Four years ago, Professor Kathy Shelek-Furbee (Chair/Professor of Social Work & Advisor to Kalon) and I were first introduced to Amber Ridings as a new Kalon Scholar. Today we celebrated her completion of Senior Comprehensive Exams with distinction. A native of Inwood, WV, she was one of our most accomplished student leaders.

First stop on the Senior Comprehensive Exams celebration trail: With distinction--Peter Franklin, accounting major from Allison Park, PA. I’ve had the pleasure of observing his Bethany experience the past four years first hand as he has worked as an Associate in the Office of the President. Also pictured: Professors Virgil Thompson and Anju Ramjee (Sorry, the 1 degree temperature outside forced me to greet him inside)

Dr. John Mattox, center right, the Curator of the Underground Railroad Foundation, was the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day speaker at Bethany College. He spoke on the history of the Underground Railroad in the area. Pictured: Atraile Brown, left, President of the Black Student Alliance, Dr. Mattox, and Jerry Stebbins, Dean of Students.

With upperclass student leaders Monica Westerheide (left) and Anne Taylor at the freshman dance they organized Friday night in the lounge at Phillips Hall.  A wonderful way to warm up a freezing cold night on campus.

Enjoyable visit today with legendary Bethanian Dr. Rodney Hurl ('52), long-time Trustee and supporter, at his home in Marysville, Ohio.

Enjoyable evening at the Council of Independent Colleges Presidents Institute Awards Banquet as Ann Die Hasselmo, retiring president of the American Academic Leadership Institute and senior consultant with Academic Search, Inc., was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. As Chair of the Academic Search, Inc., Board of Directors and Vice Chair of the AALI Board, we're joined for the picture by Tom Kepple (left), new president of AALI, and Nils Hasselmo (Ann's husband & former president of the University of Minnesota).

Bethany College Trivia

Q: What is the longest standing record for the Swimming & Diving Teams?

A: Set in 1969, the Men’s 400 Freestyle Relay record has stood for 45 years. Jeff Stuek ’70, John Murray ’70, Jim Brunson ’72 and Jim Veres ’70 swam the relay in 3:17.50.

Enjoyed being a panelist on the topic "Building Value: Linking Classroom to Career" at the CIC Presidents Institute at Marco Island, Florida. Pictured with other panelists: David R. Anderson, President of St Olaf College (MN), and Jackie Jenkins-Scott, President of Wheelock College (MASS). Convener: Devorah Lieberman, President, University of La Verne (CA). Talked about the McCann Student Investment Fund, Cooey-Davis Fellowships, The Bethany Plan, Kalon Scholars, unique programs in Communications and Media Arts and Social Work...and more.

 

Pleased to serve as Chair of The Council of Colleges and Universities of the Christian Church (DOC). Pictured with: Guy Waldrop (Director of TCCUCC), Rev. Todd Adams (Vice President, Christian Church), and Ken Garren (Vice Chair, TCCUCC & President of Lynchburg College).

Nothing like an early morning road race in mid-30s temps to start the new year. Happy New Year Bethanians (and friends) everywhere!