Initiatives, News, and Events

Vol. 7, No. 12 • September 16, 2022

President’s Points of Pride

It gives me great pleasure to highlight the inaugural Stubblefield Institute Civility Awards event, which took place on September 13 at the Top of the Hill Banquet and Conference Center located within the Reserve Officers Association Building in Washington, D.C. This special ceremony, organized by Greg Fields, acting director of the Institute, honored distinguished individuals for their commitment to civility on the national stage, including Maryland Governor Larry Hogan; Suzanne Clark, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Representatives Derek Kilmer and William Timmons, chair and vice-chair, respectively, of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; David Brooks, nationally acclaimed political journalist; and Mark Shields (posthumous), nationally acclaimed political journalist. Launched in 2019, the Stubblefield Institute is made possible by an initial gift from Drs. Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield. They have been the guiding light in sustaining the mission of the Institute, which serves as an active center for studying and promoting civil political discourse, inspiring constructive debate, and encouraging positive civic engagement.

I am especially proud of our new academic concentration in political communication created by the Institute in conjunction with the political science and communications department, making Shepherd one of only ten colleges in the nation where an undergraduate student can earn such a degree and prepare for a career in politics and policy advocacy. The innovative creator of this curriculum is Dr. Stephanie Slocum-Schaffer, a political science professor and senior fellow at the Stubblefield Institute. Dr. Slocum-Shaffer also heads the Institute’s Center for Political Research. Dr. Matthew Kushin of the Department of Communications has worked with Dr. Slocum-Shaffer to bring forward cutting-edge research, most recently presenting his work on the impact of social media at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Conference. Another noteworthy Institute program is the ListenLearnEngage initiative, a campus-based effort that encourages political awareness and action across Shepherd’s academic disciplines that is directed by Cindy Powers. We are most fortunate to have leaders in our community who believe in investing in the next generation for a better, more civil, tomorrow.

In related news...

The Civility Awards were featured in the Wednesday, September 14, issue of Politico PM, a daily e-newsletter from Politico:

“The Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications hosted the inaugural Civility Awards on Tuesday night at the Top of the Hill banquet and conference center. Awards were given to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, NYT columnist David Brooks, Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) and William Timmons (R-S.C.), and the Chamber’s Suzanne Clark, and posthumously to journalist Mark Shields, accepted by his wife Anne Shields. SPOTTED: Mary Hendrix, Bill and Bonnie Stubblefield, Scott Widmeyer, Susan Mills, Harriet Pearson, David Avella, Howard Opinsky, JB McCuskey, Tom Melia, Silvio Waisbord, Frances Hardin, Greg Fields, and Stephanie Slocum-Schaffer.”

Student Affairs hosts Save a Life Day

On September 8, Student Affairs hosted Save a Life: Free Naloxone Day, a first-time, statewide program to distribute life-saving nasal spray to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose. Staff and faculty joined together to participate and volunteer by distributing 105 free Narcan kits to the campus community and educating recipients on the proper use. Wendy Baracka, director of Counseling Services; Jami Cross and Kelli Manzano, counselors; Jake Mellow of students; and Dr. Joshua Stout, assistant professor of criminal justice, spread awareness on Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, and its use to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The event sought to educate the Shepherd community on how Narcan works and when to administer it, reduce the stigma surrounding opioid addiction, recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, and provide resources for health services and recovery programs.

Mark your calendar for April 14, 2023: Relay For Life is Back

Shepherd will host this year’s Relay For Life of Jefferson County. Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Teams of students, faculty, staff, and community members camp on Shepherd's campus and take turns walking/running to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since 2003, Shepherd has raised more than $790,000 in support of the program. Relay For Life symbolizes the hope that people lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face the disease have support, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. Sign up for Relay For Life or learn more on the Shepherd Relay For Life information site.

Photo models needed for Shepherd marketing: Show off your Ram Pride!

Shepherd's marketing team has an exciting opportunity for you to show off your Ram Pride! A photographer will be on campus next week to take photos for future promotional pieces, and we need student models. The time slots are as follows: Tuesday, September 20, from 2-3 p.m. and Thursday, September 22, from 1:40-2:10 p.m. and 2:50-4 p.m. These photos will be taken outside on East Campus and around Shepherdstown. This is a great time to support Shepherd and have some fun! If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact Isabella Sager for details.

Alumna wins West Virginia Teacher of the Year honors

Amber Nichols, an elementary school teacher in Monongalia County, was named the West Virginia Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia Board of Education. Nichols graduated from Shepherd with her B.S. in communications. To learn more about Nichols’ contributions to teaching, read this announcement from the Department of Education.

News

New transfer agreement signed with College of Southern Maryland

Shepherd University and the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) have signed a new 2+2 agreement that will make it easier for CSM students earning an A.S. in business administration to transfer to Shepherd and complete their B.S. in business administration.

September 30 fun run to benefit Make-A-Wish children

Wishmakers on Campus and the Student Government Association are sponsoring a Glow for a Cause 5K and 1-mile Fun Run on Friday, September 30, at 7 p.m. beginning at the Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center and ending at the Smallwood and Small Pavilion by Rams Stadium.

School of Music to host October 10 open house

The Shepherd University School of Music will host a free Visitation Day on Monday, October 10, open to all high school seniors and juniors and transfer students interested in pursuing a degree in music at Shepherd.

Football team in top 5 after second win of the season

After a 41-7 win at home against Edinboro, Shepherd football ranks in the top 5 in two key polls. While Shepherd remained at #5 in the D2Football.com poll, the home win lifted the team to #4 in the AFCA poll, up from #5 the previous week. The Rams are in action at home on Saturday for a matchup with California (Pa.) at noon.

Brown, Holloway gain PSAC weekly honors

Junior running back Ronnie Brown and senior defensive end Malik Holloway of the Shepherd football team earned PSAC weekly honors. Brown garnered PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week honors, while Holloway was named PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week.

Sports Roundup

September 14: Men’s soccer falls at West Chester Read more »

September 14: Women’s soccer battles to 1-1 tie with Shippensburg Read more »

September 13: Volleyball downed by Fairmont State Read more »

September 10: Women’s soccer edged by East Stroudsburg Read more »

September 10: Volleyball falls at Cal Read more »

Upcoming Events

Friday, September 16

5 p.m.—Men’s cross country at DII/DIII XC Challenge (8K)

5:45 p.m.—Women’s cross country at DII/DIII Challenge (8K)

6 p.m.—Coach Walter Barr Locker Room Dedication, Kenneth J. Boone Field House at Ram Stadium (RSVP required)

7 p.m.—Volleyball at Shippensburg

Saturday, September 17

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

Noon—Football vs. California (Pa.)

Noon—Women’s soccer at West Chester

Monday, September 19

Noon-1 p.m.—Meet the Author: An Engaging Conversation with Emma Copley Eisenberg facilitated by Chiquita Howard-Bostic (via Zoom)

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

Tuesday, September 20

7 p.m.—18th Annual Constitution Day lecture featuring distinguished scholar Norm Ornstein, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (RSVP required)

Wednesday, September 21

1 p.m.—Men’s Soccer vs. Bloomsburg

1:10 p.m.—Criminal Justice Lecture Series, “A Look Inside the Federal Air Marshal Service” featuring Kelsey Betz, sponsored by the Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Criminal Justice (via Zoom)

4-4:30 p.m.— West Virginia Public Higher Ed: Student Loan Forgiveness Workshop (registration required)

Friday, September 23

Last day to withdraw from first-half semester class (see advisor by noon)

7 p.m.—Volleyball vs. East Stroudsburg

7 p.m.—Shepherdstown Film Society screening of award-winning film Dark Waters, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information)

Saturday, September 24

10 a.m.—Men’s cross country at Lock Haven Invitational (8K)

11 a.m.—Women’s cross country at Lock Haven Invitational (6K)

11 a.m.-9 p.m.—Appalachian Heritage Festival, Reynolds Hall and Butcher Center Plaza (more information)

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

Noon—Football at Kutztown

2 p.m.—Volleyball vs. Kutztown

4 p.m.—Men’s soccer at Shippensburg

5 p.m.—“Anthology of Appalachian Writers, Volume XIV: Marie Manilla” book reading, sponsored by Four Seasons Books and the Shepherd University Foundation, Four Seasons Books, 116 W. German St., Shepherdstown (more information)

7 p.m.—Appalachian Heritage Festival concert “Women’s Voices in Appalachia,” Frank Center Plaza, sponsored by Student Activities and Leadership, Program Board, and the Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities (more information)

Monday, September 26

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

6-8 p.m.—Phaze 2 Gallery, “Speculative Sex” exhibit, Center for Contemporary Art (more information)

7 p.m.—“Connected: Reflections on Ecology, Technology, and the Human Condition” with Dr. Jeff Groff, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program (more information )

Tuesday, September 27

7 p.m.—“A Celebration of Appalachian Storytellers, Anthology of Appalachian Writers” with Marc Harshman and Marie Manilla, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program (more information )

Wednesday, September 28

3:30 p.m.—Men’s soccer vs Lock Haven

6-8 p.m.—Phaze 2 Gallery, “Speculative Sex” exhibit, Center for Contemporary Art (more information)

7 p.m.—“The Writing Life” with Barbara Kingsolver, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program (more information )

Thursday, September 29

2-3:30 p.m.—Writers Master Class with Barbara Kingsolver, Frank Center Theater, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program (more information )

6-8 p.m.—Phaze 2 Gallery, “Speculative Sex” exhibit, Center for Contemporary Art (more information)

7 p.m.—Scarborough Society Keynote with Barbara Kingsolver and AHWIR Awards Ceremony and Reception, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program (more information )

Friday, September 30

3-4 p.m.—Farewell and Thank You for Monica Lingenfelter, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education rotunda

7 p.m.—Volleyball at West Chester

7 p.m.—“Stories from the Heartland” with Adam Booth, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program (more information )

Saturday, October 1

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

Noon—Football at Shippensburg

2 p.m.—Men’s soccer at Frostburg State

2 p.m.—Volleyball at Millersville

Monday, October 3

First day of midterm exams

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

Tuesday, October 4

1 p.m.—Men’s soccer at Mercyhurst

Wednesday, October 5

6-8 p.m.—Meet the Firms, Student Center Storer Ballroom, sponsored by the Accounting Club (more information)

Thursday, October 6

7:30 p.m.—Shepherd Salon Series, “Rhythm, Spice, and Everything Nice,” W.H. Shipley Recital Hall (more information)

Friday, October 7

Last day of midterm exams

Last day to apply online for May and August 2023 graduation

6 p.m.—Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet and Awards Ceremony, Student Center Storer Ballroom (RSVP required)

7 p.m.—Volleyball vs Lock Haven

Saturday, October 8

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

Noon—Football vs Lock Haven (Hall of Fame Weekend)

1 p.m.—Men’s soccer vs East Stroudsburg

4 p.m.—Volleyball vs Bloomsburg

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