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Three Wesleyan Alumni Recognized in West Virginia Executive 2001
released: 11/16/01
Jim Strawn, Laura Cocoltchos, and Doug Ritchie are three alumni from West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) who have been recently recognized in the “Young Guns 2001” issue of the West Virginia Executive for their outstanding achievements and overall contribution to society. Some things Strawn, Cocoltchos, and Ritchie have in common are their hard work and dedication to their profession along with their love, service, and devotion to their community.

Strawn is the director of community education of Highland Hospital in Charleston, W.Va. He rose to this position in 1997 following 12 years at Shawnee Hills Mental Health/ Mental Retardation Center where he held numerous positions, and he spent time as a marketing account consultant with WCHS-TV8. Strawn graduated from Wesleyan with a bachelor of science degree and earned a master’s degree from West Virginia College of Graduate Studies. He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including the 1998 Media Award and the 1999 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Mental Health Association. Strawn has an extensive record of community involvement. He stated, “It is my goal to always treat people, and I mean all people, with dignity, respect, compassion, and humility. When you seek happiness for yourself, it will always elude you. When you seek happiness for others, you will find it for yourself.”

Cocoltchos is executive director of the Buckhannon Upshur Chamber of Commerce and Buckhannon Convention and Visitors Bureau. She is 22 years old and the youngest person ever appointed to the executive director’s position in West Virginia. Cocoltchos assumed responsibilities in 1999, only two days after graduating from WVWC with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in business. “I knew West Virginia Wesleyan was it at first sight. The school has all of the qualities that I was seeking—a small campus, superior academic program, friendly people, and a small town. People here help each other; that was obvious from the beginning.” Cocoltchos has worked hard to develop strong relationships within her community. She works with the local volunteer fire department, the city street department, City Hall, and county commissioners. Cocoltchos was named to “Who’s Who of Public Service” and was instrumental in getting the town of Buckhannon named West Virginia’s Most Hospitable Town in the summer of 2001.

Like the other two “Young Guns,” Ritchie keeps his life at a fast pace by balancing an abundance of professional, community, and family commitments. Ritchie is president of SDR Plastics, Inc. of Ravenswood and STAR Plastics, Inc. of Millwood. He founded SDR in 1988, just five years after receiving his bachelor of arts in business management from West Virginia Wesleyan. The two businesses work together to produce and recycle engineering grade thermoplastic resins. He employs in excess of 120 people. Ritchie says, “I’m a hands-on type of manager, so sometimes I have to consciously take a step back and let the people I have hired make decisions. I have a very capable management team and workforce, which is really a luxury when you’re trying to run and grow a business.” However, despite all of his other commitments, Ritchie’s family life is where he places the greatest priority. He and his wife Marcia have three children and he attributes his energy and success to these family relationships.