Spring 2019 Page 1

Emeritus Club NewsletterVolume 46 Issue 3 West Virginia Wesleyan College Spring 2019

What's In A Name?

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On the Cover...

The Bill Foster Birthday ClubMembers and friends pay $1 for every year of age to the Bill Foster Birthday Club

It is a tradition that was first suggested by former Wesleyan alumni director and Emeritus Club president William D. Foster '29. He committed to donating $1 for every year of his age on or around the time of his

birthday and encouraged other Emeritus Club members to do the same.

Dr. Marvin W. Culpepper '51, Hon. '06 – Charleston, WVDr. C. Elaine Karnes Culpepper '54, Hon. '06 – Charleston, WV

Mr. W. Darius Craven '47 – Tallmansville, WVMr. B. Wallace Cheatham '59 – New York, NY

To make your contribution to the Bill Foster Birthday Club, please contact Coordinator Molly Patterson at patterson_m@wvwc.edu, go online to www.wvwc.edu/give, or mail your donation to The Emeritus Club, 59 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV 26201. (Please make checks payable to The Emeritus Club.)

We Love to Hear from You!Help keep your classmates, your friends,

and your alma mater up-to-date!

Send us items for the Emeritus Club Newsletter - anniversaries, visits with classmates, awards,

accomplishments, new locations, or even stories of your time at Wesleyan.

Email to Molly Patterson at patterson_m@wvwc.edu or call 304-473-8540

If your name is misspelled, omitted, or listed incorrectly, we sincerely apologize. Please bring the mistake to our attention in order that we may correct the error in our

next newsletter.

Message from the Coordinator

Photos courtesy of Daniel R. Green '74

Officers:Nancy Titchenal Cheshire '62, PresidentDewayne R. Lowther '57, Vice President

Katy O'Brien Greenhill '67, SecretaryJ. Brooks Jones '62, Immediate Past President

(2016-2018)

Directors:Eleanor Linger Miller '61, term expiring 2019Alan P. Machenberg '61, term expiring 2020Elise Mattox George '65, term expiring 2021

Coordinator of the Emeritus Club:Molly Patterson

2018-2019 West Virginia Wesleyan College

Emeritus Club Leadership

Lynch-Raine Administration Building

L.L. Loar Memorial Music Building

John D. Rockefeller IV Physical Education Center

Dunn Hall

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NEW MEMBERS - CLASS OF 1969Mr. James S. Abel, Jr. '69 - Oxford, PAMrs. Karen L. Chapman Bickley '69 - Mt. Pleasant, SCMs. Ruth A. Bird '69 - Pittsburgh, PADr. Richard A. Brisbin, Jr. '69 - Morgantown, WVMrs. Carolyn Sillaman Bruce '69 - Highland Heights, OHMs. Triana R. Rapking Bruso '69 - Galloway, NJMr. David C. Buchanan '69 - Camp Hill, PAMrs. Lauri-ann F. Frueh Cardinali '69 - Ballston Lake, NYMrs. Margaret S. Shepherd Collinson '69 - Lothian, MDMrs. Nancy Williams Coonts '69 - Fulton, MDDr. Christine R. Rapking Cox '69 - Longboat Key, FLMrs. Betty Boydstun Davis '69 - Bloomington, INMr. Brian L. Detrick '69 - Egg Harbor City, NJMr. David J. Feola, Sr. '69 - Buckhannon, WVMrs. Rita S. Gerbitz Friebel '69 - Swansboro, NCMrs. Cheri L. Ellis Green '69 - Buckhannon, WVMrs. Martha Roberts Hartley '69 - Cairo, WVMs. Barbara L. Heckert '69 - Ripley, WVMrs. Kathleen Beardsley Johnson '69 - Annapolis, MDMrs. Sharon Markovich Lawrence '69 - Woodinville, WAMrs. Carole Norton Leach '69 - Cortland, NYMrs. Susan M. Moran Lecher '69 - Hackettstown, NJMrs. Jean M. Harris Mack '69 - Fairfax, VAMrs. Janice E. Andrews McCullough '69 - Monroeville, PAMr. Philip J. Minderlein '69 - Bel Air, MDDr. Susan Michel Moore '69 - St. Augustine, FLMr. Edward C. Munn '69 - Charlotte, NCMr. Jack A. Owen '69 - Apex, NCMrs. Martha “Sue” Robinson Pierson '69 - The Villages, FLMs. Judith E. Putnam '69 - Glen Allen, VAMr. David E. Reemsnyder II '69 - Blacksburg, VAMr. John “Jack” E. Reger '69 - The Villages, FLMs. Joan Voorheis Robinson '69 - Exton, PAMrs. Sheila P. Bailey Rossi '69 - Naperville, ILMrs. Janet S. Alexander Shendok '69 - St. Petersburg, FLMrs. Carolyn Reneau Shepler '69 - Elkins, WVMrs. Cheryl A. Miller Sprague '69 - Wheeling, WVMr. Stephen W. Terry '69 - Polk City, FLMrs. Betsy F. Parker Thornton '69 - Mirror Lake, NHMrs. Margaret A. Fehrman Thornton '69 - Bucyrus, OHMr. Robert A. Titchenal '69 - Bridgeport, WVMr. Larry W. Wamsley '69 - Buckhannon, WVMr. Frank “Dusty” E. Williams III '69 - Buckhannon, WVMs. Rose Marie Wilson '69 - Shepherdstown, WVDr. Thomas Witzenberger '69 - Boca Raton, FL

NEW MEMBERSMr. Dean J. Patenaude '60 - Naples, FLMr. Donald N. Baun '63 - Townville, SCMr. Walter L. Dillen '65 - Greensburg, PARev. Reg D. Barss '68 - Annapolis, MDMrs. Jane M. Witherite Barss '68 - Annapolis, MDMr. Douglas R. Pierson '68 - The Villages, FL

Welcome to the Emeritus Club!AUXILIARY MEMBERS – CLASS OF 1969Mr. Joseph C. Collinson III - Lothian, MDMr. Richard S. Hartley - Cairo, WVMr. Gregory A. McCullough - Monroeville, PAMr. Larry T. Moore - St. Augustine, FLMrs. Madeline Paietta Munn - Charlotte, NCMrs. Barbara Segur Reger - The Villages, FLMrs. Rebecca Taylor Titchenal - Bridgeport, WVMrs. Corrine Zickefoose Wamsley - Buckhannon, WV

(all lists as of April 12, 2019)

Class of 1969 Establishes Daniel Stein '69 Latin

American International Scholarship

Members of the Class of 1969 have launched a fund-raising effort to establish the Daniel Stein '69 Latin American International Scholarship program. The scholarship is named in honor and memory of Daniel Stein, who was a victim of the tragic Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue mass murder in October. It will pro-vide international study opportunities for Wesleyan students in Latin American countries.

Dan was a Spanish major and Latin American studies minor at Wesleyan and spent several months serving as a missionary in Mexico after graduating from WVWC. While at Wesleyan, Stein also served as a faculty as-sistant and was an active intramurals participant. He enjoyed career success in business and education. Dan was also very active in community service and was well known as a leader in the Pittsburgh Jewish community.

Contributions for the scholarship can be made online at www.wvwc.edu or by mail to:

West Virginia Wesleyan CollegeAdvancement Office59 College Avenue

Buckhannon, WV 26201

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What's In A Name?Each building at West Virginia Wesleyan College has a story. Actually, there are many stories about the persons who planned them, built them, and those whose names are attached to them. And, all of us have stories about living, learning, or working in one of them. The early buildings on Wesleyan's campus were generally named with the purpose of the building in mind (Seminary Building, President's Residence, Ladies Hall, and Music Conservatory). After 1914, the College's buildings' names primarily honored leaders and friends and those recognized fell into the categories of Methodists, philanthropists, or alumni. Many were all three. This is a historical review of all of the structures that have thrived on Wesleyan's campus.

1890-1914

Haymond Hall

1890 Seminary BuildingThe first building was so named because it reflected the original name of the school – and for several years this was the only building on campus. The West Virginia Conference Seminary was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1890 after decades of planning and fundraising. (Today we think of a Seminary as a school for theological training of pastors, but at that time “seminary” simply meant preparatory school. College level degrees were offered beginning in 1903.) This building was destroyed by a fire in 1905.

1892 President's ResidenceWhen President Bennett Hutchinson arrived as the first president of the new school, there was no place on the campus for him to live. He had a house constructed on the campus at his own expense. He stipulated that when he left the school, the trustees would purchase it from him. Located on the edge of campus, from 1892-1922 it was home to presidents Hutchinson, Boyers, Wier, Doney, and Fleming. It was razed in 1952.

1895 Ladies' Hall (1920 Agnes Howard)Built to house women, this building was renamed for Agnes Howard, a student who died at home of rheu-matoid arthritis. Her mother Audree Ford (Seminary, 1896) lived in Ladies Hall during her time as a student. Her father, Clarence D. Howard, was a trustee from 1906-34. Agnes Howard Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

1902 Music Hall (English Annex)This building is the oldest academic building on cam-pus today. Originally housing the Conservatory of Music, the purpose of the building shifted dramatically when the Seminary building was destroyed in 1905. It was used for offices and classrooms until the Admin-istration Building was built. The Annex has shifted frequently to meet the needs of the College. At vari-ous times it has housed the art department, admissions office, and today, the English department and the new e-sports program.

Article written by Paula Lowther McGrew '78Photos courtesy of Daniel R. Green '74

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1906 Administration Building(1953 Lynch-Raine Administration Building)Built on the site of the Seminary Building after the fire of 1905, at first it was simply called the New College Building. From 1908-28 it was referred to as College Hall. Beginning in 1929 it became The Administra-tion Building. In 1953 it was renamed for two for-mer WVWC board presidents (Judge Charles Wesley Lynch and lumber industry leader John Raine, founder of Rainelle, WV) who guided Wesleyan through World War I and the Great Depression. The first floor consists of administrative offices; the second floor, the School of Education and communication department; and the third floor, the Thomas H. Albinson II School of Business.

Atkinson AuditoriumPart of the Lynch-Raine Administration Building is named for George W. Atkinson, the 10th Governor of West Virginia, and a respected Lay Speaker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. After closing for several years, Atkinson reopened this spring for small classes and the black box theatre.

1912 Old GymnasiumBuilt in 1912, at a cost of $10,000, the Gymnasium pro-vided facilities for athletics, physical education, offices, classrooms, and a location for dances and other festive events. The facility also made it possible for WVWC to organize and host the first state high school basketball tournament in 1914 (which continued here until 1938). Wesleyan also hosted the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament until the early 1960's. One of the finest gymnasiums in the state, it was en-larged further in 1920. As World War I came to a close, the Student Army Training Corp. used the building as barracks in late 1918. Heavy use took its toll, and it was razed in 1974.

1914 Haymond Hall of ScienceThis was the first building to be named for a person, Col. Sydney Haymond, a Trustee from 1906 until his death in 1912. His wife, Virginia, was appointed to the board in his place, one of the first three women to serve in that capacity. She generously provided mon-ey for the building in his memory. Haymond was the home for the human ecology department before it was phased out and now houses the Learning Center, and sociology, history, and political science departments.

Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library

1942 Edna Jenkins Home Economics Cottage and 1959 Jenkins HallA house on Barbour Street was gifted to the college for the purpose of supporting the home economics de-partment. It was named for Edna Jenkins (Seminary, 1902), Trustee, 1943-56. The 1951 Murmurmontis was dedicated to her, in appreciation of her philanthro-py (including the Home Economics Cottage, a new Moeller organ, a new Steinway Concert Grand piano, and numerous scholarships). A decade later Jenkins Hall was also named in her honor.

1953 Annie Merner Pfeiffer LibraryThe library is named for a wealthy Methodist philan-thropist who never set foot on the campus. She died in 1946, before the library was completed. Her gift came with the requirement that two other buildings of simi-lar value would be built at the same time, thus she is also connected with the L.L. Loar Memorial Music Building and Fleming Hall. The Library underwent major con-struction in the early 1970s and is undergoing renova-tion this semester, thanks to the Title III Federal Grant.

1953 L.L. Loar Memorial Music BuildingEthel Loar was forced to withdraw from school due-to rheumatoid arthritis. She spent the rest of her life confined to her parents' home and died in 1930. Her

1942-1974

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father, Lawson Loar, was a successful businessman in Clarksburg. He also was the Superintendent of Sun-day School at the Methodist Church in Grafton at the time of the first Mother's Day Celebration. He died in 1938. Ethel's mother agreed in 1943 to provide funds ($100,000) for the Hall of Music as a memorial to the Loar Family. The building was not finished until 1953.

1953 Fleming HallWallace B. Fleming, President of the College from 1915-22, guided the college through the financial is-sues of that time. Known as a fundraiser, he led the Half-Million Campaign in 1917. Later he returned as Vice President from 1938-44 to lead the Semi-Cen-tennial Campaign. As an ordained Methodist minis-ter, Fleming was asked to correspond with, comfort, and offer memorial prayers for students who fought in World War I.

1958 McCuskey HallRoy McCuskey played many roles on campus: Semi-nary Graduate (1905), College Graduate (1908), Trust-ee (1921-41), and President (1931-41).

Sleeth GalleryPart of the building was set aside to display works of art. Located on the first floor of McCuskey Hall, the gallery honors Ronald and Natalie Sleeth. Ron (Class of 1942) was president of the college from 1976-77. His wife, Natalie, Hon '89, was a noted composer of sacred music.

1961 Benson House(1992 Erickson Alumni Center)This house, built in 1892 by Jacob Hall, has a long his-tory. A family home for Hall's family from 1892-1920, all five of his children were able to get a good education just across the street. Then the house was owned by the William J. Wilson family, including William Ann (Wilson) Hawkins '35 and Buckhannon dentist Robert “Coley” Hawkins '37. In the early 1940s the house was sold to William Benson. In 1961, the college purchased the deteriorating home for $13,500 to house the new nursing department. It took some renovations, but the department operated there until Middleton Hall was built in 1972. The art department was then housed there until the Fire Marshal decreed the building un-suitable. The Benson House, as it was then known, became the storage facility for the West Virginia An-nual Conference Archives until 1992. Remodeled and restored in 1991, thanks to a gift of $200,000 from phi-lanthropist C.O. Erickson, the building is now known as the Erickson Alumni Center. Erickson and his

McCuskey Hall and Sleeth Gallery

Benedum Campus Community Center

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foundation established 13 such alumni centers in West Virginia institutions of higher education.

1962 Doney HallCarl Doney, President of the College, 1907-15, ad-vanced both academics and athletics during his term in office. Despite a low financial state of affairs he in-herited, he presided over the building of the Old Gym-nasium and Haymond Hall of Science.

1963 Benedum Campus Community CenterFunds from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foun-dation made this building a reality. (There had been another student center prior to this building, but it was in a pre-fabricated structure that had limited space, leftover from the barracks used on campus during the Second World War.) The Foundation was established by Michael Benedum, a native of Bridgeport, WV, and a devout Methodist, and at one time one of the wealthi-est men in America, having made his fortune in the oil and gas business. The Foundation was started in 1944 to honor his son, Claude, who died in 1918 at age 20 in World War I.

1963 Holloway HallBishop Fred Garrigus Holloway was named the first bishop of the West Virginia Annual Conference. He was also a trustee of the College from 1961-68.

1967 Paul G. Benedum HallThe building was opened as New Hall and was renamed for Paul G. Benedum, Sr., the nephew of Michael Bene-dum in 1973. He served as the President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation from 1959-77. He also served on the College Board of Trustees from 1951-73, and was awarded an Honorary Degree in 1951. He was a founder of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a director and national treasurer of that organization until his death in 1977.

Nellie Wilson LoungeNellie Gertrude Wilson served as the Dean of Women and College hostess. She received the Alumni Achieve-ment and Service Award in 1977 and awarded an hon-orary degree in 1983.

1967 Christopher Hall of ScienceBy the 1960s, Haymond Hall of Science facilities had become outdated. After hearing a sermon by President Stanley Martin at Wesley Methodist Church in Mor-gantown, Mabel Neville Christopher (1918) and her husband, Frank, a mine owner in the Scotts Run area, gave a substantial gift toward a new science building in memory of their son, Ward, who had died in an auto-mobile accident in 1962.Christopher Hall of Science

Wesley Chapel and Martin Religious Center

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1983 Camden Avenue ComplexA new group of buildings, referred to as the Camden Residence Complex, was already in the planning stages when President Hal Latimer arrived in June of 1981. Townhouse and apartment style units for student hous-ing were gaining popularity nationally at that time. The complex is named for its location on Camden Avenue. It will be razed in the summer of 2019.

1995 French A. See Dining CenterFrench Augustus See '34 was successful in livestock marketing and was a Bank Director at First Commu-nity Bank in Buckhannon.

2008 Virginia Thomas Law Centerfor the Performing ArtsJohn M. Law '40 was the lead donor for this building, and it is named in honor of his late wife. An active member of the Play Shop and Alpha Psi Omega during his days at Wesleyan, John was the son of Clyde O. Law. Clyde (1905 graduate of the Seminary and 1909 from the College) became a trustee of the College in 1919, when John was a year old. Clyde went on to be presi-dent of the board from 1945-56; and he was the first president and organizer of the Emeritus Club.

Hyma AuditoriumPart of the building is named for Nicholas Hyma. Hyma not only taught Chemistry (1919-56), but in-spired students, worked with them on research proj-ects, and was nationally renowned for the preparation of an astounding number of students who went on to graduate school, teach in major universities, and to be leaders in the chemical industry.

1967 Wesley Chapel Martin Religious CenterJohn Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, and Stanley H. Martin, President of the college from 1957-72 are honored with this building. Wesley's de-sire for the uniting of knowledge and piety inspired not only the naming of this building, but also served as an important goal for the college community as a whole. Martin, our longest-serving president to date, is largely credited with creating a campus Master Plan (1958) that has guided the development and style of all buildings ever since. An ordained Methodist minister, he taught religious education at the School of Theol-ogy at Boston University and served as the first Dean of Marsh Chapel at that institution before coming to Wesleyan.

1972 Middleton HallMiddleton Hall was built to house the nursing depart-ment. It was named in memory of Bishop W. Vernon Middleton, who served the Western Pennsylvania Con-ference from 1960 until his death in 1968. He spoke on our campus many times.

1974 Barnhart Memorial Health CenterStella Lazelle Barnhart did not go to school here, but her pastor Amos Thornburg (Class of 1921; Honorary, 1939) did. She told him that she wanted to leave her estate to a Methodist institution and she included her request in her Will as well.

1974 John D. Rockefeller IVPhysical Education CenterNamed in honor of John D. Rockefeller IV, president of the College from 1973-75. Rockefeller went on to be the 29th Governor of West Virginia and a U.S. Senator. The facility served as the host for the first two West Vir-ginia High School Girls Basketball Tournaments.

1983-2014

O'Roark Nordstrom Welcome Center

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About the AuthorPaula Lowther McGrew '78 and her husband, Gary McGrew '77, met in the cafeteria of McCuskey as students at WVWC. Gary kept “just happening” to appear in the Library during Paula's work study hours and walked to din-ner with her.

They took long walks through Buckhannon and said that someday they would buy a house in Buckhannon and spend their time going to Bobcat ballgames, concerts and theatre productions.

Some dreams do come true. Paula and Gary now own a home in Buckhannon and are both retired. Paula re-tired in July 2017 as the Director of Library Services at WVWC and Gary is a retired Presbyterian minister.

Paula and Gary agree that Wesleyan will always be where our “noblest dreams of life began.”

Paula's relationship with her beloved alma mater re-mains strong as she currently serves as the College his-torian. She is the founder of DreamersAndGiants.com, an online encyclopedia of WVWC.

Culpepper AuditoriumPart of the building is named for Marvin '51, Hon. '06 and Elaine Karnes Culpepper '54, Hon. '06. Marvin is the son of Rev. Ross '30, Hon. '50 and Dr. Olive O'Dell '33, Hon. '72 Culpepper.

2009 David E. Reemsnyder Research CenterDavid E. Reemsnyder '30, student, coach, faculty, and athletic director, taught here from 1935-73. A signifi-cant portion of the funding for the Reemsnyder Re-search Center was provided by a federal grant through the efforts of Senator Robert C. Byrd. David Reems-nyder was Senator Byrd's favorite teacher as a middle school teacher in southern West Virginia.

2011 New Hall (2012 Dunn Hall)This building was renamed for successful oil and gas executive Tom '64 and Carol Campbell Dunn '63. Tom also served as a member of the Board of Trustees. Their daughter, Tracy Dunn-Cunningham is a current member of the Board. Other alumni family members include son-in-law, Eric Fluke '94, granddaughter Car-son Cunningham '16, and current student Bryson Fluke.

2014 O'Roark Nordstrom Welcome CenterOur most recent building is the O'Roark Nordstrom Welcome Center, named in honor of Jeannie O'Roark Nordstrom '70 and her husband, Bruce. It is the home of the admissions and financial aid offices.

Today, Wesleyan's picturesque campus consists of 23 buildings on 120 acres. The Georgian-style ar-

chitecture of the College's red-brick buildings (except for Haymond) and

abundance of stately trees, flora, green space, and two magic, mys-

tic fountains combine to create one of the most beautiful small-college

campuses in the region and our “Home Among the Hills.”

From the Past Will Come the Future

Where Stories are Stored•Pages in Time (http://cdm16111.contentdm.oclc.org) •Pharos •Photographs •Programs•Internet Archive (http://archive.org) •Catalogs •History Books •Yearbooks

Where Stories are Told•DreamersAndGiants.com (https://dreamersandgiants.com) •An online encyclopedia of WVWC •A celebration of the people who have studied, taught, and worked there •A celebration of the things that have taken place there

Contact Paula McGrew at historian@wvwc.edu to contribute stories, information, or photographs.

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Annual Alumni Gathering at The VillagesKiera Krivchenia, a junior psychology major and English minor from Ashland, KY, has been selected as this year's recipient of the Dr. Harold T. Elmore Hon. '82 Emeritus Club Endowed Scholarship for International Travel. Krivchenia will study in Rome, Italy, where she will enroll in three classes.

The classes include Italian Communicative Language, Genius Artists for the Genius City, and Power, Politics and Law: Mafia, Camorra, and Gomorrah. The Italian lan-guage course goal is to teach communicative Italian so participants can delve into the new culture they are experiencing. The art class studies artists from the 16th-19th centuries and how they continue to influence Rome today. The politics course ex-plores the nature of organized crime and analyzes the development of these organiza-tions over the past 150 years. In addition to classes, Krivchenia will also take course-led excursions around the country.

“I have always loved to travel,” noted Krivchenia, who is an active member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. “I have a very rich family history that has encouraged my fascination to study overseas. My great-grandfather arrived in the United States from Russia, when he was 19 with $25 in his pocket. He came to a new country and did not know the language. Despite the fact that odds were stacked against him, he created a new life and prospered. His example has inspired me to travel to a foreign place with limited knowledge of the language. I believe this expe-rience will encourage me to grow as an individual and I am excited and very grateful for the financial assistance provided by the Dr. Harold T. Elmore Hon. '82 Emeritus Club Endowed Scholarship for International Travel in making my travel dreams come true.”

If you would like to help students like Kiera with future international travel, you may make a gift to the Dr. Harold T. Elmore Hon. '82 Emeritus Club Endowed Scholarship for International Travel online at

www.wvwc.edu/give or by sending a check made payable to the Emeritus Club to: 59 College Ave. Buckhannon, WV 26201.

Krivchenia to Study in Italy through Elmore Emeritus Club Endowed Scholarship for International Travel

How You Can Establish a Scholarship at WesleyanEach year, Wesleyan alumni and friends establish endowed scholarships. Some are in memory or in honor of fam-ily members or friends. One gift or multiple gifts totaling $25,000 are required to establish the scholarship fund. An endowed scholarship fund can also be set up as part of an estate plan. Donors also may create gift arrangements that will provide life income to them, while designating the charitable remainder interest for the scholarship.

Additional gifts can be made to the principal in any amount at any time. These gifts can be in cash, appreciated securities, bequests, or other deferred gift arrangements.

Endowed scholarships often reflect personal interests and can be established to benefit students from a certain geographic area, field of study, financial need, or in recognition of academic merit or special talents.

To learn more about establishing an endowed scholarship fund at West Virginia Wesleyan College, contact Rose Ellen Loudin, Director of Advancement Operations at 304-473-8600 or loudin_r@wvwc.edu.

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Annual Alumni Gathering at The VillagesWest Virginia Wesleyan College welcomed over 50 alumni and friends at The Palmer Legends Country Club in The Villages, FL on January 24, 2019. President Joel Thierstein provided greetings from the College. Retired President Pam Balch '71 and Patrick attended the luncheon, as well as current trustees John Lhota '76 and Paul S. Klick III '66 and former trustees K.C. Caldabaugh '68, Dr. Ellen Stuart Carter '68 and John Davies '66. Bob Skinner '75 (Vice President for Advancement) Ed Sisson (Advancement Associate) and Molly Patterson (Emeritus Club Coordinator) were also in attendance.

Attending: Stephen C. Bland '64 (Moundsville, WV); Donna Gaither Bland '66 (Moundsville, WV); Bettina Bias Blood '67 (Norfolk, MA); Jenny Adams Boyce '75 (The Villages, FL); Roy L. Cawley '54 (Beverly Hills, FL); Barbara Swanson Cawley '56 (Beverly Hills, FL); Winston C. Chow '70 (Clermont, FL); Geraldine Clark-Klimas '65 (Debary, FL); Carol Churchill Cohen '78 (Hernando, FL); Herbert R. Coston (Buckhannon, WV); Linda Bromley Crowell '71 (The Villages, FL); James J. Davies '66 (The Villages, FL); Ruth J. Dye '75 (Fairmont, WV); Donald E. Flansburg '61 (Williamsville, NY); Anne Graf Flansburg (Williamsville, NY); James E. Gaston '56 (The Villages, FL); William Gaston (Morgantown, WV); Norman F. Kamp '61 (Lakeland, FL); Donna Kamp; Charles J. Klimas (Debary, FL); Judith Feltham Krieg '62 (South Plainfield, NJ); Nancy Davis Lewis '63 (Ormond Beach, FL); John A. Lhota '76 (Palm Coast, FL); Kimberly Wiseman Lhota '81 (Palm Coast, FL); Charlotte Agey Milbauer '56 (Minneapolis, MN); Takeshi F. Okamoto '64 (Overland Park, KS); Karen Linsenmann Okamoto '68 (Overland Park, KS); Celestine A. Noon Painter '65 (Orlando, FL); Kevin Patterson; Jean Allen Pickering '55 (Williamstown, WV); Douglas R. Pier-son '68 (The Villages, FL); Martha “Sue” Robinson Pierson '69 (The Villages, FL); John E. Reger '69 (The Villages, FL); Helen Brown Rose '64 (Ormond Beach, FL); Evelyn Stutler Russell (Lakeland, FL); John Russell; Alice Warner Shumlas '68 (The Villages, FL); Stephen Shumlas; J. Timothy Swarr '67 (Parkersburg, WV); Lora Holman Swarr '68 (Parkersburg, WV); Nancy Marty Taylor '62 (Titusville, FL); Stephen W. Terry '69 (Polk City, FL); Karen Ruppel Terry '71 (Polk City, FL); Dorothy Phillips Warner '55 (Lady Lake, FL)

If you plan to be in The Villages area of Florida in January 2020 and would like to receive an invitation for this an-nual Wesleyan event, please phone (304) 473-8509 to be included in the invitation list.

We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

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Davies '66 Lives Wesleyan's Mission

Lt. Col. James “John” Davies '66 has lived those words throughout his life and continues to do so today. One of Davies most recent acts of service has been helping to place and dedicate grave markers for those who perished in Vietnam. He is a member of an eight-person task group, Chapter 1036, Vietnam Veterans of America, The Villages, FL, who began to search for photographs of U.S. Service Personnel from Florida who died there. The group recently compiled all 1,950 photos of Floridians who were killed in ac-tion. The purpose of the effort is to support the Viet-nam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) Wall of Faces Project to find a photo for every name on the Memorial Wall. The unpaid volunteer team is composed of Vet-erans, experienced genealogists, and a detective. They traveled statewide at their own expense and completed the task last summer. During that search, Davies found four graves of Service personnel who had been killed in action, but remained unmarked. “I thought no one who died for their country should lie in an unmarked grave for any reason and our task force totally agreed,” said Davies. They took the necessary actions to obtain the markers from the Veterans Administration and all graves are now marked.

In March, Davies planned and led the ceremony to ded-icate the grave marker of Marine Corps Private First Class Gregory Carter in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Carter was a gradu-ate of Dillard High School when he enlisted in the U.S. Marines in January, 1969. Upon arrival in Vietnam on July 4 of that year, he was assigned to a Combined Ac-tion Platoon (CAP) which was a combined U.S. Marine Corps and Vietnamese Popular Force Militia Platoon. This was a hazardous duty as they were top-priority targets for the Main Force Viet Cong. PFC Carter was killed in action on October 12, 1969 and for unknown reasons, his grave was never marked with a Veterans Administration marker.

“His family had never been together and more than 50 of them showed up traveling from Virginia, Alabama, and all parts of Florida,” continued Davies. “It was quite emotional, wonderful, and so uplifting. What made it really personal for me is that I have a picture of me sitting on patrol break near the same village where he was killed.”

Of the four unmarked graves that Davies learned of, three have been marked and the fourth is in process. Davies is now assisting the State of Pennsylvania in lo-cating photographs and believes the broader national group will see to it that any unmarked graves are pro-erly marked.

The beginning of Wesleyan's mission statement reads, “West Virginia Wesleyan College

challenges its students to a life-long commitment to develop their intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and leadership potential

and to set and uphold standards of excellence.”

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As the story about PFC Carter grew, Davies was con-tacted by a Cruise Line which plans to dedicate the helm of their newest ship in memory of PFC Carter.

Military service initiatives are not unusual for Davies. Since September, 2013, he has been a guardian with the Honor Flight program, a non-profit organization dedi-cated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials of the respec-tive war(s) they fought to Washington, D.C. at no cost to the veterans. Currently, the organization is focused on bringing veterans of World War II to the National World War II Memorial and any veteran with a termi-nal illness to see the memorial of the war they fought in. The veterans are escorted by volunteer guardians, who help them on the flight and around D.C. after landing. The veterans are often saluted by fire trucks and met by cheering crowds in Washington or upon their return flight home. Davies was a guardian on past all-marine flights and attends ceremonies when they return home twice a year. This fall, he will serve as a guardian on another all-marine flight.

Davies entered the Marine Corps in October of 1966. “I volunteered, but the draft monster was chasing me,” he noted. Susan, John's late wife who passed away last fall, was not happy about John's decision. “I served in combat operations in Vietnam from 1967-68 and re-mained a member of the Marine Reserves until 2003 when I retired. I could not become an Officer Candi-date due to my eyes, but I was commissioned in 1978 directly to the rank of Captain as a Specialist Officer.” Davies commanded three Reserve units, one in Ari-zona and two in Connecticut. He retired as Lieutenant Colonel in the Captain's Cabin of the USS Constitution in Boston.

Davies enjoyed a 37-year distinguished career at IBM and retired as the Global Process Program Direc-tor. He has been an active volunteer with a number of charitable causes since returning from Vietnam. He was a member of the Board of Education for ten years in Brookfield, CT and was on the first Victim Witness Advocacy Program Board in Tucson, AZ, which even-tually became a national organization. He also was a member of the Board of Overseers, a subcommittee of the USS Constitution Board of Directors and chair of the Allocations Commission for the United Way of Tucson.

In addition, he served as a member of the Marine Corps League for 12 years. The group's primary pur-pose is running charitable operations including Toys for Tots, where he secures about 3,500 books from Barnes & Noble each year. Davies wrote a book called “Battles Fought, Battles Won” as a private publication about Vietnam for his family. John's daughter, Karyn Wright is a 1993 Wesleyan alumna and her husband, David Wright, graduated in 1994. He served on Wes-leyan's Board of Trustees for eight years and assists the College's Alumni Office with logistics in planning the annual event in The Villages. He continues to pursue his passion as an amateur Naval Historian.

“Demonstrate local and world citizenship through service” is the closing line

in WVWC's mission statement. From his graduation until today, John Davies strives to

uphold standards of excellence and serve others, inspiring others to follow his lead.

Thank you, Lt. Col. Davies, for your service.

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in 1924, to its former glory and bring arts programming back to Main Street Buckhannon. The lobby area of the theatre will be named in honor and memory of James W. Knorr III '63. To learn more about the theatre and renovation efforts at https://buckhannonwv.org/the-atre-renovation/.

Sue Mason Wilson '63 (Spartanburg, SC), a native of Summersville, WV, is enjoying life and her 12 grandchil-dren. She loves receiving the Emeri-tus Club Newsletter and reading abouteveryone.

Art '54 and Betty Lindsay Swarthout '56 (Asheville, NC) proudly share their Bobcat or-ange car. They enjoy receiving the Emeritus Club Newsletter and reading about all of their classmates.

Donald L. Taylor '53 (Elizabeth, PA) and Donald F. Hart '63 (Eliz-abeth, PA) visited with Ed Sisson, Advancement Associate, during his travel in PA. They are both retired educators. Don (Taylor) enjoys history, sports, and has fond memories of his years at WVWC. Don (Hart) enjoys golf,

dart throwing and Pittsburgh sports.

Susan Michel Moore '69 (St. Augustine, FL) is a new member of the Emeritus Club and sent in a note to catch up with her classmates. Susan and her husband, Larry, moved to FL in 2017 and thought they had re-tired. Somehow they couldn't remain idle and are both working part-time and doing charity work. They spon-sor two children in Haiti, and Susan has returned to knitting. In the last year, it has been her joy to make over 300 hats that have gone to Hats for the Homeless, two hospital ICUs, Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness, and a village in Kenya. She is also doing freelance work for SABIS, an international educational organization, writing exams and study materials for their AP Eng-lish classes worldwide. Susan shared that she is deeply

News About You

Jim Chomicz '66 (Maylene, AL); The National Tennis Championships were held in Surprise, AZ in January 25-27, 2019. Jim's team, from the Pelham (AL) Rac-quet Club, reached the Final Four and finished with the Bronze Medal for third place. There were 12 teams in the 65+ age division from across the U.S., which includ-ed Texas, Hawaii, Arizona, Minnesota, Southern Cali-fornia and others. Jim is the second from the left in the picture.

Bob Vallette '63 (Farmington, ME) and his wife Myrna retired from Federal service. They have four adult chil-dren; three sons and one daughter. All of them have very interesting and socially conscious careers, after graduating from college.

Since the early 90s, Bob has played the trombone and euphonium in a number of bands. After moving to Farmington, ME in 2003, Bob participates in several town committees. Myrna has been very involved with making prayer shawls and managing Fair Trade coffee orders for their local Congregational church. They re-cently returned from a memorable 11-day cruise, which took them to the Panama Canal.

Richard '68 and Heather Cloud Wolfe '68 (Centerville, MA) cel-ebrated their 50th wedding an-niversary on December 28, 2018, with their children and grand-children.

Judy Munchmeyer Knorr '66 (Buckhannon, WV), together with Keith Buchanan '70 and his wife, Christine Filer Buchanan '73 recently presented a check for $1,200 at the City Council meeting for the continued renovation of the Colonial Theatre. The City and partners plan to restore The Colonial Theatre, built

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blessed and grateful for the firm foundation WVWC helped to build.

A. Graham Kenneweg '52 (Morgantown, WV) cel-ebrated his 90th birthday in January at a surprise birth-day party. Friends and family contributed to a special birthday book with notes, cards and photos. According to Graham's niece, “He was blown away!!” They en-joyed a great evening reminiscing.

Larry Byers '66 (Gainesville, VA) together with a group of Emeritus Club members, met for lunch in January in Bradenton, FL. They had a wonderful time together and plan to make their luncheon an annual event.

Seated from left to right: Dave Young '67 (W. Spring-field, MA), Larry Byers, Mike Funk '66 (East Granby, CT), Bonnie Kimberlain Byers '67 (Gainesville, VA).Standing from left to right: Ingrid Young and Barbara Moore Funk '68 (East Granby, CT).

Ed Byrom '68 (Naples, FL) and Bob Skinner, Vice Pres-ident for Advancement, met for dinner during Bob's January travel in Florida. Ed was singing with the Na-ples Philharmonic Orchestra Choir on the evening of their dinner. Ed has performed in a number of venues in Naples, from filling in as the organist at a Christian Science church to mainline denomination churches and served as the interim choir director at a Presbyterian Church. He was the first organist in Wesley Chapel and had served as the organist in Atkinson and moved into the Wesley Chapel position by default. He held the po-sition for three years and was followed by former Presi-dent Pam Balch '71. Ed also had several leads in musi-

cals while he was at WVWC and was a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon. Ed had a great Wesleyan experience and has enjoyed a great career as a conductor and organist.

Tom Brzezinski '65 (Co-lumbia, MD) sent in a photo from a recent Phi Sigma Epsilon gathering in Cookeville, TN where they had a chance to renew friendships and do some planning for their gather-ing at Homecoming this October.

From left to right: Ray Sampson '66 (Boiling Springs, PA), Tom Brzezinski, Bill Parmelee '66 (Cookeville, TN), Milt Dotterweich '67 (Fayetteville, WV), Bill Burns '68 (N. Myrtle Beach) and John Davies '66 (The Villages, FL).

Reg '68 and Jane Witherite Barss '68 opened a concert and reception celebrating 50 years of marriage in Au-gust with the processional written by James Wagner '68 who was in the wedding. Also attending were Karen Brown Wagner '67 and Jane Daugherty '68 with whom they sang at Wesleyan and later the Maryland Chamber Singers. Reg retired from the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, United Methodist Church, after 48 years in ministry. Jane wrapped up 50 years in edu-cation, 30 affiliated with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. They live on the Chesapeake Bay near Annap-olis, MD.

Recently, a group of Emeritus Club members enjoyed lunch together at the home of Tina Bias Blood.

Pictured from left to right: Tina Noon Painter '65, Donna Gaither Bland '66, Steve Bland '64, DavidPeters '65, Harriet Gommoll Peters '65 and Tina Bias Blood '67

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In Memoriam *All obituaries received by March 31, 2019

HOLLACE WILSON BARTLETT '49, age 92, of Oakland, MD, died January 20, 2019. Holly was born June 27, 1926, in Grantsville, WV. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and India Wilson; husband, Richard P. Bartlett Jr.; her siblings, Loren Wilson and Macel Swiger; and her son-in-law, Richard S. Shaffer. She grew up in Cornwell Sta-tion, WV. As a student at WVWC, she was a cheerleader, played field hockey and graduated with a degree in physical education in 1949. Holly lived in Potomac and Rockville while raising her family. She substitute taught at Rock Creek Terrance, sang in Sweet Adelines, played bridge, was a member of St. Marks UMC and worked at Sears in Montgomery Mall. Holly moved to Deep Creek Lake and then Oakland for retirement. Holly had four children, Richard P. Bartlett (Vanessa), Karen B. Spady, Debra B. Solter (Mark) and Kathryn B. Shaffer. She is survived by 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

THOMAS F. BRERETON '51, age 92, of Colorado Springs, CO, died March 31, 2019. “Tom” was born in Rochester, NY. He and twin sister, Lee, were an “April Fools” surprise for his parents, Frederick and Charlotte, and his elder sister, Muriel. He grew up in Paterson, NJ. After brief service in the Pacific near the end of World War II, he attended West Virginia Wesleyan College where he met his future wife, Alma “Sue” Hammond Brereton '51. There, he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After graduating in 1951, the couple moved to Evanston, IL, where Tom pursued a divinity degree at Garrett Theological Seminary. Upon graduation, he had parishes in White Cloud, MI and Albany, Cohoes, and Troy, NY. In 1959, Tom was ordained as an Episcopal priest and joined the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, where he attained progressive ranks while serving at numerous installations around the U.S., and in France, Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. For exemplary service in a combat zone during the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Bronze Star. Tom dedi-cated himself to hospital chaplaincy and serving military church communities until he left the Army in 1972. He con-tinued to serve in the Army Reserve and eventually retired with the rank of Colonel. His military career was followed by work in parish ministry at St. John's Episcopal Church in Richfield Springs, NY and St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Morganton, NC. When he retired from the priesthood, he moved to Security, CO, and was active at St. Raphael's Episco-pal Church. Tom was an avid golfer, reader, and an amateur radio “ham”. After his beloved wife of 57 years passed away in 2008, he later married Gloria Guinn, who survives him. He is also survived by his children, Todd '77, Susan Miner, Lisa Ward, and two grandsons.

DOROTHY STEINKRAUS DUBOIS '50, age 90, of Rochester, NY, died December 17, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, E. David DuBois '49, and brother Robert of Rochester. As a minister's spouse, Dot enjoyed the variety of places in which they lived and always became deeply involved in volunteer activities. She loved music, always had a ready laugh and an optimistic outlook on life. She is survived by sister, Virginia, of Strongsville, OH; and two sons, Mark and Peter (Mary Jean Parsons Dubois '80) of Rochester and two grandchildren.

JOHN E. FERRELL, JR. '51, age 89, of Belpre, OH, died March 3, 2019. Born July 7, 1929 in Wheeling, WV, he was the oldest child of the late John Emmett Ferrell and Mary Louise Plants. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Marie Victoria (Vicki) Taylor, on February 20, 2019, and sisters Barbara Ferrell Holley '54 and Esther Ferrell Seadeek '53. He graduated from Tridelphia High School in Wheeling, WV and West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he was a member of Sigma Eta Delta Fraternity. Jack received a Master of Divinity degree in 1955 from Candler School of Theol-ogy of Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Jack enjoyed a long career as a United Methodist minister and served many churches in West Virginia. He retired in 1994. Jack was a member of many social and service organizations over his lifetime and attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member and leader of many Lions Clubs International throughout West Virginia. Jack is survived by daughter Jane (Jeni) Ferrell Barnett '81 of Pikesville, MD, son John (Jay) Emmett Ferrell III, of Washington, WV, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

RICHARD S. GIBSON '54, age 95, of Richmond, VA, died December 20, 2018. He was born August 31, 1923 in Rock Cave, WV, son of the late Cline and Aleta (Lane) Gibson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Gertrude Lousie (Judy) Gibson, grandson, Richard William "Willie" Brown, and two sisters, Lilly

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In Memoriam"Polly" Westfall and Betty Lewis. He was employed as a steel factory worker until called into ministry. He completed his seminary work at Temple University. Rev. Gibson pastored numerous churches in West Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland. He loved to hunt and was a master gardener. He enjoyed gospel music and playing his guitar. Rev. Gibson is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, John Charles (Penny Gibson) of Powhatan; daughter, Katherine Gibson of Bridgewater; brother, Robert Gibson of Lexington, NC; and sisters, Helen Riffle of Rock Cave, WV and Mildred Lewis of Summersville, WV.

HARRY A. MARHOFFER, JR. '56, age 88, of Bluffton, SC, died February 5, 2019. He was born and raised in Wilton, CT, along with his sister, Judy (Marhoffer) Quimby, to the late Harry Sr. and Gladys Marhoffer of Wilton. As a student at Wesleyan, Skip played on the golf and football teams and was president of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After college, he en-tered the Navy where he served in the Korean War on both the USS Noble and as a Lieutenant on the USS Delong. After his service in the Navy, he began a long and prosperous business career, first with Burndy Electronics, then as President of J&G Electronics and finally with his own firm, Marhoffer and Garner Electric. Skip was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to golf and fish. Skip also loved to spend his time with Veteran Services and attended many reunions with his fel-low naval friends. He is survived by his three children; daughters, Nancy Marhoffer Martin, Cindy Marhoffer Duggan (Joe Duggan), son Doug (Amy) and six grandchildren.

MARY COBERLY MARQUESS '48, age 92, of Clarksburg, WV, died January 22, 2019. Mrs. Marquess was born on December 11, 1926, the second daughter of the late Levi Wade and Blanche Pfau Coberly of Elkins, WV. She was pre-ceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, E. Lawrence “Larry” Marquess '48; her grandson Alex Marquess; sis-ter Willa Jean; two special aunts, Ms. Iva Pfau and Ms. Dollie Coberly; and son-in-law, John Dornblazer. While a student at Wesleyan, Mary Louise studied sociology and music, was a member of Sigma Delta Chi Sorority and met her future husband, Larry. Mary and Larry were married on June 1, 1949. Mrs. Marquess grew up in a family of teachers and was an English and grammar teacher for many years in Harrison County. Following her retirement, she was recognized for her commitment as a volunteer, coordinating services and resources for area residents in need. She was active in the Emeritus Club, serving two terms as Council president. Mary was a member of the Clarksburg First United Methodist Church and sang in the Chancel Choir. She is survived by her son Lawrence Wade Marquess (Barbara Ann) of Denver, CO; daughter Linda Marquess Danges '75 (Colman F. “Kelly” Danges '75) of Stroudsburg, PA; daughter Barbara Mar-quess of Marietta, OH; and daughter Marsha Marquess of Julian, NC; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

LORETTA BRYAN MILLER '55, age 86, of Columbia, MD, died January 20, 2019. She was born on June 12, 1932 in Seymour, CT to the late Raymond R. and Ruth Bryan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, the late Rev. William T. Miller '53, her daughter Melissa Anne Miller, and her sisters Vivian, Jean, and Mary. Mrs. Miller retired from Baltimore City Public Schools as a Librarian/Media Specialist after many years of employment. She was a member of Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church. Her hobbies included reading, tak-ing care of flowers and houseplants, listening to classical music, going to the symphony, and traveling. Mrs. Miller is survived by her son, Joel B. Miller '80 (Lynette Simmons Miller '81) and her two grandchildren.

WILLIAM H. PAYNE, JR. '49, age 90, of Blacksburg, VA, died January 17, 2019. He was born on September 15, 1928, in Gilbert, WV, to the late William H. Payne Sr. and Rosa Belle Adair Payne. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Viola Agnes Tenney Payne '50 and five brothers and four sisters. Bill graduated from WV Wesleyan College with a BS in biology and chemistry. He retired as Superintendent of the NRV Regional Water Authority in 1998. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church for 45 years and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Hokie Club for over 40 years and served as a Hokie Rep. He loved traveling, visiting all 50 states and 20 countries. Bill is survived by his wife, Flora G. Payne; children: William H. Payne (Martha), Dr. Albert L. Payne (Sandra), Patricia Payne Lightner (Bruce) and Flora's children: Alice (Matt) Castellano, George Phelps, Cara (Ken) Blemings, Brian (Gina) Phelps; grandchildren: William H. Payne IV (Jennifer), Dr. Chris Payne (Han), Stephanie (J.C.) Clay, April (AJ) Aiken, Jason A. Rotz, Dr. Angie (Andy) Wetzel, Dr. Cory (Curtis) Hedrick and Flora's grandchildren: Stephanie Castellano,

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In MemoriamJoseph Castellano, Benjamin Blemings, Logan Phelps, Elizabeth Blemings, Megan Phelps, Jocelyne Phelps, Jovie Phelps and 17 great-grandchildren.

MARGUERITE HYMES PERKINS '44, age 95, of Sedona, AZ, died December 19, 2018. Maggie was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Clifford, son Thomas and infant daughter Laura. Born in 1923 in Cambridge, MA, she grew up in Buckhannon, WV. As a student at Wesleyan, she was a member of Sigma Delta Chi Sorority. After earning an MA degree from Columbia University in 1946, she taught for three years at Hobart/William Smith Colleges. There she met and married Clifford Perkins, a WWII veteran. She taught in Upper Nyack, NY, while her husband completed his MA degree at Columbia University. They both taught at the Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, PA. In 1955, after reading in 'Arizona Highways' magazine about an exciting new school in Sedona, AZ, the Verde Valley School, they ap-plied and were asked to join the faculty. Over the years, Maggie taught English literature and theatre, oversaw the publi-cation of the school's literary magazine and produced numerous plays. She is survived by son, Jeffrey Perkins (Cristine), son, Joseph Perkins (Elizabeth) and two grandsons.

HELEN BROWN WINTERS '45, age 95, of Roanoke, VA, died February 4, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ray "Bob" Winters, and a daughter, Sharon Kay Winters. As a student at Wesleyan, June was a member of Kappa Phi Omega Sorority. She was a member of Westhampton Christian Church and Queen Esther Chapter 13, Order of the Eastern Star, Clarksburg, WV. June is survived by her son, Robert Wayne Winters and wife Elizabeth, and three granddaughters.

Auxiliary Members of the Emeritus Club

PAULA “POLLY” A. WRISTON, age 76, of Midlothian, VA, died December 16, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Paul O'Neill. Polly was born in Wheeling, WV, where she attended St. Joseph's Academy. She re-ceived her Bachelor of Science and Master's degrees in Education from West Virginia University. She taught elementary school for 30 years, including 15 years at Grange Hall in Chesterfield County, VA. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Thomas "Coach" M. Wriston '63; her children, Ellison Onsi (husband, Bob Onsi), Dr. Gretchen Gwynette (husband, Dr. Frampton Gwynette) and Marshall Wriston (fiancée, Mika Dodd-Waddington) and four granddaughters.

The Emeritus Club Newsletter is published triannually by the Office of Advancement and Office of Alumni Relations, Erickson Alumni Center, 59 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV 26201; Robert N. Skinner '75, Vice President for Advancement; William B. Armistead '81, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Advancement; Rochelle Squires Long '00, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations; Ally Fell '13, Newsletter Designer; and Molly Patterson, Coordinator of the Emeritus Club: E-mail patterson_m@wvwc.edu; Telephone 304-473-8540.

Turn Your Generosity into Lifetime Income

Looking for ways to help your alma mater? You shouldn't feel like you are choosing between your philanthropic goals and financial security. One gift that allows you to support Wesleyan’s work while receiving fixed payments for life is a charitable gift annuity. A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and the College. You agree to make a gift to West Virginia Wesleyan College and we, in return, agree to pay you a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life. Not only does this gift provide you with regular payments and allow us to further our work, but when you create a charitable gift annuity with West Virginia Wesleyan College you can receive a variety of tax benefits, including a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize.

If you are interested or have questions, please contact Rose Ellen Loudin at (304) 473-8600 or by email at loudin_r@wvwc.edu.

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Wesleyan Honors Trautman, Grant, and HumphriesWest Virginia Wesleyan College hosted its 128th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4. In addition to the nearly 250 graduates that participated in the event, Wesleyan also honored three candidates with Honorary Degrees. Those candidates were Commencement speaker Dr. Deborah Trautman '80, William B. Grant '75, and Roger Humphries.

Deborah Trautman, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). She has served in this capacity since June, 2014. Formerly the Executive Director of the Center for Health Policy and Healthcare Transformation at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Dr. Trautman has held clinical and administrative leadership positions at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Medi-cal. She also served as the Vice President for Patient Care Services for Howard County Central Hospital and as Director of Nursing for Emergency Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. She has held a joint appointment at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

Deborah received a BSN from Wesleyan, an MSN from the University of Pittsburgh, and a PhD in health policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She has authored publications on health policy, intimate partner violence, pain management, clinical competency, change management, cardiopulmonary bypass, the use of music in the emergency department, and consolidating emergency services.

William B. Grant has served Wesleyan as both a trustee and an alumni-admission volunteer. He has helped identify and recruit students to the College from Garrett County, MD for over 30 years and has served as a trustee since 2006. He will retire from the Board at the end of this fiscal year. During the past several years, he has been the secretary of the Board of Trustees.

Grant retired as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of First United Bank & Trust in Oakland, MD. A member of the West Virginia Bankers Association, he was elected to the board of directors of the American Bankers Association, which serves as the Voice for the nation’s $13 trillion banking industry and its 2 million employees.

Grant is a 1975 graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College and the Duquesne University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor.

Roger Humphries, a native of Pittsburgh, rose to national prominence because of his work with jazz legend Horace Silver and others in the mid-1960s. He recorded with Silver on three of his most famous recordings, Jody Grind, Cape Verdean Blues, and Song for my Father. He has since worked with countless jazz luminaries and is an internationally acclaimed artist in his own right.

For nearly six decades, Roger Humphries has mentored, taught, and shaped generations of jazz musicians in and around Pittsburgh, including multiple students from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He was the first, and longest serving, percussion instructor at Pittsburgh’s

Creative and Performing Arts high school (CAPA), and his students have gone on to achieve national and interna-tional acclaim in jazz and commercial idioms.

For a complete listing of WVWC Honorary Degree Recipients, please go to: wvwc.edu/alumni/stay-connected-to-wesleyan/honorary-degree-recipients/

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The Emeritus ClubWest Virginia Wesleyan College59 College AvenueBuckhannon, WV 26201

Join us for our SUMMER LUNCHEONSVisit campus, hear about what our students are doing, and share a meal with friends.

Annual Conference Breakfast at the West Virginia Annual Conference of the UMC

Homecoming 2019Oct. 11-13

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

1:00 pm - Class of 1969 Social (light refreshments) 3:00 pm - Founders Day Convocation 4:30 pm - Emeritus Club Dinner

Emeritus Club Homecoming Events Schedule

Mark your calendars!

A schedule for Homecoming weekend will be mailed in early summer.

Thursday, June 20Joel Thierstein, J.D., Ph.D.President of the College

Thursday, July 18Alison Clausen Whitehair

Director of Student Retention

Thursday, August 15Scott McKinney, Ed.D.Chief Financial Officer

~Brett Miller '06

Director of Library Services & Archivist

The Summer luncheons begin at 11:30 a.m. and are held in the Greek Alumni Room in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts.

Please make reservations by Tuesday of the week of the luncheon by calling the Alumni Office at 304-473-8509.

The Alumni Office invites alumni clergy and lay delegates of the United Methodist Church to join us for the

Friday, June 147:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Greek Alumni RoomThe Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts