC economy, hosting almost 300 regional community, of momentum and promise. Our students, faculty and staff are business and political leaders at the inaugural LEAD:WNC doing and achieving great things. It is our responsibility to conference in November. It was the year when readers of Blue help secure the tools they need to keep that momentum going Ridge Outdoors magazine confirmed what those of us at Western and to make that promise a reality. With your help, advocacy, Carolina already knew – WCU is the top outdoors destination financial support, commitment, energy and passion, there is university in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. no telling what we will do. In the realm of athletics, 2014 was “The year of the Cats.” I’ve Our first 125 years have been remarkable, and I trust that written previously about our women’s and men’s track and field you believe as I do – that the next 5, 10, 20, 50, 125 years will teams winning the Southern Conference Indoor Championships not simply sustain the proud Western Carolina legacy, but set last spring, the baseball Catamounts claiming the regular season the world on Catamount fire. SoCon championship, and J.T. Poston securing the SoCon men’s That vision is in our hands. What are we going to do with it? golf championship. This past fall, our football team orchestrated a remarkable turnaround to post a winning record and finish second in the conference. The Cats even put a little scare into then-No. 1 Alabama. And, 2014 was the year when the whole world experienced David O. Belcher the sights and sounds of our Pride of the Mountains Marching Chancellor

Winter 2015 | 5 ART PROFESSOR TURNS PISCATORIAL PASSION INTO PRETTY PLATES There’s something a little fishy about the latest project by on its way to recovery. So habitat protection is very important Jon Jicha displays Western Carolina University art professor Jon Jicha. An avid to maintaining and enhancing the red drum population.” his designs for North fisherman, Jicha recently painted a couple of his favorite aquatic Currently, more than 200 wildlife species are legally Carolina vehicle license creatures for the North Carolina Department of Transportation protected in North Carolina. WCU students and professors tags depicting two of the to use in two new vehicle plate designs. help maintain that protection through wildlife inventory, state’s native fishes. The designs show native brook trout (the state’s official monitoring and applied research study in the field. “The freshwater fish) and red drum (the official state saltwater list of priority species in Western North Carolina is so long fish) in their natural habitats. More than just attractive tags, and the conservation challenges so great that we cannot the plates serve to reinforce the necessity of maintaining the meet our management goals and objectives without help state’s natural resources – especially those that tend to get from academic partners like WCU,” said Lori Williams, a caught and eaten in large numbers. certified wildlife biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources “My history as a fly fisherman goes back nearly 50 years,” said Commission near Asheville. Jicha, a graphic design and media arts instructor at WCU since Jicha’s specialty plates idea is part of a long-term reminder 1984. “And I believe that supporting natural habitats and our to keep red drum numbers at high levels, said Smith. “The red environment is a self-evident responsibility.” Jicha’s personal drum is not in danger like some of our other animals, and commitment to that responsibility began in 2007, when he we’re looking to keep it that way,” she said. “The license plates noticed some specialized vehicle plates and wondered why he are a demonstration of a commitment to our native fisheries.” never saw any that depicted the state’s two celebrated fish. So Only one hurdle remains: for the plates to be stamped and he asked a district state senator to sponsor a bill advocating made, at least 500 orders for each one have to be collected for a native brook trout specialty plate. before July 1. “That’s the minimum order for us to issue the It wasn’t until 2014 that the Legislature approved the plates for sale,” said Brian Smith, communications manager measure, but it also added approval for another plate featuring with the Department of Motor Vehicles in Raleigh. “If these the red drum (named because of its color and the drum- specialty plates become available for issuance, customers who like sound that males produce in their swim bladder during purchase the new plate would exchange their old plates for one spawning time.) of these new ones.” The sale of the plates would help fund habitat protection Before customers can order a plate through the DMV, they of red drum waters, said Patricia Smith, public information first have to fill out an application form. The N.C. Wildlife officer with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries in Morehead Resources Commission is collecting native brook trout City. “In the late 1990s, the red drum species was overfished applications. The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is collecting and in trouble,” Smith said. “With stricter recreational and red drum applications. commercial management measures, the species is now well –By L.C. Leach III

6 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University scheduling and requirements, transfer of academic credits, support for veterans and academic accreditation. “We are pleased and honored to earn this recognition once again,” said Briana Ford ’09, director of military student services at WCU. “Serving our military students is just one small way for WCU to show its appreciation to our U.S. military and their families.” WCU’s Office of Military Student Services is part of the university’s Division of Educational Outreach. The office provides personal assistance for military students from the time they apply for admission to the university to graduation day, Ford said. Support groups such as the Student Veterans Association are available to students, as well as veteran counseling services. A Veterans Resource Center WCU NAMED TOP ‘MILITARY-FRIENDLY SCHOOL’ was established recently to provide military students a place to meet and Western Carolina University has is awarded to the top 15 percent of receive information pertaining to their been designated a 2015 “Military- colleges, universities and trade schools educations, careers and life needs. Friendly School” by Victory Media, in recognition of their efforts to More information is available at the a -based company that embrace military students and dedicate website military.wcu.edu; via email at surveys 7,000 schools nationwide resources to ensure their success in the [email protected]; or by telephone at to rate the services they provide to classroom and after graduation. Schools 828.227.3074 or toll-free 866.928.4723. military students. The designation are evaluated in areas such as class –By Wendy Buchanan ’12

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE CENTER ADMINISTRATOR EARNS LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD Pam Meister, interim director and curator of Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center, was honored in October with the James R. Short Award from the Southeastern Museums Conference. A nonprofit organization committed to supporting and connecting museum professionals in 12 states, SEMC presents the award to individuals who have given a lifetime of service to the profession with a significant portion in the Southeast. With three decades of experience in cultural resource management, Meister has helped benefit museums throughout the region, said Anna Fariello, associate professor of digital initiatives at WCU’s Hunter Library. “Pam has given a lifetime of service, bringing professionalism, creativity and caring to our field through education, administration and curatorship,” said Fariello, who nominated Meister for the award. Before joining WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center four years ago, Meister worked in roles including director of education Photo by and courtesy of Nathan Moehlman and interpretation at the History Center, executive director of the Upcountry History Museum, and president and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History. She also worked Center is a dream come true. I’ve always enjoyed teaching, Pam Meister (center), curator as chief curator of the Jekyll Island Museum in and and being involved in training the next generation of museum and interim director of the as arts coordinator at the Okefenokee Heritage Center in professionals is extremely rewarding. I am honored to receive Mountain Heritage Center, Waycross, Georgia. the Short award because SEMC has been such an important is joined by (from left) the “In 1985, I left performing arts management for my first influence on my career – both as the organization’s director and center’s graduate assistants, museum job and fell head-over-heels in love with museum as an active member – and to be recognized by the southeastern Emily Baker and Katie Bell, work and museum workers,” said Meister. “Twenty-nine years museum community is both humbling and thrilling.” at the Southeastern later, I still feel that way. Working at the Mountain Heritage –By Teresa Killian Tate Museums Conference.

Winter 2015 | 7 STATE ORGANIZATION BESTOWS DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR AWARD ON WCU FACULTY MEMBER Adriel A. Hilton, assistant professor colleges and universities will want and director of Western Carolina to better understand the impact on University’s College Student Personnel diversity of substituting race neutral Program, has been selected as the 2014 admissions for the more traditional Outstanding Professional Contribution affirmative action policies.” and Distinguished Scholar honoree for Hilton earned three degrees from the North Carolina College Personnel HBCUs – a doctorate in higher Association. In connection with the education focused on administration award, Hilton will be the keynote from Morgan State University, a master’s speaker and receive the award at the degree in applied social science with an 2015 NCCPA Research Symposium emphasis in public administration from to be held in Wilmington on Friday, A&M University and a bachelor’s Feb. 13, and will be recognized at the 2015 degree in business administration American College Personnel Association with a concentration in finance from conference in Tampa in March. . A native of , Hilton has conducted award-winning he was inspired to attend Morehouse research and has been an author or co- College at a young age because it was the author on nearly four dozen articles alma mater of civil rights leader Martin on topics related to black males in Luther King Jr. as well as NAACP leaders postsecondary education, black graduate Julian Bond and Jamal Harrison Bryant. education and historically black colleges Hilton said his work is motivated and universities (HBCUs). In addition, in part by personal experiences and he has served as an editor for two books challenges he has faced. While an and co-author of eight book chapters. honors student at a magnet high school, He said his work and presentations he submitted an English assignment examine the continuing importance early only to have the teacher claim later and relevance of affirmative action that he had not completed it, contact his policies and HBCUs, as well as how parents and school officials, and note institutions reward students from that “young black men do not complete traditional backgrounds and further assignments early,” he said. “Weeks later marginalize non-traditional students. she found the assignment in her desk “This research is important to the drawer,” said Hilton. “At that point, I field of higher education and beyond became more determined in all that as the continues to I do to try to make sure that my work become more diverse,” said Hilton. is, indeed, of quality.” “Government leaders as well as –By Teresa Killian Tate

FORMER UNCG BUSINESS OFFICIAL DIRECTING ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE Jackson County native Michael experience, much of which he gained in the University of T. Byers, formerly an associate vice North Carolina system,” said Chancellor David O. Belcher. “He chancellor for business affairs at inherits a strong Division of Administration and Finance, which the University of North Carolina at has benefited from Robert Edwards’ exceptional leadership, Greensboro, is the new vice chancellor and he is the right person to continue the division’s growth for administration and finance at and development as an innovative unit that facilitates the work Western Carolina University. Byers, of the entire university.” who previously was responsible Byers is no stranger to WCU and Western North Carolina, for the campus enterprises unit at as he grew up in Webster and graduated from Sylva-Webster UNCG, succeeds longtime WCU (now called Smoky Mountain) High School in 1981. “Having administrator Robert Edwards ’77, spent the first 18 years of my life in Webster, I consider WCU who retired in December after serving as vice chancellor for an outstanding fit for my career aspiration to serve as the administration and finance since 2011 (see story on Page 48). chief business officer for a reputable institution. This is an In his previous role at UNCG since 2009, Byers oversaw opportunity for a welcome homecoming,” he said. a variety of university business and auxiliary enterprises, “With the challenges facing higher education, I understand including the institution’s Capital Facilities Foundation, the importance of engagement through close collaboration community relations, property acquisition and leasing, and inclusiveness, both across divisions and across town,” purchasing, parking and transportation, campus identification Byers said. “I look forward to joining the team at WCU and card office, warehouse, and postal, dining, bookstore, vending providing stable yet innovative leadership for the Division and printing operations. He was responsible for annual budgets of Administration and Finance, and contributing as a of more than $30 million and a staff exceeding 350 employees. member of the executive team toward the mission and focus “Mike Byers is a proven leader in higher education of the institution.” administration with a diverse skill set and broad base of –By Bill Studenc MPA ’10

8 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University Construction management students observe as artist Alex Irvine (left) and Robert Steffen (right), WCU assistant professor of construction management, prepare to test the safety of methods for installing a three-dimensional mural.

WCU ENGINEER ASSISTS WITH PUBLIC ART PROJECT LING GAO LEBEAU TO OVERSEE Artists Alex Irvine and Ian Wilkinson conjunction with secondary attachment INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION EFFORTS want the new three-dimensional mural methods, such as securing the tile with The expertise and experiences of an award-winning they created for downtown Asheville to bolts. The first sample – anticipated to international educator are expected to be of benefit both to have an impact – just not the kind that be the weakest design – did not break Western Carolina University students interested in studying would involve any of their 50-pound even hours into testing, long after the in other countries and to foreign students wanting to study tiles tumbling to the sidewalk or street WCU class that came to meet Irvine and in Cullowhee. Ling Gao LeBeau joined WCU in October as below. Their 22-by-21-foot work depicts observe the work had dismissed. When director of the Office of International Programs and Services. a woman daydreaming as she looks out the sample did fail, the tile and adhesive In her new role, LeBeau is working to help expand over the city against a window-like art remained in place while the cement block international experiences and enhance global awareness deco horseshoe background, and some representing the building sheared in half, within the university community. Her responsibilities include of the mural’s pieces are 15 to 40 feet off which was good news, said Steffen. leadership of programs and services for international students the ground. Safely attaching the mural “Our method of attachment was at WCU as well as study abroad programs and travel courses. to a parking deck next to a hotel was actually stronger than the cement block She comes to WCU from the School of Global and critical, said Irvine. “It’s a big deal that itself,” said Steffen. “The safety factor was International Studies at Indiana University Bloomington, this works,” he said. well beyond our expectations.” where she served as associate director and administered After working with technicians, For the WCU engineer, taking part the Chinese Flagship Center, which is designed to enable chemists and engineers to develop in the project was fun. He valued students to pursue degrees while also achieving professional a plan for adhering the artwork, the supporting a city-commissioned public proficiency in the Chinese language through classes, artists collaborated with Robert Steffen, art installation and was excited to get activities, overseas study and internships. a structural engineer who teaches to share the hands-on engineering LeBeau said that her 12 years of teaching English as construction management at Western experience with his students. “The a second language/English as a foreign language and her Carolina University, to test the safety of project offered a chance for our students personal experience as an international student and scholar methods for installing the mural. Steffen at WCU to see a real-world problem with “create a bond with international students and scholars, and FORMER UNCG BUSINESS OFFICIAL DIRECTING ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE holds a doctorate in civil engineering a problem-solving method,” he said. help me understand their needs deeply.” and has experience completing –By Teresa Killian Tate “I confronted academic and social challenges many years engineering for the installation of large ago when I stepped on American soil as an international pop art sculptures. research scholar and later an international student,” she Steffen also designed and helped said. “I deeply appreciated the support and guidance given build a load frame in a lab at WCU’s by my colleagues and classmates through the years. I Kimmel School that can measure up to have learned tremendously through this transformative life 200,000 pounds of force – a piece of journey and cannot wait to share with and foster successful equipment that would work to test the transitioning of international students and scholars to WCU, safety of methods for attaching Irvine’s and serve American faculty and students as they study and Wilkinson’s artwork in Asheville. and research abroad.” Steffen and his students had used the LeBeau said she welcomes the chance to be part of WCU’s device for projects such as testing internationalization efforts. She was drawn to the university whether beams made of material by the institution’s uniqueness as well as the friendliness similar to recycled milk jugs could be and warmth of the faculty, staff and students. safely used in marine docks or bridges, “With support from university leaders, faculty, staff and materials being used in a current and students, I am confident WCU will enhance its global renovation of the San Francisco Museum recognition by internationalizing academic programs, sending of Modern Art. more students to study and conduct research abroad, For the Asheville art project, a facilitating opportunities for faculty to teach and conduct dozen 4-inch-by-4-inch clay tiles that Photo by Alex Irvine research internationally, developing strategic partnerships represented the mural were attached “Daydreamer” by artists Alex Irvine and Ian with key universities abroad and attracting high-quality to cement blocks that represented the Wilkinson is located on the north side of students from the global market to WCU,” she said. building using a Sikadur epoxy in Aloft Hotel at 51 Biltmore Ave. in Asheville. –By Teresa Killian Tate

Winter 2015 | 9 the late Harry Ramsey ’59, assistant to the chancellor for WCU programs in Asheville. She became director upon Ramsey’s retirement in 1997. “Kevan brings extensive experience and very strong connections throughout the Asheville-Hendersonville area, especially in the banking, finance, legal, medical, government and entrepreneurial sectors,” said Alison Morrison-Shetlar, WCU provost. “He also brings tremendous energy and excitement as he begins to build upon the solid foundation that Patsy Miller is leaving behind, as well as those with whom she has worked over the years.” Frazier served as associate vice chancellor for university advancement at UNC Asheville from 2012 until the fall of 2013, stepping down to start a small business in the tourism sector, Asheville by Foot, which provides historic and architectural walking tours of the city’s downtown. At UNC Asheville, he also had served as associate vice chancellor for alumni relations from 2004 until 2012, director of student life and the Highsmith University Union from 2001 until 2004, and coordinator of the Honors Program and associate director of undergraduate research from 1999 to 2001. In addition, Frazier taught history at UNC Asheville, having BILTMORE PARK DIRECTOR IS earned his doctorate in U.S. and African history at West NO STRANGER TO ASHEVILLE AREA University. He received his master’s degree in history from Kent State University and his bachelor’s degree in history Western Carolina University did not have to go far to find from UNC Asheville. the new executive director for its programs at Biltmore Park “While I was not on the job market, when I learned of WCU’s – just as far as the other side of Asheville. Kevan Frazier, opening at Biltmore Park, I could not pass up the extraordinary who served four different divisions during a 17-year career opportunity to lead and grow one of the cornerstones of at the University of North Carolina at Asheville before economic and community development in Western North embarking upon a private business venture, joined WCU in Carolina,” Frazier said. “As the leading provider of graduate August to direct the university’s instructional site at Biltmore education in Western North Carolina, WCU is positioned better Park Town Square. than any other institution in the area to offer the curricular Frazier is succeeding Patsy Miller MAED ’82, who retired breadth and depth needed to support economic and community after more than 30 years of service to WCU, all of them in development in the region. As a native Ashevillian, my roots administrative roles with the university’s programs in the are deep in this community and my commitment to its success Asheville area. Miller joined WCU in 1984 as program is very strong.” coordinator for the Asheville office, where she worked with –By Bill Studenc MPA ’10

FALL ENROLLMENT RECORD SHATTERED – AGAIN One year after total student enrollment at Western Carolina University topped 10,000 for the first time in the institution’s history, records continue to tumble at WCU as fall’s official enrollment was 10,382. University officials say the 2.7 percent jump in the total student population over last year’s tally of 10,107 was driven in part by an increase in the size of the freshman class and another year of improved retention rates. The number of first-time, full-time freshmen at WCU in the fall was 1,745, up 8.1 percent from the fall 2013 freshman class of 1,614, said Tim Metz, assistant vice chancellor for planning and effectiveness. The university’s freshman retention rate – the percentage of first-time, full-time undergraduate students who returned for their sophomore year – was nearly 78 percent, comparable to last year’s record of approximately 79 percent, Metz said. The average high school weighted grade-point average for the freshman class this year was 3.74, up from last year’s overall freshman class GPA of 3.67, he said.

10 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University NEW LEADERS AT THE HELM OF KIMMEL

SCHOOL, COLLEGE Jeffrey L. Ray (at left), dean OF EDUCATION of the Kimmel School of There is a pair of new faces at Construction Management meetings of the Deans’ Council these and Technology, meets with days after the appointment of new Lisa Leatherman (center), leadership for two of Western Carolina Duke Energy’s district University’s undergraduate colleges last manager for Jackson County, year – actually, make that one new face and Bora Karayaka, assistant and one not-so-new-face. The new dean professor of engineering of the Kimmel School of Construction and technology, to see Management and Technology joins some of the new equipment WCU from Southern Polytechnic State purchased for WCU’s electric University in Marietta, Georgia, while power engineering laboratory the new dean of the College of Education with a $75,000 gift from the and Allied Professions has been a WCU Duke Energy Foundation. faculty member since 1979. Jeffrey L. Ray, who had been dean of the School of Engineering Technology and Management at Southern Polytechnic State, took over the reins of the Kimmel School effective Aug. 1. Ray, dean and professor of mechanical engineering technology at SPSU since leadership positions in his professional undergraduate programs and one new 2007, filled a vacancy created by the organizations and his interdisciplinary graduate program that were approved by departure of James Zhang, who accepted collaborations are all attributes that the Georgia Board of Regents. the position of provost at Kettering will bring recognition to the Kimmel Earlier in 2014, Morrison-Shetlar University in Flint, , after School, building on the very strong announced the appointment of Dale leading the Kimmel School since foundation that James Zhang and the Carpenter, who had been serving in an October 2012. faculty and staff of the Kimmel School interim leadership role in the College “Dr. Ray brings a wealth of experience have developed.” of Education and Allied Professions in engineering education, working with During his tenure as dean at SPSU, since July 2012, as permanent dean industry and in developing engaged Ray helped develop his school’s first of the college. “Dr. Carpenter is a learning opportunities for students strategic plan, coordinated three major highly regarded and respected leader and faculty,” Provost Alison Morrison- accreditation processes, and acquired on campus, regionally and nationally Shetlar said. “His ability to work with funding for more than $2.5 million in and is a sought-after presenter and many different types of business new and replacement equipment. He assessor in his area of expertise,” she and industry, his reputation and also created and developed two new said. “He has done an excellent job leading the College of Education and Allied Professions for the past two years and has proven himself more than up to the task of continuing in this role in a permanent capacity.” Carpenter had been filling a vacancy created by the departure of Perry Schoon, who left the university in 2012 to become dean of the College of Education at Illinois State University. “For more than 30 years, I have loved being associated with Western Carolina University and I have always been proud of what we do in the College of Education and Allied Professions,” Carpenter said. “It is no secret to my colleagues that I have looked up to many of the current and retired faculty as models for teaching, service and research and I have been very proud of what our alumni have accomplished.” –By Bill Studenc MPA ’10

Dale Carpenter (left), dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions, first joined the WCU faculty in 1979 as a professor of special education.

Winter 2015 | 11 CATAMOUNT ATHLETICS

FINAL WHISTLE DESPITE HIS SHORT STATURE, BELOVED COACH ‘MUTT’ WAS A GIANT IN ATHLETICS AT WCU AND IN THE REGION By KEITH JARRETT

12 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University As he told a friend many years ago: to cool off during the hot afternoon Cetera, who played collegiate women’s From left, former Catamount “My given name is Derrick Alphonso practices. He called those guys ‘Mutt’s basketball at the University of North players Chuck Milner ’77, Degraffenreid III. That’s why they call me tadpoles,’” said McCoy, who succeeded Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Al, who is Al “Mutt” Degraffenreid ’77 Mutt.” A beloved member of the Western Degraffenreid as coach at Cherokee enrolled at WCU. MAEd ’80 and Gary Carolina University athletics family and in 2005. Henderson ’79 share a light- a history-making high school coach, Al “He taught me so much, (including) Reprinted in edited format with permission of the hearted moment on the field. “Mutt” Degraffenreid ’77 MAEd ’80 the level of impact we have as coaches Asheville Citizen-Times. lost his battle with various health issues on our players’ lives. ... It’s about caring Nov. 8 at age 60. and compassion for every player and a A football player at Reynolds High genuine interest in making them a better School in Asheville who walked on at player and a better person,” he said. “I WCU and made the first tackle when will miss him dearly, and we have lost E.J. Whitmire Stadium opened in 1974, one of the special ones in the fraternity Degraffenreid had a long career as a of coaching.” coach and teacher. After serving as an Degraffenreid, who was inducted into assistant football coach at WCU for nearly the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame last year, 20 years, he became the first African- was proud of the fact that he was the first American to become a head coach at African-American high school coach in a Western North Carolina high school WNC. “I didn’t know I was the first when when he took over the football program I was hired at Cherokee,” Degraffenreid at Cherokee High in 1999. He also served said in an August interview. “But I am as athletic director at North Buncombe proud of the fact and disappointed that High and Smoky Mountain. there haven’t been any more after me And beyond all his accomplishments (Hendersonville’s Eric Gash became the was a nice, affable man who always second black head coach this season). If greeted friends with a slightly bowed head I’m part of history, then I’m happy about and a smile that started shyly but quickly that. I’ve been fortunate to be around grew into a wide grin. “It was amazing. I athletics and work with young people never heard a bad word about Mutt from most of my life, and I hope I made a anyone. Just a great human being,” said difference. Because all those players sure longtime friend Steve White ’67, WCU’s made a difference in me,” he said. Catamount athletics official historian He is survived by his wife, Pam and former sports information director. Degraffenreid ’80, who has been a White recalled the day Degraffenreid staff member at WCU for more than walked onto the football team in 1972. 20 years. The couple has two children, “The coaches were talking about the players who tried out, and they would only keep a few,” White said. “(Defensive coordinator) Don Denning MAEd ’70 said, ‘I really like that kid they call “Mutt.” He’s got a great head for the game, he’s GREEKS GIVE BACK quick, and he hits hard. I think this kid can help us.’ (Coach Bob) Waters said, FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES ANSWER THE ‘He’s what, 5-3 or 5-4? Can he even see?’ CATAMOUNT CLUB’S CHALLENGE By DANIEL HOOKER ’01 Because Mutt wore these thick glasses. But they kept him, and he turned into In addition to the letters “WCU,” the marks associated with Greek student organizations are a player.” among those long-lasting ties that bind. They are badges of membership, association and sources of After graduation, Degraffenreid pride for both current and former students alike. Every year, Western Carolina University alumni became a graduate assistant and then return to the beautiful valley campus where memories stream back more swiftly than Cullowhee assistant coach, working until 1996 under Creek. Friendships and affiliations made over a four-year collegiate career are rekindled each fall Waters, Dale Strahm and his close friend weekend, stoked by pregame tailgate festivities and cheering on the Catamount football team at E.J. Steve Hodgin MAEd ’83. “Mutt was Whitmire Stadium and Bob Waters Field. the guy coach Waters really relied on The Western Carolina athletics fundraising arm, the Catamount Club, announced the Inaugural as a sounding board for all the players,” Fraternity-Sorority Challenge this past fall. The challenge was designed to allow alumni to celebrate White said. “If there was any trouble in those bonds of brotherhood or sisterhood that cross the decades at WCU while also helping the dorms, coach Waters would send Mutt to increase scholarship support for WCU student-athletes. The initiative brought in 481 new to take care of it, and he would. He was a members to the Catamount Club and just under $70,000 in new support for WCU student-athlete great coach and recruiter, and he really scholarships for 2015. had a knack for finding players, especially The winning fraternity and sorority were recognized during a special ceremony between the first defensive backs and wide receivers.” and second quarters at the October Homecoming game. Winners of the fraternity challenge were Pi Skooter McCoy ’99 was one of those Kappa Alpha and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, with 35 percent alumni and student participation. Winner of the local athletes recruited by Degraffenreid sorority challenge was Alpha Xi Delta, with 14 percent alumni and student participation. In addition, to play at WCU. “I met Coach Mutt in Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity raised the most overall new money with $23,800 in contributions. 1989 when I was in seventh grade. It was my first summer football camp For more information about the Catamount Club and being a part of the 2015 Fraternity- at WCU. He would take the younger Sorority Challenge, contact Stefanie Conley ’08, associate director of the Catamount Club, at kids and sneak them off to the creek [email protected] or 828.227.2013.

Winter 2015 | 13 CATAMOUNT ATHLETICS

Photos courtesy of the DOUBLE PLAY Kansas City Royals BETWEEN A WORLD SERIES BERTH AND THE BIRTH OF HIS FIRST SON, IT WAS AN OCTOBER TO REMEMBER FOR A FORMER WCU BASEBALL STANDOUT By KEITH JARRETT

Greg Holland delivers a A middle infielder at McDowell High School who threw “He was a pretty good high-school player, but he was 5-7, pitch in the World Series just seven innings and hit .261 his junior year, Greg Holland maybe 150 pounds, and he wasn’t big or strong enough to (above); Holland celebrates jacked up his batting average more than 100 points his senior pitch more than a few innings. But he wanted to be a baseball Kansas City’s win over season with the Titans in 2004. It was the genesis of a pattern of player, loved to play, had a big ol’ heart, and he had that drive, in the American steady improvement that has defined his baseball career, from that determination. And look at him now.” League Championship pretty good high school player who interested very few colleges, At the same time he was pursuing the dream of a berth in Series (inset). to a stubborn walk-on at Western Carolina University, to an the World Series, Holland was waiting on the birth of his first all-conference closer, to a 10th-round draft pick and now the child. The Royals had chased the Detroit Tigers down to the hottest closer in all of the major leagues who recently pitched wire for the regular-season title in the AL Central Division his Kansas City Royals team into the World Series. before settling for a wild-card berth, with Holland closing out From humble beginnings in McDowell County, Holland is the game that clinched the franchise’s first playoff berth in 29 a two-time All-Star who recently had the October of a lifetime. seasons. And after the win over Oakland in the wild-card game, He pitched in 10 postseason games for the Royals and went Holland didn’t have much time to celebrate advancement to seven-for-seven in save opportunities, the first coming after the next round against the Angels. he flew cross-country from North Carolina to California and “I had an hour or so with my teammates, and then I took a arrived mid-game so he could witness the birth of his first private jet to Greenville (), because we thought child. He made three appearances in the World Series, earning inducing labor on my off day was the best chance for me to a save in Game 3. His four saves in the American League see Nash being born,” he said. He arrived in Asheville around Championship Series tied a major-league record. 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 1. Son Nash Gregory Holland was born In addition, Holland was named the first winner of the around 8:40 p.m., and the next day he flew out to Anaheim. Mariano Rivera Award, a new honor handed out by Major “It was definitely overwhelming and a little crazy,” said League Baseball to the best relief pitcher in the American Lacey Holland ’10. “I was in the hospital booking his flight League. Holland even made the cover of Sports Illustrated, to California. The whole thing has been a whirlwind.” Greg gracing a limited edition of the magazine that featured a cover Holland arrived midway through Game 1 of the series against photo of him running around the field at Kauffman Stadium the Angels, and an hour or so later picked up his first playoff in Kansas City, waving a huge Royals’ flag after Kansas City’s save, a great accomplishment but the second-best experience 9-8, 12-inning wild-card playoff game win against Oakland. he had those two days. “The birth of your first child trumps At age 28, he has more saves (100) than any other closer in the anything you will ever do athletically,” Holland said. “People game over the past two years. tell you what the experience is like and that you don’t really “It’s a great story, and we’re loving it around here,” said get it until you witness it, and that’s true.” Dennis “Flea” Blake ’77, Holland’s high-school baseball coach. Reprinted in edited format with permission of the Asheville Citizen-Times.

14 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University SILVER ALERT WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF TEAM AND FORMER FOOTBALL STANDOUT MAKE UP THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY HALL OF FAME CLASS By DANIEL HOOKER ’01

In a year in which Western Carolina University be two of just three SoCon women’s golfers all-time to secure commemorated its 125th anniversary of service to Western three or more SoCon Golfers of the Month awards. North Carolina and beyond, the WCU Athletics Hall of Going into the Hall of Fame from the football program, Fame also enjoyed a milestone of its own, celebrating its 25th Holden lettered four years at wide receiver for the Catamounts induction class. The silver anniversary class comprises Western from 1963-66. He recorded 78 career receptions, including Carolina’s 2002-03 women’s golf team and former football 10 receiving touchdowns and amassing 1,310 yards. His best player Leroy Holden ’67, who were enshrined in the Hall of season came in 1966 when he tallied 38 receptions for 656 Fame on the weekend of Nov. 14-15. yards and five scores. During his career, Holden was named Under the direction of head coach Steve Lott, the 2002-03 the team’s player of the year four times and received three women’s golf team was the first WCU women’s team in any game balls for outstanding individual game performances. sport to advance to an NCAA post-season tournament. The Following his graduation, Holden embarked on a tremendous Catamounts ended the nine-year run of the Furman Lady career in education, spending more than 40 years as a teacher, Paladins, carding a Southern Conference record-low 54-hole coach and high school athletics director. He joined the faculty score of 894 that still stands today. The squad won three team at North Mecklenburg High in 1971 where he would serve as championships that season, including the home Great Smokies head coach for the baseball, softball and tennis teams, while Intercollegiate, the John Kirk-Lady Panther Intercollegiate and also making his name as a basketball coach. the 2003 SoCon Women’s Golf Championship that resulted Named one of the top 100 coaches in North Carolina – in the automatic berth in the NCAA post-season. Playing in and a four-time Mecklenburg County Coach of the Year – the NCAA East Regional at the Salem Glen Country Club in Holden compiled 464 career victories as a head basketball Winston-Salem, the Catamounts finished 16th overall. coach including a 30-1 season and state runner-up finish with The 2002-03 roster featured back-to-back top 20 recruiting his 1987 squad, which won 30 consecutive games before falling classes, and included 2010 individual Hall of Fame inductee in the title contest. He was chosen conference coach of the year Rebecca Twiner Hastings ’04; Danish-born Line Cordes; seven times between 1977 and 1994, and garnered Sportsman Sweden native Johanna Lundberg; and Hendersonville of the Year honors in 1999. product Meredith Beck Merrill ’04. Freshmen on the 2002- In 1985, Holden was promoted to athletics director at North 03 squad were Brandy Andersen ’06, Ashley Hovda Kress Mecklenburg, where he continued his hall of fame career. He ’06 and Jennifer Palmer ’05. Five of the golfers on that first was named the 2001 Charlotte Observer Athletic Director of championship team remain among Western Carolina’s top 20 the Year and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from in terms of career scoring average. the N.C. Athletic Directors’ Association in 2008. He was That season, Twiner Hastings became the first WCU women’s inducted into the N.C. Athletic Director Hall of Fame in 2012. From left, Chancellor golfer to break the 70-scoring barrier with a three-under par For his service to North Mecklenburg High, he was honored David O. Belcher 69 at the ECU Lady Pirate Intercollegiate. Andersen, who in 2012 with “The Legends of North Mecklenburg” award. In congratulates new went on to garner All-Southern Conference accolades and 2013, the basketball court was named “Leroy Holden Court,” Athletics Hall of Fame SoCon Freshman of the Year plaudits, lowered the benchmark and an annual basketball tournament coined “The Holden inductees Leroy Holden with a round of 66 at the Great Smokies Intercollegiate. Classic” is held in his honor. Additionally, the Holden Cup ’67, Brandy Andersen Cordes and Twiner Hastings also were tabbed All-SoCon at is given each year to a football player who displays excellence ’06, Meredith Beck the season’s end while Lott was honored as the Coach of the in athletics and scholarship. Merrill ’04, Jennifer Year by his peers. Including this year’s induction class, Western Carolina’s Palmer ’05, Ashley Overall, four individuals on the 2002-03 Catamount women’s Athletics Hall of Fame has enshrined 112 individuals, five Hovda Kress ’06, golf team were named National Golf Coaches Association athletic teams, 11 Patron Award winners and two recipients Rebecca Twiner Hastings (NGCA) All-American Scholars – Andersen, Cordes, Hovda recognized for career achievements since its establishment ’04 and Steve Lott. Kress and Lundberg. Andersen and Hovda Kress went on to in 1990. “I never guessed I would be happy doing a job like this.”

looking for JAN O’BRIEN Timeline About Photos More

Facebook said a beloved campus icon

had died; the Internet was wrong. By JAMES HOGAN ’03

16 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University JAN HOME FIND FRIENDS MORE

THIS STORY BEGINS 16 YEARS AGO, the fall of 1998, Every quarter or so, when The Magazine of Western Carolina when I was a high school senior visiting my college sophomore University arrives, I flip to the back, where they list the university girlfriend at Western Carolina University. We were hungry, deaths. It’s a morbid habit, I guess, glancing through to see and we were drawn like moths to the flame by the on-campus if a professor has passed away. I always wondered if I’d spot Chick-fil-A, where fried chicken sandwiches wrapped in foil Jan’s name in the listings. bags sat under heat lamps, waiting to be purchased by students But here it was, flashing across Facebook like wildfire bearing purple-and-gold Cat Cards. now, dozens of friends liking and sharing, commenting and We gathered our meals and headed for check-out, and that’s mourning. O’Malley’s Pub, one of the few bars in Sylva from the first time I met Jan O’Brien, the beloved register attendant our college years that’s still open, posted its own mournful in the A.K. Hinds University Center food court. She was an statement. I imagined them opening up a bottle of Irish whiskey, older lady, short but strong in stature, with white, curly hair, pouring shots for all the folks at the bar, and toasting Jan’s and a vibrant smile, which she flashed warmly to me. “Hello, good life. sweetheart!” she said. “Hi, Jan!” Kelly said back to her. I grinned. “What, no ‘sweetheart’’ for me?” James Hogan ’03 is relieved to find Jan O’Brien alive and well She laughed, and then she called me sweetheart. We chatted, and sharing her smile. and then we checked out, and we ate, and the next year I came back to Western Carolina as a freshman. Jan was still there, and she called me sweetheart. She called me that for the next four years. NOW, FLASH FORWARD 11 YEARS, past my graduation and marriage and first job, after the first and second houses, the births of two kids, and all the way to the middle of August 2014. Thursday night. My wife, Kelly, and I were settling down for the evening, ready for the kids to go to sleep. We were minding our typical nighttime routines, scrolling on our phones through Facebook, when I saw it – a friend, upset, sharing terrible news. Jan O’Brien had died. I gasped, and read the status update again. I told Kelly. And slowly, grief dripped over us. There it was again on Facebook. I reposted it again, anxious to share the news to my circle of looking for friends, who each shared stories about Jan. I watched as the comments came in. We put the kids to bed, and then Kelly and I sat in our living room, the lights dim, and talked about her, about her laugh, her smile, her eternally sunny attitude. I remembered spring semesters best. Jan would always take JAN O’BRIEN trips abroad in the summers, and in the spring she’d work on learning the language for wherever she was traveling. The first spring it was Mandarin, and I learned about the importance of inflections. I learned to say “hello,” and I learned to say “not bad, how are you?” And that was about it. Another spring it was Greek, and every morning I’d check out with my breakfast, and she’d teach me a little phrase, something about saying hello and how are you, then something about food or drink, then something about finding the restroom. No matter what, every morning it was “Hello, sweetheart!” It didn’t matter that I was a goofy college kid with a backpack full of English literature anthologies, my hair a little long, my head somewhere else. Sweetheart. A few years ago when Kelly and I visited WCU for a football game, we poked our heads into the old Dodson dining hall one more time, where Jan had started working, and we saw a bulletin board filled with photos of Jan with students. She wasn’t working that day. That was it. We never saw her again. They tore down the dining hall the next year.

Winter 2015 | 17 In college, there are friends who are like brothers, and there With the rising sun to our backs, we traced along Interstate 40, are professors who are like second parents. And then there are through the rolling Piedmont to where the land bunches up into people like Jan, the kind who are like your grandmothers, so well-worn creases, until the highway can’t go straight anymore sweet and happy and fun to be around. and gives into a snaking cadence of curves and climbs, to the I picked up my phone and wrote an email to the chancellor, near-end of the Tar Heel mile markers. We turned just before encouraging him to find a good way to honor her. He quickly to go south. wrote back: “James, I had not heard. I just saw her Monday or The names of the places here are different from the place Tuesday in the dining hall.” names back east: Junaluska, Cataloochee, Balsam, Cullowhee,

“The report of my death was an exaggeration.” -Mark Twain

FRIDAY MORNING, AND I’M PULLING ON MY Nantahala, places even more ancient than the old languages CLOTHES FOR WORK. The haze of Thursday night’s grief used for calling them, their origins as murky as the valley is still lingering. First, it was Robin Williams, and now it’s woods at noon. Jan, I thought. No fun. Our drive is long enough that there comes a point where I I checked Facebook, curious to see the comments posted feel more than a little foolish. “I have dragged my entire family after I’d gone to sleep. I noticed a friend had created a fan page on a day trip to the mountains to go see a lady who works in a called “Remembering Jan O’Brien.” college cafeteria who I thought was dead but isn’t,” I thought. I That’s when I noticed a comment, this one on the O’Malley’s was overwhelmed by the feeling that I was embarking on some post, featuring a screenshot of a text message from someone midlife crisis adventure, the kind in which the protagonist goes working in dining services: “Miss Jan is alive and well and at off in search for a part of his youth that has been lost, some her post, ready to meet all the new students.” And then, another existential pearl that must be recaptured, only to discover it’s post, confirming the first. And another. long gone, and the lesson is in the journey. Jan is alive. That part was well verified as the morning stretched out. The chancellor even emailed to say so. “Come FRIENDS...10,000+ on over, though!” he wrote. “It’s move-in day!” Indeed it was. We pulled onto campus behind a caravan of cars, each loaded down with first-year students and parents and possessions and angst. We miraculously found a parking space, unloaded the kids, and looked for bathrooms. It was time, and I wasn’t even sure about what to say. “Jan! You’re alive!” seemed too dramatic. I quietly wished I’d put more thought into this. But then again, I wasn’t even sure if she would still be at work when we arrived. I didn’t know where, exactly, she would be if she was working. To be fair, I wasn’t even sure if she was alive 12 hours ago. Then, there she was: perched on her stool behind her register in the new dining hall, a small queue of students handing over their meal cards for her to swipe, the bustle of mealtime carrying on in concert. She looked up at me. “Hello, sweetheart!” she said, her smile growing bigger as she began to place my face, and then Kelly’s. She greeted our children, and we spent a few minutes catching up. We snapped a picture together. But there was a line of hungry students who wanted to go and eat, and we were clearly in the way, the awkward college boy grown up with his family and the giant-sized stroller blocking most of the lane to get in. We went and ate, our kiddos’ eyes awash in wonder at the largest food buffet they’d ever seen. We bumped into Ron Rash at the salad bar. Later, when we saw Jan sit down to take her lunch break, there was time to talk. This time, I was ready with questions. Jan was alive. My mind raced through a hundred thoughts, SHE WAS BORN IN WASHINGTON, DC. She lived in each clouded by confusion. If she was alive – and at that point, Miami Beach for 35 years and worked as a bartender. “I made the whole matter still seemed up in the air – then what? What good money,” she said, “and I loved the people.” She came happens when you’re ready to eulogize someone, and you find to visit friends in nearby Sylva, and she fell in love with the out there’s still a chance to say those words in person? mountains. She belonged here, she said. Before I knew it, we were feeding the kids breakfast, packing But she couldn’t come here to retire, so she picked up her job a bunch of snacks into sandwich baggies, and loading up the working in the food court. “I never guessed I would be happy minivan. We were heading west. doing a job like this,” she admitted, “but it’s been wonderful. CULLOWHEE, I’VE OFTEN JOKED, ISN’T A PLACE Twenty-five years this year.” YOU FIND BY ACCIDENT. You have to go to the end of We talked about how she taught me languages and how she North Carolina and turn left. traveled. “I can’t do that much anymore. My back is no good.

18 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University In her previous station in Dodson Dining Hall, Jan O’Brien maintained a wall of photos of the students she meets.

I couldn’t move around or stand in line.” Still, her record isn’t And then it was as if God told me to go hug her neck, and I bad: 49 states and 22 countries. couldn’t say no. Truly. I know it seems emotional and silly at My children puttered around us, occupying their minds first glance to go and drive 150 miles to find Jan, but I didn’t as best they could while we talked. “You know, I don’t have think I had a choice. any children of my own,” she admitted. “But actually, I have Because I had to prove that I live in a world in which human 6,000 children. All of these kids are my kids. I love them. They beings matter, a world in which the emotion following death keep me alive. I’ll keep coming here and doing this job until is more than a Facebook lamentation, more than a status I can’t get out of bed.” update and an oh-well. I was compelled to share the flood of Our conversation now was coming more naturally. I told memories when I thought Jan was gone, and part of me felt her about all of the people on Facebook who were devastated that none of those feelings was real – was true – if I didn’t take when they thought she’d died. She seemed unsure how to react the initiative and go find her. herself. “I came up here for work this morning, and a young Yes, this is a story about letting people in your life slide to woman came up to me, and she saw me, and she turned around the far perimeter, and yes, this is about letting people in your crying and left. I didn’t know what to think.” life know how much they mean to you. I told Jan how happy I was to see her, and I said how much But this is also about the hard reality of living and moving she meant to me (and to Kelly) when we were students and how forward, about how there comes a point when you have a lot much she meant to so many of us. She was an important part of of people in your life – and one day leads to another, and you our lives, I said. “Thank you,” she replied. I thanked her back. wake up to find you’ve had to let some people go, that they’ve In the end, that was as best as I could do. There was no wandered into that faraway place, and that’s just how life works. Hollywood ending, no moment where we ran and embraced “The report of my death was an exaggeration,” Mark Twain while the cafeteria erupted in applause, no grand speeches famously wrote in the New York Journal after he had mistakenly standing on top of dining tables. Freshmen wandered past us, been declared dead by the media. So it was with Jan. unaware of the jewel sitting down for her lunch, blind to the As it turns out, Jan and I share a birthday. I turned 33. She moment we were sharing together. turned 82. This past year, Western Carolina turned 125. And We hugged goodbye, and I kissed her cheek, and that was as yet another new flock of students arrived, Jan was there that. Before long, we were back in the van, the children asleep to learn their names, to call them sweetheart, and give them in their car seats as we coasted down to flat land. Like death, advice, and share her brilliant smile. the whole moment had happened so quickly. In short, she was there to change their lives. Still. The lesson was in the journey, after all. I was so sad when I thought Jan had left us, but the truth was, I was just as James D. Hogan ’03 is an education writer and fundraiser at responsible for Jan’s disappearance in my life. I’d quit stopping Davidson College. He lives in Statesville with his wife, Kelly by the dining hall to see her, resigning Jan to a checklist of Williams Hogan ’01, and their children, Julia and Thomas. college memories shared among my friends. Read more of his work at jamesdhogan.com.

Winter 2015 | 19 COMMUNITY OF CARING From left, Graduate School associate dean Brian Kloeppel, WCU student Hali Yarborough, Waynesville community member Eric Lemerise and WCU student Elsa Stiles help renovate the center.

Hundreds from WCU help transform a closed prison into a shelter and soup kitchen By TERESA KILLIAN TATE

The Saturday in mid-November was so cold that Jade Estes, find a job or even to simply learn how to care for themselves Facing page clockwise a Western Carolina University freshman from Salisbury, once more,” said Estes. “They didn’t want Haywood Pathways from top left, home- had to use an old CD to scrape ice off her windshield. Estes to become just a building for someone to live in. They wanted design expert Ty then drove with several classmates from WCU’s “Go Green” to make it a comfortable, safe place for someone to temporarily Pennington (left) kicks living-learning community leadership class to the Haywood call home. When he spoke about his hopes for the center, it off construction; WCU Pathways Center – a vacant prison being transformed into a made you want to work your hardest to make them come true.” students (from front) shelter, halfway house and soup kitchen. They spent the day Estes was among hundreds from the WCU community Abby Bearer, McKenna mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, moving furniture and who joined an army of Haywood County volunteers working Knoettner and Elizabeth scrubbing kitchen appliances to make the center in Waynesville to open the center, which is a 30-minute drive from campus. Matrejek volunteer; as comfortable as possible for its first guests that night. They The amount of assistance from the WCU community came as a WCU students also had collected 80 pairs of socks – an item the students welcome surprise, said Honerkamp, president of the Haywood (clockwise from right) determined was important but often not donated to shelters. Christian Emergency Shelter, a partner in the center’s “Tear Lauren Voncannon, The students had designed their service activities to fit in Down These Fences” project. One-third of the center’s more Bailey Voncannon and with a class assignment that involved a study of poverty in than 1,500 volunteers during the three months prior to opening Mattison Callahan take a Western North Carolina. Meeting Nick Honerkamp, who is were college-age students and younger, he said. picture with Pennington. helping lead the Haywood Pathways Center effort, left them “We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from wanting to do more. the citizens of Haywood County, and we are equally excited by “He spoke of the organization as not just a place for people to the outpouring of support from WCU faculty and students,” get out of the cold but as a place for these people to get help – to said Honerkamp. “We never anticipated the groundswell of get the push they need to go out and help the community or to support that has come from Cullowhee.”

Winter 2015 | 21 Nick Honerkamp, president of the Haywood Christian Emergency Shelter, talks with WCU faculty, staff and student volunteers.

Facing page, (above) WCU Before renovations began, WCU business faculty helped partnerships to support the center, including helping develop students, from left, Gary the center coordinators develop marketing aspects to compete social enterprises through which shelter residents can gain job Riley and Jordan Harris in mortgage lender Guaranteed Rate’s national Ultimate skills while helping generate funding to sustain it. (below) and Julie Johnson- Neighborhood Give Back Challenge contest, and the center Lane Perry, director of the WCU Center for Service Learning, Busbin, WCU marketing won the $50,000 grand prize. The honor came with a visit said the project has brought many people together and he is faculty member, visit and from Ty Pennington, a home-design expert known for his moved that the WCU community will continue to have a volunter at the center. work with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and other TV part. The future collaborative projects have the potential to shows, to help kick off construction. During Pennington’s visit help sustain the center while also offering innovative and in September, WCU students collecting donations in buckets educational hands-on experiences for students, Perry said. raised nearly $3,000 for the project while other WCU volunteers WCU marketing faculty members Julie Johnson-Busbin helped with painting and other tasks. So many people from and James Busbin initially became involved in the project not WCU volunteered to help that organizers designated Sept. only because it offered a strong fit with the College of Business’ 26 as “WCU Flip the Prison Day,” and about 100 students commitment to working in partnership to serve the community, continued to return during the next two months to serve. but also because they were moved by its mission, said Johnson- WCU faculty and staff members have been exploring long-term Busbin. The idea was to take a former minimum-security

22 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University correctional facility, tear down the fences that separated it from the neighboring community and convert it into a shelter, soup kitchen and halfway house able to serve up to 120 people nightly. The transformation would enable the Haywood Christian Emergency Shelter, a temporary facility limited to serving nearly two dozen people during the winter months, to relocate to the building and operate year-round. The Open Door, which served 35,695 meals in 2013 in Waynesville, would add a new soup kitchen at the center. In addition, the nonprofit organization Next Step Ministries would provide housing for ex-offenders on the site and partner with the Haywood County sheriff on initiatives to help reduce the recidivism rate. Participants would develop personal growth plans, and center guests would work or volunteer in the community. “It is a project about a little town with a great big heart and a group of people rallying together to help those in need,” said Johnson-Busbin. “It is about a solution that could change the face of a community. It is about an idea that could be leveraged across the state and across the nation. It is a revolutionary idea – one that is powered not by government funds but by the compassion and energy of the community.” She and her husband assisted with developing the strategy behind the project’s entry in the Ultimate Neighborhood Give Back Challenge contest. The 320 entrants in the contest were judged by their “Clearly, this is a highly community impact, the plan to execute the idea and the number of votes received engaged campus and one on Facebook during three rounds of voting. Johnson- Busbin and Busbin helped that is deeply concerned with the social media effort, the strategic positioning of about social issues.” the promotional video and the project proposal. The Haywood Pathways Center project won the -Julie Johnson-Busbin online vote in each of the contest’s three rounds, a feat in which the WCU community played an important part, said Johnson-Busbin. “WCU’s willingness to step in and vote for the project was awesome, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of faculty and students who have volunteered to work on this project,” she said. “Clearly, this is a highly engaged campus and one that is deeply concerned about social issues.” The project caught the attention of students such as Jaclyn McKinley, a senior from Raleigh, who spent three days in a row at the site and worked with classmates to organize a toiletries drive that yielded about 200 items ranging from soap to conditioner. The drive was in addition to a “Rock Your Socks Off” sock donation campaign that student Eliza Hurst, a freshman from Pompano Beach, Florida, said involved setting up donation boxes and “a few phone calls, a lot of posters and many emails.” Honerkamp said WCU provided more volunteers for the project than any other single source, and the assistance was vital to allow the opening in November. “We could not have accomplished this project without the support of the WCU family,” said Honerkamp. “It is so exciting to see the students of WCU providing vision, taking leadership and tackling the problems of our society. If this is any indication of the heart of this next generation, I believe the future is bright.” BROADWAY MUSICAL THE PRIDE OF THE MOUNTAINS STORMS THE BIG APPLE

Western Carolina University’s Pride the band on the trip, using skills of the Mountains Marching Band helped learned in a “TV News Reporting” millions of people get their Thanksgiving class to capture video and audio of morning off to a rousing start when it the band as it prepared for the parade kicked off the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving and marched along the streets of New Day Parade with a crowd-pleasing York. The student broadcasters also met magazine.wcu.edu rendition of Billy Joel’s classic “Miami with Jarrett Frazier ’12, a graduate of 2017 (I’ve Seen the Lights Go Out on WCU’s communication program who Broadway).” Selected to lead the parade, now works in sports production for the the Pride of the Mountains marched NBC television network out of Stamford, and performed in front of more than Connecticut. Frazier, who received the 3.5 million spectators lining the streets of 2014 Young Alumnus Award from the New York, with an estimated audience of WCU Alumni Association, has helped more than 50 million viewing television NBC broadcast Olympic Games in broadcasts of the beloved holiday event. London and Sochi, Russia, in the two- Ten buses transported the 505 band and-a-half years since his graduation. members and their equipment from A former student photographer in Cullowhee to the Big Apple, with another WCU’s Office of Communications and four buses bringing parents and band Public Relations, he was in New York supporters to witness the event. to chronicle the band’s experiences, In addition, a team of WCU students and a selection of his photos appears studying communication accompanied on these pages.

24 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University Winter 2015 | 25 The Solution7% Photo by Will McIntyre ’76 and Deni McIntyre

AN ALUMNUS CONTINUES A LONG LEGACY OF GIVING TO HELP MEET THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING By BILL STUDENC MPA ‘10

When Wesley R. “Wes” Elingburg ’78 saw the cover story in In that 2013 magazine story that inspired Elingburg to break the spring 2013 edition of The Magazine of Western Carolina out his checkbook, Brian Railsback, dean of the Honors College, revealing that only 7 percent of Western Carolina students described the difficulty of competing against other colleges and receive scholarships from the university, he was moved to take universities that are able to offer considerably more scholarship action. A former executive with Laboratory Corporation of assistance to top students. “When we’re recruiting students, America in Burlington, Elingburg recently made a $300,000 they visit campus and the Honors College and they really like commitment that will provide significant scholarship support what they see,” Railsback said then. “Then, other offers from to students enrolled in WCU’s Honors College who have other universities come in, and you can just sort of tell, some demonstrated financial need. of them are not coming to Western.” Gifts from Elingburg and “That article in the university magazine detailing the lack of other supporters of WCU should help even that playing field. scholarship funding is really what convinced me that I needed to Starting the Elingburg Scholars Program is just the latest in a do more to help,” Elingburg said. “I remember reading that story legacy of gifts to WCU for the resident of Greensboro who is co- and thinking that when the time comes for me to make my next owner and managing partner of the Greensboro Grasshoppers, contribution to the university, I now know what I need to do.” a Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins baseball team. Since What he decided to do was begin to make a series of gifts his graduation, he has contributed regularly to both the Loyalty to WCU to create the Elingburg Scholars Program. When the Fund and the Catamount Club. In 2006, he provided a gift to fund is fully endowed at the $300,000 level, it will provide three the university that made possible the Wesley R. Elingburg $5,000 scholarships annually for students in the Honors College. Distinguished Professorship in Business Innovation, which “The primary purpose is to provide scholarship assistance brings a nationally recognized expert to campus to teach in to the best and the brightest kids who might not otherwise be WCU’s College of Business. Three years later, he took the lead able to go to college – kids who need financial support in order in a matching gift program for the Loyalty Fund by offering to to attend Western Carolina University,” he said. “There are a match gifts over a one-year period, an effort that brought in about lot of very bright students out there, and it’s a very competitive $118,000 in new support for scholarships and other initiatives. world for the best of the best. You want to be able to attract those “I am a big believer in giving back to the people and the students to come to your school. For a lot of them, the decision institutions that have provided me with my foundation in life,” on where to go can come down to a matter of money.” Elingburg said. “There is no better feeling in the world than

26 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University helping those who have helped you. I feel that I owe a great Belcher announced in December at the closing activity deal of gratitude to Western Carolina. Without the education of WCU’s yearlong 125th anniversary celebration that the and support I have received from the university and from the university had reached the milestone of 100 new endowed College of Business, I just don’t know where I would be today.” scholarships since that installation address. The endowments Elingburg is among a growing number of alumni and will provide scholarship assistance to deserving students friends who have responded to the call from WCU Chancellor that can be awarded on an annual basis in perpetuity. David O. Belcher to provide additional scholarship support The WCU Board of Trustees in September approved a for deserving students. Belcher identified raising funds for new minimum threshold of $25,000 for the creation of endowed scholarships as the university’s No. 1 philanthropic endowed funds. priority, in order to ensure access to higher education for all A complete list of the first 100 endowed scholarships created capable students, during his installation address in March 2012. since March 2012 follows:

David and Susan Belcher Scholarship, for Steven C. Jones ’87 MSA ’99 Endowed Honors College students; donors David and Scholarship, for inclusive education majors; Susan Belcher. donors Eva and Jacob Jones. Brady Singleton and William Grady Anderson Dr. Janice H. Holt ’76 MAEd ’77 EdS ’87 Endowed Scholarship, for graduates of EdD ’12 Endowed Scholarship, for students Hiwassee Dam High School; donor William admitted to the WHEE Teach program; Grady Anderson ’49. donors Adam Holt ’05 MSA ’10 and Robert Holt ’73. Elizabeth “Beth” Tyson Lofquist Endowed Scholarship, for students studying middle Keener Family Endowed Scholarship, for grades education; donor Beth Tyson Lofquist Honors College students; donor Gaither ’78 MAEd ’79 EdS ’88. Keener ’72. Center for Life Enrichment Honors College Curtis Wood Endowed Scholarship, for Scholars Endowed Scholarship, for Honors history majors; donor Gaither Keener ’72. College students; donors from the Center for Life Enrichment. Norman West Endowed Scholarship, for student-athletes with declared majors in the Lt. Col. Elaine Howell Endowed Scholarship, College of Business; donor Norman West ’68. for College of Fine and Performing Arts majors; donor Elaine Howell ’68. Bowen-Goodell Endowed Scholarship, for out-of-state students who have completed a Stephen and Cathy Edmonds Endowed minimum of 30 hours at WCU involved in Scholarship, for engineering students; donors co-curricular leadership activities; donor Stephen and Cathy Edmonds. Stephanie Goodell ’92. David A. and Kay Slattery Shapiro Mickey and Sondra H. Pettus Alpha Xi Delta Scholarship for Specialists in Fluency Endowed Scholarship, for students in the Disorders, for students in the Department Epsilon Gamma chapter of Alpha Xi Delta of Communication Sciences and Disorders; sorority; donors Mickey Pettus ’74 and donors David and Kay Shapiro. Sondra Pettus. Cassandra Scott Carolyn May West ’73 MAEd ’79 Scholarship, Roland Johnson Endowed Scholarship, for Mickey and Sondra H. Pettus Alpha Xi Delta for middle grades education majors; donor College of Business majors; donor Roland Endowed Scholarship recipient Norman West ’68. Johnson ’76. John H. Wakeley Endowed Scholarship, for Coach Bob Waters Football Walk-On psychology majors; donor Sue Wakeley. Endowed Scholarship, for walk-on student- Bernice Lloyd and Nancy Potts Coward Susan Riddle Higgins ’82 Endowed athletes of the intercollegiate football team; MAEd ’57 Endowed Scholarship, for Honors Scholarship, for accounting majors; donors donor Dan Brooks ’76. College students; donors Carolyn and Orville Merrell Riddle MAEd ’73 EdS ’76 and Construction Management Alumni Endowed Coward Jr. Winston Riddle ’73. Scholarship, for construction management Kathleen Wright Endowed Scholarship, for Chad M. Flynt Endowed Scholarship, for sport majors; donors include construction communication majors; donor Don Connelly. management majors; donor Ken Flynt ’71. management alumni. McCracken Family Scholarship, for Honors Wolfe Endowed History Scholarship, for John Davies ’71 Memorial Football Endowed College students; donor Sandra Jayne history majors; donors Frederick Wolfe ’85 Scholarship, for members of the intercollegiate McCracken ’65. and Buttercup Wolfe ’85. football team; donor Bill Klugh ’72. Rocky Johnson Endowed Scholarship, James A. Lewis Endowed Scholarship, for Clarence Claude Teagarden Jr. Endowed for students with majors in the College of history majors; donor James Lewis. Scholarship, for business administration Business; donor Rocky Johnson ’66. and law majors; donors from the College RICOH USA Inc. Endowed Scholarship, for of Business. Paul and Nora Jones Endowed Athletic students in professional sales and marketing Scholarship, for members of the track-and- or computer information systems; donor Wells Fargo Endowed Scholarship, for field team; donors Paul Jones ’69 MAEd ’70 RICOH USA. accounting, finance, information systems and Nora Jones MAEd ’86. or economics majors; donor Wells Fargo. WCU Sport Management Association John and Anna McFadden Endowed Endowed Scholarship, for sport management Kenneth M. Hughes/Dixon Hughes Goodman Scholarship, for secondary education majors; majors; donors from the WCU Sport Endowed Scholarship, for accounting majors; donors Jack and Anna McFadden. Management Association. donor Ken Hughes ’74.

Winter 2015 | 27 Paul and Vicky Faris Endowed Scholarship, or are members of the Student Government Moss Family Scholarship, for students for Honors College students; donors Paul Association; donors represented by Alecia demonstrating financial need with a Faris ’66 and Vicky Faris ’66. Page ’13. minimum 3.0 GPA; donor Martha Yates. Mark L. and Grace T. Battle Endowed Thomas M. and Judy H. Dowell Endowed Dr. Barbara Cosper Endowed Scholarship, for Scholarship, for students pursuing a degree Scholarship, for members of an intercollegiate students majoring in dietetics and nutrition; in engineering or business; donors Mark and athletics sports team; donors Tom Dowell donors represented by Susan Kosma ’98. Grace Battle. MAEd ’70 and Judy Dowell. Jerry Johnson Endowed Scholarship, for Sondra Wise Endowed Scholarship, for Ramon Menze Endowed Scholarship, Honors College students; donor Jerry students pursuing a degree in comprehensive for upper-level students in the fine and Johnson ’78. science education with a concentration in performing arts who have a focus in Delta Zeta Endowed Scholarship, for members earth sciences or physics; donor Sondra photography; donor Ramon Albert Menze. of Delta Zeta sorority; donors from Delta Wise ’66. Betty Jo and Mark A. Knott Endowed Zeta sorority. Edith Moore Hall and David McKee Hall Scholarship, for inclusive education majors; C.J. Cody Jr. ’71 Memorial Track/Field/ Sr. Scholarship, for students pursuing an donors Betty Jo Knott and Tony Knott ’69 Cross Country Scholarship, for members undergraduate degree in recreational therapy MAEd ’70. of the track-and-field and/or cross-country or a physical therapy doctorate; donor Robert Gurney and Ann Chambers Scholarship, for teams; donors Brooke Roberts MAEd ’10 Hall ’44. junior or senior student-athletes enrolled in and Jason Roberts. Curtis and Enid Meltzer Endowed Scholarship, a teacher licensing program; donors Gurney Beta Lambda Sorority Endowed Teaching for students pursing an undergraduate degree Chambers ’61 and Ann Chambers. Scholarship, for teaching education majors; in the College of Arts and Sciences; donors Linda and Alden McCracken Endowed donors represented by Vyanne Fisher ’02 Curtis and Enid Meltzer. Scholarship, for members of an intercollegiate MAEd ’09. Schmudde Family Endowed Scholarship, for sports team; donor Alden McCracken ’58. John S. and Frances D. Hudson Endowed students majoring in hospitality and tourism Hedy White Endowed Scholarship, for Scholarship, for incoming freshmen management; donors Lee and Mariann psychology majors; donor Carol Taylor. who demonstrate involvement in their Schmudde. communities; donor Jack Hudson ’82. Bob and Pam Thomas Endowed Scholarship, Olson Family Scholarship, for students with for Honors College students in business or Cassius A. Wallace 1894 and Lena S. Wallace a 3.0 or higher GPA; donors Richard and engineering; donors Bob Thomas ’70 and 1893 Endowed Scholarship Fund, for students Rebecca Olson MS ’89. Pam Thomas. with a GPA of 3.0 or better; donor Winifred Alecia Page Endowed Scholarship, for students Swingle. Wallace Hyde ’49 MAEd ’53 Academic who work at the Writing and Learning Center Scholarship Fund, for Honors College Van and Alan Stayton Football Scholarship, students; donor James “Jim” Bennett ’89. for student-athletes on the WCU football team; donors Van Stayton ’65 and Alan Friends of the Arts Endowed Scholarship Stayton ’07. Fund, for students majoring in the arts; donors from Friends of the Arts at WCU. Corey Muirhead ’06 Basketball Scholarship, for student-athletes on the men’s basketball Sigma Phi Epsilon North Carolina Phi team; donors Blaise Stevens ’05 and Brittne Endowed Scholarship, for members of Sigma Stevens. Phi Epsilon North Carolina Phi; donors from Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Arthur Anderson Endowed Scholarship, for students obtaining a degree in the performing Mary Alice Gambill Shuford and David arts; donor Arthur Anderson. Shuford Endowed Scholarship, for students majoring in English; donors Mary Alice Dr. Mark and Katherine Whitehead Honors Gambill Shuford ’56 and David F. Shuford College Scholarship, for Honors College ’55 MAEd ’59. students planning to go to medical school or pre-nursing/nursing majors; donors Mark Sharon Dole Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship, and Katherine Whitehead. for graduate students with majors in gifted, creative and innovative education; donor Joan Byrd Endowed Scholarship, for ceramics Sharon Dole. students; donors Susan Ward ’76 and Randall Ward. Guy Burchfiel ’50 MA ’54 and Jo Edith Burchfiel Endowed Scholarship, for students Pediatric Developmental Therapy Endowed in the doctoral program in educational Scholarship Fund, for communication leadership; donor Jo Edith Burchfiel ’51 sciences and disorders majors; donor Haden MAEd ’54. Bolick MS ’94. Claxton Family Endowed Scholarship, for Lola and Samuel Cable Endowed Scholarship, students majoring in health and physical for students with a minimum GPA of 3.0; education; donors David and Mae Claxton. donor Helen Cable ’53 MAEd ’55. Teach for Tomorrow Endowed Scholarship, Frank and Rebecca Revis Brown Endowed for juniors and seniors pursuing degrees Scholarship, for College of Business majors in middle grades education, donors David with preference for members of the Business Joshua Wilkey Warlick ’76 and Brenda Warlick ’76. Law Club; donors Frank and Becky Brown ’71. Curtis Wood Endowed Scholarship recipient

28 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University James A. “Bill” Beaty Jr. Diversity Endowment, support for student diversity programs; donor James A. Beaty Jr. ’71. Casey Davis ’06 Soccer Endowed Scholarship, for members of the women’s soccer team; donors Blaise Stevens ’05 and Brittne Stevens. magazine.wcu.edu Lynne Zande Family Catamount Golf Scholarship, for members of the men’s and women’s golf teams; donors Tony Zande ’76 and Lynne Zande. Teresa and Richard “Stick” Williams Endowed Scholarship, for Honors College members, with preference given to students from the eight westernmost N.C. counties demonstrating financial need, donors Teresa and Richard Lindsey Burleson “Stick” Williams. Curtis and Enid Meltzer Endowed Scholarship recipient Timothy and Emily Campbell Endowed Scholarship, for students in the College of Business or pursuing an engineering-related degree, preference for children of Jackson Colleen McMillan Endowed Scholarship, for Nancyann Failing R.N. Endowed Scholarship, Paper Manufacturing and their subsidiaries; social work majors; donors Anne Bowers ’13, for nursing majors, preference to Honors donors from Jackson Paper Manufacturing. Tom Bowers and Barbara Manke. College students; donors Nancyann Failing Mitchell R. Crisp Endowed Scholarship, for and Bob Failing ’51. Reagan Lee Hartley ’14 Endowed Scholarship, students majoring in accounting; donors for elementary education majors; donors Alison and Robert Shetlar Endowed Mitchell Crisp ’75 and DiAnne Crisp ’76 represented by Todd and Tabitha Hartley. Scholarship, for undergraduate students MAEd ’86. demonstrating financial need with a minimum Dietetic Internship Endowed Scholarship, for Chilton Family Endowed Scholarship, for 3.5 GPA who also are working adults returning health sciences students enrolled in the dietetic chemistry or biology majors; donor Floyd to complete undergraduate degrees; donors internship program; donor Brenda Marques. “Ski” Chilton ’80. Alison and Robert Shetlar. Wes Elingburg Endowed Scholarship, for Norman and Helen Moore Endowed Gail-Patricia Greer Endowed Scholarship, Honors College students demonstrating Scholarship, for music education majors; for students with a 3.0 or higher GPA with financial need; donor Wes Elingburg ’78. donors Norman Moore and Helen Moore preference given to working adults who are MHS ’04. returning to complete their degrees; donor Carolyn and Orville Coward Jr. Endowed Jim and Sara Miller Endowed Scholarship, Gail-Patricia Greer. Scholarship, for students from the eight westernmost N.C. counties; donors Carolyn for students demonstrating financial need Hopkins and Ray FIRST Robotics Endowed and Orville Coward Jr. with a 3.5 or higher GPA; donors Jim and Scholarship, for first-year students with Tara Miller. participation in FIRST robotics competitions, Ernest Blanton Memorial Endowed preference given to students in the engineering Scholarship, for students demonstrating Jack and Judy Brinson Honors College and technology disciplines; donors Tina and financial need with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; Endowed Scholarship, for Honors College Jeff Ray. donors Pat Kaemmerling ’71 and David students; donors Jack and Judy Brinson. Kaemmerling. Rosemary Cameron Endowed Scholarship, for Mickey and Sondra H. Pettus Endowed inclusive education majors; donors John Reid Football Scholarship, for members of WCU’s ’66 MAEd ’68 and Joanne Reid ’68. intercollegiate football team; donors Mickey Pettus ’74 and Sondra Pettus. Joel Baxter Morris ’73 “Old Hippie” Endowed Scholarship, for students studying visual arts; donors represented by Norman West ’68. Beverly Little Fund for Excellence in Teaching, for programmatic support of the Coulter Faculty Commons for Excellence in Teaching and Learning; donors Hollye K. Moss and John Huffman. Steven Hodges Becker Endowed Scholarship, for environmental science majors; donors represented by Jean Becker. Roy and Hazel Edwards Endowed Scholarship, for marching band members; donor Robert Edwards ’77. Abraham Faison Paul and Nora Jones Endowed Athletic Scholarship recipient

Winter 2015 | 29 By RANDALL HOLCOMBE WCU’s tradition of mixing academics and outdoor recreation leads to a No. 1 ‘adventure college’ ranking Jordan Davis was a high school senior looking online for a place to go to college when he first came upon Western Carolina University’s website in the spring of 2011. Davis was strictly into mountain biking at that time, but he recalls being mesmerized by a photo on WCU’s home page that showed a student scaling one of Western North Carolina’s iconic rock climbing routes. The aura of outdoor adventure cast by that photo was enough to inspire Davis to visit Cullowhee for the first time. He enrolled that fall, and now the parks and recreation management major is looking forward to receiving his bachelor’s degree this spring. Davis, who grew up near Mooresville, says as a teenager he enjoyed mountain biking with his father, and he enrolled at WCU with the expectation that he would be able to continue his cycling passion on the trails scattered around WNC. But in 2013, the university’s 7-mile multi-use trail system opened for mountain biking and other forms of outdoor recreation on the West Campus, providing Davis and other mountain-biking students a place to recreate that is literally a couple of minutes outside residence hall doors. Early in his freshman year, Davis discovered the indoor climbing wall at the Campus Recreation Center and took up rock climbing. He’s now been coaching WCU’s climbing team for two years. He also added snow skiing (he’s a member of the ski patrol at Sapphire Valley Ski Area in southern Jackson County) and backpacking to his outdoor recreation resume. “Before I came to school at WCU, my mother told me, ‘You’re going to go out there and do everything.’ She was right,” Davis said. It’s not unusual for outdoor recreation- oriented WCU students to be drawn into the smorgasbord of activities available in Cullowhee, Davis said. A network of students who fit that mold support one another and encourage others to try new activities. Members of the WCU faculty and staff who also enjoy playing in the mountains help energize the outdoor culture at WCU, and Base Camp Cullowhee (WCU’s outdoor programming organization) fills a vital role in sponsoring guided trips, providing technical expertise and renting equipment to students who want to go on self-guided adventures, he said. Davis said that sometimes when he’s riding his mountain bike on the WCU trail he’ll come to a place that is so scenic that he’ll stop his bike and gaze at the splendor thinking, “This looks like wallpaper on somebody’s computer.” But it’s not online, it’s outside. “The mountains make me happy and peaceful,” he said. Davis credits the parks and recreation management program faculty with instilling in him a passion to teach in the outdoors, and he plans on attending graduate school with a long-term goal of becoming a university professor.

Former WCU student Andy Jensen ’14 climbs Cedar Rock in Pisgah National Forest.

Winter 2015 | 31 campus is home to some serious adventure.” On campus, the vote was hailed as long-overdue recognition by outdoors- oriented members of the faculty and staff. Debby Singleton, an ‘TOP ADVENTURE instructor for two academic programs – parks and recreation management and health and physical education – cited the work of WCU’s two longtime parks and recreation management COLLEGE’ faculty members, Maurice Phipps and Ben Tholkes, plus the programs offered through Base Camp Cullowhee, as keys to WCU faculty and staff who have enjoyed Cullowhee-area WCU receiving the recognition. WCU students and faculty outdoor activities for decades are quick to point out that there “It’s been a true partnership (between the PRM program take a break from skiing was a thriving outdoor recreation culture in the area for many and BCC) that has enabled both programs to offer exceptional and snowboarding to ham years before the multi-use trail was built and the indoor climbing activities and provide experiential job-related skills for the it up at the Cataloochee wall was erected, and many in the university community were parks and recreation management majors,” said Singleton, Ski Area at Maggie Valley. taking advantage of their mountain surroundings. But, the who partakes in skiing, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and general public’s perception of WCU as an outdoor recreation- numerous other outdoor activities. Experiential education is, oriented school, and the university community’s self-perception simply put, learning through experience, and in recent years the of such, may have hit an all-time high last summer when WCU BCC staff has increased its services in that area to benefit other was voted the No. 1 “top adventure college” in the Southeast academic programs in addition to PRM, said Josh Whitmore, and Mid-Atlantic regions through an online poll sponsored by WCU’s associate director of outdoor programs who oversees Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. More than 115,000 visitors to BCC operations. “For example, a professor might approach us the magazine’s website, including enthusiasts at the competing about including a climbing wall session, a group development schools, cast votes during several rounds of voting. WCU came team-building activity or a guided hike to a geologic feature out on top in head-to-head matchups with Garrett College in in a class,” he said. , Emory University, the University of Tennessee at When it comes to student participation in BCC’s Knoxville, Virginia Tech and Appalachian State. programming, numbers have skyrocketed in the last decade, In her story about the poll results, Blue Ridge Outdoors said Whitmore, a mountaineering guide and competitive staff member Jess Daddio wrote that “WCU’s stunning mountain biker. During that period, the number of “touches,”

32 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University or student participations, in BCC-sponsored programming and transitions, confirms that the university has been more Student Nicholas Lacombe has risen from about 350 to more than 7,500 each school year, proactive in recent years in promoting the “uniqueness, catches air on a local he said. A decade ago, the BCC staff included Whitmore and opportunities and strengths” of WCU’s location, including mountain bike trail. about half a dozen student workers, but now it takes three outdoor recreation, to prospective students. That includes full-time staffers and 20 to 25 students to keep the program incorporating more photos of the mountains and recreation going, he said. activities into recruitment literature and the office’s website, WCU faculty and staff members with backgrounds in accentuating the outdoor recreation options in presentations, outdoor recreation heap praise on the operations of Base collaborating with vendors who assist the office in publicizing Camp Cullowhee and agree that it’s not an ordinary college those opportunities to particular student populations, and outdoor program. Michael Despeaux, WCU’s associate director incorporating outdoor experiences into programming aimed of career services and cooperative education, is an avid cyclist at prospective students and those transitioning to life on and kayaker. About the time he joined the WCU staff in 2002, campus, he said. BCC was beginning to mature as a “world-class” college outdoor It’s not just new on-campus recreational options that are program, Despeaux said. “Especially with Josh’s arrival, it having an effect on WCU’s status as an epicenter of outdoor gained the credibility of having both professional outdoor recreation. More activities in areas adjacent to campus are leadership and truly expert technical guidance,” he said. having an impact, said Cauley, who enjoys kayaking and cycling “Its student guides became both learning outcome-oriented with his family. “For years, it seemed as though you had to travel and grounded in more depth by training and certifications further from Cullowhee to enjoy the outdoor possibilities than recognized anywhere.” in other areas of Western North Carolina,” he said. “While the Accolades aside, Whitmore said he agrees with the long- mountains haven’t moved any closer to Cullowhee, in recent timers’ sentiment that an outdoors culture has long existed at years it sure feels as if access to the mountains has moved WCU. “There always have been students who love being here much closer to campus.” With the opening of the first section for the location and the outdoor recreation activities that it of Jackson County’s Tuckaseigee River Greenway near the back provides,” he said. “What I have seen in my 10 years here is the entrance to campus, development of new river access points and marketing and image of the university now attract students more health and wellness facilities and programming in the who want to live the mountain lifestyle in the first place.” Phil area, “WCU and Cullowhee seem even more like an outdoor magazine.wcu.edu Cauley ’83 MS ’90, WCU’s director of student recruitment enthusiast’s destination,” Cauley said.

Winter 2015 | 33 comprehensive plan for institutional improvement), the job interview portfolio that is completed by each student, and the LEARNING AND program’s strong connections with Base Camp Cullowhee and regional internship partners such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina RECREATING Outward Bound, Phipps said. Phipps said the PRM program is maxed out now in the For students who come to Cullowhee hoping to indulge numbers of students it can handle with the equivalent of in outdoor recreation opportunities, both on- and off- 3.5 full-time faculty positions. Courses offered through the campus, a handful of academic programs allows them to program fill early, and some courses cannot be offered every combine academic and personal interests. Four programs in semester, he said. “We anticipate growth in interest in the particular fit that category – environmental science, natural program with the Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine vote, but resource conservation and management, parks and recreation we would need additional faculty to grow,” he said. Tholkes, management, and recreational therapy. A university task force a professional ski patrol and former National Park Service spent the 2012-13 academic year conducting a comprehensive ranger, added that WCU’s PRM program is a “perfect fit” to study of all of WCU’s academic programs to assess their quality, serve Western North Carolina, where outdoor recreation is an productivity and connections to the university’s mission and integral part of the economy. “PRM students love the program strategic directions. Results from the “academic program and its location, as evidenced by the number who stay in the prioritization” process identified eight programs that are “truly area after graduation,” he said. exceptional and high-performing to the extent that additional A new opportunity for first-year WCU students interested investment would be warranted, should financial circumstances in mixing the outdoors and academics opened up this past allow it.” The aforementioned four programs that appeal to fall semester as a new living/learning community in outdoor outdoors-oriented students make up half that list. recreation got underway. Twenty-four students, the maximum Experiential education is a big component of the curriculum allowed, signed up to participate in the community, which for the 60 to 70 students who are majoring in parks and included living on the same floor of Walker Residence Hall and recreation management at any given time, said Phipps, taking a common course, “Experiencing Adventure,” taught who began teaching in the program in 1992. A kayaker and by Windy Gordon, an associate professor of psychology and mountain biker, Phipps was joined on the PRM faculty in whitewater canoeist who once competed in the Olympic trials. 1993 by Ben Tholkes, and the two have overseen development The course focused on the book “The Rise of Superman,” which of the program since then. The experiential learning focus has nothing to do with the superhero of popular culture, but of PRM includes multiple internships for each student and instead “refers to a psychological state we’re in when we’re WCU student Tommy laboratory work that allows them to apply theories they learn performing at our very best,” Gordon said. The author of Connell gets into stand-up in the classroom, Phipps said. Other factors that enrich the the book, Steven Kotler, argues that the elevated state of paddleboarding on a lake program are the faculty’s emphasis on implementing provisions performance can be obtained more often in outdoor adventure near campus. of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan (WCU’s activities than anywhere else, Gordon said. Students enrolled in the living/learning community met for Gordon’s course on Monday and Wednesday afternoons during the fall semester. Outside of class, they participated in an overnight backpacking trip to Panthertown Valley in southern Jackson County and on day trips involving hiking, climbing and rafting. Plans are in the works to offer the academic community again next fall, but the program will become much more ambitious, Gordon said. Before they can sign up, students likely will be required to participate in WCU’s summertime First Ascent Program, which will take them outside for two days of whitewater paddling, two days of backpacking and one day of climbing. Combined with a leadership course, the students will experience a triumvirate of adventure, leadership and immersion in the outdoors. “It will provide all kinds of great leadership opportunities for students,” Gordon said. “Two or three years out, I predict this cohort will populate a number of student leadership positions on campus.” On a larger scale, Gordon said he believes a core benefit of linking WCU’s academic and service mission to its natural setting is that the outdoors provide an arena where students can develop strengths and learn to do what they don’t realize they can do. “That can happen the same way it happens when students participate in WCU’s marching band or in research activities,” he said. “I think a vital, inclusive outdoor program will develop yet another group of students and build their leadership.” LOOKING DOWN THE TRAIL Just as WCU students who are into outdoor recreation activities support one another in their adventures, university faculty and staff who are involved in outdoor education also back up each other’s work. Several years ago, Phipps founded the Western Outdoor Council, an informal group of faculty and staff who meet twice annually to go over highlights of their outdoor-related programs and efforts. Members of the WOC rub elbows outside the meeting room on a much more regular basis as they continuously assist one another with resource support, Phipps said. “We have a very cooperative group where we all work together to achieve a lot – events like the Tuckaseigee River Cleanup (the largest one-day river cleanup project in the nation, starting its fourth decade this year), the Old Cullowhee Canoe Slalom paddling competition in the fall, adventure conferences, clinics, courses and trips local and out West. And we enjoy getting out together on the trails, roads and rivers,” he said. “The outdoor programs on campus work together, but we really have had to fight hard for what we have gained in the way of resources.” Singleton said WCU’s outdoor programs, despite evidence of their high quality, tend to fly under the radar. “We just have the “prominence, acceptance and promotion of the outdoor Students Molly Fagan solid programs that represent a holistic, wellness connection lifestyle” has increased on campus, he said. But, Whitmore and Michaela Birek to our natural environment,” she said. “I believe that many said the university still has potential for more development enjoy a stroll down WCU faculty, staff and students value the outdoors and the as an outdoor recreation-oriented school. “It seems like WCU’s multi-use trail. opportunities we have in this region. That is what has kept WCU has made some good steps in the right direction in many of us here for 10 to 20 years. Even though we aren’t big embracing the mountain lifestyle and encouraging it as cool and flashy, we all work cooperatively and enjoy spending time to be outdoorsy,” he said. “I really like that WCU seems proud with each other and our students in the outdoors.” of its rural mountain location and all the advantages that Considering the big picture in the wake of the Blue Ridge offers to curriculum and recreation for our students. I believe Outdoors vote, Whitmore said he has seen WCU’s reputation a next step would be to more fully support and emphasize the as a hotbed of outdoor recreation grow over the years among programs and initiatives that serve as the catalyst for students the general public and prospective students. At the same time, to get outside and learn and recreate.”

Winter 2015 | 35 SNOWBY LINDSAY WERTZ ANGELS

A nearby ski resort provides an outdoor training ground for recreational therapy students Located less than an hour’s drive from campus, Maggie Ski instructor Samuel Lloyd started the adaptive program Valley’s Cataloochee Ski Area began providing customized at Cataloochee after six years at a similar program at Beech skiing and snowboarding experiences to guests with disabilities Mountain. “Cataloochee is a small program with few in 2007. The resort’s adaptive ski program caters to guests with instructors, but having worked with larger programs, I feel a variety of disabilities, and offers instruction in modified that we are up there with the best,” Lloyd said. “It is not the forms tailored to each rider’s needs. And, students majoring size of the program that counts but the dedication and effort in recreational therapy at Western Carolina University are of the instructors and volunteers who staff the program.” able to gain hands-on experience outside the classroom that Over the years, several WCU students have volunteered their can benefit them in their careers. time and energy to become a part of the program, said Jennifer

36 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University SNOW ANGELS

Hinton, Recreational Therapy Program director at WCU. “Sam each skier using specially designed equipment to enable the is an expert in his field and is excellent at teaching students the guests to experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding. practical skills needed to help individuals with a wide variety While on the slopes with clients, they focus on improving of disabilities enjoy the thrill of skiing. I’m excited every time mobility, endurance, balance and coordination. They also a student is able to volunteer with Sam because I know that strive to build self-confidence, improve mental attitudes and student is going to get valuable skills that are difficult to teach develop determination. in the classroom,” Hinton said. “I try to send him as many Although the program is still in its early stages and volunteers as I can every season.” considered small in comparison to others, more than 100 One former student volunteer is Cameron Honour ’14. participants travel from as far away as and Florida to An August graduate of WCU, Honour worked with many take part. Those affiliated with the program say the growing guests at Cataloochee during his time as a recreational therapy relationship with WCU’s recreational therapy students has the student. “One particular experience that stood out to me was potential to create one of the nation’s leading ability centers for working with two young brothers with paraplegia stemming adaptive ski instruction. Ten percent of the population lives from a spinal cord injury from a car accident. I watched with a disability that could affect their ability to enjoy skiing their faces go from bored to joy as we did our first run,” he – folks ranging from injured war veterans to people living said. One of the brothers said of the experience, “‘It was the with chronic medical conditions, said Cataloochee certified best day of my life,’” Honour said. instructor Leah Reasor. “That’s a lot of people we could help,” Current WCU student Sara Markowski, a junior from said Reasor, who has a special needs child. “I know how it Charlotte majoring in recreational therapy, is among the feels to be told ‘no’, when all you want is to help your child. I latest round of WCU students hitting the slopes as Cataloochee don’t want another child, another veteran, to be told, ‘no, we program volunteers this winter. “I’m looking forward to joining can’t help you, there’s nothing we can do, you’ll just have to my love of skiing with my career choice and learning more get used to it.’ I will not get used to it. Ever.” about the new equipment as well as interacting with a wide variety of participants in the program,” said Markowski. Cataloochee Ski School adaptive ski program instructor Sam Lloyd Through the program, certified instructors assisted by (left) and WCU student Ashley Colbert (right) work with guest Jorge student volunteers teach guests with a range of disabilities, Urrea of Atlanta on the slopes of the Maggie Valley ski resort located personalizing each lesson to meet the individual needs of less than an hour from campus.

Winter 2015 | 37 “I’m really excited that I got king for Western.” -Ronnie Trace Shuler III

EMBRACING INCLUSIVENESS STUDENTS IN AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY PROGRAM ARE NAMED HOMECOMING QUEEN AND KING By RANDALL HOLCOMBE and BILL STUDENC MPA ’10

Dale Carpenter, dean of the College of since grown to include eight students Carpenter said the development of Education and Allied Professions, admits who are fully integrated into campus the UP Program is just one example to getting a little teary-eyed when two life by attending classes, engaging in of the positive impact being made students enrolled in a Western Carolina social and recreational activities and by the appointment in 1997 of David University program for college-age taking part in student organizations. Westling as the Adelaide Worth Daniels individuals with intellectual disabilities Four new students are enrolled each year Distinguished Professor of Special were announced as the university’s 2014 in the program, which seeks to facilitate Education. A gift of $666,000 from Homecoming queen and king Saturday, their transition from secondary school businesswoman and philanthropist Oct. 25. to adult life with education, employment Adelaide Daniels Key (see related story on Ali Morgan Hale of Hickory and and independent living. While they are page 55), supplemented with state funds, Ronnie Trace Shuler III of Robbinsville on campus, each UP student is paired created the distinguished professorship, were recognized with the honors during with a WCU student volunteer who the first at WCU. halftime of the WCU football team’s interacts regularly while providing “Having our first endowed game against The Citadel. The students, peer support. distinguished professorship in special who are both enrolled in the University Kelly Kelley ’03 MAEd ’06, UP education has paid off in so many ways,” Participant Program, were chosen to Program consultant and assistant Carpenter said. “The academic programs be queen and king by WCU’s student professor in WCU’s School of Teaching in special education have benefited from body through a two-stage voting and Learning, said the students’ votes David Westling’s influence in the areas of process. Students voted Oct. 1 to pick a for Hale and Shuler are indicative of the providing preparation for our graduates Homecoming court of five women and manner in which the WCU community to teach children with severe disabilities five men from a slate of nominees, and has embraced the UP program since to our newest major, inclusive education, then they voted again Oct. 8 to choose its inception. “Everyone has learned where graduates are being prepared to magazine.wcu.edu a queen and king from the 10 members from and supported each other in teach elementary school children with of the court. many aspects of college life while also and without disabilities and are licensed Homecoming queen “This stuff chokes me up,” Carpenter realizing there are more commonalities in both areas. Dr. Westling has secured Ali Hale (left) and king said. “I am so proud of what the people in than differences that exist,” Kelley said. millions of dollars in grants far exceeding Trace Shuler (right) are our Special Education Program are doing “We are proud of our student body for his salary during the time he has been at supported in the UP to help to make our community what we demonstrating through their votes that Western. The investment that Adelaide Program by inclusive want it to be for every single person – a they value having our UP students as Key made so many years ago has reaped education majors (from welcoming, inclusive environment for all, part of their college experience and benefits for the university, region and state left) Kasey Nickelston regardless of physical or developmental learning alongside them.” well beyond the original contribution.” and Lisa Shope. ability. While the selection of two members of the UP Program as queen and king of the Homecoming court is but one indicator, it is highly visible and a genuine affirmation of progress.” After the game, Hale and Shuler said they appreciate the votes cast for them by members of WCU’s student body, and particularly the support of their friends across campus. Shuler said he took his iPad to classes and asked students to use it to vote for him and Hale. “I went all out,” he said. “I’m really excited that I got king for Western.” The crown Hale received at the WCU football game was a new one to add to her collection. “I was Homecoming queen at Hickory High School, and then I got prom queen,” she said. “I really do appreciate all the students’ votes because I told almost everybody to vote for Trace and me.” The University Participant Program began on campus as a pilot program with one student enrolled in 2007. It has

Winter 2015 | 39 alumni Josh Jones ’01 (left) SPOTLIGHT celebrates with driver Kevin Harvick the team’s win at the Great Clips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, in August.

Photo by Harold Hinson

Settling into campus life, Jones decided to major in sport management, an up-and-coming field that required an internship experience in the senior year. He enjoyed the business and marketing courses in his major, especially classes with two faculty members he remembers well—Justin Menickelli MAEd ’95, associate professor in the School of Teaching and Learning, and Kevin Ayers, who was a member of the WCU faculty at that time. Jones was a hugely successful football player at WCU, an All-Southern Conference and All-American placekicker who LIFE IN THE signed a contract with the Arena Football League during his senior year to play in the summer after graduation. He was looking forward to the travel and excitement of playing with the professional indoor league. But first, there was the matter of that internship needed to complete his degree requirements. FAST LANE Ayers knew of a sports sponsorship and management A student internship leads to a high-profile career firm, Keystone Marketing Co. in Winston-Salem, and helped Jones arrange for an internship there. He soon found himself in the high-speed world of NASCAR immersed in public relations activities and events promotions for large-scale sports organizations, including NASCAR. By CHRISTY MARTIN ’71 MA ’78 “I learned the ropes, inside and out, of what it takes to work in professional sports during the WCU internship,” he said. When Josh Jones ’01 came to WCU on a football scholarship, “It was a great stepping stone for me and I owe a great deal he was a young athlete accomplished in several sports, but of credit to Kevin Ayers for his help and to Justin Menickelli, undecided about a college major. Jones had been an outstanding who encouraged me and told me I could be successful in this placekicker on the football team at Ragsdale High School career path. He seemed to have faith in me, which makes a in Jamestown. He also was a starting player on the school’s huge difference when you’re a student.” baseball and soccer teams and had helped the teams win two Keystone Marketing hired Jones full time when he graduated state championships. But he was unsure of a way to apply his and assigned him to public relations work for the company’s love for sports to an academic field of study in college. account with The Hershey Company. Hershey sponsored “I really didn’t know what I wanted to do for a future career. racing driver Kevin Harvick in the NASCAR Nationwide and I had recently met someone who was in the Secret Service, Sprint Cup series. Jones got to know Harvick and arranged and thought about going into the Secret Service or the FBI,” media interviews for him. In 2005, Harvick offered Jones a he said. “But that didn’t last for long.” top position with his own business enterprise.

40 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University “HE SEEMED TO HAVE FAITH IN ME, WHICH MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU’RE A STUDENT.” –JOSH JONES ’01

Photo courtesy CIA Stock Photography Inc.

Today, Jones is the director of business development for KHI Management, a full-service athlete representation and sports marketing and management firm in Charlotte that Harvick owns. He also oversees sales and marketing for clients in the high-profile sports and entertainment world, including Ultimate Fighting Championship competitors Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Miesha Tate and Rose Namajunas; PGA golfer Jason Gore; country music artists Alum helps tell the racing world’s stories Matt Stillwell ’98 and Jake Owen; and former racer turned NBC announcer Jeff Burton. Chuck Bush ’08 is getting a close look at life on the fast track, especially In a typical week, Jones travels all over the U.S. to NASCAR when stock car races are taking place. Bush, who majored in communication races, UFC events, PGA golf tournaments, country music and electronic media at WCU, is the senior coordinator of digital creative concerts and board meetings for charities or foundations production at NASCAR Digital Media in Charlotte. that Harvick supports. His primary focus continues to be His assignments range from on-camera reporting to producing, covering the helping manage the racing career for Harvick, driver of the action at Charlotte Motor Speedway and other locations where NASCAR races No. 4 Chevrolet for the Stewart-Hass Racing team, who won are held. His work can be seen online at NASCAR.com. Bush does interviews NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Championship in November. with drivers, gives highlights of racing events and tells stories about the fast- Jones has received accolades from national media outlets, growing motorsports industry. With the help of cameraman Matthew Dillner, including ESPN.com for the business skill he brings to KHI he developed a new franchise known as the “F-Post,” which features funny Management, and his personal charm and good humor have videos and sketches. led to popularity in the social media realm. His Twitter account “I think the aspect of my job that I enjoy the most is the freedom to try new (@mother_function) has more than 60,000 followers. Most things and develop as a producer,” Bush said. “I have had the opportunity to be are racing fans who enjoy the good-natured joking in tweets on camera, interview drivers, tell wacky stories and just have fun in general. I between Harvick and Jones. work with a really cool, laid-back group of folks, and we are constantly pushing “Not too long ago, sports fans knew only what they saw each other to improve our on-air product.” through interviews with professional athletes in the news Bush has been with NASCAR since 2010. He started working in the archive media. Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are shining new department and worked his way up as a production assistant and associate light on everything and offering a close view of the lives and producer before he was named to his current position. Prior to working with thoughts of sports figures. It’s a powerful way to connect, and NASCAR, he did freelance work for the NBC News Channel in Charlotte. we’re having a lot of fun with it,” said Jones. In their nine years of working together, Jones and Harvick Pictured above, Chuck Bush ’08 (left) interviews NASCAR racing analyst Chris Rice at the and their families have formed a close personal bond. Harvick Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia. and his family and Jones, his wife Whitney Whitworth ’01 and their two young sons live in homes less than a half-mile apart in Oak Ridge.

Winter 2015 | 41 alumni SPOTLIGHT

Photo by Diana Secor

CULLOWHEE CONFIDENCE An award-winning biological researcher and international business executive look back on the seeds of their successes By RANDALL HOLCOMBE

Martha J. Powell ’69 graduated from Western Carolina Professor of Botany, Powell moved to James Madison A professor of biological and built a career in academia, exploring the tiny inner University to serve as chair of that school’s biological sciences sciences at the worlds of biological diversity through a microscope. Robert department. Three years later, in 1997, she became chair of University of Alabama, W. “Bob” Thomas ’70 left campus with his diploma and the biological sciences department at the University of Martha Powell ’69 (seated) embarked on a career in corporate management that took Alabama, and about seven years ago, she stepped down wins rave reviews from him literally around the world. But, even though their life from the chair’s position to focus on teaching and research. faculty colleagues for her paths took sharply different turns, both agree that the self- She is still on the faculty at Alabama as a professor of dedication to students. confidence they gained as students in Cullowhee has been a key biological sciences. to their successes. As association president Frances Owl-Smith ’83 presented During a fall Homecoming ceremony, Powell, a resident the award to Powell, she related to the audience that in looking of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and professor of biological at Powell’s career “one would be hard-pressed to find an example sciences at the University of Alabama, received the WCU of a university faculty member who has better exemplified Alumni Association’s Academic Achievement Award, and the high standard of teaching, research and service.” As a Thomas, who lives in the Atlanta suburb of Johns Creek, researcher, for many years Powell has studied one particular Georgia, was recipient of the association’s Professional type of fungus that lives in aquatic environments and the role Achievement Award. it plays in maintaining water quality and bio-productivity A Charlotte native, Powell graduated from Jackson – crucial elements in the quest to have a sustainable planet, County’s Sylva-Webster High School and enrolled at WCU, Owl-Smith said. where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science Powell also has directed programs that provided women education. She went on to earn her doctorate in botany at the and minority students opportunities to learn about University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and began her careers in scientific research, and another program that college teaching career at Miami University in Ohio. After helped rising high school seniors learn what it takes to 18 years at Miami, including a stint as Distinguished succeed in college.

42 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University “THE BEST GIFT I RECEIVED FROM MY PROFESSORS AT WESTERN CAROLINA WAS A SENSE OF SELF-CONFIDENCE. THIS, I THINK, IS THE BEST THING WE CAN PASS ON TO STUDENTS.” –MARTHA J. POWELL ’69

“One thing Martha’s peers have noted over the years is her As he accepted the honor, Thomas told the audience that pure-hearted dedication to students, both in and out of class, he was a high school student lacking in motivation, but four and her many efforts to provide opportunities for students to years at WCU gave him an opportunity to mature and discover study biology in the classroom, in the laboratory and out in “the value of working hard academically to achieve a goal.” the field,” Owl-Smith said. “They also have remarked about her “I received a fine liberal arts education at Western Carolina, outstanding administrative capacity, which includes the ability and the skills I developed and my experience gave me a strong to bring colleagues together across different research fields.” foundation and the confidence to compete for increasing Executive Robert Thomas ’70 As she accepted the award, Powell said it not only represented business responsibilities with three public companies in many credits his WCU education the work she has done in her career, but also the work of the parts of the world,” he said. “I want to thank Western Carolina with equipping him with the faculty members who taught her at WCU. “The best gift I for the opportunities you gave me, and folks like me, for decades tools to compete in the world received from my professors at Western Carolina was a sense and decades, who have been transformed by this school.” of international business. of self-confidence,” she said. “This, I think, is the best thing we can pass on to students.” Powell told the audience that she has come “full circle” since her days as a WCU student because she strives to pass that feeling of self-confidence along to her students now. “Thank you, Western Carolina, for being here, for your mission of serving the region, and thank you for your support,” Powell said. Thomas is a Winston-Salem native who enrolled at WCU in the fall of 1966. After his graduation with a bachelor’s degree in social science, he entered the military and served in U.S. Army Intelligence. When his military service was complete, Photo by Diana Secor Thomas joined the commercial sales division of Scott Paper Co. in , Texas, and over the next 23 years he rose through the management ranks and eventually into company leadership. Those positions took Thomas and his family around the world, including four years of living in Hong Kong. He also spent some time at Stanford University in 1987 studying international marketing. Thomas led Scott Paper’s commercial business in North America before leaving the company in 1996 and joining Morgan Crucible, a manufacturer of engineered products based in the United Kingdom. In his position with that company, Thomas worked out of Atlanta while overseeing the company’s businesses in the U.S., Europe and South Africa. Later, he joined EIS Inc. of Atlanta, one of the four operating divisions of Genuine Parts Co. He was promoted to EIS president and CEO in 2004. In presenting the award, Owl-Smith related to the audience that Thomas rarely had an opportunity to visit WCU’s campus over a period of three decades following his graduation, but in recent years he has become involved in Atlanta-area alumni functions, including a job shadowing/mentoring program that benefits WCU students. Thomas also serves on the board of the WCU Foundation and is vice president of the board of the Zeta Xi chapter of the alumni association for Pi Kappa Alpha, his fraternity at WCU. Owl-Smith noted that Thomas has been a faithful contributor to the university’s Loyalty Fund and Catamount Club since his graduation, and he and his wife, Pam, recently provided gifts to establish an endowed scholarship to benefit students majoring in business or engineering. “Bob, your rise from humble beginnings to top positions in international business is remarkable, and we know it is a reflection of both the mentoring you received here in Cullowhee and the hard work, dedication and intelligence you brought to the table,” Owl-Smith said.

Winter 2015 | 43 alumni SPOTLIGHT

charitable foundations. They visited exotic locales including SIDELINE BUSINESS Aruba, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic to be photographed for team calendars. All of them stayed with Former dance team members recall their squads from three to five years in the late 1990s through their days as NFL and NBA cheerleaders 2013 before deciding to hang up their pompoms to focus on family and career. By CHRISTY MARTIN ’71 MA ’78 “I often miss the sisterhood and performing, but, just like my WCU experience, I was left with only the fondest memories After entertaining football and basketball fans with dazzling and admiration for the entire program,” said Ryan. routines on the sidelines when they were WCU students, A highlight for the women was the opportunity to perform five alumnae danced their way into the national spotlight as for U.S. troops at military bases all over the world. Owens- cheerleaders for NBA and NFL teams. Rastegari overcame a fear of flying to travel aboard C-130s and The women and their cheer teams are Molly Prentice Chinook helicopters to bases in Kosovo, Macedonia, Germany, Cabrera ’98, Atlanta Falcons; Kelly Owens-Rastegari, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Oman, Honduras and Bosnia. “I must Washington Redskins and the Washington Wizards; Monique say, there is no better audience,” she said. “Whether our shows Douglas ’02, Charlotte Bobcats; Tara Mull Ryan ’05, Carolina were on a full stage or in the middle of the desert, we gave 110 Panthers; and Kristin Davis Edick ’06, also the Redskins. All percent to see them smile.” were members of a dance team founded and coached by Donna The history of the WCU Dance Team dates back to 1995, Buckner, the auxiliary coordinator for the WCU Pride of the when Cabrera and several other student-dancers who Mountains Marching Band for many years. were looking for performance opportunities approached To be accepted for the elite cheer teams, the young women, Buckner for help. The wife of the now retired director of along with hundreds of other hopefuls, participated in a lengthy the WCU marching band, Bob Buckner ’67, she was an audition process, which was repeated every year. Once on experienced group organizer who went to the university the team, they were required to meet a demanding schedule administration to seek support for the dance team concept of practice, plus rigorous strengthening and conditioning and helped the students find campus funding to pay for simple programs. They say the WCU Dance Team was good preparation costumes. She also volunteered to be their coach. Jeanna for the experience. Carswell, who owned a dance studio in Sylva, served as “When I got to the Charlotte Bobcats it was practice, choreographer. The team started with nine members and practice, practice until we got it right. I was used to that grew every year. because of my WCU days,” said Douglas. “I also learned at “I knew that the students would be disciplined performers WCU how important it is to be uniform and in sync to look because of their background in dance training. What I didn’t good as a team.” know was how quickly our group would evolve into a dance In addition to cheering for home and tournament games, the team that would join our cheerleaders and band to create spirit pro cheerleaders made special appearances to support causes and energy for our athletic events,” said Buckner. in support of AIDS research, homeless shelters, children’s Her coaching philosophy was based on discipline, leadership hospitals, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and many other and teamwork. “Our ladies held each other to a higher standard,

44 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University “I OFTEN MISS THE SISTERHOOD not only as performers, but also as dependable, loyal and AND PERFORMING, BUT, JUST LIKE dignified representatives of our university,” she said. MY WCU EXPERIENCE, I WAS LEFT The dancers not only were accomplished in jazz, hip hop and ballet, they were athletes who lifted weights and worked out WITH ONLY THE FONDEST MEMORIES regularly. They faithfully practiced their routines each week and attended a summer dance camp together. “Be there for AND ADMIRATION FOR THE ENTIRE practice and be ready to work. That’s what I learned at WCU, PROGRAM.” –TARA MULL RYAN ’05 and that also was the basis of our practice on the Washington Redskins cheerleading team,” said Edick. “Donna understood the value of commitment and the positive impact that it can have,” said Cabrera. “We practiced a lot. I think the experience prepared us mentally, socially and physically for many other things in life.” Cabrera, who now serves as the senior territory manager for American Medical Systems, lives with her husband in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Owens-Rastegari, who graduated from George Mason University after attending WCU, is an account executive at radio stations WGRZ and WGRX in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She and her husband have three sons. Douglas, who recently earned her master’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, teaches French at Ranson IB Middle School in Charlotte. Ryan, who is married with two young sons, also lives in Charlotte. Edick lives in Stafford, Virginia, with her husband Marine Capt. Denver Edick ’05, a former WCU baseball player, and young daughter. Buckner has retired from coaching the WCU Dance Team, but she stays in touch with former members and keeps a notebook of team clippings and photos. “I couldn’t be prouder of my girls, both from those days when I was their coach and now seeing what they are accomplishing as young adults,” she said.

Giving sports fans something to cheer about are (from left) Tara Mull Ryan ’05, Donna Buckner and Monique Douglas ’02; Kristin Davis Edick ’06; Molly Prentice Cabrera ’98; and Kelly Owens-Rastegari. Tom Smith ’76 (left) retired as head baseball coach at the University of North Carolina at Asheville after the last game of the season May 17. The opposing team, High Point University, won the game 9-2, but Smith and wife Karen Perkins Smith ’77 (center) still had reason to celebrate. High Point’s assistant coach is their son Kenny Smith ’11 (right), former Catamount All-American and Southern Conference Player of the Year. In Tom Smith’s long career as a coach, including 30 years at T.C. Roberson High School in Asheville and seven years at UNC Asheville, he had nearly 700 wins.

School and for 20 years served the school in multiple roles – science teacher, junior 1975 varsity football coach, varsity assistant, Iris West Nichols assistant baseball coach, head football of Waxhaw is coach and principal. He returned to his serving as class native Haywood County in 1969 and president of the served as a school administrator until he National retired in 1983. Organization of Rheumatology Managers. 1972 Nichols has 20 years of experience in NOTES Philip Bowser MA is serving as the managing primary care, specialty and coordinator for a photography discussion multisite rheumatology practices. group known as “Coffee and Critique” at 1940 the Newspace Center for Photography Lee Clyde Phoenix celebrated his 96th in Portland, Oregon. Bowser, a member 1976 birthday Sept. 26 at home in River of the board of directors of the Portland Landing, near Greensboro. Phoenix, Photographer’s Forum, shot photos for who has an excellent memory for details the psychology department when he was of the WCU campus before World War a student at WCU. His fine art prints are II, founded the WCU chapter of Future shown in galleries and art festivals in the Teachers of America. He had a long and Portland area. distinguished career as a teacher, principal and school superintendent in North Carolina. Margaret Agee, his daughter, is 1973 the director of corporate sponsorships for Sherrill Barber, the Catamount athletics program. one of Western North Carolina’s best-known Sam Fowlkes (right), who teaches 1947 television paddle sports and rescue at WCU, The late Lane personalities, accepted a prestigious award on behalf “Doc” Arrington retired Sept. 30. of the American Canoe Association for a MAEd ’67, who Barber served conference he helped coordinate. Fowlkes, passed away in WLOS-TV in chair of the ACA’s safety and rescue 2006, has been Asheville as a committee, co-chaired the association’s named to Glen reporter for 37 Swiftwater Rescue Conference in 2013. Alpine’s Sports years. During his career, he traveled with In June, the conference received the Hall of Fame. the Rev. Billy Graham to crusades in international Higgins and Langley Award. Arrington was a Russia, Hong Kong, California, Florida, reserve halfback Texas and South Carolina and covered WCU Athletics Hall of Fame member on the football major stories for the mountain region, Judith Stroud MAEd ’81 continues to team while at WCU. After graduating, he ranging from devastating floods to politics. serve in two major athletics roles — joined the faculty of Glen Alpine High women’s regional adviser of officials for

46 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University the National Collegiate Athletic Association when he accepted a job as comptroller and the coordinator of women’s basketball two weeks after graduating from WCU. officials for the South Atlantic Conference. He has been the club’s general manager Stroud has officiated in games all over since 1984 and manages a staff of 70 the country for the Women’s National employees. Basketball Association and the NCAA. She has served as an agent for State Farm Insurance in Hendersonville for 29 years. 1982 Kim Hoyle is the new assistant principal at Mount Pleasant Middle School in 1977 Cabarrus County. Pollye Pruitt has retired from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction after a long career in public education. Pruitt 1984 taught special education for 20 years, Apex leaders selected Joanna Helms mostly in Carteret County, where she to be the first economic development Sen. Tom Apodaca ’80 makes remarks after receiving the twice was named Teacher of the Year. director for the Wake County town. Helms WCU Trustees’ Award as board members Ed Broadwell and She also served as preschool coordinator, comes to Apex from Goldsboro, where Pat Kaemmerling ’71 look on. compliance specialist, assistant director she served as president of the Wayne and director of Carteret’s exceptional County Development Alliance of Goldsboro. children’s program. She was named the In 2008, the North Carolina Economic most outstanding exceptional children’s Developers Association named Helms as director for Region 2 (Southeast) in 2006 the state’s Economic Developer of the Year. and moved to Raleigh that year to work A state senator receives with DPI’s exceptional children division. 1985 WCU’s Trustees’ Award Mark Martin turned back a challenge in A veteran state legislator who previously served five years 1978 the November elections for his chief justice Patrick M. Murphy has been appointed seat on the N.C. Supreme Court, defeating as a Western Carolina University trustee is now a recipient by the city council of Alexandria, Virginia, Ola M. Lewis, a senior resident Superior of one of the institution’s highest honors. N.C. Sen. Tom to a four-year term on the historical Court judge in Brunswick County. Martin, Apodaca ’80 (R-Henderson) was presented with WCU’s restoration and preservation commission. of Apex, was appointed to the seat in late Trustees’ Award on Sept. 12 as members of the University of Murphy owns and operates a landscape summer after serving as an associate North Carolina Board of Governors, the policy-making body design company in Old Town, Alexandria. justice for 18 years. for the entire UNC system, convened in Cullowhee for their regular monthly meeting. Apodaca is only the 11th person Marion “Bo” Trumbo MAEd has been Lori “Kiki” Williams, a teacher at in WCU history selected to receive the Trustees’ Award. inducted into the athletics hall of fame West Charlotte High School for the past of Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, 16 years, was featured in the September In presenting the award, Teresa Williams, chair of the Virginia. Trumbo, who has been a teacher issue of Charlotte Magazine. Williams, WCU Board of Trustees, described Apodaca’s days as a WCU and coach in several Virginia school who teaches interior design and apparel student and his “highly successful career as an entrepreneur systems, earned his bachelor’s degree at development at the school, is part of involved in bond insurance, real estate investment and a Bridgewater. He was a standout pitcher for a team of teachers, counselors and travel agency.” Apodaca returned to WCU to serve on the the college’s baseball program and several social workers who visit homes of absent Board of Trustees in 1997, stepping down from the board, of his records remain unsurpassed after students to encourage them to take as required by state law, after his election to the state Senate four decades. His career 1.62 earned run end-of-the-year tests. representing District 48 in 2002. average is still the best in program history. Apodaca’s departure from the Board of Trustees “was lamented by all who knew of the quality of his service,” Cam Walters and his career as a 1986 telecommunications entrepreneur were Kenny Messer Williams said. “But, the record shows that Western Carolina’s featured in an article published in has been named loss was a tremendous gain for Western North Carolina and Greenville Online on Sept. 1. Walters is president of the entire state. Sen. Apodaca, who has been re-elected to five the founder and president of ACI Telecom Sartomer Americas, additional terms of office, has earned a reputation as a highly of Greenville, South Carolina, a company a global supplier of effective legislator who is unwavering in his determination he started in 1993. specialty chemicals to stand up for the interests of his constituents and all of headquartered Western North Carolina.” in Exton, Apodaca, who was re-elected again in November, is 1979 Pennsylvania. Clark Joel “Chip” Messer will chair of the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee and Carringer MAEd ’81 oversee operations in North and South Rules Committee. He was instrumental in WCU receiving has retired after a America. Prior to his new position, he $1.4 million in 2013 to expand its engineering program to career of 34 years was vice president of specialty chemical the Asheville-Hendersonville area, and he also sponsored serving Graham and packaging for Milliken Chemical in or supported legislation that aided all levels of the state’s County Schools, Spartanburg, South Carolina. Messer educational system, Williams said. including five years serves as a member of the WCU Board “Western Carolina University’s Trustees’ Award as superintendent. of Trustees. recognizes those who have provided exemplary service Carringer is married or support to the university,” she said. “Sen. Thomas M. to Yvette Brown Apodaca has delivered far beyond the award criteria and his Carringer ’82. 1987 Mickey Duvall MPA ’91 is the new positive influence extends well beyond the boundaries of the executive director for the High Country WCU campus and across all areas of the state.” 1980 Council of Governments. The council is After accepting the award from Williams, Apodaca Wildcat Cliffs County Club of Highlands the multicounty planning and development received a standing ovation from the audience. “I’m truly recently honored its longtime general agency for the seven northwestern counties honored by this (award),” he said. “I will continue to fight for manager George A. Shook Jr. Shook of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, the university system and all education in North Carolina began his career at the club 30 years ago Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. because that is my passion.”

Winter 2015 | 47 with Siemens in North Carolina, Florida class and Texas in her career of more than 24 years with the company. Her husband is NOTES Mitchell E. Medford ’88. 1988 1990 Pam Moore Carpenter and husband Charles, who also attended WCU for two years, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in August. Residents of Cherryville, they have a daughter in graduate school at Appalachian State University and a son who is a sophomore at WCU.

Teresa McKenzie is the new student Sandra Renae Haskett Caldwell (center) accessibility services coordinator at Ohio and members of her family have been University’s southern campus in Ironton, attending WCU during major anniversary Ohio, where she assists students with celebrations for three generations. disabilities. Caldwell was a WCU student during the Retired vice chancellor honored for 100th anniversary observance. Her father, distinguished service Mitchell E. Medford is the new Roy Haskett ’68, (left) was enrolled CEO of Bloodshed Motors, a company during the 75th and her daughter Kara Western Carolina University’s Distinguished Service Award that retrofits electric power trains in Caldwell (right), a freshman, has been on for 2014 went to Robert Edwards ’77, who retired in American classic cars, including the Ford campus for the 125th. December after four years of filling the role of vice chancellor Mustang. Medford formerly was the CEO for administration and finance, and a total of 37 years of of RF Code of Austin, Texas. He and his service to the university. wife, Elizabeth Hubbell Medford ’89, 1991 live in Austin. Eric Powell, past president of the WCU Edwards joined the payroll staff at WCU after graduating Alumni Association, is serving as a from the institution with a bachelor’s degree in business visiting professor at the United States administration in 1977. Edwards eventually became WCU’s 1989 Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, internal auditor, a position he held for 27 years. He moved Elizabeth Hubbell Medford is serving Pennsylvania. While serving at the military into the role of interim vice chancellor for administration as the head of asset management in the college, Powell also will be the assistant and finance in January 2011. U.S. central west region for Siemens editor of the peer-reviewed journal, As Chancellor David O. Belcher presented the award Corporation in Austin, Texas. Medford Homeland Defense and Civil Support. during a Homecoming weekend ceremony, he said one of leads a team of real estate professionals He has headed the paramedic and fire safety academic programs at Walters his first actions on his first day as WCU chancellor – July and oversees approximately 223 properties. She has held multiple roles State Community College in Morristown, 1, 2011 – was to take the “interim” out of Edwards’ title. Tennessee, since 2009. “I knew at that time that with the budget challenges facing the university that I needed someone with Robert’s expertise, experience, long-term perspective and passion for Western Carolina University on my leadership team in that time of transition,” Belcher said. “Robert, though, hasn’t just helped me out by being on my leadership team,” Belcher said. “He has been a rock-solid integral part of the team, which has led to the building of momentum that we’re experiencing at Western Carolina today.” Belcher said Edwards has twice delayed his retirement when WCU has needed him to fill the vice chancellor’s role. “He has ignored the siren song of the local golf courses because he loves this university,” Belcher said. Edwards recently provided funding for the establishment SAVE THE DATE--MARCH 27 & 28, 2015 of an endowed scholarship fund to benefit students who are part of WCU’s Pride of the Mountains Marching Band. Join us for the inaugural Women’s Leadership The new scholarship honors Edwards’ parents, Roy and Hazel Edwards, and Bob Buckner ’67, Robert Edwards’ Conference at Western Carolina University. This band director at Sylva-Webster (now Smoky Mountain) engaging and empowering conference will bring High School who later became director of the Pride of the Mountains at WCU. students, faculty, staff, alumni and community In accepting the Distinguished Service Award, Edwards members together to challenge gender norms, build said his parents endured a lot of sacrifices, financial and otherwise, to allow him and his brother, Wayne Edwards ’79, leadership skills, and grow a community of women in to attend and graduate from WCU. Aside from his parents, Western North Carolina. The weekend will include Buckner is the one person who has had the most influence on his life, he said. “(Buckner) taught me that perfection is breakout sessions, panels, and a networking reception. only obtained through hard dedicated work. I learned how For more information -- including registration to be a winner with humility and modesty and I learned how to accept losing with dignity and grace,” said Edwards, and a call for presentations -- please contact the who also served as grand marshal of the Homecoming Department of Intercultural Affairs at [email protected].​​ parade in October.

48 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University 1992 1996 Nolan Davis is serving as interim Emilie Gambade is the new editor of vice president for student affairs at ELLE Magazine South Africa. Gambade Indiana State University. Davis joined previously was the managing editor the staff at Indiana State in 2008. He of Marie Claire magazine and fashion previously was assistant to the vice editor for the Daily Maverick. She is president for student affairs at Northern a regular contributor to the Mail and Illinois University. Guardian newspaper, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Alumni Association Stephanie Goodell is serving as a election results member of the 2014 Pipeline Fellowship Wingate University honored Barry Glass in , . Fellows are and his career in law enforcement during “angel investors in training” who work its Patriots’ Day celebration held in to increase diversity in the investing September. Glass is a Wingate native and community. Goodell supports women served as the town’s chief of police for business owners through her marketing 10 years. He recently joined his family’s The 2014 Alumni Association board of directors election company Samaya Consulting. business, Unicon Inc., a poultry industry has closed, and five new members have joined the slate of and transport company based in Wingate. representatives. Elected to serve three-year terms expiring at the end of 2017: 1994 Brian Hoek is From District 1, Rick Queen ’86, Asheville; attorney, Griffin Brandi Henson has been named Jackson president and founder Wells & Queen PA. District 1 consists of the N.C. counties County’s tax collector. Henson, who of Pinstripes Media, of Alleghany, Alexander, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, previously served as town clerk and tax an advertising and Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, collector for the town of Sylva, began her marketing agency Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, new duties with the county in October. now in its 10th year. In September, Hoek Polk, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. Lee Tillery has been named director of was a speaker for the From District 2, Jaime Hawkins Friday ’99, Gastonia; parks and recreation for the city of High East Coast Marketing practice administrator, Carolina Center for Counseling Point. Tilley served as assistant director and Business & Clinical Services Inc. District 2 consists of the N.C. for the past year. In his new position, he Development Conference sponsored by the counties of Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, succeeds Allen Oliver ’78, who retired. Virginia Credit Union League. Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Fred Weinman MBA, former WCU Richmond, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, women’s tennis coach, has been promoted 1995 Union and Yadkin. Kelly Donaldson to senior vice president of Northern Trust was named Company, a $6 trillion asset and custody From District 3, Doug Palmer ’99, Clayton; veterinary assistant director management institution in Naples, Florida. practice consultant, animal health division of Abbott of the Jackson Laboratories. District 3 consists of the N.C. counties of County Chamber Bladen, Chatham, Columbus, Cumberland, Durham, of Commerce and 1997 Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Visitors Center in Kim Dechant MSA ’08 is the Principal Johnston, Lee, Moore, Nash, Northampton, Orange, June. Donaldson of the Year for Asheville City Schools. Person, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Vance, Wake, previously served Dechant is in her fourth year as principal Warren and Wilson. as editor of the at Claxton Elementary School. From District 4, Kate Murphy ’06, Wilmington; public Crossroads Chronicle in Cashiers and was a sports editor in Gainesville, information specialist, CoastalCare. District 4 consists of Georgia. In his new position, he works 1999 the N.C. counties of Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Camden, with the chamber’s executive director Melvin Burnette Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Gates, Julie Hooper Spiro ’98. has received his Greene, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, New Hanover, license from the Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, The new superintendent of Edenton- North Carolina Tyrell, Washington and Wayne. Chowan Schools is Rob Jackson Board of From District 5, Janine Rolison Bryan ’83, Columbia, MSA ’00, former chief communications Landscape South Carolina; licensed professional counselor. District 5 officer for Union County Schools. Often Architects. consists of all states except North Carolina. recognized for his leadership and Burnette has been achievements, Jackson was the Wells employed at Sears Fargo North Carolina State Principal of Design Group, a the Year in 2011. landscape architectural firm Christy Phillips- located in Raleigh, Brown of since 2006. He 2000 Charlotte was earned an associate degree at Wake Trustmark of elected national Technical College in 2007. Jackson, vice president of , has Delta Zeta at the Joan Siler has returned to the mountains appointed Roger sorority’s of North Georgia from Nebraska to David Harwell, national become the director of health information former assistant convention held management at Fannin Regional Hospital information in Tucson, in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Siler has been security manager, Arizona, in July. Phillips-Brown is living in Nebraska for the past six years, as vice president director of external communications and serving as a senior manager for Banner of the firm. community relations for Food Lion. Health. She began her career in health Harwell has more than 25 years of information management 15 years ago at experience in financial and information Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. securities industries.

Winter 2015 | 49 Paula Wood Tate attended a three-week Amsterdam, Holland. She has published class summer seminar about the Holocaust law review articles on international and Jewish Resistance Teachers’ Program criminal law, human rights and held in Germany, Poland and the Czech humanitarian law. NOTES Republic. Tate teaches in the middle college at Guilford Technical Community College in Greensboro. 2003 2001 Ashley Clayton Peeler of High Point is a development director for the Raleigh Kimberly Arrowood Cashwell and chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. William Joseph Cashwell II were married Peeler manages events and fundraising for on July 25 in Marion. Kimberly Cashwell the foundation in Greensboro, High Point is a customer service representative and and Winston-Salem. county liaison for the McDowell County agency of the N.C. Farm Bureau. For the second year in a row, Gordon Smith MS was voted the top mental Trevor Stewart MAT ’05 has been health therapist in the Best of Western appointed to the faculty of Virginia Tech North Carolina competition sponsored by in Blacksburg, Virginia, as an assistant Mountain Xpress newspaper of Asheville. Garrett Bush (center) is one of the professor in the School of Education and Smith has 13 years of experience as a National Safety Council’s “Rising Stars of the program leader for English education. therapist and has a practice located in Safety” for 2014. Bush, the regulatory Stewart’s research interests include the west Asheville. compliance manager for Pike Enterprises influences of educational policy and Inc. in Mount Airy, was among only 41 testing on English teachers’ instructional recipients to receive the award. It honors practices and the intersection between 2002 safety professionals who are younger than language and culture. He earned his Attorney Donna 40 and have an outstanding record of doctorate at the University of Georgia. Cline is serving leadership and innovation in improving with EG Justice in workplace safety. He was recognized by Washington, D.C., Jeffrey J. Woodbury, chairman of the 2004 as an advocate for board of the National Safety Council (left), Family nurse human rights and and Deborah A.P. Hersman, NSC practitioner Patti the rule of law in president and CEO, at the National Safety Sparling MSN is Equatorial Guinea. Council Congress and Expo held Sept. 16 serving patients Cline holds a law in San Diego, California. at WestCare’s new degree from the primary care Charleston School Paige Henderson Bridges and husband clinic that opened of Law and earned her master’s degree in Adam Bridges ’04 MPT ’11 have a in September in international human rights and criminal young son, Carson James, born April 16, the Health and justice at Utrecht University in 2013. They live in Canton. Human Sciences Building on WCU’s west campus in Cullowhee. The clinic is a partnership between WestCare and WCU. Sparling practiced for nine years at WestCare’s primary care practice in Franklin. 2005 Diane DePietropaolo Price, the former assistant public defender in Mecklenburg County, has been appointed to the position of indigent defense training manager for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Washington, D.C. Price develops programs for attorneys and coordinates training in consultation with a national working group of public defense experts.

TALKING SHOP 2006 After retiring from his 26-year career Then-N.C. Rep. Nathan Ramsey (left in photo at right) and Lou Bissette, a member of the University of North as a firefighter,Mike Cox went back to Carolina Board of Governors, find time to chat during an August gathering in Asheville sponsored by dentist school with a dream to start a medical Tim Gillespie ’86 and wife Betsy Gillespie ’86. The event at Highland Brewing Co. was part of a career. Last spring, Cox earned a series of receptions hosted by the WCU Alumni Association to help alumni, friends and elected officials master’s in physician assistant studies stay connected with the university. During each event, Chancellor David O. Belcher (left) shared from the New York Institute of Technology. information about recent WCU happenings with those in attendance. Additional visits for 2015 are in He recently joined the staff of Maxton the planning stages. Family Practice Center of Laurinburg as physician assistant. Cox is Lumberton’s former fire chief. For information, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 877.440.9990 or via email at [email protected].

50 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University Members of the Board of Visitors convene with university leaders. Front row, from left, are Penny Mawyer, Rebecca Schlosser ’73, Brenda Warlick ’76 and Donna Winbon ’80. Back row, from left, are Chancellor David O. Belcher, Board of Trustees Chair Teresa Williams, Jo Blaylock MS ’01, Bruce Moore ’83, Steve Couch ’85, Brandon Robinson ’05 MA ’10, Foundation Board Chair Brad Bradshaw ’76, Floyd “Ski” Chilton ’80, David Wiggins ’91, University of North Carolina Board of Governors member Joan MacNeill, and Frances Owl-Smith ’83, Alumni Association president.

Newly formed Board of Visitors to serve as advocates for WCU The inaugural class of the newly formed Board of Visitors at of visitors will serve initial terms of three years. The inaugural Western Carolina University held its first meetings Thursday class of the Board of Visitors includes nine WCU alumni: and Friday, Oct. 2 and 3. The board, established by WCU’s • Jo Blaylock MS ’01, vice president of human resources and Board of Trustees earlier this year, is designed to serve as an community relations for Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. advisory body to the university’s chancellor. Members of the Board of Visitors will be advocates and • Floyd “Ski” Chilton ’80, professor of physiology and ambassadors for WCU; promote and advance the mission, pharmacology at Wake Forest School of Medicine and vision and strategic plan of the university; make WCU a author of the book “Inflammation Nation.” philanthropic priority; and provide the chancellor and the • Steve Couch ’85, president of Couch Oil Co. in Durham. Board of Trustees with advice and counsel on issues that are critical to the institution’s strategic interests. • Bruce Moore ’83, president of IJT Packaging in Huntersville. “The board consists of friends of Western Carolina who • Brandon A. Robinson ’05 MA ’10, an attorney currently have been serving as unofficial ambassadors for the university practicing law in Durham. through their ongoing support and advocacy over the • Rebecca Schlosser ’73, a former teacher at a private school years,” said Jim Miller, WCU associate vice chancellor for in Brooklyn. development and alumni affairs. “Through the establishment of the Board of Visitors, these volunteers will play an even • Brenda Warlick ’76, business manager for an education more significant role.” field consulting firm founded by her husband, David. The Board of Visitors will consist of up to 30 members elected • David Wiggins ’91, a partner and accountant with Dixon by the trustees, along with five ex officio members – the chair of Hughes Goodman’s Financial Institution Services Group the Board of Trustees, the immediate past chair of the trustees, and partner-in-charge of the Asheville office. the chancellor, the president of the WCU Alumni Association and the chair of the Board of Directors of the Western Carolina • Donna Winbon ’80, a financial adviser for the Edward Jones University Foundation. firm in Raleigh. Ten members comprise the inaugural class of the Board of In addition to the nine WCU alumni, the board includes Visitors. Ten additional board members will be added in 2015, Penny Mawyer, a former fashion designer and stylist who lives and 10 more members will come on board in 2016. Each class in Highlands.

Capt. Gary Davis is serving as the 2008 interim chief of police at the University Matt Williams is of North Carolina School of the Arts. working as a music Davis, a graduate of the law enforcement producer and executive program at North Carolina State performer based in University, has been employed at UNCSA Asheville. Williams for 15 years. won a certificate from the National Academy of Recording Arts and 2007 Sciences for his Laura McIntosh Orr and Bruce Alan participation as a Burridge Jr. (right), who met as freshmen recording and audio at WCU, were married June 14 in engineer for the CD “All About Bullies…Big and Nashville, Tennessee. Small,” which won the Grammy award in 2012 for Best Children’s Album.

Winter 2015 | 51 Danielle Nowak Wrenn and husband degrees while battling cancer. Information class Andrew Wrenn ’07 have a daughter, 2010 about the Andrew R. Taylor F.I.S.H. (For Brooklyn Paige, born July 7. Megan Cavanah MS ’11 and James Individuals Seeking Hope) Memorial “Jay” Salter were married Jan. 3, Scholarship is available online at NOTES 2014, in Lakeland, Florida. Cavanah is www.andrewtaylorfish.com. Contributions 2009 a mathematics professor at Polk State may be made at any branch of First Justin Conley of Franklin was elected College. Salter is a mitigation specialist Citizens Bank or mailed to the Andrew R. president of the Young Democrats of North for the public defender’s law office of the Taylor F.I.S.H. Scholarship Fund, 21 Wall Carolina for 2014-15. Conley was one 10th Judicial Circuit Court. Street, Asheville, N.C. 28801. of the organizers of the successful 2012 effort to increase the number of youth Alan Goggins, a graduate student in the delegates to the Democratic National Tulane University School of Medicine, 2011 Convention. He also has served as the has been selected as a recipient of the Megan Hegler is working as a digital sales YDNC treasurer and as North Carolina’s American Society of Microbiology’s specialist at WBTV, the CBS-affiliated national representative in the Young Robert D. Watkins Research Fellowship, television station in Charlotte. Democrats of America organization. an award that recognizes the best and brightest rising scientists in the Natalie D. Moore MHS ’11 is an country and provides them with grant 2012 electronic health record and data specialist money to support their research. Goggins Teaching, working and studying at WCU at the Mountain Area Health Education is studying how chronic infections is a tradition in the family of Kimberly Center in Asheville. Moore provides impact immunity. Corelli, assistant director of A.K. Hinds consultation and support services to University Center. Corelli’s grandfather was medical practices in a 16-county region Family and friends of Andrew R. Taylor the late Dan B. Wells, who was a member served by MAHEC. MAEd ’13, former WCU resident of the math faculty, and her grandmother, assistant and area resource coordinator, the late Jayne Wells, was a University Singer-songwriter Andrew Thelston have established a memorial scholarship Center staff member for several decades. Robinson has been performing in Western fund for college students diagnosed Corelli’s mother, Sharon Wells ’75; North Carolina with his high energy rock with cancer who choose to continue sister Heather Rothrock ’99; and band, American Gonzos. Robinson is their studies. Taylor, who passed away husband Mike Corelli MAEd ’09 also an afternoon disc jockey at WTZQ radio March 2, was an avid outdoorsman who are WCU graduates. station in Hendersonville. obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s

Alumna goes from WNC to the North Pole

After a successful career working with or running water. “I learned how much youngsters, Kathy Dudek ’91 MS ’92 I can live without,” she said. “It was a knows what dreams are made of. Now, wonderful summer and had everything in North Pole, Alaska, she’s living one. to do with my deciding later to apply Dudek, a speech and language for a position with the Fairbanks pathologist with Cherokee County school system.” Schools and Cherokee Central Schools After returning to WNC, Dudek for the past 21 years, began a new job this received an offer from the Alaskan school year in the town of North Pole. school system within a few months. It’s not far from Santa’s House, a large Last spring, she prepared for the big store selling all sorts of things related to move by selling all her extra household Santa and Christmas. She works with items at yard sales. In June, she packed the Fairbanks North Star Borough essential belongings in a U-Haul truck School District, serving students in and drove to Alaska. kindergarten through grade 12. Dudek is employed at Salcha Her life-changing decision to start a Elementary, a small school that enrolls new career 4,000 miles away was a long 70 students. She also works with students time in the making. Years ago, Dudek in schools at the Eielson Air Force Base. found out about a program that placed In her spare time, she has traveled to summer volunteers in parks all over the Denali Park to see Mount McKinley, U.S. She hoped to participate eventually, attended music concerts and is learning but work commitments prevented to contra-dance. She prepared for the extended travel. Finally, when her winter, when temperatures can plummet school system had a longer than usual to 40 below, by equipping her car with summer break in 2013, Dudek accepted remote keyless start-up, a good set of a volunteer opening at Birch Lake State snow tires and a warming plug. Her Park, 60 miles south of Fairbanks. upcoming plans include train rides, ice The experience turned out to be a sculptures contests, sled dog rides, bird- great adventure. While in Alaska, she watching and returning to Birch Lake explored the region, met people from all State Park as a volunteer next summer. over the world, and quickly adapted to “Every day is a new adventure,” living in a small cabin with no electricity she said. Amanda McQueen completed her master’s degree in public health at the George Washington University. For the past year McQueen has served as an intern with the U.S. Global Change Research Program in Washington, D.C., and has been involved with the Third National Climate Assessment and GlobalChange.gov initiative through the White House Office of Science, Technology and Policy. In addition, she is interning at the Association for State and Territorial Health Officials.

Tom Pazderka has been awarded a Football teammates reunite fellowship to study for a master’s degree Thirteen former football players from the late 1960s and early 1970s came together for a weekend in fine art at the University of California reunion in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to enjoy seafood, ’60s beach music and sharing memories at Santa Barbara. Pazderka’s work ranges from painting to sculpture, writing and of games. Roger Secreast ’71 (front, kneeling) organized the June 20-21 event. Those attending performance. A native of the Czech were (first row, left to right) Sandy Davis ’69 MAEd ’74, Joe Hunter ’75, Dan Altenburg ’72 Republic, he recently completed an artist and Paul Smith ’72 MAEd ’76; (second row, left to right) Mike Faircloth ’69, Mike Mabry ’72 residency at Trafo Studios in Prague. MAEd ’76, David Davies ’71 MAEd ’75 EDS ’83, David Lomax ’69, Steve Sparks ’71 and John Tinker; and (back row, left to right) Glen Hill and Don Rogers ’73 MBA ’78. Steve Amber Swann and Caleb Korn were Spradling ’71 (not pictured) also attended. Faircloth was not a member of the football team; he married July 26. Swann is studying for and Lomax are longtime friends. her doctorate in pharmacy at Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy in Clinton, South Carolina. Korn is a paramedic for Greenville County Emergency Medical Services. They live in Simpsonville, South Carolina. ALUMNI DEATHS Nancy Morrow Caldwell ’72 July 21, 2014; Campobello, 2013 South Carolina. The North Carolina Society of Historians Helen Higdon Allison ’65 July 1, 2014; Lincolnton. awarded the Paul Green Multimedia Victoria A. Casey-McDonald ’73 Award to Katherine Bartel for her feature- MAEd ’78 Aug. 17, 2014; Sylva. length documentary “Cataloochee,” about Guy J. Angel MAEd ’60 Dec. 27, 2013; Waynesville. a historic Haywood County valley and the Allen R. Chrislip Jr. ’66 families that lived there before the area June 9, 2014; Dover, Delaware. became part of Great Smoky Mountains June R. Baker ’38 July 18, 2014; Oxnard, California. National Park. Bartel made the film as her Robert Johnson Covington ’55 senior project. Aug. 14, 2014; Oak Island. Paul Pritchard Briggs III ’99 Jan. 21, 2014; Mars Hill. Linda Barnett Cowan ’59 MA ’65 2014 May 19, 2014; Mills River. Michelle Owens, a Shelby native, has Anne D. Britt ’68 MAEd ’75 Aug. 21, 2014; Wendell. joined the staff of the Shelby Star as Lantford E. Cox Jr. ’78 news clerk. Owens was an intern at Aug. 15, 2014; Asheboro. a neighboring newspaper, the Gaston Bobby Buchanan ’71 Aug. 9, 2014; Clyde. Gazette, while a student at WCU. Lynn Smith Halgrim Cunningham ’67 MAEd ’69 Oct. 15, 2014; Marietta, Georgia.

Eris A. Dedmond ’63 WE WANT THE SCOOP July 8, 2014; Boone.

ON YOUR LIFE EVENTS Linda B. Dyches ’97 July 14, 2014; Fletcher.

SEND US YOUR NEWS AND PHOTOS Donna T. Fields ’83 Aug. 12, 2014; Mount Holly. EMAIL: [email protected] FOR MORE MAIL TO: Class Notes editor INFORMATION CALL Diane Ramsey Forsyth ’78 420 H.F. Robinson Aug. 8, 2014; Rye, New Hampshire. Cullowhee N.C. 28723 828.227.7327

Winter 2015 | 53 Melvin A. Foster ’82 Jerry Thomas Queen ’62 Anna Lee Bauman Williams ’48 class Aug. 15, 2014; Waynesville. Aug. 21, 2014; Fairview. Aug. 31, 2014; Mocksville.

Cynthia S. Fox ’75 Michael W. Robbins ’71 Frances Winstead ’63 NOTES July 17, 2014; Blythewood, Aug. 6, 2014; High Point. Aug. 4, 2014; Franklin. South Carolina. Norma Levi Robertson ’62 Patricia McMullen Wissinger ’82 Jerry L. Gantt ’62 July 5, 2014; Tryon. MPA ’98 June 20, 2014; Asheville. July 16, 2014; Vale. Arthur Bud Smith ’50 Mary Zeller ’65 Marilou R. Ginn ’67 MAEd ’79 July 20, 2014; Winston-Salem. Sept. 16, 2014; Eustis, Florida. Aug. 26, 2014; Sylva. Sara C. Smith ’45 Susan “Monte” Kimberly Harris ’00 Aug. 8, 2014; Charlotte. May 6, 2014; Asheville. UNIVERSITY DEATHS Henrie I. Sparkman ’71 Barbara N. Ashe, retired CIO Office staff Joe Crawford Hedden ’42 July 8, 2014; Inverness, Florida. member, Oct. 30, 2014; Whittier. June 8, 2014; Kings Mountain. Col. Jack E. Squier ’83 Joseph Yarnall Bassett Jr., retired professor Brawdus Vernon Hill ’40 July 11, 2014; St. Petersburg, Florida. of chemistry and physics, July 30, 2014; Sept. 14, 2014; Asheville. Tucson, Arizona. Gerald Lance Stewart ’75 Mildred C. Holden ’47 Jan. 3, 2014; Hillsboro, Oregon. Sibyl Y. Blakely, former WCU staff July 26, 2014; Supply. member, Sept. 23, 2014; Cullowhee. Richard C. Stewart ’69 Richard J. Hosack ’99 July 12, 2014; Liberty Township, Ohio. Roberta Mollie Gloyne Arneach July 22, 2014; Colorado Springs, Blankenship, former member of the Board Colorado. Bertha C. Bryson Sutton ’60 of Trustees, Sept. 22, 2014; Cherokee. June 26, 2014; Raleigh. Homer C. Jamison ’42 Norma B. Cook, former medical March 13, 2014; Blue Springs, Montana. Terry C. Swanger ’56 MA ’60 technology faculty member, Sept. 11, 2014; Asheville. Aug. 23, 2014; Durham. Rhetta M. Kiger ’68 Alphonso “Mutt” DeGraffenreid ’77 July 22, 2014; High Point. Betty Best Terrell ’42 MAEd ’80, former assistant football Sept. 2, 2014; Clyde. coach, Nov. 8, 2014; Cullowhee. Wilma M. King MAEd ’77 July 16, 2014; Hendersonville. William Vance Trantham ’65 MAEd ’72 Kathleen Prather DeHart, building and May 12, 2014; Fletcher. environmental services supervisor, Cassandra Lollis ’67 Feb. 28, 2014; Almond. July 11, 2014; Cocoa Beach, Florida. William Fife Troutman ’47 Sept. 4, 2014; Greenville. Linda P. Fiskeaux, retired facilities Edith H. Lopes ’76 management staff member, July 3, June 29, 2014; Franklin. Kathy Turner Tudor ’77 2014; Sylva. Nov. 29, 2013; Morganton. Robert Franklin Lutz Jr. ’66 Robin Denise Frizzell, retired controller’s Feb. 24, 2014; Roebuck, South Carolina. Jeanette S. Tweed ’54 office staff member, May 10, 2014; July 31, 2014; Marshall. Webster. Richard N. McCracken ’65 MBA ’76 Aug. 24, 2014; Candler. Martha A. Vinson ’86 Adelaide Worth Daniels Key, former member of the Board of Trustees, July 7, 2014; Winston-Salem. Aug. 20, 2014; Asheville. John Worth McDevitt ’38 Feb. 27, 2014; Winston-Salem. Edward T. Wamsley ’55 Algin B. King, former dean of the College Sept. 7, 2014; Fort Mill, South Carolina. of Business, Aug. 20, 2014; Baltimore, Jennifer A. McHaley ’95 Maryland. Sept. 3, 2014; Asheville. Cheryl Warren ’87 Aug. 10, 2014; Asheville. Wade Harold Mitchell, former member Joel Baxter Morris ’73 of the Board of Trustees, Oct. 1, 2014; Feb. 18, 2014; Davidson. Linda Watson ’59 MAEd ’72 Valdese. Aug. 25, 2014; Cullowhee. Danny W. Morton ’69 Kase Albert Powell, WCU cheerleading Feb. 7, 2011; Asheville. Pearce R. Weaver Sr. ’61 squad’s special 4-year-old friend, March May 9, 2014; Weaverville. 5, 2014; Palm Coast, Florida. Stephen O. Norman ’69 Sept. 22, 2014; Waynesville. Darryl E. Whisnant ’82 Andrew R. Taylor ’10 MAEd ’13, former Aug. 14, 2014; Valdese. WCU resident assistant and area resource Herbert Clyde Peek ’41 coordinator, March 2, 2014; Asheville. Sept. 5, 2014; Charlotte. Calvin E. White ’65 Brian George Walton, retired professor June 27, 2014; Marion. of history, July 19, 2014; Greer, Patricia P. Posey ’69 South Carolina. June 27, 2014; Clyde. Raymond C. White ’59 June 24, 2014; Asheboro.

54 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University A FORCE FOR PHILANTHROPY Former board chair Adelaide Key is remembered for her contributions to WCU and the region By VICKI HYATT

The generosity and spirit of Adelaide Worth Daniels Key has been celebrated for decades, especially in Western North Carolina. Now the region is mourning the loss of perhaps the most influential philanthropist it has ever known. Key died Aug. 20 following a long battle with cancer. She was 78. “She took philanthropy to a whole other level,” said Wells Greeley, a long-time business owner in Haywood County. “She never lived here, but she had a business here, and included the community in her efforts.” Key purchased The Mountaineer newspaper of Waynesville in 1989, and asked then-publisher Ken Wilson to continue his duties, which he did until 2000 when her son, Jonathan Key ’82, purchased the paper. “She never put any demands or limitations on me as the publisher of the newspaper, and I managed the paper a lot like I think she would have hope that this professorship will create teachers who will come Former Chancellor John W. managed it — to be fair and make sure the underprivileged, away from Western Carolina University understanding that Bardo shares a laugh with the underappreciated and the underserved are given their due,” different isn't stupid." Adelaide Worth Daniels Key. said Wilson, a former chair of WCU’s Board of Trustees. “She Key also worked behind the scenes to help WCU’s first was just an extraordinary humanitarian.” comprehensive fundraising campaign (2007-2009) succeed, Among her contributions to the region were a $200,000-plus Miller said. "She was passionate about Western Carolina donation to Folkmoot USA to start a foundation to support the University and she was certainly a force to be reckoned with. international festival of folk music and dance; a donation to We are saddened by the loss and will miss her dearly," he said. the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville following David Westling was hired as WCU’s first Adelaide Worth a 1994 fire that destroyed the sanctuary; and the founding Daniels Distinguished Professor and still holds the position of the Rathbun Center, a home where those who wanted to today. During his tenure, Westling has implemented a stay near loved ones at nearby Asheville hospitals could have training program to prepare teachers to help students a place to take a quick nap, stay the night or relax. A former with severe disabilities and to address needs that weren't chair of the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees and addressed previously. former member of the University of North Carolina Board of Westling said he met with Key several times a year to talk Governors, Key also made a significant contribution to WCU about the program and its progress. "She was always interested through her gifts. in what I was doing," he said. "She wanted to support special Clifton Metcalf worked closely with Key when he served education because of difficulties she faced as a child. She as vice chancellor for advancement and external affairs at wanted teachers to be better able to work with students with WCU. Mutual interests in community projects and politics disabilities. She was a very nice, congenial, down-to-earth led to a deep friendship, Metcalf said. “Adelaide Key had person who just wanted to do good." remarkably strong interests in a whole host of public areas such Key received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from as education, health care and community projects that were WCU in May 2003. helpful to people who couldn’t afford to meet their needs on their own,” he said. Anytime a site was needed for an event to Reprinted in edited format with permission of The Mountaineer. benefit a cause she supported, it was almost a given that Key was willing to host it at her Asheville home, Metcalf said. She was an excellent hostess who stayed in the background, and she never wanted recognition and always had others introduce the speaker, said Metcalf, who was editor at Mountaineer WCU mourns loss of former trustees Publishing before Key became involved. Jim Miller, WCU associate vice chancellor for development, The campus community mourned the loss of two former said Key was the first individual to fund an endowed members of the Board of Trustees, in addition to Adelaide professorship at the university. Her contribution of $666,000, Key, who passed away in the fall. Wade Harold Mitchell, along with state funds, created a $1 million endowment in who died Oct. 1, practiced law in Valdese for more than 50 1996. The Adelaide Worth Daniels Key Professorship in Special years. He served as a trustee from 1967 until 1971. Roberta Education was created to hire a faculty member of distinction Mollie Gloyne Arneach Blankenship, who was known in that field. In announcing the professorship, Key had this to to most as Mollie Blankenship, passed away Sept. 22 in say about her interest in the area: "All through my childhood Cherokee. She was one of the founding members of the and adolescence, I was told to sit still. When I was a child, no Cherokee Historical Association and served on the WCU one had ever heard of attention deficit disorder, so I was bad, board from 1991 until 1999. I was stupid and why in the world could I not sit still. It is my

Winter 2015 | 55 events CALENDAR

guests. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday THURSDAY, MARCH 19 FEBRUARY evening with a bonus performance at “Langston Hughes Project” – A SATURDAY, FEB. 7 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Hoey Auditorium. multimedia concert performance of Catamount Women’s Basketball vs. ETSU. 828.227.2479 Langston Hughes’ kaleidoscopic jazz 2 p.m. Ramsey Center. 800.34.GOWCU poem suite featuring “Ask Your Mama,” Catamount Men’s Basketball vs. SATURDAY, FEB. 21 the poet’s homage in verse and music UT-Chattanooga. 4:30 p.m. Ramsey Catamount Women’s Basketball vs. to the struggle for artistic and social Center. 800.34.GOWCU Wofford. 2 p.m. Ramsey Center. freedom. Part of the Arts and Cultural 800.34.GOWCU Events Series. 7:30 p.m. Bardo Arts SATURDAY, FEB. 14 Center. 828.227.2479 Catamount Men’s Basketball vs. Wofford. Catamount Men’s Basketball vs. VMI. 5 p.m. Ramsey Center. 800.34.GOWCU 4:30 p.m. Ramsey Center. TUESDAY, MARCH 24 800.34.GOWCU Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet Concert MONDAY, FEB. 16 – The WCU quintet-in-residence offers a Catamount Women’s Basketball vs. MONDAY, FEB. 23 spring concert. 7:30 p.m. Recital Hall, UT-Chattanooga. 7 p.m. Ramsey Center. Catamount Women’s Basketball vs. Coulter Building. 828.227.7242 800.34.GOWCU Furman. 7 p.m. Ramsey Center. 800.34.GOWCU FRIDAY, MARCH 27 TUESDAY, FEB. 17 “Lynn Trefzger and Glenn Singer” – Catamount Men’s Basketball vs. THURSDAY, FEB. 26 Audiences are treated to ventriloquist Cleveland State. 7 p.m. Ramsey Center. “Robin Hood” – Staged radio show Lynn Trefzger’s vocal illusion talents while 800.34.GOWCU performance of an original-script-and- comedian Glenn Singer supplies unusual music drama live on stage, featuring the comedy with optical illusions. Part of the “Private Violence” – Southern Circuit Artist-in-Residence Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Galaxy of Stars Series. 7:30 p.m. Bardo Independent Film showing of a Bardo Arts Center. Admission paid at the Arts Center. 828.227.2479 documentary about intimate partner event. 828.227.7242 violence and victim perspectives. Part SUNDAY, MARCH 29 of the Arts and Cultural Events Series. FRIDAY, FEB. 27 – SATURDAY, FEB. 28 “Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams” – 7:30 p.m. University Center Theater. “Vagina Monologues” – This annual Compositions for chorus and orchestra 828.227.720 6 production by the Department of will be conducted by WCU’s Michael Intercultural Affairs benefits charities Lancaster in a spring choral concert Artist-In-Residence Orchestra Concert involved in education and prevention featuring the Concert Choir and University – WCU’s William Martin singing favorite of violence against women. 7 p.m. Chorus with the Western Carolina operatic arias with Daniel Meyer University Center Grandroom. Community Choir directed by former conducting. 7:30 p.m. Bardo Arts Center. 828.227.2617 music facultly member Bob Holquist. 828.227.7242 3 p.m. Bardo Arts Center. 828.227.7242 SATURDAY, FEB. 28 WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18 “Man 1, Bank 0” – Galaxy of Stars Series FROGZ – Surreal and comedic performance by Patrick Combs, who APRIL combination of mime, dance and deposited a “non-negotiable” (and sizable) TUESDAY, APRIL 7 acrobatics with performers costumed as check at his bank, resulting in a David- Commercial and Electronic Music Faculty amphibians, boulders and even humans. vs.-Goliath adventure. 5 p.m. Bardo Arts Concert – 7:30 p.m. Recital Hall, Coulter (Postponed from February 2013.) Part Center. 828.227.2479 Building. 828.227.7242 of the Arts and Cultural Events Series. 7:30 p.m. Bardo Arts Center. THURSDAY, APRIL 16 – 828.227.2479 MARCH SUNDAY, APRIL 19 TUESDAY, MARCH 17 “Peter Pan, The Boy Who Would Not THURSDAY, FEB. 19 – “This Ain’t No Mouse Music” – Southern Grow Up” – New version of the classic SATURDAY, FEB. 21 Circuit Independent Film showing of a tale painstakingly researched and restored “The Rocky Horror Show” – Staged documentary about Chris Strachwitz and by John Caird and Trevor Nunn to J.M. re-creation of the cult classic film, inviting the roots of American music. Part of the Barrie’s original intentions. 7:30 p.m. audience participation in the story of a Arts and Cultural Events Series. 7 p.m. Thursday – Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. reclusive transvestite and his overnight University Center Theater. 828.227.7206 Bardo Arts Center. 828.227.2479

56 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University SUNDAY, APRIL 26 “We’ve Only Just Begun – The Carpenters” – Michelle Berting Brent and a seven-piece Nashville band pay tribute to the brother-and-sister duo from the 1970s. Part of the Galaxy of Stars Series. 3 p.m. Bardo Arts Center. 828.227.2479 MAY FRIDAY, MAY 1 Controlled Chaos Film Festival – Films created by WCU students will be screened at the seventh annual event. 7 p.m. Bardo Arts Center. 828.227.2324

FRIDAY, MAY 8 Commencement – Graduate School, 7 p.m., Ramsey Center. 828.227.7216

SATURDAY, MAY 9 Commencement – Undergraduate students from the colleges of Arts “ZigZag Afghan & Triangle Rug” 2013, oil on canvas, by Karen Ann Myers and Sciences, Education and Allied Professions, and Fine and Performing Arts. 10 a.m. Ramsey Center. turns one might expect. (Reception TBA.) Undergraduate students from the EXHIBITS March 23-27. Kimmel School and the colleges of FINE ART MUSEUM Business, and Health and Human “Failure: A Faculty Biennial.” This year, WCU’s 828.227.3591 | fineartmuseum.wcu.edu Sciences. 3:30 p.m. Ramsey Center. faculty has been asked to address the theme of 828.227.7216. (Times for colleges “Tracking Time: Anna Jensen and Karen Ann Myers.” “failure” as it relates to moving both backward subject to change.) Stylistically adventurous, Jensen mixes the beautiful and forward. They respond with works in a with the grotesque, the personal with the arcane, range of media including painting, drawing, Events, times and dates are subject throwing her world out for others to decipher. Myers ceramics, sculpture, photography, printmaking and book arts, installation and digital media. to change. For up-to-the-minute creates naturalistic, intimate portraits of women April 9 – May 29. information, event details and a that she knows or who act as stand-ins for the artist herself, all viewed peering in from above. Through complete listing of university events, March 27. visit events.wcu.edu. MOUNTAIN HERITAGE CENTER “Vadim Bora: Portraits” and “Portraits from the FAM 828.227.7129 | mhc.wcu.edu Collection.” A selected group of portraits from the late Vadim Bora, who immigrated from Vladikavkaz, “Migration of the Scotch-Irish People.” Focuses North Ossetia, in Russia to Asheville, is paired on early settlers to the mountains and explores with works researched and curated by students in the tension between religion and law. Ongoing. VISIT US ONLINE AT the School of Art and Design’s “Art 486/Museum “A Craftsman’s Legacy: The Furniture of Jesse MAGAZINE.WCU.EDU Practicum” course. Through March 6. Bryson Stalcup.” Handcrafted furniture from the FOR ANYWHERE-ACCESS TO “MFA Thesis Exhibitions: Kevin McNiff and Amy early 1900s. Ongoing. MAGAZINE FEATURES AND Guthrie.” Two one-person exhibitions by graduate “Western Carolina: The Progress of an Idea.” An ONLINE EXTRAS. students Kevin McNiff and Amy Guthrie are the examination of Robert Lee Madison’s “Cullowhee result of two years of study with all the twists and Idea.” Ongoing.

WCU is a University of North Carolina campus and an Equal Opportunity Institution. 58,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $22,521 or $0.39 each. Office of Public Relations/Creative Services | January 2015 | 14-759 Winter 2015 | 57 THE VIEW FROM HERE

As the Catamounts prepare to defend their regular season title, a former bat boy takes a stroll down baseball’s memory lane

As a sports-minded youngster who had the unique honor or lose, our gang of helpers would gather around the equipment of growing up, literally, on the campus of Western Carolina door at the end of the WCC dugout down the first-base line. University (College, back then), I had the opportunity to Either the coach or one of his designees would thank us for participate in the Catamount baseball program since about our hard work, slowly open the door that covered up baseball- the fourth grade. related treasures, then judiciously hand out our pay – splintered In the early 1960s, I was a student at Cullowhee School, wooden bats held together with small tacks and adhesive tape which at that time was located in McKee Building. The college and water-logged baseballs that had seen better days. played its baseball games right behind our school, roughly While these things were cast off by the college, they were where the A.K. Hinds University Center is now situated. The worth their weight in gold to us. At the height of my “job” as an weekday baseball games started at 3 p.m., but we didn’t get out equipment specialist, I probably owned eight or nine Louisville Danny Hirt ’73 comes of school until about 3:10 p.m. or so. For those of us who were Slugger bats made by the Hillerich & Bradsby company and from a long lineage of interested, we performed a quiet but ritualistic countdown more than a dozen scuffed-up, dirty and ripped baseballs. WCU supporters. Mother ceremony, then dashed out of the back of McKee just as soon Cast-offs, indeed! These were highly precious mementos of Lillian Hirt ’66 served as we could, heading for the baseball field. the game we loved, of the Cats we adored as our local heroes as Western’s public We were on our way to volunteer our services to the Cats. The and of the college we admired. information officer until first kid who got there earned the privilege of being Western’s The bats I still own to this very day have the endorsement the early 1970s and father batboy, while the second served in the same position for the signatures of such baseball greats as Ted Williams, Harmon Julian Hirt ’53 taught opposing school. The rest of us were destined to chase foul balls. Killebrew and Ralph Kiner. Along with those names is the physics and science We went about our business with great pride, taking it all wood-burned message that these pieces of sports equipment education here. Brother in with the seriousness of a Major League bat boy retrieving have been “powerized” by the manufacturer back in Louisville, David Hirt attended lumber for Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle or Henry Aaron. Kentucky. WCU in the late 1960s and What a rare combination of for-love-of-the-game and just It was from the well-worn balls, some lacking a complete early 1970s. plain old “havin’ fun.” cover, that I learned the anatomy of a baseball. A million miles When we took care of the bats, we had the best seats at of string surrounding a small rubber ball. What a scientific the ballpark – on the top steps of the dugouts waiting for our discovery. Top that, Thomas Edison! call to service. Likewise, while chasing foul balls might have To this day, I still cherish my Western Carolina baseball sounded mundane, even boring, nothing could be further remembrances. The baseballs are now gone, probably spread from the truth. It was our duty, our privilege, to chase down throughout the old sandlots in and around Cullowhee. But the the balls whether they landed in the bank behind the field or several bats I possess even now display the burned-in-wood somewhere within the long line of pine trees that ran down name of my school: “WCC” and “Western Carolina.” I keep the third base line. these sticks locked up in the storage shed behind the house, The memories will live on for the rest of my days, whether still resting in my dad’s old World War II duffle bag, waiting they’re of handing out bats or taking baseballs to the home to be swung one more time for old time’s sake. plate umpire. The memories also drift to the nonphysical realm, One of the bats, the Ralph Kiner model, I’ve had placed in including smells such as the combination of dirt, sweat, tobacco a golden cedar shadowbox frame with, appropriately enough, juice, rosin, bubble gum and the occasional incoming rain a regal-looking purple cloth background. What better way to storms that are always a part of this outdoor game. honor a piece of sports memorabilia that contains so many good Regardless of which position we fulfilled, batboy or foul memories from my childhood? What better way to build up a ball-chaser, we took our tasks seriously. After all, there were lifetime of memories than to be a bat boy/foul ball chaser? rewards for us after the game. When the final out was made, win

58 | The Magazine of Western Carolina University LEAVE SOMETHING BEHIND

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Herb Bailey CFRE Director of Gift Planning 828.227.3049 | [email protected] WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY 1 UNIVERSITY WAY CULLOWHEE, NC 28723