August 2021 Class Notes
Thomas Wilkins (C ’78) was named principal guest conductor by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, a new position created specifically for him. (Pictured to the left.)
During the 2021 National Jazz Workshop, Alan Baylock (C ’90) directed the Shenandoah Alumni Big Band to honor Dr. Robert Larson (C ’08), who retired after 39 years of service to Shenandoah Conservatory. (Pictured to the right.)
On July 30, Alfred Duncan (AS ’98) and his organization Black Men Ventures sponsored the second-ever Black Founder’s Pitch Competition to raise capital for Black male owned businesses.
On July 17, Jonathan Noyalas (AS ’01), director of Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute, led a walking tour at Shenandoah River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield to commemorate the battle’s 157th anniversary. Noyalas was interviewed by WZRV about the McCormick Civil War Institute’s new app, Through Their Eyes, which uses augmented reality to bring Civil War history to life at Cool Spring Battlefield. (Pictured to the left.)
April White (P ’01) recently released a new book, “Destination Hope.”
David Goodman (B ’03) was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. Currently, he is commanding a test and evaluation detachment at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. (Pictured to the right.)
Aaron Dixon-Proctor (AS ’06) won a Capital Emmy Award in the category of Daytime Newscast for his directing efforts on “News4 at 6p: America in Crisis” which aired on WRC, Washington, DC.
Jennifer Blanton (C ’07) was recently featured in an article in Authority Magazine titled, “Rising Through Resilience: Jennifer Blanton of FAME Performing Arts On The Five Things You Can Do To Become More Resilient.”
Shana Oshiro (C ’13, C ’21) performed in the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts’ Summer Recital, in partnership with the Arts Club of Washington.
Kerry Devlin (C ’14, C ’17) was awarded a full scholarship to complete her Ph.D. in music therapy at Aalborg University in Denmark.
Patricia Hengen (C ’14) and Anthony Shields (C ’14) were married on June 27, 2021. Music was a constant theme for their wedding. The sheet music for the aria the bride sang the day they started dating was used in the bridal bouquet and the groom’s boutonniere. (Pictured to the right.)
Erin Pauling (P ’14) was named assistant dean for academic affairs at Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. (Pictured to the left.)
Allison Taylor (AS ’15) and Abdullah Aldehaiman (AS ’15) were married on May 28, 2021.
Katie Devolites (AS ’16) was named executive director of the Adult Care Center of the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
Luke McKenzie (AS ’16) became the part-time county coordinator for Mineral County, West Virginia, on June 1, 2021. He also serves as Mineral County’s emergency services director.
John Tuck (EL ’16) was appointed principal of Sully Elementary School in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Skylar Freeman (C ’17) joined Milestones & Music, LLC, located in Morgantown, West Virginia, as a music therapist.
Elaine Holliday (B ’17) was selected to participate in the National Association of College and University Business Officers 2021-22 Emerging Leaders Program.
Nathan Tabourn (B ’18) and his fiancé, Madison, welcomed their first child, Daphne Claire Tabourn, into the world on April 17, 2021. Daphne weighed 7 lbs, 14 oz. (Pictured to the right.)
On Aug. 2, Lily Nealon (HP ’19) started a new position as Health and Fitness (H2F) Physical Therapist for the U.S. Department of Defense at Joint Base Lewis-McCloud, Washington.
Peyton Clary (B ’21) along with Sharon Farinholt launched the podcast “Keeping It Real” which gives advice on how to start and then maintain a successful business.
In Memoriam
Mary Jane Gaskins Jolliffe (D ’51) passed away on Dec. 21, 2020, at the age of 90. Mary Jane was a school teacher, retiring from AO Marshall School in Joliet, Illinois, after many years of service.
Carolyn Marie Keats (AS ’20) passed away on June 21, 2021, at the age of 21. Carolyn worked at Atiba Intervention Services, LLC as a turn around specialist. She provided services to mentally ill adults and children. One week prior to her death, Carolyn was awarded her license as a Qualified Mental Health Professional by the Virginia Board of Counseling.
