Fall 2013
The Fine Arts
Take a Front Seat at Methodist University
Linda and Ralph Huff
donate $1.5 Million
for Huff Concert Hall
Fall 2013
Dr. Ben E. Hancock Jr.
President
Dr. Delmas Crisp
Executive Vice President and Dean of the University
The Rev. Dr. Michael Safley
Vice President of University Relations
and Campus Ministry
Robin Davenport
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Sandy Ammons
Associate Vice President of University Relations
On the Cover: Thanks to Linda and Ralph Huff, this auditorium
will be renovated and renamed in their honor, becoming the Huff
Concert Hall in the John M. Reeves Fine Arts Building.
Roxana Ross
Editor
Jessica Wanger
Associate Editor
Lauren Cook Wike
Alumni Editor
Nate Jervey
Athletics Editor
Brenden Wilson
On-Campus Graphic Designer
and Campus Photographer
Jessie Heath
Pamela A. McEvoy
Contributing Writers and Photographers
Rhonda Forbes
Creative Director
The Parish Group
Photo Contributor
methodist.edu | 800.488.7110
Methodist University Today Magazine is published for friends and alumni
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University, 5400 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, N.C. 23811-1498.
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or any other university-sponsored or advertised program.
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About this donor report:
Designations in this publication include donors whose gifts were received
between July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, unless otherwise noted.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this
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any such errors. Please report any corrections to Robin Davenport, Vice
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(800) 488-7110, or email her at rdavenport@methodist.edu.
of
TABLe
ConTenTs
I. NEWS
Board of Trustees ..............................................................................................2
Center for entrepreneurship .................................................................................3
Master Plan Update ..........................................................................................4
The MU Journey ...............................................................................................6
school of health sciences ................................................................................12
spring Commencement....................................................................................15
Upcoming events ............................................................................................18
Faculty/staff news .........................................................................................20
summer happenings .......................................................................................24
Athletics ........................................................................................................40
II. FINE ARTS
huff hall ......................................................................................................28
Music ...........................................................................................................32
visual Arts .....................................................................................................35
Theatre .........................................................................................................38
III. ANNUAL REPORT OF DONORS
endowment history .........................................................................................50
Cumulative Giving ..........................................................................................52
2012-2013 Annual Giving ..............................................................................55
Gifts in Memory or honor of .............................................................................66
Alumni Giving ................................................................................................70
endowment society .........................................................................................76
endowed & Annual scholarships .......................................................................80
Boards .........................................................................................................82
2013 Loyalty day donors ................................................................................84
IV. ALUMNI NEWS
Announcements ..............................................................................................90
Class notes ..................................................................................................90
MU on the Move!...........................................................................................93
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ThoMAs L. WALden APProved As TrUsTee eMeriTUs
President Ben Hancock and
Bishop Hope Morgan Ward
present Tom Walden, center,
with the MU Medallion at the
NC UMC Conference June 13.
Photo by Bill Norton.
After 14 years of service with the Board of Trustees,
Thomas “Tom” L. Walden was unanimously approved by
the board to become a Trustee Emeritus in May. In June,
Walden was presented with the MU Medallion and a
citation at the North Carolina United Methodist Church
Conference.
“Throughout his life, Tom Walden has found numerous
ways to serve God and his neighbors, whether it was
through service to the United Methodist Church, Boy
Scouts of America, the U.S. Army Reserve, Methodist
University, or other avenues,” President Ben Hancock said.
After graduating from the University of Tennessee’s
pharmacy school in 1952, Walden ran a neighborhood
drugstore for three years in Memphis, Tenn., before going
to work for 35 years for The UpJohn Company, which
would eventually become Pfizer.
He served for 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring
in 1978 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Walden also donned another uniform
for more than 50 years, as an adult registered scout leader with the Boy Scouts of
America, which awarded him the council’s highest volunteer award, the Silver Beaver
Award, in 1966.
In 1994, Walden began a ministry in church building that continues today. A
member of Methodist University’s Board of Laity Friends since it was established in
1995, Walden also started visiting Methodist University each summer to help with
remodeling and renovation work on campus.
Walden is married to his wife, Jan, a former instructor at Louisburg College. They
have four children, Thomas Jr., Joseph, Jane, and Gregg; and six grandchildren.
dr. rAkesh GUPTA Joins The BoArd oF TrUsTees
The Methodist University Board of Trustees recently welcomed a new member,
Dr. Rakesh Gupta. A resident of Fayetteville, Dr. Gupta is originally from India.
Since 1990, he has been a gastroenterologist at Cape Fear Center for Digestive
Diseases, where he is a partner of former MU Trustee Dr. Wes Jones.
“We are so pleased that Dr. Gupta is joining our board of trustees,” said Board
Chair Mary Lynn Bryan. “He brings to the Methodist Board a questioning mind,
a commitment to higher education and to our community, and wide international
and health care experience. His advice will be extremely valuable as Methodist
University continues to develop its health sciences curriculum.”
Dr. Gupta is a graduate of J.N. Medical College in India, Cornell University
Medical College, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, and SUNY Health
Science Center. He is a member of the Cumberland Community Foundation, and
past chairman of the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Board of Trustees. In 2008,
Cape Fear Valley awarded him the Physician Leadership Award. He is also a former
chief of staff, vice chief of staff, and chief of medicine at the hospital.
For the past five years, Dr. Gupta’s office has helped the MU Physician Assistant
Program by serving as a location for students’ elective rotation.
Dr. Gupta is married to Dr. Vinita Gupta, a pediatrician at Womack Medical
Center. They have a son, Amit Gupta, who is currently a student at the UNC
School of Medicine. The family attends Hindu Bhavan, where Dr. Gupta is
president of the temple’s executive committee.
2
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
MU NEWS
Center for Entrepreneurship
c
CFe reCoGnizes BUsiness TrAiLBLAzers
The Center for entrepreneurship at Methodist University presented four prestigious
business awards at the spring entrepreneurial Leadership summit in April.
Howard Bullard
Trustee Howard Bullard, president of Bullard Furniture,
was presented with the American Business Ethics Award for
his company’s commitment to ethical business principles.
Bullard Furniture has been owned and operated by the
Bullard family since 1957. Bullard joined the family business
in 1964, after attending college and serving in the Army.
Under his leadership, the business expanded to one of the
largest and most successful locally owned retail businesses
in the region. For more than a decade, Bullard served as the
chairman of the Fair Business Practices Committee of the
Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. He is widely recognized
for his business success and commitment to the community.
Larry Haire and H.R. Haire Jr.
This year’s winner of the Small Business Excellence Award
was Haire Plumbing and Mechanical Company. Established
in 1947, Haire Plumbing has built a strong reputation as
an experienced business with a wide range of services and
excellent customer service. The company’s “Quick As A
Hare” logo is widely recognized as a leader in the industry.
Three generations of the Haire family, H.R. Sr., Larry, H.R.
Jr., and Richard, have worked hard to expand their business
in the past 66 years. They have also shown a consistent
history of support, care, and pride for their employees and
the community.
Jan Spell
Jan Spell was named the Outstanding Woman
Entrepreneur of the Year. Spell is passionate about living
and doing business in Hope Mills. She has dedicated her
career to helping the community that has given her and
her husband, Terry, so much for more than 30 years. She
has energetically led the Hope Mills Area Chamber of
Commerce in a new direction as president, now serving her
seventh term. Spell was recognized for her exceptional work
with the Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce as well as
a real estate agent and land developer.
Tom Keith
Tom Keith knows about hard work. He starting
working in the family hardware store when he was eight
years old and has worked hard ever since. As the winner
of the Silver Spoon Award, Tom Keith is recognized as an
expert in real estate appraisal and business valuation. In
his 42 year career, he has personally trained two-thirds of
the commercial appraisers in Cumberland County. Keith
also helped establish a state appraisal board that would
become the model for the similar boards across the country.
Keith is known for his expertise, strong work ethic and his
contribution to the Fayetteville community.
From left, Award winners
Tom Keith, Larry Haire,
Jan Spell, H.R. Haire Jr.,
and Howard Bullard at
the Spring Entrepreneurial
Leadership Summit.
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3
Update
MAsTer PLAn
Go online to methodist.edu/
transformation to watch a video
about campus improvements made
this summer.
4
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
Trustees
Berns Student Center
MU NEWS
Football Field
Tennis Courts
Library
Bond rATinG AFFirMed
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Methodist University’s “BBB” bond
rating. This is the second year the University has held a bond rating.
Last year, MU issued $17.5 million in bonds for capital projects and
refinancing. The BBB rating reflects historically stable operating
performance and adequate coverage of debt obligations.
Investment grades reflect the financial stability and credit
worthiness of a company. In general, the higher the rating, the more
financially stable the organization and the more willing investors are
to invest. “By having its own BBB investment grade rating, the University
is able to sell revenue bonds in its own name, rather than through
the financial backing of a letter of credit provided by a bank,” said
Associate Vice President for Business Affairs and Controller Dawn
Ausborn. “The University benefits from reduced costs of debt
financing through lower interest costs and elimination of letter of
credit fees.” The University’s first investment grade rating (BBB) was received
in June of 2012 and will be reviewed on an annual basis by Fitch
Ratings, and Standard and Poor’s. Library
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5
LT. Gen. rUsseL honoré
LeAds in “The neW norMAL”
The Second Annual Lafayette Leadership Speaker Series took place at Methodist
University Sept. 6. Featuring retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré as its keynote
speaker, the co-sponsored event by the Lura S. Tally Center for Leadership Development
and the Fayetteville Lafayette Society was hosted as part of the 7th Annual Lafayette
Birthday Celebration.
Honoré, who was dispatched by President Bush to lead New Orleans out of the
devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, spoke on the topic of leadership in his lecture
titled, “Leadership in the New Normal,” which is also the title of his book. Afterward,
President Ben Hancock awarded him with the University Medallion.
Honoré also spoke about the privilege and responsibilities of
freedom and its cost. “Leadership means sacrifice,” he said. “The
freedom we have today comes from great sacrifice.”
Honoré, who believes giving back is an essential part of patriotism,
is an active speaker, business consultant, CNN contributor, and senior
scientist for the Gallup Organization.
6
The first cohort of Leadership Fellows was inducted during a ceremony at
Methodist University on April 24. Leadership Fellows were introduced to
Michele Macumber, who spoke at the Leadership Fellows Banquet, and
helped present fellows with their pins.
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
CUMBerLAnd CoMMUniTy
FoUndATion Gives
sChoLArshiPs, CoMMUniTy
enGAGeMenT GrAnT
Cumberland County high school students and the
local community are benefitting from two grants Methodist
University received this year from the Cumberland
Community Foundation (CCF).
This summer, the CCF designated Methodist University,
along with two other local colleges, to receive scholarship
assistance for Cumberland County students as part of a
$10 million endowment the foundation received in 2011.
The Robert H. Short/Cumberland Community Foundation
Scholars Program will help local high school students remain
in the Fayetteville area when they attend college.
With the initial scholarship grant received on Aug. 9,
Methodist University selected four local students to receive
the Robert H. Short/CCF Scholars award, worth $5,200 per
year. Corin Cramer, Taylor Jones, and Bryana Summers, all of
Fayetteville, and Brandon LaValley of Hope Mills were the first
recipients of this new scholarship at Methodist University.
“These students represent some of Cumberland County’s
best and brightest,” said Dean of Admissions Jamie Legg. “The
average GPA for this group is 4.18, and the average SAT score
is 1143. We are thrilled to be able to help these students attend
school close to home with this new grant program, which truly
helps the community in a variety of ways.”
In 2011, the CCF received a $10 million endowment, interest
from which could eventually pay about $500,000 in annual
tuition for local students who attend one of the county’s local
colleges. The funding was bestowed through the will of the late
Robert H. Short, a Fayetteville investor and businessman who
died that year at the age of 89.
Short, who never graduated from high school himself,
made many anonymous contributions to local education
programs throughout his life in order to give other students
opportunities he did not have. Born in Greensboro in 1921,
he served in World War II before returning home to work for
CCF Board Member Emily K. Schaefer, left, and CCF President
S. Lynn Legatski present Dr. Ben Hancock with the first scholarship
funds from the Robert H. Short/Cumberland Community
Foundation Scholars Program.
Burlington Industries. In 1951, he moved to Fayetteville to
work at Major Appliance Co., which he eventually bought and
ran until 1983, when he sold the business and retired.
Short was also a founding member of the local Boys and
Girls Club, and was actively involved in the United Way. A
successful investor, he served as an advisor for the Academy
of Finance at Douglas Byrd High School, which helps students
understand the stock market.
“This gentleman was a very generous philanthropist during
his life. We are very honored to continue his legacy of support
for education, forever,” said Mary Holmes, executive director
of the Cumberland Community Foundation. “Typical of
most of our donors, he never wanted the spotlight and lived a
modest, quiet life. He just wanted to help kids go to college, an
opportunity he never had.”
At the beginning of the year, CCF also granted the Center
for Community Engagement a $10,000 grant to develop
the center’s infrastructure and build the center’s capacity to
consistently impact the community and sustain its work over
time. That funding has helped the center develop its website to
effectively market and communicate Center for Community
Engagement work, including a repository of completed
projects and interaction with social media pages. The website
also includes an online assessment and planning tool, online
volunteer sign-up, project-specific pages, and interactive
project timelines and planning tools.
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7
MonArChs JoUrney
To sPAin
“spain was a great experience
because it is a country filled with so
much Medieval, renaissance, and
Baroque culture and art...”
Patrick Jacobs, Dr. Cristina Francescon, Andrea Garcia, and Brittany McCoy
outside of the Hotel Husa Los Seises in Seville, Spain.
8
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
Three MU juniors, Andrea Garcia, Patrick Jacobs,
and Brittany McCoy, studied abroad in Cádiz, Spain,
for three weeks in June, where they were immersed in
the country’s language and culture. The students, who
were led by Modern Language Professor Dr. Cristina
Francescon, all have a Spanish major or minor. While
there, they took two intensive study courses with
Francescon and the Universidad de Cádiz, went on
excursions, and participated in service learning
opportunities.
“Spain was a great experience because it is a country
filled with so much Medieval, Renaissance, and
Baroque culture and art, which is very different from
that of my country in South America,” said Garcia,
who is originally from Peru.
As well as seeing the historic sights of Cádiz,
a peninsular port city in southern Spain, Francescon
took the students on side trips to the Spanish city of
Seville and the Moroccan cities of Chefchaouen,
Tangier, and Tetuan on the weekends. In Seville, the
group visited the famous Seville Cathedral, which is
the third largest church in the world and the largest
Gothic cathedral in the world, and the Alcázar, a
royal palace built by the Moors in the 10th century.
In Morocco, they rode camels, visited a bazaar, and
ate in traditional restaurants.
After a few days of adjustment in Cádiz, where they
stayed with host families, the students began their
service learning project, part of the requirements for
Francescon’s course. The entire group volunteered at
a soup kitchen run by the Fundación Benéfica Virgen
de Valvanuz. One of the students also volunteered
with the Spanish Red Cross in the children’s ward of
the Puerta del Mar Hospital.
BUsiness sTUdenTs exPLore
CULTUre, eConoMy oF sWeden
“our group was able to visit many museums and
cultural points that were incredibly informative,
fascinating, and have inspired me to read more
about sweden’s rich history.”
Clockwise from top left, MU students at the
Gevalia coffee factory, posing on an old wheel
used in steel production at Långshyttan, and
touring a modern steel mill.
In May, eight business students travelled
to Sweden for a cross-disciplinary study
abroad program led by Dr. Josiah Baker,
assistant professor of financial economics,
and Reeves School of Business Dean Joseph
Doll. The students, who were all enrolled in
one of three different classes, used the trip
to examine aspects of business, marketing,
and economics in the northern European
country.
Starting in Stockholm, the group toured
several different parts of the country, visiting
museums, palaces, government buildings,
and factories, as well as attending a lecture
and meeting students at Uppsala University.
The students who attended were Chris
Broyles, Emina Efendic, Chris Harper, James
Johnson, Patrick Lime, Gina Martinez,
Dorothy Vega, and Amanda Zimmerman,
who were all juniors at the time. During their
eight days in the country, the group travelled
to the cities Gamla Stan, the old town
of Stockholm; Uppsala; the localities of Langshyttan, Hedemora, Avesta, and
Borlänge in Dalama County; and Falun, the capital of Dalama County.
“Our group was able to visit many museums and cultural points that were
incredibly informative, fascinating, and have inspired me to read more about
Sweden’s rich history,” Martinez said. “My favorites were the cathedrals, the ashes
of the Vikings, the Royal Palace, and the Stockholm City Hall.”
Depending on the specific class that they were registered in, the students had
various goals for the trip such as learning ways to improve American businesses
with Swedish practices, developing a marketing plan to enter the Swedish market,
or comparing Swedish and American economics. After their return, the students
produced presentations and research papers on the trip.
“Some studies show that Sweden is a leading country in supporting an
entrepreneurial mindset,” Baker said. “It’s had a unique economic development
that has affected modern Swedish business practices, making it relatively easy to
create a business in Sweden.”
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9
PeACe ProJeCT
eMPoWers WoMen in yeMen
“With a high unemployment rate, men in yemen
are heavily burdened by the responsibility of
being the sole support for their families...”
Women in Yemen learn and work in the Biliquis
Foundation for Development as part of MU’s
winning selection for this year’s United World
College’s Projects for Peace, designed by student
Esra Al Shawafi, who is pictured at top.
10
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
Last summer, Methodist University Sophomore Esra’a Al-Shawafi
returned home to Yemen and was depressed by the living conditions
she found in her country, which had been through much upheaval as
part of the Arab Spring. This summer, she returned home determined
to make a difference through Projects for Peace, an initiative of the
Davis United World College.
Every year, students across the country design peace project
proposals and apply for one of 100 annual $10,000 grants that the
program provides. The concept was launched in 2007, and every year
since then, at least one project by Methodist students has been chosen.
Al-Shawafi’s project, “Sewing and Business Skills for Economical and
Peaceful Integration of Women in Society,” is designed to be a selfsustaining program that teaches women the skills to provide a revenue
stream for themselves, their families, and their communities, which will
help promote peace.
“With a high unemployment rate, men in Yemen are heavily
burdened by the responsibility of being the sole support for their
families,” she said. “Thus, there should be an alternate way to empower
women that is accepted by men. This project aims at giving women an
accepted solution through teaching sewing and business skills that will
integrate them economically into society, and make them partners with
men in generating income for the family.”
This summer, Al-Shawafi travelled to Sana’a, Yemen’s largest city, and
organized the project with the help of a non-profit organization, the
Biliqis Foundation for Development, which focuses on empowering
women and local development. With the grant money, Al-Shawafi
purchased machines and materials for sewing and embroidering,
which were then stored at the Foundation’s offices, where the training
and workshops were held. The Foundation also arranged for trainers
and workshops on sewing. The initial phase of the project focused on
helping 20 women.
As well as sewing, the project included giving the women some
useful business skills. For the business workshops, Al-Shawafi turned
to her mother, Amal Al-Yosufi, who is an accountant. During the
workshops, they taught women about topics such as budgeting and
marketing. “These twenty women will help raise their families’ income
considerably, thus the project will not only help those women but also
their families, thereby lowering the level of poverty in general,” she said.
neW reseArCh FeLLoWs ProGrAM
BeGins This FALL
“At the end of their sophomore year, the
students will be eligible to apply to become
a full CUrC Fellow.”
Student Ravon Sheppard discusses the
harpsichord restoration project that he
and other music students worked on
for last year’s Undergraduate Research
and Creativity Symposium.
A new feature from The Center for Undergraduate Research
and Creativity, the CURC Fellows Program, is being introduced
this fall. This is a designation for students who want to immerse
themselves in a culture of research and creativity. Students will
be able to apply starting in the spring, and if approved, will be
designated as CURC Fellow candidates.
“After being approved, the students will start fulfilling a series
of requirements focused on research and creative projects,”
said Director of the CURC Clay Britton. “At the end of their
sophomore year, the students will be eligible to apply to become
a full CURC Fellow. Upperclassmen will also be able to apply this
year, if they have already met the program’s requirements.”
Requirements for candidates will include things like
attending relevant events, writing essays, building a portfolio,
and completing an independent study project, which they will
present at the annual MU Research Symposium. After being
named a fellow, the students will still continue the same sort of
work to successfully complete the program, with a second set of
requirements that must be met before they graduate, at which
time they can receive a CURC Fellow Certificate of Completion.
“The process to become a CURC Fellow is designed to be intense and rigorous,”
Britton said. “However, at the end, the successful students will be well-rounded and
open-minded, and will have had an experience that sets them apart from their peers
at MU and at other institutions.”
In order to become a fellow candidate, students will have to apply and receive a
nomination from a member of the faculty or staff. Students will learn about the process
to become a CURC Fellow as part of their First Year Seminar course, which is a
required class for all traditional freshmen.
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11
School of Health Sciences
TeLeMeCo To LeAd
ProPosed doCTor oF PhysiCAL TherAPy ProGrAM
Methodist University has named Dr. Todd Telemeco director of the proposed
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the new School of Health Sciences.
“Telemeco comes to MU with a career spanning more than a decade as
a leader and innovator in physical therapy education, research, and clinical
practice,” said Dr. Delmas Crisp, executive vice president and academic dean
of Methodist University. “His rich experience and vision will guide Methodist
as we develop our Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, build the new Health
Sciences building, and launch the program in Fall 2015.”
Telemeco previously served as the associate director of the Doctor of
Physical Therapy Program at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va.
PiLkinGTon rePresenTs MU
As PresidenT oF nC ChAPTer oF
nATionAL sTUdenT nUrses AssoCiATion
Mary Catherine Pilkington always knew she wanted to be a nurse.
Now, as a senior at MU, she is serving as the president of the North
Carolina state chapter of the National Student Nurses Association
(NSNA), as well as the MU chapter.
As a student in the first class of the Bachelor of Nursing students
at MU, Pilkington became involved with the NSNA in fall 2012. .
She worked alongside faculty and her peers to start MU’s first NSNA
chapter, and has been serving as the president of the chapter ever since.
“I have been so blessed in my years at Methodist to have such great
professors and an awesome group of classmates that teach me every
day and inspire me to a good nurse,” said Pilkington. “As the first class
of BSN students at Methodist, we have all grown so much together and
have a strong bond that I am really thankful for.”
After a year of recruiting new members, working on projects and
fundraising activities, Pilkington joined two other MU NSNA officers
for the North Carolina Association of Nursing Students meeting, where
she decided she wanted to dive deeper into the program.
As the president of the North Carolina chapter of the NSNA,
Pilkington will work with all university chapters in the state, as well
as keep up with her involvement in the MU chapter. With more than
60,000 nationwide members, the NSNA helps mentor the professional
development of future nurses, and assists in facilitating their entrance
in the profession.
12
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
dr. sAnJAy GUPTA sPeAks
AT PresidenTiAL LeCTUre series
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, world-renowned neurosurgeon and Emmy
award-winning chief medical correspondent for CNN, made a
special visit to Methodist University Sept. 18 for the inaugural
Presidential Lecture Series. He presented his lecture, entitled
“Medicine and Media,” to a large crowd in Huff Concert Hall
at a ticket-only evening event. As part of his visit, he also spent
time at more intimate events with students and local health
care professionals.
In the main lecture, Gupta regaled the audience with jokes
and stories about his experiences as a correspondent.
“It’s taken me to places I didn’t ever dream of before,”
Gupta said. He also told everyone he did one thing every day
that scared him, and encouraged others to do the same.
Media and medicine are similar, he said. Both have the
potential to improve lives, have credibility at their core, and in
both, you must know your audience.
“So much of the intersection between medicine and media
revolves around the idea that there are better things we could
be doing for our health,” Gupta said. “It’s my job to know what
they are to tell you.”
Better understanding and implementation of nutrition is
one of the most important things people can do for themselves,
he said.
Another commonality he shared from his travels for CNN is
the idea of reciprocal altruism.
“I believe people are inherently compassionate,” he said.
“It’s the default setting. We are hard-wired to be altruistic ...
It’s what ties us together.”
Based in Atlanta, Gupta joined CNN in the summer of 2001.
He reported from New York following the attacks on the U.S.
on Sept. 11, 2001. In 2003, he embedded with the U.S. Navy’s
“Devil Docs” medical unit, reporting from Iraq and Kuwait as
the unit traveled to Baghdad. He provided live coverage of the
first operation performed during the war and performed lifesaving brain surgery five times in a desert operating room.
As a practicing neurosurgeon, Gupta plays an integral role
in CNN’s reporting on health and medical news for shows
like “American Morning,” “Anderson Cooper 360°,” and CNN
documentaries, and anchors the weekend medical affairs
program “Sanjay Gupta, MD.” His medical training and public
health policy experience distinguish his reporting on a range
of medical and scientific topics including brain injury, disaster
recovery, health care reform, fitness, military medicine, HIV/
AIDS, and other areas.
In addition to his work for CNN, Gupta is a member of the
staff and faculty at the Emory University School of Medicine,
as well as associate chief of neurosurgery at Grady Memorial
Hospital. He regularly performs surgery at Emory University
and Grady hospitals.
According to President Ben Hancock, the Presidential
Lecture Series was made possible through the generosity of
community partners and individuals who have underwritten
this program. Sponsors include Bryan Honda; Family Foods,
Inc.; Lafayette Ford Lincoln; Linda and Ralph Huff; Rosalind
and Terry Hutchens; and BB&T.
“The Series strives to bring renowned national experts
to the campus and community, emphasizing signature
programs at Methodist University,” Hancock said. “Dr. Gupta
was a natural choice for the inaugural lecture, given the
recent creation of the School of Health Sciences.” The new
school houses the Physician Assistant, Nursing, Health Care
Administration, Athletic Training, and Applied Exercise
Science Programs.
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PhysiCiAn AssisTAnT sTUdenTs
GAin GLoBAL PersPeCTives in MexiCo
The public health clinic in Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico provides primary health care
services to a rural and growing village of 8,000 people. This summer, the clinic’s staff got some
help with their mission from two students in Methodist University’s Physician Assistant Program:
Meagan Parsons and Benjamin Cook.
Parsons and Cook, who will both graduate in December, spent the month of July in Oaxaca,
volunteering at the clinic and working alongside local practitioners. Some of the students’ tasks
included doing basic health assessments and physical diagnosis, helping with inoculations, and
updating handwritten medical records. The students also gave stitches and assisted with a delivery.
One of their most valuable experiences was evolving into competent Spanish-speaking student
medical providers. Though both students had studied Spanish as part of their undergraduate
degrees, it took them a few days to “find their ears,” as Parsons phrased it.
“Being immersed in the Spanish language has really helped me improve my communications
skills,” Cook said.
Learning the ways health care is delivered in rural Mexico will also help the students in their own
professional goals, which are to work in rural North Carolina communities after they graduate.
Parsons plans to work with Spanish-speaking populations in the small, rural community of
Rockingham, N.C. Cook hopes to work in an emergency department or urgent care facility, and
hopes the experience will help him connect better with patients in those settings.
Dr. Deborah Morris, the PA Program’s academic coordinator, and the students’ MU supervisor for
the trip, visited the clinic during part of their residency. She said the trip gave the students broader
perspectives of the world of the world and the ways healthcare is delivered in a system that is
different than the system in the United States. It also gave them some insight in their future patients.
“There is a flow of people between Oaxaca and North Carolina,” Morris said. “It is helpful for
students to have this experience to be more effective as PAs. I hope that we can send more students
next year. The clinic doctors would definitely welcome more of our students.”
While they were there, Meagan and Ben kept a blog about their work
and adventures. Read more at oaxacajuly2013.wordpress.com.
14
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
Photo credits and thanks to
Norma Hawthorne of the
Clinica de Salud in Teotitlan
del Valle, who contributed to
this article.
MeThodisT UniversiTy CeLeBrATes
Spring Commencement
The newest Methodist University alumni
celebrated their achievements with the
50th Annual spring Commencement
Ceremony on saturday, May 11 in the
March F. riddle Center.
Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, commanding officer of the
XVIII Airborne Corps, delivered the commencement
address to 197 candidates for graduation. Allyn, who
previously served as the deputy commanding general of
the XVIII Airborne Corps and the chief of staff of the
XVIII Airborne Corps, also served two tours of duty
with the 82nd Airborne Division and three tours of duty
with the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Allyn told students to reach outside their comfort
zone and learn from their mistakes. He also encouraged
them to commit themselves to three of the Army's
values: selfless service, respect and personal courage.
In keeping with University tradition, Army ROTC
cadets Makeeka Harris, Sasha-Al Lee, Derrick Nabors,
Tarama Rainford, Ashley Selfridge, and Claudia Vargas
were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S.
Army. Graduating students presented the flags of
Continued, p. 16
Above: President Hancock and Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn stand in front
of graduates during Spring Commencement. Left: Rev. Dennis Goodwin
delivers the Baccalareate sermon at Spring Commencement on May 11.
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Continued from p. 15
Gambia, Israel, Kosovo, Serbia, South Sudan, Swaziland and Tibet.
The University also heard from the Distinguished Graduate, Alysa
Freeborough, who spoke on behalf of her class. The L. Stacy Weaver
award was presented to Stephanie Ongley.
During the ceremony, the University presented Al Cleveland,
current board member and past chair of the Board of Trustees, with
an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Cleveland is a senior partner
at McCoy, Wiggins, Cleveland & O’Conner PLLC, where he has been
practicing for more than 50 years. As well as serving as a member of
the Methodist University Board of Trustees, Cleveland served as chair
from 2005 to 2008. According to President Hancock, the University’s
commitment to creating and sustaining a “culture of excellence” is a
byproduct of Cleveland’s guiding vision for the University.
Prior to the commencement ceremony, the Rev. Dennis Goodwin
delivered the baccalaureate sermon. Goodwin, who began his
ministry in 1976 after graduating from Barton College with a
Bachelor of Arts in religion, served in multiple capacities in the
National Guard and the North Carolina Conference of the United
Methodist Church. He served as the district superintendent at the
North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church from
2007 to 2012, and was the senior pastor at Trinity United Methodist
Church from 1999 to 2007. He is currently the senior minister at
Haymount United Methodist Church in Fayetteville.
16
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
Above: Stephanie Ongley receives the L. Stacy Weaver award.
Below: Trustee Al Cleveland receives an honorary Doctor of
Humane Letters.
neTWorTh AWArds sChoLArshiPs To MU sTUdenTs
Local professional women’s organization NETWORTH recently
awarded scholarships to two Methodist University students. Seniors
Rica McDonald of Baltimore, Md., and Leighanne Truelove of
Virginia Beach, Va., will each receive a $2,000 scholarship for the
2013-2014 academic year, as well as an honorary membership in
NETWORTH for one year. McDonald is a mass communications
major who plans to work in broadcasting, and Truelove is a
biology/zoology major who is planning to become a mammal
keeper/trainer.
NETWORTH is an organization of professional and executive
women in the Fayetteville and Cumberland County area. Its
primary purpose is to provide peer networking and to promote
continuing professional development among women in the
community. To be considered for a NETWORTH scholarship,
students must be female, enrolled full time, demonstrate high
scholastic ability, community involvement, financial need, and
possess professional career goals with the plan to enter or re-enter
the workforce.
FreshMAn Move-in dAy
Members of area churches
including Manna Church,
Cedar Falls Baptist Church,
Village Baptist Church,
and Fayetteville Community
Church, welcomed
Methodist University
students on Aug. 10
and 16, and helped them
move in to their dorms.
MU alumni also served as
“Monarch Movers.”
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UPCoMinG evenTs
For more information on any of these events, call 910.630.7062.
OCTOBER
Oct. 7
6:00 p.m.
Professional MBA Program Open House
Oct. 10
3:30-5 p.m. Author C.J. Lyons Book Signing
6:00 p.m. Presentation
Berns Student Center
Yarborough Auditorium
Oct. 17
7:30 p.m.
Fayetteville Symphonic Band
Huff Concert Hall
Oct. 18
7:00 p.m.
Foreign Film Festival: “Mar adentro”
Hendricks Science Complex, Room 122
Oct. 22
7:30 p.m.
MU Jazz Monarchs
Huff Concert Hall
Oct. 24
6:30 p.m.
Opening reception for “Igneous Expressions,”
Glass Art Show
David McCune International Art Gallery,
with show running through Dec. 12
Oct. 25
7:30 p.m.
MU Faculty Recital
Hensdale Chapel
Yarborough Auditorium
HOMECOMING & PARENTS’ WEEKEND
Oct. 25 & 26
Oct. 27
8:00 p.m.
Matt Nathanson in concert
Doors open at 7:00 p.m., Riddle Center
Oct. 27
4:00 p.m.
Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra
Reeves Auditorium
NOVEMBER
Nov. 1
7:30 p.m.
Friends of Music Guest Artist Series:
Tom Scott Jazz Piano Recital
Hensdale Chapel
Nov. 1
7:00 p.m.
Foreign Film Festival: “El secreto en sus ojos”
Hendricks Science Complex, Room 122
Nov. 4
6:00 p.m.
Professional MBA Program Open House
Yarborough Auditorium
Nov. 14
6:30 p.m.
Center for Entrepreneurship’s 40th Annual
Economic Outlook and Stock Market Symposium
Embassy Suites
Nov. 15
7:00 p.m.
Foreign Film Festival: “Jodái-e Náder az Simin”
Hendricks Science Complex, Room 122
Nov. 20
8:00 p.m.
Pangea
Huff Concert Hall
Nov. 20
11 a.m.
Wesley Heritage Celebration
Hensdale Chapel
Nov. 22
7:30 p.m.
All Choirs Concert
Huff Concert Hall
Nov. 24
3:00 p.m.
MU Jazz and Concert Band
Huff Concert Hall
dECEMBER
Dec. 1
7:00 p.m.
Moravian Love Feast
Hensdale Chapel
Dec. 5
7:30 p.m.
Fayetteville Symphonic Band Concert
Huff Concert Hall
Dec. 6 & 7
7:30 p.m.
Yuletide Feaste
Hay Street United Methodist Church
Dec. 14
10:30 a.m.
Baccalaureate Ceremony
Huff Concert Hall
Dec. 14
2:00 p.m.
Commencement
Riddle Center, ticket required
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Engage. Enrich. Empower.
2013 HOMECOMING AND PARENTS’ WEEKEND
For more information, visit www.methodist.edu/alumni.
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Early Registration
6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Alumni Reunion Homecoming Kick-off
and Reception
6:30 p.m.
16th Annual Hall of Fame Banquet
7:30 p.m.
Friends of Music Concert
9:30 p.m.
Homecoming Bonfire and Pep Rally
Lobby, North Hall
ScrubOaks
5780 Ramsey Street #108
Berns Student Center
Hensdale Chapel
Behind Riddle
7:00 - 7:20 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
Registration, 3rd Annual Homecoming 5K/Fun Run
Race Starts
Race Awards Ceremony in front of Reeves
8:00 a.m.
Parents’ Weekend Registration Tent Opens
Davis Library Quad
8:00 a.m.
Homecoming Registration Tent Opens
Davis Library Quad
9:00 a.m.
MU Journey for Parents
9:00 a.m.
MU Chorale “Gathersing”
10:00 a.m.
MU Alumni Awards Ceremony
10:00 a.m.
Walking Tour of Campus
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Homecoming Fair
Davis Library Quad
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch on the Green by Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Davis Library Quad
1:00 p.m.
Football Game Kickoff vs. LaGrange
Monarch Stadium
2:00 p.m.
Women’s Soccer Game vs. LaGrange
MU Soccer Field
3:30 p.m.
Men’s Soccer Game vs. LaGrange
MU Soccer Field
4:00 p.m.
Lady Monarchs Volleyball vs. Covenant
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Parents’ Dinner with President Hancock
7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday Night Alumni Party
Alumni Event
General Event
For secure, online registration, visit methodist.edu/alumni/homecoming.htm
or call 800.488.7110 ext. 7167 or 910.630.7167.
Reeves Fine Arts Building
Front Lawn
Nursing Building Auditorium
Directly across from Quad
Chorale Room
Reeves Fine Arts Building
Yarborough Auditorium
Clark Hall
Begins at Nursing Building
Riddle Center
Alumni Dining Room
Crown Coliseum
Banquet Room
Parents’ Event
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dAvis CoMBATs hUMAn TrAFFiCkinG
WiTh Cross-CoUnTry Bike ride
“i am passionate in the belief
that every person – every
human being -– has the right
to choose their path. i am
greatly honored to be a part of
a global community that is
working so hard to combat sex
slavery and human trafficking.”
Dr. Spencer Davis takes a break in Cedar Breaks,
Utah during his cross-country trip.
How far would you go to help someone in need? Would
you donate money? Would you get you in your car and drive
an hour or two to help? Would you be willing to bike across
the country?
Spencer Davis, Ph.D., associate professor of financial
economics at Methodist University, did exactly that. Shortly
after spring graduation, Davis flew to California for the
start of a cross-country bike ride to help raise awareness and
funds to combat sex slavery and human trafficking. Davis
began his trek May 16 after retrieving his bike from a shop
in San Francisco. He spent the next two months pedaling his
way through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas,
Mississippi, Illinois, Kentucky and Virginia.
By partnering with “Coins for Children,” a ministry of
Manna Church in Fayetteville, N.C., 100 percent of Davis’s
fundraising efforts were channeled directly to the Nepali
Rescue Project, which works to rescue, counsel and provide
skills training to victims of human trafficking in Nepal.
Through Ride for Rescue and “Coins for Children,” Davis
was able to assist innocent human trafficking victims in their
quest for education and a new start. Approximately $13 can
fund the rescue, rehabilitation and education for one victim
of human trafficking.
“I am passionate in the belief that every person - every
human being - has the right to choose their path,” said
Dr. Davis. “For young ladies who are rescued from sex
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Engage. Enrich. Empower.
trafficking, it is the right to choose happiness in whatever
form, whether it be by raising a family, establishing a
career, etc. I am greatly honored to be a part of a global
community that is working so hard to combat sex slavery
and human trafficking.”
Unlike his first solo bike trip across America in 2011,
Davis’s trip was supported by a home team of volunteers
and Methodist University staff members. Davis was in
direct contact with the home team, who alerted him to
speaking engagements, promotional possibilities, and
upcoming events in cities and towns he was scheduled to
bike through. Through a collection of detailed maps, he
made plans to eat, sleep and visit a variety of areas, even
meeting some people to ride with on the route.
“I met a young man when I was west and biked with him
for a while before we went our separate ways,” said Davis
in an interview during his cross-country trek. “I also met a
couple of guys who were headed to Virginia, so we’ve been
biking together since then.”
By raising funds for “Coins for Children,” Davis and
the rest of the Ride for Rescue team hope to save the lives
of multiple young women and children impacted by sex
slavery and human trafficking circles.
“I would like to visit (Nepal) and see what is happening,”
said Dr. Davis. “One day I would like to travel to Nepal and
see the impact.”
FAcULTy AND STAFF NEWS
ForensiC exPerTs exPLore CoLd CAses
Dr. Katherine Brown was a presenter at the
Vidocq Society training sessions, held on the
Methodist University campus June 17-21.
THE FOLLOWiNG FACULTY
WERE RECOGNizED AT THE
UNiVERSiTY'S ANNUAL AWARDS
CEREMONY APRiL 17:
Members of a renowned Philadelphia-based crime-solving club,
the Vidocq Society, gathered at Methodist University June 17-21. The
week-long meeting provided training in forensic science methods and
allowed members to review cold homicide cases.
Two faculty members in MU’s Department of Justice Studies,
Forensic Science and Cyber Crime are Vidocq Society members,
Dr. Katherine Brown and Mr. Dave Pauly. Brown, who spoke at the
training week, worked alongside the department’s Center for
Excellence in Justice Administration to coordinate the training week.
“This is a unique opportunity for law enforcement agencies from
across the United States and North Carolina to receive training and
receive pro bono assistance from the Vidocq Society experts on their
unsolved homicide cases,” Brown said.
Pauly said that that it is rare for the society to meet outside of
Philadelphia.
“This training is unprecedented for this region, with top-tier
forensic experts all assembling in one location and at one time for the
benefit of law enforcement professionals,” Pauly said.
The Vidocq Society was founded in 1990 and is dedicated to assisting
with long-unsolved murders and other major cases. The society is
named after Eugene Francois Vidocq, a brilliant 18th century French
detective. The nonprofit group’s work is done at no cost to victims’
families or law enforcement. For more information on The Vidocq
Society, visit vidocq.org.
MU’s Center for Excellence in Justice Administration works to
improve the investigative abilities of justice professionals by delivering
unique and relevant development experiences to the surrounding
justice community.
Hustwit
Dyke
Kirchner
DeyampertMcCall
Trapp
Walsh
Dr. J.R. Hustwit was awarded the Exemplary Teacher
Award from the General Board of Higher Education
Ministry of the United Methodist Church.
Dr. Carl Dyke accepted the Alfred E. Cleveland
Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Dr. Mary Kirchner was awarded the Distinguished
Professor of the Year Award.
Mary Deyampert-McCall and Dr. Frank Trapp were
presented with the Annual Award for Excellence in
Academic Advising.
Dr. Richard Walsh accepted The President’s Award
for Excellence in Research and Creative Expression.
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MU niGhT
AT The sWAMP
During the “dog” days
of summer, the University
combined an MU on the
Move! event for alumni and
a university staff outing
by hosting an event at J.P.
Riddle Stadium, home of
Fayetteville’s SwampDogs.
This wooden bat league brings
in college baseball players
and interns from all over the
country. Alumni and staff
were treated to a hotdog and
covered dish supper before
the game. The SwampDogs
gave the honor of throwing
the first pitch to Dr. Hancock
and the University’s bookstore
manager, Larry Smith, who
celebrated his birthday at the
game and has been a longtime
“Dog” fan and host to players.
PresLer honored
AT reTireMenT reCePTion
Dr. R. Wayne Presler is presented a retirement gift by President
Ben Hancock during his retirement reception at Methodist
University on May 9.
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Engage. Enrich. Empower.
Dr. Robert Christian addresses his friend and colleague,
Dr. R. Wayne Presler, during the reception.
MU sTorMWATer WorkshoPs
FAcULTy AND STAFF NEWS
TeACh sMArT WATer MAnAGeMenT
To ProFessionALs And sTUdenTs
More than 20 professionals from four states traveled to
Methodist University in March for a two-day workshop hosted by
the Environmental and Occupational Management (ENM) Program.
The group, which also included select students from the ENM
Program and members of the University’s grounds and maintenance
staff, learned about state-of-the-art best practices for managing
stormwater. The workshop was held in conjunction with staff from
North Carolina State University. The workshop was the first of a series
that the department is planning, and a second was held Sept. 20.
Managing stormwater isn’t a problem most people give a lot of
thought to, but the workshop was very opportune. A few months
later, the Cape Fear region experienced an extremely wet and rainy
summer. There were parts of the summer where it rained every day.
All that water has to go somewhere, and when it does, it takes
with it all sorts of things that don’t need to end up in the ecosystem,
like chemicals from fertilizer, weed killers, and oil from roads and
parking lots. In 2007, the University partnered with Fayetteville’s
Public Works Commission to install four bioretention areas,
designed to absorb normal rainfall back into the ground after no
more than 48 hours, which also helps prevent erosion in other areas
of campus, as well as sending less pollutants into the Cape Fear
River. Another 16 bioretention ponds were designed and are
planned for the future.
“With well over a third of North Carolina’s waters assessed as
‘impaired’ by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more
and more stringent requirements are being handed down on
communities to reduce the loading of sediment, nitrogen and
phosphorus into our waterways,” said Dr. Kurt W. Smith, assistant
professor of environmental and occupational management.
“Learning effective management practices has become an important
skill for environmental planners, engineers, landscape architects and
the development community in order to move ahead in economic
development in a way that can be permitted by the EPA.”
At the end of the first workshop, the group restored and improved
one of the bioretention ponds created in 2007, giving everyone a
hands-on opportunity to put into practice the skills they discussed
in the classroom. The participants also took a written exam and
received a certification in the installation of at least one form of
stormwater management.
Above, Mitch
Woodward, N.C.
Cooperative Extension
agent, discusses storm
water management.
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CooL CAMPs FiLL hoT sUMMer dAys
Methodist University opened its doors to the community during the summer months,
welcoming students from across the region and state for summer camps. With a
dozen day and residential camps for students to choose from, there was no shortage
of opportunities for the MU community to reach out to engage, enrich and empower
young learners.
CSI-MU
The CSI-MU Camp offered an in-depth look at modern crime scene investigation
techniques. With 21 campers, “CSI-MU was successful in inspiring young minds to learn
logically and analytically,” said Dave Pauly, camp director.
Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Education (STEM) Camp
The Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Education (STEM) Camp
hosted 30 middle school-aged young learners in June. With 27 camp
facilitators including faculty, staff, students and volunteers in the areas of
math, chemistry, biology computer science, health sciences, environmental
science, forensic science, and creative writing, students explored a wide
variety of topics during their five-day camp.
“When I was walking the campers between buildings on campus, some
of them came up to me and said the camp was the best they ever had,” said
Dr. Tat Chan, camp director. “This kind of feedback and encouragement is
the best reward for us – the camp facilitators.”
Campers were divided into two groups to attend special events and
workshops during the week. They programmed robots with computer science
lecturers, witnessed chemical reactions with the chemistry department,
explored the virtual reality lab, and found blood types of blood specimens
with the Physician Assistant Program professors.
Girl’s Basketball
STEM Camp students
programmed robots to follow
a track of tape on the floor,
and then timed them to see
who had the fastest robot.
24
Girl’s basketball campers spent a week improving their knowledge and skill
of the game with Head Coach DeeDee Jarman. With 52 campers, the girl’s
basketball camp gave young athletes the chance to challenge themselves and
grow as athletes.
“The highlight was awards day on Friday. Campers were awarded with free
throw winners for each league, hot shot champs from each league, knock out
champs from each league and intensity lay ups champs from each league,”
said Jarman.
Boy’s Basketball
Boy's basketball campers were also able to improve upon their knowledge of the game with
two camps. Boasting 90 campers at the first, and more than 100 at the second, head coach
David Smith said the success of such large camps was made possible by multiple facilities on
the MU campus.
“The weather cooperated with us so we were able to use our outside courts and Nimocks to
accommodate all our campers,” said Smith.
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
Soccer
The women’s soccer team at MU offered camps to local girls interested in improving their skills. With
approximately 50 girls at each camp, the girl’s soccer camp helped young female athletes make positive,
lasting changes in their skills.
“It’s very rewarding as a camp director to see the positive development in our soccer community every year,”
said Bryan Madej, women’s soccer coach.
The boy’s soccer camp was also held this summer, with approximately 60 boys in attendance.
Softball
Seventy campers attended a week of softball camp at MU during June. “We had a great week of camp. The
highlight of the camp was that it was not 95 degrees this year,” said Ron Simpson, women’s softball coach.
The softball camp also added a “Mini-Monarch” program for the first time. Comprised of 7- and 8-year-old
students and led by MU athletes Katie Byrd and Annie Zaremski, the “Mini-Monarch” program taught the
fundamentals of hitting, fielding and throwing.
“I was really proud of both of them for giving such outstanding instruction, and even more so, for being role
models for that age group. We will definitely have our ‘Mini-Monarchs’ back next year,” said Simpson.
Cheer
Participants at the MU Cheer Camp got an exciting opportunity when they were able to cheer at the boy’s
basketball camp game. With 38 participants and seven MU cheerleaders, the camp focused on dances, cheers,
stunts, and chants. During the week, participants also took part in crazy sock and colors day, show-n-tell, banner
day, and t-shirt day. At the end of the week, they were able to showcase their talents for their families and friends.
“I really enjoyed doing this camp and I look forward to doing this again next summer,” said cheer coach
Tameka Delmar.
Volleyball
The MU Volleyball Camp boasted an impressive 145 campers during four camps this summer. “Beginner’s
camp is usually our largest camp, where we get a lot of youngsters who are still figuring out if it is something they
want to learn. I try to make it fun, activity-wise, so the kids will be drawn to volleyball and hopefully want to
make it a lifelong activity,” said Eddie Matthews, head coach.
Football
Seventy-five young athletes
participated in a five-day Football Camp
this summer with Zach Hufford and
the MU Football staff. “We had a large
number of campers who had attended
the camp previously. Due to inclement
weather, we had to spend some of the
camp indoors, but all campers and
coaches still had fun. We look forward to
having an even larger turnout next year,”
said Hufford.
A young athlete takes his position during a drill at the Methodist
University Football Camp. Photo by Zach Hufford.
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Show You Care Day
JULy 10, 2013
Methodist University faculty
members Jeremy Hustwit
(right) and Clay Britton
(center) dig holes for plants
in front of Stout Hall.
Faculty and staff lay two
brick walkways and plant
more than 70 bushes beside
the fountain.
President Ben Hancock
sweeps mulch off a walkway.
26
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The
Fine
ArTs
Take a
Front Seat
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Giving in Concert
LindA And rALPh hUFF GiFT $1.5 MiLLion
To renovATe AUdiToriUM
“The arts give you a great appreciation of life. Methodist University is
a leader in bringing these opportunities to the community, especially for
young adults.”
28
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
Artist’s rendering of Huff Concert Hall
The auditorium in Reeves hasn’t changed much since
Trustee Linda Baker Huff graduated from Methodist
University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in music. That
won’t always be the case, thanks to a generous gift from
Linda and her husband, D. Ralph Huff III.
At the Aug. 23 Opening Convocation, President Ben
Hancock announced that the Huffs would be donating $1.5
million to renovate the auditorium in the John M. Reeves Fine
Arts Building. The auditorium part of the building will now be
known as the Linda and Ralph Huff Concert Hall.
Hancock praised the Huffs for helping the university take
bold steps forward with the Master Plan, which calls for
transforming the campus, including the Reeves Fine Arts
Building and its auditorium.
“The new Linda and Ralph Huff Concert Hall will provide
a state-of-the-art facility to benefit future generations of
students and thousands of community members,” he said.
“Most important, it will help make the performing arts
available to everyone in the greater Fayetteville community.”
Linda and Ralph both have a strong love of fine arts and a
history of being involved with music as students. Linda Huff
would go on to teach K-12 music in Hoke and Cumberland
County schools for 15 years, as well as direct the First Praise
music group at their church, First Presbyterian in downtown
Fayetteville. She is also a current board member of the
Fayetteville Symphony. Together, the couple led an effort to
raise an endowment to supplement the Hoke County’s choral
arts program in honor of their high school music teacher.
“I know how important the arts are, and how arts can
mold and shape a life,” Linda Huff said. “It is so very important
to continue to support good quality arts opportunities like
those at Methodist for future generations. The arts give you a
great appreciation of life. Methodist University is a leader in
bringing these opportunities to the community, especially for
young adults.”
Ralph Huff, who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1972
with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, spent his
life working as a realtor and developer, taking over Coldwell
Banker United Realty in 1990 and eventually merging the
business into its current form, Coldwell Banker Advantage. In
1991, he and Linda started H&H Homes, and Ralph said he
has seen how his wife uses knowledge she was taught for music
to be president of a business and run it with success.
“The skills that you learn through the arts can be
transported into business and life itself,” he said. “But in these
trying budgetary times, in a lot of the public schools, that’s one
of the first things that gets cut. When we give a gift like this,
we want it to be something that elevates the whole community.
The fine arts and Methodist University do that, and we are
happy this can be shared with the whole community.”
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29
ACAdeMiCs, CULTUre, And exPression
CoMPLeMenT MU Fine ArTs
Methodist University’s fine arts departments do more than
offer classes and outlets for creatively inclined Monarchs. They
also provide the larger community with enriching, high-quality
culture and entertainment. Through music, art, and the stage,
Methodist University opens a wide window to a multitude of
expressions of the ever-changing human experience. Whether
with the notes of medieval carols sung round a festive feast;
stirring lines from a modern playwright; or cool, smooth lines
of sculpted glass, the fine arts cross boundaries and take the
community along on the journey.
Academically, the fine arts at MU are comprised of
three departments that offer a combined 12 degrees and
concentrations. Within the basic three, students can focus
on aspects like performance, education, or management, or
specific fields of art, like graphic design or sculpture. Nonmajors can also take classes, join musical performance groups,
and get involved with theatrical productions. The value of MU
fine arts goes above the wealth of teaching and sharing talented
students with the community, as the departments also bring
local and renowned artists and opportunities to campus with
events like special workshops, performances, and exhibits.
Originally, the John M. Reeves Fine Arts Building was the
home for all three departments. In 2010, MU opened the
William F. Bethune Center for Visual Arts, where the Art
Department is now located. The new 8,844-square-foot building
has a printmaking studio, painting studio, graphic design lab,
photography lab, digital photo studio, as well as drawing and art
education space. The center is also home to the David McCune
International Art Gallery, which regularly hosts shows featuring
the work of students and visiting exhibits.
Under the university’s Master Plan, the Music and Theater
Departments will also see new growth, with plans for extensive
renovations as well as expansions to Reeves. The plan calls for
the building to be transformed into a signature facility with
a state-of-the-art 1,100-seat concert hall. In the back of the
building, smaller expansions will be made on both floors to
benefit the Department of Music downstairs and Department of
Theatre upstairs. Upstairs will also see the auditorium, which is
the largest such space on campus, receive renovations like new
concert hall seating and lighting, and a renovated lobby.
With a palette of bright vision and deep enthusiasm, the
“culture of excellence” is painting an impressive future for the
fine arts at Methodist University, outlined by steady lines of
community support.
On Sept. 7, the David McCune international Art Gallery hosted a showing and reception featuring the
paintings of Appie Bolton. Shown here in the gallery are Appie Bolton, center, with her children, from left, Beth
Kessel, Laura Ferrell, Amy Parker, and Tommy Bolton.
30
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
FINE ARTS
reeves serves MAny PUrPoses
For The CoMMUniTy
The John M. Reeves Fine Arts Building has hosted
thousands of events in the last 46 years. More than
20,000 guests visit the auditorium each year for events
ranging from graduation ceremonies and lectures
to children’s dance and music recitals to nationally
recognized musical artists.
The auditorium serves as the hub for performances
and events at Methodist University including musical
performances, theatrical productions, cultural events,
ceremonies and lectures. Methodist University has also
partnered with many local and regional groups to host
events and conferences, including local schools and
churches, the Fayetteville Symphony, the U.S. Army, and
the N.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church.
“Methodist University takes deep pride in our
signature partnerships with community fine arts
organizations,” said University Relations Event
Coordinator Sam Morrison. “The success of the fine
arts programs on campus is directly related to the
strong partnerships forged over many years. One of the
ways we continue to strengthen these partnerships is
through the use of campus facilities. From the sounds of
orchestras and choirs resonating through Reeves to the
stillness found in a priceless work of art, it is clear that
Methodist University makes it a priority to partner with
community fine arts organizations.”
The John M. Reeves Fine Arts Building is a cultural venue for the Fayetteville community, where people of all
ages come to enjoy concerts, theater productions, pageants, seminars, and other special events. Below are
some of the organizations that have enjoyed fantastic events in Reeves.
♦
Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra
♦
Miss Fayetteville Pageant
♦
North Carolina Symphony
♦
Fayetteville Symphonic Band
♦
Womack Army Medical Center/
Department of Medical Education Graduation
♦
The Dance Theater of Fayetteville
♦
♦
Center for Excellence in Justice Administration
HOSA (Healthcare Occupations
Students of America)
♦
Friends of Music
♦
♦
Army Ground Forces Band
♦
United Methodist Women
Alpha Omega Dance, World of Dance,
Fayetteville Dance Center,
Angelic Arts Dance, Carolina Dance Co.
North Carolina Conference United Methodist Church:
Annual Conference Session for Youth
♦
♦
Cumberland Oratorio Singers
♦
Gilbert Theatre Glee Concert
♦
Women of Worth Conference
(Harvest Family Church)
♦
North Carolina State Ballet
♦
Fayetteville Police Department
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31
Music
MU ChorALe’s “siGnATUre ProGrAM”
ProMoTes CoMMUniTy enGAGeMenT
The Methodist University
Chorale does more than
perform. They recruit.
With multiple high-profile
performances scheduled
throughout the school year, the
MU Chorale works to reach out
to alumni, future students, and
the community at large.
“The president calls it one of
his “signature programs,” said
Dr. Michael Martin, conductor.
“We try to make a significant
impact in churches and in the
community by performing as
outreach for the university.”
Their performances are
not for glory or recognition.
Instead, Martin prefers to focus
on a three-pronged program: reaching out to prospective
students at churches and high schools, reuniting alumni with
the current Methodist University Chorale, and fostering
camaraderie between the university and the community.
Each member of the chorale is hand-selected by Martin based
on more than just musical talent. He searches for musicians
who are patient, tolerant, diverse, and willing to represent
Methodist University.
The willingness of his students to represent the university
goes beyond the music. When performing at high schools,
Martin ends each concert with a question and answer session.
With a wide variety of majors and minors represented in
the chorale, his students are more than willing to answer the
questions of future Monarchs.
“I usually take the last 15 minutes of any performance at
a school and have the chorale sit on the bleachers behind
me. Then I explain to the students that they are more than
welcome to ask any questions they may have about Methodist
University, the chorale program, or any of our other programs,”
explained Martin. “There are always questions, and our
students do a good job answering them.”
32
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
Martin also tries to reach out to
former chorale members, including
those who performed when
Methodist University was known as
Methodist College.
“I always try to reconnect alumni
to the program we have now,”
said Martin. “When they hear the
chorale perform, they have a new
connection to the university and
music. If they are close enough, we
are drawing them back in. They are
exposed to the chorale, remember
the desire to sing, get connected
with me, and are drawn back into
the program. We have six or seven
alumni who are participating in the
Cumberland Oratorio Singers now.
They’re all involved again.”
In addition to recruiting new students and reuniting
alumni, Martin and the MU Chorale also focus on giving
back to the community. They take part in church services at
local and regional churches, perform for groups such as the
Lafayette Society, and sing at significant events, such as the
North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church’s
inauguration ceremony for Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, where
the MU Chorale was asked to act as an anchor for the ceremony.
When asked about the success of the chorale, Martin is quick
to point to their number one supporter.
“I attribute a lot of our success to President Hancock,” said
Martin. “His energy and youthful support for the fine arts
make a difference in this university. I was impressed, pleased
and honored that in his first few years of establishing himself
at Methodist University, he was present at everything we did.
Even if it was just sitting in on a small gathering for the chorale
members, eating donuts, and watching movies, he was there.
He’s at everything we do, and it makes a difference. The kids take
a lot of positive pride in representing President Hancock and
Methodist University. They want to do a good job for him.”
FINE ARTS
MUsiC dePArTMenT GAins
FULL TUiTion sChoLArshiP
The Methodist University music department may be small in
comparison to other music programs, but they pride themselves on
providing students with the best education possible. Now, they are going
one step further to ensure every music student at MU has the same
opportunities they would have at a much larger school. The department
is now offering a full tuition music scholarship to deserving vocal and
instrumental music majors.
“This is a tremendous opportunity and honor for the department
and the students involved in the program,” said Dr. Keith Dippre, music
department chair. “These students will be put through their paces and
displayed in a very high-profile manner while at Methodist University.
They will perform more often, and will be involved in individual events
designed to conspicuously showcase their talent.”
The full tuition music scholarship has been awarded to three students
for the 2013-2014 academic year. All three students will be full-time
music majors in the day program, be required to maintain a 2.5 GPA
average in all music courses, and maintain a high level of performance
and service to the music department and university. Each student will
be evaluated on an annual basis to determine eligibility for scholarship
renewal. The recipients of the full tuition scholarship will also be
involved in high-profile performances and activities such as concerts,
tours, sporting events, fundraisers, and music-related functions.
In addition to performances and their schoolwork, all students
awarded the full tuition scholarship will be expected to be faces of the
university. They will represent students, the music department, and
Methodist University as a leader and role model in a variety of roles.
They will be expected to be good liaisons for the community and help
build the relationship between MU and the surrounding areas.
“We’re not going to make these students robots and stick them on a
stage to play all the time,” explained Dippre. “They all have to be willing
to participate, and they have to be a good fit for the MU community.
This is not a huge program, but we have very specific needs and we’re
looking for a good fit into our program and our university. Each of
these students has to have a desire to flourish at a small school.”
The MU music department provides training in music, education and
performance. The objective of the department is to produce graduates
who are prepared to teach music, perform, conduct, further advance
the student of music in a graduate school setting, or promote the arts in
the larger community. Each student awarded the full tuition scholarship
will work toward one of four degrees within the music program; a
Bachelor of Arts in Music, a B.A. in Music with a concentration in Arts
Management, a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, or a Bachelor of
Music in Music Performance. The full tuition scholarship program will
be available to any new student at Methodist University, regardless of
whether they have credit from previous colleges or universities.
“At the end of the day, there is no magic formula for this scholarship,”
said Dippre. “We’re open to all new students. We’re just looking for
people who will flourish in our department and at MU.”
From left, Helen Kim, Sydney Jarrard and Jamario Covington
are the first recipients of the music department’s full tuition
scholarships. Kim, Jarrard and Covington will all major in
music at MU, and will participate in a number of high-profile
performances designed to highlight the music program and
Methodist University.
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33
WeLLs PerForMs
Dr. Larry Wells, right, with Timothy
Altman (left) and Leonardo Carrieri
during the S. Giacomo Festival in italy
on May 25. Photo by Tracey Wells.
AT inTernATionAL MUsiC FesTivAL
Dr. Larry Wells knows the importance of honing his craft. An
associate professor of music at Methodist University and an avid
trumpet player, he rarely takes a day off. Good musicians rarely
make waves in the arts world. Even great musicians are quickly
forgotten. Opportunities are rare for professional musicians, and
Wells won’t let them slip past unnoticed. So when he was invited
to play at the S. Giacomo Festival in Italy, he knew it was an
opportunity he couldn’t miss.
“Timothy Altman, with UNC Pembroke, knows someone
affiliated with the festival,” Wells explained. “The chance to
perform is something not many people get.”
The S. Giacomo Festival takes place annually, from March to
September. With a wide variety of musical performances, from
chamber music to orchestral repertoire, the festival attracts the
best and brightest musical talent from all over the world.
Wells and Altman wasted no time planning their trip.
Scheduled to play May 25, they would have very little rehearsal time with their organist,
Leonardo Carrieri, whom they had never met or played with. Playing at the S. Giacomo
Festival may have been the opportunity of a lifetime, but it came with its own set of challenges.
“Italians will boo you,” explained Wells. “If they don’t like you, they will let you know it.”
As they composed their set list for their performance, Wells and Altman were struck
by another intimidating factor. Several of the pieces they were performing had been
composed in a church down the street from their venue. The historical context added
another angle to an already important performance.
Wells and Altman traveled to Italy May 16 and spent the first part of the trip taking in
the festival and preparing for his upcoming performance. They had one day of intense
rehearsal with Carrieri before they took the stage. To Wells’ delight, there were no boos
from the crowd. Instead, there was a standing ovation.
“The whole experience, from traveling to playing with someone like Leonardo, was
great,” said Wells. “On a personal note, it also provided confirmation that Tim and I are
the musicians we hoped we were. I try to teach my students to play like I play. This trip,
and the three bows we took at the end of our concert, told me I’m teaching the right thing.
We played right before the Four Tenors took the stage. That really says something about
the caliber of our music.”
While in Italy, Wells also had the opportunity to teach a master trumpet class at the Trent
Conservatory, thanks to a mutual friend. Ever the opportunist, he refused to let it go to
waste. Wells gathered a collection of his favorite MU paraphanalia to take to the master class.
“I had the opportunity to create a relationship for Methodist University overseas, and
it’s the type of thing that can provide my students with extra educational opportunities.”
Methodist University’s Summer Jam music camp hosted approximately
70 students during a weeklong residential and day camp in July. They all
participated in the final camp concert on July 1, which featured the Summer Jam
Jazz Band, Chorus, Orchestra, and Concert Band. Campers enjoyed a variety
of musical elective choices, ranging from music theory to rock band.
34
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
Visual Arts
exCeLLenCe on disPLAy
In 2010, Methodist opened the William F. Bethune Center
for Visual Arts, which also houses the David McCune
International Art Gallery. Fittingly, the first exhibit in the
gallery was a show of works by Bethune and McCune, two
local artists who gave strong support to the new facility.
Since then, the gallery’s executive director, Silvana Foti, has
been working to fill a niche in the local arts community with
shows that support student and local artists, as well as exhibits
that bring national and international artists to the area. With
the careful planning and guidance of Foti and the gallery’s
advisory board, the gallery is developing a reputation as a local
jewel and becoming an art destination.
The timing of the new gallery’s opening was fortuitous for
many in Fayetteville after the Fayetteville Museum of Art
closed the same year. Seeing the community’s cultural loss, the
new gallery on the Methodist University campus has aimed
to fill part of the gap left by the closure. In 2011, the gallery
symbolically took up that challenge with its first show after
the opening exhibit, when it hosted part of the permanent
collection of the Fayetteville Museum of Art, works which were
otherwise condemned to storage.
That year, the gallery hosted mostly student work, with two
individual senior art exhibits and the senior graphic design
class exhibition, as well as the “Heavy Metal” show by McCune.
By 2012, the gallery was finding its footing and picking up
speed, bringing in an African safari-themed show from Paula
Fitzpatrick, a handmade textile show and workshop from
Sharron Parker, and a student invitational that showed the best
of current students’ artwork.
The gallery has shown no sign of slowing its pace in 2013
and 2014, starting off with last semester’s “Harvey Littleton &
Friends” vitreograph print show and the 2013 Senior Graphic
Design Student Exhibition, which was once again a display of
smart professionalism from the program’s graduating seniors.
This semester, the gallery is exploring the abstract works of
Lisa Stroud with her show, “Driven by the Heart,” which began
Sept. 19 and will run to Oct. 17. The paintings will be followed
by an invitational show featuring a group of nationally and
internationally known glass artists who make their home in
North Carolina, which will run from Oct. 24 to Dec. 12.
AT McCUne GALLery
The David McCune international Art Gallery in
the William F. Bethune Center for Visual Arts at
Methodist University welcomes the public to visit at
no cost. With several different exhibitions and shows
throughout the scholastic year, the gallery is open
Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
and on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.
In February, the gallery is making a serious bid for a
wider audience, with a name that is sure to draw a crowd –
Pablo Picasso. Thanks to generous sponsorship donations,
the university will host a Landau Traveling Exhibit, “Pablo
Picasso: 25 Years of Edition Ceramics, The Rosenbaum
Collection.”
Though renowned for his paintings, sculptures, and
graphics, Picasso was also intrigued by ceramics. After
seeing the works of the exceptional Madoura potters at a
crafts fair in 1946, he asked the potters for an opportunity
to work with ceramics. From 1947 to 1971, Picasso had his
own space in the Madoura studio, where he worked when
he pleased. Forty of his works from this period will be on
display at Methodist University for two months.
“The McCune Gallery’s unique space and North Carolina’s
long and deep tradition of ceramics make this a once-in-alifetime chance to experience a show of this quality,”
Foti said.
The exhibition also features original posters from previous
exhibitions and photomurals of Picasso at work at the
Madoura pottery, as well as an essay and chronology of
Picasso by Gerald Nordland, noted author and independent
curator, and former director several galleries such as the San
Francisco Art Museum and the Washington (D.C) Gallery of
Modern Art.
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The MeThodisT UniversiTy
35
McCUne GALLery erUPTs WiTh
iGneoUs exPressions in oCToBer
Glass art in all its forms will be the subject of a new show,
“Igneous Expressions,” this fall at Methodist University. More
than 20 artists from western North Carolina will participate in
this invitational show, which will run from Oct. 24 to Dec. 12
in the David McCune International Art Gallery in the William
F. Bethune Center for Visual Arts. There will be an opening
reception at the gallery on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 24,
which is open to the public.
Gallery Executive Director Silvana Foti and artist Kate Vogel
have been working together for more than a year to organize this
special show and bring it to Methodist. Western North Carolina
is home to many glass artists and has a strong art community
in the Spruce Pine region, near the Penland School.
“It’s a very diverse body of work,” Vogel said.
“There’s not a single type of imagery, and there
are functional vessels, abstracts, large wall
pieces, and full size sculptures. The common
thread is glass, and the fire that forges it. The
title “Igneous Expressions” references the fire
that creates the glass and the burning ideas that
inspire the finished forms.”
Glass art comes in many forms: blown, or “hot”
glass; cast glass from molds; and “cold worked,”
which involves cutting and polishing glass. The
show will feature more than 60 different pieces
of glass art.
Vogel and her husband, John Littleton, have been collaborating
on glass art for more than 30 years, and some of their pieces will be
on display at the invitational. There will also be pieces from John’s
father, Harvey Littleton, considered the father of American studio
glass. Some of the other well-known artists who will be featured
include Rick Beck, Mark Peiser, and Richard Ritter.
When considering artists and works for the show, Foti and Vogel
looked for artists who would engage students and the general
public, to put together a show of top-quality work in a variety of
styles that show the breadth of what is possible with glass.
“We want to find as many entry points as possible for people to
engage with the glass, and to show the depth of what’s being done
here in Western North Carolina,” Vogel said.
“driven By The heArT” PAinTs sTories in The ABsTrACT
Through Oct. 17, the David McCune International Art Gallery is
presenting the “Driven by the Heart” art exhibition by featured artist Lisa
Stroud. The show, which had its opening reception Sept. 19, features large,
colorful, abstract paintings.
Stroud, who has an extensive background in journalism as a freelance
writer and for the Raleigh Times as a features writer, named the show in
reference to her creative process, where she lets her emotions lead the way.
Her professional background also heavily influences her mixed media
paintings. She is always looking for “the story” – whether hers or someone else’s – she will
tell with paint on canvas. Some of her paintings start with words on the canvas, which a
sharp-eyed viewer can sometimes make out in the finished works.
Stroud started painting eight years ago as a way to relieve the stress of caring for her
aging mother, who suffered from dementia. Finding herself unable to write, she yearned
for another creative outlet.
“I’ve enjoyed every stop along my pathway. But, for me, the passion is painting. The joy
of telling my stories on canvas,” she said.
One of her paintings, “Honor, By Any Measure,” was the first piece of abstract art
collected by the National Museum of the Marine Corps. It now hangs in their permanent collection. She was
proclaimed Best in Show in the 54th National Juried Art Show at the Maria V. Howard Arts Center in Rocky Mount,
N.C., and the winning piece remains in its permanent collection. Her works have hung in both local and national
exhibitions and she was a finalist in the 2010 Artist’s Magazine annual competition. She was also honored when her
work was selected for the 2011 Artspace Three-Person Curated Biennial “Marked.”
36
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
FINE ARTS
sUPPorT BeAMs
FroM GALLery’s Advisory BoArd
Mac Healy, one of the eight people on the David McCune
International Art Gallery’s advisory board, has referred to the
gallery’s upcoming Picasso show as its “coming out party,” a
particularly apt description for the young gallery that has an
impressive schedule for the year. By hosting such a big-name
exhibit, the university’s gallery is definitely sending a message:
The McCune Gallery is all grown up.
As the gallery takes its first dance in frills and finery, among
those watching most proudly are the gallery’s board members,
who played a major role in bringing the McCune to this point.
Since the board formed in 2011, things have moved fast, with
an increased effort on fundraising to bring in work from
national and international artists, as well as strong shows of
regional pieces, and a two-year journey to physically bring the
gallery up to museum standards. Some of the board members,
like Healy, were also involved with the now-closed Fayetteville
Museum of Art.
“We saw an opportunity to service the need for a real visual
arts place in the community,” Healy said. With the availability of
the building and the tie-in with Methodist’s desire to be a part
of the community, I think it opens a natural window for us.”
Janet Parks, who serves as a consultant to the board and
Executive Director Silvana Foti, is a former arts educator and
served on the North Carolina Arts Council Board for 13 years.
“Everyone I’ve talked to about the gallery has been very
excited about it, and the quality they’re seeking,” Parks said. “I
feel like it’s going to be a star in the community. I think it has a
very strong board. They know art and appreciate it, and I think
they are committed to helping support this financially in
seeking out donations.”
25 YEARS OF EDITION CERAMICS
From the Rosenbaum Collection
Coming in February to the
DAVID McCUNE INTERNATIONAL ART GALLERY
Organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions
The board’s intent is to arrange at least one national or
international exhibit like the Picasso show every year, as well
as one focused on North Carolina artists, like the “Igneous
Expressions” glass invitational. In order to bring in those kind
of shows, the board and Foti first had to complete a two-year
odyssey to upgrade the facility, investing about $60,000 in the
gallery’s metamorphosis.
Originally designed simply to display student work, the
space now meets more professional guidelines laid out by the
American Alliance of Museums. The changes affected various
areas like security, insurance, light, and humidity monitoring.
All of the changes led up to the completion of an intense,
40-page facility report, a must-have item when arranging for
high-profile exhibits.
“I think it’s been phenomenal for a gallery of our size to
reach that level in such a short time,” said advisory board
member Naoma Ellison. “We can thank various people in the
community who have donated money for certain pieces of
equipment, and we certainly can thank the staff at the Museum
of Art in Raleigh for the help that they extended and advice on
how to best go about it. My feeling is that with Silvana’s hard
work, we have really reached a new milestone.”
Healy said the board is also looking for suggestions for
future exhibits that the community would like to see, especially
the types of large-interest shows that will bring guests from out
of town.
“This is a great opportunity to be a venue for the entire
community, and hopefully people will want to be a part of it,”
Healy said. “We hope people would come down, see the
Picasso show, and stay for a night or two in Fayetteville. We
would love for the gallery to be a stop for visitors.”
Theatre
dePArTMenT oF TheATre rAises
on A neW yeAr
The CUrTAin
New productions that look behind the curtain are a theme of this year’s
theater schedule, with fresh debuts planned from student playwrights. The
Department of Theatre has a new chair this year, as well, who is looking to
bring a new energy to the department and productions that engage with the
student body on a new level.
“I want people to be excited about going to the theater,” said Theatre Chair
Dr. Evan Bridenstine. “We’re going to be reaching out to students where they
are, even if it’s just something short and impactful, the idea is that this is
something that’s not only enjoyable, but also worthy of being done.”
Part of how Bridenstine wants this to happen is by reaching out to other
areas of campus, collaborating with other departments and utilizing new
spaces. He also wants to keep the strong connections the department has built
over the years with other local theater companies, Cape Fear Regional Theatre
and Gilbert Theater. He’s calling the idea, “WIP,” which stands for Works in
Progress. WIP will also be the name of the spring production, which will be
a collection of student-created pieces, such as spoken-word performances or
more complicated works.
“The idea is to involve people,” Bridenstine said. “I want to engage people
where they are, to go to something that connects students with something they
care about, in forms that they know and are comfortable with.”
Currently, the goal is to hold WIP workshops in October, with the finished
production presented in late February. At the same time, the department can also stay true to its
academic purpose, to prepare theater majors to work in the field. It sounds like a challenge, but building
a full evening’s production from the ground up, using student ideas and decisions, also sounds like an
excellent learning experience. It also isn’t too much of a stretch for the department after working in
recent years with student improv.
Led by Nick Owen ’13, the department recently presented a series of “Troupe or Dare” improv shows,
which mixed improv with movement pieces on social themes.
“It was a combination of serious and silly, which is a combination I like to embrace,” Bridenstine said.
“I would also like to get the improv running again.”
Getting more people involved with the theater, whether in the audience, under the spotlight, or
backstage, is at the heart of Bridenstine’s goals. Like Shakespeare almost wrote, at Methodist, all the
men and women can be more than merely players. All students, regardless of major; faculty; staff; and
even local community members at times; are welcome to audition and participate in Department of
Theatre productions. Keeping the program open to as many people as possible can also increase theater
appreciation, and Bridenstine sees that as essential.
“People sometimes have these arts and education discussions, that imply that somehow the arts and
theater is an extra, an add on, but it’s part of what makes us human,” he said. “Theater contributes to the
areas of empathy, storytelling, and using the stories we tell to define who we are, and what we believe.”
A bigger, better home for the department is one thing Methodist believes in, and in the next few years,
students should see what are now preliminary plans for renovations and expansions in the fine arts
building become reality, and not just a story. The plans are still in their early stages, but more workshop
space, and expanded and enhanced offices are in the works for the department as part of the project.
38
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
FINE ARTS
ArTs ALUMni
Jodi College
Now an employee at Saint Patrick’s Catholic School in Fayetteville, Jodi College
teaches kindergarten through eighth grade art and Catholic religion classes to
grades 4-6. With such a varied age group to keep engaged and interested in art
projects, College finds it interesting to watch her pupils work and grow. She uses
her experiences to help inspire her students, regardless of age, to explore different
types of art.
“My experience at Methodist with the art department showed me what I am
capable of doing as an artist, and how I can show my students different techniques,”
said College. “I was able to experience things and use different mediums that I
never knew I could mix together.”
As an MU graduate, College continues to make art, in addition to teaching. She
uses her degree with a concentration in ceramic sculpture to continue to create art
for others, and shares her knowledge of clay and kilns with her students.
LaToya Rene Robertson
LaToya Rene Robertson
has always had an
underlying desire to know
more and better herself.
Motivated by her thirst for
knowledge and curiosity,
and inspired by those she
comes into contact with, she
spends her days running a
small music firm called DCL
Studios. Her firm creates,
edits, performs, records, and
teaches music performance.
When she arrived at MU,
Robertson had plans to go to medical school and become a bio
engineer. However, seeing her talent and drive, friends pushed
her to study music. Together with MU alum Christopher
Robinson ’07, Robertson began DCL Studios. An acronym
for Dream It, Create It, Love it, DCL Studios helps artists
seeking to be the best. Offering services in all areas of the
music business, DCL Studios also works with agencies such
a recording labels, television and film companies, stage plays,
ensembles, independent artists, marketing firms, radio, and
event planning companies.
“My time at Methodist showed me that it’s not enough to
be good and knowledgeable, but you must roll your sleeves up
and prove yourself every step of the way,” said Robertson. “I
was always a hard worker but my college experience showed
me how to work hard so that it makes a difference, rather than
me just sweat for no reason. Thanks to Methodist and the key
people there, I was polished to be a business woman,
a responsible citizen, and a woman who dares to dream.”
Anthony Bishop
While he wasn’t a
theater major during
his time at Methodist
University, Anthony
Bishop’s work with the
MU theater department
shaped his career. A
religion major, he first
began dabbling with
theater while he was at
Methodist, participating
in “Crimes of the Heart,”
directed by Megan
Owens, as the stage manager. After his first play, he was
involved in projects every semester, coupling them with
occasional technical work, running lightboards, and
lighting design.
“Through learning theater here, I ended up becoming
the master of ceremonies at my church, so whenever big
events happen, I’m usually the one to help put things
together,” said Bishop.
As a current student in Duke University’s Master of
Divinity program, Bishop hopes to become a priest in
the Jesuit order. He is expected to graduate in 2015, and
says that his time on stage has helped him prepare with
being in front of people as a priest.
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MU AThLeTiCs
40
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
AThLETIcS
MonArChs rACk UP sPrinG Wins
The spring sports season proved to be the most successful season for the Monarchs in the 2012-13
school year, as Methodist captured a trio of USA South Athletic Conference Championships within
hours of one another on Sunday, April 14. in all, five different MU athletic teams competed in their
respective NCAA Division iii Championship to cap off another successful year in Methodist Athletics.
Women’s Tennis
Shortly after the baseball team captured its
improbable title came word that the women’s
tennis team was engaged in an epic duel with
Christopher Newport for the conference
championship. The Monarchs, seeded No. 1 and
winners of the regular season championship,
found themselves trailing 2-1 after doubles, but
bounced back to win three of the first five singles
matches to square the match at 4-4. All tied up
and with a berth in the NCAA tournament on the
line, MU’s No. 1 singles player, senior Kat Meindl,
outlasted CNU’s Kim Morrissett 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (75) in the day’s final match to clinch the Monarchs’
sixth USA South Tournament Championship.
The win propelled MU into the NCAA
Tournament, where Methodist saw its season
come to an end with a 5-0 loss to 16th-ranked
Washington and Lee. The Monarchs finished the
season with an overall record of 20-3, including
a stretch of 19 consecutive wins and six different
players earned all-conference honors, including
Meindl and junior Laura Baker, who were both
named First Team All-USA South.
Baseball
Baseball began the aforementioned Sunday afternoon by
capping a thrilling run through the USA South Tournament
with a 10-2 win over LaGrange. The Monarchs, who sat with
a record of just 8-15 midway through the season, won nine of
their next 12 games leading up to the USA South Tournament
and earned the No. 6 seed in the postseason tournament.
Methodist opened with a 3-2 win over No. 3 Averett, and
followed that with a 2-1 win over No. 7 Maryville courtesy of a
walk-off homerun by senior Brandon Thigpen. The Monarchs
earned a spot in the USA South title game by knocking off
Piedmont 4-2, thanks to two more RBIs from Thigpen and a
strong pitching performance from sophomore Daniel Royer.
Facing LaGrange in the title game, Methodist wasted little
time in asserting itself and rode another home run from
Thigpen, as well as 7.0 solid innings from Michael Judge to its third conference
tournament title. For his efforts, Thigpen was named the Tournament MVP
after hitting .471 with three home runs, two doubles, seven runs driven in and
five runs scored over four games. In the NCAA Tournament, the Monarchs
opened play with a 4-3, 10-inning win over Huntingdon, before dropping
successive contests to Bridgewater and Milsaps to finish the season at 25-22.
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Men’s Golf
Later on that Sunday afternoon, the MU men’s golf team
completed a rally of their own, storming back from a four-stroke
deficit entering Sunday’s third and final round to post an 11-shot
victory over Christopher Newport in the USA South Championships.
No MU player shot worse than 73 on the final day on the par-72
venue at Benevue Country Club, led by senior Ben Boyle’s finalround 70 and junior Dakun Chang’s one-under 71. The win was the
29th for the Monarchs and earned them an automatic bid to the
NCAA Tournament at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin,
Fla. At the NCAA Tournament, hosted by the Methodist University
Athletic Department, the Monarchs opened play with the best round
in relation to par after the first day, but could not keep up the pace and finished in third place overall for
the second consecutive year. Seniors Mike Wesko and Andrew Bateman tied for seventh place
individually with matching 291’s. Wesko shot a 2-under score of 69 in the final round, while Bateman
carded a score of 70 (-1). Following the event, Wesko was named a First Team All-America by the
Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA). Bateman was later named a Second Team All-America
and junior Jeff Wells took home third team honors. Head Coach Steve Conley, USA South Coach of the
Year, was also named the GCAA’s Southeast Region Coach of the Year. In the 10 tournaments that
Methodist took part in, the Monarchs never finished worse than fourth place and took home three
tournament titles.
Women’s Golf
The NCAA Division III Golf Championships also marked the end
of an era as the Methodist women’s team fell short in its quest for an
unprecedented 16th consecutive national title. Winners of 25 of the
first 27 national championships ever contested, including each of
the last 15, MU wound up in third place overall, 20 strokes behind
Mary Hardin-Baylor. Senior Jenny Sullivan was the top Monarch
finisher, taking home fourth place individually with a four-day
score of 304. Junior Loretta Giovannettone joined her in the Top 10
with a seventh-place finish with a four-round total of 312. Sullivan
was named a First Team All-America and junior Kelsie Carralero
garnered Honorable Mention All-America laurels. The duo also
earned All-Region accolades, as did Giovannettone and senior
Andrea Daly. Head Coach Tom Inczauskis was named the Regional
Coach of the Year for the second time in as many seasons.
Track and Field
The final Methodist team to appear in the NCAAs was the men’s
track team, as Reggie Scales qualified for the National Championships
in the 100m dash. Seeded 12th entering the event, Scales’ time of
10.83 in the preliminary rounds did not qualify him for the finals and
capped the Monarchs’ season, the first under first-year head coach
Roland Whiting. At the Mason-Dixon Conference Championships,
the MU women’s team, led by a pair of event wins by Bria Wilson,
captured seventh place, while the men took home eighth place
overall. Wilson won the 100m in a time of 12.27 to edge Zakiyyah
Richardson of Gwynedd-Mercy by .02 seconds. In the long jump,
she posted a mark of 5.58 meters (18’3.75”) to win by nearly a full
foot over Danielle Crowley of CNU. On the men’s side, Donte Smith
recorded a third-place finish in the 400m with a time of 49.24.
42
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
Men’s Tennis
Not to be forgotten among the five Methodist teams that made the NCAAs
was the men’s tennis team, which enjoyed a successful campaign of their own.
The Monarchs opened their season by winning each of their first 16 matches,
including 11 in 9-0 fashion. The win streak was snapped by nationally ranked
N.C. Wesleyan the week before the USA South Tournament. MU opened
USA South Tournament play with a 5-1 win over Ferrum before dropping a
heartbreaking match, 5-4, to second-seeded CNU. The Captains’ Joey Manilla
held off MU’s Greg Patterson, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-2, to break a 4-4 tie and send CNU
into the finals, where the Captains would fall to N.C. Wesleyan. Six different
Monarchs earned all-conference honors, including junior Duncan Miller, who
was tabbed to the first team. Junior Greg Patterson and freshman Taylor Buchholz
were each selected to the second team.
Softball
The Methodist softball team finished the season at 2321 overall after playing a difficult early-season schedule that
featured a host of nationally-ranked teams. Sitting at just 14-16
late in the season, the Monarchs won seven of their final 10
games entering the USA South Tournament, to grab the tourney’s
No. 5 seed. After rain washed out the first day of postseason play,
the Monarchs won two of three games on day two, including
an 11-9 win over N.C. Wesleyan, to advance to the final day of
play. Methodist’s tournament run came to an end with a 4-1
loss to No. 1 seed Ferrum. Lindsay Tippett was a second team
all-conference selection. She finished the season hitting .364 and
led the team with 32 RBIs and 14 doubles. She also added three
home runs and scored 15 runs.
Women’s Lacrosse
Finally, the women’s lacrosse team, which featured a roster
with eight first-year players, struggled to a 1-11 finish. The
Monarchs’ lone win of the season came in a 13-5 triumph over
USA South foe N.C. Wesleyan. In that game, sophomore midfielder Cassie Walter
tallied a career-best six goals and added four assists. At the conclusion of the season,
sophomore midfielder Hope Motahari was named a Second Team All-USA South
selection. She finished the season second on the team in scoring with 36 points on
a team-best 32 goals with four assists. She also led the team in draw controls (39),
groundballs (32) and caused turnovers (14).
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AThLeTiC CALendAr
Oct. 2
2:00 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. N.C. Wesleyan
Oct. 2
4:00 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. N.C. Wesleyan
Oct. 2
7:00 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. N.C. Wesleyan
Oct. 4-6
All day Women’s Tennis vs. MU invitational
Oct. 5
1:00 p.m. Football vs. Christopher Newport
Oct. 16
7:00 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Ferrum
Oct. 19
2:00 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Mary Baldwin
Oct. 22
7:00 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. William Peace
Oct. 26
10:00 a.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Maryville
Oct. 26
1:00 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. LaGrange
Oct. 26
1:00 p.m. Football vs. LaGrange
Oct. 26
3:30 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. LaGrange
Oct. 26
4:00 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Covenant
Oct. 27
1:00 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Huntingdon
Oct. 27
3:30 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. Huntingdon
Oct. 30
1:00 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Ferrum
Oct. 30
3:30 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. Ferrum
Nov. 2
Nov. 2
TBA Men’s Soccer vs. USA South Quarterfinals
TBA Women’s Soccer vs. TBA
Nov. 16
1:00 p.m. Football vs. N.C. Wesleyan
Nov. 23
2:00 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Washington and Lee
Nov. 26
5:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Randolph
Nov. 26
7:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Emory & Henry
Dec. 3
7:00 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Lynchburg
Dec. 30
2:00 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Connecticut College
Dec. 31
2:00 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Messiah
Football games are $6 for general admission, and basketball
games are $4 general admission. Both are free with an MU
iD, or for children under 6. All other athletic events are free
to attend. For more information on any of these events, visit
mumonarchs.com.
44
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
AThLETIcS
hALL oF FAMe
indUCTees, TeAMs oF disTinCTion
MU AThLeTiCs AnnoUnCes
The Methodist University Athletic Department has
announced its 16th Hall of Fame class, with three former
outstanding student-athletes being tabbed for inclusion.
Additionally, the department announced plans to, beginning
this year, honor “Teams of Distinction.”
Former softball player and women’s golfer Lisa Wymer ’88,
former baseball player Rodney Jones ’90, and former men’s
golfer Brion McLaughlin ’00 make up the induction class
of 2013.
Wymer stands out as one of the most
accomplished softball players to have ever
played for the Monarchs. She was also a
member of the women’s golf team and
participated on the 1988 team that won
the national championship. A three-time
first team all-conference selection, she
was also a Second Team All-America
following her sophomore season, in which she led the country
in wins (34) and was sixth in ERA (0.64). That year she set
NCAA Division III marks for games pitched (48), complete
games (45) and innings pitched (307.2), which all stand today.
Wymer led the country in wins as a freshman, with 29, and is
the Methodist and USA South career leader in the category
with 87 wins (done in just three seasons), a number that also
ranks 19th in NCAA Division III.
Jones was a two-time All-America on the
hill for the Monarchs, helping lead the
team to four NCAA appearances,
including a South Regional title in 1988.
A two-year captain, he posted a career
record of 33-5 (.868) while appearing in
46 games with 41 starts in four seasons.
He never lost more than two games in a
single season and posted three
consecutive campaigns with nine wins. His 15 complete games
are third best at Methodist, as are his 33 career wins. In 293.1
career innings, he struck out 190 and posted a career ERA of
just 2.98.
McLaughlin was a standout golfer in a
program rich in history. The 1997 NCAA
Individual National Champion and
National Freshman of the Year, he was a
two-time All-America (’97, ’98) while
also earning First Team All-USA South
honors in 1998 and Second Team
All-USA South accolades in 1997. He
helped lead Methodist to four straight
USA South conference titles, three NCAA
Championships (’97, ’98, ’99), and an NCAA National Runnerup finish in 2000. In winning the Individual National Title as a
freshman in 1997, he used a final-round score of 74 to post a
four-day total of 297 and edge teammate Mike Adamson by a
single stroke. The following year, he took third place
individually with a four-round score of 285 to finish two
strokes back of teammate, and fellow MU Hall of Fame
inductee, Chad Collins.
Teams of distinction
The “Teams of Distinction” designation has been created
to honor the many teams at Methodist that have distinguished
themselves as special, with great performances at the
conference, regional and national levels. Beginning in the fall
of 2013, a permanent wall unit will hang in the Riddle Center
recognizing teams that are selected. Nominations will close
by June 1 for the following fall’s recognition and teams may
be nominated at any time by contacting the athletic director
or the sports information director. During the Hall of Fame
Banquet at Homecoming this year, the following “Teams of
Distinction” will be recognized: the Monarch Women’s Golf
Team from 1986-1988; the Monarch Men’s Golf Team of 1990;
the 1977 Baseball Team; and the Men’s Basketball Team of
1973, 1974, and 1975.
This year’s Hall of Fame induction Ceremony will
take place in the Berns Student Center on Oct. 25,
beginning at 6:30 p.m., sponsored by the Monarch
Booster Club. Reservations are $25 per person, due
by Oct. 20. For more information, contact Athletic
Director Bob McEvoy at 910.630.7182.
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sTUdenT AThLeTes reCoGnized
AT oPeninG ConvoCATion
This summer, the Methodist Department of Athletics announced its annual male and female Scholar Athletes of the Year,
as well as honoring its top student-athlete of the year with the Mason Sykes Cup.
Senior volleyball player Hayley Williams was the female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, while senior baseball player Tyler
Younger was the male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The annual awards are given to the male and female varsity athletes with
the highest GPA for the given academic year. The recipients must have been full-time students for both the fall and spring
semesters and possess a GPA of at least 3.2. These students were recognized for their accomplishments during Opening
Convocation in August.
The Sykes Cup, named for former Methodist coach Mason Sykes, is awarded annually to the University’s top studentathlete, and was bestowed upon senior men’s golfer Mike Wesko. Based on outstanding athletic achievement, and a minimum
grade-point average of 2.0, the Methodist coaching staff has chosen an annual winner every year since 1986.
Younger
Younger, a physical education
major, wrapped up his senior
season helping the Monarchs
capture the USA South
Tournament Championship
and helped make the team’s
23rd appearance in the NCAA
Tournament possible. Methodist
finished the season with a final
record of 25-22. A four-time
USA South All-Academic Team
honoree, as a well as a four-time Methodist Scholar-Athlete,
Younger made 43 starts at first base and hit .275 with 32 runs
scored and 29 runs driven in. He led the team with three triples
and added eight doubles and a home run. A stellar fielder,
he committed just two errors all season and finished with a
fielding percentage of .994. The Monarchs finished the season
by winning 17 of their final 24 games, including four straight
in the USA South Tournament, before falling to Milsaps, 8-2,
in the NCAA Tournament.
Wesko
Wesko is the fifth men’s golfer
to take home the award and
the first since Adam Horton
won the award in 2004. A
two-time All-America and
two-time USA South Player
of the Year, Wesko helped lead
the Monarchs to their second
consecutive third-place finish at
the NCAA Championships this
spring, tying for seventh place
individually. He shot a final-round 69 (-2) and finished with
a scorecard of 71-70-81-69 for a four-day total of 291. The
senior also tied for seventh place (78-75-72--225) at the USA
South Championships as the Monarchs rallied on the third and
final day to capture their 29th conference title by 11 shots over
runner up Christopher Newport.
He finished the season ranked third in the country with a
stroke average of 72.3 and recorded three tournament wins and
five Top 5 finishes among his six Top 10 finishes. Additionally,
he finished his career as a four-time Methodist ScholarAthlete, a four-time member of the USA South Academic
All-Conference Team, and a two-time National Golf Coaches
Association Scholar All-America.
Williams
An elementary education major, Williams was also a four-year member of the USA
South All-Academic Team and a four-time Methodist Scholar-Athlete. She helped lead
the volleyball team to a 16-12 record in 2012. She was fourth on the team with 166 kills
with a hitting percentage of .206. Defensively, she led the team and finished sixth in
the conference with 92 total blocks. For her career, Williams ranks second all-time at
Methodist with 242 career blocks.
46
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
AUsTin nAMed
CoACh oF The yeAr
AThLETIcS
Tom Austin, Methodist’s head baseball coach, received the Thomas R. and Elizabeth E. McLean
Foundation’s annual Methodist University Coach of the Year Award this year. The award, in its fifth
year, recognizes the top head coach in the Methodist athletic department as voted on by a committee
of Methodist University faculty and staff.
Austin joins previous winners Francie Barragan, Steve Conley, Duane Ross and Tom Inczauskis.
Austin, who has led the baseball team since 1980, won the award for the first time after leading the
team to a 25-2 record, its third USA South Conference Tournament title and its 23rd appearance in
the NCAA Tournament. For his career, he is 1,032-457-9 (.692) and is among the all-time leaders in
Division III in terms of all-time wins and winning percentage. He has never had a season below .500
in his career.
His streak of consecutive seasons at .500 or better appeared in jeopardy early in the season. However, the Monarchs
righted the ship and won nine of 12 games leading up to the USA South Conference Championships to get their record
to 17-18. The Monarchs then stunned the league, becoming the first No. 6 seed to claim the tournament as they won
four consecutive games, to claim their third USA South Tournament title and pull above .500 (21-18) for the first time
since Feb. 27.
Methodist won three of five games after the USA South Tournament while awaiting word on its NCAA Tournament
destination to head into postseason play at 24-20. In the NCAA Tournament, the Monarchs opened regional play with a
4-3 win in 10 innings over Huntingdon. The Monarchs were eliminated from NCAA play with losses to Bridgewater and
Milsaps, and finished the year at 25-22.
hALL oF FAMe
GoLF ToUrnAMenT
The 16th Annual Hall of Fame Golf Tournament was
held June 21 at King’s Grant Golf and Country Club.
The tournament winners were Howard Hudson ‘69,
chair of the MU Athletic Booster Club; Vice President
Rick Lowe; his son, Jacob Lowe; and Dan Murray.
The Lowdermilk winners of the Hall of Fame
Golf Tournament are the top team with at least two
MU graduates. This year’s Lowdermilk winners were,
from left, Derrick Soellner ’10, ’11 MBA; Landon
Bentham ’08, ’10 MBA; Sam Morrison ’09, ’10 MBA;
and Joel Thomas ’10.
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By the Numbers
h
ENROLLMENT
FALL 2012
2,359
MU’s overall enrollment
977
MU’s residential enrollment
452
New freshmen enrollment
118
MU’s international student enrollment,
with 106 living on campus
202
MU’s graduate student enrollment
Go Monarchs!
1
2
5
5
6
48
48
USA SOUTh PLAyER OF ThE yEAR
Mike Wesko (Men’s Golf)
USA SOUTh cOAchES OF ThE yEAR
Francie Barragan (Women’s Tennis) and Steve Conley (Men’s Golf)
ALL-AMERIcANS
Mike Wesko, Andrew Bateman and Jeff Wells (Men’s golf); and
Jenny Sullivan and Kelsie Carralero (Women’s Golf)
cONFERENcE chAMPIONShIPS
Men’s Soccer, Baseball and Men’s Golf (USA South Tournament
Chapionships); and Women’s Tennis (USA South Tournament
Championship and USA South Regular Season Championship)
NcAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANcES
Men’s Soccer, Baseball, Women’s Tennis, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf,
and Men’s Outdoor Track and Field
ALL-cONFERENcE WINNERS
Football (13), Men’s Soccer (6), Women’s Soccer (1), Men’s Cross
Country (1), Women’s Cross Country (1), Men’s Golf (5), Baseball
(2), Men’s Basketball (1), Women’s Basketball (3), Softball (1), Men’s
Tennis (6), Women’s Tennis (6), Volleyball (1),
Women’s Lacrosse (1)
As the Annual Report of Donors reflects information from the 2012-2013
fiscal year, these figures are a review of the 2012-2013 scholastic year.
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
ALUMni neWs
BirThs
Brandy Helm Gluski ’03 and her husband,
Michael Gluski Jr., welcomed their second
child, Calvin Michael, on April 22, 2013. He
was born at Healthpark Hospital in Fort
Myers, Fla., at 8 a.m., weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. and
was 21 in. long. He was welcomed home by
his very excited big brother, Trevor Michael,
who is four years old. Brandy is still working
in corporate retail with Chicos FAS Inc. as a senior allocator
for the White House Black Market Outlet Division. Michael is
a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial. All are happy
and healthy and residing in Fort Myers, Fla.
Rafael Bernaola ’07, ’09M and his wife welcomed a second
child into their family May 28, daughter Stella Josefin. The
family lives in Clarksville, Tenn.
MArriAGes
Sonia Smith ’08 writes that she “married
my best friend and the love of my life on
Aug. 4, 2012. I am a proud grandmother of
three-year old granddaughter Nikera and
one-year old grandson Ayden.” Sonia and
her family live in Fayetteville, N.C.
CLAss noTes
Thomas Pope ’78 is the 2013 recipient of
the Henry T. McLemore Award, given for
outstanding lifetime achievement in
motorsports journalism. The award was
presented May 2 in Talladega, Ala., during
the International Motorsports Hall of Fame
induction ceremonies. Thomas joined the
Fayetteville Observer sports staff in May
1978 and now serves as sports editor. He has won more than
two dozen writing awards in National Motorsports Press
Association contests, and received the George Cunningham
Award in 1994 as the NMPA’s writer of the year. Pope is a
co-author of three NASCAR-related books, including the
biography of driver Davey Allison, and he also helped select
the top 50 drivers in NASCAR and NHRA history. He is also a
three-time recipient of the media award given by the
International Hot Rod Association. Earlier this year, he
received the Russ Catlin Motorsports Journalism Award of
Excellence. Photo courtesy: Fayetteville Observer
vickie Erben ’81(MU Education Department) graduated May
11 from St. Joseph’s University, earning a Master of Science in
Special Education with a concentration in Wilson Reading.
Dr. Michael J. Sundborg ’83 has joined the FirstHealth of the
Carolinas cancer care team and is a gynecologic oncologist.
Sundborg has an office at the Southern Pines Women’s Health
Center in Pinehurst and provides chemotherapy infusion
therapy at FirstHealth Outpatient Cancer Center. Sundborg
90
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
served 33 years in the U.S. Army and has been chief of the
department of obstetrics and gynecology, chief of the division
of gynecologic oncology and director of medical education at
Womack Army Medical Center.
Terry E. Farr Sr. ’89 of Terry Farr Real Estate School was
presented with the N.C. Real Estate Commission’s Billie J.
Mercer Excellence in Education Award, given annually to
recognize excellence in the field of real estate education.
Farr was named Educator of the Year by the N.C. Real Estate
Educators Association.
Christopher Shaw ’94 is the new head women’s soccer coach
at Barton College in Wilson, N.C. Chris, who spent the last
four seasons as associate head coach at North Carolina State
University, began at Barton July 1.
Paul Knight ’94 has been hired as the new head baseball coach
at Middle Georgia State College as the institution enters the
first full year in Knights baseball. Knight brings to the MGSC
program 11 years of experience as a head baseball coach at
Lenoir-Rhyne University and Florida Tech, both in NCAA
Division II. Before becoming a head coach he spent six years as
an associate head coach at Wingate University and two years as
graduate assistant with the University of Richmond, reaching
the NCAA Regionals once with each program. Coach Knight
graduated from Methodist in 1994 with a B.S. in computer
science before earning his Master’s in sports management
from The University of Richmond in 1996. As a player for
Methodist, Knight was part of two NCAA Division III World
Series Teams.
John O. Sandrock ’99 of Lillington was appointed to the N.C.
Social Services Commission. He is the veterans’ services officer
for Lee County Senior Services and is a retired master chief
petty officer in the Navy.
Mary Kinney ’00 has joined the advisory
board for Methodist University’s Lura S. Tally
Center for Leadership Development. Kinney is
the marketing director for the Arts Council of
Fayetteville/Cumberland County. She
graduated from Methodist University (then
Methodist College) in 1999 and was the first
recipient of the Lura S. Tally Award for Leadership Excellence,
and she was named a Distinguished Graduate of the
Leadership Program.
Brenda vandervort ’00 is now working with Expedia
Cruiseship Centers as an independent consultant. Expedia
Cruiseship Centers is an extension of Expedia.com. While
ECSC specializes in cruising, the company services all
areas of travel, including: all-inclusive vacations, family
vacations, destination weddings, honeymoons, Disney,
and group travel. If you would like to contact Brenda for
questions, or assistance with bookings, she can be reached
at bvandervort@cruiseshipcenters.com, on her website at
www.cruiseshipcenters.com/brendavandervort, or toll free at
855.730.8081.
Jennifer Sturcken, P.A.’03, ’05M has joined Vita Medical
Care Clinic as a certified physician assistant. She has served
Fayetteville and local communities for nearly 10 years and is a
lifelong resident of Fayetteville.
Detective John Benazzi ’05, a decorated
Fayetteville Police Officer, was honored
May 16 for his efforts to help solve
community issues. Detective Benazzi was
presented with the Crystal Award during
the department’s annual awards banquet
at the Crown Expo Center. This was the
inaugural presentation of the award, which recognizes an
officer’s role in helping residents understand the function of
the police and their role in making the community better.
Benazzi is a detective with the Special Victims Unit and works
primarily with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Matthew B. Seals ’05 of Rockingham, N.C., received the
Master of Divinity degree, cum laude, from Hood Theological
Seminary in Salisbury, N.C., on May 11. He is married to
Leslie Seals. Rev. Seals is pastor of Pee Dee and Zion United
Methodist Churches in Rockingham.
Mike McEvoy ’07, safety engineer at Ashland, Inc.’s
manufacturing facility in Texas City, Texas, recently received
a “Best in Texas” safety award from the Texas Chemical
Council and Association of Chemical Industry of Texas. The
annual award, which is the trade association’s highest honor,
recognizes outstanding safety performance for facilities in
four size categories. Ashland’s Texas City facility was named
as the 2012 winner in the category for 610,200 employees.
Mike graduated with the Occupational and Environmental
Management degree. He is the son of the University’s director
of athletics, Bob, and director of public affairs, Pam.
Emily Brown ’09 achieved PGA CPP 2.0 certification in Golf
Operations. Emily works at Olympia Fields Country Club, a
private club outside Chicago in Olympia Fields, Ill.
Matt Starr ’10, head golf professional at Meadow Links
Golf Club in Cincinnati, Ohio, had an article on equipment
evaluations published in the July 2013 issue of PGA
Magazine. It can be accessed on page 34 at http://www.
pgamagazinedigital.com/i/141233/38.
Joshua Speight ’11 graduated from the MU PGA program
and became a club pro, first at Hell’s Point in Virginia Beach,
Va., and now at Viniterra in New Kent, Va. He qualified to play
in the PGA Professional National Championship at Sunriver
Resort in Bend, Oregon June 22 with a field of 312 PGA club
professionals who qualified in their sectional events. The event
was televised by the Golf Channel.
vanessa Latham ’11 began a Master of Science degree
program this fall in Park and Resource Management at
Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pa.
Not even an opposing player hitting for the cycle could keep
former Methodist University pitcher Chris Perry ’12 from
earning his first victory at the Class A level. Perry allowed
3 runs on 5 hits with 6 strikeouts and a walk July 19 as the
Peoria (Ill.) Chiefs held off the South Bend Silver Hawks 7-5
in a Midwest League game before 2,703 fans at Dozer Park
in Peoria, Ill. It was Perry’s first appearance for the Chiefs in
Peoria. Perry threw 93 pitches, of which 57 were strikes, in
his second start for Peoria after being promoted earlier this
month from short-season State College, Pa. Perry is 1-0 with a
2.25 earned-run average and 15 strikeouts in 12 innings with
the Chiefs. He was 2-0 with a 1.61 ERA in four starts for State
College. For the season, Perry is 3-0 with a 1.83 ERA with 30
strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings in six starts.
Alysa Freeborough ’13 was accepted by the Fayetteville Police
Department into the September 2013 police academy. Writes
Alysa to her MU professors, “I wanted to take a moment and
thank each of you for the knowledge and support that you have
provided me. Each of you has played a crucial role in shaping
me into the person I am today, and for that, I am grateful.
Thank you all so much for everything!”
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The MeThodisT UniversiTy
91
CLAss noTes
(continued)
The Rev. Arnold Pope, who served as
Dean of Students at Methodist from
1968 to 1982, was inducted into the
2013 Fayetteville Sports Hall of Fame.
Dean Pope was a charter inductee into
the N.C. Weightlifting Hall of Fame.
He won 27 state and six Southern titles
in the Open Division. In the Masters
Division he won 11 consecutive
National Championships and was
inducted into the National Masters
Weightlifting Hall of Fame in 1998. He still competes in the
Masters Division and won additional national titles in 2011
and 2012. He was a high school football official for 43 seasons
and officiated in the ACC for 11. He presently serves as
supervisor of officials for the Southeast Football Officials
Association. He also competed as a pro athlete in the Scottish
Games and was the North American Caber Tossing
Champion in 1976. In 1971, he was the first American to win
a caber competition in Scotland. Dean Pope sends his fond
remembrances to all his “sons and daughters” from his
cherished years at Methodist University!
Correction: In the Spring 2013 issue, we incorrectly
identified a photo of a PGM alumnus. Below is the
correct photo of Thomas Hutton ’10.
40 Under Forty
Methodist University joins the Fayetteville
community in congratulating all 2013 “40
Under Forty” honorees, including Doris Jackson
Munoz ’06, director of campus life, and
Jasmine Coleman ’05.
These signature people join the ranks of the
past award winners listed below, all of whom
have been connected with the University
as partners, board members, alumni, or
employees.
Nichole Canady ’95
Kristin McCarthy ’96
♦ Dr. Jason A. Williams ’98 (Raleigh)
♦ Lt. Matthew Hurley
♦ Kristie Meave ’11 MBA
♦ Charles Allen V ’11 MBA
♦ Francie Barragan
♦ TJ Jenkins, Former Foundation Board member
♦ Johnny Wilson ’99, Board of Visitors
♦ Wyatt Jenkins, Board of Visitors
♦
Methodist University was one of three universities hosting
the first PGA Golf Management University Program Summer
Experience this year. The mission of the PGA Golf
Management University Program Summer Experience is to
identify a diverse group of high school juniors and seniors
interested in a career in golf and introduce them to the PGA
of America’s Golf Management University Program by
offering a meaningful and rewarding educational experience
on the campus of one of the 20 PGA accredited university
programs in the U.S. Alumni came back to campus to share
their insight into the profession, including (from left to right):
Andrew Shuck ’95, Head Golf Pro at the Charlotte Country
Club, Charlotte, N.C.; Angelo “AJ” Catucci ’11, Assistant Pro
at Pinehurst #6 in Pinehurst, N.C.; Jerry Hogge, Director of
the PGA Management Program at MU; Kyle Ferra ’09,
Assistant Pro at Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, N.C.; and
Mike Krick ’92, Head Golf Professional at Carolina Trace
Country Club in Sanford, N.C.
92
Engage. Enrich. Empower.
♦
Methodist University is proud to call all these
honorees Monarchs as they continue to do their
part in adopting a “culture of excellence” both
on campus and within our community.
Frogland Jam 2013
Schedule for 2013-2014
MU ON THE MOvES!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Swansboro, N.C., Ribeyes in Cape Carteret
April 2014, TBA
Fayetteville, N.C.
Monday, October 14, 2013
New York, N.Y. with Alumni, MU Accounting,
and Campus Ministry mission team students during
Fall Break
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Greensboro, N.C. in conjunction with USA South
Men’s Division III Golf Championships
Tuesday, November, 19, 2013
Raleigh, N.C.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Orlando, Fla.
Meet and Greet Reception during the PGA Show
4 to 6 p.m., Orlando Convention Center
Thursday, January 23, 2014
West Palm Beach, Fla.
February 2014, TBA
Washington, D.C.
Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2, 2014
Charlotte, N.C. in conjunction with the MU Chorale’s
Spring Tour to Nashville, Tenn. The Spring Tour runs
from February 28-March 5.
May 2014, TBA
Richmond, Va.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
NCCUMC Annual Conference in Greenville, NC
June 2014, TBA
Pinehurst, N.C., Alumni event during the U.S. Open
Championship at Pinehurst, June 12-15, 2014
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Frogland Jam in Hampton Roads, Va.
For the most current information on
upcoming MU on the Move! events, visit
methodist.edu/alumni/onthemove.htm.
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ThE METhODIST UNIVERSITy
Office of University Relations
5400 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311
methodist.edu
Address Service Requested
YOUR GIFT MAKES A
DIFFERENCE
“I am proud of Methodist
and I want it to shine.”
- Rhyan Breen ‘07
Attorney
Farris & Farris, PA
WHY I GIVE BACK ...
“It was the people I encountered at Methodist that prepared me for my future and really made a difference in my life. I give back
because I am proud of Methodist and I want it to shine. Thanks, Methodist, for giving me the tools to be successful after graduation.”
By giving to Methodist you confirm that you value your degree. It also exemplifies the sense of pride and responsibility that all alumni share. Your gift is
critical to help Methodist uphold its standard of excellence and provide an even better experience to the next generation of Monarchs.
Your gift, no matter the size, makes a difference!
MUFUND
To make a gift, visit methodist.edu/giving or call 800.488.7110 ext.7200 or 910.630.7200