Lander University Spring 2013 Magazine

Spring 2013

Magazine for Alumni & Friends of the University

Lander Fitness Center Opens New Facility Gives Students Another Option For Staying Fit

New Honors College | Civil War Letters | Arbor Day Celebration | Students Take Part in Political Process

A Message from the President

Dear Alumni and Friends:

Spring semester brings to campus a different venue. We have converted our little-used indoor swimming pool into a new, “full-service,” state-of-the-art Fitness Center.

Lander students will have access to the latest exercise and fitness equipment, new health and wellness classes, and a renewed energy and commitment to improving the health of our students, faculty and staff.

Link this health initiative to our new Honors College slated for opening this coming fall and you will readily agree that Lander is doing good things to enhance the lives of those in the Lander community.

The international program initiatives have increased our international student num-bers by 30-plus percent, with a goal of more than 100 international students this fall and 150 students by the fall of 2014. Please read about a “Lander star in the East,” Class of 2012 graduate Corbin Childs.

You’ll discover more about these people and events throughout this issue of the Lander magazine, as well as read about a special lady – one of our students, Andi Mills, who will graduate this spring. If you need an inspirational boost, this story will not disappoint.

We invite you to visit the beautiful Lander campus; and as always, stop by my office if you are in the neighborhood. Cordially,

Daniel W. Ball President

On the CoverLander University physical education major James Reid prepares to perform an exercise at the power lifting station in the university’s new Fitness Center, which opened in January. The 6,800-square-foot facility, which is housed in the Joe V. Chandler Center, features a wide range of fitness and exer-cise equipment for use by Lander students, as well as faculty and staff. Located where the university’s indoor pool once was, the facility ties into Lander’s wellness initiatives and also serves as a research and learning environment for students.

– Cover photo by Russell Martin

Food and Fellowship

At the beginning of the spring semester, the univer-sity’s Presidential Ambassadors were honored with a reception hosted by Lander President Dr. Daniel Ball and wife Marjorie at their new home on Stanley Avenue. The group enjoyed a tour of the home, great food provided by Lander’s Dining Services, and a chance to chat with the President and first lady. The Balls hosted the event to show their appreciation for all the ambassadors do for the university throughout the year. From giving campus tours to future students and their parents, to serving as ushers at events across campus, these students are the face of the university to many people. – Photo by Russell Martin

LANDER MAGAZINE STAFFMegan Price, EditorDave Lorenzatti, WriterRussell Martin, WriterJeff Lagrone, WriterMaria Scott, DesignerKathy Goldsmith, Editorial AssistantBob Stoner, Sports Writer David Hays, Sports Writer

LANDER ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONMyra Greene ’78, Director of Alumni AffairsDebbie Lyons Dill ’90, Assistant Director of Alumni AffairsFrank Ridlehoover ’67, PresidentJim Nichols ’95, Vice PresidentDebrah Hodges Miller ’76, SecretaryDeloris Carter ’92, TreasurerDanielle Waldt Fields ’07, Vice President for Young Alumni

LANDER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Daniel W. Ball, PresidentS. David Mash, Provost and Vice President for Academic AffairsTom Covar, Interim Vice President for Business and AdministrationH. Randall Bouknight, Vice President for Student AffairsRalph E.G. Patterson, Vice President for University AdvancementJ. Adam Taylor, Vice President for Governmental RelationsJefferson J. May, Athletics Director

BOARD OF TRUSTEESRobert A. Barber Jr.Ann B. BowenBobby M. BowersHolly BracknellRobert A. BrimmerLinda L. DolnyCatherine Lee FrederickMaurice Holloway, Vice ChairRaymond D. Hunt, ChairAnn HurstJack W. Lawrence, SecretaryDonald H. Lloyd IIJohn Nicholson Jr.Mamie W. NicholsonGeorge R. StarnesFred M. Thrailkill Jr.S. Anne Walker

Stock art is provided by istockphoto.com.

It is the policy of Lander University to provide equal educa-tional and employment opportunities to all present and future employees and students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Lander University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

University Relations and Publications864-388-8329 • www.lander.edu

Features

The University in Review

2-4 Homecoming

5-12 Alumni News & Class Notes

13 Alumni Events

18-19 Commencement

24-25 International Studies

28-31 Bearcat Sports

32-37 News Briefs

38-40 Giving & Scholarship News

Lander Magazine • Spring 2013 1

15 Andi Mills: On the Road Again Lander student Andi Mills has her eyesight back after nearly five years in the dark.

16 How the Political System Works Students take part in eye-opening activities related to presidential politicking and the state legislature.

17 A New College in Lander’s Future The new Honors College will offer students life- changing educational experiences.

20 Cover Story: So Long Water ... Hello Weights Lander’s new, state-of-the-art Fitness Center sits atop what was once the indoor swimming pool.

26 Letters From the Front Alumna Cora Lee Godsey develops a kinship with her great-grandfather through his Civil War letters.

28 Men’s Soccer Has Strong Season The Bearcats bring home a seventh PBC regular- season title and host the NCAA Southeast Regional.

41 Lander Gets Greener The university celebrates Arbor Day with a special planting ceremony on campus.

Spring 2013

Magazine for Alumni & Friends of the University

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Celebrating Homecoming 2013

In March, students and alumni put their school spirit on display when the university hosted reunions, student competitions and family fun for the 2013 Homecoming festivities.

Overall Homecoming Winners Top: Gamma Phi Beta came out in force to cheer for the men’s and women’s basketball teams during the Spirit Night event for Homecoming. The group placed third for this event, but they brought home the first-place honor in the overall student Homecoming competition.

1. Presenting the 2013 King and Queen Lander crowned a new Homecoming King and Queen: political science major Lorenzo Myers, right, of Hampton, and business administration major Janza Walker, of Inman.

2. Catching Fire Students had an opportunity to warm themselves by a cozy bonfire following this year’s soap box race. Cheer and Dance team members pictured, from left, are: Kristain Smith, of Walhalla; Ashton Cooper, of Charleston; Hailey Lewis, of Williamston; and Kristyn Cumbee, of Hartsville.

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Photos by Russell Martin


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5. The Painted BearcatAs part of the myriad competitions during Home-coming week, students designed banners to see who could best recreate a little Lander imagery. The winning banner, pictured, was designed by Alpha Tau Omega.

6. She’ll Be the Judge Laura Margaret Fennell, left, joined her parents, Dr. Josh and Amy Fennell (not shown), as a judge for the soap box competition. She is assisted by Shelby Dominick Reed, Lander director of student and co-curricular activities, as she reviews the Tau Kappa Epsilon car.

7. Buzzing InStudents had an opportunity to challenge their knowledge of pop culture and Lander University in the Think Fast event at Horne Arena. The English Club won this portion of Lander’s Homecoming competition. – Photo by Sammantha Bailey

8. Listen to the Band Play Following the soap box race, students had the opportunity to socialize with fellow Bearcats and take in some live music performed by local band Orange Magnolia in front of Lide residence hall.

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3. Go Cats! Members of Phi Mu, like those from other student organizations from across campus, caked on the war paint and dressed in their Lander gear in support of Bearcat basketball during Spirit Night in Horne Arena.

4. Eat Their DustWhile Gamma Phi Beta’s car wasn’t the first to cross the finish line in the race portion of the soap box competition, the decked-out ride placed first in the car judging portion of the event. Placing first in the race was J-Crew, composed of Chi Alpha Omega and Chi Sigma.


9. Fun and Waffles Alumni, faculty and staff began Homecoming Day festivities with a waffle breakfast sponsored by the Young Alumni Council. Pictured, Jalysa O’Conner, Class of 2012, prepares to enjoy her breakfast with other Lander graduates. This event coincided with a Family Fun Zone, which offered a host of activities for parents and kids.

10. Alumni GolfersTerry Bryan, ’87, sinks a shot during the putting competition that preceded the annual Alumni Golf Tournament. This year, 38 golfers participated in the event.

11. Tailgating in Sproles Alumni from far and near enjoyed reconnecting with old friends over lunch in Sproles Recreation Center during the Alumni Tailgating event. Following the gathering, many alumni joined students to watch the basketball games in Horne Arena.

12. LBAN Social Henry Counts, right, Class of ’98, and Audrey Witherspoon, ’71, Lander Foundation board member, catch up during the Lander Black Alumni Network social at Cambridge Hall. – Photo by Myra Greene

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Bearcat Blue Brew(Top) Lander lecturer of mathematics Robin Crutcher, left, her husband, Paul, Lander’s broadcast and emerging media specialist, and Lander Dining Hall assistant Claire Griffith pose for a photo with the Lander Bearcat at the Homecoming Bearcat Blue Brew. – Photo by Jeff Lagrone

More Celebrating at Homecoming 2013

Alumni News


Three Lander graduates in the fields of business and law are this year’s winners of the Alumni Association’s top awards. The honorees are Linda Latham Dolny and Don Scott, of Greenwood; and attorney Angela Gilbert Strickland, of Irmo. Dolny has received the Grace Iler Norman Award, recognizing significant achievements within the Alumni Association and the university. She described herself as surprised and humbled to be selected. “There certainly are others who have done more for Lander, but I’m thankful.” The Abbeville native graduated from Lander in 1969. She and her late husband, Steve, were principals in PML Associates in Greenwood and, for six years, she was a member of the Southeast Regional Federal Reserve Board. The first woman inducted into the Greenwood Hall of Fame, she is a student at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, with the goal of becoming an ordained vocational deacon. The Dolnys maintained close ties to Lander. Linda is a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, and she and Steve created five scholarships and were advisers in the College of Business and Public Affairs. They also sponsor the annual South Carolina Scholastic Arts competition at Lander, which draws entries from more than 1,200 school-age children. In 2004, Lander awarded Linda and Steve honorary doctor of humane letters degrees to recognize their many contributions to the university and their civic and community achievements. The Stephen B. Dolny Baseball Stadium at the Jeff May Complex is named in his memory. Linda has two sons: Mark, of Boston, and Dan, of Memphis, and three grandchildren. Don Scott is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for graduates who gain distinction in their careers. He received a business degree in 1975 and worked in sales in the textile industry for 10 years. Since 1985, he has been with Thomson Reuters where he is sales direc-tor for the Eastern U.S., Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The Westminster native said he is honored to receive the award, especially considering the previ-ous recipients. “I feel good to be in their company.” He places great importance on graduates being active alumni. He said Lander was a springboard to his career and he wants to help the university grow and prosper. A former president of the Alumni Association, Scott is a member of The Lander Foundation’s executive committee.

Lander has been a family affair for Scott. Wife Cindy Young Scott graduated in 1976, and their two children are Lander alumni.

Daughter Kendel graduated in 2007 and received a second degree in 2010, and son Brock graduated in 2009. The Scotts have established scholarships in their names. Cindy’s brother is also a Lander graduate, as are three nieces and a nephew. Angela Strickland, a native of Wagener, was excited and surprised to be named the 2013 Young Alumna of the Year. The award recognizes alumni who have graduated within the last 15 years and serve their communities in exemplary ways. She said of the award, “It means a lot to me. I loved my time at Lander.” She and her husband, Rob Strickland, who played soccer for Lander, graduated in 2002, and she said their education was a great foundation for their careers. Angela graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law and is with the Columbia law firm of Bowman and Brooke LLP. She was instrumental in forming the Alumni Association’s Columbia Tower Club and served as its president. She was a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Young Alumni Council. She said she and Rob believe it is important for graduates to be active with the Alumni Association and the university as a means of giving back. She added that, whenever opportunities arise, they also promote Lander to prospective students. The Stricklands have two children: Vivienne, 16 months, and Finley, who will be 4 in April.

By Dave Lorenzatti

Dolny, Scott and Strickland 2013 Alumni Association Award Winners

Pictured, from left, are: Myra Greene ’78, director of Alumni Affairs; Angela Gilbert Strickland ’02, Young Alumna of the Year; Don Scott ’75, Distin-guished Alumnus of the Year; Linda Latham Dolny ’69, Grace Iler Norman Award; and Lander president Dr. Daniel Ball. – Photo by Russell Martin

More Celebrating at Homecoming 2013

Class Notes


He has participated in book signings at T.W. Boons and the Greenwood County Library and was encouraged by what people said about his first book. “I’ve had some pretty good feedback,”

he said. Readers are apparently enjoying Tobin’s first book as well. “A real page-turner” is how one reviewer describes Upload. “If you like suspense novels and the thrill of plot twists and turns,” writes another, “this book is for you.” Tobin, a senior quality engineering manager with Adobe in Waltham, Mass., had previously struggled to write what he called “an ultra-serious novel that’d

change your life,” but the expe-rience gained from working 12 years in the software industry made the writing of Upload “a blast, with the added bonus that people are finding it an enjoyable read.” He’s already finished with a first draft of his second novel, which he hopes to submit for publication in a month or two. A recently completed “blog tour,” organized by his publisher, achieved its goal of augmenting the positive reviews of Upload. Tobin plans on “setting up as many sign-ings and readings as possible

in the Boston area to further promote the book.” Tobin, who earned a Master of Arts in Teaching Art as well as a B.A. in English from Lander, has fond memories of interactions he had with faculty members like former associate professor of English Dr. Deborah Cumming, professor emeritus of English Dr. Carol Wilson, former associate professor of English Dr. Reese Carleton and professor emeritus of English Dr. Virginia Dumont-Poston. “I took every creative writing class I could at Lander and loved every one of them,” he said.

Two 1997 Lander graduates, Robert Rooney and Collin Tobin, recently published their first books. In Summer of ’84, released March 6 by Tate Publishers,

Rooney documents 12-year-old Ryne Moreland’s quest to obtain his first kiss from fast friend and fellow Chicago Cubs fan Marla Hebner, during the Cubs’ magical run that year. Moreland succeeds in his mission. All’s not well, however, as the Cubs lose to the Padres in the playoffs. Then life throws Ryne a real curve. In Upload, released December 12, 2012, by Red Adept Press, Tobin’s teen-

age protagonist, Jay Brooks, goes out hunting for Wi-Fi “hotspots” and stumbles upon a murder in progress, with far-reaching consequences for himself, his best friend and fel-low hacker, Bennie Welch, and ultimately the human race. Rooney, a history major with no formal training as a writer, began entertaining the notion of writing a book “eight or nine years ago. I started pid-dling with it and it sort of took off,” he said. His biggest struggle in writ-ing Summer of ’84, he said, was “having to start and stop.” He

has no recollection of having worked on the book “more than two hours at a stretch.” The Greenwood resident, who is married to the former Lauri Newby, a 1999 Lander graduate in psychology, called his novel “marginally autobiographical.” Marla Hebner, he said, is “really not based on anybody I grew up with. She’s a fictional character.” Rooney makes no bones about imbuing Summer of ’84 with “an element of faith.” It’s fine with him, however, if people see it as “an entertaining read.”

By Jeff Lagrone

Rooney & Tobin ’97 Publish Novels

Collin TobinRobert Rooney – Photo by Russell Martin

Class Notes


Class Notes are compiled by Debbie Dill, assistant director of Alumni Affairs. Please mail items for Class Notes to Alumni Affairs, CPO Box 6004, Lander University, 320 Stanley Ave., Greenwood, SC 29649 or e-mail items to [email protected].

Renee Murray Tinsley ′84 was awarded the Continu-ous Quality Care Award and Director of Nursing of the Year “Roundtable of Excellence” Award at a conference in Chicago.

Sandra J. Barksdale ′85 is employed with Lander’s Bearcat Shop.

Alice Harmon Gilchrist ′89 was promoted to coordi-nator of the Western S2TEM Centers SC.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Andrew Miller ′91 was deployed to Afghanistan for a 12-month tour where he will serve as an instructor pilot for the US-led Afghan Air Force Rotary Wing Flight Training Program. The program is part of the transition from US and NATO forces to the Afghan people to operate a self-sustaining military.

Margaret Young Bennett ′97 was named Teacher of the Year for 2011-2012 for Lake Forest Elementary in Greenville.

Amy Landers May ′98 recently opened her new law firm, The Landers May Firm, in Columbia.

Aimee Lamkin Simmons ′00 is the vice president of health care marketing for Senior Living Communities, LLC.

AnDrea Campbell Baumberger ′02 was named Teacher of the Year for 2012 at Ninety Six High School.

Katie Lake Pulley ′03 was named Ware Shoals Elemen-tary Teacher of the Year for 2012. She also serves on Lander’s Board of Visitors.

Sarah Hershey Boatwright ′05 is a new adjunct instructor in Lander’s English Department.

Donna Gause ′06 is an instructor of nursing in the William Preston Turner School of Nursing at Lander.

Melissa Noble Scott ′06 is a new biology lab instructor in Lander’s College of Science & Mathematics.

Ashley Stathas ′06 was named the Peach Belt Confer-ence’s Coach of the Year. Ashley is the volleyball coach at Lander.

Drew Harmon McCallum ′07 was named Saluda Primary School’s 2012 Teacher of the Year.

Charles Scales IV ′07 has been promoted from account manager to sales manager with Greenville Office Supply. Previously he was a sales representative at Waste Indus-tries USA.

Janie Elizabeth Allison ′09 was named Teacher of the Year for Ware Shoals High School for 2012-13.

Terrance Scott ′10 is the volunteer and VISTA recruitment leader for the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service.

Simpson ’85 Joins Ranks of Military Generals James Simpson, ’85, a U.S. Army veteran of 28 years, has been promoted to brigadier general. Simpson, deputy director of contracting for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, supervises a global network of 57 contracting offices and over 1,300 personnel. He said of his promotion, “I never dreamed of becoming a general officer and, after five years as a colonel, it’s taken some time to get used to being addressed as ‘general.’” The Clinton native received a political science degree at Lander and completed Reserve Offi-cers’ Training Corps requirements as a distin-guished military graduate. He received master’s degrees at other schools and completed several advanced military educational programs. He has held other command and staff posi-tions during his career, including two tours of duty in Iraq, and has earned an impressive array of military awards and decorations. His wife is the former Zelda Nash, of Prom-ised Land, a 1982 Lander graduate with a degree in early childhood education and elementary education. For 12 years, she taught at Pinecrest Elementary School in Greenwood and is now a

third-grade teacher at Lake Ridge Elementary School in Prince William County, Va. The Simpsons have two daughters: Alexis, a sophomore at Vanderbilt University; and Devin, a high school senior. Simpson is the second Lander graduate promoted to brigadier general in less than two years. In January 2011, Marie Goff, ’78, a native of Ninety Six, became the first woman to achieve the rank of brigadier general in the history of the South Carolina National Guard. She is the S.C. National Guard’s director of Joint Forces.

Join the Tower Club and Connect With Alumni in Your AreaThe first area Tower Club was formed in 2005 and is proudly named for the Tower of the former Old Main building, currently known as Laura Lander Hall. The Tower Clubs serve to build camaraderie among area alumni as well as current and future students. Lander now has Tower Clubs

located in Charleston, Columbia, Greenwood and the Upstate. Annual membership dues of $30 support alumni projects and the Alumni Scholar-ship Fund. Meetings, projects and social events are planned throughout the year. For information on area clubs or to join the Tower Club, visit www.lander.edu/goto/towerclub, or contact Alumni Affairs director Myra Greene at 864-388-8351 or [email protected].

U.S. Army veteran James Simpson, seated, a Clinton native and Lander University gradu-ate, poses with his wife and two daughters for a formal portrait marking his promotion to brigadier general in November 2012. From left are: daughter Alexis; his wife, Zelda, who is also a Lander grad; and daughter Devin. – Photo courtesy Greenwood Photography, Woodbridge, Va.

Class Notes

Elly E. Deal ′12 is now a human resource specialist with Lander University.

Robin Ramey McMurtury ′12 is the new transfer articulations coordinator at Lander University.

Jalysa R. O’Conner ′12 is a new residence life coordinator in Lander’s Housing & Residence Life Department.

Demario L. Watts ′12 is a new residence life coordina-tor in Lander’s Housing & Residence Life Department.

WeddingsMelissa Anne Manley ′97 and Michael B. Decker, Greenwood, June 16. Melissa is a registered nurse with Self Regional Healthcare Home Health Services. They live in Greenwood.

Velvet Brown Moore ′98 and Jeremy L. Davis, Murrells Inlet, Aug. 11. Velvet is an attorney with Watson Law Firm. They live in Hodges.

Melissa Christine Stark Brock ′00 and Miles S. Bow-man, Easley, June 30. Melissa is an internal auditor for Pickens County School District. They live in Easley.

Jennifer Lynn Hershberger ′02 and Walter L. Roark IV, Folly Beach, Aug. 18. Jennifer is an ophthalmologist with the Greenwood Eye Clinic. They live in Green-wood.

John T. Moore Jr. ′05 and Lacy Rebecca Hall, Green-wood, Dec. 15. John is employed by Countybank. They live in Greenwood.

Madison E. Workman ′06 and Leigh Anne Woolbright, Greenwood, Dec 24. Madison is employed by Carolina Tool Company. They live in Greenwood.

Roy Carlton Lemmons ′07 and Leslie Elizabeth Hamlett ′10, Ninety Six, July 7. Roy is employed by Clemson Downs, and Leslie is employed by Greenwood School District 50. They live in Greenwood.

Justin T. King ′08 and Caitlin Sue Cothran, Abbeville, Dec. 22. Justin is an auctioneer with Johnny King Auc-tioneers. They live in Greenwood.

Kevin A. Mattox ′08 and Meagan Elizabeth Clayborn ′10, West Columbia, Aug. 25. Kevin is an area field man-ager for U-Haul of South Carolina. Meagan is an admin-istrative assistant for Merritt, Webb, Wilson & Caruso, PLLC. They live in Lexington.

Everett B. Stubbs III ′08 and Caroline Kirk Rockholt ′09, Rock Hill, Aug. 25. Everett is the assistant public defender for the 6th Judicial Circuit of S.C., and Caro-line is a nurse. They live in Chester.

William Estes “Tripp” Crosby III ′09 and Taylor Le’Ann Cobb ′10, Greenwood, July 28. Tripp is employed with the City of Greenwood, and Taylor is a Montessori teacher with Greenwood School District 50. They live in Greenwood.

(Continued on page 10)


Uldrick ’76 Elected to Builders Hall of Fame “If it’s vertical, we’ll build it.” That’s how Johnny Uldrick, ’76, of Greenwood, describes the types of construction projects his company, Uldrick Builders, specializes in. Uldrick, the president of the company his father, Bobby, founded 60 years ago, has been inducted into the Homebuilders Association of South Carolina Hall of Fame, the first builder in Greenwood chosen for that honor. Trustees said Uldrick and two others were elected because of their unwavering efforts to protect the home building industry and the American dream of home ownership.

“It’s huge, very humbling,” said Uldrick, who was also applauded by the selection com-mittee for his craftsmanship and high standards, and for mentoring other builders. The committee added that homeowners have benefited from his contributions to the industry. In addition to operating his business, Uldrick is the District 3 vice president for the state Homebuilders Association and state director for the National Homebuilders Association. He has also served as president of the Lakelands Homebuilders Association and is currently a member of its board.

Upcoming Alumni Events April – October 2013*

Keep Up with Alumni News & Events

Get the latest in Lander alumni news and events delivered right to your inbox! Sign up for the Lander Alumni Newsletter at www.lander.edu/alumni and click on “Newsletter Sign-Up” in the side menu.

Keep up with the lat-est alumni news and events by joining the

Lander University Alumni Affairs fan page on Facebook®. To view the page or become a fan visit facebook.com/landeralumni.

Apr. 4 Senior Picnic

Apr. 6 Cooper River Bridge Run and Charleston Tower Club Evening Social

Apr. 12-13 Alumni Weekend Apr. 20 Lander Spring CommencementApr. 25 Bearcat Athletics Benefit AuctionApr. 29 Greenwood Tower Club Meeting

June TBA Greenville Drive Outing

Aug. 8 Lander on the Road – Atlanta

Aug. 13 Lander on the Road – Athens

Aug. 15 Lander on the Road – Charlotte

Aug. 16 Lander on the Road – Durham

Aug. TBA Greenwood Tower Club FUNraiser

Sept. TBA Alumni Get-A-Way Weekend

Oct. 3 Columbia Tower Club Fall Social

Oct. 11 Fall for Lander

* Events/dates subject to change.See www.lander.edu/alumni for details.

®

Class Notes


When 1996 Lander graduate Dr. Jared Sargent saw pictures of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in his home state of New Jersey, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Sargent, a Mauldin chiropractor, began contacting people through LinkedIn and Facebook, as well as e-mailing his patients, telling them he wanted to help people in his hometown of Point Pleasant, N.J., in their hour of need. The relief effort gained momentum when stories on Sargent’s mission began appearing on the WYFF-4 news, and in the online edi-tion of The Greenville News. Food, water and toiletry items began pouring in. “We collected so much there was barely room to move in the office,” Sargent said. “We had supplies stacked up in our reception room and in treatment rooms. The response

was overwhelming.” Sargent compared the scene that greeted him as he neared Point Pleasant, driving a U-Haul truck packed with supplies, to “a war zone. It was just indescribable. The entire landscape has changed, and when they rebuild, nothing will look the same anymore. It will all be new.” Sargent said that he and a childhood friend who assisted him were able to coordinate their efforts with a community center in his hometown that served as a drop-off point for supplies. Residents who received provisions, he said, “were really grateful. They were blown away that someone would come from so far away to help.” Friends and family with whom Sargent has corresponded since returning to South Caro-lina tell him that rebuilding efforts are under

way, but “progress is slow. It’s a very difficult situation, even four months later.” Sargent said he wasn’t the least bit sur-prised by the generosity of Upstate residents. “I’ve lived in the Upstate for 19 years now,” he said. “I’ve always found it to be a warm, welcoming and generous community. I want to say thank you to everyone who helped out. It really means a lot.”

Sargent ’96 Helps Hometown Recover From Hurricane Sandy

As the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. That was certainly the case for Cheryl Davis Rigdon, ’05, whose invention, the “Spatty,” earned her an appearance on an October epi-sode of the ABC television show Shark Tank. Rigdon was getting ready for dinner with her husband one Saturday when she realized she couldn’t get the last bit of makeup out of the container. She tried shaking the bottle, even using a cotton swab, but to no avail. “I

looked online for something I could buy and could not find anything, so I decided to make something.” And so the Spatty was born. Similar to a spatula, its unique size and shape allow users to reach the last bit of product in a container, from makeup to lotion and shampoo. With consumers spending dozens – even hundreds – of dollars each month on beauty products, being able to use every drop can mean big savings. There is even a larger version for kitchen use. Rigdon, who studied special education at Lander and is a speech and language pathologist at a preschool in Anderson District 5, submitted a description of the Spatty to the producers of Shark Tank, which gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their product or business to a panel of executives – the “Sharks” – in hopes of landing an investment deal. The Spatty caught their attention, and before long, Rigdon was on her way to Los Angeles for filming. Though a little nervous at first, she became more comfortable as she

gave her pitch. “The ‘Sharks’ were not as intimidating as I thought they would be. Shortly into my pitch, they all started laughing because of the name. They loved it! It really lightened the mood of the room,” she said. While the Sharks liked the Spatty, in the end they decided not to make an offer; but, the exposure on national television did won-ders for Rigdon’s product. “It helped me get my business off the ground,” she said, adding that she was even invited to do an Oscar gifting suite and other celebrity gifting events. She could also have follow-up appearances on the show. Rigdon is now working on getting the Spatty into stores. It is already available online at www.thespatty.com. She credits her time at Lander as a “founda-tion for real-world work experience.” “I felt you really got to know your profes-sors and other students in your program,” she said. “My education at Lander helped me improve my work ethic and people skills.”

Rigdon ’05 Appears on ABC’s Shark Tank

Cheryl Rigdon, ’05, created the Spatty to help con-sumers reach the last bit of product in a container. – Contributed photos

Mauldin chiropractor Dr. Jared Sargent, ’96, loads a U-Haul truck with relief supplies bound for New Jersey. – Contributed photo

Class Notes


Weddings (continued)

Leigh McAllister Langley ′09 and Jeff Frick, Prosperity, May 19. Leigh is an insurance specialist for St. Andrews Dermatology in Columbia. They live in Chapin.

Cody J. Brown ′10 and Kaylyn Beth Sparks, Greenville, Aug. 4. Cody is a chemist with Rockwell Medical Tech-nologies. They live in Greenville.

Stephen T. Duncan ′10 and Kristen Laurie Mabry ′10, July 31, 2010. Stephen coaches basketball and softball at Dorman High, and Kristen is a PE teacher at Roebuck Elementary. They live in Spartanburg.

Kacie Ann Bradley ′11 and Jared R. Isbell, Pelzer, June 30. Kacie teaches at Hickory Tavern Middle School.

Sara Elizabeth Cox ′12 and Wayman Spencer Christie, Greenwood, Aug. 18. Sara is a registered nurse at Self Regional Healthcare. They live in Greenwood.

Jennifer Amy Walde ′12 and Kevin Perry Cooper, Greenwood, Oct. 20. Amy is employed by Pizza Inn. They live in Greenwood.

BirthsChristopher J. Yeargin ′97 and Marcia Yeargin, Ridge Spring, a daughter, Elizabeth Ann, Feb. 22. She joins big sister Emily Ruth, 3.

Michael S. Kates ′00 and Leigh Miler Kates ′01, Summerville, a son, Hampton Miller, Aug. 8. Hampton joins big brother William Braxton, 6.

M. Jeff Lawson ′02 and Theresa Gunter Lawson ′02, Pelzer, a son, Milum Jeffery Lawson III, Aug. 16.

Deanna Parker McCarrell ′04 and Chris McCarrell, Greenville, a daughter, AnnaDavis Grayce, Nov. 12.

Wayne Whiteside ′04 and Jennifer Whiteside, Greenwood, a son, Phillip Wayne Whiteside III (Tripp), Dec. 7. Tripp joins his big sister.

Carla Holley Goode ′09 and Christopher Goode, Greenwood, a son, Carson Ray Goode, Aug. 6.

Amber Bond Koerber ′09 and Christopher Koerber, Greenwood, a son, Harper Thomas, April 7, 2012.

Kendall Miles Gunter ′10 and Danny Gunter, Ninety Six, a daughter, Emerson Adele, April 30, 2012.

In MemoriamAlice Frances McKellar Lawrence Granade ′35, Greenwood, Jan. 21. She was a former writer for the Index-Journal and a member of First Presbyterian Church. Surviving are three sons, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Jean Ellen Cochran Reed ′38, Greenville, Jan. 10. She was a schoolteacher and a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Surviving are four sons, a daughter, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Carnell: ‘A True Southern Gentleman’ In 2012, Lander said goodbye to longtime friend and bene-factor Marion Pinckney Carnell, the retired South Carolina legislator from Ware Shoals who played a leading role in the university’s growth and its enhanced statewide reputation. He died on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22. He was 84. Carnell was the senior member of the S.C. House of Repre-sentatives when he retired in 2002 after four decades represent-ing District 14. He was also the former co-owner and operator of Piggly Wiggly Stores in Ware Shoals and Ninety Six. President Dr. Daniel Ball described Carnell as a champion of higher education. “Without his influence, power and love for education, Lander would not be the institution it is today. He

was a loyal friend to our campus.” He said it was because of the leadership of Carnell and the other members of the Lakelands legislative delegation that, in 1973, Lander became part of South Carolina’s public higher edu-cation system as a state-supported university. After retiring, Carnell maintained an association with Lander as a Docent, serving as a spe-cial assistant to the president. Athletic director Jeff May, whose friendship with Carnell spanned 40 years, was among those who eulogized him during funeral services at First Baptist Church in Ware Shoals. He said Carnell was one of his mentors and that he will miss their conversations and his wit and humor. He said, “I loved Marion Carnell, as many here today did.” May described Carnell as “a true Southern gentleman” whose faith, fairness, family and reli-ability were trademarks of his personal and professional life. In 1992, the university’s Board of Trustees honored Carnell’s life, record of distinguished public service, and longtime support of Lander and higher education in general by renaming the campus learning center the Marion P. Carnell Learning Center. While he worked tirelessly for education during his career, health care and services for the elderly, the disabled and those with special needs were also high on his list of priorities. Carnell’s survivors include his wife, Sara Moore Carnell, of Ware Shoals; son Marion Ray Carnell, a Lander employee; and brother William Carnell, of Wellford. He was predeceased by daughter Toni Lynn. Members of the family ask that memorial contributions be made to the Marion P. and Sara Moore Carnell Scholarship Fund at Lander. Established in 1994 by family and friends, the fund awards scholarships to freshmen based on their academic achievement and leadership potential.

Hendricks: Caring, Dependable Registrar Former Lander Registrar Earl Hendricks passed away Oct. 7 in North Carolina. He was 82. Hendricks came to Lander in 1972, beginning a career that would span two decades. In addition to being Registrar, he also worked in Lander’s Media Services Office and the computer lab. Hendricks was known for his deep sense of caring and helpful attitude. Associate athletics director Cheryl Bell, who worked for Hendricks in the Records Office then, said, “His main goal was always to do an outstanding job for Lander and help students.” Among his survivors are his wife of 60 years, Betty S. Hen-dricks; one son; one daughter; and three grandchildren.

Class Notes


Margaret Broyles Pruitt ′39, Townville, Dec. 13. She was a retired schoolteacher and a member of Dickson Memorial United Methodist Church. Surviving are her son, grandson and two great-grandchildren.

Lula Grace Moon Griffin ′40, Moonville, Nov. 26. She retired from teaching after 50 years of service. Surviving are two daughters, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a sister.

Sabrina Timmerman Walker ′41, Chapin, Nov. 6. She was a charter member of Broad River Baptist Church (renamed St. Andrews Baptist Church). Surviving are three sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Norma Darby Castles ′43, Irmo, Aug. 3. Norma was a retired schoolteacher. Surviving are a son, two daughters, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Ruth Kinnett Ramsey ′45, St. Augustine, Jan. 5. Ruth was a retired schoolteacher and a member of First United Methodist Church. Surviving are three sons, a daughter, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a brother.

Ann Elizabeth “Betty” Brown Patterson ′48, Laurens, Aug. 22. Betty taught third grade for a few years and was a member of First United Methodist Church. Surviving are three sons, two daughters and 10 grandchildren.

Jewell Hallman Curtis ′49, Lexington, July 11. Jewell was a retired schoolteacher. Surviving are a son, a daughter, three grandchildren, two great-granddaughters and a sister.

Georgia Leona Rush Mitchell Satterfield ′50, Charleston, Jan. 25. She taught home economics for 34 years and was an agent for Clemson Extension. Surviving are two sons, four daughters, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth “Betty” Coleman Lumley ′51, Greenwood, Dec. 25. She was a former substitute teacher for Greenwood School District 50 and a member of First Presbyterian Church. Surviving are two sons, a daughter and three grandchildren.

Janet Simpson Pennington ′55, Iva, Nov. 29. Janet was a retired schoolteacher and a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church. Surviving are a daughter, two sisters, and several nephews and nieces.

Rosa Ellen Holmes Proctor ′57, Greenwood, Sept. 20. Rosa was a retired nurse with Self Regional Healthcare and a member of Tranquil United Methodist Church. Surviving are a daughter and two grandchildren.

Kathleen “Kathy” Hull Mays ′67, Clemson, Dec. 18. Kathy was a homemaker and a member of Clemson United Methodist Church. Surviving are her husband, a son and two grandsons.

Betty Anne Chapman Todd ′68, Greenwood, Jan. 8. Betty was a retired Regional Library director. Surviving are two sons, a daughter, 12 grandchildren, a great-grandchild and three sisters.

Schmidt ’80: ‘Her Love Was Children’ Jeanne Schmidt, a 1980 graduate of Lander and the long-time director of Camp Kemo, a summer camp for children with cancer, died Sept. 9, 2012, in Palmetto Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, after suffering a stroke. She was 54 years old. For 13 years, Schmidt was the guiding spirit of Camp Kemo, which allows patients of Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital to connect both with their siblings and other chil-dren stricken with cancer by participating in activities such as swimming, boating and hiking. Her husband, 1979 Lander graduate Ralph Schmidt, called Camp Kemo “something that Jeanne was very passion-ate about. Her love was children.”

Jeanne was known for “paying it forward.” Every Friday, she would go through the drive-through at Dunkin’ Donuts in Columbia and pay for the coffee and doughnuts ordered by the people behind her, an act of selflessness that inspired others, including her husband, to do the same thing. “I do that every Friday to this day, to honor Jeanne’s service to others,” Ralph, the principal of Westwood High School in Blythewood, said. Lander assistant athletic director Steve Grogan, who graduated from Lander the same year as Jeanne and remains a friend of the family, said, “Jeanne was always so upbeat and positive. She was willing to help others and was so friendly. She always had a smile on her face.” She is survived by two daughters, Aimee Schmidt Hinks and Haley Meredith Schmidt, in addition to her husband.

Taylor: Remembered as Positive Influence Retired Lander University professor of education Dr. Robert “Bob” Taylor passed away Feb. 20. He was 61. His career at Lander spanned more than 15 years, and in addi-tion to his teaching duties, he served as director of Gradu-ate Studies in Education. Taylor was also a member of the Teaching Fellows Advisory Board and faculty sponsor of Kappa Delta Pi. In 1994, he received a Disney American Teacher Award, and five years later he was named a National Disney Learning Partnership Fellow, an initiative the Walt Disney Company established to support creative teaching strategies. Outside of the classroom, he was a well-known artist

in the local community, and along with wife Donna operated Taylor Galleries in Uptown Greenwood. Before coming to Lander, Taylor taught in schools in Greenwood District 50 and McCormick County. “Bob Taylor always made you smile and often made you laugh,” said Lander president Dr. Dan Ball. “He loved Lander, and his service to the university and its students will not be forgotten.”

Please send your information on weddings, births, deaths, awards, promotions or other items of interest to: Office of Alumni Affairs, Lander University,

320 Stanley Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29649. You can also submit information by calling Debbie Dill at 864-388-8351 or by e-mailing [email protected].

Class Notes


In Memoriam (continued)

Robert McBride “Mack” Attaway ′70, Greenwood, Dec. 30. Mack was the owner of Attaway Machine & Tool Company. He is survived by two aunts and several cousins.

Frances Elneida Gregory Dunagan ′71, Greenwood, Dec. 12. Elneida was retired from Greenwood School District 50 and a member of Lowell Street United Methodist Church. Surviving are her husband and daughter.

Joe Barron Pack Sr. ′82, Taylors, Sept. 24. Joe was retired from UPS and was a volunteer for many organizations. Surviving are two sons, three grandchildren, a brother and two sisters.

Jacqueline “Jackie” Lewis Young ′82, Bradley, Oct. 18. Jackie was a retired schoolteacher and a member of Lower Long Cane Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Surviving are her husband, a son, a daughter, four grandchildren and three brothers.

George Earl Rice ′88, Greenwood, Jan. 20. He was a member of Woodfields Baptist Church. Surviving are a brother, a nephew and a niece.

Joseph Martin Canero ′91, Harrisburg, Pa., Sept. 7. Joseph was retired from Delta Airlines. Surviving are his parents, wife, children and siblings.

Eric Glenn Petrus ′08, Greenwood, Jan. 19. Eric was a member of North Side Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, dad, mom, brother, sister, grandparents, and nephews and nieces.

Richard Eugene Smith ′12, Waterloo, Jan. 25. He was employed with Wells Fargo Bank in Clinton and a member of New Prospect Baptist Church. Surviving are his father, mother, brother, aunt and fiancée.

Sympathy ToMargaret Derrick Lee ′46 on the passing of her daughter, George H. Davis ′82 on the passing of his wife, Ellenann Lee Hester ′78 on the passing of her sister, and James C. Hester ′78 on the passing of his sister-in-law, Rebecca Lee Davis, Sept. 9.

Jo Ann Miley Purkerson ′60 on the passing of her husband, and Julie Purkerson Lamb ′86 on the passing of her father, William Earle Purkerson Jr., Jan. 24.

Robert C. McWatty ′69 and William J. McWatty ′74 on the passing of their mother, Rebecca Grantham McWatty ′66 on the passing of her mother-in-law, and Kerri Neale Jones ′10 on the passing of her grandmother, Phyllis S. McWatty, Greenwood, Aug. 25.

Shirley Attaway Lawrence ′71 on the passing of her mother-in-law, Alice Lawrence Arnold ′05

on the passing of her grandmother, and Jill Ward Lawrence ′95 on the passing of her grandmother-in-law, Alice Frances McKellar Lawrence Granade ′35, Jan. 21.

S. Anne Walker ′72 on the passing of her mother, S. Melissa Evans ′95 on the passing of her grandmother, and Margaret Igleheart Walker ′72 on the passing of her mother-in-law, Sabrina Timmerman Walker ′41, Nov. 6.

Sandra Corley Mitchell ′73 on the passing of her brother, Mark Homer Corley, Nov. 15.

Howard G. Jones ′77 on the passing of his mother, Selma Singleton Gilland Jones, Sept. 24.

Ralph C. Schmidt ′79 on the passing of his wife, Jeanne Callaham Schmidt ′80, Sept. 9.

Robin Scott ′79 on the passing of his father-in-law, Robert Scott ′11 on the passing of his grandfather, and Abby Bryant Scott ′11 on the passing of her grandfather-in-law, Harold J. Steigler, Sept. 12.

Gwen Bodie Gunnells ′82 on the passing of her father-in-law, Ellis Gunnells, Jan. 9.

Margaret Scoggins King ′84 on the passing of her brother, Lawrence H. Scoggins Jr., Sept. 26.

Edward D. Brazzell Jr. ′85 and Brenda Robinson Brazell ′85 on the passing of their son, Allen R. Brazzell, Nov. 11.

Joe Barron Pack Jr. ′85 on the passing of his father, Joe Barron Pack Sr. ′82, Sept. 24.

Richard E. Loper ′87 on the passing of his father, William Earl Loper, Aug. 27.

Robin Cervenka Maves ′89 and Adam J. Cervenka ′99 on the passing of their mother, and Erica L. Cervenka ′02 on the passing of her mother-in-law, Betty Salpietro Cervenka, Aug. 18. Betty was a temporary lecturer for Lander’s Nursing Department in 1983-1985, 2009-2010 and 2011-2012.

Kelli Hughes Brock ′95 on the passing of her grandmother, Rema Fields Lewis, Aug. 4.

Ashley Petrus Smith ′00 on the passing of her brother, and Shannon Vaughn Petrus ′05 on the passing of her brother-in-law, Eric Glenn Petrus ′08, Jan. 19.

Kendall Miles Gunter ′10 on the passing of her grandmother, Wanda Price Miles, Sept. 10.

Faculty/StaffSympathy to Donna Atkins on the passing of her mother, Ruth Derrick Clark, Jan. 12. Donna is a student services specialist in Lander’s Admissions Office.

Sympathy to Randy Bouknight, Lander vice president for Student Affairs, on the passing of his father, Simon Dewey Bouknight Jr., Oct. 23, in Shreveport, La.

Betty Salpietro Cervenka passed away Aug. 18 in Greenwood. She was a temporary lecturer for Lander’s Nursing Department, serving 1983-1985, 2009-2010 and 2011-2012.

Sympathy to David Hays on the passing of his wife, Kelley Marie Porterfield Hays, Jan. 20. David is a statistician and writer for Lander Athletics.

Sympathy to Associate Professor of Music and Chair of Lander’s Music Department Dr. Lila Noonkester on the passing of her father, Dr. J. Ralph Noonkester, Sept. 30, and her mother, Naomi Hopkins Noonkester, Feb. 4.

Sympathy to Maria S. Scott on the passing of her father, Harold J. Steigler, Sept. 12. Maria is the designer in Lander’s Office of University Relations and Publications.

Sympathy to Angela Fulbright on the passing of her son, Jason Miller “J.B.” Bush, Dec. 23. Angela is an administrative specialist with the Lander Police Department.

Jean Chapman Ricketson, of Greenwood, passed away Feb. 16. Jean was a lecturer of humanities in the 1970s. She was the widow of Lander history and anthropology professor Dr. William F. Ricketson.

McMullin: Excellent Teacher, Generous Donor Lander Professor Emeritus Leo F. McMullin died Oct. 12 in Ohio, following a lengthy illness. He was 93. McMullin began his career at Lander in 1979 as a marketing professor, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience in advertising and sales. Upon McMullin’s retirement in 1989, then-Lander president Larry Jackson described him as “an excellent teacher and model” for Lander’s students. McMullin and his wife, the late Louise Willing McMullin, established several scholarships at Lander for students in business, political science and mass communication. Among his survivors are one son, one daughter, three grand-children and one great-grandchild.

Alumni Events


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1. An Evening in Anderson Alumni gathered for a Lander on the Road social at the Hilton Garden in Anderson for a fun evening of reconnecting and networking, as well as welcoming accepted students and their families from the area. In addition to receiving updates on their alma mater, alumni also received a Lander goodie bag, pictured.

2. A Thrill in Chapel HillMore than 30 alumni from the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area gathered for a Lander on the Road social at the popular Top of the Hill Restau-rant in Chapel Hill, N.C. Graduates from the 1960s through the 2000s were in attendance, including, from left: Jack James, ’71; Myra Greene, ’78; Fred Wactor, ’78; Bernie Pannone, ’79; Philip Whitfield, ’79; and Mary Radford, ’79.

3. Fun in the Queen CityCharlotte, N.C., was also on the agenda for Lander on the Road, and alumni joined together at Blue Restaurant and Bar for an evening of remi-niscing. Some of those enjoying the event were, from left: Brandon Pitts, ’96; Alisha Pitts, ’97; Julia Hemphill, ’96; and Patti Zenker, ’92.

Hitting the RoadLander Alumni Add Up Miles The Lander University Alumni Association has logged an impressive number of miles since August, traveling throughout the state and region to bring alumni, students and friends together for fun and fellowship with a great lineup of events.

4. On the Road in Rock HillThe Alumni Association headed north for a fun gathering in Rock Hill, where alumni were able to network while enjoying hors d’oeuvres at Citizen Corners Fine Food & Spirits. Pictured, from left, are: Ashley Rescigno Hamilton, ’06; Jasmine Rhinehart, ’12; Jessica Boone Silvey, ’05; Markeisha Smith Ross, ’96; Laura Rankin Foster, ’84; Karen Aiken, ’76; and Kim Brock Kerr, ’87.

5. Alumni Give BackThe Greenwood Tower Club started out 2013 with a special surprise for the Lander University Equestrian Center – a $500 donation. Club president Mike McWhorter, ’76, presented the check to Equestrian Center staff in January, and the funds will be used to refurbish equipment at the center. The club also raised $500 for the Lander Rugby Team, which will help with the purchase of practice jerseys. Pictured, from left, are: Emma Wolfe, 2012-13 Hunt Seat Team Captain; Mary Weaver, Equestrian Team coach; Nancy Poston, Equestrian Center director; Mike McWhorter; Myra Greene, ’78, Alumni Affairs director; and Fabiana Rodriguez, 2012-13 Western Team Captain.– Photos courtesy of Myra Greene3

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orning skies were overcast and temperatures were in the mid-30s, but the cold did not chill the enthusiasm

on display when ceremonies were held on Saturday, Jan. 26, dedi-cating the newly covered arena at Lander’s Equestrian Center. Spectators who were bundled against the cold included Lander students, faculty, staff and administrators, and riders from Lander’s equestrian team. Also present were teams and their supporters from three other colleges who competed along with Lander in an International Horse Show Association (IHSA) Western Show later in the morning and the next day. University president Daniel Ball thanked Equestrian Center director Nancy Poston; equestrian coach Mary Weaver; and Beth Wood, coordinator of the university’s Bearcat Therapeutic Riding program, for their commitment to the center. He said, “Without their determination and can-do attitudes, this facility would not exist.” Jimmy Burton, executive director of Burton Center, on whose grounds the Equestrian Center is located, said the facility was a vision of Burton Center and Lander. He added, “The boards of both institutions made a dream come true.” Nancy Poston said having the covered arena means that therapeu-tic horsemanship clients will not have their sessions interrupted by bad weather. “And horse show events and training for riders can take place rain or shine,” she added. Town & Country Construction built the roof, and Heaner Design Group was the architect on the project, which took about 10 months to complete. Both are Greenwood firms. The dedication included the singing of the national anthem by Dr. Charles Neufeld, associate professor of music at Lander, and

Bearcat therapeutic rider John Mark McQuown. Cadets from Land-er’s ROTC program presented the colors, and that was followed by the unveiling of an American flag that was flown in Iraq in honor of the Equestrian Center in 2011, by SPC Matt Culbertson, of Bravo Company, 151st ESB of the South Carolina National Guard. Culbertson’s son, Benjie, is in the therapeutic riding program, and his wife, Ashley, has been a volunteer at the Equestrian Center. The IHSA show that followed was the first competition event held under the covered arena. It was a good day for the Lander team, which won high point, or first place, in the first and fourth shows, with Clemson University winning high point in the second and third shows.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held Jan. 26, dedicating the covered arena at Lander University’s Equestrian Center. From left: Jimmy Burton, executive director, Burton Center; university president Dr. Daniel Ball; Mary Weaver, coach of Lander’s equestrian team; and Beth Wood, coordinator of the university’s therapeutic riding program.

Raising the Roof at the Equestrian CenterBy Dave Lorenzatti

M


Andi MillsOn The Road Again

By Dave Lorenzatti

ander student Andi Mills, of Honea Path, was a long- distance truck driver for 28 years, but she was forced to

give up the job she loved after macular degeneration and cataracts robbed her of most of her eyesight, leaving her legally blind. In January, she climbed behind the wheel of a motor vehicle for the first time in five years. She is able to drive again because she has her sight back. When Mills showed up for classes last September, it was the first time in her three years at Lander that she actually saw the campus. “I saw flowers, the landscaping, the buildings. I saw my fellow students and professors for the first time.” She is recognized on campus as “the lady with the dog.” Her guide dog, a Golden Retriever named Mr. Tibbs, chaperoned her between classes and elsewhere on campus. Her life changed last summer after surgery to remove the cata-racts and implant artificial lenses in each eye. At the time, Mills was blind in her right eye and saw only hazy images out of the left. Dr. Jay Montgomery, of Montgomery & Riddle Eyecare in Clinton, who operated on her, said the surgeries were complicated because he had to repair other problems, including accumulated scar tissue, before implanting new intraocular lenses. Mills said, “I hoped the operations would give my left eye a little

clarity to help me through my last year of school.” Montgom-ery’s goal was to restore some of her vision, but the surgical outcome was more than they bar-gained for. When Montgomery finished, she was able to clearly see him and others in the treat-ment room.

While she can see again and gets around campus on her own, she still relies on Tibbs because she is a diabetic and is predisposed to rapid and life-threatening changes in blood sugar levels. Tibbs has special medical alert training and warns her when he senses an impending diabetic attack so she can get to the glucose or insulin she always carries with her. After Mills’ world went dark, doctors told her she would not see again. “I lost my job, my independence, my self-esteem and my confidence. I had to reinvent my whole life.” She entered a program in Columbia and, among other things, learned to read Braille and use a cane to help get around. But living with blindness was challenging. She recalls brushing her teeth with an antibiotic ointment, mistaking it for toothpaste. Being blind forced her to reorganize even the simplest routines of daily living. She said, “I couldn’t accept my blindness. I needed a reason to get out of bed each morning. I needed goals, a purpose.” She decided to resume her education and enrolled at Lander as a second-semester freshman majoring in English, with an emphasis in professional writing. “I was scared to death,” she said, noting she was 59 at the time. “I was 40 years older than the average student, and today I’m older than all of my professors.” Mills, 61, has two children, five grandchildren and a great- grandchild. When she graduates in April, she and Mr. Tibbs will take one last stroll together at Lander when they walk across the stage to pick up her degree. She said, “Tibbs deserves to be there, too. He’s been to every class I’ve been to.” In fact, when Mills was inducted into Sigma Delta Tau, the English honor society, Tibbs was made an honorary member. Before now, she relied on others for transportation between home and school, but that all changed early this year when she obtained a new driver’s license. She drives a van her son gave her. Its side panels are inscribed with the words, “I believe in miracles.” Despite Mills’ miraculous recovery, she still has macular degen-eration, which might worsen and steal her eyesight again. But she doesn’t worry about that possibility. She said, “I can see today.”

When she was legally blind, Andi Mills, of Honea Path, relied on her service dog, Mr. Tibbs, to guide her between classes at Lander and else-where on campus. That all changed last semester after surgery restored her eyesight.

Five years after losing her eyesight, Andi Mills is able to drive again, thanks to surgical procedures she underwent last summer.

L

ander students in the political science and history classes of assistant professors Dr. Lucas McMillan and Dr. Chad

Kinsella took advantage of opportunities last semester to gain first-hand knowledge about presidential politics and the state legislative process. In September, five students accompanied McMillan and Kinsella to Charlotte, N.C., just before the Democratic National Convention was gaveled to order, as part of a program designed to give them an overview of government and politics. Lander students and those from nine other colleges and universities in South Carolina participated in the event organized by Winthrop University’s John C. West Forum for Politics and Policy. Students met with individuals, including members of the S.C. del-egation, attended caucuses and council meetings, witnessed a protest organized by Occupy Charlotte, and heard a wide range of speakers. It was a learning experience for McMillan and Kinsella, too. They said the event exceeded their expectations and helped students

understand what goes into planning a political party convention. In October, students did some presidential politicking of their own as they portrayed Team Obama and Team Romney in a mock presidential debate that drew 500 spectators to Lander’s Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. The debate was sponsored by the American Democracy Project and featured 12 students in Kinsella’s Presidential Campaigns and Elections class. The event was patterned after the televised presidential debates, and topics included foreign policy, national security and domestic issues. There was also a town hall segment during which debaters fielded questions submitted by Lander students. In November, Lander was among 14 colleges and universities rep-resented in the South Carolina Student Legislature (SCSL), an exer-cise mirroring the work of the General Assembly. Students occupied the House and Senate chambers, where they took part in sometimes spirited debate covering a range of issues. The eight students in the Lander delegation prepared for the ses-sion by drafting legislation and negotiating with students from other schools for help in getting bills out of committee. SCSL, which is run by students, provides insights into the func-tions of democratic government as well as a forum to debate public policy issues.

Learning How the Political System Works


Left: Lander University students who took part in activities in Charlotte, N.C., prior to the Democratic National Convention pose in front of an outdoor network broadcast studio. From left: Conner Lewis, of Greenwood; Ryan McNulty, of Jacksonville, Fla.; Richard Stone, of Greenwood; Ariel Fair, of Gadsden; and Tanisha Elder, of Columbia. – Contributed photo

Top: Students stand in for President Barack Obama and Republican chal-lenger Mitt Romney in a mock presidential debate before last year’s election.

L By Dave Lorenzatti


Learning How the Political System Works

pplications are being accepted for Lander’s new Honors College, which will make its debut with the start of the

fall semester in September. The college is not a new building on campus but rather an exciting program offering academically gifted students the opportunity to study in an environment unlike the typical college classroom experience. Dr. Lillian Craton, program director, said, “Lander’s Honors College will be a way for students with the same interests and values

to share a sense of curiosity in small class settings.” She described it as a multidisci-plinary program that emphasizes active learning in small group seminars. According to president Daniel Ball, many students and faculty members asked for the new program. “Having this Honors College on our campus elevates our visibility and prestige as an educa-tional institution but, more importantly, it provides another opportunity for our especially talented students to excel.”

He applauded Craton for demonstrating a high level of commit-ment and creativity in her work at Lander. He said, “We are excited to be able to tap into those qualities as she leads this important initiative.” Students in the program will take one or two honors courses each semester. They must complete at least 15 hours of honors-level classes, most of which will satisfy general education requirements for any major. Other students can take honors classes, too, if space is available and with the permission of instructors. The focus of the Honors College is international issues with an emphasis on fine arts, behavioral sciences, history, literature, math-ematics, science, education, public affairs, and logic and analyti-cal thought. It also offers a “breakaway” component encouraging academic travel and professional experiences. Craton said students can choose options that include study abroad; study away, but closer to home; internships; and directed independent research projects. Another feature is the Global Scholars Program, which will select groups of exceptional Honors College students to spend a semes-ter of study abroad, or for a summer international study program relevant to each student’s major, at no additional cost. The Boedecker Foundation, of Boulder, Colo., will provide Honors College scholarships amounting to $38,000 a year for three years. Ralph Patterson, vice president for University Advancement, said, “This is a wonderful gift that will help students and the university.” The foundation, created by George Boedecker Jr.,

founder of the Crocs footwear company, previously endowed two scholarships at Lander. Craton said students who complete an honors curriculum dramatically increase their chances of being accepted into graduate school. “It’s a sign to those schools that honors graduates have been seeking academic challenges.” She said graduates are also more competitive in the job market. “The academic travel experience is very attractive to employers.” Dr. DeWitt Stone, director of Lander’s Study Abroad program, agrees. He said, “A major strength of our honors program is that the work of our students is subject to external evaluation when they spend a semester away from Lander. This signals to graduate schools and prospective employers that our students can compete in the larger world.” According to Stone, the new college represents another chapter in the evolution of Lander’s honors and study abroad programs, which were merged into an Honors International Program in the late 1980s. He said it was the idea of then-Lander president Larry Jackson. His philosophy became the foundation for a pioneering honors curriculum requiring study abroad, which most other uni-versities now strongly encourage as part of their honors programs. Stone added that studying abroad or in a geographic area outside of the Southeastern U.S. broadens a student’s perspectives as indi-cated by feedback from returning students. Junior Haley Wilson, of Joanna, described her honors program experience at Lander as a springboard in her life. “We aren’t a group of ‘brainiacs’ talking about things no one cares about. We discuss real issues as people with real insight.” She added, “I’ve never felt so fulfilled in all aspects of who I am.” Craton completed an honors program as an undergraduate and described the experience as life changing. She said it enhanced her intellectual curiosity, which was one reason why she decided to be-come a professor. “It helped me mature as a person and helped me with graduate school to obtain my doctorate.” Craton is an associate professor of English at Lander and teaches literature courses and freshman composition. Honors College admission is open to new and current Lander students who meet specific academic requirements.

A New College in Lander’s FutureBy Dave Lorenzatti

Dr. Lillian Craton

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Commencement Fall 2012


Knowledge AcquiredGrads Encouraged to Set Sights on Long-Term Goals

By Russell Martin

Honored GuestLander president Dr. Daniel Ball, left, welcomes commencement speaker Wolf Stromberg, Honor-ary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, to campus prior to the fall graduation ceremony.

As Wolf Stromberg, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, began his address to 179 graduates at Lander’s fall commencement ceremony in December, he reminded students of the occasion’s purpose. “We celebrate the acquisition of knowledge today – your knowledge,” he said. “That is a very precious commodity,” Stromberg added, “and it is one of the very few commodities that, for most people, improves with age.” Stromberg also reminded students that they were joining more than 18,000 others who have received degrees from Lander since 1872. He explained that these numbers, over such an expanse of time, say a lot about the institution itself. “If something prevails for this long, it must be for its excellence and fulfillment of its purpose,” he said. A native of Germany, Stromberg shared a few highlights from his education and the career path that led him to his current position as president and partner of Triad Sales in Greenville. Triad represents several German companies for sales and service of plastics machinery and provides consulting and management services to the plastics, rubber and nonwoven industries. Stromberg shared these details of his life and career to illustrate the impor-tance of setting goals and striving to achieve them. “Your life is not a coincidence,” Stromberg told graduates. “Your life is what you make it. If you don’t have goals, you can’t reach them.” With this sentiment, Stromberg left graduates with a mission. “Seek solitude and shut out the background noise of today’s society. Stop multi-tasking and think about where you want to be in 20 years,” Stromberg said. “It will be worth your while. You have the academic tools and the academic accom-plishments to achieve your own goals.”

Thayer Award Recipient Lander officials presented the university’s top academic honor, the Thayer Award, for Fall 2012 graduates to John Hudson, of Greenville. The award is presented on behalf of the family of Dr. Henry K. Thayer to the graduating senior achiev-ing the highest scholastic average, provided that the student has earned at least 60 credit hours at Lander and that the student’s grade point average is at least 3.75. Hudson graduated from Lander’s R.N. to B.S.N. completion program. He is a pediatric sedation nurse in Greenville Memorial Hospital’s radiology department. Hudson, right, is pictured with university president Dr. Daniel Ball.

Commencement Fall 2012


1. Proud FamiliesLander faculty and staff have a tradition of presenting diplomas to relatives as they cross the stage during commencement. Keeping with that tradition this year, from left, were: Mac Kirkpatrick, director of Institution-al Research, and cousin Katelyn Ballew, of Green-ville, business administration; Jeff Burkhamer, Lander men’s basketball coach, and daughter Melissa Burkhamer, of Greenwood, business administration; and Myra Greene, Lander director of Alumni Affairs, and son Graham Scott Shaffer, of Greenwood, mass communication and theatre.

2. The Show Goes On Music graduate Gregg Hinton, of Laurens, joins the Lander Wind Ensemble for their graduation perfor-mance before receiving his diploma.

3. Future Soldiers Jessica De’Nae Simpson, left, of Orangeburg, nursing, and Mylissa Lynn Johnston, of Greenwood, visual arts, were recognized for their status as newly commissioned ROTC officers.

4. Master Educators Graduate students John Pierce Gullick, left, of Green-ville, master of arts in teaching art, and Katherine Sheffield Mabry, of Spartanburg, master of education in Montessori education, talk before heading to the ceremony.

5. The Science GuysEach year students have a little time to reminisce before crossing the stage to become graduates. Pic-tured, from left, are: Kalea Ralls, of Greer, chemistry; Tyler Pitman, of Travelers Rest, chemistry; and Kirk Gibson, of Saluda, environmental science.

6. Presenting FlowersFollowing the ceremony, graduates have an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishment with friends and family. Pictured, business administration graduate Latoya Rice, of Denmark, is congratulated by friends, from left, Tonya Graham, Ricky Sease and Derwin Graham.

7. You Did It! Brandon Dyer, right, of Greenville, business admin-istration, hugs Gay Coleman, director of Lander’s Academic Success Center, after commencement ceremonies.

8. Mission Accomplished Graduates and faculty members are often seen revisiting their academic memories outside of the Horne Arena following graduation. Pictured, from left, are: Dr. Chad Kinsella, assistant professor of politi-cal science; Brandi Cordell, of Soddy Daisy, Tenn.; Dr. Lucas McMillan, assistant professor of political science; Erica Hawthorne, of Simpsonville; Richard Stone, of Greenwood; and Dr. Kimberly Richburg, associate professor of political science.

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So Long Water...Hello Weights

By Dave LorenzattiPhotos by Russell Martin

Celebrating the Opening of Lander’s New Fitness Center Lander’s indoor swimming pool is no more. The little-used facility has been converted into an ultramodern Fitness Center that is expected to see a lot of traffic. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in early January to formally introduce the center, which opened its doors at the start of the spring semester. The new facility is located in the Joe V. Chandler Center, home of the university’s Department of Physical Education and Exercise Studies (PEES).


Opening Celebration (Top) President Daniel Ball, right, officiates at the dedication of Lander University’s new Fitness Center, which boasts the latest in exercise equipment for use by students, faculty and staff.

Cutting the Ribbon (Middle) Faculty and staff join with university adminis-tration and members of the Board of Trustees to cut the ribbon signifying the official opening of the facility, which is located in the Joe V. Chandler Center, in the space where the university’s indoor pool was once located.

Ready to Work Out (Bottom) The new Fitness Center features zones for cardio, strength training, free weights and core body exercise, in addition to a spin room and classroom. Pictured at the sign-in/welcome desk are Lander students Julie Benefield, left, and Miranda Gartman.

President Daniel Ball told the crowd assem-bled for the grand opening, “This is a big day for Lander and the people who made this new facility happen.” He said it took a collaborative effort by many members of the faculty and staff across the university. At 6,800 square feet, the center, which is open to all students, is more than three times the size of the old exercise facility just up the hall. Campus engineer Dorenda Sprowl, who super-vised the project, said the mechanical equipment for operating the Olympic-sized pool was not working efficiently and needed to be replaced. She added that the pool area itself was due for a facelift, and the cost of renovations, replacing the mechanical equipment, purchasing pool chemicals and regular maintenance would have been almost as expensive as building the new Fitness Center. The Boudreaux Group of Columbia drew the architectural plans and the contractor was James B. Jones Construction Co., of Abbeville. Electri-cians in Lander’s engineering department did the wiring, and technicians in Information Technol-ogy Services installed nine television screens and sound equipment. Sprowl said, “It was a great team effort.” The first step was to drain the more than 650,000 gallons of water a pool that size typically holds. Next came backfilling the empty space with 57 truckloads of gravel weighing more than a thousand tons, then topping it off with a 6-inch layer of concrete. Sprowl said the project, which also included converting two of four racquetball courts into dance studios and offices, took about a year from design to completion.

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So Long Water ... Hello Weights

Daniel Hannah, assistant professor of athletic training and direc-tor of Lander’s athletic training program, had the job of finding just the right exercise equipment. In addition to his teaching responsi-bilities, Hannah spent several months investigating what was on the market before recommending the types of equipment to purchase and how many of each would be suitable for the facility. He also drew the center’s floor plan, laying out the placement of equipment and arranging the room in dedicated zones. The cardio exercise zone has 24 machines. There are approximately 60 stations for strength training, a free weights area and a core body exercise zone. There is also a spin room with 13 spin bikes, and an adjoining classroom. Hannah said it was time consuming, but added, “It was a fun pro-cess.” He sees the center as “a huge recruiting tool” for the university and said it also ties in well with Lander’s emphasis on wellness. According to Vice President for Student Affairs Randy Bouknight, the Fitness Center will be open for students every day, 90 hours a week, under the supervision of Lander’s Recreation and Intramu-ral Department. He said, “Campus Recreation, Health Services, Student Activities and Housing are collaborating on programs and activities in the Fitness Center to encourage healthy lifestyles among students.” Faculty and staff can also use the facility.

At the grand opening, Hannah and Dr. Gina Barton, PEES chair and professor of physical education and exercise studies, were given awards recognizing them for “services above and beyond” for their roles in helping to transform the idea of a new Fitness Center into a reality. Barton said the center also offers many academic, research and ser-vice opportunities, including a greater number of general education activity classes. She added, “Students who are majoring in athletic training, exercise science and physical education will experience real-world training in a variety of their upper-level professional classes while working with equipment that caters to a range of clients.” Lander faculty and staff can use the facility and consult with training experts in the PEES Department to develop personal fit-ness programs. Dr. Leland Nielsen, director of Lander’s exercise science program, said, “The new Fitness Center and the types of equipment available allow us to better prepare our students for national certification as fitness professionals.” Nielsen played a role in the development and design of the center. While Lander’s indoor pool is just a memory, the university will continue to operate the outdoor pool adjacent to the Sproles Recreation Center. That pool is open to students, faculty, staff and some outside swim camps, and is more heavily used than was the indoor facility.

1. Special Awards At the opening ceremony, Daniel Hannah, right, assis-tant professor of athletic training, and Dr. Gina Barton, PEES chair and professor of physical education and exercise studies, received awards in recognition of their efforts with the development of the Fitness Center.

2. Going For a Spin The Fitness Center includes a spin room with 13 indoor bicycles. In a spin class, as students pedal, an instruc-tor talks them through a cycling workout with varying paces and pedaling speeds.

3. A Versatile Space The efficient layout of the Fitness Center provides a central open area that can be used for various activi-ties. Pictured from left: Lander students Sydney Wolfe, Chelsea Beetch and Justin Clinkscales go through an exercise routine using a medicine ball.

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4. Get the Heart PumpingThe cardio exercise zone has 24 machines, including treadmills, ellip-ticals and stationary bicycles, giving students and other Fitness Center users a variety of options for staying fit.

5. A Learning Environment The Fitness Center is open to students every day, 90 hours a week, under the supervision of Lander’s Recreation and Intramural Depart-ment. However, it also offers many academic, research and service opportunities, including a greater number of general education activity classes. Pictured, from left: Dr. Leland Nielsen, assistant professor of physical education and exercise studies, offers instructional advice to exercise science major Nathan Jones and physical education major Chelsea Beetch.

6. Making Stronger Bearcats The new Fitness Center has already been used for campus events such as a recent strength challenge in which 12 male and female Lander stu-dents competed for the title of “Strongest Bearcat.” Pictured are overall competition winners Mariana Martins, left, and Nathan Jones.

7. Real-World Training While the Fitness Center is open to all Lander students, those in the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Studies, such as athletic training major Adam Deal, pictured left, and physical education major James Reid, will have the added benefit of real-world training on equipment that caters to a range of clients.

8. Unique Teaching OpportunityPictured, Dr. Jenny LeMoine, right, assistant professor of physical education and exercise studies, gives pointers to physical education majors Anna Bowen, on bench; Chelsea Crocker; left, and Cody O’Brien

during an assignment in Lander’s new Fitness Center.

9. Building Strength Lander students, such as Seth Whitehead, pic-tured, also have the opportunity to work on building strength using the center’s free weights and weight-lifting areas.

10. Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles The new Fitness Center ties in with Lander’s emphasis on wellness, and several departments on campus are planning to collaborate on programs that utilize the center to encourage healthy lifestyles among students. Pictured, Lander student Katelyn Fleming uses one of the center’s unilateral shoulder press machines.

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Internat ional Studies


Another Successful Year for International Programs Lander’s international programs continue to attract the attention of students and admin-istrators from Asia and elsewhere. At the same time, Lander students and faculty are taking advantage of opportunities to visit or study at schools in Asia, Europe and Central America. Lander’s current enrollment includes 80 international students from more than 20 countries. In January, the university welcomed 14 students from South Korea and nine from China for the spring semester or longer. Rachel Piper, of Simpsonville, and Eric Newman, of Jefferson, are the first Lander stu-dents accepted into the Teach and Learn in Korea program. They are students at Yeungnam University and, when they are not in classes, they teach conversational English to Korean elementary schoolchildren. In December, political science major Courtney Priester, of Saluda, returned home after a semester of study at the University of Incheon, in Korea. In late 2012, Lander played host to a delegation of administrators, faculty and students from Shanghai Normal University, in China, another of Lander’s 11 sister institutions in Asia. Dr. Hyung Taek, dean of international programs at the University of Incheon, visited for meetings with his Lander counterpart, Dr. Sung-Jae Park; Dr. Daniel Ball, president; Dr. Dave Slimmer, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics; and others. In March, Slimmer and Dr. Robert Barrett, dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs, traveled to Korea and China for 10 days to visit four of Lander’s sister universities. While Slimmer and Barrett were in Asia, a delegation from Rajamangala University of Phra Nakhon, in Thailand, arrived in mid-March for a four-week visit to Lander. In late April, a 10-member Lander group, including seven students, will embark on a four-week Asia Study Tour taking them to Sanda University, Shanghai Normal and Shanghai University of Electric Power, in China; and Incheon and Yeungnam universities, in Korea. Dr. Stan Vinson, assistant professor of business administration, and Dr. Pedro Lopes, associ-ate professor of Spanish, will lead the trip.

By Dave LorenzattiVisiting Scholars Lander is hosting two visiting scholars this spring. Qiongxia Cai (American name, “Joyce”) is head counselor in Student Affairs in the Department of Mathematics at Shanghai Normal University. She is the fourth administra-tor from Shanghai Normal to spend a semester working and observing in Lander’s Office of Student Affairs. The second scholar is Munavar Zaripova, senior lecturer in the Department of English at Khujand State University of Commerce in Tajikistan, in Central Asia. She is at Lander to study, research and experience American educa-tion and culture as part of the American Coun-cils for International Education Junior Faculty Development program offered by the U.S. State Department.

Study Abroad Lander’s Study Abroad program has been busily recruiting students. Director Dr. DeWitt Stone said six students are enrolled in the program this spring. Five are at the University of Winchester in England: Joshua deLeon, of Dalzell; Anna Gibson, of Lexington; Anna Jones, of Iva; Salelia Rollins, of Heath Springs; and Morgan Wingler, of Boiling Springs. Joseph Sagara, of Greenwood, is at the University Stud-ies Abroad Consortium, in Osaka, Japan. Anna Jones won a Gilman Scholarship, described by Stone as a very competitive schol-arship offered through the U.S. Department of Education to students who hold Pell Grant funding. She was awarded $3,500. Before she graduated in 2012, Spanish major Sheena Green, of Charleston, spent two semes-ters in Nicaragua. In 2011, she was a student at the National Autonomous University in Mana-gua. She returned in 2012 for an internship as a Montessori teaching assistant at the School of Louise’s Dream, in Nagarote. American Louise Brunberg started the school, which offers free Montessori education to over 200 disadvan-taged Nicaraguan children in grades K-3. President Daniel Ball, standing rear, welcomes students from South Korea and China who are enrolled

in spring semester classes at Lander. Also greeting the group, from left: Boyoung Roh, coordinator of International Programs; and Dr. Sung-Jae Park, dean of International Programs. – Photo by Russell Martin


Randy Bouknight, standing right, vice president for Student Affairs, meets with a delegation of adminis-trators, faculty and students from Shanghai Normal University, in China, at the beginning of their visit to Lander last year. –Photo by Dave Lorenzatti

Corbin ChildsA Unique Teaching Experience In December, Corbin Childs, ’12, celebrated her 23rd birthday far from her home and family in Elberton, Ga. Corbin, who graduated from Lander with a mass communication degree, shared the occasion with her new friends in South Korea, where she teaches English to Korean students in grades 1-6 at Seongju Elementary School, in an eastern province of the country. She traveled to Korea last August as an em-ployee of the English Program in Korea, and she teaches 600 schoolchildren in 22 classes a week. She said, “It is such an adrenaline rush being in control of a classroom. Each day, I see the students’ progress and it is so reward-ing to know that I helped them.” She admits that teaching is a challenge because she does not have a teacher educa-tion background, but added that the job has become easier as she discovers what works best with her students. This is not Corbin’s first visit to Korea. In 2011, she and three other Lander students attended a five-week summer study program at the University of Incheon and Dong-A University. She said, “I fell in love with the country and promised myself that I would return one day.” As for the future, she has decided to spend another year in Korea. She described the teaching program as a unique work experi-ence and recommends it to others. She expressed gratitude to the Lander faculty and Dr. Sung-Jae Park, dean of the Of-fice of International Programs. “They gave me the confidence I needed to go out into this unknown world and spread my wings.”

Corbin Childs, of Elberton, Ga., poses with two of the 600 students at an elementary school in South Korea, where she teaches English. Corbin, a 2012 Lander graduate, has been in Korea since August.

When she’s not teaching schoolchildren in Korea, Lander alumna Corbin Childs takes time for sightseeing in Korea and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. – Contributed photos

A Great-Grandfather’s Legacy

Cora Lee Godsey Starling, of Greenwood, a graduate of Lander University, has lovingly preserved a collec-tion of Civil War letters numbering 300 or more, all written by her great-grandfather, Alexander McNeill, during his service with the Confederate States Army. By reading and rereading them over the years she says she has developed a kinship with him.

McNeill, a native of what was then the Old Abbeville District, served with Confederate forces almost from the outbreak of the war to its conclusion. His letters are dated from May of 1861 to a few days before Lee’s surrender at Appomattox four years later. He was a prolific writer, penning letters almost daily to his then-girlfriend, Haseltine Simmons, whom he later married. He wrote about his daily experiences as a soldier, battles his unit engaged in and casualties; he himself was wounded twice at Gettysburg. In his letters, he was anything but shy about expressing his love for Haseltine, whom he often addressed as “Tinie,” and he begged her, “You must write soon and often.” He also asked her to save his letters because he was not keeping a war journal. Haseltine did faithfully save them, and they were passed down through genera-tions of Cora Lee’s family until her aunt Cora Lee Coleman, also a Lander alumna, gave them to her about 50 years ago. She has had them ever since.

The letters came to her stuffed in shoeboxes. Over the years, she painstakingly organized them by the day and year each was written, and placed them in protective binders stored in notebooks. She also typed a transcript of each letter with the aid of a dictionary and a magnifying glass. It was an arduous task because she had to familiar-ize herself with McNeill’s penmanship and grammatical style. She


Letters From The Front By Dave Lorenzatti

Cora Lee Starling, left, and her daughter Mae Starling Timmerman, both of Greenwood, read over one of the hundreds of letters written by Cora Lee’s great-grandfather, Alexander McNeill, during the Civil War. She has carefully preserved them for decades.


said, “Sometimes I stayed up all night transcribing them.” It was a task that took her 12 years to complete. Starling, 93, and her late husband of 63 years, Hubert, raised six children, and they also developed an interest in the letters, as have her eight grandchildren. She said while Hubert did not share her passion for the letters, he encouraged her dedication to transcribing and preserving them. One of Alexander and Haseltine McNeill’s four children was Ida McNeill, Starling’s grandmother. Her daughter, Starling’s mother, Lillie Mae Coleman, also attended Lander, enrolling in 1904, the year the school moved to Greenwood from Williamston. Cora Lee followed her to Lander and graduated in 1941 with a degree in education. She taught school for 20 years in Green-wood, Florida and North Carolina. Her three daughters are also Lander graduates: Linda Starling Hammond, ’66, of Evans, Ga.; and twins Mae Star-ling Timmerman, ’81; and Beth Starling Wells, ’84, both of Greenwood. Another family member, Kay Smoak Star-ling, graduated from Lander in 1972. The other Starling children are Hubert, of Greenwood; Jimmy, of Lexington, who attended Lander; and their late brother, Dick. Cora Lee’s aunt Lena Lawson taught psychology and mathematics at Lander, and her husband established the Coleman-Lawson Memorial Scholarship in her memory. Starling said she has read each of her great- grandfather’s letters 20 to 30 times and they reveal much about him. “He was a brave man and faced many hardships.” In a letter to Haseltine dated April 4, 1865, while his unit was encamped near Smithfield, N.C., McNeill wrote, “Today we have drawn nothing but bread rations, no meat in the commissary department and we do not know when we will get any.” In the same letter he laments the news that Richmond, the Confederate capital, had fallen. He tells her, “Everything does indeed look more gloomy now than ever before.” In an April 7 letter, McNeill tells Haseltine he believes the South should continue fighting for another 10 or 20 years using guerrilla war tactics until they can force the North, in his words, “to acknowledge our independence.” He writes, “We must be free and we can only do that by protracting this war until we wear out the enemy.” After the war, McNeill returned home to Greenwood where he resumed his career as a merchant. He died in 1889. His beloved Haseltine would follow him in death 10 years later with their daughter Bessie, who died the day after Haseltine. All three McNeills are buried in Magnolia Cemetery in Greenwood.

McNeill would probably be pleased to know that the letters he asked Haseltine to save have survived a century and a half and that they are a treasure to his family, especially to his great-granddaughter. Cora Lee said, “I get the letters out every now and then to reread them.” She added, “I lived every line he wrote. He made history come alive.”

A letter dated April 4, 1865, written by Alexander McNeill, of Greenwood, to his wife, Haseltine, while he was serving with the Confederate States Army, is among a collection of 300 or more of his letters that has been handed down from generation to generation of his family for 150 years.


The Lander men’s soccer team celebrated its seventh Peach Belt Conference regular-season championship in 2012 and was ranked as high as No. 6 in the nation in NCAA Division II. But the Bearcats had a heartbreaking finish to their season.

October 27, 2012, was a big day as Lander clinched the PBC title with a victory at Fran-cis Marion. The school’s other titles came in 1991, ’93, ’95, ’96, 2006 and 2010. The Bearcats got off to one of their best starts in school history, improving to 10-1 with a 3-0 victory at rival Erskine College on October 10. The start included a remarkable string of six consecutive one-goal victories, including 4-3 over Georgia Southwestern, 3-2 at No. 21-ranked Limestone, 4-3 at USC Aiken, 3-2 in double overtime at Montevallo on Clement Dauchy’s game-winner, 1-0 over UNC Pembroke and 2-1 at Clayton State. After a 1-1 tie against Flagler broke Lander’s seven-match winning streak, the Bearcats lost 2-0 at Young Harris. However, they rebounded with a 1-0 victory over North Georgia and then secured the league title-clinching win at Francis Marion. But Lander was upset in the opening round of the PBC Tournament, falling to USC Aiken on penalty kicks.

The Bearcats’ strong regular season earned them the right to host the NCAA Southeast Regional at the Jeff May Complex. Wingate spoiled Lander’s run in stunning fashion, scoring with just 42 seconds left in regulation to beat the Bearcats 2-1 in the second round of the regional. (Lander had a first-round bye.) Lander finished the season ranked 18th in the nation with a record

of 12-3-2. Several Bearcats had big seasons and were honored for their efforts. Chris Hobbs and Clement Simonin were named to the Dak-tronics All-Southeast Region first team and Kevin Durand to the second team. Hobbs, a junior midfielder from Cleveland, England, led the Peach Belt Conference with seven game-winning goals. He led Lander in goals scored (11) and scored a team-leading 24 points.

Simonin, a sophomore defender from Lorient, France, had one goal and two assists and helped anchor a defense which allowed only 1.19 goals per game. He also made the All-Southeast Region team in 2011. Durand, a freshman midfielder from Rennes, France, was second in the country in assists per game (0.75) and also had six goals for a team-leading 24 points. He led the PBC in assists with 12. Hobbs, Simonin and Durand were named to the All PBC team, as were junior forward Dauchy and junior defender Lewis Blissett. Van Taylor was named Peach Belt Coach of the Year and improved his all-time record to 370-152-30.

Bearcats End Season Ranked No. 18 in Nation

Men’s Soccer Wins Seventh PBC Regular-Season Championship

Clement Dauchy

Chris Hobbs

Kevin Durand

By David Hays, Photos by Bob Stoner

Bearcat Sports


Left: Lander senior forward Jamie Shaw is the team’s first NSCAA All-American and the Lady Bearcats’ all-time leader in goals scored. – Photo by Kevin Bagwell

Season of Firsts for Women’s Soccer The Lander women’s soccer team celebrated its first All-American player, its first national ranking and its best-ever finish in the Peach Belt Conference in 2012, as Jamie Shaw proudly leaves the program as its most-decorated player, after leading the Lady Bearcats to second place in the PBC. Shaw became Lander’s first NSCAA All-American after scoring 11 goals – including six game winners – and adding one assist for 21 points as Lander posted a 10-4-3 overall record and went 8-2-1 in the conference. The Columbia native was second in the Peach Belt Conference in game-winning goals, fifth in goals scored, and ninth in points scored (23) and shots taken (69). A three-time All-PBC selection, Shaw leaves Lander as the Lady Bearcats’ all-time leader in goals scored (37), points scored (86) and shots taken (257). She also holds the Lander single-season record for shots taken with 79. The season was also the first in which Lander was nationally ranked by the NSCAA. The Lady Bearcats entered the rankings at No. 22 on Oct. 23 with a 10-1-3 overall record. Coach Chris Ayer was selected as PBC Coach of the Year for the second time – he also earned the honor in 2007 – for leading Lander to second place in the conference standings. Meanwhile, Shaw, her sister, junior Danielle, and sophomore Hilary Ferguson were named to the All-PBC team. Both Shaws were also named to the NSCAA All-Southeast Region team. The Lady Bearcats got off to a mediocre start, going 2-1-2 in the early nonconference portion of their schedule, but then got on track and won seven of their first eight PBC games and earned a tie in the other. Lander bounced back with three more conference victories, before dropping back-to-back games against North Georgia and No. 2-ranked Armstrong Atlantic to end the regular season. The Lady Bearcats ended the season with a 5-1 loss to UNC Pem-broke in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament and narrowly missed a bid into the NCAA Southeast Regional.

Angermeier, Kubal Lead Volleyball to 15-Win Season Calling it her “dream job,” Lander alumna Ashley Stathas returned to her alma mater last summer as the fifth head coach of the Lander volleyball program. And her impact was felt immediately. Despite a thin roster, Lander improved on the past season to post a 15-17 overall record and double the Bearcats’ Peach Belt Confer-ence wins with a 6-8 mark. A 2006 Lander graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and exercise science and played for the Bearcats from 2001-04, Stathas was selected as the Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year based on the impact she made. Led by senior Madison Kubal and PBC Freshman of the Year Tarryn Angermeier, the Bearcats, who were picked to finish eighth in the league, ended the season sixth.

Kubal was third in the conference in total digs (540) and fourth in digs-per-set (4.66). Meanwhile, Angermeier led the PBC in total blocks (117), block assists (100) and blocks-per-set (0.96). In addition, she was third in total attacks (1,172) and kills-per-set (3.25), fifth in total kills (396) and sixth in solo blocks (17). Sophomore Jessica Register, who quarterbacked the team from her setter position, was second in the PBC in assists-per-set (9.3) and third in total assists (1,136). After starting the season with a 4-7 record in nonconference play, Lander claimed its first three PBC matches with wins over Francis Marion, UNC Pembroke and Montevallo. The Bearcats met their first PBC defeat at Augusta State, then returned home to beat USC Aiken. Lander followed with PBC road losses at perennial favorites Arm-strong Atlantic and Flagler, and then claimed three straight nonconfer-ence matches against Newberry, Lees McRae and St. Augustine. From there, Lander closed out its PBC schedule with a 2-5 record, including sweeps of FMU and UNCP. The Bearcats defeated USC Aiken, 3-1, in the first round of the Peach Belt Tournament and ended the season with a loss to Flagler in the semifinal round.

Madison Kubal

Tarryn Angermeier

Bearcat Sports


Bueno Makes the Best of Her Spot on Peru’s National Amateur Golf Team

Valentina Bueno, a sophomore on Lander’s women’s golf team, was among 10 female and male golfers who represented Peru in The Andes Cup championship last November, matching amateurs from nine South American countries. The Peruvian women’s team tied for third place with Paraguay, as Bueno played eight matches, winning six, losing one and tying one. She was happy with her performance, com-

ing less than three months before Lander’s golf season opened. Bueno was surprised that the Peruvian Golf Federation picked her for this year’s national team. Last summer, she played in a qualifying tournament in Peru but missed the second event because it conflicted with the start of classes at Lander, where she majors in business with an economic and finance emphasis. She said the federation monitors the performance of Peruvian ama-teurs in the U.S., and she has done well since joining the Lander team last spring. In fact, she has played on two Lander tournament-winning teams. Bueno, 18, began playing golf when she was 10 and has competed in tournaments in Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia. In 2009, she won a national match play tournament in Peru. She has also played in the Doral Publix Junior Golf Classic in Florida. She is the only golfer in her family and shoots in the 70s.

In Other Sports …

Women’s Basketball

With only one returner from the 2011-12 squad that reached the Elite Eight, it was a rebuilding year for the Lander women’s basketball team. The Lady Bearcats finished the season with a 9-17 overall record and were 6-13 in the Peach Belt Conference.

Senior Precious Elkins was the team’s lone returner and led Lander with 15.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Elkins posted eight double-doubles in points and rebounds during the season.

Junior Aarika Judge, the younger sister of Lander three-point record- holder Jasmine Judge, averaged 14.7 points and 3.84 assists per game. Judge tied Lander’s record for points in a game when she netted 41 in a victory over UNC Pembroke. Junior Lea Saunders averaged 10.8 points and 3.96 assists per game.

Men’s Basketball

The Lander men’s basketball team, which lost eight games by five points or less and two others in overtime, finished the season with an overall 9-17 record and was 4-15 in the Peach Belt Conference.

Junior Jareal Smith led Lander with 16.6 points per game, while senior David Pruett averaged 16.4 points per outing. Pruett tied his career high of 34 points in his final home game against Francis Marion.

Sophomore Dermaine Smith averaged 12.1 points per game and led the team in rebounds with 7.3.

Valentina Bueno

Nominations Sought for 2013 Athletics Hall of Fame

The Lander Athletic Department is taking nominations for the seventh induction class of the Lander Athletics Hall of Fame. Nominations will be accepted until May 1 and the induction ceremony will be held in the fall of 2013.

An individual can be nominated in the following categories:

Player: Must have participated a minimum of two seasons and is normally expected to have graduated. Must have been recognized for outstanding athletic accomplishments with an acceptable academic performance and good citizenship. Must have been separated from the university for at least five years.

Coach: Generally expected to have coached a minimum of 15 years at Lander and must have demonstrated extremely high professional achievements while at Lander in his/her sport.

Service: Must have made significant contributions toward the enhancement of a sport or the entire athletics program. Generally expected to be involved with the program for 10 years.

Nominations and supporting documentation can be sent to:Hall of Fame Nominations, c/o Cheryl Bell, CPO Box 6013, Lander University, 320 Stanley Ave., Greenwood, S.C. 29649

Bearcat Sports


The field house at the Jeff May Complex is expected to be completed by early May. – Photo by Megan Price

Field House Nears Completion The final piece of the Jeff May Complex ( JMC) for recreation, wellness and sports will be in place this spring, as construction on a nearly 15,000-square-foot field house wraps up in early May. Part of the original concept for the complex, the field house will provide facilities for the six sports that compete at the JMC: baseball, softball, and men’s and women’s tennis and soccer. Along with offices for coaches and locker rooms for Lander athletes and visiting teams, it will also house a sports medicine/training area, a team meeting room and a small fitness center for athletes, among other amenities. “The addition of the field house is the final piece to an already spectacular complex,” said Chris Ayer, head women’s soccer coach. “We are very fortunate to be able to call these facilities home.” Having the field house in the same location where teams practice and play will be more convenient for Lander’s athletes and coaches, said Jeff May, Lander Athletics director. In addition, officials hope it will serve as a great recruiting tool for future Bearcats. The field house will “create a comprehensive environment” for the university’s outdoor sports, said head softball coach Tina Plew Whitlock, adding, “This space will be a resource to further develop our athletes and programs.” Designed by Steve Dorn with DSP Architects, construction on the field house project began in September with Matrix Construction of Anderson serving as general contractor. Nestled in the front corner of the complex, the brick building, with its two distinct rooflines and arches, blends well with the other venues at the JMC. In addition to the facilities for athletes and coaches, the field house will also have exterior restrooms and additional parking for sports fans and visitors to the complex. “We tried to utilize all of the space in the most efficient way possi-ble,” said Steve Grogan, assistant athletic director and JMC manager. “It will be spectator-friendly.”

Three Lander Coaches Earn Top Accolades For only the second time in Peach Belt Con-ference history, one school has swept the men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball Coach of the Year honors. Lander did just that during the fall semester when Van Taylor and Chris Ayer won their re-spective men’s and women’s soccer awards and Ashley Stathas duplicated the feat in volleyball. Taylor has been honored three times by the PBC, Ayer twice and the first-year Stathas once. Taylor, who also won PBC Coach of the Year honors in 1991 and 1995, led the No. 18-ranked Bearcats to their seventh PBC regular-season championship. Lander also won PBC titles in 1991, ’93, ’95, ’96, 2006 and 2010. Taylor has coached at Lander for 28 years and has amassed an overall 370-152-30 record for a .697 winning percentage. Ayer, who was also honored by the PBC in 2007, led the Lady Bearcats to a 10-4-3 record, their first-ever national ranking at No. 22, and to second place in the final PBC standings – their highest finish ever. In seven seasons at Lander, Ayer has an overall 67-46-8 record for a .586 winning percentage. A former player for the Bearcats, Stathas, Class of ’06, returned to campus to coach the team in 2012 and posted a 6-8 record in the PBC, Lander’s best since 2008. The Bearcats finished the season 15-17 overall.

Chris Ayer

Ashley Stathas

Van Taylor

News Briefs


Rare Book Found in Jackson Library

In the summer of 2007, newly hired Lander assistant librarian Mike Berry was working in the archives of the Larry A. Jackson Library when a volume with a white vellum binding caught his eye. Berry had worked in the rare books room at the University of South Carolina’s Thomas Cooper Library, and he knew an old book when he saw one. A closer inspection revealed the book to be a first edition of the Historia De Nueva-Espana, or History of New Spain, a collection of letters that the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes wrote to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, documenting his exploits in what is now Mexico and appealing to Charles for support. In 1770, when the book was published, Spanish influence in the New World was on the wane, and the publication of the 250-year-old letters, with several attractive maps and annotations by Don Francisco Antonio Lorenzana, the archbishop of Mexico, may have been motivated in part by a wish to revive interest in colonization. Cortes was university-educated, and a good writer, but Berry believes the conquistador’s accounts of his dealings with the Aztecs and other indigenous people he encountered were made to seem “more benevolent than what they really were.” The New York bookseller Arader Galleries offers a copy of the book at a price of $37,500, but Berry said Lander’s copy has mold and water damage, which makes it worth considerably less. In addi-tion, he said, its binding is warped, and some of the pages have been nibbled by mice. Although the book has some issues, Berry believes that paying a conservatory for deacidi-fication and other restorative work is justified by the fact that only 15 copies of the first edition of

the Historia De Nueva-Espana are known to exist in libraries worldwide. “It’s worth spending some money on,” he said. Berry said he had no idea how such a rare book ended up in the Jackson Library. Like many other rare books, he said, “there’s no story behind it — it’s just here.”

The Larry A. Jackson Library’s copy of the Historia De Nueva-Espana, by Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes, is one of only 15 first editions of the book known to exist in libraries worldwide.

Art Alliance Assists with Restoration of Ninety Six Mural Lander Art Alliance members are helping to restore a large mural painted by local artist Skip Shelton on the side of a building in down-town Ninety Six. The building, at the corner of Main and West Cambridge streets, is currently owned by Lander shuttle driver Jennifer Donlon and her husband, Tom. The original mural, depicting a Ninety Six street scene in 1923, was “cracking and peeling,” according to Lander assistant professor of art Elizabeth Snipes, who has been assisting with the undertaking. Snipes credited Art Alliance members Nick Hunter, of Columbia, and Bennell Green, of Orangeburg, with bringing the matter to her attention. Snipes said that Art Alliance members worked on the project for three weekends last fall, “essentially repainting what was already there.” A cold snap in November, however, put a stop to the work. With warmer weather returning to the area, restoration work can now resume. Snipes said the finishing touches will be put on the mural by the end of April. Then the painting will be sealed, using materials that Ninety Six town officials have said they will provide. Snipes said her students are proud of their work on the mural, and she can see why. “It looks really good. It’s bright and beautiful,” she said.

Lander Art Alliance members pose in front of the mural they are restoring in Ninety Six. – Photo by assistant professor of art Elizabeth Snipes

News Briefs


Brodhacker Cited for Broadening Lander University’s Image Lander associate professor of chemistry Dr. Lisa Brodhacker was the 2012 recipient of the Mary Frances Poole Alston Award, given to a faculty or staff member who provides visibility for Lander across the state, the nation and the world. Rowland P. Alston, host of the SCETV gardening show Making It Grow, created the prize to honor his grandmother, Mary Frances Poole Alston, a 1914 Lander graduate. In addition to teaching, Brodhacker and several of her students have been building lightweight parabolic epoxy mirrors for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Jet Propul-sion Laboratory. The mirrors are built in a special lab in the base-ment of Lander’s Science Building and used by the space agency in laser communications.

SCETV host Rowland P. Alston, left, presents the Mary Frances Poole Alston Award to Dr. Lisa Brodhacker, assistant professor of chemistry at Lander. President Daniel Ball, right, added his congratulations to Brodhacker.

Two Lander Nursing Faculty Add ‘Dr.’ to Their Academic Credentials

Holisa Wharton, of Abbeville, and Liz McDowell, of Greenville, assistant profes-sors in Lander’s William Preston Turner School of Nursing, have become the fifth and sixth members of the school’s current faculty to earn doctorates. A nurse for 13 years, Wharton joined the Lander faculty in the summer of 2011. She graduated from Wofford College with a biology degree and received her bach-elor’s in nursing from the University of South Carolina Upstate. She has a master’s from Clemson University, where she received her Ph.D. in health care genetics, one of only two students accepted into that new degree program. McDowell came to Lander in 2012 after receiving her doctorate from Vanderbilt University. Early in her career, she worked in clinical nursing at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

She received a nursing degree from the University of South Caro-lina, then, inspired by a call to the ministry, she obtained a master’s of divinity degree from Vanderbilt. She is not ordained, but periodi-cally presides at services at her church in Greenville. McDowell taught nursing at ECPI University in Greenville for four years while finishing her doctoral dissertation.

Holisa Wharton

Liz McDowell

Covar Named Interim Vice President Thomas Covar, ’88, began the new year with an appointment as Lander’s interim vice president for Business and Administration, succeeding Glenda Ridgely who left the position at the end of 2012. Covar has been Lander’s director of Financial Services since 2006, and be-fore that he was the university’s budget director. A native of Edgefield, Covar has

a business degree with an accounting emphasis from Lander. He came to work for the university after five years as an accounting fiscal manager in the South Carolina Budget and Control Board’s Office of State Budget. He said of his appointment as interim vice president, “It is an exciting time for me and an opportunity to give something back to Lander, which has afforded me a wonderful and rewarding career in the field of accounting.” He added that filling a senior leadership position at the university from which he graduated is a great honor and challenge that he welcomes. President Daniel Ball announced in February that he has removed “interim” from the titles of three administrators. Dr. David Mash is now vice president of Academic Affairs and Provost. Lisa Wiecke succeeds him as director of the Jackson Library; and Dr. Renee Love is dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.

News Briefs


Board Designates Departments of Nursing and Business Administration as Schools Lander’s Department of Business Administration in the College of Business and Public Affairs has been renamed the School of Man-agement, and the William Preston Turner Department of Nursing is now the William Preston Turner School of Nursing. President Daniel Ball said, “The designations by the Board of Trustees are significant because the two units will now be more in line with the traditional concept of professional schools.” He added that the name changes will provide better recognition and identity, which will improve recruitment and fundraising. The School of Nursing is in the College of Science and Mathe-matics. Dean David Slimmer said the program, which was intro-duced at Lander in 1957, is a recognized leader in nursing education in South Carolina. He pointed out that its graduates have an out-

standing record of passing the national licensing examination for registered nurses on their first attempt, and that over 35 percent of Lander’s incoming freshmen are interested in choosing nursing as their major. Slimmer said, “Designating the department as a school better aligns the nursing program with the other professional programs on campus as well as nursing schools throughout the country.” Robbie South is the director of the school. To Robert Barrett, dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs, renaming the Department of Business Administration the School of Management gives the school a distinctive identity. “We are happy to be called a school as we prepare for our 2013 reaffirmation of accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.”

Barrett said the School of Management, whose director is Carol Wood, offers four concentrations within the Bachelor of Science degree: accounting, finance/economics, health care management and management/marketing. He noted that it also offers minors in leadership, international business and economics, and a certificate in health care management. He added, “We are very excited about the opportunity to pro-mote the new name.”

Robbie South

Carol Wood

Stowe Receives Commission as Colonel Lander director of Outreach Initiatives and professor of manage-ment Dr. Charles Stowe has been commissioned as a Colonel in the South Carolina Military Department Joint Services Detachment. In a ceremony that took place in September at the S.C. National Guard headquarters, Maj. Gen. John B. Grimball, Commander of the SCMD JSD, swore Stowe into the South Carolina Mili-tary Department and presented him with a commission signed by Governor Nikki Haley. Stowe will serve in the Governmental Affairs Directorate under Brig. Gen. John L. Scott, who is also a state senator. In addition, Stowe will serve as JSD’s liaison to the S.C. Emergency Management Division. “We are most pleased to welcome Col. Stowe into the JSD,” said Grimball. “JSD will greatly benefit from Col. Stowe’s wealth of expe-rience and enthusiasm. His professionalism and expertise will add value to our efforts as we continue to educate and inform the public as to the vital role performed by the military.” “I am very excited to join an organization with such a noble mission as supporting the activities of the South Carolina Military Department and the state’s Emergency Management Department,” said Stowe. “As we have seen from Super Storm Sandy, there are times when the military can undo nature’s damage and bring people together.” Stowe served 30 years as a Navy Public Affairs Officer. He had three years of active duty and spent 27 years in the Navy Reserve. During his last six years in the naval reserve, he was recalled to active duty three times, including duty as Senior US Adviser to the National Security Adviser to the President of Poland. Among his military awards are the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Commendation Award, three meritorious unit citations and one joint services unit citation.

Pictured are Lander Director of Outreach Initiatives Dr. Charles Stowe, right, and Maj. Gen. John B. Grimball, Commander of the SCMD JSD. – Contributed

News Briefs


Lander Gets Green Light to Participate in Call Me MISTER Program As the result of a recent agreement between Lander and Clemson University, Lander’s Department of Teacher Education has been granted a license to participate in South Carolina’s Call Me MISTER program. The mission of the program, first offered in South Carolina 12 years ago by Clemson, is to increase the pool of available teachers from a broader, more diverse background. Student participants are

selected from underserved, socioeco-nomically disadvantaged and educa-tionally at-risk communities in hopes of improving the quality of instruction in the state’s lowest-performing elemen-tary schools. With the agreement, Lander joins Clemson and 12 other state institutions offering Call Me MISTER, an acro-nym for Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models. Students selected for the program

agree to gain certification and teach a year in South Carolina public schools for every year they were in the program, which provides financial aid worth up to $8,000 per year, as well as academic sup-port and social support from other program participants. Call Me MISTER participants can choose from such majors as early childhood education, elementary education, and other K-8 programs such as special education, physical education, art or music. Professor of special education Dr. Dava O’Connor, who chairs Lander’s Department of Teacher Education, said she and her col-leagues hope to recruit students into the program beginning with the Fall 2013 semester. O’Connor thanked the Self Family Foundation for its support of the program. Lander instructor of education Barbara Gilbert, who will serve as faculty coordinator for the program, said the shortage of teachers reflective of the student population in our elementary schools is a national problem. “With Call Me MISTER, by identifying and supporting prospec-tive students who attended underserved schools, we hope to attract a more diverse cadre of prospective teachers to better serve future elementary students in those areas,” she said.

Barbara Gilbert

University Crowns Miss Lander 2013 Ten contestants took to the stage in February to compete for the title of Miss Lander University 2013, in an evening that transformed the Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium into a “Winter Wonderland.” Contestants were judged on an interview, talent, and business and formal wear. Capturing the crown was Kaitlin Paige Stowe, a mass communication and theatre major from Gaston. Sponsored by the Lander Spirit Program, she performed a dance routine titled The Circle of Life as her talent. First-runner-up was exercise science major Tyler Jordan Rog-ers, of Moore, who was sponsored by Minorities on the Move. She performed a drum cadence and clogging routine as her talent, and she also received the People’s Choice Award. Mary Catherine Romans, a business administration major with health care management emphasis, was named second-runner-up. The Columbia native, sponsored by Phi Mu and Alpha Tau Omega, sang Over You, which also earned her the Talent Award. Tying for the title of Miss Congeniality were Leah Suzette King, an exercise science major from Walhalla, and Lindsay Melissa Blan-ton, a mass communication and theatre major from Gaston. Also competing were: Angela Michelle Culpepper, of Taylors, a mass communication and theatre major, sponsored by Phi Mu; Bradley Alexandria Black, of Honea Path, a business administra-tion major with emphasis in management/marketing, sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha; Lauren Jean Eckerson, a mass communication and theatre major from Williamston, sponsored by Chipley Hall; Miyarae Payton, a mass communication and theatre major from Ab-beville, sponsored by Sports Break; and Mary Catherine Thompson, a chemistry major from Honea Path, sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha. The Miss Lander University Pageant was presented by the National Association for Music Education.

Pictured are Miss Lander 2013 Kaitlin Paige Stowe, center, first-runner-up Tyler Jordan Rogers, right, and second-runner-up Mary Catherine Romans.

News Briefs


Grogan, Franks Honored Lander assistant athletic director Steve Grogan and Joe Franks, director of the behav-ioral intervention team at Lander, were recently named the winners of Lander’s 13th annual Staff Excellence Awards. The awards are presented each year to staff members who show outstanding dedication to their work, and who exemplify the family spirit for which Lander is known. Recipients are nominated by their fellow staff members, as well as by faculty members and students. Grogan, a former Lander basketball player and 1980 graduate, has been an employee of Lander for 17 years. He served as director of career services, director of development and alumni director before taking on his current job. He also manages the Jeff May Complex. He called Lander “a great place to work, be-cause of the faculty and staff. I think all of us are dedicated to helping the students.” Like Grogan, Franks graduated from Lander in 1980. In the 10 years that she has been an employee of Lander, she has also served as a student counselor and as director of counseling services. Asked what she liked about working for her alma mater, she said, “It feels like home. I always feel good when I’m on this campus. I like the people and the students.”

Lander president Dr. Daniel Ball, left, recently honored Joe Franks, center, director of Lander’s behavioral intervention team, and Steve Grogan, assistant athletic director, by presenting them with the 2013 Staff Excel-lence Awards.

Hall of Fame Welcomes Lenti Dr. Anthony Lenti, professor emeritus of music at Lander, has been inducted into the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA) Hall of Fame, recognizing his more than four decades of excellence as a music teacher. Lenti, who is in his 43rd year on the Lander faculty, teaches piano, piano en-semble, introduction to music and music history. He described his Hall of Fame selec-tion as “exhilarating and humbling.” He added, “Everyone enjoys recognition. I hope I deserve to be included in this group of outstanding music educators represented in the Hall of Fame.” Lenti’s induction came during SCMEA’s in-service conference in Charleston early in February. Other Lander music faculty also took part in the event. Dr. Robert Gardiner led the jazz ensemble in a concert and was given an award for his work as a jazz educator. Dr. Robert Kelley joined Lenti in presenting a clinic for the piano division. Gardiner and Kelley are associate professors of music, and Lenti serves as president of the associa-tion’s piano division.

Dr. Christopher Selby, left, president of the South Carolina Music Educators Association, presents a plaque to Dr. Anthony Lenti of Lander’s music faculty, signifying his induction into the associa-tion’s Hall of Fame. – Contributed photo

Tommy Claus Gives Guitars for Christmas Lander Physical Plant employee Tommy Tumblin provided a little extra Christmas cheer for two Lander music students, who received Fender Stratocasters as a gift from “Tommy Claus,” Tumblin’s holiday alter ego. Tumblin presented the electric guitars, bought at discount from Fretworks! in Greenwood, to Ashley Redden, of Lake City, and Cameron Burke, of Lexington, who were nominated by fellow students and faculty for the gifts. The two lucky Lander students weren’t the only ones who had a visit from Tommy Claus. Each Christmas season, Tumblin dons his Santa suit, complete with fluffy white hair and a beard, and gives away toys and other items to children and teens in need in Greenwood and surrounding counties. This past December, he provided gifts for 286 children and teens. Lander groups, local businesses, churches and indi-viduals donate merchandise and cash for his holiday giveaway. He uses the cash to buy gift cards for older teens.

Pictured from left are: Cameron Burke, of Lexington; Tommy Tumblin, Lander Physical Plant employee; and Ashley Redden, of Lake City. Burke and Redden are Lander music students.

News Briefs


Faculty Get Published Each year, members of the Lander faculty write books, book chapters and articles, and they pres-ent research and exhibit their artwork across the United States and abroad. This section highlights recent books by Lander faculty. For information on other faculty accomplishments and publica-tions, visit www.lander.edu/goto/faculty.

Approximation by Singular Integrals

By Dr. Razvan (Alex) Mezei, co-authorPublished by Cambridge Scientific Publishers

This monograph is the first one to deal exclusively with the study of the approximation of singular integrals to the identity-unit operator. Authors G.A. Anastassiou and R. Mezei study quantitatively the

basic approximation properties of the general Picard, Gauss-Weierstrass and Poisson-Cauchy singular integral operators over the real line, which are not positive linear operators. In par-ticular, the authors study the rate of convergence of these operators to the unit operator, as well as the related simultaneous approximation and the global smoothness preservation property of these operators. The corresponding general approxima-tion theory of general singular operators is pre-sented with many applications to the trigonomet-ric singular integral. For the convenience of the reader, the chapters of the book are written in a self-contained style. The monograph is intended for researchers and graduate students working in many areas of pure and applied mathematics, including mathematical analysis, probability, statistics, and ordinary and partial differential equations. It is also a suitable addition for science libraries. (From amazon.co.uk)

Lander 2nd Annual Bearcat Breakout 5K a Success In February, Lander’s Physical Edu-cation and Exercise Studies (PEES) Club hosted their annual 5K race. When asked why the club decided to sponsor the event, Lander assistant professor of exercise studies Dr. Leland Nielsen said, “Putting on a 5K can provide our students with a great experience that involves leadership, planning, service and, of course, exercise.” The race is also intended to promote the health and fitness of the community through adopting an active lifestyle. The club seeks to provide outreach within the area by donating all proceeds to a local organization or charity that embodies the spirit and pro-motes the strong values of the Greenwood community. For the second year, the donation was designated for the Girls on the Run program at Connie Maxwell Children’s Home. Of the 111 people who signed up, 85 competitors, ranging from age 7 to 69, took part in the race. The event was staffed by around 40 volunteers, including Lander students and faculty, and Greenwood community members. This year the event raised $519.

Hundreds Turn Out for Halloween Walk at JMC The Jeff May Complex was overrun with monsters, princesses, ghouls and superheroes in October, as hundreds of children and their parents gathered at the sports complex for the first-ever Bearcat Monster Bash and Halloween Walk. The event was organized by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as a com-munity outreach project, said Cheryl Bell, SAAC sponsor and associate athletics director. “Everyone pitched in to make the Monster Bash happen. It was a wonderful team effort.” About 300 children visited “stations” at each of the complex’s venues, where student-athletes, spirit team members and coaches were on hand – many in costumes themselves – to give out candy, balloons, prizes and other goodies. “The SAAC wanted to give kids a safe place to enjoy Halloween and have fun,” said Bell, “but it also gave the community an opportunity to visit the complex and meet our student-athletes. It was as beneficial for our student-athletes as it was for the children who participated.” Composed of a representative from each athletic team, athletic trainers and the spirit program, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee performs several community projects each year, in addition to raising funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. With such a large turnout for their first Halloween walk, Bell said the committee is planning to make the Bearcat Monster Bash an annual event.

Members of the Lander men’s and women’s tennis teams hand out candy and goodies to children at the first-ever Bearcat Monster Bash and Halloween Walk.

Giving & Scholarship News


Dear Lander University Alumni and Friends,

We have something really special at The Lander Foundation.

We have 2,192 donors who cared enough last year to help this remarkable institution with a gift. I have witnessed firsthand what we have been able to accomplish through the collective efforts of our alumni and friends, faculty and staff, trustees, loyal volunteers, foundations, corporations and generous donors.

My primary workload for this year has been to prepare for a comprehensive campaign for Lander University. Annual gifts, capital gifts and planned gifts will be incredibly important to securing new and improved oppor-tunities for our students and faculty. In the months ahead, you will learn more about our campaign initiatives and I hope that you will find in your heart a place for Lander in your charitable giving.

Finally, the success of The Lander Foundation is a clear reflection of the faith and confidence that our Lander community has in our institution. I am proud to be a part of the Lander University family, and I thank all of you who graciously give your endless support to our institution. That support is essential in building a strong future for this university.

While gifts to all areas of the university are needed and welcomed, there are a few areas where you, as a donor, can make a significant and immediate impact:

• ScholarshipsupportforLanderstudents• Facultyandstaffexcellence• Maintainingandcreatingoutstandingfacilities

Because of you, The Lander Foundation experienced another fine year, raising nearly $2 million in gifts. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to these individuals, families, corporations and foundations whose gifts have a profound effect on what we provide each and every day for our students. If you haven’t yet made a gift this year, I hope you will consider it. Lander students and faculty are worth supporting!

Sincerely,

Ralph PattersonVice President for University Advancement andExecutive Director of The Lander [email protected]


From left: Dr. David Slimmer, dean of Lander’s College of Science and Mathematics, Greenwood physician Dr. Dan Robinson and Dr. Daniel Pardieck, associate professor of environmental geol-ogy at Lander, display the newest additions to the university’s precious stones collection.

The owner of Ballentine Ford, in Greenwood, has a history of providing financial support to Lander, and he continued that tradition following a special sales event last August. Bal Ballentine made donations totaling $26,000 to Lander and eight other local nonprofit organ-izations. Ballentine said the contributions were based on the number of cars sold during the month of August, with each car buyer choosing an organization to receive funds. Vice president for University Advancement Ralph Patterson said, “Bal has helped Lander achieve fabulous things that could not have been done otherwise. We are thankful for his trust in Lander and we thank him for his generosity and his friendship.”

From left: Ralph Patterson, vice president for Univer-sity Advancement at Lander, and Bal Ballentine, owner of Ballentine Ford in Greenwood.

Ballentine Ford Shares a Gift from its Customers

How to give online

www.lander.edu/loyaltyfundNew endeavors at Lander University are transforming our campus and expanding academic and athletic opportunities for our students. With numerous giving and naming opportunities available, you can be a part of this exciting transformation.


A Jewel in the Making Greenwood physician Dr. Dan Robinson’s hobby of collecting precious stones is paying dividends for Lander. Robinson recently presented Dr. David Slimmer, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, with an assortment of stones that includes emeralds from Colombia, amethysts from Brazil, blue sapphires from Africa, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and black spinel from Spain. It’s the fourth such gift that the Piedmont Health Group associate, a longtime resident of Greenwood, has conferred upon Lander. He hopes to do so again next year. “I plan on it being an annual event,” he said. A specialist in family medicine, Robinson has been collecting rocks since he was a boy. He sustains his hobby by buying and selling diamonds. “I enjoy it,” he said. “It’s fun.” Lander’s latest haul also includes purple sapphires, pink tourmaline, green quartz, lemon citrine, aquamarine, diamonds, rubies, zoisite and tiger eye, from a variety of places around the world. Some are uncut, rough stones, and some are finished. All are clearly identified, making them excellent teaching tools. Dr. Daniel Pardieck, associate professor of environmental geology at Lander, said that students in the geology, environmental science and other classes he teaches have “a lot of curiosity about what gemstones look like,” and he enjoys being able to produce examples to show what he means. Eventually, Slimmer would like to have a lighted display of precious stones on the first floor of the Science Building. In the meantime, he said, having specimens it can show students “supports the science department’s mission of being hands-on.”

Lander Gemstone Collection



Students Thank Donors at Annual Scholarship Banquet Nearly 400 people attended Lander’s annual Eleanor Shiflet Teal Scholarship Banquet in November, held in the university’s Finis Horne Arena. The event gave students a chance to meet the donors who made their Lander scholarships possible. The evening’s speakers included Andi Mills, of Honea Path, a nontraditional student in her early 60s and the recipient of two scholarships. She is majoring in English with a professional writing emphasis, and minoring in Spanish. Mills spoke about her experi-ence as a legally-blind student at Lander, as well as how losing her vision impacted her life. Mills told the audience that a surgical procedure over the summer restored her vision, allowing her to see her professors, classmates and the campus for the first time since becoming a Lander student. Joining Mills at the speaker’s podium was Dr. Jerry Wilson, professor emeritus of phys-ics at Lander, who is a longtime scholarship donor. In 1995, he established The Jerry D. Wilson Scholarship for Excellence in Science, and while it’s not a requirement, recipients are encouraged to consider establishing Lander scholarships when they are able. Ralph Patterson, vice president of University Advancement, emphasized the impor-tance of scholarships in helping students complete their education. “The support of our past, current and future donors has helped and will continue to make a college educa-tion affordable for thousands of Lander students.”

From left: Dr. Jerry Wilson, professor emeritus of physics at Lander, who has established two scholarships at Lander; Andi Mills and her service dog, Mr. Tibbs, of Honea Path, recipient of two scholarships; and Lander vice president for University Advancement Ralph Patterson. Donors Honored With Wall at Jeff May Complex

The names of nearly 2,200 university donors and friends are now a permanent part of the new Jeff May Complex, following the recent installation of the Lander Loyalty Fund Donor Recognition Wall. Those who made a gift of $50 or more to the university during the 2012 fiscal year are featured on the board, which is affixed to the inner wall of the complex concessions area. The names include those who gave for scholarships, academic programs or special initiatives, including the sports complex, the Lander University Equestrian Center and the Bearcat Club. Donors who made unrestricted gifts are also included. “We are truly thankful for each and every one of our donors, and the Donor Rec-ognition Wall serves as a visible testimonial of their outstanding support,” said Ralph Patterson, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of The Lander Foundation. “Through their generosity, they are making a difference for Lander students, both in the classroom and beyond,” he added.

Scholarship Options: Endowed vs. Funded

What is an Endowed Scholarship? A minimum gift of $10,000 is required to endow a scholarship at Lander University. The “corpus” is invested and a portion of the interest earned each year is awarded to a student recipient in the form of a scholarship. Thus, the endowed gift remains part of The Lander Foundation’s endowment in perpetuity.

A Funded Scholarship may be established with any gift amount. If a donor would like to give, as an example, $500 each year, the gift of $500 will be awarded to a student recipient in the form of a scholarship. To continue the scholarship, the donor will need to “fund” the scholarship each year.

Information on contributing to or establishing a scholarship is available by contacting Lander’s Office of University Advancement at 864-388-8350.

By Jeff Lagrone

Lander Gets GreenerElsley Honored in Arbor Day Ceremony

Lander observed Arbor Day with the planting of a deodar cedar near the pedestrian bridge between Cen-tennial Hall and the Grier Student Center. A second tree, an Empress of China dogwood, was planted at the entrance of the university’s shade garden, in honor of Greenwood horticulturalist and friend of Lander John Elsley. The deodar cedar is the national tree of Pakistan. It grows in the shadows of the Himalayan Mountains, at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet, reaching up to 150 feet in height. The tree’s name is derived from a Sanskrit term that means “timber of the gods.” The tree was donated by the Greenwood Council of Garden Clubs, which has worked closely with Lander’s Arboretum Commit-tee in recent years to beautify the Lander campus. Arboretum Committee chair Dr. DeWitt Stone said that a cedar was selected for this year’s planting because “we have too few evergreen trees on the campus, and this is a particularly spectacular one.” An unusual aspect of the Empress of China dogwood is that it, unlike native dogwoods, is also an evergreen. It’s also remarkable for its “prolific blooming capacity,” according to Elsley, who developed the tree from a specimen he came across in a local nursery 20 years ago. The tree is well-suited to growing conditions in most of the South. In fact, Elsley said, there are “very few better small trees for this part of the country.” An Englishman who began his career at London’s Kew Gardens, Elsley came to the U.S. to work in the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. He was hired by Park Seed Company to assist in the establishment of its Wayside Gardens business and worked for the Greenwood company for more than 20 years. A Lander Arboretum Committee member and chair of the Greenwood County Beautification Committee, Elsley also serves as horticultural adviser to the Morning Glory Garden Club, which is developing the university’s shade garden. Club president Louise Watkins said that club members donated the unusual dogwood that now greets visitors to the shade garden “in honor of one of our favorite mentors.”

An Empress of China dogwood was recently planted at the entrance of the Lander Shade Garden in honor of Greenwood horticulturalist and Morning Glory Garden Club adviser John Elsley. Joining Elsley, center, at the dedication ceremony were, from left: Sandy Orr; Elsley’s wife, Billie; Marge Ball; Linda Stevens; Charlotte Barmore; Nita Carmichael; Carolyn Fish; Louise Watkins; Ann Haynie; and Sarah Dickert.


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Spring 2013

The Lander men’s soccer team won its seventh Peach Belt Conference regular-season championship in 2012, while head coach Van Taylor received his third PBC Coach of the Year award. Taylor, who has been on the Lander sidelines for 28 years, has amassed a 370-152-30 overall record for a .697 winning percentage. Pictured, Lander forward Brett Jankouskas heads the ball during a home game. Read more about the season on page 28 of this issue of Lander Magazine. – Photo by Bob Stoner

Bearcats Win PBC Regular-Season Championship

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Lander University Spring 2013 Magazine