Profile: Jolley Chronicles GWU’s History A publication of Gardner-Webb University Surveying Your Opinion Probably a more appropriate title for this should be “The People H Have Spoken!” We were extremely pleased with the response we got from last issue’s survey about The Web. The first order of business is to I f say thanks to all who took the time to fill out the SAT'type /By questionnaire (someone wrote in the “Additional Comments” section: \ % “You gonna grade on a curve?”). fl The complete results will be published in the next issue, with a I k * breakdown of information that should make for some interesting l#fr \\ reading. One thing we realized is that we have never fully explained just how The Web works and how it is put together. Matt Webber l ^ (0 and Rhonda Benfield write the copy, with an occasional guest writer thrown in here and there. Mark Wilson, sports information director, f also lends his staff to compiling sports details when possible. Please / J* jj notice that we have included our picture so that you might put L faces with the names we’re throwing at you. il We work on an unusual time frame with The Web. Deadline for stories to be written is a month and a half before it ever reaches your mailbox. That gives time for Wilson Brooks and Amy Camper to lay out, design and fit the publication’s information Left to right into an allotted amount of pages. Then the printer must have Brooks, Mcittlv ^ ^Son Mark WiC 7 ber; several days, if not weeks, to fit the printing into their Mark Wilson ( 6 ^ schedule, and finally the mailing house must label and Camper, Rho-nri rfCC ' ivnaa uenfivl I distribute The Web to recipients all over the globe. a You will already begin to see subtle changes in The Web in response to your suggestions. Some things, like additional GOAL items and a Question and Answer section are some of the more noticeable features. Can we still make improvements? Absolutely. And we plan to, so that one day we’ll never have to receive a survey like the one that had this to say in the Additional Comments section: “You’re doing a great job. Keep it up' Please remove my name from your mailing list.” Thank you again, and we hope you enjoy this issue. Inside This Issue Th'WEB PROFILE... pages 2-3 Volume 8, Number 2 Summer 1997 Lansford Jolley Writes QWU’s History pw 1 is SINCE WE LAST MET... pages 4-9 sr m - K April 25,h Proved To Be a Day for the Ages Alumnus Returns as V.P. v4^^1905 ^gspri^ Visitors Flood Campus to See Hale-Bopp A publication of the Division of University Relations SPORTS... pages 10-11 M. Christopher White, President GWU’s List Of Players In The Pros Is Growing Drew Van Horn, Vice President 1997 Football Schedule Unveiled for University Relations and Advancement Matt Webber, Editor FACULTY & STAFF... pages 12-14 Rbonda Benfield, Wri ter/Pho tographer Sign Language Teacher Named Educator Of Mark Wilson, Sports Editor The Year Wilson Brooks, Art Director Divinity School Ends Search, Names Amy Camper, Assistant Art Dean Director Music Professor Entertains The World Riviere Printing Co., Printer The Web is published for alumni, parents and friends of STUDENTS... pages 15-17 Gardner-Webb University. It is published four times a year, with QOAL Student Talks About Sacrifice ^ issues in spring, summer, fall and Former Camp David Marine Seeks To Preach Please mail information and address changes to: ALUMNI & CLASS The Web NOTES... pages 18-24 Post Office Box 997 Boiling Springs, North Carolina Greek Immigrant Remembers Humble Beginnings 28017 (704) 434-4637 Alum Shares Poetic Talents On Campus Your comments are welcome. Class Notes www.gardner'webb .edu The Web is available on audio cassette tape. To obtain a copy please contact the Office of Public Relations at (704) 434^4637. History In The Making The three most important decisions in Dreaming, Daring, Doing: A History of his life were made on the Gardner-Webb Gardner-Webb University” represents campus. Lansford Jolley found his several years of work by Jolley, historian- profession, his religious faith and in-residence since 1992. The book is his wife as a student and faculty currently being printed and, like the rest member here in the of the Gardner-Webb community, Jolley 1940s and 1950s. is anxiously awaiting it’s availability. Unlike most people, That work earned Lansford the Marion Lansford Jolley was distinction of Honorary Doctor of born, raised, educated, Humanities, which was awarded to him married and employed in at Commencement on May 10th, 1997. After three decades of service, he also sees the degree as recognition for his teaching. “I’m very appreciative,” he says. “I came to work at Gardner-Webb when it was a junior college and faculty were not required to have a doctorate. Things changed over the years and my students began calling me Dr. Jolley even though I kept telling them I didn’t have an earned degree.” In their persistence, the students may well have been showing their respect for him. Laughing, Jolley recalls the first faculty member to hold a Ph.D. - Dr. Robert A. Dyer. “The students didn’t know the difference between that and a medical doctor,” he says. “An athlete was injured during a game one time and they wanted to call Dr. Dyer to treat him.” Jolley is both humble and modest about his work on the book, and the honorary degree that followed. “I was hesitant when Dr. (Chris) White asked me to do a history because I have never written a book before,” he said. “But, I figured if anyone was in a position to, I was.” His wife, Cothenia who was once a part-time faculty member, was asked to serve as archivist at about the same time and Lansford credits her contribution to the book as well. Admitting the computer is not something he uses in his work, Jolley says much of the history book was written by hand. “I used pen and pencil, making notes on cards when I’d meet up with someone who knew about Gardner- Webb’s past. Cothenia would type from my notes.” Professor-'Turned'Historian Thrives On Recalling GWU’s Past Recounting stories told to him by Hall (1925) and Huggins-Curtis (1908) - school, across the street from the others is a large part of the history Jolley to nearly 40 buildings today. He retells Gardner-Webb campus, in 1944- Then he wrote. One of the most dramatic is a the story of how the first road was cut earned a degree from Gardner-Webb in meeting of the Board of Trustees in 1932 through campus. J.H. Quinn Circle, the 1947, a year in which the yearbook shows when the institution was facing financial drive that today runs in front of the the pictures of Lansford Jolley and trouble. “There was a motion to close the Charles 1. Dover Campus Center, “was Cothenia Jones side by side. Lansford school,” he says. “The Trustees were in cut with a mule and twister plow, using went on to Wake Forest College and the that meeting until 3:00 a.m. discussing dynamite to remove the tree stumps. Jolleys both hold degrees from George and persuading. Finally, they took a vote Many people don’t realize it even has a Peabody College. and the motion (to close the school’s name. The road sign fell at one point and Physical changes aren’t the only doors) failed by one.” has never been replaced.” differences Jolley notes today. Rules are In fact, Jolley recalls several another. “Etta Curtis, one of times when the university’s future the first deans of women, was hinged on a vote. He credits very strict. She wouldn’t allow three people with keeping it young men to stop and talk open during those difficult years. with young women while E.B. Hamrick often gave food walking across campus. If they and supplies never asking for did, the young men were money in return. Two Gardner- punished by having to chop Webb presidents, Zeno Wall tree stumps.” With a laugh, he (1928-1930) and J.L. Jenkins adds that “young men had to (1932-1935) worked as present Curtis with a written volunteers without any salary. request in order to court a Through it all, however, young lady.” those at the school always Some of Gardner-Webb’s seemed to keep a good humor history doesn’t bring a smile to about them. For instance, Jolley’s face. “Early students,” he Jolley says the students in recalls, “purchased wood for heat those days would tease about and a male student once was trying to stoke a fire in the wood the cafeteria food. “They stove when it exploded. He later would say they could always tell when the students were died.” Jolley notes that the going to have turnip greens Memorial Building, now E.B. for lunch because the Hamrick Hall, has burned twice shrubbery on campus had just in campus history - sad days in been trimmed.” the life of the institution. But those trying times paid “One thing has been constant off. “The university took oft in Gardner-Webb’s history,” says Jolley. “And that is the Christian around 1942,” recalls Jolley. education offered here. It’s always “That’s about the time Dr. P.L. Elliott (1943-1961) became president. And Today, several paved roads cross and been a Baptist school offering more under his leadership, most of the surround the growing campus. to its students than information, facts buildings on campus today were built.” “In the early years, when this was and knowledge. It teaches them right Elliott was a president for whom Jolley Boiling Springs High School, people from wrong. Without morals, an educated had much respect and affection. “He was came to campus by way of buggies and man or woman may do more harm than the most profound and philosophical wagons. There were no parking problems good.” man I’ve known. He was a great scholar.’ at that time - you just looked for the A shining example of the very Jolley says the most amazing changes nearest hitching post.” Jolley’s mother, Christian education of which he speaks, he has seen in 70 years have been the late Dovie Hopper Jolley was a 1914 Lansford Jolley, according to all who structural. The campus has gone from graduate of the high school. Jolley know him, has certainly done more good. one or two major buildings - Memorial himself graduated from the public high Summer 1997 • 3 Since We the GWU name to what is becoming somewhat of a niche being seen coast for this area - cycling.” to coast on Team You’ll remember that last June Gardner- Shaklee’s Webb hosted the final women’s race for uniforms, vehicles the nationally televised 1996 U.S. Last Met and promotional Olympic Cycling Trials, which determined materials. Shaklee the Olympic team’s female members. Two boasts of having years ago, the University served for a week one of the as home and training ground to the U.S. premiere teams in National Cycling Team, and for the past the sport and, in three years GWU has helped organize the A three-month summary the race later that Carolina State Bank Criterium, the race day, would also that would be run on this day. boast the race’s 11 a.m. - of highlights on campus winner. It was said Several cars packed with guests and that Team Shaklee onlookers fill every available parking would use the space near the back of campus. A cool A Day For The Ages GWU campus as a “home base” for breeze blows, and as those visitors housing and training when it competed on approach the Lake Hollifield Complex, Three Events Leave Campus the East Coast. The team’s manager, Frank they see in full view what they had come Buzzing Scioscia, even announced that a GWU for. The Hollifield Carillon is complete representative would be invited to sit in To the unexpecting passers-by, Friday, and ready for dedication, with lunch to be the team’s booths and tents it features April 25, may have appeared as though it served afterward to all in attendance. when competing around this region to was a normal, spring day dawning on In a touching ceremony, Mrs. Wyndolyn help distribute informational material Gardner-Webb University. But to many Hollifield, who along with her late about the university to visitors. reporting to work and scurrying to class in husband and GWU alumnus, Hughy, “It’s a marketing tool for sure,” said their various nooks of campus, this day made the gift for the tower and complex, Kevin Jones, GWU director of athletic was anything hut normal. hears many honor her with kind words training and a prominent member of the and presentations. Hundreds stand and 9 a.m. - Cleveland County cycling community. watch as a framed picture and a set of Visitors and excited members of the “But also it shows a unique commitment inscribed bells are given to a teary-eyed GWU family gathered in front of Noel Mrs. Hollifield. Selections composed and Hall to hear what had been promoted as arranged in honor of Mrs. Hollifield and “an innovative step in higher education.” in memory of Hughy and the couple s late Everyone knew it had something to do son, Forrest, are masterfully with one of the largest, most lucrative played on the cycling races that was to be held later that day in nearby Shelby. Within moments, the picture was clear: Gardner-Webb had become the first college or university in America to sponsor a professional cycling team, with Left: Dr. Chris white presents Wyndolyn Hollifield with a photo of the new carillon Above: New VP Dr. Bob Shackleford Right: J-Me Carney of the GWU-sponsored Team Shaklee and I I winner of the Carolina State Bank Criterium cycling race. 4 • The Web campus’ largest, most majestic and with the great improvements in quality Through The Roof certainly most visible instrument. made during his year as dean of the GWU faculty members Dr. Terry Fern GOAL Program, “he was too good not to Enrollment Boom To and Dr. Carolyn Billings performed for have in a position where he could have a Continue the crowd, as did Frank DellaPenna, broader scope of influence.” We’ve told you about the America’s only master carillonneur. Just And so as this week drew to a close, tremendous strides Gardner^Webb is moments into the dedication, no one Gardner^Webb had no choice but to making with enrollment - a nearly questioned why this is called the most chalk up April 25 as a day for the ages. 20 percent increase over the past modern and unique bell tower of its kind two years - but what we may not in the United States. Wishing to say a have told you is how that compared few words, Mrs. Hollifield turned and to other institutions. faced the large crowd she had previously There are 50 colleges and had her back to. “Oh my,” she said, “look universities that maintain at all the people, look at all these membership in the Association of wonderful people.” Southern Baptist Colleges and Ironically, Mrs. Hollifield seemed to Schools (ASBCS). Gardner-Webb, do most of the thanking this day. “I’m according to the Baptist Press, had not an eloquent person, so I’ll just say the third highest numerical increase over and over - thank you.” But as much this past year with 237 new as the University appreciated her students enrolled, a nearly 10 gratitude, it was Gardner-Webb that percent rise in overall numbers. made the final gesture of thanks - Happy Only California Baptist College in Birthday was played on the carillon for Riverside , Calif., and Wayland the benefactor and a cake was given to Baptist University in Plainview, her to mark this very special day. Tex., showed a higher percentage 2 jp.m. - increase in students. Consider that similar institutions With the weekend approaching and like Campbell University, Wingate the afternoon slipping by, the faculty University and Chowan College all gathers for its monthly meeting. The day Alumnus Returns As showed decreases in this year’s has been full of news and excitement enrollments and you’ll see why already, but one last announcement was Vice President those in the GWU family are so yet to come. Word had circulated around the Former Student-Athlete To excited about the trend at this campus that longtime staffer John Brock Lead Athletics university. Perhaps more impressive is that would be retiring at the end of the Gardner-Webb welcomed home one its admissions officials are projecting academic year. Having served most own in April when the University more record numbers for this recently as vice president for marketing, announced Chuck Burch, a 1979 upcoming fall semester. Thus far, Brock’s primary duty was to oversee the alumnus and athletic director at deposits paid for incoming students recruiting of students to all University Division I Liberty University in for the undergraduate, GOAL, MBA programs. Therefore, a replacement Lynchburg, VA, had been named vice and School of Divinity programs are would be necessary for what Dr. Chris president of athletics at Gardner-Webb. all well above the numbers a year White called “a critical position, one He officially began his new post in May. ago. In fact, there is currently a 54 that is similar to that of Vice President Burch, 39, will oversee all athletic percent increase over last year in Dr. Gil Blackburn’s - recruiting faculty operations at the university. A former the number of students applying for to GWU." member of the G-W football atid tennis the GOAL Program and a 45 It was announced minutes into the teams, his primary responsibilities will percent increase in the number of meeting that Bob Shackleford, who had include the management and supervision students who are entering both the been dean of the college of extended of athletic programs, facilities and MBA and School of Divinity professional studies (GOAL Program), budgets, seeking to improve GWU’s programs, respectively. would be the next addition to the senior competitiveness and consistency as a Here’s the icing on the cake: For staff. His title will be vice president for member of the NCAA Division II in the freshmen entering in the fall, the enrollment management, one that is South Atlantic Conference. average SAT score is 1035 and the different from Brock’s but that more Upon accepting the job, Burch said, “I average GPA is 3.4. If the trend appropriately reflects what one was extremely honored to be approached continues, administrators say the administrator says is “the industry for this position. My experience as a overall enrollment is on track to standard for this type of position.” student and an athlete at Gardner^Webb break the 3,000 barrier. The president went on to add that shaped who I am personally and Shackleford is a rising star at GWU and, professionally. This is an incredible Summer 1997 • 5 opportunity for me to return to my alma In addition to receiving his bachelor of mater. I’m impressed with the support arts degree from Gardner-Webb, Burch system that’s in place at this university for obtained a master of science degree from the athletic program.” Eastern Kentucky University in 1992. His The naming of Burch to this position, wife, Franki, holds a Ph.D. in health according to GWU administrators, was education from the University of Virginia. influenced by several key factors. First, They have three children, 9-year-old Burch brings with him seven years of Travis, Danielle, 7, and Amy, 3. experience as an athletic director at the A Time To Celebrate Division I level at a recognized institution, thereby possessing a “formula for success” that can be implemented at Qraduation Full Of Unique Gardner-Webb. Second, as a Gardner- Story Lines Webb graduate and Charlotte native, Commencement exercises reflected a Burch has the desire to build a program bit of the old and the new in May. that he is familiar with, and in a desirable The University recognized two longtime The Reverend Charles Tamer region. And third, Burch’s 15-plus years in figures associated with the institution - athletics at Liberty has made him into Lansford Jolley and George Blanton - African-American to graduate from the what Dr. White says is, “a seasoned and with honorary doctorates while also School of Divinity. Turner was overheard savvy individual who is not only an expert ushering in the new by welcoming the saying with a laugh, “Isn’t this in the daily operations of an athletic latest edition of GWU graduates. something?! Here we are honoring the department, but who knows how to Among the new degree-holders is the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson effectively market a program and enlist Rev. Charles Turner, a man who is more breaking the color barrier in Major League support for it as well.” than proud to call himself the first Baseball and praising Tiger Woods for winning The Masters - and here’s Charles I Turner getting a Gardner-Webb master’s Unbelievable Dedication degree. Isn’t that something?!” Turner, pastor of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in neighboring Gaston County, File Yields Forgotten Story preached his first sermon in 1979 but has constantly strived to better himself through education. “If a pastor isn’t always With all the talk about Gardner- learning, always making himself more Webb’s history - Lansford Jolley knowledgeable, how can he effectively documenting the institution’s 90 years lead his flock?” he said. “You can’t get in a new book currently being enough quality schooling. That’s why for published, and the reviving of Hamrick me education is a lifelong journey.” Hall, GWU’s oldest and most historic The list of schools he’s attended can building - the staff of The Web came attest to that. In addition to GWU, he has across an interesting little story. sat in classrooms Western Carolina, Allen In the profile of Lansford Jolley, he University (S.C.). Wofford, N.C. A&.T, mentions a woman named Etta Curtis, St. Andrews and Mid-Atlantic Bible who served as Dean of Women during College. All the while, Turner took what the early years. Researching who she he was learning and imparted that wisdom was and when she served, a file was upon his congregation. found. Only three yellow newspaper DEDICATED TEACHER A retired school teacher of 33 years as articles appeared in the file but, oh, what information they contained. Building of Gardner-Webb College in well, Turner has become accustomed to It was learned that Curtis was once Boiling Springs, NC, when it was setting precedents - he was the first black destroyed by fire a year after her coach at Shelby High School. “I truly recognized by the famous Robert Ripley and his world-renowned “Believe It Or retirement. Only after her death three enjoy helping others along, whether it’s in Not” cartoon-like tidbits. The picture years later was it discovered that the the classroom, on the basketball court or of Curtis, drawn in true Ripley form, gift had left her a pauper.” in the sanctuary.” was stationed above the title “The Said a nephew (at the time of the Turner was certainly not the only Dedicated Teacher.” Beneath was Ripley publicity), it was not surprising individual who was honored during written, “Etta Curtis (1858 - 1940), a she gave her life savings, “since she had commencement for what has been a always given her life to the school.” lifetime of achievement. In receiving the teacher for 62 years, paid a large sum Believe It Or Not! honorary doctorate, George Blanton, Jr. toward rebuilding the Memorial has served as an executive with First National Bank of Shelby, North Carolina 6 • The Web since 1936. From 1980' 1996 he was chairman of the board during a time of mmmw dramatic growth and progress for the bank. During several terms as a GWU trustee he served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-Chairman and a member of the Presidential Search Committee that Comet Wows Visitors To Campus selected Dr. Christopher White as tenth president. He and his family provided his childhood home, the Blanton House, as The skies were aglow with about Hale-Bopp and hopes to home for the University president. He celestial fireworks these past few share his findings with other months, and it sent many in the and Mrs. Blanton have also funded astronomers, like those who are scholarships that provide aid for needy Gardner-Webb community toward members of the regional and worthy residents of this area. the University’s Williams Lansford Jolley was recognized with Observatory to get a closer look. astronomers society that gathered on the GWU campus recently for the honorary doctorate as well for his Most notably, Comet Hale-Bopp outstanding contributions as a faculty positioned itself in the heavens and its annual meeting. member, historian and author of the in the headlines, a once-in-a- And, just in time for the comet, University’s new history book (see the University this semester hosted litetime occurrence for astronomers related profile, page 2). Dr. Harry Shipman, a nationally and casual observers alike. Tom Following a theme set at last year’s known astronomer from the English, GWU physics professor graduation ceremonies, speakers were University of Delaware, on campus students representing various groups at and director of the observatory, the University, from Student studied the comet continuously and for a variety of discussions, ranging Government Association, to the recalls the reaction it caused among from Hale-Bopp to the possibility international club to athletics. Each of life on other planets. Shipman many of this area’s residents. He set briefly described triumphs and obstacles also spent time in many classes up several public observation faced while pursuing degrees. during his visit. sessions in which literally hundreds Gift Boosts Program of people clamored to catch a glimpse of this oddity. With GWU Ties “Many of the people Prof Helping Kids Experience seemed to be enthralled The Outdoors with the idea of looking GWU faculty member Dr. Gary through the big Chandler is smiling more than ever these telescope in the dome days, thanks to a $25,000 grant by of the observatory,” Branch Banking & Trust (BB&T) English said. “Even Company that will help local fifth though other telescopes graders gain a more complete educational were set up outside the experience through a program Chandler helps to coordinate. facility that gave a The “Outdoor Education Program,” similar view of the which was created in 1994 by Shelby comet, a lot of them City Schools and refined by Gardner- were determined to Webb in 1995, currently allows the stand in line for quite a system’s fifth graders the opportunity to long time just for their spend two class days each year in the outdoors in an effort to enhance what chance at looking the students learn in their science and through the dome. recreation curriculums. A series of “After they got their “stations” is visited by each student and chance, they would say teaches basics of environmental ‘thanks’ and leave.” appreciation as well as an introduction to English compiled various outdoor extracurricular activities like rock climbing and repelling, much information Comet Hale-Bopl) made its way over Gardrier-Webb's orienteering, canoeing and backpacking, Williams Observatory, drawing visitors from afar. among others. Summer 1997 • 7 The program will now bear BB&T’s the outdoor program to the Cleveland name and provide new equipment, staff County Schools by 1998. funding and training, and also She’s Making No scholarship money for high school students who choose to participate and Mistakes lend assistance to the program. While the program’s intent and Quincy’s Prez Qives Business involvement in 1994 were encouraging, Tips To QWU Audience it wasn’t until Chandler, associate professor of health and physical Have you ever heard a co-worker say, education, offered his and his students’ “The boss just doesn’t know what we go assistance in 1995 that the program through”? Edna Morris, president of the became more fine-tuned. GWU’s added national steakhouse chain Quincy’s, told equipment and personal involvement a packed audience on the GWU campus provided a better all-around experience she made sure none of her employees for the fifth-graders since that time, but could ever ask that question. the future of the program was in question Morris, a human relations expert and a due to the limited amount of resources native of nearby Rutherfordton, was on available to meet continued expansion campus late this semester to speak to Edna Morris, President of Quincy's and informational needs. Thus, the grant business students as well as those from provided by BB&T will allow for what the community about her current “On a very basic level, before you Shelby City Schools Superintendent Dr. attempt to clean up a business in begin analyzing numbers and statistics, Steve Curtis calls, “an important financial trouble. Her first step, she said, you have to think of the ethical side of strengthening of this valuable learning was to work for an extended period of your business - ‘How can I improve the experience for our students.” time as a waitress in one of the Quincy’s quality of life in this area with this The venue for the program has been restaurants, hoping to learn “in the business?’ Then, when you’re ready to nearby Crowders Mountain State Park. trenches” what could be done to improve make changes and improvements, you This year’s program was held April 29 the chain’s success. She says it taught her have to be willing to accept the value of and 30 and interest in it has prompted to realize a few distinct business lessons. diversity - differing opinions that reflect Gardner-Webb to expand its efforts with your entire company’s input.’” GWU Kicks Off Building Projects Above: Hamrick family members cut the ribbon to begin the renovation of Hamrick Hall. Right: Dr. White, Tommy Hardin, Dr. Gene Washburn and Fields Young break ground on new apartments that will ease the student housing shortage. 8 • The Web