Salem
with Increased
Enrollment
A Messa�e �rom the President
SALEM COLLEGE Magazine
Susan E. Pauly
President
Ann McElaney-Johnson
As I write this letter, we are celebrating a busy fall at Salem
Dean of the College, Vice President for
College, full of beloved traditions, new academic challenges and
Academic and Student Affairs
blossoming friendships. It’s particularly gratifying that we’ve
Vicki Williams Sheppard C’82
seen a 14 percent increase in total enrollment (traditional, grad-
Vice President of Institutional
uate and adult students) and an 18 percent increase in first-year
Advancement
residential students. Also exciting is that we not only finished
our combined campaign by raising $76 million (surpassing the
Alumnae Office
goal of $75 million) but also achieved the annual-fund goal for
Karla Gort C’00, Director, Alumnae
the College. Please see the insert at the back for ways in which
Relations
you demonstrated your incredible support for Salem.
Rosanna Mallon, Assistant Director,
We accomplished other important goals during 2008-2009, the first year of our five-
Alumnae Relations
year strategic plan. We focused on three different areas -- fostering academic distinction;
establishing a presence as a center for women’s wellness; and enhancing facilities – and I
Published by the Office of Communications
invite you to read more about these successes elsewhere in this magazine. Here are a few
and Public Relations
examples:
Jacqueline McBride, Director
To foster academic distinction, our outstanding faculty members are implementing
Ellen Schuette, Associate Director
a new general education program, the Salem Signature; have established the Center for
Contributing Writers: Ellen Schuette,
Innovative Teaching and Excellence, opening in spring 2010; and created 23 new courses
Suzanne Williams, Susan Gebhard,
(along with course-development grants for those faculty who will teach them) for the
Rebecca Dunn, Heidi Godfrey,
2009-2010 academic year.
Karla Gort C’00, Katherine Knapp
To establish a presence as a center for women’s wellness, we launched initiatives in
Watts C’80, Kathy M. Barnes C’81
spring 2009 to motivate a new healthier lifestyle, such as free yoga classes and fitness
Designer: Carrie Leigh Dickey C’00
trails; developed programs on diversity and inclusivity; and emphasized campus sustain-
Photography: Alan Calhoun, Allen
ability through our expanded recycling program. Last but certainly not least, we began a
Aycock, Herb Schuette. Class reunion
period of enhancing facilities by completing a survey of all classroom facilities, installed
photos by Snyder Photography.
technology equipment in an area of the Fine Arts Center and totally renovated the largest
classroom on campus, Science 102.
Even as we celebrate goals achieved, we are already hard at work on year two of
The Salem College Alumnae Magazine
the strategic plan. Just a few objectives during 2009-2010 that we will address include
is published by Salem College, 601 S.
expanding the new Salem Signature program to include a service-learning component;
Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC
developing new student programs to increase enrollment; and expanding the wellness
27101.
and campus community diversity initiatives begun last year.
All of these goals for the coming year will be pursued with our core values in mind.
This publication is mailed to alumnae,
One of those is “community.” Every day, in a hundred different ways, it manifests itself at
faculty, staff, parents and friends of Salem.
Salem College. It can be heard in the refectory as students, faculty and staff enjoy conver-
sation over lunch; it is visible on the playing fields as women pass the ball to each other;
Salem College welcomes qualified students
and it is in the dark of Hanes auditorium as we light candles to celebrate the start of an-
regardless of race, color, national origin,
other academic year. It is in the murmur of voices coming from classrooms, labs and art
sexual orientation, religion or disability
studios, and there as students and I walk each fall up to the grave of Salem’s first teacher,
to all the rights, privileges, programs and
Elizabeth Oesterlein. Community lives inside the library reading room, where the sound
activities of this institution.
of soft conversation mingles with the quiet clicking of keyboards. And it is celebrated
on our annual Celebration of Academic Excellence day, when classes are cancelled and
For additional information about any
seniors present their outstanding research papers.
programs or events mentioned in this
Salem’s sense of community is present in the wider world, too, as our students
publications, please write, call, email or
complete Jan Term internships, take courses abroad and enter the workforce or gradu-
visit:
ate school, where they will be leaders and scholars. And community shines through our
Salem College
incredible alumnae, who support the College in so many ways and are role models for
Alumnae Office
our students.
601 South Church Street
At Salem College, community has never meant uniformity. Since our founding in
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
1772, each student has brought unique gifts to our community. But the bonds of what
336/721-2608
we call community or “sisterhood” connect everyone across differences. Those bonds
Email: alumnae@salem.edu
provide support as students of all ages set out upon their intellectual life journey, secure
Website: www.salem.edu
in the knowledge that all individual gifts will be celebrated and all voices will be heard in
this community we know as Salem.
Salem salem college magazine 2009
Departments FEatures
Back Porch News 4 Commencement 2009 2
Fleer Center 22 School of Music 32
Admissions 24 Creating a Culture of Wellness 36
Graduate Studies 26 Reunion Weekend 2009 38
Giving to Salem 27
Alumnae News 28
S alem C ollege •
Back Porc� News
Salem
Establishing
Center for
Innovative
Teaching and
Excellence
As part of its five-year strategic
plan for 2008-2013, Salem will be
opening its Center for Innovative
Teaching and Excellence in the
spring of 2010.
According to Ann McElaney-
Johnson, dean of the college and vice
president for academic and student
affairs, “Salem College is dedicated
to offering an innovative liberal
arts education merging knowledge
and practice and preparing women
for lives of leadership and service.
Our faculty is fully dedicated to the
Salem Celebrates Forbes Rankings
education of our students, and I Salem College received news in late of only 23 schools nationwide to place in
am delighted that this Center will August for its standing on rankings pub- the top 100 of both lists. The only other
further facilitate the outstanding lished by two distinguished magazines. N.C. institutions on the list were UNC-
work of the faculty.” Salem ranks at no. 67 in Forbes’ second Chapel Hill (no. 13), UNC-Asheville (no.
The director will be Heidi annual ranking of America’s 600 best col- 43), N.C. State University (no. 61) and
Godfrey, director of academic leges. Other prestigious North Carolina UNC-Greensboro (no. 100).
advising and associate professor institutions included on the list are David- Forbes said the listings measured
of dance. She says her role will son College (No. 60), UNC Chapel Hill the quality of education, the student’s
be to “assist faculty in innovative (No. 68), Duke University (No. 104) and experiences while in school and gradu-
teaching by offering workshops, Wake Forest University (No. 130). ates’ achievements, based on information
panels, discussions, guest speakers, Also, this year Forbes partnered with compiled by the magazine and the Center
information about conferences and the Center for College Affordability and for College Affordability and Productivity
general resources.” Productivity (CCAP) to develop a ranking (CCAP).
of “America’s Best College Buys.” Salem For more information about the rank-
came in at no. 14 on this list, and was one ings, visit www.forbes.com.
S alem C ollege •
Salem Has Strong Presence Abroad
Opt Receives the upcoming year. During her time in
Faculty Members
Fulbright Lecturing in the Czech Republic, she will be lecturing
Lead Student Trips to
Czech Republic both in the department of media studies
Mexico, China,
Susan Opt, chair and associate profes-
and journalism and in the department of
United Kingdom
English and American studies.
sor in the Communication Department
Recipients of Fulbright awards are
at Salem, was awarded a Fulbright Scholar China and Tibet – January 2009
selected on the basis of academic or profes-
grant to lecture at the Masaryk University By Richard Johe and Herb Schuette,
sional achievement, as well as demon-
in Brno, Czech Republic during the 2009- Business & Economics
strated leadership potential in their fields.
2010 academic year. Salem students experienced the
Three other Salem professors have been
Opt is one of approximately 1,100 contrasts between the “new China enter-
awarded Fulbrights in the past, Richard
U.S. faculty and professionals who will prise” and “pre-Mao traditions” during our
Johe, Tom Mosley and Adam Steiner.
travel abroad through the Fulbright U.S. three-week travel course to China and Tibet
Scholar Program in during January Term 2009. Business, history
S alem C ollege •
immersion experience! Salem students had
a very productive three weeks expanding
their knowledge of Spanish and learning
about Mexican culture.
The academic component at the
Universidad Internacional was intense but
most students excelled in their grammar,
conversation and culture classes. Despite
the many daily class hours, we managed
to enjoy many extracurricular activities
including Latin dance, popular songs,
and soccer. On the weekends we went on
excursions to a variety of places of interest
such as the Aztec pyramids of Teotihua-
can, National Museum of Anthropology,
silver city of Taxco, Acapulco, the national
palace and the cathedral of Mexico. We
also attended a breathtaking performance
by the National Folkloric Ballet Company
and a light and sound show at the archeo-
logical site of Xochicalco.
While we were over there, some
Salem students even took the opportunity
Salem Students in Mexico, summer 2009, left to right: Rebecca Barnhardt C’10, to explore their professional field and
Anna Nieboer C’11, Amber Lankford C’10, Renata Brown C’09, did a comparative study. The interaction
Jennifer Spillman C’10, Kim Wisen C’11
with host families and local friends also
Visits to the BMW Mini Cooper manu- Gathering of the Clans in Edinburgh. The turned out to be very rewarding. Many of
facturing plant and the Ironbridge World New Lanark World Heritage Site provided us established strong friendships, and the
Heritage site in Telford set the bookends a glimpse of early textile manufacturing wonderful thing is that we have been stay-
for the legacy of the Industrial Revolution, and the ambitious utopian village for ing in touch with them using the target
which began in part with the perfection workers established by Robert Owen. The language!
of iron smelting by Abraham Darby in the cold passages of Cardiff’s Stirling Castle
early 1700s along the Severn River. stirred visions of Scotland’s proud inde- Student Travelers,
Following our Oxford stay, the Salem pendence in bygone times. In Their Own Words
group – including Professor Dick Johe
– took the train to Glasgow, Scotland. We Mexico – Jan Term 2009 Sarah Boyenger C’10, Budapest
joined in Scotland’s homecoming cel- By Dr. Ho Sang Yoon, To better prepare myself for gradu-
ebration, inspired by the 250th birthday Assistant Professor, Spanish ate school, I decided to supplement my
of Robert Burns, by visiting the Burns The study-abroad trip to Mexico dur- math courses at Salem by participating in
National Heritage Site and attending the ing the January Term of 2009 was a great the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics
Ron Cardwell, assistant professor of ac- Mary Ann Campbell Davis C’74, Esther Gonzalez, director of career
counting, business and economics visiting instructor of education and clinical development, internships and international
department coordinator for the education program student services
Degrees: B.S., UNC-Greensboro; Degrees: B.A. Salem College; M.A., Degrees: B.A., College of New Jersey;
M.Accounting, Virginia Tech; J.D., Gardner-Webb University master’s degree, Duquesne University
Wake Forest University Relevant Work Experience: teaching Relevant Work Experience: ESL teaching
Relevant Work Experience: CPA firm of the academically gifted for 25 years in assistant, Mineral Springs Middle
Leeper Kean Rumley in Greensboro, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School; associate director of admissions
NC; CPA with Arnold T. Brown; School system; adjunct in Salem’s diversity, Wake Forest University; acting
associate attorney with Wishart Norris education department since 2002 history department chair, Salem
Henninger Pittman PA; principal/ Thoughts on Teaching at Salem: “I have Academy; associate director of
shareholder/director of Vernon, Wooten, held many posts at Salem – student, admissions and director of diversity
Brown, Andrews & Garrett PA, all volunteer, part-time instructor – and recruitment, Lehigh University
of Burlington, NC. Adjunct assistant now employee. To think about having Thoughts on Working at Salem: “As a former
professor of business administration, an office in Main Hall (2009) instead of faculty member at the Academy, I was
Elon University; adjunct instructor of nervously walking by Dean Ivy Hixson’s familiar with Salem’s mission and
accounting, Alamance Community office in Main Hall (1970) is a very community and was thrilled to have the
College; instructor of accounting at strange but wonderful thing for me!” chance to come back! I think that it is
UNC-Greensboro very important to empower young
Thoughts on Teaching at Salem: “I’ve had women and to teach them life skills,
wonderful years both in private which will allow them to position
enterprise and in the classroom. I’m themselves in a favorable light so that
enjoying interacting at Salem with new they can apply their educations to the
first-year students, adult students and best of their abilities.”
my colleagues who also enjoy teaching.”
S alem C ollege • 11
Coach Jackson
Honored
Salem College’s
basketball coach James
Jackson was celebrated
on January 26, 2009,
for his longtime con-
tributions to collegiate
basketball in the Triad.
The celebration was put together by teams
that he has coached during his 25 years:
Rutledge College, Forsyth Technical Com-
munity College and Salem.
The honor was announced during
halftime of the Southern Virginia-Salem Elizabeth Novicki, public services librar- Rosa Otero, assistant professor of interior
College game. A surprise reception honor- ian, Gramley Library designer, director of interior design program
ing Jackson gave several of Jackson’s former Degrees: B.A., UNC-Greensboro; M.L.I.S., Degrees: B.E.D., University of Puerto Rico;
players the opportunity to speak about his UNC-Greensboro M.Arch., Virginia Tech; M.S. and Ph.D.,
leadership and positive mentoring of them Relevant Work Experience: library University of Pennsylvania
as student-athletes. technican, Z. Smith Reynolds Library, Relevant Work Experience: Interior design
Jackson, whose career had previously Wake Forest University; adjunct program coordinator, faculty member,
been spent in high-school coaching in professor in the library sciences and as Forsyth Tech; coordinator of the
South Carolina, began collegiate coaching the metadata coordinator of the library’s architectural technology program,
during the 1983-84 season at Rutledge Digital Forsyth project, WFU; school assistant professor, Essex County
College (men) in Winston-Salem. Salem media assistant, Winston-Salem/Forsyth College, Newark, NJ; intern architect
hired Jackson as head basketball coach County Public School System; as chair with The Hillier Group and Randolph
in 2005. After a 3-15 record in his first for the adolescent resource guide for the Henning Architect AIA
season, he turned around the program to a Junior League of Winston-Salem; Thoughts on Teaching at Salem: “Because
16-8 season the following year. That team project manager for The Gap Inc. in San I have a background in architecture,
also won the National Collegiate Ath- Bruno, CA I am interested in taking Salem’s interior
letic Association (NCAA) Division Three Thoughts on Working at Salem: “I encourage design program to a level where we
Independents Atlantic Region Champion- Salem students and faculty to come and combine the traditional liberal-arts
ship. He was also named the AD3I Coach experience Gramley Library – it’s not courses with more technical ones.
of the Year that year. He has compiled a just a place that stores books and Interior design is more today than simply
33-52 record while coaching at Salem. His information – it’s a place to experience choosing paint colors and window
wife, Jeanette, is the scorekeeper for all the those ‘A-ha!’ moments and to make treatments. You must develop a
Salem games. meaningful connections with what’s vocabulary that helps you talk to
Jackson was an all-conference bas- happening all over the world!” builders, understand floor plans, consider
ketball and baseball player at Dillon High sustainability and many other issues. You
School, and the co-captain of the Mon- have to know a little about a lot.”
treat-Anderson College basketball team.
S alem C ollege • 13
Laura D. Slawter C’93, Cultural Jennifer Stinson, associate professor of Katherine K. Thorington, visiting as-
Events Coordinator history sistant professor, biology department
Degrees: B.A., Salem College Degrees: B.A., Oberlin College; M.F.A., Degrees: B.S., Mount Holyoke College;
Relevant Work Experience: Director of Brandeis University; doctoral degree Ph.D., Wake Forest University
development for CareNet Counseling; candidate, Indiana University Relevant Work Experience: biology
assistant director and director of donor Relevant Work Experience: Faculty member, enrichment program facilitator, Center
relations, Salem College; associate Oberlin, Brandeis, Indiana University of Excellence for Research, Teaching and
director of development with the Arts and DePauw University; department Learning (CERTL) at Wake Forest
Council of Winston-Salem; associate chair, history, Sturgis Charter School, University School of Medicine; teaching
director of development, Planned Hyannis, MA assistant at Wake Forest; guest
Parenthood of North Carolina-West Thoughts on Teaching at Salem: “I hope naturalist/lecturer in Winston-Salem/
Thoughts on Working at Salem: “I am my research and teaching on women Forsyth County; medicinal garden
thrilled to be back at Salem College and gender will demonstrate to Salem’s volunteer, Historic Bethabara Park
planning cultural events for the campus. young women that, historically speaking, Thoughts on Teaching at Salem: “It is a
The speakers and events Salem plans there were–and still are–many different privilege to return to a women’s college
every year adds so much to our campus ways to be a woman in American society. environment as a professor, and to have
and to the Winston-Salem community. I hope that Salem’s young women see the opportunity to teach so many
We look forward to some exciting events that there are choices about the roles, enthusiastic students. Through my
in the months and years to come!” the challenges that they take on in life interests in vertebrate behavior research
and the activism that they pursue.” and public outreach education I hope
to encourage Salem students to engage in
stewardship of our local and global
environment and natural resources.”
S alem C ollege • 15
Sabbatical News something that’s not often possible when you’re in the classroom
full time.”
In Oczkowicz’ case, time away from Salem was filled with not
Chris Baker, Education only reading and studying and thinking but also traveling, publish-
Dr. Christopher Baker, professor of ing and other new opportunities, some of which weren’t even on
education, was on sabbatical for 2008- her horizon when she began her sabbatical.
09. His time away from Salem focused “My initial purpose was to return, after 15 years of teaching,
on examining Caldecott Award pic- to researching Caribbean women writers, one of my passions,”
ture-story books. Oczkowicz says. To begin that process, she presented a paper on
“The purpose of the study was to author Jamaica Kincaid at the 11th International Conference of the
determine the types and range of writ- Association of Caribbean Women Writers and Scholars in Grenada
ers’ craft used in these award winning in May 2008.
texts,” he explains. “Each author’s creative use of crafts of struc- She also became “reengaged” with another author who had
ture, words and conventions was recorded and analyzed.” long fascinated her: Thornton Wilder, writer of Our Town, The
The sabbatical time allowed Baker time to identify some Bridge Of San Luis Rey and other notable works, some of which
interesting common threads among the books. “One pattern that Oczkowicz had previously taught at Salem. She became assistant
has emerged is that the most creative use of writers’ crafts tends to editor of the International Thornton Wilder Society Newsletter;
occur within texts where the author and illustrator are the same then began to weave her own research into Wilder with that of
person,” Baker explains. “Also, there appears to be a synergism be- other Wilder scholars and fans. Among those were Salem’s own
tween the author’s crafts and illustrations that is usually not pres- Penelope Niven, whose biography of Thornton Wilder will be pub-
ent in texts where the author and illustrator are separate persons.” lished in 2010; Robin Wilder and Jackson Bryer, the editors of The
He says that so far the two texts with the most interesting uses of Selected Letters of Thornton Wilder (2008); and Tappan Wilder,
writer’s craft are Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, and Henkes’ Wilder’s nephew and literary executor.
Kitten’s First Full Moon. Oczkowicz was asked to co-lead, with Tappan Wilder, a
Baker says his sabbatical findings will provide rich fodder for seminar on “Teaching Wilder” at the first International Thornton
discussion in classes this year. “We discuss craft in the undergrad- Wilder Conference, held in fall 2008, as well as to present her
uate and graduate classes that focus on teaching process writing. own paper entitled “‘Carving Some Cherry Stones’: The Role of
The topic is also discussed in Children’s Literature classes,” he Disparities in Thornton Wilder’s The Angel That Troubled the Waters
says. “The sabbatical provided time for detailed analyses and deep- and Other Plays.” She also conducted interviews with Penelope
er reflection on these books. This information greatly enriches the Niven, Robin Wilder and Jackson Bryer that will be published in
discussions within these classes.” the Thornton Wilder Society Newsletter this fall.
“The sabbatical gave me the opportunity to meet with these
Edyta Oczkowicz, English notable Wilder scholars as well as to revisit his life and writings,”
Dr. Edyta Oczkowicz, associate Oczkowicz explains. The more research she did, the more fasci-
professor of English, says that her sab- nated she became by some lesser-known aspects of Wilder’s life and
batical during 2008-09 gave her the work.
opportunity to “re-ignite my passion” “Everyone knows Our Town, whether they performed in it in
for both learning and teaching. “It is so high school or watched a version on stage, yet few people know
powerful to have time to not just read that Wilder was already writing incredibly good plays during his
and study, but also time to think and college years at Oberlin and Yale,” Oczkowicz points out. “He was
internalize what you have learned … multicultural and multilingual, fluent in German, French, Italian
and Spanish; he traveled all over the world, including both Ameri-
Community
Colleges
Salem College has entered into an
articulation agreement with the North
Carolina Community College System
that will benefit both transfer students
and the institutions involved.
The agreement allows eligible
students graduating with an A.A. or
A.S. degree from a North Carolina
community college to enter Salem
College as juniors, having satisfied their
general-education core requirements.
The articulation agreement, which goes
into effect this fall, applies to both the
traditional-aged female student transfer-
ring to Salem College, and to the men
and women ages 23 and up who trans-
fer into Salem’s Fleer Center for Adult
Education.
“We are delighted to forge even
stronger bonds with our state’s com-
munity college system with this agree-
ment,” says Ann McElaney-Johnson,
dean of the college and vice president
for academic and student affairs. “It not
only acknowledges the strong educa-
tional background that these transfer
students bring with them to Salem, but
it also strengthens our relationship with
the community colleges.” More than 40 students attended the diverse campus community. Students who
“This agreement has been a priority “Phenomenal Woman” retreat at Camp attended the retreat recommended that
for our institution since President Susan New Hope in Chapel Hill during January incoming students would benefit from
Pauly arrived three years ago, and it is Term 2009. The dean of students’ office having a similar retreat for their entire
thanks to her vision that we’re able to sponsored the retreat which featured class, with the result that the entering
now make the transfer process so much activities designed to raise multicultural Class of 2013 (pictured above) retreat took
easier,” she adds. awareness and celebrate the individual place on August 28 & 29 at the Moravian
differences which comprise our richly Conference Center in Laurel Springs.
S alem C ollege • 19
The Following Faculty Members
Were Published During 2008-2009:
Benjamin Blaisdell, assistant professor of education, had his The MENSA Research Journal may be accessed at http://www.
book published this spring. The book, entitled Seeing with Poetic mensafoundation.org. Jacobsen is also the author of The Gifted
Eyes: Critical Race Theory and Moving from Liberal to Critical Adult: A Revolutionary Guide for Liberating Everyday Genius.
Forms of Race Research in Sociology of Education, was published by
Sense Publishers of Rotterdam, Netherlands. It is part of a series Gary Ljungquist, professor of modern languages at Salem
called Breakthroughs in the Sociology of Education. For more College, had a personal essay entitled “Dame Joan and I” pub-
information on the book, visit www.sensepublishers.com. lished April 1 by the University of Wisconsin Press. The essay was
included in a collection of essays titled My Diva, edited by poet
Mary Jacobsen, assistant professor of psychology, has just Michael Montlack. Ljungquist’s essay pays tribute to soprano Joan
published a chapter in a new book from Springer Science that was Sutherland. My Diva has been reviewed in Publishers Weekly and
released at the beginning of March. Her chapter is titled “Intel- Kirkus.
lectual Giftedness, Leadership, and Morality: Parallels, Problems,
and Possibilities.” The book, entitled Morality, Ethics and Gifted Graciela Lucero-Hammer, chair of the
Minds, is described by the publisher as exploring “much of the Modern Languages department and associ-
current wisdom on ethics and morality while developing new ate professor of Spanish at Salem College, has
perspectives on the ethical dimensions of high ability.” Also, last published a second book, Naked Souls/Desnudos
fall Dr. Jacobsen was invited to submit an article on “Giftedness del Alma. Press 53 of Winston-Salem has just
in the Workplace” to the MENSA Research Journal. The article released a bilingual anthology of award-winning
“provides a detailed understanding of the opportunities and issues stories by the Argentine writer Marisa Estelrich,
that face gifted and talented individuals in organizations and for translated into English by Lucero-Hammer. These stories reveal the
those who aim to properly and complex and often contradictory character of the Argentine people.
effectively support their Through descriptions of seemingly ordinary life routines,
development.” Estelrich masterly leads the reader into unexpected
realms of existential angst, self-doubt, en-
nui, loneliness, suffocation and mad-
ness. About the translation, Amanda
Powell, University of Oregon, said
in her review of the work: “Gra-
ciela Lucero-Hammer’s deft
and lucid translations show
the plain-spoken at play
with the phantasmago-
ric. We are fortunate
to have these two fine
writers offer us Naked
Souls/Desnudos del
Alma.”
Daniel Prosterman, assistant professor of history, has recently presented a paper entitled “The Burning of Troy: Dynastic Myths
published The Big Book of World War II, co-authored with Melissa and Wittelsbach Courts, 1550-1650” at the annual meeting of
Wagner under the pseudonym Dan Bryant. The book is a history the Renaissance Society of America which was held at UCLA and
of World War II written for young readers, and is published by the Getty Center. That paper was based on part of his dissertation
Running Press (now in stores). Prosterman chose his pen name as as well as on a special-topics class on the history of the Greco-
a tribute to his wife, author Megan Bryant, who introduced him to Roman world that included classical mythology that he taught
children’s publishing. during fall 2008 at Salem.
Amy Rio-Anderson, chaplain for Salem Academy and College, Richard Vinson, visiting professor of religion, published a
had a chapter entitled “Being Formed by the Spirit: Spiritual For- commentary on the Book of Luke that utilizes art, movies, novels
mation and Christian Discipling with College Students” published and contemporary references – including a quote by comedian
in the book To Transform the World: Vital United Methodist Campus George Carlin – to help pastors connect the Scripture with today.
Ministries. She also last spring received her Doctor of Ministry Vinson completed the work while also teaching electives on
degree with a focus on spirituality and story from Wesley Theologi- Luke, and is now at work on a second commentary for Smith &
cal Seminary in Washington, DC. Helwys, this one on the book of 1st Peter. That work is expected
to be published in 2010, along with a new book on Luke’s version
Thomas Swenson, assistant professor of of the Lord’s Prayer.
music at Salem College and director of the
Salem College Community Music School, Christina Zenker, assistant professor of
has recently released both a publication and a economics, just finished her book on reforms
CD. His report on the goals and objectives of of the Swiss old-age security system called
group piano sequences at colleges and universities, which was com- AHV. The book is being co-authored with
missioned by the editorial board of The Piano Pedagogy Forum, Dr. Katja Gentinetta, vice director of the
appears in that publication’s January edition: http://www.music. think tank Avenir Suisse. The book describes
sc.edu/ea/keyboard/PPF/PPFswenson.html. Swenson’s recently the development of the AHV since 1948 and
released CD entitled We All Sing contains songs that have been talks about the problems the system faces in light of the demo-
used by a number of contemporary Christian-based churches in graphic changes. With a decreasing fertility rate and increasing
the past couple of years. Swenson was the composer, arranger and longevity, this pay-as-you-go-system that relies on enough active
producer. The CD is available through www.CDBaby.com and via people paying into the system is in danger of collapsing. The
his website, www.thomasswenson.com. publication suggests reforms that leave the entire Swiss system
of old-age security – a three-pillar system that is well regarded
Andrew Thomas, assistant professor of throughout the world – intact but that make it financially sustain-
history, won the 2008 Distinguished Disserta- able. The publication appears in German. The authors have been
tion Award for the College of Liberal Arts at invited to present the book in front of the Swiss parliament in
Purdue University for his work entitled “A October.
House Divided: Wittelsbach Confessional
Court Cultures in Bavaria, the Palatinate,
and Bohemia, 1550-1650.” Also, Dr. Thomas
Pictured above: Amanda White C’09 graduated with a sociology degree and is now in graduate school at Salem.
Pictured to the right: Elizabeth Messick C’09 graduated with a dual degree in studio art and art history.
22 • M aga z ine 2009
From Suzanne Williams,
Dean of the MarthA H.
Fleer Center for Adult
Education
T
he Fleer Center at Salem College has had a very busy as well as several who have moved to Winston-Salem from the
and exciting year since July 2008 when our adult degree midwest and the southeast because they recognized something
program was named for our founding mother, Dr.
Ed Hartgrove,
Martha H. Fleer. Enrollment increased in both fall and spring executive in resi-
2008-2009 with current fall enrollment running 8 percent above dence, business
and economics;
this time last year. now also pro-
From improvements and enhancements in our major depart- gram director
and coordinator
ments to the signing of the comprehensive articulation agreement
for academic
with our community college system, we are strongly positioned advising, Fleer
towards continued increased enrollment. The Fleer Center Center for Adult
Education.
remains the choice for adults in the Piedmont Triad Region
seeking a high-quality rigorous educational experience taught by very special in our adult degree program at Salem College. Our
dedicated faculty committed to academic excellence. I always tell fall class includes international students from South America, the
prospective students at Salem they will truly earn their degree; no Caribbean and Japan.
one will give it to them, but it will be a degree they will be proud All of our new Fleer students will enhance our already vi-
of when graduate from Salem well prepared to excel in their brant diverse student body. We have some new students with very
career and life path. little college experience working toward their first undergraduate
The new Fleer students for fall 2009 are a diverse and very degree and some with masters and doctorate degrees coming to
interesting group. They include a glass artist, several women who Salem to continue their journey of lifelong learning! Those of
have served our country proudly in the military, a writer for a us fortunate to work with our adult students consider it joy and
poetry journal, two animal privilege every single day to hear their moving life stories during
research scientists/animal the admission process, getting to know them through their Salem
rescue volunteers, nu- years, watching them grow and truly blossom in our rich environ-
merous musicians and ment.
several students currently We welcome you whether you are an alumna or propsective
employed in regional student to visit with us in the Fleer Center. You too will feel the
not-for-profit agen- energy and experience the excitement of our adult degree pro-
cies. We have parents of gram. As dean of the Fleer Center our students constantly fill me
special needs children and with a sense of awe and inspiration! Come by and say hello to our
teens as well as those caring Fleer Center staff, Susan Brawley, Administrative Assistant, Betty
for adult family members Telford, Coordinator of Courses for Community and Ed Hart-
with various needs. We have grove, Executive in Residence, business faculty and our newest
students commuting Fleer staff Program Associate/Coordinator of Academic Advising.
over an hour each We welcome you to share in the joy we experience every single
way to be a Salem day!
adult student
From Katherine
Knapp Watts C’80,
Dean of Admissions
and Financial Aid
I
t is truly Salem’s time to shine! Salem web site at www.salem.edu. The full Pritchard Dickey C’00 and Keiger Print-
Enrollment of new first-year tra- video is used at open house events and by ing Company. It achieved a 303 percent
ditional students is up 18 percent admissions representatives on the road. increase in student response and was rec-
for fall 2009. The new students came The video and trailer were also key ognized as one of 10 winners in the “Xerox
to Salem from 23 different states (from components of a Salem’s student search Best-of-the-Best Contest,” an international
California to Vermont and including recruitment campaign with high school competition, for use of technology in com-
Alaska and Hawaii), as well as five foreign sophomores and juniors in spring 2009. munication!
countries (France, Tibet, Ecuador, Russia Salem sent a personalized postcard to In addition, Salem is spreading the
and China). The class includes 36 student sophomores and juniors who took the word to international markets – Katherine
athletes and eight legacies. PSAT and fit Salem’s profile; the card Knapp Watts C’80, dean of admissions
Salem has also won recognition for invited them to visit a personal url and financial aid, took a two-week recruit-
our recruitment campaign in the past (PURL) and view the video trailer. If the ing trip to China in May 2009. During
year. Thanks to the generosity of Margaret student responded to the PURL, she was the trip, which was funded by an anony-
Pike C’94, the admissions office worked sent a personal thank-you email from her mous donor, Watts visited 16 schools and
with Mission House Creative of Raleigh admissions counselor (with the counselor’s six agencies in Hong Kong, Chengdu and
to produce a new five-minute video. The picture), a link to the full video and a Shanghai. This initiative has laid the foun-
video was recently awarded a bronze medal brochure personally printed for her – with dation for continued relationship-build-
in the Summit International Creative photos and text directly addressing her ing in areas that send talented students to
competition (based on strength of the big areas of interest. (There were 561 different college in the United States.
idea, quality of execution and ability to possible combinations for the brochure!) It has been a busy, exciting and suc-
persuade). A one-minute “trailer” for the This campaign was designed by the cessful year in Salem College admissions
video can be seen on the home page of the admissions staff together with Carrie office. Spread the word!
S alem C ollege • 25
from Susan Gebhardt,
dean of Graduate Studies
From its founding in 1772 as a school portunities related to these new courses they all share a desire to make a difference
for young women (in a decidedly man’s at both the graduate and undergraduate in the lives of learners.
world), Salem’s ideals about teaching and levels will help teacher candidates broaden Equally impressive are those in-service
learning have remained forward-looking. their views of the world and re-examine educators seeking to hone their profes-
2008-2009 proved itself to be no less in- the kind of diverse learners that make up sional skills by pursuing the M.Ed. degree
our global learning community. at Salem College. In fact, Salem’s flagship
Intentional service partnerships with M.Ed. program, the master’s in language
local social-service agencies will afford and literacy, is currently so popular among
Salem’s pre-service teachers meaningful in-service that talks are underway to
opportunities to interact with a variety of develop additional M.Ed. programs to be
learners in our own back yard. To build introduced during the 2009-2010 and
upon the college-wide initiative regarding 2010-2011 academic year. Be on the look-
health and wellness, plans are underway out for an M.Ed. in elementary education
to include an environmental immersion and, perhaps, special education as well.
and integration component to our meth- It’s worth pointing out that there
ods courses. Other re-visioning changes have been some pretty significant physical
Susan Gebhard is director of teacher
include streamlined courses of study, the changes as well as the programmatic ones.
education and graduate studies as well as
assistant professor of education at Salem introduction of intentional instructional If you seek the department offices, don’t
College. design classes, a more clearly delineated head to the Fine Arts Center where we
novative a time. In response to the North progression of courses, and carefully struc- once were located. During the 2008-2009
Carolina Department of Public Instruc- tured field experiences designed to help academic year, teacher education relocated
tion’s state-wide mandate to “re-vision” Salem teacher candidates put theory into to the first floor of Main Hall. In terms
teacher education programs, the depart- practice. of faculty, the Department welcomes Dr.
ment of teacher education and graduate The Department’s new tagline, Susan Gebhard (the new Director), Dr.
studies undertook an ambitious overhaul “Haven’t you always wanted to teach?” Tricia Cook (program coordinator for
of class content and courses of study. seems to have resonated with Salem special education), Fred Schafer (instructor
Building upon our rich legacy of relevant undergraduate students, second-career and educational technology specialist), Dr.
educational experiences and constructiv- professionals, recent college graduates, Johnna Lyons (visiting professor of educa-
ist paradigms, the department sought to stay-at- home moms, downsized dads and tion) and professor Mary Ann Campbell
re-invent itself for the post-modern world. potential teachers from a wide variety of Davis C’74 (joining Salem full-time as
New courses focus upon the kinds of other backgrounds. We are thrilled to our Clinical Coordinator). We are equally
21st century educational strategies that set have admitted record numbers of new thrilled to welcome Dr. Christopher Baker
this time and place apart from all others initial licensure candidates to our M.A.T. back from his sabbatical. It is quite likely
– especially as related to technology – as programs as well as to our Fleer and that you may see additional new faces in
well as examining American teaching and undergraduate majors in elementary/spe- education as we implement and refine our
learning in relationship to the “flat world.” cial education or to the middle/secondary re-visioned programs.
The department is especially excited by content-area licensure programs. These
several new opportunities for educational candidates represent a mix of ages, inter-
leadership. Potential study abroad op- ests, backgrounds, and circumstances, but
Salem’s historic comprehensive $75 This wonderful achievement was family, faculty and staff. We are deeply
million campaign officially ended on accomplished only through the dedication grateful for all the effort, time and treasure
May 1, 2009. A total of $76,024,439 and generosity of all of Salem’s friends, that produced this historic fundraising.
was raised. These monies were applied
to endowment for both the Academy
S alem C ollege • 27
A�umnae News
Dear Fellow Salem Alumnae, different in many ways, have helped to shape who we are. Because
As I begin my term as your Alumnae this is so, we have a responsibility to do what we can to ensure its
Association President, I am humbled future.
and grateful for this opportunity to serve You’ll be pleased to know that there is much good news
Salem. Since my induction at the May to celebrate at Salem. Traditional student admissions are up 18
meeting of the Alumnae Board, I have percent, and the student numbers in the Fleer Center and gradu-
spent time reflecting on my years at ate programs are up, as well. In addition, Salem met its annual
Salem, reading a little of Salem’s remark- fund goal for 2008-2009. However, given the current economic
able history and thinking about how we, as alumnae, can ensure a climate, this is not enough.
bright future for the college that has given us so much. Many of you are aware of the recent financial difficulties of
Recently, I had the opportunity to enjoy dinner with current colleges and universities throughout our country. These inci-
Salem student leaders and alumnae board members. When asked dences are a disturbing trend, and Salem is not immune to these
to summarize in one sentence what they would say to a high- challenges. Currently, the administration, faculty and staff are re-
school student about Salem, one Fleer student commented, “If viewing every aspect of the college to ensure that Salem continues
you want something more than an ordinary college experience, if to thrive and remains true to its mission.
you want a unique college experience, choose Salem!” A tradition- To continue to compete in these challenging economic times,
al student answered, “You come to Salem to become a woman but Salem needs its alumnae to be more involved. What does this
also to fully understand what it means to be a woman, and when mean? It means:
you leave you will be more prepared because you are a woman – connecting with classmates;
who knows what you want and you have the tools necessary to – attending and hosting alumnae events in your area;
be a well-rounded woman in today’s world.” An alumna said, “At – giving annually whatever you can;
Salem, you will find your sisters.” These responses inspire me! – talking to potential students about Salem and
Although the group was diverse in terms of age and ethnicity, it is bringing them to campus;
clear that we share a common experience—the Salem tradition. – educating yourself about what Salem offers young
In 1772, John A. Comenius made the case for the founding women today.
of Salem. He said, “Why should we merely dismiss [women] with Salem has given women extraordinary educational oppor-
the ABCs and drive them away from books: Are we afraid of their tunities for 237 years. The fact is, passive alumnae support is
meddling? The more we introduce them to mental occupations, not good enough anymore. Salem needs us to be bold….to give
the less time they will find for meddling, which comes from emp- boldly and recruit boldly!
tiness of mind.” Well, our founding Moravians would be pleased I look forward to opportunities to meet you and work along-
to know that Salem women have spent the last 237 years doing side you during the next two years. Together, we can do extraordi-
much more than mere “meddling.” nary things for Salem. Salem women always do.
Salem alumnae are currently 8000-plus strong and have
a global presence. We are teachers, doctors, scientists, lawyers, Sincerely,
bankers, writers, artists, politicians, musicians, actresses, non-
profit managers, business owners, homemakers, community Mary Martha Whitener Beecy C’88
leaders and much, much more. Our Salem experiences, while President, Salem College Alumnae Association
Greensboro Alumnae Event: Amy Woodard Kemp C’94, Julia Anderson Cox C’98,
Jeri D’Lugin A’73 and Leigh Anne Harris Buchanan C’89.
S alem C ollege • 29
Save t�e
Date:
Reunion Wilmington Alumnae Event: Anne Jordan Craven A’53, Cecelia Black Corbett C’57,
Weekend Grace Walker Sanders C’60 and Frances Beman McMillan A’55.
April
23-25, 2010
Update Your Info!
Richmond Alumnae Event: Susan Hatz Wilburn C’81,
Susan Maley Rash C’80 and Monica McGurn Walsh C’81.
Have you moved? Have you
changed your name? Do you have a
new job? Did you have a baby? Do
you have a new EMAIL address?
Atlantic Beach, NC: Frances Temple Civils C’68, Lisa Mabley Kirby C’68,
Allyson Bullock Sugg C’68 and Cecilia Moore-Cobb C’68.
S alem C ollege • 31
Pictured above: Maegan Lewis C’12 performs as part of her music studies at Salem College.
S alem C ollege • 33
Sandresky Series Honors Legacy of ductor with the Piedmont Chamber Singers in Winston-Salem,
Clemens and Margaret Sandresky and has returned to that group as their interim music director for
2009-2010.
Schildkret says he looks forward to helping Salem assess its
musical history and plan for the future. “Music is at the heart of
Salem’s heritage. Our challenge -- and it’s very exciting! -- is to
keep music at Salem’s core in a way that makes sense for the 21st
century.”
Timothy Olsen
New Associate Professor of Organ
A new series of artist faculty performances, inaugurated Timothy Olsen is the
on October 3, honors the memory of the late Clemens Harold newly appointed associ-
Sandresky, dean emeritus of the School of Music, and pays tribute ate professor of organ at
to the career of Margaret Vardell Sandresky, A’38, C’42, professor Salem as well as the Kenan
emerita of music. Future performances will continue to showcase Professor of Organ at the
Salem’s distinguished performing faculty in collaboration with University of North Caro-
other renowned artists. lina School of the Arts.
Clemens Sandresky, who passed away June 25, 2009 at the A native of Frost, Min-
age of 93 in Winston-Salem, earned an A.B. in music with distinc- nesota, Dr. Olsen began his
tion from Dartmouth College and a master’s in music degree from study of the organ at the
Harvard University. In 1952 he became dean of the School of age of 13 and studied with
Music at Salem Academy and College. The 34 years between 1952 Peter Nygaard at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he
and his retirement in 1986 were marked by his yearly piano received a bachelor’s of music degree. He went on to the East-
recitals, solo performances with the Winston-Salem Symphony man School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned
and chamber music concerts with his artist faculty. During his the doctor of musical arts and master’s of music degrees in organ
tenure the Salem Fine Arts Center was constructed; it was the first performance and literature, as well as a master’s of arts degree in
state-of-the-art facility of its kind in the city. He and his faculty music theory pedagogy. He was for four years the Wanda L. Bass
produced many outstanding students and distinguished alumnae. Chair of Organ at Oklahoma City University, and also has served
His wife, Margaret Vardell-Sandresky A’38, C42, attended on the faculty at Ithaca College, and as sabbatical replacement at
Salem Academy and graduated from Salem College in 1942 with a Binghamton University and Cornell University.
major in organ performance. She earned a master’s of music degree Olsen was the first-prize winner of the 2002 National Young
in composition from the Eastman School of Music, then won a Artists Competition in organ performance sponsored by the
Fulbright Award for music study in Germany. American Guild of Organists. He has recorded a compact disc
Sandresky taught at Oberlin College Conservatory; the on the NAXOS label, and has been featured multiple times on
University of Texas/Austin; and UNC School of the Arts. She was Minnesota Public Radio’s Pipedreams. Olsen has performed solo
organist at Home Moravian Church, the First Baptist Church organ recitals in 23 states. He frequently presents master classes
and Centenary United Methodist Church. and workshops for universities, churches and chapters of the
Vardell-Sandresky is a Standards Award-winning ASCAP com- American Guild of Organists, and will be a featured recitalist and
poser. She is the recipient of the 2004 American Guild of Organ- workshop presenter at the 2009 Region VII AGO Convention
ists “Distinguished Composer Award,” the Distinguished Alumna in Albuquerque, NM. He has also been featured as soloist with
Award from Salem Academy and the Distinguished Alumna orchestras, and performs collaboratively in organ/trumpet recitals,
Award from Salem College. She received the Sam Ragan award for organ duo recitals and as organist for major choral works includ-
extended exemplary service to the arts in North Carolina in 2006. ing Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem and Messe Cum Jubilo.
S alem C ollege • 35
C reating a
Culture of Wellness
Other wellness-focused initiatives have
included:
Intellectual Wellness
– Speaker Anna Lappé - award-winning
author and activist; the library on
March 9 (Center for Women Writers
and Cultural Events)
– Library purchase of updated fitness
and relaxation videos
– Use of MyStudentBody® in health
and wellness courses. (MyStudentBody®
promotes healthy behaviors and
responsible decision making at the
individual- and student body-level on
campuses across the country. For info,
Pictured above: A group of Salem students and staff enjoy walking the Salem fitness trails.
S
visit wwww.mystudentbody.com).
alem College defines wellness wellness committee made up of faculty, Spiritual Wellness
in terms of learning grounded staff and students was formed to study – Providing regular worship services
in the pursuit of excellence existing wellness programs and make (Lovefeasts, monthly Christian Praise
and the education of the whole recommendations. Some early steps and Worship, Ash Wednesday, Black
person. A Salem education transcends were put into place, such as requiring all History Month, Interfaith worship
the traditional model of education inside students to have health insurance, and service)
the classroom to merge knowledge with providing them (and faculty and staff) – trip to Hindu Center in Charlotte
practice through a multidimensional with an e-magazine called “Student Health – “Listening Post” in Grille on Tuesday
learning experience. 101.” Students’ parents are sent their evenings (where students could discuss
In addition to the intellectual own version. Students were also asked to their spiritual life and other associated
dimension of learning, wellness at complete the ACHA student health survey issues with the assistant chaplain)
Salem offers opportunities for learning in spring 2009 in order to help Salem – denominational campus ministries
in the spiritual, emotional, physical, know the predominant health, safety and offering weekly opportunities for
environmental, occupational and social wellness concerns on campus. students to engage in spiritual
dimensions. This holistic model of wellness This past spring, a fitness challenge exploration
education has been adopted by Salem was launched to reward faculty, staff and – Free yoga class during second semester
as the College seeks to create a culture students who did some form of physical (February – April)
of wellness and introduce programming activity 30 minutes a day for a month. Physical
that provides students with resources to The college website provided data sheets – Created several walking trails around
support their academic success. for recording exercise as well as suggested the College
Beginning in 2008, wellness was a activities, and prizes were given to top – Established and monitored the Spring
major focus within the College’s five- participants. 2009 Fitness Challenge
year strategic plan, and the first steps – Integrated wellness into the Salem
were taken to focus on wellness. A Signature general education curriculum
S alem C ollege • 37
Reunion News
the 1988 Smith De-
sign for Institutional
Diversity.
In 1995 Dunn
became Pforzheimer
Foundation Director
of the Arthur and
Elizabeth Schlesinger
Library at Radcliffe
College, serving
there until 1999
when she became
acting dean of the
Radcliffe Institute
for Advanced Study
at Harvard Universi-
ty. In 2002 she took
the post of co-ex-
ecutive officer of the
American Philosoph-
ical Society, which
is the nation’s oldest
learned society,
Dr. Mary Maples Dunn founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743; she retired from that
position in 2008. She currently serves Salem College as honor-
Spoke at Founders Day ary counsel to the Board of Trustees.
The Founders Day speaker for 2009 was Mary Maples Dunn is an authority on William Penn, colonial American
Dunn, former president of Smith College, authority on the his- history and the history of women in America, and has pub-
tory of women in America and holder of nine honorary doctor- lished several books including The World of William Penn, The
ate degrees. Founding of Pennsylvania and Women of America: A Teacher’s
Dunn received her BA degree from the College of William Guide. She is a former Fulbright Scholar and was awarded fel-
and Mary and her master’s and Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr College, lowships by the National Endowment for the Humanities and
where between 1958 and 1985 she served as lecturer, assistant the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University. She
professor/professor, dean of the undergraduate college and aca- has also received nine honorary doctorate degrees, from institu-
demic deputy to the president. She served as president of Smith tions such as Amherst, Mount Holyoke and Brown.
College from 1985 to 1995 at a pivotal time in that institution’s Dunn is the mother of Dr. Rebecca Dunn, who is associ-
history. One of her administration’s many notable programs was ate professor of biology at Salem College.
S alem C ollege • 39
Distinguished 2009 Oesterlein Award Winner
Alumna Award Salem College Senior Samantha ternational English honor
Cortez Selman of Atlanta, GA received society; was metro
the Elisabeth Oesterlein Award – the editor of The
school’s highest honor for a member of the Salemite; re-
graduating class – during Founders Day ceived the
ceremonies. Junior
The Oesterlein Award is named in Spirit
honor of Salem’s first teacher when it was Award;
Nancy Taylor Sumner C’69 gradu-
founded as a school for girls in 1772. and
ated from Salem with a bachelor’s degree
Candidates are nominated by members of was
and earned her master’s degree in public
the entire Salem community – faculty, staff selected
administration from UNC- Chapel Hill in
and fellow students – and each nominee to pres-
1983.
must compete against other truly out- ent her
She recently retired as the director of
standing seniors. Among the criteria are: paper on
development for Urban Ministries of Wake
attend Salem all four years of college; make the Honors
County, a non-profit, interfaith organiza-
a notable contribution to the quality of life panel during the
tion that provides essential basic services
at Salem and exemplify quality leadership; College’s first annual
to close to 20,000 diverse families and
and be conscientious and diligent in the Celebration of Academic Excel-
individuals in Wake County every year.
pursuit of academic excellence, attaining at lence.
Formerly she was a teacher with the Wake
least a 3.0 average overall. During all four years, Selman was
County School System; assistant to the
Selman, who is majoring in English active in the College’s annual performance
director in the facility services division of
and creative writing, has a GPA of 3.771. of the Vagina Monologues, becoming the
the NC Department of Human Resources;
While at Salem she has been active in nu- co-organizer during her senior year. Also
and Salem Society gifts officer.
merous campus projects and organizations. while a senior, she was editor-in-chief of In-
She has served on the boards of the
During her freshman year she was named cunabula; represented Salem College at the
Raleigh Fine Arts Society and the Wake
to Alpha Lambda Delta, the first-year Sigma Tau Delta International convention;
County chapter of the North Carolina
honor society and was an active member was a member of House Council represent-
Symphony, and as a member of the Wake
of Open Up. During her sophomore years ing Bitting Dorm; and was named to both
County United Way Allocations commit-
she was on the staff of The Salemite and In- Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leader-
tee. She is active in many committees at
cunabula, the College publications; was a ship honor society, and Mortar Board, the
White Memorial Presbyterian Church.
member of the international, German and national honor society for seniors.
Sumner has been both secretary and
HOLA clubs; and received the Jess Byrd Selman was known on the Salem cam-
president of the Salem College Alumnae
Merit Scholarship, awarded to one rising pus for organizing and leading innovative
Association; a member of the Board of
junior who demonstrates excellence in the student projects, including organizing and
Visitors and Board of Trustees; and is
field of English. hosting “Speak Out!” a night of spoken
currently on the steering committee of
During her junior year she became word, performance and slam poetry. The
the Triangle Salem Alumnae Club. She is
editor of Incunabula, the literary magazine; evening’s performances were included as a
married to Bob Sumner and has two sons,
was president of SAM (Student Activist CD and given with the first 100 copies this
Brian and David.
Movement); served as vice president of past spring of the College literary maga-
Salem’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the in- zine, Incunabula.
S alem C ollege • 41
Salem College Reunion Weekend
Class of 1939
Seated: Katy Bly Love Blackburn,
Tap Swinson, Weathers, Margaret
Winstead Spainhour, Geachie
McGeachy Ward, Mary Lewis Lawhon
Standing: Nancy Stone Watkins,
Doris Schaum Walston, Becky Cozart
Smith, Kaka Schwalbe Leinbach,
Virgina Gibson Griffith
Class of 1944
Front Row: Patsy Moser
Sumner, Ann Lanier Spencer, Martha
Brannock Mickey, Betty Wolfe Boyd,
Boots Lambeth Hinkle, Dotty
Covington McGehee, Nell Penn Watt
Spencer, Augusta Garth McDonald
Row 2: Peggy Watkins Wharton,
Alice Hunsucker Latta, Jeanne Dungan
Greear, Nancy Wray White, Diane
Payne Arrowood, Katherine Ives
Gheesling, Bet Epps Pearson
Class of 1949
Front Row: Ann Bondurant
Young, Alison Britt Barron, Jean Shope
Haynes, Laura Mitchell Mayfield
Row 2: Edith Tesch Johnson,
Elynor Fishel Rights, Joan Shope
Bennett, Jody Moody Clark
Class of 1954
42 • M aga z ine 2009
April 17-19, 2009
Class of 1964
S alem C ollege • 43
Salem College Reunion Weekend
Class of 1969
Class of 1979
Class of 1984
Front Row: Meg Cox Stott, Mary
Bryan Pierce Smith, Beth Barksdale,
Bridget Maley-Cannon, Cole Cannon,
Felicia Lamm Wilson, Patrice Mitchell
Row 2: Mary Poole Reese, Kay
Costenbader McCann, Leslie
Crow Flanagan, Alison Gill Falkoff,
Sheila Elliott Parker
Class of 1989
S alem C ollege • 45
Salem College Reunion Weekend
Class of 1994
Class of 2004
Class of 2008
S alem C ollege • 47
Salem Trivia Challen�e
Are you up on your Salem history? Take the Salem 5. The name of the first printed Salem
Academy and College Trivia Challenge. Check your annual was:
a. The Ivy b. Sights and Insights
answers at www.salem.edu/trivia. c. SemFem d. Pinafore
Sister Maus: A Small Tale of Sisters House Please use the order form below and mail it to Jane
A charming tale set in the historic Carmichael, Salem Academy and College, 601 S. Church
1785 Single Sisters House at
A Small Tale of Sisters House in Salem
This photo of Salem students on the edge of the swimming pool comes from the Gramley
Library archives. If you know the approximate date when the photo was taken and can
identify any of the women pictured, please email alumnae director Karla Gort at
karla.gort@salem.edu. We’ll post the findings at www.salem.edu on the alumnae news page.