Vol. 7, No. 31 • February 10, 2023

President’s Points of Pride 

Please join me in celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of James “Jim” M. Cherry, Ph.D., a Shepherd alumnus and the Vice Chair of our Board of Governors, who was recognized for his contributions to biomedical research by the National Institutes of Health during Black History Month. Dr. Cherry serves as chief of the Research Technology Branch of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and on special appointment as the senior scientific program director to the National Cancer Institute’s principal deputy director in the Office of the Director at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). His field of study is women’s health, researching the molecular changes in ovarian tumor progression by identifying potential biomarkers that have proven useful in early diagnosis and prognosis. Cherry earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Shepherd College in 1996, a Master of Science in molecular biology from Johns Hopkins University in 2000, and a Ph.D. in biology with a concentration in biomedical science from Catholic University of America in collaboration with the NCI in 2007. Click for a photo!  

NSF funding could expand academic programs, computational capacity 

The College of Business (COB) is responding to a solicitation from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund an expansion of the College’s cyberinfrastructure capabilities. The expansion would accommodate the ongoing business information systems initiative, including the Management Information Systems (MIS) concentration in the Master of Business Administration, and the vision for an interdisciplinary Master of Science program in applied business. The new program will combine the existing MIS curriculum with applied cybersecurity courses and will eventually grow into an independent Center for Cybersecurity Studies. To support this new data-intensive effort, the COB is asking NSF to fund a high-throughput research and education network path over Internet2 for Shepherd. The project will give Shepherd additional computing capacity, support COB programs, and give the entire campus access to higher-speed internet by integrating it with a planned upgrade of the campus IT network. Combining Internet2’s I2PX services with Shentel’s commercial Internet Service Provider offerings, the new connection will also serve as Shepherd's secondary internet access path—a critical backup needed to deliver increased internet service effectively. 

Celebrating Shepherd Football! 

Let’s take some time to recognize the incredible achievements of many people connected to Shepherd Football: 

• Monte Cater to be inducted into the National Collegiate Football Hall of Fame  
• Ernie McCook selected as Super Region One Coach of the Year and PSAC Coach of the Year 
• Two consecutive Super Region One Championships and National Semifinal appearances 
• Four First Team All-Americans: Tyson Bagent, Joey Fisher, Brian Walker, and Ronnie Brown 
• Bagent: a 2021 Harlon Hill winner, 2022 Harlon Hill finalist, and NCAA record-setting quarterback 
• Fisher selected as a finalist for the Gene Upshaw Award  
• Bagent, Fisher, and Brown being featured in national collegiate all-star games 
• Shepherd's recognition as the only Division Two team to ever have two players—Bagent and Fisher—selected to play in the prestigious Senior Bowl in the same year 

Visit Shepherd in the News for national news coverage of these and many other Shepherd accomplishments.  

Vocalists and instrumentalists invited to join Alumni Choir 

The School of Music invites alumni back for the chance to perform once more on the Frank Arts Center Theater stage! As part of the annual Musical Showcase for Scholarships on Saturday, April 1, the School of Music will host an alumni choir led by director Dr. Steven Grives. All are welcome to participate whether you are a vocalist or instrumentalist. The group will sing the Alma Mater along with one other piece. There will be a rehearsal on the afternoon before the performance that evening. We will also plan to reconnect with old friends and meet some new ones. Register online to participate.  

Nursing students attend on-campus career fair 

The atrium of Erma Ora Byrd Hall was abuzz with activity on February 2 during the School of Nursing’s career fair. Students networked with professionals in their chosen fields and learned about job opportunities and summer externships for registered nurses, nursing assistants, and patient care technicians. Among the healthcare providers represented were WVU Hospitals East—Berkeley Medical Center, Valley Health, VA Martinsburg Health Care, Inova Health System, Meritus Health, Frederick Health Hospital, and Genesis HealthCare.  

Sculptures by Esperanza Alzona included in art exhibits 

In addition to her work as operation manager for the School of Music, Esperanza Alzona is a sculptor whose work has been exhibited regionally. Several of her most recent sculptures will be featured in the following exhibitions: 

• “Ghosting” in cast aluminum and “Suppression” in cast iron, Connectivity through Creativity, Frederick County Art Association members juried exhibition, District Arts, 15 N. Market St, Frederick, Maryland, February 1-February 26.  
• “Silence Within” in cast iron, Being Seen Juried Art Exhibition, The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St, Frederick, Maryland. March 3–26. Opening reception, juror’s remarks, and awards on Saturday, March 4, 5-8 p.m.  
• “Caged Heart” in cast aluminum and “Opposing Views” in cast iron, Is It Me? International Juried Exhibition, The Art Effect Trolley Barn Gallery, Poughkeepsie, New York, March 10-April 14. Opening reception on Friday, March 10, 6-8 p.m.  
• “Rise Up” in cast iron, Frederick County Art Association exhibition, Mary Condon Hodgson Art Gallery, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Maryland, April 8-May 3. Opening reception, Saturday, April 8, 5-7 p.m.  

Shepherdstown Film Society to host three upcoming film showings and discussions 

The Shepherdstown Film Society, part of Lifelong Learning, will present the following films in partnership with the Scarborough Society. The movies will be screened on Fridays at 7 p.m. in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium. All evenings include a post-film discussion. Admission is free. 

• February 10: “The Father” (2020; NR) by Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller. Discussion led by Dr. Heidi Dobish, associate professor of psychology. 
• March 3: “You Can Count on Me” (2000; R) by Kenneth Lonergan. Discussion led by Dr. Rachel Krantz, associate professor of French. 
• April 21: “The Last Waltz” (1978; PG) by Martin Scorsese. Discussion led by Dr. Marty Amerikaner, Lifelong Learning instructor. 

For further information, visit the Shepherdstown Film Society website. 

Shepherd students bowl through barriers  

The Stubblefield Institute Civility Club hosted "Bowling Through Barriers," an evening designed to help attendees participate in open communication on essential topics. Students and Stubblefield Institute board members and staff enjoyed dinner together, then formed teams to bowl while completing conversation activities and exploring possibilities for action. The Civility Club is a group of students passionate about advancing civil discourse among all Shepherd students because kindness counts. The Club promotes understanding, civility, and civic engagement and educates the campus community about politics and polarization while promoting constructive problem-solving. 

Students prepare for Spring Break in Tennessee 

Alternative Spring Break is an immersive program over Shepherd’s Spring Break, March 13-17, and brings new opportunities to students. This year the group will be traveling to Johnson City, Tennessee, to help renovate homes and restore hope in Appalachia. Anyone interested in helping donate to the program to offset travel, food, and lodging costs or learning more about joining the group, contact Aly Nazarok, student community service graduate assistant, at anazarok@shepherd.edu.  

Student Leadership Conference empowers attendees 

On February 4, more than 115 students attended Shepherd’s 37th annual Student Leadership Conference. Sponsored by the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications' ListenLearnEngage Initiative, Office of Student Activities and Leadership, and Multicultural Student Affairs, the daylong conference included a keynote presentation by former college athlete, mental health advocate, and TEDx speaker Daryll Stinson as well as 12 additional workshops led by an all-star cast of presenters including Dr. Josh Stout, Dr. Heidi Hanrahan, Dr. Sam Greene, Dr. Stacey Kendig, Dr. Amy DeWitt, Stacey McFarland, Judge Elizabeth Kellas, Annie Lewin, Cindy Powers, Wendy Weaver Baracka, Kelli Manzano, Jami Cross, Rachael Meads, and students from the Multicultural Leadership Team. Students gained new strategies and insights to develop their leadership potential and work collaboratively with others to build stronger teams, create positive social change, and become empowered citizens.

News

World-renowned scientist and PBM expert visits Shepherd 

Dr. Ann Liebert, a world-renowned Australian scientist specializing in finding treatments for Parkinson’s disease and migraine headaches, visited Shepherd University at the beginning of February to share her expertise in infrared laser light therapies known as photobiomodulation (PBM) with students and faculty.  

Read more »  

School of Music to host February 16 concert focusing on European salon music 

The 2022-2023 Shepherd School of Music Salon Series, sponsored by Jefferson Security Bank, continues Thursday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m. with “Paris, Berlin, and Beyond” in the Frank Arts Center W.H. Shipley Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public. 

Read more » 

Shepherd women knock off Mansfield, Kaufman gains first career win 

First-year guard Peyton Grant scored a game- and career-high 28 points to lead Shepherd to a 73-67 win over Mansfield in PSAC women's basketball action at the Butcher Center. The win gave Shepherd head coach Julie Kaufman her first career victory. 

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High School Dual Enrollment information sessions announced 

Shepherd is offering two upcoming opportunities for high school students and their families to learn more about the University’s Dual Enrollment program, which allows students to simultaneously receive high school and college credit. 

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WISH surpasses $1 million milestone 

When Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) started in 2014, it aimed to raise $1 million to invest in the community and University in 10 years. WISH surpassed that $1 million-mark one year early through the recruitment and retention of 284 membership gifts. 

Read more » 

Bagent impresses at Senior Bowl 

Former Shepherd quarterback Tyson Bagent gave an impressive performance at the Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, on Saturday, February 4. Bagent completed 17-of-22 passes for 138 yards to lead all American-team quarterbacks. For the full box score, visit ESPN.  

Center for Appalachian Studies to host talk on Native American and Appalachian foodways 

Shepherd’s Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities is hosting an evening focused on ethnobotany—the study of how people of a particular culture and region utilize native plants for food, medicine, shelter, dyes, and fibers. On Wednesday, February 15, environmentalist Clay Morris will discuss “Native American and Appalachian Foodways and Foraging: A Heritage of Sustainable Living.” The event, free and open to the public, will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium and will be livestreamed on YouTube. 

Read more » 

U.S. Army jazz band to perform during annual February 18 jazz festival 

The Shepherd School of Music will present the United States Army Blues Jazz Ensemble as part of the annual Shepherd Jazz Festival on Saturday, February 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center Theater. The concert is free and open to the public. 

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School of Music to host February 24 wind ensemble concert 

The Shepherd Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Scott Hippensteel, will present “The Divine Comedy” on Friday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center Theater. The concert will feature two movements of the symphony by Robert W. Smith inspired by Dante’s famous literary work, also titled “The Divine Comedy.” 

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Clark named Shepherd football offensive coordinator 

Shepherd head football coach Ernie McCook announced that Tom Clark has been named offensive coordinator. Clark replaces Tyler Haines, who resigned to take the head coaching job at Catawba College. Clark comes to Shepherd after serving as assistant head football coach/defense coordinator at Hampden-Sydney College in 2022. 

Read more » 

Women’s lacrosse picked sixth in PSAC East preseason poll 

Shepherd has been picked to finish sixth in the 2023 PSAC East Women's Lacrosse Preseason Poll. The poll names East Stroudsburg and Seton Hill as the favorites in their respective divisions. 

Read more » 

Sports Roundup

February 4: Men’s basketball edged at Lock Haven 

February 4: Women’s basketball falls at Lock Haven 

February 8: Men’s basketball tops Mansfield 

Upcoming Events

Friday, February 10 

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

11 a.m.—Professional Connections Day, sponsored by the Shepherd University Alumni Association and Shepherd Career Services, Student Center 

Noon-8 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

7 p.m.—Shepherdstown Film Society, “The Father,” sponsored by Shepherd Lifelong Learning and Scarborough Society, Robert C. Byrd Center of Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information) 

Saturday, February 11  

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

Noon-5 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

1 p.m.—Women’s basketball vs. Bloomsburg (Paint Butcher Purple for Relay For Life) 

3 p.m.—Men’s basketball vs. Bloomsburg (Paint Butcher Purple for Relay For Life; Alumni Day) 

Monday, February 13 

12:10—12:50 p.m.—Mindful Mondays, sponsored by Counseling Services, Student Center Cumberland Room  

Noon-8 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

Tuesday, February 14 

Noon-8 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater  

12:30 p.m.—Naloxone training, sponsored by Shepherd Martinsburg Center, 261 Aikens Center, Room 116, Martinsburg 

Wednesday, February 15 

Noon—Faculty Research Forum: “The ‘Child Prodigy’ and the ‘Wandering Mare’: 19th Century Japanese and Yiddish Works Satirizing Idealism and Attacking Cynicism,” Frank Arts Center, W.H. Shipley Recital Hall (more information) 

Noon-8 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

5:30 p.m.—Women’s basketball vs. West Chester 

6:30 p.m.—“Native American and Appalachian Foodways and Foraging: A Heritage of Sustainable Living,” Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium 

7:30 p.m.—Men’s basketball vs. West Chester 

Thursday, February 16 

Noon-8 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

4:15 p.m.—Board of Governors meeting, Student Center Storer Ballroom 

7:30 p.m.—Salon Series: “Paris, Berlin, and Beyond,” sponsored by Jefferson Security Bank, Frank Arts Center, W. H. Shipley Recital Hall 

Friday, February 17 

Noon-8 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

Saturday, February 18 

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.—Middle school concert with students from Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, Wildwood, Martinsburg North, Shepherdstown, and Admiral Richard Byrd middle schools, Frank Arts Center Theater (more information) 

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

Noon-5 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

1 p.m.—Women’s basketball at East Stroudsburg 

3 p.m.—Men’s basketball at East Stroudsburg 

2-4:30 p.m.—High school concert with students from Washington, Musselman, and Jefferson counties (more information) 

7:30 p.m.—United States Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, Frank Arts Center Theater (more information) 

Monday, February 20 

First day of midterms 

Noon-5 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

12:10—12:50 p.m.—Mindful Mondays, sponsored by Counseling Services, Student Center Cumberland Room  

6:30 p.m.—President’s Lecture Series: Nobel Prize Topics, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information) 

Tuesday, February 21 

Noon-5 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

5:30 p.m.—Seeding Your Future Workshop Series: Optics and Sight, Byrd Science and Technology Center (more information) 

Wednesday, February 22 

Noon-5 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

5:30 p.m.—Women’s basketball vs. Shippensburg 

7:30 p.m.—Men’s basketball vs. Shippensburg (Senior Day) 

Thursday, February 23 

Noon-5 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

6 p.m.—Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm Beginning Farmer Workshop Series, Seeding & Planting: Best Practices, Robert C. Byrd Science and Technology Center (more information) 

7 p.m.—Documentary screening: “No Defense: The U.S. Military’s War on Water,” presented by the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium 

Friday, February 24 

Last day of midterms 

Last day to apply for December 2023 graduation, Registrar’s Office, Ikenberry Hall 

Noon-5 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

7:30 p.m.—The Divine Comedy Wind Ensemble Concert, Frank Arts Center theater (tickets required) 

Saturday, February 25 

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

Noon-5 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

1 p.m.—Women’s basketball at Kutztown 

3 p.m.—Men’s basketball at Kutztown 

Monday, February 27 

Second-half semester classes begin 

9 a.m.—Midterm grades due 

Noon-5 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

12:10—12:50 p.m.—Mindful Mondays, sponsored by Counseling Services, Student Center Cumberland Room 

Tuesday, February 28 

Midterm grades available on RAIL 

Noon-5 p.m.—Lauren Koch Artist Installation, Phaze 2 Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art and Theater 

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