Home » Blog » February 2022 Class Notes

February 2022 Class Notes

Thomas WilkinsThomas Wilkins (C ’78) participated in “I Dream a World: The Harlem Renaissance and Beyond,” a multi-disciplinary, multi-tiered festival celebrating the history and influence of the Harlem Renaissance. (Pictured to the right.)

Joan Bronson (HP ’79) retired after 42 years of working for Handley Regional Library.

Robb Britt (C ’84) announced plans to retire from his position as director of Blount County (TN) Schools in June 2022.

Jena Root (C ’93) discussed The Beatles and music theory on a recent episode of the Apple podcast, “Note Doctors.”

Bridgett Emerson ArtworkBridgett Crocker Emerson (C ’97) is currently showing her artwork in two galleries: the Fairmont Center for the Arts in Novelty, Ohio, and the FRESH exhibition at Summit Art Space in Akron, Ohio. The FRESH exhibition can be viewed online at www.summitartspace.org. (Pictured to the left.)

Joseph JeffersonJoseph Jefferson (C ’10) was selected as the recipient of the Jazz Education Network’s Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Jazz Educator of the Year award. (Pictured to the right.)

Ilana M. Atkins (C ’11, C ’13) is now the associate music director/keys 2 of “Mrs. Doubtfire” on Broadway.

Sarah MawyerSarah Mawyer (C ’15) and Sam Ridenhour were married on Sept. 20, 2020, with Shenandoah alumnae Michelle Body Kalis (C ’15, C ’16) and Erin Puskar (C ’15, C ’16) as bridesmaids. (Pictured to the right.)

Tess Marshall in ‘Ordinary Joe’ on NBCTess Marshall (C ’16) made her television network debut on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 co-starring as Dionne in “Ordinary Joe”on NBC. (Pictured to the left.)

Scout Backus (C ’17) recently joined the cast of Broadway’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Taylor Bloom (C ’17) gave an interview to “MD Theatre Guide” regarding his role as Paul Simon in “The Simon & Garfunkel Story,” presented by Broadway at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.

On July 31, 2021, Christopher Ciccarelli (HP ’17) joined HCA Florida as an inpatient rehabilitation physical therapist.

Emmy Maguire (AS ’17) began a position as HMDA Compliance Specialist with Guaranteed Rate on Oct. 4, 2021.

Jordan Leigh McCaskill (C ’17) was cast in the world premiere of “Punk Rock Girl,” a new musical produced by Long Island’s Argyle Theatre. The production features the music of female artists and female-fronted bands like Blondie, Pat Benatar, Gwen Stefani and Avril Lavigne.

Alumni Prava Maharjan and Michael MorganPrava Maharjan (B ’19) married Michael Morgan (B ’18) on Dec. 8, 2021, in Nepal. (Pictured to the right.)

Coleman David CampbellColeman Campbell (C ’20) has graduated with a Master’s Degree in Musical Theatre from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. (Pictured to the left.)

Alumna Shelby Jones and her fianceShelby Jones (AS ’20) is engaged to Nathaniel Bussells. The couple plan to marry in Aylett, Virginia, with several Shenandoah alumnae as bridesmaids. (Pictured to the right.)

Rachel Salazar (HP ’20) and Cody Weinberg were married on Oct. 2, 2021.

Avery Sedlacek (C ’20) has signed with The Buchwald Agency in New York. 

Erin Hoover (AS ’21) and Shawn Tatman are engaged to be married on Dec. 10, 2022 with Shenandoah alumna Sarah McElroy (AS ’21) as a bridesmaid.

Jennifer Hope (N ’21), a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, joined Coastal Community Health Center in Brandon, Oregon.

Kyle WindbeckKyle Windbeck (C ’21) recently joined the bluegrass band Sidelines as the group’s bassist. (Pictured to the left.)


In Memoriam

Charles P. Howdyshell (D ’51) died on Jan. 26, 2022 at the age of 90. He graduated from Shenandoah University where he played basketball; he served in the National Guard during the Korean War, and retired from the State of Virginia’s Department of Agriculture. Howdyshell was a loving man who put family first in all that he did.

Sue Anderson Sheaffer (D ’55) died on Jan. 26, 2022. She loved music, especially opera and classical. She sang soprano in several choral groups and served as a docent to the Virginia Opera. Shaeffer became a member of the World Organization of China Painters and was a certified teacher of porcelain painting. She also wrote children’s stories and poetry as an educator. In retirement, she helped produce plays and cultural entertainments for her community.

Stephen Joseph Sabados (C ’98, C ’11) died unexpectedly on Jan. 29, 2022 at the age of 52. He was a member of the American Music Therapy Association and one of the first music therapists to be licensed in the state of Maryland. Sabados spent the last 13 years working as a music therapist for Adventist Healthcare Behavioral Health and Wellness Center in Rockville, Maryland, where he was honored with the Compassionate Care Award in 2016.

Categories: ,

Recent News

Headshots of Dr. Yunita Anwar (left) and Dr. John Winn (right), both of the Shenandoah University School of Business

WalletHub Taps Two SU Professors for Insight and Advice

Drs. Winn and Anwar Talk Insurance and Improving Credit

Shenandoah Pharmacy Graduates Secure Competitive PGY2 Residency Matches

Four pharmacy graduates advance into competitive PGY2 residencies in pediatric, psychiatric pharmacy, oncology, and investigational drugs and research

Professor explains content on a screen in a Shenandoah University educational leadership doctoral class.

New Higher Ed Concentration Offered in Shenandoah University’s Educational Leadership Doctoral Programs

Course topics delve into the primary responsibilities of higher education leaders

Headshot of J. Robert "Bobby" Spencer

Shenandoah University To Hold Special Performance To Benefit SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund

Original ‘Jersey Boy’ J. Robert Spencer headlines ensemble cast of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre alumni

Shenandoah OT Programs Recognize Students & Educators of Distinction

2024-25 Awardees Hail From Four Occupational Therapy Programs

Students walk on campus with Sarah's Glen in the background.

Shenandoah University Participating In 2025 Virginia Private College Week

Prospective students who visit from July 21-26 will be entered to win an Amazon gift card and are eligible for an application fee waiver

Monthly Archives