Vol. 6, No. 41 • April 29, 2022
President’s Points of Pride
We are in the final stretch of the Spring semester, with students hustling around campus to deliver project presentations and take final exams; faculty working hard to submit final grades; and staff preparing for Commencement on May 7. I am particularly amazed by the notes of appreciation I have seen from students to their faculty lecturers and advisors, thanking them for their help and compassion. It has been a long two years of isolation and limited human contact, and we are emerging from the COVID fog with gratefulness and kindness toward each other. I would like to think that Shepherd fosters this kind of culture—our faculty and staff care deeply about our students, and this is evident in notes of appreciation and smiles. Thank you all for making our campus community so special. Let the celebration begin!
Aviation Program announcement draws crowd at MRB
A supportive crowd of area legislators, pilots, and friends gathered at the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport to celebrate the official launch of the Hunter Carlos Willis Aviation Program at Shepherd. Shepherd graduating senior Emily Keefer reported on the event for The Journal. In addition to reading her article (the article may be behind a paywall for some readers), you can learn more about the Aviation Program and the kick-off event in Cecelia Mason’s article and her accompanying photos and video.
2022 class of McMurran Scholars initiated
Sixty-one undergraduate and graduate students were inducted as McMurran Scholars—Shepherd's highest academic honor—during a convocation on April 22. The Last Lecture, remarks from a retiring Shepherd professor, was given by Dr. David Wing, retired associate professor of biology. More information is available on the McMurran Scholars website. Photos of the convocations are available on the University’s Flickr page.
Employees recognized during annual Service Recognition Luncheon
Shepherd retirees and employees were recognized during the Employee Service Recognition Luncheon on April 26. At the annual event, those who have retired during the year are given a certificate and gift. Employees who have worked at Shepherd for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years are also recognized with a pin and certificate. Retirees recognized this year were Carol Boyd, Joyce Cabral, Melody Gillespie, Dr. Michael Groves, Dale Hunter, Dr. Desmond Lawless, Deborah Manuel, Cindy Snyder, Orrett White, and Dr. David Wing. Photos of the luncheon are available on the University’s Flickr page.
Raising awareness by wearing denim
Congratulations to Annie Lewin and her team for coordinating this year’s Denim Day. Emily Keefer, Shepherd graduating senior and reporter for The Journal, covered the event for the publication. In her article from the April 28 issue, Keefer wrote: “For the past 23 years, Denim Day has been a campaign on a Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The day is all about partnering together to wear jeans in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence. Denim Day is the world’s longest-running sexual violence prevention and education campaign, and this year, it took place on April 27. At Shepherd University, Denim Day was sponsored by the Shepherd University Social Justice Project and the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center.” Read the entire article on The Journal website (the article may be behind a paywall for some readers).
Alzona’s artwork recognized in national exhibition
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April 22-June 4—SculptureNow 2022, Washington Sculptors Group; juried group exhibition; Harmony Hall Arts Center, 10701 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington, Maryland. Opening reception April 30, 3-5 p.m.
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May 17-July 10—HUMANKIND, Amy Kaslow Gallery, 4300 Fordham Rd. NW, Washington, D.C. Opening reception Friday, May 20, 6-7:30 p.m.
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May 27-Sept 18—Strange Paradise: A Window into Surrealism! national juried exhibition. Kay Daugherty Gallery, Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center, 13470 Dowell Rd., Solomons, Maryland. Opening reception Friday, May 27, 5-7 p.m.
Bagent invited to serve as counselor at QB camp with famous football family
First Shep Arts Fest proves a popular destination
Stubblefield Institute hosts McKinley Town Hall
The Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications hosted a free town hall on April 25 to open dialog between Congressman David McKinley and area constituents. Toni Milbourne, who covered the event for The Journal, wrote: “The meeting, moderated by Marsha Chwalik, news director and host of “Panhandle Live!” on WEPM radio, allowed attendees to submit written questions that were read aloud and then responded to by McKinley. Prior to the question-and-answer session, McKinley shared a bit of his background as an engineer, adding that he left that career to go into Congress.” Read more about the event and Congressman McKinley’s remarks by reading the full story on The Journal website (the article may be behind a paywall for some readers).
News
Aviation program dedicated to Hunter Carlos Willis
Shepherd University, Bravo Flight Training, and the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport dedicated the Hunter Carlos Willis Aviation Program at Shepherd University during an event at the airport on April 27. Shepherd President Mary J.C. Hendrix told those gathered at the dedication that the inspiration for the program’s name came from a courageous, local teen—Hunter Carlos Willis.
Events planned through May 13 to commemorate 100th anniversary of Mine Wars treason trials
Shepherd’s Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities, Lifelong Learning Program, and Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education are sponsoring a series of events in April and May commemorating the centennial anniversary of Mine Wars treason trials that took place in the Jefferson County Courthouse.
Trees, birdhouses added to Carl F. Bell Arboretum
The Carl F. Bell Arboretum on West Campus continues to grow. On April 15, students from the biology and environmental studies departments, along with biology faculty, planted seven trees and installed eight bluebird houses.
Psychology, social work majors earn summer research internships
Three Shepherd students—psychology majors Briel-Cristina Durand-Zar and Kiara Rakestraw, and social work major Kitanna Rakestraw—have been selected to participate in a West Virginia University Aspiring Doctoral Scholars Research Colloquium June 2-July 28 in Morgantown.
Alyssa Nazarok receives Courage to Inspire, Strength to Empower award
Alyssa Nazarok, a senior political science major from Northfield, New Jersey, was presented the Courage to Inspire, Strength to Empower award during the 2022 Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) membership reception by Shepherd University President and WISH member Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix.
Daggett named to PSAC Winter Top Ten
Senior forward Kyle Daggett of the men's basketball team has been named to the 2021-22 PSAC Winter Top Ten as announced by the league office. The PSAC Winter Top Ten award winners were chosen and voted on by the league's sports information directors.
Kidwell selected to play in NCAA II Men’s Golf Regional Tournament
Senior Mason Kidwell of the men's golf team is one of two individual players selected to compete in the NCAA Division II Men's Golf Regional tournament. The three-day competition is set for May 5-7 at the Ravenwood Golf Club in Victor, New York. Six PSAC teams also qualified for regional play.
Shepherd baseball sweeps Lock Haven, McCarty reaches 300-win mark
Shepherd swept Lock Haven in PSAC East baseball action at Lock Haven on April 23. The Rams posted a 6-5 win in game one and outslugged Lock Haven for a 13-12 win in 10 innings in the nightcap. The sweep allowed Shepherd head coach Matt McCarty to reach the 300-win milestone.
Shepherd Sports Score Roundup
Millersville downs Shepherd women’s lacrosse
Pair completes play at PSAC Women’s Golf Championship
Tennis teams fall twice at West Chester
Upcoming Events
Friday, April 29
Last day of final exams
Women’s and men’s tennis at PSAC Championship (Bloomsburg, PA)
1 p.m.—Softball at West Chester
3 p.m.—Softball at West Chester
5:30-6:30 p.m.—Shepherdstown Film Society reception, Shepherdstown Community Club
7 p.m.— “Across the Universe” presented by the Shepherdstown Film Society in partnership with the Scarborough Society, Reynolds Hall (free and open to the public)
Saturday, April 30
1 p.m.—Softball vs. Millersville
1 p.m.—Women’s lacrosse vs. Kutztown (Senior Day)
1 p.m.—Baseball vs. Tiffin (Alumni Day)
3 p.m.—Softball vs. Millersville
3:30 p.m.—Baseball vs. Tiffin (Alumni Day)
Sunday, May 1
Noon—Baseball vs. Tiffin
Monday, May 2
End of second semester
9 a.m.—Second semester grades due
12:10 p.m.—Mindful Mondays, sponsored by Counseling Services, Cumberland Room, Student Center
1 p.m.—Softball at Bowie State
3 p.m.—Softball at Bowie State
Tuesday, May 3
Grades available via RAIL
Noon—Baseball at Bluefield State
2:30 p.m.—Baseball at Bluefield State
Friday, May 6
2 p.m.—Baseball at East Stroudsburg
Saturday, May 7
Noon—Baseball vs. East Stroudsburg
2:30 p.m.—Baseball vs. East Stroudsburg
Tuesday, May 10
9 a.m.-4 p.m.—Aging Well Workshop: “Holistic Approaches to Aging Well: The Mind-body Connection,” sponsored by the Department of Social Work, Department of Psychology, College of Nursing, Education and Health Sciences, and Lifelong Learning Program, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium
Friday, May 13
7 p.m.—Shepherdstown Film Society Film Screening of “Blinded by the Light” sponsored by Lifelong Learning Program and Scarborough Society, Reynolds Hall (free and open to the public)
5-7 p.m.—Tours of Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 E. Washington St., Charles Town
Saturday, May 14
Sunday, May 15
Open Enrollment for PEIA and FBMC Benefits ends (refer to emails from Tammy Gill for details)
Shepherd University news and events are available here.
Shepherd Athletics news and schedules are available here.
Dana L. Costa
Executive Director, University Communications
Shepherd University
P.O. Box 5000
Shepherdstown WV 25443-5000
