Initiatives, News, and Events

Vol. 7, No. 17 • October 21, 2022

President’s Points of Pride

On Monday, October 17, the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications brought together representatives from both sides of West Virginia’s Amendment 2—West Virginia Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Eric Tarr and Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper—to discuss the intricacies of this amendment and its potential impact on the people and businesses of West Virginia, which will be decided by the voters on November 8th. Broadcast live on West Virginia Metro News Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval, this event demonstrated the importance of respectful and thoughtful political discourse and embodied the spirit of the Stubblefield Institute. You can listen to the full program, including remarks from Shepherd’s President, online. The ability to legally vote on November 8 is a right, a privilege, and a responsibility. Shepherd University is situated in a politically charged region—surrounded by Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where many of our employees and students live. If you are concerned about issues that affect your quality of life, PLEASE VOTE!

Dr. Stout receives award for research abstract, will present at international conference

Dr. Joshua Stout, assistant professor of criminal justice, has been awarded the Third Place Scientific Abstract Award for his research titled “The Impact of Stigma and Peer Support on Family and Friends Bereaved by a Drug Overdose Death” by the Scientific Committee of the 13th Annual International Conference on Stigma. Stout has been invited to present his research at the conference, being held in a hybrid format, at Howard University from November 15-18. Congratulations, Dr. Stout, on this wonderful achievement!

English students attend literary conference

On Saturday, October 15, four members of Sigma Tau Delta—Logan King, Clara Monson, Lyv Thompson, and Mark Cuthrell—along with English professors Dr. Heidi Hanrahan and Dr. Tim Nixon, attended the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival in Rockville, Maryland. The students volunteered to help with the conference, sat in on workshops, heard interesting lectures, and met notable writers, including Richard Powers, Alice McDermott, and Kim Stanley Robinson. See the photo of these happy students online.

Grow Your Own Pathway to Teaching program enables Jefferson County high schoolers to take Shepherd classes

Shepherd University and Jefferson County Schools are partnering to offer a pilot program offered by the West Virginia Department of Education that encourages high school students to enter the field of teaching. Grow Your Own Pathway to Teaching allows high schoolers to enroll as Shepherd dual enrollment students, taking university classes before completing their high school education. Dr. Dori Hargrove, director of the School of Education, explained the opportunities available to those pursuing a degree in teaching in the October 19 issue of The Spirit of Jefferson newspaper. Download a PDF of the article, including interviews with program participants, here.

Anthology of Appalachian Writers Volume XV call for submissions open, deadline December 1

Submissions are now being accepted for the “Anthology of Appalachian Writers Volume XV.” For consideration and inclusion in Volume XV, submit original, unpublished fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and essay works that relate in some respect to Barbara Kingsolver and her poetry and stories about the environment, sustainable living, patriarchal abuse, gender, family, and social justice issues, as well as socially engaged fiction. Submissions must be received by December 1. The anthology is supported by the Shepherd University Foundation and The West Virginia Center for the Book. The Anthology of Appalachian Writers is published by the Shepherd University Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities. For more information about submission guidelines, contact Dr. Sylvia Bailey Shurbutt (sshurbut@shepherd.edu).

World Affairs Seminar draws high school students from Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson counties

Shepherd was the site of the 34th Annual World Affairs Seminar, created by the Rotary Clubs of Martinsburg and Shepherdstown. This year’s event, titled “Social Media: The Challenges and Opportunities at Local and Global Levels,” featured four experts in social media, including three from Shepherd University. More than 100 students from six local high schools participated in the half-day event. For more information about the topics covered at the seminar, read this recap from The Shepherdstown Chronicle.

Officer Letts named Shepherd’s Officer of the Year

The Shepherd University Police Department is proud to announce the recognition of Officer Adam Letts as Shepherd’s Officer of the Year, as announced at the 22nd Annual Public Service Banquet sponsored by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Fire, EMS, and Police Departments throughout Jefferson County each put forth a person from their organization who exemplifies outstanding qualities. Chief Lori Maraugha and Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Community Service Holly Morgan Frye said this in the recommendation letter for Officer Letts:

“I am certain Officer Letts didn’t realize the moment he signed on to work for us that he would affect the lives of so many in such a positive way. Officer Letts plays a vital role in the department as the K9 Officer, a partnership that should be modeled for all departments. We know the dedication Officer Letts has to our institution comes with significant sacrifices. Adam is a man of good character, and we consider ourselves fortunate to call him a Shepherd University Police Officer.”

Counseling Services expansion continues

Thanks to funding from the Higher Education Policy Commission's Campus Mental Health Grant, Counseling Services is expanding programming and facilities to include two new spaces on the ground floor of Gardiner Hall: The Well and an outdoor patio. These spaces will be available for students to use for self-reflection, relaxation, support groups, workshops, and other program activities for mental health promotion. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned to take place in November.

University, Shepherdstown Pharmacy partner for vaccine clinic

On October 18, the Shepherd Health Center, in collaboration with the Shepherdstown Pharmacy, offered our campus community the Bivalent COVID vaccine/booster and the seasonal flu shot. Approximately 150 individuals on campus expressed interest in receiving at least one of the shots at Shepherd; more than 200 received one or both vaccines.

Diwali/Tihar celebration shares song, sweets, and education

Known as a religious Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated over five days by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The Office of International Affairs, Phi Beta Delta, and the Multicultural Student Association have come together to host a Diwali/Tihar celebration on Tuesday, October 25, from 5-7 p.m. in the Student Center Cumberland Room. Students will share practices associated with the Festival and a presentation on Nepal and its Diwali celebrations.

Homecoming Spirit Week marked by service, competition

During Homecoming Spirit Week, students completed more than 75 service hours to give back to Shepherd, including decorating campus buildings to welcome alumni, beautifying campus grounds, and assembling furniture for The Well, the new mental health wellness space on the ground floor of Gardiner Hall. Homecoming Spirit Week also allowed student teams to participate in various contests tied to this year’s Ramily Game Night theme, including a Family-Feud style game show, Survivor Field Day competitions, Banner Competition, and the Homecoming Parade. The overall winners of the Spirit Week competition were, in order, Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, and Theta Xi fraternity.

Shep-or-Treat brings together campus and community

The 21st Annual Shep-or-Treat carnival will bring hundreds of children to campus for tricks, treats, games, and crafts on Wednesday, October 26, from 6-8 p.m. Shep-or-Treat, always a campus favorite, is sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. Various University clubs, organizations, and departments will host booths in Lot G, near the Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center, for community children with free games, snacks, and crafts.

News

Shepherd University Foundation names James Taylor executive vice president

Chris Colbert, president of the Shepherd University Foundation, announced that James Taylor has been appointed executive vice president of the Foundation, effective December 5, 2022. Taylor most recently served as president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg in Virginia.

Common Reading author to speak November 3

Emma Copley Eisenberg, the author of Shepherd’s Common Reading book, “The Third Rainbow Girl: The Long Life of a Double Murder in Appalachia,” will discuss her book, her time living in West Virginia, and the lasting impact of the Rainbow murders during an author talk on Thursday, November 3, at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Storer Ballroom.

School of Music to present October 28 choral concert

The Shepherd Chamber Singers and Camerata, under the direction of Dr. Steven Grives, will present a fall choral concert on Friday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center Theater.

School of Music to present November 3 concert with Grammy Award-winning flutist

The Shepherd School of Music will present a special Salon Series concert event featuring Grammy Award-winning Native American flutist Mary Youngblood on Thursday, November 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center Theater.

Civil War Center to host October 27 lecture on slavery and freedom in Shenandoah Valley

Shepherd’s George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War will present “To Be Free Someday: Reflections on Slavery and Freedom in the Shenandoah Valley During the Civil War Era” with Jonathan Noyalas on Thursday, October 27, at 7 p.m. in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

October 30 dog parade and costume contest planned

Shepherd’s Office of Student Community Services and Wishmakers on Campus® is sponsoring a Paw Parade and Party on Sunday, October 30, from noon-3:30 p.m. Proceeds from this event will benefit children in the Make-A-Wish® program.

Harrison selected to DC Touchdown Club Honor Roll, earns PSAC honors

Freshman defensive back Donte Harrison of the Shepherd football team has been named to the DC Touchdown Club Honor Roll and as PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week. Harrison tallied a pair of defensive touchdowns in Shepherd's victory over Millersville on October 15.

Shepherd football ranked fourth in AFCA Poll, sixth in D2Football.com Poll

The Shepherd football team climbed a spot into third in the latest American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches Poll and dropped a spot to sixth in the latest D2Football.com Poll for October 17. Shepherd recorded a 55-17 win over Millersville last Saturday. The Rams return to action on Saturday, October 22, when they travel to West Chester for a noon contest.

Sports Roundup

October 14: Volleyball downs Shippensburg Read more »

October 15: Bitner leads women’s soccer past East Stroudsburg Read more »

October 15: Men’s soccer ties Shippensburg Read more »

October 15: Men’s cross-country team finishes 13th, four women complete at Rowen Inter-Regional Border Battle 8K Read more »

October 15: Strong second half lifts football past Millersville Read more »

October 16: Men’s golf team finishes sixth in PSAC Championship Read more »

October 19: Women’s soccer falls to #2 West Chester Read more »

October 19: Bloomsburg downs men’s soccer Read more »

Upcoming Events

Friday, October 21

Fall Break (no classes)

7 p.m.—CATF Fall Reading Series, “Spiritus/Virgil’s Dance,” Marinoff Theater (tickets required)

7 p.m.—Volleyball at East Stroudsburg

Saturday, October 22

7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.—Freedom’s Run (more information )

11:30 a.m.—“Voices from Appalachia” radio show (listen online)

Noon—Football at West Chester

2 p.m.—Volleyball at Kutztown

6 p.m.—CATF Fall Reading Series, “Our Shrinking Shrinking World,” Marinoff Theater (tickets required)

Sunday, October 23

5 p.m.—Lorie Payne Organ Recital, St John's Episcopal Church, 101 S. Prospect St., Hagerstown, Maryland

Monday, October 24

12:10-12:50 p.m.—Mindful Monday, Student Center Cumberland Room

1:10-2 p.m.—Criminal Justice Lecture Series “An In-depth Look at the Duties of Law Enforcement” by Ranson Police Department Cpl. Charles Lynch (via Zoom)

Tuesday, October 25

5-7 p.m.—Diwali/Tihar Celebration, sponsored by the Office of International Affairs, Phi Beta, Delta, and the Multicultural Student Association, Student Center Cumberland Room (more information)

7 p.m.—The Rustic Mechanicals, a subsidiary of Vintage Theatre Company, performs “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Marinoff Theatre (tickets $10 at the door)

Wednesday, October 26

Spring 2023 academic advisement begins for continuing students

6-8 p.m.—21st Annual Shep-or-Treat Children’s Carnival, West Campus Parking Lot G, across from the Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center

6:30 p.m.—Men’s Soccer at Lock Haven

Thursday, October 27

7 p.m.—“To Be Free Someday: Reflections on Slavery & Freedom in the Shenandoah Valley During the Civil War Era” by Professor Jonathan Noyalas, sponsored by the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium

Friday, October 28

Last day to withdraw from a full semester class — see advisor by noon

2 p.m.—Virtual training by Alex Demczak, sponsored by the Classified Employees Council (free for faculty and staff, via Zoom)

7 p.m.—Volleyball at Lock Haven

7:30 p.m.—Fall Choral Concert, Frank Arts Center Theater (tickets required)

Saturday, October 29

11:30 a.m.—“Voices from Appalachia” radio show (listen online )

Noon —Football vs. Bloomsburg (Senior Day/Military Appreciation Day)

Noon —Men’s Soccer vs. West Chester

2 p.m.—Volleyball at Bloomsburg

Sunday, October 30

1-3:30 p.m.—Paw Parade & Party, sponsored by the Wishmakers on Campus, Stutzman-Slonaker Hall to Midway Lawn (registration of dogs required , donations encouraged)

3 p.m.—Natalie McGeachy Clarinet Recital, W.H. Shipley Recital Hall

Monday, October 31

12:10-12:50 p.m.—Mindful Monday, Student Center Cumberland Room

1 p.m.—R.A.M. Initiative Celebration, sponsored by the School of Recreation, Sport, and Exercise Science and The Shepherd University Foundation, Butcher Center Plaza

Thursday, November 3

6 p.m.— Common Reading Author Talk with Emma Copley Eisenberg, sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation and the Shepherd Common Reading Program, Student Center Storer Ballroom

7:30 p.m.— Music Salon Series Special Event—Mary Youngblood, Native American flutist, Frank Arts Center (tickets required)

Friday, November 4

7 p.m.—Volleyball vs. West Chester

7:30 p.m.—Shepherd University’s Rude Mechanicals Medieval and Renaissance Players present William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale,” Reynolds Hall (tickets at the door)

Saturday, November 5

11 a.m.— Men’s cross country at PSAC Championships (8K)

11:30 a.m.—“Voices from Appalachia” radio show (listen online )

Noon— Women’s cross country at PSAC Championships (6K)

1:05 p.m.—Football at East Stroudsburg

2 p.m.—Volleyball vs. Millersville

7:30 p.m.—Shepherd University’s Rude Mechanicals Medieval and Renaissance Players present William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale,” Reynolds Hall (tickets at the door)

Sunday, November 6

8 a.m.-8 p.m.—Spirit Bear Pow Wow, sponsored by Native Teachings, Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center (more information)

3 p.m.— Corwin Neat Trombone Recital, W. H. Shipley Recital Hall

3 p.m.—Shepherd University’s Rude Mechanicals Medieval and Renaissance Players present William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale,” Reynolds Hall (tickets at the door)

Shepherd University news and events are available here.

Shepherd Athletics news and schedules are available here.

To submit an idea for a future issue, email University Communications.

Dana L. Costa

Executive Director, University Communications

Shepherd University

P.O. Box 5000

Shepherdstown, WV 25443-5000