Initiatives, News, and Events

Vol. 7, No. 14 • September 30, 2022

President’s Points of Pride

After 25 years of dedicated service, Monica Lingenfelter, executive vice president for the Shepherd University Foundation, will retire on September 30, 2022.

While it’s impossible to mention all the wonderful contributions Monica has made to the Shepherd community, here are some highlights of the work she has done to ensure Shepherd can continue to provide excellent educational opportunities for our students well into the future:

Overseeing the University’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, which raised more than $26 million for scholarships, capital projects, and various programming;
Raising funds for major capital projects, including the addition to and renovation of the Ruth Scarborough Library, the renovation of Ram Stadium with the Kenneth J. Boone Field House, and addition of Potomac Place residence hall; and
Creating the Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) giving circle, which is nearing $1 million in grants given to Shepherd initiatives and area nonprofits.

Through Monica’s hard work, tenacious attention to detail, dedication to donors, and desire to position Shepherd as a community cornerstone, she has continued to lead us on a path of growth and prosperity. We are most grateful for her service. Thank you, Monica.

Please join us today, Friday, September 30, at 3 p.m. in the rotunda of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education, for a celebration of Monica.

Locker room named for Coach Walter Barr

On September 16, Shepherd honored the legacy of the late Walter Barr, a dedicated and beloved Rams coach from 1971 to 1985, by naming the newly renovated locker room in Boone Field House after him. Head football coach of the WVIAC championship teams in 1972, 1982, and 1983, Coach Barr impacted the lives of many athletes during his time at Shepherd, an impact that lives on today. The Coach Walter Barr Locker Room recognizes his passion and devotion to Shepherd football. You can see photos from the dedication ceremony event on our Flickr site.

New books on aging well available in Scarborough Library

Shepherd University's Aging Well Committee, host of Shepherd's Annual Aging Well Workshop, has funded a new Aging Well Collection in the Scarborough Library. The Aging Well Collection is currently housed in the Community Reading Room and includes 34 books on the experience of aging and holistic approaches to aging well. The Aging Well Committee hopes to continue building the Aging Well Collection by purchasing additional books for the collection annually.

Shepherd student selected as second NCTC diversity and equity intern

The Office for Diversity and Equity has continued its partnership with the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown by placing Fatoumatta Conteh as the Student Conservation Association (SCA)-NCTC Allies for Change intern from October 2022-June 2023. As part of this internship, Fatoumatta will be working with NCTC staff to help ensure guests and staff feel welcome and appreciated—and to help with efforts at NCTC to become a more inclusive and diverse organization. Other internship duties include:

Reviewing and critiquing historical displays and documents housed at NCTC to make the agency history more transparent, inclusive, and representative;
Adding resources to a database of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (JEDIA) resources that can be shared with staff, and included as part of NCTC training materials;
Reviewing and critiquing JEDIA guidelines for NCTC staff to help create an inclusive environment in classrooms and meeting rooms; and
Identifying any sources of bias in the day-to-day operations at the NCTC including campus layout and accessibility.

Shepherdstown named among 10 most enchanting towns in the Shenandoah Valley

Congratulations to Shepherdstown for being named among the 10 Most Enchanting Small Towns in the Shenandoah Valley by Fodor’s Travel. Shepherdstown is listed first in the article, which lists the towns from north to south. The story captures the parts of Shepherdstown we love so much, including the Contemporary American Theater Festival and the Bavarian Inn!

NDRI celebrates science at awards dinner

The National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI) held its Service to Science awards in Philadelphia on Wednesday, September 28. Shepherd President Mary J.C. Hendrix, who serves as chair of the NDRI board, was on hand to personally present awards to three of the five Empowering Research and Discovery Awardees: Dr. Katalin Karikó, Pfizer, and Moderna. Dr. Karikó, along with her partner, Dr. Drew Weissman, led the research for the therapeutic use of mRNA, the foundation of the COVID vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna. For more information about NDRI and the Service to Science Awards, visit the NDRI website.

Theater department announces October 9 auditions

People of all ages, races, and ability levels are invited to audition on Sunday, October 9, from 7-9 p.m. in Studio 112 in the Center for Contemporary Arts for upcoming student-directed plays. Student directors Jack Dempsey, Morgan Donaldson, Trevor Gauckler, Jami Hartman, and Jason Whitaker will be holding auditions for four one-act plays and a capstone production of The Glass Menagerie as part of the Directing II class. Those auditioning should prepare a 30-60 second monologue and provide a headshot and resume, if available. Selections from the scripts will be available for those who need them. For additional character breakdowns, details, and information, visit www.shepherd.edu/theater/auditions.

News

Longtime Shepherd supporter Ken Boone passes away

Shepherd Athletics is deeply saddened to announce the passing of longtime Shepherd supporter and former Shepherd football player Ken Boone, who graduated from Shepherd in 1976. The Kenneth J. Boone Fieldhouse at Ram Stadium bears his name.

Kierstyn Williams first to receive new $2,000 Antietam Institute scholarship

Thanks to a partnership between Shepherd University’s George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War, the Shepherd University Foundation, and the Antietam Institute, Shepherd history major Kierstyn Williams of Kearneysville is receiving a $2,000 scholarship.

Salon Series to present October 6 concert focusing on jazz flute

The 2022-2023 Shepherd Music Salon Series, sponsored by Jefferson Security Bank, will present “Rhythm, Spice, and Everything Nice” on Thursday, October 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center W.H. Shipley Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

Foundation announces new planned gift in support of legal studies

A member of Shepherd’s Class of 1991, Melinda Merk, is giving back to future generations of students through the Melinda Merk Law Scholarship. This endowed fund will support female students majoring in political science to further their pursuit of legal studies.

Hahn named PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week

Senior forward/midfielder Sara Hohn of the Shepherd women's soccer team has been named PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week.

Moreno PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week

First-year middle blocker Riley Moreno of the Shepherd volleyball team has been named PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week.

Cook selected to DC Touchdown Club Honor Roll for second time this season

Junior wide receiver Marlon Cook of the Shepherd football team has been named to the DC Touchdown Club Honor Roll for the second time this season. Cook was one of four student-athletes to be honored. Cook had nine receptions for 212 yards and a score to help lead Shepherd to a 42-35 win over Kutztown on September 24.

Bagent, Brown garner PSAC weekly honors

Senior quarterback Tyson Bagent and junior running back/return specialist Ronnie Brown of the Shepherd football team earned PSAC weekly honors as announced by the league office. Bagent garnered PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week honors, while Brown was named PSAC East Special Teams Athlete of the Week.

Rams climb to #4 in AFCA poll, stays steady in D2Football.com poll

After a 42-35 win over Kutztown on the road, the Shepherd football team climbed one spot to number 4 in the AFCA poll and stayed at number 5 in the D2Football.com poll. The Rams travel to Shippensburg on Saturday, October 1, for a 1 p.m. game. J oin the Shepherd University Alumni Association before the game for an alumni tailgate! The fun starts at 10:30 a.m.

Shepherd presents writer’s award to Barbara Kingsolver

Internationally acclaimed writer Barbara Kingsolver was presented the 2022 Appalachian Heritage Writer’s Award at Shepherd on Thursday, September 29. Dr. Sylvia Bailey Shurbutt, director of the Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities, presented the award to Kingsolver, who is this year’s Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence.

Sports Roundup

September 28: Men’s soccer falls to Lock Haven Read more »

September 24: Cross country teams compete at Lock Have Invitational Read more »

September 24: Football holds off Kutztown Read more »

September 24: Women’s soccer downs Lock Haven Read more »

September 24: Men’s soccer battles to 2-2 tie with Shippensburg Read more »

September 24: Volleyball sweeps Kutztown Read more »

September 23: Women’s volleyball falls to East Stroudsburg in five sets Read more »

Upcoming Events

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, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information )

Saturday, October 1

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.—Shepherd University Alumni Association Tailgate at Shippensburg University, Lot C-6, Seth Grove Stadium, 132 Stadium Access Rd., Shippensburg, Pennsylvania (more information)

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

1 p.m.—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

Monday, October 10

Second-half semester classes begin

7:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m.—School of Music Visitation Day (more information)

9 a.m.—Midterm grades due

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

Tuesday, October 11

Midterm grades available on RAIL

5 p.m.—“Science Stories in Fabric” artist talk with Dr. Laura Robertson, associate professor of biology, Scarborough Library Reading Room

Wednesday, October 12

6 p.m.—Men’s soccer at Millersville

Thursday, October 13

6-8 p.m.— Outstanding Alumna of the Year & Finest Under 40 award ceremony and reception, sponsored by the Shepherd University Alumni Association, Erma Ora Byrd Hall (RSVP required)

Friday, October 14

7 a.m.—31st Annual Alumni Association Golf Tournament, The Club at Cress Creek, Shepherdstown, West Virginia (more information)

3:30-5 p.m.—Founders Day Celebration, sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation, parade starts at McMurran Hall, program takes place on Potomac Place lawn

5-7 p.m.—College of Business Reunion Dinner, Student Center Storer Ballroom (RSVP required)

6:30 p.m.—Shepherd University Athletic Club (SUAC) Homecoming Party, Smallwood & Small Pavilion, free and open to the public (RSVP requested)

7 p.m.—Volleyball vs. Shippensburg

7:30 p.m.—Jazz at Shepherd, Jazz Ensemble Concert, Frank Arts Center Theater (tickets required)

Saturday, October 15

8:45 a.m.—Ram Band reunion practice, Ken Boone Field House, Ram Stadium

9 a.m.—Alumni Breakfast on the Lawn, sponsored by the Shepherd University Alumni Association, McMurran Hall Lawn

10 a.m.—Homecoming Parade, German St.

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

11:45—Ram Band reunion pre-game, Ken Boone Field House, Ram Stadium

Noon—Football vs. Millersville (Homecoming)

Post-game Party, sponsored by the Shepherd University Alumni Association, Great American Brewing Company, 16609 Shepherdstown Pike, Sharpsburg, Maryland (immediately following the football game)

12:30 p.m.—Women’s cross country at Inter-Regional Border Battle (6k)

1 p.m.—Women’s soccer vs. East Stroudsburg (Homecoming)

1:15 p.m.—Men’s cross country at Inter-Regional Border Battle (8k)

3:30 p.m.—Men’s soccer vs. Shippensburg (Homecoming)

Sunday, October 16

2:30 p.m.—Shepherd Music Voice Faculty Recital, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Dr., Hagerstown, Maryland (tickets required)

Monday, October 17

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

6:30 p.m.—President’s Lecture Series “Innovation is a Contact Sport” by Ret. Rear Admiral Jay Cohen, sponsored by the President’s Office and Lifelong Learning, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information)

Tuesday, October 18

12:30-3:30 p.m.—Flu shot and COVID bivalent booster clinic, sponsored by the Shepherd Health Center and Shepherdstown Pharmacy, Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center

7 p.m.—Art and Lecture Series: “Astrobiology’s Three Big Questions” with William Kramer, Ph.D., sponsored by the Scarborough Society and Shepherd University Foundation, Scarborough Library Reading Room

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