Dear Alumni,
Last weekend I was able to take part in the recognition of our alumni at three different events. First, I represented the Alumni Association at the Dayton Alumni Weekend. I enjoyed getting to know Dick and Linda Jacobs whose generous gift supported the creation of a Shenandoah University Historical Marker, which was the idea of late alumnus Bruce Gearheart ’59, installed to bring more attention to Dayton, Virginia, which is the birthplace of the university. Linda is the daughter of alumni Raymond W. and Lorraine Halderman Heatwole (both of ’37). Linda is also writing a book which will have a chapter about Shenandoah University. Dayton Mayor Cary Jackson also surprised Dayton Alumni President Robert Crawford ’56 with a proclamation naming Friday, April 8, 2022, Shenandoah University Dayton Alumni Day. It was a real treat to hear about our university’s beginnings and the alumni love of their alma mater.
Second, your Alumni Board held its spring Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, April 9. We heard updates from Mitch Moore, Senior Vice President and Vice President for Advancement; Shaun Evans, Director of Athletic Bands; Hakeem Leonard, Assistant Provost for Inclusion, Diversity & Equity; and, Lisa Levinson, Interim Dean School of Nursing.
Finally, I also attended the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics 2022 Hall of Fame event where seven former SU student-athletes and one coach were inducted. The newest members of the Athletics Hall of Fame are Walter Barr – Head Football Coach, 1999-2001; Dr. Catherine (Beuerle) Martin ’09, ’10 D.PT – Softball/Volleyball; Jennifer (Johnson) Boyer ’95 – Women’s Soccer; Ashley Cross ’14 – Women’s Lacrosse and Field Hockey; Peter Kim ’89 – Men’s Soccer; Jeremiah Lawrence ’08 – Men’s Basketball; Lamont Moore ’05 – Football; and, Greg Van Sickler ’11 – Baseball. The legacy of these individuals is inspiring and their impact lives on through the lives they touch. Former football coach Paul Barnes said Coach Barr was rooted in three things: (1) be the best you can be and do not worry about the rest; (2) do the right thing; and, (3) treat people with respect.
I was pleased to see our alumni honored and hear from them how Shenandoah made a difference in their lives. I enjoyed time with friends who had not visited the university in decades who still felt like they had arrived home. I would love to hear from you and how your Alumni Association can better serve you. Email me at anne.lewis65@gmail.com!
Anne Lewis
President, SU Alumni Association