Furman Magazine. Volume 53, Issue 4 - Full Issue Furman University

Furman Magazine Volume 53 Article 1 Issue 4 Winter 2011

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FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY

Potter Don Lewis: A life on his own terms PAGE 16 Furman FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY WINTER 2011 Volume 53, Number 4

Furman magazine is published quarterly for alumni and friends by the Of!ce of Marketing and Public Relations, Furman University, Greenville, S.C. 29613.

EDITOR Jim Stewart

DESIGNER Roxanne Chase FEATURES

CONTRIBUTORS Dick Anderson 2 A Persistent Fascination With Eternal Things Karen Guth BY KAREN GUTH Kristy Maher If there’s such a thing as a star in the small !rmament of religion journalism, David Gibson Vince Moore can claim the title. Lesley Quast John Roberts 8 A Life Together, Worlds Apart Leigh Gauthier Savage BY KRISTY MAHER Lee Tant Tom Triplitt Despite the unconventional nature of their marriage, sociology professor Kristy Maher Ron Wagner and her husband Paul make it work.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/ Nell Smith 12 To Liberate the Oppressed CLASS NOTES EDITOR BY JOHN ROBERTS Three-star general John Mulholland, one of America’s top military leaders, has come EDITORIAL ADVISORY Tish Pearman Anderson a long way from his days at Furman. COMMITTEE Randall David Cook Nancy R. Fullbright 16 Independent Spirit Sam Hodges BY RON WAGNER PRINTING Hickory Printing Solutions Self-reliant potter Don Lewis has lived a rich, contented life in his quiet corner of the world. E-MAIL [email protected]

TELEPHONE 864.294.2185

FAX 864.294.3023

DEPARTMENTS 24 BECAUSE FURMAN MATTERS 34 ALUMNI NEWS © Furman University 2011 26 FURMAN REPORTS 48 THE LAST WORD 32 ATHLETICS

Cover photo by Jeremy Fleming Furman FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY WINTER 2011 Volume 53, Number 4

Furman magazine is published quarterly for alumni and friends by the Of!ce of Marketing and Public Relations, Furman University, Greenville, S.C. 29613.

EDITOR Jim Stewart

DESIGNER Roxanne Chase FEATURES

TELEPHONE 864.294.2185

FAX 864.294.3023

DEPARTMENTS 24 BECAUSE FURMAN MATTERS 34 ALUMNI NEWS © Furman University 2011 26 FURMAN REPORTS 48 THE LAST WORD 32 ATHLETICS

Cover photo by Jeremy Fleming By Karen Gu$

A conve!a#on wi$ award-winning A pe!i"ent writer David Gibson about life on $e religion b%t, $e fu&re of Ca$olicism, and $e importance fascina#on of religion journalism.

Wi$ Eternal Things ife on the religion beat has taken PoliticsDaily.com reporter David Gibson to some remarkable places. He’s traveled with Pope John Paul II, visited Castro’s Cuba, interviewed Mother Teresa, and worked on !lm projects for CNN in the Middle East. lNot bad for a Plain!eld, N.J., native who says he came to Furman in the late seventies “without really knowing what I wanted, where I would go, or how I would get there.” As it turns out, the story of how Gibson arrived is one not entirely of his own making. In fact, Gibson would make an ideal poster boy for Furman’s Lilly Center for Vocational Re"ection. He describes his work as a religion journalist, author and !lmmaker as vocations that came about “by accident, or Providence, during a longer-than-expected sojourn in Rome in the 1980s.” But before Rome there was Furman. Gibson says he came to Furman largely for “prosaic reasons.” He looked for a school that combined excellent academic credentials with reasonable cost, and Furman offered him a good !nancial aid package. Gibson jokes that he chose Furman because “Furman chose me,” but one gets the sense that more than mundane prac- ticalities were at work. He describes Furman as “a close-knit community that was the perfect place for me. I was coming from a small, private, all-boys school (well, until my senior year when we went co-ed — too late to develop my social skills very well). Furman was an ideal bridge to a wider world that I wanted to explore. Having spent my life in the New Jersey suburbs, the South was exotic to me in many ways, something wholly different. At the same time it turned out to be the most congenial new home I could think of.” After graduating in 1981 with a major in history, Gibson spent a year on Capitol Hill as an intern and legislative aide, but left looking for more

2 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 3 By Karen Gu$

A conve!a#on wi$ award-winning A pe!i"ent writer David Gibson about life on $e religion b%t, $e fu&re of Ca$olicism, and $e importance fascina#on of religion journalism.

2 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 3 excitement than Washington could offer. He painted houses — his No doubt his commitment to excellence in religion journalism That said, I !nd it interesting how much Catholicism has come to “perennial fallback trade” — in New Jersey for a year before embarking stems in part from his belief in the importance of religion not only in borrow from Evangelicals (and other Protestants) in recent decades, and on a backpacking trip to Europe. At the end of his trip, Italy called out his life, but in the world. “Religion is so central to our national identity conversely how much Evangelicals have come to embrace (or simply redis- for more. He decided to stay for a year in Rome, but “one year turned and our culture and our politics and our social lives together, and to the cover) traditionally “Catholic” elements like ritual prayer and devotions, into !ve, as can happen in a place like Rome.” division in our society,” he says. “I can’t think of a topic that is more the wisdom of the Church Fathers, and social justice teachings. Not that While there Gibson found a gig teaching English, then landed a job important to cover, and I wish the journalism industry had better re- I’d consider a “reversion!” But the evangelicalism I grew up with seems as a sportswriter at The International Courier, an English language daily. sources for covering the beat, and a greater desire to cover it adequately.” much different than today’s evangelicalism. He eventually went to work on an English language program at Vatican And for David Gibson, covering the religion beat has taken Radio, which he describes as “a cross between Catholic NPR and Armed him to perhaps the most remarkable place of all — a place where, Services Radio for the pope.” as theologian Fredrick Buechner describes it, “one’s deep gladness What does it m%n for you Gibson may have chosen Rome, but shortly after he left, Rome chose and the world’s deep hunger meet.” him — in the form of a conversion to Catholicism in 1989. “Whether my to describe your work as a voca#on? conversion came because I was working at the Vatican or despite it, I am I like the idea of vocation in all things. It conveys the idea that everything still working out,” he wrote in his !rst book, The Coming Catholic Church: What sparked your intere" we do should be congruent with who we are and what we are here for. How the Faithful Are Shaping a New American Catholicism. Becoming Who You Are is the title of a book by a Jesuit friend of mine. Gibson’s other Rome-related conversion, to journalism, continued in journalism and in religion? It re"ects, I think, the necessity of discovering one’s true self and true to !nd expression when he returned to New Jersey in 1990 to work as When I arrived in Rome I had no clear idea of what I was going to do. passions not as some exercise in self-indulgence, but as a way of ful- a religion reporter at The Record in Hackensack and The Star-Ledger in After teaching English for a few months, I showed up at The International !lling a constructive role in the community and the world. This Newark. Then from 2003–09, Gibson was a freelance religion writer Courier, bare résumé in hand, and got a job doing the sports section. isn’t necessarily about some divine "ash of light illuminating specializing in religion in the contemporary United States. That’s the beauty about living abroad — the talent pool for English a path for us. God made us who we are, and it is a pilgrimage Discerning one’s vocation may be a spiritual endeavor, but if the list speakers is so shallow anyone can stand out. to discern that identity fully and to live it fully for others. of publications that have featured Gibson’s work is any indication, follow- A year or so later, a friend mentioned that the English-language pro- It’s not easy, and we’re always growing — at least I hope ing the call can have its worldly perks. His articles have appeared in gram at Vatican Radio needed someone. I protested that I was Protestant, I am — but it’s gratifying. The New York Times, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, New York, knew little to nothing about Catholicism, and had no radio training. Fortune and Commonweal, among others. In addition to his print work, My friend said to just remember that bishops wear purple and cardinals Gibson started the “Ponti!cations” blog at Beliefnet.com, appears as a wear red. When I was asked that question, I got it right and got the job. commentator on the PBS show “Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly,” blogs The radio was a forgiving place, and the Jesuits, who operate it for the for Commonweal, and has co-written and co-produced two !lms for CNN. Vatican, were very generous and protective of me. He’s also the author of two books. The Coming Catholic Church (pub- My time in Rome honed my interest in religion. When I returned lished in 2003) examines the clergy sexual abuse scandal. Arguing that to New Jersey and began work as a journalist for The Record, the editors the scandal and other issues such as women’s ordination are fundamen- thought of me when any religion story came up. Apparently they !gured tally about ecclesial authority, Gibson calls for reform of ecclesial power that if I’d covered the pope I could write about the Dalai Lama or structures and a larger voice for laypeople. In The Rule of Benedict: Pope Southern Baptists. Little did they know. But it worked out well for me. Benedict XVI and His Battle with the Modern World (2007), he takes a biographical look at the current pontiff, starting with the conclave of 2005 and an assessment of Pope John Paul II’s legacy. All this, and we haven’t even gotten to his current day job. Since Having been raised, as you put it, 2009, Gibson, who now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., has been covering reli- a “Bil'y Graham-"yle Evangelical gion for PoliticsDaily.com, an on-line news service. His articles explore a wide range of topics, from news out of the Vatican and an examination in middle-c(ss New Je!ey,” what of Reinhold Niebuhr’s in"uence on President Obama to re"ections on at)ra*ed you to $e Ca$olic Church? the faith of Elizabeth Edwards. Gibson says he especially enjoys writing “analysis pieces that try to put developments in historical contexts, and The short answer is the Eucharist, which remains such a distinctive to explain the theology and beliefs behind stories.” element of Catholicism and, sadly, a dividing line with many other And what he enjoys writing, others enjoy reading. In 2000, he won Christians. But it was the universality of the church —which I was fortu- the Templeton Religion Reporter of the Year Award, the top honor for nate to witness !rsthand — and the powerful tradition and teaching journalists covering religion in the secular press. This past November, of social justice, the history and legacy of the church fathers, the church’s for the second year in a row, Gibson won the American Academy of intellectual and artistic engagement and, above all, the patient, humane Religion’s highest award for opinion writing. friendship of so many Catholics that led me to the Mass.

4 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 5 excitement than Washington could offer. He painted houses — his No doubt his commitment to excellence in religion journalism That said, I !nd it interesting how much Catholicism has come to “perennial fallback trade” — in New Jersey for a year before embarking stems in part from his belief in the importance of religion not only in borrow from Evangelicals (and other Protestants) in recent decades, and on a backpacking trip to Europe. At the end of his trip, Italy called out his life, but in the world. “Religion is so central to our national identity conversely how much Evangelicals have come to embrace (or simply redis- for more. He decided to stay for a year in Rome, but “one year turned and our culture and our politics and our social lives together, and to the cover) traditionally “Catholic” elements like ritual prayer and devotions, into !ve, as can happen in a place like Rome.” division in our society,” he says. “I can’t think of a topic that is more the wisdom of the Church Fathers, and social justice teachings. Not that While there Gibson found a gig teaching English, then landed a job important to cover, and I wish the journalism industry had better re- I’d consider a “reversion!” But the evangelicalism I grew up with seems as a sportswriter at The International Courier, an English language daily. sources for covering the beat, and a greater desire to cover it adequately.” much different than today’s evangelicalism. He eventually went to work on an English language program at Vatican And for David Gibson, covering the religion beat has taken Radio, which he describes as “a cross between Catholic NPR and Armed him to perhaps the most remarkable place of all — a place where, Services Radio for the pope.” as theologian Fredrick Buechner describes it, “one’s deep gladness What does it m%n for you Gibson may have chosen Rome, but shortly after he left, Rome chose and the world’s deep hunger meet.” him — in the form of a conversion to Catholicism in 1989. “Whether my to describe your work as a voca#on? conversion came because I was working at the Vatican or despite it, I am I like the idea of vocation in all things. It conveys the idea that everything still working out,” he wrote in his !rst book, The Coming Catholic Church: What sparked your intere" we do should be congruent with who we are and what we are here for. How the Faithful Are Shaping a New American Catholicism. Becoming Who You Are is the title of a book by a Jesuit friend of mine. Gibson’s other Rome-related conversion, to journalism, continued in journalism and in religion? It re"ects, I think, the necessity of discovering one’s true self and true to !nd expression when he returned to New Jersey in 1990 to work as When I arrived in Rome I had no clear idea of what I was going to do. passions not as some exercise in self-indulgence, but as a way of ful- a religion reporter at The Record in Hackensack and The Star-Ledger in After teaching English for a few months, I showed up at The International !lling a constructive role in the community and the world. This Newark. Then from 2003–09, Gibson was a freelance religion writer Courier, bare résumé in hand, and got a job doing the sports section. isn’t necessarily about some divine "ash of light illuminating specializing in religion in the contemporary United States. That’s the beauty about living abroad — the talent pool for English a path for us. God made us who we are, and it is a pilgrimage Discerning one’s vocation may be a spiritual endeavor, but if the list speakers is so shallow anyone can stand out. to discern that identity fully and to live it fully for others. of publications that have featured Gibson’s work is any indication, follow- A year or so later, a friend mentioned that the English-language pro- It’s not easy, and we’re always growing — at least I hope ing the call can have its worldly perks. His articles have appeared in gram at Vatican Radio needed someone. I protested that I was Protestant, I am — but it’s gratifying. The New York Times, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, New York, knew little to nothing about Catholicism, and had no radio training. Fortune and Commonweal, among others. In addition to his print work, My friend said to just remember that bishops wear purple and cardinals Gibson started the “Ponti!cations” blog at Beliefnet.com, appears as a wear red. When I was asked that question, I got it right and got the job. commentator on the PBS show “Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly,” blogs The radio was a forgiving place, and the Jesuits, who operate it for the for Commonweal, and has co-written and co-produced two !lms for CNN. Vatican, were very generous and protective of me. He’s also the author of two books. The Coming Catholic Church (pub- My time in Rome honed my interest in religion. When I returned lished in 2003) examines the clergy sexual abuse scandal. Arguing that to New Jersey and began work as a journalist for The Record, the editors the scandal and other issues such as women’s ordination are fundamen- thought of me when any religion story came up. Apparently they !gured tally about ecclesial authority, Gibson calls for reform of ecclesial power that if I’d covered the pope I could write about the Dalai Lama or structures and a larger voice for laypeople. In The Rule of Benedict: Pope Southern Baptists. Little did they know. But it worked out well for me. Benedict XVI and His Battle with the Modern World (2007), he takes a biographical look at the current pontiff, starting with the conclave of 2005 and an assessment of Pope John Paul II’s legacy. All this, and we haven’t even gotten to his current day job. Since Having been raised, as you put it, 2009, Gibson, who now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., has been covering reli- a “Bil'y Graham-"yle Evangelical gion for PoliticsDaily.com, an on-line news service. His articles explore a wide range of topics, from news out of the Vatican and an examination in middle-c(ss New Je!ey,” what of Reinhold Niebuhr’s in"uence on President Obama to re"ections on at)ra*ed you to $e Ca$olic Church? the faith of Elizabeth Edwards. Gibson says he especially enjoys writing “analysis pieces that try to put developments in historical contexts, and The short answer is the Eucharist, which remains such a distinctive to explain the theology and beliefs behind stories.” element of Catholicism and, sadly, a dividing line with many other And what he enjoys writing, others enjoy reading. In 2000, he won Christians. But it was the universality of the church —which I was fortu- the Templeton Religion Reporter of the Year Award, the top honor for nate to witness !rsthand — and the powerful tradition and teaching journalists covering religion in the secular press. This past November, of social justice, the history and legacy of the church fathers, the church’s for the second year in a row, Gibson won the American Academy of intellectual and artistic engagement and, above all, the patient, humane Religion’s highest award for opinion writing. friendship of so many Catholics that led me to the Mass.

4 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 5 Do you see any progress on approval to the regime. Well, God works in mysterious Does your "a&s as a convert to What role, if any, did your experience ways, and that episode, and the diplomacy needed to reform of $e prie"hood extract us all from it, was remarkable. Ca$olicism shape $e way you d%l at Furman p(y in shaping your career? and/or $e papacy, which you There were so many events and liturgies I covered wi$ topics re(ted to Ca$olicism? I am a great fan of a liberal arts education, the kind of broad-based cal' for in your book on $e that were truly moving, and they were often masses and encounters that were off the radar of most of the media, I think people assume that having a Catholic cover Catholic topics is curriculum that I fear is falling out of favor as young people understandably clergy sexual abuse scandal? like a huge dust bowl outdoor mass in Bulawayo in somehow a con"ict of interest, and that you may give better treatment try to focus in on a career and direct their study to that one goal. Such Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. Traveling with the pope really gave to subjects who share your religion. On the contrary, I think there is a focus is admirable and necessary at times, but it is a shame if it prevents I don’t see much in the way of reform on a policymaking level, but change me a sense of the universality of the church, and the way this Polish tendency — which you have to resist — to be more critical of one’s own a college-age person from exploring all the possibilities around them. is happening, often dramatically, at the grass roots simply because the pope could connect with people in Africa and Asia and Latin denomination than of other faiths. It’s sort of the way we can criticize The humanities may not be a career path for everyone, but studying dynamics of Catholicism are changing. Vocations to the priesthood America, all so different from him and from each other, was beauti- our own families or tribe in a way “outsiders” cannot. philosophy and art and literature and history and the like can help you continue to fall, especially relative to the in"ux of Catholics. So you ful. John Paul and Billy Graham had known each other since the The other peril is that a reporter who is Catholic or Jewish or enjoy and understand the journey ahead. In that sense, Furman was have an increasing number of “priest-less” parishes led by those in pope was a cardinal in Poland, and they had much in common. Buddhist or whatever can assume they know everything they need wonderful for me. The faculty — in particular my advisor in the history religious orders, laypeople, or deacons. You also have far fewer nuns, But it was often the daily audiences and meetings at the to know about a topic related to their own faith because they practice department, John Block — were very supportive and encouraging. and laypeople are operating all sorts of ministries, and 80 percent Vatican that I got to see up close that struck me, and the many that faith. Of course you don’t, and as soon as you make such assump- of them are women. So the optics on the ground are changing, even groups the pope had to meet with, like the Harlem Globetrotters. tions, you usually make mistakes. When I cover other faiths I think as the authority structure is not. Here was this white-clad pontiff, smiling and dutifully posing for I am especially diligent about asking questions and getting the story Tel' us a bit about your current a picture with these guys towering over him. His aide explained right because I assume I don’t know anything. That allows me — and upcoming proje*s. that these were the Harlem Globetrotters. What was this Polish often, I hope — to write with more con!dence and authority. What changes do you see on $e churchman supposed to say? He smiled and said in his Boris Karloff- I would very much like to write a book about conversion — not my own horizon for $e Ca$olic Church? sounding English, “Yes, I have been to Harlem!” And he had. so much as current ideas of conversion and how they compare to traditional Then there was Mother Teresa browbeating John Paul into notions. But that may have to mature a bit. In the meantime I may write The current pope, Benedict XVI, is not about to promote any structural opening a center inside the Vatican walls for the poor and homeless. something about religion and politics today. I am also working on a two- changes, but some future pope will have to face the challenges. If there She pestered him every time she was in Rome. That’s how she was. hour History Channel program on the Vatican that has some remarkable is no Eucharist it’s tough to see how there could be a thriving Catholic Everyone comes to Rome, and everyone tries to see the pope. insider footage. It should air around Easter. community. Moreover, the Catholic Church in the United States is And we journalistic hangers-on get a front-row seat. But my day job keeps me so busy, thanks to the virtues and vices increasingly Latino, and will be a majority Latino church in the near of religious folk and the persistence of our fascination with eternal future. But unlike, say, the Irish, the clergy and hierarchy do not re"ect things, that it’s hard to !nd time for much else. That’s just as well. that demographic, and the Catholic schools that were there for previous What long-term ramifica#ons I should go on retreat! |F| generations of immigrants are not there today. Will they remain Catholic, do you $ink Pope Benedi* XVI’s and if so, what kind of attachment will they have to the church? Visit www.PoliticsDaily.com to read David Gibson’s emphasis on what you chara*erize columns and commentaries. Karen Guth as $e “b%u+ of fai$” and individual What do you hope to accomplish is a 2001 graduate who recently completed What was it pie+ and chari+ over social ju"ice in your work? a Ph.D. in religious ethics at the University like to travel of Virginia. Photos by Stephen Kozlowski, has for Ca$olicism’s "rong tradi#on I guess the old line from the 19th century Chicago writer Finley Peter including the items on these two pages wi$ John of social t%ching? Dunne is my motto: “Comfort the af"icted, af"ict the comfortable.” that are displayed in Gibson’s home. Paul II? It almost has a biblical echo to it. But really, we must strive to be fair That approach is still the focus for this most “Christo-centric” of and always factual in seeking the truth, which is what journalism is Traveling with John popes, though his encyclical Caritas in Veritate (“Charity in Truth”) about, at heart. Paul, especially back was a powerful exposition and endorsement of traditional Catholic Truth can also be conveyed in stories, not just exposés or in his heyday in the social justice teaching as applied to today’s globalized economy. But investigations, and so storytelling is also a very important talent to 1980s, was a unique Benedict is still a “small-is-beautiful” conservative who will always develop and the kind of thing media must continue to make space experience, and really stress personal conversion as the way to societal justice. Moreover, for. Stories can convey the nuances and gray areas of truth and reality, fascinating to see up close. It was at turns entertaining, enlightening, and many of his allies in the hierarchy and among lay leaders are more which are often presented as black and white. I get great satisfaction an education in the unexpected. For example, once weather forced the ideologically conservative. They work to keep the focus on issues from telling a story. I have also helped expose bad guys for who they papal plane to land in Johannesburg in South Africa. This was during of piety and personal morality — like sexual behavior — rather are, which is a kind of grim satisfaction. But on the religion beat the apartheid, and the pope was traveling to every country bordering South than the pope’s social justice statements. real reward is learning something new and explaining it to others. Africa but not there, because he did not want to appear to be giving his

6 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 7 Do you see any progress on approval to the regime. Well, God works in mysterious Does your "a&s as a convert to What role, if any, did your experience ways, and that episode, and the diplomacy needed to reform of $e prie"hood extract us all from it, was remarkable. Ca$olicism shape $e way you d%l at Furman p(y in shaping your career? and/or $e papacy, which you There were so many events and liturgies I covered wi$ topics re(ted to Ca$olicism? I am a great fan of a liberal arts education, the kind of broad-based cal' for in your book on $e that were truly moving, and they were often masses and encounters that were off the radar of most of the media, I think people assume that having a Catholic cover Catholic topics is curriculum that I fear is falling out of favor as young people understandably clergy sexual abuse scandal? like a huge dust bowl outdoor mass in Bulawayo in somehow a con"ict of interest, and that you may give better treatment try to focus in on a career and direct their study to that one goal. Such Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. Traveling with the pope really gave to subjects who share your religion. On the contrary, I think there is a focus is admirable and necessary at times, but it is a shame if it prevents I don’t see much in the way of reform on a policymaking level, but change me a sense of the universality of the church, and the way this Polish tendency — which you have to resist — to be more critical of one’s own a college-age person from exploring all the possibilities around them. is happening, often dramatically, at the grass roots simply because the pope could connect with people in Africa and Asia and Latin denomination than of other faiths. It’s sort of the way we can criticize The humanities may not be a career path for everyone, but studying dynamics of Catholicism are changing. Vocations to the priesthood America, all so different from him and from each other, was beauti- our own families or tribe in a way “outsiders” cannot. philosophy and art and literature and history and the like can help you continue to fall, especially relative to the in"ux of Catholics. So you ful. John Paul and Billy Graham had known each other since the The other peril is that a reporter who is Catholic or Jewish or enjoy and understand the journey ahead. In that sense, Furman was have an increasing number of “priest-less” parishes led by those in pope was a cardinal in Poland, and they had much in common. Buddhist or whatever can assume they know everything they need wonderful for me. The faculty — in particular my advisor in the history religious orders, laypeople, or deacons. You also have far fewer nuns, But it was often the daily audiences and meetings at the to know about a topic related to their own faith because they practice department, John Block — were very supportive and encouraging. and laypeople are operating all sorts of ministries, and 80 percent Vatican that I got to see up close that struck me, and the many that faith. Of course you don’t, and as soon as you make such assump- of them are women. So the optics on the ground are changing, even groups the pope had to meet with, like the Harlem Globetrotters. tions, you usually make mistakes. When I cover other faiths I think as the authority structure is not. Here was this white-clad pontiff, smiling and dutifully posing for I am especially diligent about asking questions and getting the story Tel' us a bit about your current a picture with these guys towering over him. His aide explained right because I assume I don’t know anything. That allows me — and upcoming proje*s. that these were the Harlem Globetrotters. What was this Polish often, I hope — to write with more con!dence and authority. What changes do you see on $e churchman supposed to say? He smiled and said in his Boris Karloff- I would very much like to write a book about conversion — not my own horizon for $e Ca$olic Church? sounding English, “Yes, I have been to Harlem!” And he had. so much as current ideas of conversion and how they compare to traditional Then there was Mother Teresa browbeating John Paul into notions. But that may have to mature a bit. In the meantime I may write The current pope, Benedict XVI, is not about to promote any structural opening a center inside the Vatican walls for the poor and homeless. something about religion and politics today. I am also working on a two- changes, but some future pope will have to face the challenges. If there She pestered him every time she was in Rome. That’s how she was. hour History Channel program on the Vatican that has some remarkable is no Eucharist it’s tough to see how there could be a thriving Catholic Everyone comes to Rome, and everyone tries to see the pope. insider footage. It should air around Easter. community. Moreover, the Catholic Church in the United States is And we journalistic hangers-on get a front-row seat. But my day job keeps me so busy, thanks to the virtues and vices increasingly Latino, and will be a majority Latino church in the near of religious folk and the persistence of our fascination with eternal future. But unlike, say, the Irish, the clergy and hierarchy do not re"ect things, that it’s hard to !nd time for much else. That’s just as well. that demographic, and the Catholic schools that were there for previous What long-term ramifica#ons I should go on retreat! |F| generations of immigrants are not there today. Will they remain Catholic, do you $ink Pope Benedi* XVI’s and if so, what kind of attachment will they have to the church? Visit www.PoliticsDaily.com to read David Gibson’s emphasis on what you chara*erize columns and commentaries. Karen Guth as $e “b%u+ of fai$” and individual What do you hope to accomplish is a 2001 graduate who recently completed What was it pie+ and chari+ over social ju"ice in your work? a Ph.D. in religious ethics at the University like to travel of Virginia. Photos by Stephen Kozlowski, has for Ca$olicism’s "rong tradi#on I guess the old line from the 19th century Chicago writer Finley Peter including the items on these two pages wi$ John of social t%ching? Dunne is my motto: “Comfort the af"icted, af"ict the comfortable.” that are displayed in Gibson’s home. Paul II? It almost has a biblical echo to it. But really, we must strive to be fair That approach is still the focus for this most “Christo-centric” of and always factual in seeking the truth, which is what journalism is Traveling with John popes, though his encyclical Caritas in Veritate (“Charity in Truth”) about, at heart. Paul, especially back was a powerful exposition and endorsement of traditional Catholic Truth can also be conveyed in stories, not just exposés or in his heyday in the social justice teaching as applied to today’s globalized economy. But investigations, and so storytelling is also a very important talent to 1980s, was a unique Benedict is still a “small-is-beautiful” conservative who will always develop and the kind of thing media must continue to make space experience, and really stress personal conversion as the way to societal justice. Moreover, for. Stories can convey the nuances and gray areas of truth and reality, fascinating to see up close. It was at turns entertaining, enlightening, and many of his allies in the hierarchy and among lay leaders are more which are often presented as black and white. I get great satisfaction an education in the unexpected. For example, once weather forced the ideologically conservative. They work to keep the focus on issues from telling a story. I have also helped expose bad guys for who they papal plane to land in Johannesburg in South Africa. This was during of piety and personal morality — like sexual behavior — rather are, which is a kind of grim satisfaction. But on the religion beat the apartheid, and the pope was traveling to every country bordering South than the pope’s social justice statements. real reward is learning something new and explaining it to others. Africa but not there, because he did not want to appear to be giving his

6 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 7 Commuter marriages aren’t that unusual these days — Eventually we come across a herd of mothers and babies. But within seconds my unless the commute requires travel to another continent. excitement turns to panic as the large matriarch A life of the herd takes one look at us, shakes her head angrily and, "apping her large ears, trumpets It is mid-June of 2008, and my !ancé Paul the wrong side of the car and the wrong side loudly. Then she starts running — full out, and I have decided to go to Savuti for the week- of the road, but there are donkeys, goats, cows, right for us. This behavior is out of the ordinary, end. Savuti is about four to !ve hours north pedestrians and taxi cabs going every which way. as she gave very little warning. She simply together, of Maun, Botswana (the village we live in), On this particular morning in the bush, moved off, looking at us warily, then circled, in Chobe National Park. It is one of the most however, I’m doing pretty well, trundling along tucked her trunk in, folded her ears back — pristine, unspoiled natural wildlife areas in the and thinking, “I’m driving and there are giraffes indicating she was going for a serious charge world. Much of the area consists of vast !elds of outside the window! This is pretty cool.” Even — lowered her head, and charged toward us. dry marsh areas with a few rocky hills here and the deep sand isn’t throwing me too much; I just Since we had stumbled across a breeding herd worlds there, such as Leopard Hill and “rock painting shift into four-wheel drive and motor through it. with young calves, perhaps she was feeling hill,” where you can see 5,000-year-old paintings We make our way over hills and through some nervous and protective. The good news is that I didn’t panic, and other was in a hot dusty parking lot in middle done by the Bushmen, the indigenous people deep, sandy turns, watching for “head-banger” Paul immediately shouts, “Put it in reverse I’m apparently a pretty good driver, particularly of nowhere Botswana. of southern Africa. holes that could send Paul "ying out of the car and go, go, go!” After one false shift into low when going backwards in the bush while being Our group had left Namibia before sunrise I had visited this area before with a group of as he stands, taking pictures, with half his body gear, I quickly correct, !nd reverse and drive as chased by an elephant. Who knew? by coach, only to wait two hours in a parking lot Furman students in 2007, but that was during the out the sunroof (almost lost him once!). fast as I can backwards down a two-tracked dirt for our guides to show up. We were hot, tired and apart “wet” season. It is now the “dry” season, and it We head up to Zwei zwei Pan to !nd path. All I can hear is the trumpeting of the The teacher and the tour guide annoyed. Paul says his !rst impression of me was seems like a very different place. This time of year elephants. We’ve seen impalas, giraffes, wart elephant and Paul’s urgent shouts of “Go! Go! For as long as I could remember, I’d wanted to go that I looked like I had just sucked on a lemon. the mud of the wet season is replaced with deep hogs, wildebeests and an amazing array of birds Go! Go!” So I punch it and keep navigating to Africa. In the winter of 2007, I got my chance My !rst impression of him? I thought, “Who’s By Kristy Maher sand. Paul has decided that, since I’ll soon be (lilac-breasted rollers, horn bills, bee eaters, backwards through the bush, hoping not to run when, while on sabbatical, I tagged along with the overgrown kid with the funny accent?” Over spending much of my life in Africa, this is a tawny eagles, franklins, starlings, cape turtle into a tree or stump or to get stuck in the sand. a Furman study away group to conduct research the trip, however, we warmed to each other, but good time for me to learn to drive in the bush. doves). But no “ellies” — our pet name for I navigate as best I can through the twists on tuberculosis. Little did I know what a life- as you might imagine, with 30 students, three Driving in Botswana is, in general, quite elephants — so we go looking. and turns and thorny bushes. The chase seems changing trip it would be. faculty members (and one spouse), six guides challenging. Not only am I on what feels like to go on forever. Finally Paul signals that it’s OK My research had, until this point, focused and two cooks, there weren’t many opportunities to stop — at which point I realize that my heart on health inequalities. Speci!cally, I was for private conversations. is racing, and I think I’m going to throw up. interested in the ways that race, ethnicity, Still, what started as a couple of casual There was no time for fear when it was actually social class and gender affected people’s health, chats during the trip continued via e-mail and happening, but now the fear sets in. We could especially in regard to access to health care. Skype when I returned to the States. I found him have died. Who would have found us out here I decided to study TB cross-culturally because fascinating. Born in the United States, raised in the bush? it is a disease of poverty that affects not only primarily in Europe (Germany and Austria — I didn’t really get to see the elephant since homeless people in the United States but his father worked for the U.S. government), he I was looking in the other direction, but Paul millions in the developing world, especially had been in Botswana for years, having joined reports that she came within about three feet those with HIV/AIDS. Getting patients to the Peace Corps as a Bushmen development of the front left bumper. With her trunk tucked, comply with and !nish the months of treat- of!cer back in the 1970s. Since then he’d had ears back and head down, she fully intended ment is often a challenge, and I was particularly a variety of jobs. He’d worked in conservation to ram us. interested in incentive programs designed to prevent the dredging of the Okavango Delta Later that night, when I ask how scary to encourage patients to complete their full by DeBeers, the diamond manufacturer. He’d the incident was on a scale of 1 to 10 (with course of treatment. also coordinated a !ve-month motorcycle trip 10 being “terrifying”), he says it’s hard to say. Paul and I met on a 10-day photographic across the country, lived in the national parks He was too busy “making a plan” about what safari to Botswana that was part of the Furman of Botswana for two years gathering data via GPS to do when she rolled us over, because he was group’s six-week trip. He was one of the guides. to create maps of the park system, and been part sure she would. He claims that we came about People often ask, “Was it love at !rst sight?” of an anti-poaching effort to prevent the unlaw- as close as we could to disaster without being Perhaps if it was it would make for a better story, ful killing of rhinos and elephants for the trade hit, and rates the event an 8.5. but the truth is the !rst time we set eyes on each of their horns and tusks. Was this guy for real?

FURMAN | WINTER 2011 9 Commuter marriages aren’t that unusual these days — Eventually we come across a herd of mothers and babies. But within seconds my unless the commute requires travel to another continent. excitement turns to panic as the large matriarch A life of the herd takes one look at us, shakes her head angrily and, "apping her large ears, trumpets It is mid-June of 2008, and my !ancé Paul the wrong side of the car and the wrong side loudly. Then she starts running — full out, and I have decided to go to Savuti for the week- of the road, but there are donkeys, goats, cows, right for us. This behavior is out of the ordinary, end. Savuti is about four to !ve hours north pedestrians and taxi cabs going every which way. as she gave very little warning. She simply together, of Maun, Botswana (the village we live in), On this particular morning in the bush, moved off, looking at us warily, then circled, in Chobe National Park. It is one of the most however, I’m doing pretty well, trundling along tucked her trunk in, folded her ears back — pristine, unspoiled natural wildlife areas in the and thinking, “I’m driving and there are giraffes indicating she was going for a serious charge world. Much of the area consists of vast !elds of outside the window! This is pretty cool.” Even — lowered her head, and charged toward us. dry marsh areas with a few rocky hills here and the deep sand isn’t throwing me too much; I just Since we had stumbled across a breeding herd worlds there, such as Leopard Hill and “rock painting shift into four-wheel drive and motor through it. with young calves, perhaps she was feeling hill,” where you can see 5,000-year-old paintings We make our way over hills and through some nervous and protective. The good news is that I didn’t panic, and other was in a hot dusty parking lot in middle done by the Bushmen, the indigenous people deep, sandy turns, watching for “head-banger” Paul immediately shouts, “Put it in reverse I’m apparently a pretty good driver, particularly of nowhere Botswana. of southern Africa. holes that could send Paul "ying out of the car and go, go, go!” After one false shift into low when going backwards in the bush while being Our group had left Namibia before sunrise I had visited this area before with a group of as he stands, taking pictures, with half his body gear, I quickly correct, !nd reverse and drive as chased by an elephant. Who knew? by coach, only to wait two hours in a parking lot Furman students in 2007, but that was during the out the sunroof (almost lost him once!). fast as I can backwards down a two-tracked dirt for our guides to show up. We were hot, tired and apart “wet” season. It is now the “dry” season, and it We head up to Zwei zwei Pan to !nd path. All I can hear is the trumpeting of the The teacher and the tour guide annoyed. Paul says his !rst impression of me was seems like a very different place. This time of year elephants. We’ve seen impalas, giraffes, wart elephant and Paul’s urgent shouts of “Go! Go! For as long as I could remember, I’d wanted to go that I looked like I had just sucked on a lemon. the mud of the wet season is replaced with deep hogs, wildebeests and an amazing array of birds Go! Go!” So I punch it and keep navigating to Africa. In the winter of 2007, I got my chance My !rst impression of him? I thought, “Who’s By Kristy Maher sand. Paul has decided that, since I’ll soon be (lilac-breasted rollers, horn bills, bee eaters, backwards through the bush, hoping not to run when, while on sabbatical, I tagged along with the overgrown kid with the funny accent?” Over spending much of my life in Africa, this is a tawny eagles, franklins, starlings, cape turtle into a tree or stump or to get stuck in the sand. a Furman study away group to conduct research the trip, however, we warmed to each other, but good time for me to learn to drive in the bush. doves). But no “ellies” — our pet name for I navigate as best I can through the twists on tuberculosis. Little did I know what a life- as you might imagine, with 30 students, three Driving in Botswana is, in general, quite elephants — so we go looking. and turns and thorny bushes. The chase seems changing trip it would be. faculty members (and one spouse), six guides challenging. Not only am I on what feels like to go on forever. Finally Paul signals that it’s OK My research had, until this point, focused and two cooks, there weren’t many opportunities to stop — at which point I realize that my heart on health inequalities. Speci!cally, I was for private conversations. is racing, and I think I’m going to throw up. interested in the ways that race, ethnicity, Still, what started as a couple of casual There was no time for fear when it was actually social class and gender affected people’s health, chats during the trip continued via e-mail and happening, but now the fear sets in. We could especially in regard to access to health care. Skype when I returned to the States. I found him have died. Who would have found us out here I decided to study TB cross-culturally because fascinating. Born in the United States, raised in the bush? it is a disease of poverty that affects not only primarily in Europe (Germany and Austria — I didn’t really get to see the elephant since homeless people in the United States but his father worked for the U.S. government), he I was looking in the other direction, but Paul millions in the developing world, especially had been in Botswana for years, having joined reports that she came within about three feet those with HIV/AIDS. Getting patients to the Peace Corps as a Bushmen development of the front left bumper. With her trunk tucked, comply with and !nish the months of treat- of!cer back in the 1970s. Since then he’d had ears back and head down, she fully intended ment is often a challenge, and I was particularly a variety of jobs. He’d worked in conservation to ram us. interested in incentive programs designed to prevent the dredging of the Okavango Delta Later that night, when I ask how scary to encourage patients to complete their full by DeBeers, the diamond manufacturer. He’d the incident was on a scale of 1 to 10 (with course of treatment. also coordinated a !ve-month motorcycle trip 10 being “terrifying”), he says it’s hard to say. Paul and I met on a 10-day photographic across the country, lived in the national parks He was too busy “making a plan” about what safari to Botswana that was part of the Furman of Botswana for two years gathering data via GPS to do when she rolled us over, because he was group’s six-week trip. He was one of the guides. to create maps of the park system, and been part sure she would. He claims that we came about People often ask, “Was it love at !rst sight?” of an anti-poaching effort to prevent the unlaw- as close as we could to disaster without being Perhaps if it was it would make for a better story, ful killing of rhinos and elephants for the trade hit, and rates the event an 8.5. but the truth is the !rst time we set eyes on each of their horns and tusks. Was this guy for real?

FURMAN | WINTER 2011 9 weeks. In April we return to campus for three disparities. It is quite another to visit a rural Of course, my marital arrangement does more weeks of classes. As director, I travel public hospital in northern Namibia and contrast have its own set of challenges. It is especially with the students the entire time, and faculty its lack of staff and supplies to the private clinic hard to be halfway across the world when your representing the other courses “parachute” in for in Swakopmund, Namibia, where Angelina Jolie husband is suffering from his ninth bout of two weeks each. We are a traveling seminar that gave birth to her daughter, Shiloh. malaria. Because we experience separations that doesn’t stay anywhere for more than a week. We And without question, the extra time last as long as 10 weeks, it is dif!cult not to count travel by plane, bus, van and safari vehicle, and I spend in Africa makes me a better teacher. the days until we are reunited. we sleep in hotels, guest houses and tents. On The knowledge I share with my students is But despite the unconventional nature several occasions during the trip, the students !rsthand and not just gleaned from what I’ve of my intercontinental marriage, I really love enjoy “home stays” with local families. read, but what I’ve lived. I have become adept my life. I feel as if I’ve !nally found the balance We visit diamond mines, hospitals and at handling all that one faces when coordinating between the side of me that needs stability and Soon both of us realized we wanted to non-pro!t organizations, and engage people at such a trip. I have a better understanding of the order, and the side that craves adventure and explore this relationship further, so we agreed which was !lled with 12 African couples community organizations and orphanages. We dif!culties that arise despite one’s best efforts excitement. As odd as it seems, it suits me, that he should come to the States for a couple and their families and friends. We go to some of the best known tourist locations to plan. I know how to improvise when the and I feel fortunate to have arrived at this point of weeks. Impulsively, after that visit, I decided exchanged our vows to the “ululating” on the continent, including historic Robben plan you devised months in advance goes awry. while working at a university that appreciates to return with him to Botswana for the summer. of women wearing brightly colored shawls, Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned I have a feel for how Africa works that would my talents — and lifestyle. Family and friends who have known me for a local wedding tradition. for 26 years) and the Apartheid Museum in not be possible if I visited only on occasion, I love my husband. I love my career. I love years found this a bit shocking — I am not visit me for a weekend when we are in Namibia Johannesburg. We travel to the Drakensburg and I’ve developed incredible patience for the my life on two continents. |F| an impulsive person. But sometimes the heart Making it work — a drive that can take as long as 13 hours, one Mountains and climb Table Mountain in Cape process that is Africa. trumps the head, and I’m very thankful that People often ask me if it is hard to live on two way. After Furman’s graduation ceremony in Town and the infamous Dune 7 in Namibia. I feel fortunate to work at a university Kristy Maher has taught sociology at Furman it did in this case. continents. I tell them that, wherever I am, May, I head back to Botswana for the summer We see some of the most beautiful natural areas that recognizes that this knowledge and skill since 1993. She is a graduate of St. Michael’s My students are often curious about how I try to enjoy the moment. to continue my research into cultural factors in the world — the Okavango Delta, Kalahari set are unique, and that allows me to put these College and earned her master’s and Ph.D. degrees Paul and I decided to marry. I guess they !nd it When I’m in Africa, I love spending time that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Desert, Victoria Falls. skills to work by directing the Africa program. from Yale University. Read more about her life at a bit funny that, although we have always lived with my husband, camping in the bush and Botswana, which has the second highest rates It is an amazing experience. I love teaching It is potentially a life-changing experience http://muddyhyena.blogspot.com. Photos courtesy and worked on different continents, the long absorbing the natural beauty and wildlife of in the world. in the real world, with all the spontaneity and for our students. The intellectual and emo- Kristy Maher. commute and lengthy separations never crossed Botswana. When I’m in the States, I enjoy Living on two continents offers other creativity it affords. I love that I am constantly tional growth I observe in them each year my mind as deterrents to marriage. spending time with family and friends (and my bene!ts, especially professionally. With Furman’s learning, right alongside my students. It is is incredibly rewarding. Within months of our !rst meeting, Paul dog) and the ease of everyday living so contrary new curriculum and change to the semester one thing for me to lecture on global health asked me to marry him. My response was that he to where I live the other half of my life. (Have a system, I have had the opportunity to develop needed to know me better before I could give him "at tire? Call AAA. Need something for dinner? a !rst-year seminar on global health called an answer. Several months later, on a camping Pick up Thai takeout on the way home.) Living “Curses, Cures and Clinics” that allows me trip to the Trans-Kalahari Park, in the midst on two continents has made me appreciate to use my !rsthand knowledge of Africa in the of the hottest weather I have ever experienced, many of the things I’ve taken for granted for classroom. Talking about beliefs in witchcraft, for I evidently did something that led Paul to years. When I turn on the tap in my kitchen in example, using conversations I’ve had with locals exclaim in exasperation, “You are a stubborn Greenville and clean, potable water comes out, in Botswana, makes a rather unbelievable topic and dif!cult woman!” The man rarely, if ever, I am grateful in a way that I never was before. more believable. A recent survey in Botswana gets "ustered, so this was a remarkable comment We try to see each other as often as possible, actually found that 28 percent of the population coming from him. I don’t remember what I did and despite the prolonged separations, we’ve believes that HIV/AIDS is caused by witchcraft. to cause such an outburst, but I remember my found ways to make things work. When I’m Furman’s new calendar has also allowed reply: “OK, now you can ask me to marry you!” on campus teaching during fall semester, Paul for the expansion of the Africa study away We were married in July 2008 in the kgotla, typically visits for a month. I go to Africa at program, which I have been fortunate to the sacred space of the local tribe in Botswana. Christmas break. In the spring, although Paul direct for the last three years (including this It was an extremely cold winter morning — is unable to travel with our study away group semester). The program features courses from I was wearing long johns under my obligatory in South Africa and Namibia because of his four disciplines: sociology (which I teach), skirt. The ceremony started before sunrise, with business obligations (he owns an of!ce block, history, psychology, religion (in 2009 and the full moon still shining. We were joined by runs his own Geographic Information System 2010) and, this year, economics. three friends — two of whom served as the mapping business, and is a part owner of a safari We begin with three weeks of preparatory required witnesses and one who took pictures — company and an Internet company), he joins work on campus, then travel to South Africa, under the large thatched roof of the open shelter, us when we are in Botswana. On occasion he’ll Namibia and Botswana for approximately nine

10 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 weeks. In April we return to campus for three disparities. It is quite another to visit a rural Of course, my marital arrangement does more weeks of classes. As director, I travel public hospital in northern Namibia and contrast have its own set of challenges. It is especially with the students the entire time, and faculty its lack of staff and supplies to the private clinic hard to be halfway across the world when your representing the other courses “parachute” in for in Swakopmund, Namibia, where Angelina Jolie husband is suffering from his ninth bout of two weeks each. We are a traveling seminar that gave birth to her daughter, Shiloh. malaria. Because we experience separations that doesn’t stay anywhere for more than a week. We And without question, the extra time last as long as 10 weeks, it is dif!cult not to count travel by plane, bus, van and safari vehicle, and I spend in Africa makes me a better teacher. the days until we are reunited. we sleep in hotels, guest houses and tents. On The knowledge I share with my students is But despite the unconventional nature several occasions during the trip, the students !rsthand and not just gleaned from what I’ve of my intercontinental marriage, I really love enjoy “home stays” with local families. read, but what I’ve lived. I have become adept my life. I feel as if I’ve !nally found the balance We visit diamond mines, hospitals and at handling all that one faces when coordinating between the side of me that needs stability and Soon both of us realized we wanted to non-pro!t organizations, and engage people at such a trip. I have a better understanding of the order, and the side that craves adventure and explore this relationship further, so we agreed which was !lled with 12 African couples community organizations and orphanages. We dif!culties that arise despite one’s best efforts excitement. As odd as it seems, it suits me, that he should come to the States for a couple and their families and friends. We go to some of the best known tourist locations to plan. I know how to improvise when the and I feel fortunate to have arrived at this point of weeks. Impulsively, after that visit, I decided exchanged our vows to the “ululating” on the continent, including historic Robben plan you devised months in advance goes awry. while working at a university that appreciates to return with him to Botswana for the summer. of women wearing brightly colored shawls, Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned I have a feel for how Africa works that would my talents — and lifestyle. Family and friends who have known me for a local wedding tradition. for 26 years) and the Apartheid Museum in not be possible if I visited only on occasion, I love my husband. I love my career. I love years found this a bit shocking — I am not visit me for a weekend when we are in Namibia Johannesburg. We travel to the Drakensburg and I’ve developed incredible patience for the my life on two continents. |F| an impulsive person. But sometimes the heart Making it work — a drive that can take as long as 13 hours, one Mountains and climb Table Mountain in Cape process that is Africa. trumps the head, and I’m very thankful that People often ask me if it is hard to live on two way. After Furman’s graduation ceremony in Town and the infamous Dune 7 in Namibia. I feel fortunate to work at a university Kristy Maher has taught sociology at Furman it did in this case. continents. I tell them that, wherever I am, May, I head back to Botswana for the summer We see some of the most beautiful natural areas that recognizes that this knowledge and skill since 1993. She is a graduate of St. Michael’s My students are often curious about how I try to enjoy the moment. to continue my research into cultural factors in the world — the Okavango Delta, Kalahari set are unique, and that allows me to put these College and earned her master’s and Ph.D. degrees Paul and I decided to marry. I guess they !nd it When I’m in Africa, I love spending time that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Desert, Victoria Falls. skills to work by directing the Africa program. from Yale University. Read more about her life at a bit funny that, although we have always lived with my husband, camping in the bush and Botswana, which has the second highest rates It is an amazing experience. I love teaching It is potentially a life-changing experience http://muddyhyena.blogspot.com. Photos courtesy and worked on different continents, the long absorbing the natural beauty and wildlife of in the world. in the real world, with all the spontaneity and for our students. The intellectual and emo- Kristy Maher. commute and lengthy separations never crossed Botswana. When I’m in the States, I enjoy Living on two continents offers other creativity it affords. I love that I am constantly tional growth I observe in them each year my mind as deterrents to marriage. spending time with family and friends (and my bene!ts, especially professionally. With Furman’s learning, right alongside my students. It is is incredibly rewarding. Within months of our !rst meeting, Paul dog) and the ease of everyday living so contrary new curriculum and change to the semester one thing for me to lecture on global health asked me to marry him. My response was that he to where I live the other half of my life. (Have a system, I have had the opportunity to develop needed to know me better before I could give him "at tire? Call AAA. Need something for dinner? a !rst-year seminar on global health called an answer. Several months later, on a camping Pick up Thai takeout on the way home.) Living “Curses, Cures and Clinics” that allows me trip to the Trans-Kalahari Park, in the midst on two continents has made me appreciate to use my !rsthand knowledge of Africa in the of the hottest weather I have ever experienced, many of the things I’ve taken for granted for classroom. Talking about beliefs in witchcraft, for I evidently did something that led Paul to years. When I turn on the tap in my kitchen in example, using conversations I’ve had with locals exclaim in exasperation, “You are a stubborn Greenville and clean, potable water comes out, in Botswana, makes a rather unbelievable topic and dif!cult woman!” The man rarely, if ever, I am grateful in a way that I never was before. more believable. A recent survey in Botswana gets "ustered, so this was a remarkable comment We try to see each other as often as possible, actually found that 28 percent of the population coming from him. I don’t remember what I did and despite the prolonged separations, we’ve believes that HIV/AIDS is caused by witchcraft. to cause such an outburst, but I remember my found ways to make things work. When I’m Furman’s new calendar has also allowed reply: “OK, now you can ask me to marry you!” on campus teaching during fall semester, Paul for the expansion of the Africa study away We were married in July 2008 in the kgotla, typically visits for a month. I go to Africa at program, which I have been fortunate to the sacred space of the local tribe in Botswana. Christmas break. In the spring, although Paul direct for the last three years (including this It was an extremely cold winter morning — is unable to travel with our study away group semester). The program features courses from I was wearing long johns under my obligatory in South Africa and Namibia because of his four disciplines: sociology (which I teach), skirt. The ceremony started before sunrise, with business obligations (he owns an of!ce block, history, psychology, religion (in 2009 and the full moon still shining. We were joined by runs his own Geographic Information System 2010) and, this year, economics. three friends — two of whom served as the mapping business, and is a part owner of a safari We begin with three weeks of preparatory required witnesses and one who took pictures — company and an Internet company), he joins work on campus, then travel to South Africa, under the large thatched roof of the open shelter, us when we are in Botswana. On occasion he’ll Namibia and Botswana for approximately nine

10 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 Lt. Gen. John Mulholland has risen steadily through the ranks to become commander of U.S. Army Special Operations.

By John Roberts

Like most Americans, John F. Mulholland viewed the events of 9/11 with stunned disbelief. Then, anger. Then he began preparing. On October 19, 2001, little more than a month after terrorists hijacked American planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a !eld in Pennsylvania, killing almost 3,000 people, Mulholland, then a colonel, was stationed at an air base in Uzbekistan, just north of Afghanistan. Using a satellite communication link, he issued commands to a small, elite group of soldiers who, along with CIA operatives, had slipped into Afghanistan with a simple but seemingly insurmountable mission: form alliances with a loose coalition of Taliban- opposed warlords and topple the Afghan government. Mulholland’s journey to the outskirts of Afghanistan to play a leading role in a major military success story began at Furman in the mid-1970s.

Today he’s a highly respected, three-star general in command of 21,000 soldiers. In 1974, though, John Mulholland was just another newly enrolled Furman student — and not your typical Furman student, either. Raised in Baltimore, a hardy, working-class city, he was the oldest of six children (four of them boys) in an Irish Catholic family. His home was a boisterous hive of activity. LIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AFFAIRS LIC

B His father, a retired bomber pilot who served in the Korean War and was recruited to play professional football, encouraged his children to be competitive in everything they did. All of the Mulholland boys played football at Winston Churchill High School. “We were not afraid to mix it up,” Mulholland says. “We were all very competitive, but close. If you challenged one of us, you challenged all of us.” Mulholland, 6-5 and barrel-chested, was recruited by the University of Maryland before shattering his shoulder during his senior season. So his father, impressed with Furman’s football program, decided to send his oldest son south to attend college. But Furman and Mulholland weren’t exactly a perfect match. His wry sense of humor, direct manner and mid-Atlantic accent did not always endear him to others. His freshman year, however, he did !nd a girlfriend who later became his wife — classmate Miriam Mitchell, daughter of a Clemson University professor. And the next year he found his passion: the Reserve Of!cer Training Corps. TRISH HARRIS/ U.S. ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND/PU OPERATIONS SPECIAL ARMY U.S. HARRIS/ TRISH

12 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 13 Lt. Gen. John Mulholland has risen steadily through the ranks to become commander of U.S. Army Special Operations.

By John Roberts

12 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 13 A history major, Mulholland was drawn “We were very cognizant that, Bryant, director of public affairs for the was freed by the Nazis. There were, however, In his talk before a packed audience “It’s very much a combination of a Mad to the structure, challenge and shared sense in the wake of the horrendous U.S. Army Special Operations Command. a few differences. Explaining the Taliban’s strict in Younts Conference Center, Mulholland Max movie with the Peace Corps and the U.S. of purpose of ROTC cadets, and he received attacks upon our country, we As members of the 5th Group scrambled social code that prohibits music and shaving for painted a broad and complex portrait of the military thrown in,” he said. “We are trying to guidance from Furman’s military science to assemble troops and supplies for an invasion, men, Mulholland has said, “There was a mad current state of affairs. Once the United States build anything from literally nothing.” instructors, many of whom had combat represented America’s agents with the Central Intelligence Agency dash to the barbershop . . . and everyone began turned its attention to Iraq after 2001, he said, He added that by working in villages in experience in Vietnam. response to those who did us slipped into remote northern Afghanistan and blaring music, all kinds of music.” the Taliban and al Qaeda began to regain an effort to earn goodwill among the Afghan His junior year he fell out of favor with such terrible harm.” tried to cobble together a partnership with the Following the success of Task Force Dagger, traction in Afghanistan. “Afghanistan got people, U.S. and NATO forces are “trying to the football coaches and lost his scholarship Northern Alliance, a loosely formed band of Mulholland commanded a United States, off the radar screen,” he said. “Whether we clear and hold areas so that governance can when, he says, he chose to attend the select Through the late 1980s and early ’90s, warlords who had been waging an uncoordinated United Kingdom and Australian task force that lost an opportunity there will be debated take root and improve their way of life. It is Army Ranger School instead of participating Mulholland climbed the military hierarchy, and poorly supplied war against the Taliban conducted the initial special operations in Iraq. for many years.” quite a challenge.” in football workouts. He dropped out of col- serving at bases in the United States, Panama for a decade. He also served as chief of the Of!ce of Military The general described how the extremes On the political front, he said, the military lege for a time but remained in Greenville, and Japan. At each stop he assumed more A month after the 9/11 attacks, roughly Cooperation in Kuwait. of Afghan weather (bitter cold, frequent and members of Hamid Karzai’s administration taking a job in construction for several responsibilities, commanding teams, companies, 300 Special Forces soldiers launched a campaign In 2008 he was nominated by President sandstorms) and the country’s mountainous are searching to !nd “those elements in the months to earn enough money to fund his battalions and then groups. In 1990 he attended dubbed Task Force Dagger. Transported by Bush to be commander of the U.S. Army terrain make transportation — and !nding adversary camps that are open to reconciliation. !nal year of education. the Defense Language Institute in Monterrey, helicopter to remote regions of the rugged, Special Operations, which brought with it the enemy — dif!cult. Adding to the problem That is what was done in Iraq. For those who “I worked on [building] Haywood Mall,” Calif. (He speaks Spanish, German and Arabic.) mountainous country, the soldiers teamed with a promotion to three-star general. Headquar- is the country’s feeble infrastructure, as its are irreconcilable, the only option for us is he remembers. “The fork lift had broken down The following year, he graduated from the the warlords and called in precision air strikes tered in Fort Bragg, N.C., Special Operations roads and utility systems (electricity, water to kill them. But we’d rather bring them over and they needed someone strong to move the U.S. Army Command and General Staff — cruise missiles and laser-guided bombs — includes Special Forces, Rangers and Delta and sewer) have been decimated by years to our side.” [F] pipe.” At night he tended bar at Steak and Ale College in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., an of!cer to complement ground assaults. Mulholland Force. Mulholland oversees approximately of con"ict and neglect. on Pleasantburg Drive. development school. commanded the operations from an air base 21,000 soldiers and eight bases. Mulholland says, “I de!nitely did not !t in A decade later, Mulholland was invited in Uzbekistan near the northern border, though At the ceremony transferring authority at Furman. It was not a happy relationship, to be to attend the National War College, a training he frequently took clandestine trips into to Mulholland, Adm. Eric Olson, the of!ciating honest with you. I was not a Furman kind of guy, ground for top military brass. After graduating Afghanistan to check on the troops’ progress. of!cer, said, “If you’ve read his bio, that says what sort of like !tting a square peg in a round hole. with a Master of Science degree, he and Miriam Despite being dramatically outnumbered, he’s done. If you’ve spent any time with him, you It was character training,” he laughs. “But I moved to Fort Campbell, Ky., where in July 2001 ill-equipped to handle the extreme weather, know who he is. What he’s done gives us a sense found Miriam there, and I loved my teammates.” Mulholland took command of 5th Special Forces and forced to rely on spotty communication, of his capabilities, but who he is nails our high After completing his degree in 1978, Group. As fate would have it, the focus of 5th the soldiers of the 5th Group were able to level of con!dence in him, that he will meet our Mulholland was commissioned a second Group, which included 1,500 military personnel, traverse the rugged mountains and chase down highest expectations.” lieutenant and assigned to the Panama Canal was the Mideast and Africa. Taliban strongholds on horses provided by the Zone. In 1983, after graduating from the U.S. Mulholland had barely settled into his Northern Alliance. Improvising along the way, Colleagues describe Mulholland Army Special Forces Quali!cation Course new position when the terrorists struck on the soldiers and their allies achieved a series as an intense man who cuts straight to the (Green Berets), he decided to make his profession 9/11. The events, seared into the memories of stunning victories that led to the capture chase. “He is a very matter-of-fact person,” in the Special Forces, then a small and relatively of most Americans, reshaped lives and global of the city of Mazar-I-Sharif, a Taliban strong- says Tom Bryant. “He will start out with a quip unheralded group that focused on training perceptions, and propelled the country into a hold. In just 43 days they succeeded in toppling to put people at ease, but after that he gets down soldiers for unconventional, behind-the-lines, now decade-long war on terror. the Afghan government. to business. When he issues guidance, it is clear guerrilla warfare. The United States !rst turned its attention “The enormity of the task in those early and to the point. He is not real wordy.” Special Forces personnel are more than to the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, days was massively intimidating,” Mulholland In Horse Soldiers, Stanton described foot soldiers. Trained in language, culture and which supported the terrorist group al Qaeda. wrote in a 2009 issue of Special Operations, a Mulholland as “massively built with an intense customs, they are part warriors, part diplomats. military publication. “There was so very much gaze of someone who did not suffer fools.” Their motto is “To Liberate the Oppressed;” Hours after the 9/11 attacks, members unknown, so much that at the time you didn’t And while Mulholland’s student days at they are frequently asked to develop relation- of the 5th Group knew their time had come. know where to begin, what to take on. We Furman may not have been all he would have

ships with natives and to mobilize allies in Mulholland and his staff began poring over the were all very cognizant that, in the wake of liked, the self-proclaimed “square peg” has O a shared mission. information they had on Afghanistan, but there the horrendous attacks upon our country, we returned to campus a number of times in recent Each “group” within the Special Forces is was little on hand. According to Horse Soldiers, represented America’s response to those who years. He has attended ROTC commissioning assigned a geographic region of the globe. The a book by Doug Stanton, they were relegated to did us such terrible harm.” ceremonies, and at Homecoming 2009 he soldiers are tasked with knowing the area like reading old articles in National Geographic and When members of the 5th Group were was presented the university’s Distinguished watching programs on the Discovery Channel. their hometowns and are expected to immerse celebrated as liberators in late 2001, Mulholland Alumni Award. In October, he came to Furman PA USASOC HARRIS/ TRISH themselves in the region’s topography, language, “After the Russians left [in 1989], we kind of likened the scene in some Afghan cities to the to deliver a Riley Institute-sponsored speech politics, history and religion. took our eye off the country,” says Lt. Col. Tom celebrations that occurred in Paris when France about Afghanistan. Mulholland welcomes Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to Fort Bragg.

14 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 15 A history major, Mulholland was drawn “We were very cognizant that, Bryant, director of public affairs for the was freed by the Nazis. There were, however, In his talk before a packed audience “It’s very much a combination of a Mad to the structure, challenge and shared sense in the wake of the horrendous U.S. Army Special Operations Command. a few differences. Explaining the Taliban’s strict in Younts Conference Center, Mulholland Max movie with the Peace Corps and the U.S. of purpose of ROTC cadets, and he received attacks upon our country, we As members of the 5th Group scrambled social code that prohibits music and shaving for painted a broad and complex portrait of the military thrown in,” he said. “We are trying to guidance from Furman’s military science to assemble troops and supplies for an invasion, men, Mulholland has said, “There was a mad current state of affairs. Once the United States build anything from literally nothing.” instructors, many of whom had combat represented America’s agents with the Central Intelligence Agency dash to the barbershop . . . and everyone began turned its attention to Iraq after 2001, he said, He added that by working in villages in experience in Vietnam. response to those who did us slipped into remote northern Afghanistan and blaring music, all kinds of music.” the Taliban and al Qaeda began to regain an effort to earn goodwill among the Afghan His junior year he fell out of favor with such terrible harm.” tried to cobble together a partnership with the Following the success of Task Force Dagger, traction in Afghanistan. “Afghanistan got people, U.S. and NATO forces are “trying to the football coaches and lost his scholarship Northern Alliance, a loosely formed band of Mulholland commanded a United States, off the radar screen,” he said. “Whether we clear and hold areas so that governance can when, he says, he chose to attend the select Through the late 1980s and early ’90s, warlords who had been waging an uncoordinated United Kingdom and Australian task force that lost an opportunity there will be debated take root and improve their way of life. It is Army Ranger School instead of participating Mulholland climbed the military hierarchy, and poorly supplied war against the Taliban conducted the initial special operations in Iraq. for many years.” quite a challenge.” in football workouts. He dropped out of col- serving at bases in the United States, Panama for a decade. He also served as chief of the Of!ce of Military The general described how the extremes On the political front, he said, the military lege for a time but remained in Greenville, and Japan. At each stop he assumed more A month after the 9/11 attacks, roughly Cooperation in Kuwait. of Afghan weather (bitter cold, frequent and members of Hamid Karzai’s administration taking a job in construction for several responsibilities, commanding teams, companies, 300 Special Forces soldiers launched a campaign In 2008 he was nominated by President sandstorms) and the country’s mountainous are searching to !nd “those elements in the months to earn enough money to fund his battalions and then groups. In 1990 he attended dubbed Task Force Dagger. Transported by Bush to be commander of the U.S. Army terrain make transportation — and !nding adversary camps that are open to reconciliation. !nal year of education. the Defense Language Institute in Monterrey, helicopter to remote regions of the rugged, Special Operations, which brought with it the enemy — dif!cult. Adding to the problem That is what was done in Iraq. For those who “I worked on [building] Haywood Mall,” Calif. (He speaks Spanish, German and Arabic.) mountainous country, the soldiers teamed with a promotion to three-star general. Headquar- is the country’s feeble infrastructure, as its are irreconcilable, the only option for us is he remembers. “The fork lift had broken down The following year, he graduated from the the warlords and called in precision air strikes tered in Fort Bragg, N.C., Special Operations roads and utility systems (electricity, water to kill them. But we’d rather bring them over and they needed someone strong to move the U.S. Army Command and General Staff — cruise missiles and laser-guided bombs — includes Special Forces, Rangers and Delta and sewer) have been decimated by years to our side.” [F] pipe.” At night he tended bar at Steak and Ale College in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., an of!cer to complement ground assaults. Mulholland Force. Mulholland oversees approximately of con"ict and neglect. on Pleasantburg Drive. development school. commanded the operations from an air base 21,000 soldiers and eight bases. Mulholland says, “I de!nitely did not !t in A decade later, Mulholland was invited in Uzbekistan near the northern border, though At the ceremony transferring authority at Furman. It was not a happy relationship, to be to attend the National War College, a training he frequently took clandestine trips into to Mulholland, Adm. Eric Olson, the of!ciating honest with you. I was not a Furman kind of guy, ground for top military brass. After graduating Afghanistan to check on the troops’ progress. of!cer, said, “If you’ve read his bio, that says what sort of like !tting a square peg in a round hole. with a Master of Science degree, he and Miriam Despite being dramatically outnumbered, he’s done. If you’ve spent any time with him, you It was character training,” he laughs. “But I moved to Fort Campbell, Ky., where in July 2001 ill-equipped to handle the extreme weather, know who he is. What he’s done gives us a sense found Miriam there, and I loved my teammates.” Mulholland took command of 5th Special Forces and forced to rely on spotty communication, of his capabilities, but who he is nails our high After completing his degree in 1978, Group. As fate would have it, the focus of 5th the soldiers of the 5th Group were able to level of con!dence in him, that he will meet our Mulholland was commissioned a second Group, which included 1,500 military personnel, traverse the rugged mountains and chase down highest expectations.” lieutenant and assigned to the Panama Canal was the Mideast and Africa. Taliban strongholds on horses provided by the Zone. In 1983, after graduating from the U.S. Mulholland had barely settled into his Northern Alliance. Improvising along the way, Colleagues describe Mulholland Army Special Forces Quali!cation Course new position when the terrorists struck on the soldiers and their allies achieved a series as an intense man who cuts straight to the (Green Berets), he decided to make his profession 9/11. The events, seared into the memories of stunning victories that led to the capture chase. “He is a very matter-of-fact person,” in the Special Forces, then a small and relatively of most Americans, reshaped lives and global of the city of Mazar-I-Sharif, a Taliban strong- says Tom Bryant. “He will start out with a quip unheralded group that focused on training perceptions, and propelled the country into a hold. In just 43 days they succeeded in toppling to put people at ease, but after that he gets down soldiers for unconventional, behind-the-lines, now decade-long war on terror. the Afghan government. to business. When he issues guidance, it is clear guerrilla warfare. The United States !rst turned its attention “The enormity of the task in those early and to the point. He is not real wordy.” Special Forces personnel are more than to the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, days was massively intimidating,” Mulholland In Horse Soldiers, Stanton described foot soldiers. Trained in language, culture and which supported the terrorist group al Qaeda. wrote in a 2009 issue of Special Operations, a Mulholland as “massively built with an intense customs, they are part warriors, part diplomats. military publication. “There was so very much gaze of someone who did not suffer fools.” Their motto is “To Liberate the Oppressed;” Hours after the 9/11 attacks, members unknown, so much that at the time you didn’t And while Mulholland’s student days at they are frequently asked to develop relation- of the 5th Group knew their time had come. know where to begin, what to take on. We Furman may not have been all he would have

14 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 15 Independent

Spirit !"#$%&#'()&*+ Don Lewis has spent most of his 75 years trying to get away from it all. At least that’s what most of society would say. The problem is, not everybody has the same de!nition of the word “all.”

All he ever wanted could be found in the forest, in the company of his wife and animals, or in the solitude of a pottery studio he built himself, nail by nail. So that’s where he went, and that’s what he did. You’d be hard-pressed to !nd a man today, in this culture lathered with objects and excess, who has more completely constructed his life on his own terms. It hasn’t always been easy, and it hasn’t always been perfect. It has, however, been unique. And good for you if you can end a visit with Lewis on his 122 heavily wooded, gently rolling acres in northern Greenville County without a little twinge of envy. “The down side of living in the woods like this is that trees die and they start falling,” Lewis says, chuckling as he points up a hill. “That oak tree up there is jeopardizing my studio.” As Lewis walks gingerly along a path, slowed by a painful case of sciatica, dogs McDuff and Squirt bound joyfully alongside, while Sweetie walks quietly behind, more cautious of a visitor. They are three of the dozens of homeless critters that Lewis and his late wife, Bennie Lee Sinclair, have taken in over the last !ve decades. “She was a little stray out on the road for about a year, and the neighbors and I fed her but she didn’t come near anybody,” he says about Sweetie, a "at-faced, black pug mix with white whiskers that give away her age, and a stubby tail that wags when she hears her name. “I locked her in a pen for a few days and got her used to being here. She was a house dog, and probably what the situation was was Granny has a dog, Granny dies, and the kids don’t want to fool with it and throw her out.” Lewis goes on to introduce other members of his “family,” which includes another dog named Dogg and cats Blossom Declan Haun, a noted journalistic photographer, was a friend of Don Lewis and Bennie Lee Sinclair. He snapped this shot of the couple in the early 1960s. Dearie, who lives in the studio, and Moto, who lives in the house.

FURMAN | WINTER 2011 17 Independent

FURMAN | WINTER 2011 17 Overcoming adversity

Greenville native, Lewis talks about his childhood matter- A of-factly. There is no bitterness in his voice. There also isn’t any whitewashing. His father abandoned his mother when he and his brother were young, and things were tough for a long time. “I was raised in a single- parent household before it became fashionable. Back then, it was quite a stigma for a woman,” he says. “My mother had a nervous breakdown after our father left, and I ended up in an orphanage. While I was there, I contracted polio. At the time, polio was a dreaded disease. It was greatly feared.” He lost the use of his right arm, and it took extensive physical therapy to regain movement. Then life landed another blow. “After I got over the polio, I contracted rheumatic fever. I’m not sure where I was or how old I was. That stuff has blanked out,” Lewis says. “I was bedridden for eight months. There’s a picture of me. My mother could close her thumb and middle !nger around my leg right above the knee. I was a skeleton with skin on it.” But he recovered again and was healthy by his 12th birthday. Shortly thereafter, he and his brother were reunited with their mother, and Lewis went on to graduate from high school and join the Marines. Nobody in his family had ever earned a high school degree, but OULD he liked education. So after his enlistment was up, Lewis, armed with G OULD LENN G the G.I. Bill, decided to give Furman a try. “I knew nothing about G

college, and the only college I knew of was Furman.” His life would LENN G never be the same. In 1957, the winter of his freshman year, Don met Bennie Lee. Even before graduating from Furman in 1961, Don and Bennie Lee found They were married six months later. In 1960 he was introduced to sanctuary in the forests of the Upstate. his second love — the pottery wheel. Potter Charles Counts was Mutual devotion of ourselves as being gypsy potters,” he says. He also built a reputation; giving a two-week workshop at Furman, and an intrigued Lewis, and support his work was featured at the Smithsonian and at the Faenza Inter- Ah, the house. Lewis built it, starting in 1975 after he and Bennie who had seen an exhibit of Counts’ work, decided to enroll. “I made national Pottery Exposition in Italy. In 1970, Furman presented him Lee moved from their two acres in Little Chicago, near Campobello, a little pot the !rst time I tried,” he says, still unmistakably proud nce you pass the Cleveland post of!ce off of U.S. 276 coming from its Distinguished Alumni Award. where they’d lived for 17 years, since they were Furman students in of the accomplishment. “They couldn’t believe it. I had a natural OGreenville, start looking for the sign pointing you to Wildwood Jeff Greene, a 1970 Furman graduate, met Don in 1969 at an the late 1950s. talent for it.” Gallery. Take a left, and keep following the signs to 120 Ryan Drive, exhibit at Furman. They’ve been friends ever since. There, they had no electricity or running water. But Lewis no Ironically, he thinks some of that gift came from the awful virus where you’ll turn right onto a one-lane gravel drive that winds its way “At that time Don and Bennie Lee were very secluded and very longer shuns modern conveniences. He has a car and a phone, even that paralyzed him as a child. “For a while, I wrote left-handed. I think through the forest to Lewis’ studio. He’s usually around, but if he’s not work-minded, and they were extremely nice to my wife Donna and the Internet. Call them the well-earned fruits of his labor. “When that little experience gave me a certain dexterity in each of my hands.” he requests that you use the honor system to pay for anything you pick me,” says Greene, longtime owner of The Potters House in Greenville. we’d get a hundred bucks, we’d go buy a hundred bucks worth of Lewis suddenly knew exactly what he wanted to do and, imme- out from his display of pots. “In retrospect, he was probably my biggest mentor. There are a lot materials and come back and build some more,” he remembers. diately upon graduation in 1961, he headed to California, where he “The last couple of years there have not been many [visitors], with of people making pots, but there are very few full-time potters that And where did those hundred bucks come from? Almost always trained under Marguerite Wildenhain at her Pond Farm artists’ colony the economic situation,” he says. “Pottery is not by any means a necessity. live their lives that way. That was a tremendous in"uence on me that from the sale of Bennie Lee’s poetry or Don’s pottery. north of San Francisco (now part of the California state parks system). Before that, I’d get sometimes a couple of dozen people on the weekends people did that and didn’t do it just for fun.” There’s a reason you don’t hear about many people making Wildenhain had "ed to America to escape the Nazis, but in her just from my signs out on the road.” While Don reveled in the hours spent with clay between his !ngers, a living writing poetry and selling pottery — there aren’t many who youth she had attained the status of master potter at the legendary Lewis long ago lost count of how many pieces he has sold. As a Bennie Lee did the same with words and paper. Her dream of becoming do. But talent and passion can take you almost anywhere you want Bauhaus School in Germany, which attracted artists from all over young man he and Bennie Lee, who also graduated in 1961, would travel a writer took a little longer to reach fruition, but the same year Don to go. “Can you imagine making a living selling pottery and poems?” Europe in the 1920s and ’30s. When Lewis left her tutelage three all over the Carolinas, Tennessee and Georgia peddling his creations. was honored by his alma mater, she published her !rst book of poetry. Lewis says with a smile. “But we did a lot of other things, too.” months later, he was ready to call himself a professional. There was never a ton of money, but there was enough. “We thought Sixteen years later, she was named South Carolina’s poet laureate.

18 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 19 Overcoming adversity

18 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 19 As artists, Don and Bennie Lee going to happen to Don. He hadn’t Nothing was more dif!cult to master than Lewis’ own creative “For whatever reason, I have a need for peace and quiet, and the best pushed each other. He says, “There’s been making pots for a while because process, though. He freely admits that it mysti!es him. “I’ll do whatever way to do that is to be back in a hole in a wall,” he said. “There are certain a certain joy in doing creative things he was taking care of her. So it was it is, a vase, maybe six, seven, eight on a board. The progression from things to enjoy here. Sometimes I’ll go out and listen to some great horned that you can’t really put a dollar value very, very dif!cult. the !rst to the last, the ones in the middle are the best,” he says. “The owls up on that hillside there. In a busier environment, just the typical on. When she would write a poem “Bennie Lee, as sick as she was, !rst ones are tentative. By the end, you’ve overthought them a little noises that you !nd in an urban situation would drown those things out. that she was pleased with, or I would would tell us, ‘I just want Don to get bit. I can’t do a lot of thinking about it. I’ve got to do it and go on. It makes me feel good.” make a pot that I was pleased with, back on the wheel again.’ And he It’s accidental Zen.” Zen: The state of total focus and togetherness With that, McDuff and the gang start making it known that it’s it was quite a feeling. There’s nothing did. I remember the !rst !ring he had between the mind and body. dinner time. Lewis has buried more members of his family than he cares like it.” after her passing. It was a real treat.” “When I !rst ran into this, it was the most independent thing to recall, but he knows that one day they’ll outlive him. “They’re my Not that they used the same I could do,” he says. “I had a talent for it, and I was greatly taken by it. friends, so they deserve to be taken care of. And if I’m not here to do methods. “She and I had two different You’re in complete control of the process, from start to !nish. You have it, I’ll make arrangements for it,” he says, and then pauses. “It’s strange thought processes. Her thoughts were The !re nobody to blame if it turns out bad, but it also means that you take the to talk about.” sort of like in vignettes, still pictures. credit if it succeeds. If you will, there’s a little bit of omnipotence.” Is Lewis proud of the life he’s chosen? And mine are always moving,” Lewis still burns But just a little. The failures outnumber the successes, and there’s “Proud may not be the right word, but I’m content. It seems like I’ve says. “She enjoyed the creative pro- the occasional disaster to keep the creator humble — as when a shelf had responsibilities since I can remember, since I was a little kid,” he says. cess of writing, and she really had ewis says he’s explored nearly collapses and costs him three months of work, or a sleeping cat falls “I think I’ve pretty much met all of them, and that’s a good feeling.” |F| no af!nity for doing things with her Levery inch of his property, from the ceiling and into his clay. hands except on a keyboard.” but not lately. With winter “Ultimately everything is con!ned to the !re, and all sorts of things Visit www.thewildwoodgallery.com to !nd out more about Lewis’ work. Greene was continually amazed approaching, he worries that for can happen there. Sometimes happy accidents, and more often than not Color photos by Jeremy Fleming. by the strength of Don and Bennie the !rst time he won’t be able to unhappy accidents,” Lewis says with a laugh. “It’s quite a nice feeling. To learn about another unusual aspect of Lewis’ life, turn the page. Lee’s relationship. “Both of them cut his own !rewood. “I am highly The hackneyed phrase is had totally individual lives in terms displeased with my leg,” he says. that opening a kiln is like of profession, but in terms of support “I’ve always done everything, and Christmas morning, but it’s I don’t think I’ve ever known of I can’t do it now.” pretty much true. For anyone that had the support that He can still spin the wheel, myself, I suppose, most of they gave each other,” he said. however, and !re up the kiln when the pots that I make, once Yet their work was only a small the mood strikes him. He can also I get ’em out of the kiln part of their bond. Bennie Lee also show you what may be his favorite and get a good look at ’em, came from a dif!cult childhood. The creation — if you ask to see it. I’m through with it.” couple had no children and no other No, it’s not in some shiny Greene knows the family to speak of, and from the day glass case above the !replace. feeling. “I’m probably asked they met they knew that their time Try the corner of a dusty shelf in about once a month if you together would likely be cut short by the slow ravages of Bennie Lee’s a cramped storage closet. “I’m not real sure,” he says when asked why the make a good living at this, Type 1 diabetes. It was. bowl impresses him so. “But it just all came together, the idea that I had. and I say no, but you can “Her death wasn’t really hard to anticipate. She had diabetes from I can’t tell you why. It just strikes me as being a pretty good pot.” make a good life. I learned a young age,” Lewis says. “I’ve got lots of pictures of her in that wheelchair. That’s always the goal, although for an artist it’s an elusive one. a long time ago you have She was still going to writers’ conferences and things like that. It was a long “I’m still trying to make a perfect pot. I haven’t done it yet. Or, I should to make a choice to do the process of seeing her go downhill, from being a relatively healthy person say a nearly perfect pot,” he says. “To me, it’s a matter of form. Clay is things you feel a calling to to someone who was pretty much completely disabled.” absolutely the most expressive raw material. A little touch here can change do. It’s what the old-timers As they always had, the couple made do, even when Bennie Lee lost the character of something altogether. You can draw a pot outline and call a !re in the belly. And her sight. “She had something around 20 surgeries on her eyes, but still make it exactly like that, but it’s not going to be very good. It’s a matter I’ve still got it. I’ve slowed her eyesight would deteriorate a little bit and she’d go back for more laser of letting your hands do what they’ve been trained to do.” up, but I’m still working. surgery. Each time, they knew they were destroying her peripheral vision, Lewis learned many techniques while he studied under Wildenhain, I’ll work until I die, I hope, but it was necessary to keep her having some vision,” Lewis says. “She was and over the years he took her German traditions and melded them and Don’s the same way.” really determined. For myself, I could not have tolerated one-tenth of the with Spanish in"uences and his own Southern roots. Salt glazing, the Lewis has been asked pain she went through.” traditional German way of glazing beer steins, has become his trademark. about a thousand times why Lewis goes silent for a moment, and the look on his face suggests that Bob Chance, a Furman art professor and accomplished potter, says he chose this life of solitude Bennie Lee has been gone for only a while instead of 10 years. that Lewis has achieved the rare distinction of taking ownership of a craft. and self-reliance. Chances are Like all of their friends, Greene wondered how Lewis would cope “Salt glazing is not hard to learn. It’s dif!cult to master. Don has his own if you don’t know the answer without his companion. “Don was her only caregiver. They had no family unique style and unique way of working which became well known to already, you won’t understand support whatsoever for any of that. Quite frankly, I wondered what was others as his kind of pot.” his. But he tries to oblige.

20 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 21 As artists, Don and Bennie Lee going to happen to Don. He hadn’t Nothing was more dif!cult to master than Lewis’ own creative “For whatever reason, I have a need for peace and quiet, and the best pushed each other. He says, “There’s been making pots for a while because process, though. He freely admits that it mysti!es him. “I’ll do whatever way to do that is to be back in a hole in a wall,” he said. “There are certain a certain joy in doing creative things he was taking care of her. So it was it is, a vase, maybe six, seven, eight on a board. The progression from things to enjoy here. Sometimes I’ll go out and listen to some great horned that you can’t really put a dollar value very, very dif!cult. the !rst to the last, the ones in the middle are the best,” he says. “The owls up on that hillside there. In a busier environment, just the typical on. When she would write a poem “Bennie Lee, as sick as she was, !rst ones are tentative. By the end, you’ve overthought them a little noises that you !nd in an urban situation would drown those things out. that she was pleased with, or I would would tell us, ‘I just want Don to get bit. I can’t do a lot of thinking about it. I’ve got to do it and go on. It makes me feel good.” make a pot that I was pleased with, back on the wheel again.’ And he It’s accidental Zen.” Zen: The state of total focus and togetherness With that, McDuff and the gang start making it known that it’s it was quite a feeling. There’s nothing did. I remember the !rst !ring he had between the mind and body. dinner time. Lewis has buried more members of his family than he cares like it.” after her passing. It was a real treat.” “When I !rst ran into this, it was the most independent thing to recall, but he knows that one day they’ll outlive him. “They’re my Not that they used the same I could do,” he says. “I had a talent for it, and I was greatly taken by it. friends, so they deserve to be taken care of. And if I’m not here to do methods. “She and I had two different You’re in complete control of the process, from start to !nish. You have it, I’ll make arrangements for it,” he says, and then pauses. “It’s strange thought processes. Her thoughts were The !re nobody to blame if it turns out bad, but it also means that you take the to talk about.” sort of like in vignettes, still pictures. credit if it succeeds. If you will, there’s a little bit of omnipotence.” Is Lewis proud of the life he’s chosen? And mine are always moving,” Lewis still burns But just a little. The failures outnumber the successes, and there’s “Proud may not be the right word, but I’m content. It seems like I’ve says. “She enjoyed the creative pro- the occasional disaster to keep the creator humble — as when a shelf had responsibilities since I can remember, since I was a little kid,” he says. cess of writing, and she really had ewis says he’s explored nearly collapses and costs him three months of work, or a sleeping cat falls “I think I’ve pretty much met all of them, and that’s a good feeling.” |F| no af!nity for doing things with her Levery inch of his property, from the ceiling and into his clay. hands except on a keyboard.” but not lately. With winter “Ultimately everything is con!ned to the !re, and all sorts of things Visit www.thewildwoodgallery.com to !nd out more about Lewis’ work. Greene was continually amazed approaching, he worries that for can happen there. Sometimes happy accidents, and more often than not Color photos by Jeremy Fleming. by the strength of Don and Bennie the !rst time he won’t be able to unhappy accidents,” Lewis says with a laugh. “It’s quite a nice feeling. To learn about another unusual aspect of Lewis’ life, turn the page. Lee’s relationship. “Both of them cut his own !rewood. “I am highly The hackneyed phrase is had totally individual lives in terms displeased with my leg,” he says. that opening a kiln is like of profession, but in terms of support “I’ve always done everything, and Christmas morning, but it’s I don’t think I’ve ever known of I can’t do it now.” pretty much true. For anyone that had the support that He can still spin the wheel, myself, I suppose, most of they gave each other,” he said. however, and !re up the kiln when the pots that I make, once Yet their work was only a small the mood strikes him. He can also I get ’em out of the kiln part of their bond. Bennie Lee also show you what may be his favorite and get a good look at ’em, came from a dif!cult childhood. The creation — if you ask to see it. I’m through with it.” couple had no children and no other No, it’s not in some shiny Greene knows the family to speak of, and from the day glass case above the !replace. feeling. “I’m probably asked they met they knew that their time Try the corner of a dusty shelf in about once a month if you together would likely be cut short by the slow ravages of Bennie Lee’s a cramped storage closet. “I’m not real sure,” he says when asked why the make a good living at this, Type 1 diabetes. It was. bowl impresses him so. “But it just all came together, the idea that I had. and I say no, but you can “Her death wasn’t really hard to anticipate. She had diabetes from I can’t tell you why. It just strikes me as being a pretty good pot.” make a good life. I learned a young age,” Lewis says. “I’ve got lots of pictures of her in that wheelchair. That’s always the goal, although for an artist it’s an elusive one. a long time ago you have She was still going to writers’ conferences and things like that. It was a long “I’m still trying to make a perfect pot. I haven’t done it yet. Or, I should to make a choice to do the process of seeing her go downhill, from being a relatively healthy person say a nearly perfect pot,” he says. “To me, it’s a matter of form. Clay is things you feel a calling to to someone who was pretty much completely disabled.” absolutely the most expressive raw material. A little touch here can change do. It’s what the old-timers As they always had, the couple made do, even when Bennie Lee lost the character of something altogether. You can draw a pot outline and call a !re in the belly. And her sight. “She had something around 20 surgeries on her eyes, but still make it exactly like that, but it’s not going to be very good. It’s a matter I’ve still got it. I’ve slowed her eyesight would deteriorate a little bit and she’d go back for more laser of letting your hands do what they’ve been trained to do.” up, but I’m still working. surgery. Each time, they knew they were destroying her peripheral vision, Lewis learned many techniques while he studied under Wildenhain, I’ll work until I die, I hope, but it was necessary to keep her having some vision,” Lewis says. “She was and over the years he took her German traditions and melded them and Don’s the same way.” really determined. For myself, I could not have tolerated one-tenth of the with Spanish in"uences and his own Southern roots. Salt glazing, the Lewis has been asked pain she went through.” traditional German way of glazing beer steins, has become his trademark. about a thousand times why Lewis goes silent for a moment, and the look on his face suggests that Bob Chance, a Furman art professor and accomplished potter, says he chose this life of solitude Bennie Lee has been gone for only a while instead of 10 years. that Lewis has achieved the rare distinction of taking ownership of a craft. and self-reliance. Chances are Like all of their friends, Greene wondered how Lewis would cope “Salt glazing is not hard to learn. It’s dif!cult to master. Don has his own if you don’t know the answer without his companion. “Don was her only caregiver. They had no family unique style and unique way of working which became well known to already, you won’t understand support whatsoever for any of that. Quite frankly, I wondered what was others as his kind of pot.” his. But he tries to oblige.

20 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 21 hen Don Lewis moved forests to survive and are susceptible She’s not alone. In recent years, more to his remote corner to weather extremes. and more visitors have made it a point to of Greenville County “These guys are about half the size brave Lewis’ twisting, one-lane gravel drive in 1975, he did it in part of a regular summertime lightning bug. to watch the blue ghosts do their thing. Wto keep his coveted connection with They look very much the same. In good “There’s no way to know how many the natural world intact. years they’ll be here for about six weeks, [!re"ies] there are going to be. I’ve seen Since 1959, while still students at but that’s not guaranteed,” says Lewis, thousands, and when there are that many Furman, he and his wife, Bennie Lee who adds that the !re"ies begin to appear of them it’s like a carpet of light,” says Sinclair, had lived in a cabin they built around April 15. “They can get killed off Lewis. “I’ve had cars parked in every on two acres of cutover timber land in by certain rain events, a severe thunder- possible space out there. The great fear Little Chicago, S.C., near the town of storm in the afternoon or the evening.” is to have one last car come in that can’t Campobello. But encroaching development Lewis’ prowess as a potter is well turn around.” Like had dirtied the creek that supplied their known, but over the past two decades Because the females don’t "y, the drinking water and chased away many of the blue ghost !re"y has come to de!ne !re"ies aren’t good at !nding new places the animals they had called friends, leaving his life just as much. He’s created a website to live, which is a problem in an area where, them searching for a new retreat. (www.doiop.com/!re"yforest) to document until recent years, human encroachment a carpet They found it — and more — near what he sees, and each spring he sends was destroying their habitat at a breakneck Cleveland in northern Greenville County, alerts to friends and interested observers pace. Whether that will have a long-term just off State Highway 11. so they can witness the phenomenon. impact on their population remains to be Lewis is an acute observer of the Despite their uniqueness, the !re"ies seen, but Lewis is determined to ensure that outdoors, and during his !rst spring at haven’t been subjects of much scienti!c Phausis reticulata will always have a home of light, his new home, at the base of where the study. “What’s on my website is what I’ve on his 122-acre homestead. Blue Ridge Mountains start climbing into been able to deduce about them over the “Some friends and I formed a non- North Carolina, he noticed something years,” says Lewis. pro!t corporation called Friends of Fire"y he’d never seen before. At the moment Jennifer Frick-Ruppert, an associate Forest, and I intend to leave this place blue when the sun !nally goes all the way professor of ecology and environmental to the corporation in my will. Hopefully down and the gray of dusk is replaced studies at Brevard College in North they’ll keep it going forever,” Lewis says. by the black of night, he noticed a light Carolina, recently co-authored only the “But even if they don’t, if something should that shouldn’t be. Actually, hundreds third scienti!c paper on Phausis reticulata. happen to the corporation and it should go ghosts of lights — pale blue and unwavering, “I enjoy talking to Don because he is such out of business, the corporation or a judge, hovering just above the ground. an enthusiast,” she says. “He makes some whichever one it takes, will give this place Trans!xed, he had witnessed for the good observations.” to a like-minded conservation organization. !rst time the mating ritual of the Phausis Two springs ago, Pam Burgess Shucker That’s the best I can do.” in the reticulata, a little known insect also called ’69, Lewis’ longtime friend, made the trek — RON WAGNER the “blue ghost !re"y.” to Cleveland to see the !re"ies. The show “I knew there was something different started promptly at dark. The author, a 1993 graduate, is a freelance about them,” Lewis says. “For about 10 years She wrote of her experience, writer in Hendersonville, N.C. A former night I suppose I couldn’t !nd out anything about “The eerie, hauntingly beautiful blue Furman baseball player, he was the right them. Nobody I’d talk to had ever seen lights began to "ick on one at a time. !elder for the Asheville (N.C.) Diamondbacks these things.” I attempted to follow each pale blue "ash baseball club that won its second straight Unlike the more common !re"ies with through dark so complete I often bumped Men’s Senior Baseball League Fall Classic blinking yellow lights that children chase into the person beside me. At the end of championship in Jupiter, Fla. The D’backs during the summer, blue ghost !re"ies emit an hour, thousands of ghostly blue sparks captured the 2010 35-over American Divi- a steady glow. And while not uncommon in lit the black woods as if haunted matches sion championship with a 7-0 record after the southern Appalachians, they aren’t seen "ared. . . . The event proved a spectacular winning the 35-over Central Division often because they require fairly mature experience and memory for me.” title in 2009. STEWART GRINTON/S.C. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

22 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 23 hen Don Lewis moved forests to survive and are susceptible She’s not alone. In recent years, more to his remote corner to weather extremes. and more visitors have made it a point to of Greenville County “These guys are about half the size brave Lewis’ twisting, one-lane gravel drive in 1975, he did it in part of a regular summertime lightning bug. to watch the blue ghosts do their thing. Wto keep his coveted connection with They look very much the same. In good “There’s no way to know how many the natural world intact. years they’ll be here for about six weeks, [!re"ies] there are going to be. I’ve seen Since 1959, while still students at but that’s not guaranteed,” says Lewis, thousands, and when there are that many Furman, he and his wife, Bennie Lee who adds that the !re"ies begin to appear of them it’s like a carpet of light,” says Sinclair, had lived in a cabin they built around April 15. “They can get killed off Lewis. “I’ve had cars parked in every on two acres of cutover timber land in by certain rain events, a severe thunder- possible space out there. The great fear Little Chicago, S.C., near the town of storm in the afternoon or the evening.” is to have one last car come in that can’t Campobello. But encroaching development Lewis’ prowess as a potter is well turn around.” Like had dirtied the creek that supplied their known, but over the past two decades Because the females don’t "y, the drinking water and chased away many of the blue ghost !re"y has come to de!ne !re"ies aren’t good at !nding new places the animals they had called friends, leaving his life just as much. He’s created a website to live, which is a problem in an area where, them searching for a new retreat. (www.doiop.com/!re"yforest) to document until recent years, human encroachment a carpet They found it — and more — near what he sees, and each spring he sends was destroying their habitat at a breakneck Cleveland in northern Greenville County, alerts to friends and interested observers pace. Whether that will have a long-term just off State Highway 11. so they can witness the phenomenon. impact on their population remains to be Lewis is an acute observer of the Despite their uniqueness, the !re"ies seen, but Lewis is determined to ensure that outdoors, and during his !rst spring at haven’t been subjects of much scienti!c Phausis reticulata will always have a home of light, his new home, at the base of where the study. “What’s on my website is what I’ve on his 122-acre homestead. Blue Ridge Mountains start climbing into been able to deduce about them over the “Some friends and I formed a non- North Carolina, he noticed something years,” says Lewis. pro!t corporation called Friends of Fire"y he’d never seen before. At the moment Jennifer Frick-Ruppert, an associate Forest, and I intend to leave this place blue when the sun !nally goes all the way professor of ecology and environmental to the corporation in my will. Hopefully down and the gray of dusk is replaced studies at Brevard College in North they’ll keep it going forever,” Lewis says. by the black of night, he noticed a light Carolina, recently co-authored only the “But even if they don’t, if something should that shouldn’t be. Actually, hundreds third scienti!c paper on Phausis reticulata. happen to the corporation and it should go ghosts of lights — pale blue and unwavering, “I enjoy talking to Don because he is such out of business, the corporation or a judge, hovering just above the ground. an enthusiast,” she says. “He makes some whichever one it takes, will give this place Trans!xed, he had witnessed for the good observations.” to a like-minded conservation organization. !rst time the mating ritual of the Phausis Two springs ago, Pam Burgess Shucker That’s the best I can do.” in the reticulata, a little known insect also called ’69, Lewis’ longtime friend, made the trek — RON WAGNER the “blue ghost !re"y.” to Cleveland to see the !re"ies. The show “I knew there was something different started promptly at dark. The author, a 1993 graduate, is a freelance about them,” Lewis says. “For about 10 years She wrote of her experience, writer in Hendersonville, N.C. A former night I suppose I couldn’t !nd out anything about “The eerie, hauntingly beautiful blue Furman baseball player, he was the right them. Nobody I’d talk to had ever seen lights began to "ick on one at a time. !elder for the Asheville (N.C.) Diamondbacks these things.” I attempted to follow each pale blue "ash baseball club that won its second straight Unlike the more common !re"ies with through dark so complete I often bumped Men’s Senior Baseball League Fall Classic blinking yellow lights that children chase into the person beside me. At the end of championship in Jupiter, Fla. The D’backs during the summer, blue ghost !re"ies emit an hour, thousands of ghostly blue sparks captured the 2010 35-over American Divi- a steady glow. And while not uncommon in lit the black woods as if haunted matches sion championship with a 7-0 record after the southern Appalachians, they aren’t seen "ared. . . . The event proved a spectacular winning the 35-over Central Division often because they require fairly mature experience and memory for me.” title in 2009. STEWART GRINTON/S.C. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

22 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 23 THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY’S COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN

Designating gifts allows Young alum recognizes importance of planned giving donors to support SOME FOLKS THINK that the subject “As a new planned giving of!cer,” “Should my estate provision for Furman speci!c areas of interest of wills and estate planning is solely for McMichen writes, “I’ve been mindful of need- change, I will be sure to keep you informed. the “retirement crowd.” ing to make commitments to those organiza- I very much appreciate the work that you and MAKING THE DECISION to support Furman Then there’s Kaleb McMichen ’05. tions and institutions which have meant and the rest of the planned giving and wider develop- or, for that matter, any non-pro!t organization has Although as director of alumni relations continue to mean a great deal to me. As such, ment and alumni staff perform on behalf of our taken on new signi!cance in today’s economic climate. and planned giving at Walker School in I have named Furman as a co-bene!ciary of a alma mater. As I work to help Walker continue But despite the current !nancial uncertainty, you can Marietta, Ga., he probably knows more about 401(k) account that I hold. to grow and thrive, it is comforting to know that ensure that your gift to Furman will have the impact the topic than most graduates his age, he also “Being all of 28, it is very likely that this Furman’s future is in good and capable hands.” you desire on the program of your choice. understands the importance of estate planning provision will change over the course of what When you make a donation to the university,

HEE not only for the individuals involved, but for I hope will be a very long life, but I wanted Contact [email protected] to learn more P Furman offers you the choice of one of the follow- c M those who will bene!t from their generosity. to make you aware of this designation and tell about planned giving opportunities. ing designations: He recently explained his reasons for including you that as my estate plans evolve I always ICHAEL

Area of greatest need (most popular) M ! Furman in his will in a letter to Steve Perry, expect to have Furman included in some way Scholarship support ! the university’s director of planned giving. in those plans. OURTESY ! Paladin Club (athletic scholarships) C ! Undergraduate research/internships Study away ! For McPhee, donation’s impact exceeds dollar value ! Sustainability WHILE MAJORING IN ASIAN STUDIES communities,” he says. “Having been actively ! Performing and !ne arts Corporate executive seizes opportunity to ‘Step Up’ and history at Furman, Michael McPhee involved at Furman, I’m acutely aware that ! Student life/organizations ’10 was involved in a host of extracurricular these opportunities are possible only through AS PRESIDENT of The Broshe Group, recently joined Furman’s Young Benefactors — alumni who graduated ! Service learning activities — volunteering with Habitat for various means of support, one of them being an international company that provides in the last 20 years and contribute $1,000 or more annually to the ! Speci!c academic department Humanity, chairing Homecoming, working alumni giving.” advice, coaching and mentoring to help university — and has become part of the “Step Up” program, through ! Furman United, a special two-year effort to raise $800,000 to provide support to students as an RA (resident advisor), and serving as McPhee says the combination of his businesses boost production and perfor- which alumni make a commitment to double their pledge to the uni- who are facing increased !nancial challenges a programming director for WPLS radio. He college and work experiences has helped mance, Melissa Evans ’94 has established versity over a three-year period. Funds committed through “Step Up” due to the current economic conditions. was also president of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. motivate him to establish an early pattern a thriving career as a consultant, speaker go toward scholarships. Two examples of how designated gifts have His role with the fraternity opened of giving to Furman. “Frequently people say and author. Of her days at Furman, Evans says, “I did not have many means, worked in recent years: Donors interested in sup- doors for him to attend several of the national that when they become more !nancially Evans, who majored in health and but I had a good mind, and Furman gave me the opportunity to learn porting student service projects made it possible for organization’s leadership programs — and stable they will gladly give back to their alma exercise science at Furman, holds a how to think and be a great problem solver. Now, in times like these, Furman’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity to help ultimately resulted in a position with the mater, their church, the United Way, or other master’s degree in healthcare policy and I want other students to have the same opportunities that were build eco-friendly homes. And a gift designated for national staff as a leadership consultant. causes,” he says. “But I think we always have administration from Mercer University’s afforded me.” undergraduate research provided funding for three Based out of Oxford, Ohio, he works with the means to give back. While the amount Stetson School of Business and has experience in a host of areas, from Because of Furman’s contribution to her career success, Evans students to spend three weeks in Bermuda, where they fraternity chapters and university of!cials may vary at times, the impact does not. healthcare to banking, manufacturing and non-pro!ts. In addition to says she understands the value of giving back. She hopes her gifts will conducted marine research at the Bermuda Institute in such areas as scholarship, recruitment, “Choosing to give to Furman makes a her business success, she has written two books: Full Circle, for entre- provide !nancial security for a worthy student who will realize that, of Ocean Sciences. risk management and alumni relations. much bigger statement than my $25 monthly preneurs looking to improve their management style, and It’s Not Your by maximizing their opportunities, “They will be in a great position By designating a gift for a speci!c area, you McPhee says that traveling the country contribution. It says I believe in what the Daddy’s Store, designed to help employees learn to stand out and move to make a huge difference in the world.” become more involved in Furman’s work — and and visiting college campuses has helped institution is doing and want to support what up in their companies. ensure the best use of your donation. deepen his appreciation for Furman. “Other it is trying to do. Furman constantly chal- Evans, who lives in Detroit, has also established a way to remain Visit www.broshegroup.com for more on Evans’ work. To learn about than my formal education, Furman taught lenges you not only to think critically, but close to the university and make a difference for today’s students. She the “Step Up” program, contact [email protected]. Contact [email protected] to learn more about me how to live in community and what to act. Giving now and in the future is one gift options. it is like to really be a participant in our way I can do that.”

24 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 25 THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY’S COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN

24 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 25 Furman REPORTS

Teaching award latest feather in Turgeon’s cap Students bene!t from DeLancey’s experience, knowledge GIVEN THE EVENTS of the last two years, Victoria Turgeon might well WHEN CHARLES DELANCEY was 13 — two initial assignments: add speech courses be wondering what major professional honor will come her way in 2011. “back on the farm in Indiana,” he says — to the curriculum and launch a debate team. In 2009, the Furman biology professor received a Distinguished his mother decided to sign him up for a public He built the program steadily until speech Mentor Award from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The recog- speaking contest. and drama (now theatre arts) eventually split. nition came with $5,000 for research supplies, a sum matched by Furman. This wasn’t a particularly unusual thing In the mid-1990s speech morphed into the She followed in 2010 with the Alester G. Furman, Jr., and Janie Earle for her to do. “My big sisters gave speeches, Department of Communication Studies, and Furman Award for Meritorious Teaching, which she received at last spring’s too,” he says. “DeLanceys could give speeches.” over the last 15 years it has become one of Commencement. The award came with a plaque, a generous check, and a And they gave them well. Young Charles Furman’s most popular and competitive majors. feature article in Furman magazine. won that !rst contest, and during high school As the department’s founding member, So if it’s true that the best things come in threes, there’s no telling he continued to compete in 4-H oratorical DeLancey has helped guide its development, what’s awaiting her in 2011. contests and on the debate team. He was talented build the faculty (which now has seven mem- LEMING LEMING F Michael Bingham ’10, who is enrolled in optometry school at enough to win the state 4-H public speaking bers), and mentor students and colleagues alike. F EREMY EREMY Southern College in Memphis, Tenn., says that what sets Turgeon J championship and to earn a scholarship, which His talents and contributions were publicly J apart as a teacher and mentor is her ability to mix classroom rigor with he applied toward study at Butler University, recognized at the 2010 Commencement, where compassion and affability. “While she is among the most demanding In Bo, Turgeon found someone who said, “I don’t expect you a liberal arts institution in his home state. he received the Alester G. Furman, Jr., and Janie based on mutual respect and encouragement. instructors,” Bingham says, “she is also the most caring and personable to be me.” He gave her opportunities to develop her classroom and There he studied speech and rhetoric under Earle Furman Award for Meritorious Advising. In advising, he did not simply give black-and- professor I have ever had. She provides a serious, challenging learning laboratory skills, going so far as to hand her responsibility for developing professor Nicholas Cripe. But as he approached In nominating DeLancey for the award, white instructions, but rather prodded me to environment that is also fun, personable, even humorous.” six weeks worth of lectures and labs for a gross anatomy class with graduation, DeLancey was uncertain about colleague Sean O’Rourke called him the help me along in self-discovery.” Turgeon’s abilities in the classroom carry over to the research lab. She 130 medical students. what career path to follow. He was considering “best advisor in our department” thanks DeLancey believes that getting to know consistently has a large number of students wanting to contribute to her While rewarding, teaching medical students helped Turgeon realize such options as politics and ministry, but Cripe to his patience, commitment to understand- his students and understanding their needs and work, which focuses on spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. that she preferred working with undergraduates. “Medical students suggested that, to help him clarify his interests, ing students’ needs, and ability to advise the expectations are vital to his advisory efforts. She says, “Most students know or know of someone who has a spinal defect, have a very speci!c purpose,” she says. “It’s more fun to work with he should pursue a master’s degree. whole person. Besides, he says, “They’re such good kids.” or is suffering from multiple sclerosis or ALS [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]. undergraduates. You can show them what’s out there, point out things So DeLancey headed to the University “Students know that he cares about Once he’s established a relationship with They can relate to the research, and they become invested in the projects.” that they may not have known even existed.” of Georgia, and in a year he had earned his them and that he takes their curricular and the students, he says, “We talk through the Turgeon, a West Virginia native who joined the Furman faculty in At Furman, Turgeon is known for allaying introductory students’ master’s in speech communication. Then extracurricular activities seriously,” says courses and what their career interests might 1998, became the !rst member of her family to attend college when she concerns about their ability to handle college science courses. Caroline fate stepped in when the head of the speech O’Rourke. “He can often be found at his be, and we work to order their course selections enrolled at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Virginia. She recalls Wallace ’11 adds that biology majors consider Turgeon an excellent department at Clemson University called advisees’ musical performances, cross country so that they don’t have to pick up any classes. her wonder at discovering that her professors seemed to have the ideal life: teacher “because she goes over all aspects of a topic clearly, taking the Georgia to ask, “Might you have anyone meets, tennis matches and internship sites. I take pride in helping my advisees get all four “They taught subjects they loved, they did research in the summer, and time to make sure that no one is lost. And she is frequently available who could !ll a position?” He is involved and, by being so, encourages classes they want each semester.” they enjoyed what they did — and enjoyed learning new things with us.” in her of!ce to answer any questions. Her 50-minute cellular biology DeLancey got the recommendation, them to be involved. In short, he tells them As the senior member of the department, After Randolph-Macon, Turgeon decided to pursue graduate work lectures seemed to "y by. We covered a lot of material, and she always which he attributes in part to good fortune: that they matter and that their educational he is also the go-to person when colleagues have at Wake Forest University, where, she says, graduate students are expected kept it fascinating.” “I was the only one in the program who’d decisions matter, too.” a question or concern. “He taught all of us how to begin teaching in their second year. Once she got the opportunity — Michael Bingham says her sense of humor often helps break the !nished his degree.” At 23, he went to Kristen Fischer Anthony ’05, a DeLancey to advise,” says O’Rourke. her !rst experience was as a teaching assistant in a lab — she realized that ice with students. “Hearing a professor laugh at a joke or funny story Clemson as an instructor and debate coach advisee as a student and now a member of DeLancey acknowledges his status, but in this was the career for her, and she let her advisor know of her interest in can make the relationship much less intimidating,” he says. “The — and found his calling. Furman’s admission department, echoed a characteristically self-effacing way: “Since I’ve the profession. academic demands in her class are very stringent — tests are very After two years, he enrolled in a doctoral O’Rourke’s comments in her nominating letter. been here so long, I’ve seen the system evolve. She also points out that at many graduate schools, supervisors expect thorough, and there is no slack cut on graded assignments — but program at the University of Illinois. In 1981 She wrote, “Dr. DeLancey is not only concerned I understand the process, and I’m able to share their teaching assistants to essentially be their full-time assistants, doing you are allowed to enjoy the class and laugh along the way.” he was hired at Furman, where he has taught with your performance in his classes and others, what I know with others.” lab work, churning out data, writing papers, and supporting their efforts. — JIM STEWART ever since. but in life in general. He strives to make the — JIM STEWART At Wake, though, she was fortunate to have Walter Bo as a mentor. Starting in what was then the drama classroom and the department as a whole feel department, DeLancey says he was given like a community, creating a team environment

26 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 27 Furman REPORTS

Brewer’s guidance continues to shape students’ choices Bookmarks: Featuring summaries of recent publications by alumni and faculty

CHARLES BREWER has collected a trove of recalls how Brewer pushed her as PATRICIA GANTT McNEELY ’60, “disturbing characterizations” of God, in Florence, S.C., and is married to John how [the Stephen] narrative perfectly awards and achieved widespread recognition a student, used his in"uence to help Debra Reddin van Tuyll and Henry H. it also includes descriptions that counter Williams, a Baptist minister. She holds encapsulates the anti-Jewish rhetoric of during more than 40 years of teaching psy- her gain admission to top graduate Schulte, Knights of the Quill: Confederate these images. “Out of this con#ict of a master’s degree in counseling and has Luke-Acts and traces its seminal role in the chology at Furman. As the senior member schools, and counseled her through Correspondents and their Civil War Report- understandings,” says Fitzgerald, “a more been a teacher, college instructor, human construction of Christians as distinct from of the faculty, he has carried the mace at major professional roadblocks. ing (Purdue University Press, 2010). The wonderful image of God emerges.” Visit services worker and mentor. Jews and of Jews as murderous and savage. university ceremonies for a number of years, “Brewer’s mentorship during publisher says the book “offers a unique http://bibleconfrontsthebible.com. Matthews’ important contribution to the most recently during the October inauguration my four years at Furman paved the assessment of war correspondence in DAVID MATHIS ’03 and John Piper, study of early Jewish-Christian relations thus of President Rodney Smolla. way for my success both then and now,” Southern newspapers during the Ameri- EDWARD HAMMETT ’78, James editors, With Calvin in the Theater of also demonstrates a broader truth: the act of narrating the violence of others is a Brewer recently marked his 50th year as she wrote in nominating Brewer for can Civil War. The men and women R. Pierce and Steve DeVane, Making God: The Glory of Christ and Everyday Life who covered the battles and political potent strategy for legitimating one’s own a college professor (he’s been at Furman since the advising award. “His advice con- Shifts Without Making Waves: A Coach (Crossway Books, 2010). John Calvin developments for Southern newspapers Approach to Soulful Leadership (Chalice was a prominent 16th-century theologian use of violence.” 1967). And at last May’s Commencement he tinues to shape my life and my choices.” were doctors, lawyers, teachers, editors, Press, 2009). Amid the upheaval created and Protestant reformer. Of this collection

received the Alester G. Furman, Jr., and Janie Adrian Ward ’08, a Ph.D. student LEMING

F and businessmen, nearly all of them with by fast-paced lives, an unpredictable of essays, Timothy George of Samford ECHOL NIX, JR., Ernst Troeltsch and Earle Furman Award for Meritorious Advising, in psychology at Harvard, also nomi- college and professional degrees . . . economy, population diversity, and church University, executive editor of Christianity Comparative Theology (Peter Lang, 2010). EREMY becoming just the second professor to receive nated Brewer for the award. He wrote J [and] they exhibited a dedication that and denominational challenges, this book Today, says, “From the recent #urry of The author is an assistant professor of both the meritorious teaching and advising that Brewer was “instrumental in helping laid the groundwork for news gathering is designed to help churches and non- studies on Calvin, it is evident that we can religion and has taught at Furman since awards. Tom Cloer, professor emeritus of me explore my interests and advising me on outside the Southeast. Bonner did more than in the twenty-!rst century. . . . With its pro!ts address change and transition understand neither the 16th century nor 2005. This book compares the Christian education, was the !rst. how best to pursue them. He made it clear that anyone to improve Furman’s academic standing.” emphasis on primary sources, the book with courage and hope. Leonard Sweet our own times without reference to the truth claims of theologians Ernst Troeltsch Most everyone who has graduated from a he was not only available, but interested — In addition to his work at Furman, Brewer offers an important and enduring historical of Drew University Theological School says, reformer of Geneva. This little book reveals and Robert Neville and investigates their college or university has had a “Charles Brewer” he seemed not to advise because it was his job, has earned national recognition for his con- perspective on the Civil War and also “This is an absorbing and accomplished Calvin to be a God-saturated theologian methodological attempts to discern Christian in their life. He’s the professor who challenged but because it was his passion.” tributions to the profession. The American meets the highest standards of historical look at a ‘coach approach’ to soulful living whose love for Jesus Christ and his church normativity. Nix argues that both thinkers and prodded and worked you harder than A native of Arkansas, Brewer received Psychological Foundation presented him its scholarship.” McNeely and Schulte were and leading . . . a stellar contribution to touches every area of human life. A jewel offer creative insights for theology that make any other. As a student, you probably felt his his undergraduate degree from Hendrix College Distinguished Teaching in Psychology Award, journalists and professors at the College the coaching literature.” Hammett, who of a book!” Piper is a minister and author possible a critical comparison of truth claims demands were unrealistic and his tests were and his master’s and Ph.D. in experimental and he is a recipient of the American Psy- of Journalism and Mass Communication has written several books, is a longtime in Minneapolis, Minn., where Mathis works regarding the validity of Christianity in and unfair. Looking back, you hope your children psychology from the University of Arkansas. chological Association’s Distinguished Career at the University of South Carolina. church leader and serves as church and as his theological assistant. for a historically conscious age. are fortunate to have a teacher like Brewer. When Gordon Blackwell took over as Contributions to Education Award. The APA Van Tuyll is a professor at Augusta (Ga.) clergy coach for the Cooperative Baptist “While the students are here they wish Furman’s president in 1965, he promised to also named its Distinguished Teaching Award State University. Fellowship of North Carolina. Pierce is FROM FACULTY PAUL THOMAS, Challenging Genres: I were not so demanding, but when they leave pursue “greatness by national standards.” in his honor. He serves as the APA delegate an expert in business development and SHELLY MATTHEWS, Perfect Martyr: Comics and Graphic Novels (Sense they appreciate that it was challenging. They At the time, most Furman faculty members to the American Council of Learned Societies. GRAY FITZGERALD ’66, The Bible organizational behavior, and DeVane The Stoning of Stephen and the Construc- Publishers, 2010). The Furman education don’t appreciate it so much when they are going were from the Southeast. Blackwell asked Now 79, Brewer rises at 4:30 each morning Confronts the Bible: A More Wonderful is an editor and a certi!ed coach. Visit tion of Christian Identity (Oxford University professor’s latest book offers teachers, through it as they do when they look back on Dean Francis Bonner to cast a wider geo- (as he has for !ve decades), arrives at his of!ce in Image of God Emerges (Mill City Press, http://soulful-leadership.com. Press, 2010). Matthews, the Dorothy and students, parents and comic book readers it,” says Brewer. “Quite frankly, I’ve never known graphic net in recruiting faculty. Johns Hall at 6 a.m., and puts in a 12-hour work 2009). The author lives in Concord, N.H., B.H. Peace, Jr., Associate Professor of a comprehensive exploration of comics professors who have the respect of their students Bonner called Brewer, who at the time day. And he has no plans to slow down. and has enjoyed an extensive career in lay ELNITA LIPFORD WILLIAMS ’83, Religion, has taught at Furman since 1998. and graphic novels as a challenging medium. if they give A’s and B’s for doing no work.” was teaching at Elmira College in upstate As he says, “I am not the retiring type. ministry and social service work. He says I’m First Lady, Now What? (Voice of Truths, Of her latest book, the publisher says, The book presents a history of comic books his book “addresses the concern that on Outside the classroom, Brewer is also well New York, where he had developed a psychology I worked during the administrations of Blackwell, LLC, 2010). This book examines issues that “Perfect Martyr illuminates the Stephen and graphic novels and includes several one hand, large parts of the Bible depict pastors’ wives often encounter, particularly chapters devoted to examining various known for mentoring, counseling and encour- program and a reputation as an inspirational Johns, Shi and now Smolla. And I plan to outlive story as never before, offering a deeply God as ordering genocide, racism, ethnic during their early years with a church, nuanced picture of violence, solidarity, subgenres. Readers will discover key comics, aging students, and continuing to do so long teacher. “He called me because I had built the the last one.” cleansing and other forms of violence. addressing both the humorous and serious and resistance among Jews and early graphic novels, and !lm adaptations suitable after they graduate. More than 200 of his program at Elmira,” says Brewer. — JOHN ROBERTS God is also portrayed as punishing not only sides of the job. The publisher says the Christians, a key to understanding the early for the classroom — and for anyone serious former charges have gone on to earn doctorates “When I came to Furman, psychology sinners but their descendants for many book “touches on [the author’s] spiritual development of a non-Jewish Christian about high quality texts. Thomas also places in psychology. was not really a department. It had two people. The author is director of internal and electronic generations. On the other hand, the Bible journey as well as her own love story. For identity, and an innovative reframing of comics and graphic novels within the grow- communications at Furman. One of them is Bridgette Martin Hard ’01, At that time Furman was not known much is understood as the holy, inspired word of those who are First Ladies in the church, one of the most signi!cant stories in the ing understanding of multiliteracies and a faculty member at Stanford University. She God and the ultimate guide for our lives.” this book serves as a guide, a challenge Bible.” Ra’anan S. Boustan, a Judaism critical literacy. Even though the Bible contains these and a call for re#ection.” Williams lives scholar at UCLA, says, “Matthews shows

28 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 29 Furman REPORTS

Brewer’s guidance continues to shape students’ choices Bookmarks: Featuring summaries of recent publications by alumni and faculty

received the Alester G. Furman, Jr., and Janie Adrian Ward ’08, a Ph.D. student LEMING

28 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 29 Furman REPORTS

Smith leaves enduring legacy of wisdom, optimism Crapps was highly respected scholar, teacher, faculty leader

GARMON BROOKS SMITH was a man understanding of young people by teaching AT THE FUNERAL OF ROBERT W. CRAPPS, could learn from the person of faith, while who lived his profession — education. Sunday school at Buncombe Street United Reuben B. Pitts Professor of Religion who died requiring its students to engage the larger world.” He was a role model for the students Methodist Church for many years. He also December 30, Jim Pitts, a longtime colleague and William Bellinger ’72, W. Marshall and he taught and a legend even to those he served on the board of trustees at the Savannah retired chaplain, shared an assortment of tributes Lulie Craig Professor and chair of the religion did not teach. He was ever optimistic and College of Art and Design (SCAD) as an exten- from Crapps’ Furman friends and colleagues. department at Baylor University, said he would would greet everyone with a “Good morn- sion of his interest in arts education and at the The stories revealed much about Crapps’ 30- remember Crapps’ “passionate insistence that ing!” no matter the time of day or night. He behest of a former student, Richard Rowan ’71, year tenure as a teacher, scholar and faculty leader at students take an honest and serious look at the embraced every hour as an opportunity to be the school’s founder. Furman, from which he retired in 1987. They painted evidence when thinking about biblical and awakened to new experiences and insights, When he retired from Furman in 1991, a portrait of a man known for his rigorous classroom theological questions. His contributions to and he opened the world of education to his Garmon became certi!ed as an arbitrator with standards, shrewd nature, biting wit, and exceptional introductory textbooks on the Old Testament students by asking them, “What’s new in the Better Business Bureau and also was trained ability to understand and negotiate the maze-like and New Testament have in"uenced many students education today?” — and then telling them. to prepare income taxes — thus putting his morass of university politics. Collectively they illu- at a variety of universities throughout the country, He was a man for whom the adage “spare” time to work for the betterment of minated the high esteem with which he was held and so extended his ministry of teaching.” “What you see is what you get” was most others. His avocations were gardening and !x- by his closest associates. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wake Forest apropos. He was straightforward, even blunt ing anything in or around his home, or those A.V. Huff, former academic dean and history University, Crapps earned his graduate degrees at times, and opinionated. He was wise and of others. His vegetables were always the most professor, recalled visiting Furman as a prospective from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. caring in his relationships with students delicious and his roses the most regal one could faculty member in December of 1967. Dean Frank Before joining the Furman faculty, he was pastor and colleagues, but he never hesitated to !nd locally. Bonner took Huff to a meeting of the faculty “Privy of Baptist churches in Indiana and North Carolina, tell someone when he thought they were His death on December 12 elicited many Council” and told him, “Here you’ll !nd out what Furman is really like.” and a hospital chaplain and consultant in Kentucky. on the wrong track. memories and accolades from former students. Huff said, “Clearly, Bob was one of the leaders, and when I returned He co-authored two religion textbooks. The !rst, People of the A person of routine, Garmon arrived at One said, “I had the honor of Dr. Smith’s tute- in September, I found Bob to be friendly, engaging, and a strong advocate Covenant: An Introduction to the Old Testament, written with Furman his of!ce in Furman Hall each day at 8 a.m., lage in his educational statistics course in the of liberal education. colleagues Jack Flanders and David Smith and published in 1963, went home for lunch to eat and take a nap, late 1970s, and now have the honor of teaching “Before many weeks were out, I discovered that Bob had trouble with remains an in"uential and widely referenced work. He followed in 1969 then returned until 5 p.m. — unless he was teaching a night graduate that course myself. I refer to Dr. Smith often in my own teaching. His at least one of Paul’s admonitions in 2 Corinthians. Bob found it extremely with Introduction to the New Testament, co-written with Furman colleague class (which was every fall and spring term). He believed in wearing positive in"uence has impacted, and will continue in legacy, to impact dif!cult to ‘suffer fools gladly’ — whether among his faculty colleagues, Edgar McKnight. In 1987 Mercer University Press published Crapps’ a tie and jacket as an example to aspiring and experienced teachers that thousands of students.” in the administration, or in the classroom. An Introduction to Psychology of Religion. professionalism begins with one’s attire. Another former student stated, “He had a keen eye for character “In those years,” Huff added, “Bob was hard at work on making the Crapps and his wife, Dovie, who survives him, had three sons, all Born in 1921 in Pinehurst, N.C., Garmon was educated in the public and for those in his class who were ‘characters.’ I value the lessons that faculty handbook a comprehensive statement of faculty-administration of whom graduated from Furman: Stephen ’72, John ’74 and Philip ’81. schools. He received his B.S. degree from Western Carolina University, he taught us, but more importantly I value the life he modeled for us. relationships. It was a daunting task in an institution that had little Bob and Dovie were well known for their congeniality and hospitality and his master’s and doctorate from the University of North Carolina. He is one of the reasons that I still enjoy going to work each day — history of joint faculty-administration responsibilities. Only a person toward colleagues and students alike After serving as an Air Force of!cer during World War II, he returned this being my 36th year working in public education in South Carolina.” of Bob’s strength and mettle could have changed the course of uni- A picture in the Furman archives illustrates this point. It shows to the public schools as a secondary teacher before beginning his doctoral And from another student: “The advice he shared with his students versity governance. a young, smiling Dr. Crapps, casually dressed and wearing a golf hat, studies in educational administration and supervision. was some of the most valued and useful words of wisdom I ever received. “He often commented that his faculty colleagues were only too enjoying an outdoor campus event. Around his neck he wears a hand- From 1956 to 1968 he taught at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, Often while teaching I would hear Dr. Smith’s voice in my head. He was happy to have someone crawl out on a limb and hand him the saw written sign, evidently presented by students, bearing the title “Friendliest” where among other duties he chaired the education and psychology an asset to Furman, and a kind and caring professor to all of his students. to cut it off. But there were immediate bene!ts to his work, and I only (actually, “Friendiest”). department, directed the graduate program, reorganized the placement He will be missed.” understood years later from the perspective of the dean’s of!ce what Despite the spelling, the meaning is clear. As Bill Bellinger said, bureau, and directed the summer school. In 1968, Furman students Garmon Smith is survived by three sons, four grandchildren, great work he had accomplished.” “Bob Crapps operated from ‘the sweetest spirit on campus’ tradition.” (undergraduate and graduate) became the bene!ciaries of his wisdom !ve great-grandchildren, and a sister. Memorials: Open Arms Hospice, Another common theme was Crapps’ commitment to students In addition to his wife and sons, Crapps is survived by three and expertise in preparing them to become the best teachers they could 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, S.C. 29681. and to the welfare and direction of the university. Religion professor grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a sister. Memorials: be. He had high expectations, and he was always proud of his former — LESLEY QUAST Helen Lee Turner said, “In his mind the world of faith and the world of Department of Religion at Furman, or First Baptist Church of Greenville. students’ accomplishments. scholarship might struggle with one another, but they were not incapable — JIM STEWART In addition to his work at Furman, Garmon enhanced the spiritual The author is assistant academic dean and professor of education at Furman. of cohabitation. And the relationship was not just one way. The academy

30 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 31 Furman REPORTS

Smith leaves enduring legacy of wisdom, optimism Crapps was highly respected scholar, teacher, faculty leader

30 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 31 Furman ATHLETICS

With Fowler’s appointment, football follows the family tradition BRUCE FOWLER had just been introduced as Lindy, and learning the coaching trade under Furman’s new head football coach, and he was such mentors as Art Baker, Dick Sheridan, looking out over the standing-room-only crowd Jimmy Satter!eld and Bobby Johnson. He was in Younts Conference Center. glad to be back, he said, and it was a humbling He had been away from Furman for nine experience to be handed the reins of the years while serving as defensive coordinator and Furman football program. assistant head coach at Vanderbilt University, Fowler didn’t have to say it on that cold but it was apparent that his time on campus December day, but it was clear he was doing was greater than his time away. He saw familiar more than returning home to become a head faces everywhere, people he had known since coach for the !rst time. In replacing Bobby ATHLETICS he arrived at Furman as a freshman in 1977, Lamb, who resigned at the close of the 2010 and he gave shout-outs to everyone from former season after compiling a 67-40 record over nine First Lady Martha Johns to old acquaintances years, Fowler guaranteed that a unique and VANDERBILT in Facilities Services. highly successful coaching legacy that began He was so struck by the moment, in fact, with Baker in 1973 and continued through the COURTEST that he abandoned his prepared notes and next four decades would not end.

began his remarks by ruminating on his Furman “When we began our search, we didn’t PHOTOS experiences — walking on to the football team limit ourselves to the Southeast or to looking as a confused freshman, meeting his future wife, at Furman folks,” said director of athletics When all was said and done, who could responsibility. The Furman coaching tree stayed Ken Pettus, director of athletics develop- excellence, both on and off the !eld, that Gary Clark. “We thought it was appropriate to blame Furman for keeping the head coaching intact as Satter!eld gave way to Bobby Johnson ment at Furman, served as linebackers coach demands everybody’s best effort. It’s never been look nationally for the best coach. But what we position in the family? While the football (1994–2001), who gave way to Bobby Lamb under Sheridan at both Furman and N.C. about being .500 and winning a few more games The Fowler File learned in taking that approach was just how program has experienced a few hiccups over (2002–10). State. No Furman coach has enjoyed a better than you lose, but about winning championships good the Furman coaching lineage is, and the past four decades, it has hummed along It’s no secret that Furman’s coaching system winning percentage than Sheridan, and Pettus and excelling at the highest level.” Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Bruce stood out as the best person for the job.” at a remarkably steady pace, winning games, has worked elsewhere, too. Both Sheridan and has no doubt about what made Sheridan’s Fowler, too, will prove to have his own Age: 52 There is no questioning Fowler’s pedigree. championships and the respect of those who Johnson took most of their Furman assistants teams successful. style and approach. He says that while he isn’t Furman class: 1981 (M.A. ’90) He was a defensive back for the Paladins from can’t help but marvel at how a small, private with them when they went to N.C. State and “Dick’s teams were always so disciplined,” exactly like any of his predecessors, he learned Major: Physical Education 1977 through 1980, starting his !nal two seasons school with high academic standards can excel Vanderbilt, respectively. Sheridan’s Wolfpack Pettus says. “They always led the league in something from all of them. Wife: Lindy Gilman ’83 and playing on two Southern Conference cham- at the one sport in which it most likely shouldn’t. teams challenged for Atlantic Coast Conference fewest penalties, and there were very few blown “I believe that winning comes from doing Children: Jake, 16 pionship teams. After graduating in 1981 and Since 1973, Furman football has produced titles, and Johnson’s Commodores managed assignments during a game. That discipline the everyday, common, ordinary stuff extra- Maddie, 14 spending three years as an assistant at Wren a record of 289-152-9, with 12 conference victories over Southeastern Conference foes started with the head coach, then !ltered down ordinarily well,” he said. “I believe in repetition, Career: Furman High School in Greenville County, he joined championships and a national title. There have South Carolina, Auburn, Tennessee, Arkansas, to the assistants and, !nally, to the players.” doing the same things over and over, and doing 1984–85 Graduate assistant the Paladin coaching staff in 1984. been only six losing seasons, and the Paladins Mississippi and Georgia, while winning their !rst Fowler may have the best vantage point them well. There is a great tradition to build 1986–92 Receivers coach During his 18 seasons at Furman, the have !nished among the top three teams in the bowl game since 1955 (against Boston College). of all to comment on the positive attributes of on and to continue here, and that will be our 1993–98 Secondary coach Paladins went 146-70-3, won eight league titles, league standings 25 times. What’s the thread of success that runs the Furman coaching tree. Having played for intent from day one.” 1999–2001 Linebackers coach/ made nine I-AA (now FCS) playoff appearances, It began in 1973 when Art Baker was hired from Baker through Lamb and now Fowler? All Baker and Sheridan, he coached under Sheridan, — VINCE MOORE defensive coordinator and played in the national championship game as head coach. When Baker (1973–77) left to !ve coaches had their own styles, and each did Satter!eld and Johnson, and alongside Lamb. Vanderbilt in 1985, 1988 and 2001, winning the title in coach The Citadel, one of his assistants, Dick things a little differently, but an unwavering “Each coach had his own approach to The author is director of news and media relations 2002–10 Defensive coordinator/ 1988. When Johnson was named head coach Sheridan (1978–85), took over. And when commitment to excellence and a disciplined the job, but there is one thing that has been at Furman. assistant head coach at Vanderbilt after the 2001 season, Fowler Sheridan left for North Carolina State, another approach to the game have been the foundations constant,” Fowler said. “The football program went with him as defensive coordinator. assistant, Jimmy Satter!eld (1986–93), assumed of the program. has established a competitive standard of

32 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 33 Furman ATHLETICS

32 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 33 Furman ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS NOTES, WINTER 2011 ......

63 leading CEO membership organization, (www.southernfriedfrench.com), in which 79 The sixth edition of Jerry Thomas’ as chair of a Vistage group in Charlotte. she describes her family life in a 14th- Brian Hesseltine recently became textbook Research Methods in Physical He is the author of three books and a century château. general manager of High Cotton Activity, published by Human Kinetics, has number of articles on such topics as Restaurant in downtown Greenville. been released. It has been translated into sales compensation, cost control, pricing, 76 Linda McRae Hunter Westphal of seven languages and is used by more than creative problem-solving, and increasing THIS YEAR IS REUNION! Charlotte, N.C., has been promoted to 70 percent of U.S. institutions, making pro!tability. Republican Bruce Williamson, senior vice president at Bank of America it the most widely used book in the !eld a businessman in Monroe, Ga., was Merrill Lynch, where she has completed of kinesiology and exercise science. Jerry 71 elected to the State House in November 18 years of service and is a senior change IT’S ALL ABOUT MAKING AND MAINTAINING CONNECTIONS ...... is dean and professor in the College of THIS YEAR IS REUNION! as the representative for the 111th district. consultant supporting the Global Banking Education at the University of North Texas Jim Duckett is the new town and Markets Division. THE ALUMNI OFFICE spent Because the majority of this magazine’s readers Gifts don’t have to be designated for speci!c in Denton. administrator of Surfside Beach, S.C. 77 much of the fall coordinating are Furman alumni, most of us were on campus during projects, either. Unrestricted donations allow Furman He worked previously as a warden for the In September, !nancial services attorney 80 events all over the country what were arguably the most formative years of our to use the contributions in areas of most urgent need. 66 S.C. Department of Corrections. He was Scott Williams joined Rudy Wood & Kim McCahan Batson earned her para- to introduce President Rod lives. We developed lifelong friends, and as time passes Not that many years ago, Furman was recognized THIS YEAR IS REUNION! appointed a U.S. Probation Of!cer in 1975 Winstead in Nashville, Tenn., as a name legal certi!cate from Meredith College in Smolla to the Furman faithful. we tend to appreciate more and more the memories as a leader among liberal arts colleges in the percent- David Roberts, who retired from and remained in that capacity until 2000, partner. The !rm specializes in estate plan- May 2010 and now works at Life Science He has been most generous and experiences we created during our days at the age of alumni who made annual gifts to their alma teaching at Samford University in 2002 when he was hired as assistant administra- ning, real estate and transactional work. Law in Chapel Hill, N.C. Holder of an with his time and genuinely Harvard of the South. mater. Those numbers have slipped slightly, and we to move to Albany, Ga., where he served tor of the town of Lexington, S.C. He was Scott previously had been a partner at MBA degree, she previously worked in So how can we give back to an institution that excited to have the opportu- would like to see the university move back among as a pastor for United Methodist churches later promoted to administrator before Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis. retail management and spent 10 years nity to travel and meet alumni, did so much for us? One way is through making the national pacesetters. and as a part-time hospital chaplain, has leaving the position last April. He served as a church secretary and administrator parents and friends of the university. I have heard noth- annual gifts to Furman. Annual gifts help bridge the By making your gift on-line, you can receive the retired from those positions and now lives as interim administrator in Williston before 78 in Wilmington and Chapel Hill. ing but positive comments from the large crowds that gap between tuition and the actual cost to educate Furman donor badge. Use it to show your dedication in the Athens, Ga., area. going to Surfside Beach. Lorie Morris received the 2010 Maryland Tony Waters of Charleston, S.C., was have turned out to greet the new president. a student for a year. Currently, a full year’s tuition to Furman by posting it on your Facebook or Twitter Fans of “American Pickers,” the History Psychological Association Award for out- the illustrator for two children’s books And interestingly, I have seen many new faces at and fees of $38,088 (excluding room and board) cover page. Doing so could help encourage others to follow 68 Channel TV series about two men who standing contributions by an early career published in 2010: The Big Bat, a discovery these events. Part of the reason, I believe, is that word only about 70 percent of the actual cost of a Furman your lead. George Johnson of Columbia, S.C., travel the country looking for antique trea- psychologist in service to the public. Earlier book by Anne Jewell, executive director of President Smolla’s genuine warmth and ability to education. For anyone who receives scholarship aid, Visit www.MyFurmanGift.com to make an retired last June after 32 years as vice sures in junkyards, basements, small stores in the year she was recognized for 25 years of the Louisville Slugger Bat Museum, connect with others is getting around, and is encour- the gap is considerably wider. on-line gift. president and corporate of!cer with and other unlikely places, should watch for of federal service with a Bronze Award for and Sleep, Little Child, by musician and aging folks to reconnect with Furman. You can help make up the difference. Annual BlueCross BlueShield. Among other Bill Shull on a future episode. Bill, who Excellence in Federal Career by the Federal composer Marc Hoffman. Sleep, Little Child Many people have told me that President Smolla gifts go toward the operating needs of every depart- WEBSITE NOTES accomplishments, he created and headed runs a hardware business in Newberry, Executive Board of Maryland. She is a is adapted from a lullaby written by has been hitting home runs with his comments at these ment, program and activity at Furman. We hope you visit the Alumni Association website the company’s foundation, which awards S.C., received a visit from the show’s cast staff psychologist in the Veterans Affairs Hoffman and includes a CD featuring his readings and music, with additional events, as he touches on such themes as civility, out- You may designate your gift in a number of (http://alumni.furman.edu) frequently, but in case you grants to increase access to healthcare and crew in November. They left with Maryland Health Care System, where she manages a residential unit for veterans artwork from Tony. reach and a commitment to recruiting and developing ways: to honor a favorite faculty or staff member, haven’t stopped by recently, we’ve added a few items in South Carolina. He continues to work more than $1,000 in merchandise — and as an adjunct professor of journalism at with post-traumatic stress disorder and strong, well-rounded students. His attitude and energy support a speci!c academic or extracurricular pro- to the page. also talked with Bill about his father, who the University of South Carolina. earned a Nobel Prize in physics in 1994. substance-related problems. She is also 81 have also invigorated the environment on campus. gram, fund internships, research projects or service You can still submit class news, search for class- Bill has a replica of the Nobel medal in his the coordinator of the system’s psychology THIS YEAR IS REUNION! Under his direction, Furman has launched a stra- learning efforts, or provide scholarship aid. A gift mates and create an e-mail forwarding address. But 70 store. The segment is scheduled to air externship program, is a guest lecturer Tim and Irmgard Dixon have relocated tegic planning process that will involve alumni, parents to the Furman United program, for example, offers you can also order a set of Furman pearls or a Furman In May, David T. Norman will become this spring, but the date was not known at the University of Maryland School of to Greenville where he works for Fluor and friends. I feel certain you will be excited and assistance to students whose ability to !nance their cycling jersey. You can even download the !ght song chair of The Institute for Management as the magazine went to press. Visit Nursing, and provides outpatient mental Corporation in the Government Group pleased about the results that will emerge from this educations has been adversely affected by the recent as your ring tone. Consultants USA. David is founder and www.history.com/shows/american-pickers. health services for veterans. as a senior manager for prime contracts effort. Watch for news about it in the coming months. economic downturn. So check out the ever improving, ever expanding president of David Norman & Associates, and management. Tim retired as a colonel You may be asked to help. With the value of a dollar being stretched more Alumni Association website to see what’s new. a strategic consulting !rm in Charlotte, 72 from the U.S. Army in July 2010. The tightly than ever, it is becoming more dif!cult for some — TOM TRIPLITT N.C., that works with small and mid-sized Lynn McBride, a retired regional editor last assignment of his almost 30-year WHY GIVE TO ALMA MATER? students to remain at Furman. This is where annual companies, non-pro!ts and government with Better Homes & Gardens magazine, career was as military deputy to the support really makes a difference. Today, thanks in The author, a 1976 graduate, is director of the Everyone knows that the Alumni Of!ce is all about agencies. An adjunct professor at Pfeiffer lives in Burgundy, France, with her husband, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army keeping alumni connected to Furman. But let me talk large part to the generosity of annual donors, more Alumni Association. University and at McColl School of Business Ron Norton. She is a freelance travel and for Procurement in the Pentagon in about another way to remain connected — and to than 75 percent of Furman students receive some sort at Queens University, David also works food writer and has a weekly subscription Washington, D.C. make a difference. of !nancial aid. with Vistage International, the world’s blog called “Southern Fried French”

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CLASS NOTES, WINTER 2011 ......

34 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 35 Furman ALUMNI NEWS

David G. Guyton of Rock Hill, S.C., was 90 Paige Snider lives and works in Beijing, BIRTHS: Nathan ’98 and Mary Beth 2010–11 ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS sworn in as the new Family Court Judge for Richard Boggs has been named chair China, where she has completed an evalu- Marchant Galbreath, a son, Crockett, the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit last April after of the board of directors of the Jess Parrish ation of the William J. Clinton Foundation’s July 30. They live in Greenville where Clare Folio Morris ’83, president; J. Chris Brown ’89, president-elect; Harriet being elected to the position by the South Medical Foundation, the philanthropic arm HIV/AIDS programs. Nathan is an attorney at Nelson Galbreath, Arnold Wilburn ’74, past president; Rebecca Ann Armacost ’89; Lynn Neely Carolina Legislature. He also serves as the of Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, Fla. LLC, and Mary Beth manages rental Bailey ’78; N. Staten Bitting, Jr. ’75; Frank W. Blackwell ’90; Sidney R. Bland Military Judge for the S.C. National Guard. The foundation raises funds to support 94 properties. ’59; Mary Lou Walch Cagle ’69; Tricia Morgan Carswell ’82; Paul D. Goebel ’63; Chris Peabody joined Allied Telecom in healthcare in North Brevard County. Sensus Healthcare of Boca Raton, Fla., has Peter and Jennifer Harris Partee, a son, Michael L. Guynn ’91; Shannon Scruby Henderson ’75; Gail Laible Hughes ’83; February 2010 as chief operating of!cer. Richard is vice president of Boggs Gases, named Stephen Arnold its chief !nancial Edward Gibson, March 18, 2010. They live L. Yates Johnson, Jr. ’59; Gwinn Earle Kneeland ’89; C. Todd Malo ’95; James N. Allied is a broadband, Internet and VolP a medical gas company. of!cer. The company specializes in making in Laurens, S.C. Martin ’79; Herman A. Matherson, Jr. ’79; Andrew C. Medlyn ’97; Matthew A. services !rm in Washington, D.C. Lisa Stevens Gilford, an attorney with non-melanoma skin cancer solutions more Miller ’99; Joseph C. Moon, Jr. ’76; William P. Morrow, Jr. ’54; Emmett L. Patrick Alston & Bird LLP in Los Angeles, was accessible to patients. Stephen was most 96 ’56; Scott W. Raeber ’92; Gordon D. Seay ’61; Ellison L. Smith ’89; Leslie L. Smith 84 included on the 2010 list of “Top Women recently CFO of a medical device company THIS YEAR IS REUNION! ’91; Cynthia Black Sparks ’80; Connie Gartrell Williams ’74. Allen Barbee has been appointed minister Litigators” by the Los Angeles and San based in Pittsburgh, Pa. Stacy Roper, a physical education of music at Faith United Methodist Church Francisco Daily Journal. She serves as lead Jason Ensley, an attorney in Johnson teacher at J.H. House Elementary School Ex-of!cio and other members: Rodney Smolla, president; Michael Gatchell ’91, in Smyrna, Ga. He is also on the faculty of defense counsel for the Toyota Unintended City, Tenn., has been named to “40 in Conyers, Ga., was one of three !nalists vice president for development; Tom Triplitt ’76, director of Alumni Association; St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Atlanta as Acceleration class action litigation and Under Forty” by the Business Journal of for the 2010-11 Rockdale County Public Tina Hayes Ballew ’78, associate director of Alumni Association; Cal Hurst ’04, the instrumental music director. represents Toyota in more than 300 class the Tri-Cities (Tennessee/Virginia), which Schools Teacher of the Year Award. president, Young Alumni Council; Kyle Volkmann ’11, president, Student Alumni actions pending throughout the United recognizes emerging young business BIRTH: Michael and Karen Cram Hoar, Council; Patrick Wallace ’11, president, Association of Furman Students; Shannon 85 States. leaders based upon their professional a daughter, Riley Joy, May 3. They live in Cantwell ’11, president, Senior Class. The U.S. Agency for International Develop- Joanie Ekins Martin and her family have success and community involvement. Carmel, N.Y. ment has appointed Jim Barnhart mission returned to Greenville after two years in G’Joe Joseph serves as director of director for Lebanon. He oversees USAID’s France, where she worked at Michelin’s Campus Outreach Greenville, a college 97 programs to help the Lebanese strengthen worldwide headquarters. She is now the ministry. MARRIAGE: Allie Deckrosh and John their democratic institutions, promote !nancial director for Michelin Americas U.S. Army Maj. Joseph D. Roller Wilson, May 29. They live in St. Louis, 82 Skip Williams has been named executive economic growth, improve education and Small Tires. has been appointed professor of military Mo., where Allie is a licensed professional Mike Harley has joined Minerals director of product development for Aqua health services, and support water and science at Clarkson University in Potsdam, counselor at Hope Crossing Christian Technologies Inc. as vice president for Pharmaceuticals, a West Chester, Pa.-based environment programs. Jim joined USAID 91 N.Y. Counseling. corporate development and treasury. drug company that develops prescription in 2000. THIS YEAR IS REUNION! MARRIAGE: Sarah Wilk and BIRTH: Michael and Tanya Foster He serves as an of!cer of the company skin care treatments. Skip previously James F. Downs of Charlotte recently Ed Mangahas, May 8. They live in Wilson, a son, Micah Connor, October LIFE AT GWC — JUST FOR FUN and as a member of its Leadership Council. worked at Watson Pharmaceuticals, where 87 joined the board of the North Carolina Platte City, Mo. 23, 2009. They live in Lawrenceville, Ga. Minerals Technologies is a global resource he was responsible for brand and biologics BIRTH: Alan E. Thomas and Allyn Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. He is THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND ARCHIVES in and technology-based growth company business development. Hernandez, a daughter, Natalia So!a, also a member of the board of the Levine 95 98 the James B. Duke Library recently received a candid photographic collection that develops, produces and markets a August 17. Alan practices pediatric and Museum of the New South. John Ramey has become a partner Jeff Noblin has been named chief execu- of life at Greenville Woman’s College during the early 20th century. This broad range of specialty mineral, mineral- 83 adolescent medicine at Summit Medical Craig J. Hoffman has joined the Beige at National Allergy, Asthma & Urticaria tive of!cer of Crockett Hospital, an acute- photograph, titled “Just for Fun,” is representative of the impromptu based and synthetic mineral products, The South Carolina REALTORS® Group in Berkeley Heights, N.J., and Group in New York as a managing director Centers in Charleston, S.C. His wife, care facility in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. occasions documented in the Edith and Marie Coleman Collection. and related systems and services. Mike professional trade association named Allyn is a women’s imaging radiologist in charge of the !rm’s merchant banking Mikki Streight ’96 Ramey, is owner MARRIAGE: Carrie Ackerman and The Coleman family story is only one of many found on the shelves previously worked with GrowthPhases, David Burnett of Spartanburg its with St. Barnabas Medical System. efforts in consumer and retail space. of Healthy Realty in Charleston and has Jeffrey Domico, November 13. They live in in Special Collections and Archives, but without the generous donation a consulting and interim management 2010 Realtor of the Year. The award is Tim Vorel of Rincon, Ga., has opened been recognized as a realtor of distinction Mount Pleasant, S.C. Carrie is director of of the family’s descendants and others like them, these stories, told through alliance !rm that he founded. given to a realtor who works to advance 89 Vorel Financial Group, offering investment, and East Cooper Top Producer. wellness product management for Alere materials such as scrapbooks, photographs and letters, would remain largely Paul Robertson has become a managing insurance and !nancial planning services. the profession, embodies the spirit of high George Quarles coached Maryville Kavis Reed has been named head coach Health, and Jeffrey is a sales consultant for unknown to future generations of the Furman community. director with Edge Capital Partners, an principles and faithfulness to the Code (Tenn.) High School to the 2010 Division Synthes Spine. of the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Special Collections and Archives is actively seeking Greenville Woman’s investment management !rm in Atlanta. of Ethics, and practices good real estate 6-A state football championship. His squad 92 Football League. Kavis, who played defen- BIRTHS: Dan and Heather Booth College memorabilia from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And the Paul is a member of the Furman board of principles. David has won several previous defeated Smyrna 23-21 December 4 Veteran journalist Andy Peters has sive back for the Eskimos from 1995–99, Howard, a daughter, Sydney Danielle, department is always looking for Furman memorabilia from any decade. trustees and was most recently president local and state SCR awards and currently to !nish with a 14-1 record. In just over rejoined the staff of the Atlanta Business has coached for !ve CFL teams since 2001 May 20. Dan is an engineer of!cer in the If you have Furman or Greenville Woman’s College memorabilia which you and chief operating of!cer for StableRiver serves as a National Association of a decade Quarles’ Maryville teams have Chronicle, for which he worked more than and spent the 2010 season as defensive U.S. Marine Corps, stationed at Camp would like to donate, please call Caroline Vereen at (864) 294-2194 or Capital Management. REALTORS® director. won eight state titles and 164 games. a decade ago. He was most recently a coordinator of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Lejeune, N.C. e-mail [email protected]. reporter for the Fulton County Daily Report.

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FIELD’S VISION INSPIRES ANNUAL ARTS FESTIVAL ...... Matthew and Linda Murphy Kall, BIRTHS: Jeff and Brittany Williams a graduate student in the acute care nurse homelessness. Emily previously worked a daughter, Georgia Eoghan, September Burnett, a son, Hiatt Stone, October 1. practitioner program at Vanderbilt Univer- as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in SANDRA TRUITT FIELD’S career She also became Miss Illinois 1981, 16. They live in Franklin Square, N.Y. Linda They live in Atlanta. Jeff is a criminal sity School of Nursing. Asheville, N.C. has taken her from high school and her performance of an aria from is an associate buyer for Ralphlauren.com. investigator with the U.S. Army, and Drew and Annie Wood Parker, a Sarah Brown completed the National choral teacher to music educa- Carmen propelled her to the high !nish Ellison and Kerrie Seltenheim Patten, Brittany is the campaign director at son, James Robert, September 29, 2009, Teaching Fellowship with Citizen Schools tion professor, professional singer, in that year’s Miss America pageant. After a daughter, Lillian Paige, January 31, 2010. United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Greenville. and now works as a recruiter for the and even !rst runner-up to Miss spending a year doing appearances, she They live in Med!eld, Mass. Chris and Megan Pinniger ’10 Colvin, organization in New York City. America. But her latest job — a moved to New York and worked as a singer Kevin and Krista Stewart, a daughter, a daughter, Lanie Clare, July 7. Chris is an 02 Angela Christian was recently promoted “volunteer” post that came after and actress. She eventually returned to Jolly Welch Johnson has become Ansley Kate, September 13. They live in associate director of athletics at Furman. to customer service supervisor at Verizon she “retired” in 2007 — keeps her teaching and earned her doctorate in development director for the Cystic Wireless and has relocated to the Green- Dahlonega, Ga., where Kevin is an adapted Jason and Kristin Blackwell Foster, busier than ever, and allows her music education at Columbia University physical education teacher for the Lumpkin a son, Braddock Macrae, August 20. They Fibrosis Foundation Carolinas Chapter ville area. She expects to complete her to share her love of the arts in a Teachers College. County School System and coaches foot- live in Ooltewah, Tenn. in Charlotte, N.C. MBA in management this academic year. uniquely ful!lling way. In 1999 Field was hired to develop ball and golf. He recently completed his Brian and Sadie Aycock ’02 Krawczyk, MARRIAGES: Blake Bommelje and Abigail Simon Lyle of Fort Lauderdale, Field, a 1978 Furman a music education degree at the University Ed.D. degree in educational administration a son, Benaiah Douglas, February 19, John Keegan, November 14, 2009. They Fla., is currently a law clerk to United States graduate, is president of the board of South Carolina-Aiken. She taught and through Georgia Southern University. 2010. Brian is the campus pastor for live in Alexandria, Va. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas of trustees for Juilliard in Aiken, directed three choral ensembles before Grace Fellowship Church in Snellville, Ga. Clair Travis and Kenneth Sauer, ’73 in the Southern District of Florida. a one-of-a-kind, weeklong arts retiring from her tenured position in 2007. 99 Sadie recently completed her MBA with September 25. They live in Chattanooga, MARRIAGES: Melissa Hobbs and festival which this year is slated At the time she anticipated living a BIRTHS: Keith and Amy Strickland a concentration in accounting from Brenau Tenn., where they are United Methodist Joel Hibbard, June 26. They live in for March 5–11. The event brings more leisurely life, but soon her friendship Gunter, a son, Noah Keith, November 25, University. ministers. Charlottesville, Va., where Melissa teaches students, faculty and alumni from with Naifeh and Smith, and her idea for 2009, Kennesaw, Ga. BIRTHS: Brad ’04 and Elizabeth Coker English as a Second Language to high New York’s Juilliard School, which Mike and Lauren Smith Hillesheim, 01 Hamlett, a daughter, Anne Louise, school students. Juilliard in Aiken, had her working harder a son, Quinton Michael, April 21, Denver, THIS YEAR IS REUNION! October 18. They live in Greenville. Jessica Livingston Trammell (M.A.) many consider to be America’s than ever. “I never realized the extent Colo. Jael Gadsden’s CD “Coming Full Circle” Alan and Pamela Rowe Jenkins, a son, and Scott Charles Zannini, June 26. She premier performing arts institution, of the responsibilities,” she says of her Peter and Emily Newton Murphy, is available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/jael Grant Rowe Jenkins, January 11, 2010, is a teacher, and he is a senior technical to Aiken, S.C., for public performances, master classes, That’s the philosophy Field wanted to build on new role. “But I knew it would be a wonderful a daughter, Ann Elizabeth, October 21, and on ITunes. Learn more at her website, Charlotte, N.C. recruiter at Principle Solutions Group. in-school workshops and other events. when she proposed the festival idea to Naifeh and opportunity for the community, and it would also Greenville. Emily is director of development www.jaelgadsden.com. Jeff and Carla Larkin, a son, Owen They live in Atlanta. “Juilliard does not do this with any other com- Smith. The goal was to strengthen the community’s be personally ful!lling.” services at Furman. Republican Josh McKoon, an attorney Alexander, September 16, Knoxville, Tenn. BIRTH: Bradley and Neely Tesseneer munity,” Field says. “They travel and perform in other relationship with Juilliard and to boost arts education The inaugural festival was held in 2009, and John and Katherine Fitch Pennylegion, in Columbus, Ga., was elected to the State Joseph ’03 and Elizabeth Wright Benton, a son, Thomas Athen, August 8, parts of the nation and world, but there is no organized and quality of life for area residents. Last year, more despite the struggling economy, the community a son, Cole Atticus, October 27, St. Louis, Senate in November. He represents District Osborn, a son, Everett Joseph, October Los Angeles. festival anywhere else, so we feel tremendously fortu- than 2,500 children participated in Juilliard in Aiken embraced the program and helped ensure its success. Mo. 29 and becomes the senate’s youngest 11. They live in Greer, S.C. nate to have this kind of partnership with them.” outreach programs. Now, Field’s dream is to build Juilliard in Aiken into member. Matthew and Lauren White Steele, 04 The unlikely partnership began when Steven This year’s festival will feature 39 artists — a regional event that brings visitors from surrounding 00 Rachel May Snell and her husband, a son, Colin Robert, January 21, 2010. Susanna Eiland has joined the Ellen Naifeh and Gregory White Smith, Harvard-trained 21 musicians, eight actors and 10 dancers. “It’s the areas to see the high-caliber artists — and to enjoy Ethan Friddle is director of the United Christopher, live in Colorado Springs, Colo. They live in Bellevue, Wash. and James S. Marcus Institute for Vocal lawyers and authors whose biography of Jackson !rst year we’ll have artists from all divisions of the Aiken’s picturesque scenery and historic, small- Jonathan and Rebecca Neal Tompkins, Ministries Learning Center’s General Rachel is a doctor of physical therapy with Arts at the Juilliard School in New York Pollock won the Pulitzer Prize, decided to donate their school,” Field says. Performers will include faculty town charm. a son, Edward Douglas, May 12, Myrtle as the vocal arts curriculum and projects Education Diploma program in Greenville. the U.S. Army. home in Aiken to the Juilliard School. They wanted the chair and organist Paul Jacobs, plus a jazz quintet, Most importantly, she hopes the festival will He is studying for a master’s degree at BIRTHS: Michael ’98 and Ginger Beach, S.C. Rebecca has become director administrator. historic 60-room mansion, Joye Cottage, to serve as a vocal quartet, string quintet and two pre-college inspire people of all ages and encourage more support Clemson University that will enable him Turpen Carnahan, a son, Brennan of communications for SPM Resorts, Inc., BIRTHS: John and Kay Parham retreat for Juilliard students, faculty and alumni. artists, among others. for the arts. “School budgets are being cut every year, to be a licensed professional counselor. Charles, January 19, 2010, Durham, N.C. a timeshare management company. Alexander, a son, James Parham “They are passionate about the arts and felt that Field, who grew up in Hickory, N.C., began as and the arts often get cut the most,” she says. “If we MARRIAGES: Jeff Hayes and Krista Luke and Whitney Brown Cawley, Alexander, August 27. They live in Atlanta. by giving to the world’s premier conservatory, they a music education major at Furman. She planned to can help our schools by enriching the arts curriculum, Green ’02, October 16. They live in a son, Jackson, March 4, 2010. They live 03 Jason and Erica Sutton Culbertson, were in fact supporting the arts and our community become a choral conductor and educator, but during then we’ve improved education. And we know the arts Greenville. in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Emily Ball of Mars Hill, N.C., is pursuing a daughter, Lila Katherine, August 9. Erica in a very signi!cant way,” Field says. her senior year music professor Bruce Schoonmaker have a positive effect on quality of life, so our goal is Alicia Dawn Williams and William Stephen and Kristen Evensen Harter, a master’s degree in public affairs at is a district lead English for Speakers of In a Juilliard news release, Naifeh and Smith said directed her in the opera The Old Man and The Thief to provide cultural offerings that are enriching to all.” Nicholas Eatmon, September 18. They live a son, Samuel Dean, June 21. They live Western Carolina University. During the Other Languages teacher in Laurens there “is nothing compared to Juilliard’s gift to the and encouraged her to pursue performance. She went — LEIGH GAUTHIER SAVAGE in Morehead City, N.C. Nick is director of in Acworth, Ga. fall she was an intern with the U.S. Inter- County, S.C., and Jason is a senior vice world. And we are fortunate, indeed, to live in a on to Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., where golf operations and assistant manager at Eric and Meredith Cumbee Hipp, a son, agency Council on Homelessness, which president for the National Institute for community that shares our support for arts education she earned a master’s degree in voice performance, Visit http://juilliardinaiken.com to learn more. Morehead City Golf Course, and Alicia James Noah, September 16. Meredith is an develops and implements the Obama Excellence in Teaching. and our belief, which is Juilliard’s belief, that the pursuit began working as a soloist for opera companies and is a kindergarten teacher at White Oak intensive care nurse in Columbia, S.C., and administration’s efforts to combat Photo by Phil Jones. Elementary School. of excellence — in the arts, as in everything — can truly choral organizations, and spent a year teaching in improve lives.” a high school.

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PRESTIGIOUS EXHIBIT SPOTLIGHTS PRESSLEY’S WORK ...... 05 Corporation, and he is a commercial real Ashley Elizabeth Eith and Robert Sarah E. Martin is pursuing a master’s Kristen Fischer Anthony has joined estate broker with the Furman Company Manning Christopher, Jr., October 16. They degree in vocal performance at Indiana WHEN NIKKI PRESSLEY ’04 got word that her work successfully created something the Department of Admission at Furman in Greenville. live in Charleston, S.C. She is scheduled to University in Bloomington. She received would be included in the 2010 California Biennial — that manifested these ideas,” as coordinator of the Furman Admission Darsey Culpepper and Brian Landoe graduate from the Medical University of the Indiana University Artistic Excellence the Orange County Museum of Art’s signature program she says. Network (FAN). ’07, July 10. They live in Portland, Ore. She South Carolina School of Dental Medicine Award, a fellowship that covers tuition spotlighting young and emerging artists from across the Bright recalls, “I got the George Henry Booth of Greenville has is a graphic designer, writer and photogra- in May. He is a hospitalist at Trident and fees and provides a monthly stipend. Golden State — one of the !rst people she contacted impression that Nikki never earned a master’s degree in teaching from pher at Portland Rescue Mission, and he Regional Medical Center. She recently made her debut in a principal was Terri Bright, associate professor of art at Furman. stopped thinking about these Winthrop University. is an administrative assistant at InTown Caroline McMullen and Traver role with the university’s Opera Theatre in Bright noted that many of the 45 artists chosen for the things. Her mind was constantly Emily Geer received her master’s degree Presbyterian Church and is pursuing a Toole, July 10. They live in Laredo, Texas. Puccini’s Suor Angelica. Visit her website, exhibition had major gallery representation — to which on trying to !gure out where in architecture from Savannah (Ga.) College master’s degree in public administration Caroline is a social work counselor at www.sarahemartin.info. Pressley replied, “I don’t know why I’m here.” she !t into black culture as a of Art and Design and is working in Dallas, at Portland State University. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and Traver Emily Robinson was awarded a Rotary Pressley was among the last artists that curator black female. I remember her Texas, as a project architect for Gensler. Katherine Keller Davis and John is a federal agent (U.S. Border Patrol) with Ambassadorial Scholarship for the Sarah Bancroft saw in putting together the California work being incredibly layered MARRIAGES: George Anthony Campbell Lake, August 14. Katherine is the Department of Homeland Security. 2010–11 academic year to study in Biennial. “Nikki came recommended from a couple of and complex.” Campbell, Jr., and Marquin Barrett an attorney and recently had a clerkship BIRTH: Scott and Melissa Wood ’08 El Salvador under a program designed different people — a curatorial colleague and an artist,” Since graduate school, McMath, August 7. They live in Greenville, with the Dorchester County (S.C.) Probate Greenwood, a son, John Malcolm, to foster international understanding. Bancroft says. After visiting Pressley’s Los Angeles stu- Bright adds, “Nikki’s process and where George is an assistant solicitor Court. John is a graduate of the College of September 29, Nashville, Tenn. She previously worked with AmeriCorps dio, Bancroft was eager to introduce the Furman alum’s her skill level have caught up to for the 13th Judicial Circuit and Marquin Dental Medicine at the Medical University in Alamosa, Colo., assisting the homeless work to a larger audience (more than 4,200 patrons in her ideas. I had her come back is a freelance fashion designer and artist. of South Carolina. They live in Columbia. 08 in their move to transitional housing. the !rst three weeks of the exhibit, which opened in and speak to my senior seminar Melanie Jones and Jade Totman, Kristina Fletcher and Matthew Jon Leathers and Shea Salinas were Joinné Ruff is working with the Furman October and runs through March 13). this year, and she was very hon- October 9. They live in Arlington, Va. Summey, September 4. They live in both selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps Department of Admission as a counselor “Nikki is fresh out of graduate school,” Bancroft est” about the challenges of an

Columbia, S.C. in the Major League Soccer expansion in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Her position MARC CAMPOS says. “I don’t think she even realizes how strong her art career. 06 Amanda Diane Kirkpatrick (M.A.) draft December 1. Shea, the Whitecaps’ is funded by a grant from the Amon G. practice is.” After graduating from Furman, Pressley moved to with just my work,” she says. Not long thereafter, THIS YEAR IS REUNION! and Bradley Elliott Young, July 17. They fourth pick, played last season for the Carter Foundation. To be certain, contemporary art is a long way Chicago, where she spent eight months working for a she got the call from Bancroft and the OCMA. Ross Alexander Mullinax earned live in Greenville. Philadelphia Union. Jon, the ninth pick, MARRIAGE: Megan Leigh Mullinax a medical degree from the University of Katie Webb and Lee Dillon Denton, played for Sporting Kansas City (Missouri). and David Lyle Solomon, Jr., August 7. from biology, Pressley’s intended major when she non-pro!t organization, the American Friends Service The three pieces by Pressley in the Biennial South Alabama College of Medicine last August 15, 2009. They live in Consho- Whitney Smith earned a doctor of They live in Nashville, Tenn., where David enrolled at Furman. “I wanted to do orthopedic sur- Committee, on a traveling exhibition designed to edu- explore issues of race, identity and religion. Her May, graduating with honors as a member hocken, Pa. physical therapy degree in December works with Ernst and Young, LLC. Megan gery, and that was mostly borne of the fact that I had cate college students about debt. While there, she also largest work, “Word,” juxtaposes a Gullah translation of Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical from the University of Texas Southwestern is completing her MBA in public health torn my ACL twice,” says Pressley, a Greenville native began studying Capoeira, a centuries-old, Brazilian- of John I:1-3 (“In the beginning was the Word, and society. He took the Military Oath of Of!ce 07 Center in Dallas. care and works with Nashville’s Baptist who sustained the injuries while playing basketball at born mix of music, martial arts and dance. It informs the Word was with God . . .”) with the West African for Public Service and started a general Kathleen Anderson graduated in MARRIAGES: Jonathan Borders and Hospital. Mauldin High School. her art to this day. Once she !nished her work on the folk tale of Anansi, the spider. A second, untitled piece surgery residency at the Naval Medical February 2010 from the John Jay College Amy Murdock, September 18. They live She had also demonstrated an aptitude for art exhibit, she returned to Greenville and took a job with combines gold leaf, ash and dirt in a commentary on Center in San Diego, Calif. He was recently of Criminal Justice in New York City in Dallas, Texas, and work in the Dallas/ 10 at an early age, and her mother encouraged her talent an advertising !rm, all the while living at home, build- the malleability of her belief systems. The last and most featured in the national KA Journal in an with a master’s degree in forensic mental Fort Worth Metroplex. Brian Highsmith spent the fall as by sending her to classes at Greenville Tech. During her ing her portfolio and saving for graduate school. personal piece, titled “Requiem,” depicts Pressley article on medical men in the military. health counseling. Allison Leigh Buckner and David a White House intern assigned to work sophomore year at Furman, Pressley took her !rst art In the fall of 2006 Pressley enrolled at the digging through a “weird #oating mound” of earth, Katie Norris of Charleston, S.C., has been Kenneth Christopher Evans of Wesley Parker, May 8. They live in Chapel with the National Economic Council. class, and by the end of the year she had changed her California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, where she at the bottom of which is a mirror image of her — named director of public programming at Columbia, S.C., has earned a master’s Hill, N.C., where she is completing law Bryant Lambert joined DNA Creative major with an eye toward a career in graphic design. pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture and or what she calls “the ambiguous face of identity.” Middleton Place Foundation, which owns degree in teaching from Winthrop school at the University of North Carolina. Communications in Greenville as an intern. Pressley cites professors Ross McClain (design) installation. “CalArts opened me up to a lot of differ- Pressley, who works as a graphic designer for and operates Middleton Place, a national University. Liz Lineback is a junior account execu- and Bright (photography) as being “instrumental in ent things,” she says. “There’s no real curriculum or a real estate company, is pouring herself into research historic landmark. Lindsay Timmerman Niedringhaus tive with the Hughes Agency, a marketing, 09 their encouragement with the more conceptual ideas grades — you chart your own course. I know plenty of for her next project, “which is the way that I tend to Benjamin W. Wallace has joined the has joined the Department of Admission Casey Crisp has been named assistant advertising and public relations !rm in that I was trying to develop at the time.” But prior to students who went through the whole two years and work,” she says. “I’d like to stay active in the contem- Macon, Ga., law !rm of Stone & Baxter at Furman as marketing manager. director of the Bridges to a Brighter Future Greenville. her senior year, she says, “I didn’t know anything didn’t make an object. Their art was conceptual, so porary art dialogue and keep working out my ideas LLP, practicing in the areas of commercial MARRIAGES: Molly Bockman and program at Furman. Casey is a Bridges MARRIAGE: Heather Henson and about contemporary art or the art world.” they constantly talked about their work.” through future exhibits.” litigation, bankruptcy and business, and Stephen John Fastenau, October 2. They graduate and was a counselor in the pro- Joshua Lother, July 24. They live in For the senior art show at Furman, Pressley During her !nal year at CalArts, Pressley took part — DICK ANDERSON corporate law. live in Bluffton, S.C. gram for three summers. She previously Piedmont, S.C. exhibited three pieces — one each in sculpture, design in a couple of group shows. In 2009 she had her !rst MARRIAGES: Ryan Schoemer Clark Jennifer Chapman and David Fuller, served as a social studies teacher, softball and photography. All three addressed the concept of solo exhibit, “Actions and Contemplations,” at Visit www.nikkipressley.com to learn more. The author and Carly Louise Sobray ’07, April 10. December 12, 2009. They live in Tulsa, coach and debate team coach at Mauldin cultural identity, a subject that continues to inform Las Cienega Projects in Culver City. “That was a big is a freelance writer in Los Angeles and publications She is a human resources specialist at Fluor Okla. (S.C.) High School. her work. “I felt like it was the !rst time that I had deal for me because I had never !lled an entire space editor for Occidental College.

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in the European Theater during World War Joyce Kellett Cook ’44, November 10, Roy Onias Barker ’48, September 10, John William Eckley ’49, September 13, and served on several submarines. After James F. Harley ’50, June 24, Pueblo, FOUR ALUMS NAMED LIBERTY FELLOWS II. Upon his return to Greenville he took Fountain Inn, S.C. She taught voice and Greer, S.C. After service with the U.S. Navy Gaffney, S.C. A veteran of World War II, his discharge he was a member of the Colo. He was a Baptist minister at churches over management of the family dairy farm. served as a church choir director for many during World War II he embarked on an he was retired from Milliken Company. Naval Reserves for 20 years, retiring as a in South Carolina and Hawaii. He also THE LIBERTY FELLOWS PROGRAM is designed to develop young He went on to be selected South Carolina years. She was a life member of the engineering career, most of which was James Landrum Hill, Sr. ’49, June 8, lieutenant. Upon completing his Furman served as hospital chaplain at Colorado leaders for South Carolina. Dairyman of the Year and was appointed Fountain Inn Music Club. spent in Rochester, N.Y. He was retired 2009, Belton, S.C. A World War II degree he began a career in education State Hospital and Western State Hospital The program features a series of !ve-day seminars, held over two to the state Dairy Commission. He later Luna Edwards Hilliard ’44, October 31, from Eastman Kodak. veteran, he was a longtime teacher, coach as a junior high school science teacher in and was minister of visitation for First years, for 20 state residents ages 30 to 45. They are selected from a became a property developer and served Greer, S.C. Mildred Adela Smith Lepingwell ’48, and administrator in Greenville County Greenville. After earning a master’s degree Baptist Church in Pueblo until his diverse pool of nominees and represent all professions, from business 10 years in the South Carolina House of William Vernon Powers ’44, October June 11, Atlanta. Schools and led the Carolina High baseball from the University of South Carolina retirement. and government to education and non-pro!ts. They also share a com- Representatives. He was appointed to the 30, Hendersonville, N.C. He was a U.S. Betty Rose Newton Summersett ’48, team to the state title in 1958. Between and a doctorate from Duke University, Cannon Eugene Price, Jr. ’50, October mon goal — strengthening South Carolina. state Department of Social Services board, Army veteran of World War II, serving in August 29, Columbia, S.C. With her hus- 1962 and 1972 he was athletic director, he served as a principal of schools in 31, Anderson, S.C. A retired Southern South Carolina and Virginia, and taught Four Furman graduates are part of the newest class of Liberty whose members elected him to serve as Alaska and Okinawa. After the war he band, Ben, she owned and operated Laurel baseball coach and basketball coach at Baptist minister and educator, he was Hill Inn and Rib Room. She also managed Anderson (S.C.) College, where he also at Clemson University, North Georgia pastor of churches in the Carolinas, Fellows, chosen from a nominating pool of 400. All are deeply involved chaplain, and also was a Rotarian and a returned to Hendersonville and became Paul Harris Fellow. the Summersett Building and served as taught accounting and was instrumental College and Lynchburg (Va.) Community Maryland and Kentucky. After retiring in civic and community activities in their respective cities. chief of police in Henderson County, Marian Smith Williams ’42, November serving for 22 years. He was the !rst chief hostess for Columbia Country Club. in developing the Department of Business College. While working in education he he worked as an interim pastor. He was John Castile ’89 became city manager of Greenville last July after 23, Greenville. of police to be inducted into the North Marjorie Gould Buck ’49, November 28, Administration. In 1972 he returned to also attended seminary at Duke and was the founder of Price Driving School and previously serving as assistant and deputy city manager. He is active with Jean Hendricks Farry ’43, October 1, Carolina Law Enforcement Hall of Honor. Greenville. She taught for more than Greenville County and served as principal ordained a Methodist minister. He went was an income tax preparer. 100 Black Men of Greenville and the school district’s Shining Star Teacher Easley, S.C. She taught at Pickens High “Chief,” as he was affectionately known, 35 years at Christ Church Episcopal School of two elementary schools. In retirement on to serve churches in Virginia for 16 Douglas Allen Venters ’50, November Recruitment Initiative. A political science major at Furman, he is a gradu- School, and after retiring she was active directed the !rst department in Western and Sara Collins Elementary School. he taught in the county’s adult General years, retiring in 1988. He was a member 9, Ruby, S.C. After serving in the Marines ate of the university’s Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI). with the Retired Teachers Association, North Carolina to use dogs to help solve She was a past president of the Crescent Education Diploma program. He served as of the Tidewater Chapter of the Submarine for four years he became a chaplain in the R. Michael (Mikee) Johnson ’94, an Orangeburg resident, earned the Round Table Group and the Cannon crimes, and he was instrumental in training Music Club, a former member of the a president of the Piedmont Lions Club. Veterans of World War II and was national U.S. Air Force, from which he retired after his Furman degree in English and political science. He is CEO and presi- Memorial Hospital Volunteers. the North Carolina National Guard in riot American Association of University L. Lawson Byrd ’50, December 9, chaplain from 1997–2000. He was a life- holding chaplaincies at bases in Texas, dent of Cox Industries, a manufacturer and global distributor of pressure- Grace Barnett Gambrell ’43, October control and crime-solving techniques. He Women, and a tutor for the Greenville Gloucester, Va. He enlisted in the Navy time member of the National Education Japan, South Vietnam, the Dominican treated wood. He chairs the Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce and was 1, McCormick, S.C. She was a teacher. was associated with many civic organiza- Literacy Association. during World War II at the age of 15 Association and of the Virginia PTA. Republic, South Carolina, Ohio, Germany named one of the Midlands’ 2010 “Top 20 Under 40” young profession- Margaret Guyton Gartelmann ’43, tions and served as president of the North als by The State newspaper. August 9, Savannah, Ga. Carolina Apple Festival and grand marshal Amy Love ’96 of Columbia is deputy executive director of New Owen Lee Koontz ’43, May 20, Port of the King Apple Parade. He was a found- Carolina — South Carolina’s Council on Competitiveness. An English Angeles, Wash. After leaving Furman to ing member of the Henderson County major at Furman and a DLI graduate, she has also worked in Europe for enter #ight school, he earned his wings Rescue Squad and was inducted into the the telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom. and was commissioned to #y missions in Hendersonville High School Hall of Fame. ELECTION WRAPUP: WOODALL WINS CONGRESSIONAL SEAT ...... Gus Suárez ’00 of Greenville is an associate attorney with North Africa during World War II. He David Montgomery Jenness ’45, AFTER 16 YEARS as an aide One of the new congressman’s major issues is likely to be the “fair tax.” Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. After earning his Furman was shot down three times and eventually September 22, Greenville. He taught in to Congressman John Linder In recent years he worked with Linder and co-author Neal Boortz on two books degree in political science and history, he attended law school at the spent 14 months in a POW camp in Furman’s Department of Modern of Georgia’s 7th District, the promoting the issue, one of which was a New York Times best-seller. The Atlanta Germany. After the war, he went to University of South Carolina. He, too, is a DLI graduate. Languages and for 40 years was the last 10 as chief of staff, Rob Journal-Constitution says that Linder credits Woodall with “helping improve and Communications Of!cer School and spent accountant for Pepsi Hartness International. Woodall should know plenty promote [the] plan to replace the federal income tax with a national sales tax.” 10 years working for the Air Force, devel- Catherine Fewell McNamara ’46, about how Washington works. Woodall emerged from a !eld of eight candidates in the Republican primary

oping and installing navigational systems. September 25, Greenville. She was active in PRESS ASSOCIATED And after working behind last summer. He won a runoff for the nomination, then defeated Democrat Doug DEATHS Charles Dorsey Horton ’41, October 3, In 1949 he graduated with honors from community affairs, including the American the scenes for so long, he’s now able to put his insider knowledge to even better use. Heckman in the general election with 67 percent of the vote. According to Furman Sallie Mae King Harbin ’29, November Statesboro, Ga. After working as a teacher the Air Force Institute of Technology. He Diabetes Association and other charitable In November, Woodall was elected to succeed Linder, who retired, as the represen- records, he becomes the sixth alumnus to be elected to the U.S. House. 8, Westminster, S.C. She taught in several and principal, he earned a doctoral degree went on to earn a master’s degree in elec- organizations. She worked in sales at tative for the district, which consists of much of Gwinnett County and the eastern While Woodall is just beginning his service in Congress, the tenure of Baron elementary schools during her 34-year from Southern Baptist Theological Semi- trical engineering from Stanford University The Open Book. Atlanta suburbs. Hill ’75 came to an end when he was defeated by Republican Todd Young in the career. She was a member of Daughters nary and went on to serve as pastor and to work in the aeronautical research Patricia Lupo ’47, October 25, Woodall, part of the Republican wave that swept into of!ce, is a 1992 Furman race to represent Indiana’s 9th District. Hill served !ve terms in Congress. of the American Revolution and Colonial of churches in Kentucky and Georgia. lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Greensboro, N.C. She was a Spanish graduate with a degree in political science. He holds a law degree from the University In one other major state election involving a Furman graduate, Democrat Dames XVII Century. John Kern Earle ’42, December 9, Dayton, Ohio. After 22 years in the Air teacher and department chair at Walter Dorothy DuPree Grimball ’39, October Greenville. He worked brie#y in Washing- Force he retired with the rank of lieuten- Hines Page High School. She was a member of Georgia. John Ryan of the National Journal has written, “Woodall embraces Elizabeth Harrill Mitchell ’62 lost her bid for the governorship of Maine. Mitchell, 21, Greenville. She was active in community ton, D.C., for the U.S. Geological Survey ant colonel and moved to San Jose, Calif., of the Alpha Delta Kappa honor sorority the Tea Party movement’s principles of limited government, strict constitutional who served as both speaker of the Maine House and president of the State Senate affairs and was a sustaining member of the before joining the Army Air Corps and where he worked on the Gemini and and the American Association of Teachers constructionism and !scal responsibility.” during her long career in state politics, was defeated by Republican Paul LePage. Junior League. serving as a photo intelligence of!cer Apollo space projects at NASA’s Ames of Spanish and Portuguese. Research Center until retiring in 1981.

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and the District of Columbia. He received Church. After taking early retirement from Malba Mozelle Gardner Starrett ’54, number of organizations, played numerous mission for children. In 1962 she was which he taught at Heritage Bible College numerous awards and medals, including the ministry, he began a second career November 5, Fairview Heights, Ill. recitals in the United States and Europe, named Outstanding Woman of the for 10 years. He was pastor of Freedom Parachute Wings, Bronze Star, Air Force as a real estate broker and investor in Frances Bell Thesing ’54, September and designed more than 50 pipe organs in Year in the !eld of religion by the Baptist Church in Salemburg at the time Commendation Medal and 12 Ribbons Hampton, Va., where he owned and 13, High Point, N.C. She was an elementary the South, including the Samford Memorial Greenville News-Piedmont. She was also of his death. with Two Oak Leaf Clusters Major Battle operated Peninsula Homes, Inc. He served school teacher. Organ at Southside Baptist Church. He was a published poet, and she chaired the Lewis Frank Vernon ’56, October 29, Star. He served for a time as pastor of as chair of the Board for Low Income Harry Edward Tibbs ’54, September 17, past president of the Birmingham Music Pendleton District Historical and Atlanta. He was a U.S. Army veteran and Rich!eld Baptist Church in North Carolina Housing and was active in the development Birmingham, Ala. He served in the armed Club, president of the Birmingham Recreation Commission for 12 years. had retired from IBM. and was a member of the Retired Of!cers of Great Oak Apartments for the Elderly forces as chaplain’s assistant at Fort Chamber Music Society, and dean of the She was on the board of the South Ansel Kay Gambrell ’57, August 26, Association and Disabled American in Newport News, Va. He also worked with Holabird, Md., during which time he was Birmingham chapter of the American Guild Carolina Education Association and the Honea Path, S.C. He was pastor of Baptist Veterans. the Assisted Housing Development and the also interim organist at the National Cathe- of Organists. For 25 years he was organist Boys Home of the South and was a loyal churches in South Carolina, New York, Marie Byrd Gregg ’51, September 14, Newport News Homeowners Association. dral in Washington, D.C. A graduate of the for the Alabama Symphony and received supporter of Miracle Hill Ministries. Kentucky and Ohio, and was pastor emeri- Greenville. She taught at Augusta Circle Johnnye Murdock Uldrick ’53, Eastman School of Music and the University the Silverbowl Award for outstanding con- Other memberships included the state tus of First Baptist Church in Miamisburg, Elementary School. November 21, Raleigh, N.C. A music of Michigan, he was the !rst full-time tributions to music in the Birmingham area. Association of Women Deans and Ohio. He was a U.S. Army veteran of ANDERSEN Charles Lewis Pearson ’51, September teacher, she taught in schools in South American pupil of noted French organist Lillie Ballard Westmoreland, M.A. Counselors, Delta Kappa Gamma women World War II. 29, Greenville. He worked with the Carolina, Florida and Maryland, and also Jean Langlaise at the Church of St. Clotilde ’55, September 13, Greenville. She was a teachers honorary society, Daughters Margaret McClain Keith ’57, ONATHAN Life Insurance Company of Virginia and gave private lessons. She was a member in Paris. In 1983 he received the Palmer teacher, guidance counselor and principal of the American Revolution, Daughters September 1, Charlotte, N.C. With her J J.C. Penney Co. before retiring from the and director of the Anne Arundel County Christian Award given by the University for many years in upstate South Carolina of the Confederacy, and the South husband, Fletcher, she launched the Keith Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Concert Association throughout the of Michigan to a distinguished doctoral and was the !rst adult guidance counselor Carolina Pharmaceutical Auxiliary. In Clinic of Chiropractic in 1959 and worked BUBBLY HELP FOR LAKE RESTORATION G. Raymond Bodie, Jr. ’52, October 25, 1970s and 1980s. graduate. He became a professor of music at Greenville Technical College. In 1958 her mid-70s she spent several months in there for 50 years. For 20 years she also ANYONE TAKING a leisurely stroll around the Furman lake in recent Bogart, Ga. He was a Methodist minister Sophie Fisher McKissick ’54, October at Samford University, where he chaired she was selected Teacher of the Year at Peru, teaching children of missionaries. operated her own accounting and real for 25 years at churches in South Carolina, 6, Greenville. An avid tennis player, she the keyboard division and was university Easley High School. She co-authored a Herman Joseph Williams, Jr. ’55, estate management company, Metro months has likely noticed a bubbly new water feature. Massachusetts and Virginia. In Norfolk, was active in community affairs. organist from 1959 until his retirement in history of Pendleton Street Baptist Church October 23, Mineral, Va. A retired minis- Management. Could it be some sort of Loch Nessian monster rising from the Va., he was founding pastor of St. John’s 2002. He was active on the boards of a and helped establish a neighborhood ter, he served churches in North Carolina, Millie Fogle Stanton ’58, September depths? Another campus fountain? A Lawrence Welk-inspired music Texas and New York. For 20 years he was 29, Santa Ana, Calif. department production? curriculum research program director at Mary Frances Brinson ’59, November Actually, the bubbles are by-products of the lake restoration plan FRANKLIN TAPPED TO HEAD IOWA INSTITUTION ...... Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. After 11, Greenwood, S.C. She was a member launched several years ago. They come from !ve recently installed retiring in 1997, he was active in the of the Augusta Genealogical Society. She “aeration/destrati!cation” systems, which sit on the lake #oor and DES MOINES UNIVERSITY, as other departments. She was acting president during to say that Des Moines doesn’t do research, but their Goshen Association and Rural Institute was also active with the Daughters of the help boost the oxygen supply, lower water temperature, and reduce a health sciences institution, the summer of 2009 and held a professorship in the primary reason for being is . . . delivery of health care of Theology and served as interim pastor American Revolution and had recently sedimentation (muck accumulation) and growth of algae. has named Angela Walker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. in a very socially conscious kind of way, taking care in several churches in central Virginia. At been accepted into the Huguenot Society. Scot Sherman, director of campus planning, says low oxygen levels Franklin ’81 its 15th president. Before going to Meharry in 2007, Franklin spent of the needs of the people.” the time of his death he was working with Don Carlos Whitmire ’61, October 16, and high temperatures create an environment where algae thrive. He says She succeeds Terry Branstad, 20 years at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Larry Baker, a member of the presidential search John Leland Seminary in Arlington, Va. Port Angeles, Wash. He served in the U.S. the lake lacks vertical “turnover,” or top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top air who left the position in where she held a number of positions: vice dean, committee, praised Franklin’s academic background Lillian Pearl Gibson Bryant ’56, Air Force from 1950 to 1954 and later #ow. The new equipment works to increase the vertical rotation of oxygen. September 8, Clemson, S.C. She was a worked as a department store window October 2009 to make what associate vice president for academic and student and experience and told the Register, “She has really Other plans for improving the lake include dredging to help increase !fth grade teacher in Greenville County dresser, maintenance worker, photogra- became a successful run for affairs, associate dean for student affairs and curricu- risen through the ranks of academic medical schools.” water levels, adding rain gardens, and reducing the mowing of grass around schools for 22 years. pher and aircraft parts inspector. governor of Iowa. lum, assistant dean for admissions and student affairs, Franklin is in her fourth term as a member of the the lake’s shore. Campbell Eugene Carroll ’56, J. Bradley Fowler ’62, September 18, Franklin was scheduled to assume her new duties director of counseling services, and assistant professor Furman board of trustees. She has been an American A deeper lake will take longer to heat in the warmer months, slowing September 13, Norwood, N.C. He was Charleston, S.C. He was a civil rights March 1. She is the !rst woman and !rst minority to of psychiatry. Council on Education Fellow and is a 2004 protégé of the buildup of algae and bacteria. More rain gardens will help protect the a Navy veteran of World War II, having activist and in the 1960s was deeply lead the school. Founded in 1898, Des Moines University has the Millennium Leadership Institute, which is sponsored lake from fertilizers, oil runoff from roads, and other sediments, thus allow- served on the battleship USS Swearer. He involved with President Johnson’s War She goes to Des Moines from her position 1,821 students and is the only private medical school by the Association of State Colleges and Universities ing water to #ow into the lake more naturally. went into the ministry and served Baptist on Poverty. He served as director of new as executive vice president and provost at Meharry in Iowa. It offers graduate-level, professional degree to prepare the next generation of leaders in higher Less frequent mowing of the lake shore serves much the same pur- churches in both Carolinas for more than careers with the Of!ce of Economic Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. A native of programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, education. In Nashville she has served on the board pose, as higher grass helps !lter surface runoff. Mowing less also reduces 50 years. He was also a counselor in the Opportunity in Charleston and in the McCormick, S.C., she earned her Furman degree physical therapy, physician assistant studies, health of advisors of the Oasis Center, a youth development Columbia, S.C., area for many years. 1970s was director of the Coastal Plains emissions and costs associated with labor and fuel. in psychology and went on to receive a Ph.D. in care administration, anatomy, biomedical sciences agency, and has been a member of the Tennessee B. Carroll Owenby ’56, September 8, Human Development Council in Beaufort All these plans are part of ongoing efforts to restore the health clinical psychology from Emory University. and public health. Women’s Forum. Dunn, N.C. He was a Baptist minister in County. In addition to his efforts in the of the lake, and perhaps once again make it available for recreational use. At Meharry she had academic and administrative Franklin told the Des Moines Register, “There are North Carolina for almost 50 years, after Lowcountry, he worked as director of the oversight for three schools within the college, as well a lot of schools that really focus more on research. Not

44 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 45 Furman ALUMNI NEWS

POWER PLAYER: EDENS BUILDS ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE MOMENTUM ......

Harriet Lee Gibson ’67, November 1, Kathy Lee Shell ’73, October 15, STRATEGIC PLANNING INITIATIVE LAUNCHED BRIAN EDENS HAS ALWAYS BEEN FASCINATED vehicles by major manufacturers. By 2012, there will be Edens was installing his !rst charging station and had Landrum, S.C. After completing her Towson, Md. She taught for many years by how things work. As a teen, he would pore over more than 20 producers of electric vehicles. The Chevy contracts for several more. certi!cation as a registered nurse in 1946, at John Ruhrah Elementary School in A WIDE-RANGING CONVERSATION involving virtually all Furman Popular Science magazine and build water wheels and Volt, a plug-in hybrid, uses batteries for the !rst 40 Edens points out that electric vehicles are not she enrolled in the Army Nurse Corps. Baltimore and held an Ed.D. degree in constituencies has been under way since December as the university generators with his dad, a fellow tinkerer. Even then, miles after a charge, then has a gas-powered generator simply for “tree-huggers.” He doesn’t classify himself She served as a registered nurse for more education from Johns Hopkins University. prepares a new strategic plan. he knew that cars with the typical internal-combustion that can kick in if needed. The Nissan Leaf, a pure bat- as such, but he is an avid outdoorsman and thinks of than 20 years before returning to school Caren Gayle McDonald Archer ’77, Discussions with faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and com- engines were problematic. “I didn’t think it was sus- tery electric vehicle, is also gaining popularity. himself as a conservationist. “I think resources were to obtain her bachelor’s degree. After- August 30, Atlanta. She was employed as munity representatives will contribute to the development of a set of guiding tainable long term, and this was before that word “Every single Volt and Leaf made is already sold,” put here for us to use, but we need to use them with ward she taught in Spartanburg District 1 a capital markets specialist at C&S/Nations principles focusing on four themes: broad strategic directions to guide future became popular,” he says. Edens says. common sense,” he says. Schools for 20 years. She was a longtime Bank in Atlanta for seven years and was growth, institutional identity (including the university’s academic mission When General Motors came out with its !rst He realized all the pieces of the puzzle were in While he appreciates the environmental bene!ts volunteer for Mobile Meals, founded the a substitute teacher for !ve years at and religious heritage), external relationships, and resource and program- electric vehicle, the EV1, in 1996, Edens followed place but one. “In my opinion, the thing that will make of electric vehicles, he also points to the signi!cant “Great Friends” program at White Oak various Henry County schools. She was the story closely and saw how a combination of oil electric vehicles feasible for people to drive is to have an cost savings. He drives a low-speed vehicle, or LSV, matic allocations. Manor, was involved in Landrum Friends active in the Woodland High School companies, car dealers and other vested interests — available and reliable charging network,” he says. And “Furman has a strong record of strategic planning, and the efforts of the Library, and played an instrumental Athletic Boosters Club and in Henry the 9.2 miles from his Greenville home to his down- plus a general resistance to change — stopped over the past decade have provided a detailed roadmap for the university’s role in establishing the Landrum Cemetery County community activities. town of!ce each day. Basically a street-legal golf advancement,” says President Rod Smolla, who is chairing a 16-member Perpetual Care Association. In 2004 she Ruth W. Brewster, M.S. ’82, the project in its tracks. cart, the LSV adds only a few minutes to his daily steering committee consisting of students, faculty, staff and senior adminis- received the Landrum Chamber of September 18, Travelers Rest, S.C. Edens, a 1994 Furman graduate, went on to commute and doesn’t use a drop of gas. But he trators. The committee is charged with gathering information and drafting Commerce’s Citizen of the Year Award. Judith Ann Ford Owen, M.A. ’82, build a successful career in technology sales, but says the savings with electric vehicles only begin the strategic plan, which is scheduled to be presented to the board of trust- Donald A. Prewette ’67, October 26, November 5, Travelers Rest, S.C. Judy never lost his interest in the automotive industry with gas. There is no need for oil, oil changes, ees at its mid-April meeting. Bellingham, Wash. After high school he worked in quality control for Digital and, in particular, the move toward electric power. air !lters, radiators, radiator #uid, or other aspects “Our intention is to build on the initiatives already under way, to entered the U.S. Naval School of Music in Equipment Corporation and managed the Now, he says, the time is right for electric vehicles of car maintenance. All things considered, he says, conduct our work in concert with that of existing divisions, departments Washington, D.C. He went on to play in ISO 9000 certi!cation for Habisat Belting. to take off, and he’s launched a company, Thurso research shows that it costs about one-third less and of!ces, and to chart a general course that will provide #exibility in U.S. Navy bands for three years, having Laura Ann Lewis Owens ’82, October Power Systems, in anticipation of the surge. to drive an electric vehicle. meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing higher education and the honor of playing “Taps” numerous 24, Atlanta. She was a partner in the Thurso, based in Greenville, provides Edens, who majored in economics at Furman competitive landscape for Furman,” Smolla says. times at Arlington National Cemetery. Atlanta law !rm of Alston & Bird, working infrastructure for electric vehicles. The company and played football for three years, says his college The process will include open forums on campus, meetings with He eventually became an ordained minister in the products liability group, and was opened an electric charging station in September years prepared him well for his multifaceted alumni and community members, on-line submissions, and a general and was pastor of churches in South recognized nationally for her expertise in in Greenville’s West End — the !rst high-voltage career. “A liberal arts education is invaluable in Carolina and Georgia for 23 years before drug and product liability. She served on survey, which was administered in January. charging station in the state — and Edens is anything,” he says, “but especially in something retiring to Bellingham in 2004. Active the American Bar Association’s products working with a variety of clients, including like this, in that there are a lot of different aspects with the Boy Scouts, he also sang with the liability committee and the organization’s The Spinx Co., Bon Secours St. Francis Health that come together — the technical side, com- Drug Action Council in Greensboro, N.C., He traveled on numerous mission trips and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. He subcommittees on pharmaceuticals, System, ScanSource and Mast General Store, puters, social, the environment. Being able to and was associated with the Human/ was a soloist with various music groups, was a life member of Inman (S.C.) Masonic medical devices and consumer products. to add more. He’s also talking with companies grasp different concepts is something a liberal Economic Appalachian Development including the Singing Churchmen of South Lodge No. 201, 32 Scottish Rite Masonry, Prior to joining Alston & Bird, she worked in surrounding states and has plans to be a arts education is all about.” Corporation in Berea, Ky. He was also Carolina. He was a charter member of the Valley of Atlanta Orient of Georgia, and at the King & Spalding !rm. regional leader in the industry. Although the market for EV charging is rife active as a volunteer youth coach in the Century Men, served as chaplain of Springs Yaarab Shriners of Atlanta. Pamela Hauer Wallace, M.A. ’84, Edens says a variety of factors make this the right with his background in sales and technology, plus his with opportunity, Edens doesn’t plan to stick with just Charleston area. Memorial Hospital, was a past president Frank Arthur Hooper III, M.A. ’70, November 17, Rockledge, Fla. She retired time for the move toward electric and hybrid vehicles. knowledge of electrical construction gleaned from one aspect of the business. He recently signed a con- Calvin Wesley Morrow ’64, September of the Lions Club, and was a Rotarian. August 27, Hickory, N.C. After military to Rockledge after a 26-year teaching First, the green movement has gone mainstream, and summer jobs as a student, he knew he had the skill tract to build a solar carport that’s tied to an in-home 10, Rock Hill, S.C. He was a Baptist minister Joseph Daniel Martin, Jr. ’66, October service with the U.S. Navy during World career in Simpsonville, S.C. more people are looking to reduce their environmental set and drive to create a charging network. EV charging station, and he’s learning more about in South Carolina for more than 45 years, 24, Chester, S.C. He was a retired band War II, he was a pastor and missionary Barbara Morris McAbee ’86, October impact. The geopolitical aspect of dependence on “So after a few sleepless nights, I got up the cour- retiring from Roddey Baptist Church of director from Chester Middle School, where to Israel from 1956 to 1968. He was also 25, Greenville. She was a pediatric nurse other related technologies. “I’m not limiting myself age to tell my wife I wanted to quit my cushy corporate Catawba. He was pastor emeritus of he was Teacher of the Year in 1997–98. He a science teacher and a drug abuse practitioner with the Christie Group for the Middle East for oil has increased interest in !nd- on where we can go with this,” he says. Calvary Baptist Church in Rock Hill and was former band director of Dorman High counselor. 32 years. ing alternatives, and last spring’s oil spill in the Gulf job and go out on my own during the worst economy — LEIGH GAUTHIER SAVAGE was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. School in Spartanburg, S.C., where under Henry Ravenel “Pat” Nicholson ’71, Wesley Marion Lowder ’01, November of Mexico sparked additional concern and discussion. since the Great Depression,” he says with a laugh. Roy Clarence Barnes ’65, May 8, his leadership the school was the 1970 win- September 3, Greenville. A U.S. Navy 3, Chapel Hill, N.C. He was owner of the And thanks to wireless phones and computers, battery “She was my !rst sale on the idea.” Visit http://thursopower.com to learn more. Lancaster, S.C. He was minister of music at ner of the Cherry Blossom Festival National veteran, he was an art teacher in several Reservoir Bar. power has made tremendous strides. Today lithium He lined up his former boss at Fox!re Software, The author, a 1994 graduate, is a freelance writer First Baptist Church of Lancaster for more Marching Band competition in Washington, South Carolina cities. ion batteries allow electric vehicles to operate more John Sterling, as an investor, and contacted consultants in Simpsonville, S.C. Photos by Jeremy Fleming. than 33 years and was also the church’s D.C. North Lakes Sertoma Club named him ef!ciently than ever. such as Joachim Taiber, a research professor of electrical associate pastor and senior adult minister. Man of the Year in 1975. Automotive companies are taking notice, and and computer engineering at Clemson University who Edens says the 2011 model year includes 10 electric focuses on clean transportation. A few months later,

46 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 47 Furman ALUMNI NEWS

POWER PLAYER: EDENS BUILDS ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE MOMENTUM ......

46 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 47 THE LAST WORD CECIL WILLIAMS

Duo set to record CD of unpublished works

AN UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY during a research trip has led Recently they were contacted by Susan Bush, president of Albany to a recording contract for two young teachers at Cla#in University. Records, who commended them on their choice of repertoire and their Stacey Holliday, a music instructor, accompanist and member “!ne playing” on the demo. When she offered the record deal, the of Furman’s Class of 2004, and Meisha Adderley, an assistant professor Cla#in duo happily accepted. Holliday says they have already recorded of music and piano, are developing a CD featuring works by African- a signi!cant amount of material. American composers. The album is scheduled to be released in the spring Solo pieces and duets will be included on the album, which is likely of 2012 by Albany Records, a leading producer of classical recordings. to feature works by, among others, Delores White, a Chicago-based com- “Many of these works have never been published. We feel they poser. Adderley describes White’s music as a blend of European, Cuban deserve to be heard and enjoyed,” Adderley says. and African-American in#uences. Compositions from William Grant Still, Holliday (right in photo), who joined the Cla#in faculty in 2008, the !rst person of color to conduct a major symphony orchestra, will also says, “I was very surprised, honestly. Albany Records is extremely be included. Still is often called the dean of African-American composers. prestigious. It was a huge undertaking for us. It’s very exciting.” Adderley graduated from Indiana State University and earned her After meeting at the Orangeburg, S.C., school in early 2009, the advanced degrees from the University of South Carolina. Holliday earned two struck up a friendship and began performing duets. “It’s a rarity a master’s and a graduate certi!cate in piano performance from USC, to !nd two classically trained African-American pianists actively per- where she studied collaborative piano. A student of Derek Parsons at forming at the same institution,” Adderley says. Furman, she was a member of the piano faculty at Camp Encore/Coda in They also began collaborating on research on African-American Sweden, Maine, in the summers of 2007 and 2008. She was awarded !rst composers. Their efforts led them to the archives of the Center for Black prize in the 2006 USC piano concerto competition and honorable mention Furman University is committed to providing equal access to its educational programs, activities, and facilities to all other wise quali!ed students without discrimination on the basis in the 2005 MTNA Steinway Young Artists Competition at the state level. Music Research at Columbia College in Chicago, where they uncovered of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable state or federal law. a store of unpublished works. — LEE TANT An Equal Opportunity/Af!rmative Action employer, Furman also af!rms its commitment to nondis crimination in its employment policies and practices. For information about the Adderley and Holliday decided to record a studio demo of some university’s compliance with the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and the I.R.S. Anti-Bias Regula tion, contact the Director of Human Resources, (864) 294-3015, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville, S.C. 29613. For information about Furman’s compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with of their discoveries. Over the last year, they took the music on the road The author is assistant director of public relations at Cla!in. Disabilities Act Amendments Act, contact the Disability Services Coordinator, (864) 294-2320, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville, S.C. 29613. and performed across the country.

48 FURMAN | WINTER 2011 THE LAST WORD CECIL WILLIAMS

Duo set to record CD of unpublished works

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Professor Kristy Maher’s life on two continents. PAGE 8