The Berea College Alumni Association enjoys hearing from Bereans from all over the world. The “Class Notes” section of Berea College Magazine reports verifiable news you wish to share with your alumni friends and associates: careers, weddings, retirements, births, and other items of importance to our alumni. Please include your class year and name used while attending Berea. Notes may be edited for style and length. While we will make every effort to put your information into the next issue of BCM, some delays may occur. We appreciate your understanding.
Submit class notes and photographs via email: alumninews@berea.edu or at www.berea.edu/alumni/classnote.
1940
Dr. Emmett Dillard celebrated his 100th birthday on Aug. 12, 2017. He resides at Jordan Oaks, an independent retirement community in Cary, N.C. Emmett was featured in a piece, “At 100, Retired Prof. Recalls Postwar Campus,” by North Carolina State University, where he earned his master’s degree and then served as a professor for 31 years. He recalled his college career at NCSU and his research in animal breeding in genetics. Read the full story at http://ow.ly/xWZG30hx2WB.
1947
Annie Sue O’Daniel Teeter is living in a retirement home in Gastonia, N.C., and is very healthy at age 91. She has three children, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is enjoying her life there and her church activities. She would love to hear from her Berea friends.
1952
Martha Frances King said she enjoys living at the Good Samaritan Society in Fairfield Glade, Tenn., in a twin single cottage. They have one main meal in the dining room and many activities and programs to enjoy. Martha is still able to travel.
1953
Frances Louise Dilingham Price said her husband died in 2008, and she has adjusted to being a widow. She has two sons, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. One son is retired and living in Texas while her younger son works at Campbell University, is a part-time student at Campbell University Divinity School and pastors a church. Frances is active at her church and volunteers at her local Hospice. She said she loves to visit shut-ins and friends who need help.
1954
Roemelle Faye Holloway Stivers’ daughter, Ronda Holloway, moved in with her after the death of her husband of 60 years on June 30, 2016. She said her daughter is a Certified Public Accountant and has been a great help and comfort to her. Her granddaughter, Gloria Holloway, graduated from Truett Seminary at Baylor University in May 2017 with two master’s degrees. Her grandson, John Holloway Jr., graduated from the University of West Georgia with a degree in business management. Both are gainfully employed, she said.
1955
Billy Edd Wheeler, released his memoir, “Hotter Than a Pepper Sprout: A Hillbilly Poet’s Journey From Appalachia to Yale to Writing Hit Songs for Elvis, Johnny Cash & More,” in September 2017. Billy Edd is an award-winning songwriter, musician, author, playwright, poet, visual artist and “Appalachian Renaissance man.” He is best known for penning “Jackson,” which was popularized by Johnny Cash and June Carter with their Grammy-winning recording from 1967. His book is available on Amazon.
1956
Elmer Gray retired from Western Kentucky University, but is still working.
Wendell Powers and his wife, Laquita, a graduate of Blue Mountain College (Miss.) live in Woodbury, Minn., a suburb of St. Paul. They live near two of their four daughters and two of their youngest grandchildren. They became great-grandparents a year ago. Wendell and Laquita are enjoying spring, summer and fall in the Twin Cities, but the five months of winter can be another story, they said. They enjoy a membership in an open affirming American Baptist Church in the inner city of Minneapolis. The two served as Baptist missionaries in the Republic of China, Taiwan for 15 years, where they reared their four daughters. Wendell retired as a staff chaplain at the Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, Texas, and then worked part-time for four years as a hospice chaplain in Huntsville, Ala. While there, he accomplished one item on his bucket list: singing the national anthem for the Huntsville Stars, a farm team for the Milwaukee Brewers. Wendell can be reached at wendellpowers@comcast.net.
Bob Dryman and his wife, Barbara, retired to Lake Placid, Fla.—the Caladium Capital of the World and Town of Murals. Bob said they’re living a great life on the lake.
1957
Ann Walker Collins said she is still practicing what “Mom Scrivner” taught her, still speaking and storytelling. She is active with the University of California Berkeley faculty wives drama section. Ann said she is always glad to hear from fellow classmates and friends.
J. Gordon Henry and Sue Troutman Henry ’58 visited Berea College during Summer Reunion for J. Gordon’s 60th reunion. Their relationship began at Berea College, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. J. Gordon earned a B.A. from Berea, an M.A. from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. J. Gordon and Sue began their journey in Berea, where J. Gordon served as principal of Berea City Schools. He then went on to serve as the founding vice president for academic affairs (and dean of the college) at Liberty University. J. Gordon and Sue are happy to have carried the name of Berea College to 58 nations. J. Gordon has also authored a number of books and conducted 14 tours to Israel and other nations. Sue is a graduate of Berea’s nursing program, and has a B.S. in psychology from Middle Tennessee University. She has been active in church and mission work, serving as a Sunday school teacher, and led mission work at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in S.D. She also started a women’s ministry at their current church in Lynchburg, Va. When the Henrys returned to Lynchburg in 2002, they become members of Forest Baptist Church. They have three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The Henrys can be contacted at: 1127 Lakeview Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502, and jghm84@aol.com.
1958
Dr. Harold “Hal” Moses was honored at Vanderbilt University on Oct. 11, 2017 for his career as a legendary cancer investigator, educator and administrator with the endowment of the Linda and Harold L. Moses, M.D., Career Development Fund. This fund will support the next generation of physicians, scientists and scholars. Hal, past chair of the Department of Cell Biology (now Cell and Development Biology) and founding director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, recently moved to emeritus status as a Vanderbilt faculty member and administrator. During his more than 50-year career, he pioneered an entirely new area of cancer research. He also serves as chair of the Berea College Board of Trustees. Read the full story at http://ow.ly/Cm0I30hxXhH.
1959
Bobby Peek is a retired agricultural extension agent from North Carolina State University. He is enjoying his retirement and spending time with his three daughters and five grandchildren.
1961
Madge Maupin Haney and her husband, Phil Haney ’63, continue to reside in Ashland, Ky. Their four children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren are scattered throughout the U.S. They are both retired teachers and would love to be contacted by email or Facebook: nannyhaney@yahoo.com and phaney40@yahoo.com.
1963
Helen Bessent Byrd retired from the pastorate at Covenant Presbyterian Church on August 31, 2016. She is now an Honorably Retired Presbytery of Eastern Virginia member.
1965
Doris Enix Vargo is a retired high school teacher. She recently made a quick visit to Berea and Boone Tavern. She said it was wonderful to see it.
1966
This group of alumni, who have been best friends for more than 50 years, met up in Etowah, N.C. for their annual golf outing. The self-labeled “Berea boys” or “Motley Crew” get together to play golf each year in either Tennessee or North Carolina. Pictured front row, from left: James Dean, Roger Vanover, Charles Eckler and Tom Hutchens; back row, from left: Charles Fiske ’63, J. Bruce McKinney and Robert Flowers ’67. James “Bones” Owens also is a regular part of the group, but was unable to make it this time. Douglas Casteel and Jack Fryman are now deceased, but previously attended this annual gathering.
Rosemary Evans Stinson wrote to share news of her grandchildren, Darien Stinson, 17, and April Stinson, 15. Darien is interning in computer science and is a senior at Boyd County High School in Kentucky. April is in the band at Boyd County and plays both the piano and French horn. April also is a member of the all-star and community bands. Both are excellent students and plan to attend college, she said.
Bob Vinson became a special education teacher in California after graduating from Berea. Since retirement, he has kept busy as a quilter, making quilts for local charities and his church, which has an active quilting group.
1967
Happily married for 50 years, Peggy Sue Hensley Harrison and Dr. L. J. Harrison reside in London, Ky. They have two sons, David Wesley and Vincent Henry. David and his wife, Angie, live in Louisville and Vince and his wife, Amanda, live near Woods Creek Lake in London, Ky. Both sons work at Dupree Mutual Funds in Lexington. L. J. and Peggy have served as pastors of Calvary Worship Center for 36 years. Peggy earned her M.A. and Ed.S. degrees after graduating from Berea and taught several years before going on staff full time with her husband at Calvary Worship Center. She and L. J. have two grandchildren in Louisville, Ashley Brooke and Christian Blake, ages 18 and 16. Ashley is a biology major at Bellarmine University and Christian is a sophomore at Eastern High School. The Harrisons would be glad to hear from friends at ljpeggyharrison@windstream.net.
Steve Rich and Judy Hutchins Rich celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 12, 2017. Judy retired from Buncombe County Schools after 39 years as an elementary teacher. Steve retired after 25 years as a school counselor, history teacher and coach of several sports. They have two children, Jennifer and Amy, and two grandchildren, Ryden and Mia. They reside at 403 Creekside Dr., Asheville, NC 28804.
Larry Sparks retired from public education after 35 years of service. He served as principal the past 16 years at Paint Lick Elementary School (Ky.), which earned a National Blue Ribbon designation during his tenure.
1969
Thomas Wimmer and Dr. Betty Jo Thompson Wimmer are both retired and just moved into their new home at 106 Hermitage Place, Salisbury, NC 28147.
1970
Ron Dockery received the Kentucky York Rite Cross of Honor (KYCH) at the recent September 2017 Grand York Rite sessions held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lexington, Ky. To be nominated for this honor, a York Rite Mason must have served at a minimum as a Symbolic Lodge Master, head of all three York Rite Bodies (High Priest for the Chapter, Illustrious Master for the Council and Eminent Commander for the Commandery). In addition, Ron received the Meritorious Service Award from the Grand Chapter; this is awarded to one York Rite Chapter Mason who exemplifies service above and beyond to the Craft. Ron’s KYCH medallion is draped around his neck and the Meritorious Service metal is on the right side of the jacket pocket. Ron currently serves as the secretary/recorder for Madisonville York Rite Bodies and is the appointed Grand 2nd Arch Deputy for the Grand Council of Kentucky, Royal and Select Masters. Ron and his wife, Charlotte, celebrated 26 years of marriage on Oct. 4, 2017. Ron can be reached at rondockery@bellsouth.net, (270) 338-5317 or P.O. Box 318, Greenville, KY 42345.
Clemente Conde, Fd ’66, BC ’70, and family moved back to Kentucky and can be contacted at P.O. Box 3453 Midway, KY 40347. They would love to hear from friends.
1972
Sue Fleshman retired after 39 years as an elementary educator at Greenbriar County Schools, W.Va. She taught second grade for 34 years, preschool for three and was a part-time reading and math interventionist for grades K-5 for two years. Since fall of 2016, Sue has been substituting and doing volunteer work at Alderson Elementary, where she worked for 37 years. She also teaches Sunday school and leads children’s church activities. Sue said children are her passion and Berea gave her the education and opportunity to live her dream.
1974
Martha Middleton Bird is now retired and living in Cincinnati, Ohio. For those who would like to contact her, she can be found under “Martha Bird” on Facebook.
Mike Chukwuelue is now retired and living in his hometown of Abatete, Eastern Nigeria, where he advises youth on the importance of education. He credits Berea College for where he is today. After graduating from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, in June 1974, Mike returned to Nigeria in 1976. He served the Industrial Training Fund in various capacities for 20 years and retired in 1996. Mike returned to the U.S. in 2008 and served as a correctional officer in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Tennessee Colony for 18 months. Continued arthritis pain prevented him from continuing with the challenging job. In June 2017, Mike returned to the U.S. to visit family and attend his third son’s wedding in Cancun, Mexico on Sept. 9, 2017.
Carl Howerton retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company after 41 years. He worked in numerous management positions throughout the U.S. and currently is living in Charlotte, N.C. with his wife, Betty Campbell Howerton ’75. They recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary and can be contacted at cwh52@aol.com.
1975
Joanne Strano loves living in Charleston, S.C. She recently transitioned from healthcare to the real estate profession and earned her license at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Mount Pleasant, S.C. Joanne said she is seeking other alumni in the low country to get together and see how they may serve Berea College.
Retired teacher Rick Thompson works at Keeneland Racecourse (Lexington) in the Winner’s Circle, where he hosted a few lucky Berea alumni during A Berea Day at the Races in October 2017. Alumni Relations hosts this alumni gathering twice a year, the next of which is scheduled for April 26. (visit www.berea.edu/alumni/keeneland for details). Also pictured, clockwise from bottom: Crystal Wylie ’05, Katie Racz Basham ’02, and Kristin Baker Dalessio ’06.
Bob Warming retired in November 2017 after a career spanning 40 years as head coach of men’s soccer at Penn State. His career included numerous championships, with his record standing at 461-290-82. His 461 victories rank him No. 8 in the history of NCAA Division I men’s soccer. Read more about his career at
http://ow.ly/TknC30hm4V5.
1976
BIRTH: a son, Jude Michael Daugherty, to Will Daugherty ’07 and his wife Courtenay on Oct. 19, 2017. Jude is the grandson of Bill Daugherty and his wife Zella.
Nikki Smith Stinson, who has been living and working in Australia, was featured in an August 2017 article, “Chaplaincy also a pet project,” published in The West Australian newspaper. The article details her work as school chaplain at Derby District High School, located in a region with high suicide rates among young people. Nikki’s work includes “intentionally loitering” with her loyal dog Bubba and art therapy. Read the article at http://ow.ly/IcXJ30iCk9r.
1977
Bill Clement wanted to say “hello” to his Berea friends in this June 2017 photo from the summit of West Spanish Peak of San Isabel National Forest in Colorado.
Donnie S. Coleman earned a Ph.D. in integrated STEM education from Virginia Tech at Blacksburg, Va., in May 2017. He is an electrical engineer with Moog Corporation in Blacksburg. Donnie and his wife, Diane Hughes Coleman, reside in Dublin, Va.
Dr. Sumit Ganguly was promoted to distinguished professor at Indiana University, Bloomington, in December. A release from IU said that “distinguished professor” is the most prestigious academic rank awarded to faculty members at IU. Sumit is an India studies and national security specialist in the Political Science department.
Bob Hawks was presented with the Woodward Academy’s Joseph W. Jones Award for Distinguished Service at their President’s Circle Dinner in September. Bob retired in December after 14 years of dedicated and accomplished service as the college preparatory school’s vice president for advancement, overseeing fundraising, alumni relations, and marketing and communications. Bob also serves as an alumni trustee at Berea College.
1978
John Alexander is the principal of Fries School, a pre-K through 7 school in Grayson County, Va. His wife, Susan McGuffin Alexander, is a preschool teacher at Grayson Highlands School. The couple will be demonstrating broom making at the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival in Ferrum, Va., on Oct. 27.
BIRTH: a daughter, Haley Alexandria Kinlaw, to Geri Guy Kinlaw ’08 and Alex Kinlaw in September 2017. Haley is the couple’s first child and they are beyond grateful for their blessing. The family resides in Mauldin, S.C. Haley is the granddaughter of Brenda Williams Guy Lane ’79 and Paul L. Guy ’78. Photo under 2008.
1979
Margaret O. Richardson was featured in the article “VFW Post honored at state convention,” printed in a June 2017 edition of The Community Informer News in Greenville, S.C. Elected the first female commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6734, Cmdr. Richardson led her post to bring home several awards from the VFW Department of South Carolina State Convention in June 2017. The awards included Most Outstanding Post Commander for South Carolina; a National Recognition Award for community service programs; the All-State Team Post Commander Award for its Post Quartermaster, G.L. Woods; and the South Carolina Most Outstanding VFW Post Award.
Thomas Smith’s new book DREAM LEADERS: Insights on Community Service and Leadership was honored as a 2017 International Book Award finalist in the anthologies: non-fiction category. This year’s contest yielded more than 1,500 entries from authors and publishers around the world, which were then narrowed down to the final results. Thomas is a six-time international and national award-winning author. He earned degrees in economics and business management at Berea College and then completed graduate degrees in administration and executive leadership. After more than 25 years in public service, Smith earned a graduate certificate in non-profit management at the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies.
1980
Dr. John Ramsay returned to campus in October 2017 to lead a conversation on experiential learning, a blend of a work or service experience with reflective learning. Hosted by Berea’s Center for Excellence in Learning Through Service, the conversation explored the idea of experiential reflection as an aid to student learning, growth and professional development within work or service experiences. John is currently a professor of mathematics at the College of Wooster and just completed a five-year term as associate dean of experiential learning.
1981
MARRIED: Greg Hillman to Dena Sturgill ’83 on Dec. 31, 2013. The couple resides in Bristol, Va.
1982
Chrissy Davis was featured in the article, “Steppin’ out on Tuesday nights in Flat Creek,” printed in the Fall/Winter 2017 edition of the Bedford Life magazine, a publication of the Times-Gazette newspaper in Shelbyville, Tenn. The story chronicles her life as a caller/dancer for the Flat Creek Dancers; her role in building a community of musicians and dancers; and her ongoing connection with our very own Berea College Country Dancers. While a student, Chrissy was a member of the Country Dancers for three years. She said she has been taking groups of dancers to Berea for festivals since 2004 and she has traveled with the Berea dancers across the U.S. and abroad.
Dr. Tijan Sallah guest-edited “A World Assembly of Poets – Contemporary Poems” for the India-based journal, Re-Markings. The issue includes a 24-page introduction surveying poetic movements in different regions of the world and was released in November 2017. Re-markings is a biannual refereed international journal of English letters.
1983
Sidi N. Bojang is a consulting social service/welfare specialist in criminology, drugs and co-morbidity intervention, juvenile justice advocacy, parent-student school advocacy, community healthcare and environmental advocacy, and public speaking. He has published several economic, political and social commentaries. His wife, Olimatou Jatta, recently was recognized for her outstanding work in her fifth year in law enforcement. Their two sons, Bubakar Bojang and Muhamed T. Bojang, were recognized for their academic and volunteer service by the Montgomery County Public School in Maryland with the 2017 Superintendent’s Student Service Learning Award.
1985
Susan Parker Weatherford and husband Rev. Brian Lee Cole, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee, recently moved to 717 Kempton Rd., Knoxville, TN 37909.
1986
Yvette Renee Semon is serving as CEO of Agape River Mission, a non-profit organization that works to solve community engagement issues. Agape River Mission focuses on career vocational design and testing, engaging communities in active work toward healthier lifestyles, and building strong and engaged community leadership teams. Yvette provides training both in domestic and international settings and serves as an executive coach and consultant in both non-profit and secular markets. She lives in northeastern Ohio where she also serves as a children’s pastor and teaches at a local community college.
1988
Alan Starnes has worked for Solvay Chemical for 25 years and has been married to Cherry Starnes for 20 years. They have two daughters.
1992
MARRIED: Lisa Beaver to Daniel Fox on June 12, 2017 at Coupeville, Wash., Courthouse. It was a civil ceremony with Lisa’s work family in attendance. The family resides in Oak Harbor, Wash.
Paul March wrote: “It seems like yesterday I was walking through the doors of Dana Hall–1988 doesn’t seem like that long ago. Though I had to leave Berea during short term of my sophomore year, it prepared me for my life’s journey and provided me the skill set necessary to be successful academically, and musically. Berea instilled a sense of community and service to others. I owe much of my success to Berea. I’ve been with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for almost 25 years. During my tenure with the OSHP, I partnered with the Ohio Association of the Deaf to ensure Ohio’s D/deaf community has equal access to communication during law enforcement contacts. It has been a fulfilling experience interacting with the D/deaf culture, participating in learning their language and providing a valuable service to their community. Other highlights of my patrol career include participating in yearly Shop-with-a-Cop details with disadvantaged youth from my community and directing the OSHP Drum and Bugle Corps—performing for at-risk youth at the Buckeye Boys Ranch in Columbus, Ohio, as well as signing Christmas songs for the D/deaf children in the crowd. Berea’s music program also provided the skills to be successful in my music endeavors. Dr. Stephen Bolster (Hon ’12) was an inspiration during my short stay at BC. Though I had a busy career and raised four children, I always made time to continue my music education. I will be graduating with honors from Cleveland State University with a music composition degree next year. I have been chipping away at this degree since I left Berea. I also have had the opportunity to sing with the Cleveland Orchestra twice a year for the last several years because of the skill set I acquired at BC. I’ve performed on the snare line with the Cleveland Police Department Drums and Pipes for parades and law enforcement funerals, as well as played “Taps” for law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. I’ve successfully passed on my love of music to my kids. My boys have participated and competed in the Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International circuits as percussionists. My youngest daughter sang in ensembles during her stay at Manchester University (Ind.). I’ve also tried to instill the values I acquired during my stay at Berea to my children. Thank you BC, Dr. Bolster and Dr. John Courter for everything you provided during my short stay. Maybe when I wrap up with the patrol I can return to Berea to finish my degree there. Wouldn’t that be full circle? I love and miss you Berea!”
Dr. Dana Murray Patterson is the new director of the department of intercultural affairs at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. She is the former director of the Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She holds a master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University and a Ph.D. from Washington State University. This announcement was published on The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education website.
1994
Dr. Virginia “Ginny” Morrison Moore earned her Ph.D. in nursing education on June 30, 2017 from Capella University. Her published research dissertation is titled “Essential Frameworks of Postgraduate Certified Nurse Practitioner Training Programs: An E-Delphi Study.” She is a full-time board certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner at the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Bay Pines, Fla. She is an adjunct faculty member for the online RN-BSN program for Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, W.Va. Dr. Moore resides in Clearwater, Fla., with her husband, Robert G. Moore.
Vicky Lynn Welch said this year has been outstanding and full of changes. In March, her family finalized the adoption of their children, Tyson and Payton. In June, Vicky was promoted to assistant principal at Union Middle School in Big Stone Gap, Va., and in October, her family moved into a new home. “God has blessed us in many ways,” she said.
1996
Michael Thiel celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary in September 2017 with his wife, Lisa.
2001
Dr. Dwayne Compton completed a doctorate degree in leadership education at Spalding University in May 2016. In July 2017, he was appointed associate dean for community engagement and diversity at the University of Louisville, School of Medicine. He is responsible for establishing, implementing and assessing community engagement and diversity programs throughout the school and local community. Dwayne is tasked with serving as an advocate and resource for all populations at the School of Medicine with particular focus on issues that impact women, members of minoritized ethnic/racial groups, members of the LGBT community and members of underserved populations specific to medicine in Kentucky. He also serves as an instructor in the Department of Medicine and teaches health and social justice in medicine, as well as cultural competence in health care. Dwayne recently was selected to represent the University of Louisville in the Leadership Louisville Class of 2018.
2002
BIRTH: a son, Zebulon Tristram French, to Dara Evans ’04 and Kyle French on July 28, 2017. Zeb joins his big brothers Sawyer and Atticus.
MARRIED: Noah Arevalo to Kristin McCombs ’05 on December 28, 2016 in Nashville, Tenn., in the presence of Noah’s children, Wrenn and Jacob.
Stefanie Wilson Manes and Jared Manes ’05 adopted their son, Elijah Matthew, through foster care on Oct. 6, 2017. Their oldest son, Daniel, was very excited to become a big brother. Jared is the administrative officer at the community based outpatient Veterans Affairs clinic in Berea, and Stefanie is the volunteer coordinator at Hospice Care Plus. The family resides in Berea.
2003
BIRTH: a son, Lincoln Brooks Kamin, to Courtney Brooks Kamin and Sgt. John Kamin on Oct. 31, 2017. Courtney is the executive director of the International Society for Performance Improvement and John is the assistant director of Veterans Employment and Education at the American Legion. The family resides in Washington D.C.
BIRTH: a daughter, Eden Berea Godwin Clawson, to Paul Clawson and Rebekah Hall Clawson ’06, on May 23, 2017. Paul recently earned his LL.M. in energy and environmental law with highest honors from George Washington University. He was also promoted to major in the U.S. Air Force. Rebekah earned her M.P.H. from Liberty University in 2015. Paul and Rebekah currently reside in Dayton, Ohio, along with their son Silas, 4, and daughter Carrissa, 2.
Dr. Lyssabeth Mattoon wrote: “Thank you so much for the Alumni email about Sam Gleaves ‘14, Deborah Payne ‘02, and Tyler Hughes putting on a bluegrass concert in San Mateo. I graduated with Deborah and was so excited to attend the first ever Berea alumni event in northern California that I’m aware of. There were several of us alumni present from different decades. It was a great opportunity to introduce my husband, Brad Lorentzen, to the mountain music that makes me nostalgic for Berea and my college years.”
MARRIED: Faith Calhoun to LeBronn Louden on Nov. 11, 2017 at First Baptist Church Bracktown in Lexington, Ky., where the couple resides.
2004
Heather K. Evans published two books on community engagement with Rowman & Littlefield that are now available on Amazon. Heather is an associate professor of political science at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She’s authored three books and 20 journal articles and book chapters. Her research interests include political engagement, competitive congressional elections, social media (Twitter) and the effect of entertainment media on political attitudes.
Jacquelyn Noronha-Hostler, along with her husband and two daughters, moved to New Jersey where she started an assistant professorship in the Rutgers University Physics Department to continue her work studying nature’s first and most perfect fluid, quark-gluon plasma.
Robert McGraw recently accepted a position and is now working as a photojournalist at the Chillicothe Gazette, part of the prestigious USA Today Network. www.chillicothegazette.com
Baron G. Wolf was named assistant vice president for research strategy and data analytics at the University of Kentucky effective Oct. 1, 2017. He is also the chief of staff for the Office of the Vice President for Research.
2005
Dr. Ashley Miller Anderson represented Berea College Pres. Lyle Roelofs on Oct. 27, 2017 at the inauguration of Susan M. Donovan, the fourth president of Bellarmine University in Louisville, Ky.
Jared Manes and Stefanie Wilson Manes ’02 adopted their son, Elijah Matthew, through foster care on Oct. 6, 2017. Their oldest son, Daniel, was very excited to become a big brother. Jared is the administrative officer at the community-based outpatient Veterans Affairs clinic in Berea and Stefanie is the volunteer coordinator at Hospice Care Plus. The family resides in Berea. Photo under 2002.
Rebecca Wheat spent six years working for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s equine programs as well as working in other equine and agriculture-related positions. She also continued to pursue her artistic endeavors as a self-employed silversmith/jewelry designer (business name “Lily of the Valley”). She became a juried member of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen in 2015 and participates in numerous art and craft events each year. She returned to Berea College in July of 2017 as office manager for the Center for Teaching and Learning.
BIRTH: a son, Jude Michael Daugherty, to Will Daugherty and his wife Courtenay on Oct. 19, 2017. Jude is the grandson of Bill Daugherty ’76 and his wife Zella.
BIRTH: a son, Paul Jones, to Maureen Kluesener Jones and David Jones in October 2016. Maureen works as a registered nurse in quality and safety at the University of Kentucky.
2008
Jason Cantley earned a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2014, and in August 2017, started as an assistant professor of plant evolutionary biology in the biology department at San Francisco State University. “The opportunities afforded to me by Berea College are not quickly forgotten,” Jason said. “I have sent a small donation to support the campaign to fund the Margaret A. Cargill Natural Sciences and Health Building. It is amazing to think that in just nine years since graduating from Berea College that I will be teaching as a professor and giving back to a community that needs it.”
BIRTH: a daughter, Haley Alexandria Kinlaw, to Geri Guy Kinlaw ’08 and Alex Kinlaw in September 2017. Haley is the couple’s first child and they are beyond grateful for their blessing. The family resides in Mauldin, S.C. Haley is the granddaughter of Brenda Williams Guy Lane ’79 and Paul L. Guy ’78. In July 2017, Geri was named the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6734 (Piedmont, S.C.) Teacher of the Year and went on to win at the district and state levels.
J.J. Wallace, lecturer of exercise science at Transylvania University, returned to campus in October 2017 and presented to Dr. Louisa Summers’ senior seminar course about seeking success and the importance of research. She talked about the steps she took in college to prepare for her career. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in biomechanics.
2009
BIRTH: a son, Claude Mitchell Wood, to Ashton Roberts Wood and Brad Wood on Nov. 22, 2017. The family resides in Athens, Tenn.
2010
Debra Bulluck is a J.D. candidate at the University of Wyoming College of Law (Laramie, Wyo.). During her tenure at UWCOL, she served as the second vice president of the Student Bar Association and was an active member of the Multicultural Law Student Association and Women’s Law Forum. As a third-year law student, she is the student director of the Family and Immigrant Justice Clinic, where she manages six other student attorneys as they serve low-income families across Wyoming in domestic relation and immigration cases. In fall 2017, she had the privilege to extern as a law clerk for the Honorable Justice Kate M. Fox of the Wyoming Supreme Court (Cheyenne, Wyo.). Upon graduation, Debra hopes to land a judicial clerkship or become an officer in the U.S. Air Force JAG program. She is looking forward to practicing law and zealously advocating for her future clients. Debra is slated to graduate May 12, 2018.
Bethany Wilson Houchins accepted a position as infant toddler specialist for MountainHeart Resource and Referral for southern West Virginia in July 2017. MountainHeart is a childcare subsidy and consultation firm in 27 out of 55 counties in West Virginia. Bethany presented a model classroom with fellow infant toddler specialists across the state at the Great Beginnings conference in Morgantown in early October. She is a certified trainer for the WV State Training and Registry System.
MARRIED: Mohammed Humed Yusuf to Sumaiya Tul Siddique on June 12, 2017. After being in New York for graduate school and Wisconsin for his post doctorate, Humed now lives with his wife in Oregon. He said it’s been a wild and eventful journey since graduating from Berea.
2011
BIRTH: a son, Theodore “Teddy” Hayes Patton, to Carla Ball Patton and Jacob Patton ’13 in February 2017. Jacob serves as the coordinator of information systems and communication in the Berea College Office of Admissions.
Jarrett Blankenship was named head coach of the Southern Vermont College Mountaineers men’s and women’s cross country programs as well as the outdoor track and field team in August 2017. Jarrett came from Western Kentucky University, where he was an assistant for the Division I Hilltoppers programs and earned a master’s degree in intercollegiate athletic administration. To read more about Jarrett, visit http://ow.ly/h5eC30hxlTJ.
In September 2017, Sarah McLewin Kincaid took a new position as director of global education at the World Affairs Council-Washington, D.C. Sarah and fellow Berean Sandra Tombe ’14, a Ph.D. student at George Mason University, love to meet up on the weekends to run in D.C., just like they did at Berea College on the cross country team.
2013
MARRIED: Erica Lynne Cook to Samuel Harrison Gilbert ’12 on June 13, 2015. They met while taking the same philosophy class in the Draper building. In 2016, Erica was offered a full-time position at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning in Lexington as the children’s outreach and volunteer coordinator after serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA. Sam is a trainer at Amazon.com and currently working on his science fiction manuscript to be submitted to a literary agent. They live in downtown Lexington with their three cats and frequently visit campus to reminisce and connect with new students in the gazebos.
2015
Kelsey Reid recently celebrated her six-month anniversary as a resident counselor and school coordinator at Home of the Innocents in Louisville. The Home provides the community with a range of residential, treatment and community-based programs.
2017
Nicoleta Dvornicov recently published a memoir, Lost in Transitions, about the death of her mother, Valentina Dvornicov, who passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 27, 2016 at the age of 50. Nicoleta describes her memoir as her personal healing project, which aims to show the therapeutic effects of memories when coping with the loss of a loved one and to comfort those whose lives have been touched by death. The e-book and paperback edition are now available on Amazon: http://ow.ly/5AI430hxUwf.
Kaylee Jazz Raymer was awarded a fellowship worth $5,000 by the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. She is one of 57 recipients nationwide, according to a July 2017 press release from the honor society. As a Phi Kappa Phi Fellow, she will pursue a J.D. at the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.
Vincent Tembo is part of a new wave of data scientists at the University of Toronto, where he is working on a master of science in applied computing. Following eight months of graduate course work, he will embark on an eight-month applied research internship, in which he will use his research and development skills to help solve industry problems. His story was featured in an October 2017 article on the university’s website here: http://ow.ly/P85Q30hxfm9.
Beginning with 2018, the Berea College magazine will publish Alumni Class Notes and Passages in the Winter and Summer editions. Please continue to submit your notes and photos via email: alumninews@berea.edu or at www.berea.edu/alumni/classnote.
