News From Around UC



Alumni Weekend 2017 was a success! We had nearly 100 alumni from class years spanning the decades who attended at least one of the events during the weekend. We can't wait to gather our alumni together again at our next big event - Homecoming and Family Weekend, which will take place October 6-8, 2017. See you there!

Calling all alumni from the Class of 1967! This year is your 50th Class Reunion, and we want to make your reunion one you won't forget. We will be celebrating your 50th Class Reunion during Homecoming Weekend October 6-8, 2017. We are looking for a few members of the Class of 1967 to volunteer to be a part of the planning committee. You will be a class ambassador and help us rally your classmates to attend the festivities as well as serve as a sounding board during the planning phase. Please contact Stephanie Martin by email or at (304) 357-4734 if you are interested in serving in this capacity.

Exciting news! The Physician Assistant Class of 2017 achieved a 100% board pass rate. It is the second year in a row that UC PA students achieved 100%.  While the national pass rate for first time test takers is not out for this year, the Classes of 2015 and 2016 both exceeded the national rate.
The UC Community extends a warm welcome to the newest members of the UC Board of Trustees: Becky Ceperley, Michael Cary, '07, David Gallagher, '67, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, '83 and Paul White, '09. At a recent Board of Trustees meeting, they were approved as new Trustees for the upcoming academic year. We would also like to express our thanks to the five members whose terms are up: Mary Batman Converse, '65, Andrew Mullins, Corey Palumbo, Mary Payne and Parvez Wadia.

"The University of Charleston Board of Trustees is an extremely engaged board," said Dr. Edwin Welch. "They oversee all of the activities of the University and this year they have the responsibility for selecting a new president. We are very grateful for those who have served and for those who have pledged to chart the University's course going forward."

The University of Charleston School of Pharmacy (UCSOP) recently partnered with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department (KCHD) to host a Harm Reduction Workshop.  The workshop featured several interactive discussions on harm reduction topics facilitated by harm reduction experts from Johns Hopkins University and National Harm Reduction Coalition, which is based out of Manhattan.

Dr. Michelle Easton, Dean of UCSOP and Dr. Michael Brumage, Executive Director for KCHD, kicked off the event. Remarks and breakout sessions were offered by Drs. Susan Sherman and Sean Allen from Johns Hopkins University, and Daniel Raymond from the National Harm Reduction Coalition.

"The opioid epidemic is a serious public health issue and an area where pharmacists can play an important role in reducing the devastation it is causing to patients, families, and our communities," stated Dr. Easton. "The School of Pharmacy's partnership with the Kanawha County Health Department, hosting this workshop, and our volunteerism in the KCHD's weekly harm reduction clinics are tangible illustrations of our commitment to ensuring the public's health." 

Joshua Higginbotham, R-Putnam, is scheduled to graduate from UC in December, but he is already helping others follow his path to college. Higginbotham announced that he will donate his special session salary to the Higginbotham Family Scholarship Fund . The Fund provides scholarships to graduating seniors who live in or near Higginbotham's district, which encompasses parts of Putnam, Mason and Jackson counties.

Dr. Brian Pruegger, Associate Professor and Program Director of Sport Business, recently presented a paper in Glasgow, Scotland, at the European Academy of Management 2017 Conference held on the University of Strathclyde campus. The presentation was made with Edward Lamb, from the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana.

The two presented an innovative look at franchising soccer in Scotland. The audience included members from Sweden, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, France and Brazil.


UC Associate of Nursing students will participate in the Convoy of Hope on August 19 at the Raleigh County Convention Center in Beckley, WV. The Convoy of Hope provides free groceries, health and dental screenings, haircuts, family portraits, meals and more.
Reminder - The Center for Career Development will be transitioning to a new job posting system called Handshake for our students and alumni.  Handshake will replace the old Eagle Link system. We anticipate the new system to go live next month. Handshake is easier to use and more versatile than Eagle Link. Best of all, Handshake is modeled after social networking sites, like LinkedIn and Facebook, giving users the ability to interact with employers in new ways. Once Handshake goes live, alumni will receive an e-mail with more information about how to activate user accounts. Contact  Travis Kahle  in the Center for Career Development for more information in the meantime. 


Interested in what UC is doing in research? Join the Institutional Review Board (IRB)! The Provost's Office is searching for two alums who would be willing to serve on the IRB. This is a volunteer position that allows you to work with a group of faculty across the institution in reviewing all the research that is being done. You do not need to have research experience but have interests in the protection of human rights in all investigations. You will be asked to review proposals from students and faculty. You will receive training and guidelines that safeguard the rights and welfare of all human subjects who participate in research studies conducted at UC. You can find more information about the IRB on the website.  If you are interested, please contact Kelly Allen or call her at (304) 357-4875. This is a great way to give back to your alma mater. 

Interested in becoming a mentor to UC students? The Center for Career Development is seeking alumni who are willing to serve as professional mentors for students majoring in business. The time commitment is low- we ask for 1 hour every two weeks, and the mentorship can be as short as one semester, but can be longer if mentors have a good experience and wish to continue. For more information, please contact Travis Kahle. To express you interest in becoming a mentor, submit your information online here.
Alumni Spotlight

John Maynard, '62, was one of three former Burch High School (Mingo County, WV) coaches who were recently inducted into the school's newly formed Hall of Fame. To read more about his coaching career and why he was selected for the Hall of Fame check out this article.

BGen. Harrison B. Gilliam, '04, was recently featured in the Charleston Gazette-Mail for becoming the newest co-owner of the historic Glen Ferris Inn in Fayette County, WV, along with a fellow West Virginia National Guardsman, Maj. Thomas Willis. The historic inn, which has been around since the 1800's, overlooks the scenic Kanawha Falls and has hosted several presidents including  Andrew Jackson, Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley. Check out the full story here.

Elizabeth (Austin) Olivier, '11, was recently sworn in as  the newest prosecutor in the Alamance County District Attorney's Office (NC). Originally from Lewisburg, WV, Olivier's father worked in the prison system and her grandfather worked in the police force. After studying political science and history at the University of Charleston, she decided to follow in the footsteps of her father and grand father in law enforcement by becoming a part of the judicial system. To learn more about her story follow this link.

Ryan Moran, '12, Director of Operational Management at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, MD, was recently named to The Daily Record's 2017 VIP List -  Very Important Professionals Successful by 40 awards. The Daily Record created the VIP List in 2011 to recognize professionals 40 years of age and younger who have been successful in Maryland. This year's honorees, chosen by a panel of previous VIP List honorees and business leaders, were selected on the basis of professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to inspiring change. To see the complete list of honorees and to learn more about how these VIPs will be honored follow this link. 
Local/Regional Job Openings

BB&T is looking for a Branch Banker for their Danville, WV location. They are looking for a recent graduate with a business background. Please contact Stephanie Martin if you are interested in applying for this position. 

Hotel management company, White Lodging, is holding an open interview day at the Louisville Marriott Downtown located at 280 West Jefferson Street on July 25 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. There are many available jobs including some management positions.
Golden Eagle Athletic Updates


New head men's soccer coach, Dan Stratford, was recently highlighted in an article in the Charleston Gazette-Mail. The UC men's soccer team is expected to continue its winning ways with Coach Stratford at the helm. To read more about Coach Stratford and the season preview check out the article.


UC coaches are holding athletic camps all summer long. Check the athletic website for more information including camp dates, times and information on how to register.
Upcoming Events

Homecoming & Family Weekend
October 6 - 8, 2017

Thursday, October 5
Homecoming Festival
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fun for students and alumni: games, rock wall, homecoming crafts, laser tag, bungee run.
 
Golden Eagle Alumni Gathering
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, TBD
For local alumni and those coming into town early.

Friday, October 6
King Adams Kovach Athletic Alumni Reunion
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm in the Appalachian Room
Invite only event
 
SGA Pep Rally
5:00 pm in the GSU Circle
 
Cookout
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on the Riverbank
Dinner is $7 per person.
 
Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Inductions
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm in the H. Bernard Wehrle Sr. Athletic Arena
Tickets required. Contact the Athletic Office to buy tickets (304) 357-4820.

Saturday, October 7
Men's and Women's Track Team Alumni Races
9:00 am at the UC Stadium
 
Pre-game Tailgate 
11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the UC Stadium
All alumni, students, faculty/staff, and friends of the University are invited to attend!
Golden Eagles Football vs. WV Wesleyan
Kickoff @ 1:00 pm
**The Class of 1967 will be recognized on the field during the football game.
 
Milestone Reunion Celebration Dinner
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the Rotunda
Dinner, drinks and music featuring The Band Wagon.
Celebrating milestone reunions for all class years ending in "2" & "7" with special recognition for the  Class of 1967 celebrating its 50th Reunion!
All alumni and friends are invited to attend.
For RSVP's please e-mail Stephanie Martin or (304) 357-4734.
 
Women's Volleyball Game vs. WV Wesleyan
7:00 pm in the H. Bernard Wehrle Sr. Athletic Arena

Sunday, October 8
Alumni Farewell Brunch
10:00 am - 11:30 am in the Rotunda
 
Women's Volleyball Alumni Game
2:00 pm in the H. Bernard Wehrle Sr. Athletic Arena

For hotel accommodations, please visit the alumni events website.
Be sure to book your room early!

Invitations will be mailed out in July.
2017 Boy Scout Jamboree - STEM Quest
July 18-28, 2017
The UC School of Pharmacy will be participating in STEM Quest at the National Boy Scout Jamboree next month at The Summit in Glen Jean, WV. Like last year, members of the SOP team will be providing Scouts a hands-on experience involving applications of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Lunch 'N Learn
July 26, 2017
This month's guest speaker, Dr. Kristen Dugan, will be giving a talk about how to "Improve Your Decision-Making Capacity While You Sleep." This event is $10 per person and includes lunch, continuing education credits and a certificate. Follow this link to register online or contact Ashley Calvert or call 304-357-4373 for more information .
Alumni Resources and Information

Maroon and Gold Magazine - Winter 2017
The newest issue of the Maroon and Gold Magazine is out! If you didn't receive your copy of this alumni magazine in the mail, please make sure that we have your most current mailing address by updating your contact information here. Additionally, you can enjoy an electronic version of the magazine here.
Share Your Big News in Class Notes
If you have news you'd like to share -- a new job, a big move, a job promotion or retirement, or an addition to the family, for instance -- let us know by contacting  Stephanie Martin. We will include all updates in "Class Notes" in the next issue of the  Maroon & Gold. 

Update Your Contact Information
We want to make sure we have your most current information so we can keep in contact with you. Please take time to update your information here. It's easy to complete online and will only take a few minutes!

Career Services for Alumni
Good news!  The Center for Career Development will be transitioning to a new job posting system called Handshake for our students and alumni in August. Until that time, please continue to utilize  Eagle Link. There are more than 1,400 registered employers on Eagle Link and an average of 80 job postings per month. Alumni also have access to Optimal Resume which gives access to a wide range of tools to prepare for job interviews, provide resume advice, and share other helpful tips. Learn more about the career resources available to you at the  Center for Career Development .
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