The Bethany alumni and friends event at Jhamal Robinson's house overlooking Hollywood tonight enabled Cathy Pyles, mother of current Bethany standout swimmer Alexi Pyles, to visit with Bethanian Jimmy Veres ('70), a former national championship swimmer at Bethany. Also pictured is Alexi's sister, Madulan.

With Dean Lesiak ('74), Jhamal Robinson ('98) and Suzi Abbott Lesiak ('75) at the Los Angeles alumni and friends event at Jhamal's home overlooking Hollywood.

As Chair of the Board of Directors of Washington, DC-based Academic Search, Inc., served on a panel discussing "Personnel Solutions for the Academy -- Talent and More Talent" at The Registry for College and University Presidents at Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. Pictured with George Matthews, Chancellor of The Registry for College and University Presidents, Bryan Carlson, President of TRCUP, and Jessica Kozloff, President of Academic Search.

Wonderful birthday dinner with Bill Warren ('53) at Big Canyon Country Club. Pictured with Bill and Margaret Ogilvy Warren ('53) and Sven de Jong ('95), Senior Vice President.

Enjoyable lunch with proud Bethanian Doug Pettit ('89) at the historic Grant Hotel in San Diego. After Bethany, Doug attended Washington and Lee University law school.

Bethany to Celebrate American Education Week

Dr. Scott D. Miller, President of the College, signed a resolution Thursday in recognition of Bethany's Education Department's observation of American Education Week. As part of the National Education Association's 93rd annual American Education Week celebration, Nov. 17 - 21 Bethany College will hold a number of activities to raise awareness about the critical need to provide every child with a quality education. Pictured with Dr. Miller is Dr. Sherri Theaker, Associate Professor of Education, Chair of the Education Department and CAEP Coordinator. W. Clayton Burch, West Virginia’s Interim Associate Superintendent of Schools, will provide the keynote address on Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. in Hurl Auditorium.

Boomer’s Book Club

This Saturday, November 15, children from pre-K to sixth grade are invited to spend time with Boomer and other Bethanians at Boomer’s Book Club.

This free event, hosted by staff of the T.W. Phillips Library, the Department of Education, Kappa Delta Pi, and other organizations, is centered on the 50th Anniversary of the classic children’s book “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. Not only will participants make crafts based on the book, but they will also have the opportunity to travel to fun game stations.

Boomer’s Book Club will be held at the Hurl Education Center from 10 a.m. to noon. Any questions should be directed to Professor Angela Icard at 304-829-7762.

Join Us in Saying “Thank You” on National Philanthropy Day

Every year, the non-profit community and those who are served by charitable and educational organizations join on November 15, National Philanthropy Day, to say “thank you.”

First recognized officially by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980’s, National Philanthropy Day “is a celebration of philanthropy—giving, volunteering and charitable engagement—that highlights the accomplishments, large and small, that philanthropy—and all those involved in the philanthropic process—makes to our society and our world,” according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Bethany College, therefore, expresses appreciation to all those who make a difference in our institution, programs, and capacity to serve. We gratefully do so on this special day, and throughout the year.

We recognize that giving takes many forms—through contributions of time, talent, and treasure, through the creation and implementation of good ideas that work for people, and through the countless acts of individual, often unseen, kindness and generosity that enrich our campus community and traditions.

Examples at Bethany abound. Gifts by alumni and friends have brought the first phase of our capital campaign, “Transformation Now!” to the $48 million mark in support to strengthen our facilities, endowment, and current programs. Our many students, faculty, staff, and organizations engaged in service from our campus contribute thousands of hours to various causes and purposes. Bethany has again been admitted to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for engaging its students, faculty, and staff in meaningful service that achieves measurable results in the community. It is noteworthy that over 85 percent of our students commit to community service during their time with us.

To all who give to Bethany and, through our institution, to those we serve, we offer heartfelt thanks for making philanthropy, defined as the “love of humankind,” a richly rewarding priority every day of the year.

Enjoyable Faculty Emeritus dinner with Jay Buckelew, Randy Cooey, Robert Payson, Robyn Cole and James Keegan tonight at Christman Manor. Heather Ricciuti, The Mary Cutlip Director of the Libraries and Learning Resources, and Beth Carpenter, Liberal Arts Librarian, presented the program.

My first exposure to Bethany was running cross country for West Virginia Wesleyan against the Bison in the late 1970s. Tonight, we continued an annual tradition of hosting the Bethany cross country team for dinner and discussion at Christman Manor before the NCAA Regional Championships. A wonderful group of athletes, students and leaders.