Dolores Thompson Stone died Jan. 20, 2011. Survivors include her mother, Montine Thompson. Class of 1957 Robert M. Allen, 76, died Sept. 29, 2011. Survivors include three sons and one daughter. William Augustus Anthony Jr. died March 12, 2011. Among the survivors are his wife, Ann Bonner Anthony ’59; two daughters, including Leslie Anthony Friesland ’83; and a son. James Franklin Brown, 76, died Oct. 9, 2010. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Ann Brown Reavis ’89; a son; and a sister, Helen Lois Brown ’50. Class of 1958 Elizabeth Jones Bobo, 75, died Dec. 13, 2011. Survivors include a brother, William H. Jones ’53; and a sister, Mary Ann Jones Pratt ’60. James William Pitts, 75, died Dec. 23, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Julia Gail Abercrombie Pitts; and a daughter. Class of 1961 Elias Newton Adams, 72, died Feb. 8, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Sybil N. Adams; three daughters; and a son. Jerry Wayne Gaither, 71, died April 16, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Ginger Black Gaither; his mother, Mary Gaither; a stepson; a sister, Jane Gaither Yelton ’61; and a brother. David Ray Smith, 78, died March 20, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Marian Findley Smith; and three sons. Class of 1962 Robert Miller Brice Jr., 70, died Oct. 17, 2010. Survivors include his wife,Yvonne Brice, and one daughter. James Gordon Edens Jr., 73, died Feb. 14, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Marsha McManus Edens; one son; and one daughter. Frank Pursley Smith, 70, died Nov. 19 2011. Survivors include his wife, Louise Hardwick Smith ’62; one son and one daughter; and a sister, Nancy Smith Davis ’60. Klein Wayne Williams, 69, died Jan. 6, 2010. Class of 1963 Kathleen Brown, 78, died Oct. 30, 2011. Jerry D. Stroud, 71, died June 30, 2011. Survivors include two sons and two daughters. Class of 1964 Mary Patricia Baxter Banks died April 24, 2006. Survivors included two daughters and her mother, Edna Mae Baxter; and her sister, Nancy Baxter Rucker ’54. Dorothy Coln Cunningham died Jan. 7, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Cunningham; one son; and one stepson. Vicki Taylor Sweet, 68, died July 12, 2010. Survivors include one son and one daughter. Jefferson D. Yarborough, 68, died Aug. 22, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Scott Yarborough; and two sons. Class of 1965 James Hill Gressette Jr., 73, died Aug. 17, 2011. Survivors include his mother, Mary Sims Gressette. Lucy Bailey Patrick, 68, died Feb. 20, 2011. Survivors included her husband, William B. Patrick Jr. ’66; three daughters, Elizabeth Patrick ’90, Rachel Patrick Turner ’96, and Grace Patrick Hunt ’98; and one son, since deceased. John Henry Walker Jr., 75, died July 23, 2011. Survivors include two daughters.
Class of 1977 William Morrow Mitchell III, 55, died May 31, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Denise Wilkerson Mitchell; his mother; and a son and daughter. Alliene Campbell O’Shields died Nov. 23, 2011. Survivors include a daughter. Ricky Lee Tatum, 55, died Jan. 3, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Ann Wills Tatum. Class of 1978 David Lanier Brittain died Jan. 8, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Ann Thomas Brittain; a son and daughter; and his parents. Margaret Rose Pressly, 54, died Oct. 30, 2010. She is survived by a brother, Gordon H. Pressly ’75. Class of 1984 Joseph Erby Bell Jr., 49, died Oct. 21, 2010. Survivors include four sons; and his mother. Class of 1989 David Iram Moore, 42, died Oct. 19, 2007. Survivors include his parents, Jackie and Nancy Moore. Class of 2006 (Seminary) The Rev. Isaac Kairu Gitundu died May 5, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Lucy Gitundu; and four children. Class of 2008 (Seminary) Junior Harris, 58, died Aug. 4, 2011. Survivors include three sons. Friends Ruth King Wood Coffey died Nov. 18, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Charles MacDonald “Don” Coffey; two daughters; and two sons. Dorothy Eugene Dagenhart, 86, died July 24, 2010. Janie Ellen HIldreth Jackson, 96, died Feb. 16, 2011. Survivors include two daughters. Lucille Holland Latimer, 87, died March 19, 2011. Survivors include two daughters, Sherill Latimer Brock ’66 and Wanda Latimer Collins ’71. Thomas Dalton Miller II, 86, died June 24, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Mae Lee Bridges Miller; two daughters, including Rebecca Hamilton Miller ’77; and two brothers, Dr. Robert W. Miller ’39 and Dr. John H. Miller ’41. Jean Forrester Nicholson, 75, died June 13, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Douglas Franklin Nicholson; and two daughters. Ann Marchant Bull Robinson died Aug. 5, 2011. She is survived by two sons, including William Robinson ’80; and two daughters, Ann Robinson ’73 and Sally Funderburk ’75. Mary Uldrick Stone, 87, died March 22, 2011. Elaine Marjorie Taylor Wightman, 91, died Oct 26, 2010. Survivors include a son, Dr. Mark Wightman ’68; and a daughter, Sarah Wightman Brice ’71.
Dr. Marie Thomason Bowie, 98, died April 20, 2011. She and her late husband, Dr. W. Parker Bowie, were well known for their philanthropy. Gifts to Erskine included Bowie Divinity Hall in 1985 and the Bowie Arts Center, completed in 1995.
Class of 1966 Jerrold C. Burnside, 66, died July 31, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Diering Burnside; two sons; and a daughter. James H. Fennell, 67, died Nov. 25, 2011. Survivors include five sons; a brother, and a sister. Class of 1968 James Larry Godwin, 64, died Aug. 9, 2010. Survivors include a son. Stacia Mae Hagen, 65, died Oct. 22, 2011. Survivors include her mother, Statia Richey Hagen. Class of 1969 Connie Mahaffey McCarty, 64, died July 6, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Sam McCarty ’69; a daughter; and a son, John Perry McCarty ’04. Kent Doty Wolfe, 65, died June 15, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Rhett Wolfe; and four children.
Honorary Alumni Catherine Mae Harter McAllister, 82, died Nov. 2, 2011. She is survived by three sons, including Westley D. McAllister ’89; and two daughters, including Mary S. McAllister ’96.
Class of 1970 Robert William Nickles, 62, died Jan. 22, 2011. Survivors include his mother, Fae Nickles. Class of 1971 John Haskell Pearman, 62, died Feb. 19, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Katherine Drexel Ackerson Pearman; his mother, Mary Pruitt Pearman; and a daughter. Class of 1973 John F. Noble, 60, died March 16, 2011. Survivors include his mother; a son; and a daughter. Class of 1976 William Martin Clark, 67, died Dec. 2, 2010. He is survived by his mother, Annie Frances Martin Clark. William Calvin Kimbrell, 56, died Jan. 21, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Dr. Eva Tollefsen; a son; and two daughters.
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Elmira Hoover McCurdy, 99, died Nov. 11, 2011. Survivors include a sister. Margaret Edwards Pursley, 97, died Feb. 25, 2011. Surviving are a daughter, Angela Pursley Smail ’67, and a son; and a sister, Jean Edwards Jackson ’43. Marian Kirkpatrick White, 98, died Jan. 30, 2011. Survivors include a daughter and a son, David P. White Jr. ’66. Class of 1935 Edward Whitesides Hood, 97, died Nov. 11, 2010. Survivors include two sons. Martha Abernethy Long, 96, died March 18, 2011. Survivors include a son, Edgar H. Long Jr. ’76. Class of 1937 Willard Melvin Drake Jr., 97, died Feb. 16, 2011. Survivors include two daughters and three stepchildren. Lewis Clarke Harrison, 94, died Sept. 27, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Helen Watkins Harrison; and three daughters. Class of 1938 Thomas M. Crawford died June 11, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Edith Josephine Bright Crawford; and two daughters. Anna Moffatt McCormick, 95, died Nov. 17, 2010. Halstead Bowden Powell, 95, died June 21, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Doris Langston Powell; and three daughters, including Jeanne White, Anne Powell Fisher ’68. Class of 1939 Ferrie Wilson Axon, 93, died Oct. 13, 2010. Survivors include two daughters, Margaret Ann Axon Williams ’71 and Victoria Axon Lovett ’73; and a son, James Wilson Axon ’68. Martha McIlwain Harvey, 93, died Sept. 3, 2011. Survivors include a son and two stepchildren. Emily Torrence Lathan, 92, died Oct. 21, 2010. Survivors include two sons and a daughter. Martha Bowers Guffin Reese, 92, died July 21, 2011. Survivors include two daughters and a son. Robert M. “Mack” Robinson, 91, died Oct. 11, 2010. Survivors included his wife, Ann Bull Robinson, who died Aug. 5, 2011; two sons, including William P. “Bill” Robinson ’80; two daughters, Ann Robinson ’73 and Sally Robinson Funderburk ’75; a sister, Sara Robinson Hagins ’51. Jane Gurney Teasley, 92, died June 18, 2011. She is survived by her husband, Norman Teasley; and two stepsons. Rebecca Shirley Walker, 92, died Nov. 27, 2010. Surviviors include her daughters, Sandra Walker Harper ’67 and Jan Walker Sullivan ’69; and her brother, James L. Shirley ’46. Class of 1940 Ray C. Clinkscales, 90, died Oct. 31, 2010. Survivors include a daughter. Harriet Porter Johnson died Dec. 8, 2011. Survivors include a son, a daughter, three stepsons, and two stepdaughters. Class of 1941 Thomas H. Atkinson died Feb. 26, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Alice Martin Atkinson; two sons, including Luther Atkinson ’82; four daughters, including Nancy Atkinson Norman ’67 and Jeanette L. Atkinson ’71; and two sisters, Margaret Atkinson Weir ’36 and Jeanette Atkinson Jordan ’41. George Reid Dusenberry Jr., 91, died Jan. 27, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Lina Kistler Dusenberry ’43; a daughter and son; two sisters, Sophie Dusenberry Meadors ’38 and Margaret Dusenberry Beard ’43; and a brother, Francis C. Dusenberry ’49. Class of 1942 Henry Calvin Goodrich died Dec. 11, 2011. Survivors include two sons and a daughter. Joseph H. “Hoss” Nesbitt, 90, died Nov. 15, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Maxine Jackson Nesbitt ’42; and three daughters, including Mary Ellen Smith ’70 and Josephine Nesbitt ’77. Class of 1943 Thomas Edgar Carson Jr., 89, died July 12, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Helen Smith Carson; and two daughters, Barbara Carson Smith ’68 and Libby Carson Todd ’70. C. Linwood Cheshire, 91, died Dec. 13, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Kivett Eliason Cheshire; four sons, including H. Clinton Cheshire ’69 and James M. Cheshire ’73; and three stepchildren. Ruth Smith Gilmer, 89, died June 4, 2011. Survivors include her husband, John B. Gilmer; two sons; and two daughters. Miriam Williams Jackson, 88, died Dec. 16, 2010. Among her survivors are two daughters, including Linda Jackson Lynn ’71. Miles Richard League, 89, died Sept. 24, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Ora Gibson “Gibby” League. Robert Samuel McCleskey, 88, died July 11, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Elsie Upchurch McCleskey; and a sister, Lucille “Ceil” McCleskey Parrish ’45. Lillie Sharpe Mundy, 88, died April 28, 2011. Survivors include a daughter and a son. Francis McElwee Stroup, 88, died May 6, 2011.
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William Todd “Jack” Plaxco, 84, died March 3, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Myers Plaxco; two sons; and a daughter. Class of 1947 Anita Burke Creel died Feb. 2, 2011. Survivors include her husband, John Gordon Creel ’53; two daughters, Teru Anita Creel Kassner ’83 and Sally Burke Creel Roberts ’88; and a sister, Sally Burke Lauderdale ’50. Rachel Dale McFerrin Harrison, 86, died Jan. 8, 2011. Survivors include three daughters. Linda Elledge Mann, 90, died Nov. 20, 2010. Survivors include two sons and two daughters. Class of 1948 John R. Ballentine, 91, died Nov. 18, 2011. Halllie Dowtin Bardin, 84, died June 6, 2011. Survivors include her daughter, Mary Beck Bardin Eleazer ’75. James Murphy Bell, 82, died March 2, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Lois Alexander Bell ’51; three sons, James M. Bell Jr. ’75, Robert W. Bell ’76, and J. Paul Bell ’84; and three daughters, Ann Marie Bell Hope ’79, Sharon Bell Griffin ’81, and Allyson Bell Huskey ’86. Jean Rosebud Carmichael, 84, died Sept. 16, 2011. Survivors include a sister, Mary Carmichael Faulkner ’44; and a brother, Thomas H. Carmichael ’55. Mae Burton Deaton, 83, died Jan. 23, 2011. Ruth Smith Gilmer, 89, died June 4, 2011. Survivors include are her husband, John B. Gilmer; two sons; and two daughters. Martha Claire Harper died April 8, 2011. Class of 1949 Max Arthur Culp, 84, died May 16, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Shira Culp ’50; a son; a stepdaughter, Madge Wampler; and a brother and four sisters, including Sara Culp Owens ’50 and Nancy Culp Runager ’54. George Harold Ferguson, 86, died June 26, 2011. Survivors incude three sisters, Mabel E. Ferguson ’53, Betty Sue Ferguson Scearce ’51, and Barbara Ferguson LeBrecque ’56. William Baxter Hood, 82, died July 13, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Gail Shockley Hood; and four daughters, including Barbara Hood Moran ’75, and Betsy Hood Edwards ’79. Mary Haddon Craig Patterson, 83, died Oct. 24, 2010. Survivors include two daughters and two sons. Robert Reece Moody Jr. died Dec. 5, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Martha Bradley Moody ’48; and a son. Class of 1950 Jessie Colvin Anderson, 82, died Oct. 17, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Chick Anderson; two daughters; and two sons. Bobbie Young Hanvey, 80, died Oct. 9, 2010. Survivors include her husband, Robert Hanvey, and a daughter. Joseph Robert Harris, 81, died Feb. 4 2010. Surviving are two sons; and two brothers, including W. Mack Harris Jr. ’50 and Tim Harris. Donald Lee Mann died Jan. 29, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Ann Templeton Mann ’50; a daughter; and a son. James Edwin Mauldin, 80, died Sept. 20, 2010. C.S. “Gus” Parthemos, 88, died Nov. 14, 2011. James Harvey Stewart, 83, died Oct. 30, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Kay Blanchard Stewart; and two daughters. Class of 1951 Armando “Mickey” Henriquez Jr., 80, died Dec. 26, 2010. Among the survivors are two daughters, including Sherry Henriquez Hall ’77; and a son. Barbara Hobson Lauderdale, 80, died March 8, 2011. Survivors include a son, James R. Lauderdale ’11 (Hon.); and a daughter, Rebecca Lauderdale Tatum ’73. Class of 1952 Garland L. “George” Craddock, 90, died Aug. 5, 2011. Survivors include four daughters, among them Jane Craddock Flandry ’71. Thomas B. Reid Jr., 79, died Sept. 15, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Katherine Furr Reid; two sons; and a daughter. Class of 1953 Sebron Yates Hood Jr., 79, died Dec. 17, 2010. Among the survivors are his wife, Belle Miller Spivey Hood ’55; a daughter, Harriette Hood Louis ’79; two sons, including C.A. Spivey Hood ’88; and a brother, William B. Hood ’49. Thurston Templeton died Feb. 24, 2011. Class of 1954 Doris Isobel Carson Lutz, 79, died Sept. 13, 2011. Survivors include a son, Kenneth R. Lutz Jr. ’82; and a daughter. Patricia Sparkman Ratcliff, 79, died Dec. 13, 2011. Survivors include a daughter, Leslie Ratcliff Jones ’81; and a son. Johnnye Murdock Uldrick, 77, died Nov. 21, 2010. Survivors include her husband, Dr. John Paul Uldrick; and a daughter.
Class of 1944 Lillian Bonner Jamieson, 87, died Feb. 4, 2011. Survivors include a son and two daughters; and a brother, Dr. Walter M. Bonner Jr. ’51. Florence Nickles Wilson, 89, died March 10, 2011. Survivors include a sister.
Class of 1955 Edward Walton Hilburn, 81, died Sept. 5, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Betty Stevenson Hilburn; two daughters; and a son. Mary Lillian Morgan Watson died July 20, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Jasper Newton Watson Jr. ’55; a daughter; and two sons.
Class of 1946 Ruth Elrod died May 19, 2011. She is survived by her sister, Hazel Elrod ’41. Lucy Pennell Means, 84, died Sept. 12, 2010. Survivors include a brother.
Class of 1956 Franklin DuBose Polatty, 77, died June 16, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Susan Norman Polatty; a son; and a daughter.
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MARRIAGES Class of 1965 (Seminary) R. Wayne Dickson ’65 to Deborah C. Toler, Dec. 18, 2010. Class of 1988 Gina Dawn King ’88 to Anthony Delyn Lewis June 12, 2009. Class of 1994 Evelyn Foster Squires ’94 to Jeff Wilson, Sept. 10, 2010. Class of 1996 John Gregory Willis ’96 to Valerie Jill Jessee, July 31, 2010. Class of 2003 Katie Covington ’03 to Roger Hagy, Oct. 9, 2010. Class of 2004 Helen McChesney Linton ’04 to Joseph Gregory Walker, April 9, 2011. Elizabeth McRainey ’04 to Zach Reaves, June 4, 2011. Class of 2005 Tiffany Richelle Harris ’05 to Benjamin Robert Beaver, Sept. 4, 2010. Kelli Elizabeth Lamb ’05 to Clegg Patrick Durkin, April 30, 2011. Class of 2006 Amelia R. Miller ’06 to Craig Williams ’07, July 24, 2010. Anna Kathryn Oates ’06 to Benjamin Ellison Graber, Aug. 7, 2010. Cori Lynn Owens ’06 to C. Lee Williams, Oct. 16, 2010. Class of 2007 Rebekah K. Lewis ’07 to Michael B. Hall ’08, Aug. 9, 2009. Ashley Neely ’07 to Drew Carlisle ’07, Aug. 14, 2010. Tara Welborn ’07 to Scott A. DeCiantis ’99, July 16, 2010. Class of 2008 Megan M. Childs ’08 to Andrew Shipman, June 18, 2011. Ellizabeth Elaine Hyman ’08 to Jeromy Dale Crocker, Sept. 4, 2010. Elizabeth Anderson Winn ’08 to Anthony Patrick Banco, June 18, 2011. Class of 2009 Anna Karlyn Weldon ’09 to Jason Nathaniel Winecoff ’07, Oct. 2, 2010. Class of 2011 Rebekah E. Reid ’11 to W. Thomas Ross ’10 (Seminary), Aug. 13, 2011.
BIRTHS Class of 1993 A son, Taylor Bowen, to Shannon Broom Bowen ’93 and Doug Bowen ’93, Nov. 2, 2010. Class of 1994 A daughter, Sarah Lucille Overby to Molly Greene Overby ’94 and David Overby, Aug. 19, 2010. Class of 1995 A daughter, Catherine Frances Wilkie, to Lynn Cook Wilkie ’95 and Jeff Wilkie, April 20, 2010. Class of 1996 A son, Elias George Jurand, to Sara Hoffman Jurand ’96 and Jason Jurand ’96, Feb. 16, 2011. Class of 1997 A son, Joel Spencer Anderson, to Julie Farmer Anderson ’97 and James Anderson ’91, April 13, 2011. A daughter, Miriam Kuykendall, to Brooks Kuykendall ’97 and Patricia Bolen, Nov. 10, 2010. A daughter, Emma Ruth Patterson, to Amy Havird Patterson ’97 and Marty Patterson ’98, Sept. 11, 2010. Class of 1998 A son, Benjamin Parker Pruitt, to Tracy Clark Pruitt ’98 and Brian Pruitt, March 30, 2011. A son, Nathan Samuel Rush, to Bryan Rush ’98 and Heather Rush, Oct. 17, 2011. A daughter, Alllison Ruth Wages, to Anna Shealy Wages ’98 and John W. Wages ’98, July 11, 2010.
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Class of 1999 A son, Joseph Caeden Cannon, to Jennifer Sexton Cannon ’99 and Blake Cannon ’99, Feb. 23, 2010. A son, Maddox James Harshbarger, to Denise Migliaro Harsbarger ’99 and Rodney Harshbarger, Sept. 4, 2010. Class of 2000 A daughter, Emily Rowe Bagwell, to Emily McDaniel Bagwell ’00 and Scott Bagwell, Sept. 28, 2010. A daughter, Caroline Brice, to Tara Lowe Brice ’00 and Joseph Brice ’01, April 18, 2010. A son, Holden John Cooper, to Tiffany Smalls Cooper ’00 and Malcolm H. Cooper, June 23, 2010. A daughter, Margaret Pace Hart, to Rebecca J. Hart ’00, March 2, 2010. A son, Roman Eli McCall, to Amanda Lee Page McCall ’00 and Christopher D. McCall, July 15, 2010. A son, Joshua Barron Suarez, to Barron Suarez ’00 and Karen Suarez, April 24, 2011. Class of 2002 A daughter, Lauren Grace Dean, to Lori Gilstrap Dean ’02 and Matthew C. Dean ’02, March 3, 2010. A son, Whitman Luke Spires, to Chris Spires ’02 and Hannah Phillips Spires, Sept. 2, 2011. Class of 2003 A daughter, Julia Claire Crosland, to Cathy Claire Crosland ’03 and Clifton B. Crosland, Jan. 18, 2011. A son, Brice Wiersma, to Anna Brice Wiersma ’03 and Jeff Wiersma ’03, Nov. 5, 2009. Class of 2004 A daughter, Miriam Ruth Ghent, to Amanda Jackson Ghent ’04 and Jeremy Ghent, July 10, 2010. A daughter, Kathryn Taylor Brown, to Rob Brown ’04 and Tara Brown, July 26, 2010. Class of 2005 A daughter, Adelina Elizabeth Biondi, to Jesse James Biondi ’05 and Deidra Biondi, Aug. 2, 2011. A daughter, Sarah Grace Davis, to Patti Ward Davis ’05 and Clint H. Davis ’05 (Seminary), Aug. 30, 2011. A son, Jesse William Hart, to Brandi Ashbrook Hart ’05 and Chad Hart, Jan. 1, 2011. Class of 2006 A son, Brantley Lang Burdette, to Ruth Logan Burdette ’06 and Brandon Burdette ’05, Feb. 10, 2010. Class of 2007 A son, Henry Sullivan George, to Helen Joy Paul George ’07 and Noah George, Feb. 14, 2011. A son, Robert Samuel Marion, to Stephanie Cirilo Marion ’07 and Matthew Marrion ’07, March 15, 2011. A son, Parker Rhys Wix, to Jared C. Wix ’07 and Kimberly C. Wix, Feb. 11, 2011. Class of 2008 A daughter, Adelaide May Dickert, to Sarah Hope Dickert ’08 and Clinton P. Dickert, May 26, 2011. A son, Clark Bryant Duffle, to Claire Parnell Duffle ’08 and Scott Duffle ’08, Jan. 23, 2011. Friends A son, Leo Davis Fackler, to Leo and Adelaide Fackler, March 8, 2011. A daughter, Keighan Muriel Winchester, to Gary and Betsy Winchester, May 4, 2011. Triplets, Langley, Dayne and Bryce New, to Dusty and Ashley New, Feb. 8, 2011.
DEATHS Erskine Cadets William Jerome Jamieson, 92, died Dec. 5, 2010. Survivors included his wife, Lillian Bonner Jamieson ’44, who died Feb. 4, 2011; one son; and two daughters. Class of 1927 Lorena Gray King, 104, died Jan. 11, 2010. Survivors include a daughter. Class of 1933 Mary Parks Bell Weathers, 99, died Feb. 1, 2011. Survivors include two daughters and a stepdaughter. Class of 1934 James Calhoun Brissie, 97, died April 9, 2010. Survivors include one son. Mary Frances Hord Cothran, 97, died Feb. 23, 2010. Surviving are a daughter and two sons, including Thomas W. Cothran III ’69; and a sister, Carolyn Hord Harris ’41.
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Inc. as vice president of operations. OOBE is one of the country’s leading brands of custom-designed uniforms. He is responsible for managing all departments except design and sourcing, and maximizing their efficiency and effectiveness. He earned an MBA at Clemson University and is a graduate of Mannaz, formerly the Danish Leadership Institute, and the Moore School of Business Mid-Level Management Program. Class of 1996 Chad Leverette, associate professor in analytical chemistry at the University of South Carolina-Aiken, was named South Carolina Governor’s Professor of the Year for 2010. Leverette tied with another professor in the four-year category. He was also named one of the “Rising Stars” in scholarship research for the University of South Carolina System in May 2011, the only non-Columbia campus professor among the 18 assistant and associate professors recognized.
Biblical studies, and he and wife Lía teach at El Instituto Laurens, a Methodistrelated school. This year, they complete six years of mission ministry with the Mission Society. Class of 2003 Amanda Grainger Walkup, a special education teacher at Hillcrest High School in Greenville County, S.C., earned National Board Certification in 2010. Class of 2004 Rob Brown now serves as Upper School Student and International Relations Coordinator at Southside Christian School in Simpsonville. Tara Vardon Cox has been awarded the master of business administration degree at Winthrop University.
Amanda Jackson Ghent serves as director of Christian education at First ARP Andy Patrick was selected for inclusion in “20 Under 40” and listed in a spe- Church, Rock Hill, S.C. cial publication of the Anderson Independent-Mail, where he was recognized Class of 2005 for his charitable endeavors. He is president of Attaway, Inc. Married to 1994 Ben Stoner, who has a master’s degree in professional accounting from Clemgraduate Angi Patrick, who was also listed, he is the father of four-year-old twins son University, serves as an accounting analyst with A.T. LOCKE, which offers Drew and Emmy Lou. accounting services, business analysis and financial and strategic guidance to Class of 1997 Jonathan Clay Dalton received the master of divinity degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in December 2010. Class of 1998 Michael Shake performed as part of the Piccolo Spoleto Pipe Organ Recital Series in 2011. Organist and associate director of music at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, he is director of the Robert Anderson Recital Series Committee. A three-time performer on the National Public Radio’s “Pipedreams,” he recently presented a homecoming concert at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, Florence, S.C., where he was organist while in high school. Shake lives in Dallas with his wife, Laura Bowden. Class of 1999 Kirk Mooneyham has been named vice president and managing director of Wilmington Trust’s Captive Management Services business. Marianne Albert Yohannan has been working since 2006 as a biology instructor at Tri County Technical College in Pendleton and says she loves her job and will “never forget the wonderful faculty, staff and students” at Erskine College. Class of 2000 Sharai Gail Correll Amaya has joined Women’s Advanced Care in Greenwood. She earned a doctor of medicine degree in 2005 from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology in 2009 with the Greenville Hospital System. She and husband Evan have a son, Austin. Class of 2001 Terri Alewine Ivester was named 2011-12 Teacher of the Year for Anderson District 2. A teacher at Wright Elementary, she has a master’s degree in reading and literacy from Walden University and serves on the district’s Education Oversight Committee. Crystal Rice Noble, South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice Detention Alternatives Manager, recognized in “20 Under 40,” in the Anderson Independent-Mail for community work, says knowing there are “kids out there that need help to reach their full potential” keeps her motivated. She and husband Michael have one daughter. Class of 2001 (Seminary) Don Yancey is serving as moderator of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) in the Presbytery of St. Andrew in Mississippi. Class of 2002 (Seminary) Charles A. Collins Jr. is vicar of St. Thomas Church in Moncks Corner, S.C., a Reformed Episcopal parish. He also continues serving as a hospice chaplain.
organizations across the Upstate. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Class of 2005 (Seminary) Sam Marcengill received a doctor of ministry degree June 18 from Newburgh Seminary, Newburgh, Ind. Class of 2006 Rachel Geoghegan now serves as an athletic trainer at Newberry College. Class of 2007 Mary Kay Campbell earned a doctor of physical therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine in 2010. She works as an orthopedic and sports therapist in Tampa. Class of 2008 Jaselyn Jennings was awarded a master’s degree in education at Southern Wesleyan University in 2010. She teaches 4K at Ford Elementary School in Laurens, S.C. Megan McCarter earned a master’s degree in speech and language pathology at Appalachian State University in 2010. She serves schools in Gaston County, N.C. T.J. Taylor has been promoted to assistant account manager at the Sumner Group, an advertising and marketing agency in Gastonia, N.C. Daniel Wells received the M.Div. degree at Reformed Seminary and is assistant pastor of youth and outreach at Craig Avenue Tabernacle ARP Church. Class of 2009 Marc McClure Huie graduated in June from the United States Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Ga. Several alumni attended his graduation, and his father, Ted Huie, pinned his tab. Ranger School is an intense 61-day combat leadership course oriented toward small-unit tactics. Robb Senn has taken a position as a software engineer with Blackbaud in Charleston. Class of 2010 Robert Kopp is a clinical counselor at Westview Behavioral Health Service in Newberry. He is working with ADSAP, a program required for those with a DUI conviction. Kara Setzer, who teaches fifth grade English and social studies at Morningside Middle School ARMS Academy in North Charleston, received the Charleston County School District’s middle school-level Rookie of the Year award for 2010-11.
Jon Herrin is academic dean of the John Wesley Methodist Seminary (el Seminario Metodista Juan Wesley), Monterrey, Mexico. He teaches theology and
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ZOMBIE ANTS
Erskine and Penn State students team up for research “Due West, Home of Erskine College…and Zombie Ants” may not be a description either town or college would be eager to embrace.
meet the cabinet
Robyn Agnew Vice President for Student Services Born in:
Greenwood, South Carolina Church Community:
Presbyterian Interesting travels?
I eloped to Stranraer, Scotland, and I plan to hike the final 100 miles of the Camino de Santiago, Spain, for my upcoming 50th birthday.
But the presence of “zombie ants” represents at least a small claim to fame, and led to some scientific fun, as Erskine students and faculty members discovered when they assisted visiting biologists with a research project. Dr. David Hughes, who directs the project, visited Due West while he was a fellow at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. He is now an assistant professor of entomology and biology at Penn State University. His research focuses on ants that succumb to a sort of mind control when infected by a parasitic fungus, thus becoming “zombie ants” behaving in ways that benefit the fungus. The infected ants become a food source for the fungus, and the fungus damages the ant’s muscle and central nervous system.
Dog or Cat?
Boykin Spaniel named Jeb Beach or Mountains?
Kiawah Island, S.C. Campground or Resort?
Both, especially if water is nearby. A favorite college memory?
Creative use of a snowy day during interim with lots of friends in Elizabeth (Lundy) Knight’s suite Erskine is …
still, gratefully, Erskine. What challenges does your area routinely face?
Striking a balance between extending grace to students while also holding them accountable What encourages you about the future of Erskine?
Equipping well-rounded liberal arts graduates in a pervasively Christian environment; growth and change, while honoring rich history
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The whole project began following local resident Kim Fleming’s discovery of zombie ants on her land near Due West. She has since worked closely with Hughes. Hughes did not come to Erskine this year because of teaching commitments. Instead, an eager team from Penn State came to continue Hughes’ work. Dr. Charissa de Bekker and her husband, biologist and photographer Roel Fleuren, who are natives of the Netherlands, and Dr. Anna Schmidt, from Denmark, stirred up some enthusiasm along with the ants that are the objects of their study. “We found the presence of the group to be refreshing, exciting and a novel experience for us and our students,” Professor of Biology Dr. Mary Lang Edwards said of the visiting scientists. Placing baits, as well as tracking down nests and digging them up, were all part of a learning opportunity for Erskine biology students.
Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Naoma Nelsen took her microbiology class out one afternoon to work with the Penn State team. “It was a really good experience for the students,” she said. Professor Emerita of Biology Dr. Jan Haldeman and her husband Richard, retired director of public relations at Erskine, enjoyed hosting de Bekker and Fleuren in their Due West andGlory became familiar with team’s Woman of the Year. A member of thehome Morning Garden Club, she wasthethe South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners. Her proud husband, Rod also elected first vice president of the council. Her vegetable garden enables Wolff, also a 1985 graduate, says, “She has become very well known for her routine.
her “to keep a well-stocked pantry of home-canned and preserved soups and counseling and training skills.” “Mornings weretospent collecting ants’97 onintree in the woods. sauces,” according a story by St. Claire‘zombied’ Burns Donaghy the limbs Greenwood Class of 1985 (Seminary) Index-Journal. Professor Emerita Biology andalso honorary alumna Halde- live Afternoons, they looked forofmore and put out baitDr.toJanattract ants. Maurice S. Ulmer received the ASCAP Plus Award for his contribution to Amerman spoke at the awards meeting. Then, after dark, baits were checked for ants and if ants were present icanthey music last year. were traced Class of 1977 back to colonies, which were marked to be checked the next Tim and Gwen of Gastonia, opened Stowe Dairy Farms for “They the Class morning, andStowe if possible, dugN.C., up,” Haldeman recalled, adding, got ofat1986 Sharon K. O’Kelley is assistant professor of mathematics at Francis Marion Unifourth season as a Christmas tree farm, hosted the Eastern North Carolina least one nest with a queen.” Christmas Tree Association and the Know Your Farms Annual Tour in Septem- versity. In addition to her English degree at Erskine, she has a master’s degree in mathematics education from Montana State University; a Ph.D. in mathematber, and made sorghum inresearch October. Go wwwstowedairyfarms.com forlearn more how Hughes’ continuing at to Penn State is designed to the ics education from the University of Georgia; and a law degree from Seattle about the farm. fungus might be used to control pest insects in homes and farms. It University School of Law. John G. Morrison reports attending his 30thPenn reunionState at Duke School Interim Vice President involves “a collaboration between andUniversity the Broad Institute of Mark N. Willis was reelected in November to the South Carolina House of of Medicine. He and wife Denise took a trip to France for their 25th wedding MIT/Harvard to sequence the genome and transcriptome of theRepresentatives brainofrepresenting the Seminary for a second term, District 16 in Greenville and anniversary. manipulating fungus,” Hughes said. Laurens counties. Tim Whipple, longtime coach at Irmo High School, was recently recognized Born in: when the basketball flooriswas in his honor. completed 30 Class “The Broad Institute an renamed international leaderHeinhas genome biology and ofis1987 Terre Haute, Indiana years at Irmoinand haszombie been elected to the precisely South Carolina Basketball Coaches Anna Patrick Brawley serves as rector of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church interested the ant fungi because it has a background Association Hall of Fame as well as to Erskine’s Flying Fleet Hall of Fame. in Florence, Church Community: in medical science. A related fungus infecting Himalayan caterpillars has Ala.
Steve Lowe
been used Class of 1980extensively to treat cancer, TB and malaria.”
Tim Thompson has been named executive vice president of The Commercial After spending twois aweeks in ofthe area, de Bank. He joined themore bank inthan 2001.He graduate theDue SouthWest Carolina Bank“TheyManagehauled Fleuren SchmidtSchool returned to Investments Pennsylvania. ers School,and the Graduate of Bank and Financial ment at the of South Carolina, and the Graduate School of Banking vehicle fullUniversity of ants and fungi, ” Edwards said. at the University of Colorado.
meet the cabinet
HUNTING
S. Keith Dunn has been named senior vice Methodist president for academic affairs and United dean of the college at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss. He formerly served as A favorite or affairs story:at Centre Colprofessor of chemistry and associate dean for novel academic Bekker, lege in Danville, Kentucky. Anything by Patricia Cornwell back a
Interesting travels? Class of 1988 Elizabeth Rogers Hartley, Lake Wylie, S.C., was chosen Chamber of Commerce Coast of Italy “We heard fascinating stories aboutofzombie antsAssociation and learned how Citizen to findof the Year for outreach Amalfi Mary C. Williams has been elected president the National of Puband education provided to the surrounding them, ” Welfare she said. “Now we won’t be organization able to walk in the woods evercounties again for college planning and scholarship lic Child Administrators, an affiliate of the American PubFavorite Season: competition. She founded a schollic Humansearching Services Association (APHSA). She serves directortoofaProgram without for that elusive zombie ant as clinging tree branch. ” fund through the local Rotary arship Club and has raised nearly $10,000. Spring Improvement for the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS). Classour of 1989 Edwards noted that the visitors “were very complimentary about Sunrise or Sunset? Class of 1982 J. Michael and Professorship for Excellence students and were eager to have these students join them in their research Bitzer was awarded the Swink SunsetPrize Mark Smith coaches baseball at Abbeville High School and recently won his in Teaching at Catawba College. Awarded by the Faculty Senate, the prize recduring theirgame visitastothe Erskine. ” The researchers expressed the desire to 400th career Abbeville Panthers beat the “also Dixie Hornets of Due ognizes outstanding classroom teaching. He isyou associate professor of politics admire: have Erskine faculty and students to join them in research in theirand labshistory at and serves as chair ofSomeone West. He was presented with a banner after the victory. Abbeville High School the Department of History and Politics. I am a big fan of Dwight Eisenhower. was realigned into Region 1-A this spring. Penn State in the future, ” she added. Crystal Michelle Isgett Koch reportsAthat she is college in the Navy Reserves, deployed favorite memory? Class ofrepresents 1983 “This a fantastic opportunity to bring students from two in diverse Afghanistan. She arrived in theWinning country inback-to-back-to-back May 2011 and returns home flag in Danaleague-topping Blackhurst plans to open a school in Greenville named Katherine but institutions together to work sideafter by side on a common February 2012. Chandler, the Erskine professor who served as his mentor. Serving K-8 stufootball championships project,” Hughes said. dents, the school will be limited to 10 students per class and one class per Diana Palecek, a partner in the law firm of Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP in Erskine Business is… Leader’s ‘Women Extraorgrade. The Wyche House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is Charlotte, N.C. has received the Charlotte dinaire’ award, honoring her legalwhere experience andfound successa in commercial real the planned site for the school. I have home. estate, as well as her significant leadership and involvement in the Charlotte Millie Chalmers Condurelis is now a drug rehabilitation counselor with the Siscommunity. What do you enjoy most about being at ters in Sobriety program at DISC Village in Tallahassee, Fla. Erskine? Class of 1992 Class of 1985 The people work with and the students Brian White was elected to the South CarolinaI House of Representatives in Anton Corneal, recently appointed technical director of the Trinidad and Tobago 2000. He was elected chairman Iofteach the House Ways and Means Committee, Football Federation (TTFF), has the “full endorsement” of the TTFF executive which writes the state budget and considers spending and taxation bills. He is committee, according to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, and has been named What doesARP your an insurance agent in Greenville and deaconchallenges at Young Memorial Church. area to TTTF’s youth development committee. He came to Erskine from Maracas routinely face? Valley, Trinidad, where he was the youngest member of the Trinidad NationClass of 1994 The challenge of producing a quality al Team. He led Erskine to three district championships and into the NAIA Angi Taylor Patrick was selected for inclusion in “20 Under 40” and listed in a National Tournament in 1982. educational experience with limited publication of the Anderson Independent-Mail, where she was recognized for George McKinney has been appointed director of the South Carolina Emergen- her charitable endeavors. She is administrative resources manager at Attaway, Inc. Married cy Management Division (SCEMD). A longtime member of the Army National to Andy Patrick ’96, also listed, she is the mother of four-year-old twins Drew What encourages you about the future Guard, he served as public safety director for Greenwood County, then as and Emmy Lou. of Erskine? regional coordinator with SCEMD, then as manager of SCEMD’s Fixed Nuclear Evelyn Foster Squires Wilson is now an assistant professor at Western Carolina Facilities section. encouraged by Care the Program. quality of our University. She will be teaching in I’m the Emergency Medical Jennifer Johnson Wolff has 25 years of experience in mental health and has been graduates who exemplify lives of dedicated with Post Trauma Resources for 15 years. An adjunct professor for the Uni- Class of 1995 service to Christ, his Church, and society. versity of South Carolina College of Social Work since 2008, she has been Joseph H. Patrick III, chairman of Erskine Board of Trustees, has joined OOBE, credentialed as an expert witness and is an approved clinical supervisor with
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Class Notes ZOMBIE ANTS
Cadets Maj. Archie E. Nogle (Ret.) says he and his wife go to their Hawaii home in the winter. They go to church every Sunday, and both still play golf, whether in California or Hawaii. “Love that school,” he says of Erskine College, and “(I) remember to pray for you.”
Advocate newspaper and continues to serve on the Board of Higher Education and Ministries of the United Methodist Church. He recently became a grandfather for the fourth time.
Class of 1966 Evans, retired minister and missionary of the Presbyterian Church ErskineCharles and Ligon Penn State students team up for research Class of 1939 (USA) and Food for the Hungry International, now resides at North Pointe Robert W. Miller reports that he and his wife Doris are living in a retire- Assisted Living Center in Anderson. He invites friends to come by and swap “Due Home of Erskine College…and Zombie Ants” may not be a ment center.They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in May 2010West, stories. and have four children, 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. description either town or college would be eager to embrace. Robert C. “Bobby” Wilkes, senior minister at First Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Class of 1943 Beach, was in an article by Johannaat Wilson the Sunclaim News.to Setfame, to reBut the presence offeatured “zombie ants” represents least ina small Jean Edwards Jackson reports that her husband, Robert P. Jackson, passed tire, he planned to preach his final sermon on Christmas day. “His life’s purpose and led tobecame someclearer scientific fun, as Erskine students and faculty members away Sept. 21, 2007. while attending Erskine College, where he was on a full basketdiscovered when they assisted visiting a research project. ball scholarship,” Wilson wrote. Hebiologists served Firstwith Presbyterian for 28 years and ViceofPresident for Class 1948 is married to Patricia Kennedy Wilkes ’68. They have six grandchildren. Student Services Sarah May McFerrin lives in an apartment at Covenant Way (formerly the
meet the cabinet
Robyn Agnew
Dr. David Hughes, who directs the project, visited Due West while he was
Due West Retirement Center), across from Erskine. “How about coming Class of 1968 a fellow at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. He is now an to join us?” Born in: she says. Marion Monroe Wright plans toand retire from active ministry June. During the assistant professor of entomology biology at Penn StateinUniversity. last few years he has served a church three blocks from the White House while Class of 1956 South Carolina Greenwood, working as a chaplain Johns Hopkins Hospital to found when a nonEarl Purkerson Jr., former sports writer for the Greenwood Index-Journal, His research focuses on antsatthat succumb to a sortand of helping mind control Church Community: profit to help people to “‘age in place’—to remain at home as long as possible has published Mama’s New Kitchen and Other Stories, a collection of by a parasitic fungus, thus becoming “zombie ants” behaving in infected with an active social life.” Presbyterian guest columns.
ways that benefit the fungus. The infected ants become a food source for Cliff N. Wallace, managing director of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Class of 1958 the fungus, and the fungus damages the ant’s muscle and central nervous Interesting travels? Robert B. “Red” Jameson coached at Abbeville High for 23 years, starting in Centre, was selected, along with three others, for induction into the Convensystem. I eloped to Stranraer, Scotland, and I tion Industry Council’s (CIC) Hall of Leaders.The ceremony was scheduled for 1965. He coached basketball, baseball and softball and served as athletic plan toThe hikeschool’s the final 100 miles director. basketball court of hasthe been dedicated as the Coach Robert Jameson Court. OfSpain, 518 overall victories in boys’ basketball, he Camino de Santiago, for my earned 366 with Abbeville Panthers. upcoming 50ththebirthday.
Class of 1959 Dog or Cat? Robert Cunningham, profiled in knoxnews.com, has run six marathons, Boykin named Jebof his life is his wife of 50 years, Mildred and loves Spaniel running, but the love “Milli” Cunningham ’59, a retired attorney. They met at Erskine and marBeach or Mountains? ried in Syria, where both were teaching, and have two daughters, Nina Kiawah Island, and Ann. Now in theS.C. late stages of dementia, Milli started attending Robert’s races when she retired. Dave Link wrote in knoxnews.com, “The Campground or Resort? situation is every bit the challenge of running a marathon...but his ChrisBoth, if water tian faithespecially ... allows him to seeisitnearby. as a blessing.” For more, go to http:// www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/mar/30/marathoner-loves-running-butA favorite college memory? wife-love-cunningham/
Creative use of a snowy day during Class of 1961 interim with lots of friends in Russell Benton is probably the most traveled alumnus of Erskine College. Elizabeth suite College, he lives in Due West Retired from(Lundy) the facultyKnight’s of Lenoir-Rhyne
“Mornings were spent collecting ‘zombied’ ants on tree limbs in the woods. Afternoons, they looked for more and also put out bait to attract live ants. Then, after dark, baits were checked for ants and if ants were present they were traced back to colonies, which were marked to be checked the next morning, and if possible, dug up,” Haldeman recalled, adding, “They got at least one nest with a queen.” Hughes’ continuing research at Penn State is designed to learn how the fungus might be used to control pest insects in homes and farms. It involves “a collaboration between Penn State and the Broad Institute of MIT/Harvard to sequence the genome and transcriptome of the brainmanipulating fungus,” Hughes said. “The Broad Institute is an international leader in genome biology and is interested in the zombie ant fungi precisely because it has a background in medical science. A related fungus infecting Himalayan caterpillars has been used extensively to treat cancer, TB and malaria.” After spending more than two weeks in the Due West area, de Bekker, Fleuren and Schmidt returned to Pennsylvania. “They hauled back a vehicle full of ants and fungi,” Edwards said.
June 2011 during the 2011 Hall of Leaders Gala in Baltimore, Maryland. Class of 1971 Carolyn Baird Borden says, “I got a new grandson for Christmas—Zachary Baird Borden, born Dec. 18, 2011.”
Interim Vice President of the Seminary Born in:
Terre Haute, Indiana Church Community:
United Methodist A favorite novel or story:
Anything by Patricia Cornwell Interesting travels?
Amalfi Coast of Italy Favorite Season: Sunrise or Sunset?
Sunset Someone you admire:
Thomas B. Suiter, Raleigh, N.C., was inducted into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. Joining WRAL upon graduation, he was weekend anchor and sports reporter, then weekday sports anchor. He anchored the Football Friday show, pioneering coverage of many games in a single show starting in 1981. Class of 1973 Henry M. Funderburk was named Independent Banker of the Year by the Independent Banks of South Carolina. President of Dedicated Community Bank, he has been in banking since graduating from Erskine, where he majored in math. He and wife Anne Kennedy Funderburk ’73 have three children and three grandchildren.
Steve Lowe
Spring
Paula Foster Paul retired as director of the Orangeburg County Library in January 2011. She served as director for 26 years and worked at the library for a total of 37 years. She also reports that her son Jason was married in September 2011.
and serves as adjunct professor of history during the spring 2012 term. Erskine is … He has visited 115 countries and 64 non-sovereign colonies or islands. still,allgratefully, Erskine. “It’s Winnie Phillips’ fault,” he says, referring to the longtime alumni The whole project began following the discovery of zombie ants on land in director, now retired, who took him on his “first international travel What challenges does your area Class of 1974 Donalds, a town near Due West. This year, Hughes did not come to Erskine adventure” to Scotland and Scandinavia with an Erskine group in 1964. Joe Hancock is a member of the North American Nature Photographers Asroutinely face? himself because of teaching commitments. Forest William “Bill” Sherrill Jr. retired early as chief administrative officer sociation and the National Association of Photoshop Professionals and outings Striking a balance between extending of Ogletree Deakins Law Firm to pursue an interest in music. He has coordinator for the upstate region of the Carolinas Nature Photographers AsInstead, an eager team from Penn State came to continue Hughes’ work. grace to while also holding served as astudents church music director since 1990 and is a composer special- sociation. He urges others to “get out there and see what the Lord has made.” Charissa de Bekker and her husband, biologist and photographer Roel izing choral music. Two of his compositions were selected forDr. publicathemin accountable Classare of 1975 Fleuren, who natives of the Netherlands, and Dr. Anna Schmidt, from tion by Imagine Press. What encourages you about the William Coleman received the South Carolina Farm Bureau’s serDenmark, stirred up some enthusiasm along with the antsdistinguished that are the Class of 1965 vice award. He raises turkeys and beef cattle and grows wheat, hay, cotton and future of Erskine? objects of their study. Henry Lamar Hunt recently published Clay Jars and Christians, 107 sertimber. A volunteer game warden, he is also a professional clown, “Buttermilk.” Equipping well-rounded liberal mon manuscripts on CD. He also wrotearts a book of devotions and TouchHethe haspresence been Sunday treasurer Salem Presbyterian for 30 “We found of school the group to beat refreshing, exciting andyears. a novel ing the Handin of Jesus, which traces his spiritual journey, including experigraduates a pervasively Christian Connie Phifer Savell attended the Golden Gift Leadership Management experience for us and our students,” Professor of Biology Dr. MarySeminar Lang ence as a military chaplain in Vietnam. He and wife Shirley have recorded environment; growth and change, the of University of Texasscientists. in Austin inPlacing 2010. Shebaits, has been a member of Delta Lamar and Shirley Sing and written a cantata. Dr. Martha B. Macdonald Edwards at said the visiting as well as tracking Kappa Gamma (DKG) Society International, an organization for key women while honoring rich historyseveral times in 2011 at historical teaches full-time and performed ven-nests down and digging them up, were all part of a learning opportunity educators, for 30 years. ues. Her talents include storytelling, singing, playing the psaltery and for Erskine biology students. dancing. She is working on a third novel. Class of 1976 Ralph K. Ostrom Jr. has been elected to the board of trustees for the Carolyn Hunter Fish was named the Greenwood Council of Garden Clubs’
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Professor Emerita of Biology Dr. Jan Haldeman and her husband Richard, retired director of public relations at Erskine, enjoyed hosting de Bekker and Fleuren in their Due West home and became familiar with the team’s routine.
meet the cabinet
HUNTING
Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Naoma Nelsen took her microbiology class out one afternoon to work with the Penn State team. “It was a really good experience for the students,” she said.
I am a big fan of Dwight Eisenhower. A favorite college memory?
Winning back-to-back-to-back flag football championships Erskine is…
where I have found a home. “We heard fascinating stories about zombie ants and learned how to find them,” she said. “Now we won’t be able to walk in the woods ever again without searching for that elusive zombie ant clinging to a tree branch.”
What do you enjoy most about being at Erskine?
The people I work with and the students I teach
Edwards noted that the visitors “were very complimentary about our students and were eager to have these students join them in their research during their visit to Erskine.” The researchers “also expressed the desire to have Erskine faculty and students to join them in research in their labs at Penn State in the future,” she added.
What challenges routinely face?
does
your
area
“This represents a fantastic opportunity to bring students from two diverse but league-topping institutions together to work side by side on a common project,” Hughes said.
What encourages you about the future of Erskine?
The challenge of producing a quality educational experience with limited resources
I’m encouraged by the quality of our graduates who exemplify lives of dedicated service to Christ, his Church, and society.
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Homecoming and Fall Fest spark midterm fun at Erskine Homecoming 2011 offered entertainment and fellowship Saturday, Oct. 22, as alumni and friends mingled with students on a clear fall day in Due West. The homecoming court was presented during halftime of the men’s soccer match, with senior Taylor Wolfe of Gastonia, N.C., crowned homecoming queen. Fall Fest was celebrated along with Homecoming this year, featuring a return performance by “Sequoyah Prep School.” “Prettier than Matt,” a band featuring Jessica Skinner, a member of the Class of 2009, also took the stage.
Creation, Fall, Redemption, Glorification — oil on canvas, Grace Han
meet the cabinet
Brad Christie
Interim Vice President & Dean of the College Born in:
Durham, North Carolina Church Community:
Presbyterian A favorite novel or story:
Moby-Dick Interesting travels?
Due West is the most interesting place I’ve ever lived. I love visiting NYC. Dog or Cat?
Yes (but dogs do rule) Beach or Mountains?
Mountains! Someone you admire:
I’m a pretty big fan of Washington and Jefferson. A favorite college memory?
Yikes. OK, mountain weekends in a cabin alongside the Pigeon River…I better leave it at that. Erskine is …
resilient. What challenges does your area routinely face?
Constraints imposed by being so enrollment-driven. Resistance to change.
What encourages you about the future of Erskine?
175 years. A historic mission that remains vital. God is faithful, even when we are not.
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THRIVE leads conversation on RESTORATIVE CHANGE During the 2010-11 academic year, in his first year as president, Dr. David Norman articulated a vision for his administration that incorporated three pillars: academic integrity, financial sustainability, and service to the poor. Over the course of the year, members of the Erskine community were invited by the president to engage in a growing conversation regarding service to the poor. The conversation addressed questions such as “Who are the poor?” and “What is genuine service?”
Chaplains spend January in Due West Twenty-three military chaplains from Fort Belvior, Fort Gordon, Fort Sam Houston, and Madigan Army Medical Center spent three weeks on the Erskine Seminary campus in January, taking three weeklong classes as part of their work toward the Doctor of Ministry degree.
With a little help, freshmen make themselves at home Nearly 100 volunteers assisted Erskine College freshmen as they arrived on campus with their families Aug. 26 to begin several days of orientation. In addition to 166 freshmen, 10 transfer students moved onto the campus. Freshmen and transfer students represented 11 states and five foreign countries.
As the conversation expanded, it became clear that Dr. Norman’s intent went beyond merely traditional charity or even well-organized service projects. Since the disadvantaged and poor are those with whom Christ most closely identifies himself, we are clearly called to address the needs of the socially, economically, and physically disadvantaged. Yet, understanding that all humanity is spiritually and morally impoverished, we are also called to participate in the broader work of restoring the tarnished image of God in mankind. In the spring of 2011, Dr. Norman asked those who had participated in this conversation to organize and facilitate its expansion into a distinctive and dynamic aspect of Erskine’s culture. THRIVE is the beginning of that effort, with members of the Erskine community organized to shepherd the president’s initiative. It is our hope and intent that as we move forward, Erskine will become known as an excellent liberal arts community characterized by its robust understanding and engagement in all aspects of service to the poor, human restoration and human flourishing. During the 2011-12 year, THRIVE has focused on listening and learning. Several convocations and other campus events this spring will begin engaging faculty, staff and students in the conversation. In the 2012-13 academic year, THRIVE plans to begin introducing specific strategies and initiatives to move toward the vision Dr. Norman has proposed.
THRIVE
Serve • Restore • Flourish
Erskine community begins new academic year “Each one of us is a tangled web of life experiences, hopes, dreams, fears, and passions,” Erskine President Dr. David Norman told students, professors, staff members and guests at the Formal Opening Convocation Sept. 8 in the Due West ARP Church.“But God has called us to be here, right now, together.”
Celebration marks staff member’s four decades at Erskine Ann Hawthorne’s first 40 years at Erskine, celebrated Jan. 19 with a reception in the Chesnut Room of Belk Hall, have been marked by hard work, dedication, adaptability and friendship. Just 19 years old when she was hired by Erskine’s first alumni director, Winnie Phillips, Ann has offered a friendly face and a reassuring voice of Erskine for many of the institution’s most active volunteers. And she is clear about what motivates her. “I do it for the alumni,” she says.
Follow Erskine news and stories throughout the year online at news.erskine.edu.
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another year goes by in Due West Alumni Association confers honors
Seminary graduates recognized at 174th commencement service
Professor Emeritus of History Dr. Lowry P. Ware received the Alumni Distinguished Service Award April 30 during Alumni Weekend. Other awards included the Sullivan Awards, which went to Angela McNeil Grooms ’77 and Jason B. Dees ’94; the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, to William B. Cheek IV ’96 and Kelly Faulkenberry Cheek ’96; and the Erskine Service Award, to Lisa Robinson Senn ’81. Named honorary alumni were Robert S. Galloway III, Greenville; Sarah Belk Gambrell, Charlotte, N.C.; and James Russell Lauderdale, Nashville, Tenn.
Norman inaugurated as president Members of the Erskine community joined alumni, dignitaries from numerous colleges and universities, and other guests in the Due West ARP Church April 29 for the inauguration of Dr. David A. Norman as 15th president. Erskine’s motto, “Scientia cum moribus conjuncta,” which can be translated “knowledge joined with a way of life,” formed a thread running through Norman’s address. “Our motto reminds us that we fulfill our mission by never allowing how we live and what we know to become separated,” he said.
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Family and friends joined students, alumni, administrators and faculty members to honor some 60 graduates who received degrees from Erskine Theological Seminary May 14 at the Due West ARP Church. Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson, senior minister of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, delivered the commencement sermon, and the Rev. Charles Francis Edgar Jr., of Huntsville, Ala., pastor emeritus of Prosperity ARP Church, Lincoln County, Tenn., received an honorary doctor of divinity degree.
Commencement for Class of 2011 is a first for new president The Erskine College Class of 2011 was recognized May 14 under the towers of the Erskine Building. It was the school’s 166th commencement and the first led by Dr. David A. Norman. Anna Marie Zwart of Gilbert, graduate with the highest average and winner of the H.M. Young Ring, responded to the speaker, Dr. Thomas Henry Marshburn, a physician, engineer and NASA astronaut. Marshburn and J. Gresham Barrett, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, received honorary degrees. The Younts Excellence in Teaching Award went to Professor of History Dr. Sandra Chaney, and the Sullivan Awards were given to Cory Robinson of Clinton and Emily Drummond of Columbia.
Physician, Inventor, Philanthropist: the life & legacy of Dr. Willard Drake Dr. R. C. Grier was president of Erskine College when Arizona-born and New Jersey-raised Willard Melvin Drake Jr. graduated from Erskine in 1937. During the 74 years of his life that followed, both he and Erskine College experienced extensive growth and change, but Willard Drake’s love for his alma mater never wavered. A chemistry major at Erskine, he was a Philomathean, served as vice president and then president of the International Relations Club, played in the band, orchestra, and string quartet, participated in the Life Service Group, and ran track. He earned his M.D. from Thomas Jefferson University and Medical College, served with distinction in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II (attaining the rank of captain), and was honorably discharged in 1945. He completed a medical residency in Philadelphia; was attending urologist at Cooper Hospital, Camden, New Jersey; and served as a clinical professor of urology at Jefferson Medical College. He invented the “Uroflometer,” a device widely used by urologists for diagnosis. During his medical career, he wrote numerous professional papers and created prizewinning exhibits displayed at professional conferences. He was recognized on several occasions by the American Medical Association, New Jersey College of Surgeons, American College of Surgeons and American Urological Association. Retiring to Nacogdoches, Texas, he took on a second career as an inspector of nursing homes, continuing until he was 80 years old. He enjoyed gardening, Bible reading, and serving his family, church and community. He had a zeal for helping young people learn more about America’s founding fathers and their values. Willard Drake remained connected to Erskine throughout his life. He supported his alma mater because he valued his own experience as a student. He gave generously to both the chemistry department and the Living Endowment (later the Annual Fund), and in a last act of stewardship, provided for Erskine in his estate. We are thankful that Dr. Drake saw the value of Erskine. He saw that its core mission—to provide a strong liberal arts education in a strong Christian environment—had not changed since his time here. Dr. Willard Drake remembered Erskine because it made a positive and important impact on his life and he wanted to help future generations of students.
Cliff Smith
meet the cabinet
From Spring to Spring
Vice President for Communications Born in:
Greenville, South Carolina Church Community:
Presbyterian A favorite novel or story:
Big Fish and Once (films) Interesting travels?
Kenya, East Africa Favorite Season:
November and April in S.C. Someone you admire:
My dad taught college for 50 years… and was one of the most joyful people I’ve ever known. Pie or Cake?
Yes, please, a la mode. Campground or Resort?
Glamping (google it) Erskine is…
complex, enigmatic, and endearing. What do you enjoy most about Erskine?
Participating in the preservation, restoration and promotion of this distinctive academic community in the company of intelligent and dedicated people What challenges does your area routinely face?
Sharing the compelling Erskine story with diverse audiences accurately and authentically, often overcoming a variety of misconceptions
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CHINA Parr named Calhoun McDonald-Boswell Professor Howard USTA Coach ofof History the Dr. Year D. “David” Grier, Professor of History Dr. Sandra L.
SCOTLAND
HAITI
Alex Andryszak, a 2010 biology graduate and former admissions counselor, is studying veterinary medicine at the University of Glasgow.
Alumni, faculty, friends and students from Erskine Seminary traveled to Haiti in May 2011 as part of a reciprocal relationship with Institut Biblique Lumière in Cayes, Haiti.
INDIA Shannon Field, a junior English major from Sumter, S.C., went to India in the summer of 2011 and worked with a team of missionaries ministering to children in the slums.
Erskine Women’s Tennis Coach Calhoun Parr was Chaney, and their daughter Anna Mei are on sabbatical named the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in China, where Grier and Chaney are splitting a fullSouth Coach at ofSias theInternational Year in December 2011. time Carolina teaching position University. The award is given based on an outstanding record of producing top players, good students and successful teams. In addition to winning six regular season titles (2005-2009, 2011) and seven consecutive conference tournament titles (2005-2011), Coach Parr’s team has been recognized as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Academic Team for the last six years.
MEXICO Juan Carlos Bonilla, who is working on a Doctor of Ministry degree at Erskine Seminary, is now engaged in church planting for World Witness in Guadalajara, Mexico.
ENGLAND A travel course in Italy, led by Assistant Professor of Art Sharon Linnehan, began in Milan and went through Venice, Bologna, Florence and Rome.
ENGLAND Awarded the Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree at Erskine Seminary in 2011, Ben DeSpain is working toward a Ph.D. in theology at Durham University in England.
GREECE & TURKEY Younts Professor of Bible and Religion Dr. Bill Evans led a two-week Winter Term trip, “In the Steps of St. Paul,” through Greece and Turkey.
KENYA Sophomore Katie Putnam, during a medical mission trip to Kenya, assisted with a five-day clinic serving more than 200 people each day.
AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, & GERMANY
The Erskine Choraleers toured Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic in May 2011. Accompanying them were Professors Bill Diekhoff, T.J. Ellis, and Lucie Svatonova, as well the mother of junior Neely Nelson.
ERSKINE ] e r e h w y r e v e [
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Erskine College junior Joseph Spate spent the fall of 2011 at the University of Oxford in England.
Flying Fleet Hall of Fame
SOUTH Flying Fleet Hall of Fame inductions took place at AFRICA a special brunch in Moffatt Dining Hall Saturday SPAIN morning, October 22, & ZIMBABWE Kimberly Kanapeckas, a 2011. This year’s inductees were
Juniors Lisa Jones and Victoria Williamgraduate, W. (Billly) 2007 biology hasLesesne Jr. ’87, Richard Taylor Jr. Unthank, both majoring in ’69, Eric L.research Moody in ’93 and Micki Phillips Ellis ’89, and been conducting English and Spanish, spent the Velislavand K. (Villi) Iltchev ’98 (not pictured). South Africa Zimbabwe fall 2011 semester at Universidad and earned a master’s in de Alicante in Spain. zoology from the University of Pretoria.
PUT YOURSELF ON THE MAP!
You may have passed through Due West, but we know our Alumni span the globe, continuing to learn, lead and serve.We want to see where you’ve been. 1. Send us a picture of yourself somewhere around the globe; (wear Erskine apparel if you can). 2. Tell us what you were doing there. 3. You might show up in a future issue.
Send photos and information to:
|27 |11
Alumni Honored for Contributions to Athletics Jeff Watson ’81
Jeff Watson was inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame. The ceremony, held in Daytona Beach in January, honored Watson for a lifetime of service to Miami-Dade County athletics. Jeff has coached for 30 years across the athletic spectrum, including volleyball, crosscountry, track and field, and soccer.
Billy Lesesne ’87
Duke women’s soccer associate head coach and a Flying Fleet Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Billy Lesesne was named the 2011 NSCAA South Region Assistant Coach of the Year. Lesesne, who just completed his 11th season with the Blue Devils, has helped guide Duke to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, including the NCAA quarterfinals in 2007 and 2008 as well as the NCAA College Cup in 2011.
Tim Whipple ’77 ENGLAND GREECE & Last December, the basketball floor at the Irmo HighofGymnasium (Columbia) Awarded the Master Theology TURKEY
Flying Fleet Athletics
McDonald-Boswell Professor of History Dr. Howard D. “David” Grier, Professor of History Dr. Sandra L. Chaney, and their daughter Anna Mei are on sabbatical in China, where Grier and Chaney are splitting a fulltime teaching position at Sias International University.
INDIA
Shannon Field, a junior English major from Sumter, S.C., went to India in the summer of 2011 and worked with a team of missionaries ministering to children in the slums.
Fall 2011 Recap Men’s Athletics Cross Country
Coach Rick Wilson’s squad finished 4th in the conference, capturing all top four positions at the Erskine Invitational Men’s Cross Country Meet (6K).
Soccer
Coach Warren Turner’s squad notched their second consecutive winning season, finishing 10-8-1 overall and 6-5 in conference. The Fleet also beat local NCAA Division I rival Presbyterian College 3-1 this season while tying local soccer powerhouse Lander University 2-2.
AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, & Kenya, assisted with a five-day Injuries and inconsistency hurt the Flying Fleet this season as Erskine a clinic serving more than 200 GERMANY
ENGLAND ITALY
A travel course in Italy, led by Assistant Professor of Art Sharon Linnehan, began in Milan and went through Venice, Bologna, Florence and Rome.
KENYA
Women’s Athletics Sophomore Katie Putnam, was renamed TimErskine Whipple Court in a (Th.M.) degree at medical mission trip to Cross Younts Professor of Bible and during aCountry
ceremony honoring Tim’s more than Seminary in 2011, Ben DeSpain Religion Dr. Bill Evans led is working a Ph.D. inwork ethic and 30 yearstoward of dedication, two-week Winter Term trip, “Infinished 9th in this year’s conference Senior Liz Loftis The meet. Erskine Choraleers touredwrapped theology at to Durham University people each day. ability teach and guide young people. the Steps of St. Paul,” through an outstanding career running herAustria, personal best 19:38 finish 19th Germany andto the in England. Several former players and assistant Greece and Turkey. Czech Republic in May 2011. overall. coaches petitioned the school board to Accompanying them were confer the honor. Tim is an inductee of Professors Bill Diekhoff, T.J. the S.C. Basketball Coaches Association Ellis, and Lucie Svatonova, as Hall of Fame as well as the Flying Fleet the mother of junior Neely Women’s Soccer earned a berth well to the conference tournament for Athletic Hall of Fame. Nelson.
Soccer
the 4th consecutive year under Head Coach Gary Winchester. The Fleet finished at 6-11 overall and 5-7 in conference. The Fleet received the Conference Carolinas “Team Sportsmanship Award” for demonstrating the best sportsmanship in women’s soccer.
ERSKINE ] e r e h w y r e v e [ Volleyball
Under Coach Heather Vahjen’s direction, women’s volleyball competed for a conference title a mere two years after resurrecting the program. Erskine fell to Queens University in the semi-finals of the Conference Carolinas Tournament, bringing the Fleet’s 2011 campaign to a close at 19-15 overall and 13-5 in conference.
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CHINA
SCOTLAND History major Megan Kunkle, a junior from Sumter, S.C., spent the fall 2011 semester at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
SOUTH AFRICA & ZIMBABWE Kimberly Kanapeckas, a 2007 biology graduate, has been conducting research in South Africa and Zimbabwe and earned a master’s in zoology from the University of Pretoria.
Erskine College junior Joseph Spate spent the fall of 2011 at the University of Oxford in England.
SPAIN Juniors Lisa Jones and Victoria Unthank, both majoring in English and Spanish, spent the fall 2011 semester at Universidad de Alicante in Spain.
PUT YOURSELF ON THE MAP!
You may have passed through Due West, but we know our Alumni span the globe, continuing to learn, lead and serve. We want to see where you’ve been. 1. Send us a picture of yourself somewhere around the globe; (wear Erskine apparel if you can). 2. Tell us what you were doing there. 3. You might show up in a future issue.
Send photos and information to: alumni@erskine.edu |11
Seniors Honored at Spring 2011 Jake Todd Award Athletic Banquet Erskine’s highest student-athlete honor,
erskine bids farewell to Dr. Hans Engler Dr. Hans Gerhard Engler, Professor Emeritus of Bible as well as Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages at Erskine College, died Nov. 11, 2011, at the age of 84.
“Hans Engler, like multitudes before him, left his native land, a birthplace of western civilization, to live in distant, unknown, and foreign parts,” Gettys said.
A native of Pottsdam, Germany, he was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received both a master’s degree in music and a Ph.D. in linguistics. He also earned a Th.D. degree in Old Testament at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia.
“He brought with him wealth of great value: an excellent education, an ancient culture, a love of scholarship, and above all, an abiding faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
He first came to Erskine to teach at the seminary in 1961 and later taught Bible, German, Greek, Hebrew and Old Testament at the college. He was most recently an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Modern Languages, where he taught German. A member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Association of Teachers of German, he was named an honorary member of the Erskine College Alumni Association in 2010. He served the Due West Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church as a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, and choir member. He also served for many years as director and accompanist for the youth choir and pianist for Sunday evening services. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ilse Friedrich Engler; a son, Friedrich Engler; a daughter, Cornelia Engler Debuchy; a sister, Christel Engler; and a granddaughter, Lola Debuchy. At the funeral service Nov. 17 at the Due West ARP Church, McDonald-Boswell Professor Emeritus of History Dr. James Gettys paid tribute to his friend and colleague, describing him as “the quintessential man of humility.”
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Spring 2011 season
“Due West citizens living near Miss Lola Bell’s home, where Hans was a boarder, noticed an unknown woman with Hans,” he said.
Summing up the story, he remarked, “It takes a very private man to marry a lady in Due West without everyone becoming privy to his actions.” Hans Engler’s students “carry his memory and the value he added to their lives into the future and across the globe,” Gettys said. “Hans was a humble man, a private man, a man who eschewed gossip and materialism, a scholar, a teacher, one who used his musical talent to praise God, and a man of absolute integrity,” he said. “His greatest legacy is his life as a Christian.”
Britton Bignon Athens, Ga. • Tennis A four-time all-conference honoree, Bignon helped lead the Erskine Women’s Tennis team to their seventh consecutive Conference Carolinas Tournament championship and a berth to the NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament. For her career, she was 67-25 in singles and 70-23 in doubles overall. Atlee Pearson Duncan, S.C. • Baseball A four-time all-conference honoree, Pearson concluded his Erskine career as the NCAA Division II career leader in saves with 33. His record is 20-11 overall, 4th best in Erskine history with a 3.32 ERA. He has twice earned Conference Carolinas Academic All-Conference honors.
Gettys recounted with affection a story about the young Dr. Engler that he heard from Professor Emerita of History Dr. Lowry Ware.
“In that genteel southern way they referred to this lady as ‘Dr. Engler’s sister,’” Gettys said. “It came as a revelation when they discovered the lady was his wife, Ilse.”
for sportsmanship, leadership, athletic ability, character and academic standing, was shared by two students this year:
Karen G. Bell Memorial Award
Women’s Tennis The Erskine women’s tennis team won
their 7th straight Conference Carolinas championship in 2011, finishing their season ranked No. 47 in the nation with an 18-5 overall record.
Shared this year, this honors Christian commitment, team loyalty, positive attitude, and high moral standards. Jean Marie Harris Lancaster, S.C. • Basketball Christine Linh Phan Savannah, Ga. • Basketball
Sonny Rhem Award
Honors excellence in academics and service to others. Alison Albers Goodhue, Minn. • Volleyball
Murphy Osborne Award
This is Conference Carolina’s highest scholar-athlete award. Jocelyn Smith Greer, S.C. • Softball
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Flying Fleet Athletics
Two championships crown Spring
seminary study, family style As a full-time Associate Reformed Presbyterian student at Erskine Theological Seminary, living on campus with his family, Brett Blackman might be seen as a throwback to the days of more traditionally structured seminary education. Brett and his wife Mary Beth, with daughters Elizabeth, Abigail and Rebecca, are loving life in Due West. “From the day we moved here the emotional support my family has received from faculty families, student families and single students in the Erskine community has been wonderful,” he says. He grew up Florida but spent most of his adult life in California, where he and his wife met and married. “Our pastor was an ETS graduate and encouraged us to look at Erskine,” he recalls. Through a denominational scholarship and a strong ministry support team, he says, “God made it possible for me to attend seminary full-time and pursue my lifelong passion for ministry.” Brett believes he is called “to minister on two equal fronts.” First, he has a keen desire for pastoral ministry—“to nurture within the local church a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ”—and second, he hopes “to address the serious Brett, his wife Mary Beth, and their three daughters Elizabeth, Abigail theological issues of our day” through teaching and writing. and Rebecca.
Softball The Erskine Softball Team won their first-ever conference tournament championship in 2011,
posting a 24-15-1 record for the season, and advanced to the NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament.
2010-2011
M.V.P. 24|
TEAM
Basketball Baseball Cross Country Golf Lacrosse Soccer Softball Tennis Volleyball
WOMEN
Jean Marie Harris — Liz Loftis Tiffany Hutchinson Anna Dailey Erin Gray Kelsey Spurrier Britton Bignon Larz Chabra
MEN
“The Christian life is a journey of faith and obedience, particularly during seminary — and we can’t wait to see what God has next in store for us.” He is able to do most of his seminary work at home and enjoys having fellow students over for dinner. He hopes to graduate in December, so the Blackmans will probably experience another summer and fall in Due West, where they enjoy walks with their daughters. “We couldn’t ask for a better environment for them.”
And as much as he’s learning from his classes, daily life is a key component of his education. “The demands of seminary life are rigorous and can be taxing on a marriage and family, but we expected that, and the Lord prepared us well for it,” Brett says.“He has shown us on a whole new level how dependent we are daily on His grace and provision, and that kind of training is as valuable as anything I learn in the classroom.” Brett doesn’t know just what the future holds, but his outlook is confident. “The Christian life is a journey of faith and obedience, particularly during seminary—and we can’t wait to see what God has next in store for us.”
Kevan Shepps Atlee Pearson Chas Culberson Michael Assey — Jack Kimber — Vincent Chauvette (Coming Fall 2012)
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I already had a master’s degree in education, and the reason I was able to get that degree was the flexibility allowed in taking online courses over a three-year period.
JAMEY DAGENHART, Rock Hill
DARIUS JAMES, Due West
Real-World Benefits of
When I decided to further my education for ministry and found out that Erskine Seminary had online courses, it was an answer to prayer.
Erskine Virtual Campus was a tremendous asset to my theological education. While I certainly enjoyed my time in Due West and Columbia, attending online classes added an extra level of education. There were times when it simply was not possible for me to be in either Due West or Columbia for class, but I could attend class online through EVC.
With my learning style, my performance in online classrooms is consistently better. For me, it’s a win-win situation. It’s all about balance, options and providing each student the tools they need to be successful. I would encourage anyone who wishes to maximize their time to take as many online classes as possible.
Despite the fact that we were unable to meet altogether at one time, there was still a dialogue and discussion between classmates and professor week in and week out that enhanced the “classroom” experience and helped increase my knowledge and understanding of whatever subject was being taught. Without EVC I would not have been able to continue ministry and finish my education in the timeline I had originally planned. I’m very thankful for EVC.
What’s in a Ranking? This year Erskine College is once again listed among National Liberal Arts Colleges in the 2012 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings. Erskine tied for the 144th spot nationally with several other schools, including Gordon College in Massachusetts and Eckerd College in Florida. For the past several years, Erskine has been among the top five Regional Colleges (formerly designated Baccalaureate Colleges).
Erskine ranks among top 10 safest campuses in U.S. Erskine is the safest campus in South Carolina, and ranks seventh among the top ten safest campuses in the United States according to a recent listing published by StateUniversity.com, website for college information.
“We always make a strong showing on this indicator,” Interim Vice President and Dean of the College Dr. Brad Christie Dr. Brad Christie, interim vice president and dean of the said. “But to be in the top ten is good news, especially for college, is pleased with the change. “It is definitely a good parents of prospective students.” thing to be ranked highly in one’s region...even better to be ranked highly nationwide, and more of the institutions we Erskine one of just two among those ten that is also ranked prefer to compare with appear in the National Liberal Arts as a National Liberal Arts College. Safest Schools rankings category. The way U.S. News sorts and clusters schools, the are based on incidents of campus crime as reported by National Liberal Arts Colleges are top-tier institutions.” campus safety officials. College and university rankings get mixed responses across higher education and in popular opinion. As flawed and complex as ranking systems are, it’s difficult to argue they are completely meaningless. The number of rankings and diversity of methodologies means any one ranking in one year must be evaluated as part of a larger context. While rankings may not be definitive, they can certainly indicate trends and provide some helpful information. Another popular ranking is the Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges. Forbes ranks 650 of the more than six thousand undergraduate institutions in the country, but without the “sorting and clustering.” The Forbes list focuses on overall effectiveness as indicated by quality of instruction, graduation rates and career prospects. Erskine is currently ranked 286 overall, and fourth in South Carolina, ahead of nine other schools in the state, including Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. While acknowledging the differing views on rankings, Erskine President Dr. David Norman said, “It is really nice, however, to see that our faculty are getting the recognition they deserve for the outstanding work they do every day for our students.”
The safety of our community combined with excellent liberal arts education and authentically Christian atmosphere make it a great environment for our students, faculty and staff to flourish intellectually, physically, and spiritually.
We Love Visitors!
Remember the first time you visited Erskine? Help others enjoy the experience and introduce us to your future fellow alumni. We customize visits around specific academic, athletic or social interests and introduce visitors to faculty and staff, current students and of course, our beautiful campus and town. If you have a child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or neighbor who’s heading toward college or seminary in the next few years, send them our way. Better yet, bring them with you.
To schedule: visit.erskine.edu • 800.241.8721
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Changes in Recruiting
Yield Positive Results
The process of applying to Erskine is now faster and more convenient as well. Significant improvements to data management and operational practices have
One of the results of all these improvements is much better tracking of information, giving staff the ability to get a bigpicture view of how prospects interact and move through inquiry and admissions process. The most impressive results, however, are in the number of applications. The number of total applications and acceptances has already outpaced previous years by well over 50 percent. The number of students confirming their choice of Erskine by submitting a deposit is also substantially higher than typical for this point in the year.
Erskine Virtual Campus
I was leery of taking online classes because I was accustomed to the traditional classroom setting. In 2010, I took my first hybrid class, which helped ease some of the anxiety I had about taking classes online. I was in the classroom about once each month, but I was still connected with my instructor and my classmates via the online component of the class. I was able to respond to my classmates about our weekly subject matter. Working full-time while going to school always presents a challenge. I struggled with balancing work, home and school. By my second semester, I signed up for an online class. Taking the online class allowed me to be at home one more day and gave me the flexibility of completing my assignments and “attending” class while having more time for my family, ministry or other activities. I have learned as much, if not more, while taking an online class than in a traditional class.
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MARTHA HILL, Newberry
To make the personalized Erskine experience more tangible, prospects receive an invitation to “Know. Be Known.” and are directed to a personal web page. Through their personal site, visitors can order a brochure based on their preferences, schedule campus visits, apply, and contact their admissions counselor.
increased overall efficiency, which allows counselors to focus more on developing relationships with prospective students and less on paperwork. The financial aid model has also been adapted to allow earlier scholarship offers; helping many families make a more informed decision sooner.
CHAUNTÉ MCCLURE, Columbia
Over the past year, the Communications and Admissions offices have been working to leverage the personal attention Erskine is known for in the college recruiting effort while improving operational efficiency and effectiveness. A new admissions “microsite,” visit.erskine.edu, provides information and seeks to cultivate a conversation between the prospective students and their parents and Erskine. Visitors can apply, plan a campus visit, or connect with admissions staff, students and faculty to get firsthand information.
It is hard to believe that 15 years ago, I was confident that I could retire at fifty, go to seminary, then find a part-time ministry position in Christian education and worship. For me, as for many people, the dream of retiring at fifty is distant now. Going to seminary would be, too, if not for the provision of God through Erskine Seminary. First, Erskine has professors of the highest caliber, both academically and spiritually. Second, there is a student body with diverse experiences for me to draw upon. But were it not for the third provision, the first and second would not be available for me. The combination of traditional classrooms and EVC has been key to my own spiritual development. It isn’t just that the Erskine Virtual Campus provision has allowed me to get a seminary degree.Working and going to seminary has changed the way I view ministry — and the way my community views my ministry.
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a view from the faculty Dr. James Brooks Kuykendall Associate Professor of Music
Survey Says? Studying trends in alumni giving
Current Alumni
Religious Affiliation Among Respondents
96% Christian
11,000
50% Reformed Denominations
(approx.)
(including ARP)
25% ARP 30% Baptist, Methodist,
Initial Findings?
54.1%
Hold good or excellent opinions of Erskine Growing up in Due West, I heard a repeated cliché whenever alumni returned for Alumni Day or Homecoming, concerts or athletic events—and not infrequently in encounters in other places: “Erskine never changes.” This has never been literally true, of course, even if Erskine does sometimes seem to change at a glacial pace. Colleges and universities all change slowly, even if they present themselves as radical and cutting-edge.
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death, retirement, moving on—naturally have institutional consequences, as the torch is handed on from one to another.
Just how much Erskine has changed in my lifetime was brought home to me on a beautiful afternoon last October. My Erskine Seminar students wanted to have class outside. (Some things, at least, never change.) We ventured into the cemetery at the Due West ARP Church. There was some irony here, as we were discussing Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, in which the dead sit impassively staring into the audience, saying little, but observing everything; and I got my share of impassive stares that afternoon.
As I reflect back on it now, though, I am struck more by the continuity at Erskine than the disruption. Faulkner’s line that the past “isn’t even past” certainly resonates with my experience at Erskine. Erskine is many things, but from my vantage point the alumni of Erskine truly are the institution: they have an association with the school which is in some ways complete—whole, entire, and perfect—but in other ways continues dynamically into the present. I believe there are now more Erskine alumni on the faculty than at any time in the last four decades—and that is a special link between the day-to-day life of Erskine now and the Erskine of a past that nears 175 years. I note specific aspects of my teaching that I could label as “Brawley” or “Engler,” “Erickson” or “Reames.” Such influences live on here, and will continue.
As I glanced around for the best place to settle, I was confronted at every turn by stones bearing the names of people I remember well. Some had retired from Erskine before I was born—President Lesesne or Dr. Gordon Parkinson, for example—but others I could still visualize in their places around campus. I had the privilege of studying under quite a few of them. I had my first piano lessons from Prof. Shirley Lampton, and my first music theory course from Dr. John Brawley. A few weeks after that class meeting, Dr. Hans Engler—whom I studied under for seven consecutive semesters—joined this veritable “cloud of witnesses” across the street from my office. Such changes are inevitable: departures—
What has most impressed me, though, is how this Erskine link is manifested by faculty who are grafted into the tradition from outside. Prof. Susan Patterson’s mentoring of Dr. Kokou Abalo eventually brought him to Erskine to fill her place in the mathematics department; Dr. Ekaterina Michonova-Alexova picked up the astronomy course right where Dr. Bright Lowry left off (and now she leads her students on tours of the restored observatory atop the Erskine Building); further examples of such direct links could be multiplied. Of course Erskine changes, but the tradition continues, and it seems to me to be as strong now as it ever has been.
1920s-2011
26%
Between September and December 2011, the alumni association conducted a survey to gain a better understanding of the reasons behind a three-year pattern of decline in alumni giving, and to assist Erskine leadership in developing a plan for addressing it. Because the survey was conducted primarily to understand recent trends in giving, respondents were asked to rate 16 possible factors that may have affected their giving. The factors most frequently cited as contributing to a decline or withdrawal in giving across all respondents clustered around four main areas:
•
• Desire for greater emphasis on excellent liberal arts elements of Erskine’s mission • Interest in communicating with other alumni • Desire to support recruiting efforts
responded
total response rate
• •
• Appreciation for lifelong friendships
received survey
(gave at least once in past 10 years)
926
•
Alumni express
3,586
49 States 18 Countries
Graduated from:
Roman Catholic, Other
Who participated?
Discontent with undesirable actions and influences from a group within the ARP Church Discontent with the method for appointing trustees Concern related to the transition of the Erskine administration Constraints related to the economy, personal financial changes, or life changes
In the months since the survey was developed and conducted, the board of trustees, Erskine administration and ARP leadership have already engaged in significant work related to the relationship with the ARP and board governance, directly addressing the primary areas of concern indicated by the survey. (See articles at news.erskine.edu, Feb.22-23.) Conclusions While there are many items of interest, one rises to the top. The concentration of ARP respondents who report decreased giving, combined with the reasons indicated, evokes an important question: why would faithful supporters decrease or withdraw their giving to Erskine when their discontent appears primarily related to ARP denominational issues rather than to Erskine directly? One possibility is that on the whole, the alumni do not share a common understanding of the relationship between Erskine and the ARP denomination. This is an area that the alumni association, the board of trustees, and the administration will continue addressing.
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Questions & Concerns What does the phrase “authentically Christian” mean?
Is Erskine’s accreditation at risk? No. Erskine was on warning for one year with our institutional accrediting body (SACS) as well as the seminary’s accreditor (ATS). During that year, the Board of Trustees, President Norman, and the administration worked diligently to address the issues of concern. Erskine has been removed from all warnings with SACS and ATS. During the 2010-11 academic year, national professional accreditation for both our teacher education and athletic training programs was reaffirmed. We are currently in the process of completing our regular reaffirmation with SACS and ATS.
Christianity has become a very broad concept. While we embrace the diversity represented in the universal church, we use the term “authentic” to clarify our intention to be more than simply culturally or historically connected to the Christian tradition. We see faith as more than merely a good influence, a set of propositions to affirm, or moral codes to follow. We view the Christian scriptures as a reliable authority for understanding reality; we affirm our dependence on a loving and sovereign Heavenly Father for all things; and we believe relationships with both God and mankind can be restored solely through Christ’s work.
I’ve heard the phrase “Keeping Erskine, Erskine.” What does that mean?
What are the greatest challenges facing Erskine right now?
In Erskine’s 175 years many things have changed dramatically. Some things remain. Some need restoration. Remaining entirely unchanged is not possible; otherwise Erskine never would have survived this long. But there are fundamental principles that we must not change. Pursuing broad-based, rigorous academic study from a deeply rooted, authentically Christian perspective has been the core of Erskine’s mission since its founding. It will continue to be.
We certainly hope that the healing of relationships across the Erskine community will continue. However, our challenges are similar to those of most institutions of our type and size. Attracting and retaining the right number and quality of students is primary. About 80 percent of our operating capital comes from tuition, fees, room and board (see charts below). While our smaller size is a tremendous advantage in many ways, it presents particular challenges to getting the attention of prospective students and their families.
Second, we must maintain a close-knit community where individual distinctiveness is celebrated, where divergent perspectives are respected, and where loving and engaged faculty and staff mentor and guide students. We should also work together to preserve the sense of belonging that generations of students, faculty and alumni have enjoyed. We celebrate the diversity of backgrounds and callings represented among us, while working together to provide a place for future generations to do the same.
Expanding the level of engagement and giving among friends and alumni is second. With a smaller group of supporters, any fluctuations are that much more significant. Given the current global economic challenges, all sources of income are vital to the continued success of Erskine.
These charts give an overview of how Erskine receives and uses financial resources. Where Money Comes From
Where Money Goes
Annual Fund 79% TUITION, ROOM, BOARD, FEES
13% ENDOWMENT
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8% Friends
6% ANNUAL FUND
2% OTHER
41% ARP Synod
37% SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID (STUDENTS)
25% College & Seminary Alumni
26% Foundations, Corporations, & Other
35% SALARIES & BENEFITS
what’s going on at erskine?
A perspective from the current administration.
Through the years, there have been several seasons when various groups who have an interest in Erskine College & Theological Seminary have disagreed on some aspect of the institution’s policies or direction. Still, for the better part of two centuries, God has been faithful to preserve Erskine. And that is cause for great hope and expectation. The most recent season of disagreement came to fruition in the spring of 2010. The resulting conflict has touched the lives of many across the Erskine family and our sponsoring denomination, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church. Clearly there were failures and wounds that do not easily heal. As a consequence, there remains a lack of trust with many across both the Erskine community and the ARP. Our purpose here is not to recount or analyze the specific circumstances, but to provide a broader perspective and look to the future in the hope of working to restore trust. (Continued on page 18)
24% OPERATIONS
(INSTRUCTION & FACILITIES)
(FACULTY-STAFF)
4% OTHER
(DEBT, ETC.)
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(Continued from page 17)
While the specific governance issues that arose two years ago have been largely resolved, the effects linger. In the past two years, we have heard from people across a spectrum of those interested in Erskine. They have expressed a broad range of questions and concerns about the current and future direction of Erskine. Many have offered their encouragement and help, while others have voiced confusion, fear, or anger about what they have heard.
The need for clarity
In a communications landscape that includes blogs and social media outlets from which anyone can publicly offer an opinion or commentary on an issue to a virtually unlimited audience, it is not uncommon for suppositions, misunderstandings, or even intentional fabrications to be understood as fact. This makes it difficult to know what information to trust as authentic. One of the most common concerns expressed has been that there is not enough information available directly from Erskine. Even when one hears a rumor that sounds “a little off,” there have been few official statements against which to check it. Realizing this is the case, we wish to address the main areas of concern we have heard, and provide clarification and a current institutional perspective. We hope that this response will promote clarity and understanding among those who love Erskine, regardless of their individual opinions, about what is or is not “going on at Erskine.” Some among the alumni have expressed particular concern that Erskine is becoming more narrowly sectarian in its Christian emphasis. They worry that Erskine is pursuing a course that will make it less diverse, less welcoming, or even intolerant of students and staff who represent the broad spectrum of faith they experienced as students. This shift, it is believed, is reducing Erskine’s appeal to high-quality students and faculty, thus threatening the overall quality of an Erskine education. While some of these concerns are understandable given the nature of the events in the spring of 2010, as well as the coverage
Types of Colleges Compared
18|
and commentary that flowed from them, we believe the core of this concern is based largely on misunderstanding.
Radical change or logical progression?
Indeed, Erskine’s trajectory looks and feels different now from the way it might have in the 1970s or 80s. However, rather than being a radical shift toward a narrowly focused sectarian school, Erskine’s path has been a steady progression from being a church-affiliated college to being a Christian liberal arts college. The decision to take this course was initiated nearly two decades ago and evolved over the course of several administrations. Leaders worked deliberately and carefully to set this missional course. One of the likely causes of the current confusion and concern is that this strategy was not explained to the larger Erskine community — and with good reason. It was seen not as a dramatic shift, but as the appropriate next step in the incremental growth of Erskine. The term “Christian liberal arts college” was commonly used, but the differences between a Christian liberal arts college and a church-affiliated college were not widely explained to Erskine’s alumni and friends as they might have been if the new direction were a more dramatic change. However, there is enough of a fundamental distinction between these two strategies that it has created some differences between the Erskine students experience today and the Erskine many alumni remember. (See “Types of Colleges Compared” below.) As Erskine continued on the path toward a Christian liberal arts college, many who had known the school in a different time perceived these changes to be more sectarian and more extreme than they actually were. In that context, the events of 2010 and following served to further conflate what was actually happening at Erskine with fears that a more radical direction was intended. Meanwhile, some within the ARP Church expressed the opinion that Erskine was not moving far enough or fast enough toward the missional focus of a Christian liberal arts college.
The current administration does not intend to question the motives or management of those who have faithfully led and served Erskine recently or in the past. By acknowledging a distinction in purpose, we simply seek to clarify misperceptions and promote healing wherever possible. It is likely that some will remain unconvinced. Still others may come to understand and continue to disagree strongly with our position. However, we believe that pursuing clarity and genuine understanding can only improve the prospects for Erskine’s future.
Caught in the middle
Events in the spring of 2010 stirred up passionate responses from many who cared deeply about Erskine but whose perspectives and opinions varied widely. At the same time, there are philosophical differences within the ARP Church, some of which relate to Erskine, many of which do not. As the much-loved college affiliated with a small, closely connected denomination, the college became the central arena in which these differences were debated. While every college desires an involved and passionate support base, in such circumstances, passion often makes it difficult to distinguish between what is happening and what seems to be happening. The line between who’s involved and who’s to blame becomes blurred. Critical consideration of the facts degrades into mere criticism. Rumor and hearsay replace informed dialogue. Passionate interest turns to protest. And those best positioned to be allies take opposing sides. Much like the baby in the story of King Solomon and the two women claiming to be the child’s mother, Erskine is disputed over by opposing forces. As a result, regardless of how well reasoned or necessary an action may be, the risk of alienating either side is constant. Resources that would ordinarily help provide an excellent education for Erskine students are withheld, divided, or diverted. Ironically, the tactics employed do not influence the opposing position. Instead, strained resources and intrusive distractions put at risk the very constituencies both positions
claim to have as their primary concerns: students and faculty. All the while, those who work daily to teach, lead, and serve the students must continue to concentrate on doing the work of educating and equipping young people.
The way forward
The Erskine community is a family. Occasional conflicts are inevitable in any community. They can even be useful, shedding light on issues that need to be addressed. Like plowing a field, they can allow for more fertile growth. Such is the case with Erskine. Opportunities abound to engage in dialogue, to understand diverse perspectives, to provide support and partner with others to ensure Erskine’s future. Constant conflict, however, is toxic. Suspicion and distrust breed more of the same, creating an environment where growth and forward momentum are severely limited. Excellent Christian liberal arts higher education is not a spectator sport. Neither is it a competition between factions of liberals and conservatives, traditionalists and progressives. It is the challenging yet rewarding work of pursuing all learning and all living in service to the Lord of all. Our path will be smoothed or made more difficult in large part by how well our community works together as a whole. Our administration, faculty, staff, and students have the honor of striving each day to carry out our mission. However, without the cooperative, active, and generous support of our denomination, alumni, and friends, their work will be all the more difficult, if not impossible. We look forward to all that God has in store for Erskine. If you have questions or concerns, talk with us. We welcome your involvement. We need your partnership. And we are eager to see the role you will play in helping us continue Erskine’s legacy well into the future.
Adapted from “Integrating Faith & Learning in Higher Education,” presented by Union University President David S. Dockery at the Fall Meeting of the Research Institute of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, September 2000.
Christian Liberal Arts College
Private Liberal Arts College
Church-Related College
Bible College
• Strong denominational ties as part of campus culture and among board members • Faculty and students are conscious of denominational ties • Educational philosophy grounded in Christian world and life view • Intentional examination of subject material from a faith perspective • Approaches education as a holistic learning community; integrating faith and learning and faith and living
• Independent in its operation • No, or only few historical, faith-related commitments • Board members, faculty students unrelated to any previous church relationship (if any) • Approaches education as pluralistic points of view, similar to public institutions
• • • •
• Preparation for Church-related vocations • Studies generally limited to Christian material • A kind of “undergraduate seminary”
Acknowledges a Christian heritage Some cultural denominational ties Provides a caring context for education Approaches education in two generally unrelated spheres: o Academic curriculum o Chapel and ministry opportunities
Why Christian Liberal Arts?
There are many excellent colleges across all of these categories. There is not necessarily a right or wrong educational structure. However, as a Christian liberal arts college, Erskine has the opportunity to accomplish things others can’t. Bible colleges focus more narrowly on doctrinal instruction. Many liberal arts colleges are quite prestigious, but lack any unifying philosophical or moral framework. Erskine seeks to pursue excellence in education in every way possible.Yet, we want to produce more than competent professionals. Our primary mission is to glorify God by equipping students to flourish as whole persons for lives of service. By offering an excellent and broadly challenging education, and by being intentional about why and how we integrate an authentic Christian worldview in both learning and living, Erskine offers something few others do.
|19
(Continued from page 17)
While the specific governance issues that arose two years ago have been largely resolved, the effects linger. In the past two years, we have heard from people across a spectrum of those interested in Erskine. They have expressed a broad range of questions and concerns about the current and future direction of Erskine. Many have offered their encouragement and help, while others have voiced confusion, fear, or anger about what they have heard.
The need for clarity
In a communications landscape that includes blogs and social media outlets from which anyone can publicly offer an opinion or commentary on an issue to a virtually unlimited audience, it is not uncommon for suppositions, misunderstandings, or even intentional fabrications to be understood as fact. This makes it difficult to know what information to trust as authentic. One of the most common concerns expressed has been that there is not enough information available directly from Erskine. Even when one hears a rumor that sounds “a little off,” there have been few official statements against which to check it. Realizing this is the case, we wish to address the main areas of concern we have heard, and provide clarification and a current institutional perspective. We hope that this response will promote clarity and understanding among those who love Erskine, regardless of their individual opinions, about what is or is not “going on at Erskine.” Some among the alumni have expressed particular concern that Erskine is becoming more narrowly sectarian in its Christian emphasis. They worry that Erskine is pursuing a course that will make it less diverse, less welcoming, or even intolerant of students and staff who represent the broad spectrum of faith they experienced as students. This shift, it is believed, is reducing Erskine’s appeal to high-quality students and faculty, thus threatening the overall quality of an Erskine education. While some of these concerns are understandable given the nature of the events in the spring of 2010, as well as the coverage
Types of Colleges Compared
18|
and commentary that flowed from them, we believe the core of this concern is based largely on misunderstanding.
Radical change or logical progression?
Indeed, Erskine’s trajectory looks and feels different now from the way it might have in the 1970s or 80s. However, rather than being a radical shift toward a narrowly focused sectarian school, Erskine’s path has been a steady progression from being a church-affiliated college to being a Christian liberal arts college. The decision to take this course was initiated nearly two decades ago and evolved over the course of several administrations. Leaders worked deliberately and carefully to set this missional course. One of the likely causes of the current confusion and concern is that this strategy was not explained to the larger Erskine community — and with good reason. It was seen not as a dramatic shift, but as the appropriate next step in the incremental growth of Erskine. The term “Christian liberal arts college” was commonly used, but the differences between a Christian liberal arts college and a church-affiliated college were not widely explained to Erskine’s alumni and friends as they might have been if the new direction were a more dramatic change. However, there is enough of a fundamental distinction between these two strategies that it has created some differences between the Erskine students experience today and the Erskine many alumni remember. (See “Types of Colleges Compared” below.) As Erskine continued on the path toward a Christian liberal arts college, many who had known the school in a different time perceived these changes to be more sectarian and more extreme than they actually were. In that context, the events of 2010 and following served to further conflate what was actually happening at Erskine with fears that a more radical direction was intended. Meanwhile, some within the ARP Church expressed the opinion that Erskine was not moving far enough or fast enough toward the missional focus of a Christian liberal arts college.
The current administration does not intend to question the motives or management of those who have faithfully led and served Erskine recently or in the past. By acknowledging a distinction in purpose, we simply seek to clarify misperceptions and promote healing wherever possible. It is likely that some will remain unconvinced. Still others may come to understand and continue to disagree strongly with our position. However, we believe that pursuing clarity and genuine understanding can only improve the prospects for Erskine’s future.
Caught in the middle
Events in the spring of 2010 stirred up passionate responses from many who cared deeply about Erskine but whose perspectives and opinions varied widely. At the same time, there are philosophical differences within the ARP Church, some of which relate to Erskine, many of which do not. As the much-loved college affiliated with a small, closely connected denomination, the college became the central arena in which these differences were debated. While every college desires an involved and passionate support base, in such circumstances, passion often makes it difficult to distinguish between what is happening and what seems to be happening. The line between who’s involved and who’s to blame becomes blurred. Critical consideration of the facts degrades into mere criticism. Rumor and hearsay replace informed dialogue. Passionate interest turns to protest. And those best positioned to be allies take opposing sides. Much like the baby in the story of King Solomon and the two women claiming to be the child’s mother, Erskine is disputed over by opposing forces. As a result, regardless of how well reasoned or necessary an action may be, the risk of alienating either side is constant. Resources that would ordinarily help provide an excellent education for Erskine students are withheld, divided, or diverted. Ironically, the tactics employed do not influence the opposing position. Instead, strained resources and intrusive distractions put at risk the very constituencies both positions
claim to have as their primary concerns: students and faculty. All the while, those who work daily to teach, lead, and serve the students must continue to concentrate on doing the work of educating and equipping young people.
The way forward
The Erskine community is a family. Occasional conflicts are inevitable in any community. They can even be useful, shedding light on issues that need to be addressed. Like plowing a field, they can allow for more fertile growth. Such is the case with Erskine. Opportunities abound to engage in dialogue, to understand diverse perspectives, to provide support and partner with others to ensure Erskine’s future. Constant conflict, however, is toxic. Suspicion and distrust breed more of the same, creating an environment where growth and forward momentum are severely limited. Excellent Christian liberal arts higher education is not a spectator sport. Neither is it a competition between factions of liberals and conservatives, traditionalists and progressives. It is the challenging yet rewarding work of pursuing all learning and all living in service to the Lord of all. Our path will be smoothed or made more difficult in large part by how well our community works together as a whole. Our administration, faculty, staff, and students have the honor of striving each day to carry out our mission. However, without the cooperative, active, and generous support of our denomination, alumni, and friends, their work will be all the more difficult, if not impossible. We look forward to all that God has in store for Erskine. If you have questions or concerns, talk with us. We welcome your involvement. We need your partnership. And we are eager to see the role you will play in helping us continue Erskine’s legacy well into the future.
Adapted from “Integrating Faith & Learning in Higher Education,” presented by Union University President David S. Dockery at the Fall Meeting of the Research Institute of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, September 2000.
Christian Liberal Arts College
Private Liberal Arts College
Church-Related College
Bible College
• Strong denominational ties as part of campus culture and among board members • Faculty and students are conscious of denominational ties • Educational philosophy grounded in Christian world and life view • Intentional examination of subject material from a faith perspective • Approaches education as a holistic learning community; integrating faith and learning and faith and living
• Independent in its operation • No, or only few historical, faith-related commitments • Board members, faculty students unrelated to any previous church relationship (if any) • Approaches education as pluralistic points of view, similar to public institutions
• • • •
• Preparation for Church-related vocations • Studies generally limited to Christian material • A kind of “undergraduate seminary”
Acknowledges a Christian heritage Some cultural denominational ties Provides a caring context for education Approaches education in two generally unrelated spheres: o Academic curriculum o Chapel and ministry opportunities
Why Christian Liberal Arts?
There are many excellent colleges across all of these categories. There is not necessarily a right or wrong educational structure. However, as a Christian liberal arts college, Erskine has the opportunity to accomplish things others can’t. Bible colleges focus more narrowly on doctrinal instruction. Many liberal arts colleges are quite prestigious, but lack any unifying philosophical or moral framework. Erskine seeks to pursue excellence in education in every way possible.Yet, we want to produce more than competent professionals. Our primary mission is to glorify God by equipping students to flourish as whole persons for lives of service. By offering an excellent and broadly challenging education, and by being intentional about why and how we integrate an authentic Christian worldview in both learning and living, Erskine offers something few others do.
|19
Questions & Concerns What does the phrase “authentically Christian” mean?
Is Erskine’s accreditation at risk? No. Erskine was on warning for one year with our institutional accrediting body (SACS) as well as the seminary’s accreditor (ATS). During that year, the Board of Trustees, President Norman, and the administration worked diligently to address the issues of concern. Erskine has been removed from all warnings with SACS and ATS. During the 2010-11 academic year, national professional accreditation for both our teacher education and athletic training programs was reaffirmed. We are currently in the process of completing our regular reaffirmation with SACS and ATS.
Christianity has become a very broad concept. While we embrace the diversity represented in the universal church, we use the term “authentic” to clarify our intention to be more than simply culturally or historically connected to the Christian tradition. We see faith as more than merely a good influence, a set of propositions to affirm, or moral codes to follow. We view the Christian scriptures as a reliable authority for understanding reality; we affirm our dependence on a loving and sovereign Heavenly Father for all things; and we believe relationships with both God and mankind can be restored solely through Christ’s work.
I’ve heard the phrase “Keeping Erskine, Erskine.” What does that mean?
What are the greatest challenges facing Erskine right now?
In Erskine’s 175 years many things have changed dramatically. Some things remain. Some need restoration. Remaining entirely unchanged is not possible; otherwise Erskine never would have survived this long. But there are fundamental principles that we must not change. Pursuing broad-based, rigorous academic study from a deeply rooted, authentically Christian perspective has been the core of Erskine’s mission since its founding. It will continue to be.
We certainly hope that the healing of relationships across the Erskine community will continue. However, our challenges are similar to those of most institutions of our type and size. Attracting and retaining the right number and quality of students is primary. About 80 percent of our operating capital comes from tuition, fees, room and board (see charts below). While our smaller size is a tremendous advantage in many ways, it presents particular challenges to getting the attention of prospective students and their families.
Second, we must maintain a close-knit community where individual distinctiveness is celebrated, where divergent perspectives are respected, and where loving and engaged faculty and staff mentor and guide students. We should also work together to preserve the sense of belonging that generations of students, faculty and alumni have enjoyed. We celebrate the diversity of backgrounds and callings represented among us, while working together to provide a place for future generations to do the same.
Expanding the level of engagement and giving among friends and alumni is second. With a smaller group of supporters, any fluctuations are that much more significant. Given the current global economic challenges, all sources of income are vital to the continued success of Erskine.
These charts give an overview of how Erskine receives and uses financial resources. Where Money Comes From
Where Money Goes
Annual Fund 79% TUITION, ROOM, BOARD, FEES
13% ENDOWMENT
20|
8% Friends
6% ANNUAL FUND
2% OTHER
41% ARP Synod
37% SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID (STUDENTS)
25% College & Seminary Alumni
26% Foundations, Corporations, & Other
35% SALARIES & BENEFITS
what’s going on at erskine?
A perspective from the current administration.
Through the years, there have been several seasons when various groups who have an interest in Erskine College & Theological Seminary have disagreed on some aspect of the institution’s policies or direction. Still, for the better part of two centuries, God has been faithful to preserve Erskine. And that is cause for great hope and expectation. The most recent season of disagreement came to fruition in the spring of 2010. The resulting conflict has touched the lives of many across the Erskine family and our sponsoring denomination, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church. Clearly there were failures and wounds that do not easily heal. As a consequence, there remains a lack of trust with many across both the Erskine community and the ARP. Our purpose here is not to recount or analyze the specific circumstances, but to provide a broader perspective and look to the future in the hope of working to restore trust. (Continued on page 18)
24% OPERATIONS
(INSTRUCTION & FACILITIES)
(FACULTY-STAFF)
4% OTHER
(DEBT, ETC.)
|17
a view from the faculty Dr. James Brooks Kuykendall Associate Professor of Music
Survey Says? Studying trends in alumni giving
Current Alumni
Religious Affiliation Among Respondents
96% Christian
11,000
50% Reformed Denominations
(approx.)
(including ARP)
25% ARP 30% Baptist, Methodist,
Initial Findings?
54.1%
Hold good or excellent opinions of Erskine Growing up in Due West, I heard a repeated cliché whenever alumni returned for Alumni Day or Homecoming, concerts or athletic events—and not infrequently in encounters in other places: “Erskine never changes.” This has never been literally true, of course, even if Erskine does sometimes seem to change at a glacial pace. Colleges and universities all change slowly, even if they present themselves as radical and cutting-edge.
16|
death, retirement, moving on—naturally have institutional consequences, as the torch is handed on from one to another.
Just how much Erskine has changed in my lifetime was brought home to me on a beautiful afternoon last October. My Erskine Seminar students wanted to have class outside. (Some things, at least, never change.) We ventured into the cemetery at the Due West ARP Church. There was some irony here, as we were discussing Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, in which the dead sit impassively staring into the audience, saying little, but observing everything; and I got my share of impassive stares that afternoon.
As I reflect back on it now, though, I am struck more by the continuity at Erskine than the disruption. Faulkner’s line that the past “isn’t even past” certainly resonates with my experience at Erskine. Erskine is many things, but from my vantage point the alumni of Erskine truly are the institution: they have an association with the school which is in some ways complete—whole, entire, and perfect—but in other ways continues dynamically into the present. I believe there are now more Erskine alumni on the faculty than at any time in the last four decades—and that is a special link between the day-to-day life of Erskine now and the Erskine of a past that nears 175 years. I note specific aspects of my teaching that I could label as “Brawley” or “Engler,” “Erickson” or “Reames.” Such influences live on here, and will continue.
As I glanced around for the best place to settle, I was confronted at every turn by stones bearing the names of people I remember well. Some had retired from Erskine before I was born—President Lesesne or Dr. Gordon Parkinson, for example—but others I could still visualize in their places around campus. I had the privilege of studying under quite a few of them. I had my first piano lessons from Prof. Shirley Lampton, and my first music theory course from Dr. John Brawley. A few weeks after that class meeting, Dr. Hans Engler—whom I studied under for seven consecutive semesters—joined this veritable “cloud of witnesses” across the street from my office. Such changes are inevitable: departures—
What has most impressed me, though, is how this Erskine link is manifested by faculty who are grafted into the tradition from outside. Prof. Susan Patterson’s mentoring of Dr. Kokou Abalo eventually brought him to Erskine to fill her place in the mathematics department; Dr. Ekaterina Michonova-Alexova picked up the astronomy course right where Dr. Bright Lowry left off (and now she leads her students on tours of the restored observatory atop the Erskine Building); further examples of such direct links could be multiplied. Of course Erskine changes, but the tradition continues, and it seems to me to be as strong now as it ever has been.
1920s-2011
26%
Between September and December 2011, the alumni association conducted a survey to gain a better understanding of the reasons behind a three-year pattern of decline in alumni giving, and to assist Erskine leadership in developing a plan for addressing it. Because the survey was conducted primarily to understand recent trends in giving, respondents were asked to rate 16 possible factors that may have affected their giving. The factors most frequently cited as contributing to a decline or withdrawal in giving across all respondents clustered around four main areas:
•
• Desire for greater emphasis on excellent liberal arts elements of Erskine’s mission • Interest in communicating with other alumni • Desire to support recruiting efforts
responded
total response rate
• •
• Appreciation for lifelong friendships
received survey
(gave at least once in past 10 years)
926
•
Alumni express
3,586
49 States 18 Countries
Graduated from:
Roman Catholic, Other
Who participated?
Discontent with undesirable actions and influences from a group within the ARP Church Discontent with the method for appointing trustees Concern related to the transition of the Erskine administration Constraints related to the economy, personal financial changes, or life changes
In the months since the survey was developed and conducted, the board of trustees, Erskine administration and ARP leadership have already engaged in significant work related to the relationship with the ARP and board governance, directly addressing the primary areas of concern indicated by the survey. (See articles at news.erskine.edu, Feb.22-23.) Conclusions While there are many items of interest, one rises to the top. The concentration of ARP respondents who report decreased giving, combined with the reasons indicated, evokes an important question: why would faithful supporters decrease or withdraw their giving to Erskine when their discontent appears primarily related to ARP denominational issues rather than to Erskine directly? One possibility is that on the whole, the alumni do not share a common understanding of the relationship between Erskine and the ARP denomination. This is an area that the alumni association, the board of trustees, and the administration will continue addressing.
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Changes in Recruiting
Yield Positive Results
The process of applying to Erskine is now faster and more convenient as well. Significant improvements to data management and operational practices have
One of the results of all these improvements is much better tracking of information, giving staff the ability to get a bigpicture view of how prospects interact and move through inquiry and admissions process. The most impressive results, however, are in the number of applications. The number of total applications and acceptances has already outpaced previous years by well over 50 percent. The number of students confirming their choice of Erskine by submitting a deposit is also substantially higher than typical for this point in the year.
Erskine Virtual Campus
I was leery of taking online classes because I was accustomed to the traditional classroom setting. In 2010, I took my first hybrid class, which helped ease some of the anxiety I had about taking classes online. I was in the classroom about once each month, but I was still connected with my instructor and my classmates via the online component of the class. I was able to respond to my classmates about our weekly subject matter. Working full-time while going to school always presents a challenge. I struggled with balancing work, home and school. By my second semester, I signed up for an online class. Taking the online class allowed me to be at home one more day and gave me the flexibility of completing my assignments and “attending” class while having more time for my family, ministry or other activities. I have learned as much, if not more, while taking an online class than in a traditional class.
22|
MARTHA HILL, Newberry
To make the personalized Erskine experience more tangible, prospects receive an invitation to “Know. Be Known.” and are directed to a personal web page. Through their personal site, visitors can order a brochure based on their preferences, schedule campus visits, apply, and contact their admissions counselor.
increased overall efficiency, which allows counselors to focus more on developing relationships with prospective students and less on paperwork. The financial aid model has also been adapted to allow earlier scholarship offers; helping many families make a more informed decision sooner.
CHAUNTÉ MCCLURE, Columbia
Over the past year, the Communications and Admissions offices have been working to leverage the personal attention Erskine is known for in the college recruiting effort while improving operational efficiency and effectiveness. A new admissions “microsite,” visit.erskine.edu, provides information and seeks to cultivate a conversation between the prospective students and their parents and Erskine. Visitors can apply, plan a campus visit, or connect with admissions staff, students and faculty to get firsthand information.
It is hard to believe that 15 years ago, I was confident that I could retire at fifty, go to seminary, then find a part-time ministry position in Christian education and worship. For me, as for many people, the dream of retiring at fifty is distant now. Going to seminary would be, too, if not for the provision of God through Erskine Seminary. First, Erskine has professors of the highest caliber, both academically and spiritually. Second, there is a student body with diverse experiences for me to draw upon. But were it not for the third provision, the first and second would not be available for me. The combination of traditional classrooms and EVC has been key to my own spiritual development. It isn’t just that the Erskine Virtual Campus provision has allowed me to get a seminary degree.Working and going to seminary has changed the way I view ministry — and the way my community views my ministry.
|15
I already had a master’s degree in education, and the reason I was able to get that degree was the flexibility allowed in taking online courses over a three-year period.
JAMEY DAGENHART, Rock Hill
DARIUS JAMES, Due West
Real-World Benefits of
When I decided to further my education for ministry and found out that Erskine Seminary had online courses, it was an answer to prayer.
Erskine Virtual Campus was a tremendous asset to my theological education. While I certainly enjoyed my time in Due West and Columbia, attending online classes added an extra level of education. There were times when it simply was not possible for me to be in either Due West or Columbia for class, but I could attend class online through EVC.
With my learning style, my performance in online classrooms is consistently better. For me, it’s a win-win situation. It’s all about balance, options and providing each student the tools they need to be successful. I would encourage anyone who wishes to maximize their time to take as many online classes as possible.
Despite the fact that we were unable to meet altogether at one time, there was still a dialogue and discussion between classmates and professor week in and week out that enhanced the “classroom” experience and helped increase my knowledge and understanding of whatever subject was being taught. Without EVC I would not have been able to continue ministry and finish my education in the timeline I had originally planned. I’m very thankful for EVC.
What’s in a Ranking? This year Erskine College is once again listed among National Liberal Arts Colleges in the 2012 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings. Erskine tied for the 144th spot nationally with several other schools, including Gordon College in Massachusetts and Eckerd College in Florida. For the past several years, Erskine has been among the top five Regional Colleges (formerly designated Baccalaureate Colleges).
Erskine ranks among top 10 safest campuses in U.S. Erskine is the safest campus in South Carolina, and ranks seventh among the top ten safest campuses in the United States according to a recent listing published by StateUniversity.com, website for college information.
“We always make a strong showing on this indicator,” Interim Vice President and Dean of the College Dr. Brad Christie Dr. Brad Christie, interim vice president and dean of the said. “But to be in the top ten is good news, especially for college, is pleased with the change. “It is definitely a good parents of prospective students.” thing to be ranked highly in one’s region...even better to be ranked highly nationwide, and more of the institutions we Erskine one of just two among those ten that is also ranked prefer to compare with appear in the National Liberal Arts as a National Liberal Arts College. Safest Schools rankings category. The way U.S. News sorts and clusters schools, the are based on incidents of campus crime as reported by National Liberal Arts Colleges are top-tier institutions.” campus safety officials. College and university rankings get mixed responses across higher education and in popular opinion. As flawed and complex as ranking systems are, it’s difficult to argue they are completely meaningless. The number of rankings and diversity of methodologies means any one ranking in one year must be evaluated as part of a larger context. While rankings may not be definitive, they can certainly indicate trends and provide some helpful information. Another popular ranking is the Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges. Forbes ranks 650 of the more than six thousand undergraduate institutions in the country, but without the “sorting and clustering.” The Forbes list focuses on overall effectiveness as indicated by quality of instruction, graduation rates and career prospects. Erskine is currently ranked 286 overall, and fourth in South Carolina, ahead of nine other schools in the state, including Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. While acknowledging the differing views on rankings, Erskine President Dr. David Norman said, “It is really nice, however, to see that our faculty are getting the recognition they deserve for the outstanding work they do every day for our students.”
The safety of our community combined with excellent liberal arts education and authentically Christian atmosphere make it a great environment for our students, faculty and staff to flourish intellectually, physically, and spiritually.
We Love Visitors!
Remember the first time you visited Erskine? Help others enjoy the experience and introduce us to your future fellow alumni. We customize visits around specific academic, athletic or social interests and introduce visitors to faculty and staff, current students and of course, our beautiful campus and town. If you have a child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or neighbor who’s heading toward college or seminary in the next few years, send them our way. Better yet, bring them with you.
To schedule: visit.erskine.edu • 800.241.8721
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Flying Fleet Athletics
Two championships crown Spring
seminary study, family style As a full-time Associate Reformed Presbyterian student at Erskine Theological Seminary, living on campus with his family, Brett Blackman might be seen as a throwback to the days of more traditionally structured seminary education. Brett and his wife Mary Beth, with daughters Elizabeth, Abigail and Rebecca, are loving life in Due West. “From the day we moved here the emotional support my family has received from faculty families, student families and single students in the Erskine community has been wonderful,” he says. He grew up Florida but spent most of his adult life in California, where he and his wife met and married. “Our pastor was an ETS graduate and encouraged us to look at Erskine,” he recalls. Through a denominational scholarship and a strong ministry support team, he says, “God made it possible for me to attend seminary full-time and pursue my lifelong passion for ministry.” Brett believes he is called “to minister on two equal fronts.” First, he has a keen desire for pastoral ministry—“to nurture within the local church a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ”—and second, he hopes “to address the serious Brett, his wife Mary Beth, and their three daughters Elizabeth, Abigail theological issues of our day” through teaching and writing. and Rebecca.
Softball The Erskine Softball Team won their first-ever conference tournament championship in 2011,
posting a 24-15-1 record for the season, and advanced to the NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament.
2010-2011
M.V.P. 24|
TEAM
Basketball Baseball Cross Country Golf Lacrosse Soccer Softball Tennis Volleyball
WOMEN
Jean Marie Harris — Liz Loftis Tiffany Hutchinson Anna Dailey Erin Gray Kelsey Spurrier Britton Bignon Larz Chabra
MEN
“The Christian life is a journey of faith and obedience, particularly during seminary — and we can’t wait to see what God has next in store for us.” He is able to do most of his seminary work at home and enjoys having fellow students over for dinner. He hopes to graduate in December, so the Blackmans will probably experience another summer and fall in Due West, where they enjoy walks with their daughters. “We couldn’t ask for a better environment for them.”
And as much as he’s learning from his classes, daily life is a key component of his education. “The demands of seminary life are rigorous and can be taxing on a marriage and family, but we expected that, and the Lord prepared us well for it,” Brett says.“He has shown us on a whole new level how dependent we are daily on His grace and provision, and that kind of training is as valuable as anything I learn in the classroom.” Brett doesn’t know just what the future holds, but his outlook is confident. “The Christian life is a journey of faith and obedience, particularly during seminary—and we can’t wait to see what God has next in store for us.”
Kevan Shepps Atlee Pearson Chas Culberson Michael Assey — Jack Kimber — Vincent Chauvette (Coming Fall 2012)
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Seniors Honored at Spring 2011 Jake Todd Award Athletic Banquet Erskine’s highest student-athlete honor,
erskine bids farewell to Dr. Hans Engler Dr. Hans Gerhard Engler, Professor Emeritus of Bible as well as Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages at Erskine College, died Nov. 11, 2011, at the age of 84.
“Hans Engler, like multitudes before him, left his native land, a birthplace of western civilization, to live in distant, unknown, and foreign parts,” Gettys said.
A native of Pottsdam, Germany, he was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received both a master’s degree in music and a Ph.D. in linguistics. He also earned a Th.D. degree in Old Testament at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia.
“He brought with him wealth of great value: an excellent education, an ancient culture, a love of scholarship, and above all, an abiding faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
He first came to Erskine to teach at the seminary in 1961 and later taught Bible, German, Greek, Hebrew and Old Testament at the college. He was most recently an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Modern Languages, where he taught German. A member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Association of Teachers of German, he was named an honorary member of the Erskine College Alumni Association in 2010. He served the Due West Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church as a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, and choir member. He also served for many years as director and accompanist for the youth choir and pianist for Sunday evening services. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ilse Friedrich Engler; a son, Friedrich Engler; a daughter, Cornelia Engler Debuchy; a sister, Christel Engler; and a granddaughter, Lola Debuchy. At the funeral service Nov. 17 at the Due West ARP Church, McDonald-Boswell Professor Emeritus of History Dr. James Gettys paid tribute to his friend and colleague, describing him as “the quintessential man of humility.”
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Spring 2011 season
“Due West citizens living near Miss Lola Bell’s home, where Hans was a boarder, noticed an unknown woman with Hans,” he said.
Summing up the story, he remarked, “It takes a very private man to marry a lady in Due West without everyone becoming privy to his actions.” Hans Engler’s students “carry his memory and the value he added to their lives into the future and across the globe,” Gettys said. “Hans was a humble man, a private man, a man who eschewed gossip and materialism, a scholar, a teacher, one who used his musical talent to praise God, and a man of absolute integrity,” he said. “His greatest legacy is his life as a Christian.”
Britton Bignon Athens, Ga. • Tennis A four-time all-conference honoree, Bignon helped lead the Erskine Women’s Tennis team to their seventh consecutive Conference Carolinas Tournament championship and a berth to the NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament. For her career, she was 67-25 in singles and 70-23 in doubles overall. Atlee Pearson Duncan, S.C. • Baseball A four-time all-conference honoree, Pearson concluded his Erskine career as the NCAA Division II career leader in saves with 33. His record is 20-11 overall, 4th best in Erskine history with a 3.32 ERA. He has twice earned Conference Carolinas Academic All-Conference honors.
Gettys recounted with affection a story about the young Dr. Engler that he heard from Professor Emerita of History Dr. Lowry Ware.
“In that genteel southern way they referred to this lady as ‘Dr. Engler’s sister,’” Gettys said. “It came as a revelation when they discovered the lady was his wife, Ilse.”
for sportsmanship, leadership, athletic ability, character and academic standing, was shared by two students this year:
Karen G. Bell Memorial Award
Women’s Tennis The Erskine women’s tennis team won
their 7th straight Conference Carolinas championship in 2011, finishing their season ranked No. 47 in the nation with an 18-5 overall record.
Shared this year, this honors Christian commitment, team loyalty, positive attitude, and high moral standards. Jean Marie Harris Lancaster, S.C. • Basketball Christine Linh Phan Savannah, Ga. • Basketball
Sonny Rhem Award
Honors excellence in academics and service to others. Alison Albers Goodhue, Minn. • Volleyball
Murphy Osborne Award
This is Conference Carolina’s highest scholar-athlete award. Jocelyn Smith Greer, S.C. • Softball
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Alumni Honored for Contributions to Athletics Jeff Watson ’81
Jeff Watson was inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame. The ceremony, held in Daytona Beach in January, honored Watson for a lifetime of service to Miami-Dade County athletics. Jeff has coached for 30 years across the athletic spectrum, including volleyball, crosscountry, track and field, and soccer.
Billy Lesesne ’87
Duke women’s soccer associate head coach and a Flying Fleet Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Billy Lesesne was named the 2011 NSCAA South Region Assistant Coach of the Year. Lesesne, who just completed his 11th season with the Blue Devils, has helped guide Duke to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, including the NCAA quarterfinals in 2007 and 2008 as well as the NCAA College Cup in 2011.
Tim Whipple ’77 ENGLAND GREECE & Last December, the basketball floor at the Irmo HighofGymnasium (Columbia) Awarded the Master Theology TURKEY
Flying Fleet Athletics
McDonald-Boswell Professor of History Dr. Howard D. “David” Grier, Professor of History Dr. Sandra L. Chaney, and their daughter Anna Mei are on sabbatical in China, where Grier and Chaney are splitting a fulltime teaching position at Sias International University.
INDIA
Shannon Field, a junior English major from Sumter, S.C., went to India in the summer of 2011 and worked with a team of missionaries ministering to children in the slums.
Fall 2011 Recap Men’s Athletics Cross Country
Coach Rick Wilson’s squad finished 4th in the conference, capturing all top four positions at the Erskine Invitational Men’s Cross Country Meet (6K).
Soccer
Coach Warren Turner’s squad notched their second consecutive winning season, finishing 10-8-1 overall and 6-5 in conference. The Fleet also beat local NCAA Division I rival Presbyterian College 3-1 this season while tying local soccer powerhouse Lander University 2-2.
AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, & Kenya, assisted with a five-day Injuries and inconsistency hurt the Flying Fleet this season as Erskine a clinic serving more than 200 GERMANY
ENGLAND ITALY
A travel course in Italy, led by Assistant Professor of Art Sharon Linnehan, began in Milan and went through Venice, Bologna, Florence and Rome.
KENYA
Women’s Athletics Sophomore Katie Putnam, was renamed TimErskine Whipple Court in a (Th.M.) degree at medical mission trip to Cross Younts Professor of Bible and during aCountry
ceremony honoring Tim’s more than Seminary in 2011, Ben DeSpain Religion Dr. Bill Evans led is working a Ph.D. inwork ethic and 30 yearstoward of dedication, two-week Winter Term trip, “Infinished 9th in this year’s conference Senior Liz Loftis The meet. Erskine Choraleers touredwrapped theology at to Durham University people each day. ability teach and guide young people. the Steps of St. Paul,” through an outstanding career running herAustria, personal best 19:38 finish 19th Germany andto the in England. Several former players and assistant Greece and Turkey. Czech Republic in May 2011. overall. coaches petitioned the school board to Accompanying them were confer the honor. Tim is an inductee of Professors Bill Diekhoff, T.J. the S.C. Basketball Coaches Association Ellis, and Lucie Svatonova, as Hall of Fame as well as the Flying Fleet the mother of junior Neely Women’s Soccer earned a berth well to the conference tournament for Athletic Hall of Fame. Nelson.
Soccer
the 4th consecutive year under Head Coach Gary Winchester. The Fleet finished at 6-11 overall and 5-7 in conference. The Fleet received the Conference Carolinas “Team Sportsmanship Award” for demonstrating the best sportsmanship in women’s soccer.
ERSKINE ] e r e h w y r e v e [ Volleyball
Under Coach Heather Vahjen’s direction, women’s volleyball competed for a conference title a mere two years after resurrecting the program. Erskine fell to Queens University in the semi-finals of the Conference Carolinas Tournament, bringing the Fleet’s 2011 campaign to a close at 19-15 overall and 13-5 in conference.
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CHINA
SCOTLAND History major Megan Kunkle, a junior from Sumter, S.C., spent the fall 2011 semester at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
SOUTH AFRICA & ZIMBABWE Kimberly Kanapeckas, a 2007 biology graduate, has been conducting research in South Africa and Zimbabwe and earned a master’s in zoology from the University of Pretoria.
Erskine College junior Joseph Spate spent the fall of 2011 at the University of Oxford in England.
SPAIN Juniors Lisa Jones and Victoria Unthank, both majoring in English and Spanish, spent the fall 2011 semester at Universidad de Alicante in Spain.
PUT YOURSELF ON THE MAP!
You may have passed through Due West, but we know our Alumni span the globe, continuing to learn, lead and serve. We want to see where you’ve been. 1. Send us a picture of yourself somewhere around the globe; (wear Erskine apparel if you can). 2. Tell us what you were doing there. 3. You might show up in a future issue.
Send photos and information to: alumni@erskine.edu |11
CHINA Parr named Calhoun McDonald-Boswell Professor Howard USTA Coach ofof History the Dr. Year D. “David” Grier, Professor of History Dr. Sandra L.
SCOTLAND
HAITI
Alex Andryszak, a 2010 biology graduate and former admissions counselor, is studying veterinary medicine at the University of Glasgow.
Alumni, faculty, friends and students from Erskine Seminary traveled to Haiti in May 2011 as part of a reciprocal relationship with Institut Biblique Lumière in Cayes, Haiti.
INDIA Shannon Field, a junior English major from Sumter, S.C., went to India in the summer of 2011 and worked with a team of missionaries ministering to children in the slums.
Erskine Women’s Tennis Coach Calhoun Parr was Chaney, and their daughter Anna Mei are on sabbatical named the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in China, where Grier and Chaney are splitting a fullSouth Coach at ofSias theInternational Year in December 2011. time Carolina teaching position University. The award is given based on an outstanding record of producing top players, good students and successful teams. In addition to winning six regular season titles (2005-2009, 2011) and seven consecutive conference tournament titles (2005-2011), Coach Parr’s team has been recognized as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Academic Team for the last six years.
MEXICO Juan Carlos Bonilla, who is working on a Doctor of Ministry degree at Erskine Seminary, is now engaged in church planting for World Witness in Guadalajara, Mexico.
ENGLAND A travel course in Italy, led by Assistant Professor of Art Sharon Linnehan, began in Milan and went through Venice, Bologna, Florence and Rome.
ENGLAND Awarded the Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree at Erskine Seminary in 2011, Ben DeSpain is working toward a Ph.D. in theology at Durham University in England.
GREECE & TURKEY Younts Professor of Bible and Religion Dr. Bill Evans led a two-week Winter Term trip, “In the Steps of St. Paul,” through Greece and Turkey.
KENYA Sophomore Katie Putnam, during a medical mission trip to Kenya, assisted with a five-day clinic serving more than 200 people each day.
AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, & GERMANY
The Erskine Choraleers toured Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic in May 2011. Accompanying them were Professors Bill Diekhoff, T.J. Ellis, and Lucie Svatonova, as well the mother of junior Neely Nelson.
ERSKINE ] e r e h w y r e v e [
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Erskine College junior Joseph Spate spent the fall of 2011 at the University of Oxford in England.
Flying Fleet Hall of Fame
SOUTH Flying Fleet Hall of Fame inductions took place at AFRICA a special brunch in Moffatt Dining Hall Saturday SPAIN morning, October 22, & ZIMBABWE Kimberly Kanapeckas, a 2011. This year’s inductees were
Juniors Lisa Jones and Victoria Williamgraduate, W. (Billly) 2007 biology hasLesesne Jr. ’87, Richard Taylor Jr. Unthank, both majoring in ’69, Eric L.research Moody in ’93 and Micki Phillips Ellis ’89, and been conducting English and Spanish, spent the Velislavand K. (Villi) Iltchev ’98 (not pictured). South Africa Zimbabwe fall 2011 semester at Universidad and earned a master’s in de Alicante in Spain. zoology from the University of Pretoria.
PUT YOURSELF ON THE MAP!
You may have passed through Due West, but we know our Alumni span the globe, continuing to learn, lead and serve.We want to see where you’ve been. 1. Send us a picture of yourself somewhere around the globe; (wear Erskine apparel if you can). 2. Tell us what you were doing there. 3. You might show up in a future issue.
Send photos and information to:
|27 |11
another year goes by in Due West Alumni Association confers honors
Seminary graduates recognized at 174th commencement service
Professor Emeritus of History Dr. Lowry P. Ware received the Alumni Distinguished Service Award April 30 during Alumni Weekend. Other awards included the Sullivan Awards, which went to Angela McNeil Grooms ’77 and Jason B. Dees ’94; the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, to William B. Cheek IV ’96 and Kelly Faulkenberry Cheek ’96; and the Erskine Service Award, to Lisa Robinson Senn ’81. Named honorary alumni were Robert S. Galloway III, Greenville; Sarah Belk Gambrell, Charlotte, N.C.; and James Russell Lauderdale, Nashville, Tenn.
Norman inaugurated as president Members of the Erskine community joined alumni, dignitaries from numerous colleges and universities, and other guests in the Due West ARP Church April 29 for the inauguration of Dr. David A. Norman as 15th president. Erskine’s motto, “Scientia cum moribus conjuncta,” which can be translated “knowledge joined with a way of life,” formed a thread running through Norman’s address. “Our motto reminds us that we fulfill our mission by never allowing how we live and what we know to become separated,” he said.
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Family and friends joined students, alumni, administrators and faculty members to honor some 60 graduates who received degrees from Erskine Theological Seminary May 14 at the Due West ARP Church. Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson, senior minister of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, delivered the commencement sermon, and the Rev. Charles Francis Edgar Jr., of Huntsville, Ala., pastor emeritus of Prosperity ARP Church, Lincoln County, Tenn., received an honorary doctor of divinity degree.
Commencement for Class of 2011 is a first for new president The Erskine College Class of 2011 was recognized May 14 under the towers of the Erskine Building. It was the school’s 166th commencement and the first led by Dr. David A. Norman. Anna Marie Zwart of Gilbert, graduate with the highest average and winner of the H.M. Young Ring, responded to the speaker, Dr. Thomas Henry Marshburn, a physician, engineer and NASA astronaut. Marshburn and J. Gresham Barrett, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, received honorary degrees. The Younts Excellence in Teaching Award went to Professor of History Dr. Sandra Chaney, and the Sullivan Awards were given to Cory Robinson of Clinton and Emily Drummond of Columbia.
Physician, Inventor, Philanthropist: the life & legacy of Dr. Willard Drake Dr. R. C. Grier was president of Erskine College when Arizona-born and New Jersey-raised Willard Melvin Drake Jr. graduated from Erskine in 1937. During the 74 years of his life that followed, both he and Erskine College experienced extensive growth and change, but Willard Drake’s love for his alma mater never wavered. A chemistry major at Erskine, he was a Philomathean, served as vice president and then president of the International Relations Club, played in the band, orchestra, and string quartet, participated in the Life Service Group, and ran track. He earned his M.D. from Thomas Jefferson University and Medical College, served with distinction in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II (attaining the rank of captain), and was honorably discharged in 1945. He completed a medical residency in Philadelphia; was attending urologist at Cooper Hospital, Camden, New Jersey; and served as a clinical professor of urology at Jefferson Medical College. He invented the “Uroflometer,” a device widely used by urologists for diagnosis. During his medical career, he wrote numerous professional papers and created prizewinning exhibits displayed at professional conferences. He was recognized on several occasions by the American Medical Association, New Jersey College of Surgeons, American College of Surgeons and American Urological Association. Retiring to Nacogdoches, Texas, he took on a second career as an inspector of nursing homes, continuing until he was 80 years old. He enjoyed gardening, Bible reading, and serving his family, church and community. He had a zeal for helping young people learn more about America’s founding fathers and their values. Willard Drake remained connected to Erskine throughout his life. He supported his alma mater because he valued his own experience as a student. He gave generously to both the chemistry department and the Living Endowment (later the Annual Fund), and in a last act of stewardship, provided for Erskine in his estate. We are thankful that Dr. Drake saw the value of Erskine. He saw that its core mission—to provide a strong liberal arts education in a strong Christian environment—had not changed since his time here. Dr. Willard Drake remembered Erskine because it made a positive and important impact on his life and he wanted to help future generations of students.
Cliff Smith
meet the cabinet
From Spring to Spring
Vice President for Communications Born in:
Greenville, South Carolina Church Community:
Presbyterian A favorite novel or story:
Big Fish and Once (films) Interesting travels?
Kenya, East Africa Favorite Season:
November and April in S.C. Someone you admire:
My dad taught college for 50 years… and was one of the most joyful people I’ve ever known. Pie or Cake?
Yes, please, a la mode. Campground or Resort?
Glamping (google it) Erskine is…
complex, enigmatic, and endearing. What do you enjoy most about Erskine?
Participating in the preservation, restoration and promotion of this distinctive academic community in the company of intelligent and dedicated people What challenges does your area routinely face?
Sharing the compelling Erskine story with diverse audiences accurately and authentically, often overcoming a variety of misconceptions
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Homecoming and Fall Fest spark midterm fun at Erskine Homecoming 2011 offered entertainment and fellowship Saturday, Oct. 22, as alumni and friends mingled with students on a clear fall day in Due West. The homecoming court was presented during halftime of the men’s soccer match, with senior Taylor Wolfe of Gastonia, N.C., crowned homecoming queen. Fall Fest was celebrated along with Homecoming this year, featuring a return performance by “Sequoyah Prep School.” “Prettier than Matt,” a band featuring Jessica Skinner, a member of the Class of 2009, also took the stage.
Creation, Fall, Redemption, Glorification — oil on canvas, Grace Han
meet the cabinet
Brad Christie
Interim Vice President & Dean of the College Born in:
Durham, North Carolina Church Community:
Presbyterian A favorite novel or story:
Moby-Dick Interesting travels?
Due West is the most interesting place I’ve ever lived. I love visiting NYC. Dog or Cat?
Yes (but dogs do rule) Beach or Mountains?
Mountains! Someone you admire:
I’m a pretty big fan of Washington and Jefferson. A favorite college memory?
Yikes. OK, mountain weekends in a cabin alongside the Pigeon River…I better leave it at that. Erskine is …
resilient. What challenges does your area routinely face?
Constraints imposed by being so enrollment-driven. Resistance to change.
What encourages you about the future of Erskine?
175 years. A historic mission that remains vital. God is faithful, even when we are not.
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THRIVE leads conversation on RESTORATIVE CHANGE During the 2010-11 academic year, in his first year as president, Dr. David Norman articulated a vision for his administration that incorporated three pillars: academic integrity, financial sustainability, and service to the poor. Over the course of the year, members of the Erskine community were invited by the president to engage in a growing conversation regarding service to the poor. The conversation addressed questions such as “Who are the poor?” and “What is genuine service?”
Chaplains spend January in Due West Twenty-three military chaplains from Fort Belvior, Fort Gordon, Fort Sam Houston, and Madigan Army Medical Center spent three weeks on the Erskine Seminary campus in January, taking three weeklong classes as part of their work toward the Doctor of Ministry degree.
With a little help, freshmen make themselves at home Nearly 100 volunteers assisted Erskine College freshmen as they arrived on campus with their families Aug. 26 to begin several days of orientation. In addition to 166 freshmen, 10 transfer students moved onto the campus. Freshmen and transfer students represented 11 states and five foreign countries.
As the conversation expanded, it became clear that Dr. Norman’s intent went beyond merely traditional charity or even well-organized service projects. Since the disadvantaged and poor are those with whom Christ most closely identifies himself, we are clearly called to address the needs of the socially, economically, and physically disadvantaged. Yet, understanding that all humanity is spiritually and morally impoverished, we are also called to participate in the broader work of restoring the tarnished image of God in mankind. In the spring of 2011, Dr. Norman asked those who had participated in this conversation to organize and facilitate its expansion into a distinctive and dynamic aspect of Erskine’s culture. THRIVE is the beginning of that effort, with members of the Erskine community organized to shepherd the president’s initiative. It is our hope and intent that as we move forward, Erskine will become known as an excellent liberal arts community characterized by its robust understanding and engagement in all aspects of service to the poor, human restoration and human flourishing. During the 2011-12 year, THRIVE has focused on listening and learning. Several convocations and other campus events this spring will begin engaging faculty, staff and students in the conversation. In the 2012-13 academic year, THRIVE plans to begin introducing specific strategies and initiatives to move toward the vision Dr. Norman has proposed.
THRIVE
Serve • Restore • Flourish
Erskine community begins new academic year “Each one of us is a tangled web of life experiences, hopes, dreams, fears, and passions,” Erskine President Dr. David Norman told students, professors, staff members and guests at the Formal Opening Convocation Sept. 8 in the Due West ARP Church.“But God has called us to be here, right now, together.”
Celebration marks staff member’s four decades at Erskine Ann Hawthorne’s first 40 years at Erskine, celebrated Jan. 19 with a reception in the Chesnut Room of Belk Hall, have been marked by hard work, dedication, adaptability and friendship. Just 19 years old when she was hired by Erskine’s first alumni director, Winnie Phillips, Ann has offered a friendly face and a reassuring voice of Erskine for many of the institution’s most active volunteers. And she is clear about what motivates her. “I do it for the alumni,” she says.
Follow Erskine news and stories throughout the year online at news.erskine.edu.
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Class Notes ZOMBIE ANTS
Cadets Maj. Archie E. Nogle (Ret.) says he and his wife go to their Hawaii home in the winter. They go to church every Sunday, and both still play golf, whether in California or Hawaii. “Love that school,” he says of Erskine College, and “(I) remember to pray for you.”
Advocate newspaper and continues to serve on the Board of Higher Education and Ministries of the United Methodist Church. He recently became a grandfather for the fourth time.
Class of 1966 Evans, retired minister and missionary of the Presbyterian Church ErskineCharles and Ligon Penn State students team up for research Class of 1939 (USA) and Food for the Hungry International, now resides at North Pointe Robert W. Miller reports that he and his wife Doris are living in a retire- Assisted Living Center in Anderson. He invites friends to come by and swap “Due Home of Erskine College…and Zombie Ants” may not be a ment center.They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in May 2010West, stories. and have four children, 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. description either town or college would be eager to embrace. Robert C. “Bobby” Wilkes, senior minister at First Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Class of 1943 Beach, was in an article by Johannaat Wilson the Sunclaim News.to Setfame, to reBut the presence offeatured “zombie ants” represents least ina small Jean Edwards Jackson reports that her husband, Robert P. Jackson, passed tire, he planned to preach his final sermon on Christmas day. “His life’s purpose and led tobecame someclearer scientific fun, as Erskine students and faculty members away Sept. 21, 2007. while attending Erskine College, where he was on a full basketdiscovered when they assisted visiting a research project. ball scholarship,” Wilson wrote. Hebiologists served Firstwith Presbyterian for 28 years and ViceofPresident for Class 1948 is married to Patricia Kennedy Wilkes ’68. They have six grandchildren. Student Services Sarah May McFerrin lives in an apartment at Covenant Way (formerly the
meet the cabinet
Robyn Agnew
Dr. David Hughes, who directs the project, visited Due West while he was
Due West Retirement Center), across from Erskine. “How about coming Class of 1968 a fellow at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. He is now an to join us?” Born in: she says. Marion Monroe Wright plans toand retire from active ministry June. During the assistant professor of entomology biology at Penn StateinUniversity. last few years he has served a church three blocks from the White House while Class of 1956 South Carolina Greenwood, working as a chaplain Johns Hopkins Hospital to found when a nonEarl Purkerson Jr., former sports writer for the Greenwood Index-Journal, His research focuses on antsatthat succumb to a sortand of helping mind control Church Community: profit to help people to “‘age in place’—to remain at home as long as possible has published Mama’s New Kitchen and Other Stories, a collection of by a parasitic fungus, thus becoming “zombie ants” behaving in infected with an active social life.” Presbyterian guest columns.
ways that benefit the fungus. The infected ants become a food source for Cliff N. Wallace, managing director of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Class of 1958 the fungus, and the fungus damages the ant’s muscle and central nervous Interesting travels? Robert B. “Red” Jameson coached at Abbeville High for 23 years, starting in Centre, was selected, along with three others, for induction into the Convensystem. I eloped to Stranraer, Scotland, and I tion Industry Council’s (CIC) Hall of Leaders.The ceremony was scheduled for 1965. He coached basketball, baseball and softball and served as athletic plan toThe hikeschool’s the final 100 miles director. basketball court of hasthe been dedicated as the Coach Robert Jameson Court. OfSpain, 518 overall victories in boys’ basketball, he Camino de Santiago, for my earned 366 with Abbeville Panthers. upcoming 50ththebirthday.
Class of 1959 Dog or Cat? Robert Cunningham, profiled in knoxnews.com, has run six marathons, Boykin named Jebof his life is his wife of 50 years, Mildred and loves Spaniel running, but the love “Milli” Cunningham ’59, a retired attorney. They met at Erskine and marBeach or Mountains? ried in Syria, where both were teaching, and have two daughters, Nina Kiawah Island, and Ann. Now in theS.C. late stages of dementia, Milli started attending Robert’s races when she retired. Dave Link wrote in knoxnews.com, “The Campground or Resort? situation is every bit the challenge of running a marathon...but his ChrisBoth, if water tian faithespecially ... allows him to seeisitnearby. as a blessing.” For more, go to http:// www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/mar/30/marathoner-loves-running-butA favorite college memory? wife-love-cunningham/
Creative use of a snowy day during Class of 1961 interim with lots of friends in Russell Benton is probably the most traveled alumnus of Erskine College. Elizabeth suite College, he lives in Due West Retired from(Lundy) the facultyKnight’s of Lenoir-Rhyne
“Mornings were spent collecting ‘zombied’ ants on tree limbs in the woods. Afternoons, they looked for more and also put out bait to attract live ants. Then, after dark, baits were checked for ants and if ants were present they were traced back to colonies, which were marked to be checked the next morning, and if possible, dug up,” Haldeman recalled, adding, “They got at least one nest with a queen.” Hughes’ continuing research at Penn State is designed to learn how the fungus might be used to control pest insects in homes and farms. It involves “a collaboration between Penn State and the Broad Institute of MIT/Harvard to sequence the genome and transcriptome of the brainmanipulating fungus,” Hughes said. “The Broad Institute is an international leader in genome biology and is interested in the zombie ant fungi precisely because it has a background in medical science. A related fungus infecting Himalayan caterpillars has been used extensively to treat cancer, TB and malaria.” After spending more than two weeks in the Due West area, de Bekker, Fleuren and Schmidt returned to Pennsylvania. “They hauled back a vehicle full of ants and fungi,” Edwards said.
June 2011 during the 2011 Hall of Leaders Gala in Baltimore, Maryland. Class of 1971 Carolyn Baird Borden says, “I got a new grandson for Christmas—Zachary Baird Borden, born Dec. 18, 2011.”
Interim Vice President of the Seminary Born in:
Terre Haute, Indiana Church Community:
United Methodist A favorite novel or story:
Anything by Patricia Cornwell Interesting travels?
Amalfi Coast of Italy Favorite Season: Sunrise or Sunset?
Sunset Someone you admire:
Thomas B. Suiter, Raleigh, N.C., was inducted into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. Joining WRAL upon graduation, he was weekend anchor and sports reporter, then weekday sports anchor. He anchored the Football Friday show, pioneering coverage of many games in a single show starting in 1981. Class of 1973 Henry M. Funderburk was named Independent Banker of the Year by the Independent Banks of South Carolina. President of Dedicated Community Bank, he has been in banking since graduating from Erskine, where he majored in math. He and wife Anne Kennedy Funderburk ’73 have three children and three grandchildren.
Steve Lowe
Spring
Paula Foster Paul retired as director of the Orangeburg County Library in January 2011. She served as director for 26 years and worked at the library for a total of 37 years. She also reports that her son Jason was married in September 2011.
and serves as adjunct professor of history during the spring 2012 term. Erskine is … He has visited 115 countries and 64 non-sovereign colonies or islands. still,allgratefully, Erskine. “It’s Winnie Phillips’ fault,” he says, referring to the longtime alumni The whole project began following the discovery of zombie ants on land in director, now retired, who took him on his “first international travel What challenges does your area Class of 1974 Donalds, a town near Due West. This year, Hughes did not come to Erskine adventure” to Scotland and Scandinavia with an Erskine group in 1964. Joe Hancock is a member of the North American Nature Photographers Asroutinely face? himself because of teaching commitments. Forest William “Bill” Sherrill Jr. retired early as chief administrative officer sociation and the National Association of Photoshop Professionals and outings Striking a balance between extending of Ogletree Deakins Law Firm to pursue an interest in music. He has coordinator for the upstate region of the Carolinas Nature Photographers AsInstead, an eager team from Penn State came to continue Hughes’ work. grace to while also holding served as astudents church music director since 1990 and is a composer special- sociation. He urges others to “get out there and see what the Lord has made.” Charissa de Bekker and her husband, biologist and photographer Roel izing choral music. Two of his compositions were selected forDr. publicathemin accountable Classare of 1975 Fleuren, who natives of the Netherlands, and Dr. Anna Schmidt, from tion by Imagine Press. What encourages you about the William Coleman received the South Carolina Farm Bureau’s serDenmark, stirred up some enthusiasm along with the antsdistinguished that are the Class of 1965 vice award. He raises turkeys and beef cattle and grows wheat, hay, cotton and future of Erskine? objects of their study. Henry Lamar Hunt recently published Clay Jars and Christians, 107 sertimber. A volunteer game warden, he is also a professional clown, “Buttermilk.” Equipping well-rounded liberal mon manuscripts on CD. He also wrotearts a book of devotions and TouchHethe haspresence been Sunday treasurer Salem Presbyterian for 30 “We found of school the group to beat refreshing, exciting andyears. a novel ing the Handin of Jesus, which traces his spiritual journey, including experigraduates a pervasively Christian Connie Phifer Savell attended the Golden Gift Leadership Management experience for us and our students,” Professor of Biology Dr. MarySeminar Lang ence as a military chaplain in Vietnam. He and wife Shirley have recorded environment; growth and change, the of University of Texasscientists. in Austin inPlacing 2010. Shebaits, has been a member of Delta Lamar and Shirley Sing and written a cantata. Dr. Martha B. Macdonald Edwards at said the visiting as well as tracking Kappa Gamma (DKG) Society International, an organization for key women while honoring rich historyseveral times in 2011 at historical teaches full-time and performed ven-nests down and digging them up, were all part of a learning opportunity educators, for 30 years. ues. Her talents include storytelling, singing, playing the psaltery and for Erskine biology students. dancing. She is working on a third novel. Class of 1976 Ralph K. Ostrom Jr. has been elected to the board of trustees for the Carolyn Hunter Fish was named the Greenwood Council of Garden Clubs’
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Professor Emerita of Biology Dr. Jan Haldeman and her husband Richard, retired director of public relations at Erskine, enjoyed hosting de Bekker and Fleuren in their Due West home and became familiar with the team’s routine.
meet the cabinet
HUNTING
Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Naoma Nelsen took her microbiology class out one afternoon to work with the Penn State team. “It was a really good experience for the students,” she said.
I am a big fan of Dwight Eisenhower. A favorite college memory?
Winning back-to-back-to-back flag football championships Erskine is…
where I have found a home. “We heard fascinating stories about zombie ants and learned how to find them,” she said. “Now we won’t be able to walk in the woods ever again without searching for that elusive zombie ant clinging to a tree branch.”
What do you enjoy most about being at Erskine?
The people I work with and the students I teach
Edwards noted that the visitors “were very complimentary about our students and were eager to have these students join them in their research during their visit to Erskine.” The researchers “also expressed the desire to have Erskine faculty and students to join them in research in their labs at Penn State in the future,” she added.
What challenges routinely face?
does
your
area
“This represents a fantastic opportunity to bring students from two diverse but league-topping institutions together to work side by side on a common project,” Hughes said.
What encourages you about the future of Erskine?
The challenge of producing a quality educational experience with limited resources
I’m encouraged by the quality of our graduates who exemplify lives of dedicated service to Christ, his Church, and society.
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ZOMBIE ANTS
Erskine and Penn State students team up for research “Due West, Home of Erskine College…and Zombie Ants” may not be a description either town or college would be eager to embrace.
meet the cabinet
Robyn Agnew Vice President for Student Services Born in:
Greenwood, South Carolina Church Community:
Presbyterian Interesting travels?
I eloped to Stranraer, Scotland, and I plan to hike the final 100 miles of the Camino de Santiago, Spain, for my upcoming 50th birthday.
But the presence of “zombie ants” represents at least a small claim to fame, and led to some scientific fun, as Erskine students and faculty members discovered when they assisted visiting biologists with a research project. Dr. David Hughes, who directs the project, visited Due West while he was a fellow at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. He is now an assistant professor of entomology and biology at Penn State University. His research focuses on ants that succumb to a sort of mind control when infected by a parasitic fungus, thus becoming “zombie ants” behaving in ways that benefit the fungus. The infected ants become a food source for the fungus, and the fungus damages the ant’s muscle and central nervous system.
Dog or Cat?
Boykin Spaniel named Jeb Beach or Mountains?
Kiawah Island, S.C. Campground or Resort?
Both, especially if water is nearby. A favorite college memory?
Creative use of a snowy day during interim with lots of friends in Elizabeth (Lundy) Knight’s suite Erskine is …
still, gratefully, Erskine. What challenges does your area routinely face?
Striking a balance between extending grace to students while also holding them accountable What encourages you about the future of Erskine?
Equipping well-rounded liberal arts graduates in a pervasively Christian environment; growth and change, while honoring rich history
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The whole project began following local resident Kim Fleming’s discovery of zombie ants on her land near Due West. She has since worked closely with Hughes. Hughes did not come to Erskine this year because of teaching commitments. Instead, an eager team from Penn State came to continue Hughes’ work. Dr. Charissa de Bekker and her husband, biologist and photographer Roel Fleuren, who are natives of the Netherlands, and Dr. Anna Schmidt, from Denmark, stirred up some enthusiasm along with the ants that are the objects of their study. “We found the presence of the group to be refreshing, exciting and a novel experience for us and our students,” Professor of Biology Dr. Mary Lang Edwards said of the visiting scientists. Placing baits, as well as tracking down nests and digging them up, were all part of a learning opportunity for Erskine biology students.
Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Naoma Nelsen took her microbiology class out one afternoon to work with the Penn State team. “It was a really good experience for the students,” she said. Professor Emerita of Biology Dr. Jan Haldeman and her husband Richard, retired director of public relations at Erskine, enjoyed hosting de Bekker and Fleuren in their Due West andGlory became familiar with team’s Woman of the Year. A member of thehome Morning Garden Club, she wasthethe South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners. Her proud husband, Rod also elected first vice president of the council. Her vegetable garden enables Wolff, also a 1985 graduate, says, “She has become very well known for her routine.
her “to keep a well-stocked pantry of home-canned and preserved soups and counseling and training skills.” “Mornings weretospent collecting ants’97 onintree in the woods. sauces,” according a story by St. Claire‘zombied’ Burns Donaghy the limbs Greenwood Class of 1985 (Seminary) Index-Journal. Professor Emerita Biology andalso honorary alumna Halde- live Afternoons, they looked forofmore and put out baitDr.toJanattract ants. Maurice S. Ulmer received the ASCAP Plus Award for his contribution to Amerman spoke at the awards meeting. Then, after dark, baits were checked for ants and if ants were present icanthey music last year. were traced Class of 1977 back to colonies, which were marked to be checked the next Tim and Gwen of Gastonia, opened Stowe Dairy Farms for “They the Class morning, andStowe if possible, dugN.C., up,” Haldeman recalled, adding, got ofat1986 Sharon K. O’Kelley is assistant professor of mathematics at Francis Marion Unifourth season as a Christmas tree farm, hosted the Eastern North Carolina least one nest with a queen.” Christmas Tree Association and the Know Your Farms Annual Tour in Septem- versity. In addition to her English degree at Erskine, she has a master’s degree in mathematics education from Montana State University; a Ph.D. in mathematber, and made sorghum inresearch October. Go wwwstowedairyfarms.com forlearn more how Hughes’ continuing at to Penn State is designed to the ics education from the University of Georgia; and a law degree from Seattle about the farm. fungus might be used to control pest insects in homes and farms. It University School of Law. John G. Morrison reports attending his 30thPenn reunionState at Duke School Interim Vice President involves “a collaboration between andUniversity the Broad Institute of Mark N. Willis was reelected in November to the South Carolina House of of Medicine. He and wife Denise took a trip to France for their 25th wedding MIT/Harvard to sequence the genome and transcriptome of theRepresentatives brainofrepresenting the Seminary for a second term, District 16 in Greenville and anniversary. manipulating fungus,” Hughes said. Laurens counties. Tim Whipple, longtime coach at Irmo High School, was recently recognized Born in: when the basketball flooriswas in his honor. completed 30 Class “The Broad Institute an renamed international leaderHeinhas genome biology and ofis1987 Terre Haute, Indiana years at Irmoinand haszombie been elected to the precisely South Carolina Basketball Coaches Anna Patrick Brawley serves as rector of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church interested the ant fungi because it has a background Association Hall of Fame as well as to Erskine’s Flying Fleet Hall of Fame. in Florence, Church Community: in medical science. A related fungus infecting Himalayan caterpillars has Ala.
Steve Lowe
been used Class of 1980extensively to treat cancer, TB and malaria.”
Tim Thompson has been named executive vice president of The Commercial After spending twois aweeks in ofthe area, de Bank. He joined themore bank inthan 2001.He graduate theDue SouthWest Carolina Bank“TheyManagehauled Fleuren SchmidtSchool returned to Investments Pennsylvania. ers School,and the Graduate of Bank and Financial ment at the of South Carolina, and the Graduate School of Banking vehicle fullUniversity of ants and fungi, ” Edwards said. at the University of Colorado.
meet the cabinet
HUNTING
S. Keith Dunn has been named senior vice Methodist president for academic affairs and United dean of the college at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss. He formerly served as A favorite or affairs story:at Centre Colprofessor of chemistry and associate dean for novel academic Bekker, lege in Danville, Kentucky. Anything by Patricia Cornwell back a
Interesting travels? Class of 1988 Elizabeth Rogers Hartley, Lake Wylie, S.C., was chosen Chamber of Commerce Coast of Italy “We heard fascinating stories aboutofzombie antsAssociation and learned how Citizen to findof the Year for outreach Amalfi Mary C. Williams has been elected president the National of Puband education provided to the surrounding them, ” Welfare she said. “Now we won’t be organization able to walk in the woods evercounties again for college planning and scholarship lic Child Administrators, an affiliate of the American PubFavorite Season: competition. She founded a schollic Humansearching Services Association (APHSA). She serves directortoofaProgram without for that elusive zombie ant as clinging tree branch. ” fund through the local Rotary arship Club and has raised nearly $10,000. Spring Improvement for the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS). Classour of 1989 Edwards noted that the visitors “were very complimentary about Sunrise or Sunset? Class of 1982 J. Michael and Professorship for Excellence students and were eager to have these students join them in their research Bitzer was awarded the Swink SunsetPrize Mark Smith coaches baseball at Abbeville High School and recently won his in Teaching at Catawba College. Awarded by the Faculty Senate, the prize recduring theirgame visitastothe Erskine. ” The researchers expressed the desire to 400th career Abbeville Panthers beat the “also Dixie Hornets of Due ognizes outstanding classroom teaching. He isyou associate professor of politics admire: have Erskine faculty and students to join them in research in theirand labshistory at and serves as chair ofSomeone West. He was presented with a banner after the victory. Abbeville High School the Department of History and Politics. I am a big fan of Dwight Eisenhower. was realigned into Region 1-A this spring. Penn State in the future, ” she added. Crystal Michelle Isgett Koch reportsAthat she is college in the Navy Reserves, deployed favorite memory? Class ofrepresents 1983 “This a fantastic opportunity to bring students from two in diverse Afghanistan. She arrived in theWinning country inback-to-back-to-back May 2011 and returns home flag in Danaleague-topping Blackhurst plans to open a school in Greenville named Katherine but institutions together to work sideafter by side on a common February 2012. Chandler, the Erskine professor who served as his mentor. Serving K-8 stufootball championships project,” Hughes said. dents, the school will be limited to 10 students per class and one class per Diana Palecek, a partner in the law firm of Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP in Erskine Business is… Leader’s ‘Women Extraorgrade. The Wyche House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is Charlotte, N.C. has received the Charlotte dinaire’ award, honoring her legalwhere experience andfound successa in commercial real the planned site for the school. I have home. estate, as well as her significant leadership and involvement in the Charlotte Millie Chalmers Condurelis is now a drug rehabilitation counselor with the Siscommunity. What do you enjoy most about being at ters in Sobriety program at DISC Village in Tallahassee, Fla. Erskine? Class of 1992 Class of 1985 The people work with and the students Brian White was elected to the South CarolinaI House of Representatives in Anton Corneal, recently appointed technical director of the Trinidad and Tobago 2000. He was elected chairman Iofteach the House Ways and Means Committee, Football Federation (TTFF), has the “full endorsement” of the TTFF executive which writes the state budget and considers spending and taxation bills. He is committee, according to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, and has been named What doesARP your an insurance agent in Greenville and deaconchallenges at Young Memorial Church. area to TTTF’s youth development committee. He came to Erskine from Maracas routinely face? Valley, Trinidad, where he was the youngest member of the Trinidad NationClass of 1994 The challenge of producing a quality al Team. He led Erskine to three district championships and into the NAIA Angi Taylor Patrick was selected for inclusion in “20 Under 40” and listed in a National Tournament in 1982. educational experience with limited publication of the Anderson Independent-Mail, where she was recognized for George McKinney has been appointed director of the South Carolina Emergen- her charitable endeavors. She is administrative resources manager at Attaway, Inc. Married cy Management Division (SCEMD). A longtime member of the Army National to Andy Patrick ’96, also listed, she is the mother of four-year-old twins Drew What encourages you about the future Guard, he served as public safety director for Greenwood County, then as and Emmy Lou. of Erskine? regional coordinator with SCEMD, then as manager of SCEMD’s Fixed Nuclear Evelyn Foster Squires Wilson is now an assistant professor at Western Carolina Facilities section. encouraged by Care the Program. quality of our University. She will be teaching in I’m the Emergency Medical Jennifer Johnson Wolff has 25 years of experience in mental health and has been graduates who exemplify lives of dedicated with Post Trauma Resources for 15 years. An adjunct professor for the Uni- Class of 1995 service to Christ, his Church, and society. versity of South Carolina College of Social Work since 2008, she has been Joseph H. Patrick III, chairman of Erskine Board of Trustees, has joined OOBE, credentialed as an expert witness and is an approved clinical supervisor with
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Inc. as vice president of operations. OOBE is one of the country’s leading brands of custom-designed uniforms. He is responsible for managing all departments except design and sourcing, and maximizing their efficiency and effectiveness. He earned an MBA at Clemson University and is a graduate of Mannaz, formerly the Danish Leadership Institute, and the Moore School of Business Mid-Level Management Program. Class of 1996 Chad Leverette, associate professor in analytical chemistry at the University of South Carolina-Aiken, was named South Carolina Governor’s Professor of the Year for 2010. Leverette tied with another professor in the four-year category. He was also named one of the “Rising Stars” in scholarship research for the University of South Carolina System in May 2011, the only non-Columbia campus professor among the 18 assistant and associate professors recognized.
Biblical studies, and he and wife Lía teach at El Instituto Laurens, a Methodistrelated school. This year, they complete six years of mission ministry with the Mission Society. Class of 2003 Amanda Grainger Walkup, a special education teacher at Hillcrest High School in Greenville County, S.C., earned National Board Certification in 2010. Class of 2004 Rob Brown now serves as Upper School Student and International Relations Coordinator at Southside Christian School in Simpsonville. Tara Vardon Cox has been awarded the master of business administration degree at Winthrop University.
Amanda Jackson Ghent serves as director of Christian education at First ARP Andy Patrick was selected for inclusion in “20 Under 40” and listed in a spe- Church, Rock Hill, S.C. cial publication of the Anderson Independent-Mail, where he was recognized Class of 2005 for his charitable endeavors. He is president of Attaway, Inc. Married to 1994 Ben Stoner, who has a master’s degree in professional accounting from Clemgraduate Angi Patrick, who was also listed, he is the father of four-year-old twins son University, serves as an accounting analyst with A.T. LOCKE, which offers Drew and Emmy Lou. accounting services, business analysis and financial and strategic guidance to Class of 1997 Jonathan Clay Dalton received the master of divinity degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in December 2010. Class of 1998 Michael Shake performed as part of the Piccolo Spoleto Pipe Organ Recital Series in 2011. Organist and associate director of music at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, he is director of the Robert Anderson Recital Series Committee. A three-time performer on the National Public Radio’s “Pipedreams,” he recently presented a homecoming concert at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, Florence, S.C., where he was organist while in high school. Shake lives in Dallas with his wife, Laura Bowden. Class of 1999 Kirk Mooneyham has been named vice president and managing director of Wilmington Trust’s Captive Management Services business. Marianne Albert Yohannan has been working since 2006 as a biology instructor at Tri County Technical College in Pendleton and says she loves her job and will “never forget the wonderful faculty, staff and students” at Erskine College. Class of 2000 Sharai Gail Correll Amaya has joined Women’s Advanced Care in Greenwood. She earned a doctor of medicine degree in 2005 from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology in 2009 with the Greenville Hospital System. She and husband Evan have a son, Austin. Class of 2001 Terri Alewine Ivester was named 2011-12 Teacher of the Year for Anderson District 2. A teacher at Wright Elementary, she has a master’s degree in reading and literacy from Walden University and serves on the district’s Education Oversight Committee. Crystal Rice Noble, South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice Detention Alternatives Manager, recognized in “20 Under 40,” in the Anderson Independent-Mail for community work, says knowing there are “kids out there that need help to reach their full potential” keeps her motivated. She and husband Michael have one daughter. Class of 2001 (Seminary) Don Yancey is serving as moderator of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) in the Presbytery of St. Andrew in Mississippi. Class of 2002 (Seminary) Charles A. Collins Jr. is vicar of St. Thomas Church in Moncks Corner, S.C., a Reformed Episcopal parish. He also continues serving as a hospice chaplain.
organizations across the Upstate. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Class of 2005 (Seminary) Sam Marcengill received a doctor of ministry degree June 18 from Newburgh Seminary, Newburgh, Ind. Class of 2006 Rachel Geoghegan now serves as an athletic trainer at Newberry College. Class of 2007 Mary Kay Campbell earned a doctor of physical therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine in 2010. She works as an orthopedic and sports therapist in Tampa. Class of 2008 Jaselyn Jennings was awarded a master’s degree in education at Southern Wesleyan University in 2010. She teaches 4K at Ford Elementary School in Laurens, S.C. Megan McCarter earned a master’s degree in speech and language pathology at Appalachian State University in 2010. She serves schools in Gaston County, N.C. T.J. Taylor has been promoted to assistant account manager at the Sumner Group, an advertising and marketing agency in Gastonia, N.C. Daniel Wells received the M.Div. degree at Reformed Seminary and is assistant pastor of youth and outreach at Craig Avenue Tabernacle ARP Church. Class of 2009 Marc McClure Huie graduated in June from the United States Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Ga. Several alumni attended his graduation, and his father, Ted Huie, pinned his tab. Ranger School is an intense 61-day combat leadership course oriented toward small-unit tactics. Robb Senn has taken a position as a software engineer with Blackbaud in Charleston. Class of 2010 Robert Kopp is a clinical counselor at Westview Behavioral Health Service in Newberry. He is working with ADSAP, a program required for those with a DUI conviction. Kara Setzer, who teaches fifth grade English and social studies at Morningside Middle School ARMS Academy in North Charleston, received the Charleston County School District’s middle school-level Rookie of the Year award for 2010-11.
Jon Herrin is academic dean of the John Wesley Methodist Seminary (el Seminario Metodista Juan Wesley), Monterrey, Mexico. He teaches theology and
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MARRIAGES Class of 1965 (Seminary) R. Wayne Dickson ’65 to Deborah C. Toler, Dec. 18, 2010. Class of 1988 Gina Dawn King ’88 to Anthony Delyn Lewis June 12, 2009. Class of 1994 Evelyn Foster Squires ’94 to Jeff Wilson, Sept. 10, 2010. Class of 1996 John Gregory Willis ’96 to Valerie Jill Jessee, July 31, 2010. Class of 2003 Katie Covington ’03 to Roger Hagy, Oct. 9, 2010. Class of 2004 Helen McChesney Linton ’04 to Joseph Gregory Walker, April 9, 2011. Elizabeth McRainey ’04 to Zach Reaves, June 4, 2011. Class of 2005 Tiffany Richelle Harris ’05 to Benjamin Robert Beaver, Sept. 4, 2010. Kelli Elizabeth Lamb ’05 to Clegg Patrick Durkin, April 30, 2011. Class of 2006 Amelia R. Miller ’06 to Craig Williams ’07, July 24, 2010. Anna Kathryn Oates ’06 to Benjamin Ellison Graber, Aug. 7, 2010. Cori Lynn Owens ’06 to C. Lee Williams, Oct. 16, 2010. Class of 2007 Rebekah K. Lewis ’07 to Michael B. Hall ’08, Aug. 9, 2009. Ashley Neely ’07 to Drew Carlisle ’07, Aug. 14, 2010. Tara Welborn ’07 to Scott A. DeCiantis ’99, July 16, 2010. Class of 2008 Megan M. Childs ’08 to Andrew Shipman, June 18, 2011. Ellizabeth Elaine Hyman ’08 to Jeromy Dale Crocker, Sept. 4, 2010. Elizabeth Anderson Winn ’08 to Anthony Patrick Banco, June 18, 2011. Class of 2009 Anna Karlyn Weldon ’09 to Jason Nathaniel Winecoff ’07, Oct. 2, 2010. Class of 2011 Rebekah E. Reid ’11 to W. Thomas Ross ’10 (Seminary), Aug. 13, 2011.
BIRTHS Class of 1993 A son, Taylor Bowen, to Shannon Broom Bowen ’93 and Doug Bowen ’93, Nov. 2, 2010. Class of 1994 A daughter, Sarah Lucille Overby to Molly Greene Overby ’94 and David Overby, Aug. 19, 2010. Class of 1995 A daughter, Catherine Frances Wilkie, to Lynn Cook Wilkie ’95 and Jeff Wilkie, April 20, 2010. Class of 1996 A son, Elias George Jurand, to Sara Hoffman Jurand ’96 and Jason Jurand ’96, Feb. 16, 2011. Class of 1997 A son, Joel Spencer Anderson, to Julie Farmer Anderson ’97 and James Anderson ’91, April 13, 2011. A daughter, Miriam Kuykendall, to Brooks Kuykendall ’97 and Patricia Bolen, Nov. 10, 2010. A daughter, Emma Ruth Patterson, to Amy Havird Patterson ’97 and Marty Patterson ’98, Sept. 11, 2010. Class of 1998 A son, Benjamin Parker Pruitt, to Tracy Clark Pruitt ’98 and Brian Pruitt, March 30, 2011. A son, Nathan Samuel Rush, to Bryan Rush ’98 and Heather Rush, Oct. 17, 2011. A daughter, Alllison Ruth Wages, to Anna Shealy Wages ’98 and John W. Wages ’98, July 11, 2010.
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Class of 1999 A son, Joseph Caeden Cannon, to Jennifer Sexton Cannon ’99 and Blake Cannon ’99, Feb. 23, 2010. A son, Maddox James Harshbarger, to Denise Migliaro Harsbarger ’99 and Rodney Harshbarger, Sept. 4, 2010. Class of 2000 A daughter, Emily Rowe Bagwell, to Emily McDaniel Bagwell ’00 and Scott Bagwell, Sept. 28, 2010. A daughter, Caroline Brice, to Tara Lowe Brice ’00 and Joseph Brice ’01, April 18, 2010. A son, Holden John Cooper, to Tiffany Smalls Cooper ’00 and Malcolm H. Cooper, June 23, 2010. A daughter, Margaret Pace Hart, to Rebecca J. Hart ’00, March 2, 2010. A son, Roman Eli McCall, to Amanda Lee Page McCall ’00 and Christopher D. McCall, July 15, 2010. A son, Joshua Barron Suarez, to Barron Suarez ’00 and Karen Suarez, April 24, 2011. Class of 2002 A daughter, Lauren Grace Dean, to Lori Gilstrap Dean ’02 and Matthew C. Dean ’02, March 3, 2010. A son, Whitman Luke Spires, to Chris Spires ’02 and Hannah Phillips Spires, Sept. 2, 2011. Class of 2003 A daughter, Julia Claire Crosland, to Cathy Claire Crosland ’03 and Clifton B. Crosland, Jan. 18, 2011. A son, Brice Wiersma, to Anna Brice Wiersma ’03 and Jeff Wiersma ’03, Nov. 5, 2009. Class of 2004 A daughter, Miriam Ruth Ghent, to Amanda Jackson Ghent ’04 and Jeremy Ghent, July 10, 2010. A daughter, Kathryn Taylor Brown, to Rob Brown ’04 and Tara Brown, July 26, 2010. Class of 2005 A daughter, Adelina Elizabeth Biondi, to Jesse James Biondi ’05 and Deidra Biondi, Aug. 2, 2011. A daughter, Sarah Grace Davis, to Patti Ward Davis ’05 and Clint H. Davis ’05 (Seminary), Aug. 30, 2011. A son, Jesse William Hart, to Brandi Ashbrook Hart ’05 and Chad Hart, Jan. 1, 2011. Class of 2006 A son, Brantley Lang Burdette, to Ruth Logan Burdette ’06 and Brandon Burdette ’05, Feb. 10, 2010. Class of 2007 A son, Henry Sullivan George, to Helen Joy Paul George ’07 and Noah George, Feb. 14, 2011. A son, Robert Samuel Marion, to Stephanie Cirilo Marion ’07 and Matthew Marrion ’07, March 15, 2011. A son, Parker Rhys Wix, to Jared C. Wix ’07 and Kimberly C. Wix, Feb. 11, 2011. Class of 2008 A daughter, Adelaide May Dickert, to Sarah Hope Dickert ’08 and Clinton P. Dickert, May 26, 2011. A son, Clark Bryant Duffle, to Claire Parnell Duffle ’08 and Scott Duffle ’08, Jan. 23, 2011. Friends A son, Leo Davis Fackler, to Leo and Adelaide Fackler, March 8, 2011. A daughter, Keighan Muriel Winchester, to Gary and Betsy Winchester, May 4, 2011. Triplets, Langley, Dayne and Bryce New, to Dusty and Ashley New, Feb. 8, 2011.
DEATHS Erskine Cadets William Jerome Jamieson, 92, died Dec. 5, 2010. Survivors included his wife, Lillian Bonner Jamieson ’44, who died Feb. 4, 2011; one son; and two daughters. Class of 1927 Lorena Gray King, 104, died Jan. 11, 2010. Survivors include a daughter. Class of 1933 Mary Parks Bell Weathers, 99, died Feb. 1, 2011. Survivors include two daughters and a stepdaughter. Class of 1934 James Calhoun Brissie, 97, died April 9, 2010. Survivors include one son. Mary Frances Hord Cothran, 97, died Feb. 23, 2010. Surviving are a daughter and two sons, including Thomas W. Cothran III ’69; and a sister, Carolyn Hord Harris ’41.
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Elmira Hoover McCurdy, 99, died Nov. 11, 2011. Survivors include a sister. Margaret Edwards Pursley, 97, died Feb. 25, 2011. Surviving are a daughter, Angela Pursley Smail ’67, and a son; and a sister, Jean Edwards Jackson ’43. Marian Kirkpatrick White, 98, died Jan. 30, 2011. Survivors include a daughter and a son, David P. White Jr. ’66. Class of 1935 Edward Whitesides Hood, 97, died Nov. 11, 2010. Survivors include two sons. Martha Abernethy Long, 96, died March 18, 2011. Survivors include a son, Edgar H. Long Jr. ’76. Class of 1937 Willard Melvin Drake Jr., 97, died Feb. 16, 2011. Survivors include two daughters and three stepchildren. Lewis Clarke Harrison, 94, died Sept. 27, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Helen Watkins Harrison; and three daughters. Class of 1938 Thomas M. Crawford died June 11, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Edith Josephine Bright Crawford; and two daughters. Anna Moffatt McCormick, 95, died Nov. 17, 2010. Halstead Bowden Powell, 95, died June 21, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Doris Langston Powell; and three daughters, including Jeanne White, Anne Powell Fisher ’68. Class of 1939 Ferrie Wilson Axon, 93, died Oct. 13, 2010. Survivors include two daughters, Margaret Ann Axon Williams ’71 and Victoria Axon Lovett ’73; and a son, James Wilson Axon ’68. Martha McIlwain Harvey, 93, died Sept. 3, 2011. Survivors include a son and two stepchildren. Emily Torrence Lathan, 92, died Oct. 21, 2010. Survivors include two sons and a daughter. Martha Bowers Guffin Reese, 92, died July 21, 2011. Survivors include two daughters and a son. Robert M. “Mack” Robinson, 91, died Oct. 11, 2010. Survivors included his wife, Ann Bull Robinson, who died Aug. 5, 2011; two sons, including William P. “Bill” Robinson ’80; two daughters, Ann Robinson ’73 and Sally Robinson Funderburk ’75; a sister, Sara Robinson Hagins ’51. Jane Gurney Teasley, 92, died June 18, 2011. She is survived by her husband, Norman Teasley; and two stepsons. Rebecca Shirley Walker, 92, died Nov. 27, 2010. Surviviors include her daughters, Sandra Walker Harper ’67 and Jan Walker Sullivan ’69; and her brother, James L. Shirley ’46. Class of 1940 Ray C. Clinkscales, 90, died Oct. 31, 2010. Survivors include a daughter. Harriet Porter Johnson died Dec. 8, 2011. Survivors include a son, a daughter, three stepsons, and two stepdaughters. Class of 1941 Thomas H. Atkinson died Feb. 26, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Alice Martin Atkinson; two sons, including Luther Atkinson ’82; four daughters, including Nancy Atkinson Norman ’67 and Jeanette L. Atkinson ’71; and two sisters, Margaret Atkinson Weir ’36 and Jeanette Atkinson Jordan ’41. George Reid Dusenberry Jr., 91, died Jan. 27, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Lina Kistler Dusenberry ’43; a daughter and son; two sisters, Sophie Dusenberry Meadors ’38 and Margaret Dusenberry Beard ’43; and a brother, Francis C. Dusenberry ’49. Class of 1942 Henry Calvin Goodrich died Dec. 11, 2011. Survivors include two sons and a daughter. Joseph H. “Hoss” Nesbitt, 90, died Nov. 15, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Maxine Jackson Nesbitt ’42; and three daughters, including Mary Ellen Smith ’70 and Josephine Nesbitt ’77. Class of 1943 Thomas Edgar Carson Jr., 89, died July 12, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Helen Smith Carson; and two daughters, Barbara Carson Smith ’68 and Libby Carson Todd ’70. C. Linwood Cheshire, 91, died Dec. 13, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Kivett Eliason Cheshire; four sons, including H. Clinton Cheshire ’69 and James M. Cheshire ’73; and three stepchildren. Ruth Smith Gilmer, 89, died June 4, 2011. Survivors include her husband, John B. Gilmer; two sons; and two daughters. Miriam Williams Jackson, 88, died Dec. 16, 2010. Among her survivors are two daughters, including Linda Jackson Lynn ’71. Miles Richard League, 89, died Sept. 24, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Ora Gibson “Gibby” League. Robert Samuel McCleskey, 88, died July 11, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Elsie Upchurch McCleskey; and a sister, Lucille “Ceil” McCleskey Parrish ’45. Lillie Sharpe Mundy, 88, died April 28, 2011. Survivors include a daughter and a son. Francis McElwee Stroup, 88, died May 6, 2011.
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William Todd “Jack” Plaxco, 84, died March 3, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Myers Plaxco; two sons; and a daughter. Class of 1947 Anita Burke Creel died Feb. 2, 2011. Survivors include her husband, John Gordon Creel ’53; two daughters, Teru Anita Creel Kassner ’83 and Sally Burke Creel Roberts ’88; and a sister, Sally Burke Lauderdale ’50. Rachel Dale McFerrin Harrison, 86, died Jan. 8, 2011. Survivors include three daughters. Linda Elledge Mann, 90, died Nov. 20, 2010. Survivors include two sons and two daughters. Class of 1948 John R. Ballentine, 91, died Nov. 18, 2011. Halllie Dowtin Bardin, 84, died June 6, 2011. Survivors include her daughter, Mary Beck Bardin Eleazer ’75. James Murphy Bell, 82, died March 2, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Lois Alexander Bell ’51; three sons, James M. Bell Jr. ’75, Robert W. Bell ’76, and J. Paul Bell ’84; and three daughters, Ann Marie Bell Hope ’79, Sharon Bell Griffin ’81, and Allyson Bell Huskey ’86. Jean Rosebud Carmichael, 84, died Sept. 16, 2011. Survivors include a sister, Mary Carmichael Faulkner ’44; and a brother, Thomas H. Carmichael ’55. Mae Burton Deaton, 83, died Jan. 23, 2011. Ruth Smith Gilmer, 89, died June 4, 2011. Survivors include are her husband, John B. Gilmer; two sons; and two daughters. Martha Claire Harper died April 8, 2011. Class of 1949 Max Arthur Culp, 84, died May 16, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Shira Culp ’50; a son; a stepdaughter, Madge Wampler; and a brother and four sisters, including Sara Culp Owens ’50 and Nancy Culp Runager ’54. George Harold Ferguson, 86, died June 26, 2011. Survivors incude three sisters, Mabel E. Ferguson ’53, Betty Sue Ferguson Scearce ’51, and Barbara Ferguson LeBrecque ’56. William Baxter Hood, 82, died July 13, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Gail Shockley Hood; and four daughters, including Barbara Hood Moran ’75, and Betsy Hood Edwards ’79. Mary Haddon Craig Patterson, 83, died Oct. 24, 2010. Survivors include two daughters and two sons. Robert Reece Moody Jr. died Dec. 5, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Martha Bradley Moody ’48; and a son. Class of 1950 Jessie Colvin Anderson, 82, died Oct. 17, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Chick Anderson; two daughters; and two sons. Bobbie Young Hanvey, 80, died Oct. 9, 2010. Survivors include her husband, Robert Hanvey, and a daughter. Joseph Robert Harris, 81, died Feb. 4 2010. Surviving are two sons; and two brothers, including W. Mack Harris Jr. ’50 and Tim Harris. Donald Lee Mann died Jan. 29, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Ann Templeton Mann ’50; a daughter; and a son. James Edwin Mauldin, 80, died Sept. 20, 2010. C.S. “Gus” Parthemos, 88, died Nov. 14, 2011. James Harvey Stewart, 83, died Oct. 30, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Kay Blanchard Stewart; and two daughters. Class of 1951 Armando “Mickey” Henriquez Jr., 80, died Dec. 26, 2010. Among the survivors are two daughters, including Sherry Henriquez Hall ’77; and a son. Barbara Hobson Lauderdale, 80, died March 8, 2011. Survivors include a son, James R. Lauderdale ’11 (Hon.); and a daughter, Rebecca Lauderdale Tatum ’73. Class of 1952 Garland L. “George” Craddock, 90, died Aug. 5, 2011. Survivors include four daughters, among them Jane Craddock Flandry ’71. Thomas B. Reid Jr., 79, died Sept. 15, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Katherine Furr Reid; two sons; and a daughter. Class of 1953 Sebron Yates Hood Jr., 79, died Dec. 17, 2010. Among the survivors are his wife, Belle Miller Spivey Hood ’55; a daughter, Harriette Hood Louis ’79; two sons, including C.A. Spivey Hood ’88; and a brother, William B. Hood ’49. Thurston Templeton died Feb. 24, 2011. Class of 1954 Doris Isobel Carson Lutz, 79, died Sept. 13, 2011. Survivors include a son, Kenneth R. Lutz Jr. ’82; and a daughter. Patricia Sparkman Ratcliff, 79, died Dec. 13, 2011. Survivors include a daughter, Leslie Ratcliff Jones ’81; and a son. Johnnye Murdock Uldrick, 77, died Nov. 21, 2010. Survivors include her husband, Dr. John Paul Uldrick; and a daughter.
Class of 1944 Lillian Bonner Jamieson, 87, died Feb. 4, 2011. Survivors include a son and two daughters; and a brother, Dr. Walter M. Bonner Jr. ’51. Florence Nickles Wilson, 89, died March 10, 2011. Survivors include a sister.
Class of 1955 Edward Walton Hilburn, 81, died Sept. 5, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Betty Stevenson Hilburn; two daughters; and a son. Mary Lillian Morgan Watson died July 20, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Jasper Newton Watson Jr. ’55; a daughter; and two sons.
Class of 1946 Ruth Elrod died May 19, 2011. She is survived by her sister, Hazel Elrod ’41. Lucy Pennell Means, 84, died Sept. 12, 2010. Survivors include a brother.
Class of 1956 Franklin DuBose Polatty, 77, died June 16, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Susan Norman Polatty; a son; and a daughter.
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Dolores Thompson Stone died Jan. 20, 2011. Survivors include her mother, Montine Thompson. Class of 1957 Robert M. Allen, 76, died Sept. 29, 2011. Survivors include three sons and one daughter. William Augustus Anthony Jr. died March 12, 2011. Among the survivors are his wife, Ann Bonner Anthony ’59; two daughters, including Leslie Anthony Friesland ’83; and a son. James Franklin Brown, 76, died Oct. 9, 2010. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Ann Brown Reavis ’89; a son; and a sister, Helen Lois Brown ’50. Class of 1958 Elizabeth Jones Bobo, 75, died Dec. 13, 2011. Survivors include a brother, William H. Jones ’53; and a sister, Mary Ann Jones Pratt ’60. James William Pitts, 75, died Dec. 23, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Julia Gail Abercrombie Pitts; and a daughter. Class of 1961 Elias Newton Adams, 72, died Feb. 8, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Sybil N. Adams; three daughters; and a son. Jerry Wayne Gaither, 71, died April 16, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Ginger Black Gaither; his mother, Mary Gaither; a stepson; a sister, Jane Gaither Yelton ’61; and a brother. David Ray Smith, 78, died March 20, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Marian Findley Smith; and three sons. Class of 1962 Robert Miller Brice Jr., 70, died Oct. 17, 2010. Survivors include his wife,Yvonne Brice, and one daughter. James Gordon Edens Jr., 73, died Feb. 14, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Marsha McManus Edens; one son; and one daughter. Frank Pursley Smith, 70, died Nov. 19 2011. Survivors include his wife, Louise Hardwick Smith ’62; one son and one daughter; and a sister, Nancy Smith Davis ’60. Klein Wayne Williams, 69, died Jan. 6, 2010. Class of 1963 Kathleen Brown, 78, died Oct. 30, 2011. Jerry D. Stroud, 71, died June 30, 2011. Survivors include two sons and two daughters. Class of 1964 Mary Patricia Baxter Banks died April 24, 2006. Survivors included two daughters and her mother, Edna Mae Baxter; and her sister, Nancy Baxter Rucker ’54. Dorothy Coln Cunningham died Jan. 7, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Cunningham; one son; and one stepson. Vicki Taylor Sweet, 68, died July 12, 2010. Survivors include one son and one daughter. Jefferson D. Yarborough, 68, died Aug. 22, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Scott Yarborough; and two sons. Class of 1965 James Hill Gressette Jr., 73, died Aug. 17, 2011. Survivors include his mother, Mary Sims Gressette. Lucy Bailey Patrick, 68, died Feb. 20, 2011. Survivors included her husband, William B. Patrick Jr. ’66; three daughters, Elizabeth Patrick ’90, Rachel Patrick Turner ’96, and Grace Patrick Hunt ’98; and one son, since deceased. John Henry Walker Jr., 75, died July 23, 2011. Survivors include two daughters.
Class of 1977 William Morrow Mitchell III, 55, died May 31, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Denise Wilkerson Mitchell; his mother; and a son and daughter. Alliene Campbell O’Shields died Nov. 23, 2011. Survivors include a daughter. Ricky Lee Tatum, 55, died Jan. 3, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Ann Wills Tatum. Class of 1978 David Lanier Brittain died Jan. 8, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Ann Thomas Brittain; a son and daughter; and his parents. Margaret Rose Pressly, 54, died Oct. 30, 2010. She is survived by a brother, Gordon H. Pressly ’75. Class of 1984 Joseph Erby Bell Jr., 49, died Oct. 21, 2010. Survivors include four sons; and his mother. Class of 1989 David Iram Moore, 42, died Oct. 19, 2007. Survivors include his parents, Jackie and Nancy Moore. Class of 2006 (Seminary) The Rev. Isaac Kairu Gitundu died May 5, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Lucy Gitundu; and four children. Class of 2008 (Seminary) Junior Harris, 58, died Aug. 4, 2011. Survivors include three sons. Friends Ruth King Wood Coffey died Nov. 18, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Charles MacDonald “Don” Coffey; two daughters; and two sons. Dorothy Eugene Dagenhart, 86, died July 24, 2010. Janie Ellen HIldreth Jackson, 96, died Feb. 16, 2011. Survivors include two daughters. Lucille Holland Latimer, 87, died March 19, 2011. Survivors include two daughters, Sherill Latimer Brock ’66 and Wanda Latimer Collins ’71. Thomas Dalton Miller II, 86, died June 24, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Mae Lee Bridges Miller; two daughters, including Rebecca Hamilton Miller ’77; and two brothers, Dr. Robert W. Miller ’39 and Dr. John H. Miller ’41. Jean Forrester Nicholson, 75, died June 13, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Douglas Franklin Nicholson; and two daughters. Ann Marchant Bull Robinson died Aug. 5, 2011. She is survived by two sons, including William Robinson ’80; and two daughters, Ann Robinson ’73 and Sally Funderburk ’75. Mary Uldrick Stone, 87, died March 22, 2011. Elaine Marjorie Taylor Wightman, 91, died Oct 26, 2010. Survivors include a son, Dr. Mark Wightman ’68; and a daughter, Sarah Wightman Brice ’71.
Dr. Marie Thomason Bowie, 98, died April 20, 2011. She and her late husband, Dr. W. Parker Bowie, were well known for their philanthropy. Gifts to Erskine included Bowie Divinity Hall in 1985 and the Bowie Arts Center, completed in 1995.
Class of 1966 Jerrold C. Burnside, 66, died July 31, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Diering Burnside; two sons; and a daughter. James H. Fennell, 67, died Nov. 25, 2011. Survivors include five sons; a brother, and a sister. Class of 1968 James Larry Godwin, 64, died Aug. 9, 2010. Survivors include a son. Stacia Mae Hagen, 65, died Oct. 22, 2011. Survivors include her mother, Statia Richey Hagen. Class of 1969 Connie Mahaffey McCarty, 64, died July 6, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Sam McCarty ’69; a daughter; and a son, John Perry McCarty ’04. Kent Doty Wolfe, 65, died June 15, 2011. Survivors include her husband, Rhett Wolfe; and four children.
Honorary Alumni Catherine Mae Harter McAllister, 82, died Nov. 2, 2011. She is survived by three sons, including Westley D. McAllister ’89; and two daughters, including Mary S. McAllister ’96.
Class of 1970 Robert William Nickles, 62, died Jan. 22, 2011. Survivors include his mother, Fae Nickles. Class of 1971 John Haskell Pearman, 62, died Feb. 19, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Katherine Drexel Ackerson Pearman; his mother, Mary Pruitt Pearman; and a daughter. Class of 1973 John F. Noble, 60, died March 16, 2011. Survivors include his mother; a son; and a daughter. Class of 1976 William Martin Clark, 67, died Dec. 2, 2010. He is survived by his mother, Annie Frances Martin Clark. William Calvin Kimbrell, 56, died Jan. 21, 2011. Survivors include his wife, Dr. Eva Tollefsen; a son; and two daughters.
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