Initiatives, News, and Events

Vol. 6, No. 15 • October 8, 2021

President’s Points of Pride

There are so many notable reasons that make being part of the Shepherd family so special. This could not be more evident as we celebrate our sesquicentennial this year — 150 years of Shepherd’s legacy and commitment to excellence and student success! Led by the teams from the Shepherd University Foundation and the Office of Alumni Affairs, the 150th anniversary celebration is composed of dozens of events throughout the academic year that reinforce the theme: Honor the Past. Transform the Future. The official celebration kickoff is on the Midway following the Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 23. I can hardly wait to be there, and I look forward to seeing all of you there, too. Additional events are regularly added to the 150th anniversary calendar online.

Shepherd alumna makes history as first female director of bands at Martinsburg High School

Casie Rogers Adams has music in her heart and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia in her blood — and now she’s Martinsburg High School’s first female director of bands. A 2009 graduate of Martinsburg High School and 2013 graduate of Shepherd, with a degree in music education, of course, Casie was a member of the Ram Band and became its drum major as a senior. The Journal article about Casie goes into more detail about her approach to music education, her feelings about succeeding her mentor at MHS, and her vision for the future of the band. You can also go see Casie and the MHS Bulldog Band this Saturday at the 42nd annual MHS Band Spectacular, which will also feature our own Ram Band!

Rams Rally for Respect makes headlines in The Journal

The sixth annual Rams Rally for Respect stepped off on Thursday, September 30, and The Martinsburg Journal joined in the march through campus. Back in person after going virtual in 2020, the rally promotes a nonviolent culture on Shepherd’s campus and asks people to take a stand against violence in all forms. Read the article on The Journal’s website (you may experience a paywall).

Fall 2021 issue of Shepherd Magazine now available online

The Shepherd University Alumni Association is excited to share with you the fall issue of Shepherd Magazine commemorating the 150th anniversary of Shepherd’s founding. Several upcoming events are highlighted, including the sesquicentennial kickoff taking place immediately following the Homecoming game on October 23. View the magazine online at https://bit.ly/3iB2rYZ and join in honoring Shepherd’s past while transforming its future!

CTL’s 30-minute Think Tank program kicks off on October 14

The Center for Teaching and Learning is rolling out a new way to connect with your colleagues through quick, informal discussions about teaching topics. “Project Innovate and Educate (PIE): 30-minute Virtual Think Tanks” are a new twist on hallway conversations. At noon on Thursday, October 14, Wendy Baracka from counseling services will lead the first event: Emotional Wellbeing and Pandemic Teaching. Mark your calendar and plan to join in!

Employee resources for Mental Health Awareness month

Last week, we shared a number of ways to manage stress and mental health, including Meditation Monday, Wellness Wednesday, and links to crisis lines available for students and employees on the counseling services website. For employees with PEIA, mental health services are covered on all available plans at the respective co-pay/co-insurance rate based on where care is received (in-network or out-of-network providers) and the number of visits. Additionally, an Emotional Support Help Line is available free of charge for PEIA members through Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group. This helpline — available 24/7 at 866-342-6892 — is staffed by trained mental health professionals to support people who may be suffering from fear or stress created by COVID-19.

Be part of Homecoming Spirit Week

This year’s Homecoming Spirit Week runs October 18-23 and features student teams competing in a diverse array of competitions throughout the week including the banner competition, penny wars to benefit the Shepherd University Foundation's Last Dollar Fund, Family Feud trivia competition, Community Service Product Drive to benefit the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center and West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, lip-sync competition, and parade. Compete in every challenge or pick single events to win cash awards and Spirit Week points. Any community groups or academic departments that would like to take part in the Founder's Day Banner Walk or participate in the Homecoming Parade should contact Rachael Meads at (rmeads@shepherd.edu) for more information.

Get ready for Shep-or-Treat!

Shepherd University will host its 20th annual Shep-or-Treat Halloween event on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. in the West Campus G lot near the Wellness Center. Shep-or-Treat is a campus-wide community service event where Shepherd University students come together to create a fun experience for community children. This year, out of consideration for everyone’s safety, we are hosting this event outdoors. All faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to bring their children (ages 14 and under) for fun activities, games, giveaways, and trick or treating. If you are interested in helping to support Shep-or-Treat by volunteering or with donations of candy, please contact Rachael Meads at rmeads@shepherd.edu.

Common Reading Program marks 15^th anniversary with ‘Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom’

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Shepherd University Common Reading Program. Celebrate with us by reading the 2021-2022 book selection, "Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom" by Dr. Catherine Clinton. Free copies are available for faculty and staff in the CTL/Scarborough Library Room 152; pick up yours today so that you can read the book and join the conversation! The book can also be found at regional libraries or purchased through the Shepherd Bookstore or Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown. Students are greatly encouraged to read the book, attend events, and enter the Student Essay Contest for a chance to win $350 toward tuition or textbooks. Shepherd is fortunate to have the book’s author, Catherine Clinton, speaking on “Harriet Tubman’s Life and Legacy” on November 9 at 7 p.m. at the Frank Center Theater.

Seeking Freedom’s Run volunteers

Freedom's Run is an annual event that encompasses a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kids Run that all end on the Ram Stadium field. This year’s event is on Saturday, October 16. The Office of Community Service is looking for volunteers to help with: setting up the finish line (Friday, October 15, evening), parking for participants (Saturday, October 16, morning), and clean up (Saturday, October 16, afternoon). Volunteer hours will be in shifts so even if you only have an hour to spare, your help will be appreciated. Sign up for a time slot online. Direct any questions to Shelby Maly at smaly@shepherd.edu or 304-876-5030.

News

Shepherd volleyball tops Kutztown

Shepherd University handed Kutztown a 3-0 setback in PSAC East volleyball action at Kutztown on Saturday, October 2. The Rams recorded a 25-9, 25-20, 25-23 straight-sets victory. Shepherd upped its win streak to 13 matches. The team is back in action at home tonight, Friday, October 8, vs. West Chester.

Scarborough Society to present October 12 unveiling of George Eliot collection and discussion of ‘Middlemarch’

Shepherd University’s Scarborough Society will kick off its annual Art and Lecture Series on Tuesday, October 12, with a discussion of George Eliot’s masterpiece, “Middlemarch.” Hosted by the Shepherd University Foundation in conjunction with Shepherd’s 150th anniversary celebration, the event will also feature the unveiling of a collection of Eliot books donated to the Scarborough Library.

Bell named assistant athletics director

Vice President for Athletics Chauncey Winbush announced that Amy Bell has been named assistant athletics director/director of compliance/senior women’s administrator. A 2009 Shepherd graduate, Bell was a four-year standout goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team.

October 12 Common Reading talk will focus on religion’s influence on slaveholding

Shepherd University’s Common Reading program will present “Race, Religion, and Security in the 18th Century Southeastern Borderlands” with Dr. Timothy Fritz on Tuesday, October 12, at 7 p.m. in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium.

Shepherd Speaks StoryCorps project to host October 11 event with CATF’s Ed Herendeen

There are very few times when a momentous event can be traced to one or two singular occasions, but such is the stuff of our lives and of great theater. Such was the case 30 years ago when Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) Producing Director Ed Herendeen made a decision that would affect the arts in West Virginia and the greater theater world. Herendeen will tell his story as part of the Shepherd Speaks StoryCorps project on Monday, October 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Frank Center Theater.

Shepherd football downs Shippensburg

Junior quarterback Tyson Bagent completed 23-of-33 passes for 336 yards and five touchdowns to lead #21/19 Shepherd to a 59-27 win over Shippensburg in PSAC East football action at Ram Stadium. Shepherd rolled up 628 yards of total offense, with 292 coming on the ground. This decisive win contributed to a bump in the rankings in both the AFCA Division II Coaches’ Poll (tied for 16th) and the D2Football.com poll (15th). The Rams return to action on Saturday when they travel to Lock Haven for a 1 p.m. contest.

Shepherd Inducts Four into Athletic Hall of Fame

The Shepherd University Athletic Hall of Fame inducted four new members at the annual induction banquet on October 1 in the Storer Ballroom. Football player Tom Korbini '88 joins Lee Cook '63 (men's swimming), Ed Bridge '95 (men's soccer and men's basketball), and Laura Harkins Kelly '08 (women's basketball) as the 35th class to be inducted. The "fantastic four" bring the total number of inductees in the Shepherd Athletic Hall of Fame to 159.

Accounting Club hosts ‘Meet the Firms’ event

The Shepherd University Accounting Club held its annual “Meet the Firms” event on September 30 in the Storer Ballroom. This event was organized by the Shepherd University Accounting Club to provide accounting students with the opportunity to learn more about the businesses and careers of the accounting field in the surrounding area.

Shepherd to announce new walking/running path on October 15

Shepherd University will kick off its new R.A.M. Initiative, a walking/running path around campus, on Friday, October 15, at 4 p.m. on the Midway next to the Student Center. The project also provides educational information and materials in overall health and wellness with 11 in-ground pedestals that will be strategically placed across the campus over the next 2 years. The project will include mileage indicators at each of the pedestals where participants will be able to track and log their physical activity measurements. Each pedestal will also contain a “fun fact” in health, wellness, nutrition, and physical activity which will be changed monthly.

Sports Score Roundup

Shepherd women’s soccer ties Millersville

Shepherd volleyball tops Kutztown

Shepherd football downs Shippensburg

Shepherd volleyball sweeps East Stroudsburg

Women’s soccer falls to fourth-ranked Kutztown

Men’s soccer downed by Lock Haven

Millersville edges Shepherd men’s soccer

For scores and schedules, visit the Shepherd Athletics GameDay Central website.

Upcoming Events

Friday, October 8

Last day of mid-term exams