Vol. 6, No. 21 • November 19, 2021
President’s Points of Pride
With the recent visit of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation Site Team, I wish to thank each of you for your participation in this critical endeavor. The Team commented on how welcoming the campus was, and noted the obvious pride the entire Shepherd community takes in the Institution. We expect to receive the initial report within a month—and the final action in early 2022. There are many individuals who went above and beyond the call of duty to prepare the HLC Assurance Argument, respond to numerous requests for additional evidence, and make arrangements for on-campus and off-campus accommodations. I would like to especially acknowledge them at this time: Dr. Jason Best; Mrs. Sara Maene; Mrs. Amy Speck; Mrs. Sonya Sholley; Ms. Theresa Smith and the Scarborough Library staff; Mr. Jody Brumage and the Byrd Center staff; Ms. Jennie Khun, Ms. Mary Valentine-Boutté, and the staff of IT Services; Mr. Jim Klein and the staff of the Martinsburg Center; Dr. Jenny Flora; our Board of Governors; our academic leadership; our faculty; our staff; our students; and our community members. I also recognize all the hard work, the myriad meetings, and the actual written composition that comprised this Herculean effort. I could not be more proud of your accomplishments, Shepherd’s mission, and our collective commitment to excellence. I am confident that the HLC Team will endorse our record of success. We have so much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving.
Accounting Club hosts State Auditor’s visit to campus
This week, West Virginia’s State Auditor Mr. John B. McCuskey visited Shepherd University. He was invited to speak to the Shepherd Accounting Club where he focused his remarks on the State Auditor’s Office Auditing Scholars Program. This unique program offers newly graduated accounting students paid internships—with on-site training in an actual auditing environment by expert governmental accounting professionals and the flexibility to work remotely. Interns will be providing a public service as they learn how auditors protect the financial interests of taxpaying citizens. The program offers an opportunity for interns to gain meaningful experience while advancing their accounting skills, serving their community and the State of West Virginia, and preparing auditing scholars for advanced job placement in governmental accounting. To learn about the program, visit the State Auditor’s Office website. Dr. Cindy Vance, chair of the Shepherd Department of Accounting, said that students were excited to learn more about the opportunities available at the State Auditor’s Office.
Sara Maene appointed to vital HEPC committee
Sara Maene, director of institutional research, has accepted an invitation to join the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) Funding Formula Code Review Committee. Led by HEPC’s Dr. Zornitsa Georgieva, the committee is comprised of institutional research professionals from West Virginia University, Fairmont State University, Concord University, and Shepherd. It is tasked with looking at the development of coding for the new statewide funding formula. Congratulations Sara! We know that you will represent Shepherd well!
Tammy Gill earns prestigious human resources certification
Tammy Gill, assistant director of human resources, recently earned the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification. Successful completion of the four-hour SHRM-SCP certification exam demonstrates mastery of HR competencies and knowledge and includes leadership, business, and interpersonal expertise. The 2021 pass rate for the rigorous SHRM-SCP exam was 48%. Tammy holds a B.S. in business administration, human resource management from Shippensburg University and an MBA from Shepherd. Tammy has 20 years of experience in human resources. Prior to her 2015 arrival at Shepherd, Tammy held HR leadership positions at Trex Company and Rubbermaid Commercial Products in Winchester, Virginia. Congratulations, Tammy, on your hard work!
Brenton Doyle selected for Minor League Baseball Rawlings Gold Glove Award
Congrats to Brenton Doyle, former Ram baseball standout and All-American outfielder, for being named one of nine Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners. Modeled after the iconic Gold Glove award given to top defensive players in Major League Baseball (MLB), the Rawlings Gold Glove Award for defensive excellence selects one player from each position from the 11 full-season Minor Leagues. Brenton is currently playing for the Spokane Indians, the Minor League Baseball team in eastern Washington, part of the MLB’s Colorado Rockies franchise. He was a fourth-round draft pick in the 2019 draft.
Showing our thanks to the community
The Office of Student Community Service donated 30 Thanksgiving baskets to Berkeley Senior Services on Tuesday, November 16, to be distributed to seniors throughout Berkeley County next week. Thanks to all who donated a basket or money to support the Our Campus Cares Initiative!
December 2 luminaria display planned as part of sesquicentennial celebration
Shepherd’s Office of Alumni Affairs and the Shepherd University Foundation are hosting a 150th Anniversary Honor/Memoriam Luminaria Display on Thursday, December 2, from 5-8 p.m. on the lawn of the Robert C. Byrd Science and Technology Center. The event is free and open to the public. University students, employees, friends, and community members can request free luminaries to honor or memorialize individuals or groups. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available for purchase at the event to support the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity. For more information or to request a luminaria, visit the 150th Anniversary Honor/Memoriam Luminaria Display webpage.
A slice of pizza (or two!) could a wish come true
Join the Wishmakers on Campus team at King's Pizza (81 Maddex Square Drive, Shepherdstown) for a Spirit Night Fundraiser on Monday, November 29, from 4-10 p.m. Mention Spirit Night at payment and Kings will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in support of Shepherd's goal of granting wishes. Mark your calendars and start thinking if you want pizza, pasta, or a little of both!
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival announces its winter residency
Tickets are now available for the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival’s winter residency—and they are 25% off until December 1 using code “MusicWinter21” at checkout. The three-event residency runs from December 29-31 and features Works to Warm Us, Festive Cheer, and Fire and Ice. For details about each performance and links to purchase tickets, see their online flyer.
Free admission with Toys for Tots donation at basketball doubleheader
The Shepherd women’s lacrosse team has organized a Toys for Tots donation at the basketball doubleheader versus Clarion at the Butcher Center on December 4. Each fan who brings a new, unwrapped toy will gain free admission to the games. Women’s tipoff is at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s tipoff at 7 p.m. Look for the Toys for Tots donation table by the stadium bleachers. All toys collected at the games will be gifted to children in Berkeley County. Thank you to the lacrosse team for organizing this effort!
Thankful to be a Ram campaign ends Saturday
Shepherd athletics is about to wrap up its Thankful to be a Ram campaign, which helps maintain athletic excellence and support our student-athletes. All gifts will have an immediate impact on Shepherd teams and student-athletes. Gifts received through this campaign are used to purchase new equipment, provide facility enhancement opportunities, fund team travel needs, and much more. The three programs that raise the most money compared to their pre-set goal will receive an additional prize from the Shepherd University Athletic Club. As of Thursday, November 19, the Thankful to be a Ram campaign was at 59% of goal. Make your donation online before the campaign ends tomorrow.
Shepherd research projects make the pages of Neuron
Two Shepherd faculty had their research projects featured in the Summer 2021 issue of Neuron: West Virginia’s Journal of Science and Research. Neuron reported on the deep learning interpretation research by Jason Miller, assistant professor of computer science, and recognized Keegan Thomson and John Little, two Shepherd students who contributed to Jason’s research. Dr. Jason Best, assistant provost and professor of astronomy, was recognized for his contributions to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory, which is a nationwide effort to provide authentic research experiences to high school students and teachers. Read the entire publication online, paying particular attention to page 4 and pages 9-10. If you would like your research submitted for future issues of Neuron, please contact Madge Morningstar or Dana Costa.
Two Shepherd teams head into post-season play
Writer-in-Residence Marie Manilla reads from new essay on Inside Appalachia
For a lot of writers and publishers, Appalachia means stories about the rural experience, like coal mining or farming. Author Marie Manilla grew up with a different type of Appalachian experience in the city of Huntington, West Virginia. The November 12 episode of Inside Appalachia features excerpts from Manilla’s conversation with education reporter Liz McCormick about why she identifies as "urban Appalachian" and how she uses her work to push for change in West Virginia and around the world. In the extended version of this interview, Manilla shares an excerpt of her writing—an essay titled, “Powerless,” which explores her travels west in 2012 to see the Badlands and the Wounded Knee memorial. Manilla is Shepherd’s Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence and her book “Patron Saint of Ugly” is the 2021 One Book One West Virginia common read selection by the West Virginia Center for the Book.
Social Justice Project to honor victims of trans violence on November 30
The Social Equity, Inclusion, and Title IX Social Justice Project is hosting a Trans Day of Remembrance vigil on Tuesday, November 30, from 3-4 p.m. outside McMurran Hall. The event, which is free and open to the public, will honor victims who have lost their lives due to transphobia and will draw awareness of continued violence against trans people. Participants will read a list of the names of those who have died from trans violence or transphobia in the United States.
First Friday returns on December 3
Can you believe that December is just around the corner? First Friday can help ease you into the month! Join us at the Commuter Lounge in Stutzman-Slonaker Hall on Friday, December 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for PB&Js and s’mores! What a great way to mark the end of fall semester classes and get everyone ready for finals week. As always, we’ll have some freebies, including a $100 gift card to the Shepherd University Bookstore for one lucky person to help with holiday shopping or next semester’s books and gear.
Accounting Club volunteers helps Horses with Hearts
On November 14, the Shepherd Accounting Club volunteered to assist Horses with Hearts, a local nonprofit organization, with winterizing the facility. Horses with Hearts is a therapeutic riding center that provides horsemanship and riding lessons to those with special needs that typically operates from April to late October. Five members and the faculty advisor of the club spent approximately two hours putting away supplies and equipment for the center’s seasonal closing. Special thanks to the Accounting Club for taking the time to serve our community!
Peggy McKowen appointed CATF producing artistic director
The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Peggy McKowen the producing artistic director. A 15-year CATF veteran, Peggy was named acting producing director in September when CATF founder Ed Herendeen retired. In a public statement, CATF Board President Marellen J. Aherne said, “Naming Peggy as the producing artistic director is just the first phase in CATF’s new three-person leadership model.” The CATF, one of the top theater festivals in the world, shapes the future of American theater by producing six new plays in rotating repertory each summer from the campus of Shepherd University.
Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society inducts new members
The Theta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society inducted 16 new members during a ceremony on November 11 in the Student Center Storer Ballroom. Phi Beta Delta was established in 1987 to recognize the scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, those who have studied abroad, and faculty and staff who are involved in international activities. The organization also serves as a vehicle for the development of academic-based international programming. The Theta Epsilon Chapter was chartered at Shepherd on April 5, 2016. Photos of the Phi Beta Delta induction ceremony are available on the Shepherd University Flickr page.
Tickets available for Annual Holiday Concert
Join the School of Music for a warm and inspiring holiday musical tradition featuring Shepherd University’s Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Women’s Camerata, Men’s Choir, and Concert Choir on Saturday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 5, at 3 p.m. in the Wellness Center Arena. Tickets are $15 general admission; $10 for Shepherd employees, alumni, senior citizens, active-duty military, and students age 18 and under; and free for Shepherd students with a valid Rambler ID. Purchase tickets online.
Shepherd Community Orchestra and Shepherd Youth Chorus concert on December 8
The Shepherd Youth Chorus, directed by Dr. Austin Showen, and the Shepherd Community Orchestra, directed by Camilo Peréz-Mejía, will present their first concert of the season in the Frank Arts Center Theater on Wednesday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for general admission and free for Shepherd students with a valid Rambler ID.
Fall President’s Lecture Series wraps up with Dr. O’Brien on November 30
The last President’s Lecture of the semester featuring Dr. Stephen O’Brien, a world-leading molecular biologist and genetic epidemiologist, will be held on Tuesday, November 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium. Dr. O’Brien will be sharing his expertise in his lecture “Anticipating the Plagues of our Times: Genomics Detectives on Prospects for the 21st Century.” As always, the President’s Lecture is free and open to the public. For more information about Dr. O’Brien, visit the President’s Lecture Series website.
Giving Tuesday is just around the corner
Tuesday, November 30, is global Giving Tuesday, which was created to “unleash the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.” The Shepherd University Foundation has great plans for Giving Tuesday 2021. This one-day campaign will support unique initiatives that will impact critical areas of the Shepherd campus. It will tackle the need for enhanced technology in our classrooms and an expanded fund to support struggling students with much-needed financial assistance. Watch Shepherd social media feeds and the Foundation website for more information on Giving Tuesday. #RamsGivingTuesday
Resources for managing burnout
In response to a number of requests, University Ombuds Geri Crawley-Woods uploaded a recording of her recent presentation on burnout for those who were unable to attend—and those who wanted to revisit the event. She’s also made the presentation slides and other useful resources available for download. A special message from Dr. Crawley-Woods: “I know many of you will remain quite busy over the Thanksgiving Holiday Break, but I hope you will find some time for rest and restoration and feasting with your friends and family. I am grateful for the kindness and appreciation you have extended to me in my role as Ombuds, even when under duress in your own roles and responsibilities.”
News
Football headed to playoffs after routing Clarion; players recognized for excellence
Women’s volleyball has successful start to tournament play after two road wins
Shepherd student earns fellowship to intern at West Virginia State Capitol
During the spring 2022 semester, the West Virginia State Capitol grounds will be campus for Shepherd University political science major Chloe Bailey of Buffalo, West Virginia. Bailey is one of ten college students receiving the Judith A. Herndon Fellowship to intern at the Capitol during spring semester.
Endowed scholarship created for master’s degree students in education
The Shepherd University Foundation announces the creation of an endowed scholarship in support of education students pursing master’s degrees. The Margaret M. Alia and Family Continuing Education Endowment was established by Shepherd alumna Margaret M. Alia and her siblings, Phyllis Alia Greeley and Patrick Alia. Scholarship awards will support Shepherd students pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching or the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, with a preference given to those studying special education.
Twelve Rams gain All-PSAC honors; Bagent, Beach among top honorees
Twelve members of the Shepherd football team gained All-PSAC East honors for their season performances. Additionally, junior quarterback Tyson Bagent was named PSAC East Offensive Player of the Year and redshirt-freshman wide receiver Ryan Beach was selected as PSAC East Rookie of the Year.
Shepherd volleyball pair gains CoSIDA, PSAC honors
Robinson gains CoSIDA Academic All-District honors
Graduate student defensive lineman Ricky Robinson of the Shepherd football team has been selected to the 2021 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District Football Team. Robinson has a 3.88 grade point average as a business administration major in his undergraduate classes and boasts a 4.00 GPA in his MBA classes.
Women’s basketball team starts strong; ranked regionally
Shepherd men down Frostburg State for second straight win
Upcoming Events
Friday, November 19
Noon-8 p.m.—Art Market, Evolve, 106 West German Street, Shepherdstown
3-5 p.m.—Michael Coppage exhibit, Phaze 2 Gallery
5 p.m.—Women’s volleyball vs. Gannon (at East Stroudsburg University)
Saturday, November 20
10 a.m.-8 p.m.—Art Market, Evolve, 106 West German Street, Shepherdstown
1 p.m.—Women’s basketball at Lincoln University
4 p.m.—Men’s basketball at Lincoln University
Sunday, November 21
Thanksgiving Break
10 a.m.-1 p.m.—Art Market, Evolve, 106 West German Street, Shepherdstown
Monday, November 22
Thanksgiving Break
5:30 p.m.—Women’s basketball vs. Virginia Union
Tuesday, November 23
Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, November 24
University closed — Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 25
University closed — Thanksgiving Break
Friday, November 26
No Friday Highlights
University closed — Thanksgiving Break
Sunday, November 28
1 p.m.—Men’s basketball vs. West Virginia Wesleyan
Monday, November 29
7:30 p.m.—Small Ensembles and Compositions Recital, W.H. Shipley Recital Hall
Tuesday, November 30
3-4 p.m.—Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil, McMurran Hall
6:30 p.m.—President’s Lecture Series: Anticipating the Plagues of our Times by Dr. Stephen O’Brien, Robert C. Byrd for Congressional History and Education auditorium
Thursday, December 2
Friday, December 3
Last day of classes
Last day for complete withdrawal from semester
5:30 p.m.—Women’s basketball vs. Gannon
7:30 p.m.—Men’s basketball vs. Gannon
Saturday, December 4
5:30 p.m.—Women’s basketball vs. Clarion
7:30 p.m.—Men’s basketball vs. Clarion
Sunday, December 5
Shepherd University news and events are available here.
Athletics news and schedules are available here.
Dana L. Costa
Executive Director, University Communications
Shepherd University
P.O. Box 5000
Shepherdstown WV 25443-5000
