In Loving Memory of Miss Irma Stepp
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ippa’s ong ALICEP LLOYD COLLEGE • THE JUNES BUCHANAN SCHOOL In loving memory of Miss Irma Stepp Spring 2021 Vol. 72 No. 1 Message from the President Dear Friends, Alice Lloyd and June Buchanan encouraged students to 100 Purpose Road discover their purpose here on Caney Creek, and ulti- Pippa Passes, Kentucky 41844 mately live a life of service. Our founders’ ideas helped Pippa’s Song is published for develop The Purpose Road Philosophy and were imple- friends, alumni, and students of Alice Lloyd College. Third class mented into every aspect of campus life. Today, students postage is paid at Pippa Passes, continue to learn about the philosophy and the impor- Kentucky. tance of leading through service to others. Upon gradu- ation, our students know that Purpose Road signposts, Spring 2021 | Vol. LXXII No. 1 such as Perseverance, Faith, Integrity, and Duty, are not just words but are necessary attributes in serving others. Institutional Advancement Office of Alice Lloyd College 100 Purpose Road The servant leadership ideals of Alice Lloyd College are Pippa Passes, Kentucky 41844 qualities I grew up learning through my wonderful par- 606-368-6024 | www.alc.edu ents, Joe and Irma Derderian Stepp. After my father died in 1999, Mom came to Caney Creek and served as Joe Alan Stepp an ALC volunteer until we recently lost her after a short President illness. “Miss Irma” became a campus mainstay and embodied Christian love through service to others. She deeply cared for ALC students as if they were her own, and I am humbled by Robert M. Duncan the cherished memories students and alumni have of my mother. We are all grateful for the Chairman, Board of Trustees time we had with her and have decided to dedicate this issue of Pippa’s Song to her memory. Jim Stepp You can read about her lasting impact on page 1 and 2. Executive Vice President As we reach the end of another successful academic year, we are thankful for the blessings Allison Southard and faith that have allowed us to persevere. Last year was an unprecedented year, but ALC has Director of Development endured through the challenges because of God’s grace and our friends’ continual support. The 2020 Annual Report demonstrates how Mrs. Lloyd’s 100-year-old mission to educate the youth Jennifer Hall of Appalachia continues. Just as we watch the mountains around us change each spring, we Director of Marketing & witness the transformation of an entire region through our students who are equipped to go Communications; Editor out into the world with good character, work experience, and knowledge. Teresa Grender Director of Alumni Relations The importance of work and service is instilled into every class, the ALC leadership program, and clubs and organizations. Our students are always finding ways to serve their community. Russell Printing Options While service has looked different in the past year, students have found creative ways to Printing reach out. Members of ALC’s Campus Ministry are writing cards to deliver to Knott County residents who cannot leave their homes due to the pandemic. You can read more about the Contributors: difference they are making on page 4. Amanda Clark Linda Eastland While ALC students reach out to serve the surrounding communities, they also find ways to Priscilla A. Fraley improve our campus. Unfortunately, two big storms recently hit our campus back-to-back. We Natalie Holt were affected by the ice storm that swept across most of the nation, followed by heavy rains Logan Reed that led to flooding across Eastern Kentucky. The weather caused a landslide to fall behind and Jolene Roberts Roy Salmons flood The June Buchanan School and our newly renovated Campbell Arts Center. Our com- Margo Sparkman munity was shocked to see the damage, but students, faculty, and staff jumped in to clean up Kala Thornsbury and prepare a temporary school for JBS. Read on page 3 how ALC is working to rebuild and Jerri Whitner what you can do to assist us in the process. Student Contributors: Through my 37 years at ALC, I have witnessed the blessing of service. Service to God first Jordan Burton and then to your fellow man results in a resilient community. Alice Lloyd College is resilient Abigail Dobson because of the generosity of our faithful friends. Thank you so much for all that you do, and Kimberly Lee as Miss Irma would say, “God is in control.” May God bless you, Joe Stepp 2021 Spring 3 4 29 2021 Spring ALC Community Mourns the Loss of Miss Irma Stepp Alice Lloyd College is saddened to announce the passing same for church projects and community events. She of Irma Dawn Derderian Stepp, affectionately known as had a passion for helping those in need and shared wher- “Miss Irma.” Following a short illness, Irma went home ever she could. However, she always wanted her works to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 21st, 2021, at to remain anonymous. Miss Irma would frequently re- the age of 88. mind all that she knew, when things seemed hopeless, to just remember, “God is in Control.” Miss Irma came to Pippa Passes in 1999, after the death of her husband, Joseph Stepp. Here, she served as a vol- “I love you, but unteer at the Alice Lloyd College bookstore and immedi- God loves you more!” ately developed a close bond with the faculty, staff, and students on campus. Knowing they would find a warm The entire ALC family is heartbroken by the loss of smile, and a word of encouragement, students looked one of its dearest members. The outpouring of love from forward to visiting the bookstore each day just to get a the campus community, alumni, and friends of the Col- hug from Miss Irma. She remembered each student’s lege during her short illness was a testament to the in- name and after a hug, she added, “I love you, but God fluence her life had and continues to have in the Appa- loves you more!” In all, she served the College for 22 lachian region. Miss Irma’s love and compassion will be years as a friend, mentor, and “grandmother” to thou- long remembered and her spirit will continue to inspire sands. kindness and caring for others. She was the epitome of God’s love in our community. Throughout her life, Miss Irma had a strong faith in the Lord, and attended Caney Baptist Church for 22 years. “I went to school my entire life at JBS and ALC. I grew up Miss Irma generously supported nearly every organiza- with several of Miss Irma’s grandkids at JBS. All of them tion on campus during fund-raising activities and did the were incredibly loving and kind friends to me. I would 2021 Spring – 1 – ALC News see Joe and Jim running laps and all of their persistent “Miss Irma was the perfect role model for young Chris- hard work and tough mentality. Jim and Gary coached tians. She had her beautiful smile on every day. I’m so me in basketball, and they were always focused on being thankful for Miss Irma and all that she has done for the best versions of themselves. As I grew older, I realized Alice Lloyd. When I went to thank her this year for do- how much of a soft side they all had; all very humble and nating money to the cheer squad, all I wanted to do was living their lives according to God’s will. It wasn’t until hug her, but because of COVID-19, I did not. Thank Miss Irma came to campus that I truly noticed the dif- you, Miss Irma, for everything you have done for this ference and realized where the soft side came from. Miss college. God is in control. We will miss you on Caney Irma opened everyone’s hearts. Her very presence in the Creek.” - Raegan Cooper, ALC Sophomore bookstore was a highlight encounter for the day. I loved getting my daily snack from there, and she would give “I’ve tried for days to think of how to explain to everyone me a hug and kiss on the cheek. Imagine out-of-state how special she made me feel by knowing my name on kids missing their families while at school. Irma would my first day at JBS, by asking how my day was every day, share her love to comfort those who needed it, even if by holding my hand when she took my money for my they didn’t know they needed it! She treated and loved pop, by coming to the side of the counter to hand me you as her own. She was a treasure. She made every day my goodies, by giving me a hug, by holding my face as bright. She truly was the closest version of an angel on she kissed me, by seeing me on campus somewhere and Earth. Please remember to rejoice and celebrate the in- stopping to say hi and ask how I was doing but seems credible life of this special woman and look forward to like she made everyone feel that special. How can one a glorious reunion one day. Thank you, Miss Irma, for little woman make thousands of people feel special every your impact on JBS/ALC and the local community. We single day? She was a true angel and servant leader. I will are forever grateful to have had you walk the Purpose miss that sweet smile, soft hands, and tender kisses.” - Road, be a servant leader, and be a light unto the moun- Maegyn Meeks, JBS class of ‘12, ALC class of ‘16 tains.” - Ryan Martin, JBS class of ‘05, ALC class of ‘09 ALC News – 2 – 2021 Spring Teaching Through the Flood On Monday, March 1st, heavy weekend rains caused flash flood- ing throughout most of Eastern Kentucky and mudslides and de- bris from fallen trees left many roads impassable.