u, r

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT Premier Issue

Newport News, Virginia Summerl996

A New Look at

S ince assuming the Presidency in January, Presi­dent Paul Trible has made students his administra­tion's number one priority. He states, "We will

always put students first! Through the years when students have walked across this campus, they have felt supported, affirmed and encouraged. That is a tradition that we will continue and enhance."

The University has become more responsive to the needs of its students by shifting resources away from ad­ministrators and toward students. "CNU has cut red tape and eliminated lines," said Trible. "We've removed barriers to success and set the bar high for academic performance. Christopher Newport University is the only college or university in Virginia to reduce tuition and fees in recent years."

In May, the University implemented one of its first restructuring moves when it combined CNU's four colleges into two. The College of Science and Technology was merged with the College of Business and Economics to cre,ate the College of Business, Science and Technology under the direction of Dr. George Webb, former dean of the College of Science and Technology. In addition, the College of Social Science and Professional Studies was combined with the College of Arts and Humanities to form the College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Jouett Powell, former Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, was selected as dean of the new college. By consolidating the two col­leges, Trible says, the University will save over $250,000.

Dr. Webb said the new college will allow students and faculty to develop and market new products, provide solu­tions for management and technical problems, improve health care delivery systems and create new companies. "I see the new college having the ability to make an impact on economic development in the region," states Webb.

More specifically, Webb says, the College of Business, Science and Technology will establish partnerships with the region's medical schools, hospitals and medical centers; create advanced technology develop­ment, manufacturing and environmental quality centers; and establish new graduate programs in business and mathematics.

Webb's short range plans for the new college include expanding computer laboratories, adding computers and multimedia workstations, and creating a special classroom

for professional seminars. In addition, the college will renovate four science laboratories on campus and estab­lish four others at the Applied Research Center in Oyster Point.

Other plans include high-tech incubator space for new businesses and two field stations on the eastern and western shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Webb says four endowed professorships will be created for applied science and two others for entrepreneurship and manage­ment of technology.

"This new college typifies what is best about CNU," said Webb. "Its business wing has just established a state of the art curriculum that focuses on the international na­ture oftoday's business world, on entrepreneurship, and on the use of high tech tools for business decision-mak­ing. Its science addition has the first programs at CNU to have achieved national prominence."

Dr. Powell says the College of Arts and Humanities has always been heavily involved in education and the teach­ing of writing, critical thinking and speaking- all essential to any liberally educated person. The other college, Social Science and Professional Studies brought together a variety of professions. "By combining the colleges, we will have a bridge between the basic competencies in the two schools. There will be a closer connection between the departments of English, education, history, etc."

The college's goals will be centered around plans for a performing arts center, says Powell. The arts center is to be located on the Ferguson property. Other plans include the development of working arrangements with law enforcement agencies to upgrade the education oflaw en­forcement personnel and closer relationships with the area's public schools. The college will also help find commer­cial applications for technology through CNU-based SEV Anet (The Southeastern Virginia Regional Freenet) and the Center for Innovative Technology.

Another major priority for the college will be main­taining the liberal arts tradition and an emphasis on writ­ing. One of the proposals being considered by the college would require every student to take a writing-intensive course beyond the freshmen year.

Continued on page 6

President Paul S. Trible, Jr.

V~ee President for University Relations

John Miller

Chief Advancement Officer J. Phillip Horne

Editor Katherine S. Edwards

Writer Michelle C. Carpenter

Designer Stevalynn R. Adams

Contributing Writers Wayne D. Block

Director of Sports Information

Catherine D. Heffington Director of Alumni Relations

Lucy L. Latchum Student Intern

Karen J. Levy Immediate Past President of

Alumni Society '91

The Christopher Newport Magazine is published quarterly by the Office of University Relations, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA 23606-2998.

(757) 594-7267

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'1.-J"'ERS'-'.d

On the Cover:

Senator Paul S. Trible, Jr., President of CNU and Dr. Jouett Powell, former Provost, upon conferring the Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, hood the Honorable John W Warner. U.S. Sena­tor John Warner delivered the Commencement Address on Saturday, May 11 . Christo­pher Newport 's Class of 1996 included 635 graduates.

Christopher Newport Alumni Magazine

CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

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Table of Contents CNU Students Making a Difference

in Richmond

Premier Issue Newport News , Virg1ma

Summer 1996

World Renowned Architects, I.M. Pei and Partners to Design Performing Arts Center

CNU Captains Make History

Omicron Delta Kappa Awards Charter to Christopher Newport

Nursing Program Receives Regional Grant

CNU' s Plant Operations Gets High Marks

Alumni Society News

Class of 1993 Gift

Alumni Spotlight: Jim Rollings

Alumni Notes

CNU Captains Page 4

Jim Rollings Page8

Editor's Note: Christopher Newport Magazine, formerly CNU News, will be published three times a year by the Office of University Relations for alumni and friends of Christopher Newport Uni versity. We hope you welcome the new changes to the "alumni magazine" and continue to keep us informed of what is happening in your lives.

I <IIIII

CNU Students Making a Difference in Richmond Lucy Latchum, English major and student intern in the Office of University Relations, wrote this article based on interviews with CNU student aides and interns and observations she made when she traveled to Richmond during the 1996 General Assembly session.

Christopher Newport University's aides and interns, in Richmond for the 1996 Virginia General Assembly, agree they do make a difference in the lives of the poli­ticians they serve. Seniors Will Phillips, Lisa Quensenberry, Will Conners, and Becky Watson work day and night as liter­ally hundreds of bills go to the floor ofthe legislature. CNU Government and Public Affairs Professor Dr. Buck Miller, stresses the value of "putting theory to work" through this program.

On the eighth floor of Virginia's General Assembly Building, in Delegate Alan Diamonstein's, (D) Newport News, spacious suite of offices, Will Phillips extends a warm, firm hand­shake. "Come on in," he said. His tiny, modestly appointed office serves as a po­litical home away from home during this eight-week General Assembly session. "I'm here in Richmond on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are in Newport News, at Delegate Diamonstein 's office, in the Mariner Building, right across from CNU. I'm Delegate Diamonstein 's liaison to the 94th district while he's up here."

Will begins tentatively, then warms to telling his story. "I can't re­member when I wasn't interested in politics. I want to run for office someday, local of­fice. I want to serve my community and make a difference in people's lives."

Over the past seven and a half weeks, Will witnessed democracy in action. His observations are consistent with his love for political process. He gets visibly ex­cited talking about "the tenacity, diligence, and commitment of the lobbyists."

"My surprise was seeing the lobby­ists, the deal-makers, in action. The halls were bursting when the river boat

... 2

gambling lobby came to town. Both pro and con battled it out. Critics charge that special interests ruin government; some would like to limit or prohibit lobbying. I used to think that way. But, in these past weeks my opinion has changed. Lob­bying is an essent­ial part of the process."

Petite and poised Lisa Quensenberry savors every hectic moment in Richmond. She doesn't want to go from point A to point Z without examining what's in be­tween. So, this CNU student decided to take a sabbatical from the spring semes­ter and focus full time on the Assembly. Lisa's political starting point began three years ago with Delegate Robert F. McDonnell, (R) Virginia Beach. She sees her time with McDonnell as the best win­dow into the world of honest hard work and devotion to the public good.

"My admiration for Delegate McDonnell comes from a working knowl­edge of the issues that are important to him. His diligent, thoughtful commitment to juvenile justice and victims rights have earned him high praise. He is an advocate for children, a spokesman for his constitu­ents and a real problem solver," said Lisa.

Last fall her mother ran for the Leg­islature and lost. "The campaign was a major personal challenge and learning ex­perience. I know now that running for of­fice isn't what I want to do. My passion is behind the scenes," said Lisa.

When one meets Will Conners, there's little doubt of a quality first impression. With his youthful good looks, impeccable grooming and buttoned-down style, Will engenders that "it's great to be an Ameri­can" (and even better to be a Senator's aide) energy that Republican freshman Marty Williams of Newport News cel­ebrated during his successful campaign.

In fact, Will exudes such vitality, ease, and confidence that his image and the issues get blurred. His insights are crisp like his starched white shirt. ''I'm honored to be working for Senator Williams. I'm honored to be afforded this opportunity. Senator Williams' friendly, easygoing style belies all the hours of hard work he puts in. He just makes it look easy," said Will.

Will's loyalty to Williams and the political process seems absolute, especially when talking about how he got to this point. "There's definitely nothing last minute about my interest in politics. I've always been interested. But, my eyes were opened about four years ago when I did an internship with the Newport News Probation and Parole Office. For the first time I saw real poverty. I saw children hun­gry and alone. It was a helpless feel­ing." Will sits on the edge of his chair and shakes his head. His vigilance is fed not by pure poli­tics but by a recognition that powerful problems need powerful people to solve them.

All these young aides and interns want to use the tools of democracy for positive change and Becky Watson, interning for Delegate Frank W. Wagner, (R) Virginia Beach, is no exception. What is excep­tional about Becky is her commitment to her daughter. Becky's polite, modest man­ner reveals a hectic schedule. "My daugh­ter is counting the days 'til the General As­sembly is over. I told her this crazy sched­ule would only last eight weeks; for her it's forever. If it wasn't for her grand­mother and my online classes, we couldn't manage. I'm taking eighteen hours, all night classes, thank heaven for CNU online."

Continued on page 5

Christopher Newport Alumni Magazine

World Renowned Architects, I.M. Pei and Partners

to Design Performing Arts Center

I n August, CNU President Paul Trible announced that the world famous architectural firm of Pei,

Cobb Freed & Partners will design the University's new Performing Arts Center.

"I.M. Pei, Henry Cobb and partners are the premier design architects of the 20th century. They are known and respected around the world and have created the expansion and moderniza­tion of the Louvre, the East Wing of the National Gallery and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. and mas­terpieces on nearly every continent. Their signature on our Performing Arts Center will put CNU and the Peninsula on the international map," Trible said. Also involved in the project is the largest and most experienced theatre consulting firm in the world, Theater Design Projects Inc.

Plans for the center to be con­structed on the Ferguson property were announced in March. Since then, President Trible has made significant progress toward that effort. Virginia's General Assembly authorized $5 mil­lion in bonds to help finance the cen­ter during the 1996 Legislative Session. In addition, the city of Newport News has earmarked $650,000 in its 1996-97 spending plan to begin architectural and engineering work and has budgeted $5 million for the arts center. CNU is the only public university in Virginia without such a facility and the Peninsula also lacks a center for per­forming arts. "Working with citizens

Christopher Newport Alumni Magazine

European theatre and film actress Ina Gogalova-Marojevic in CNU production of Phaedra this spring.

and communities in our area, we will soon make this dream a reality," said Trible. The center, which Paul Trible has called "the signature building of the new CNU," is expected to take eight to twelve months to design, eight to twelve months on working drawings and 18 to 24 months to build.

As plans for the performing arts center have moved forward, so has recog­nition of the CNU's theatre and music program from the outside community. Christopher Newport received six awards for theatrical achievement at the 1996 Port Folio Awards at the Virginia Beach Center for the Arts this summer. CNU was awarded Best Costume Design, Best Scenic Design, Best Director, Best Actor

in a Play and Best Play fo; its April pro­duction of Phaedra and Best Choreog­raphy for its March production of Chicago. Port Folio reviews semi-pro­fessional and amateur productions in eight cities and two counties.

In 1994, CNU's Dr. Bruno Koch received the Lifetime Achievement Port Folio Award and the University's production of A Fable was selected as one of six presentations from the South­east to be competitively judged at the regional Kennedy Center College The­atre Festival. In 1995, CNU's Hamlet was first runner up in the regional com­petition.

"Given the honors we've received in the last two years, we have every rea­son to believe we're in the forefront of college theatre in the Hampton Roads region and beyond," said Dr. Rita Hubbard, chair of the Department of Arts and Communication.

The theatre department offers a new course this fall on comedy in con­junction with its upcoming season of comedies. The university hopes to make this an ongoing part of the theatre program.

Dr. Hubbard said, "We hope to expand our offerings with summer dramatic productions and concerts and enlarge the academic programs in art, music and theatre to enhance profes­sional opportunities and our service to the community." Hubbard said Presi­dent Trible's vision for an arts center would greatly aid current expansion plans for the department.

3 ....

Christopher Newport Captains Continue A Decade Tradition of Excellence

Christopher Newport University bas­ketball fans have become accustomed to the Captains winning with the likes of All-Americans Lamont Strothers, Ted Berry, Steve Artis and Jo-Jo Chambers in control. For seven straight years CNU has had an All-American. But this year, CNU put together one of its greatest sea­sons ever without a true standout player. It's a feat that has head coach C.J. Woollum and his squad very pleased.

Woollum said, "There were a lot of question marks when we began the sea­son. We knew we had a good nucleus and hoped our new players would blend in well, but it was certainly hard to pre­dict what would happen." Despite the challenges facing them going into the season, the Captains set high goals for themselves. Players say they set three rna-

jor team goals: ( 1) win the conference regular season, (2) win the conference tournament and (3) get to the NCAA tournament.

CNU achieved all three goals. The Captains shared the Dixie Conference regular season title with Shenandoah, defeated the same team to win the conference tournament championship and earned another trip to the NCAA tournament.

It was CNU's eighth appearance in the tournament in the last nine years, a feat equalled only by two other Division III schools in the nation. When the Captains won their first two games in the event they earned their third trip to the "Sweet 16" round in six years, and closed the season with a 24-6 record, one of the best in CNU history.

Veteran Terry Thomas from Port St. Joe, Florida said this year's team was unique . He added, "You never knew who was going to have the big night." Senior Andre Bolton from Suitland, Maryland agreed, "Without each member of our team, we wouldn't

Woollum, in his twelfth year at

CNU, has won 227 games. In addition, he has coached nine NCAA Division Ill Tournaments, ten Dixie Conference Tournament Cham­pionship games and produced the highest NBA draft choice ever taken from a Division Ill team.

be where we are. You can't be a one-man team. With this team there is no star; we're all stars."

In addition to teamwork, Thomas and Bolton attribute this year's success to leadership and support from their fans. 'To excel as a team, it takes leadership," said Thomas. "The senior players are responsible for motivating the rest of the team. When we're down, the whole rest of the team can get down, too."

"The support we received from the Christopher Newport University commu­nity played a big role in our wins at home," said Bolton.

CNU's two home games in the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament generated the kind of excitement Woollum hopes will continue. Many fans were turned away when Ratcliffe Gym sold out early for both games. Had CNU earned the right to host the "Sweet 16," it would have been moved off campus due to Ratcliffe's size.

Special thanks to Wayne Block, Sports Information Director, for contributing to this article.

Christopher Newport Alumni Magazine_

J

OMICRON DELTA KAPPA SOCIETY, INC. Awards Charter to Christopher Newport University

The national leadership honor society Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) presented a formal charter to Christopher Newport University in March. Twenty charter members, including members from CNU's faculty and staff, were inducted into Christopher Newport's Omicron Delta Kappa circle.

Cheryl Rogel, Vice President for Extension of Omicron Delta Kappa and Associate Dean of Students at SUNY (State University of New York), pre­sided over the ceremony.

Faculty advisor and professor of English Dr. Douglas Gordon said, "There is no national honor society other than Phi Beta Kappa that is so highly recog­nized in American colleges and universities. It gives high distinction to the students of our university."

ODK has 17 circles in Virginia and several hundred throughout the United States. ODK encourages achievement in scholarship, athletics, campus and community service, social and religious activities, cam­pus government, journalism, speech and mass media, and creative and performing arts. Membership is awarded to undergraduate junior and senior students, to students of graduate and professional schools, to members of the faculty and administration, and to alumni. Cheryl Hogel swears in officers of Omicron Delta Kappa.

• Richmond Continued from page 2 --

Becky is nei­ther overwhelmed by life at the Capitol nor apolo­gizing for its excesses. "In a couple of years I want to go to law school. I've learn­ed from this expe­rience that working in politics, no matter what capacity, does change people's lives. The little people do make a differ­ence." Becky touts the accomplishments of Delegate Wagner with the characteris­tic devotion and respect that seems to surround all the legislators of this 1996 General Assembly.

Life is busy for these CNU seniors. Between this on-the-job practicum and class work their days often stretch to 18 hours or more. But, they wouldn't have it any other way.

CNU Nursing Program Receives $22,500 from Regional Foundation Christopher Newport University's

nursing program has been awarded $22,500 from a regional foundation in Atlanta. Seven nursing majors were awarded scholarships from the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation for the 1995-96 academic year and additional recipients for the 1996-97 grant were selected this fall.

The regional foundation first awarded the grant to Christopher Newport Univer­sity last year and increased its offering by $2500 this year.

New nursing department chairman Dr. Karin Polifko-Harris is pleased with the recognition and the growth the program is starting to receive. "We need the commu­nity to think of CNU as a place where they can start and finish their nursing program. Few progra.'lls compare to the one we have atCNU," Harris said.

Christopher Newport Alumni Magazine

One of the scholarship recipients is Casandra More los of Yorktown. Morelos, a mother of two, who is coming back to school for a second time said, "If CNU had not offered a nursing program, I would not have been able to pursue my degree. This university is ten minutes from home and made it possible for me to continue being a mom and a wife."

The junior nursing major said she al­ways knew she wanted to pursue a de­gree in medicine. "I feel like it's some­thing that I am called to do." Morelos says receiving the scholarship will enable her to continue her education at Christopher Newport.

Polifko-Harris says the rigor of the program often makes it difficult for stu­dents in the program to work. "The nurs­ing class load entails both lecture hours and clinical practice four days a week. This

leaves very little time for our students to work on the side," she said. Morelos agrees and says "time management" is the most chal­lenging aspect of the program.

Over two­hundred and

Scholarship recipient Casandra Morelos

fifty students are enrolled in nursing courses or prerequisites. Since 1991, the department has expanded from one pro­gram to three programs, adding two sepa­rate tracks for the baccalaureate degree and a master's program in case management.

5 ...

CNU's Plant Operations Gets High Marks for Customer Service

I n the past year the workload for Christopher Newport University's Plant Operations Department has

more than doubled and with the acquisi­tion of Ferguson High School, the department isn't expecting a decrease in work orders any time soon.

The department, made up of a staff of twelve, says they spend the majority of their time dealing with day-to-day concerns. Plant Operations Superinten­dent Lenny Alger said it's not uncommon to jump from one job to another during the course of a morning. "One moment we might be working on electric breakers; the next we're fixing the ice machine at Christopher's."

Alger said the work can be quite challenging. "Sometimes it gets hectic. We can get pulled in so many different directions. On any one given day we might get thirty to forty calls and we have to respond to each one of them."

The department has had very little turn­over during the past five years. Many of those on staff have worked in plant operations for more than 10 years.

Executive Vice President Bill Brauer gives the department high praise. "The plant operations staff is dedicated to this Uni­versity and are experts at what they do. The combination of those is what makes it one of the best plant operations in the state."

(l to r): Assistant Technician Mike Griffiths, Plant Operations Superintendent Lennie Alger and Electrician Senior Tommy Jacquette check for a shorted compressor outside McMurran Hall.

Their dedication and hard work were evident during February's snow storms. Christopher Newport University was able to clear the campus quicker than any of the area's other schools and colleges. Alger said, "We jumped on it. Everyone knew what they had to do; everyone was assigned a particular area to clean."

Brauer said, "They've always risen to the task when challenges have presented themselves. I believe they will be able to tackle challenges in the coming months just as successfully."

Plant Operations has been charged with moving offices out of the Crestar

Bank Building and the Residence Hall and constructing offices for three departments in Ferguson for the fall. They will also re-roof portions of Smith Library and Gosnold Hall, and work on a handicapped accessibility project in the Administration Building.

"Without a doubt, these men and women play a crucial role in keeping the University up and running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They deserve everyone's gratitude and praise," said Brauer.

• A New Look Continued from IFC -------------------------------

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Powell says the college will focus on students' rights and responsibilities in the classroom. "Students have a right to be challenged. That will prepare them for a very competitive world. We're going to look at what we need to be doing in the classroom to achieve this." Powell says the needs of the students will be at the forefront of all of the college's goals. "We're going to stress internships, practicums and service learning."

Dr. Robert Doane, President Trible's Legislative Liai­son during the 1996 General Assembly and immediate past

president of the Faculty Senate, was appointed the University's Provost in May. Doane, professor of govern­ment and public affairs at CNU since 1972, said, "My par­ticular interest is ensuring that teaching is outstanding and engaging us in the economic, cultural and civic life of the community. I think that Christopher Newport is critical to improving the quality of life in this region. I think because CNU is here it will make people want to come to this com­munity and encourage people who are already here to stay. It is a community asset."

Christopher Newport Alumni Magazine

ALUMNI PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Dear Friends,

For the Alumni Society, 1995-96 was a Renaissance year. We revitalized the organization, reaped strong returns of commitment from our board, and introduced many new traditions. As we close the books on this year of progress, it is worth noting some of the highlights.

• After Work Parties for the Peninsula and Richmond were record-setting events .

• Most successful ever CNU Golf Classic - netted over $17,000 • Revisions to the Bylaws were completed • Recognized all past recipients of Outstanding Professor Awards during

the Homecoming festivities • Awarded $4,000 for student scholarships • Sponsored receptions for graduating seniors • Co-sponsored the Athletic Banquet

You will recall in my previous articles I have referred to the opportunity and responsibility this Society has for the setting of Tradition. I believe an effective Society is one that tempers the need to honor the past, respect the present and provide vision for the future. This year, for the first time we:

• Introduced the President's Column "Bridging the Gap - An Alumni Chat" in the student newspaper;

• Honored the Society 's past leadership with a Past Presidents' Reception; (By the way, 14 of our 18 past presidents attended.)

• Hosted distinguished guest speakers at Board Meetings; • Earned 3rd place award for Society's float in the Homecoming Parade; • Hosted a Sponsorship Reception on the eve of the CNU Golf Classic; • Created the Career Advisory Program for Networking (CAP'N); (The

Program Mission is to strengthen the career development of CNU students and alumni by providing networking and other career resource opportunities.)

• Displayed Alumni Society's memorabilia at the May Annual Dinner. (At least now we can see where we've been and what we've accomplished.)

And finally, it 's been exciting to see a vision become a reality and take form­the creation of an Alumni Room in the Campus Center. Your society, partnering with the University, is funding an Alumni Room which accommodates the needs of President Trible's Office and the Society. Dedication of the room will take place later in the year. One day we hope to have an Alumni House and the Alumni Room is a goal toward that objective!

The full board joins me in thanking you for your confidence and the opportunity to serve. We are extremely proud of our Society and as always continue to invite you to share and support our enthusiasm and commitment to the University. To achieve the vision we have set forth for this Alumni Society, it will require a long term commitment to the institution. I hope the Society can count on you to stay the course.

On a personal note, this year has been rewarding as I have had the opportunity to give back to CNU and the joy of working with so many talented and dedicated people. I intend to remain committed to make CNU the best it can be and I hope you will enthusiastically make the same pledge.

Christopher Newport Alumni Magazine

Best wishes, Karen J. Levy, '91

Alumni Society President '95-'96

Christopher Newport University Class of 1993 Dedicates Outdoor Sitting Area

Mary Lydon Guye and Donna Jenkins Wagner, members of the Class of 1993 Gift Committee, presented their class gift to Christopher Newport University during a dedication ceremony February I 0 in the courtyard of the Residence Hall.

The gift , a landscaped outdoor sitting area adjacent to Santoro Hall, was made possible through a fund raising project by the Class of 1993, in which 112 students pledged their support to the effort. Annual Fund Director Norma Brown said, "This area, which will provide a wonderful outdoor meeting/ conversation area for students, will be a permanent reminder of the generosity and foresight of the Class of 1993, and will hopefully inspire future graduating classes to leave a similar legacy."

The sitting area includes three benches, plants, shrubs and trees.

Welco-m,et

The Alumni Society extends a warm

welcome to newly elect­ed president Randy Bryant. Bryant is Presi­dent of Wolftrap Opera­tions, Inc. in Yorktown and partner and gen­eral manager of Lowe­man Court. In addition to being president of CNU's Alumni Society, Bryant is a member of the CNU Educational Foundation Board and a member of the Oyster Point Rotary Club, James River Country Club and Hampton Roads Cotillion.

Bryant and his wife Susan have two children, a daughter, Bentley, 5, and a son, Parker, 3. Bryant is a 1991 graduate of Christopher Newport University.

7 ....

CNU Alumnus Jim Rollings Makes Good What value does a liberal arts education have in today's

fast-changing technological world? "Plenty" according to Jim Rollings, a well-known Peninsula native who accepted the position this January as Executive Director of the South Florida Science Museum in West Palm Beach.

Rollings, '72, says he has used his liberal arts back­ground throughout his career, including reaching his goal to become director of a science museum. Knowing "how to read and write effectively are fundamental skills in today's society," according to Rollings. He asserts that his CNC education "laid the foundation for good things." And he credits Associate Professor Barry Wood ("the best teacher I ever had") and others from CNU who taught him the processes of critical thought, evaluation, and life-long learning.

Not only does Rollings credit CNU for his formal education, but the start of his professional career traces back to his alma mater as well. He was the build­ing manager for the Campus Center from 1973-1978 under then director John R. Sullivan. After that he served as Media Relations Manager for the College of William and Mary from 1978-1980, then became Marketing Director for the Yorktown Victory Center. His work there led to his appointment as Director of the Victory Center in 1981, just in time for the huge Yorktown Bicentennial Celebration.

However, Rollings says he feels some of his best work experiences came during the last decade at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News (known until 1987 as the Peninsula Nature and Science Center.) His position as Director of Development and Marketing put him in charge of memberships, grants, the annual fund and ma­jor gifts at the museum, all of which showed tremendous growth under his supervision. More impor-

tantly, he gained the technical background he needed for the next step.

So, does Rollings feel adequately prepared to take the helm as Executive Director of an established science mu­seum?

"Absolutely. Liberal arts majors Jearn to look at the big­ger picture- they learn to per­ceive and communicate. Skills

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JIM ROLLINGS

learned in this environment can help a person adapt throughout their career."

The decision to move to Florida was one of mixed feelings for the Rollings family. As Peninsula natives, Jim and Teresa '76, along with their children, Robert and Laura have some deep roots here. Virginia Rollings '72, Jim's mother, writes a genealogy column for the Daily Press and has traced Jim's lineage directly back to Jamestown. "It's just different when you've been in the same place for a long, long time. But professionally it was exactly the right decision," Rollings says.

Rollings looks back with gratitude at the skills Chris­topher Newport University provided. They have served him well in this ever-changing world and he looks for­ward to the new challenges ahead at the South Florida Science Museum. The Peninsula's loss, as they say, is West Palm Beach's gain.

Undoubtedly, Rollings' skills and positive attitude will continue to take him far.

Catherine D. Heffington is Director of Alumni Relations and

a contributing writer for Christopher Newport Alumni Magazine

ALUMNI NOTES

'60's & 70's Keith Stiles '74, Herndon, VA, is chief of police for Leesburg Police Department.

Institute of Technology in December. Herrmann has been promoted to Team Leader, Deputy Chief of Staff for Information Management, TRADOC at Fort Monroe.

Jane Colonna Newton '67, Richmond, VA , is an office administrator for Sleep Disorders Center of Virginia.

Dean Beier '72, Williamsburg, VA, has been appointed county administrator of Fluvanna County.

Kay Forrest '73, Poquoson, VA, earned a Master of Arts in English from Old Dominion University.

Janice Fauske '74, Salt Lake City, UT, has been appointed dean of Westminster College's new School of Education.

... 8

Charles Tench '76, Newport News, VA, has published April Mist, a collection of short stories, about family, pets, WWII military ser­vice, and unforgettable personalities. April Mist is available in local book stores.

Kevin J. Callanan '78, Orangeburg, SC, is the director of development at TRMC. Callanan has also been promoted to the rank of Major, U.S. Army Reserves.

Jeanne Wright Herrmann '79, Grafton, VA, received a master's in Science in Contract Management from Florida

Younggil Lee '79, Bowie, MD, is a health physicist at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C.

Anne Dunbar Saunders '79, Yorktown, VA, is a sergeant with the Poqucson Police De­partment.

Christopher Newport Alumni Magazine

80's Kevin Barrick '81, Manquin, VA, is a state

police sergeant with the West Point office. Andre Bell '81 , Newport News , VA,

founded BEST Soccer Academy in September 1995. The academy is devoted to developing soccer players ' skills at the national and intemationallevel.

Dan Lee Coleman '81, Newton Grove, NC, is the owner of Beach Masters Association.

Janice Doble '81, Lake Ridge, VA, is a licensed professional counselor, certified clinical mental health counselor and certified addictions specialist in private practice in Woodbridge.

Carol Kopelson Sanders '84, Hampton, VA, is the director of marketing for Hillhaven Holmes Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.

Virginia Burton Pauls '85, Hayes, VA, received a master 's in business science manage­ment from Florida Tech in December.

Beth Hueser '86, Pompano Beach, FL, oversees the traumatic brain injury and stroke program at Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital.

Jonathon Kashouty '86, Atlanta, GA, was promoted to professional health care represen­tative of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

Brian Murphy '86, Charlotte, NC, has relocated to NC and is a sales representative for Johnson & Johnson Interventional Systems Co.

Karen Rollins Jackson '87, Poquoson, VA, is the regional director for Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology in Chesapeake.

Derald Person '87, Newport News, VA, is a crisis counselor and certified rehab professional with the Hampton/Newport News Community Services Board.

Captain James Parker '87, Mechanicsville, VA, is the support group executive officer and base quality advisor for the 192nd fighter wing in Richmond.

Suzanne Peterson '87, White House, TN, has retired as a management analyst with the U.S . Air Force.

Larry Warren '87, Newport News, VA, is the operations manager for Taylor Printing & Graphics.

Katherine Allen Wishon '87, Hampton, VA, was promoted to corporate secretary treasurer at Zooms, Inc.

Stephen Fant '88, Oakdale, PA, is the occupational safety & health director for the 99th regional support command in Pittsburgh, PA.

Leigh Ann French Phillips '88, Newport News, VA, is a French teacher at Lafayette High School and serves as the coordinator of the mentor program for new employees at LHS. Phillips is pursuing a master ' s in curriculum and instruction at Virginia Tech.

Patrick Rockey '88, Anderson, SC, is a television reporter with WYFF-TV, in Greenville, SC.

Christopher Newport Alumni Magazine

Lieutenant Carlton Wilson '88, Jacksonville, FL, was recently designated an Anti-Surface Warfare Watch Officer while serving with the air anti-submarine Squadron 24.

Tu Ritter '89, Newport News, VA, has opened Bay Cellular & Paging in Newport News.

Susan Rovegno '89, Raleigh, NC, and her husband, Tony, own an original Smoothie Shop in Raleigh.

Suzanne Baker Starbuck '89, Williams­burg, VA, has opened a bridal consulting business called "Weddings to Remember."

90's Julie Glass Blankenship '90, Lanexa, VA,

is a research assistant at Old Dominion University. Blankenship is pursuing a master's in Business Administration.

Glynn Garcia '90, Waco, TX, is a narcotics investigator with the Waco Police Department. Garcia is also a 1st Lieutenant with the Texas Army National Guard.

S.E. Heath, Jr. '90, Thibodaux, LA, is a 2nd class marine corps petty officer assigned to a Marine Safety detachment southwest of New Orleans.

Nancy Greenwalt Hilton '90, Hampton, VA, is the director of youth and children' s

Bettina Dommisse '92, Dignas, AZ, is a third grade teacher at Tanque Verde Elementary School.

Tracy M. James '92, Smithfield, VA, is an accountant and the assistant to the director of budget and finance for Isle of Wight county.

James Johnson Jr. '92, Charlotte, NC, is a plan administrator for First Union National Bank of N.C.

Stacey Robbins '92, Arlington , TX, is a research technician at Georgetown University in the department of microbiology/immunology.

Harry James Knight Jr. '93, Hampton, VA, is a sixth grade math and social studies teacher at Huntington Middle School. Knight is also the advisor for CNU ' s Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

Kelli Hodge Williamson '93 , Newport News, VA, has been promoted to store manager at Sherwin-Williams in Virginia Beach.

Meredith Zagursky '93, Newport News, VA, is an instructor of English and yearbook at Hampton Christian High School.

Shelli Baker '94, Sunset , UT, has relocated with her husband from Southwest Virginia to Hill AFB in Utah.

Jonathon Harris '94, Silver Spring, MD, is a branch manager for Premier Car Rental in Hyattsville, MD.

ministries at Zion United Methodist Church. r--------------------

Captain Michael Houser '90, Daleville, AL, recently returned from a 3-year tour in Germany flying Aero-scout helicop-ters for the U.S. Army.

Terry Vosbein '90, Lexington, VA, is profes-sor of music composition at Washington & Lee University.

Bob Weintraub '90, Seattle, WA, has accepted a new position with Group Health Cooperative as a sales manager.

Adedoyin Adeyiga '91, Richmond, VA, was awarded a Ph.D. in inor­ganic chemistry from VCU in May 1994.

Antoinette Benich '91, Boyton Beach, FL, is a buyer for Office Depot.

Terry Crumble '91, Norcross, GA, is a help desk network specialist at General Electric Capital.

Elizabeth Heacock Burgess '92, Lima, OH, received her master 's in social work from Ohio State University.

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Katherine Hill '94, San Diego, CA, has been accepted into the NCCC Ameri Corps and is stationed at the Naval Training Center in San Diego.

Marc Messier '94, Williamsburg, VA, has been accepted to the University of Dayton School of Law.

Beverly Heipel Templeman '94, Misawa Air Base, Japan, has graduated from the USAF's officer training school. Templeman is the ex­ecutive officer for the commander of the 35th Mission Support Squadron.

Leanne Forbes '95, Auburn, AL, is a teach­ing assistant at Auburn University. Forbes is pursuing a master's in English.

Kathleen LeMons '95, Newport News, VA, has been awarded the George F. Hixson Fellowship, one of the Kiwanis International's Highest Honors. LeMons is pursuing an MBA at the College of William & Mary's Graduate School of Business.

Dane Scott '95, Windsor, VA, has been appointed vice-president of Scott & Associates, Inc., Realtors.

Marriages

John Cutting Jr. '74 to Helen Connors, Warrenton, VA, February 22, 1995.

Bryan Saunders to Anne Dunbar '79, Yorktown, VA, July 15, 1995.

James Meehan to Paula Karnes '87, Richmond, VA, October 7, 1995.

Neil Marcella '90 to Maura McColgan, Newport News, VA, May 1995.

Gary Starbuck '90 to Suzanne Baker '89, Williamsburg, VA, May 6, 1995.

Carter Harrell '91 to Lisa Bittneron, Newport News, VA, July 29, 1995.

Paul Bleier '94 to Karen Forbes '93, Virginia Beach, VA,November30, 1995.

Daniel Cerny to Melody Casto '94, Hampton, VA, October 21, 1995.

Chuck Hudgins to Amber Frazier '94, Newport News, VA, May 13, 1995.

Scott Templeman to Beverly Heipel '94, Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sep~ember 21, 1995.

Michael Molin to Angela Walters '94, Williamsburg, VA, June 10, 1995.

Births

William and Maureen Connors Robertson '81, Newport News, VA, a daughter, Elizabeth Blair, July 14, 1995.

Alan '83 and Susan Bagley, Hampton, VA, a son, Austin, March 10, 1995.

Keith and Almeria Grant '85, Hampton, VA, a son, Karlys Anath, July 27, 1995.

Paul and Dana Truesdale Nicholas '85, Suffolk, VA, a daughter, Lauren Ashley, July 8, 1994.

William and Laura Crisler Harris '87, Newport News, VA, a son, Charles James, September I, 1995.

Glen and Veolia Hawkins '89, Mobile, AL, a son, Glen Joseph, April 10, 1995.

Wendell and Yvette Renaud Staton '89, Savannah, GA, a son, Charlie, July 3, 1995.

Colby and Rebecca Russell White '91, Newport News, VA, a son, Colby Lee II, August 17, 1995.

David and Kathryn Bunch Knowles '92, Hampton, VA, a son, Jonathon Michael, May 5, 1995.

Harry James '93 and Kirsten Knight, Hampton, VA, a daughter, Kaitlyn Dynese Knight, July 5, 1995.

Mark and Teresa Girard '94, Smithfield, VA, a daughter, Brandie Leigh, January I, 1995.

Michael '95 and Tracie Hansbrough, Newport News, VA, a daughter, Alyssa Morgan, September 5, 1995.

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CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

UNIVERSITY

SO Shoe Lane Newport News, Virginia 23606-2998 Forwarding and Address Correction Requested

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