October 2026 Class Notes
In September 2026, Nadine Dunn (C ’90) retired from the University of Maryland, College Park. She and her husband relocated to Spain.
Sarah Howard-Carter (C ’01) performed in the world premier of “Effigy” by Benjamin Roberts written in honor of the Statue of Liberty at the National Flute Association Convention in Portland, Oregon. (pictured right)
On Sept. 19, Jenene Caramielo (C ’03) performed “Celebrating Celine,” a tribute to Celine Dion, at The Legacy Theater in Carthage, Illinois.
On Aug. 28, Lisa Fritsch (C ’04) released her new book titled, “In Tune: A Memoir of Faith, Music and Miracles.”
On Sept. 11, Will Moore (AS ’04) was named interim town manager of the Town of Middleburg in Middleburg, Virginia.
On Aug. 24, Nathaniel Gumbs (C ’09) was appointed director of Westminster’s Organ Program at Rider University in Lawrence Township, New Jersey.
On Aug. 21, Jeremiah Shaw (C ’11) earned Chamber Music America’s Album of the Year for “Edge of the Storm,” the newest release from the Telegraph Quartet. (pictured right)
On Oct. 14, Jesse Ratcliffe (C ’13) performed homecoming carillon concerts at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia, featuring themed songs and classical arrangements. Ratcliffe serves as organist and director of music at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Warrenton, Virginia.
On Aug. 23, Victoria Okafor (C ’17) performed as a featured soloist with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra in “Virtues: A Moral Compass.”
On Sept. 21, Taylor Bloom (C ’17) appeared as a series regular in the NBC/Peacock series premier “Line of Fire”.
On Sept. 25, Kyle Windbeck (C ’21) released the bluegrass single “East Tennessee” with musician Darren Beachley.
On Sept. 2, Kayla Maxson (B ’23) was named an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team at Roanoke College in Roanoke, Virginia.
On Oct. 7, Kiyah Stewart (B ’24, ’25) was recognized by Influential Women for her achievements in sports marketing and digital strategy.
Alumni Passings
Donald G. “Don” Stotler (B ’04) of Winchester, Virginia, passed away on Oct. 4, 2026.
Zachariah Shawn Hayes (ANG) of Spring Hill, Tennessee, passed away on Sept. 14, 2026.
Faculty/Staff Passings
Irma Helen Collins (C ’61) of Augusta, West Virginia, passed away on July 29, 2026. She was a music educator, scholar, and author who served as president of the Music Educator’s National Conference (MENC) and taught at Shenandoah Conservatory. (pictured right)
Michael O. Forest (C ’85, ’86) of Winchester, Virginia, passed away on Sept. 23, 2026. He was a division chairperson for the vocal – choral department, acted in Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre, taught for the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy, was a Wilkins Award recipient in 2006. Michael retired as an associate professor for the vocal-choral department in 2024, serving SU for 30 years.
Key
AS – Arts & Sciences
B – Business
C – Conservatory
D – Dayton
E – Education
HP – Health Professions
N – Nursing
P – Pharmacy
ANG – Alumnus Non Grad
