The Magazine of Hampden-Sydney College | Summer 2025
Table of
CONTENTS
04 | Annual Report
The Hampden-Sydney College annual report highlights the milestones, achievements, and impact of the College over the past year, reflecting both the strength of our traditions and the momentum of our future. Read more about the advances in our academic and co-curricular programs, innovative faculty scholarship, successes of our student-athletes, strength of alumni engagement, and monumental success of the comprehensive campaign, It's Time, Good Men.
24 In Their Shoes A journey of 75 miles that began nearly 250 years ago. In April, students and faculty and staff members recreated the march that the Hampden-Sidney Boys, members of the local militia, took in 1777 when called upon to defend the burgeoning nation.
26 Engaged Citizens
What do good citizens do when they disagree with the actions of their government? Find out what Hampden-Sydney men across centuries have done when faced with that dilemma.
Summer 2025 Vol. 101, No. 1
EDITOR AND CONTRIBUTORS
Alexandra Evans Alexandria Grant Zachary Bettis Tommy Shomo ’69 Caroline Emmons
28 The First
American College
Hampden-Sydney is among the oldest colleges in the country, but is it the first American college?
42 Alumni Profile
Kyle Fraser '16 brought home the milliondollar prize as the season 48 winner of the CBS hit show Survivor. His winning strategy? Putting people first.
02 LETTERS 03 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 04 ON THE HILL 34 Meet Coach Mulvey First-year Head Baseball Coach Michael Mulvey is ready to capitalize on the team's first postseason win since 2021, building on the momentum and confidence that the team gained in his debut season.
32 ATHLETICS 36 ALUMNI NEWS 38 CLASS NOTES
Copyright © 2025 by Hampden-Sydney College. Non-profit standard postage paid at Farmville, Virginia 23901, and at additional mailing offices. Published by Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden Sydney, Virginia 23943, as a service to its alumni and friends. Content of the Record is determined by the editor. Although the editor welcomes news about alumni, the Record does not print unsolicited articles or articles that are solicited without prior consent of the editor. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: Hampden-Sydney College, while exempted from Subpart C of the Title IX regulation with respect to its admissions and recruitment activities, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, or veteran status in the operation of its education programs and with respect to employment. For information on this non-discrimination policy, contact the Office of Human Resources, Box 127, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden Sydney, VA 23943, (434) 223-6220. This issue may be viewed online at
go.hsc.edu/record
ON THE COVER: The Founders' Planisphere in Bortz Library, which shows the stars on November 10, 1775. Photo by Corey Nolen
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Letter from the Editor
Dear Readers, Though I far prefer being behind the pen, I felt compelled to address you directly after so many of you responded with enthusiasm to our readership survey—the one that shaped the refreshed look of this magazine. I grew up just down the road from Hampden-Sydney. My family has lived in the area since the earliest days of Prince Edward County. Many of my childhood friends were the sons and daughters of College faculty and staff members, and together we wandered the Hill. As a senior at Prince Edward County High School, I took French with Madame Renee Severin and comparative politics with Professor Warner Winborne ’88. Long before I joined the staff, Hampden-Sydney alumni appeared in my life in the most unexpected places: my apartment’s laundry room in California, a bar at the Honolulu airport, and while people-watching in Prague. Each encounter reminded me of an invisible thread connecting me to the College. Nearly six years ago, that thread drew me home from the West Coast to join the communications and marketing team. In my time at H-SC, I’ve watched the College blossom, its storied past woven with the vision of a bold future. That spirit guided the magazine’s redesign, which reflects Hampden-Sydney’s vitality today while honoring its traditions. You’ll notice cleaner lines, bolder photography, and more voices from our community. At its heart, though, the Record remains what it has always been: a means of connection. Though I now live once again in Charleston, South Carolina, I feel grateful to hold fast to that same thread. My hope is that the Record also strengthens the ties binding each of you to Hampden– Sydney. Whether you are reading from a dorm room, a boardroom, or your living room halfway across the world, I hope you find yourself both informed and inspired—reminded of what makes Hampden-Sydney unlike any other college. A special thank you to Alexandria Grant, our gifted graphic design manager, for bringing this redesign to life. And thank you for letting me tell your stories. Warmly, Alexandra Evans Editor
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THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
Letter to the Editor In response to the Letter to the Editor by Tom DiVincenzo ’05 in the spring 2025 issue of the Record.
July 24, 2025 Dear Tom, Thank you for taking the time and effort to tell your story. It moved me to write you back. Your career, though cut short, made me proud to be a fellow alumnus. When anybody puts 100 percent of themselves into a job helping others, the retelling of their story always seems to focus on the act of relating to those they serve. This came through clearly as you described your day to day tasks. The joy you felt from applying your body, mind, and spirit to your job is the envy of many folks with incomes several times yours. It was that joy that drove you through dull repetitive days. You connected with the people you served and whatever task was before you got all of your attention. Those you served were fortunate to have you by their side. Thank you for representing us, the American People. I hope and pray that one day soon the American People will wake up and see that they, we, all of us, are connected in time and place. Then your position will not be terminated but lauded as an example of the goodness and generosity we are capable of. Then, we, the citizens of the United States, will again be great. Chris Yates ’73 Richmond, Virginia
A message from President Larry Stimpert
G
rowing our endowment is one of the two major priorities of our “It’s Time, Good Men” campaign, alongside funding campus facility improvements. Saying that a bigger endowment is better may seem obvious; less understood is how an endowment works and why an endowment is essential to a private college like Hampden-Sydney. Endowments provide funding for the College in perpetuity. About 75 percent of Hampden-Sydney’s 500 individual endowments support scholarships, while the rest fund professorships, internships, academic and athletic programs, facilities, and more. The College has a few “unrestricted” endowments that support the general operations of the College rather than a specific program or activity. The Board of Trustees’ Investment Subcommittee oversees our endowment and establishes the payout rate, which is currently set at 4.5 percent. Thus, a scholarship endowment with a market value of $500,000 provides $22,500 annually to support student financial aid. Over the past decade, Hampden-Sydney’s endowment has doubled—from just under $150 million to over $300 million—providing over $6 million more in annual payout today than a decade ago. This growth helped the College weather the COVID pandemic, and has allowed us to fund scholarships and other priorities, including raises for our employees during a time of high inflation.
The power of our endowment is twofold: First, an endowment has an immediate positive impact on the College—for example, an endowed scholarship is “philanthropy in action” because it allows a young man to be here at Hampden-Sydney benefitting from the remarkable Hampden-Sydney educational experience. Second, the value of the endowment will grow over time so that its payout will also grow. Thus, our endowment serves as an important hedge against inflation. Programmatic endowments that contribute to salaries or fund a specific activity or program are also very important to Hampden-Sydney. These endowments supplement our operating budget, expanding the pool of resources we have to fund College priorities. As the saying goes, “a rising tide raises all boats;” so, too, does a growing endowment benefit the entire College. Hampden-Sydney is financially stronger today than at any time in its 250-year history, and we are working every day to ensure that the College will thrive during its next quarter-millennium. Our success will be determined, in large part, by the size of the endowment and the strength of the financial foundation we lay now for Hampden-Sydney through our “It’s Time, Good Men” campaign.
President, Hampden-Sydney College
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On the Hill
The ANNUAL REPORT CLASS OF 2025 MAY 10, 2025
138
BACHELOR OF ARTS
34
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Top Majors ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS HISTORY ECONOMICS
Top Minors RHETORIC HISTORY NATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
Honors Graduate BEN CURRIN
Gammon Cup ADAM BRAZIL
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion KENTEN JOSEPH BERO ANDREW WALLACE BLANKENSHIP JOSEPH KADE MINTON CARTER LARSON SPAWN
Congratulations Class of 2025! “Go show the world what a HampdenSydney man can do.” -Rob Citrone '87, Commencement Speaker
ADMISSION The admission team hit the road for an impressive 677 high school visits and 377 college fairs, combing the country for the best prospects to join the class of 2028. The team also hosted 15 on-campus events for prospective and admitted students. Between these events and scheduled campus tours, 670 applicants visited campus throughout the year. Thanks to this incredible effort, Hampden-Sydney saw a 62% increase in applications received, enabling the team to be 13% more selective when offering admission. TEST SCORES
RETENTION RATE
77.6% Compared to 68.2% national average
3,554
1,300
APPLICATIONS RECIEVED
ADMITTED STUDENTS 37% ACCEPTANCE RATE
ACT
26 36
SAT
11731600
$5,268,449
$6,222,841
IN AWARDED GRANTS
IN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS
2024–25 Tuition and Room/Board
TUITION
COMPREHENSIVE FEE
$51,808
$2,742
Class of 2028 by the Numbers 79
WHERE IS THE CLASS OF '28 FROM?
EAGLE SCOUTS
1%
4%
WEST
2%
MIDWEST
2%
VIRGINIA
57%
63 31
NORTHEAST
MID-ATLANTIC
PELL-ELIGIBLE LEGACY
$30,088
$16,732
45
FIRST-GENERATION
AVERAGE COST AFTER GIFT AID
HOUSING AND MEALS
SOUTH
5%
SOUTHEAST
29%
6
BOYS STATE
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PHILANTHROPY Our comprehensive campaign, It’s Time, Good Men, has already made a remarkable impact thanks to the steadfast generosity of our incredible community. It’s Time, Good Men emphasizes fundraising for two primary goals: endowment growth and facilities improvements. We have made significant strides in strengthening our endowment, the growth of which will not only enrich the academic experience but also expand scholarship opportunities, ensuring that more young men of promise can access the unmatched quality of a Hampden-Sydney education. Through your support, we have also built Pauley Science Center, renovated Venable Hall, begun a long-overdue renovation of Kirby Field House, and are bringing new life to Gilmer Hall—transforming it into a specialized location for the departments of Economics and Business and Government and Foreign Affairs. And yet, our work is not finished. As we move toward the final phase of the campaign, at this historic moment when we celebrate Hampden-Sydney’s 250th anniversary, we remain focused on securing the resources needed to fully realize our vision for the College’s future. There are still vital priorities to meet and ambitious goals to achieve, and every member of the Hampden-Sydney community can assist us in this great pursuit. With gratitude for all that has been accomplished, we ask you to continue standing with us—because the mission that binds us is enduring, and the best is yet to come. Hugh Haskins ’01, Vice President for College Advancement
Campaign Overview $212,697,117 CASH RECEIVED
44,543
4,231
44%
TOTAL NUMBER OF CAMPAIGN GIFTS
NUMBER OF ALUMNI WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED
OF ALUMNI HAVE GIVEN TO THE CAMPAIGN
PRE-CAMPAIGN (2018–2020)
$48,872,430
SILENT PHASE (2021–2024)
$124,486,292
AS OF JUNE 30, 2025
PUBLIC PHASE (FY 2025)
$39,338,395
It All Adds Up
Each act of generosity, no matter the size, moves us closer to reaching our ambitious comprehensive campaign goal of $250 million. $241,803 has been raised through gifts of $150 OR LESS alone. Annual gifts also play a vital role in this effort, directly counting toward the comprehensive campaign and fueling the College’s continued growth. Together, these individual contributions create the momentum and collective strength that make lasting impact possible.
Annual Giving ( JULY 1, 2024-JUNE 30, 2025)
$14,186,478 TOTAL DOLLAR AMOUNT
figure includes restricted and unrestricted annual gifts
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THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
4,138
NUMBER OF DONORS
53
STATES AND TERRITORIES REPRESENTED
Trending Upwards
Since the launch of It’s Time, Good Men, the Hampden-Sydney community has increased giving by 99% to an average gift amount of $5,643, up from the pre-campaign average of $2,841. Thank you, Tigers!
Another Recordbreaking Giving Day!
Hampden-Sydney celebrated its 10th annual Giving Day on April 24 and 25, raising an unprecedented $862,000 through 1,188 gifts. Thank you to all who made this year’s Giving Day a resounding success!
Endowment A thriving endowment is the foundation of a secure and vibrant future. It provides enduring strength, allowing the College to form good men and good citizens through changing times while remaining independent and uncompromising in its values. Your investment in the endowment is a gift that echoes across centuries, sustaining the legacy of excellence established 250 years ago.
ENDOWMENT GROWTH RAISED
$64,829,258
"Growing the endowment is transformative for Hampden-Sydney’s reputation and stature, taking it from a good liberal arts college and making it into a great one. Whether for student scholarships, endowed professorships, new or enhanced programs, or operations, endowment funding is critical for maintaining stability and enabling innovation and growth. To be sure, a gift to the endowment helps ensure Hampden-Sydney’s bright future for the long term." –Tom Coyle '79, Trustee
"Endowed scholarships make an important difference in the success of the College. They can attract students to apply who otherwise may not be able to afford the tuition. Also, endowed funds continue to provide scholarships year after year." -Hugh Edmunds '64
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Scholarship The lifeblood of opportunity, scholarships open the gates of the College to young men of exceptional promise, no matter their families' financial means. Scholarship support ensures that talent and character—not circumstance—define who has the privilege to call the Hill home.
$46,316,954
RAISED FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND INTERNSHIP SUPPORT
includes restricted and endowed funds
97.2%
OF STUDENTS RECEIVED INSTITUTIONAL GRANT OR SCHOLARSHIP AID DURING THE CAMPAIGN
235
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP AND INTERNSHIP AWARDS CREATED, RENEWED, OR SUPPORTED BY THE IT'S TIME, GOOD MEN CAMPAIGN
“Knowing how integral H-SC has been to my development as a student, a person, and a citizen, I cannot imagine myself anywhere else. If not for the generous scholarships I received, though, I would have had to go elsewhere and been all the worse for it. The generous scholarships also are now allowing me to pursue law school which would be far less economically feasible had my undergraduate education been more expensive.” -Daniel Garrison ’26, Philosophy Major from Staunton, Virginia
“Receiving a scholarship to attend Hampden-Sydney is an opportunity that has given me so many experiences and connections. I have grown so much as a person since I started at H-SC. The Hampden-Sydney brotherhood is about lifting each other up so that we can excel in and out of the classroom.” -Haden vonCanon '27, English Major from Arvonia, Virginia
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THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
including 54 new scholarship endowments
22%
OF GIFTS EARMARKED FOR SCHOLARSHIP
Facilities State-of-the-art facilities that are sympathetic to the College’s historic character and architecture support a modern, rigorous education with a reverence for the generations that came before. Well-maintained and thoughtfully designed spaces inspire learning, foster community, and prepare students for the demands of the world beyond campus. Investing in facilities preserves the timeless beauty of our setting, while ensuring our students have access to the tools, spaces, and technologies that fuel their success.
FACILITIES AMOUNT RAISED
$85,493,032 40%
OF GIFTS EARMARKED FOR FACILITIES
The construction of the College’s new home of the sciences, Pauley Science Center, in 2022 and the historic renovation of Venable Hall to its original aesthetic with every modern convenience highlights Hampden-Sydney’s commitment to preserving our built legacy while ensuring students have every resource to succeed today. Other capital projects being supported by campaign funds include the upgrades to Kirby Field House, home of the two-time national runner-up Tiger Basketball team, and the renovations of the Whitehouse and Carpenter dorms. Gilmer Hall is a special project that, when completed, will embody both pillars of the comprehensive campaign. The renovation of the building itself was made possible by a $20 million gift from Endeavour Legacy Foundation. A subsequent $30 million gift from the foundation is endowing multiple faculty and staff positions to grow and enhance the College’s curricular offerings in business, foreign affairs, and national security. Ongoing naming opportunities will support additional scholarship, internship, and co-curricular activities housed in Gilmer. Visit go.hsc.edu/gilmer-renovation to learn more about the project.
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ACADEMICS A Chapter Closes
A Chapter Opens
Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement to two esteemed Hampden-Sydney faculty members!
The first professor funded through the Endeavour Legacy Foundation gift is Assistant Professor of Economics and Business Yuchen Lin. Dr. Lin is among a talented group of 10 faculty members who joined the College in fall 2025.
PAM FOX Professor of Fine Arts
32 YEARS
MARCUS PENDERGRASS
Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
YUCHEN LIN
Assistant Professor of Economics and Business
20 YEARS
Student Headlines
Lymph Node Invasion by Melanoma Cells Is Not Required for the Induction of Incomplete Differentiation by Tumor-Specific CD8+ T Cells in Cancer Reports Trinkle Professor of Biology Kristian M. Hargadon '01, with Travis Goodloe ’16 and Stephen Woodall ’15
Matty Walker ’28, Roland Brown ’28, Tristan Leidig ’28, and Hampton Brannon ’28 took home gold at the international 2024 William & Mary Global Innovation Challenge (WMGIC) x NATO Countering Disinformation Challenge. Editor-in-chief Jonathan Pope ’24 and Associate Editors Ean Larsen ’25, Connor Hoban ’25, and Andrew Winans ’25 released the spring 2024 issue of the Garnet, Hampden-Sydney College's studentrun literary magazine, marking its first release since 2018. This year’s issue included work from nearly 20 students. The development and opening of the College’s apiary was a true community effort that called upon the skill and expertise of faculty, staff, alumni, and community members, with students contributing drone imagery layouts and site planning. 10 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
Faculty Publications and Awards Introduction to CRISPR-Cas9 Techniques: Strategies for the Laboratory and the Classroom McGavacks Professor of Biology Michael Wolyniak, co-editor “Malate dehydrogenase: a story of diverse evolutionary radiation” Essays in Biochemistry McGavacks Professor of Biology Michael Wolyniak, Henry Loehr ’24, Bo Frazier ’26, and Pierce Gemborys ’25
“Using Excel and VLC Player to examine the takeoff of a Boeing 747-400 ERF” Physics Education Professor of Physics and Astronomy Steven Bloom “Endogenous Public Health Responses in Orthodox Jewish Communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic” Journal of Institutional Economics Associate Professor of Economics and Business Trey Carson, Professor of Economics and Business Anthony Carilli, and Professor of Economics and Business Justin Isaacs
Office of Sponsored Programs Over the 2024-25 academic year, Hampden-Sydney’s Grants Office underwent a comprehensive relaunch and revitalization, reemerging as the Office of Sponsored Programs led by Assistant Dean of Faculty for Sponsored Programs and Faculty Development and Elliott Associate Professor of Psychology Ivo Gyurovski '09 and supported by new hire Amanda Compton, manager of College grants. This transformation included a thorough review and update of policies and procedures governing grant management at the College, ensuring a more efficient and effective grants administration process, and the development of a new website featuring interactive forms to facilitate faculty navigation of the grant lifecycle. The office also leads College-wide programming, including webinars on grant writing and funder engagement.
MEET AMANDA COMPTON As manager of College grants, Ms. Compton will provide support services such as grant prospecting, application preparation, and postaward management.
2024-25 Grant Highlights The office helped staff and faculty members secure and manage more than $16 million in grants this fiscal year, advancing the College’s academic mission, research initiatives, and community impact. Check out some of the grants awarded and underway. NETVUE GRANT: REFRAMING THE INSTITUTIONAL SAGA Elliott Professor of History Caroline Emmons
This grant will fund research into underexplored or forgotten aspects of the College’s history, including its founding, religious roots, African American contributions, campus myths, and a partial excavation of Old College. The findings will be shared through student projects, physical markers, and a series of accessible booklets aimed at fostering inclusive, civic-minded reflection across the campus community. DOT SMART GRANT (2), NSF CIVIC CHALLENGE GRANT, USDA-ARS GRANT Elliott Associate Professor of Rhetoric Sean Gleason
INSTITUTE FOR HUMANE STUDIES, EDUCATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP GRANTS Professor of Economics and Business Justin Isaacs ’95
This grant will support legacy programming in HampdenSydney’s Center for the Study of Political Economy (CSPE) including the Political Economy Scholars Program, the Political Economy Lecture Series, and the Philosophy Political Economy Reading Groups. Together, these initiatives create a vibrant intellectual community that motivates students to create a more just and prosperous world through entrepreneurship and scholarship in classical liberal political economy. MERCK GRANT: HEALTH AND COMMUNITY FOCUS AND NSF GRANT: CRISPR IN THE CLASSROOM McGavacks Professor of Biology and Director of Undergraduate Research Michael Wolyniak
Dr. Michael Wolyniak is leading two major educationfocused grant initiatives. The first, supported by Merck & Co., partners with the Virginia Junior Academy of Science and Emory University to combat vaccine hesitancy among Virginia high school students through a video-based education campaign. The second, funded by multiple NSF awards, focuses on integrating CRISPR education into undergraduate classrooms by building a national network of instructors through hands-on workshops and curriculum development. Learn more about the Office of Sponsored Programs at go.hsc.edu/sponsored-programs
Expanding upon more than a decade of work in Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Professor Gleason and his collaborators at Nalaquq were awarded four grants that support innovative uses of remote sensing and drone technology to enhance emergency response, environmental monitoring, and cultural resilience in rural Alaskan communities. HSC.EDU 11
Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest From the Hill to the mountains, Wilson Center students took charge this year, bringing home gold medals, great memories, and exceptional skillsets. Thought-provoking speakers encouraged students to broaden their perspectives and examine their world views and unique hands-on activities invited students to practice split-second decision making, while maintaining composure under pressure.
Leadership Talks In addition to hosting the 5th District Candidate Forum featuring John McGuire and Gloria Witt, the Wilson Center hosted an array of engaging and impactful speakers and events this year.
WILSON CENTER for LEADERSHIP in the PUBLIC INTEREST
New Hire Alert
CIVIL LIBERTIES AFTER 9/11 with Lew Robinson ’91 Assistant Director, Directorate of Information Technology Services
National Counterterrorism Center
SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 CRAWLEY FORUM | 7:00 PM
Leadership in (Re)action The completion of the Leadership Reaction Course on campus gave students new hands-on ways to practice leadership through teamwork and problemsolving scenarios. “Think of it as an obstacle course with no single right solution that can only be accomplished through teamwork. From a leadership development perspective, the value is that the designated leader has to quickly size up a new situation, come up with a workable solution that maximizes scarce resources, communicate that plan to his team, and then adapt the plan along the way as the team races the clock. Leaders can experiment with different leadership approaches based on the strengths and weaknesses of their team. I've never seen two teams solve an element the same way, so there's a lot of space for creativity.” -Vinton Bruton, Director of the Wilson Center 12 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
Joining the Wilson Center this year as a lecturer is Dr. Bruce I. Gudmundsson, who holds a B.A. in modern history from Yale College and a D.Phil. in modern history from Oxford University. Dr. Gudmundsson is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the Icelandic Coast Guard and has devoted a great deal of time to the study of military history. In his courses, Dr. Gudmundsson uses decision-forcing cases to foster such virtues as decisiveness, critical thinking, and empathy. Over the course of the past 16 years, he has conducted such exercises at the Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group, the Yale Alumni College, the Marine Corps University, the Army War College, and Dickinson College.
Leadership in Action BIG CATS IN THE BACKCOUNTRY Director of High Adventure Scott Schmolesky and Director Bruton led a leadership expedition in Sawtooth Range, Idaho. From July 22 to August 2, 10 students covered more than 50 grueling miles over difficult terrain in the wilderness, practicing CPR and wilderness first aid, map reading, gear handling, and leadership skills in a real-world setting. “Back home, it's easy to escape stress by pulling out a phone and scrolling through social media, but in Sawtooth, depending on our Hampden-Sydney brothers was our only option...” -William Gardner ’25 TAKING ON WHITEWATER Wilson Fellows cultivated leadership skills in chaotic situations during a raft-guiding trip in August 2024. “The rafting trip was a great way to force decisive decision making on us as we directed the members of our raft on which way to row. We couldn't pace the decision making; the river set the tempo for us. Overall, it was a challenging and refreshingly new exercise.” -Zach Eason ’25 “When I wasn’t at the head of the raft, I was often challenged by the leadership choices of others. Decisions I considered questionable were still maneuvers I had to follow. It reinforced the importance of being not only a good leader but a good follower as well.” -Austin Apesa ’27 NO COMPETITION HERE Top: On March 2 and 3, Hampden-Sydney competed in the 14th annual Leadership Challenge Event™ (LCE™) hosted by the Washburn University Leadership Institute, bringing home second place out of 15 teams, as well as the Collaboration Award and the Emerging Leader Award. Bottom: On Saturday, March 28, two teams from the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest placed first and second in the Southeast Regional of the Collegiate Leadership Competition (CLC) at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Teams competed in six interactive one-hour challenges based on the CLC’s leadership curriculum. Uniquely, Hampden-Sydney’s teams were student coached.
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Student Research
More than 50 percent of Tigers participate in research during their careers at Hampden-Sydney, with approximately 25 percent of students conducting independent research projects. With the support of expert faculty mentors, many students conduct their research right here on the Hill, leveraging their access to the number 6 Best Science Lab Facilities and the number 2 Best College Library. This summer, students also went beyond the gates and leveraged the number 2 Best Alumni Network, conducting research with expert alumni mentors.
Evan Old ’26 worked with Dacre Knight ’05 at Mayo ClinicJacksonville investigating the intersection of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in patients with hypermobility. “The most exciting aspect of summer research was the opportunity to work with an alumnus in academic medicine. Working with Dr. Knight allowed me to explore the intricacies of medical research and affirmed my ambitions to pursue a career in medicine, fostered my interest in medical research, and demonstrated the opportunity provided by the Hampden-Sydney alumni network.”
-Evan Old '26
BEST SCIENCE LAB FACILITIES
No. 2
BEST COLLEGE LIBRARY
No. 2
BEST ALUMNI NETWORK
The Princeton Review 2026 Best 391 Colleges
Cooper Wendley ’26
Bryson Sink ’26
Bowen Charlebois ’26
worked with Louis Nottingham ’92 at the Washington State University (WSU) Northwest Research and Extension Center (NWREC) in the Nottingham Entomology Lab. One project sought to identify a less-preferred cover crop in an effort to control wireworm predation on cereal crops. The second project documented the first recorded sighting of the invasive leafhopper species Eupteryx atropunctata in Washington state.
worked with Garrett Hamilton ’01 in a multifaceted project evaluating the effectiveness of four off-label medications in managing aggressive behavior among pediatric and adolescent neurobehavioral patients. By comparing incident reports before and after medication use for three selected patients per drug, Bryson helped assess each medication’s impact on reducing aggression.
worked with Mike Duncan ’02 in the Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks Department, doing a comprehensive survey of fish population vitalities in an assortment of mountain lakes and water systems to give the department insight into the health of their water systems and inform decisions about the amount of fishing that can be done in these areas.
"H-SC’s Summer Research Program helped me discover a passion for entomology and agriculture through hands-on experience in a professional research setting. Thanks to Dr. Nottingham’s mentorship and the support of the Summer Research Program, I gained invaluable opportunities and lasting connections at WSU’s NWREC."
-Cooper Wendley '26
14 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
No. 6
"Observing the nursing staff’s compassionate interactions and working closely with Mr. Garrett Hamilton affirmed my desire to pursue a nursing career. His mentorship not only deepened my understanding of the healthcare field but also demonstrated the strength and impact of the Hampden-Sydney alumni network."
-Bryson Sink '26
"One of the most exciting things I learned from my internship this summer is that there is more than one right way to get into the area of conservation work one is interested in. Dr. Duncan’s example, guidance, flexibility, and thoughtfulness allowed me to explore different aspects of the field and gave me confidence to investigate new paths as I enter my final year at Hampden-Sydney."
-Bowen Charlebois '26
Global Education
H-SC in… France
11% 31%
31% of Class of 2025 studied abroad (up from 15% of Class of 2024)
11% of student body studied abroad (up from 8% in FY 2023-24)
Tigers on the Move Last year, 107 students studied abroad or away in 14 countries and programs.
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An interdisciplinary trip that was two years in the making took flight this summer as students landed in France for a May-term abroad. Elliott Assistant Professor of Fine Arts Ray Kleinlein, Professor of Economics and Business Saranna Thornton, and Elliott Associate Professor of Psychology Ivo Gyurovski ’09 combined their respective expertise to explore some of the most celebrated elements of French culture. Students took two of three courses, choosing from French Art and Architecture (VISU 360), Economics and Evolution of the Wine Industry (ECON 204), and Food for Thought: Psychology of Eating and Drinking Behavior (PSYC 285). The group spent the first two-and-a-half weeks of the program in Aix-enProvence, France, exploring Marseilles (including Notre-Dame de la Garde), the ancient aqueducts at Pont du Gard, the amphitheater in Nimes, tours and wine tastings, and a tour of Calissons (a French candy factory). The last week and a half of the program was based in Paris, where the group visited the Eiffel Tower, Musee d'Orsay, the Louvre, Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, and the Museum of Wine.
France 17 Italy 1 Morocco 1 Seamester 1 Australia 1 Japan 1 New Zealand 1 Varia Semester at Sea 1 Spain 25 Germany 12 Sawtooth, Idaho 10 Ireland 2 Jordan 1
“The experience of being in another place, seeing what makes it special, and yet bringing your own background allowed me to see my place as a global citizen and to appreciate cultures, customs, and artworks that I had not previously experienced. Marseilles and its downtown stood out for many reasons. Historic buildings stand beside walls alive with modern graffiti. The aroma of distinctly French fare wafts from cafés to the street, inviting passersby to linger over meals accompanied by fine French wine. Art and architecture, food and drink—together these art forms clash and converge, weaving a narrative of culture and history that feels at once ancient and contemporary." -Jed Hampton ’26 “I loved to see our students' knowledge, curiosity, and confidence growing over the four weeks we were away!” -Dr. Saranna Thornton
Why Study Abroad?
Gyabaah Kyere Gyeabour '27, Madrid, Spain
“Studying abroad is more than just being in a new country; it’s a journey of adapting to new challenges, embracing cultural differences, and expanding my perspective.”
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Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Dr. Michele King joined Hampden-Sydney in January 2025 as director of the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Prior to Hampden-Sydney, Dr. King was a professor at William & Mary for 25 years championing boundary-pushing ideas and coaching the next generation of innovators. Since her arrival on the Hill, Dr. King has implemented new courses and programming to support innovative students at H-SC, expanding awareness of the Flemming Center’s offerings and the reach of its services and connecting students with successful alumni, who can give them valuable insight into the world of entrepreneurship.
“The entrepreneurial energy at Hampden-Sydney is undeniable. Students, faculty, and alumni are all rallying around the belief that big ideas build community. The momentum is just getting started, and I’m honored to help shape what comes next.” Though he didn’t win the grand prize, a standout of Demo Day was Asa Williams ’28. The seed for his venture, Just One Scoop, a late-night ice cream truck, was planted on a summer outing with his mother. After meeting Dr. King, Asa's idea took on new life.
First Annual Demo Day This spring, the Flemming Center joined forces with Longwood University to host the first annual Demo Day pitch competition. After submitting a business model and a video, 50 students representing 35 ventures from both schools were invited to Demo Day. Held at the SEED Innovation Hub in downtown Farmville, the one-day event saw the invited entrepreneurs pitch their venture ideas to a panel of judges with the hopes of making it to the main stage for a chance to win $2,000. The top 10 students and teams made it to the main stage for the final pitch. Hampden-Sydney sent 13 students to the competition, with six Tigers making it to the final presentations and two students taking home awards.
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“Within three weeks, Asa went from ‘I like ice cream’ to the Just One Scoop business idea to making it to the main stage of Demo Day in the top 10,” Dr. King says proudly. “He was in my office every week working on a business plan and graphics and his pitch deck.” “Dr. King was awesome,” Asa adds. “She was willing to help me with anything I needed. She was the first person to make me realize that my dream of becoming an entrepreneur is possible with a little guidance and hard work."
DEMO DAY FINALISTS PJ REEL ’28 Chozn 2nd Place Overall
JESSE SMITH ’27 J&W Lawn Care Fan Favorite and Best in Category
RYAN PORTERFIELD ’26 Gen-Infinite Esports
ASA WILLIAMS ’28 Just One Scoop DILLON BALL ’26 Ball Turkey Calls
WILLS BEALMEAR ’27 QD Tech
If you’d like to engage with the Flemming Center, consider becoming an LER Executive Partner. Dr. King explains: “LER stands for learn, earn, and return. It is geared toward alumni who have come to HampdenSydney and learned, left the Hill and earned, and are ready to return and connect with a student to provide guidance and mentorship.” To learn more, contact Dr. King at mking@hsc.edu.
Ferguson Career Center With new leadership and new programming, Ferguson Career Center is offering more exceptional support and guidance than ever and continuing to make enhancements.
No. 7
No. 16
Best Career Services
Best Schools for Internships
The Princeton Review 2026 Best 391 Colleges
Meet the Newest Ferguson Team Members
SCOTT CRAWFORD Director
“Experience is a powerful component of well-informed career decision-making. We are creating strong partnerships within the College as well as with alumni, employers, and graduate programs, developing a wide range of outcomesfocused initiatives and programming, all designed to give students the necessary tools, career readiness preparation, connections, and experiences to best explore, expand, and realize their career aspirations.” -Scott Crawford
EMILY SADLER
Assistant Director of Programming and Partnerships
ALEK BURLESON ’22
Assistant Director of Alumni and Employer Relations
ASHLEY CRUTE
Assistant Director for Experiential Programs and Student Employment
Ferguson Career Center hosted the inaugural Professional Immersion Experience (PIE) in Dallas with the support of faculty and staff members and alumni. Students participated in site visits to companies in finance, real estate, non-profit, healthcare, and more. Students were able to make exciting connections in their fields of interest, and several students, like Jack Falter ’28, landed internships and full-time post-graduation positions. Jack connected with Services of Hope, a Dallas-based nonprofit dedicated to helping community members in need through food, housing, and financial literacy services. Having worked with the Ferguson Center during the school year running the social media channels, Jack served Services of Hope in a marketing and public relations position. After his initial four-week internship ended, Jack was offered a remote position with the organization, which he will continue through the coming school year.
“I know that I'm on this earth to help people who feel like they can't be helped. Services of Hope does so much for members of the Dallas community, and working with them has been a great experience. I received so much support from the Ferguson Career Center, the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, and the staff at Services of Hope in making this internship possible, and I’m eager to continue paying that forward.”-Jack Falter '28
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Fine Arts From standing ovations in a packed Johns Auditorium to international encores in the Notre-Dame Basilica, 2024-25 marked a high point for the Hampden-Sydney Fine Arts Department. With student creativity flourishing and faculty achievements garnering national recognition, the department celebrated a remarkable season of artistic excellence on the stage and in the studio.
Faculty in the Spotlight Elliott Assistant Professor of Fine Arts Ray Kleinlein was awarded the Senior Class Award, which is given by the senior class to a community member for their contributions to the College, its students, and the community. Professor Kleinlein was also invited to exhibit two paintings at the City University of New York. The group exhibition “Surprises Unknown: The Art of the Wrapping” explored the art of wrapping in its many forms and featured work by approximately 30 artists, including Andy Warhol and Christo. Elliott Associate Professor of Fine Arts Victor Szabo received the Best Historical Research in Popular Music award presented by the Association for Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC) for his book Turn On, Tune In, Drift Off: Ambient Music's Psychedelic Past. This summer, Professor Szabo presented a talk titled “Psychedelic Aesthetics and the Art of DJing: Notes from the US Rave Underground” at the International Association for the Study of Popular Music held in Paris at the Université Sorbonne-Nouvelle. Associate Professor of Theater Matt Dubroff both directed and acted in the spring theater production of the play Glengarry Glen Ross. Professor Dubroff also brought master Noh performers from around the world to campus as Theatre Nohgaku presented pieces of noh.
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Inside Men This spring, students in Hampden-Sydney’s course Social Documentary: Image, Text, and Context (HONS 202) collaborated with incarcerated men at Piedmont Regional Jail (PRJ) to create a powerful multimedia art installation titled "Living with Conviction." The course, co-taught by Professor of Rhetoric Claire Deal and Professor of Fine Arts Pam Fox, combined visual arts and rhetoric to explore themes of identity, incarceration, and community through photography, writing, and sound. Throughout the semester, students and PRJ partners engaged in creative workshops and collaborative storytelling exercises, with Hampden-Sydney students acting as both students and mentors. They developed technical and interpersonal skills while guiding PRJ partners in creating pinhole camera images, writing personal poems, and crafting audio pieces. The final exhibition debuted inside the jail and was later displayed at the Atkinson Museum, offering the broader community a window into the lived experiences and the creative voices of the incarcerated participants. This reimagined course fostered connection, challenged stereotypes, and demonstrated how connection and creativity can build empathy and understanding in even the unlikeliest of places.
The annual end-of-year Student Art Show was said by many to be the best yet. » Atkinson Museum Award, Andrew Winans '25 » McClintock Award, Bruton Peacock '25 » Bortz Library Awards, Ryan Parker '25 and Andrew Blankenship '25
H-SC Chorus in Canada Bruton Peacock
Andrew Blankenship
Ryan Parker
Andrew Winans
In May, the Hampden-Sydney Men’s Chorus traveled to Canada for performances at two historic cathedrals: the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral and the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. This marked their first international tour under the direction of Elliott Associate Professor of Fine Arts Helena von Rueden, offering students both musical and cultural enrichment. The chorus adapted beautifully to the unique acoustics of each venue, performing sacred music during a French-language Mass and for an audience of tourists. In addition to their performances, the students participated in a workshop at McGill University, enhancing their vocal and interpretive skills. Beyond music, the trip offered many firsts— flights, international travel, and new cultural experiences like trying local cuisine and exploring historic sites. The tour fostered musical growth, personal development, and deepened bonds among the students, leaving lasting impressions on performers and audiences alike.
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STUDENT LIFE Service was the forefront of student life this year. In the face of need and natural disaster, Tigers went above and beyond to help their neighbors.
No. 4
No. 9
No. 11
Friendliest Students
Most Engaged in Their Students Love Community Service These Colleges The Princeton Review 2026 Best 391 Colleges
250 Hours for 250 Years
Good Firemen, Great Neighbors
In commemoration of Hampden-Sydney’s 250th Anniversary celebration, the Office of Student Affairs sponsored a 250-Hour Service Challenge, where student groups were challenged to complete 250 hours of volunteer work through the schoolyear. Participating students logged more than 7,500 hours, creating an estimated local economic impact of $252,000. Projects included Tigers Serve staples like the Big Event, Taking Flight Bike Project, Hatteras Fall Break Trip, Adopt-a-Highway Program, and the Beat Macon Blood Drive (and beat Macon we did, 67-40), as well as unique opportunities such as the Rise Against Hunger food-packing event and tree planting at Farmville’s splash pad, pictured above.
After category four Hurricane Helene devastated Southeastern states in September 2024, the Hampden-Sydney Volunteer Fire Department jumped into action. Collaborating with other area fire and rescue departments, H-SC collected power tools, hand tools, large ventilation fans, 30 air tanks, and rapid intervention bags to help rebuild a destroyed station in Tennessee.
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Beyond the Hill
In between good deeds, Tigers found ways to blow off steam and fellowship with each other and peers at other institutions.
Tigers on Top Over the academic year, Hampden-Sydney students participated in an intercollegiate climbing competition against Sweet Briar College, University of Lynchburg, Longwood University, Radford University, and Hollins University. Hosting teams from Sweet Briar and Radford at the climbing wall, Hampden-Sydney kicked off the competition in September 2024.
This past March, Dr. Richard Pantele '13, dean of students, and Dwayne Bowyer '92, associate dean of students for student conduct and character and director of Greek life, led a group of 22 alumni and current students to the Soaring Eagle Lodge on the San Juan River in New Mexico for a five-day fly-fishing trip as a part of the Hampden-Sydney Beyond the Hill Program. Beyond the Hill is the College's flagship service, adventure, and leadership program that has taken students around the world to practice and apply the mission of the College through experiential learning, service projects, and high adventure opportunities. While on the trip, this year's group completed retired Navy Seal Rich Diviney's The Attributes, a leadership assessment for individuals and teams. The Beyond the Hill program has traveled to Soaring Eagle Lodge with students over the College's spring break for over a decade. This year, several participants caught trophy rainbow and brown trout and have been included on the hall of fame at Soaring Eagle Lodge.
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ATHLETICS
This season, Tiger student-athletes proved on a national stage that they are good men and good citizens on and off the field.
Good Sportsmen
Good Citizens
2.96
Student-Athlete Average GPA
All-Americans
41%
of the Student Body are NCAA Athletes
ADAM BRAZIL ’25
2
Nationally Ranked DIII Programs #11 Basketball | #20 Golf
Academic/Scholar All-Americans
CONOR KILFEATHER ’25
Adam Brazil ’25 Jack Barnes ’27
Hampden-Sydney College Football received the Get in the Game Rookie of the Year Award from the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) for their impactful bone marrow swab drive held in April 2024 at which they registered more than 200 new members to the NMDP Registry. In October 2024, Peyton Lambert ’27 was identified as a match for a 63-year-old leukemia patient and donated his stem cells, saving a life.
Nick Rubino ’25 Conor Kilfeather ’25 Gaines Weis ’25
ODAC...of the Year Player
Adam Brazil ’25
GAINES WEIS ’25
Scholar-Athlete Adam Brazil ’25
Sportsman
Nick Rubino ’25
Rookie
Cole Palmer ’28
Coach
Caleb Kimbrough D3hoops.com Region 6 22 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
CAMPION WHITE ’25
“Our players delivered in a big way when asked to help recruit their peers to the NMDP tent to get swabbed. The numbers we were able to achieve are a testament to their commitment to this great cause and the tightly bonded brotherhood at Hampden-Sydney.” -Former Assistant Football Coach Ryan Wilson
Hampden-Sydney College Baseball captain Alex Fitz-Hugh ’26 was named to the Lou Gehrig Community Impact team, which recognizes the character and community impact of college baseball players. Each year, the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team honors nine college baseball players from Divisions I, II, and III who make a meaningful difference both on and off the field.
“Alex was a clear choice [for this honor]. He is heavily involved in the community and on campus…[and] embodies everything the College stands for.” -Head Baseball Coach Michael Mulvey
Great Coaches The Tigers say farewell to four dedicated head coaches and thank them for all the wins, lessons, and memories! Betsy Leonard, Head Swim Coach; 59-38 over 14 seasons; 2017 ODAC Coach of the Year Byron Balkin, Head Tennis Coach; led the program to the second-highest win total in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference over seven seasons Matt Griswold, Cross Country and Distance Track Head Coach and Club Sports and Intramurals Intramural Director, retired after seven seasons Chad Eisele, Head Golf Coach, stepping down after eight seasons, but will continue as athletic director and assistant golf coach; three-time ODAC Jack Jensen Coach of the Year and three-time Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) College Division Coach of the Year; 2022 NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championships National Runner-Up
Give a big Tiger welcome to… Courtney Faller began his first season as head swim coach in 2025-26. He previously served as the assistant coach and swim instructor at the Country Club of Charleston in South Carolina and as an aquatics learning director at the College of Charleston. Grayson Burns ’20, a four-year standout for Tiger Tennis, began his first season as head tennis coach in 2025-26. Burns previously served as assistant men’s coach at DI Montana State University. Jared Deaton began his first season with the Tigers as head cross country and distance track coach in 2025-26. Deaton previously served served as an assistant cross country and track and field coach at Hendrix College (AR) since 2022. Deaton will also serve as director of club sports and intramurals. Duncan Wheeler began his first season as head golf coach in 2025-26. Wheeler has served as H-SC's associate head coach since August 2022, after serving as an assistant coach for three years.
The Tigers' Dens: Facilities Built for Champions FOOTBALL: Check out the new LED scoreboard on Fulton Field in Everett Stadium this season, sure to stay lit through the night many times, thanks to a generous gift from Bill ’70 and Shireen Kirk. The football team's indoor facilities also got a facelift with a new hallway mural and brand new locker rooms sure to inspire the Tigers on to victory. BASEBALL: Yank Bernier Field at the Ty Cobb Ballpark-Wurdeman Stadium got an upgrade with the addition of eight new field lights, updated dugouts, and a six-camera system for player development.
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Article and Photos by Zachary Bettis, Communications and Marketing Specialist
O
n November 10, 1775, with the American Revolution underway, Hampden-Sydney College was founded. Less than a year later, the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marked a turning point in the War of Independence, igniting a spirit of freedom that swept through the colonies—reaching even the remote campus of Hampden-Sydney College. In 1777, amid fears of a British invasion, students and faculty members responded to a call-to-arms by Virginia Governor and HampdenSydney Founding Trustee Patrick Henry. As part of the Prince Edward County Militia, the Hampden-Sidney Boys marched from Hampden-Sydney to Williamsburg, Virginia, ready to defend the fledgling nation. In early April 2025, as part of the College’s 250th anniversary celebrations, Hampden-Sydney community members retraced that historic path. In a three-day, relay-style march covering more than 75 miles, students, alumni, and faculty and staff members commemorated the College’s enduring commitment to good citizenship and freedom and brought to life the personal sacrifices and shared legacy of those early defenders, who undertook the original march 250 years ago.
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I am incredibly grateful for t his experience. T hrough sweat, toil, and pain, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what t hese men endured for our country’s liberty— and t he immense hardships t hey overcame to complete t his treacherous journey to W illiamsburg. I’m left wit h a profound sense of awe and humility at t he fact that t hey accomplished such a feat wit hout t he aid of modern comforts. T his has truly been a humbling experience— one I will cherish for t he rest of my life.” - Brandon Hyde ’25
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
Hampden Sydney, VA
Richmond, VA
Williamsburg, VA
The march began on April 4 at Hampden House, situated beside the archaeological dig associated with the History of HampdenSydney College course (HIST 385), taught by Committee Co-Chair and Elliott Professor of History Caroline Emmons and archaeologist Charles Pearson.
Day two began early at Great Shiplock Park in Richmond, Virginia, as the group hit the Virginia Capital Trail for a grueling 30 miles ending at Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park in Charles City, Virginia. There, members of the Reenacting Club offered an educational demonstration of a soldier’s daily life.
On the final day, the group pushed through more than 26 miles along the Virginia Capital Trail, joined along the way by several dozen members of the College community. The journey concluded in Colonial Williamsburg with a warm welcome from Patrick Henry himself (or at least someone who looked an awful lot like him).
Every moment of t he march brought out its own emot ions. T here were moments of pride, pain, amazement, sadness, struggle, strengt h, stress, and joy. It ’s a testament to what we’ve been t hrough and helps preserve t he memory of our forefathers in our minds and hearts. I’m deeply grateful to have journeyed wit h t hese men; I could not have been in bett er company, I could not ask for bett er brot hers, I could not ask for bett er friends. God Dillon Ball ’26 bless Hampden-Sydney. -Dillon
As t he larger group walked t he final mile t hrough W illiamsburg, I, as a proud alumnus and veteran, was extremely satisfied and grateful to witness such a monumental event and gathering to honor our past and remember our history. -Dean Dean Dwayne Bowyer ’92
Thank you to Associate Dean of Students for Student Conduct and Character and Director of Greek Life Dwayne Bowyer ’92, Visiting Lecturer Colonel Greg Eanes, the Office of Student Affairs, the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest, the Compass Program, and the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement for making this venture possible. Read the full story at 250.hsc.edu/the-march-to-williamsburg/
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A Good Citizen is an Engaged Citizen By Alexandra Evans
A
s the world commemorates the 50th reflection, encouraging students and community anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, campuses members to confront the complexities of our shared across America are again alive with protest. past. In a post-symposium article in the Tiger, Tim Students are voicing their views on everything McKay ’96 quoted symposium speaker and former from foreign policy to civil rights, with sit-ins and National Security Advisor Walt Rostow: “‘[Students] walkouts echoing scenes from the 1960s and ’70s. are interested in trying to figure out what lessons At its best, protest is not a rejection of patriotism but can be learned from an experience that polarized an expression of it—grounded in the belief that one’s the country. But I find what they want of me is not nation is worth holding to the highest to start telling them what to think. They standard. want facts.’” Civic engagement takes many Many alumni remember the forms—voting, volunteering, organizing, diametrically opposed Ron Heinemann educating, and protesting. Whether and Jim Simms, two College icons who through quiet acts of service or public sat across from each other ideologically demonstrations, each contribution shapes but beside one another in respect and By Zachary Bettis a more just society. At Hampden-Sydney, humanity. They epitomized the capacity students across centuries have taken of Hampden-Sydney men to discuss seriously the College’s call to be good reasonably and disagree passionately while citizens, often in ways less public but no remaining collegial—a skill still nurtured less significant than protest. across the Hill. Born on the eve of the Revolutionary Hampden-Sydney does not delay War and arguably conceived as an act of engagement with complex issues. From protest itself, Hampden-Sydney has civic the earliest stages of the Ukraine-Russia engagement in its very foundations. In war and the Israel-Gaza conflict, faculty 2025, that founding principle earned the members have incorporated these topics College a number one ranking for Most into their courses, fostering informed Active Student Government and number dialogue and analysis. The College A Hampden-Sydney student three for Most Politically Active Students also hosts expert speakers who provide underneath the flag at half-mast during a campus by The Princeton Review. historical context and encourage students memorial for the victims of Dr. John Ragosta’s 2025 Baccalaureate to develop independent, well-reasoned the Kent State shootings. Photo courtesy of the Tiger. address called on students to engage perspectives. May 15, 1970. actively and courageously in moments The Union-Philanthropic Literary of disagreement, citing the College’s namesakes Society (UPLS), established in 1789 and the nation’s as men who “symbolized devotion to principles oldest continuously operating debating society, of representative government…and full civil and continues to address the pressing issues of the day. religious liberties.” Ragosta asked pointedly: “What Through structured debate, participants cultivate does a good citizen do if they disagree with national critical thinking skills, practice civil discourse, and policy?” develop the ability to rigorously defend competing Such questions serve as invitations to action. viewpoints. Events like Hampden-Sydney’s 1993 Vietnam And when the call for justice requires more than Symposium offered a forum for dialogue and discussion, Hampden-Sydney students respond. In
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1777, the Hampden-Sidney Boys donned pokeberrydyed shirts on their trek to Williamsburg to answer the call from Patrick Henry to defend the nation. In the 1960s, when local Black students were denied equitable education, Hampden-Sydney students went into the Farmville community to tutor youth. In the wake of the 1970 Kent State Shootings, students like Walker P. Sydnor Jr. ’71 protested violence and mourned together on the Hill. Alphonso O’NeilWhite ’72 and others joined Longwood students in a “Plea for Peace” rally assessing U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia.
“The turbulent times of the Vietnam War and the Kent State shootings also left an indelible mark on my college experience. The campus was abuzz with discussions and protests, as students grappled with their opposition to the war. This period of unrest and political upheaval shaped my worldview and my understanding of the power of collective action.” -Walker P. Sydnor Jr. ’71
“Hampden-Sydney was and is a unique intimate academic community that molded me, sometimes uncomfortably, but always profoundly. It was a crucible of growth, where I grappled with the complexities of my time and emerged a more thoughtful, engaged citizen.” -Francis “Breck” Montague ’70 Francis “Breck” Montague ’70 embodied the complexities of his era. As a student, he joined the 1969 March on Washington to protest America’s involvement in Vietnam, yet in that same year enlisted in the U.S. Navy. For Montague, the decision was both principled and pragmatic: he wanted to control his future in the face of the draft while continuing his family’s tradition of service. What might seem contradictory was, in truth, a reflection of duty— to his conscience, his country, and his heritage. Over the next 36 years, Montague built a distinguished military career that both honored his lineage and shaped his stances during one of the most turbulent eras in our nation.
This tension between conviction and obligation recalls Patrick Henry’s final speech, delivered in 1799 just 20 miles from Hampden-Sydney at Charlotte Court House. At George Washington’s request, Henry emerged from retirement to defend the Constitution he had once opposed. Though steadfast in his belief in liberty, he concluded that preserving the Union was essential to safeguarding American freedom. Like Henry, Montague showed that principled dissent and national service are not mutually exclusive—that one can question government policy while still answering the nation’s call. Today’s Hampden-Sydney students continue this legacy of civic engagement in their own ways. Whether attending political debates, engaging with speakers, or mentoring local youth, they live out the College’s mission of forming “good men and good citizens.” As Ragosta reminded graduates, quoting Thomas Jefferson: “The survival of democracy depends on an educated citizenry. There is no other sure foundation for the preservation of freedom and happiness.” As students across the nation once again raise their voices in protest, Hampden-Sydney continues to serve not only as an academic institution but also as a forge for civic responsibility. From the Revolution to Vietnam to today, her students demonstrate that disagreement with national policy is not a retreat from patriotism but often a reaffirmation of it. The College’s culture of principled inquiry, respectful debate, and purposeful action prepares young men to wrestle with complexity. In an age where democracy feels precarious, Hampden-Sydney reaffirms a timeless truth: civic engagement is not extracurricular—it is the essential work of an educated citizen.
Hampden-Sydney and Longwood students join together in the Plea for Peace Rally. Photo courtesy of The Farmville Herald. May 13, 1970. HSC.EDU 27
Hampden-Sydney: The First American College? By Tommy Shomo ’69 and Elliott Professor of History Caroline Emmons, co-chairs of the 250th Anniversary Committee
W
hat does it mean to be the first? Delaware is “The First State.” North Carolina is “First in Freedom” and “First in Flight.” Jamestown was the “First Permanent English Colony.” George Washington was eulogized by Henry Lee as “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” As Hampden-Sydney College commemorates its 250th anniversary, we would like to assert that among its many outstanding characteristics, HampdenSydney should be considered The Birthplace, Nathaniel Venable’s office, where the College’s founding documents were signed. the first American college. It is always risky to claim to be creation of Hampden-Sydney College. the first, as it is almost certain that others will enjoy The important period for this article is 1775 to taking up the challenge to offer a counterexample. 1776. The First Continental Congress, convened in We accept that we may be making a bold claim, but October 1774, resulted from the American colonists’ the historical record gives us a solid basis on which to dissatisfaction with their treatment by British stand. Parliament. The delegates were restive but still loyal If first is determined by chronology, Hampdento the king and the British Empire. Although the Sydney is not the first college. That designation colonists had been drawn into closer cooperation with belongs to Harvard, founded in 1636. So why would one another during the French and Indian War, most we make the argument that Hampden-Sydney is “Americans” would not describe themselves that way. the first American college? Our claim rests on the They might say they were Virginians or Bostonians. word American, a concept that was only beginning As relations with Great Britain deteriorated and to take shape in the 1770s around the time of the hostilities broke out in April 1775 at the Battle of College’s and the nation’s founding. Prior to the Lexington and Concord, though, closer cooperation Revolutionary era, most residents of the North became necessary. The Second Continental Congress American colonies, if asked to identify themselves, convened in May 1775 and would govern the might say Christian or might mention their locality. rebellious colonies throughout the war. In July 1776, The concept of being American is closely linked to the break with Great Britain was made formal. the experience of seeking independence—as is the
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Meanwhile, in February 1775, members of the Hanover Presbytery met in Prince Edward County, Virginia, at Slate Hill, the plantation owned by Nathaniel Venable, to review the results of a successful fundraising effort by local Samuel Stanhope Smith Presbyterian congregations to establish an academy east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Though the idea of an academy had been proposed by Hanover Presbytery as early as 1771, this was the first allocation of funds. Members of the Presbytery visited potential sites near Prince Edward Courthouse (now Worsham) and decided on a tract of about 100 acres offered by Peter Johnston, a prominent local planter. There they decided to build an academy building, rector’s (or president’s) house, a steward’s house, and such other necessary buildings as funds allowed. At the same meeting, four ministers and eight laymen were elected to serve as the board of trustees. The board elected Samuel Stanhope Smith as the rector of the new academy. In April, control having passed from Hanover Presbytery to the board of trustees, the Johnston land was surveyed and conveyed to the new academy. The deed was recorded on May 15, 1775. From September to October 1775, Smith advertised for students in Williamsburg’s Virginia Gazette with anticipation of beginning classes in November. No other American college was founded in 1775 or 1776. This is not surprising given the uncertain state of the military, political, social, and economic circumstances. However, despite those conditions, Hampden-Sydney’s founders made their intentions a reality, and the College opened and survived during this turbulent period. This chronology could be seen as historical coincidence if one were to ignore that the values upon which Hampden-Sydney was founded were so closely aligned with those upon which the
The First Advertisement 1775
Students in History of Hampden-Sydney College (HIST 285) unearthed the foundation of the original Academy House in March 2025.
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At the November 18, 1775, trustees meeting, Patrick Henry and James Madison were elected along with two other laymen and a Presbyterian minister. These additional members completed the original board of Hampden-Sydney College. The contributions of Henry and Madison to the College’s early years were as different as the men themselves. At the time of his election to the board, Henry was famous as a political activist and orator. At the Virginia Convention in March of 1775, he delivered the phrase for which he is best known—“Give me liberty, or give me death!” In 1783 he helped to secure the state charter which officially promoted the academy to a college. He lived in Prince Edward County from 1784 to 1792, and several of his sons attended Hampden-Sydney. While a student, his third son, Edward, was one of the founders of the Union Literary Society. Madison was not as well-known at the time. His fame as the father of the Constitution did not come until years later. While at the College of New Jersey (renamed Princeton University in 1896), Madison was immersed in the liberalism of the Enlightenment and converted to 18th-century political radicalism. Madison and Smith studied together at The College of New Jersey under John Witherspoon, the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence, and remained friends thereafter. Their shared views were the principles upon which Hampden-Sydney was founded. Henry and Madison are the notable names here, but it was Smith, a 23-year-old native Pennsylvanian and a 1769 graduate of The College of New Jersey, who pulled it all together. He stepped forward with an offer to lead the new academy, was elected first head, traveled north to purchase books and scientific equipment and to recruit faculty, and determined a curriculum of general education. He also established the goal of the College “to form good men, and good citizens.” HampdenSydney’s first students arrived during his tenure which lasted until 1779. Smith was dedicated to the religious and moral education of his students. Like many of his contemporaries, he was a slaveowner but paradoxically theorized about the “unity of mankind.”
30 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
Revolution was undertaken and that so many of the same men were instrumental in both endeavors. Both the College and the newly independent colonies were experiments in the belief that men had the ability and the right to develop their own systems of government and to worship as their consciences dictated. With this freedom came the responsibility to cultivate qualities of virtue and civic responsibility. Educating young men to take on these responsibilities was at the core of Hampden-Sydney’s founding and continuing educational philosophy. As historian Alan Taylor, one of our speakers for the 250th symposium in October 2025 has discussed, the men who founded both the College and the nation were keenly aware that they were embarking on a profoundly risky venture. Could men be trusted to govern themselves? What framework would be needed to ensure the creation of a stable and orderly society? And, a key question for our purposes, what education would be necessary to properly prepare young men to become good men and good citizens to serve as guardians of this new democratic regime? The College’s founders chose to honor John Hampden and Algernon Sidney in the naming of the College, two men who challenged monarchical authority, as the Founding Fathers themselves sought to do. They were also challenging the authority of state religion, effectively thumbing their noses at the only other college in the colony, the royalist and Anglican College of William & Mary. This new college would not be the first in the colony, but it would be the first to claim a new American identity: non-sectarian, antimonarchical, and dedicated to the principles of selfgovernment. Hampden was a Puritan, landowner, and Parliamentary leader famous for his opposition to King Charles I over a form of royal taxation called ship money. This controversy contributed to the English Civil Wars. Hampden subsequently fought against the monarchy and died of injuries sustained at the Battle of Chalgrove Field in 1643. Sidney was a political theoretician. He was arrested as an accomplice in an attempt to assassinate King Charles II, and, after being tried and convicted, he was beheaded in 1683. At his trial, passages from the manuscript of his Discourses Concerning Government, where he argued for the citizens’ right of revolution, were introduced as evidence against him. Discourses Concerning
John Hampden
Algernon Sidney
Government was read and admired by American patriots including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. To found an institution named for two revolutionaries—one convicted of attempted regicide —so obviously in opposition to the established educational order as represented by The College of William & Mary, royalist and Anglican, and the royal colonial government and to publish that intention in the leading newspaper in the Virginia colony was in its own way a declaration of independence almost a year before July 4, 1776.
At its founding, Hampden-Sydney shared both a time period and philosophy with the American Revolution that no other college can legitimately claim. The College established a standard for personal and civic responsibility and engagement summed up in the phrase “good men and good citizens.” Although established with strong ties to the Presbyterian Church, the founders guaranteed freedom of conscience and worship. We anticipate that one challenge to our claim to be first might come from Washington and Lee University. Hampden-Sydney and Washington and Lee have much in common, both founded by Presbyterians deeply influenced by the Scottish Enlightenment and the educational philosophy of John Witherspoon. Both institutions were established to expand educational opportunity for young men living in remote sections of Virginia, areas settled by Scots-Irish who made up the majority of Presbyterians. Originally named Augusta Academy, its leaders were also inspired by the Revolutionary sentiment of the times and renamed it Liberty Hall in 1776. Prior to that time, the institution offered only a secondary education; thus, our claim that Hampden-Sydney is the first stands. If the reader accepts that we have made a convincing case for Hampden-Sydney as the first American college, allow us to suggest how we might honor that designation. Alumni must continue to be good men and good citizens and to admire, praise, and support those inside and outside our ranks who are similarly committed the ideals of civic responsibility and stewardship. Perhaps the greatest threat to a democratic society occurs when too many equate selfish advantage with the common good. To be first is to encounter struggle and uncertainties. The founding of Hampden-Sydney, like the founding of the United States, was not certain to succeed. Although both have succeeded, the road from beginning to now has not always been easy, and the road that lies ahead is not going to be without struggles and uncertainties, but we understand from our history that determination, knowledge, and faith have seen and will continue to see us through.
HSC.EDU 31
Tune in to the Tigers The Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) has entered into an exclusive five-year media rights agreement with FloSports that began in the fall of 2025. FloSports will live stream over 1,500 regular-season and postseason events annually across the 14 ODAC member institutions. Learn
Athletics
more about subscribing at go.hsc.edu/streaming
LACROSSE 2025 SEASON OVERALL ODAC
12-6 7-3
ALLAMERICAN ALL-STARS
Coach Joins Centennial Club
Coach Rostan reached the 100-win mark on March 8 against the University of Mary Washington, becoming the second coach in program history to reach this milestone.
Hampden-Sydney College graduates Conor Kilfeather ’25 and Gaines Weis ’25 were each selected for and played in the 2025 United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Division III All-Star Game on May 23 at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. The two All-Americans competed for the victorious South team and are now among the nearly 50 former Tigers who have played in the annual contest since 1982. “Being able to play in the game was an experience I will be forever grateful for. Getting the opportunity to represent the Tigers and rock the Garnet & Grey one final time was truly special. On top of playing the game, sharing that moment with a teammate and co-captain (Conor Kilfeather) made it just that much better.” – Gaines Weis
“The selection to participate in the game was a thoroughly enjoyable culmination of my career as a member of Hampden-Sydney’s lacrosse program. The opportunity to play alongside a fantastic teammate (Gaines Weis) and represent H-SC one last time was an unforgettable experience. Playing in the game itself was a total blast and allowed me to enjoy the sport I love so much one final time.” – Conor Kilfeather
t’ 25 Lo t ce Re
GOLF
2024–2025 SEASON
Final 2024-25 clipped NCAA Division III
296.33
ODAC Finish
3rd Place
’2 5 bi no Ru
All-ODAC Honors » Nick Rubino ’25 (Second Team) » Luke Combs ’28 (Second Team) » Rece Lott ’25 (Third Team)
ick
H-SC Golfers Rack Up Accolades
ODAC Men’s Golf Ted Keller Sportsman of the Year » Nick Rubino ’25 Golf Coaches Association of American (GCAA) All-America Scholars » Rubino and Jack Barnes ’27
N
GOLD ON THE GREEN
Lu ke
Co m
bs
Round Average
’2 8
Men's Golf SCOREBOARD ranking: 20
GCAA All-Academic Team Award
TENNIS
2024–2025 SEASON OVERALL ODAC
13-8 7-2
ODAC Finish 3rd Place
Barrett Foster ’25 and Thomas Davis ’27 were named Second Team All-ODAC in doubles, and both earned Second Team AllODAC honors in singles as well.
HSC.EDU 33
ATHLETICS
BASEBALL 2025 SEASON OVERALL
19-23
ODAC
10-12
What were your biggest challenges this season? Our biggest challenge as a program moving forward will be to become more athletic to compete on a national level. Our staff is working very hard to recruit quality student-athletes that can get it done in the classroom and on the field, all while our current roster is working hard to come back physically and mentally ready to compete at a high level.
Biggest accomplishments?
Meet Michael Mulvey First Year Head Baseball Coach
How did year one go? Overall, year one was a success. We took steps as a program to improve our culture and redefine how we determine success, which translated to success on the field. In the regular season we had three wins versus Top 25 programs, and we reached the first round of the ODAC conference playoffs. In that round we had the first postseason program win since the 2021 season. The expectation is this will be a building block for more successful seasons to come.
34 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
The biggest accomplishment that this team made in the 2025 campaign was not only reaching the post-season but also earning a win in the postseason. How they did it was as equally important too. Going into the final weekend series of the regular season we needed at least a split to guarantee our spot in the opening round of the ODAC tournament. There were some scenarios in which we could get in if we had gotten swept that weekend, but they took it into their own hands. We beat a talented Bridgewater squad in game one of the series to secure our spot in the postseason. Once in the postseason, we matched up with Randolph-Macon. We lost game one, and won game two forcing the if necessary, game three. As stated, we ended up losing the series but for our team to compete in that round and show that we were not scared of the bigger moments was a huge hurdle for us. There is a confidence being built. Being the new guy on the block in the
postseason is tough. There is a confidence that comes from having played in those games. We now return a team that has something to prove, with a chip on its shoulder.
What are the program goals as you move into year two? Our year two goals are to not only make the ODAC Tournament, but to advance to the round of four. If we are competing as a final four team in this conference, we are in a position for an NCAA Regional at-large bid consideration. This will require a great deal of work and continuing to move our team culture forward. All challenges we look forward to.
Final thoughts? Our staff and players have felt a renewed sense of optimism from this past season. As a staff, we will hold our players accountable and to a standard that represents the College, this program, and their families in a positive way. We’ve got a lot going for us right now, and the alumni support means a ton to this program! We will strive to build a program that they can be proud of and want to support.
DISTANCE TRACK 2025 SEASON
H-SC ran up the record board with five new bar-raising times. 800-meter run (outdoor)
1:56.90
» Jackson Herndon ’27 10,000-meter run (outdoor)
34:37.24
» Carter Burcham ’25 1500-meter run (outdoor)
4:13.76
» Jordan Chorbaji ’28 800-meter run (indoor)
1:58.07
» Jackson Herndon ’27 Distance Medley (indoor)
11:13.75
» Burcham » Herndon » Kade Minton ’25 » Jefferson Duffey ’27
HSC.EDU 35
Save the Date
Alumni News
November 15 at Randolph-Macon
April 11, 2026
April 24, 2026 Fireworks and Concert at Fulton Field
J
oin us in welcoming the newest members of the Young Alumni Council and Alumni Board of Directors.
Young Alumni Council Tarun Sharma ’15
Attorney, Fredrikson & Byron Minneapolis, Minnesota
IN CASE YOU
MISSED IT Gary Ometer Appointed VP for Business Affairs and Finance June 18, 2025
Colson Castilla ’16
Partner, Ember Capital Partners Denver, Colorado
Larry Pullen, Jr. ’19
Surety Underwriter, Travelers Insurance Richmond, Virginia
Bartow Morgan ’21
Investments Associate, Brookfield Charleston, South Carolina
Brennan Vaught ’21
Hugo Rodriguez ’88 Named Wheat Professor July 7, 2025
Graduate Student of Chemistry, Texas A&M University College Station, Texas
Jordan Blackwell ’22
Legislative Assistant for U.S. Congresswoman Ann Wagner Washington, D.C.
Ian Novak ’23
Chemical Officer, 354th Civil Affairs Brigade, U.S. Army Haymarket, Virginia
Alumni Board
H-SC Earns A+ Forbes rating July 14 2025
Drew DiStanislao ’15 Attorney, Cowan Gates Richmond, Virginia
Holden McLemore ’16
Attorney, Perry, Brandt & McLemore, Attorneys at Law Wake Forest, North Carolina
H-SC Named Best Value College by The Princeton Review July 9, 2025
William C. "Billy" Mott III ’17
Private Client/Portfolio Management, Brown Advisory Richmond, Virginia
To learn more about these volunteer boards, visit alumni.hsc.edu.
For these stories and more, visit www.hsc.edu/news-index
HSC.EDU 37
INFORMATION RECEIVED BEFORE 5-1-25
The Record of Hampden-Sydney College welcomes news of your milestones—career updates, weddings, births and adoptions, and
Class Notes
brotherhood beyond the Hill.
You can submit a note by visiting alumni.hsc.edu or emailing classnotes@hsc.edu. Submissions are encouraged, but subject to editing.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Stuart Farmer '74 and Joe Farmer '08 will both serve as senior vice presidents, financial advisors of The Farmer Group, a wealth management office of D.D. Davidson & Co. The Farmer Group was previously affiliated with Truist.
1970s
Easley Johnson '78 has been named to the Mathews Community Foundation Advisory Board, reported a January 22, 2025, article in the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal.
1980s
Charles Bowles '82 was celebrated with the prestigious 2024 UTA Member Vendor of the Year award by the Used Truck Association (UTA), North America's largest heavy-duty truck association. In addition to this honor, he took center stage as the emcee for the UTA's Annual Convention in
Tampa, Florida, presenting to an audience of over 800 industry leaders. As the director of strategic initiatives for Trader Interactive, Bowles continues to drive innovation and excellence in the commercial vehicle sector. This recognition underscores his exceptional contributions and leadership within the industry. Former Trustee Chuck McPhillips '82 received the 2024 Distinguished Service Medal as Norfolk's First Citizen in Civic Affairs. Trustee Jon Pace '82 has joined Choice Financial Group as executive vice president and chief growth officer reported a February 4, 2025, article on PR Newswire.
Mike Tomkies '83 was recently awarded the American Financial Services Association's 2024 Distinguished Service Award for his long service to the AFSA Law and State Government Affairs Committees and various AFSA task forces, particularly his service as outside counsel to the AFSA Law Committee's Payment Devices and Retail Banking Subcommittee. He was also honored again as one of the Best Lawyers in America: Financial Services and Ohio Super Lawyers lists for 2025. Kevin E. Martingayle '88 has been named this year's recipient of the William R. Rakes Leadership in Education Award by the Virginia State Bar Section on the Education of Lawyers in Virginia according to a March 13, 2025, article on the Virginia State Bar website. Martingayle is the 2014-15 president of the Virginia State Bar and a founder of Bischoff Martingayle in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Grenville T. "Sean" Emmet IV '88 displayed his photography work of the Rocky Mountains in an art show at the Montag Gallery at the Jewish Educational Alliance in Savannah, Georgia, in January 2025. Ondray T. Harris '89 has been named general counsel at The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) in Washington, D.C., reported an April 29, 2025, company press release.
1990s
Robert F. Stockhausen, Jr. '90 is part of the recently launched StockhausenHernandez Self-Storage Team at Colliers, where he serves as managing director in the Charlottesville office, reported an April 22, 2025, Colliers press release. William deButts '91 has been named managing director at NewEdge Wealth in the Atlanta office announced a January 29, 2025, company press release. Trip Howe '92 recently retired from Ernst & Young, LLP after 21 years with the firm and 28 years overall in financial services. Trip, his wife Stefhanie, and their two sons, Oates (17) and Harrison (15), currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina, with their two beagles, Tucker and Sullivan. Matthew Morgan '92 has joined Womble Bond Dickinson in Charleston, South Carolina, reported a January 15, 2025, company release.
ANOTHER HOO-RAH FOR ODOM AND ALDRICH
Tiger Basketball teammates Ryan Odom ’96 (r) and Griff Aldrich ’96 (l) have reunited at the University of Virginia (UVA). After being named the head men’s basketball coach at UVA in March, Odom made his first hire in Aldrich as associate head coach. The last time Odom and Aldrich were on the sidelines together was when they led the University of MarylandBaltimore County to a historic upset over UVA in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Since then, Odom served as head coach at Utah State University for two seasons and, most recently, spent the last two seasons at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he led the Rams to a 2025 Atlantic-10 Tournament win and a 2025 NCAA appearance. Aldrich has served as head coach of Longwood University Men’s Basketball since 2018. Aldrich took the Lancers to their firstever postseason appearance at the Division I level, qualifying for the 2019 College Basketball Invitational, in just his first season at the helm. Odom and Aldrich are both multi-year finalists for the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award, which recognizes a Division I men’s head basketball coach who exhibits strong moral character. Photo Credits: Odom: Courtesy of Virginia Athletics; Aldrich: John David Mercer-Imagn Images
Michael Fitzsimmons '95, CEO of Crosschq, has coauthored The Book on Quality of Hire. According to the April 3, 2025, announcement on EIN Presswire, Crosschq is "the world's first AI-driven Hiring Intelligence platform purposebuilt to measure and improve Quality of Hire." Todd Johnston '95 was appointed to deputy chief of staff and chair of the Energy, Infrastructure, and Competitiveness Council by West Virginia Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey reported a January 2, 2025, WVPublic Broadcasting press release.
James Matthew Haynes Jr. '97 was appointed as a judge of the General District Courts for Accomack and Northampton Counties on the Eastern Shore of Virginia by the Virginia General Assembly in February 2025.
Steven M. Haas '99 has become a co-head of the Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP corporate team according to an April 1, 2025, firm release. Haas is a partner at the Richmond and New York offices per his bio.
Sekou Kaalund '97 has been appointed to the U.S. Bank's Managing Committee reported a January 30, 2025, U.S. Bank release. The committee is a group of top executives who oversee the organization's revenue lines, enabling functions and independent risk teams. Kaalund is head of branch and small business banking in New York.
Will Homiller '99 has been elected as a fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, joining a select group of practitioners from around the country who have contributed to improving real estate law through speaking, writing, teaching, and community service.
HSC.EDU 39
CLASS NOTES
2000s
Will Anderson '04, vice president/ partner at Madonna Law Group in Dade City, Florida, has been selected to serve as the president of the East Pasco Bar Association.
FROM H-SC TO HGTV Griffin Salyer ’19 and his new bride, Maddy, put their foray into homeownership on the small screen, appearing in an April 25, 2025, episode of House Hunters titled "A Family Affair in Williamsburg." Salyer’s sister, Olivia, served as the couple’s realtor.
Chris Brewer '05 is the vice president of operations at Rocket Station in Dallas reported a January 21, 2025, article on PR Newswire. David Harper Gardner Jr. '05 has been appointed to the Ward 15 Charleston City Council seat according to a January 9, 2025, announcement on the Charleston, West Virginia, government website. Gardner is director of sales for English Meadows Assisted Living.
John C. Neal '05 has been leading Southern Bank's expansion into the Richmond market since 2023. Last summer the bank decided to expand its capabilities and apply for regulatory approval for a full branch, which it officially opened last month. Zach Price '06 married Kira Marotta on October 26, 2024, at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, Manteo, North Carolina. Price is a mid-Atlantic district manager with Makita. The bride, a 2006 graduate of George Mason University, is practice manager of River City Veterinary Hospital. The couple resides in Richmond, Virginia. In attendance from left to right were Stuart Handlan '73, Andy Hunt '06, Rick Walton '72, Paul Williams '07, Clint Patterson '06, and Mike Handlan '06. Robert M. Hollings III '07 will become senior lender at The Bank of South Carolina effective January 1, 2026, according to an April 9, 2025, bank press release.
Salyer and Maddy Holm married on October 7, 2023, at Burlington Plantation in Charles City County, Virginia. The bride is a graduate of the University of Richmond and works as a physician assistant. The groom is a data scientist. Pictured left to right: Ryan Tomlin '20, Nic Cueva '15, Griffin Salyer '19, Andrew Marshall '17, Garrett Salyer '15, Daniel Newberry '20, Mike Covaney '93, Jason Covaney '22, Professor of Physics and Astronomy Stan Cheyne, Leighton Holm '22. Price-Marotta Wedding
40 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
Robert Reidy '19 married Jenna Morin on May 10, 2025, at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia, a reception at The Commonwealth Club followed. The bride is a graduate of Longwood University and works in medical sales. The groom is in IT sales. The couple resides in Richmond, Virginia. Tigers in attendance: Massey Owen '19, Patrick Neale '19, Charlie Zambetti '19, Kirk Zambetti '90, Lewis Brooks '19, Aaron Damato '19, Stewart Thames '19, Jack Dickerson '19, Austin Fockler '18, Broun Mumford '18, Johno Burke '17, Thomas Crenshaw '15, Kevin Hood '20, Niko Thurman '20, Grady Larson '20, Patrick Wilson '20, Carson Box '21, Jacob Fontana '19, and Garrett Whitley '20.
Reidy-Morin Wedding
Stanley-Bones Wedding
2010s
Beck Stanley '13 and Caroline Tucker Bones were married on December 14, 2024, at Lee Episcopal Church in Lexington, Virginia. The bride is a commonwealth attorney in Southwest Virginia, and the groom is an agriculture lobbyist. The couple has settled in Salem, Virginia. In attendance were Wyatt Henry Walton IV '13, Turner Blake '13, Watt Mountcastle '13, Clay Carimi '13, and Garrison Coward '12.
Spencer Dixon '17 is the new executive director of the Rowan Arts Council in Salisbury, North Carolina. According to a January 21, 2025, article, Dixon was named to the "People to Watch" list published by The Salisbury Post.
Matthew Randall '19 has joined Hatchell Law PLLC in Chase City, Virginia, as an associate attorney reported a January 29, 2025, article in The News Progress. Hatchell Law is the firm of Joshua Hatchell '08.
Noah Brooks '19 graduated from law school in May 2025. After graduation, he will work in the Charlotte, North Carolinia office of Mayer Brown in their banking and finance group.
HSC.EDU 41
CLASS NOTES ALUMNI PROFILE
PEOPLE FIRST: The Mantra That Made a Millionaire
A
ttorney. Husband. Survivor. Kyle Fraser ’16 won the $1 million prize as the last man standing on season 48 of the CBS hit show Survivor. The show’s tests of intellectual, athletic, and social prowess were no match for this Tiger Lacrosse and Sigma Chi fraternity alumnus and Big Apple litigator. Fraser got hooked on the show when he quarantined with his now in-laws during the first days of the pandemic, while he was a student at the University of Michigan Law School. “When else am I going to get to have an experience where my background, who I am, what I've done in my life doesn't matter? Obviously it colors how you play the game, but getting to just be myself and learn from other people who are wildly different from me is the dream,” Fraser says.
42 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
That desire to learn from and connect with others is a skill that Fraser says he honed at Hampden-Sydney with the guidance of mentors like retired Senior Lecturer in Rhetoric Susan Robbins and Associate Professor of English Abigail Horne. “In the beginning of my academic career, I was hesitant to reciprocate the energy that my professors, coaches, and teammates were putting into me. Once I did, I realized that not only did I have people in my corner but also I could provide value in my own way. I started doing better in the classroom and on the field, and I saw tangible results from simply being a good friend,” Fraser explains. “I've continued to view life like that. You have to pour into the people around you and develop organic relationships. When I'm clicking with the people around me, that's when things are going the best for me. So my mantra on the island was people first. You have to connect with people before you can do anything else.”
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from HampdenSydney, Fraser taught high school English before going on to earn his JD in 2021, serving as senior editor for the Michigan Law Review, placing third in the Campbell Moot Court Competition, arguing and winning a jury trial, and being awarded the Irving Stenn Jr. and Carl Gussin Memorial Prizes at graduation. Since then, Fraser has worked in various law firms and clerked for the Honorable R. Guy Cole Jr. in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. When he got to the island, he employed some of the same skills that he uses as a litigator to both charm and crush the competition. Being able to analyze situations and forecast his competitors’ next moves while quickly adjusting his own strategy in response was key to Fraser’s success.
Due to the show’s strict confidentiality, Fraser couldn’t even tell his friends that he was cast in the show, let alone when he was filming. So when he went off grid for a month right before his wedding, he went under the guise of a vacation, which raised some eyebrows.
Fraser’s preparation before he landed on the island included logic puzzles, a strenuous physical training regime, breathwork to keep him centered, and the creation of a clever backstory where Fraser was a teacher, not a lawyer. (Don’t worry, we checked with Dean Pantele, this is not a violation of the Honor Code, as Fraser was an English teacher once upon a time.) Arguably, winning a million dollars wasn’t even the highlight of 2024 for Fraser. A week after filming wrapped, Fraser married his law school sweetheart, Maggie Turner, in a September 14, 2024, ceremony at Kings Family Vineyard in Charlottesville, Virginia. The bride, a graduate of University of Virginia undergrad and University of Michigan Law School, is an associate at Emery Celli.
“I'm sure my friends thought very lowly of me in that moment, but I made sure to do a lot of wedding planning before I left. And when I got back, we kicked it into overdrive, so I was not an absent fiancé,” Fraser laughs. Just a week after the season 48 finale premiered, Fraser headed out to Fiji to film season 50 of Survivor, which will feature a full cast of returning players from previous seasons. Tune in February 2026 to see if he reigns supreme at the final tribunal once again. Until then, Fraser is off the reality show and back to reality as an associate with Morvillo Abramowitz Grand Iason & Anello PC in New York.
FEDERAL MOVES Chris Kurowski ’98 has rejoined government service as a senior strategist and inter-agency coordinator at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center (CTIIC). Kurowski most recently spent five years as principal staff at MITRE Corp. Ken Simon ’11 has joined the staff of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors as senior counsel for enforcement in the Legal Division. Simon was formerly with the U.S. Department of Justice. Christopher Hall ’15 is now chief of staff for Virginia Congressman John McGuire, whose district includes Hampden-Sydney College. Hall was formerly deputy chief of staff and legislative director for New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean. Cal Mitchell ’22 has been named special assistant at the U.S. Department of Treasury. Mitchell most recently served as personal aide to U.S. Senator Bill Haggerty of Tennessee.
HSC.EDU 43
CLASS NOTES: IN MEMORIAM John Walker Howard Jr. '50 died on March 31, 2025. At H-SC, John was a Pi Kappa Alpha brother. Staying with one employer, he worked as a banker in Alexandria for First & Citizens National Bank, United Virginia Bank, Crestar, and SunTrust (now Truist) for over 40 years. He served in the Merchant Marines from 1944 to 1946. John is survived by his son William Brooks "Bill" Howard '77, a former H-SC trustee; and two grandchildren. Dr. Richard G. Watson '51 died on March 30, 2025. Richard received degrees from HampdenSydney College, Columbia Theological Seminary, the University of South Florida, and the University of Southern Mississippi. He served as pastor of two churches in Florida before the family moved to Mississippi, where he served as academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary and at the West Union Presbyterian Church. He then moved to Panama City and served at Kings Bay Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Panama City. He was the founder and administrator of the International Biblical Seminary of Ukraine for 25 years, until its closure because of the current Ukraine-Russia conflict. Richard is survived by three daughters.
The Hon. James Ellsworth Kulp '56 died on January 12, 2025. At HampdenSydney, Jim was a member of the Honor Council and Omicron Delta Kappa and president of Chi Phi fraternity and Chi Beta Phi, an honorary scientific fraternity. In 1957, Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in California; Okinawa, where he was a member of Stormy's 3/3; and in Washington, D.C., where he was a member of the Evening Parade staff at the Marine Barracks at 8th and I. After resigning his regular commission with the rank of captain, he obtained his law degree from Washington and Lee University. Jim practiced law with Sands, Anderson, Marks, and Clarke and later became a member of the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia. In 1986, Jim was elected by the Virginia General Assembly to serve as a judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit. In retirement, he presided in many circuit courts across the Commonwealth, as well as a designated judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals. Jim is survived by his wife, Twyla; two children; four grandchildren; four stepchildren, including Lloyd Osgood, wife of Tom Osgood '78; seven stepgrandchildren—Worth Osgood '16; and two step-great-grandchildren.
Dr. Robert Bruce Allen '55 died on October 4, 2024. At Hampden-Sydney, Robert was a Kappa Alpha brother and a member of the track team, student council, and the German Club. He is survived by his wife, Annette, and son, Doug Allen '90.
William Oliver Moseley Jr. '56 died on January 4, 2025. At HampdenSydney, Bill was a proud member of Chi Phi
44 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
fraternity. After graduation, Bill served his country honorably in the U.S. Army, stationed in Vicenza, Italy, for two years. Upon his return, he began a career in the insurance industry in Richmond, Virginia. Later in life, Bill attended Wake Forest University School of Law, graduating in 1981. He was a member of the Guilford County Bar Association. Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Betty; three daughters; and five cherished grandchildren. Halsey W. Smith Jr. '56 died on January 3, 2025. Halsey was a proud retired sergeant major in the Marine Corps and recipient of the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service in the Korean conflict. He served his community through various organizations over the years, including Lions Club, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, Montgomery General Hospital, and American Legion. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. John Austin “Jack” Buchanan ’57 died on January 24, 2025. Jack attended HampdenSydney and later completed an apprenticeship at The Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation. He then worked as an engineer at Portsmouth Naval Hospital until he retired. Jack had a love of music that spanned his lifetime. For 60 years he enjoyed playing as bassist with dear friends in The Hi-Fi's and The Continentals. Jack is survived by his wife of more than 70 years, Barbara; two children; four
grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Marshall Edwin "Ed" McCall Sr. '56 died on December 13, 2024. Ed worked in banking for over 40 years and enjoyed spending his Saturdays and Sundays on the golf course. Ed is survived by his three children—Marshall Edwin McCall Jr. '84—four grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren. Dr. Henry Andrew Prillaman Jr. '58 died on November 29, 2024. After graduating from HampdenSydney, where he was a member of the Glee Club and a brother of Sigma Chi, Andy earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia. Following graduation, he served an internship and one year of residency in internal medicine at the University of Vermont in Burlington. In 1970 he completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Virginia and moved to Newport News, Virginia, where he joined Peninsula Orthopedic Associates. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, practicing for over 25 years. Andy is survived by his wife, Joanne; two children; and four grandchildren. John Priddy '58 died on January 30, 2025. He attended Hampden-Sydney College for one year then joined the Marine Corps for the next eight years. He was an electronic engineer and served with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). John served in Cuba during The Cuban Missile Crisis. After
the Marine Corps, he joined the Bell Telephone System and retired from Verizon Telephone Company after 39 years. John is survived by his wife, Anita. Earl Leighton Abbott Jr. '60 died on December 30, 2024. At HampdenSydney, Earl was a Chi Phi brother and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He is survived by the love of his life, Susan; one stepson; one daughter; and three grandchildren. The Hon. Nelson Ticknor Durden '60 died on March 19, 2025. Nelson attended HampdenSydney College and was a proud member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Nelson then earned his law degree in 1963 from the University of Virginia School of Law before beginning his law career at the firm of Downing and Andrews. In 1973, he was elected as a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge. Nelson is survived by his children and four grandchildren—St. George Donovan '25. Dr. Richard Edmunds Coons '61 died on February 6, 2025. A brother of Chi Phi, Richard graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampden-Sydney and went on to earn a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1964 and Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1964 from the
University of Texas at Austin. Richard then earned a Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1968, followed by a one-year rotating internship at Cincinnati General Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a residency in psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 1972. Richard served as a major in the U.S. Army Medical Corp. until 1974, when he joined the Austin Neuropsychiatric Clinic. As a licensed medical professional, Richard was a diplomat of the American Psychiatric Association and a member of many professional organizations. Richard is survived by his wife of 47 years, Martha; six children; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Donald Roger Mower Jr. '61 died on April 26, 2025. Roger graduated from HampdenSydney with a bachelor's degree in history and classics. He then went on to earn his master's in the history of American architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. Roger began his teaching career in Philadelphia at The Episcopal Academy and then as an instructor and assistant headmaster at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. In the early '80s, he left teaching to become the executive director of the John Bartram Association. Roger later served as deputy executive director of Montgomery County's Department of History and Cultural Arts. Roger is survived by two children and two grandchildren.
Robert Garnett Hall Jr. '62 died on February 26, 2025. At HampdenSydney, he was a member of Chi Phi. He went on to graduate from the American Bankers Association (ABA) Stonier Graduate School of Banking. At the same financial institution under different banners, Garnett worked for State Planters, United Virginia, Crestar, and SunTrust banks. Garnett retired from banking in 2001 and later served for five years on the board of directors for Apple REIT Ten, Inc. Garnett was actively involved with the Virginia Division of the American Cancer Society (ACS) for 25 years. Garnett was the recipient of the J. Shelton Horsley Award of Merit, the highest award bestowed by Virginia division of ACS. Garnett was president of the Westhampton Citizens Association and of the Glenburnie Civic Association; board member of Windsor Farms Association; member of the Hampden-Sydney College Alumni Board and the Saint Christopher's School Alumni Board; director of Richmond First Club and Richmond Rotary Club; and member of the board and board chair of Brookfield, Inc. Garnett is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anne; two sons; and three beloved grandsons— Robert Garnett Hall IV '28.
minor in theology from Hampden-Sydney and later earned his MBA from New York University. He was the former owner of Clarklift of Virginia and Atlanticlift Systems. From grad school, he started selling books in the eastern half of the country, which allowed him to pay off his student loan debt. From there, he went to work in Washington, D.C., at a brokerage firm. After running an equipment distributorship for ten years, he purchased what is now known as Atlantic Lift Systems in 1988. He is survived by his wife, Claire; three children; and seven cherished grandchildren.
Paulus Aemilius Irving Haynsworth '62 died on February 12, 2025. A brother of Kappa Sigma, he earned a bachelor's degree in history with a
Walter Lee Penn III '63 died on January 30, 2025. After obtaining a degree from HampdenSydney College, where he was a Chi Phi
Dr. John Wesley Melton III '63 died on January 8, 2025. At H-SC, John was on the Tiger staff and a member of the Glee Club and UPLS, before he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then went on to the Medical College of Virginia, class of 1967, and New York University School of Medicine Rheumatology, where he completed a fellowship. In addition to his practice, he served as chief of rheumatology at Sibley Hospital and a term as president of the Arthritis Foundation. John is survived by his loving wife, Lynn; two children; two grandchildren; one stepson; and two stepgrandchildren.
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CLASS NOTES: IN MEMORIAM brother, Walter served in the U.S. Army, first as a lieutenant in the Dominican Republic, until he was wounded by a grenade, and then as a captain in the Vietnam War for two tours, until he was shot in the neck. He served with the 82nd Airborne and the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Along with a very leafy Purple Heart, the retired major, U.S. Army Reserve, garnered a Silver Star for rescuing his team. After getting shipped back to the states, Walter earned his Juris Doctor from UVA Law and practiced in numerous capacities over the years, including Virginia Assistant Attorney General and Henry County Prosecutor, all the while pulling chandelles and hammerheads in his aerobatic biplane, "Yellow Streak." He retired as a professor of aviation at Averett College. Walter, an FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot, helped pioneer sport parachuting in the early '60s, either flying a Norseman or jumping out of one. Walter is survived by his wife, Melinda; three children; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Robert Lee Hines Jr. '64 died on February 19, 2025. After graduating from HampdenSydney with a Bachelor of Arts in history, Bob taught at Fork Union Military Academy. In 1972, he and his wife, Anne, founded Thomas-Hines, Inc.— Richmond's premier antiques and interior design firm for over 50 years. A longtime member and past president of the Carytown Merchants' Association, Bob was credited with coining the term Carytown for Richmond's famous historic shopping district. Bob is
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survived by his wife, Anne; three children; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Fred L. Kellmeyer '64 died on April 28, 2025. Freddy was a brother of Kappa Alpha and a member of the tennis team while at HampdenSydney. A resident of Charleston, West Virginia, his career began with the Fred N. Kellmeyer Agency and Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. In recognition of his outstanding service, Fred was honored in a Penn Mutual Top Club advertisement in LOOK magazine. Fred then blossomed into a partner role with Grimm, Kellmeyer, Garlow and Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. Fred is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dixie; three children; one stepdaughter; and three grandchildren. George Hamilton Bagwell '66 died on April 15, 2025. After graduating from HampdenSydney College and law school at the University of Richmond, he served the community during a 54-year distinguished career as an attorney, recently retiring from his private practice. A veteran of the United States Army, George also served the town of South Boston, Virginia, as a city council member and mayor. George is survived by his wife, Nancylee; three children; two stepchildren; five grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. His father was the late Don Pyle Bagwell Sr., class of 1935. Dr. Robert Carter Morris '66 died on February 13, 2025. Carter earned a Bachelor of Science from Hampden-
Sydney College in 1966 and a doctorate in physics from the University of Virginia (UVA). In 1984, Carter joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Office of Research & Development (ORD). Carter then served as the special assistant to the director for research and development in the Nonproliferation Center. Carter, was detailed by the CIA, and served in several senior-level positions. In the fall of 2010, Carter held the CIA chair position as a National Intelligence University (NIU) full professor. He was instrumental in the foundation of NIU's School of Science and Technology Intelligence (SS&TI) in 2011, helping it achieve accreditation. In recognition of his outstanding career dedicated to public service, Carter was recognized by his alma mater and received the Patrick Henry Award from Hampden-Sydney College's Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest in 2013. Carter is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy; his son-inlaw; and two grandchildren. Dr. Thomas Sublett Woodall '67 died on March 13, 2025. At Hampden-Sydney, Tom was a Sigma Nu brother; member of the Glee Club, Interfraternity Council, and Circle K Club; and recipient of the Most Outstanding School Spirit Award. Dr. Ponziano Paul Ferraraccio '72 died on January 12, 2025. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Hampden-Sydney College before earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Ferraraccio was a long-time emergency room doctor at Lewis Gale Hospital in Pulaski, Virginia. He loved old cars and was an amazing father and husband. He is survived by his daughter.
Dr. Howard Scott Boswell Jr. '73 died on April 4, 2025. Scott completed his undergraduate degree at HampdenSydney College, where he was inducted to Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated summa cum laude. Soon after beginning medical school at the University of Virginia, the tragedy of losing his father to cancer solidified his commitment to studying oncology. Scott completed a year of residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital followed by a two-year fellowship at the National Institute of Health. He completed his residency at the University of Virginia. For over 40 years, up until the day of his passing, Scott was a professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine and chief of hematology at Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. He is survived by four children, six grandchildren, and cousin Trey Lackey '85. William Wardlaw "Mike Thompson III '74 died on March 17, 2025. Mike was a passionate sportsman, who set records at HampdenSydney College as a star receiver in football. His most epic game moment came during the 1973 late-October showdown with Towson State for top billing of the MasonDixon standings. Down 35-30 with two seconds on the clock, the Tigers were on their own two-yard line as the crowd started heading to fraternity circle, counting the home team out. The final play was a screen pass, and Thompson,
battling both the flu and Towson State defenders, made an unlikely 85-yard miracle run for the win. Just two weeks later in the title game against Randolph-Macon, Thompson's dreams of a tryout with the Washington Redskins ended with a blown knee in the third quarter. Mike spent 25 years at the Collegiate School as a counselor and coach and later served as a private practice family counselor. Mike is survived by his wife, Christy; three children; and five grandchildren. Scott Mayfield Harrington '76 died on April 23, 2025. Scott attended HampdenSydney, where he majored in history. After graduation, Scott earned his MBA from Western Carolina University. He then built a career in estate planning for banks. He eventually transitioned to asset management, spending the majority of his career there, before concluding his professional journey in commercial real estate. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Wanda; and his daughter. Robin A. Saul '76 died on January 21, 2025. Robin graduated summa cum laude from the College with a double major in math and economics. While at Hampden-Sydney, he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a Baker Scholar, and captain of the H-SC baseball team. He went on to receive his MBA at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School in 1978. Robin enjoyed a long career as a newspaper executive with Landmark Media Enterprises beginning at The Virginia-Pilot
in Norfolk, Virginia, where he became the vice president of production and operation. He then became the publisher of the Carrol County Times in Westminster, Maryland, and president and publisher of the News & Record in Greensboro, North Carolina. Robin is survived by a son; two grandsons; and brother, Richard Saul '74. Robert Sublett Henderson '76 died on January 20, 2025. Robert attended HampdenSydney but graduated from the University of Richmond with a B.S. in economics. Robert battled mental illness beginning in late adolescence. With the help of family, friends, and a community of support, he rebounded and rediscovered his love, laughter, and dignity once again. This village of support gave Robert the opportunity to have many jobs, with his favorite working at the Sycamore Creek Golf Course for many years. Robert is survived by two brothers, one sister, and seven nieces and nephews. Dennis Dickens Bryant '78 died on February 18, 2025. Dennis studied English literature, biology, and Spanish at HampdenSydney College. He completed a Master of Science in healthcare administration at Trinity College and worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for 30 years before his retirement in 2011. Dennis is survived by a brother and sister and five nieces and nephews.
Dr. C. Daniel Laughlin '79 died on April 12, 2025. At HampdenSydney, Dan was a brother of Phi Gamma Delta. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia, followed by a general surgery residency at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Laughlin was boardcertified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. From 2000 to 2003, he served as chief of surgery at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Dr. Laughlin participated in numerous medical missions, including humanitarian work in Haiti, Croatia, and the Out Islands of the Bahamas. He is survived by two children. E. Randolph Leach '79 died on January 12, 2025. Randy earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Hampden-Sydney before going on to law school at the College of William & Mary, graduating in 1982. Randy accepted a position as a public defender with the City of Roanoke in the fall of 1982. In 1985, he accepted a position with Roanoke County's Commonwealth Attorney's office. He later became the chief assistant commonwealth attorney and was elected as the commonwealth attorney in November of 2002. He remained in office until his retirement in January of 2019. Randy is survived by his brothers, Ken Leach '81 and former H-SC College Chaplain Keith Leach '81.
Thomas Goodwillie Hodges Jr. '96 died on April 5, 2025. At HampdenSydney, Tom played lacrosse and was a member of Theta Chi fraternity before graduating in 1996. After college, Tom helped open California Waste Services, a recycling business in Los Angeles. Tom and his wife, Jenn, moved to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2005, where Tom joined the Peninsula Company. Tom is survived by his wife, Jennifer; and three children. John Mark Harris '10 died on February 17, 2025. John Mark attended HampdenSydney College and the University of Georgia. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity at Hamden-Sydney and most recently was employed at Barnsley Gardens, where he was a chef. John Mark loved talking food with his dad, who instilled in him, from a young age, a love of the art of cooking. He was honing his craft at Barnsley Gardens, where he gained great satisfaction in making their customers feel special. John Mark is survived by his parents and his brother, Chandler Ray Bucky Harris III '08.
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“Our gift [annuity] included significantly appreciated stock for which neither Hampden-Sydney nor we paid long term capital gains. In exchange, Nancy and I receive a fixed rate income for the rest of our lives. At our deaths, the gift goes entirely to Hampden-Sydney. One of my favorite sayings is grow or die. That’s true of institutions as well as individuals. Nancy and I hope this gift will help HampdenSydney continue to grow and to meet the needs of its students, forming good citizens in an increasingly complex world.” -Chuck Wheeler '65
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