Furman Magazine Volume 46 Article 23 Issue 4 Winter 2004

1-1-2004 Furman Alumni News Furman University

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Recommended Citation University, Furman (2004) "Furman Alumni News," Furman Magazine: Vol. 46 : Iss. 4 , Article 23. Available at: https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/furman-magazine/vol46/iss4/23

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ALUMNI ACTIVITIES Reunions spark Web page features new look special moments Check out www.furman.edu/alumni/index.htm, where you'll discover our revamped Alumni Asso­ ciation Web page! We thinkyou 'll find it easier Since joining the staff of the Alumni to read and to navigate. Office eight months ago, I have been Along with the new look are several new features, truly impressed by the genuine love including a "Spotlight" section. If you have any photos and commitment Furman alumni of special personal events - weddings, babies, anni­ have for their alma mater. versaries - send them along and we'll post them on After working on my first the site for all the world to view! Homecoming, I am excited about the opportunity to help plan reunion You can e-mail digital photos to Melanie Krone events for Homecoming 2004, '94, associate director of the Alumni Association, November 5-7. This year, alumni at [email protected]. in classes ending in 4 and 9 will celebrate special reunions. Furman Clubs on the move (as usual) Class reunions are a great way he found Wayne's former high school Congratulations to the 2003 Furman Club award to maintain or rekindle ties with coach working at the shop! Not only winners: old friends and to remember how that, but the Class of '78 reunion Furman Club of the Ye ar: Capital Area Furman has made a difference in chairs, Ed and Tricia Toole Boehmke, Club (District of Columbia), led by president Lindsay your life and the lives of your class­ were two of Wayne's good friends. Blankenship '00 and co-president Elizabeth Holt '97. mates. Because Homecoming So Jennie's desire to help a future Furman Club President of the Ye ar: David Cobb represents the largest gathering in-law quickly became a group effort. '90 of the Charleston (S.C.) Club. of the Furman faithful in one place In the end, no one was more Speaking of Charleston, the annual Christmas each year, it is a wonderful occasion surprised (or touched) than Wayne Holiday Gala at The Governor's House Inn (owned for reuniting and reminiscing. when Ed Boehmke presented him by Karen Spell Shaw '80) had a record number of Heartwarming stories often a new Athlete of the Year Award at alumni, parents and Furman staffmembers in attend­ emerge during reunions. For his reunion dinner. It was an easy ance. Other special winter events included a January example, at Homecoming 2003 thing to do, but it was just one trip to Miami by John Barker, director of careerservices, James McKittrick of Simpsonville, example of how the Furman family S.C., and M.O. Owens of Gastonia, looks after its own. for a career networking happy hour. N.C., returned to share memories The Alumni Office can help make The Atlanta Club got together for dinner and about their senior year as roommates your class reunion a memorable one a good cause, as members sorted items donated to -70 years ago! as well, but we need your help. That's St. Vincent De Paul, an outreach organization for The Class of 1978 also had why we invite volunteers from each the impoverished. The Dallas Furman Club welcomed a special reunion story - which class to plan their Homecoming President David Shi to a dinner in February, and actually began with Jennie Brown activities. Reunion committee the Seattle Club also got together for dinner. from the Class of '94. On a trip to members work closely with the The Charleston and Charlotte clubs both turned meet members of her boyfriend's Alumni Office to contact classmates, out in force to cheer on the men's basketball team family, she learned that his uncle, share ideas and make arrangements. when the Paladins came to their areas forgames against Wayne Coley, was a 1978 Furman And if you're not sure what to The Citadel and Davidson, respectively. graduate. Wayne, who now lives in do, don't worry! Training will be Some Furman club events to watch for this spring: Te xas, ran cross country and track provided in March for those inter­ • The Atlanta Furman Club will join with Georgia at Furman and won the Athlete of the ested in serving on a committee. State University for a career networking happy hour. Year Award as a senior. The Alumni Office handles all • The Capital Area Club will enjoy a tour of the A few years ago Wayne lost the mailings, printing and details National Gallery of Art. his award, along with many other for each event - we just need your • The Charlotte Furman Club will join forces personal effects, in a house fire. ideas. So help us plan the best with the Paladin Club for a golf tournament. Insurance covered most items, but reunions ever at Homecoming 2004! • not the award. So Jennie contacted - Jane Dungan While Furman students enjoy May Day Play alumni director Tom Tripi itt '76 to ask Associate Director, Alumni Programs Day on campus, Furman Clubs across the country will about getting a replacement. participate on May 1 in volunteer projects as well. After Jennie sent an old news­ To volunteer to work on your reunion For an up-to-date listing of Furman Club events, paper article about Wayne's award, committee, call Jane Dungan please visit the Alumni Association Web page. To To m visited a local trophy shop to at 1-800-787-7533 or e-mail learnmore about what Furman Clubs have to offer, have it re-created. When he arrived, [email protected]. e-mail Melanie Krone or call her at 1-800-PURPLE3.

34 CLASS NOTES WINTER 2004

History but continues as director of Columbia, S.C., is president 54 of the Honors Program for the 73 of the state chapter of the This year is reunion! school's College of Liberal Arts. Next reunion in 2008 American Academy of Robert E. Cashion, who retired Gale Kimball Garner is director Pediatrics. after 45 years in Greenville 60 of Christian education at Grace County Schools, was formally Next reunion in 2005 Covenant Presbyterian Church 75 honored December 18 when Helen Fincher is president of the in Mauldin, S.C. • Frances Next reunion in 2005 Robert E. Cashion Elementary Gainesville-Hall Convention & Smith Ligler, senior scientist at Linda Wilson Hindman School was dedicated. The new Visitors Bureau in Gainesville, the Naval Research Laboratory (B.G.S. '99) is assistant business school in southern Greenville Ga. She was formerly executive in the Center for Bio/Molecular manager for Christ Church County replaces East Gantt director of tourism bureaus in Science and Engineering in Episcopal School in Greenville. Elementary, which Cashion the Georgia counties of Augusta- Washington, D.C., received the • Joe Watson, a former Circuit served for many years as its only Richmond and Helen-White. 2003 Homeland Security Award Court judge and former solicitor principal. • Donny Wilder, from the Christopher Columbus for the 13th Circuit of South former publisher-editor of the Fellowship Foundation, a federal Carolina, recently became Clinton (S.C.) Chronicle and 61 agency that supports ground- Next reunion in 2006 counsel with Price, Paschal a past member of the South breaking research. Ligler, & Ashmore PA in Greenville. Having retired from the Corp- Carolina General Assembly, a member of the Furman board • BIRTH: Audrey and John oration for Public Broadcasting, received an honorary degree of trustees, was cited for her BeUger (M.B.A.), a son, Marcus James McElveen is now teach- from Presbyterian College at the work on ultrasensitive detectors Matthias, October 8. ing eighth-grade English at school's opening convocation for biological threats. • Kilmer Middle School in September 9. Katherine Wells has become Vienna, Va. staff attorney with the South 76 Next reunion in 2006 Carolina Senate Judiciary 56 Van White of Orlando, Fla., has Next reunion in 2006 62 Committee in Columbia. Next reunion in 2007 been promoted to executive vice Ron Hyatt has relinquished his president by SunTrust Bank. Charles Hughes has joined longtime role of faculty marshal 74 He is senior credit officer for Arthur State Bankas vice presi- at the University of North This year is reunion! the 11-county Central Florida dent and manager of the Augusta Carolina but remains on the Phillip and Susan Traylor Cooley Region. Road branch in Greenville. faculty of the Department of live in Salisbury, N.C., where Exercise and Sports Science. Susan is a clinical social worker He is also a retired colonel in at the Ve terans Medical Center. 77 66 Next reunion in 2007 the North Carolina National Next reunion in 2006 Phillip owns and operates Keith Aarseth of Aurora, Ill., is Guard. • Kay McGee Phillips Charles E. Carpenter, Jr., Homewatch Caregivers Home an options trader at the Chicago retired December 1 after 19 a shareholder in the Columbia, Health Agency in Charlotte. • Board of Trade. years of service to the residents S.C., law firm of Richardson, Karen Herring Harmon, choral and staffof Salemtowne, the Plowden, Carpenter & director at Irmo (S.C.) High Moravian Retirement Commu- Robinson, P. A., was recently School, directed the Adult Choir 78 nity, in Winston-Salem, N.C. elected secretary of the Ameri- of Singles from the Dioceses Next reunion in 2008 She had been president and chief can Academy of Appellate of South Carolina for South Ed and Tricia Toole Boehmke are executive officer of Salemtowne Lawyers . • MARRIAGE: Carolina Day November 16 teachers in Greenville County. since 1996. Judith Babb Chandler and at the Washington National Ed teaches science, coaches cross Rupert Huse, November 28. Cathedral. • The board of country and track, and serves 57 Judith recently retired as director directors of Westminster John as assistant athletic director at Next reunion in 2007 of the Bridges to a Brighter Knox Press has established Eastside High School, where he Future program at Furman. the WJK Presidential Prize for has worked since graduation. Jeffrey Willis, Helmus Professor Excellence in Religious Scholar- Tricia is an elementary school of History at Converse College ship and Writing to honor Davis physical education teacher and in Spartanburg, S.C., is the 70 Perkins, president and publisher has previously been an assistant author of Remembering Next reunion in 2005 of WJK's parent organization, principal and a principal. • John Greenville: Photographs from Thomas Harper of Jacksonville, Presbyterian Publishing Corpo- Cole recently opened his second the Coxe Collection. Fla., is co-founder of the Harper ration. The award will recognize veterinary hospital in Loveland, Gerlach Law Firm, which writers and scholars who show Ohio. After 24 years in the focuses on employment, labor, 58 promise of making a major ministry at various churches, Jim and wage and hour law. Next reunion in 2008 contribution to religious scholar- Mathis of Lexington, S.C., has Wilfred Platt, Jr., of Macon, ship. Davis has spent more than become a professional speaker, Ga., has retired from the Mercer 25 years in the publishing corporate seminar leader and University Department of business. • Robert Walker consultant.

35 Furmanalumni news

CLASS NOTES WINTER 04, cont.

for the Internal Revenue Service­ 79 82 Criminal Investigation. • Scott 86 This year is reunion! Next reunion in 2007 Lenning has received the Next reunion in 2006 Norman (Chip) Buddin of Paul '83 and Angie Hendrix Anderson College Distinguished Bryan Holt of Longmont, Colo., Wilmington, N.C., is laboratory Harteg live in Greenville. She Alumnus Award, presented to an is senior project manager for manager for Global Nuclear is a senior software analyst with alumnus who exemplifies the IBM Global Services. • Preston Fuel-Americas. Charles the Greenville Hospital System educational philosophy of the Smith appeared on NBC's Rogers of Duluth, Ga., is owner and he is a consultant in the college. Scott is director for the "Today Show" December 23, and president of Live Oak financial services division of Billy Graham Crusades. Cindy playing piano and conducting Builders, Inc., a residential Crisp Hughes & Evans. Roberts Pearcy of San Antonio, The Boy and Girl Choristers development and construction Brooke Handspicker Kelly of Te xas, is a management consult­ of Saint Bartholomew's Church company. Cary, N.C., is a compensation ant with BearingPoint. Bond in New York City, where he was consultant with Bayer Corp­ Porter of Gray, Tenn., works for recently named associate direc­ oration. • Maggie Long McGill a radio station and also operates tor of music. He prev iously 80 a rental-house business. Next reunion in 2005 has joined the law firm of served as organist and choir­ Cadwalader, Wickersham and Bonnie Borshay Sneed, an master at Saint Andrew's Robert Rook is an associate Taft in Rock Hill, S.C., as a legal associate professor of choral Episcopal Church in Tampa, professor and chair of the history assistant in banking and finance. music at Oklahoma Baptist Fla., and was a part-time department at Fort Hays (Kan.) MARRIAGE: James Leach University in Shawnee, has been instructor at the University State University. David Smith and Melissa Mummert, Novem­ named the school's new choral of Tampa. Deanna Womack is band director at Morris Middle ber 29. James recently earned director. Elliott Strait is is a registered nurse at the School in McAllen, Te xas. a second Master of Divinity director of the pharmacy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. degree from Starr King School Chester County (S.C.) Hospital. 81 for the Ministry and is now Brian Warford is vice president Next reunion in 2006 pastor of the Unitarian Uni­ and general manager of Nichol­ Mike Roosevelt was recently versalist Church of Charlotte, son's Hi-Fi in Nashville, Te nn. named chief of the Assessments He is also the assistant conductor N.C. 2003-200ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONi� Group in the CIA's Crime and for the Nashville Symphony BOARD OF DIRECTORS Narcotics Center. His wife, Jane Chorus. BIRTH: Don and Doussard '82 Roosevelt, has 83 Law, Next reunion in 2008 Barbara a daughter, Rachel Pamela Underwood Thomason '76, begun a two-year National Julia, March 23, 2003, Fort president; James H. Simkins, Jr. '78, Brenda Bossard Osborne Institutes of Health fe llow­ Lauderdale, Fla. president elect; Steven B. Smith '83, received a master's degree in ship in developmental psycho­ vice president; George E. Linney '65, guidance and counseling from pathology at the George past president; Rebecca Hood Becherer Clemson University and is now 85 Washington University Medical '89; Randolph Williams Blackwell '63; a clinical counselor at the Abbe­ Next reunion in 2005 Center in Washington, D.C. • J. Chris Brown '89; Rosalie Manly Burnett ville (S.C.) Mental Health Karen Horn Carney works as After almost 15 years with the '49; H. Furman Cantrell '61 ; John R. Center. Robert Watson, a CPA with the firm of Stowe Missouri Baptist Convention Cassady '62; Diane Maroney Estridge '66; a liaison officer with the U.S. and Stowe in Norcross, Ga., as a media specialist, Ken Brian H. Fenn '91 ; Joe E. Gentry '53; Embassy in Berlin, Germany, specializing in accounting for Satterfield of Jefferson City Hal E. Henderson '92 ; Catherine Hunter has received a Master of Stra­ dental practices. Kelley Krokos has become advertising and Hightower '55; Elizabeth Jean Howard '81; tegic Studies degree from the has earned a Ph.D. in industrial subscription coordinator for George L. Johnson '68; William A. Lampley U.S. Army War College. and organizational psychology the Missouri Baptist newspaper '41; Charles W. Linder '59; Donald H. BIRTH: Christopher from North Carolina State Wo rd& Wa y. Donna Daniel and Lisa Lindsey '54; Clare Folio Morris '83; Peabody, a daughter, Caroline University. Ann Fornoff Moore Teague is author of a cookbook J. David Nelson '61 ; Paul B. Nix, Jr. '77; Christine, January 24, 2003, has joined Sherbert & Associates, titled We Gather To gether: James G. Revels, Jr. '62; Jenna C. a Greenville-area human re­ Recipes fo r Church, Family and Bethesda, Md. Robinson '74; Ginger Malone Sauls '75; sources consulting firm, as Civic Events. Some of Donna's David M. Schilli '85; Catherine Rakestraw an education consultant. • recipes were fe atured in the Smith '92 ; Mickey Arthur Walker '55; Davin 84 Jamie Rogers lives in Carters­ November issue of Southern This year is reunion! K. Welter '89; Harriet Arnold Wilburn '74. ville, Ga., and works with Living . • MARRIAGE: Susan Williamson DeVenny Kinkos. BIRTH: David Thomas Fisher and Martha is the new director of First Steps, Ex-Officio and Other Members: David '86 and Susan Lewis Ellis, E. Shi '73, president; Donald J. Lineback, Reynolds, July 5, Hamilton, N.Y. South Carolina's early childhood a daughter, Lila Elizabeth, vice president for development; Tom Triplitt They live in Cambridge, Mass., development program. She June 21, Naples, Fla. David '76, director of Alumni Association; Jane where he is a senior engineer fo unded Parents for Public is executive vice president of Dungan, associate director of Alumni in the microelectronics division Schools in South Carolina and the Collier Building Industry Association; Melanie Krone '94, associate of Rohm and Haas Electronics formerly served as assistant vice Association and Susan is the director of Alumni Association; Matthew Materials. president of human resources at national sales manager for Miller '99, president, Yo ung Alumni Council; Colonial Life and Accident Global Associates, Inc., a retail Sheana Cavitt '04, president, Student Insurance Company. • Charles manufacturer's firm specializing Alumni Council; Patrick Kerley '04, Hunter of Woodbridge, Va ., is in the military. president, Association of Furman Students; Deputy Director Refund Crimes Tay lor Pierce '04, president, Senior Class.

36 Ahoy, mateys! Children's book rides crest of pirate mania onto best-seller charts

Melinda Brown Long says the secret to the and said, "Here. Write a story about these success of her latest children's book, How things." I Became a Pira te, is the same as the secret Which the youngster proceeded to do. to good comedy: It's all in the timing. And she's been writing ever since. Long, a 1982 Furman graduate who When she started writing seriously, Long says she's been fascinated by pirates since says, "I tried everything -short stories, childhood, chose to explore the topic through poems, romances, you name it. But I kept the tale of young Jeremy Jacob and his coming back to children's books." She says encounter with a horde of not so bright but she always had a knack for making up oh so earnest pirates. Jeremy thrills to their stories, and her interest was further piqued swashbuckling, free­ at Furman in a children's literature course spirited, no-rules taught by Nelly Hecker, who now chairs the lifestyle - until he education department. "She was a great realizes what he's teacher who made those stories come alive," missing back home. says Long. The book, Long actually signed with an agent in cunningly illustrated 1986, but it wasn't until 1997 that Wh en by Caldecott Honor­ Papa Snores sold. Hickup Snickup and winner David Pirate followed in short order. Shannon, was pub- Once a publisher buys a children's book, Melinda Long lished by Harcourt, Long says, it can take three years or more Inc., on September 1 for it to be published. "You've got production -which is where the timing comes in. work, and the rough sketches of the art work, First, one of the summer's hit movies books by such notables as Lewis Carroll, and constant revisions, both to the text and was Pirates of the Caribbean, a rollicking J.K. Rawling, Dr. Seuss and Madonna. the art," she says. "It can take a while, but story of hijinks on the high seas that starred "Suddenly, pirates are hot," Long says it's really fun to watch each book progress heartthrobs Johnny Depp and Orlando with a trace of wonder. "And it's great that and come together." Bloom. Then, with the help of a boost from we happened to publish at the same time." Seeing how the illustrator, whom the syndicated columnist Dave Barry, "Talk Like For Long, an eighth-grade language publisher chooses, interprets her words is a Pirate Day" on September 19 (same date arts teacher at Ta nglewood Middle School also a treat, she says: "It's amazing how every year, me hearties) drew widespread in Greenville, Pirate is her most successful sometimes the artist almost reads my mind attention, including a feature on National book to date. Having previously produced and produces an illustration that exactly Public Radio. And just one day earlier, Wh en Papa Snores (2000, Simon & matches the way I envisioned the scene." on September 18, the seventh incarnation Schuster) and Hickup Snickup (2001 , Simon While she has ideas for more children's of "Survivor" premiered on CBS with a pirate & Schuster), she seems to have the chil­ books targeted to the preschool and early theme - even though Rupert, the cast dren's book formula down pat. elementary years, Long also aspires to member who most looked the part, even­ She traces the startof her writing career write for a slightly older crowd. She is working tually walked the plank. to a rainy day when she was 6 years old ­ on a historical novel, designed for middle The result of this harmonic conver­ and a moment of inspiration on her mother's and high school students and based on gence of pirate mania and the release of part. After hearing quite enough of Melinda's old family tales, about a Southern girl's Long's book? Through Christmas, How complaints about being bored, crafty Mom experiences at the onset of World War II. I Became a Pirate had spent 11 weeks in grabbed a typewriter, placed her daughter "I'm hoping to have a chance to work the To p 1 0 on the children's books best­ in front of it, handed her a pile of rubber on it during the summer," she says. seller list of the New York Times, alongside stamps with animal characters on them -Jim Stewart

• MARRIAGE: David Allan Cup. • Ken Watson of Kenne­ January 1 0, 2003, Kennesaw, Baillie and Jenny Lalatiana 87 saw, Ga., is a senior software Ga. Gary is chief executive Rakotoharisolo, June 19 in Next reunion in 2007 developer with Universal Tax officer of the Atlanta-based Antananarivo, Madagascar, and Tim Gaffney of Birmingham, Systems, a tax software com­ FlexLight Networks. July 5 in Gaffney, S.C. David Mich., has been promoted to pany. • Michael Wollinger has is director of athletics at Asbury vice president of the Eastern been elected senior vice presi­ 88 College in Wilmore, Ky. • region for Automotive Market­ dent at First Citizen Bank in Next reunion in 2008 BIRTH: Steven and Kay Hendersonville, N.C. • ing Consultants, Inc. (AMCI). Vern Bahm is an operations Adams, a son, Thomas James, BIRTH: Gary and Kelly Fryda He is also a race-car driver for research analyst in the U.S. Army August 21, San Ramon, Calif. '88 Lee, a son, Jacob James, Team Lex us in the Grand Am and is stationed at Fort 37 Furmanalumni news

CLASS NOTES WINTER 04, cont.

Leavenworth, Kan. • Kimberly Chappell has moved to Roswell, Ga., after accepting a position Selvy named to list of greatest college stars with Bristol-Squibb Company as the neuroscience medical Street & Smith's Magazine he set 24 major college science manager in the Atlanta has included Furman's records during his Furman area. • Kevin Hendricks has Frank Selvy in its rankings years and was a three-time joined the Wyche, Burgess, of the 100 Greatest College All-American. Freeman & Parham, P.A., law Basketball Players. After graduating in firm in Greenville. He will Selvy, who was named 1954, Selvy was the first concentrate his practice in cor­ the NCAA Player of the pick (by the Baltimore porate finance and mergers and acquisitions. • Anthony Jones Year in 1954 after averaging Bullets) in the National is a counselor at Central Pied­ a nation's best 41.7 points Basketball Association draft mont Community College in per game, was rated the and went on to play pro­ Charlotte, N.C. . BIRTHS: 50th greatest player by the fessionally for nine years, Alex and Laura Albert, a son, magazine, which many con­ the last five with the McConnell Russell, August 8, sider the leading authority Minneapolis and Los Washington, D.C. • Kevin and on college basketball. The rankings were Angeles Lakers. He averaged 10.8 points Rosemarie Ann Baloy Curley, compiled from nominations submitted by per game for his pro career. a son, Brian Michael, June 1, a blue-ribbon, 40-person panel of college Furman recognized the 50th anniversary Midlothian, Va. • Jeffand Karen basketball writers, coaches and broad­ of Selvy's 100-point game February 21 Meade Farris, a daughter, casters. Each panelist completed a top-50 during the Paladins' game against The Hannah, October 6, Flower ballot, from which the full list was tabulated. Citadel. Mound, Te xas. • Dan and Paige Overton PiUs, a son, Tait Daniel, The magazine issued the rankings Street & Smith 's named Lew Alcindor in a special collector's edition, published (later Kareem Abdui-Jabbar) of UCLA the August 20. • Scott and Mary Spear Prentice, in December. greatest all-time college player, followed, a daughter, Michelle Louise, January 15, Selvy, a native of Corbin, Ky., set an in order, by fellow UCLA star Bill Walton, 2003, Frederick, Md. • Michael NCAA Division I record on February 13, Oscar Robertsonof the University of and Anne Noble Smith, a daugh­ 1954, when he scored 100 points in a 149- Cincinnati, Bill Russell of the University ter, Ashley Marie, August 21, 95 win over Newberry at Greenville's Textile of San Francisco and Pete Maravich of Chatham, N.J. Hall. Twice the national scoring champion, Louisiana State. 89 Th is year is reunion! Letter: Selvy story rekindles memories Jason Davis of Norcross, Ga., is employed with Scott, Madden Just a note of thanks for the story on Frank College. Furman had a golf course that was & Associates. • Steven House Selvy ("Man ofthe Century") in the Fall 2003 going to seed and was not planning to have and his wife, Alice, are assistant Furman magazine. The articlebrought back a golf team that year. I lobbied for one and professors in the Department of a lot of memories of that "magic game" when was told thatif I could assemble a team the Family Medicine at Mercer Uni­ Selvy scored 100 points, and of my days university would approve. I first approached versity School of Medicine in at Furman. fraternity brothers (Centaur) and eventually Macon, Ga. • David and Emilie Over the years I have discovered that produced a motley band. Frank Keener '64 McDonald Woody have moved most everyone in Greenville County appar­ was designated our captain. We had no to Mount Pleasant, S.C. David ently witnessed that glorious feat in the old coach. The directors at the Greenville is minister of faith development Te xtile Hall. My dad, who was then head Country Club kindly allowed us to play at Providence Baptist Church and Emilie teaches at Wando golf professional at the Greenville Country our matches there. High School. • BIRTHS: Club, and I were in attendance as well. I was selected team captain the follow­ Jim and Melissa Adair, a son, Although I was sitting in the rafters, I can ing year. Again we played our matches Stephen, August 26. Jim is still vividly see Frank leave the floor at the at the Greenville Country Club, and Frank an environmental systems engi­ top of the opponent's key to begin his one­ Selvy was our coach. He is a true gentle­ neer with Cryovac in Simpson­ handed push shot, and then let go just before man, and the qualities of character that he ville, S.C. • Peter and Deborah reaching half court. As I recall, the buzzer left me with I now realize were instrumental Lamb Farrell, a son, Andrew sounded immediately after the ball had begun in my own development. I have met few Scott, May 14, Charleston, S.C. its flight. Swish. The hall rocked. that surpass him as a human being. Deborah is the guidance director But there is more. After a tour in the - Michael Lucas '65 at James Island Charter High School. • James and Lanie military I transferred to Furman in 1963 from North Charleston, S. C. what was then North Greenville Junior Rockafellow Kitchens, a son, William James III, December 15, 2002, Columbia, S.C. • Steve and Patti Cox Mayo, Farm agents with introducing Williamson, a daughter, Riley twin daughters, Kathryn 91 financial products into their Hannah, March 11, 2003, Maureen and Lillian Grace, Next reunion in 2006 marketing/business plan. • Charlotte, N.C. • Michael and June 4, Charlotte, N.C. • James Tracy Jones Barnhartof Mount MARRIAGES: Melanie Dyer Michelle Parks Wyatt, a son, and Shannon Duval Meade, Pleasant, S.C., is a hydrogeolo­ and George Andrew McGehee, Simon Dantzler, April 16. a daughter, Emma, March 21, gist with General Engineering. April 6. Melanie is a freelance 2003, Madison, Wis. Shannon • Michael Bellon is a music writer and Andrew works for 92 has received tenure and been teacher at Mill Creek Elemen­ We stinghouse as a nuclear safety Next reunion in 2007 promoted to associate professor engineer. They live in North tary School in Columbia, S.C. Timothy Brown was named in the Department of Philosophy Augusta, S.C. • Tracey Weldon • Randall David Cook of New the 2003 Beaufort (S.C.) High at Mount Mary College in and Cuthbert Stewart, August York City was a finalist in the School Te acher of the Ye ar. Milwaukee, Wis. • Bob and 30. She is an assistant professor 2003 Sundance Filmmakers Lab He has also won a Fulbright Kelly Cole Spratling, a son, of English at the University of competition for his screenplay Memorial Fund fe llowship to Jonathan Todd, June 6, Atlanta. South Carolina. BIRTHS: "Revelation." His play "Beneath travel to Japan. • Keely Burrell Evan and Shannon Brooks, a son, the Banyan Tree" premiered at is a law student at the University Wyatt Franklin, October 17. 90 New York 's Abingdon Theatre of South Carol ina. • Stephen Andrew and Stacy Nations Next reunion in 2005 last spring, and his "American Hall of Bainbridge Island, Wash., '93 Burr, a son, Casey David, Elton and Amy Williamson Idle: Murdering the Music," is employed with Vulcan, Inc. August 5, 2002. Stacy earned Bailey live in Parker, Colo. a parody of the television show, • Carolyn laMontagne-Hefko her Ph.D. in early childhood He is operations business has been published by Brooklyn is in a Master of Library Science education and is currently on the manager with Arrow Electronics. Publishers and produced in Nova program at the University of faculty at Clemson University. • Edwin Beckham of Roswell, Scotia. He is co-author of "Open Illinois in Champaign and is Andrew is an assistant coach for Ga., is a staffanalyst with Call," a "theatrical event" that working in the school's edu­ the Furman women's soccer RWD Technologies. Frank premiered in New York 's cation and social science library. team. • Andrew and Joy Erwin Blackwell has joined ScanSource Hamptons in September and then She has written a young adult '92 Coe, a daughter, Sarah Anne Inc. in Greenville as sales transferred off-Broadway for an novel and is currently working Aderholdt, February 13, 2003, manager for the point-of-sale open-ended run. • Katherine on a children's novel. • Marty South Boston, Va. • Christopher and automatic identification and Komarow Durst of Largo, Fla., Weems of Blountville, Te nn., and Marla Doehring, a daughter, data capture sales unit. • Scott was recently named manager of is a representative for Novartis Emily Helen, March 12, 2003. Boyles of Thorofare, N.J., is the Ultimate Body-Shaping Pharrnaceutica, selling hyper­ After four years in the Army, Northeast regional director of Course of Belleair, a fitness/ tension and diabetes medica­ Christopher is now on the family Christian Medical and Dental kickboxing facility. She also tions. • Andrew Zorovich of practice residency faculty at Associations. • Fe Cowan is earnedher first-degree black belt Belleair, Fla., is a tax and St. Francis Hospital in Indiana­ a teacher and coach at T.L. in Tae Kwon Do. • Ken Ellison financial planning consultant polis, Ind. • Bobby and Natalie Hanna High School in Anderson, of Highland Park, N.J., is with Pinnacle Taxx Advisors. Huberdeau Doerr, a son, Jack, S.C. David Salmon of Locust pursuing a D.M.A. in clarinet MARRIAGE: Blair Carlson September 17. • David and Grove, Ga., is regional manager­ performance at Rutgers and Heather LaLone, May 4. Martha Pinilla Flory, a daughter, genetic analysis for Trans­ University. He is the founder They live in South Lake Tahoe, Ava Grace, July 9, Jacksonville, genomic, Inc. • BIRTHS: of Sonora Winds, a trio with Calif. • BIRTHS: Brent '93 Fla. • David '86 and Kirsten Robert and Elizabeth Johnson, bassoon, clarinet and flute that and Kimberly Ruggles Shealy, White Gantt, a son, Benjamin a daughter, Molly Elizabeth, recently presented a concert a daughter, Elizabeth Ruggles Alexander, August 8, 2002, December 30, 2002, Smithfield, series in Philadelphia. He Shealy, July 8. Brent has Greenville. • Bryan '93 and Va . • Andrew and Laura performs on the soundtrack completed his fe llowship in Dena Petty Garner, a son, Murphy, twin daughters, to "Bad Hair Life," a well­ nephrology and works with Cooper Petty, August 28, 2002, Alexandra Jewel and Katherine received Middlemarch Films Columbia (S.C.) Nephrology Charleston, S.C. • Ryan and Alison, October 28, 2002. documentary about people who Associates. • louis and leslie Elizabeth Macllvaine Greene, Andrew, who works with We alth suffer from trichotillomania Gillespie '93 Spence, a son, a daughter, Mackenzie Coleman, Management Deutsche Bank in (compulsive hair pulling). Cameron James, September December 31, 2002, Waukesha, Atlanta, recently graduated from • Chris Ferrell is president 17, 2002. Wis. • Craig and Lori Hoffman, Georgia State University's of Executive Learning, Inc., a son, Matthew Philip, May 24, Executive M.B.A. Program. a training firm in Nashville, New York, N.Y. Craig works 93 • Anthony and Andrea Miller Tenn. He recently completed for Taylor-Reid Securities. • Next reunion in 2008 Von Aldenbruck, a son, Alec his second term on the Nashville Michael and Melanie Morgan Scott and Sandy Altizer live in Preston, May 20, Jensen Beach, City Council. • Cathi Douglas Roadruck, a son, Joseph Knoxville, Tenn., where he is Fla. • Erik and Jennifer Wells, Jones of Cumming, Ga., is an Michael, September 5, Fort director of high school relations a daughter, Zoe Sarelyn, June 3, instructional support teacher Worth, Texas. Melanie is for the University of Te nnessee Bogart, Ga. Erik is a dentist. • at South Forsyth High School. customer satisfaction program football program. • Graham Blake and Tracy Watkins Young, • Brian Sloop of Columbia, manager in the Dallas Sales Dickerson is a family doctor with a son, Justin Ty ler, May 12, S.C., is a financial services Center of IBM. • Jonathan and Mary Black Physicians Group Knoxville, Te nn. Tracy is vice product associate with State Windsore Tollison Warthin, in Chesnee, S.C. • Emily Jarrell president of marketing with Farm Insurance Company in a daughter, Lydia Elizabeth, is a freelance musician in the Team Health. its field office in Lexington, Charlotte, N.C., area and works S.C. He assists about 45 State April lO. • David and Tracy 39 Furmanalumni news

CLASS NOTES WINTER 04, cont.

accountant. • Malcolm Cook is an account manager with Interlink Communications Urban League honors Shis Systems in Clearwater, Fla. He sells wide area networking and Internet service equipment. furman president David Shi '73 and his particularly for causes related to education • John Denning II of Ridgeland, and early childhood development." wife, Susan Thomson Shi '71 , have received Miss., is completing a psychol­ the 2003 Whitney M. Young, Jr., Humani­ The award, presented November 13, ogy internshipat the University tarian Award from the Urban League of the is named for the educator, author and civil of Mississippi Medical Center Upstate for their humanitarian efforts and rights leader who directed the National and is scheduled to graduate from Louisiana State University contributions to the Greenville community. Urban League from 1961 until his death this spring with a Ph.D. in Both Shis have been active in local in 1971 . John E. Johns, president emeritus clinical psychology (neuro­ causes since 1993, when they moved to of Furman, received the Young award in psychology). • Denise Ransom Greenville. In praising their selection, 2001 . Grabowski has joined Lott & The Greenville News emphasized "their In addition, both Shis were named to Barber Architects in Savannah, Ga., to provide planning and extraordinary contribution to the Greenville the list of Greenville's "Top 25 Leaders" in sustainable development community that is manifested in numerous a poll conducted by Th e Greenville News. services. She was recently ways." The News pointed to David Shi's More than 700 community leaders were appointed to the Georgia Depart­ involvement in a wide variety of local and asked by the News to help select individuals ment of Natural Resources state efforts "connected with improving who have exercised influence on matters Coastal Advisory Council. • Allison Jeffrey Hanauer is this area and making it a better place to of public interest, including issues ranging a clinical psychologist with live, learn and work." Susan Shi was from politics, business and government to the U.S. Air Force and is sta­ described as "a tireless volunteer, education, religion and the arts. tioned at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. • Mary Heather Yost Harvey of Marietta, Ga., is employed by Cardinal Health & Hospital Supply. • Kimberly Currier with Opera Carolina as accom­ • Andy and Taryn Wilhoit Davis, a physician with Laurens (S.C.) McAdams of Gilbert, Ariz., is panist and coach. • Susan a son, Brennan Patrick, Septem­ Family Practice. • Scott and director of learning and develop­ Kutzner has been hired as quality ber 16, Columbia, S.C. • Doug Heather Nelson, a son, Elliott ment in the Greatwest Division assurance manager by Vigilix and Martha Rivers Davisson, Scott, October 7, Greenville. of the American Cancer Society. LLC, a software development a daughter, Emma, February 22, Scott is a pastor at Grace Church. • Kevin McCord began work company in Greenville. • 2003. They live in Williston, • Thomas and Beth Turrentine in September as an international Amber Singleton of Monroe, S.C., and Martha is an attorney. Nuckolls, a daughter, Avery specialty casualty underwriter Ga., works for the Georgia Trust • George and Corinne Crosby Turrentine Nuckolls, October 2, with Liberty International for Historic Preservation as Edwards, a daughter, Barbara. 2002, Greenville. • Roger Underwriters in New York. • director of McDaniel-Tichenor They live in Hixson, Tenn. • and Marcy Caler Sternitzke, Cindy Merrill of Parker, Colo., House, a historic house museum Joseph and Tiffany Jo Freese, a daughter, Amanda Gayle, is a systems analyst with the just outside of Atlanta. • After a son, Daniel Joseph, November September 15. • Hunter and Perot Systems Corporation. • completing a residency in 5, 2002. Ti ffany is a veterinarian Heather Stevenson, a son, Joseph Wayne Pendle has become general surgery at the Medical in Abbeville, S.C. • Lane and Stone, October 22, 2002. • associate pastor at Reeves Creek College of Ohio, Chadwick Tracy Doster Jones, a daughter, William Douglas, Sr., and Baptist Church in Snellville, Ga. Thomas has joined Upstate Piper Madelyn, September 3. Dorothy Kennedy Tesnear, a son, • Anne Neil Chalker Piccone of Surgical Associates in Greer, • Robert Ill '94 and Bethany William Douglas, Jr., April 30, Oldsmar, Fla., became a sales S.C. He serves as assistant Keith Marshall, a son, Wyatt Greenville. Dorothy is admin­ representative for Bayer Pharma­ medical director of surgery and Keith, May 6, Lawton, Okla. istrative assistant to the vice ceuticals in November. • is on the teaching faculty for the Robert is in the U.S. Army and president of sales at Michelin MARRIAGES: Stephen Feyl general surgical residency in the is currently teaching in a field North America. and Sarah Bums, October 26. Greenville Hospital System. • artillery school. • Daniel and They live in Cold Spring, N.Y., Stephanie Compton Turner is Regina Meetze, a son, Greyson 94 and Steven is head of research a physician with the Greenwood Boyd, September 12. • Brian Th is year is reunion! and information services for the (S.C.) Eye Clinic . • BIRTHS: and Laura Miller Mitchell, Samantha Goody Bailes of South We stchester campus of Pace Chris and Heather Cadenhead, a son, Caleb Andrew, February Riding, Va ., teaches eighth-grade University. • George Isaacs a daughter, Ashlyn Christine, 27, 2003, Burlington, N.C. physical science in the Loudoun and Lisa! Barnes, May31. They August 30, 2002. In October • Christopher and HaeKyong County Public School system. live in Winston-Salem, N.C. Chris became pastor and Heather Nelson, a son, Christopher • Jennie Brown has joined the He is completing a general minister of youth at Greenville's Jacob, August 7, 2002, Simpson­ Blackburn & McCune law firm surgery residency at Wake Forest Augusta Road Baptist Church. ville, S.C. Christopher is in Nashville, Tenn., as an Baptist Medical Center and she 40 is practicing pediatric dentistry • Corey and Corry Moorhead the northern Virginia area, with Ga. Robert has earned the in a Medicaid dental clinic. White, a daughter, Ashley primary responsibilities for cor- Certified Financial PlannerTM • Steve Murray and Celeste Elizabeth, February 12, 2003, porate sales, community events designation from Oglethorpe Moser, August 17, 2002. They New Haven, Conn. and media relations. • Andi University. • Alex and Kim live in Memphis, Tenn. • Benji McMahan Damewood is the Sloop Powers, a son, Luke Sadler and Jessica Albert, April 95 academic We b services admin- Nelson, May 7. • Brian and 26. They live in Beaufort, S.C., Next reunion in 2005 istrator at the University of Erica Curren Schuler, a daughter, where he practices law. He has Te nnessee. • Karen Cram Hoar Sydney Lynn, March 27, 2003. Cortney Combs is a Suzuki also been commissioned a fi rst is a third-grade teacher in Miami, Erica, a special education violin teacher in Davie, Fla. • lieutenant in the U.S. Army Re- Fla. • Petrise Runnels Miles teacher, is pursuing a master's Tammy Gann is a mathematics serve Judge Advocate General teaches chemistry at the Baylor degree for National Board teacher at We llington (Fla.) Corps. • Bryan Peter Stevens School in Chattanooga, Te nn. Certification. • Adam and Christian School and also works and Kimberly Rena Hilyer, Scott and Tamara Engle Powers Caroline Simpson '98 Whaley, in college ministries with her October 4. Both work in Green- live in Douglasville, Ga. Scott a son, Graham Thomas, church. • After returning from ville, she as a physical therapist is senior account executive for September 17. Adam completed military service in Afghanistan, at Accelerated Physical Therapy IntegraColor, a visual communi- his M.B.A. degree at the Steve Hunt accepted a position and he as a contractor at Mile- cations company supporting the Goizueta Business School as an operations research/ stone Style Renovations. • Coca-Cola Company. Tamara at Emory University last summer intelligence analyst with SAIC BIRTHS: Stephen and Helen is employed by We llstar as and works in the marketing in Denver, Colo. His wife, Arnold, a daughter, Alice supervisor of women's resources department at ADP in Atlanta. Heather Vande Brake '96 Hunt, Kathleen, August 28, Knoxville, for Kennestone and Cobb hospi- ran the Chicago Marathon in Te nn. • Mark and Amy Bearden tals. • Julie West Torres of Fort October. • Jenifer Mclane 97 '95 Clary, a son, Joseph Bearden Worth, Te xas, who is pursuing is now teaching at Oakbrook Next reunion in 2007 Clary, September 26, Greenville. a master's degree in English as Preparatory School in Spartan- Having earned a master's degree • Jim and Lara Coley, a daugh- a second language at the Uni- burg, S.C. • Cynthia Price in accounting, Allyson Deihl ter, Lillian Elisabeth, October versity of North Te xas, was of Ponte Ve dra Beach, Fla., lives in Jacksonville, Fla., and 15, Murfreesboro, Tenn. • recently awarded the Mary is a senior financial analyst with is a CPA for Blue Cross & Blue Todd and Jenn Overcast Lane, Patchell Memorial Scholarship CSX Corporation . • BIRTHS: Shield. • Conan Felix has re- a daughter, Charlotte Abigail, from the school's Department Charles and Kathy Culver, a son, turned from Iraq and is assigned August 1, Stone Mountain, Ga. of English. • Britt Riedl Young Ty Ellis, August 28, 2002, to the 2nd Tank Battalion of the • David and Sarah Altemose is now a meteorologist and news Johnston, S.C. • Brant and 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lourie, a daughter, Rebecca reporter at KGMB-TV in Jennifer Zubrod Taylor, a daugh- Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C. Barbara, December 16, 2002, Honolulu, Hawaii. • BIRTHS: ter, Joanna Christine, March 25, • Roy Kemper is a senior Los Olivos, Calif. • Claude and Tim and Catherine Hinkle 2003, Columbia, S.C. • Billy financial analyst with Bi-Lo Jewel Giesy McRoberts, a son, Austin, a son, James Laxson, and Eleanor lurcovich '96 in Greenville. • Karen Oberg Noah Daniel, February 5, 2003. September 12, Birmingham, Ala. Williams, a son, Alexander Yochim is an attorney with the They live in Indianapolis, Ind., • Ken and Jeanne Davis Robert, August 15, Smyrna, Ga. Gainesville, Fla., firmof Richard where Claude is an officer Fullarton, twins, a son, Thomas Billy is a senior manager at M. Knellinger, P. A. Her practice recruiter for the U.S. Navy. Gregory, and a daughter, Olivia KPMG. consists of fam ily law, estate Jewel stepped down in 2002 Christine, November 2, Mount planning and probate. • from coaching volleyball at the Airy, Md. Jeanne is a technical MARRIAGES: William College of Charleston (S.C.), 96 recruiter for SAIC. • Fred and Marshall Moorhead and Jennifer finishing her career with two Next reunion in 2006 Melissa Caron '97 Grahn, a Caroline Adamson '99, consecutive Southern Confer- J. Alan Alewine received his daughter, Olivia Audrey, July September 27. Both are ence championships and a trip Ph.D. in mathematics from 15. Fred is the database admin- employed in Greenville, she as to the NCAA tournament. • Vanderbilt University and is istrator for McKinney and Silver an attorney at Leatherwood John and Mary Mundy Miller, an assistant professor of mathe- in Raleigh, N.C., and Melissa Walker Todd and Mann, P. C., a son, Price Halford, October matics at McKendree College in has started a catering business. and he as district director of 15, Atlanta. John is a partner/ Missouri. • Deborah Drew Berry • George and Donna-Leigh South Carolina Public Health producer with Sterling Risk has been promoted to branch Eichor Harmon, a son, Edward, Preparedness DHEC. Advisors. • Blake and Jenny manager of the Regions Bank September 26, Simpsonville, • Dawn Villanueva and Brian King Neeley, a daughter, Anna Meeting Street officein S.C. • Brian and Jill Fredo Levy, May 3. They live in Katherine, October 27, Good- Charleston, S.C. • Bryan Kibler, a daughter, Andie Lynn, Roswell, Ga . • BIRTHS: lettsville, Te nn. • Anthony and Cochran received his Ph.D. April 9. • Brian and Aubrey Lee Joe and Susan Worley Brewer, Amy Scott Russo, a daughter, in clinical psychology from Knighton, a daughter, Aurora a son, Jackson Davis, August 3. Isabel James, September 24, the University of Washington Va nessa, September 21, Bethle- They live in Charlotte, N.C. • Okinawa, Japan. • Bill and in Seattle and has joined the hem, Ga. • George '98 and Shane and Brandy Ray Duncan, Corrie Byelic k Stover, a daugh- faculty of the University of Kristen Nevins Linney, a son, a daughter, Jordan Elizabeth, ter, Baylie Barcus, September Montana in Missoula. • Scott George Edward IV, October 10. June 10. • Tim and Courtney 12, St. Petersburg, Fla. • Cooper recently became South- • Robert and Kristi Padgett Garner '98 Spitz, a daughter, Alexander and Shannan Hurley west Airlines' new area market- Olterman, a son, Cameron Lilly, January 27, 2003, Wayne, a son, Garrett Miller, ing manager for Baltimore/ Daniel, September 17, Marietta, Pittsford, N.Y. October 1, Flowery Branch, Ga. Washington, Cleveland and

41 Furmanalumni news

CLASS NOTES WINTER 04, cont.

at Vanderbilt University. • School and also teaches eco­ Nathaniel, January 11, 2003, 98 Audrey Dodson is the events nomics at a community college. Charleston, S.C. Cordes is Next reunion in 2008 and programs coordinator for • MARRIAGES: Grace Dayrit an associate with Buist Moore Shannon Barber works in the Richard W. Riley Institute and Jon Michael Strother, Smythe McGee, P.A. • Joseph Kate Augustine Haber, Kuwait for Kellogg, Brown of Government, Politics and September 27. They live in and a son, and Root (the engineering and Public Leadership at Furman. • Charlotte, N.C., where Grace Caleb James, September 6, construction arm of the Halli­ Ross Eldridge has entered a one­ is a quality assurance coordinator Columbia, Md. • Charles and Jennifer Cox Jeter, burton Company) as a morale, year M.B.A. program at the Uni­ for Pinkerton Compliance Ser­ a daughter, welfare and recreational coordi­ versity of Georgia, at the end vices. • Lindsay Rebecca King Ellie, August 28, Huntersville, Mitch Kathryn nator for troops stationed in the of which he will work in the and Charles Thomas Hussey, N.C. • '99 and Pierce Kiser, Middle East. • David Burns is investment banking group of May 31. They live in Birming­ a son, Nicholas now an associate at Ve locity Bane of America Securities. • ham, Ala. Lindsay is employed Paiton, August 3, Brighton, Laura Angel Sports & Entertainment, LLC, Ryan Moore of Rockville, Md., by Children's Rehabilitation Mich. • Andre and Mann, in Wilton, Conn. • Scott is in a pediatrics residency at Services as a physical therapist a son, Gabriel Judson, Clanton, an assistant vice presi­ Walter Reed Army Medical and he by the Southeastern October 24. They are business dent at National Bank of South Center in Washington, D.C. Conference. • Lindsey Jenkins consultants in Central Asia. • Leslie Michele Carolina in Myrtle Beach, has • Marisa Manzi Nava has and John Thompson, September Shamgar and Milner McDowell, earned a Master of Divinity received her doctorate in clinical 13. They live in Atlanta, and a daughter, degree from Southeastern psychology from the University Lindsey is district advertising Aletheia Ruth, June 23, Fort Katie Baptist Theological Seminary. of Alabama and is a psychologist manager for SouthernAccents Hood, Texas. • Chris and Hankinson McGaha, He and his wife, Christina, work with the South Carolina Depart­ magazine. • BIRTHS: Derek a son, in college ministries at Coastal ment of Juvenile Justice. • and Amy Maris '99 Bruff, a Joseph Tucker, July 10, Bir­ J.T. Carolina University. • Alyson Camille Gibson Rabon of daughter, Sophie Grace, October mingham, Ala. • and Cathy Mlinarcik, Dickson is studying for her Ph.D. Cullen, Va ., is a music teacher 4, Cambridge, Mass. • a daughter, Halle in American religious history at Appomattox Elementary Cordes and Emily Ford, a son, Rivers, July 25, Portsmouth, Va. • Michael and Leslie Oubre, a son, Jonah Michael, September 28, Lawrenceville, Ga. Michael is assistant band director at Bell named Mitchell Scholar Winder-Barrow High School. He is also secretary/treasurer for the Georgia Music Educators Monica Bell '03 is one of League for Black Culture, Association District 13 and is 12 students nationwide to she was a Harry S. Truman coordinating the District Large be named a George J. Scholar and received the Group Performance Evaluations. Mitchell Scholar for the American Legion Medal. • Anthony and Robin Crenshaw 2004-05 academic year. In addition, she worked as '99 Walsh, a daughter, Abby, The award supportsa year an intern at the Civil Rights November 21, 2002,Easley, S.C. of graduate study in North­ Division of the U.S. Justice ern Ireland and Ireland. Department. 99 The Mitchell Scholars Currently office mana­ This year is reunion! program honors outstand­ ger of the South Carolina Michelle Bellon received her ing young Americans who Democratic Party in master's degree in architecture exhibit academic excellence, Columbia, she plans from Clemson University last leadership and community to pursue a degree May. The graduate faculty in the School of Architecture service. The scholarship, in equality studies selected her to receive the Harlan administered by the U.S.­ at University College McClure Award for the best lreland Alliance, a non-profit in Dublin. She is the third architectural thesis in graduate organization based in Washington, D.C., Furman graduate in four years to receive study. She is an intern architect is named in honor of Mitchell, a former U.S. the Mitchell award, joining Jenny Lambert with Neil Stevenson Architects Senator from Maine who played a leading '01 and Hal Frampton '02. in Charleston, S.C. • Allison role in the Northern Ireland peace process. The Mitchell Scholarship program Digh Bumgardner of Charlotte, Each Mitchell Scholar receives a travel is one of the most competitive fellowship N.C., is an executive assistant stipend, housing and tuition. programs in the United States. This year's at Wachovia Treasury Services. • Julie Flaming has passed Bell, a native of Anderson, S.C., majored competition had 245 applicants from 166 the South Carolina Bar and is in political science and sociology at Furman. colleges and universities. Other recipients an associate in the law firm Active in the Association of Furman Stu­ represented such institutions as Indiana, of Nelson Mullins Riley & dents, College Democrats, Furman Uni­ Northwestern, Princeton, Stanford Scarborough, L.L.P., in versity Student Activities Board and Student and Virginia. Columbia. She is practicing in the area of pharmaceutical and medical device litigation. • Stephanie Cole long is November 23, 2002. Jeremy Class notes policy a librarian in the Rutherford 00 is an instructor of Hispanic County (N.C.) Library. • Tyler Next reunion in 2005 studies at the University of Milliken, an intern in the social Russ Boyd was scheduled to Kentucky in Lexington and is Because of the large number studies department at Greenwich finishing a Ph.D. in Hispanic/ receive his Master of Divinity of submissions and clippings (Conn.) High School, has been degree in December from Brite Caribbean studies. Anna is Furman receives for the maga­ accepted to the Master of Arts, Divinity School of Texas Chris­ finishing her Master of Public zine's class notes section and Secondary Education and CT tian University. He has been Health degree in epidemiology. Certification program at approved for ordination by the Travis Filar and Natalie Muro the time needed to review, Fairfield University. • Christian Church (Disciples '02, August 9, Birmingham, Ala. compile and edit so much MARRIAGES: Courtney of Christ). • Cecilia Carro of They live in Lexington, Ky., information, news items Armstrong and Jim Buxton, June Annandale, Va ., has started where Natalie is in physical frequently are not published 21. They reside in Atlanta where therapy school at the University graduate school at Georgetown until five or six months after they are attorneys. • Tricia University. • David Cole com­ of Kentucky. Travis teaches they are submitted. Casto and Michael Fuller, pleted his studies at Samford lower school physical education Furman magazine does October 11. They live in University and has been called and coaches basketball at Trinity Cullman, Ala., where both to Hardwick Baptist Church in Christian Academy. He is also not publish dated items (any­ practice law. • lllana Fisher Milledgeville, Ga., as minister a volunteer assistant volleyball thing more than 18 months and Jason Burkhart, August 31, of music. • Stephanie Gaston coach at the University of old at time of publication) or 2002. They live in Aiken, S.C. Kentucky. • Adair Holliday graduated from Campbell Uni­ engagement announcements. Illana is an assistant national versity School of Law last May, and David Dobrowski, August Birth and marriage announce­ coordinator of Wheel in' Sports­ passed the North Carolina Bar 30. They live in Apex, N.C. ments for alumni couples who men, an outreach program of the and works as an attorney with • Whitney Jackson and Evan National Wild Turkey Federation Cranfill, Sumner & Hartzog, Howell, October 18. They live graduated in different years are that provides people with dis­ L.L.P., in Raleigh. • Ali in Washington, D.C., where included under the earliest abilities an opportunity to enjoy Kraigsley of Sherman Oaks, Whitney is a staff writer and graduation date (except if re­ Katherine outdoor recreation. • Calif., earned hermaster 's degree reporter for the flagship news­ quested otherwise); they are Anne Fitch and John Clayton letter of the Association of in aerospace engineering and not listed under both classes. Penny legion, September 6. is now a research assistant at American Medical Colleges. We ask that you include your They live in Greenville where the University of Southern • Peter King and Shana Byers, spouse's or child's name and both work for Campus Outreach. California. • Paul '01 and June 7. They live in Alexandria, • Erin Paul and Chris Golden, Mary Robertson McKie live Va. Peter is in his third year at the date and city where the September 13. They are occu­ in Hanover, N.H. Mary com­ George Mason School of Law birth or marriage occurred. pational therapists with Willow­ pleted her M.S. degree in inter­ and Shana teaches at Mount You can send news brook Health and Home in national agriculture at Cornell Vernon High School. • to Marketing and Public Nashville, Tenn., working with Kimberly Kinoshita and Ranjit University and Paul is a student Relations, Furman University, the developmentally delayed. at Dartmouth Medical School. (Sid) Avinash Khanolkar, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Erin received her clinical doc­ • Ashley Clark Ransom is October 4. Kimberly is a sales Greenville, S.C. 2961 3, or torate in December. • Stacy scheduled to graduate from assistant with Smith Barney in Schorr and Geoffrey Chandler, Wheaton College in May with Atlanta and Sid is an associate e-mail [email protected]. October I 0. Stacy is a copy a master's degree in teaching and portfolio manager with FAX: (864) 294-3023. editor/page designer for the English as a second language/ SunTrust Banks. • Jonathan Selected items submitted newspaper Stars and Stripes James looney (M.A.) and intercultural communication. to the on-line registry at in Arlington, Va . • BIRTHS: Yolanda Schillinger Michelle Angela Montoney, • has http://alumni.furman.edu are Michael '00 and Stacy Rowell graduated from law school and October 11. Michelle is a included in class notes. Owings, a son, Alex, October is an associate in the New York student at the University of 20. Stacy recently passed the City law firm of Holland & South Carolina, and Jonathan South Carolina Bar and is Knight, LLP. • Jackie Smith is an administrative resident employed by the Strom Law is an assistant coach for the at Newberry County (S.C.) Firm in Columbia, S.C. women's basketball team at Memorial Hospital. • June Mee • Amy Slocum and John Edward • Jeremy and Sarah Beavers Bucknell University. • Elizabeth and T.J. Clark, November 1. Goode, Jr., October 25, Snell­ Price, a son, Nathan Jeremy, Lightner Winter completed her June teaches at the University ville, Ga . • Kaitlin Summerville August 7, St. Petersburg, Fla. master's degree in library and of Alabama-Birmingham and and Doug Duschene, September • Mark and Kristi Hultstrand information studies at Florida T.J. works at Countrywide Home 1. They live in Belgrade, Mont. Reed, a son, Walker, May 29, State University last August. Loans. • Andy Platt and Melissa • James Edwin Williams Ill and St. Simons Island, Ga. • Jeff • Graham Wright is employed Rosenbaum, July 19. They live Kimberly lynn Feindt '01, July and Alicia leerssen Stark, a son, by Cambridge Healthtech in Brentwood, Tenn. Andy 19. They live in Decatur, Ga. William Jeffrey, February 21, Institute in Boston, Mass., works in the business office at James is a chorus teacher at 2003, Tyrone, Ga. as conference director. He is Legends Club of Tennessee and South Gwinnett High School also acting and singing in the Melissa teaches third grade at and Kim is an evaluation Boston area. • MARRIAGES: Christ Presbyterian Academy. associate with Communities Jeremy Cass and Anna lang,

43 Furmanalumni news

CLASS NOTES WINTER 04, cont.

in Schools. • BIRTH: Bubba American Association of Dental MARRIAGES: T.K. Broecker and Cortney Locke Smith, Research. She is currently con- and Shari Zoffmann, September 02 a daughter, Mary Brittain, ducting research at the National 20. They live in Taylors, S.C. Next reunion in 2007 August 5, Hampden-Sydney, Va. Institute of Dental and Cranio- • Amy Cushing and Phillip Berry Chris Bainbridge is pursuing facial Research of the National '02, August 30. They live in a master's degree in journalism 01 Institutes of Health. • Abbey Grayson, Ga., and work with at the University of Nebraska. Next reunion in 2006 Redfearn Haddock of Lugoff, Gwinnett Outreach. • Emily • laura Garrett lives in Tuxedo, S.C., works in sales with Red- Eades and Brian Johnson (M.A. Rei co Barber is pursuing an N.C., and is the associate fearn Motor Company. • Erik '00),August 2, Charleston, S.C. M.D. degree in adolescent director of conservation and '02 and Chelsea Berry Iliff have Emily earned a master's degree counseling at the Medical ecology at Camp Glen Arden, been assigned to Giessen, in health administration and is University of South Carolina. a summer camp for girls. • Germany, by the U.S. Army. completing an administrative He lives in Rock Hill, S.C., and MARRIAGES: Sarah Chelsea recently completed her residency at the Medical Uni- works as a clinical residential Cornelius and Brian Hahne, master's degree in mass com- versity of South Carolina. Brian counselor and a court-appointed August 2. They live in Winston- munication. • Heather Lundell teaches elementary school and parole officer. • Gabrielle Salem, N.C., where Brian is is studying for her doctorate in coaches cross country and track Ferguson Cannick, a third-year an area coordinator for residence occupational therapy at Belmont at The Citadel. • Megan leigh dual doctoral student in the life at the North Carolina School University in Nashville, Tenn. Pa lmer and Morgan DeWitt Dental Medicine Scientist of the Arts. • Sara Ingram and • James Moeckel is in the Camp, June 7. They live in Training Program at the Medical Brad Cain, July 12. They live import/export business in Roanoke, Va ., where she is University of South Carolina, in Maitland, Fla., and Sara is Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, a child and adolescent mental received the top prize for her office coordinator at The Geneva Brazil. • Corrine O'Neill is health therapist at Blue Ridge presentation on "Oral Cancer School. • Ryan Koon and a student at Washington Uni- Behavioral Healthcare and he Knowledge Among South Megan Prewitt, July 19. They versity in St. Louis, Mo., pursu- is a transitional medicine resi- Carolina Dental Students" at live in Mount Pleasant, S.C. ing a master's degree in social dent at Carilion Health System. the Hinman Student Research Megan is completing a master's work with a concentration in • Emily Wilson and Andreas Symposium. She also received degree in English and works social and economic develop- Lawrenz, July 26. They live in a travel award to the Thomas as a substitute teacher. Ryan ment. • Jennifer Scholz has Munich, Germany, where Emily, P. Hinman Dental Meeting in teaches biology at Charleston completed her master's degree who earned a master's degree in Atlanta and the President's Collegiate School. • Katrina in clinical psychology and is violin performance from Boston Aw ard for Excellence in Dental McClanahan and Justin Barrett a psychometrist at the Marcus University's College of Fine Research from the National '03, September 27. They live Institute in Atlanta. • Arts, teaches violin, piano Student Research Group of the in Wilmington, Del., and Katrina and English. is an investment analyst with

Front man Alumnus makes Newsweek cover

When Ron Singleton '83 answered an prospective ministers are "made aware that e-mail from the United Methodist Church you have to be careful about putting yourself national office asking for comments about in a vulnerable position and that there are the threats and effects of litigation on the general rules you need to follow." ministerial profession, he never thought The UMC passed his thoughts on he'd wind up in the midst of "Lawsuit Hell." to the magazine, and soon a reporter called But that was the headline on the front to follow up with a telephone interview ­ of the December 15 issue of Newsweek, and to ask if Newsweek could send a photo­ referring to an article about society's grapher to Inman to take a picture. The increasingly litigious nature and how concern story opened with Singleton discussing about being sued, even at the slightest the precautions he takes, alongside a large perceived offense, is affecting various photo of him in his church's attractive professions. And there, on the cover, stood sanctuary. (To read the story, visit the Furman alumnus Singleton, minister at Web at msnbc.msn.com/id/3660738.) Inman (S.C.) United Methodist Church, Then came another call: Could he printing a few days later, he wouldn't have alongside a physician from Brooklyn travel to New York for a cover shoot? Well, been a cover boy at all: "We were told that and a law enforcement officer from Maine. sure, he said, and wound up spending we would be on the cover - unless they Singleton, who has never been sued a day posing in a New York studio. found Saddam Hussein." or known anyone who has been, says that Singleton does point out that luck The date of Hussein's capture: his response to the UMC query pointed out played a role in his 15 minutes of fame. December 13. how, as partof their training, ministers and Had the magazine been scheduled for -Jim Stewart

44 Lincoln Financial Group. • Jerome Warren '32, November a meteorologist and retired served on the faculty at Baptist lauren White and Matt Steele, 5, Orangeburg, S.C. He taught from the National Weather Hospital School of Nursing and September 20. Lauren has left math and science in Lexington Service in Atlanta. on the board of trustees at North WYFF-TV in Greenville to be County (S.C.) Schools and was Greenville Junior College, Eleanor Neely Booker '4 1, an associate producer with the a district manager with Field Baptist College (now Charleston September 9, Anderson, S.C. station 's parent company, Enterprises Educational Corpo- Southern University) and She was a retired teacher and Hearst-Argyle Te levision, ration. He was a U.S. Army Furman. He also served as librarian. in Washington, D.C. veteran of World War II and an officer of the South Carolina was a Mason. Erma Riggins looper '41, Baptist Convention and was October 25, Greenville. She a Mason. 03 Emily Orr Black '33, October 23, Next reunion in 2008 was active in performing and Greenville. Active in civic lois Grace Johnson Hughes '45, Adam Bas low has taken a job in teaching piano and was a mem- affairs, she was Miss Greenville November 22, Greer, S.C. She land development with Special ber of the Crescent Music Club of 1933. taught for 25 years in the Green- and the Greenville Music Properties Inc. in Charleston, ville County School District. S.C. • Erin Bourne of Greenville Elizabeth Gary Wells Bynum Te achers Association. has become a sales and market­ '36, November 2, Columbia, Dorothy Slaughter Osborne '46, Charles Allen Griffith '42, ing associate for Ryan Homes. S.C. She was a member of the September 16, Union, S.C. She November 22, Simpsonville. • Jessica Currier of Alexandria, Daughters of the American worked with her husband in the He was a retired Baptist minister, Va ., is a program analyst with Revolution and served as management and operations of having pastored churches in U.S. Customs and Border a docent at both the Columbia radio station WBCU. She was Indiana, Kentucky, South Protection. • Philip Hinton Historic Houses and the South active in the South Carolina Carolina, North Carolina and recently completed Officer Carolina State Museum. Broadcasters' Association and Georgia. After retirement he Candidate School in Pensacola, in many organizations involving Josephine Loadholt Green '36, became interested in genea- Fla., and was commissioned as conservation and educational September 14, Estill, S.C. logical and historical research a naval officer. • Noah Huffman pursuits. She was a former and authored two books. board member of the Union is enrolled in the graduate pro­ Sue Owings Harvey '36, County Mental Health Asso- gram in history at the University September 17, Greenville. Miriam Whitaker Burgess '43, ciation and was associated of Louisville. • Eugene Sibal She was a supervisor with the September 18, Belle Glade, Fla. with Friends of Union County has been serving as a medical Department of Social Services. She began her longtime career platoon leader with the 3-325 in education as a chemistry and Carnegie Library. Frances Schaefer Norris '36, Airborne Infantry Regiment of math teacher in South Carolina Miriam Westmoreland the Army's 82nd Airborne November 18, Greenville. and later taught math in Florida. Anderson Putnam '46, October Division, based in Iraq. • She became headmistress of Gertrude Rollins Gaines '37, 7, Greenville. She was em- leBryan Sperling is working Glades Day School in 1967 and September 26, Inman, S.C. ployed in the agricultural and in Atlanta as a researcher with retired in 1978. She served as She taught school for 36 years textile laboratories at Clemson the Emory University sociology vice president of the Florida in both North Carolina and University, Table Rock Labora- department on a project that Council of lndependent Schools South Carolina. She was a tories, Greenville County deals with substance abuse for nine years, was an active former member of the National Schools, Clemson University among young people. • member of its evaluation com- Te achers Association, State Extension Services and J.B. MARRIAGES: lorna-Megan mittee and traveled throughout Te achers Association and White Department Store. She Elizabeth Bass and Cavett Florida assisting in evaluating Retired Te achers Association served on the board of directors Robert Cooper, July 26. She other independent schools. She of Spartanburg County, S.C. of Grady Hipp Nursing Center is pursuing a master's degree was also an accomplished china and was a member and president in education at Furman and he leonard C. Boykin, Jr. '39, painting artist for more than 50 of the American Association is employed at Leadership September 12, Bishopville, S.C. years. of University Women. Center East in Greenville. • He taught school, served in the Mary Susan Deloache '43, Jonathan William Caskey and U.S. Army during World War II Thelma Rose Turner Thomason September 19, Greenwood, S.C. Kelley Elizabeth Fitzgerald, June and was general counsel for Ford '46, September 9, Simpsonville, She was employed with Saluda 28. Both work in Spartanburg, Motor Company after graduating S.C. She retired from theGreen- County Department of Social S.C., Kelley as a teacher at from the University of Notre ville County School System after Services and also worked with Fairforest Elementary School Dame School of Law. a 35-year teaching career. Connie Maxwell Children's and Jonathan as public affairs Beatrice Rimmer Fleckenstein Home in Greenwood before Charles l. Anderson '49, Octo- assistant with the Southern '40, November I 0, West Valley, retiring from the South Carolina ber 25, Decatur, Ga. He was an Conference. N.Y. She taught in Springville, Children's Bureau. Army veteran of World War II N.Y.,for 17 years. and had retired as office manager DEATHS W. lloyd Hellams, Sr. '43, of National Gypsum Co. Robert Neil lacey '40, October September 13, Columbia, S.C. Marian Wrigley Dashiell '32, 27, Dallas, Ga. After serving For most of his career, he served Marian Bates Barker '49, November 22, Spartanburg, S.C. with the U.S. Army Air Corps as pastor of Southside Baptist October 31, Rochester, N.Y. She was an ardent conservation­ We ather Service during Wo rld Church and as interim pastor of ist and a member-at-large of The War II, he had a career as Eau Claire Baptist Church. He Garden Club of America.

45 Furmanalumni news

CLASS NOTES WINTER 04, cont.

Paul 0. Batson, Jr. '49, James Wharton Breazeale '50, Furman and Charleston South- Ve terans, Hejaz Shrine and the September 18, Marion, S.C. November 11, Mount Pleasant, ern. For 18 years he served Masons. He was also a member An Army Air Corps veteran of S.C. He was an account execu- as volunteer chaplain of the of the Limestone College Saints World War II, he served in three tive in the freight industry and Greenville County Sheriff's Clubs and was a volunteer for theatres of war and received the was a commissioner for the Office and for five years as the Ve terans Administration Bronze Star and other decora- Sanitation Department of Green- a volunteer chaplain for SLED. pharmaceutical program. tions for actions in Burma. He ville County for 13 years. He He was recognized as the South Ellen Gray Chapman '65, was pastor of Little Rock and was an Army veteran of World Carolina Alumni of the Ye ar by October 8, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Fair Bluff Baptist churches War II and was a licensed fishing Southwestern Baptist Theologi- She was president and owner of before going to Marion Baptist guide. cal Seminary in 1992 and as Genco, Inc., and worked for Church, where he served from Citizen of the Ye ar by the Robert James Bringman, Sr. the Chamber of Commerce for 1957 until his retirement in 1985. Berea Lions Club in 2003. '50, September 9, Orangeburg, a number of years as research He was a trustee at South Caro- S.C. He was a pastor at various Mary Elizabeth Owen Gaddy '54, and film office manager. She I ina Baptist Hospital for 29 churches in South Carolina and November 12, Asheville, N.C. was a graduate of Leadership years, was moderator for the Georgia and was in the U.S. She had taught school in Harts- Grand Strand, was a volunteer Marion Baptist Association and Army Air Corps during Wo rld ville, S.C. She was a volunteer with the American Cancer was a trustee at Midwestern War II. He was active with the at the Rathbun Center and was Society and served on the Baptist Seminary for 12 years, Boy Scouts of America and a member of the Home and board of Communjty Vo lunteer servingas chair the last two years received the Silver Beaver Garden Club of Asheville, the Services. of his tenure. He was awarded Award. Salvation Army Auxiliary and an honorary doctorate by Kenneth Walker Jones '65, the We stern North Carolina Furman in 1981. Robert Hoyt Lampley '50, September 5, Greenville. He Rescue Mission. October 31, Hendersonville, was a former member of the Cecil Hartzog Beard '49, N.C. He served in the Army Air Joe Dan Sparks '54, September Greenville Kennel Club and November 18, Murrells Inlet, Corps during World War II, after 30, Anniston, Ala. He had the Dog Obedience Club. S.C. He was an ordained Baptist which he worked with the family a long career with the Depart- minister and pastored a number Boyd N. Lockaby, Jr. '67, business, Lampley Motor Co. in ment of Labor and was an of churches in the two Carolinas. October 20, Springboro, Ohio. Hendersonville. He was later administrative law judge with He was a member of Waccamaw employed by Royal Ty pewriter OSHA in Atlanta before his Association Pastor's Conference Larry Daniel McDonald '67, Co. in Atlanta, then transferred retirement in 1989. and served on the General Board September 26, Greenville. to Rockville, Md., as the com- He worked at the public of the South Carolina Baptist John A. Ramey, Jr. '56, pany's director of international defender's office in Richland Convention and the founding November 16, Columbia, S.C. marketing. In 1969 he became County, S.C., and later practiced board of Baptist College (now After six years in the U.S. Air district manager in Norfolk, Va. law in Beaufort, S.C., and Charleston Southern Uruversity), Force as a payload master, he After leaving Royal he fo unded Greenville. He was a member from which he holds an honorary was a special agent with the U.S. Chesapeake Office Supply, of the South Carolina Bar degree. He also served on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and which he managed until his Association and the Greenville boards of Connie Maxwell Firearms for 27 years. He retirement. County Bar Association. Children's Home and South received the Treasury Agent Strand Helping Hand and was Eloise Scaife Jones Rodgers of the Ye ar Award in 1974 and William C. Gray, Jr. '70, moderator for the Waccamaw, '53, September 15, Prineville, retired in 1980. October 21, Atlanta. He served Wi lliamsburg and Southeast Ore. She worked for the late in the U.S. Air Force and was Baptist associations. Thomas S. Turner '56, Strom Thurmond when he was deputy commissioner of the September 15, Spartanburg, S.C. governor of South Carolina and Department of Parks and John Frank Ingram, Jr. '49, He was an Army veteran and later transferred to the South Recreation for the city of November 7, Darlington, S.C. a Southern Baptist minister who Carolina Tax Commission. She Atlanta, for which he worked An Army veteran, he taught rugh served as pastor of a number of served as an auditor until her for 24 years. school English for many years churches in South Carolina and retirement after more than 30 in Darlington and Hartsville, Georgia. years of service. Dave H. Smith '85, September S.C. 14, Big Sky, Mont. A carpenter, James Thomas Kerns '57, Douglas Neil Baker '54, Sep- he was a partner in Archer Smith Doris Cabler Turner '49, October November 6, Greenville. He tember 4, Greenville. He Construction in Atlanta and 17, Travelers Rest, S.C. She was part of the Army of Occu- pastored a number of churches worked for Stoner Construction was a retired teacher with the pation in Japan during World in South Carolina before spend- in Big Sky before starting his Greenville County School War II and also served in the ing his final 30 years at Berea own company, DHS Construe- System. Korean War, receiving the First Baptist Church. He served tion. While living in Atlanta, Robert Gregg Willimon Bronze Star for heroism and four '49, as president of the South Caro- he played rugby for the Atlanta Purple Hearts. He went on to be September 24, Atlanta. He spent I ina Baptist Convention in 1989 Renegades and was selected transportation sales manager the majority of his working life and was a trustee at Greenville for the Georgia Select Side with Arkansas Best Freight Co. as a writer for Georgia news- Technical College, Anderson and the Eastern Regional He was a member of the Ve terans papers, including The Atlanta College and Charleston Southern Union Select Side. of Foreign Wars, American Constitution. He was a musician University. He was awarded Legion, Disabled American and served in World War II. honorary doctoral degrees by

46 Faith and the law Wh itlo w's novels tackle ethical issues

What does a novelist do when Publishers offer from a big Atlanta firm. Instead he We ekly dubs him the "John Grisham of the joined a small firm in Dalton, Ga., repre­ Christian (fiction) market"? senting injured carpet mill workers in civil Praise the Lord, and keep writing. cases. Robert Whitlow, a Charlotte, N.C., During 17 years in Dalton, Whitlow lawyer and 1976 Furman graduate, is at built a lucrative practice. He married Kathy work on his fifth Christian legal thriller. McClure, and they had four children. His last, Life Support, has sold more than In 1994, his wife dreamed that the 35,000 copies since coming out in July. fam ily was moving to Charlotte. A year That's hardly a Grisham-level number, later, she had another Charlotte dream in but most novelists would like to have it. which she saw the house they were living Whitlow has impressed Christian fiction in. She told a friend, who said her brother insiders, including Jana Riess, religion owned a house just like that. In Charlotte. Robert Wh itlow will soon add a fifth novel to his growing canon. book review editor at Publishers We ekly. And it was for sale. "I read so much Christian fiction, and The Whitlows decided God wanted most of it is lousy," she says. "To find them, for reasons they didn't understand, a novelist like Robert Whitlow who knows to be in Charlotte. They bought the house lawyer who defends a man accused of how to tell a good story and who improves in question. killing a wealthy college student. The Trial with each outing - that's a real joy." The family moved in 1996, but won a Christy Award, given by the Christian Christian fiction is a rapidly growing Whitlow continued to practice in Dalton, Booksellers Association for outstanding force in religious book publishing, Riess driving to Charlotte on weekends. He fiction. says. The biggest name is Tim LaHaye, recalls waking up one morning with In 2002 came The Sacrifice, about co-author of the blockbuster "Left Behind" the idea that few people appreciate the a North Carolina lawyer who defends series, but the list includes other successful influence their forebears have on them, a white teen-ager accused of a hate crime. authors - among them Gary Parker, for good and bad. Whitlow followed with Life Support, about an Atlanta minister who is also a member As he drove to Charlotte that day, a fe male lawyer who finds both Christ and of Furman's Class of '76. he thought of a story to illustrate the point: a boyfriend while representing a troubled The story of how Whitlow came to A young Southern lawyer learns, on the young wife who wants to pull the plug write Christian legal thrillers has twists death of his father, that he has inherited on her comatose husband. He's well into and turns. membership in a secret society dating to a sequel, Life Everlasting. He grew up in Georgia, his love of the fall of the Confederacy. The bequest All of Whitlow's novels feature con­ reading kindled by his older sister Annette, has social and financial advantages but temporary Southern lawyersgra ppling with a future librarian who passed on Look becomes a curse from whichonly a turning faith and ethics. His overarching theme, Homeward, Angel and other books. When to God can save him. he says, is that "God is real and wants to he got to Furman he planned to major in When he got to Charlotte, he told interact with us." business, but changed directions after Kathy the story. She insisted he write it. Now a member of a Charlotte firm, a conversation with English professor So Whitlow began his first novel, The List. Whitlow says he enjoys legal work but James Stewart. "I turned on the computer and typed acknowledges that he does it mainly for "I'm eternally grateful to him," 'Chapter One.' I didn't know what to do. health insurance and a steady income. Whitlow says. "He told me, 'Don't worry I just had this thing in my head." Evenings and weekends, he's writing fiction. yet about what you're going to do for Whitlow soon closed his Georgia Whitlow is unpretentious, volunteering a living. You're at a liberal arts school. practice and moved to Charlotte, deciding with a laugh that many of the lofty epigraphs Take advantage of what we have here he could afford to write full time for two he uses at the beginning of his novels' in the liberal arts'." years. But he struggled with his novel and chapters come from spins through Whitlow majored in history, graduating eventually set it aside. "Bartlett's Familiar Quotations." Phi Beta Kappa. Then he went to the In early 1998, he dared look again. But he's serious about what he believes University of Georgia law school, where "Awful," he says. "But one chapter was he offers his readers: "I know the law, he made law review. good." I know the South and I know the life Between college and law school, he That was encouragement enough. of faith." worked at a camp for emotionally disturbed Whitlow finished The List and got the atten­ - Sam Hodges '77 children. The stress caused him to pray tion of an editor at W Publishing Group, seriously for the first time. Whitlow credits a division of Thomas Nelson Inc. The fmn The author is book editor fo r The Charlotte prayer, along with reading C.S. Lewis' bought the novel and published it in 2000. Observer, where the original version of this Mere Christianity,for his move fromcasual The List sold 20,000 copies in six storyapp eared on November 15, 2003. to devout Christian. months - impressive for an unknown Reprinted with permission. Near the end of law school, Whitlow author. Whitlow followed the next year fe lt God telling him not to accept a job with The Trial, about a small-town Georgia 47