Furman Magazine Volume 42 Article 2 Issue 0 1999 All Issues
6-1-1999 Furman Magazine. Volume 42, Issue 2 - Full Issue Furman University
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Snapshot: Focus on Carl Kohrt, Eastman Kodak Executive
Summer 1999
FEATU RES
JOURNEY TO THE TOP OF THE WORLD 2 Two young men challenge themselves and the elements to climb the highest mountain in the Andes. By Byron Buckley
KODAK MOMENTS 8 Carl Kohrt is a key member of the high-profile corporate team that has pumped new life into Eastman Kodak. By John Roberts
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE 12 Furman's last four First Ladies -Bea Plyler, Lib Blackwell, Martha Johns and Susan Shi -have left their own distinctive imprint on the university they all love. By Pamela Burgess Shucker
TRIPLE CROWN 18 Confident, resourceful and driven, Ginger Denison ended spring term with $50,000 in new scholarships. 22 By Jim Stewart
IN THE FAMILY WAY 22 Set in Greenville in the early sixties, Tommy Hays' new novel depicts the efforts of a boy and his family to come to terms with life's uncertainty. By William E. Rogers
FURMAN REPORTS 24
CAMPAIGN UPDATE 32
ATHLmCS 34
CLASS NEWS 38
THE LAST WORD 48
COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY CHARLIE REGISTER An expedition to Aconcagua,
the highest peak in the Andes
ultimate test of physical an
2 By Byron Buckley
After graduating from Furman in 1996, I had moved to Los Alamos, N.M., where I met Matt Cox. We discovered a mutual love of adventure and the outdoors and spent much of the next few years climb ing many of the prominent peaks of the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming. At firstwe never seriously considered scaling anything the magnitude of Acon cagua, but after hearing climbers talk of this magnificent South American moun tain, we decided to do some research. Cerro Aconcagua lies in the Andes mountain range of WesternArgentina, close to Santiago, Chile. While the south face is a spectacular wall of rock and ice more than 8,000 feet high, the north side is a massive rocky slope with a moderate to steep gradient. At 22,834 feet (6,959 meters), it is the highest mountain in the world outside of Central Asia. In the Quechua language, Aconcagua means "The White Sentinel." The name makes perfect sense, because the moun tain towers above the surrounding peaks. Its primary dangers arise from the hurricane-forcewinds and storms coming major mountains of the world, and we How would we react when the true test offthe Pacific Ocean, combined with the decided to seize the chance. confronted us? intense summer sun. Its altitude and We spent much of last fall and winter Finally, in late February, we headed remote location make it a true large-scale training and making preparations. We to South America. Our quest began with mountaineering expedition -and a per ran, climbed, backpacked and biked high a harrowing bus ride through a narrow fect introduction to the world's great in the mountains for countless hours each mountain pass in the Andes between climbs. day so that we would be physically and Argentina and Chile. Our driver took After weeks of research and discus mentally prepared for the task ahead. great pleasure in pointing out all the sion, we finally realized that we had a During this time, the nagging question burned-out skeletons of cars that had rareopportunity to experience one of the always lurke4 in the back of our minds: slipped off the cliffs on either side. He left us at the 9,000-foot pass, and as we Matt and I spent two days acclima stood there alone with nothing but the tizing ourselves at base camp. Most of distant moan of the mountain winds, the people there seemed to be feeling anxiety swept over us. Had we gotten in some effects from the altitude. They over our heads? were a fascinating group; we met climb For the firsttwo days we hiked ers from all over the world, including toward the 14,000-foot-high base camp Europe, China, Canada, Japan, Australia storms that swept through right after we located on the flank of the mountain, and Argentina. And they shared some left the mountain.) which we would use as a staging ground disconcerting news with us. We were The next day we hiked to 17,500 for the actual ascent. With all our climb told that only about 25 percent of those feet, to a spot called Nido de Condores ing gear plus enough food and fuel for who try to summit Aconcagua actually (Condor's Nest). We were thrilled to two weeks, we carried the crushing load make it, and that there had been a number see two condors playing in the thermal of 65 pounds each. The vast majority of of deaths on the mountain in recent wind spirals near our camp. Nido, how climbers hire mules to pack their equip months, primarily from the extremely ever, was a cold, barren place, and we ment the 20 miles to base camp, but for high altitude and exposure to cold and had to melt ice to have water to drink. some reason that was later incomprehen wind. We saw relatively few climbers there, sible to us, we decided to carry our packs After pondering these sobering and we spent most of our time resting, ourselves. words, we proceeded the next day to haul melting snow and conserving our energy The hike took us through mile after our gear up to our first high camp at for the summit. mile of high, barren wasteland with little 16,000 feet. This camp was on a small At this point I began to experience water and sometimes searing heat. We ledge in a cleft of rocks in the middle of classic symptoms of altitude sickness, were amazed by how arid the mountains the steep mountainside. We spent the namely headaches and nausea. Worse, were -no trees, grass or wildlife of any day chatting with eight other climbers however, was that I was having trouble sort. The landscape resembled the desert on their way up the mountain, discussing sleeping. I would lie awake all night, terrain out of "Star Wars." the advantages and disadvantages of var freezing in my sleeping bag. This really Finally we reached base camp, which ious routes to the summit and how many began to wear on me mentally. How was in the middle of a giant glacial mo days each group planned to take to reach would I possibly have the strength to raine -a desolate but beautiful area of the peak. Finally the conversation turned reach the summit without rest? I would rocks and debris deposited by glaciers to deeper topics, and as the beautiful stars picture myself at home with friends and thousands of years ago. We were sur of the Southern Hemisphere came to life, family and feel hopelessly homesick rounded on three sides by Aconcagua we debated religion, politics and philos and alone, trapped in this high prison and nearby mountains. Adjacent to the ophy with people from around the world. above the rest of the world. camp loomed a hanging glacier. Several (Months later, when travelingthrough The next day we took a short hike times during the evening we were startled Patagonia, we would randomly run into up to 19,500 feet to acclimate ourselves by an enormous roar as a massive piece some of the same people who would to the surroundings, then returned to of the glacier would crash off the cliff sadly inform us that none of their group Nido. Here the trip really started to look face into the valley below. ever reached the peak because of massive bad, as Matt became nauseated and unable to stomach food of any sort. That evening we were hammered by a sudden blizzard, and the situation deteriorated. Before dark there were about four inches of snow on the ground, and the wind was howling. All night long I heard the roar of the wind on the peak and anxiously waited for the blast that would smack the tent. Sometimes the wind wasso strong that the tentwould briefly collapse on our faces. I was terrifiedthat the weather would worsen. Earlier we had agreed that we would make our summit attempt the next day, but suddenly things looked really bleak. I hadn't slept in three nights, Matt couldn't eat, and we were trapped by the Base camp was surrounded on three sides by Aconcagua and other nearby peaks. Buckley and Cox spent two days at the camp, adjusting to the altitude blizzard. During the night I watched and conditions. every minute tickby while I tried to stay warm. The moisture in our breath froze on the inside of the tent, and the wind I began to experience classic symptoms of altitude sickness, was knocking the ice offon top of us. namely headaches and nausea. Worse, however, was that This was the low point of the trip, and for the firsttime we seriously questioned I was having trouble sleeping. I would lie awake all night, whether we had the resolve to stick it out. freezing in my sleeping bag. This really began to wear on Miraculously, though, the morning me mentally. How would possibly have the strength to reach of March 1 broke bitterly cold but clear. I We decided to seize this window of op the summit without rest? portunity and go all-out for the summit.
5 I was prepared for it to be tough, but nothing could have prepared me for how painful it was.
Wearing every piece of clothing we had brought, we took offwith over a vertical mile to ascend. The first few thousand feet were beautiful, and as we climbed we could just make out the deep blue strip of the Pacific Ocean on the horizon, 100 miles away. Surprisingly, we both felt relatively strong- maybe it was the excitement of being so close to our goal- and the early portion of the climb was rather mellow and peaceful. We knew, however, that because of the storm we had gotten a late start, and As the climbers approached the summit , the icy we anxiously watched the distant clouds terrain became more treacherous and the force on the horizon. They brought to mind of the wind intensified. stories of the tragic 1996 Mount Everest attempt in which several experienced not be able to catch my breath and would bratory pictures, we headed back down, climbers died in a storm, and we knew suffocate from lack of oxygen. knowing that every additional minute on we did not have much time to spare. The finalstretch seemed interminable. the summit increased the risk of hypo Gradually we rose above the jagged, The last few hundred yards we crested a thermia and frostbite. ice-covered peaks of the surrounding knife-edged ice ridge that sloped down Hours later and barely able to walk, Andes and edged closer to the summit. thousands of feet on each side. Under we stumbled back into Nido. Reaching Around 21,000feet Matt had another bout normal conditions I would have been the summit and returningto camp on the with nausea and spent several minutes terrified, but my mind had been so same day had completely exhausted us. throwing up. Determined to reach the numbed by the altitude, pain and cold, I We collapsed in our tent while the sun peak, he was able to recover and press on. could find no emotion -only a desire was still up, and for thefirst time in four A steep slope of ice and snow lay to continue on. days I enjoyed a long, deep, peaceful ahead. The wind was howling with un Finally I scrambled over the last few sleep. believable force, so that just to remain boulders and reached the summit of Acon We spent the next few days hiking standing took great effort. For the first cagua. I collapsed as bitterly cold wind the agonizingly long road back to civili time, we had to pull out our ice axes and and sleet hit my face. Inside I felt the zation. Knowing that it is difficult for outfitour boots with crampons. Without most intense exhilaration of my life, but muscles to recuperate at high altitude, this extra protection, we easily could at first my body would not permit me to we took no time to rest but instead hiked have slipped and plunged thousands of enjoy the sensation. For fiveminutes I out as quickly as our weary legs would feet down the slope. Somehow we forced fought to recover my breath, and finally permit. Along the way, we met several ourselves to ignore the height and keep a surge of excitement liftedme to my feet groups of climbers who were heading moving. to celebrate the moment. I almost wept up the mountain with the same eager, With only 1,000 feet to go, the climb with joy. excited looks that we once had. We gave became tortuously difficult. We were Once I was able to focus on my sur them all the advice we could, but our gasping and wheezing for every breath, roundings, I was amazed at their beauty. battered bodies told the true story of what and each muscle in our bodies seemed Many peaks that had looked so massive lay ahead for them. to be dying. I was prepared for it to be earlier were now only little hills, miles Our expedition ended up taking nine tough, but nothing could have prepared below. Our camp at Nido was but a tiny days, but it seemed like a month. Life me for how painfulit was. To keep going speck, far down the mountain. For a full on high-altitude expeditions can be ex I would focus on a rock 10 yards away 360 degrees I could see only mountains tremely desolate and lonely. When we and struggle my way to it. Then I would of incomprehensible size. And I realized weren't hikingwe spent most of our time wheeze, hunch over my ice axe for several how remote our location was; there was melting ice for drinking water -and minutes to regain my breath, and struggle no sign of civilization anywhere. trying to stay warm. The nights were another 10 yards. It felt as ifI was drown When Matt made the summit, we bitterly cold, and even though we both ing, and several times I experienced hugged in what had to be one of the most had double sleeping bags, we were still moments of panic, afraid that I would emotional moments of our lives. After cold. admiring the view and taking a few cele-
6 We spent long periods of each day better understanding of how vast the in our little tent, which became more world truly is. The expedition allowed like an overstuffedcloset. After a while me to meet people from differentraces, we crammed all of our warm-weather religions and backgrounds and to dis clothes, water bottles, books, boots, food cover for myself that despite our differ and just about everything else in the tent ences, we share many similarities. Most with us. Little wonder we had trouble importantly, I really came to appreciate sleeping. the importanceand support of my friends By the end of the trip my feet were and family back home in the States. Byron Buckley, who also provided the photographs for this article, majored in chemistry at Furman and a swollen, gnarled mass of blisters, my Although I am proud of the perse earned the American Chemical Societycertification lips were cracked, and my back and legs verance and effort it took to reach the in biochemistry A native of Oak Ridge, Tenn., he were unimaginably sore. I guess this summit of Aconcagua, I have no desire lives in Los Alamos, N.M., where for two and one was the price I paid for pushing the ever to push myself that hard again. half years he worked in environmental research at human body higher and farther than it Still, I feel very lucky to have had the Los Alamos National Laboratory. was meant to go. opportunity to stand on one of the highest But the physical problems eventually places on earth- and to have experi eased, leaving me with wonderful mem enced something almost beyond the ories. My appreciation of the world has realm of human existence. been incredibly expanded, and I have a
I really came to appreciate the importance and support of my friends and family back home in the States.
Cox (left) and Buckley didn't spend much time at the summit because of concerns about hypothermia and frostbite. They later learned that, shortly after they completed their climb, a storm swept in and ended the summit plans of other climbers they had met at base camp.
7 Kohrt, based today in Hong
Kong, heads Kodak's rapidly expanding operations in Asia. Intellectual curiosity, leadership skills and an ability to adapt to changing circumstances have propelled Carl Kohrt into the top ranks at Eastman Kodak.
l With his father by his side, Kohrt Eastman Kodak. His photograph has Kohrt and Daniel Carp. told King he was quitting the football appeared in Forbes, Barron's and team to focus on academics. An many other business publications. excellent student, the freshman felt And in the mid-l990s he was part of that football practice was cutting into a high-profile corporate team that his time in the lab. pumped new life into the then King was disappointed but floundering photo film and chemical understanding. Over the next few giant. weeks he worked with Dean Francis Today, Kohrt and his wife, Lynne, W. Bonner to convert Kohrt's athletic live in Hong Kong, where he directs scholarship to an academic one. the company's rapidly expanding "My parents could not afford to business in Asia. Last year, he helped send me to Furman without a craft a billion-dollar agreement with scholarship," says Kohrt. "I really owe Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji through By John Roberts a lot to Coach King and Dean Bonner. which Kodak purchased a major Without them, I would have left portion of the state-owned Furman." photographic industry. 9 The accord, which took four years to negotiate, has positioned Kodak as the market share leader in film and paper in China. Five years ago, Kodak's presence in the world's most populous country was almost nonexistent. Today, the company employs nearly 4,000 people in seven factories while helping private entrepreneurs open nearly 5,000 Kodak Express retail outlets at a rate of three per day. And just this summer Kohrt spoke before members of Congress during talks on China's World Trade Organization membership. So how does an admitted lab rat become a renowned international businessman, leading corporate executive and counselor to policy makers? Although Kohrt's dogged work ethic, engaging personality and infectious enthusiasm helped him ascend the corporate ladder at Kodak, his insatiable appetite for learning and his willingness to adapt George Fisher, head of Eastman Kodak, describes Corl Kohrt as "one of those lndMduals to a changing international business who combines the genius of a great sclenHst, the common sense of a great business and corporate climate have defined person and the heart of a great human being." his 28-year career at the Rochester, N.Y.-based company. Building a 'personal tool kit' joined him at Furman, where she discipline of reasoned inquiry apply In the Kohrt household in tiny Tuscola, took a job as the chemistry equally well to Shakespeare as to Ill., where both parents were teachers, department secretary and typist physical chemistry. It was at Furman learning and schoolwork were for the book Principles of Chemistry, that I also began to understand that stressed from an early stage. But published by members of the values, when consistently and young Carl Kohrt also excelled in chemistry faculty in 1965. thoughtfully applied, strengthen athletics. During the summer before his the individual as well as the His size (6-3, 220 pounds) and soft senior year, Kohrt and a handful of organization." hands helped him earn all-state other students helped pilot the Upon graduation in 1965 (magna honors in 1960 as a tight end. During chemistry department's first cum laude), Kohrt was named a his sophomore year he caught the summer undergraduate research Woodrow Wilson Fellow and a eye of King, then an assistant coach program, which teams students National Science Foundation Fellow. at the University of Illinois. When King with faculty members for two He completed his doctoral studies in took the head coaching position at months of hands-on research. The physical chemistry at the University Furman in 1958, he continued to program is now one of the nation's of Chicago in 1971, and that same recruit Kohrt. largest, with 43 students taking part year he was named a National "He said, 'Why don't you come this year. Science Foundation Postdoctoral down and give this school a look?'" Stuart Patterson, a retired Fellow to the James Frank Institute at says Kohrt. "So I took my first airplane Furman chemistry professor who the university. trip to Greenville. When I got to this worked with Kohrt that summer, beautiful campus and saw the says his former student's energy Up the corporate ladder mountain backdrop, I knew this was was boundless. "He lived on Paris Kohrt joined the Photographic the place for me." Mountain, and I remember that he Research Laboratories of Eastman As a freshman Kohrt played both used to bicycle or jog to campus Kodak in late 1971 as a senior scientist. basketball and football, but he soon each day," says Patterson. "And During the next 15 years he held discovered that his athletic at night he would crawl in through increasingly important technical commitments were cutting into his the men's bathroom window after management positions in research, lab and study time. So he decided dark when the building was closed as well as corporate positions in to drop sports and concentrate on so he could work in the lab." strategic planning, business research academics. Kohrt says, "The most critical and as staff assistant to the vice In 1962, Kohrt's high school tools in my personal tool kit are chairman. sweetheart and future wife, Lynne, those that I first acquired at Furman. In 1987 Kohrt was named director Furman faculty convinced me that of Kodak's worldwide photographic the art of learning and the research laboratories, which consist 10 of nearly 3,000 scientists and not only our traditional competitor, the Chinese people have never taken engineers in seven countries and on Fuji, but positioned us to compete a picture." four continents. In 1991, after being with new competitors like Hewlett Although the Kohrts moved to named a Sloan Fellow and Packard and Sony," says Kohrt. "Now Hong Kong more than two years ago graduating from the Massachusetts we are the lowest-cost manufacturer." so that Carl could manage Kodak's Institute of Technology with a Master With Kodak focusing on its core operations in Asia, they maintain of Management Science degree, imaging business, charging ahead strong ties to the States - and to Kohrt was tapped to head Kodak's with new technologies and hoping Furman. Kristopher, one of their three Health Science Division, the leading to reap the benefits from expanding sons, graduated from Furman in 1984. medical, dental and cardiology Asian markets, some analysts predict Carl Kohrt serves on the Furman diagnostic film-imaging business in the stock value of the new, leaner Advisory Council and has taken great the world. and meaner Kodak will soon top $1 00 pride in watching the chemistry The promotion came during a per share. department develop an outstanding, troubled period for Kodak. The stock is currently trading for nationally recognized program. In While other world-class around $70 per share, up from $40 a recent years, he has provided a companies were restructuring share four years ago. summer stipend that covers research (downsizing, forming joint ventures The long-term prospects for the supplies for a student participating in and outsourcing) to prepare for the company's growth in Asia- despite the undergraduate research new global economy during the late a recent economic downturn in the program. 1980s, Kodak maintained the status region - has many analysts touting "Carl has a genuine interest in the quo. After all, the film giant had Kodak stock because cameras and students and our program," says Lon dominated the imaging business for film remain one of the first "luxury" Knight, who chairs the chemistry decades. Why change? items that new middle-class department. "In fact, at the end of By 1992, the need for shock consumers purchase. the summer he wants to see a report therapy became apparent when "China is one of the biggest on the student's research findings. Japan's Fuji Film began to challenge growth opportunities for us in the This kind of interest, particularly for Kodak's dominance in the domestic world," says Kohrt. "The average someone of his stature, is photo film market. In the meantime, American family uses seven to eight uncommon." Kodak had committed huge rolls of film per year. If we could get resources to diversification (batteries, every Chinese family to use half a drugs and clinical diagnostic role of film per year, we could double machines) while shying away from a the size of our company. Half of all new, emerging technology- digital imaging. With both Kodak's market share and stock price sliding, the company's board of directors named George Fisher chairman, president and chief executive officer in 1993. Fisher, who had been chief executive of Motorola, was the first outsider ever chosen to run the company. "Kodak was a very paternalistic company," says Kohrt. "Until 1988 we had very few competitors. When things changed, this turned out to be a burden." Fisher began the overhaul by selling Kodak's non-imaging businesses and spinning off its chemical unit. He also promoted two longtime Kodak employees, Kohrt and Daniel Carp, to assistant chief operating officer to help chart the course ahead. Kodak rushed headlong into the digital imaging business and began its push into emerging markets in Indonesia, China, Russia and India. In 1997, the company also implemented a painful 20 percent reduction in its workforce (about 20,000 employees) in an effort to streamline operations and cut costs. In 1998, Kohrt helped to craft a billion-dollar agreement with Chinese Premier "The downsizing and restructuring Zhu Rongji through which Kodak purchased a major portion of the state-owned allowed us to better compete with photographic industry. (Inset) Kohrt and his wife, Lynne McCartney '65, take a break beside Hong Kong harbor. 11 Furman�s progress and development during the last half-century would not have been possible without the contributions of four exceptional First Ladies. By Pamela Burgess Shucker Over the last 60 years, Furman University, once a small, regional Baptist college, has blossomed into a national liberal ar ts institution recognized for its academic strength and emphasis on developing the whole person. The striking characteristic that emerges from this period of spiraling growth and achievement is outstanding leadership - leadership uniquely appropriate to the critical needs of the university at specific points in its development. John L. Plyler, president from 1939 to 1964, led the way in constructing and opening the new campus; Gordon W. Blackwell (1965-76) inspired the university to set its sights higher and pursue greatness by national standards; John E. Johns (1976-94) built the university's endowment and oversaw its transition to independent status; and today, David E. Shi guides Furman's ascension into the vanguard of liberal arts colleges with its emphasis on engaged learning. Each of these men was (and is) fortunate to have a partner whose special talents also had a significant and profound impact on the university's image and mission. Their contributions will endure for years to come, and it is the Furman community's good fortune that they remain a prominent and vital part of campus life, connecting the past with the present and the future. 13 Beatrice Dennis Plyler Building the new campus n 1932 a beautiful and gracefully athletic young entertainment areas during the early years of the new woman, Beatrice Dennis, married John Laney Plyler, campus. She also influenced the landscaping plan for the 17 years her senior. Seven years later, having successfully campus. passed the scrutiny of the trustees' wives, she became Around 1954, while building a home near the campus, Furman's First Lady when her husband was named Mrs. Plyler suggested to Charles Daniel of Daniel president. Construction Company, builder of the new Furman, that Few could have handled their sudden emergence into he and his wife, Homozel Mickel Daniel, might also enjoy the limelight as well as Bea Plyler, who is the epitome of living in the area because of its beautiful view of the poise and self-assurance. She says, "I wanted John to mountains and because "the temperature was 10 degrees have all the support he needed, and I wanted to be that cooler." The Daniels took her advice and decided to build support." As history shows, she accomplished her job the majestic White Oaks, which they ultimately bequeathed superbly for 25 years until her husband's retirement in to the university as the president's home. The Plylers and 1964. Daniels lived as close neighbors for years and often In 1938 a former Furman professor, Sidney Ernest attended Furman events together. Bradshaw, made a bequest to the university to support Thanks in large part to Bea Plyler's imagination and construction of a greatly needed library. But when the keen eye for detail, 750 acres of farmland became the university's leaders analyzed the aging campus in stunning Furman campus. With her husband, John, she downtown Greenville, hemmed in by growth on all sides, refused to "dream small dreams." they realized that there was no place to build anything new. This setback proved to be only temporary, however, for as Mrs. Plyler recalls, Bradshaw's bequest eventually served as the catalyst for the decision to build a new campus. "That was a big dream, as you can imagine, to be able to build a new campus when Furman did not have money in reserve to do it," says Mrs. Plyler. "But John used to say, 'Dream no small dreams."' After careful thought and planning, the trustees visited four potential sites for the new campus. After the first three proved disappointing, concern grew that the idea might die for lack of a suitable location. "But when the bus came to the top of the hill overlooking the site of the present campus, I think their conversation changed rather abruptly," says Mrs. Plyler. "I think the beauty of the spot, with the Blue Ridge Mountains on one side and Paris Mountain on the other, actually encouraged them to go ahead and build a new campus." With the decision made, Mrs. Plyler's thoughts turned to the appearance of the new campus. She recalled how her family enjoyed visiting Williamsburg, Ya., which is known for its distinctive architectural style. She remembers asking, "Why can't something whose beauty has stood the test of time be functional? I wanted everything [at Furman] to be beautiful." A trip to Versailles in 1947 inspired her to telegraph her husband and ask, "What about a lake and fountains?" When the builders discovered underground springs on the property, the idea took hold, and today we have Furman's signature water marks. In addition, she decorated and furnished the Trustees Dining Room and the parlors in the women's residence halls, which served as the primary 14 Striving for greatness Elizabeth Lyles Blackwell 0 nee, when asked what qualities the social and political upheavals the administration was "Greatness by she considered to be most nation faced in the turbulent sixties and National Standards," and Gordon and importantfor a college president's spouse, early seventies. Issues such as the war Lib Blackwell's belief in this goal helped Lib Blackwell replied that she could not in Vietnam, integration, the draft, inspire the university toward the heights answer for others, but that two things women's equality and the energy crisis it enjoys today. had worked well for her: "I like people mingled with such campus concerns as One of the most significant events of all ages and have always been able to a speakers' policy, dancing, dress codes, of the Blackwell era occurred in 1973 relate to others," she said. "And I decided compulsory chapel and interference from when Furman secured a chapter of Phi long ago that I'd be myself, be natural. the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most I may have many things to do but I simply Students frequentlyquestioned university prestigious academic honorary society. don't worry. I just let things take their policies and procedures. When noted historian John Hope course and it all works out." During this period, Furman was Franklin, now a trustee with The Duke There is little question that Elizabeth fortunate to have the Blackwells at the Endowment, arrived to install the chapter, Lyles Blackwell brought spontaneity, helm. They were known for their round one of the first things he recalled was a social grace and enjoyment of people to the-clock, open-door policy toward delightful breakfast he enjoyed in her tenure as Furman's First Lady. Her students, a fact that even their "friendly" England with Lib Blackwell -some unique ability to make people feel at ease adversaries in the student body 30 years before. and to create a warm, hospitable acknowledged. Dr. Blackwell also As John Crabtree, former vice atmosphere endeared her to the entire initiated "Fireside Chats" to learnmore president for academic affairs and dean, Furman community. One alumna recalls about student concerns and interests. told the board of trustees in 1993 at a with amazement that Mrs. Blackwell "Gordon has always been able to talk special presentation honoring the greeted her by name the day after they with people and be calm and not get Blackwells, "Lib Blackwell provided had met at a big gathering for new excited about it," says Mrs. Blackwell. the kind of support and encouragement freshmen. The student had forgotten In short, the Blackwells always that made it possible for her husband to who this nice woman was, but Lib enjoyed the company of young people. devote himself completely to Furman. Blackwell was (and is) famous for never Many former students fondly remember She was the one who consoled homesick forgetting a name. the after-prom midnight breakfast the students, who asked faculty members Her people skills and those of her Blackwells served each year in the back about their families, who put people at husband, Gordon Blackwell, proved yard of their home. "One of my greatest their ease by telling funny stories - invaluable during their years at Furman. joys is having students in our home," usually about herself. Her wit, wisdom Although life on campus remained Mrs. Blackwell says. and warm personality have won many relatively peaceful by national standards, The theme for the Blackwell friends for Furman." the university did not completely avoid 15 Martha Mauney Johns he has been my partner in all that we have endeavored to do at Furman. Without her we would not have made the progress I hope we have achieved," says John E. Johns of his wife, Martha Mauney Johns. Forming a new identity Their relationship began in the Furman Dining Hall in 1946 when Martha first "turned his head," and together they led Furman through a period of expansion that included the construction of five new buildings, a tenfold increase in endowment, growth of the student body and increased national recognition. During their last four years in office, the Johnses oversaw two extraordinary events in the university's life: the separation from the South Carolina Baptist Convention and the establishment of White Oaks as the president's home. The long struggle with the Baptist convention for control of the university proved difficult for everyone involved, but Martha Johns says she and her husband knew that Furman had to take a stand when it became apparent that academic freedom might be jeopardized if fundamentalist Christians took control of the university's board of trustees. "Although we were about ready to retire, John saw the need. I don't think anyone else could have been better prepared. John's parents were in Baptist work, we were Baptists, and we had 25 years of experience and connections as a college president at two Baptist schools," she says, referring to their six years as leaders of Stetson University before coming to Furman. On May 15, 1992, after more than a year and a half of negotiations, arguments, charges and countercharges, the South Carolina Baptist Convention voted to sever its ties to the university. The process of building a new identity and of moving forward as an independent liberal arts college began under John and Martha Johns. Just a few weeks after the break with the Baptists, Homozel Mickel Daniel died and left the university an estate worth close to $25 million. The bequest included her stately home, White Oaks. Although the Johnses had just finished building their own retirement home near Furman, they enthusiastically accepted the responsibility of maintaining White Oaks. Mrs. Johns guided the process of inventorying and cataloguing the house's contents, and her home economics degree from Furman and skills in design and decorating proved invaluable. She and her husband opened the house to the Greenville community and encouraged visitors to tour the impressive estate. Her love for flowers led to the revival of the home's beautiful gardens, including the creation of an English garden and the restoration of a rose garden that has been named in her honor. But Martha Johns considers her idea of transforming the patio adjoining Daniel Dining Hall into a facility for major university functions as her "legacy" to the university. Her vision became Hartness Pavilion, which opened in early 1987 and has been the site of countless university and community events through the years. In 1994, Furman recognized Mrs. Johns' many contributions by awarding her an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. Shortly thereafter, she described the university's impact on her life: "First it is the place I received my degree, then it is where I met my lifelong partner, and now I am leaving with an honorary degree. That is pretty overwhelming. Life can't get any better than that!" 16 Strengthening the ties When he became president of Furman in 1994, David As a member of the Community Planning Council of the Shi announced that one of his major initiatives would United Way, Mrs. Shi chaired Success by Six, an initiative be to strengthen the ties between the university and the Greenville designed to ensure that all preschool children enter school ready community. Susan Thomson Shi is a key figure in those to learn. Her hard work and leadership skills attracted the efforts. attention of South Carolina GovernorJim Hodges, who tapped As did many women in the Class of 1971, Susan Thomson her to serve on a state panel that seeks to identify the acute Shi began her career as a teacher. After 20 years as an educator, needs of preschool children. In addition, she and Rudolph mostly in the North Carolina public schools, she now combines Gordon, superintendent of the School District of Greenville her skill and experience in a new career, that of full-time County, co-chair a committee that works to establish educational community leader. priorities for the district. "When David became president, I had to choose to return Susan Shi's lifestyle reflects the very real dilemma felt by to my career or to accept the more traditional role of president's many working women of the 1990s, as she strives to balance wife," Mrs. Shi says. "I had had a career. I now go to work family life and community involvement with her Furman full time each day in the community." responsibilities. She says, "I am very conscious of what I do She readily acknowledges that opportunities come her way and if it will have a negative impact on Furman. I feel so because of her Furman connection. "I am given the opportunity responsible. Even from the firstinterview, David and I have to participate at a level that would not have been available to been intertwined in this job as a couple. I have been made to me otherwise," she says. "But I am asked to continue because feel very much a part of what Furman is doing, but I make it of my experience." In other words, her position may open very clear that I do not speak for Furman in my community doors, but her knowledge and insight make her invaluable. work." Not surprisingly, her special interest is education. Her first Greenville is fortunate that Susan Shi offersher expertise, major appointment was to the board of Greenville's Alliance time and experience to work for the improvement of the for Quality Education, which seeks to enhance professional community. At the same time, Furman is fortunate to have development by awarding grants to teachers to improve their such an energetic, spirited and compassionate First Lady as it classroom effectiveness. The Alliance also helped to initiate enters the new millennium. a series of summer institutes in which teams of four teachers join with their principal to develop their leadership skills. �en Susan Shi became Furman's Sound advice, it seems, from a strong woman." Furman could no First Lady in 1994, she did not hesitate women who fully understand the doubt adopt a corollary to that to emphasize how pleased she was that demands of the position. Without statement. As Gordon Blackwell has Bea Plyler, Lib Blackwell and Martha question, these women have served said- and his fellow presidents have Johns all lived within a half mile of White as equal and enthusiastic partners with echoed - "Each one of the last four Oaks. As she said, "They are wonder ful their husbands while providing Furman presidents out-married women, superb role models and dear outstanding leadership and direction himself." friends. While each has provided uniquely appropriate to the needs of Pam Burgess Shucker is a 1969 graduate of Furman. valuable advice (when requested), they their era at Furman. She is a naturalist with Roper Mountain Science also insist that I make my own way and There's an old adage that states, Center in Greenville and managing trustee of the set my own agenda." "Behind every successful man stands James F. and Nelle E. Burgess Foundation. N E can almost hear the strains of "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" floating in the background as Ginger Denison describes her ideal life. "I don't need a high-class lifestyle," she says. "If I could have a nice big house by a lake with its own underground laboratory- that would be just fine." The lab would be for her day job, which would involve chemical research. "I know I never want to be tied to a desk," she says firmly. At night, once the lab shuts down, she can repair upstairs and indulge her other interests, among them cooking, quilting, religion and, she admits, an occasional trashy romance novel. But all of this has to do with future possibilities. And Ginger Denison of Greensboro, N.C., is no Eliza Doolittle in need of a Henry Higgins to transform her life and point her in the right direction. Denison knows where she wants to go and how to get there, and given her remarkable series of achievements this spring, she appears to be on the right track. In a span of just 48 hours, Denison learned that she had received three major scholarships -Truman, Goldwater and Beckman- that combined are worth more than $50,000. As Furman's twelfth Truman Scholar, Denison receives $30,000 toward both her senior year at Furman and her firstthree years in graduate school. The national award goes to individuals who plan careers in public service, and only 79 students out of a fieldof 657 candidates were chosen for the honor in 1999. The Goldwater, which is designed to encourage students to pursue careers in mathematics, the sciences or engineering, provides $7,500 for her final year at Furman. She and Furman junior Scott Martin (see accompanying story) are two of 304 students in the country to earn the award this year. To cap her two-day awards blitz, the chemistry department named her one of two Beckman Scholars for 1999-2000. The award, provided through a special grant from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, provides $5,500 per summer to support two summers of research work, $3,600 during the academic year, and an additional $3,000 for supplies and travel funds to scientificmeetings. "Things got pretty crazy there for a while," Denison says with a smile. No doubt her relaxed demeanor, buoyant self-confidence and sense of humor serve her well in these sorts of competitions -as does her desire to excel. Tony Arrington, professor of chemistry and Denison's research supervisor for the last two summers in Los Alamos, N.M., describes her as "one of the best students I have known in 33 years of teaching. One cannot be around Ginger 18 long without sensing a competitiveness that is strong and relentless. She loves competition and expects to win but is not devastated when she doesn't. She is a delightful young woman to be around - cheerful, positive and alert." Denison confirms Arrington's analysis. "I am an extremely driven, competitive person," she says. "I even used to race people to see if I could fm ish eating before them. Fortunately, I've gotten a little better." Her competitiveness may stem in part from her athletic prowess. A tennis and track star at Northwest Guilford High School, she has continued her track career at Furman. She is a hurdler and member of the sprint relay teams, an all-Southern Conference performer and co-captain of the women's team. "Running track is a great way to expend energy," she says. "I really like the team atmosphere, and it has given me the chance to get to know people I might not ordinarily have the chance to meet." Academically, Denison realized in high school that science, and particularly chemistry, was her strength. When she began looking at colleges, a meeting with an admissions counselor sparked her interest in Furman. Her father, Don, a ceramic engineer, attended Clemson, so he knew a little about the university as well. When they visited, she says, "Furman blew me away." In her first three years at Furman Denison has earned a 3.9 grade-point average (4.0 in chemistry). She says, "I think the chemistry department is the best department here. The professors are so personable- you even get to know their families and visit their homes. And they know their science. It is a difficultmajor, but their teaching is incredible and they are very encouraging." For the last two summers, Denison has traveled to New Mexico with other chemistry students to conduct research at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The facility is owned by the Department of Energy and managed by the University As a freshman Denison received the Winston of California; its primary responsibility is oversight of the nation's nuclear Babb Award as the woman in her class who stockpile. demonstrated "the most outstanding qualities Denison's research at Los Alamos has focused on discovering ways to store of leadership, scholarship and service." nuclear waste. As she patiently explains to the scientificallyimpaired, underground steel tanks which have stored nuclear waste for decades are now leaking. She 20 is working on a method to remove :hromium from the waste so that the Award winners maintain hectic pace remaining material can be vitrified, or heated into glass "logs," and stored in a Anyone who doubts a liberal arts college's more compact and safe manner. ability to produce strong science and After seeing Denison in action, math majors need look no further than A.rringtonpraises her research skills, two award-winning Furman students to resourcefulness, ingenuity and ease with see the error of such thinking. Chemistry laboratory equipment. At Los Alamos, major Marion Martin and math major which claims to have perhaps the Scott Martin were honored this spring with prestigious awards. 'greatest concentration of scientific Marion Martin, a rising senior from :omputing power on the planet," Columbia, S.C., is already one of the A.rrington says that Denison quickly busiest students on campus. When taking grasped how to use highly specialized phone messages, his roommate warns instruments and "within a week was callers that Marion spends most of his ;howing me things I had not learned time in the library or engaged in extracur �bout the systems. She was equally ricular activities and comes back to his >killed in using computer analysis for room only late at night to sleep. work-up of the data." This summer, Marion's schedule got All of this bodes well for Denison's a bit busier. Furman's chemistry depart plans to earn a Ph.D. and pursue a ment selected him to receive a Beckman Scholarship that supports research this research career in environmental and summer and next, as well as throughout analytical chemistry. For now, though, the school year. The award is worth there's her senior year to complete. Given $5,500 per summer, while also providing Like Marion, Scott finds many de her success this year in scholarship $3,600 during the academic year and an mands on his time at Furman, and he competitions, she seems interested in additional $3,000 for research supplies admits that he creates his own hectic going for more. and travel funds to scientific meetings. schedule. He is co-founder and treasurer "I will probably apply for the Rhodes Marion spent the summer working with of the Furman chapter of a national orga Scholarship," she says. "It would be a department chair Lon Knight on research nization called Students Building a Better good experience to go to Oxford for two in physical chemistry, a field that deals America. SBBA, described by Scott as years." with the basics of chemistry and involves a "nonpartisan civic education group,'' And as she talks about the possibility, intense work in mathematics. has chapters at 13 colleges. Its goal is When he learned he had won the one can almost see her stoking those to make political information available to honor, Marion says he immediately felt competitive fires once again. students and to encourage them to be apprehensive. "I wasn't so sure I would come more involved. be able to do it,'' he says. He feared that He is also a founder of the Furman his already packed schedule, which in University Polling Organization, which cludes football in the fall (he plays line will conduct independent polls of students backer) and the teaching internship in on various issues and make the informa the spring, wouldn't leave him much time tion available to campus groups that re to do research. But he says his own quest it. In addition, Scott is active in the determination, combined with encourage Association of Furman Students, which ment from the chemistry department, he will serve as treasurer in 1999-2000, convinced him that he should take on the and in the Residence Hall Council. He assignment. is on the debate team and co-hosts a The mathematics department also weekly political talk show on the campus boasts a major award-winner. Scott radio station, WPLS. Martin, a rising junior from Anderson, Scott says his career plans are to S.C., has received a Goldwater Scholar teach and conduct research at the uni ship, one of the highest national honors versity level after his graduation from available to undergraduates in mathemat Furman in 2001 . "I've enjoyed school all ics and the sciences. The prestigious my life,'' he says, "and it's a way to spend Goldwater Scholarship pays recipients the rest of my life there." $7,500 a year. - Stacy Schorr Scott learned about the honor in late March with less fanfare than one might Stacy Schorr, editor of The Paladin in 1998- expect. He was browsing the Goldwater 99, received her degree in English this spring. She is a copy editor with the Web site on the day the awards were Anderson Independent-Mail. posted and came across his name listed among the recipients. Official notification - and the accompanying on-campus acclaim - came a few days later in the form of a letter. 21 A NOVEL second novel can be more When he fi nally tells the mportant in an author's life story to his best friend Roger, an the first. It begins to make Jeru explains that he and nse to talk about an author's Mitchell were running from "work," instead of just his the dog, and that Mitchell "book." tripped. Maybe, even, Jeru Tommy Hays' In the tripped him: "I would never Fa mily Wa y, as meticulously be certain exactly what crafted and beautifully written happened, but in the version I as his first novel, Sam 's told Roger on the bridge, the Crossing, provides a second version I fe lt I must believe, I point of reference. Together, presented the worst of me, in the two novels determine a case it was the truth." vector that defines the direction Jeru does this because, as of Hays' work as a novelist. a child, he wants desperately Hays writes about brutal to believe "that what had contingency, about how human happened to Mitchell was beings live with intolerable something I had done, sadness and loss. something I had had a choice His protagonist is 10-year about, something I had old Jeru Lamb, who has always controlled. As a child, I did known that "something not dare entertain the truly terrible, even catastrophic, was frightening thought that life going to happen." When his was capricious and utterly out mother gets pregnant with a of my hands." Jeru prefers baby the doctors told her she the horror of guilt to the shouldn't conceive, Jeru has unspeakable horror of the "that same falling-out-of-bed contingent self. sensation" that always presages Tommy Hays' And yet families who do small and large tragedies in the second novel explores unforgivable things to each Lamb family. other manage to forgive each But his mother survives relationships, life's other, to live with each other, the birth of Jeru's baby sister randomness and and to love each other. How Ruth. Afterward, Jeru touches this mundane fact cures the his brother Henry's hand, and the power horror of contingency is feels "a warmth travel down of storytelling. perhaps impossible to explain. my arm and across my chest How it enables Jeru Lamb to -like an electric shock except be happy beyond the tragedy softer. A palpable, if tenuous, he can neither cure nor even happiness." really grasp is impossible to It is not just that the Lamb explain. But it is not family has randomly escaped impossible for a novelist of tragedy this once. Jeru has Jeru's mother has decided out of motives unclear to Jeru Hays' skill to express. learned the profound lesson that she is a Christian Scientist. himself. But the central event This novel is also about that human beings live with As the economic support and of Jeru 's life so far is the death the power of storytelling. contingency not by fearfully emotional pillar of the family, of his younger brother Mitchell Jeru's father seems to hoarding some impossibly self she risks her life and the - mentioned in the first represent the alienation of the subsistent ego, but through happiness of everyone she loves sentence of the novel. Mitchell artist, alone in his basement their quotidian and elusive by getting "in the family way." was mauled to death by a like a cave, writing for the relationships with the people Jeru 's father is taking a German shepherd. Jeru was hundreds of women he himself they love. year off to write a novel. He there, and he tortures himself has imagined, a self-imposed Put baldly like that, the shrugs offthe burden of constantly with the fear that he audience whose faces, all with lesson is an ancient and supporting the family. He might have been somehow a "serene expression," he has honorable truism that most of bridles at the news of his wife's responsible. sketched and tacked up on his us have forgotten how to pregnancy. He becomes to his The real horror of walls. believe. But the gift ofa sons a remote and mysterious contingency becomes most But the writing is Mr. novelist like Hays is to make presence in the basement who vivid in Jeru 's inability to Lamb's way of working his readers believe (perhaps, bootlegs cold medicine. remember, and the reader's through his own incurable loss, believe again) in the possibility, Meanwhile, he is secretly trying inability to reconstruct, exactly of bringing himself back into by recreating the world as Jeru to locate the illegitimate what happened on the a proper relation with his Lamb sees it. daughter whose mother he afternoon Mitchell died. Jeru family. On the last page of the Like all families, the abandoned. does not possess even himself, novel, Jeru reads a scrap from Lambs do unforgivable things Jeru bums his father's because he does not know his father's "notes": "He to each other. nearly completed manuscript, what kind of a self he is. dreams again of his children. 22 events of 1200 B.C. Drews argues that nearly 50 cities were destroyed in or around 1200, He dreams and he does not and that the explanation for sleep. They are all with him these catastrophes was a new in the dream - all of them - style of infantry armed with all healthy, all alive, all under · javelins and a recently developed one roof. He dreams and he cut-and-thrust sword, effective does not sleep." against the now-outdated Jeru himself seeks his chariot. brother's lost life in the biographies he reads alone at - David Spear, History night, under the covers with a Mitch Alborn, Tu esdays With of the troubling passages in I fl ashlight - until "the words Morrie (Doubleday, 1997). An Timothy that instruct women to Two Furman alumni who are sat there on the page, being account of a journalist's "remain silent." For a college philosophy professors their secret selves, leading me relationship with his former provocative comment on an nowhere," and Jeru begins have produced new books: college professor and mentor, issue that many churches have reliving the afternoon he wants Jenny Yates '65, editor, to escape. The story Jeru tells Morrie Schwartz. Mitch and been forced to consider when Jung on Death and Immortality his friend Roger is, in the Morrie re-establish their they get new hymnals, read Brian (Princeton University Press). deepest sense, just that - a relationship shortly after Morrie A. Wren's Wh at Language Shall The publisher describes the book story, a story true beyond fact, is diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's I Borrow? God-talk in Wo rship: as the first collection of the which decisively shows Jeru disease. I laughed, I cried and A Male Response to Fem inist views and writings on death and how the self is itself ultimately I was challenged to think Th eology (Crossroad, 1989). a story. immortality of noted seriously about topics such as What is made (or made - Helen Lee Turner, Religion psychologist C.G. Jung. Yates again) in narrative is not only fa mily, forgiveness, quality of is professor of philosophy and life, aging and death. the words of the story, but also Richard Russo, Straigh t Man religion at Wells College in the audience and the (Vintage Books, 1997). The Aurora, N.Y. storyteller's self. To live "in Joseph Cardinal Bernadin, Th e main character is the chairman Christopher Williams '82, A the family way" in Hays' novel Gift of Peace (Loyola Press, Cultivated Reason: An Essay is to be in the world in a (barely) of the English 1997). A moving autobiography particular way: it is to accept department at a mediocre college on Hume and Humanism (Penn of the former Archbishop of the contingency of the self as in Pennsylvania. This book takes State University Press). part of the story of a family Chicago's diagnosis, treatment a wickedly funny look at According to the publisher, the who love each other. and struggle with pancreatic dysfunctional relationships in book draws on the work of 18th In the Fa mily Wa y is not cancer up to his death in and out of academia. century philosopher David Hume what might be expected in a November 1996. His physical, "to show the inadequacy of an novel about a young - Gil Einstein, Psychology emotional and spiritual journey overly intellectualistic view of adolescent. It is not about is an inspiration, especially for the person, and to suggest that Jeru's lost innocence. Rather, Martin Carver, Sutton Hoo: those who may have experienced persons are embodied reasoners it is about Jeru 's laborious Burial Ground of Kings ? reconstruction of a kind of a loved one's struggle with whose resemblances to works of (University of Pennsylvania higher innocence - what Ye ats cancer. artare striking and important." Press, 1998). Carver brings the might have had in mind when - Si Pearman, Health and Williams is an assistant professor he asked, "How but in custom history buff up to date on Exercise Science of philosophy at the University and in ceremony I Are medieval England's most famous of Nevada-Reno. innocence and beauty born?" archaeological dig, providing And from Furman's resident The customs and ceremonies Phyllis Tri ble, Te xts of Te rror: A the context fo r both the modern astronomer: in Hays' novel, as in Ye ats' Literary Fem inist Reading of excavations (some of which he poem, are the little, everyday Guy Ottewell, Th e Troy Biblical Narrative (Fortress, directed) and for the world of customs and ceremonies of a To wn Ta le (Universal Workshop). 1984) and Dennis MacDonald, King Redwald (d. 625) and his family's life together. Th e Legend and the Apostle: In this retelling of the legend To mmy Hays, in the hard royal kin, many of whom were the Battle forPaul in Story and of Troy, written in the form of won innocence and beauty of given ship burials worthy of the a novel, the narrator is a fe male his prose about irredeemable Canon (Westminster, 1983). Old North. Well-illustrated. loss, himself reflects the labor These books are helpful in captive in the camp of the addressing issues surrounding Greeks besieging Troy. of his characters as they Robert Drews, The End of the confront what is perhaps the the status of women in the Bible. Bronze Age (Princeton University fundamental human problem. Trible presents a thoughtful, Press, 1993). You wouldn't think even devotional approach to such - William E. Rogers a book about the Bronze Age horrifying stories as the sacrifice would appeal to a general William E. Rogers is Bennette E. Geer of Jepthah's daughter and the Professor of Literature at Furman. audience, but this is an exciting rape of Tamar; MacDonald sheds and lucid reassessment of the light on the historical context 23 Furmanre ports good test run for what she will experience this year. "Now I know how to go to the grocery store," she says. Alicia Leerssen also was '99 awarded a Fulbright to study in Germany, but the psychology and German major from Columbus, Ga., decided to turn down the fellowship to get married this summer. She says she applied for the award to keep her options open, and she called her decision to turn down the honor "challenging," especially when it went from being a hypothetical situation to a real dilemma. A summa cum laude graduate, she plans to move to Nashville, Tenn., with her husband, a medical student, and eventually pursue a Ph.D. in German. There are no languages among Hans Bechtel's majors, but his extensive knowledge of chemistry qualifieshim to speak interms that are probably foreign to those outside his discipline. When Bechtel says RADEL RECEIVES t graduation rehearsal in adding that "it worked out his research last summer helped FULBRIGHT President David Shi pretty well" to finda research develop a technique for "mass �.�.�... ,��'�''u that the Class of 1999 topic that so neatly blended selected matrix isolation of English professor Nick Radel joined most attractive class her two academic interests. radical ions," he doesn't miss students Megan Hundley, Christine pass through Furman. While a student at a beat. Lawson and Alicia Leerssenin earning Furman, Lawson participated Maybe he says that to Little wonder, then, that a Fulbright Fellowship this spring. every class, but the Class of inthe Mock Trial program and Radel, who has taught at Furman he was chosen to receive a 1999 certainly had a great taught a basic Spanish course National Science Foundation since 1986, was awarded a Fulbright for the Greenville city police. showing on a less subjective award. Bechtel, who double to teach American literature, film scale: prestigious national For Megan Hundley, and popular culture in Roskilde, majored in chemistry and awards. Three members of the language will be the primary Denmark, during the 1999-2000 computer science-mathematics, class were awarded Fulbright fo cus of her Fulbright academic year. will use the grant to support fellowships for a year of study experience. A German and Established in 1946 under his graduate work at Stanford political science major from Congressional legislation introduced and travel overseas, and another University, where he will Summerville, S.C., she will by the late Sen. J. William Fulbright received a National Science concentrate on physical of Arkansas, the Fulbright program Foundation Fellowship. travel to Berlin to teach chemistry - the study of the is designed "to increase mutual Christine Lawson, a English as a second language basics of how things work and understanding between the people Spanish and political science to teen-agers at Gor-Btichner the development of instruments of the United States and the people major from Aiken, S.C., will oberschule, a high school. (Bechtel calls them "neat toys") of other countries" and is considered use her Fulbright fellowship to "I'll be the real-live and techniques for chemists. America's flagship educational conduct independent research American in the classroom," Bechtel, who is from exchange program. on the party-building process Hundley says. She will also Bristol, Tenn., credits the A graduate of the University of take language classes at of the partido popular, the strength of Furman's chemistry Cincinnati, Radel earned his M.A. and political party currently in Humbolt University in Berlin department and its focus on Ph.D. degrees from Indiana power in Spain. - and cello lessons as well, undergraduate research with University. He has published Lawson says she was to further the instruction she helping him compete numerous papers and articles, led thrilled to learnthat she had started at Furman. successfully for the NSF grant. seminars, made public presentations, been selected as a Fulbright Hundley spent three and received more than $16,500 in "We're the ones that get to Fellow. "I read the letter over months in Germany last fall participate in all the research," grants for various projects in and over to make sure it still in Furman's study abroad professional growth, faculty and he says. said the same thing," she says, program and says it was a course development, and research. - Stacy Schorr A BUSY SUMMER Four honorary degrees presented at graduation ON CAMPUS New facilities such as North Village side from 597 undergraduate degrees, Furman, he served in World War II as a residential complex and the an also presented honorary degrees member of the elite Jedburgh Corps, which expanded University Center are to fo r distinguished individuals during the parachuted into his native France during helping Furman attract more spring Commencement. the Normandy invasion, disrupted German conventions and programs to Robert Stillwell, a 1967 Furman military communications and transporta campus each summer. This summer, in fact, more than 7,000 campers, graduate and Rhodes Scholar, received a tion, and led the French resistance forces. business people, high school Doctor of Divinity degree and delivered the Highly decorated for his war service, he students, educators and athletes Commencement address. (See page 48.) was recognized as a "heroic citizen of the representing 66 groups visited the Stillwell, senior minister at Greenville's world." campus. Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, The Scholarship Cup, given to the While the U.S. Ambassadors was recognized for his ministerial gifts and graduating senior with the highest academic To ur and the Robert Shaw Choral commitment to community service. average, was won by English major Institute helped focus national Furman Bisher, a Furman alumnus Christopher Palmer of Chattanooga, Tenn., attention on Furman last summer, and legendary sportswriter for the Atlanta who compiled a perfect 4.0 average. Gen this year's main attraction was the Jo urnal and the Atlanta Constitution, re eral Excellence awards to the top man and Atlanta Falcons. The National ceived a Doctor of Letters degree for his woman graduate, chosen by the faculty, Football League team, which service to his profession and to Furman. went to Sarah Blosser, a mathematics and previously trained at Furman from He is a member of the National Sportscast history major from Jefferson City, Mo., 1971 to 1977, arrived July 28 and ers and Sportswriters Hall of Fame, the and Mark Canavera, a French and English remained through August 20. (See International Golf Writers Hall of Fame, major from Summerville, S.C. page 35.) the World Writers Cup International Hall Four faculty members were recognized The summer also represented of Fame and the Georgia Sports Hall of with the Alester G. Furman, Jr. , and Janie the final year on campus for the Fame. Earle Furman Awards for Meritorious South Carolina Governor's School Trude Heller of Greenville was Teaching and Advising. Te aching awards for the Arts and Humanities. The awarded a Doctor of Humanities degree went to David Bost, professor of Spanish, five-week program, which attracted for her extensive contributions to humanity. and Gary Malvern, professor of music. more than 3 50 students and A native of Vienna, Austria, who was forced SofiaKeams, assistant professor of instructors to campus each summer by Nazi oppression to flee her homeland, Spanish, and Si Pearman, associate and which Furman had hosted since she has crafted a life of service and com professor of health and exercise science, its inception in 1981, is moving mitment to her adopted hometown and received the advising awards. into its own facility this fall. The state. With her husband, Max, a former new Governor's School campus is mayor of Greenville, she has been a stead located on and around the site of fast supporter of Furman. the old Furman campus in downtown Joseph A. de Francesco of Woodruff, Greenville. S.C., also received the Doctor of Humani ties degree. A former exchange student at S.C. PRESS ASSOCIATION HONORS THE PA LADIN Furman's student newspaper, Th e Paladin, and a number of staff members were recognized in the annual awards program of the South Carolina Press Association. The newspaper was selected best overall for Division II Commons Building named for Estridges newspapers (determined by size and frequency of publication). Dedication ceremonies were held June 24 for Diane Estridge has been an active alumna Jodie Tillman '99 received first the Estridge Commons Building at North Village. and was recently elected to the Alumni place honors in both the sports The 2,750-square-foot building, which Association board of directors. She has also article and news article category. fe atures offices, a convenience store and a six chaired several of her class reunions. Larry Other top honors went to Jason station computer laboratory, is named for Larry Estridge, a noted Greenville attorney, is a member Combs for editorial cartoon and to Estridge and his wife, Diane Maroney Estridge, of the Furman board of trustees. A past president Stacy Schorr, Robert Stanley and both members of the Class of '66. It serves the of the Alumni Association, he served on the legal Carlton Swift for best editorial. All new North Village residential complex, located task force of the Baptist Relationship Committee across fr om the Dan A. Ellis Band Practice Field. during Furman's negotiations with the South four are also members of the Class The naming gift for the building was provided Carolina Baptist Convention over control of the of '99. by Furman trustee Sarah Belk Gambrell of university. In 1984 he received the Alumni Stanley edited the newspaper Charlotte, who has been a close fr iend to the Service Award and in 1997 the Distinguished in 1997-98, and Schorr was the Estridges for many years. Alumni Award. editor last year. Furmanre ports With the dedication of the Becky McKittrick Habitat House this spring, Furman's Collegiate Educational Service Corps has now built 11 homes through A secret worth the auspices of Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide. The newest Habitat house, located in the Berea area of Greenville, is named in honor of McKittrick, a 1979 Furman graduate and active CESC volunteer who died in 1995 at the age of 38. The owner is Constance Gladney, an employee of the university and daughter of the late Junius Sarah Scopel decided to enter grew to involve 175 students. The Gladney, who managed the Pala Den snack the contest on a whim. success of the program, combined bar on both the old and new campuses While thumbing through an issue with her mother's "committed exam for almost 40 years. of Seventeen magazine last Septem ple as a dedicated volunteer," had Gifts and contributions made in ber, she noticed an advertisement for inspired Scopel to develop greater McKittrick's memory helped with the a nationwide "Secret to Self-Esteem" confidence and maturity and a strong expenses of building the house. essay contest asking teen-age girls to sense of self-esteem. describe, in 200 words or less, how She promptly mailed her essay a parent or role model helped them - and forgot about it. Grants support develop self-esteem. Until March, that is, when out of water quality study Scopel, the blue she received a telephone call Furman has received three grants to help who had just informing her that, from hundreds of fund a multidisciplinary study that will started her entrants, she had been chosen to re gauge the impact of upstate South fre shman year ceive the contest's grand prize: a Carolina's rapid development on the at Furman, re $10,000 scholarship. "At first, I didn't region's water quality. alized she had even remember what it was," she says The study, which began this summer a ready re now with a grin. and will take three years to complete, sponse, so she The contest's sponsors, Secret quickly dashed antiperspirant, Seventeen and Ladies involves seven faculty members and at offan essay Home Jo urnalmagazine s, invited least 20 students who will contrast water praising the Scopel to New York City for a week quality with land-use patternsin portions support and end in May. She toured the offices of five counties. The results will be attention she of Seventeen and appeared on two turned over to the South Carolina had received syndicated television shows. She also Departmentof Health and Environmental from her met recording star Mya, a member of Control, which will eventually pass the mother, Eda. Secret's Helping Girls Become Strong data along to state, county and municipal Together, Women advisory board that works to governments and other bodies that she said, the address the growing problem of low develop land-use laws. two worked self-esteem among girls and to inspire Ken Sargent of Furman's Department to form a more women to serve as mentors. Community Scopel's essay appeared in the May of Earth and Environmental Sciences says Outreach issue of both magazines. that biology, chemistry and EES students Committee at Scopel spent the summer as a and faculty will gather and analyze her high "Summer Safari" instructor at Zoo hundreds of water samples for biological school, Walton High in Marietta, Ga. Atlanta. A Founders Scholar at and chemical content during the course The committee sends student volun Furman, she is majoring in chemistry of the study. teers into the community to serve as and plans to pursue a career in envi The grants, totaling $205,640, came role models and mentors to children ronmental policy. from the National Science Foundation in after-school programs. From its ($107,900) and the Environmental beginnings with 15 students, the group - Jim Stewart Protection Agency ($59,040 and $40,300). Furman matched the grants with $111,460, bringing the total level of funding to $317,100. 26 Retire at Furman? Board studying possibility of retirement community near campus uring its spring meeting, the board of The Kendal Corporation of Kennett (FULIR). It would also serve as a source stees voted to study the feasibility of Square, Pa., is conducting the feasibility of revenue for the university through long av · g a retirement community constructed study. The company has already developed term lease payments on the Furman n ar the Furman campus. successful retirement communities near property, and it would provide a pool of David G. Ellison '72, chair of the Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, individuals who would regularly attend board of trustees, says, "It is a popular CornellUniversity inNew York and Oberlin campus events. trend right now to build retirement com College in Ohio. Another facility is under Says President David Shi, "For the munities that have affiliations with univer construction in Lexington, Va., in conjunc idea of a retirement community to make sities, and we believe it is something worth tion with Washington & Lee and Virginia sense for Furman, it must complement and investigating further. All we're going to Military Institute. enhance our mission as an educational do at this point is determine if there is a Ellison says that although a site for institution. The kind of retirement village large enough market to support this kind the retirement community has yet to be we are considering would be a vibrant of retirement community near Furman - determined, one possible location would community, intellectually engaged and and continue to weigh the pros and cons be near Furman's Child Development Cen culturally active. Its residents would choose from the university's point of view." ter on Old Roe Ford Road, adjacent to the to live there because they would be com Although an outside firm would build golf course. mitted to lifelong learning and wantto take and manage the facility, the retirement A retirement community associated part in the day-to-day life of the university." community would have direct links to the with the university could provide numerous There are currently about 100 retire university and its residents would be en benefits. In addition to attracting alumni ment communities located near college couraged to take advantage of all that back to the campus and deepening their campuses in the United States and Canada, Furman has to offer, from lectures and involvement with the university, it would and more are planned at schools such as concerts to continuing education courses, likely enhance such programs as Furman Penn State, Miami (Ohio), the University athletic contests and the golf course. University Learning in Retirement of Michigan and Stanford. Board welcomes six new members five alumni were among six new trustees elected to the Furman Volunteer of the Year in Greenville County and has received the board at the spring meeting. Community Empowerment Award from the Greenville County Chosen for their firstterms on the board were Gordon L. Human Relations Commission. Blackwell '60 of Raleigh, N.C.; Angela Walker Franklin '81 of Heller, a native of Austria, was mayor of Greenville for two Atlanta, Ga.; Peggy Ellison Good '67 of Greenville; and D. Loy terms in the 1970s and is also former chair of the South Carolina Stewart '69 of Mount Pleasant, S.C. They are joined by Gordon State Development Board. He holds an honorary degree from R. Herring '65 of Greenville, a past chair of the board, and Max Furman and received the Bell Tower Award in 1998. Herring, who M. Heller, a civic leader and former mayor of Greenville. also holds an honorary degree fromFurman, is a former executive Blackwell, past president of the Furman Alumni Association vice president of the TeleCable Corporation and was one of the and recipient of the 1998 Alumni Service Award, is president of founders of the Weather Channel. Stewart is president and owner Regency Housing Group, Inc., which specializes in building or of Detyens Shipyards, Inc. renovating structures to house the elderly or families of limited Trustees who completed their terms this year are B. Lewis means. Franklin, a clinical psychologist, is associate dean for Barnett, Jr. '46 of Charlottesville, Va., Ravenel B. Curry III '63 of student affairs at the Morehouse School of Medicine and a past New York City, W. Randy Eaddy '76 of Atlanta, Minor Herndon vice president of the Furman Alumni Association. Good, who has Mickel of Greenville, and James M. Ney '64 of Atlanta. Dorothy worked as a teacher in Greenville and in Georgia, is a former Greene Owen '54 has resigned her seat on the board . ... •( ' Franklin Furmanre ports Five professors' careers come to close To MacDonald, thinking well is Innovation, integrity mark living well Taylor's tenure Nobody who has ever been in a class with Doug MacDonald could Phase diagrams. Poincare sections. Strange attractors. come away with the idea that philosophy has to be either empty These terms and others from chaos theory were unknown to or dull. Doug is a natural, enthusiastic teacher with a gift for undergraduate physics students in 1979, the year that Frank Taylor connecting powerful ideas to students' lives. He leans forward in came to Furman. But the discipline has undergone radical change his seat, his voice booms, his eyes flash, and you know you're in since then, and the physics curriculum, under Frank's leadership, the presence of someone who's following his bliss, not just doing has kept pace, expanding to embrace the new frontier of computa a job. tional physics. Such a teacher doesn't just happen. No matter how ready the The department has acquired high-end computer hardware and tinder, the spark has to be struck. Doug's flame was lit at William software, which allow students to model "inflationary" cosmological and Mary in the early '60s, when he found two important mentors. evolution, the chaotic motion of a charged particle buffeted by the The first was John Lachs, a philosophy teacher who showed him sun's magnetic field, or the orbital behavior of a body in the vicinity that both intellectual vigor and concern for others could be combined of cosmic strings. They might do this as a senior project, as an in a single person, and that teaching could be a way to use the best assignment in a "traditional" course, or as a project in the award of one's mind and the best of one's character. The second was winning interdisciplinary computational science course that Frank George Santayana, whose texts showed him that metaphysics helped to develop. a comprehensive, naturalistic, yet deeply spiritual endeavor of Curriculum innovation has not been Frank's only forte. A philosophical understanding - could offer a lifelong challenge to gifted teacher, he has received Furman's meritorious teaching a person who cared about truth and goodness. award, the "Rookie of the Year" award from the Association of When Doug came to Furman in 1970, having followed Lachs Furman Students, and the Invitation Award from the Student League to Vanderbilt and written an imaginative dissertation about for Black Culture. Physics alumni have appreciated his efforts in Santayana, he was ready to apply the lessons learned from both publishing the departmental newsletter and in developing and men. He has done so to remarkable effect. In his teaching and maintaining the department's home page on the World Wide Web. his thinking, Doug has combined rigor and righteousness, always His colleagues know him as careful, thorough, clear-thinking, believing that the point of thinking well is living well. He has insightful, candid and articulate, and have regularly "rewarded" shown his students the power of that Socratic linkage of mind him for these qualities by requesting his service on and chairmanship and will. of university committees. I have known Frank as a knowledgeable It is no accident that he has devoted much of the last decade and encouraging mentor, always willing to provide guidance, offer to medical ethics, a fieldwhere theoretical and practical aspects suggestions or engage in spirited discussions of physics. of philosophy (and of life) come into close contact. Inthe remarkable Will his retirement plans keep him connected with the discipline medical ethics course he developed, with its combination of he loves? When asked about the future, he responds, "The question philosophical reflection and clinical experience, Doug has honored is not what to do, but what to eliminate." He is interested in and extended what brought him to philosophy and to teaching in software development, consulting and writing (about both physics the fi rst place: a concernthat a difference be made in people's and financial investing); he may join colleagues in a web-based lives, and that this difference be made by thinking long and hard educational project and/or a web-related entrepreneurial undertaking; about what makes those lives worth living in the first place. and he will help his wife, Cecilia, establish a business in the fashion In retirement, he 'll likely watch lots of movies (he loves action industry - all while pursuing his hobbies of woodworking, and special effects) and listen to jazz on his state-of-the-art sound gardening, cooking and traveling. (He hopes one day to realize system. He and his wife, Ruby Morgan of the music faculty, will his dream of "being photographed with the international prototype no doubt travel. He will continue his work on the South Carolina kilogram at the Bureau of We ights and Measures near Paris!") Medical Ethics Committee, and he plans a book on medicine from English professor William E. Rogers, his friend and colleague, the patient's viewpoint. But whatever he does, it will certainly be has said, "Furman will miss Frank's extraordinary intelligence and done with the same combination of enthusiasm and care that has industry, his gifted teaching, his single-minded dedication to the marked his distinguished career at Furman. good of Furman and the larger community, his courage and com - Jim Edwards passion, and his personal integrity." It's a fitting tribute to one Professor of Philosophy whose many contributions to the university will long be remembered and appreciated. - Susan D' Amato Associate Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Physics 28 Current flows with energy, Patience, precision are optimism Harris hallmarks Consider the old joke: A patient, told by a doctor, "You have six Anyone who calls the Harris house when no one's home hears the months to live," asks: "What should I do?" The doctor says, following recording by Gary: "Please leave your message at the "Marry an accountant. You won't live any longer but it will seem tone. Thank you for calling." It is pure Gary Harris - pleasant, a lot longer." direct and unembellished. While some in accounting may lack "people skills," consider When Gary revealed his plans to retire, some of us observed the esteemed Frederick Dale Current, who has consistently that he has occupied the same small office in the education overwhelmed us and our students with energy, optimism and department suite for 30 years. If, as alleged, people at Furman will enthusiasm. He brings so much zest to the classroom that students kill for space, Gary has remained refreshingly nonviolent and can't avoid learning. On one occasion, Fred climbed on to the undemanding. No complaints, few regrets, no insistence on recessed desk at the front of the classroom and refused to come down until lighting or an ergonomic chair. (He has enjoyed his window.) the entire class had grasped a particularly difficultconcept! He Gary Harris grew up in Asheville, N.C., and earned three always makes an effort to determine each student's individual needs degrees from the University of North Carolina, the first a B.A. in and to tailor his teaching to those needs. If such methods fail, he history, the last a Ph.D. in education. He arrived at Furman in 1969 simply repeats himself, only more loudly! and began teachingcourses in - and coordinating - the elementary Furman officially recognized his teaching ability by awarding education program, roles he has kept ever since. He has enjoyed him the Sears-Roebuck teaching prize in 1989. But what especially his courses in teaching science and social studies. distinguishes Fred even more is the concernhe shows for students In the 1970s, he organized and led three graduate summer trips outside the classroom. It was no surprise that, in 1996, he won the to England to study the British Primary School, experiences he Alester G. Furman, Jr., and Janie Earle Furman Award for counts among his Furman highlights. Throughout, he has worked Meritorious Advising. Over the years he has helped students find actively with the SouthernAssocia tion of Colleges and Schools jobs, assisted them with cash-flow problems, guided them through and led a number of environmental efforts. academic troubles, counseled those with personal problems, and Once on a lake dock, Gary tried to teach me the art of fly even improved many students ' golf games. On Homecoming fishing, specifically how to cast. I proved inept and gave up after Saturdays, Fred is easily the most sought-after professor at the an hour, but I did learn what a fine one-on-one teacher he is. He economics and business administration reunion. was precise, metaphorical with examples ("stop the cast between I cannot think of anyone more generous than Fred. He not 12 and one o'clock"), insistent on doing it right but always only does endless favors for everyone, he does them in a way that encouraging, and unfailingly patient. I was reminded of why he makes it appear that you are doing him a favor! In addition, he has has always worked so well with student teachers. been an outstanding departmental representative in the Greenville With his many interests and appreciations, no one will enjoy community, working to develop contacts, internships and job retirement more than Gary. In the mornings, he will hone his 17- opportunities for students in accounting and business firms. As a handicap in golf. Then he may read a little or tie a few flies and colleague, Fred has been invaluable; he has a wealth of common later jog a couple of miles with his and Hazel's golden retriever, sense and a great perspective on what really matters. We will miss Heidi. He might get out his camera or dulcimer. He may plan a his shrewd judgment, buoyant spirit and witty insights. hiking trip to the Smokies. Fred received his B.A. degree from Franklin and Marshall and He will be open to possibilities and resistant to rigid schedules his M.B.A. from Michigan State. He is professionally certified in -except for Monday nights at nine. If you're visiting, he'll invite accounting and is a retired career Air Force officer who traveled you to watch "Ally McBeal." If you decline, he 'II offer a magazine. Europe as a stellar shortstop for the Air Force baseball team. He And if you're trying to reach him by phone, just be prepared to and June have four children and five grandchildren. "leave your message at the tone." The Currents have always lived life to the fullest, amassing - Bing Somers along the way a wealth of entertaining tales. Fortunately for us, Professor Emeritus of Education they are staying in the area, so while Fred's absence will be sorely felt around Furman, we will not have to bid him farewell. - David Roe Chair, Economics and Business Administration 29 Furmanre ports Education adds a fifthye ar CAREERS, cont. As the result of an ongoing self-study to seek national accreditation, the Furman Department of Education has determined that students seeking licensure to teach will henceforth complete the requirements in a fifth year. Rather than completing the teaching internship (student teaching) in the spring term of their senior year, education students will now take a new block of courses during the term that will focus on student assessment, technology in the classroom and diverse school cultures. They will graduate at the end of the fourth year with a bachelor's degree in education or in their academic discipline and will complete the teaching internship, the requirement for licensure, during the fall fo llowing graduation. The teaching internship will offer graduate credit and be paired with a course on inquiry and action research. The program will go into effect for members of the Class of 2001. Renaissance man in A trial group of rising seniors will launch the program this fall. Students may choose either a yearlong internship, in which they King Arthur's court will work as the main classroom teacher in an Anderson County school, or a partial-year internship, which will be more like the traditional This year marks Phil Elliott's second graduation fromFurman . teaching internship. Both programs will provide graduate credit toward He left the firsttime in 1956 as an English graduate a master's degree; the yearlong internship will also provide a salary and headed for further study at the University of North Carolina, benefits. that Mecca to which many of the Furman faithful of the Based on national reports and the results of surveys completed by 1950s and '60s made their pilgrimage. Phil received his master's degree from UNC and then earned his Ph.D. from recent graduates of the Furman program, the department determined that the University of Georgia. He returned to Furman in the fall its four-year Teacher Education Program did not prepare students of 1967 after teaching at Stetson, Clemson and North Carolina adequately in such areas as curriculum development, cultural understanding Wesleyan. and use of teaching technology. The department fe lt it could not add In his 32 years at Furman, Phil has been "Mr. Victorian" coursework and field experiences without, in most cases, extending the - that is, he has specialized in teaching English literature program beyond four years. of the Victorian period. Within Victorian literature, Phil's Only music and health and exercise science majors are exceptions major focus has always been Tennyson. He has studied to the new requirements. They will still be able to earncertification in Tennyson, published about Tennyson and brought Tennyson four years. Students seeking secondary school certification will also scholars to Furman, and his popular course on Arthurian literature grew out of his love for Tennyson's work. complete a subject-specific methods course that will include extensive Phil is one of the most widely read members of the field experiences. faculty, and he and his wife, Kacky, are among the most widely traveled people around here. They 've explored the globe, venturing as far as Australia and New Zealand. Phil derives great personal pleasure from these activities, and they have helped to make being in his classroom a very rich experience for students. It's like having a Renaissance man teaching Victorian literature. He is also committed enough to the game of golf that earlier this decade he joined a group of Furman colleagues on a two-week trip to Scotland to play such courses as Camoustie, the Old Course at St. Andrews, and other historic links. Bill Broadway '72, a former advisee and golfing partner of Phil's, recalls that his friend was a "competent" golfer who "pursued his game the way he appeared to pursue life and his profession - with few words, a bit of dry humor and a thoughtful pause and audible "Ahurnm" before respond ing to a particularly tricky query. I never once saw him lose his temper, as many frustrated golfers do." And behind the professor's somewhat reserved manner, Broadway says, lies "a compassion for others, a talent for listening and an ability to cut through the superficialities of a conversation." All of us will miss seeing Phil around the halls of Furman. But we know that he will visit at least one part of the campus TOP HONOR FOR MAY DAY often. We ather permitting, he'll be found around the 18th Yet another award came the way of Collegiate Educational Service Corps hole, swinging at that little white ball. this spring when the South Carolina College Personnel Association named - Willard Pate May Day Play Day the state's "Most Outstanding Program for a Private Professor of English Institution." SCCPA presents annual awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the state and to the field of student affairs. May Day, which is planned and executed by students each year on the first Saturday in May, brings to the campus hundreds of individuals with whom CESC volunteers have worked for a day of fun, games and excitement. 30 The Furman rose garden, long one Greenville Womans College, manied of the university's best known and Alester G. Furman, Jr., whose great best loved sites, at last has a name great-grandfather, Richard Furman, of its own. founded the university. Alester G. The board of trustees has voted Furman, Jr., served on the board of to name the rose garden for Janie trustees for many years and was Earle Furman, a longtime benefactor chairman of the board when the of the university. Formal dedication decision was made to relocate the ceremonies were held in May. campus from downtown Greenville Few people have been more to its current location. closely linked with Furman than Through the years the couple Janie Earle Furman. Her father, gave tirelessly of their time and Joseph Baylis Earle, was an 1882 resources to Furman. They helped honor graduate who served for many endow numerous scholarships, years as university physician and as established a fund to recognize a Furman trustee. The university's meritorious teaching, and contributed infirmary is named in his honor. to many building projects. After her Janie Earle, a 1914 graduate of husband's death in 1981, Mrs. Furman continued her support of Furman. When she died in 1993 at the age of 98, she left her home and a generous bequest to the university's endowment. Both of their sons have also contributed significantly to the university. Alester G. Furman III is a longtime trustee, and Joseph Earle Furman was for many years a university physician. The rose garden that bears Mrs. Furman's name was constructed in 1962. Each May and September, more than 800 rose bushes in the garden burst into red, white, pink and purple blooms, and it has been the home of countless weddings, receptions and other events. Besides roses, the rose garden fe atures 2,000 other plants. . ..r�' urmancampa1gn Younts gift to support construction of conference center n alumnus from Fountain Inn, S.C., will have meeting rooms, a dining facility a!ild his wife, both of whom have strong and high-tech communications capabilities. ti s i, the Greenville business community, It will be connected to Cherrydale by a ha e made a $1 million gift to Furman that covered walkway, and rooms in Cherrydale will go toward building a conference center will be available for breakout sessions and on campus. smaller meetings. It will likely host Melvin K. Yo unts '50 and Dollie Isgett luncheons and banquets, workshops and Younts say they made the gift in the hope retreats, alumni reunions, wedding recep that the center will help build a stronger tions and pre-game gatherings before foot relationship between Furman, the commu ball and basketball contests, and will provide nity, local businesses and alumni. classroom space for Furman's expanding "Dollie and I believe that this confer program in continuing education. ence center will attract a variety of groups Since graduating from the University to the Furman campus, which will allow of South Carolina School of Law, Melvin the Greenville community to become even Yo unts has practiced law in the Greenville better acquainted with the university," says area for 47 years. He is a senior partner Melvin Younts. "Furman is one of the in the firm of Yo unts, Alford, Brown & greatest universities in the nation, and we Goodson, which has offices in both are grateful that we are in a position to Greenville and Fountain Inn. He served on help the school with a gift like this." the Greenville County school board for 23 The $2 million, 10,000-square-foot years, is a life member of the Furman Younts Center will be built adj acent to Advisory Council, and has served on the Cherrydale, the new Alumni House which board of trustees of North Greenville is located on the hill overlooking the tennis College since 1990. and track complexes. The university ex Dollie Yo unts is a native of Cheraw, pects to break ground on the facility within S.C., and a graduate of Columbia College. the next year, after an additional $1 million She taught school in Greenville County for has been raised. five years before turning her full-time at The two-story, Georgian brick structure tention to raising the couple's five children. Riley bequest provides $1 million for scholarships furman has received a $1 million bequest from the the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). estate of alumna Kathleen Riley that will be used to She internedat Garfield Memorial Hospital in fund scholarships for women who major in the sciences Washington, D.C., and was a resident in dermatology or plan a career in medicine. and syphilology at Duke University Hospital from Riley was a 1937 graduate who practiced derma 1944 to 1948. tology in Charleston, S.C., for more than 30 years. She began her private practice in Charleston in She died in August, 1998. The Josie and Kathleen 1949 and also served as professor of dermatology and Riley Scholarship Fund, which will support several acting chair of the Department of Dermatology at scholarships annually, is named in honor of the physi MUSC. She retired in 1981. cian and her mother, both of whom served on the She authored more than 35 professional papers Furman board of trustees. and served as president of the South Carolina Derma "This is a wonderful gift, and it is especially tological Association. She was listed in Who 's Who gratifying that Dr. Riley wanted it to benefitfe male of American Wo men and in 1977 was named South students who are interested in medicine and the sciences," Carolina Woman of the Year by the Professional and says Furman president David Shi. "She was ahead of Business Woman Association of South Carolina. her time when she pursued a career in medicine, and While attending Furman, Riley was voted the most she knew her gift would help other female students popular female student for two consecutive years and who have the same interests as she did." was president of the student body. She later served Kathleen Riley was a native of Florence, S.C. two terms on the Furman board. In 1966 she received After graduating from Furman, she attended the George the university's Mary Mildred Sullivan Award as an Washington University School of Medicine for two outstanding alumna, and in 1971 she received the years and ultimately received the M.D. degree from Alumni Service Award. MAKE A GIFT, GET Special endowments honor special people A FURMAN VIDEO! One of the most significant ways alumni can honor Furman faculty and staff who have made major To coincide with the launch of the contributions to their lives is by establishing endowments in their names. These endowments serve public phase of the $150 million as enduring reminders of the contributions so many individuals have made to the lives of Furman Forever Furman campaign, the students. Furman Fund is initiating a new Sixty-five current and former members of the Furman faculty and staff have been recognized giving opportunity for alumni. through the establishment of professorships, scholarships, lectureships or other endowments in their We are encouraging alumni to honor. To create a similar endowment. or to contribute to one that already honors a favorite Furman consider making a three-year pledge professor, coach or administrator, contact the Director of Stewardship at (864) 294-3716, or write to Furman. The advantages in the Development Office, Furman University, Greenville, S.C. 29613. E-mail: [email protected]. making such a pledge: • You will not have to worry about whether you have made a gift this year; FUNDS HONORING FOREVE R • Yo u will not receive telephone FACULTY AND STAFF solicitations from Furman; J. Lyles Alley Scholarship • You will not receive quarterly Rudolph D. Bates Award* solicitation mailers; &! FURMAN Elizabeth L. Blackwell Award* • You will be billed each year Gordon W. and Elizabeth L. Blackwell A Co m pre It e 11 s i v e Camp a i g n in the month you request; Scholarship • Yo u will know that your gift Reece C. Blackwell Scholarship in makes an impact because the Mathematics university will face fewer Charles E. Blackwood Scholarship administrative costs; Eleanor and Daniel Boda Flutist William E. Leverette, Jr., Chair in Scholarship History* • Yo ur pledge will count toward �0 milliQn C. Eugene Looper Scholarship the Forever Furman campaign. Charles L. Brewer Fund* 20Df Campaign Goal Lennie Lusby Music Scholarship The advantages to Furman are Charles H. Brown Scholarship Gerda P. McCahan Fund simple - less money spent for William Montgomery Burnett Chair in History Sandy Molnar Physical Education administrative costs means more Charles E. Burts Scholarship Scholarship money for scholarships, financial aid, Marguerite M. Chiles Scholarship* T. Ray Nanney Computer Science classroom improvements, library Scholarship Donald H. Clanton Visiting upgrades and faculty support. Mathematician Fund Alfred Taylor Odell Scholarship As an added bonus, if you make Lois Aileen Coggins French John R. Patty Scholarship a three-year pledge at your current Professorship Beatrice Dennis Plyler Scholarship level of giving ($25 minimum) and Paul Martin Cook Scholarship for John Laney Plyler Scholarship Health and Exercise Science pay your firstinstallment by Gordon Poteat Chair in Chinese and John H. Crabtree-James T. Stewart Oriental Culture December 31, you will receive a copy Lectureship in Literary Studies of the new video, "Forever Furman." Alfred Sandlin Reid Lectureship in Fred and Jane Current Accounting Literature The video premiered at the Campaign Award* DuPre Rhame Scholarship Launch Celebration in April and J.C. Ellett Economics Prize Joe A. Roberts Scholarship Fund* received rave reviews. It focuses on Dan A. Ellis Scholarship John R. Sampey Chair of Chemistry the relationships between graduates Wallace Craft Fallaw Lecture in Earth Paul Ellis Scarpa Tennis Scholarship and their Furman mentors - the and Environmental Sciences* Frank Selvy-Darrell Floyd Basketball Paul Lewis Fisher Book Award special people who make the Scholarship Thomas E. Flowers Art Scholarship university such a wonderful place. Charlotte R. Smith Scholarship Olivia Futch Fund Remember: every gift and W. Lindsay Smith Music Scholarship Bennette E. Geer, Jr., Chair of pledge counts! In 1998-99, for the Ethel Carlisle Southern Librarian Literature second year in a row, Furman reached Scholarship David A. Gibson Concert Fund* the 50 percent level in alumni donors J. Albert Southern Chemistry Delbert H. Gilpatrick Scholarship Scholarship primarily because of the "double Meta Eppler Gilpatrick Writers at Dorothy H. Thompson Scholarship digit" contributor. Large gifts may Furman Fund Ernest J. Walters Endowed Fund for build a new facility or create Meta Eppler Gilpatrick Award for Thought Students in Political endowments, but gifts from $10 to Scholarly Writing Science* $99 put Furman on the national map. Meta Eppler Gilpatrick Short Story R.W. and A.G. Weaver Staff Collectively they provide the margin Prize Development Fund of excellence that sets Furman apart. Ernest E. Harrill Political Science Howard Wheeler Scholarship Scholarship So never apologize for the size C. Ray Wylie, Jr., Mathematics Glen E. Howerton Art Scholarship Scholarship of your gift. Instead, celebrate your L.D. Johnson Scholarship C. Ray Wylie, Jr., Scholar-Athlete generosity toward alma mater. Susan R. Keeler Music Scholarship Scholarship - Phil Howard Moffett Kendrick, Jr., Scholarship C. Ray Wylie, Jr., Endowed Director, Furman Fund Mathematics Tournament Fund Schaefer B. Kendrick Scholarship Robert B. (Bob) King Scholarship * Established during the Forever Furman campaign (January 1996 topresent) Furmanath letics WITH 16 STARTERS RETURNING from a year ago, including several at key positions, Furman football coach Bobby Johnson can't help but think that the Paladins can be a very good football team in 1999. But Johnson thought the same thing last year, when he discovered how quickly a few twists of fate can destroy the greatest of expectations. Furman roared out of the blocks last season by winning four of its first five games, but a spate of injuries and the lack of big plays at critical times the Paladins lost back-to-hack games to The Citadel and East Tennessee State by a total of four points forced the team to settle for a 5-6 record and fifth place in the Southern Conference. "It was really frustrating," says Johnson, who watched seven defensive starters get bumped from the lineup a year ago with injuries. "I don't think I've ever been involved with a team that had more serious injuries. Still, we had a chance to win some games and we didn't execute properly. Anytime you know you have a good football team and you don't get a good season out of it, it hurts no matter what the reason." But there are a number of reasons to believe that this could be the year the Paladins make another run at the Division 1-AA playoffs. The offensive unit, for instance, returns nine starters, including junior quar terback Justin Hill, who was beginning to show the kind of talent that has been expected of him before an ankle injury forced him to miss a couple of key mid season games in 1998. "What people have got to realize is that even though Justin's been here for three years (including a red-shirt freshmanyear) , he has played only 11 games," Johnson says. "I think he's going to get better and better every day of the season." Running backs Stuart Rentz and Louis Ivory also return with standout receiver Desmond Kitchings, and the offensive line returns everyone except center Mark Foster. The defense returns seven starters, although there may be more uncertainty on that side of the ball because so many of the returnees are underclassmen who were plugged into the lineup to fill the gaps created by injuries. Of the 24 players who are expected to contend for the majority of playing time on defense, more than half are either sophomores or red-shirt freshmen. Johnson says the Paladins will count heavily on senior strong safety John Keith, "a real steady force." But they will miss Orlando Ruff,the All-America linebacker and South Carolina Player of the Year who signed with the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. "We'll still be relatively young on defense, but we're going to have the people there," Johnson says. "It's just a matter of getting them in the right places. We need to play a little smarter and not allow big plays and easy scores." The new look for 1999 also extends to the sidelines, where there are several changes on the coaching staff. Steve Wilson, who had coached at Furman since 1986 and had been defensive coordinator since 1993, has left to pursue a business opportunity and has been replaced by Bruce Fowler, who previously coached the defensive backs. "There will be a little bit of transition there," Johnson says, "but we still believe in the same principles on defense, and that's not going to change." On the offensiveside of the ball, Ted Cain has returned to coach the tight ends and wide receivers. Cain, who played and coached at Furman before going to North Carolina State in 1985 as Dick Sheridan's offensive coordinator, was head coach at Virginia Military Institute the last two years. at .FUBMAR "Ted obviously has a lot of coaching experi ence and our offense will benefit from that," Johnson says. "With him coaching the wide receivers, it has allowed Bobby Lamb to concen trate solely on the quarterbacks and that was an obvious improvement for us in the spring." -Vince Moore Welcome back NFL's Falcons return to Furman for summer camp Sixty golf carts. A mini-amusement park. And food - lots and lots of it. All played a major role in the Atlanta Falcons training camp at Furman from 1999 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE July 28 through August 20. The camp marked the National Football League team's return to Furman after a 22-year absence and gave professional football fans in (HOME GAMES ALL CAPS) upstate South Carolina the chance to visit two professional football camps this summer, as the Charlotte Panthers trained at Wofford College in nearby Spartanburg. September The Falcons, who lost to Denver 34-19 in the Super Bowl January 31, called Furman their summer home from 1971 through 1977. For the last two decades, 4 ELON 7 p.m. however, the team was based at the Falcon Inn in Suwanee, Ga. 11 Open The Smith family, owners of the Falcons, decided last year to sell the Falcon 18 William & Mary 1 p. m. Inn property, leaving the club without a summer home. Team officials selected Furman over the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and several sites in Georgia 25 VIRGINIA MILITARY 7 p.m. -Middle Georgia College in Cochran, Mercer University in Macon, Life University in Marietta and Georgia Southwestern University in Americus. October The team's contingent of about 80 players and 70 coaches, staffand other personnel began arriving on campus July 28. Workouts were held on the Robert 2 Western Carolina 6 p.m. B. King practice fields behind the Lay Physical Activities Center, as well as on the 9 APPALACHIAN STAT E 2 p.m . infieldat the Irwin W. Belk Complex for Track and Field and on a new athletic 16 The Citadel 2 p.m. field near Cherrydale. A miniature amusement park with interactive games, refreshments and merchandise for sale was set up in front of Paladin Stadium. 23 EAST TENNESSEE 2 p. m. ( Homecoming) A typical day for the players began at 6:30 a.m. with treatments and breakfast. Morning practice was held from 9 to 11 a.m., with afternoon practice running from 30 North Carolina 1:30 p.m. 3 to 5 p.m. Team meetings were held for two hours nightly in Johns and Furman halls. The Falcons had 60 golf carts on hand to help the players make their way November around campus. The team ate buffet-style in the Watkins Great Room of the University Center, 6 Georgia Southern 1 p.m. with daily menu items including filet mignon, prime rib, swordfish and lobster. 13 WOFFORD 2 p.m. David Randolph, director of dining services, says the players typically ate "double 20 UT-Chattanooga Noon what a growing male college student would." The one-year contract with Furman includes an option to renew next year. Club management is considering relocating the team's headquarters and summer camp to Stone Mountain, north of Atlanta. But it is considered unlikely that the Starting times subject to change. new facility, if approved, would be completed in time for the 2000 summer camp. -John Roberts 35 Tom Day's Web site pays homage to all that is good and noble about Furman football. lere are numerous ways that Tom Day can lay claim to being Furman 's No. 1 football fan. He has made the requisite road trips to the Southern Conference outposts of Boone, N.C., and Huntington, W.Va. He made the 3,000-mile journeyto Tacoma, Wash., in 1985 to watch the Paladins play for the Division 1-AA na tional championship game, and three years later, watching on a big-screen television in a Greenville bar, he was moved to tears when the Paladins won their national championship. He was even in Paladin Stadium on that cold and fateful day in December of 1989 when a freak snow storm hastened Furman's semifinal playoff loss to Stephen F. Austin and brought a chilling end to the Paladins' decade of dominance. But it was on August 25, 1996, that Day separated himself from the crowd and drew his line in the sand. That was the day he launched the "Unofficial Furman Football Page" on the Wo rld Wide We b and created a shrine to everything that is good and noble about Furman football. The site (www.mindspring.com/ stumpy/furman.htm) allows visitors to review past seasons, check schedules, pore over statistics, peruse photos, read old articles, even ruminate over the "Glory Ye ars." There are links to a "Luther Broughton Watch" (for the former Paladin tight end who now plays for the Charlotte Panthers of the National Football League), as well as the latest Division 1-AA rank ings. And if you're one for comparative arguments, you can cast your vote for the best Furman team ever or the greatest offensive player of the past 20 years. "I love Paladin football and couldn't get much news about the program here in Atlanta," says Day, a 1987 graduate who moved to Atlanta in 1990 and who While the Paladins celebrated their national championship in 1988, To m Day wept tears of joy. Ph oto by David Crosby r ng. m/ GERMANN TO FURMAN FOR SEVENTH YEAR IN ROW For the seventh consecutive year, Furman currently serves as a systems administrator those the band didn't. He witnessed has won the Germann Cup, presented for Bell South Entertainment. "So I thought Furman victories over Georgia Tech and annually to the Southern Conference it would be fun to create the Unofficial North Carolina State, and saw the Paladins school with the best all-around women's Furman Football Page, which would force reach the 1985 Division I-AA championship me to keep up with Furman a little more." game. athletic program. The award is named The result has been gratifying. The In fact, Day says that he was clearly for former league commissioner Ken page has had over 5,000 hits since it first visible on two different occasions during Germann. went up on the Web, and Day guesses that ESPN's telecast of the game. He was shown Furman teams finished no worse a core group of about 50 people visits the jumping up and down with his tuba after than fifth in the league's nine women's site over and over. Those who have signed Furman scored the go-ahead touchdown sportsduring 1998-99. The Lady Paladins the page's guest book include Furman late in the fourth quarter, and the camera president David Shi, former Paladin star was there again to catch his look of utter were first in golf, tied for first in tennis Steve Duggan '91, and an East Tennessee dismay when Georgia Southern came back and second in soccer. State follower who took the opportunity to win in the final seconds, 44-42. In the Commissioner's Cup race to speak disparagingly of all Paladin After graduating with a degree in soci signifyingthe top men's program, Furman fans prior to last year's game with the ology, Day went to work in Greenville and tied with Davidson for seventh place Buccaneers. continued to follow the Paladins "I get a lot of e-mails from fans of closely. When Furman advanced to the behind winner Appalachian State. other schools," Day says. "I hear from national championship game in 1988, with Points for the awards are based on Georgia Southern fans primarily, and a chance to avenge the loss to Georgia each school's finish in regular-season or they're pretty cool. They don't give me Southern, he watched the game at a local tournament competition for each sport too hard a time, and they're genuinely establishment with friends, including his in which the conference offers a interested in what's going on in Division future wife, Jenny Sprague '88. championship. I-AA football." "When (Jeff) Blankenship intercepted He says the most vitriolic e-mails come that pass [late in the game] and I knew we from The Citadel fans, and that the biggest had won, I started sobbing," Day says. fan of the site is a Greenville teen-ager "Everybody else was jumping up and down who will be joining Furman's freshman and celebrating, but I couldn't help it. class this fall. He also gets messages from Jenny was looking at me like I was crazy. parents of players who appreciate the site. But after coming so close in 1985 and then How exactly did Day develop such an getting caught up with the team again in affection for Furman football? It started the playoffsthat year, it was just emotional when his family moved to Greenville in overload. I was lucky she married me after 1980 from upstate Ve rmont. Day says that that." football was "nonexistent" in Vermont, and Even though Day says his wife cares he was overjoyed when he was plunged greatly about everything at Furman except into the middle of the college football football, she and the couple's four cats excesses of the South. continue to put up with his zealous behavior. PA LADIN SPORTS "I actually became a South Carolina He hasn't missed a Homecoming contest ON TH E INTERNET fan when people kept asking me if I was since he graduated, and he tries to attend Furman football and men's basketball a Clemson fan," says Day, "but I kept up at least three home games each year as well have gone cyber. with Furman football, too." as the Georgia Southern game every other He decided to attend Furman after year in Statesboro. And, of course, there The university has signed a four graduating from Travelers Rest High is the Unofficial Furman Football Page. year agreement with Broadcast.com to School, and it was then that his loyalty to "The Website is now in its third format broadcast the games over the Internet. Furman football began in earnest. The and I do experiment frequently," he says. To access the live radio broadcasts, Paladins were a Division I-AA powerhouse "Sometimes it works and sometimes not. Furman fans should access when Day arrived on campus in the fall of But I'm still having fun and I have some 1983. Dick Sheridan was head coach, and ideas for new things in the future." www.broadcast.com and follow the Furman had won four Southern Conference And until somebody can discover how instructions. championships in the last five years (and to spend even more time obsessing about In addition, the university has signed would win again in 1983 and 1985). Furman football, Day should remain with a two-year contract with WPEK-FM (98.1) As a tuba-playing member of the out peer among Paladin fans. radio in Greenville to be the university's Furman band, Day traveled to many away - Vince Moore flagship station. The station reaches games and made a special effort to attend listeners throughout northwestern South Carolina and northeast Georgia. Furman football radio play-by-play broadcasts are also available by telephone through TEAMUNE, which can be accessed by dialing 1-800-846-4700 and entering • Furman's team code - 1109. tum py/ 37 Furmanalumni news ALUMNI ACTIVITIES Furman Alumni Association telephone 1-800-PURPLE3 Website http://www.furman.edu/admin/alumni E-mail [email protected] On Mother's Day, my family New to the Alumni Board with a picnic at Furman. My Welcome and congratulations to our new Alumni Board niece, Madison, was thrilled when we members! Elected during balloting in May and June were Joseph Gentry '53, Diane Maroney Estridge '66, Jenna approached the lake to feed the ducks. Robinson '74, Jim Simkins '78 and Hal Henderson '92. A special event is set for Saturday Her excitement showed when she said, Special thanks to all alumni who agreed to run for "This place is beautiful. Wouldn't it be at lunch as we dedicate Cherrydale, the the board and all who voted. This year, for the fi rst great to live here!" new Alumni House. For the first time, time, ballots were mailed directly to alumni. The Her mother and I explained that we alumni will have a place of their own on response was tremendous as almost 2,000 were returned, lived on campus during our student days campus. Cherrydalewill offer a wonderful an all-time high in participation. The Alumni Board represents the entire Furman setting for all sorts of gatherings and and that maybe one day she'd do the alumni body, 22,000 strong. Composed of 25 people same. Then she surprised us with her occasions. representing a broad spectrum of classes, the board next question: "Who owns this place?" If your class year ends in 4 or 9, advises the university on current and upcoming issues. My initial thought was that plan to attend your reunion dinner YAC report Granddaddy feels like he owns at least Saturday night. A group of your The Yo ung Alumni Council is a group of recent graduates classmates has worked hard to organize one of the trees, since he sent three who advise the university on current issues and serve daughters to Furman. But I believe the an event that is guaranteed to be as volunteers for special events. correct answer is that each of us, as entertaining. After the dinner, join fellow YAC just finished a busy year that culminated in alumni of Furman, owns a share of alma alumni for the block party on Greenville's the distribution of the new YA RD (Young Alumni mater. Our diplomas represent time Main Street, where we'll have music and Resource Directory) to all graduating seniors. This publication lists more than 150 young alumni across activities for all ages! invested in a variety of ways. the country who are willing to offer career advice and Each fall, Homecoming provides a In closing, I would like to thank all to welcome new graduates into their areas. Please call special opportunity for alumni to reflect alumni who helped us reach the 50 the Alumni Office to receive a copy of YA RD or to add upon their Furman experience. The theme percent alumni-giving goal for the second your name to the volunteer list. for this year's Homecoming, scheduled consecutive year. By supporting Furman YAC meets three times a year to work on such projects as YA RD, the Parenti- We ekend Fun Run, the financially, you help to ensure the future the weekend of October 22-24, is Senior Picnic and other events that connect young "Furman Forever: Decades of Change." of alma mater. alumni with current students. YAC is composed of two We're highlighting the university's history, But there are also many other ways or three members from each of the last 15 graduating and students will recall past Furman you can support Furman. Have you classes. events in their skits, displays and considered recruiting a student? How If you are interested in representing your class on the Yo ung Alumni Council and your year of graduation about hiring a recent graduate or a banners. Horseplay on Friday night will fal ls between 1985 and 1999, please let us know! For offer a "loose" history of the university. student intern? Are you a Furman an application, please visit the alumni Website or call Plan to be present and see if your decade volunteer? To learn more about the the Alumni Office. Applications are accepted year is portrayed correctly! opportunities available, please call the round, and new members join YAC at the fall meeting. Be sure you come to campus early Alumni Office. Travel plans And on behalf of the Alumni on Homecoming Saturday so you will Feeling the urge to travel? Why not join the next have time to visit the beautifully Association Board of Directors, we look Furman trip, like the 22 folks who recently returned renovated University Center and enjoy a forward to seeing you at Homecoming from a tour of Italy's Tuscany region? department drop-in. Bring your family October 22-24! University chaplain Jim Pitts will host a visit to and create another set of Furman - lynn Powers Gibbs '78 the Holy Land October 27 through November 7. Participants will visit Jordan and Israel and even make memories! President, Alumni Assodation a side trip to Vienna. Cost of the trip is $2,995. 38 CLASS NOTES SUMMER 1999 W.Va., was the subject of a pro 45 file in the April issue of Ralph R. Chandler of Pelzer, Ceramics Monthly magazine. S.C., has received the state of South Carolina's highest civilian 6 5 Next reunion in 2000 ALUMNI ACTIVITIES, cont. award, the Order of the Palmetto. Brenda Haygood Hays has retired He served for I 8 years on the as administrative director of the board of the School District of Greenville County Historical So Greenville County and was twice ciety. • Sandra Freeman Jones chairman. Trips planned for the year 2000 include visits to of Brevard, N.C., author of six Vienna, Greece and Scotland, with prices ranging from books on parenting, is complet $1,800 to $3,000. 55 Next reunion in 2000 ing revisions on the sixth edition Richard R. Patty, professor of of her book Guide to Baby Prod Vienna, March 5-12- This eight-day spring physics at North Carolina State ucts, which is published in coop escapade includes an in-depth look at the city of Vienna eration with Consumer Reports. and optional excursions to surrounding areas such as University for 35 years, received The recipient of a "distinguished Salzburg, the Vienna Woods, and the Austrian Alps. his sixth award for outstanding teaching when he was presented contributor citation" from the Greece, July 4-13 - Experience lifelong learning the Award for Excellence in American Psychological Associ with an Alumni College trip to the Greek Isles. Each Te aching from the University of ation for her book To Love a day offersa new educational focus, including a look at North Carolina system. The Baby, she has been selected for ancient Greek mythology, a view of Greek art, studies award carries a $7,500 cash prize inclusion in Who's Who in Amer in classical Greek architecture, and much more. and is the highest honor for teach ica and in Who 's Who in the Scotland, July 26-August 3-Known as the ing bestowed by the university Wo rld. "Gateway to the Highlands," Stirling, Scotland serves system. as home base for this Alumni College and provides an 6 6 Next reunion in 2001 ideal setting for exploration of Scotland's history and 56 Next reunion in 2001 Nancy Frady Huggins, a fifth beautiful landscape. You might also choose to extend Barbara Ann Brannon Cass has grade teacher at Falkland Ele your stay to watch the British Open! retired from the Greenville mentary in Greenville, N.C., has For more information, contact the Alumni Office. County school system, where she earned certification from the taught for 30 years, and is now National Board of Professional Furman Club update teaching part time at Greenville Teaching Standards. After a successful summer of golf tournaments, Te chnical College. receptions with President David Shi and special send Next reunion in 2002 off's for incoming freshmen, Furman Clubs are ready 6 7 Donald A. Prewette has become to launch their fall and winter activities. 59 Th is year is reunion! pastor of Perkerson Baptist If you are interested in starting a Furman Club in C. Dan Joyner of Greenville was Church in Atlanta, Ga., which your area or in volunteering your services to an existing the target of a roast at a benefit he previously served as minister club, please contact Teresa Skinner Griffith '92 in the dinner for the Salvation Army of music and associate pastor. • Alumni Office. Boys' and Girls' Club June 3. • MARRIAGE: Carol! W. And watch for news on these upcoming Furman Richard H. Crooks of Greenville, Campbell and Ben Daggett, Club events: longtime adviser to Furman's chapter of SAE fraternity, has October 13. They live in New York City I September 12 received the national organiza Charlotte, N.C. Baseball: New Yo rk Yankees vs. Boston tion's highest honor, the Distin Tidewater (Virginia) I September 18 guished Service Aw ard. 68 Next reunion in 2003 Paladin Club tailgate before Furman-William & Mary ADOPTION: Brenda football game 6Q Next reunion in 2000 Misenheimer Hyatt, a daughter, Charleston I October 16 After almost 40 years of service, Megan Bei Rong, Nanning, Paladin Club tailgate before Furman-Citadel football Lynda Lee Boldt Waldrep has China. They live in Mauldin, game retired from teaching in the S.C. New York City I October 16 Guilford County (N.C.) Schools. "New York Cares" community service project 69 Th is year is reunion! New York City I October 20 64 This year is reunion! Vernon Burton, professor of his Gathering at "Bill's" Potter/ceramicist Brian VanNostrand of Hacker Valley, tory at the University of Illinois, Triangle (North Carolina) I October 30 Paladin Club tailgate before Furman-North Carolina football game L E TTER P 0 L ICY Coastal Empire (Georgia) I November 6 Furman magazine welcomes your Letters and comments. We Paladin Club tailgate before Furman-Georgia Southern ask that you Limit the Length to 350 words and include your football game name, address, class year and a daytime telephone number. New York City I November 12 Because of space constraints, we reserve the right to edit Black tie scholarship fund-raiser Letters for Length or clarity. Letters may be sent to the Office of Marketing and Public Relations, Furman University, Greenville, S.C. 29613, or faxed to (864) 294-3023. E-mail: [email protected]. 39 Furmanalumni news CLASS NOTES SUMMER 99, cont. chief of neurology at Palmetto and Lynn McKnight Jones live Richland Memorial Hospital and in Charleston, S.C., where she president of the South Carolina is clinical supervisor and quality Neurological Association. assurance manager at the Charleston Center, a drug and alcohol treatment agency. • has received two awards from of Verdi's La Tra viata with 7 7 Next reunion in 2002 John B. Bowden has resumed the school: the all-campus teach Opera Illinois. Trudy Moody Gregorie, director the practice of law with the • ing award and the Liberal Arts of training for the National Cen Henson Law Firm, P. A., in and Sciences Dean's Award for ter for Victims of Crime in 7 5 Next reunion in 2000 Spartanburg, S.C. He and his Excellence in Undergraduate Arlington, Va., has received the Sherilyn R. Johnson of wife, Nancy Haile '80 Bowden, Teaching. He is one of the fi rst National Crime Victim Service Lawrenceville, Ga., has earned live in Greenville, where she is three people designated a Award. The award, presented a Ph.D. in curriculum design and credit administrator for Regions University Distinguished by Attorney General Janet Reno, systemic reform with a special Bank. • Ronald D. Vaughan, Te acher/Scholar. is the highest federal honor given ization in early childhood educa formerly pastor of Ashley River for outstanding service to crime tion. She is a music specialist Baptist Church in Charleston, victims. 71 Next reunion in 2001 with the DeKalb County S.C., has become pastor of Berea Sue Allen Mcinerney, a fourth Schools. • M. Ellen Furney of First Baptist Church . • BIRTH: grade teacher at Martin Elemen Stone Mountain, Ga., is a sys 7 8 Next reunion in 2003 Mark C. and Margaret Weston, tary in Manchester, Conn., tems analyst for Bel!South Wor BIRTH: Donald E., Jr., and a son, Malcolm Dennis, March earned the 1999 Educator mation Systems. • Brenda J. Kimberly Anderson Nelson, a 10, Valdosta, Ga. Achievement Award from the Pruitt has become associate daughter, Kendall Leigh, Decem American Institute of Aeronau director of education for the ber 28, Atlanta, Ga. Next reunion in 2000 tics and AstronauticsFoundation. Atlanta Opera. She is a staff 8Q Dennis K. McClellan has been The award goes to six educators singer at the Cathedral of St. 7 9 This year is reunion! named director of development nationally for encouraging the Philip and performs with the Leigh A. Coulter was recently for the Department of Medicine study of mathematics, science Atlanta Singers, the Atlanta Sym promoted to vice president at the Fund for Johns Hopkins and related technical fields. • phony Orchestra Chorus and the residential loan operations man Medicine in Baltimore, Md. • Myra Cordell Bagnoli portrayed Chamber Chorus. • Theodore ager with Bank.Atlantic in Fort Pamela Conner O'Brien of Violetta in a winter production T. Faber of Blythewood, S.C., is Lauderdale, Fla. • Keith W. '76 Austin, Texas, has been elected /\ l 'tc c /\ d a r llS ) beloved Li brarian, dies Alice Adams, who served as head of circulation at Professors were equally appreciative. In the Womans College, the old men's campus and the remembering Miss Adams, professor of psychology James B. Duke Library from 1939 to 1972, died April Charles Brewer says, "She was a consummate 22 in Laurens, S.C. professional - knowledgeable, accommodating, genteel Miss Adams, who retired from Furman in 1972, and gracious. Her impish sense of humor provided was a quiet, sprightly woman with a wonderful sense many bright moments for countless students and of humor and remarkably cheerful demeanor. For faculty members. If the world had more people like many years she was in charge of student assistants her, it would be a better place for people like me." in the library and, after becoming associate librarian Born in Seneca, S.C., the youngest of eight in 1960, performed other administrative duties as children, Alice Adams graduated from the Womans well. Possessed of uncommon composure, Miss Adams College in 1923 and tabght high school Latin for could also be assertive when needed. When students several years. She became interested in library work would fall asleep on the couches in the library, she and eventually earned a degree in library science from was known to take it upon herself to awaken them the University of North Carolina. While teaching in - usually with a gentle but firm shake. North Carolina, she visited with Virginia Thomas, dean When she retired in 1972, Miss Adams indicated of the Womans College, and indicated an interest in that one of her main joys had been working with working closer to her home. Soon afterward she was students and seeing them go into library work. The offered the job as assistant librarian at the Womans For 33 years, Alice Adams affection was mutual. In an article on Miss Adams College. served the Furman li braries in the Fall 1972 issue of Furm an Magazine, student In 1950-51 she attended Columbia University Richard Band said, "I appreciated the fact that she and earned a master's degree. Upon her retirement, with good cheer and always showed such an interest in me personally." Miss Adams received the Sullivan Award for her Pat Byars, a student worker and later a colleague of outstanding contributions to the university. consummate skill. Miss Adams, said, "It was she who made me want to Memorials may be made to the James B. Duke become a librarian in the first place. As a student Library at Furman or to the Martha Franks Home in back in the early forties, I felt that there must be Laurens, S.C. something unusually good about a profession which 40 could attract such a wonderful person." to a second three-year term on the Army Reserves. • BIRTH: the Manor Independent School Ray S. III and Lynn Ney Smith, District Board of Trustees. • a daughter, Caroline Elise, David A. Merline, Jr., of Green March 16, Atlanta, Ga. ville is included in the 1999- 2000 edition of Best Lawyers in 85 Next reunion in 2000 America in the fieldof employee Mary Moore Roberson has been benefits law. • BIRTH: ordained a priest in the Episco Douglas and Roberta G. Barnett, pal Church and is serving as a daughter, Sarah Margaret, assistant at St. Peter's Church November 4, Columbia, S.C. Cot. Tony Redd arrived at Th e Citadel in 1966. Episcopal inGreen ville. • Dacia Weldin Stigler of Wilmington, 81 Next reunion in 2001 Del., has become an accountant Virginia C. Truitt has become an for American International Life Internet and technology strategist Insurance Co. • Timothy E. for the U.S. Department of Smith has completed a fe llow Health and Human Resources ship in pediatric anesthesiology in Wa shington, D.C. • Robert at the Children's Hospital of E., Jr., and Robin Clayton Gibbs Pittsburgh, Pa. He and his wife, live in Dorchester, S.C., where Julie Jones '84 Smith, have A colorful academician, Tony Redd sits in his small, book-lined she recently became an admin moved to Winston-Salem, N.C., office regaling his listener with delightful stories of travel, teaching istrator with Santee Cooper. • where he has joined the faculty and tenure at The Citadel. making it easy to imagine why this MARRIAGE: Judith Parler of Wake Forest University Bap Citadel English professor is so beloved by his students. and Carey W. Randall II, March tist Medical Center. • BIRTHS: A native of Aiken, S.C., To ny N. Redd arrived at The Citadel in 6. He is employed by Andersen Gary and Jacquelyn Poland 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman (1965) and a Consulting in Atlanta, Ga. • Hoagland, twins, Kayleigh master's degree from the University of Virginia, where he was a BIRTH: Thomas F. Lannin and Timmons and John Gary, July DuPont Fellow. Quickly impressing his superiors, Redd was awarded his wife, Margaret M. Houlihan, 9, 1998. The family lives in a Citadel Development Foundation grant and a National Defense a daughter, Claire Eileen, Octo Colts Neck, N.J., where ber I, Charlotte, N.C. Jacquelyn Hoagland is a partner Education Act Fellowship in 1968 to pursue his doctoral degree. in the law firm of Hoagland, In 1972, he returned to The Citadel with a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina. 8 2 Next reunion in 2002 Longo, Moran, Dunst and Doukas. • Michael Zarin and His specialties are 20th-century British and Americanliterature BIRTH: Andrew S. and Karen his wife, Rita Flensted, a daugh Arnold White, a daughter, Harley and 20th-century Southern literature, and his hobbies include book ter, Amanda Flensted Zarin, Elizabeth, October 29, Colum collecting and travel. "I'm a bibliophile of the first order," he August 1998, Kensington, Md. bia, S.C. says, explaining that when he's traveling, the first thing he looks Michael Zarin has been named for is the best secondhand bookstore. The second thing he looks regional program director for - to satisfy a penchant for pastry - is the best bakery. 83Next reunion in 2003 for Latin America and the Redd's travels have often taken him to England to the home MARRIAGE: Cherri Langston Caribbean at the International and Steven Brian Harvey, Republican Institute. • Alicia of the subject of his doctoral dissertation, the 20th-century British November 14. They live inSimp L. Stemper, a son, Avery Kyle, novelist Rebecca West. When he wrote to West and sent along a sonville, S.C. She teaches at August 7, 1998, Carrboro, N.C. copy of his work, she enthusiastically responded, saying that he James F. Byrnes High and he is • StuartD. and Bridgett Rawlins was the only one who had ever really understood her writing. From a sergeant in the Army. • Strickler, a daughter, Bethany there they began a friendship that would last until she died in BIRTH: Marcus L. and Rawlins, March 17, Goshen, Ky. 1983. Redd spent many summers visiting West in England, where Kimberlee Johnson Dodson, a • John and Yvette Shook Reid, they attended the theatre, socialized among the literati and dined son, Jeremy Lawrence, April 30, a son, Jake William, December at elegant restaurants. 1998, Brevard, N.C. A diaconal 15, Charlotte, N.C. minister, Kimberlee Dodson is From the age of 4 he knew that he wanted to teach, and after on leave of absence from the teaching for more than 30 years he has garnered his share of Next reunion in 2001 We stern North Carolina United 86 amusing stories. One graduate student became so unstrung during David A. Baillie, former volley Methodist Conference. an exam that he approached the lectern and whispered that he ball coach at Furman, has been thought he was having a nervous breakdown. Redd, afraid the named director of athletics at hysteria might be catching, quickly hustled the student out of the 84 This year is reunion! Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky. G. Allen Barbee, Jr., has become • Eugene Matthews has been classroom and back into the world of real estate sales. director of marketing and out named head of the Division of Beyond the stories, there are a myriad of students who revere reach for the Greater Atlanta Labor in the South Carolina Redd for his wit and zeal that make the classroom an exciting place (Ga.) Center for Fine Arts and Labor, Licensing and Regulation and for his presence in their lives that leaves an indelible impression. teaches woodwinds and piano Department. • Edward A. Earl One student, James A. Koppenhaver, so admired him that he at the New School of Music. • has become principal engineer established a scholarship at The Citadel in his name. "I was trying DeeAnne Sexton Jackson is at CACI Technologies in San to repay some of what Tony gave to me in the hope of passing assistant professor of pediatrics Diego, Calif. • Suzanne Little along to others with a thirst for knowledge what I had learned," at the University of Alabama at Robards does private tutoring he says. Birmingham. • A. Ray in Charlotte, N.C. • Langdale Ill, principal ofYork MARRIAGES: Janet -Jennifer J. Wallace h h h (S.C.) Junior High School, was Ledbetter and Jeffrey Fossell, T is is on excerp t from a story t at appeared in t e Winter 1999 issue recently promoted to major in March 6. They live in West of The Citadel Magazine. Reprinted with permission. 41 Furmanalumni news CLASS NOTES SUMMER 99, cont. ter, Jenna Leigh, February 17, mander and chief of patient Seneca, S.C. • T.J. and Kelley administration for Reynolds Batson Addison, a daughter, Army Community Hospital at Skyler Campbell, January 21, Fort Sill in Oklahoma. • Charles Stamford, Conn. • W. Matthew and Karen Olfert Kuykendall live and Stephanie Webster, a son, in Flat Rock, N.C., where she is Des Moines, Iowa, where she is Edward, October 21, Hinesville, Cole, January 8, Hilton Head a freelance interior designer and senior manager for Principal Ga. • Thomas and Jacquelyn Island, S.C. • Roger and Karen is studying architectural and Mutual Funds and he is a port Merback Bugg, a daughter, Pearson Bayne, a son, Chad computer-aided design courses. folio manager for Principal Cap Hannah Rose, December 12, Ellis, January 12, Easley, S.C. She also plays violin with the ital Management. • Holly Jane Alpharetta, Ga. Jennifer Reed Craig, Bland (M.A.) and Thomas Scott • Eric and Brevard Chamber Orchestra and Sarratt, April 10. They live in a daughter, Megan Elizabeth, leads an adult and a children's Next reunion in 2003 Columbia, S.C., where he is 88 May 1998, Atlanta, Ga. choir. Her husband is a certified J. To dd White, principal at Andrew C. owner/president of Custom public accountant. • Mitchell Road Elementary Cole Home Electronics. • BIRTHS: 89 This year is reunion! and Erin Brodie live in School in Greenville, has been Powder Springs, Ga., and are David Jones and his wife, Mary Richard L. and Rene Nelson live named the South Carolina Ele band directors in Cobb County. E. Whaley, a son, Benjamin in Charleston, S.C., where he is mentary School Principal of the • John Landow-Smith has re Andrew Whaley-Jones, Decem station manager for U.S. Air Year by the state Parent Teachers ceived his Ph.D. degree from ber 23, Muncie, Ind. • Thomas ways. • Te rri Rene Patrick of Association. • Andrew Boston University. His disserta C., Jr., and Hilda Winstead Summerville, S.C., has rejoined Carmichael and Elizabeth Green tion topic was "Prominent Back Marcos, a son, John Connor, the staff of Dyal Funeral Home Ausband live in Atlanta, Ga., grounds: Visions of Class and February 17, Greenville. where she is office manager. where he practices Jaw and she Desire in Dickens' Illustrated • Chris and Elizabeth Stovall • John and Sheila Thomas Brock is assistant to the executive vice Novels." • Elizabeth Ouzts is a Byrne, twin sons, Nicholas and live in Greenville. She teaches president for customer service business analyst with Policy Zachary, January 8, Oviedo, Fla. at Travelers Rest High School of Delta AirLines, Inc. • Evelyn Management Systems Corpora and he is a systems programmer Mantz Rae of Norcross, Ga., was tion in Charlotte, N.C. • Next reunion in 2002 for the Greenville Hospital Sys 8 7 recently promoted to controller Anthony Stone has become a Julie Bolt, Anthony W. and Elizabeth tem. • major account of SBM, a Gates/Arrow com software support analyst with Bedini manager for Sprint in Boston, McCrary live in Raleigh, pany. She is studying for a Mas Enterprise Computer Systems in Mass., has completed a number N.C., where he is associated with ter of Business Administration Greenville . • BIRTHS: Matt • of marathons, including the Bos Eckerd's Drug Stores. degree at Georgia State Univer and Mary Highlander Jones, a BIRTHS: Julie ton Marathon, which she recently Edward A. and sity. • BIRTHS: Steven and son, Andrew James, December, Jackson Shaner, ran in less than four hours. She a son, Timothy Karen Wynn Edwards, a daugh- Snellville, Ga. Mary Jones is a is co-founder of the non-profit private tutor and a Creative Community Running Associa Memories consultant. • tion. • Robert A. Moody, asso James C. and Donia Hennick ciate conductor of the Phoenix Davis, a daughter, Kailey (Ariz.) Symphony, spent the Brooke, December 3, St. summer as chorus master of the Petersburg, Fla. • John M. and Santa Fe (N.M.) Opera. On June Sonya Ergle, a son, Matthew 13, he conducted the Brooklyn Walden, July 24, 1998, Green Because of the large number of submissions we Philharmonic and a 200-voice wood, S.C. • Patrick and Nancy receive fo r the alumni news section and the chorus in Ralph Vaughan Will Thomas Kennedy, a son, William amount of time it takes to review, compile, edit iams' Dona Nobis Pa cem at New Thomas, June 11, 1998, and typeset so much information, news itemsmay York City's Carnegie Hall. • Greenville. not be published until five or six months after MARRIAGE: Tracy Michelle they are submitted. Kellum and Richard Heath Phillips, March 20. They live in 91 Next reunion in 2001 Furman magazine does not publish Greenwood, S.C., where she is Michael D. Gatchell, former di dated items (anything more than 18 employed by Edgar M. Norris rector of major gifts and of the months old at time of publication) or & Co. He is associated with Alumni Association at Furman, O'Dell Corp. in Ware Shoals, has become vice president of engagement announcements. Birth and S.C . • BIRTHS: Brian l. and Medallion Group, Inc., in Green marriage announcements for alumni couples Kathryn Kaib '90 Clark, a son, ville. The company develops who graduated in different years are included Joseph Brian, January 10, Mari and markets easy-to-use products under the earliest graduation date (except if etta, Ga. • John Blevins, Linda and services that address the im Ellis and Lesley Brogan, a'son, mediate patient management requested otherwise); they are not listed under John Brogan Ellis, September needs of healthcare specialists. both classes. We ask that you include your 27. • Jay and Margaret Every • Clay M. Hardin is a software spouse's name with any birthor marriage notice. Dennard, a son, James David III, engineer for Buy.com, an Send alumni news to the Office of March 10, 1998, Macon, Ga. Internetcommerce Website. • Marketing and Public Relations, Furman Margaret Dennard is a physical Mark A. Taylor has been named therapist with The Medical Cen associate director of the under University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville, S.C. ter of Central Georgia. graduate division of the Wharton 29613, or e-mail to [email protected]. School at the University of Penn FAX: (864) 294-3023. • Sharon 9Q Next reunion in 2000 sylvania. John and Sox England live in Arvada, Andrew S. Fletcher has been Colo., where she is an adoption named medical company com- As a boy growing up in Charlotte, N.C., Ben Browder would close his eyes and imagine that he was walking on the moon with Neil Armstrong or floating around in an earth-orbiting space station. Yet even as a creative 10-year-old, he could never have imagined that someday he would actually live on a spaceship called Moya in a galaxy light yearsfrom Earth. Or that his best friends would be Ka D'Argo, a fierce Lwcan warrior who looks like a cross between aKlingon and a Wookie, and Aeryn Sun, a spunky woman soldier. But Browder, a former four-year letterman as a linebacker on the Furman football team, is doing just that. Sortof. Browder plays John Crichton, a 20th century astronaut caught in a space accident that hurls him across many appeared in several episodes of the show, Bryson. "I will always remember Ben galaxies and into an alien world in the which is espedally popular with teen dandng on the stage in that coconut bra. Sd-Fi Channel series "Farscape," which agers and young adults. "The show He had no inhibitions and was a real debuted in March. helped draw some attention from the showman." "When I was little I wanted to be industry and some very nice young women During his senior year (1984-85), an astronaut," says Browder, who recently I've never met," he says. "But I wouldn't Browder dedded to pursue acting as a completed the first season of "Farscape." say it was a big break. I don't know that career after participating in a workshop "I seem to be right back where I started. I've had one. I've had a lot of little with Actors from the London Stage, a I'm an astronaut now." breaks, of which "Farscape' is probably group of Shakespearean actors that The one-hour show, which is filmed the biggest." periodically spends a week at Furman, in Australia and airs on Friday night, has Browdermade his feature filmdebut performing and working with students. been received well by criticsand viewers. in "Memphis Belle" in 1990. He has "I had never worked with, had never Matt Roush, a columnist for 1VGuide, appeared in several television movies, met, professional actors before," he says. wrote that the Sd-Fi Channel "scores a and his television series credits include "By the time they left, fool that I was, cosmic bull's-eye with this whimsical guest appearances on "Melrose Place," I had determined that I really needed to winne� The show's look is sensationa� "Grace Under Fire" and "Murder, She be a classical Shakespearean actor. What the tone a family-friendly blend of comic Wrote." did I know? I was young." Browder book cliffhangers and cleverly crafted While majoring in psychology, went on to study acting at the Central interpersonal conflicts." Browder cut his theatrical teeth on the School for Speech and Drama in London. While "Farscape'" is his first starring Furman stage. One of his most Today, although he's living halfway role, Browder has worked steadily on memorable performances was as free around the world, Browder still keeps in stage and screen over the last 10 years. spirited Navy man Luther Bitlis in a 1982 touch with Bryson and others from his Hf JUis appearedon BnNtdwaywith Dustfn production of "South Padflc," according Furman days. "Only this morning, here IMftnan and in films with Kirstie Alley to Rhett Bryson of the theatre arts in Sydney, I surfed some very sweet head and Matt Dillon. But he is probably best department. high waves with TfmStepp '88, a former klowl.l to television audiences for his "Bitlis is a character that really likes Furman all-conference defensive end," mte as Sam, boyfriendto Neve CampbeU's to act up. He has a tattoo of a ship on he says via e-maiL "How cool is that?" , Julia in the hit Fox series "Party of Five. . his stomach and in one scene dances - John Roberts During the 1997-98 season Browder around in a coconut-shell bra," says social worker with the Boulder England, where she is a research Timothy Beggs, September. • W. Michael and Marian Willis, County Department of Social fe llow in theatre at the University They live in Elberton, Ga. • a son, Craig Elliott, November Services. • Robert E. Helms, of Warwick. In October, she Caryn Lynn Albrecht and Karl 24, Richmond, Calif. • Jr., of Greensboro, N.C., has completed her Ph.D. from Sigel, June 13, 1998. They live Kenneth S. and Karen Sanchez been promoted to vice president Indiana University. • Elizabeth in Tampico, Ill., where he is em Roper, a son, Carson Brian, June of PHML, Inc., where he has Macllvaine and Ryan Greene, ployed by National Manufactur 16, 1998, Greenville. • David received the top production January 30. They live in Pewau ing Company. She is employed K. and Daphne Mohon, a son, award for the past four years. kee, Wis., where he is an account by North Locust Animal Hospi Kyle James, April 1, Birming • MARRIAGES: Christa executive for Campbell Soup tal in Sterling. • BIRTHS: }oe ham, Ala. David Mohon has Joanne Williford and Edward Company and she is director of and Kelly Morgan Epting, a become an environmental engi Charles Elefterion, November children 's ministries at Elmbrook daughter, Katherine Anne, neer for Southern Company 28. They live in Coventry, Church. • Denise Sayer and December 25, Columbia, S.C. Services in Birmingham. • 43 Furmanalumni news CLASS NOTES SUMMER 99, cont. munications, Inc. • Rhett S. and is self-employed as a teacher Price and his wife, Kimberly and volunteer ESL coordinator Cochran-Price, have started in Reston, Va. • Jennifer L. IndySoft Corporation in Brantley is based in Atlanta, Ga., Greenville. He develops indus as a flight attendant for Delta trial software for the quality Lynn M. Auchey Thomas R. and Christine Judd from the University of Colorado Air Lines. • control industry, and she handles O'Donnell, a daughter, Annelise and is also teaching at Colorado has earned a Master of Educa business development and C., August 20, 1998, We sley Mountain College. • tion degree (specializing in coun marketing for the company. Chapel, Fla. Thomas O'Donnell MARRIAGES: Jennifer selor education) from Virginia • Megan Lee Filston Johnson Derek W. Amy Sites is a teacher and coach in the Gregory and David Amrol, Tech. • and has been named director of Roberts Pasco County Schools. • November 7. They have gradu '95 live in Scottsdale admissions at Barrie School in Andrew W. and Kristin Borman ated from the University of South Ariz., where she is studying f�r Silver Spring, Md. • Ryan B. Tu nnell, a daughter, Stephanie Carolina School of Medicine and a master's degree in speech '94 and Pamela Clay Livezey Lynn, November 24, Birming are residents at Wake Forest Uni pathology at Arizona State Uni live in Tucker, Ga., where she is ham, Ala. • David Weldon '86 versity. Her field is pediatrics versity and he for a Master of employed by BT Office and Kirsten White Gantt, a son, and his is internal medicine. • Business Administration degree Products. He teaches at Christopher Weldon, October 2, Michelle Pope and Brian Merritt, at Thunderbird University. He Peachtree Middle School in Greenville. December 5. They live in Greer, is also president of Ni3D, LLC. Dunwoody and is studying for • Teresa V. Wyatt S.C., where he is a personal has become a Master of Education degree. manager of member services for Next reunion in 2002 trainer and a professional cyclist. 9 2 • Byron Cousins lives in She has earned her master's de the South Carolina Trucking As Tomiko Brown-Nagin has been Newnan, Ga., and is driver man Ray gree in history from Clemson sociation in Columbia. • awarded a fellowship from the ager with National Freight. • Colado University and teaches at Lan recently moved to Winter Spencer Foundation of Chicago, MARRIAGE: Jessica Ann drum High School. • Cynthia Park, Fla., where he is employed Ill., to support completion of her Ferracci and William Scott Hornsby and Michael Patrick, by the National Bank of Com doctoral dissertation. The fel Hughes, March 6. They live in • Ann M. Loner March 27. They live in Chatta merce. has lowships support research related Birmingham, Ala., where she is nooga, Tenn . • BIRTHS: become an advertising account to education. A doctoral candi medical liaison for Parke-Davis Russell '93 and Elizabeth Smith executive for the Puckett Group date in history at Duke Univer Pharmaceutical Co. He is a vice Andrew Merritt, a son, Jackson Lowell in Atlanta, Ga. • and sity, Brown-Nagin is writing on president of Regions Bank. • Lydia Kapp '95 Cooper live in February 11, Columbia, S.C. II "The Impact of Law, Culture, BIRTHS: Chad W. and Leah Todd and Danielle Faris Hulgan, Princeton, N.J., where he grad and Political Economy on the Jackson, a daughter, early a son, Benford Jackson, January uated from Princeton Theologi NAACP's Campaign for Educa Gayle, January 13. • Elford S. 29, Winston-Salem, N.C. • cal Seminary in May. She is tional Equality, Atlanta, Georgia, and Elizabeth West Morgan, a Andrew '93 and Carolyn Cook head teacher for Trenton Head 1958-79." • Jeffand Melanie son, Elford West, July 6, 1998, Weeks, a daughter, Ashley Start, Inc., and is studying for a Bain Calcaterra live in Dayton, Spartanburg, S.C. • Michael Marie, December 4, Columbus, master's degree in special edu Ohio, where she runs an Internet arid Helen Slingluff White, a son, Kevin McCord Ohio. Andrew Weeks is director cation. • has business and he is an aerospace Ethan Betts, November 2, of real estate for Opus North completed service in the Peace • Ronald V. engineer. and Richmond Hill, Ga. • Richard Corps and has enrolled in the Corp. Kristin Felder Shoe have moved and Laura Driscoll Hughes, a Master of Business Administra to Nashville, Tenn., where she son, Owen Charles, June 15, tion program at the University does freelance market research Next reunion in 2003 9 3 Aliquippa, Pa. • Gorrell and of Georgia. • MARRIAGES: for Prentice Hall Publishing Steven Margaret Easom and '95 Katharine Nixon Cheek, a son, Kristi Lyn Gilreath and Byron Hines Company and he is strategic live in Augusta, Ga., where Gorrell Nixon, February 14, Scott Johnson, March 27. They account manager for GTE he is a student at the Medical Charlotte, N.C. live in Raleigh, N.C., where she • Roger Communications. and College of Georgia. She is is office manager for Lawler Caroline Munnerlyn Ferrell live studying for a doctorate in edu This year is reunion! Consulting and he is a chemist in Portland, Maine, where they cation at the University of 94 Scott Wild for GlaxoWellcome in Research • is a teacher and coach are church planters for the South Georgia. William E. and Vicki Triangle Park. • Donavan em Baptist Convention. They Bieksha Johnson at Laurens (S.C.) High School. live in Garrison Boyd and John Gilbert • Jennifer L Stefanik has serve South Coast Community Winston-Salem, N.C., where she Ludwig, Jr., March 20. They earneda master's degree in in Church, which they recently re has been promoted to customer live in Greenville where she is started. • Asa A. and Dana Love terrelated special education from service supervisor with employed by St. Francis Hospi Peek have moved to Johnson Georgia State University and is Merchant Services USA and he tal and he by BSA International. a special needs kindergarten City, Tenn., where he is a is a loan officerwith Members • BIRTHS: Richard G. and teacher in Clayton County, Ga. resident in obstetrics and gyne Credit Union. She is also pursu Shannon Simpson Riley, a son, • George W. Brown Ill practices cology. She has been promoted ing a master's degree in library Griffin, August 11, 1998, Bir law with Lambert and Roffman to unit manager for Creative science at the University of North • • Keit mingham, Ala. Christop�er Memories. • Barbara J. Emener L.L.C., in Madison, Ga. h Carolina at Greensboro. • and Natalie Bordenick Dearman E. Waller has opened Bird's Eye ' is a manager with the Interna William A. Sturgis, Jr., has a daughter, Morrigan Ashley, tional Games Preparations View Pub & Coffeehouse in the joined the Atlanta, Ga., office of December 17. • Mark W. and "Old City" section of Knoxville, Division of the U.S. Olympic Hambrecht & Quist as an invest Jennifer Howell Baldwin, twins, Tenn. • Matthew and Melissa Committee. She lives in Colo ment banker. • Anna Makenna and Jake, February 16, Spencer Moosbrugger have rado Springs, Colo. • Lisha A. Christopher Johnson is director Alpharetta, Ga. • R. Michael Bridges is director of marketing moved to Tulsa, Okla., where he of Christian education at Central and Cynthia Cox Johnson, a son, is a special agent with the FBI. and communications for Ski Presbyterian Church in Ander Brady Clayton, February 19. • Jennifer Hvidding Lewicki is Monarch LLC in Monarch son, S.C. • W. Todd Ensminger completing certification in Colo. She recently earned a �as lives in Washington, D.C., and English as a Second Language ter's degree in English literature is an attorney for Nextel Com- the staffof Stetson University in in professional communication long-term care and rehabilitation 9 5 Nextreunion in 2000 DeLand, Fla., as assistant direc at Clemson University and is a center in Lexington, and he is a Jeffrey A. Adams of Alpharetta, tor of career services. • Kathy software/interface designer at design engineer at Trim Master. Ga., has become a production Farrier is a park ranger at Blackbaud, Inc., in Charleston, . BIRTHS: C. Todd and Alison planner in sales with Phoenix Yo semite National Park in S.C. • Wendy Medders is a den Hester, a daughter, Madeline Specialty Millwork. • Stephen California. • Michael D. Jordan tal student at the Medical Col Grace, July 3, 1998, Birming D. Fisher, a student at Reformed has joined Titleist Footjoy lege of Georgia. • ham, Ala. Todd Hester is a stu Theological Seminary in Worldwide in Massachusetts as MARRIAGES: Beth dent at Beeson Divinity School Orlando, Fla., has been commis product quality engineer. His Wombough and Dan Garlington, and works as a church youth sioned a chaplain (candidate) in wife, Crystal Kaenzig Jordan, is April 24. They live in director. • Jeffrey 0. and Karyn the Navy. He is studying for a a chemist for Pfizer, a pharma Jacksonville, Fla., where she is Rice '96 French, a son, Jacob Master of Divinity degree and a ceutical company. • Ernest J. a chemical dependency counse Stephen, September 26, St. master's degree in counseling. Abisellan is associate director of lor at the Baptist Medical Center. Matthews, S.C. • After earning a Master of administration and international • Susan lynn Slagle and Warren Bradley Matherly, April 10. Education degree from the affairs for the Florida Law Re 9 6 Next reunion in 2001 lated Education Association, Inc., They Jive in Danville, Ky. She University of South Carolina, Kenneth Sylvester Generette has in Tal lahassee.• Ta mmy latham is assistant administrator at a Shannon M. Fennell has joined been elected president of the has completed a master's degree Literary Notes Jack Sullivan's career embraces his passion fo r both music and literature. hen Jack Sullivan entered Furman in 1965, he pursued his academic career, he also found W Jack Sullivan writes regularly about contemporary he was undecided about whether to major in a way to combine his love for music and music for the American Record Guide. English or music. literature. At first he thought he would pursue a Today, Sullivan is professor of English and Sullivan's interdisciplinary interests are double major, studying English under the chair of the American Studies program at Rider evident in his work at Rider. One of his most mentorship of Al Reid and music with professors University in Lawrenceville, N.J. He has popular American Studies coursestakes students Milton Hallman and David Gibson. He sang in authored several books and numerous scholarly to New Orleans to examine the origins of jazz, the Concert Choir and studied music theory articles, with his writing often focusing on zydeco and other forms of American popular with Charlotte Smith and music history with music and its influences. music in their originalsett ing - and to discover Lindsay Smith. In May, Sullivan returned to Furman to the connection between the worlds of music, He seemed well on his way toward lecture on his latest book, New World history, literature and sociology. completing the double major when he decided Symphonies: How American Culture Ch anged Living in New Yo rk City has also provided it might be best to restrict himself to English. European Music (Yale University Press). The Sullivan access to wonderful cultural "I wanted to focus on English since that was book takes a broad look at American culture opportunities, and he is frequently called upon going to be my career, but I always knew I could and its influence on 19th- and 20th-century to write reviews and program notes or to serve pick up the music later," he says. European composers. Much of the book focuses as a commentator or critic. Most recently, he And perhaps, he admits, his decision was on American literature, and Sullivan argues was the academic adviser for "Sweet Chariot," influenced by the realization that his convincingly that American writers such as a television documentary on the history of contributions to the musical world might not Whitman, Poe, Longfellow and Hawthorne should African-American spirituals, which is expected be as significant as he would have liked. For be credited with inspiring and influencing to air on PBS within the next year. example, he recalls how Charlotte Smith would composers from Debussy and Ravel to Vaughan Jack Sullivan is one of those fortunate on occasion remind him of his "underdeveloped" Williams. people who has found a way to blend two of voice. Once, while ridingin the professor's car, Since its publication earlier this year, New his passions - music and literature - into Sullivan remembers that her daughter was Wo rld Symphonies has received favorable critical his professional and personal life. And he misbehaving, to which Mrs. Smith responded, attention for its illuminating viewpoint. apparently hopes to influence his offspring in "If you don't settle down I'm going to make Publishers' We ekly called it "far reaching," and the same direction. His biography states that \ Jack sing to you!" the New York Times featured the book in its he and his wife, writer-editor Robin Bromley, Still, throughout college he maintained his inaugural "Shelf Life" column, which is are the parents of a 2- and a 3-year-old, David passion for music. He and his Furman friends dedicated to reviewing scholarly work that "has and Geoffrey, "who are daily indoctrinated into would on occasion define a "great weekend" broad appeal and that presents original or great music." as listening to all nine of the Mahler symphonies provocative ideas." Times critic Edward - John Beckford in succession. Rothstein deemed the book to be filled with John Beckfo rd is professor of music at Furman. After graduating in 1969, Sullivan did "rich and heady stuff." To show the breadth graduate study in English at Columbia University of Sullivan's work, Billboard brought it to the and went on to various teaching positions. As attention of the recording industry with an enthusiastic review. 45 Furmanalumni news CLASS NOTES SUMMER 99, cont. Student Bar Association at the Carolina. • Brandy Justice is a division of the Florida Depart Walter Thomas Coker '33, April University of South Carolina senior business process analyst ment of Agriculture. • James 22, Greenville. A veteran of School of Law. • Brian K. for the American Cancer Society. Randall Johnson, a second World War II, he owned Coker's Greenwood of Malibu, Calif., She lives in Lawrenceville, Ga. lieutenant in the Army, recently Store in Moonville, S.C., for graduated from the Pepperdine • Douglas D. Carney recently completed the Armor Officer over 60 years. He was active in School of Law in May. He is an became IT manager for the Lear Basic Course. • Michael his church and in community actor in Hollywood. • Jason Corporation in Newark, Del. • Harrison is enrolled in the grad organizations and was past pres Rawlings is pursuing a Ph.D. Amanda I. Brodie is public af uate program at the University ident of the Ruritan Club of degree in molecular biology at fairs assistant at The ArtInstitute of Virginia, where he is studying Moonville. the University of Kentucky. • of Chicago, Ill. • Jamie and Spanish literature. • Almeda Callahan Middleton '36, Robert G. Fiore, Jr., is employed Christie Pees Thomas live in MARRIAGE: Allison Shear April 11, Easley, S.C. She was by Sagemark Consulting in New Hanahan, S.C. She is a student and Ashley Rosser, January 9. active in the community and in Jersey. • Shawn Pierce is a stu at the Medical University of They live in Winter Park, Fla. the First Baptist Church of dent at the University of South South Carolina and he is an Easley. Carolina School of Law. • Paige Internet architect with Renais 99 Sutton has completed graduate sance Interactive, Inc., in Scott M. Powers of Lithia Julia Bruns Henry '36, April 18, study in physical therapy at East Columbia. • Brady D. Gilbert Springs, Ga., has been named Greenville. Having retired after Carolina University. • Lt. has become a support center an an account executive for teaching for 38 years in the Christopher Perrine is a tank alyst for Kemet Electronics in Management Recruiters. Greenville County schools, she platoon commander in the Ma Simpsonville, S.C. was active in the community, in rine Corps stationed at Camp DEATHS Buncombe Street United Meth Lejeune, N.C. • MARRIAG Next reunion in 2003 odist Church and in professional ES: Emily King and Matthew 9 8 GilbertHenr y Cox, Sr. '29, April Audrey E. Dodson is pursuing a organizations. Harper, November 21. They live 6, Laurens, S.C. He was a retired master's degree in religion at in Marietta, Ga., where she educator in the Spartanburg, Wake Forest University. • teaches at East Cobb Christian S.C., schools. Randy and Melissa Fletcher Lee School. He is employed by Bell live in Greenville where she is a Ida Lee Brodie Moore '31, South. • Anne Elizabeth Kelly software developer for Fluor March 31, Gray Court, S.C. A '97 and Mark Chisolm Adams, Daniel. • Taylor F. and retired teacher in Laurens April 24. They live in Greenville Stephanie Hitchcock Townsend County, she had served as trea and are employed by Datastream live in Fort Collins, Colo., where surer and Sunday school teacher Systems. • BIRTH: Berry and Lynn Powers Gibbs '78, president; George she is a technician in the National at Owings United Methodist E. Linney, Jr. '65, president-elect; Pamela Susan James Durham, a daugh Seed Storage Laboratory and he Church. Underwood Thomason '76, vice president; ter, Noel Alexandra, February 4, is a graduate student at Colorado Gordon L. Blackwell '60, past president; Greenville. Evelyn Harrison Goddard '31, State University. • Robert T. Aubrey C. Daniels '57; Vernon F. Dunbar March 2, Travelers Rest, S.C. '83; Michael E. Ray '72; Beth Kendrick Ta lly Kelley is a graduate teaching She had retired from the Green 70; Lisa Roberts Wheeler '82; Ray F. Bell 9 7 Next reunion in 2002 assistant at James Madison Uni ville County Office of Register '48; Kenneth S. Corts '90; Karen E. Foreman Lori Cole, legislative assistant versity where he is studying for of Mesne Conveyance. '84; E.M. Horton, Jr. '52; Ann Anshus and collegians director for Eagle Master of Music degrees in piano Quattlebaum '64; Norma Karlen Bagwell Forum, has been appointed to performance and composition. Frances Paden Bull Rogers '32, '45; J. David Nelson '61; Jack E. Powers the Social Services Advisory • Jennie M. Connor recently March 13, Greenville. She was '56; Bret Alan Clark '88; Julia Meeks Glenn '63; Rebecca Pullin Kay '86; Robert E. Board by the Alexandria (Va.) became marketing director for retired from the payroll depart Poerschke '41; Ronald L. Walker '84; Diane City Council. The board imple Executive Adventure in ment at J.P. Stevens Co. Maroney Estridge '66; Joe E. Gentry '53; ments welfare programs for the Atlanta, Ga. • Andrew J. Hal E. Henderson '92; Jenna C. Robinson city. • William M. Priestley is Helen Elford Sanders '32, April Severson is a law clerk at Sned, 74; James H. Simkins, Jr. '78. sports director and marketing Pruitt, D' Angio & Tucker in 18, Greenville. Retired from the representative for WFTZ radio Palm Beach, Fla., and is a law staff of the Baptist Courier, she Ex-Officio: David E. Shi 73, president; in Manchester, Te nn. • Bradley student at Nova Southeastern was active in Pendleton Street Donald J. Lineback, vice president for L. Majette has earned a master's University. • Sharon E. Frazier Baptist Church. development; Donald E. Fowler, director of development; Shannon Wilkerson '93, degree in public health from is an account representative for Elizabeth Eleanor Wilburn '33, director of Alumni Association; Susan Rice Emory University and is a con FiberSource, Inc., in Greenville. March 17, Greenville. She had Jones '97, associate director of Alumni sultant in the Healthcare division • Robeson McGary is studying served with the American Red Association; Teresa Skinner Griffith '92, of Ernst &Yo ung in Atlanta, Ga. for a Ph.D. in astronomy at Har Cross during World War II and associate director of Alumni Association; • Heather Griffin Fish teaches vard University. • Josh L. Gore had retired as a librarian for Phil Howard, director of Furman Fund; in Spartanburg County, S.C., and of Houston, Texas, is a software William J. Lavery, faculty liaison; David G. Greenville County. is studying for a master's degree installation representative for Ellison 72, trustee li aison; Davin Welter in library and information sci Universal Computer Systems. • '89, president, Young Alumni Council; Nicholas G. Walter '00, president, Senior ence at the University of South Amanda MacKee has become a Class; Allan Cothran '01, president, web designer in the marketing Association of Furmrn Students; Joshua McKoon '01, president, Student Alumni Council. 46 G. Glynn Bolch '37, February John Franklin Chandler '41, Roy A. Tremblay '50, March 31, Horace Bryant Sims, Jr. '62, 28, Vancouver, Wash. He was April 15, Campobello, S.C. Greenville. A lieutenant colonel March 18, Greenwood, S.C. A pastor emeritus of Tr inity Baptist President of J.F. Chandler Co., in the Air Force, he received minister, he had most recently Church in Vancouver, from Inc., he was a veteran of World seven major awards for military been pastor of Abney Memorial which he retired in 1981. War II. He served as president service, including two Silver Baptist Church. and secretary of the Greenville Stars, the Distinguished Flying Norman H. Maring '37, Novem Robert C. Miller '64, April 9, the Real Estate Board and was a Cross and the Air Force Presi ber 6, Rock Hill, S.C. He had Philippines. member of the Appalachian dential Unit Citation. Upon his retired from Eastern Baptist Council of Governments. retirement from the military, he Robert Franklin Beckham, Jr. Theological Seminary in Phila owned and operated Dixie Tool '66, April 15, Travelers Rest, delphia, Pa., where he was pro Margaret Louise Moffett Proctor Rental. S.C. He had retired from AT &T fe ssor and dean. '43, April 26, Conway, S.C. She and was in sales and marketing had retired from the dentaloffice Paul J. Foster, Jr. '51, April 6, Luther Jones Maddox '38, June for Te leco. He was a deacon and of her husband, Eugene Proctor. Greenville. He practiced law in 3, Greenville. He had a long Sunday school teacher at Trinity Greenville for more than 40 career with Southern Bell George Furman Williams '43, Presbyterian Church and was years, serving as a general and Te lephone and Telegraph (later April 19, Greenville. He had former chairman of the Travelers civil trial attorney and as assis BeliSouth), from which he retired as plant manager for Rest Zoning Commission. tant solicitor. He was a member retired as corporate assistant vice Penn-Dixon, was a lifetime of the House of Delegates of the Charles M. Scarborough '69, president in the personnel member of Lutheran Men of South Carolina Bar Association February l, Sumter, S.C. He department. He was past South Carolina and was a World and had served as president of was employed by the U.S. Postal president of the Dixie Chapter War II Air Force veteran. the Boys Home of the South. A Service. of the Telephone Pioneers of May Frances Schwiers Frye past chairman of the Democratic America. A Naval veteran of '46, Party in Greenville County, he Kimberly Ann Stafford Bower World War II, he was active in March 8, Wardensville, W.Va. was active in Buncombe Street '81, April 21, Greenville. She First Baptist Church. He served She was a retired teacher. United Methodist Church and was formerly associated with on the Furman Advisory Council Harry O'Neal McCord '46, March with the Boy Scouts of America Coldwell Banker Century Asso and received the Alumni Service 4, Gray Court, S.C. A retired and Greenville's Speech and ciates, was actively involved in Aw ard in 1976. A three-sport farmer, he was active in his Hearing Clinic. Christian music, and was a mem letterman and all-conference church and community and was ber of the South Carolina Organ football player at Furman, he a Marine Corps veteran of World Lynn Vance Kerr '51, March 20, Procurement Agency. was a member of the university's War II. North Charleston, S.C. She was Athletic Hall of Fame. a homemaker. William A. Walter Ill '84, Robert Benjamin Glazner, Jr. November 18, Ormond Beach, William "Gerald" Redfearn '39, '48, April 25, Greenville. A Bap Edward Anderson Hood '52, Fla. He worked as a computer March 3, Myrtle Beach, S.C. tist minister, he had pastored April 2, Anderson, S.C. Are progranuner, manager, salesman, He was an Army veteran of several churches in North and tired Baptist minister, Hood had and system designer and World War II and had received South Carolina. served as pastor and interim pas developer for Fiscal Information the Purple Heart. tor of churches in South Carolina in Loveland, Colo. He was Mildred Simmons Hamby '48, and Texas. active in church, community and Odyss W. Kneece '40, January March 31, Greenville. She was charity events and with the Big 11, Muskego, Wis. A retired a former employee of Dillard's Russell E. Aho '55, April 3, Brothers Program. American Baptist minister, he Department Store and had served Orangeburg, S.C. Prior to retir had served as pastor of several as a deacon of Pendleton Street ing, he was director of missions churches and had been a teacher Baptist Church, where she was for the Orangeburg Baptist and administrator at Wayland active in all phases of church Association. Academy and Junior College in life. She was also active with Wa llace Elmo Case '58, Febru Beaver Dam, Wis., at Central the Greenville Literacy ary 11, Zirconia, N.C. Retired Baptist Seminary inKansas City, Association. from the farm supply business, Kan., and at Denison University he had coached youth baseball in Granville, Ohio. Marshall Orr James '49, March 30, Saluda, S.C. He had retired for many years and had served Frances Ballentine Marshall as minister of the Episcopal as chairman of the North Caro '40, March 4, Belton, S.C. Church of the Ridge in Saluda. lina Wildlife Resources Com Active in First Baptist Church miSSIOn. of Belton, she received the Vo l James Hazzard Lindsay, Sr. '59, unteer of the Year Award for April 18, Tullahoma, Tenn. He Anderson County in 1996 and was a minister. served two terms on the Belton City Council. 47 The Last Word This university fo sters learning experiences that Similar leaning dynamics will have to be enrich every person's capacity to give and to cultivated, guarded and cherished. The longer serve. That happens in research teams, on CESC you are away from undergraduate years, the committees, string quartets, intramural squads, greater the pressure will mount to do the urgent, religious organizations, Greek life, the Gospel the expedient, the proscribed, the profitable fr rst. Choir, hiking clubs, study groups. Yo u have And, if you are not careful, everything in your learned howto be colleagues, friends, life will be crarnrned into one of those categories. advocates, solid citizens. The "urgent, the expedient, the proscribed, the After 32 years my recollection profitable" can choke out joy. Do not let that blurs around the edges. My old class happen ! notes have yellowed. But I am cer Yo u had to challenge yourselves to meet tain that the details of what I learned lofty standards of academic excellence, or you are less enduring than the context, would not be graduating from Furman. You the dynamics of how I learned. I proved you could do it. Hopefully, also, you benefited greatly from hands-on realized some deep joy from all you learned in experience in leadership, from being the process. If you also became sensitized to the allowed to learn from successes and world's need, you are not far from discovering failures. I was shaped by informal a vocation, a "calling." Frederick Buechner has seminars and conversations, birthed offered my favorite definition of "vocation." He out of interest and need, not required describes your "vocation" as "the place where by any syllabus. Candor and com your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger passion and trust freed us to ask meet." pivotal, life-changing questions in I hope you are frequently delighted to redis those settings. cover the joy in what you end up doing to make I treasure the memory of spon a living. And if the joy fades, may you find the taneous interruptions to the academic courage to evaluate whether you need to pursue grind. On one crisp January day I something different. You may discover that you walked around the lake in ankle-deep have discounted the world's hurt altogether. powdery snow, talking theology and Somewhere at that intersection lies your answer. sorting out discipleship with a close friend. So -Robert E. Stillwell much encouragement came through requests for guidance from someone wiser. Perhaps the great This is an excerpt fr om Stillwell's Commencement est strength of this university is the availability address at Furman on May 29, 1999. of its faculty, the commitment of its faculty to teach undergraduates with excellence and passion. 48 81FURMAN Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Of fice of Marketing and Public Relations Hickory, NC 3300 Po insett Highway Permit No. 104 Greenville, South Carolina 29613 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Inside Two young men challenge themselves and the elements to climb the highest mountain in the Andes. Page 2 Furman's last four First Ladies have left their own distinctive imprint on the university they all love. Page 12