THE TALON

A grip on news in the Huntingdon College Community

June 4, 2019

What’s New?

THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS SUMMER DOLDRUMS

Maybe in your corner of the world there’s a bit of a respite during the summer, but that’s not true for a college campus. Summer is filled with planning, fixing, constructing, and welcoming (this last one being our favorite) as prospective students continue to look and consider their choices for a college home, and incoming students arrive for orientation (more below on that) and move-in.

STAFF AND FACULTY CHANGES

A number of new faces are joining the Huntingdon family this summer, while other, more familiar faces will be seen in different roles or places on campus. A separate communication will introduce new names and faces and some of the changes occurring.

STUDENT AND GRADUATE HONORS ANNOUNCED

Huntingdon students and graduates piled up the honors in April and May. Here are a few announcement recaps, in case you missed them:

• Honor Society Inductions, Traditional Day Program
• 2019 Traditional Day Program Graduates
• 2019 Graduates, Evening Studies
• Spring 2019 Traditional Day Program Dean’s Lists
• Spring Dean’s List, Evening Studies
• Awards Day Convocation, Traditional Day Program

CONSTRUCTION JUNCTION

Two large construction projects are underway on- and off-campus this summer. First, Houghton Library is in the process of transformation to the Caroline Slawson Campus Commons, designed inside the entry and first floor. New furniture and light fixtures arrived last week, and the library has been closed to visitors in order to complete installation and deep cleaning. Also busying the College’s hammers and drills is the former Capitol Book and News building, soon to be the new Scarlet and Grey Shop. The official public opening date for this facility is in September, but it should be open to serve students when classes begin.

PACT PAYMENTS INCREASE

The Alabama Pre-Paid Affordable College Tuition (PACT) program has increased its payments for tuition and fees for the 2019–2020 academic year. Benefits can be used for 135 semester hours of undergraduate tuition and for 8 semesters of mandatory fees, with the contract terminating after the awarding of a baccalaureate degree or after reaching the semester hour limit. The amount paid is adjusted annually according to the weighted-average tuition at Alabama four-year public institutions. For 2019–2020, the rate per semester hour is $308.80, with mandatory fees covered up to $195.01 per semester. A $25 processing fee is deducted from funds available each term. Read more here: https://www.huntingdon.edu/admission-aid/student-financial-services/financial-aid-and-scholarship-programs/al-pact-and-fl-prepaid/.

ABILITY SPORT NETWORK INVITES SUMMER PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

The Huntingdon Ability Sport Network (ASN) serves River Region youth and young adults, ages 6–21, who have physical disabilities and who have a desire to participate in sport and adapted activity. Summertime practices will be held June 25 and July 2, 9, 11, and 18, and special events will include a trip to Biscuits Baseball June 27 and a movie July 25. Know someone who would love to participate? Contact the program at asninfo@hawks.huntingdon.edu.

#2 IN THE NATION? WE’LL TAKE IT!

The Huntingdon men’s golf team, USA South Conference champions and ranked second in the nation according to coaches’ polls during most the 2018–2019 playing year, carried out that prediction in the national tournament, finishing second in their fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. This is the second time they’ve finished in the runner-up spot, but the Hawks scored their best four-round total in the NCAA era at the tournament, finishing with a 1177. Drew Mathers ’20, who earned USA South Golfer of the Year recognition after winning the individual medalist honors in the conference tournament, finished three strokes out of first, placing third in the tournament. He is the second-ranked golfer in Division III. Stephen Shephard ’19, the third-ranked golfer in Division III, finished tied for sixth in the tournament. Both Drew and Stephen were named to the All-American first team. In a separate poll, the Golf Coaches Association of America named Mark Connelly ’19, Henry Gee ’19, Stephen and Drew to the PING All-Region Team (South), and Henry, Drew, and Stephen were named All-America Scholars. The Hawks closed the season with four wins and four second-place finishes in their final eight tournaments. The team plays under USA South Coach of the Year Dave Schreyer ’89. At the close of the season, Drew, Henry, Stephen, and Coach Schreyer were named to the USA South All-Conference First Team, while USA South Golf Rookie of the Year Carson Whitton ’22 was named to the USA South All-Conference Second Team.

DO WHAT YOU’RE LEARNING

It’s been said many times, if you do what you’re learning, you’ll learn what you’re doing. During 12 field trips to various Alabama sites during the spring semester, BIOL 343 (Field Biology) students identified nearly 600 different species, including a potentially undescribed amphipod. They also met and interacted with 8 professional biologists. In the words of our provost, Dr. Anna McEwan, “There is no amount of classroom time that can replace the magical teaching and learning moments that occur in field-based settings.” Here’s a way you can initiate your own field-based education: intern! Internships provide invaluable experience, improve your resume, and help you know which tasks you do and don’t want to do as part of your career path. Find out more about internships available through the Center for Career and Vocation by emailing ccv@hawks.huntingdon.edu.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• It’s not too late to sign up for Summer II classes, which begin June 27. Sign up now!
• SUMMER HOURS, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. M–F
  
• Faculty and Staff: The cost of eating one meal a day in the dining hall has increased from $2.50 to $3.50 for the 2019–2020 academic year (the College still supplements the rest of the full cost of the meal).
• New to the website:
  • 2019–2020 Academic Calendar
  • New Student Orientation Session I Schedule
  • Big Red Weekend Schedule (scroll down past the Orientation information; note that this schedule is tentative and subject to change)
  • Summer 2019 Academic Calendar

SUMMER EVENTS

• June 4–7; Summer Basketball Camp; link: https://www.huntingdonbasketballcamp.com/
• June 15, 8:45a–4:30p; Hawks Soccer ID Camp; grades 9–12; link: https://www.hchawkssoccercamps.com/hawks-id-camp.cfm
• June 20, New Student Orientation, Session I (this session is full)
• June 20, Hawks Football Golf Tournament, Wynlakes Country Club
  
• June 23–28, Huntingdon Leadership Academy
• June 24–27; Summer Basketball Camp; link: https://www.huntingdonbasketballcamp.com/
• June 25–27, Huntingdon Economic and Community Scholars Program
• June 26–28, Huntingdon Health Sciences Academy
• July 8–9, July 18; Volleyball Elite Camp, grades 9–12; link: http://www.huntingdonhawks.com/sports/wvball/2019-20/files/2019_HC_vball_camp_ELITE_CAMP.pdf
• July 13 & 19; Beach Volleyball Camp, grades 8–12; link: http://www.huntingdonhawks.com/sports/wvball/2019-20/files/2019_HC__HAWKS_BEACH_CAMP-2.pdf
• July 15–19, 9a–3p; Hawks Summer Youth Soccer Academy; ages 6–14; link: https://www.hchawkssoccercamps.com/hawks-summer-academy.cfm
• July 15–19, Youth Softball Camp; grades K–6; link: https://www.huntingdonsoftballcamp.com/
• July 25; New Student Orientation, Session II. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.huntingdon.edu/admission-aid/traditional-admission/admitted-students/#orientation
• July 27; Softball Prospect Camp; grades 7–12; link: https://www.huntingdonsoftballcamp.com/
• August 12; Resident Assistants move in (times and locations TBA)
• August 14; Football players arrive (times and locations TBA)
• August 16; Other fall-sport athletes arrive: Volleyball, Lacrosse, Soccer (times and locations TBA)
• August 19; New Faculty Orientation, morning; Council of Department Chairs, afternoon (exact times TBA)
• August 20; 8:00a–3:00p; Faculty Meeting and Workshops
• August 21; 8:00a–3:00p; Faculty Workshops and luncheon; Band members arrive (time and location TBA)
• August 22; 9:00a; FACULTY AND STAFF: Emergency-Crisis Training (active shooter, tornado, fire); Drum Theater
• August 23–25; Big Red Weekend
• August 24–25; Upperclassmen move into residence hall, beginning at noon each day
• August 26; first day of classes, fall term
  

HUNTINGDON HEADLINERS

• Four women’s tennis players were recognized with the release of the USA South All-Conference Awards in April. Josie Waddell ’19 was named First Team All-Conference and First Team West Division; Zoya Robinson ’19 was named First Team West Division; Alex Burnham ’22 was named Second Team West Division; and Lucy Burch ’21 was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team.
• Parker Adams ’13 completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at St. George’s University, fulfilling his clinical requirements at Louisiana State University.
• The Rev. Macon Armistead ’14, director of the Huntingdon Leadership Academy, married the Rev. Amy Scroggin, June 1, 2019, in Lakeland, Fla.
• Kevin Barnett ’18 graduated from Marine boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina.  Hawk ’em!
• Laurel Billy ’17 completed her master’s degree in instructional design and technology at the University of West Florida in May 2019. She teaches kindergarten in Brewton, Ala.
• Lynsie Boelsche ’16 completed a Master of Applied Behavioral Science degree at the University of South Florida.
• Madeline Pendley Cannon ’16 graduated with a juris doctorate from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University.
• Walt Cobb ’16 earned his juris doctorate at Cumberland School of Law, Samford University.
• Mark Colson ’07, who just finished his term as president of the National Alumni Board and who serves on the board of trustees, has been named president and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association. He has served in multiple senior roles with the Business Council of Alabama, including interim president, since graduating from Huntingdon. Mark was the Huntingdon football team’s first quarterback and record-setting wide receiver. He has been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
• Kristi Fontaine Coots ’11 completed a master’s degree from the University of Alabama.
• Jessie Ray Culey ’16 is volunteering as an assistant coach with the women’s golf program.
• Andrew Davitz ’13 has announced his engagement to Sarah Beth Gilley.
• Connie Powell Deal ’87 was honored with the Visual Arts Achievement Program Teacher Award for the State of Alabama in April. She teaches for Montgomery Academy.
• Anna DeMedicis ’16 married James Wright, May 4, 2019.
• Tony Derico ’16 earned a master’s degree in journalism and media from the University of Miami.
• Darius Dixon ’15, assistant chief of security, married Melissa Wallace, June 1, 2019.
• Sterling Dixon ’19 and Will Thrash ’17 are volunteering as assistant coaches for the men’s golf program.
• Jenna Dorman ’18 will enter the School of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University this fall.
• Kyle Eller ’10 is finishing his second year of a doctoral program in accounting at Florida Atlantic University. He and his wife welcomed their second child, daughter Jordan Nicole Eller, May 7, 2019.
• Heather Wilson Ertel ’15 earned her degree in nursing from Northwest Florida State College.
• Tate Fowler ’14 and his wife, DeLancey, welcomed daughter Emily Wren Fowler, May 2019.
• Kyle Futral ’07, who serves as principal of Holtville High School, is profiled in an article in The Wetumpka Herald.
• Charlie Goodyear, director of strength and conditioning for Hawks Athletics, served as the keynote speaker for the West Alabama Watchman/Marengo County Student-Athletes of the Year banquet in May. Among his words of encouragement were: “Our world needs dynamic young leaders … who are not scared,” he said, “who are motivated to do the right things for the right reasons.”
• Kaela Grady ’14 earned her master’s degree in education at Wichita State University in May 2019.
• Nicholas Haas ’17 completed a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering at Auburn University in May 2019.
• Shira Hamby will be the first Huntingdon student to take the Intro to Neurobiology class at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab this summer.
• Lindsay Dennis Hanes ’09 and her husband, Andrew, welcomed son Richard Charles (Charlie) Hanes, May 30, 2019.
• Among the Class of 2019 Traditional Day Program graduates was Katrinnah Harding ’19, age 16, the fourth Harding sibling to graduate from Huntingdon, all entering when they were 10, 11, or 12 years old and graduating before reaching their 18th birthdays. The Hardings, of whom there are 12 siblings, are homeschooled. The family has been profiled in PEOPLE magazine, among many other venues. Katrinnah follows Serennah ’08, now a physician; Heath ’11; and Seth ’17 as Huntingdon graduates. All have completed or are completing advanced degrees. Katrinnah’s next step is law school.
• Courtney Harville ’17 earned a Master of Science in sport management from the University of Tennessee.
• Another issue of THAT Literary Review is on the wires. Huntingdon professor of English Jim Hilgartner serves as fiction editor and Abby Duke McGinn ’17 serves as associate editor. See it at thatliteraryreview.com.
• Dakota Hooper ’14 earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Alabama State University.
• Amanda Houston ’12 married Brooks Toole, May 11, 2019.
• Michael Huckle ’14 earned his juris doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law.
• John Iwaniac ’17 earned a master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Florida in May 2019.
• Becca Chavers Johnston ’14 has accepted a position on faculty with West Virginia University College of Business and Economics.
• Dr. Bellee Jones-Pierce ’03, Strode MA graduate and recent PhD graduate of Emory University, received an Honorable Mention for the J. Leeds Barroll Dissertation Prize from the Shakespeare Association of America. Her dissertation is entitled, “Able Verse: Disability and the Lyric in Early Modern English Literature.”
• Malone Kaak ’17 and Katie Bonner ’18 were married June 1, 2018.
• Audrey Gryder Kauders ’74 has retired after 17 years as director of of the Museum of Nebraska Art at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She joined MONA in 2002 after 21 years at Joslyn Art Museum as deputy director and a stint as Joslyn’s interim director. Before moving to Omaha, she started her museum career at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
• Nikki Kennedy ’16 married Nathan Wheatley, May 5, 2019.
• Corey Killough ’12 earned his Ed.S. degree in instructional leadership from William Carey University.
• Haley Kintner ’19 has been accepted to the graduate program at Purdue University to earn a Master of Science in Education.
• Raina Lanier ’18 has joined the staff of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
• Vanessa Leiterman ’19 was named a first-team All-Region golfer (East Region) by the Women’s Golf Association at the close of the season. Her scoring average of 77.74 is the second best in Hawk women’s program history.
• Barrett Leverette ’16 married Marc Edge, April 27, 2019.
• Jared Lyles ’01 has been appointed to serve as mayor of Silverhill, Alabama, in Baldwin County.
• Macy Martin ’18 married Joe Arthur Willoughby III, June 1, 2019.
• Brittney McCurry ’11 married Aundrey Wingate, May 4, 2019.
• Jamie Langford McQueen ’17 earned her master’s degree in athletic training from Samford University.
• Katy Messick ’16 earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Alabama State University in May 2019.
• Huntingdon head women’s tennis coach Ximena Moore was inducted into the Auburn University-Montgomery Athletic Hall of Fame last week. She has coached for Huntingdon since 2002 and is the team’s all-time winningest coach, leading them to a 217-102 record, 15 consecutive winning seasons, and 2 NCAA tournament appearances. As a player at AUM, she was a 4-time All-American and was part of 4 doubles national championships, helping to lead AUM to 3 NAIA team national championships (1999, 2000, 2001).
• Justin Nolen ’16 earned his juris doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law.
• DeAngelo Norris ’14, on staff with the New Orleans Pelicans, was part of the euphoric reaction that went viral when the Pelicans landed the #1 pick in the NBA draft. You can see the video here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fsj7HlFsInM. De’Angelo is the fourth person on the right, more visible when he stands on a chair to high-five colleagues.
• Lexie Ofe ’17 completed her Master of Theology degree at Vanderbilt University School of Divinity, in May 2019.
• Tyler Olsen ’15 earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, in May.
• Associate provost Dr. Tom Perrin spoke on the topic of finding your vocation or calling with ACorrection in April. You can listen here: https://www.acorrectionpodcast.com/phonyeconomy/93ra3yff8fse8las4ktj5craakea9a.
• Pat Pickens ’15 earned her master’s degree in sport management from Jacksonville State University.
• Michaela Tillery Pope ’16 earned her juris doctorate from Jones School of Law, Faulkner University.
• The American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings included Huntingdon shortstop Wes Powell ’20 in their NCAA Division III All-South Region second team. A three-time All-Conference selection, this is Powell’s first All-Region recognition. He is the ninth Hawk to be named to the ABCA/Rawlings All-Region team since 2012.
• Jason Reynolds ’18 has been awarded an internship with NASA in Huntsville as part of his graduate study at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. He is the first UAB student to receive this internship. Jason has also announced his engagement to Hope Gilmore of Prattville, Ala.
• Mallorie Richardson ’14 earned a doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Tennessee.
• Kali Sands ’14 earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Florida in May 2019.
• Kasey Savage ’18 earned a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of West Alabama.
• Abby Carter Stanton ’12 has been promoted to serve as director of admission for Martin Methodist College.
• Kacey Stephens ’20 is spending her summer at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, where she is taking classes toward completion of a minor in marine science through Huntingdon’s consortial arrangement. This summer she’ll take Shark and Ray Biology, Marine Mammals, and Marine Behavioral Ecology, the latter of which will be taught by Huntingdon professor of biology Dr. Paul Gier. This is her third summer semester at the lab.
• Will Thrash ’17 completed a Master of Accountancy degree from Auburn University-Montgomery.
• Chief of security Mike Ward ’76 was honored by the Huntingdon Collegiate Exchange Club with the “Book of Golden Deeds Award” for his outstanding service and selfless work behind the scenes in making Huntingdon a better place to be.
• Jonathan Williams ’15 completed his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, in May.
• Rhett Williams ’16 earned his juris doctorate from the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida in May 2019.
• Black Press USA has recognized Stephen L. Williams ’77, director of public health for the Houston (Texas) Department of Health and Human Services, as a Living Legend. A true difference-maker, his list of achievements is long and impressive. Read more.
• The Rev. Kristen Curtis Wright ’16 earned her Master of Divinity degree at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University. She and her husband, The Rev. Micah Wright ’15, were commissioned as Provisional Elders in the United Methodist Church during Annual Conference 2019 in the Alabama-West Florida Conference.
• Will (’15) and Carlee Nobles Wright ’16 welcomed son Wake Bishop Wright in May 2019.
• Stephanie Maguire Zimmerman ’12 and her husband welcomed baby Clara Rose Zimmerman, May 31, 2019.

PRAYERS AND CONCERNS

• Ronald Lynn Anders ’64 died May 9, 2019, in Auburn, Alabama, at age 78. He was the co-owner and operator, with his father and uncle, of Anders Bookstore in Auburn. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife of 57 years, Rosemary Kirkland Anders ’65.
• Dorothy Vickers Faircloth ’47 died April 20, 2019, in Northport, Alabama. She was 91. Dorothy taught history for more than 30 years in Escambia County junior high and middle schools.
• Our thoughts and prayers are with former volleyball coach Sandi Olive Faulkner in the death of her mother, Carol Olive, in May in Fayette, Alabama.
• Sara Neal Draut Herbert ’45 died in May 2019 in Montgomery. Her memorial service will be held June 6, preached by Dr. Cecile Gay Gray ’72.
• Anne Farrior Porter ’47 died April 28, 2019, in Selma, Alabama, at age 93. She was a long-time teacher in Selma City Schools.
• Suzanne Sheppard ’76, who designed and made costumes for Alabama Dance Theater for many years, died June 3. According to her friend, Deb Freisleben’79, Suzanne “loved all things theater and dance.” We extend our condolences to her sister, Sharon Sheppard Hudson ’86, and family.
• John Charles Short ’53 died May 15, 2019, in Atlanta at age 91. He was born July 4, 1927, and served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and the Korean War. His wife of 57 years, Shirley Hamlin Short ’56, died in July 2010.
• We sadly report the May 31, 2019, death of Phyllis Gunter Snyder ’53, for whom the College’s Center for Campus Ministries is named. She was an icon of Huntingdon loyalty who, along with her late husband, Dr. William Snyder, a pioneering retinal surgeon, facilitated and gave generously to the College. She lived in Dallas, Texas. We extend our sympathy and condolences to her family.

Send your news to news@hawks.huntingdon.edu.
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Suellen (Su) Ofe
Vice President
for Marketing and Communications
Huntingdon College
1500 E. Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106
(334) 833-4515; Cell (334) 324-6591