News Type: Alumni

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College will recognize alumni who have contributed to their communities and alma mater during Homecoming 2024. Awards will be presented during the Founder’s Day Ceremony on Oct. 11 in Wesley Chapel.

Alumni Service:

Adena D. Barnette-Miller ‘03

Adena Barnette-Miller graduated from Ripley High School in 1999 and earned her undergraduate degree in Secondary Social Studies Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2003. Barnette-Miller was named the 2011 WV James Madison Memorial Foundation Fellow which funded this degree and provided her graduate-level instruction in American constitutionalism. She has won awards including  the 2021 Gilder-Lehrman Institute’s West Virginia History Teacher of the Year, the 2016 WV Daughters of the American Revolution’s Outstanding Teacher of American History, and third place in the 2016 National DAR Outstanding Teacher of American History contest. In 2023, the DAR presented Barnette-Miller with the Woman in American History Award. She also teaches AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics for the WV Department of Education’s Virtual School program. She is married to David W. Miller. Their shared passions include watching Cincinnati sports and working together to create a place-based YouTube Channel entitled “WV History with Mrs. B.” where they share stories about the Mountain State of West Virginia, its people, and its history. She is an ambassador for WVWC wherever she goes.

Dr. Benedict Tantillo III ‘74

Dr. Tantillo graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1974. His post-college endeavors were initiated as a NJ secondary-school English, Social Studies, and Phys Ed teacher which also included the start of his football and baseball student coaching passion. In addition to all of his professional achievements that would follow, this sideline extracurricular effort resulted in him being named NJ’s 1983 Baseball Coach of the Year. That tribute occurred the year he resumed his NJ teaching career after a three-year interim return to Wesleyan with his college- sweetheart wife Barbara (Liske, ’75). Here they were again part of the Wesleyan community, this time on the faculty side, Barb in the Counseling Department, Ben as Wesleyan’s assistant football coach while attaining his master’s degree. Following his first retirement in 2010, an opportunity led to five additional years as Superintendent of Schools in Duxbury, Massachusetts where his revered direction led to Duxbury High School being designated as one of the top three public high schools in the state (out of 405) by The Boston Globe, the Massachusetts Department of Education commending Duxbury Public Schools for their high state-testing status, and the National Association of Music Merchants acclaimed Tantillo’s Massachusetts region as one of the country’s best music programs.

Within three years of his term at Duxbury, he was the recipient of the 2013 Administrator Award presented by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and the Massachusetts Technology Committee. His lifelong advocacy of the value of education also includes all four of his children receiving their Bachelor’s Degrees, all from different universities.

Alumni Achievement:

Rhonda Holyfield Mangieri ‘74

Rhonda Holyfield-Mangieri, a Cincinnati, Ohio resident is a 1974 graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College. Rhonda was named the 94th President of The Cincinnatus Association. For Cincinnatus, she served as VP, Treasurer, and co-chair of the prestigious Donald and Marian Spencer “Spirit of America” Awards. Cincinnatus is a 104-year-old nonpartisan and non-profit organization located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mangieri also served on the Board of Directors of the FBI Cincinnati Citizens Academy Alumni Association. She also volunteers for the International Friendship Inc., AARP and provides pro bono resume and career support for individuals and leadership development training to nonprofit organizations. Over the years she has been recognized for her outstanding service. She received an Outstanding Pittsburgh Society of Association Executives Award and Slippery Rock University’s President Award for Outstanding Service. In 2021, she received AARP’s Ohio’s 2021 Andrus Award for Community Service. She has been an AARP volunteer since 2014 and has been featured in several AARP articles. For the past 36 years, she has been active in her churches; teaching Sunday school, developing curriculum, serving as a youth and missions’ leader, and teaching adult Bible Studies. She is a frequent speaker, panelist, and moderator for various non-profit and civic organizations.

Lance M. Lindauer ‘06, MBA ‘07

Lance graduated from WVWC with his BS in both International Business and Economics in 2006 (minor in Spanish) and MBA in 2007, where he was the Graduate Assistant for the Housing & Residence Life Department. While an undergraduate, he received the undergraduate International Business Student of the Year; an Outstanding Senior; and the Rao Global Awareness Award winner, amongst other academic accolades, and participated in two study abroad programs. Lance Lindauer has spent his career working across the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors, all of which involved roles and initiatives related to public policy, innovation, and emerging-technology, notably AI. Lindauer is presently the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Partnership to Advance Responsible Technology (PART), a Pittsburgh-based non-governmental organization dedicated to integrating responsible and ethical technology and innovation into solving global problems via research, education, and consultation. Along with co-founding PART, He worked at the RAND Corporation for 10 years, holding roles in National Security (Director of Operations for the National Defense Research Institute) and Innovation Architecture (Principal Consultant). Lindauer is also Founder and CEO of Lindauer Holdings where he advises clients in areas such as AI, finance, healthcare, and defense manufacturing.

Dr. Rebekah Reed Honce ‘16

Honce graduated Summa cum Laude in 2016 as a biology major with a concentration in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. She immediately entered the Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences: Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, in the laboratory of Dr. Stacey Schultz-Cherry at the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She earned her PhD in 2020, defending her dissertation entitled “Attenuation of Interferon Responses in the Obese Host and Ramifications for Influenza Virus Evolution.” students. In 2021, Rebekah received the Young Investigator Award from the American Association of Immunology. In 2020, Rebekah was interviewed with Dr. Katherine Wu in The New York Times “Studies Begin to Untangle Obesity’s Role in Covid-19,” and again in 2021 in The Atlantic in “Why No One is Sure If Delta is Deadlier.” Honce is also an accomplished artist. She has contributed cover art for the Jan 15, 2019 issue of the Journal of Virology. Honce also wrote and illustrated the children’s coloring book, “Connie has CoronaVirus.” Through her professional affiliations with the American Society for Virology and as coordinator of the Burlington, Vermont chapter of Science on Tap, she is involved in communicating and clarifying scientific findings to the public and policymakers. Outside of the laboratory, you can find her hiking with her rescue dog Maple, trying to teach tricks to her two tabby cats, or concert-going with her partner Chris (who is also a WVWC grad!)

Phyllis J. Smith ‘13

While at Wesleyan, Phyllis Smith  interned at WDTV in Bridgeport, West Virginia. She was hired as a weekend reporter in her junior year at Wesleyan. She continued to work there for two years, eventually becoming a full-time reporter and anchor. Phyllis learned the ropes at WDTV and met some of her closest friends. During her time at WTAP, Phyllis won four Ohio Associated Press awards, one West Virginia Broadcasters Association Excellence in Broadcasting award and one Virginias Associated Press award. Other awards include: Best Anchor Small Market West Virginia Broadcasters Association 2024 first place, Best Producer Ohio APME 2022 second place, Best Broadcast Writing Ohio APME 2022 second place, Best Anchor Ohio APME 2021 second place, Best Producer Ohio APME 2021 second place, and Best Producer Virginia’s AP Broadcasters 2021 second place. She has been at WTAP for nine years and enjoys being the 6 and 11 p.m. anchor and producer in her hometown of Parkersburg. Smith has been the emcee for several charitable organization events. Smith represents Wesleyan wherever she goes in a positive light. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 21 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s esports program under the direction of head coach Ethan Hayes is working with middle and high school programs to foster the growth of esports across the Mountain State.

Hayes was hired as the head coach of West Virginia Wesleyan College’s esports program in time for the start of year two in August 2020. The program was celebrated as being the first varsity esports program in the state of West Virginia as well as the first program in the nation to offer a varsity scholarship for the game of Fortnite.

Reflecting on four years of growth with the College’s program, Hayes said, “I am proud to look where we have grown. From the initial class of 11 students to a roster of 30-plus scholarship and walk-on athletes, Wesleyan continues to be an institution proud to offer opportunities for West Virginia students with a passion for gaming to leverage their abilities to provide themselves with a brighter future through a degree.

“One thing that was brought to my attention when I began working at Wesleyan was the College’s desire to not just be a place where students could come for esports, but act as an organization that could extend a helping hand to anyone who may be interested in fostering esports for students within their counties and towns,” Hayes said.

“This has culminated in the combined efforts of a team of teachers who have formed an organization dubbed the West Virginia Scholastic Esports League or WVSEL for short. This cohort of high school and middle school staff came together to solve some of the accessibility issues we as a state were facing in the esports world,” Hayes continued.

“As of last semester, the WVSEL has successfully launched their first free to play esports league for students, providing an alternative for any school that may find national leagues too expensive or schools that were looking for more familiar opponents than faceless schools at the national level,” Hayes said.

“These coaches serve as a shining example of the efforts Wesleyan is proud to help champion and as such we wanted to thank some of these coaches so that they may know that their hard work and efforts have not gone unnoticed by the college and by our communities.”

Thank you to Chase Jarrell, Ravenswood High School; William Cottrell, Wirt County High School; Emily Eskew, Elkview Middle School; Robert May, Cabell County Career Tech; Martin Nicolay, George Washington High School; Anita Lambert, Braxton County Middle School; Abbigale Wells, Brooke High School; Scott Vogelsong, Greenbriar East High School; Judy Pitzer, Tucker County High School; Jeremy Hubbard, Hedgesville High School; Jordan O’Dell, John Adams Middle School; Brody Potter, Saint Albans High School; Will Totten, Spring Valley High School; Corey Mease, Spring Mills High School; Tim Wine, Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center; Gerad Hunter, Ripley High School; Oscar Lopez, Doddridge County Middle School; Chris McGrew, Mid-Ohio Valley Technical Institute; Missy Taylor, St. Mary’s High School; Janelle Gamoe, West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind; Thomas Akers, Robert L. Bland Middle School; Brigette Barlow, Monongalia County School District; Deon Jones, Martinsburg High School; Karen Dawson and Trevor Hutchinson, Spring Mills Middle School.

“These coaches were the original faculty from schools who decided to take up the cause of providing more opportunity for their students to have access to esports and the scholarship and lifestyle opportunities it could provide,” Hayes said. “Without their hard work, this state would not be seeing the growth at the rate that it does and Wesleyan is deeply honored to be trusted to assist and advise the growth of the league alongside them.

“As we look forward to esports in the state, Wesleyan looks to continue our efforts of supporting schools and the WVSEL. We are excited to continue to provide a home for West Virginia students interested in esports after graduation as well as assisting the schools as they grow and create new opportunities for competition through the leagues they oversee.”

Those interested in bringing esports to their West Virginia school or in sponsoring these programs should contact Hayes at hayes.e@wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  Alumni are invited back to their Home Among the Hills for a weekend of celebration and reunion at West Virginia Wesleyan College Thursday, Oct. 10-Sunday, Oct. 13.

The WVWC Department of Theatre and Dance will perform “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, come along for the hilarious and touching antics of six mid-pubescents vying for first place in the bee. Tickets are $10 at the door ($8 for seniors and $5 with a WVWC ID). 

The bonfire and pep rally, a reinstated tradition in its second year, will take place at 8 p.m. at the end of Camden Avenue. Show your school spirit and cheer on our fall sports teams. There will be music, snacks and limited giveaways for the first 50 people. 

Registration for all Homecoming activities begins on Friday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Rockefeller Center. While there, be sure to tour the Wesleyan Past to Present Exhibit.

The annual Johnny K. Myers Golf Tournament tees off at 9 a.m. at Bel Meadow Golf Club to benefit the golf team. Registration is required by logging on to wvwc.edu/homecoming

The Class of 1974 will have their 50th reunion social from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Others are invited to an alumni and student lunch at noon in the faculty parking lot adjacent to the Annie Merner Pfeiffer library. Tickets available at the link above or at the registration booth in Rockefeller. 

Founder’s Day Convocation with the announcement of some special alumni award winners will be held at 3 p.m. in Wesley Chapel. Join the classes of 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004 for an all classes reunion at the Event Center at Brushy Fork beginning at 7 p.m. 

A new event happening on Saturday, Oct. 12 is the WVWC Paw Parade in the Chapel Oval. Bring your favorite furry friend for the parade and blessing of the pets with Dean of the Chapel Jonathan Acord. Register at the link above. 

Young Alumni including those from the Classes of 2009, 2014 and 2019 are invited for a reunion at Jimbo’s Bar and Grill at 11:30 a.m.

At 1 p.m. WVWC will host Fairmont State for football. Come early to honor the men’s soccer National Championship teams of 1984, 1989 and 1994. 

On Sunday, Rev. Monty Brown ‘74 will speak at the Chapel Service beginning at 10 a.m. Stay on campus for the men’s soccer game vs. Point Park University at 1 p.m.

For a full list of events and registration information, visit www.wvwc.edu/homecoming

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 21 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – August is National Will Month and the West Virginia Wesleyan College Office of Advancement offers a way for alumni and friends to support the College by leaving a lasting legacy. Read on for more.

Who was John W. Reger?

Rev. Dr.  John W. Reger was a Methodist Episcopal pastor in the 1800s who served churches in West Virginia and Maryland for over 40 years. He retired to Buckhannon and became involved in the community.  One of the significant projects he supported was the Seminary being built in Buckhannon-today known as West Virginia Wesleyan College.  It is said that he was on campus daily to observe and supervise the building of the first building.  He became one of Wesleyan’s first trustees and major benefactors.  Today we honor him thru the Reger Society.  

What is the Reger Society?

When Alumni or friends share their intention to leave a portion of their estate or make the college a beneficiary in their will, they become members of the Reger Society.  Members of the Reger Society leave a legacy and make a lasting impact on WVWC.  This community of individuals are recognized for being champion of the WVWC student experience.  We celebrate the Reger Society members during a special breakfast event held at Homecoming each year.  

Now is a great time to update or create your will.  Want to include Wesleyan in your will as part of your legacy?  It’s easy!  Reach out to Nettie Aiosa ’91, Director of the Reger Society,  aiosa.a@wvwc.edu or 304-473-8486.  

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill.

#HereYouCanLeaveALegacy

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –West Virginia Wesleyan College and Valley Health Care, Inc. have partnered to provide critical access to continuing education for Valley Health Care medical professionals to meet the health care needs of North Central West Virginia. 

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lynn M. Linder said, “This strategic partnership between West Virginia Wesleyan College and Valley Health Care embodies our institutional mission to share educational resources with our local and regional communities, while preparing students to think critically, communicate effectively, and act responsibly. By providing accessible continuing education opportunities for Valley Health employees and their families, we’re not only investing in their professional development, but also fulfilling the college’s vision to prepare the next generation of leaders to meet the needs of West Virginia and Appalachia. Our diverse range of graduate programs, from nursing to mental health counseling and business administration, offers Valley Health employees multiple pathways to advance their careers and enhance their ability to serve our communities.  This collaboration exemplifies West Virginia Wesleyan College’s commitment to fostering local talent and creating a more robust, well-educated health care workforce for West Virginia.”

West Virginia Wesleyan College will provide Valley Health Care employees who successfully matriculate into the FNP or DNP programs with a 10 percent tuition partner discount, but there are other opportunities as well for employees to pursue higher education degrees. In addition to the nursing graduate programs, WVWC recently launched an Executive MBA program; this is a robust online program with short weekend residency requirements for networking and collaboration. Other scholarships will be available to employees and their dependents for undergraduate tuition to one of WVWC’s nearly 60 majors.

Dr. Amanda Jones, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC ’23 is Valley Health Care’s Chief Medical Officer. 

“Valley Health Care Inc.’s partnership with West Virginia Wesleyan College marks a significant step forward in educational development and professional growth opportunities for employees and their families,” Jones said. “This collaboration embodies the spirit of Lyndon B. Johnson’s words, transforming education from a mere necessity to a valuable opportunity. By making higher education more accessible, Valley Health Care Inc. not only invests in the personal advancement of its staff but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing the health care sector in West Virginia. The initiative is poised to create a ripple effect, potentially increasing the number of qualified health care professionals in the region and improving the overall quality of health care services. It’s a commendable effort that underscores the importance of continuous learning and the power of community partnerships in fostering educational and professional enrichment.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

ABOUT VALLEY HEALTH CARE, INC. 

Valley Health Care, Inc. is a federally qualified health center that provides medical and behavioral health care to patients with insurance, Medicare, and/or Medicaid, and for those without health insurance or who are underinsured through the clinic’s Care Connect Program. With health centers and full-service pharmacies in Mill Creek and Elkins, along with 11 school-based health centers, Valley Health Care has been committed to making a difference in the communities they serve by providing reliable, compassionate health care at affordable prices since 1989.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College awarded honorary degrees to two individuals who have made a lasting impact on the College.

Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, of the West Virginia Annual Conference, received a Doctor of Humane Letters.

Steiner Ball was ordained Deacon and Elder by Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of The United Methodist Church. She was elected to the episcopacy by the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference (NEJ) in 20212 and was assigned to the West Virginia Area. Steiner Ball also currently partners with Bishop Moore-Koiko to provide episcopal coverage for the Susquehanna Conference in Pennsylvania.

“She is the epitome of a true servant leader,”  Vice President of Advancement Kristi Wilkerson ’99 said. “Because of her dedication to West Virginia and to West Virginia Wesleyan College, we are all better because she has been a part of us for the past 12 years.”

Steiner Ball is a graduate of Dickinson College, Duke Divinity School and Wesley Theological Seminary.

Dr. Cynthia Brissey, retiring Associate Dean of Faculty, also received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from WVWC.

Brissey’s commitment to teaching and learning has taken many forms, teaching biology at secondary and college levels, serving in student support positions and then supporting faculty.  Brissey’s relationship with WVWC began as a lab coordinator and instructor in the biology department. Her involvement on Assessment Council ultimately impacted the remainder of her service to WVWC. The College’s Title III federal grant allowed her to focus on faculty support through the Center for Teaching and Learning. Participating with faculty in the assessment of the General Education program led to coordinating the College’s assessment program and serving on three accreditation steering committees. Following the conclusion of the Title III grant, the Center for Teaching and Learning joined the Dean’s Office, allowing her to support the broader work of Academic Fairs.

Brissey began her journey in higher education at Salem College, earning a Bachelor of Science in biology and then earned a Master of Science in biology from West Virginia University. She pursued graduate studies in science education and higher education curriculum and instruction.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College is launching a new online Master’s in Business Administration to meet the unique needs of working professionals who require a flexible, affordable program to advance their careers or excel in their current roles.  

The Executive MBA Program in the Thomas A. Albinson School of Business will offer flexibility, practical relevance, experienced faculty, peer learning, a global perspective, leadership development and networking opportunities. Throughout the program, students will engage in case studies, simulations and projects that directly apply to their professional roles, ensuring immediate applicability of learning.

West Virginia Wesleyan College President Dr. James Moore said, “I’m really excited about the launch of this program and would like to thank Dr. Kim Conrad for her leadership. We’ve heard loud and clear from our industry partners that there is a real need for an executive MBA program that focuses on training the next generation of business leaders to advance North Central West Virginia and beyond. I believe this program will do that and more.”

The EMBA program will cost $500 per credit hour with students needing 36 hours of credit to graduate.  Designed to be flexible with working professionals who balance work study and personal commitments, the program can be completed in as little as 12 months or extended to 18 or 24 months. 

There are two residency requirements – an Orientation and Networking Residency for 2 ½ days prior to the start of the first semester and a 2 ½ day capstone residency to finish out the program. During the residencies, students will network with industry leaders, alumni and professionals in the business world.

More information can be found at www.wvwc.edu/emba.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College will host the second JazzFest April 13-15 featuring three concerts which are free and open to the public in the  Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts.

On Saturday, the Wesleyan Alumni Big Band will perform at 7 p.m. in the PAC. On Sunday,  April 14 at 3 p.m., the Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble will perform at 3 p.m. and feature Kenny Rittenhouse ’88. The finale concert on Monday, April 15 at 6 p.m. will showcase visiting high school students under the direction of Rittenhouse.

“Having the opportunity to showcase jazz at this level is very special for us,” Director of Athletic Bands Robert Palmer said. “Jazz has been an integral part of the arts at Wesleyan for a very long time, so having a weekend solely for it will be meaningful for everyone involved.”

Rittenhouse, a highly esteemed music educator, served as the adjunct Jazz Trumpet Professor for 13 years at George Mason University, where he passionately shared his knowledge and expertise. Currently, he is an adjunct trumpet professor at Morgan State University, teaching classical trumpet and bringing over 30 years of experience, including his distinguished tenure in The United States Army Band (Pershing’s Own) to the classroom.

His commitment to education is further reflected in his role as the music director for the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra, where he nurtures young Jazz musicians and enhances their musical journey. Kenny earned his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1988. He later obtained a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Maryland in 2006. Additionally, he undertook graduate studies in trumpet and jazz at the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Barbara Butler, Bill Dobbins, and Rayburn Wright, and at Duquesne University, studying under Roger Sherman from the Pittsburgh Symphony. These educational experiences enhanced his expertise in both classical and jazz music, shaping his successful career as a music educator, performer, and director.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 21 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Center for Professional Development will host a Career and Graduate School Fair on Thursday, March 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library.

The fair is designed to help WVWC students build professional connections and pursue next career steps.

Dr. Justin Bowers, director of career services and experiential learning said, “The Center for Professional Development is excited to once again host several businesses and graduate schools here on campus to support our students in pursuing their next vocational steps. We have over 20 organizations joining us for this event, and we still have room for those who might like to participate.” 

Graduate schools and/or employers interested in setting up at the fair should fill out the form found here. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

West Virginia Wesleyan College will celebrate its annual spring day of giving on February 29. The 2024 WVWC Day of Giving focuses on athletic facility improvements. More specifically, funds raised will support upper-level bleacher replacement in the Rockefeller Physical Education Center gymnasium.

Because the gymnasium is a community space utilized for camps, festivals, ceremonies, and other similar programs, the greater Buckhannon-Upshur region is invited to make a gift on February 29 by visiting give.wvwc.edu to give online or by sending a contribution to WVWC Office of Advancement, 59 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV, 26201. Gifts of $21, $210 or even $2,100 are encouraged in honor of the 21 varsity Bobcat sports teams. All gifts are tax-deductible.

The current bleachers have served WVWC well and are original to the building, which opened in 1974. Up-to-date facilities and an atmosphere of pride foster growth among the Wesleyan community and beyond.  Replacing the bleachers allows the College to offer functional, modern space for student athletes, varsity athletic teams, intramurals, campus events, community functions, and more.

WVWC Day also celebrates all Bobcat student athletes and athletic teams by using the hashtag #PrideBeginsAtHome, a phrase coined by new Director of Athletics Dr. Rae Emrick ’95. Accepting the invitation to participate in WVWC Day by making a gift will help to transform campus and confirm that pride does, indeed, begin at home.

Questions regarding WVWC Day may be directed to 304-473-8600 or makeagift@wvwc.edu

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.