Vol. 6, No. 39 • April 15, 2022
President’s Points of Pride
With our 149th Commencement just a few weeks away, I am delighted to share with you the recipients of our honorary degrees who will be our featured Commencement speakers on Saturday, May 7.
Wendy Bianca Keller will be the featured Commencement speaker for the baccalaureate ceremony, and she will be honored with the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Ms. Keller is currently assisting in the development of Shepherd’s Athletic Student Success Program to support athletes in their transition to Shepherd and is creating a balance between academics and athletics. A three-sport varsity student-athlete at Lock Haven University, Ms. Keller was selected as an alternate on the 1980 U.S. Field Hockey Olympic Squad. These collective experiences provide her with a unique perspective as a past athlete and student. The way she has translated opportunities into success is a story worth telling, particularly her heroic path as an Olympian.
Shepherd alumnus Dr. James Michael Cherry ’96 will be the featured Commencement speaker for the graduate ceremony, and he will be honored with the Honorary Doctor of Science degree. Dr. Cherry is the Associate Director, Research Technologies, Chief of Research Technology Branch at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Cherry also serves as the Scientific Advisor for all high school, undergraduate, graduate, and capstone students at the National Cancer Institute, Frederick campus. He previously served as Senior Scientific Program Director and Scientific Advisor at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Maryland. Prior to earning his Ph.D. in biology from The Catholic University of America, and a Master of Science in biotechnology from The Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Cherry received his bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in chemistry from Shepherd. In addition to serving on numerous boards and advisory councils, including the Shepherd Board of Governors, Dr. Cherry is an assistant professor at Hood College, adjunct professor at Mount St. Mary’s University, and instructor at the National Institutes of Health’s Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences.
Thank you and congratulations to both Ms. Keller and Dr. Cherry for agreeing to share your experience and wisdom with our Ram Family.
Join Ram Spirit Day!
Great news—there is still time to sign up for Ram Spirit Day, which will be held on Wednesday, April 20! RSVP online to join other employees in helping to beautify the campus in preparation for Commencement. The time obligation is two and a half hours. Snacks and Ram Spirit Day t-shirts will be distributed, and after the event, participants’ names will go into a box to be drawn for door prizes.
Loudoun United Football Club College Night
Shepherd alumnus Brett Barbour ’20, ’21 MBA, who works for the Loudoun United Football Club, wants to see members of the Shepherd community at the team’s upcoming College Night. On Sunday, April 24, at 3:45 p.m., Loudoun United plays Birmingham Legion at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia. Match attendees wearing college gear will be eligible for food and drink deals and special prizes. For more information and to buy tickets, head to the Loudoun United FC College Night website.
Join CATF for a listening party of Chisa Hutchinson’s ‘Redeemed’
Enjoy brunch from one of Shepherdstown’s newest restaurants, Alma Bea, while you listen to the playcast of “Redeemed.” On Saturday, April 30, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) hosts an afternoon of great food and amazing theater and discussion. “Redeemed” tells the fictional story of convicted murderer Trevor Barlow, who killed Claire Yaing’s brother nine years prior. He has written to Claire begging her to visit him in prison. When Claire arrives, Trevor claims he’s a changed man thanks to the help of her brother’s ghost. Claire must decide if Trevor is capable of redemption or just trying to impress the parole board. After the playcast, stick around for a special (virtual) discussion with playwright Chisa Hutchinson about the inspiration for the play, her life as a playwright, and her upcoming production of “Whitelisted” at CATF. The playcast of “Redeemed” was co-produced in 2021 by CATF in partnership with the Dorset Theatre Festival, made possible, in part, by a generous gift to CATF from Mina Goodrich and Lawrence Dean. For more details about the event, including the amazing brunch menu and how to buy tickets, visit the Listening Party website.
Common Reading Student Essay contest winner announced
Emily Speranza, a nursing major from Rockville, Maryland, is the winner of the 2021-2022 Common Reading Student Essay Contest. Emily, a first-year nursing major, will receive a prize of $350 toward her fall tuition. Her essay was titled “The Fight.” The contest and the Common Reading Program are sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation. Essays were judged by a panel of three Shepherd faculty members. Congratulations, Emily!
1939 World’s Fair exhibit opens at the Conrad Shindler House on April 15
The George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War is excited to announce the opening of a museum exhibit on the 1939 World’s Fair which was held in New York City. Created by Shepherd history major Frank J. Milihram as part of his capstone project, the exhibit titled “The World of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Ideas of the 1939-40 New York World’s Fair” will premiere at the Conrad Shindler House, 136 W. German St., on Friday, April 15, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The exhibit will then be on display through the month of May.
International honor society inducts new members
A Town Hall with Congressman David McKinley on April 25
The Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communication is hosting a Town Hall featuring Congressman David McKinley on Monday, April 25, at 7 p.m. in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium. The event will provide an opportunity for audience members to go one-on-one with McKinley in advance of the May primary elections. Marsha ‘Kavalek’ Chwalik, news director and host of “Panhandle Live!” on WEPM-1340, will serve as moderator. Reception to follow. Seating is limited so register today.
Join the Ramboree on April 19
The Shepherd community is invited to gather on the Midway on Tuesday, April 19, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for lunch, music, games, and giveaways. There will be wonderful food choices for every taste—from cook-out offerings hosted by Shepherd Dining Services to food truck delicacies from Deez Donutz & Boardwalk Fryz and Funnel-N-Around. Please join in to show how much WE LOVE SHEPHERD!
Phi Kappa Phi initiates 41 new members
The Shepherd chapter of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, which recognizes superior scholarship in any area of study, had its 25th annual initiation on April 12. The chapter welcomed one faculty member, two staff members, and 38 students into Phi Kappa Phi. View event photos online.
Shepherd alumna approved as Musselman High principal
Congratulations to Alicia Riggleman, who received her degree in elementary education from Shepherd, for her promotion to principal of Musselman High School in Inwood, West Virginia. Alicia has spent her entire career within the Berkeley County Schools system, starting as a teacher at Tuscarora Elementary in 2005. For more about Alicia’s exceptional accomplishments, read this article about her in The Journal (may be behind a paywall for some).
Order spring plants to support the CEC Scholarship Fund
The Shepherd Classified Employees Council is sponsoring a sale of spring plants and bulbs to raise money for its Children’s Scholarship Fund. You can order flower bulbs, strawberries, tomatoes, and more for spring planting! Fifty percent of your purchase will fill the coffers of the Classified Employees’ Children’s Scholarship Fund for the 2022-2023 academic year. The fund awards scholarships to children of full-time classified employees who are pursuing a degree at Shepherd. Just go to the Flower Power Shepherd University Classified Employees Children's Scholarship Fundraiser website and select your favorites. Items will be shipped directly to your home.
News
Bagent named Hardman Award winner
With all his recent accomplishments, it's no surprise Shepherd QB Tyson Bagent has been named the recipient of the 2021 Hardman Award as West Virginia Sports Writers' Association's (WVSWA) Amateur Athlete of the Year for West Virginia. “I'm obviously happy, blessed, and honored,” Bagent said upon learning he had been named the recipient of the Hardman Award. Bagent, who is the 2021 Harlon Hill award-winner as NCAA Division II football Player of the Year, will be honored at the WVSWA's 75th annual Victory Awards Dinner on Sunday, May 1, at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, West Virginia. The Hardman Award is the oldest award given by the WVSWA, dating all the way back to 1934.
Shepherd students make their mark at statewide business plan competition
Congratulations to the three-person team of business administration students who represented Shepherd at the finals of the West Virginia Collegiate Business Plan Competition. The team was awarded $2,500 and found a potential interested future investor.
Berkeley County high school students win Shepherd business plan competition
Students from three Berkeley County high schools are the winners in a Shepherd business plan scholarship contest. The competition was open to high school juniors and seniors who plan to attend Shepherd. The winners each received a partial scholarship to Shepherd.
Community Music concert planned for April 27
Community Music at the Shepherd School of Music presents the Spring Community Music Ensembles Recital on Wednesday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center Theater. This concert will feature the Community String Orchestra, Youth Chorus, and the Junior Strings Ensemble and will premiere a new work by Shepherd Alumnus Ian Karraker titled “Meditation on a Theme.”
School of Music to host April 21 Jazz-n-Java concert
The Shepherd jazz ensemble and jazz combos will transform the Marinoff Theater into a coffee house concert space on Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m. for a Jazz-n-Java concert. Coffee and refreshments will be offered free with admission. Seating is limited, so reserve your ticket today!
Team River Runner-Shepherd recruiting for 10th season
Shepherd’s Team River Runner chapter is beginning its 10th season and is encouraging area veterans and their families to join. Team River Runner-Shepherd supports veterans’ recovery from combat, reintegration into post-combat life, and overall good health by teaching them kayaking and other paddle skills through a supportive community of local paddlers.
Shepherd Sports Score Roundup
Women’s golf trio competes at Kutztown Spring Invitational
Tennis falls to Millersville
Baseball splits road doubleheader with #16 West Chester
Baseball rallies past #16 West Chester at home
Softball drops pair at East Stroudsburg
Bloomsburg outlasts women’s lacrosse
Women’s tennis edges Shippensburg
Lacrosse falls at Shippensburg
Upcoming Events
Friday, April 15
10 a.m.-4 p.m.—“The World of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Ideas of the 1939-40 New York World’s Fair,” a capstone exhibit by Frank J. Milihram, Conrad Shindler House, 136 W. German St. (runs through May)
10 a.m.-5 p.m.—“The Apotheosis of Us,” a capstone exhibit by Tatiana Williams, Phaze 2 Gallery
1 p.m.—Softball vs. Lock Haven
2 p.m.—Women’s and men’s tennis at Kutztown
2 p.m.—Baseball at Millersville
3 p.m.—Softball vs. Lock Haven
Saturday, April 16
10 a.m.-5 p.m.—“The Apotheosis of Us,” a capstone exhibit by Tatiana Williams, Phaze 2 Gallery
Noon—Baseball vs. Millersville
1 p.m.—Women’s and men’s tennis at Bloomsburg
1 p.m.—Football Spring Game
2:30 p.m.—Baseball vs. Millersville
5-8 p.m.—“The Apotheosis of Us,” opening reception, Phaze 2 Gallery
Sunday, April 17
10 a.m.-5 p.m.—“The Apotheosis of Us,” a capstone exhibit by Tatiana Williams, Phaze 2 Gallery
Monday, April 18
Men’s golf at Cecil Spadafora Invitational (Indiana, PA)
12:10 p.m.—Mindful Mondays, sponsored by Counseling Services, Cumberland Room, Student Center
7 p.m.—“America’s Climate Change Policies: Who Will Pay, Us or Our Children?” Storer Ballroom, Student Center, sponsored by the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications (registration required)
7 p.m.—“The Archaeology of Harriet Tubman’s Birthplace” by Dr. Julie Schablitsky, sponsored by the Common Reading Program and Shepherd University Foundation, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (free and open to the public)
Tuesday, April 19
Men’s golf at Cecil Spadafora Invitational (Indiana, PA)
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.—Ramboree: Celebrating 150 Years, Midway
3 p.m.—Board of Governors Committee Meeting: Finance and Facilities, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education, Room 165
4 p.m.—Women’s lacrosse at West Chester
7:30 p.m.—Composition and Small Ensembles Recital, W.H. Shipley Recital Hall, Frank Arts Center Theater
Wednesday, April 20
8:30 a.m.—Ram Spirit Day, sponsored by Human Resources and Facilities Management
4 p.m.—CNEHS Student Recognition Awards, Erma Ora Byrd auditorium
Thursday, April 21
3-4 p.m.—Board of Governors Committee Meeting: Academic Programs and Development, Storer Ballroom 302, Student Center
3-4 p.m.—Board of Governors Committee Meeting: Enrollment and Student and Community Affairs, Cumberland Room 223, Student Center
4:15 p.m.—Board of Governors Meeting, Storer Ballroom 302, Student Center
Friday, April 22
Last day of classes
Last day of complete withdrawal from semester
Women’s golf at PSAC Championship (Kutztown, PA)
1 p.m.—Softball vs. Kutztown
2 p.m.—Baseball vs. Lock Haven
3 p.m.—Softball vs. Kutztown
3:30 p.m.—McMurran Scholars Convocation
Saturday, April 23
Women’s golf at PSAC Championship (Kutztown, PA)
Noon—Women’s lacrosse at East Stroudsburg
Noon—Baseball at Lock Haven
Noon-6 p.m.—Shep Arts Fest, Sam Michaels Park
1 p.m.—Women’s and men’s tennis at West Chester
2:30 p.m.—Baseball at Lock Haven
5 p.m.—Masterworks Chorale: “Te Deum” and “Requiem,” Sam Michaels Park
Sunday, April 24
Women’s golf at PSAC Championship (Kutztown, PA)
3 p.m.—Guitar Ensemble Ukrainian Relief concert, sponsored by the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, St. Agnes Catholic Church, 106 Duke Street
3:45 p.m.—Loudoun United FC College Night, Segra Field, Leesburg, Virginia (tickets required)
Monday, April 25
First day of final exams
12:10 p.m.—Mindful Mondays, sponsored by Counseling Services (via Zoom)
7 p.m.—A Town Hall with Congressman David McKinley, sponsored by the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (registration required)
Wednesday, April 27
4 p.m.—Women’s lacrosse vs. Millersville
6-8 p.m.—Lectures & Libations “Kill the Negative,” sponsored by the Office for Diversity and Equity, Lectures and Libations committee, and Department of Contemporary Art and Theater, Lilah Restaurant, 115 E. German Street, Shepherdstown
7:30 p.m.— Shepherd Community Orchestra and Youth Chorus, Frank Arts Center Theater (tickets required)
Friday, April 29
Last day of final exams
Women’s and men’s tennis at PSAC Championship (Bloomsburg, PA)
1 p.m.—Softball at West Chester
3 p.m.—Softball at West Chester
Saturday, April 30
1 p.m.—Softball vs. Millersville
1 p.m.—Women’s lacrosse vs. Kutztown (Senior Day)
1 p.m.—Baseball vs. Tiffin
3 p.m.—Softball vs. Millersville
3:30 p.m.—Baseball vs. Tiffin
Sunday, May 1
1 p.m.—Softball vs. Millersville
Monday, May 2
End of second semester
9 a.m.—Second semester grades due
12:10 p.m.—Mindful Mondays, sponsored by Counseling Services, Cumberland Room, Student Center
1 p.m.—Softball at Bowie State
3 p.m.—Softball at Bowie State
Tuesday, May 3
Grades available via RAIL
Noon—Baseball at Bluefield State
2:30 p.m.—Baseball at Bluefield State
Friday, May 6
2 p.m.—Baseball at East Stroudsburg
Saturday, May 7
149th Commencement
Noon—Baseball vs. East Stroudsburg
2:30 p.m.—Baseball vs. East Stroudsburg
Shepherd University news and events are available here.
Shepherd Athletics news and schedules are available here.
Dana L. Costa
Executive Director, University Communications
Shepherd University
P.O. Box 5000
Shepherdstown WV 25443-5000
