THE TALON

A grip on news in the Huntingdon College Community

May 5, 2020

What’s New

Fall Start Date Announced

Huntingdon announced last week that classes will begin two weeks earlier than planned originally, opening August 10, 2020. The new calendar allows for finals to be completed prior to Thanksgiving Break, therefore extending that break through winter and until the spring term is scheduled to begin, January 11, 2021. New freshmen and transfers will arrive August 6 for orientation, to be conducted August 6–9. Read more.

June/July Orientation Revamped

Entering students who have signed up for the June and July orientation sessions should continue to reserve those dates on their calendars. The Office of Student Affairs will provide information sessions and opportunities for incoming students to connect with one another on the original date they had signed up for orientation. These virtual experiences will be designed to familiarize students and families with the College and to answer questions. New students should continue to sign up for June and July registration, but travel to campus for those programs will not be necessary. Stay tuned for more information.

Commencement, Homecoming Rescheduled

When it became evident that the commencement ceremony and accompanying activities would have to be rescheduled, the administration’s next dilemma was when and how to offer the traditions that Hawks hold dear. The solution was to move Homecoming to a date earlier than planned originally, and commencement activities to coincide with Homecoming. The planned weekend of events will occur October 9–10. More details will be available this summer. For now, here’s the release announcing the decision.

Summer Class List Expanded

The Office of Academic Affairs announced in April the expansion of course offerings during summer 2020 by 17 new course sections. All classes are online. To find out more about the courses available, costs, and dates, see the Summer Bulletin.

Stories from Home

As students have been sequestered with their families, we’ve attempted to keep everyone encircled in the Huntingdon spirit through communication in our Stories from the Home We Love So Well series. If you missed one, here are links:

• May 4: Hammers, Saws, Trees, and Lysol (the link will be posted soon to this page)
• May 1: Virtual Career Counseling
• April 29: Hawks on the Frontlines, Part II
• April 27: Hawks on the Frontlines, Part I
• April 24: Campus Ministries to Cyber-Ministries
• April 22: Maximizing Learning-Where-You-Are (be sure to note a contribution by Professor Cinzia Balit-Moussalli that was not included during the original distribution of this story).
• April 20: Tending to the Nest
• April 17: Being Virtually Athletic
• April 15: Greek Life: Sisters and Brothers United
• April 13: Learning Everything Remotely Possible

Film Streaming Service

Houghton Library has licensed a film streaming service from Swank Motion Pictures. You can access the site from a link on the Houghton Library website, where you can see the films the College has purchased. There will be up to 25 movies available through June.

COVID-19 Resource Guide

Houghton Library has published a COVID-19 LibGuide to connect readers with various resources and information that may prove useful during this time. Pages on the LibGuide include About the Virus, Educational Resources (such as free resources and resources for children), Select Library Resources, and To Entertain Yourself. There’s a LibGuide set of links on the library’s website.

Sing When the Spirit Says Sing

Need another credit in your fall schedule? Consider adding Concert Choir to your list of classes. You’ll join a dedicated and regionally acclaimed group of musicians and, if you enjoy singing, you’ll have a great time. To add choir to your schedule, you may register in Self Service.

Announcements

• Returning Students: Orientation Leaders are needed for the one-day June and July Orientation/Registration sessions that will be conducted virtually. Apply online by May 8. Questions? Email spalek@hawks.huntingdon.edu.
• Senior Toast: Class of 2020, please join the Office of College and Alumni Relations at 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, with your beverage of choice (milk, iced tea …) from your favorite spot at home to toast yourself and your classmates. RSVP to senior vice president Anthony Leigh (aleigh@) to let him know you’re interested and he’ll send you the link to the Zoom meeting.
• The Marching Scarlet and Grey put together a virtual rendition of the Fight Song and it’s so much fun to watch! See it on Facebook, either the band’s page or Huntingdon’s page. Extra kudos to assistant director Aaron Locklear for his work on this project.

Huntingdon Hawk-Stars

• Huntingdon golfers Drew Mathers ’20, Owen Burt ’21, and Carson Whitton ’22 were named to the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) Division III PING All-South Region Team April 15.
• Seven Huntingdon football players were named to the 2020 Hampshire Honor Society this spring. Offensive lineman Reed Crosby ’20, quarterback Michael Lambert ’20, running back Kobe Smith ’20, defensive linemen Haylan Bailey ’20, DeAnte’ Griffith ’20 and Red Hinton ’20 and linebacker Drew Schlemmer ’20 were among 1,465 players from 369 schools named to the honor society. To be eligible, a player must have been a starter or significant contributor during their last year of eligibility at an accredited NCAA or NAIA institution, maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers, and met all NCAA-mandated progress toward degree requirements and graduation. Including Huntingdon’s seven newest members, 70 Hawks have been chosen to the Hampshire Honor Society since 2007.
• Elizabeth Polk Adcock ’98, vice president for information systems at Kitsap Credit Union in Bremerton, Wash., completed an executive MBA through Washington State University.
• Katelyn Atkins ’14 gave birth to a daughter, Remington Grae, April 2, 2020.
• Dr. Blake Ball, assistant professor of history, authored a book review of Southern Nation: Congress and White Supremacy after Reconstruction, by David A. Bateman, Ira Katznelson, and John S.Lapinski, which appeared in the April 2020 issue of Alabama Review.
• Abiba Bernard ’19 and James Harris ’21 welcomed a daughter, Avirah Harris, April 18, 2020.
• Katie Bianco ’19, admission counselor, will begin a master’s program in higher education administration at Auburn University, fall 2020.
• Blake Bosch ’14 completed his master’s degree in health studies at the University of Alabama in 2017 and works as a claims examiner for Delta Dental Insurance Company in Georgia.
• Derick Bothwell ’15 completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Alabama State University, May 2020.
• Alaina Brannon ’18 will complete her Master of Science in exercise science at the University of South Alabama in July 2020.
• Meredith Brogden ’12 lives in Charlotte, N.C., and works as a senior cost accountant with Broad River Retail. She completed her master’s degree in accounting at Wake Forest University.
• Tyler Chaffee ’15 has taken a position as a target market specialist with the Tennessee Valley Authority’s economic development team in Nashville. In his new position, which begins May 11, he will recruit jobs and capital investments to the TVA service territory.
• Nolan Clark ’17 graduated from Cumberland School of Law, May 2020.
• LeAnn Holifield Cox ’93 is a teacher with the Shelby County Board of Education.
• In August, 2019, Pat Cross ’81 retired from Alabama Power after 26 years. He continues umpiring softball and playing guitar. His wife, Molly Rice Cross ’84, has left teaching and will begin pursuing her Master of Divinity at Candler School of Theology in fall 2020. She will also begin serving an appointment in the United Methodist Church beginning in July 2020.
• Jackson Cruce ’16 and his wife, Amber, welcomed a daughter, Brooklyn, March 27, 2020.
• Andrew Davitz ’13 completed an associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems in 2019 and works as an IT professional. He married his fiance, Sarah Beth, March 7, 2020.
• Linda Diaz ’11 and Austin Bennett ’15 welcomed son Bright Alexander Bennett, April 1, 2020.
• Hunter Dreaden ’16 completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Alabama State University, May 2020.
• The Enterprise City Council appointed Steven Duke ’09 to the Enterprise City Schools Board of Education for a five-year term beginning in June 2020. He is the owner and manager of Duke Pest Services.
• Tiarrial Duncan ’19 welcomed a baby girl April 29, 2020.
• Katy Garren ’16 married Perry Brasfield, March 22, 2020.
• Dana Phillips Goetze ’14 and her husband, Stephen, welcomed a son, Liam Matthew, April 5, 2020.
• Tyler ’14 and Ashley Bonner Gresham ’13 welcomed their second daughter, Rosaleigh Louise, April 28, 2020.
• Dr. Kenton Hagan ’16 and his wife, Caitlin (McMahon) ’17, welcomed their first child, son Wheeler Leo, April 18 in Philadelphia. Kent has accepted a position with Advanced Orthopedic Specialists in Fayetteville, Ark., beginning June 2020, where he will serve as one of the team physicians for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
• Teresa Carver Ham ’85 serves as chief administrative officer for Advancing Sight Network in Birmingham, while her husband, James Ham ’85, is a registered nurse and consultant for Change Healthcare.
• Carrie Anne K. (Kate) Harrell ’03 recently co-produced her first web series, CadyDid, starring Tony-winning Broadway actress Cady Huffman. Kate was nominated for the 2019 Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre Education for her work launching the theatre arts program at Hedgepeth/Williams Middle School of the Arts in Trenton, N.J. She will begin her education specialist certification in 2020, and anticipates completion of her Teacher Leadership Certification in 2020 as well.
• Congratulations to Elizabeth Cox Hassell ’35, who may be Huntingdon’s oldest living alumna. She turned 105 on March 31, 2020.
• John Iwaniec ’17 wrote and edited a research paper on “Acute phase response to exertional heat stroke in mice,” published in Experimental Physiology, April 13, 2020.
• Katie Jones Jeter ’13 and her husband, Matt, welcomed a son, Wesley Hunt, April 10, 2020.
• Allison Johnson ’17 is completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Auburn University-Montgomery and expects to graduate in 2021.
• Brittany Kane ’23 has purchased flowers, placed encouraging notes on them, and delivered to her neighbors—a little joy in this difficult time. Way to go, Brittany!
• Amanda Pickard Kraft ’04 writes that she is a proud DramaMama to her 4-year-old daughter, Harmony. She is also the artistic director of K&A Theatricals, a performing arts company born in Hollywood and located in Georgia. Her husband, Keith, works in real estate.
• Kyle ’17 and Taylor Blackwell Lancaster ’17 are living in Auburn, where Kyle is a student at Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn University.
• Crystal Bedwell Langford ’04 and her husband, Les, live in Daphne, Ala., and operate ChemStation Gulf Coast. Since their oldest son, Carson, was diagnosed with Type One diabetes in 2016, they have become deeply involved in the local Juvenile Diabetes Relief Fund chapter, participating in the annual walk and serving as a corporate sponsor supporting Carson’s Crew each year. Crystal has also sewn dozens of masks for individuals in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Mary Louise Thrower Lee ’09, an RN, will complete her nurse practitioner training at Georgetown University in December 2020. She and her husband, Scott, welcomed son Hopkins Scott, January 24, 2020. She earned her BSN at Texas Tech University.
• Stacie Lee ’17 graduated with her Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in May 2020.
• Congratulations are in order for four friends of Huntingdon College on the completion of their doctorates of ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary: Rev. Dr. Woods Lisenby ’11; trustee Rev. Dr. Jay Cooper, Rev. Dr. Tony McCullough, and Rev. Dr. Levi Gardner.
• Dr. Josh Martin ’99 serves as assistant professor of music at Chipola College and lives in Dothan, Ala.
• Keri Till Massey ’07 and her husband, Ross, welcomed son William Bennett, April 10, 2020.
• Chris McCain ’17 completed his Master of Divinity degree at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, May 2020.
• Chase McKoon ’20 has been working as a ministerial services intern with the Alabama-West Florida Conference office and as an intern with the Huntingdon Leadership Academy while helping his church provide digital services.
• Craig Miller ’06 and his wife, Ashley, welcomed a daughter, Emma Grace, March 24, 2020.
• Stacie Abney Mottinger ’04 works as an administrative assistant for a CPA firm in Dothan, Ala.
• Lyndsey Nichole Oliver ’08 (whose name was officially changed from Lyndsey Nichole Oliver Hinckley in 2018) continues to teach at Columbus HS in Columbus, Ga., where she also serves as a senior project coordinator and speech/debate coach. In February 2020 she received the District Coach of the Year award for the Georgia Southern Peach District of the National Speech and Debate Association.
• Dr. Michele Scharff Olson ’86, professor of exercise science, is quoted in an article, “Is Skateboarding Good Exercise?” in Vents Magazine online, May 4.
• Dr. Amanda Ousley ’05 teaches chemistry for the Saint James School in Montgomery.
• Jeremy Peterson ’19 married Jalin Rogers, May 2, 2020.
• Kaitlyn Pharr ’19 has been named band director for Monroe Academy.
• Jamie Allen Piper ’04 was recently promoted to the position of programming director, assistant for marketing and promotions, at WALA Fox 10 in Mobile, Ala. She and her husband have a daughter, Madelyn, age 3.
• Michaela Tillery Pope ’16 completed her juris doctorate at Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law and has passed the Alabama Bar. She works with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office as a deputy district attorney.
• Mary Cam Raybon ’14 graduated from Cumberland School of Law, May 2020.
• Congratulations to Dr. Jared Rehm and his wife, Kelley, who announced the adoption of a son, Peter Anthony, April 6. Peter was born March 30, 2020.
• Eva Reardon ’17 joined Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Phenix City, Ala., as a teacher in October 2019.
• Eliza Richardson ’16 serves as worship leader for Bethany Baptist Church in Phenix City, Ala.
• Christy Robinson ’00 serves as an RN and case manager for Springhill Medical Center in Alabama.
• Ryan Runager ’17 earned his Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology, Emory University.
• C.J. Sauce ’17 completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Alabama State University, May 2020.
• Kalynne Scott ’15 reports the birth of her son, Waylon Samuel-Raymond Horsley, August 17, 2019.
• Sarah Thebo Seebrat ’12 serves as a branch office administrator for Edward Jones in Daphne, Ala., where she lives with her husband, Juddson Seebrat ’10.
• Nick ’13 and Catherine Naylor Sheppard ’11 welcomed a second son, Ellis Michael, in April 2020.
• Linsey Smithart ’20 married Jeremy Hunt, March 21, 2020.
• Wesley Smithart ’17 graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law, May 2020.
• Amanda Swindle ’16 began a job as a cash application specialist for Vulcan Materials Company in March 2020. She has announced her engagement to Joey Hunt, with a planned wedding date in October 2021.
• Heather Tabor ’19 works as an administrative recruiter for Express Employment Professionals and lives in Fairhope, Ala.
• Dino ’11 and Cheyenne Young Tampary ’14 live in Dothan, where she is the owner and baker for The Pie Safe, serving pies, cakes, and other sweets.
• Britni Thibodeau ’16 earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Belmont University, May 2020.
• Joe Thomas ’17 concluded his tenure on the Sigma Nu General Fraternity staff team in April. He joined the staff team in summer 2017 and served for two years as a leadership consultant before transitioning into his role as the fraternity’s financial consultant, working with chapters on finance-related solutions. He serves as a residence director for Huntingdon.
• Kayce Estes Thomas ’14 is a special education teacher for Prattville Kindergarten School.
• Eric Turner ’17 earned his Master of Divinity degree from the Divinity School at Duke University in May 2020.
• Dr. Brandon Veach ’15 graduated from UAB School of Dentistry, May 2020.
• Larry Walker ’69 and his wife, Peggy, live in Foley, where he is a principal consultant in safety and environmental management, semi-retired and enjoying life on the coast.
• Marcus Washington ’08, a media specialist with Jay R. Smith Manufacturing, married his fiance, Danje, an educator, April 18, 2020. They live in Sylacauga, Ala.
• Congratulations to Dr. Bobbie Sue Coop Welch ’54 and her husband, Jack, who will celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary May 12.
• The Alabama Historical Association has established the Sarah Woolfolk Wiggins Dissertation Award in Alabama History, in honor of the Class of 1956 Huntingdon alumna who was a noted historian in the state. She died in April 2020.
• Jonathan Williams ’15 married Morgan Wood, April 4, 2020.
• Chas Worthy ’11 married Danielle Duck, April 4, 2020.
• Stephanie Yasechko ’16 earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The Ohio State University, May 2020.

Sympathy and Prayers

• Our sympathy is extended to Coach Courtney Harville ’17, director of athletic operations and assistant women’s golf coach, on the recent death of her grandfather.
• Faithful Huntingdon Society member Barbara Gilliland Rhinehardt ’56 passed away April 24, 2020. Members of the Alumni Office attest to her beautiful spirit and great love for Huntingdon. She was a resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. We extend our condolences to her husband, Fred, and her family and friends.
• Our sympathy is extended to Coach Dave Shreyer ’89, director of golf, on the death of his father this spring.
• We announce with deep sadness the death of Mrs. Emma Staton, long-time Huntingdon friend and benefactor and widow of Dr. Thomas Staton, former professor of psychology,  in April. The Staton Center for Learning Enrichment is named in honor of Thomas and Emma Staton. For many years after Dr. Staton’s death, Mrs. Staton would walk across the street from their home on College Court to enjoy her meals with students in the dining hall. She will be missed.
• Alice Jewel Townsend Tyson ’41 passed away April 23, 2020, in Ramer, Ala. She was 100.  Alice was the 1941 May Queen. She was a faithful supporter of Huntingdon and she is credited with making a gift to the College every year for as far back as the College maintains giving records, including this year.  Her annual gifts were always accompanied by a hand-written note expressing her appreciation for all that Huntingdon had meant to her.  We extend our condolences to her family.
• We extend our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the members of the Huntingdon family who have lost friends, family, and loved ones to COVID-19.

Send your news to news@hawks.huntingdon.edu.

###
The Talon is produced by the Office of Communications and is e-mailed to students, faculty, and staff, and to those parents, friends, neighbors, alumni, and others who have requested to receive it.  If you would like to change your e-mail address or be added to or removed from the list, simply send your request to Su Ofe at news@hawks.huntingdon.edu (be sure to include your relationship to the College so that you can be added to or removed from the correct list). The Talon is posted on the College Web site, www.huntingdon.edu.