Kentucky Wesleyan College
A Newsletter for Our Alumni and Community // May 2015
April Is One of the Most Financially Successful Months in Wesleyan History

Total of $4,868,000 in Investments to the College

 

The month of April began with the announcement of two major investments in the college: a $4,000,000 estate gift from alumna Luellen Pyles '44 of Maysville and an anonymous $100,000 cash gift from an out-of-state donor. Ms. Pyles' gift supports alumni programming and teacher education scholarships.

 

The noteworthy momentum continued on April 10 when the college announced the receipt of an estate gift of $314,000 from Owensboro native Tom Browning Marshall Jr. '55. Mr. Marshall's investment in his alma mater supports theatre arts scholarships for the Jane Forgy Speech and Drama Award, an endowed scholarship named in memory of a former professor of speech and theatre.

 

On April 21, Wesleyan announced another major cash gift, an investment of $100,000 from the Michael E. Horn Family Foundation. Mr. Horn is an alumnus of the college and is the founder of National Steel Erection, Inc., Titan Contracting and Leasing Co., Inc. and Horn Industrial Services. "We are very impressed and excited with what is happening at Kentucky Wesleyan," said Mr. Horn. "Consequently, the Horn Family Foundation is proud to invest at a significant level. Wesleyan's new direction and emphasis on personalized education and a student-centered campus culture provides a springboard to propel the institution to its greatest heights."

 

The college ended the month with the announcement of another gift, a bequest of $354,973 by Dr. Harold Dorsey '38 to the Cochran Dorsey Scholarship Fund. The fund was established by Dr. Dorsey and his wife, Irene, following the passing of their son, Edwin Cochran Dorsey (1951 - 1971). Dr. Dorsey served his alma mater as a member of the board of trustees from 1973 - 1988 and became a trustee emeritus in 1995. The Dorseys served United Methodist churches throughout Kentucky in 45 years of ministry.

 A Message to Parents from President Barton D. Darrell

 

The transition to college is challenging for many young people. President Barton D. Darrell shares encouraging words here for students and family members about perseverance, adjusting to college life and maximizing opportunities.

 

Alumna Profile

Kelly Frank Green '96

 

Senior Managing Editor: Broadcast, Digital and Social

CBS News, Atlanta

Hometown: Anaheim Hills, California

Major: English

 

Something - other than Kentucky Wesleyan -  you love about Owensboro?

There is no denying that riverfront! It is INCREDIBLE to see all the development that has taken place downtown and along the river. From the green space to the restaurants and outside patios, it is really quite beautiful. I have been to the Gambrinus Libation Emporium and Bee Bops - such fun!!

 

Favorite memories of Wesleyan?

I have so many great memories from Wesleyan: softball trips to Sigma Kappa events and times spent with the Sig Eps. I really enjoyed my classes, too, once I was really focused in on my English major.

 

One of my best memories is working on the play, "Accommodations," with fellow alums Shane Fisher and Joshua Sims. It was part of Shane's senior project. We took it to a state competition, and I was nominated for the Irene Ryan. It was such fun . . . late nights, camaraderie and just great laughs.

 

Highlights of your career path?

Wow. Where to start? I have been so blessed with circumstance and opportunity. I get to tell stories for a living and that puts me in front of ordinary folks with extraordinary things to share to political leaders, celebrities and influencers.

 

I have sky-dived from 10,000 feet, dove the Great Barrier Reef, shook hands with a pope and a president (not at the same time), witnessed the opening of the first Western news production center in the Middle East (CNN in Abu Dhabi), spent time with Buddhist monks in Hong Kong, hiked the Sydney Bridge, covered the White House and Congress from 1600 Penn and the Hill, reported on 9/11, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the war on terror in Afghanistan.

 

I have developed friendships in telling these stories that I will last a lifetime. 

 

About your current job?

Journalism is changing and with it - so is the journalist. Think about how you get your news - Facebook? An app? A website? When was the last time you turned on a TV to get the news?

 

I chose to leave CNN after the birth of my first daughter. Seventeen months later I had a second child and decided to go back to school. The two and a half years out the newsroom gave me a great perspective. I am almost done with my master's degree in social media.

 

Back in January, I accepted a brand new position created by CBS News here in Atlanta: Senior Managing Editor: Broadcast, Digital & Social. Essentially, I oversee the content on all our platforms from TV to web to social to mobile. I love it. I oversee the reporting staff, multimedia journalists, digital department and the assignment desk.  

 

Someone at Wesleyan who influenced you and why?

Three professors helped shape the way I think and my work ethic: Dr. Bob Darrell, Dr. Ken Ayers and Professor James Britton.

 

Fellow students can impact us just as much, though. One of those was Kae Espy Mentzer '95. She was my Sigma Kappa big sister, but more than that, she was a person of class and poise who really helped me through some difficult times. When I look back at my years at Wesleyan, I think of her often. She was a friend and a sister and a mentor who helped shape my character for years that followed. It's fitting that she went on to become a teacher and devote her life's work to education.

 

A favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is a personal one. Now and then, I would walk over to the softball field and just sit on the pitcher's mound. It was my home. I attended Wesleyan on a softball scholarship, and it's the one place I always felt I had it together. Those are some tough years at times. You can feel alone and a little scared about the future, so it's nice to have a sanctuary. The softball field was my sanctuary. Now it's the control room (at the network/television station).

 

Your perspective as a trustee?

Being a trustee is a huge honor and at the same time . . . a challenging responsibility. The world is very different than when I attended Wesleyan. We have the privilege and immense duty to keep Wesleyan relevant in an ever-changing, competitive world. We have to make sure that Wesleyan's curriculum is keeping up with the changing demands of industry. We have to make sure we are supporting the school and finding supporters to keep Wesleyan outfitted with the latest information and technology. 

 

Why you want your daughters to attend Wesleyan?

I want my daughters to follow whatever dreams they have. If that includes Wesleyan, I know they will be in good hands. One reason I would fully support that decision is that I know they will get more personal attention and one-on-one education than they may receive in a larger school.

 

I firmly believe one of the reasons I am able to stand up and lead small teams and large newsrooms in chaos and crisis is the confidence I learned having to be ready every single day in class. Once you get to your major courses at Wesleyan, your classes can be six to eight large (or small!). So when discussion time comes, you WILL have to participate. You DO have to know your stuff. It's more than just knowing Shakespeare or Faulkner at the end of the day; it's the critical thinking you are compelled to have, the confidence you develop in having to speak and the presence you craft for yourself during those moments.

 

The most fascinating person you have ever met?

It's really hard to pick one. Being a journalist gives you unusual access to all walks of life. I've met and interviewed presidents and celebrities. They are, no doubt, interesting and exciting. Sometimes though, the most fascinating people you meet are the everyday ones. If I had to give you a top three I'd go with:

  1. Bill Clinton - the man just oozes charisma
  2. Christiane Amanpour - as a female journalist, there is no better mentor 
  3. The love of my life 

Advice to our 2015 graduates:

I have two little nuggets of advice for the Class of 2015 (in no particular order): 

  • Put your phone down for an hour a day (and this is the social media geek talking). Seriously - put it down. Instead of posting a picture, commit one to memory. Take in the life around you now and then. You don't want to miss it.
  • Someone once said this to me - "Live your life like it's your second chance." 

The Power of Place - The Power of Words

Assistant Professor of English Joey Connelly '06

 

Owensboro High School 1997
Kentucky Wesleyan College 2006, English and Religion major
Ashland University 2010, Master of Fine Arts
Teaches creative writing, poetry and world literature 

 

On Owensboro
"I've had great moments in other cities, but I always wanted to come back. Owensboro has everything I need and want, and there are so many people I love and appreciate here. It is a city on the move and a very exciting time for our community.

I worked for Owensboro Parks and Recreation for some years, and I have great memories of working with the folks there."

On Kentucky Wesleyan College
"My experiences as a student were very positive. I was a very different person the day I graduated than I was the day I arrived as a freshman because I was challenged and stretched.

The college, like our city, is on the move. I get to teach at a college I love in a city I love."

On teaching
"My students mean a lot to me, and I feel I'm successful in helping them see the value of exploring subjects they don't initially see as part of their career preparation."

On the value of studying English
"The human experience is so much more than just making a living. Good literature shows us new views of life we may not have considered. Studying literature and learning to write helps students learn to express themselves and interact effectively, important qualities in any career."

On the value of a liberal arts education
"Education must emphasize new ways of thinking and relating to different people and cultures. It must expose students to subjects that challenge their ways of thinking and deepen their understanding of the world and of oneself."

Favorite book
"Gardening in the Dark," a book of poetry by Laura Kasischke
"This was the first book of contemporary poetry I read, and it is all about figuring out how to do things you have no idea how to do."

Favorite poem
"A Blessing" by James Wright

Favorite quote
"Like a piece of ice on a hot stove the poem must ride on its own melting."
Robert Frost

Professor Connelly's poetry has appeared in Louisville Review, New Plains Review, PANK, Southern Humanities Review and an anthology of the best southern writers.

 

Professor Joey Connelly welcomes your questions about Kentucky Wesleyan College at:
jconnelly@kwc.edu
270-852-3214
Honors Convocation Celebrates Student Successes

 

Owensboro community leader and philanthropist Martha Fitts Clark addressed the student honorees at Honors Convocation at Wesleyan Heights United Methodist Church. President Darrell welcomed Ms. Clark as "a pioneer for women in business whose incredible civic contributions and commitment to changing lives are an example to everyone."

 

 
Incoming freshman Griffin Brixey from Lexington, Ky., with President Darrell, and freshman Crystal Hopkins of White Plains, N.Y., with Michael Wade '80.
 
Both students are the first recipients of the Rev. Erskine Wade Memorial Scholarship, given by Mr. Wade in memory of his father. Rev. Wade was a minister in the African Methodist Zion church for 33 years.
 

 
Seniors Nadia Wilkes from Pleasantville, N.J., and Rashad Brown of Atlantic City, N.J., with President Darrell.

These students were the first recipients of the Nelda Peeples Darrell Scholarship, given by the family and friends of Mrs. Darrell in her memory. She was a teacher at Newton Parrish Elementary School for 30 years.

One Hundred and Forty-Seventh

Annual Commencement on May 9

Baccalaureate on May 8

   

President Barton D. Darrell '84 (left) will address the first graduating class of his presidency as the commencement speaker on Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. in Hocker-Hall Grove. Chair of the Board of Trustees Thomas B. Grieb '78 (right) will speak to the Class of 2015 at the Baccalaureate Service on May 8, at 7 p.m. in the Jones Gymnasium at the Woodward Health and Recreation Center. 


Athletics Hall of Fame

May 16


The third annual Athletics Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony will take place May 16 at 5 p.m. in the Woodward Health and Recreation Center.
Call 270-852-3330 for information and tickets.

This year's inductees are:
Kenny Alward '93 (golf)
Norman Christopher '52 (basketball)
Virginia "Shorty" Combs '22 (basketball)
Bob Daniels (basketball coach)
Walter Lee '75 (tennis)
Chad Lyons '92 (football)
Carle "Buddy" Mahan '50 (golf)
Kristin Reynolds Hawkins '96 (softball)
Roy Pickerill '75 (sports information director)
Joe Roop '56 (basketball)
The Panther Express (booster group)
Mike Williams '78 (basketball)

   

#TheWesleyan Way

Follow Kentucky Wesleyan on Twitter @KyWesleyan

 

Don't miss these

GREAT DATES

 

May 1, 7 p.m.
Corey Moore  Senior 
Recital

First Presbyterian Church

 

May 3, 7 p.m.

An Evening of Spirituals

Guest performer Calesta Day and Wesleyan faculty and students 

First Presbyterian Church 

 

May 8, 3 p.m.

Senior Recital

Nadia Wilkes

First Presbyterian Church

 

May 8, 7 p.m.

Baccalaureate

Woodward Health and Recreation Center

 

May 9, 10 a.m.

Commencement

Hocker-Hall Grove

 

May 16

"Play the Champions" Golf Scramble

Hosted by Men's Basketball

Pearl Golf Course

Contact: Happy Osborne at 859-494-1998 or

hosborne@kwc.edu

 

Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner and Ceremony

5 p.m.

Woodward Health and Recreation Center

Tickets: 270-852-3330

 

July 20

Alumni Night with the Cincinnati Reds

 

July 21

Alumni Night with the Columbus Clippers

 

July 22

Alumni Night with the Louisville Bats

 

July 23

Alumni Night with the Indianapolis Indians

 

August 1

Winchester Picnic

 

August 20

Alumni Night with the Bowling Green Hot Rods

 

August 21

Alumni Night with the Nashville Sounds

Please contact Public Relations Director Kathy Rutherman with comments and questions about The Wesleyan Way at krutherman@kwc.edu or 270-852-3143.