After living a meaningful and productive life, Elijah Graham Pillow died on November 13, 2020 of Covid-19 in Elmira, NY, at the age of 89. Below are some students' memories of Graham Pillow as their physics and computers professor at CNC in the sixties and early seventies. The first photograph here, copied from his obituary, is of Graham in his eighties.
FROM RON LOWDER,
CNC First Decaders webmaster:
The passing of professor Pillow brought back fond memories of attending a physics class he taught. He had a talent for making every classroom session of utmost interest. He was always well prepared for each meeting and treated his students with respect. He was very professional and set a great example for his students. He was one of the many extraordinary professors that have made CNC (now CNU) the magnificent school that it is today.
FROM JOHN SCULL,
Classes of 1971 (AA) and 1973 (BS):
Graham Pillow was undoubtedly the most influential educator in my life. He taught me science in Newport News High School, then physics in the same high school, physics and then computers at Christopher Newport.
FROM WAYNE BROWN RAMMELL,
Class of 1966:
Graham was my physics professor at Christopher Newport College 1965-66. What a great teacher and gentleman! I will keep his family in my prayers.
FROM DAVE SPRIGGS,Chair, CNC First Decaders
I was very saddened to learn of Graham’s passing. He and Raoul Weinstein were the only professors I ever had during my brief matriculation at CNC. Graham was unwittingly involved in my meeting Patricia Hemeter, whom I would later marry in January 1970. Pat and I were in Graham’s physics class in the Fall of 1964. She and I would work together on our physics class assignments in the Student Lounge. Nothing like a bit of physics to spark a budding romance, eh?
The above picture is of Graham Pillow at CNC in 1971, as his former CNC students will remember him. The link to his obituary is
March (Latin Martius: "of" or "pertaining to" Mars) was named for the Roman god of war, Mars, because Mars was thought to have been born on the first day of March, and March was also the month in which the Romans began resuming wars that had been suspended during the cold winter months. Mars was the son of the chief Roman goddess, Juno, who was impregnated with a magic flower given to her by the goddess Flora. As later the father of the abandoned twins Romulus and Remus, nursed by a female wolf, Mars was also the god of agriculture and the father and protector of Rome, which was named after Romulus, who founded Rome after killing his twin Remus.
Bust of Mars in the Palazzo Altemps, Rome.
Modern Languages Professor D. Doris Reppen: Cosmopolitan Centenarian
(1920-2021)
by A. Jane Chambers
“At 101 years old, my Mom had a full and exciting life.
She was active and engaged in many activities
until shortly before her death."
-- Randi Reppen, Ph.D.
D. Doris Reppen, founding chair of Christopher Newport's Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literature, died "very peacefully" on Tuesday evening, January 26, 2021, in her apartment in Flagstaff. Since Arizona does not require, nor did Doris want, an obituary, her only child, daughter Randi Reppen, sent instead a note to friends. "It's a time of lots of emotions," she wrote, but "also a time to be happy that my Mom had such a healthy life and full life." Randi and other family members were with Doris from the previous Thursday until her passing Tuesday evening and felt "very fortunate, given the Covid situation, that we were able to be with her."
Doris and I first met in the fall of 1964 at a faculty meeting in the old Daniel Building downtown before fall classes began. She had been hired to teach French in CNC’s Evening College. I liked her instantly. She was friendly, enthusiastic, and a very interesting conversationalist. We were soon friends. The next year, she became a full time faculty member. We both taught in the first building on the Shoe Lane campus, Newport Hall, until her department moved to the third classroom building, Wingfield Hall, when it opened in 1970. Because of her pride in our new college and its students, the yearbook staff dedicated the 1970 Trident to her (photo R).
Photo detail, inside cover of the 1970 Trident.
I fondly remember evening parties at the Reppen home, where Doris's husband, Frank, entertained us by singing and playing his piano, and afternoon bowling sessions on Warwick Blvd. with Doris and their then school-aged daughter. Doris and I both retired from our CNC careers in 1992, but we kept in touch. I was delighted when she agreed in 2014 to be the subject of a “Catching Up” article on this website, where some of the material here was first published.
1971 Trident photo, p. 23.
A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Doris grew up in a multiethnic environment that influenced her interest in languages and cultures. Her cosmopolitan parents, both first generation Argentines, spoke Spanish. However, one had Italian ancestry and the other a Scottish father. Also, her family had “many acquaintances,” Doris wrote, of various linguistic backgrounds. Beginning at age ten, Doris was introduced to English, attending a British School for several years. “In the morning,” she wrote, “I went to the Argentine public school, and in the afternoon the British school.” Her enlightened parents also sent her to the University of Buenos Aires, where she earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in Philosophy and Literature.
Later, in America, Doris earned a second M.A. (Spanish) at the University of California at Berkeley, where she also taught Spanish for three years and had an ABD (“All But Dissertation”) in Romance Languages, completing all doctoral requirements except the dissertation. Not surprisingly, when she married Frank Reppen, a native of Norway, their only child grew up speaking Spanish and Norwegian as well as American English.
After Doris retired from CNC, she and Frank continued to live in their beloved Newport News home. Meanwhile, Randi had made a life for herself in Arizona, where she had completed her Ph.D. at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 1994 and was soon teaching Applied Linguistics in NAU's English Department. After Frank's death (1997) Doris’s life changed: “I kept flying to Arizona; then I figured out it made better sense if I moved to Arizona and visited Virginia!" In 1998 she moved to Flagstaff. "Many of my friends in Virginia were surprised by my decision," she wrote "but understood my desire to live close to my daughter and her two children.”
Doris’s other close relatives are all in Argentina: her brother’s four children, their children, and a number of cousins and their families. She and Randi often visited them. The two pictures above, sent to me by Doris, were taken during one such visit in Buenos Aires in 2011, when Doris was 91. The first shows Doris with Randi; the second, Doris with her niece Patricia at the San Isidro Yacht Club.
Centenarians whose minds are still alert are often asked to what they attribute their longevity. Writing to me in 2014, at age 94, Doris described some of her activities in Flagstaff: “Since I always enjoyed swimming, I joined the Athletic Club, not far from my house. There I soon met a lot of people with the same interests as mine in keeping in good health. Soon I was in a group going to exercise classes and then playing tennis. I still go to the exercise classes." She exercised her mind also--sitting in on some Spanish literature classes (even once teaching a class), joining a reading group, and playing Scrabble weekly at the Adult Center. She also joined a group helping support the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and a group knitting articles for the poor and for veterans.
In her note with this last photograph, Doris wrote “All my life I have enjoyed traveling"--a major cosmopolitan trait. "With some of my new friends I have taken every year a trip to some place in Europe. My favorites were the river trips on the Danube, the Rhine, the Nile, the Rhone, and of course the Thames.” This picture (right) shows her with a traveling companion in Italy in 1999, with the city of Firenze (Florence) in the background.
Doris's family is continuing to support the Reppen Scholarship
for Spanish majors at CNU. For information and/or to donate to it,
The Greenhouse project is another example of the dedication
of the early CNC people
and the strong sense of family that existed then.
Without folks like Mike Cazares and Jean Pugh,
I am not sure there would have been a CNU today.
--Dr. Harold Cones, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology
In 1970, when the Biology Department hired its first botanist and horticulturalist, Dr. Dave Bankes, CNC had no greenhouse. Chances the state would fund one were nil, so the department decided to build its own greenhouse. Dr. Harold Cones remembers how “Mike’s Greenhouse” began: Biology chairman Dr. Jean Pughtalked to Mike Cazares and they agreed that Mike would do the work as he had time (including Saturdays) and would get the bricks (with his own truck) for the head house from the state penitentiary, which had provided the bricks for the other four CNC buildings, and Jean would buy the other building materials. CNC either paid for the bricks or got the state to donate them and also paid for the six or eight metal trusses for the head house roof. Jean bought the rest of the materials, including concrete for the floor.
Dr. Jean Pugh in the 1971 Trident, p. 18
Mike Cazares in the 1970 Trident, p. 18.
Consulting with Dave Bankes, Mike drew up the design. He did not need blueprints. After all, as his daughter Sandy Allard said, he had built his own cinderblock house on Menchfield Road, from the foundation to the roof, with the help of no one except his wife. He had done everything himself, including carpentry, plumbing and electrical wiring, and had also built his own detached garage, which served as his workshop.
Building the Head House
Dave Banks, 1971 Trident, p. 18
Most members of the Biology Department, and some students, pitched in to help Mike build the greenhouse--working mainly on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. Biology professors Dave Bankes and Ron Mollick helped, and Jean Pugh and Harold Cones were there regularly. Not everything the novices did was always done perfectly of course. Harold remembers that when the concrete (paid for by Jean Pugh) was delivered for the floor, he was one of those helping to smooth it after it was dumped, but, he recalls, “It was never really smooth, I’m afraid.”
Ron Mollick, 1971 Trident, p. 18
Harold Cones, 1971 Trident, p. 18
Laying bricks for the head house was a major challenge, even under Mike’s well intentioned instruction. Harold laid most of the bricks--a task, he remembers, "not as easy as it looks”--and he’s not laid another brick since. He recalls the bricks were “beautiful, handmade, with lots of interesting color and quality variations, and no two alike.” Alumnus Tom Sobieski (BS, 1973) recollects that “one of the students convinced someone that he could lay bricks,” but his brickwork “resembled more a wave than a straight line,” so he was asked to resign from that job.
Brickwork underway on the head house part of the greenhouse project 1972 Trident, p. 19
Building the Greenhouse
Mike and his volunteer crew next tackled phase two: building the actual greenhouse. Using glass for it was out of the question, recalls Harold, because glass was extremely expensive. Mike found a product suitable for both the sidewalls and the roof of the greenhouse--greenish-yellow fiberglass sheets, and Jean Pugh, as usual, generously provided the money to buy this material.
Building the frame for the greenhouse was very hard work, because the wooden roof rafters (photo, right) were not only very expensive, but also very long and very heavy. Once the framing was completed, the Cazares Crew covered it with the fiberglass sheets “and voila,” Harold remembers, “we had a green (actually a yellowish-green) house.” Mike then built plant tables, installed lighting and plumbing, and turned it over to the College. It was named “Cazares Greenhouse.”
Laying bricks for the head house was a major challenge, even under Mike’s well intentioned instruction. Harold laid most of the bricks--a task, he remembers, "not as easy as it looks”--and he’s not laid another brick since. He recalls the bricks were “beautiful, handmade, with lots of interesting color and quality variations, and no two alike.” Alumnus Tom Sobieski (BS, 1973) recollects that “one of the students convinced someone that he could lay bricks,” but his brickwork “resembled more a wave than a straight line,” so he was asked to resign from that job.
Brickwork underway on the head house part of the greenhouse project 1972 Trident, p. 19
Jim Windsor's "Things We Can Count On":
An Excerpt from His Unfinished Book.
Read by Barry Wood at the Celebration of Life Service
in memory of Dr. James C. Windsor (1932 - 2016)
on April 7, 2016 in Williamsburg, VA.
Introduction by A. Jane Chambers
Aside from family and close friends, not many people know that in his last years, Dr. James C. (Jim) Windsor, CNC's second president, was writing a book. Unfortunately, it was left unfinished at his death. His close friend since their initial meeting as young professors in 1962, Dr. Lawrence Barron (Barry) Wood, quoted from that work at the end of his speech about Jim delivered at the Celebration of Life Service.
The photos above of Jim (L) and Barry (R) are both from the 1970 Trident yearbook, and on facing pages (23 & 24)--almost as if Barry is looking back at Jim, who has just shared one of his delightful jokes.
The italicized words following Barry's paragraph below support his point that Jim was "GROUNDED" in the sense of being "mentally and emotionally stable, admirably sensible, realistic, and unpretentious" (Merriam-Webster). Addressed to the book's readers, the passage is also instructive and seems to me particularly appropriate at this time to share with our website's readers.
JIM WAS GROUNDED. "Seek truth, live love, do good" appear over and over again in the book he was working on during his last years. I will close this meditation on Jim by using his own words left to all of us in his chapter entitled "Things We Can Count On":
Day by day we have to deal with ambiguity and disorder which makes us long for clarity and stability. We need to be reminded there are some things we can count on.
1. We can be sure that there is beauty in the world.
2. We can be sure that there is love in the world, but we cannot sit back and wait for friendship and love to come to us. They have to be earned. If we express love we are loved.
3. We can also be assured that there is bravery in the world. When men, women, boys and girls are tested by life, they usually come through. All around us, on a daily basis, we see expressions of courage in the face of adversity.
4. We can be sure that there is intelligence in the world. On a bad day we can look at the condition of the world and doubt our capacity to deal with our most urgent problems, but when you consider the relative youth of the human race, the marvel is that life on earth is as safe, as ordered, as advanced as it is. Someone has worked out a scale which helps our perspective: If you let the Washington Monument represent the age of the earth--550 feet--a penny placed on top would represent the age of man on the earth.
5. You can be sure that the individual counts. There is no substitute for the competent individual. E. H. Chapin has made the point eloquently: "Not armies, not nations have advanced the race; but here and there, in the course of ages, an individual has stood up and cast his shadow over the world." We can confidently believe that one man, or woman, or child can make a difference.
6. You can be sure that religion, which is man's search for God (meaning, truth), will always be a significant part of our lives. We are restless until we are able to identify and commune with that portion of God which is in each of us.
7. We can be sure that life will involve dealing with our own suffering, and the suffering of others. Since we will surely suffer, we should seek to find meaning in suffering. In the words of Viktor Frankl, "If suffering is all that is available to you then your purpose would be to suffer well. You can't change what happens to you, but you can change your thoughts about it. This is where you have mastery over your life."
Over a lifetime what will ultimately count the most will be what you become as a person. It will be your values and your character. What you are will be more important than what you do. You don't have to be in a special position to achieve personal growth. It can be achieved wherever you are. "Seek truth, live love, do good." (Source unknown)
Mike was “the man who quite literally held the College together.”
--Dr. James C. Windsor, CNC’s second President
"Scott was so pleased to have someone as reliable and competent as Mike."
--Mrs. H. Westcott Cunningham, widow of CNC’s first President
Mike was “a real jack-of-all-trades; he could build, repair, or restore anything.”
--Mrs. Jackie Haskins, first Bookstore Manager
When Mike Cazares joined our Christopher Newport family in the fall of 1964 as our first Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, there was only one building on our new Shoe Lane campus: Christopher Newport Hall. When Mike retired in 1975, there were seven—all of which he had kept in good working condition and the last of which, a greenhouse, he had built himself. All seven of these original buildings have since been demolished, and Mike died in 1994. But those of us who knew him and his devotion to our fledgling college will never forget Mike Cazares, an especially valuable member of our early CNC family.
Mike Could Build Anything
Mike dressed for the 1971 Commencement, with recently opened Wingfield Hall in the background. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cazeres Allard, Mike's youngest child.
The CNC students' fondness for "Big Mike" was stated in this half-page photo and commentary (1969 Trident, p.98).
Money was often tight in CNC' early years, but fortunately, as former Men’s Basketball Coach Bev Vaughan recalled in his essay "Setting the Sail: Launching the Men's Basketball Program," Mike could be counted on to come to our rescue in almost any emergency. The time was December, 1967— shortly before the first basketball game was to be played in the newly opened Ratcliffe Gymnasium:
There was no funding available yet for a traditional scoreboard for the first game, so I asked Mike Cazares … to build one. Several days before the game date, Mike brought his innovative version of a basketball scoreboard to Ratcliffe Gym. It was a piece of plywood, about 3’ x 3’ with “CNC” painted in the upper left-hand corner and “Visitors” painted in the upper right-hand corner. About halfway down on the board was another caption, “Quarters.” Under each heading, there were tracks, constructed of wood, to hold numbers, also constructed of wood. It was somewhat like an information board that hangs up front inside some churches, indicating the various hymns to be sung for a specific service. This handmade scoreboard was mounted 6 – 8 feet above the left side of a wall located at one end of the gym. As the game progressed, a person on a stepladder changed numbers for each category (Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, p. 123).
There was no funding for a traditional scoreboard until the second season, so both the men's and women's basketball teams that first season had to use Mike's handmade scoreboard.
As a public college, CNC was required to purchase office furniture built by prison inmates--very heavy solid wooden desks and chairs. But Mike Cazares had to build our library shelves and office bookcases. In an email Dr. Harold Cones, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology and Environmental Science, wrote: Mike made all the office bookcases in his shop at home....Wherever you went on campus, there was that five foot tall, 30" wide bookcase looking back at you. There were still several of them in the second science building ... when it was torn down to make way for Forbes Hall. Mike also made one for me as a gift for my daughter's room when she was born 40 years ago.
He Could Repair Anything
Recalling his first year in CNC's Chemistry Department (1967- 68), Professor Emeritus Dr. Gary Hammer wrote: Mike Cazares was the entire Building and Grounds Department, a one-man operation. And, believe me, we saw a lot of Mike because of problems with the hoods in [Gosnold Hall's] laboratories. Many were the days when Mike went up on the roof to change fan belts for hoods (“From Dow Chemical to CNC,” in Memories, p. 63).
There was no funding for a traditional scoreboard until the second season, so both the men's and women's basketball teams that first season had to use Mike's handmade scoreboard.
As a public college, CNC was required to purchase office furniture built by prison inmates--very heavy solid wooden desks and chairs. But Mike Cazares had to build our library shelves and office bookcases. In an email Dr. Harold Cones, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology and Environmental Science, wrote: Mike made all the office bookcases in his shop at home....Wherever you went on campus, there was that five foot tall, 30" wide bookcase looking back at you. There were still several of them in the second science building ... when it was torn down to make way for Forbes Hall. Mike also made one for me as a gift for my daughter's room when she was born 40 years ago.
He Could Repair Anything
Recalling his first year in CNC's Chemistry Department (1967- 68), Professor Emeritus Dr. Gary Hammer wrote: Mike Cazares was the entire Building and Grounds Department, a one-man operation. And, believe me, we saw a lot of Mike because of problems with the hoods in [Gosnold Hall's] laboratories. Many were the days when Mike went up on the roof to change fan belts for hoods (“From Dow Chemical to CNC,” in Memories, p. 63).
Dr. Harold Cones sent a memorable example of Mike's talents: About my second year at CNU our building, Gosnold Hall, sprung a leak that made itself known by a puddle of water on the floor. Mike came to take a look and decided there was a bad pipe in the wall. Without measuring or looking at any plans, he walked over to the wall, started hitting the cinder blocks with a hammer, and presto, there was the pipe—and the leak. It amazed me that he knew where everything was on campus, even the stuff in the walls.
Mike working on CNC's alarm system. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cazares Allard.
He Could Restore Anything
Jackie Haskins, our first Bookstore Manager, recalled Mike’s talent in restoring furniture in her essay about CNC's first bookstore, located in Newport Hall across from the Lecture Room: Mike got us our first display case for the bookstore, for $5.00. He found it downtown at Crum’s Bakery, which was moving to a new location and selling its old equipment, and I think he paid for the case out of his own pocket. Mike was very devoted to the college. After removing several coats of white paint from this cabinet, Mike discovered that it was made of solid oak… [It] had a slanted glass front and sliding glass door in back. I used it to house candy bars and crackers as well as notions such as tissues and aspirin. It was a very serviceable piece, probably dating to the turn of the twentieth century (Memories , pp. 157- 58).
He Gave Help Freely
Professor Emeritus of History Dr. Mario Mazzarella wrote: Mike was the first CNC person I met. The school flew me down for an interview in 1969. I landed at then-Patrick Henry Field … and was picked up by Mike. I always remember him as a fine (and good-looking) gentleman. In 1972, when I was going on leave of absence, he saw me moving boxes of books and things out of my office in Christopher Newport Hall (later, McMurran) and jumped in to help me, a typical kindness.
Dr. Harold Cones gave several examples of Mike’s generosity: I always liked Mike and he was a friend to everyone on campus. He was often there on Saturday (no pay on the weekend) and was always willing to drop whatever he was doing to lend a helping hand. When I built my porch, Mike came over on a Saturday and taught me to cut jack rafters, then stayed to help me cut and install them. He would take no money.
Celebrating CNC's Class of 1971, the First Baccalaureate Class
Part 3
By A. Jane Chambers
Class Officers
The 1971 Senior Class President (L) was JON GRIMES, JR. (deceased, 2006), also the 1970 Junior Class President and Chaplain of CNC's first fraternity, Chi Psi Omega. Jon had a very successful career in Information Technology beginning with Forrest Coile & Associates, the Newport News firm that designed the original CNC buildings. The Vice President (R) was WAYNE MARTIN BARRY, who later earned an M.Ed at JMU, M.Div at Catholic Univ. (DC), and an Ed.D. at UVA. His career included juvenile probation officer, school psychologist, educator and Catholic priest. He resigned the active ministry to become husband and father. (Photos: Grimes, 1970 Trident, p. 35; Barry, 1970 Trident, p.34.)
KATHRYN HANSEN (KATHY) GREEN (later SMITH) (L) was Secretary of both the 1970 and 1971 classes, a cheerleader for 3 years, a Trident staff member and a member of the 1st sorority at CNC, Pi Kappa Sigma. She is deceased. Class Treasurer WILLIAM NORMAN (MAC) McGLAUN was also 1970 SGA president and 1971 Honor Committee Chair and Ring Committee Chair. He taught math and science and coached tennis, wrestling, and track & field 7 years at Carver Middle School in Newport News, then worked 30 years for the Federal Government as oceanographer and environmental scientist. (Photes: Green, 1970 Trident, p.35; McGlaun, 1970 Trident, p.51.)
Faculty of Degree-Granting Departments
Biology
Dr. Jean Elizabeth Pugh in the 1971 Trident, p. 18
Dr. JEAN E. PUGH (deceased) was Biology Department Chairman and held the rank of Professor in 1971. She was hired in 1965 specifically to build a department qualified to grant the baccalaureate degree. She received a B.S. at Madison College, then earned an M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Virginia. OTHER BIOLOGY FACULTY (and ranks in 1971): David A. BANKES, Asst. Prof.; Harold N. CONES, Jr., Asst. Prof.; Dr. Robert J. EDWARDS (deceased), Assoc. Prof.; Dr. Aletha S. MARKUSEN (deceased), Assoc. Prof.; Ronald S. MOLLICK, Instructor; Dr. Lee C. OLSON (deceased), Asst. Prof.; Ruth O. SIMMONS (deceased), Asst. Prof.; and E. Spencer WISE (deceased), Asst. Prof.
English
Dr. W. Stephen Sanderlin, Jr. coatless in the 1972 Trident, p. 116
Dr.W. STEPHEN SANDERLIN, Jr. (deceased) was hired in 1961 as Chairman of the English Department and held the rank of Professor in 1971. Like Dr. Pugh, he was expected to build a department qualified to grant the bachelor degree. After receiving his A.B. at the College of William and Mary, he earned his M.A. at Catholic Univ. (DC) and Ph.D. at the Univ. of Virginia. OTHER ENGLISH FACULTY (and ranks in 1971): Dr. Ross C. BRACKNEY (deceased), Assoc. Prof.; A. Jane CHAMBERS, Asst. Prof.; Rita C. HUBBARD (deceased), Instructor; Dr. Albert E. MILLAR, Jr. (deceased), Asst. Prof.; Jean M. REGONE, Instructor; Ursula V. RIDDICK (deceased), Asst. Prof.; Dr. Joyce SANCETTA, Assoc. Prof.; Ronald S. STEWART, Instructor; and Lawrence B. WOOD, Jr., Asst. Prof.
Government
Assistant Professor C. HARVEY WILLIAMS, Jr. (deceased) was Acting Chairman of the Government and Political Science Department in 1971. His degrees were an A.B. from Duke University, B.D. from Crozer Theological Seminary, and M.A. from the University of Virginia. OTHER GOVERNMENT FACULTY (and ranks in 1971): Joseph R. AMBROSE (deceased), Asst. Prof.; Paul C. SHAW, Asst. Prof.; and Dr. William C. WINTER, Assoc. Prof., the department's first Ph.D.
C. Harvey Williams, Jr. in the 1971 Trident, p. 26.
History
1972 Trident, History Club photo, p. 52.
Dr. ROBERT M. (BOB) SAUNDERS (L above) was hired in 1970 as the History Department's first Ph.D., with the rank of Asst. Professor. He was Acting Chairman of the department in 1971. His degrees were B.A. and M.A., Univ. of Richmond, and Ph.D., Univ. of Virginia. OTHER HISTORY FACULTY (and ranks in 1971): Dr. Theodora A. BOSTIC, Asst. Prof. and the department's second Ph.D. ; Richard E. McMURRAN (deceased), Asst. Prof.; Mario D. MAZZARELLA, Instructor; Timothy E. MORGAN, Asst. Prof.; and Robert M. USRY (deceased, 1971), Asst. Prof.
Psychology
Joanne Squires (1972 Trident, p. 121).
Associate Professor JOANNE SQUIRES (deceased) was Acting Chairman of the Psychology Department in 1971 (1972 Trident photo, p. 121). Her degrees were a B.A. from Willamette Univ. and an M.A. from the Univ. of Arizona. OTHER PSYCHOLOGY FACULTY (and ranks in 1971): Elizabeth S, CALDER, Instructor; David E. DOOLEY, Asst. Prof. (deceased); Dr. Ruth K. MULLIKEN (deceased), Assoc. Prof.; Elizabeth A. SMITH, Instructor; and James C. WINDSOR, Assoc. Prof. and Acting CNC President in 1971.
Mike Cazares Honored at '71 Commencement
During his eleven years with the college (1964 - 1975 ) CNC's first Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, MIKE CAZARES, was twice honored at commencements for his exceptional service--first in 1971 and next in 1975. A Letter of Appreciation--signed by President James C. Windsor, Dean Marshall Booker, and SGA President Steve Franklin--was read aloud at the 1971 Commencement, then presented to Mike. Below is a copy of it, courtesy of Sandy Cazares Allard, Mike's daughter.
Mike working on CNC's alarm system. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cazares Allard.
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Published July 16, 2021
When Patch Adams
Recited Wordsworth
in My
Romantic Literature Class
by A. Jane Chambers
I met him first in the hall outside my second floor classroom in Newport Hall, shortly before my Monday night class was to begin. His cousin, one of my students in that class, introduced us. When she called him "Dr. Hunter Adams," he quickly said with a smile, reaching for my hand, "Patch. Just call me Patch."
The year was 1988, a full decade before Robin Williams introduced us to Patch Adams, M.D., by portraying him in the movie PATCH ADAMS, so I knew virtually nothing about this very tall man I had agreed to have as a guest speaker in my British Romantic Literature course. I knew only what my student, his young cousin, had told me a few days before, when she had asked me if she could bring him to our meeting. He was, she had said, a medical doctor, visiting relatives on the Peninsula, and a "very unusual, most interesting man...a genius!" He could recite by heart all of William Wordsworth's "Ode: Intimations of Immortality."
"All 204 lines?" I had asked. "Yes!" she had replied enthusiastically. "Every bit of it! And many other poems as well!" Since we were studying Wordsworth's poetry at that time, I agreed to have him come to recite the "Ode" in my class.
He looked more like an 1960s Hippy than like a medical doctor. He had long hair, pulled back into a pony tail, and a large handlebar mustache, and he sported a colorful pair of suspenders. Thirty-plus years later, having read much about Patch Adams, I know now he was in 1988 forty-two years old, eight years younger than I was then. He looked like his image ten years later in the 1998 photograph above with Robin Williams.
Patch's recitation of Wordsworth's "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" was perfect. It was obvious that he not only knew the wording of all eleven stanzas totaling 204 words but also felt and understood the poem's varying tones and meaning. When he ended, the class applauded enthusiastically.
I had agreed that after the recitation Patch could spend a little time discussing his medical practice in West Virginia and his belief that medical care should be free for everyone. He told how, after completing his M.D. at MCV in Richmond in 1971, he and a small staff of medical friends founded and operated a small, cost-free medical service in the building shown above, which he named the Gesundheit Institute. He also talked briefly about his medical philosophy and how he hoped to build a hospital some day which would charge its patients nothing. He did not ask us to donate to his cause. And then he thanked us for inviting him and left.
Nine years later, in 1997, Patch and a co-author published a book titled Gesundheit!: Bringing Good Health to You, the Medical System, and Society through Physician Service, Complementary Therapies, Humor, and Joy. It was this book that led to the movie PATCH ADAMS. Patch said afterwards that he agreed to the making of this film because he was given the impression that money earned from it would be donated toward the building of his hospital. That did not happen. He also criticized the film as portrayed him as just a funny doctor.
At one time he harshly criticized Robin Williams for making "$21 million for four months of pretending to be me, in a very simplistic version," yet not giving even "$10 to my free hospital." But in another interview, he praised Williams: "I think Robin himself is compassionate, generous and funny. I like to think that that's who I am, and so I think he was the only actor I wanted to play me, and I think he did a fabulous job." When Patch heard the news of the actor's suicide, he sent out a press release dated August 12, 2014 including these comments:
"Robin Williams was a wonderful, kind and generous man .... he never acted as if he was powerful or famous. Instead, he was always tender and welcoming, willing to help others with a smile or a joke. Robin was a brilliant comedian--there is no doubt. He was a compassionate, caring human being....especially kind toward my children when they would visit the set....When he invited me and my family into his home, he valued peace and quiet, a chance to breathe--a chance to get away from the fame that his talent has brought him....This world is not kind to people who become famous, and the fame he had garnered was a nightmare....I'm enormously grateful for his wonderful performance of my early life, which has allowed the Gesundheit Institute to continue and expand our work. We extend our blessings to his family and friends in this moment of sadness....Thank you for all you've given this world Robin, thank you my friend."
Recently now 75-years-old Dr. Patch Adams had to have the lower part of his left leg amputated after three failed operations on his left foot, infected with MRSA. While still recovering in the hospital, he had a video made in which he talked cheerfully about how he might now be called "Stumpy" and how his prosthesis will provide him with opportunities to enjoy new adventures and new fun. If you want to meet him, just watch this short video by holding down your CTRL key and clicking these words: Patch Adams response to losing a leg - Bing video. When the page of videos opens, click the first one on the top row.
Dr. Pugh's biology colleague and close friend HAROLD CONES (photo below L) shared several examples of Jean's generosity: "She bought cars for some, financed trips, and helped many people with projects." Learning that Gosnold Hall's housekeeper "had terrible teeth and was in constant pain, Jean gave her a bus ticket to a dental clinic in N.C.," where she had paid for the woman to receive a full set of dentures. Jean asked her "not to tell anyone" who her benefactor had been. Jean also "donated $10,000 a year to the Biology Department," for "student trips and ... pizza for every senior." Annually, she "made a large donation to the Daily Press Christmas Fund"--not under her name, but that of her little dog, "Tinkerbell."
Jean at her Gosnold Hall desk. 1966 Trident, p. 24.
Harold in his Gosnold office. 1971 Trident, p. 18.
Sam in his Wingfield Hall office. 1972 Trident, p. 121.
Another of Jean's close friends, psychology professor SAM BAUER (photo above R), wrote that she was "extremely generous" but "very much did not want to be recognized for her charities and gifts, which I greatly admired as true charity." He recalled that in the early 1980s, when he and his wife, Karen, moved to an old farm house in Hayes, not far from Jean's home, "in the process of moving and beginning to clear land," they often "had to borrow a truck." When Jean's brother died, "she bought his Toyota pick-up truck and gave it to us, making our lives a lot easier and allowing me to get rid of our old van."
Biology colleague and friend EDWARD WEISS (sadly, now deceased) wrote in 2012: "I was one of the recipients of Jean's generosity. In 1988 I was able to be part of a People to People tour to China for biology instructors. Spouses were allowed to go but the expense was my responsibility....I knew my wife, Marcia, should go but did not have any idea how I could afford to do this. No problem--there was Jean making sure I did the right thing. Always there when needed!"
Jean was exceptionally generous but also "most frugal"-- as shown in this anecdote by former student and close friend DANNY PETERS (photo R): "When Jean offered to give me the 5.5 acres to build my house, I told her I was going to have it surveyed. Her reply was, 'Why are you going to waste your money on this?' " The survey uncovered an error in addition; the land was actually only 4.5 acres. When Danny showed Jean the proof, "She took the original plat to the Commissioner of the Revenue to get back the taxes she had been paying on the non-existent acre for 15 years!"
Danny as a CNC senior. 1971 Trident, p. 117.
HAROLD CONES remembers how Jean loved the 22 cents sales in some stores on George Washington's Birthday: "Jean would do a careful analysis of what was on sale, where it was geographically, both address wise and in the store, and on the morning of the 22nd, Jean, Sam [Bauer], Edward [Weiss] and I would head out early on a sort of Black Friday kind of event." Jean especially wanted hoses for her gardens, and once "the four of us, each limited to five hoses," bought 20 hoses for her in one store at 22 cents each--"among our other purchases. We moved from store to store ...and by 10:00 or so we were finished."
Her Friendship and Sense of Humor
HAROLD CONES recalls that he and his wife "started life in this area living in a trailer." One day Jean told him that "the house next to her house on 60th Street was for rent." They then "lived next to her for two years" and "learned stuff!"--such as her friendship with neighbors. "Jean baked cookies every few weeks--not just a few cookies, but hundreds of cookies--and mixed the dough in a small wash tub. She often called on us to help stir the 25 pounds or so of mix. Everybody in the neighborhood received a pile of cookies on baking Saturdays."
DANNY PETERS wrote: "Jean was a master of jokes and shared them often." One time her major professor at UVa, Dr. Horton Hobbs, asked her to send him a joke "that was easy to remember and clean" for a weekly department meeting. She sent this one: "What happened when the woman backed into the plane's propeller?" Answer: "disaster." Dr. Hobbs told Jean a few days later that no one laughed at her joke. She "couldn't believe it and asked him to repeat everything he said. All was fine until the punch line--Dr. Hobbs said, 'decapitation.' Neither she nor he ever forgot this mistake."
Harold & Jean playing Peek-a-boo. 1970 Trident p. 12.
HAROLD CONES sent this amusing example of Jean's sense of humor: "After Jean moved to Hayes she bought a player piano, the kind that used paper rolls. Whenever the department (then probably eight folks or so) had a party at her house, we all gathered around the piano and sang the words printed on the roll. We always had real difficulty with one particular song. Jean revealed years later that the words were misprinted so that the music and the words did not match, but she didn't tell us because she had so much fun listening to us trying to sing that song."
The close friendship Jean shared with three colleagues in particular is reflected in this brief account by HAROLD CONES of how the group gave themselves a special nickname: "One year many years ago, Jean, Sam Bauer, Ed Weiss and I traveled very early in the morning to Madison College for a conference (a very, very poor biology conference) .... All we could receive on the car radio was a fire and brimstone sermon by Brother Green, who told us all about picking fruit from the tree of life. His metaphors were so outlandish we laughed for hours. From that point on, the four of us called ourselves 'The Bro.' "
Celebrating CNC's Class of 1971, the First Baccalaureate Class
Part 1
by A. Jane Chambers
The 1971 Class of Christopher Newport College of the College of William and Mary in Virginia would be celebrating its 50th Reunion on the CNU campus this month (on May 7th) were our planet not still battling Covid-19. But we will celebrate that Class of 1971 here, beginning this May of, 2021, by recalling various ways in which the word first applies to the class. The photo above, from page 124 of the CNC Trident, shows some of the degree candidates marching toward Ratcliffe Gymnasium, and the one below, also from that page, shows the procession inside Ratcliffe, led by Dean of Students William H. (Bill) Polis.
From the beginning, the goal of CNC's first leader, H. Westcott Cunningham, was not merely to build a very successful two-year branch of The College of William and Mary (his alma mater), but also to prepare that junior college to transition into an outstanding senior college. Thus, in 1963 he hired English professor Dr. W. Stephen Sanderlin to chair the English Department and lead its development of a BA degree in English, and in 1965 he hired Dr. Jean E. Pugh to head the Biology Department and lead it quickly into a position to offer a BS degree in biology. Additional highly qualified PhDs were hired in major fields in the later 1960s, so that by academic year 1970-71, CNC was ready to award baccalaureate degrees in five fields: English, history, government, psychology, and business.
The seniors expecting to receive baccalaureate degrees in June of 1971 found themselves needing much more time in the office of Registrar Mrs. Jane Pillow than usual. She had the burdens of counting course hours, computing grade point averages, sending transcripts to graduate schools, and ordering academic regalia and invitations. Every bachelor degree candidate needed her help in planning for graduation. To show their gratitude, the Tridentstaff, which included many seniors and was headed by senior Dinah Everett, dedicated the yearbook to Mrs. Pillow, pictured here with degree candidates (1971 Trident, p. 13).
The 1971 commencement program at CNC was the first program that had more than one page! More importantly, however, the 1971 program was the first one to include an image of CNC's first four-year college seal. It was designed by student Kenneth Michael Flick, who won a campus contest in 1969-70 to create a new seal. Ken submitted the drawing (below left) which began with his copying the historically accurate image of Captain Christopher Newport (below right) that dominates the 27-foot-long mural painted in 1957 by Hampton artist Allan D. Jones, Jr. Located in West Avenue Library in Newport News, which closed to the public in 2014, this mural depicting the 1607 landing in Virginia should be relocated now so that it can again be seen by the public.
Ken Flick added to his sketch a ship's wheel, held by Newport with his right hook and left hand. He based the wheel on the pilot's wheel on the seal of the City of Newport News, symbolizing the area's shipbuilding and seafaring history. Finally, Ken put three historically important images within the wheel. Top left is the Wren Building, from the seal of The College of William and Mary--a reminder of CNC's beginning as a two-year branch of W&M. To the right of that is the central image from CNC's first seal, with the date 1960, the year CNC was established by the General Assembly. And at the bottom is an image of the three ships that Newport commanded, also based on the Jones mural. Together, the three images, Ken says, "show the ties" of CNC "to the community, education, and history." Circling these three symbols are the words "Christopher Newport College."
The U.S. Continental Army Band, based at Fort Monroe, participated for the first time in a CNC commencement on June 12, 1971, and Mills E. Godwin, Jr. gave the commencement address--the firstgovernor of Virginia to do so (photo left below). Graduates also had their degrees handed to them by President James C. Windsor, then serving his first year as CNC's second president. Senior Wayne M. Barry received the first four-year degree (photo below right) --"just because," he said, "mine was the firstsurname on the alphabetized list." Both photos are from page 125 of the 1971 Trident.
In offering the baccalaureate degree in 1971, CNC did not turn away from those students seeking the associate degree, as shown on the below list of candidates in the June 12th program. It continued to offer both degree levels for a number of years.
The back of the program listed the senior class officers: President, Jon Grimes, Jr.; Vice President, Wayne M. Barry; Secretary, Kathryn H. Green; and Treasurer, William N. MacGlaun.
There was also a summer commencement on August 2Oth, which will be included in Part 2 of this article--along with more firsts and more pictures. We will welcome additional commencement 1971 photographs!
Following the June 12th commencement in 1971 there was a second one on August 20. Below is that program.
The First Four-Year Ring
Covered in Part 1 here was the creation of CNC's new college seal, designed by student Kenneth Flick (photo R) and subsequently used on the front pages of the 1971 June and August commencement programs. In the spring of 1970, a Ring Committee was formed to create a new ring for the first baccalaureate class. Committee member Ken Flick submitted a ring design that the committee immediately approved. His design choice for the top of the ring was the same as that used earlier for CNC's Associate of Arts (AA) degree: a stone with the words "Christopher Newport College" (photo R). The three ring photos here were made by Ken, using his own ring, from the class of 1972--identical to the 1971 ring except for the date.
Ken Flick as CNC freshman. 1968 Trident, p. 90.
Ken's designs for the two sides of the four-year ring can be seen in the photos below. On one side (photo L below) was the same image of the upper body of Captain Newport that appeared on the larger college seal Ken had created--Christopher Newport holding the ship's wheel with his left hand and right hook. Added also was a compass at the bottom. The graduation date above the captain's head is 19 (L) and 72 (R)--Ken's class.
Ken's design for the other side of the ring was originally an image of CNC's first building, Christopher Newport Hall. However, the ring company was unable to reproduce the details of that building’s design, so suggested that "a ship's wheel replace the academic building" and "a ship's anchor be added behind the wheel." Ken used (photo R above) the ship's wheel that he had designed as the CNC seal, with three sections, and behind it a ship's anchor. On the top on this side of the ring are the letters giving the student's bachelor degree (in Ken's case, BA).
Another fact Ken recalls about this first baccalaureate ring is that "our men's rings weighed a hefty 29 penny weight, one penny weight heavier than VMI's," then the largest men's college ring in Virginia. The Ring Committee chose this extra weight, Ken says, for this reason: "Since CNC did not have the largest campus, the largest library, or the largest student population, it should at least have the largest men's ring" among Virginia's colleges and universities. This ring continued to be CNC's four-year ring for many years. Does anyone know when it was replaced?
Some "First" Bachelor Degree Recipients
At least two recipients of CNC's Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in 1971 deserve "first" titles. CATHERINE SYLVIA CURTIS JOHNSON (photo L above) was the first Black student to earn a four-year degree at CNC, in psychology. Also, she went on to earn an MA in guidance and counseling at Hampton U and then a JD at William & Mary’s prestigious Marshall Wythe Law School—the first in her class to earn that law degree. She became an attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia.
WILLIAM KEITH KAHLE (photo R above) was CNC's first BS degree recipient (biology) to become a medical doctor, earning his MD at UVA. He served as an orthopedic surgeon in the U.S. Air Force for twenty years, retiring in 1991 as Lt. Col. Then he practiced spine surgery with Dean Health System in Madison, WI
At leastthree Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) recipients in the 1971 class also deserve "first" titles. MARTHA L. (MARTY) MUGUIRA (sadly, deceased in 2012)was CNC's first Latina BA degree graduate (photo L above). After earning her BA at CNC in psychology, she earned a MS.Ed at ODU and an Ed.S at William and Mary. In 1991 she became the first of her CNC class to earn also an Ed.D at William and Mary. She had a long career as counselor, family therapist, psychotherapist (even had a bilingual private practice) and was an assistant professor and counselor at ODU from 1994 to 2005. During her fatal illness, she wrote and published a book of her memoirs.
By completing the ROTC program at William and Mary while also completing his BA degree work at CNC, WILLIAM H. (BILL) MANN, JR. (photo R above) became the first CNC graduate to earn the military commission of Second Lieutenant in the Army. He then served two years actively at Fort Carson, Colorado (1971-73), followed by 14 years (1973 - 87) in the Army Reserve as a Captain. A career in human relations culminated in Bill’s being Executive Director of the Greater Peninsula Workforce Development Consortium.
After earning his BA in English at CNC, ROBERT C. (BOB) SCHLAGAL completed his MA in English at UVA, and then became the first in his 1971 class to earn a Ph.D. at UVA, in Language, Literature, and Pedagogy. After 10 years of teaching at two colleges, in 1992 he joined the faculty at Appalachian State College, where he served until retirement as Professor of Language, Reading, and Exceptionalities.
I used the phrase “at least” here because there are over a dozen members of this first baccalaureate class for whom I have no information because they have not yet been located or have been reported as deceased. They will be listed in the next article about the Class of 1971.
Dr. Jean Pugh was one of those rare, remarkable people who provide a pivotal presence in the lives of others by simply representing the reach of possibility. Among my favorite memories are the simplest of interactions--botany walks through the CNC neighborhoods, clean-up mornings on her farm lawns, bus trips with the basketball team, even those relentless Friday quizzes--but most of all that smile....many [of us] were enriched by the time we shared with her on this precious green planet.
Brenda Burnette Tagge (CNC alumna)
CNC Supporter Extraordinaire
First basketball coach Pugh (far left) with CNC's first Women's Basketball Team, in temporary uniforms. 1969 Trident, p.97.
Colleague DR. MARY LU ROYALL wrote that as Coach of the first Women's BasketballTeam (1968-69), Dr. Pugh "was promised $500 for ... this additional duty, but at the end of the season, Dean Jim Windsor told her there was no money available, so she didn't receive anything for her efforts--except the satisfaction of having helped the team and the College ....The costs of basketball uniforms and other expenses that first year were paid out of Jean Pugh's pocket. The first uniforms were white blouses embroidered on the front with CNC and the players' numbers in blue (photo above). Jean purchased the shirts and paid a little old lady in Gloucester to embroider the letters and numbers. The blue shorts worn by team members were part of their physical education uniform" (Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, pp. 105-06).
DR. JEAN ELIZABETH PUGH (1928 - 2012) joined the CNC faculty in its fifth year (1965 - 66)--the second permanent member with a Ph. D. Then Director H. Westcott (Scotty) Cunningham hired her to head the Biology Department and lead it quickly into a position to offer a BS degree in biology--just as, four years earlier, he had hired Dr. Wallace Stephen (Steve) Sanderlin, Jr. (1921 - 2010)--CNC's first Ph.D.-- to chair the English Department and lead its development of a BA degree in English. Like Steve, Jean was a Tidewater native, had earned her PhD at UVA, and was lured away from Old Dominion College (now ODU) by Cunningham.
The 1971 commencement program at CNC was the first program that had more than one page! More importantly, however, the 1971 program was the first one to include an image of CNC's first four-year college seal. It was designed by student Kenneth Michael Flick, who won a campus contest in 1969-70 to create a new seal. Ken submitted the drawing (below left) which began with his copying the historically accurate image of Captain Christopher Newport (below right) that dominates the 27-foot-long mural painted in 1957 by Hampton artist Allan D. Jones, Jr. Located in West Avenue Library in Newport News, which closed to the public in 2014, this mural depicting the 1607 landing in Virginia should be relocated now so that it can again be seen by the public.
Initial Encounters
In July 1967, young HAROLD CONES, in his "very best gray-striped seersucker suit and tie," entered Gosnold Hall for his job interview with Dr. Jean Pugh, whom he recalled thus: "Like a hurricane, the office door burst open and a figure in red shorts moved quickly into the end office and yelled in a very authoritative voice, 'Are you here for the interview? Get in here. I don't have much time.' My interview took place ... while she ate a cheeseburger during a break in a summer school class .... I have no idea today what we talked about ... but I felt an instant liking for [her] ... and I hoped all would turn out well for me. And it did" (Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, p. 57). They became both colleagues and close friends.
Some years later, biology department chair DR. HAROLD CONES recalled "interviewing a very prim and proper candidate for biology's secretarial position. I had just said, 'You might hear some things that are a bit strong, so I want to warn you.' As if on cue, Jean came bursting through the outer door, yelling, 'Shit! Why in the Hell can't these God-damned students study!' and slammed her office door. All I could say was, 'Sort of like that.' "
Alumna DALTON KELLEY BLANKENSHIP remembered her first day in Biology 101, in 1965, thus: "I was totally unprepared for this dynamic onslaught of a personality! 'This is college people! Get used to it!' And we did. What a presence! I was just not quite ready for college, or hard work--which she required--and I produced--under duress. She was born to teach. We all knew that as soon as we met her. I was just not mature enough at the time to realize what her teaching meant to her, or to me."
Alumnus KENNETH FLICK shared his memory: "It was a Thursday morning at 8:00, my first day as a freshman at CNC. I was in the biology lab, getting to know my lab partner, when Dr. Pugh walked in with one of her lab assistants. In their hands were stacks of trays. She took a drag off her cigarette, a sip of her cola, and loudly said, 'I'm Dr. Jean Pugh. This is Biology Lab 101. If you are not signed up for this lab, get out!' She then put the trays down and added, 'Here are the frogs. Go to it!' "
Biology 101 lab student examines a dissected frog in a tray held by her lab partner. 1971 Trident, p. 85.
Students and Colleagues Remember
Biology Professor Dr. Jean Pugh
Part 2
by A. Jane Chambers
Dr. Jean Pugh was one of those rare, remarkable people who provide a pivotal presence in the lives of others by simply representing the reach of possibility. Among my favorite memories are the simplest of interactions--botany walks through the CNC neighborhoods, clean-up mornings on her farm lawns, bus trips with the basketball team, even those relentless Friday quizzes--but most of all that smile....many [of us] were enriched by the time we shared with her on this precious green planet.
Brenda Burnette Tagge (CNC alumna)
CNC Supporter Extraordinaire
First basketball coach Pugh (far left) with CNC's first Women's Basketball Team, in temporary uniforms. 1969 Trident, p.97.
Colleague DR. MARY LU ROYALL wrote that as Coach of the first Women's BasketballTeam (1968-69), Dr. Pugh "was promised $500 for ... this additional duty, but at the end of the season, Dean Jim Windsor told her there was no money available, so she didn't receive anything for her efforts--except the satisfaction of having helped the team and the College ....The costs of basketball uniforms and other expenses that first year were paid out of Jean Pugh's pocket. The first uniforms were white blouses embroidered on the front with CNC and the players' numbers in blue (photo above). Jean purchased the shirts and paid a little old lady in Gloucester to embroider the letters and numbers. The blue shorts worn by team members were part of their physical education uniform" (Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, pp. 105-06).
Alumna TERRY GOODING, who later played for the ODC Lady Monarchs, remembered an unforgettable personal encounter with Dr. Pugh, her first basketball coach and one of her favorite CNC professors: "At that time we were still playing six girls on a team with stationary and rover positions...at basketball practice, she was emphasizing the effectiveness of setting screens--getting in a position to impede a player's movement. I was playing stationary guard at mid court. A teammate passed me the ball and I turned to drive down the court. No one told me Dr. Pugh had set a screen on me, [so] Kapow! I ran full force into her. She stood her ground, but paid the price with a monster black eye that stayed with her for days. We laughed about that years later."
Dr. Pugh doctoring field hockey player Patsy Phelps (now Perkins). 1968 Trident, p. 9.
Before the College had its first bus, the used and sometimes unreliable "Blue Goose," Jean helped provide transportation for both the first Women's Field Hockey team (1967-68), coached by Lil Seats, and the first Women's Basketball team--driving players to and from games in her own car. If a player was injured during a game (photo above), it was often Jean also who performed first aid on her. (colleague A. Jane Chambers)
Biology colleague and Jean's close friend HAROLD CONES sent this amusing memory: "In 1968 or 1969 there was a faculty talent show. Tiny Tim was the person of interest at the time, so we decided to work him into the talent show. Picture this: Dark Gym. Spotlight. Into the spotlight I stepped. I moved slowly across the floor, singing 'Tiptoe through the Tulips.' As I approached a poor representation of three closed flowers, they slowly opened, revealing Jean and two of our colleagues. I would like to think it was pretty cool, but as I look back on it, it was probably pretty bad--but, we won the contest."
Colleague BARRY WOOD wrote: "Under President John Anderson (1980-86), Jean Pugh was annually elected by the Faculty as Faculty Representative to the Board of Visitors. At that time, I served as Secretary to the Board of Visitors. That Jean was chosen over and over again always seemed to me to demonstrate that the Faculty wanted to be heard and to be understood by the Board and they knew, above all else, that Jean's speech was neither soft nor timid. Even if she were in the proverbial Lion's Den, she would announce herself forth rightfully. For years, I recorded her hand-pounding speeches in the "Open" sessions of the Board, and then had to put my pen aside in the "Closed" sessions, where President Anderson often had to take her voice under the control of his comedic detachment."
Jean as Spiritual Leader of the CNC Biological Society. 1971 Trident, p. 42.
Jean contributed substantially to campus-wide beautification in the early decades, when there was no money for professional landscaping. As HAROLD CONES wrote in Memories of Christopher Newport College: "Almost from the minute I arrived, I joined Jean Pugh, Ron Mollick, and several students in a campus-wide landscaping effort that occupied many Saturday mornings....There existed only one professionally landscaped area on campus, the azalea garden in front of the president's office. Each Saturday, an azalea or two was removed from that garden and moved to the front of Gosnold. The beautiful azalea display each spring in front of Gosnold [was] testimonial to the president's garden and the selective replanting done by the Saturday group" (pp. 223-224).
By the time the first biology majors were in their senior year (1970-71), there was a Biological Society, which did much landscaping with Dr. Pugh as its Spiritual Leader, Dr. Bankes as its Physical Leader, and biology major Danny Peters as its Emperor. This student-faculty group installed nearly all the landscaping around the first buildings, with Jean Pugh contributing not only her time, muscle power, and red truck, but also most of the money for purchasing plants, mulch, fertilizer and so forth. Among the major landscape acquisitions which Jean made possible were 50 camellias, donated by a camellia specialist who died in Hampton, and a large number of sugar maple trees. ( A. Jane Chambers)
Dr. Pugh (L), student Danny Peters (M), & (possibly) Dr. David Bankes planting a bush on campus. 1971 Trident, p.43.
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Published May 7, 2021
Dramatic Workshop Series, No. 2
CNC's First Dramatic Productions:
"Spring—1622" and "Cold Harbor—1864"
Part 2: Fort Eustis and Memories
by A. Jane Chambers
with Dramatic Workshop Scrapbook materials
The very successful production of "Spring—1622" and "Cold Harbor—1864" at CNC on February 26, 1965 was followed by an exciting and historical evening at Fort Eustis on March 4, when the Dramatic Workshop students repeated their CNC program at an off-campus venue before a military audience. Workshop student Norman Blankenship recalls "the thrill of being invited" to the Army base, where the students performed at the Studio Theater, a much more professional venue than CNC's Lecture Hall. Performing at Eustis was, he remembers, "a powerful experience for all of the cast and crew."
The large photograph above was made at the Studio Theater at Fort Eustis, where CNC's Dramatic Workshop students were relaxing on the afternoon of March 4, 1965, apparently before or after rehearsals. The unknown photographer took this picture from the stage. The hospitality the visiting Workshop students enjoyed at the Army base is apparent in the tables and chairs provided and the many paper cups in the photo, visible also to the far right at a beverage station. No doubt some of the people in this photo are Eustis personnel hosting the CNC group.
The object on the stage in the foreground is a prop representing a tree stump. Of the two women sitting on the edge of the stage, the lady on the right, with her left hand on her face, is Frances Kitchin, the Director of the Dramatic Workshop. The other woman has not yet been identified. Two of the three men sitting at the table in front of Mrs. Kitchin have been identified. Workshop student Dave Ahearn recognized student actor Perry DePue, who verified he was "the person visible to the right of Mrs. Kitchin." Perry is wearing a dark sweater and only half of his face is visible. Perry also thinks "the fellow to my right is Ron Hunt," another Workshop actor, facing the camera. Readers who recognize other people in this picture are encouraged to contact us (email addresses below).
The program above gives us valuable historical information I have not found elsewhere: the date of the Fort Eustis presentation, the names of the dramatic characters, the scenes, and details about the plays including copyright dates, earlier productions, and recent honors. At this time, I have found no copies of either play. Anyone who has a copy or copies is encouraged to contact us (addresses below).
Two male students had roles in both of the one-act plays: Larry Herman and Ron Hampton. StudentJay Warren's memory explains that situation: I was hanging around the Student Activities Room when the Dramatics Workshop was starting up and Scottie Fitzgerald and Pat Henry ganged up on me because they needed more men for the plays....I qualified because I only had one "X" chromosome. I have no skill for rote memory and as a consequence was unable to learn my lines and created great frustration for Mrs. Kitchin and the rest of the cast. The Dramatic Workshop needed non-actors too, however, so Jay was put in charge of properties for these first productions.
The Scrapbook picture above came from the March 10, 1965 Captain's Log (Vol. 2, Issue 3, p. 4). Poor quality reproduction of photos in the very early Captain's Log issues occurred often. Having seen some of the original photos used, I know that the problem was not the pictures but the publication of them. Also, newsprint over 50 years old does not age well either.
Folk music was very popular in the early 1960s. The musical entertainment between the two plays featured CNC singers who played the guitar (Ann Marion) and the banjo (Dave Ahearn), and singers who did not play instruments, Judye Fuller (now Schneider) and Curtiss Pittman. In recalling her experiences singing in this group, Judye (1965 Trident photo) wrote: I don't recall a lot about these performances but I do remember we had fun overall in being in the workshop. We performed once when I was to sing a duet and the other singer stopped on one verse and I had to do it alone. It was nerve wracking!
The duet Judye remembers was described in that March 10, 1965 Captain's Log issue thus: " 'Autumn to May,' was done as a solo by Curtiss Pittman, joined by Judye Fuller in the chorus and accompanied by Ann Marion on the guitar and David Ahearn on the banjo." Curtiss (1965 Trident photo) recalls that he made it through the first verse and then went blank. There was a 3-4 cord interlude between verses which Ann played on the guitar. She played once, twice, and by the third time was leaning forward whispering the words to me. Finally heard her and got through my debut.
Not long after his nervous debut, Curtiss wrote, he learned to play the guitar and became lead singer in two local folk groups. "Even got an offer to tour with Up With People," he wrote. "But alas my Uncle Sam called and said: 'Take this rifle, kid, and gimme that guitar.' " So ended his budding musical career.
Off stage awaiting their cue in the Fort Eustis theater (photo above) are "Cold Harbor" actors Larry Herman (as a Confederate soldier) and Norman Blankenship (as a wounded Union soldier). All photographs in this article are from Dalton Kelley Blankenship's Dramatic Workshop Scrapbook.
The first plays produced by students in CNC's first theatrical group, were two one-act historical dramas written and copyrighted by Frances Kitchin, director of CNC's Dramatic Workshop and wife of CNC English and speech instructor William W. Kitchin. Both plays had been performed at other venues earlier and had won awards. Workshop member Norman Blankenship recalls that Frances Kitchin was "a true theater professional and a gracious lady" and that "the only reason we were able to perform 'Spring—1622' and 'Cold Harbor—1864’ was that Mrs. Kitchin had written them"--thus the group did not have to adhere to "rights and royalties."
Director Frances Kitchin gives her Dramatic Workshop students some last minute pointers before their February 26, 1965 opening performance at CNC.
The two dramas were excellent choices for CNC's theatrical debut on Friday evening, February 26, 1965 in Christopher Newport Hall's Lecture Room. Each was based upon brutal historical events in Virginia that had occurred relatively close to Newport News and about which most educated Virginians had some knowledge.
The title and setting of "Spring—1622," described in the program (cover right) as "a few miles outside Jamestown," allude to the Indian Massacre of 1622--a daylight slaughter of colonists--men, women and children--on March 22, 1622. Powhatan warriors suddenly attacked English settlements all up and down the James River in retaliation for similar violent acts the colonists had committed against them. They burned and looted the settlements and killed 347 colonists--then 25% of the English population of Virginia. Warned of the pending attack by colonist Richard Pace, who was warned by an Indian youth living at his home, Jamestown had time to increase its defenses and was fortunately spared (Wikipedia).
The title of “Cold Harbor—1864" and the setting, anevening "behind Confederate lines" at "an isolated guard post,” allude to the Civil War's Battle of Cold Harbor (May 31 - June 12)--one of the "bloodiest, most lopsided battles" of that war. Union Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, attempting to reach Richmond, ordered “a hopeless frontal assault against the fortified positions of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's army" near what is now Mechanicsville, VA. Approximately 7,000 Union soldiers and 1,500 Confederate ones were killed (Wikipedia). Grant later wrote in his memoirs, "I regret this assault more than any one I have ever ordered."
THE PERFORMANCES AT CNC
CNC’s one-act plays of course did not stage the historical events described above, but depicted how they might have influenced the lives of some people during those periods. The March 10, 1965 article below from CNC’s student newspaper, The Captain’s Log (Vol. 2, Issue 3, p. 1), included the names of all the student actors, directors, musicians and others involved in presenting “Spring—1622” and “Cold Harbor—1864” and called the performances “a tremendous success.”
In the 1964-65 academic year, the only building on the CNC campus on Shoe Lane was the first one: Christopher Newport Hall. The Lecture Hall in Newport was where these first two plays were performed. With theater-like tiered seating for about 225 people, the hall was used for numerous events: class lectures, faculty meetings, community events and, beginning in 1965, commencements and theatrical performances. There was no elevated stage—just a floor area at the front of the room. “Cold Harbor” actor Norman Blankenship remembers that since the audience “was right at the edge of the stage,” the student actors “thought we were ‘avant garde’ even though we really did not know what that meant.” Behind this “stage,” Norman recalls, was “a small supply room,” very narrow, which doubled as “backstage” for scene and costume changes—fortunately, in these first plays, quite minimal.
Not only were the two plays CNC’s first dramatic productions, they were also CNC’s first dramas to be performed at an off-campus venue: the Army base Fort Eustis, located in upper Newport News. The above photograph with a caption probably appeared in one of the newspapers printed then by the Daily Press—most likely, the afternoon paper, The Times-Herald, which almost exclusively covered CNC news in the college’s early decades. Part 2 of this article, to be published January 29, 2021, will cover the Fort Eustis performances of “Spring—1622” and “Cold Harbor—1864,” with photos and memories of some of the students involved in that historic event.
Graham Pillow (A.B. and M.T.S., W&M), originally hired to teach physics in CNC's second year (1962-63), brought our young college into the computer world in the mid-1960s, at its new location on Shoe Lane. As assistant professor of math and computers (1971 Trident photo, p. 21), he was given space on the first floor of Newport Hall for equipment mysterious to most of us faculty and staff members. There he set up CNC's first Computer Center. “We had no computing power on site,” Graham recalled, so “all programs were submitted to the William and Mary computers over dedicated data lines.”
The Computer Center had the only air conditioning in Newport Hall for several years, required because the equipment could not tolerate any humidity, On extremely hot days, especially during Summer Sessions, some of us teaching in Newport Hall would manufacture lame excuses for stopping by the Center so that we could cool off for awhile.
A crucial early task Graham undertook for the College was that of helping the Office of Admissions and Registration handle registration and class rolls in a faster, more modern way. Everything did not always go smoothly at first, however. As his wife, Registrar Jane Pillow, recalled (1970 Trident photo, p. 15) : “one of the first printouts Graham brought to the office, a list of all CNC students, created great excitement—until it was discovered that the listing was in social security, rather than alphabetical, order" (Memories of Christopher Newport College, p. 147).
Computer cards filled with holes became a familiar sight on our campus. The cards used at CNC (photo right) were sent to me courtesy of Dr. Sam Bauer, Professor Emeritus of Psychology. The CNC seal on them was adopted in 1970. When I asked Graham about the different colors of these, he wrote, “The plain cards were for student use in computer classes. Brown cards were significant because they represented student data for Registrar records. I think the red cards were used for programs submitted by myself or the ladies who worked for me."
Regarding the bulky machine in the photo shown left below, Graham wrote, “That is a keypunch machine … used to punch characters in a card which is then read into a computer by a card reader. If you had one of these machines now it would be an antique. When I was later Director of Medical Computing at the University of Virginia, we had three shifts of keypunch operators (55 people) who punched every patient charge sent down by nurses, techs, and doctors into a card using these machines. The cards were then sorted by a card sorter by patient name and then read into the computer in groups of over a thousand cards. Things sure have changed.”
Graham quickly became Chair of Computer Studies at CNC. The photo top left (1969Trident, p. 25) shows him working at the Computer Center's keypunch machine, described above. The other photo (1971 Trident, p. 21), is of Hugh C. Hilliard, Jr. (B.S., VPI; M.S., Harvard), who joined the faculty in 1970 as instructor of math and computers. Hugh assisted Graham with designing CNC’s first interdependent B.S. degree, Management Information Science (MIS), which required courses in business, psychology, and computer science. The 1971 CNC Catalog listed 6 courses under Computer Management, involving programming using RPG, COBOL, FORTRAN, and PL/1.
The first MIS degrees were awarded in 1972 to four students:Lorraine Farquhar Armstrong, Davis Wray Martin, Wilma Jean Riden (now Moore), and Thaddeus Joseph Schatzel. Wilma is the only one of these four thus far located. Can you help us locate any of the others? The BS: MIS degree was eventually replaced by the Bachelor of Science in Information Science degree (BSIS).
Jane Carney Pillow lost her battle with cancer on August 9, 2009. Graham Pillow lost his battle with Covid-19 on November 13, 2020. We have not been able to locate Hugh Hilliard.
NOTE: Some of this material appeared originally in "The People Within: Smith Hall in 1967," in Memories of Christopher Newport College, the First Decade, 1961-1971, by A.J. Chambers, R.C. Hubbard, & L.B. Wood, Jr.
Like virtually every organization and activity at Christopher Newport College, theater at CNC began with the students--actually one student--in the academic year 1964-65. It was the fourth year of the new school's existence and the first year on the "Shoe Lane Campus," which had only one building completed, Newport Hall, and a second under construction, Gosnold Hall.
The Dramatic Workshop (1964-66)
A Captain's Log article titled "CNC Instructor's Wife Heads Dramatics Club," published March 10, 1965, gives the origin of the Dramatic Workshop: The original idea...was conceived last October [1964] when Scottie Fitzgerald spoke of her desire for some type of dramatic organization at CNC to Mr. Kitchin. Mr. Kitchin then told his wife of the idea whereupon she called a meeting the next week, to begin dramatic work at CNC (Vol. 2, Issue 3, p. 4). Having a theater club at CNC was readily approved by then Director (later, President) H. Westcott Cunningham.
The photo left, from page 37 of the 1965 Trident, is that of Kathie Scott (Scottie) Fitzgerald, a young married sophomore whose talk with Bill Kitchin (photo right) led to formation of the Dramatic Workshop. A very active student leader, Kathie was the Student Government Association President in 1964-65. Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate her. William Willis (Bill) Kitchin had just joined the faculty that year as an instructor of English and speech. He left CNC sometime before 1970 to accept another position elsewhere. His photo is from page 23 of the 1966 Trident.
Bill's wife, Frances Kitchin, described in the Captain's Log article cited above as “director, producer, and author of some of the plays that will be presented,” had a background in playwriting, acting, and teaching drama. Thus she was an ideal person to lead CNC's fledgling drama program. The photo of her on the right is from page 51 of the 1966 Trident. I do not know whether Frances worked voluntarily with the students or received a small stipend from the college. She was not a member of the faculty. She left CNC with Bill and died not long after that.
Student officers of the Dramatic Workshop the first year (1964-65) were President: Gwendolyn Fay (Gwen) Seidler Stevens (who died from Parkinson's disease in 2015, shortly after she joyfully attended her 50th Reunion at CNC with one of her sons); VP: Judith H. (Judye) Fuller Schneider (now living in Colorado); Sec: Ronald H. (Ron) Hunt ( who lives in Richmond and has an article on our website about living with Mr. Usry);Treas: Julia Ann (Judy) Osborne (not yet located) and Librarian: Carolyn (Carol) Riley (not yet located).
Dalton Blankenship's Historic Scrapbook
Two of the most dedicated members of the Dramatic Workshop were sweethearts since high school Dalton Kelley and Norman Blankenship, who married in 1967. They have been dedicated CNC First Decaders since our group's first grand weekend reunion at CNU on September 16 & 17, 2011. When Dalton told me she still had a Dramatic Workshop scrapbook she had created, I asked to see it (title page photo left). I was impressed by her collection of photos, playbills, newspaper clippings and other items that preserved much of the history of CNC's first dramatic club.
On one of their annual trips to Newport News, the Blankenships met me for lunch at the Crab Shack Restaurant on the James River (photo right) and turned the scrapbook over to me so that its contents could be copied and preserved on a compact disc (CD). Having the necessary professional quality equipment and technical skills for that task, our CNC First Decaders webmaster, Ron Lowder, carefully dismantled the scrapbook, photographed each fragile page, created the CD, and reassembled the scrapbook. He then returned the scrapbook to me, along with the CD, and I eventually got the scrapbook back to the Blankenships at another reunion. This article begins a series based largely on that material.
The above photos are of rehearsals for two one-act prize winning plays written by Frances Kitchen that were the first plays performed by the Dramatic Workshop students, in February of 1965. The first picture (left) is from page 32 of the 1965 Trident, which did not identify the students or the play being rehearsed. Dalton's scrapbook includes this same picture, but also identifies the actors as (L-R) Gwen Seidler, Pat Henry, Scottie Fitzgerald, Carol Riley, & Ronnie Hunt and the play as "Spring--1622," set in the Jamestown Colony. Pat (Patsy) Henry Buckingham is deceased. Scottie and Carol have not yet been located.
The photo on the right is one of several glossy 8 x 10 pictures in the scrapbook that I have seen nowhere else. It shows a dress rehearsal of "Cold Harbor--1864," set in Civil War Virginia. The actors are (L-R) Julie Osborne, Gwen Seidler, Rob Hampton, & (on the floor) Norman Blankenship, playing a wounded Union soldier. Julie and Rob have not yet been located. These two photos demonstrate the historical value of the scrapbook.
When I first learned about her scrapbook, Dalton Blankenship told me that she was “the unofficial historian” of CNC’s Dramatic Workshop. I think she actually deserves the title of official historian of those first two years of student drama, for nowhere at Christopher Newport University, to my knowledge—nor in any of the 3 books thus far published about the history of CNC/CNU—have I seen the amount of historical information about CNC’s Dramatic Workshop that she has documented in this scrapbook.
The photographs and some of the material in this article appeared earlier in my First Decade History website article entitled Dalton's Historical Scrapbook, published in May, 2014.
The St. Louis Cardinals scorecard (below left) sold at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, is dated 1955--the year James Samuel (Sam) McIntyre graduated from Hampton High School, joined the St. Louis Cardinals farm system, and began a career of six years as a minor league baseball player. After his baseball career he served in the U.S. military, then entered CNC as a freshman in the fall of 1962. The photo of Sam below is from the first CNC yearbook, the 1964 Trident. He received his A.A. degree at the June 4, 1964, commencement held in the old Daniel Elementary School building in downtown Newport News, CNC's first home.
Not until I read the Chris's Crier article "Pro Athlete at CNC," by Brook Treakle, did I know that CNC First Decader Sam McIntyre was once a professional baseball player. He never mentioned that fact to me. The December 7, 1962, article's opening paragraph states that while enrolled at CNC then-freshman Sam, "a Gloucester county native," was living in Buckroe "with his wife, the former Lenore Clarke" [still his wife in 2020] and that during his Hampton High years he was "active in basketball, baseball, and band" and in the summers played baseball "for American Legion Post 31," which twice voted him "Most Valuable Player."
Right after high school, Sam signed on with the Cardinals for $4000, equivalent in purchasing power to about $38,525 in 2020--quite a lot of money then, especially for a boy of 17 or 18. The Cardinals sent him first to Hazlehurst, Georgia, then later that season to Decatur, Illinois. According to the Crier article, that first season for Sam was "frustrating." He played third base, and "his .211 batting average failed to impress the Cardinal organization."
His career improved greatly, however, when his position changed to pitcher. His second season, 1956, Sam was sent back to Hazlehurst, where he "won ten games...to lead his last place team to victories." In 1957, he played in Albany, Georgia, where he "again paced his team in victories (13-5) and was named by the league sports writers as the Georgia-Florida League's top hurler." From 1958 - 1970, Sam led two more teams in victories: "one year at Billings, Montana and two seasons at Winston-Salem, North Carolina." His second year at Winston-Salem, 1960, he hit "back-to-back home runs...six round-trippers in all that year."
Two events occurred in 1960 that led to the closing of Sam's baseball career: the military draft connected with the escalation of the conflict in Vietnam, which had begun in 1955, and physical problems with his pitching arm. Sam played for the Tulsa Oilers of the AA Texas League in 1960, but "bothered by arm trouble" he "failed to win a game." He soon fulfilled his obligation to the armed services.
At CNC, Sam was a member of the Circle K Club and also served in the Student Government Association as an Assemblyman in his sophomore year. After receiving his A.A. degree, he earned a B.S. degree in physics at William and Mary in 1967. He then worked for Exxon Company USA for 33 years. He and Lenore currently live in Richmond and have two grown children, Pamela Anne and Samuel Scott. Sam and Lenore attended the first reunion of CNC's First Decaders, held at CNU on September 16 & 17, 2011. In 2014, they also attended the 50th Reunion of Sam's CNC Class of 1964, also held at CNU.
NOTE: Mentioned also in Treakle's article "Pro Athlete at CNC" are some of the top hitters Sam faced in the minor leagues such as Orlando Cepeda (who became a major league star with the San Francisco Giants). To read the entire article, go to the website tab Chris's Crier (left margin). Open that and then the sub tab Crier Issues. Look for Vol. 2, No. 2, dated December 7, 1962. The article is on the third (last) unnumbered page.
In August of 1965, still a boy of 18, I had completed a tour of active duty in the U. S. Coast Guard and was looking forward to beginning studies at Christopher Newport College. As I recall that time, a warm melancholy comes over me, realizing that nearly all the icons of my youth are gone, and so are the instructors who so influenced me during that first year of college.
I decided to major in chemistry. Jane Byrn (photo L below) was my chemistry instructor. Years later I would pursue post graduate education at her alma mater, The University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. Instruction in botany and zoology was by Fred Brewer (middle below) . I remember his gentle and soothing southern accent. I worked in the library under Flora Gill (below R) , whom I remember as a very proper Southern Lady who showed concern for all her coworkers. The photos below are from the 1965 Trident yearbook, pages 16 and 13.
James D. (Jim) Lowell during his Coast Guard Boot Camp days. Author’s photo.
"New Math” had become the rage while I was in the Coast Guard, so I was totally lost in Algebra-Trigonometry, and Calculus with Analytical Geometry, both taught by Daisy Bright. The picture here of her helping a student (1966 Trident, page 3) is typical. Even her imposing physique could not hide the kindliness of this loving woman. I’m certain I was a beneficiary of that kindness in receiving a passing mark in both courses.
And then, there was Dr. Sanderlin, who influenced me more than any other instructor that first year. His courses in English grammar, composition, and literature (English 101 & 102) were among the most demanding courses I would ever take in college. We could be assigned to read a novel for class followed by a quiz which might ask us to recall the color of the eyes of one of the characters mentioned only in the first chapter. We were required to read and be quizzed upon material in the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, a copy of which was in the CNC library. This assignment was especially difficult for me. Unknown to me at the time, I am dyslexic, and I have always been and remain an extremely slow reader. I had to subscribe to the paper via the mail, which was not a small financial burden at that time.
Dr. Sanderlin lecturing, perhaps striking fear in the hearts of freshmen. 1966 Trident, p. 49.
A rare sight on the CNC campus: Dr. Sanderlin coatless. In or out of the classroom, he was often jovial. 1972 Trident, p. 116.
Dr. Sanderlin would not accept any excuses for late papers, some of which he detailed the first day of class. These included “that time of the month” and writers’ block. There were certain major errors on theme papers which earned students an automatic F, including any three of these in one paper—dangling participles, improper use of its and it’s, inartistic sentence fragments and comma splices. He helped me considerably in grammar, however. At some of the many schools I attended as a military dependent, I had learned English and not American punctuation. He recognized my problem and explained the differences between the two systems for me. Of all the grades I received that year, I am proudest of the two B grades I received in Dr. Sanderlin’s English classes.
Decades after that first year of college, I would visit Dr. Sanderlin in Norfolk. We reminisced over those early CNC years, swapped sea stories about our time in the service, brought each other up to date on our lives, and exchanged ideas on multiple things. I felt honored to address my former professor by his first name. We kept in contact with each other via e-mail following my first visit. I offered to drive Steve to the initial (2011) First Decaders Reunion. Steve declined, and died before the event and before I might visit him one more time. I miss him.
James D. (Jim) Lowellfirst attended CNC in 1965-66 while also serving in the US Coast Guard. He earned anRNin 1970 from the Riverside School of Professional Nursing (the first male in the RSPN program), aBSin Psychology in 1972from CNC, and anMDin 1977 fromThe Medical College of Virginia at VCU.Now retired from his medical career, Jim lives in Addison, TX, with his wife, Carol. They have four children and four grandchildren.
A recent photo of the author, Dr. James D. Lowell, M.D., provided by him.
Published again (lightly revised) on March 20, 2020.
CNC's First Asian Student:
Motokazu ("Mark") Tsugiyama
by A. Jane Chambers
(Includes material fromChris's Crier)
The first student at CNC who was from another nation was a young man from Tokyo, Japan named Motokazu ("Moto") Tsugiyama (pronounced Sue-gee-ah-ma). He arrived in Los Angeles in 1960, at age eighteen, explored America for awhile (especially Washington, DC, and the Virginia Peninsula's historical locales), lived in Buckroe with a local junior high school teacher, took an English course at Newport News High, and then attended Hampton High for a year (1961-62 session). In September of 1962, at age twenty, he entered CNC as a freshman, telling his classmates to call him "Mark."
1964 Trident portrait of Motokazu Tsugiyama, identified as "MarkTsugiyama."
Moto ("Mark") immediately joined the staff of CNC's first student newspaper, Chris's Crier, which in October published an article about him entitled "A Portrait of Mark" (Vol. 2, No. 1 [October 23, 1962], p. 3). After a short introductory paragraph, the unnamed reporter wisely let Mark himself write the remainder of the biographical article, quoted below.
In his second year at CNC (1963-64 session), Moto continued being engaged in student activities, this time working on the staff of the first edition of the CNC yearbook, the Trident. In the above photo, from page 52 of it, he is standing at the right end of the second row of students. He had to return to Japan in 1964, after his two years at our young college, but at some point he not only returned to America, as he had hoped, but remained here.
In his 1964 listing as a CNC First Decader, Moto stated that he had a successful twenty-years career in international corporate management, particularly in New York City, before going into NYC real estate. He became an agent with Prudential Douglas Elliman, which specializes in multi-million-dollar homes for the extremely rich (typical price tags: $55,OOO,OOO per home). He lives in Bayside, NY, one of the most expensive sections of Queens, and is a fine art connoisseur with an eclectic collection of 19th and 20th century paintings and sculptures. He attended our 2011 First Decaders Reunion at CNU. I found this fairly recent photo of him on the internet.
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Published March 20, 2020.
Photo ID Contest Winner:
Ten First Decade Faculty Members
by A. Jane Chambers
Above is the photograph posted on this website on November 15, 2019, in the article Photo ID Contest: Ten First Decade Faculty Members.The people in this group picture are the members of CNC's English Department and Modern (previously called Foreign) Language Department in the academic year 1967- 68. The picture (with all ten people named) is from the 1968 Trident, page 31. It was reprinted in 2008 in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, on page 234 with only the caption "POP QUIZ: How many English and Modern Language professors can you name from this photo in the 1968 Trident?"
The winner of this contest is Charles Cook, a member of CNC's first baccalaureate class (1971), shown in the above two photos: on the left, his senior year picture in the 1971 Trident; and on the right, a recent picture taken in an art gallery in Norfolk. His winning entry, with all ten names and departments correct was as follows (underlining mine):
Back row left to right: Rita Hubbard (Speech and Communications), Ursula Riddick (English), Barry Wood (English, later administration), Martha Kerlin (English), Dr. Steve Sanderlin (English); front row left to right: Richard Guthrie (foreign languages), Dr. Joyce Sancetta (English), Jane Chambers (English, later Dr. Chambers), Elizabeth Jones (foreign languages), and Doris Reppen (foreign languages).
After earning his English degree at CNC (where he had the third highest grade point average in the Class of 1971), Charles joined the English faculty at Norfolk Collegiate, a private school, where he taught English, speech, and advanced composition (grades 7 - 12) for four decades. Along the way he also earned an M.Ed. from Old Dominion, where he was inducted into the Education Department's Honor Society. Now retired, he still lives in Norfolk.
Charles had several advantages when entering this photo contest: he attended CNC all four years, majored in English, and took courses in the Modern Language Department.
First Decaders who attended CNC in the early 1960s obviously could not do well in this contest, since half of the teachers shown were not on CNC's faculty until the later 1960s. The next Photo ID Contest will give those earlier students a chance to enter and win by featuring CNC faculty from the early half of the first decade.
Notes: Rita Hubbard began at CNC teaching speech, then housed in the English Department. In 1972 she founded the Department of Fine and Performing Arts (moving speech there), and after earning her doctorate, she founded the Department of Communication Studies. Elizabeth Jones was Dr. Jones when she was hired.
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Published December 13, 2019
Photo ID Contest:
Ten First Decade Faculty Members
by A. Jane Chambers
THE CONTEST
The ten people in the above photograph were members of two academic departments at CNC in the mid-to-latter part of the first decade. How many of them can you identify by both NAME and DEPARTMENT at CNC? Even if you cannot identify all of them, consider entering this Photo ID Contest, which is only for CNC students of the First Decade (the First Decaders). CNC/CNU faculty, staff, and administrators, and other readers of this website may not enter this contest.
HOW TO ENTER
Email me at cncmemories61_71@yahoo.com with your list (by the 2 rows) of those professors whom you can identify. Give for each person the NAME, DEPARTMENT, and LOCATION in the photograph--for example: "Row 1, left-right: 1. Mr. W (A dept), 2. Ms. X (B dept.), 3. ? , 4. Ms. Z (A dept.) & 5. ? (B dept )."Also give your name, phone number and mailing address. DEADLINE for entering the contest is December 9 at 5:00 p.m.
HOW TO WIN
The contestant who correctly identifies the MOST professors and their departments will win the contest and a PRIZE, which will be mailed to the winner's home. The name and (if possible) a photo of the winner will be posted on this website on December 13. If there is a tie, both contestants will receive a prize and also be named and (if possible) pictured on this website. If three or more contestants are tied, the PRIZE will go to the 2 contestants whose emails were dated the earliest; therefore, enter soon.
Please observe the Honor System: If you know the location of this photo, and therefore can easily locate the faculty names and departments, do not enter this contest, and do not enable another contestant to cheat.
Thank you! And Good Luck!
P.S.: We might have more contests (also with prizes) if the response to this one reflects enough interest among our readers.
The photo on the right, from page 30 of the 1966 Trident, shows CNC’s class rings for students who were candidates for the two-year (Associate in Arts) degree. This picture was first posted on this website in 2012 in our website's Memorabilia Gallery, along with this question--“Who has one of these?” and this statement: “We need some more information about these earliest rings, plus close-up photos.” Much to my delight, Ted McFalls (66 FD) contacted me in mid-December of 2012 with this good news: not only did he have one of these first AA degree rings, but also he posed for this yearbookphoto of it.
Ted McFalls and reference librarian Mrs. Anne Palmer. 1966 TRIDENT, p. 21.
Here’s the photo’s history: At the time, Ted was working part time as a student assistant in the Captain John Smith Library. As usual, he had on his CNC ring. He was spotted by a Trident yearbook photographer who was scouting the library in search of students wearing their class rings. Ted agreed to lend the photographer a hand— his hand--for this yearbook picture. He cannot remember who the young woman was that also agreed to lend hers. If you know who she is, please contact me at (757) 238-9629 or cncmemories61_71@yahoo.com.
I have found no information about the history of CNC's AA degree ring. Apparently the first ring was that for the 1964 class--identical to Ted's 1965 ring except for the year on it. I discovered a 1964 ring existed when an alumnus of the 1964 class showed me his during the class's 50th Reunion (May, 2014). The photos here of Ted's 1965 ring are mine. The lettering on the top of the ring (photo right) is typical--the school's name: Christopher Newport College. Although the ring's designer remains a mystery, the ring clearly reflects young CNC's status as a two-year branch of The College of William and Mary, as shown in the pictures below.
The design on one side (left above) features William and Mary's famous Wren Building. Above that is a monarch's crown with, on the left, the number 16 and on the right, the number 93—forming 1693, the year W&M was founded, while Virginia was still a British colony. The dominant design on the other side (above right) is that of CNC’s first seal—the shield with the outline of the Commonwealth of Virginia within it and, on the front of that, the lamp of knowledge. Above the seal, on the left, is the number 19 and on the right, the number 65, forming 1965. Below the seal is 1960, the date CNC was formally established, although classes did not begin until September 18, 1961.
A large photo of that first seal and details about its history are in our website article The Story of CNC’s First four-Year Class Ring and the Seal That Preceded It, located in our Archives tab, sub tab First Decade History.
Ted has graciously donated his ring to our First Decade Memorabilia Collection—which means, we hope, that the ring will soon be permanently housed at CNU in a rotating display at Klich Alumni House.
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EDWIN J. (TED) McFALLS Jr. was a member of CNC’s First Men’s Track Team and the All-Star Flag Football Team of 1965-66, both of which are immortalized in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade. Ted served in the U.S. Air Force before attending CNC. After 1966 he transferred to Old Dominion College, where he earned a BS degree in Psychology in 1969. Following a successful business career during which he owned and operated four restaurants and an air conditioning and refrigeration business, Ted retired at age 57. He is single and resides in Upper Darby, PA.
Georgia Hunter and I both taught at Christopher Newport College in its first decade, earned graduate degrees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and were born and bred in North Carolina. We met in the fall of 1963, when I joined the English Department at CNC and she was in her third year as biology instructor. She left CNC in 1968 to teach at Hampton's first racially integrated high school, Bethel; I stayed to watch CNC grow into CNU. We reconnected by phone and email in the early 2000s, and I was pleased that in May of 2013 she and her husband, Bob, attended the two-day 50th Reunion of CNC's Class of 1963 at CNU.
Photo from CNC's 1966 Trident, p. 23.
CNC opened September 18, 1961, with a faculty of nine men and one woman--Georgia Hunter. A group portrait was made of that first faculty, but unfortunately, Georgia was not present for the event. When the Daily Press learned about her, they sent a reporter to CNC. Below is the interesting article that appeared in that publisher's afternoon paper, The Times-Herald.
I emailed Georgia's obituary to the CNC alumni and faculty who possibly knew Georgia, told them I would write this article, and invited them to send any memories of her they might want to share. Below are six responses I received in time for this publication--edited for space and titled by me.
Georgia Hunter and Her Unruly Studentby Dalton K. Blankenship
What a legacy Georgia Hunter has left! Though I did not have her as a professor at CNC, my younger brother had her when he was a student at Bethel High School. Having "turned off" to education fairly early in his school career, he wasn't really interested in performing well, but enjoyed "participating" in class. Halfway through the semester, she had had enough of his shenanigans. She said he could spend her class time in the library (his happy place) for the rest of the year and she'd give him a passing grade—if he brought her a box of chocolates. He did, he went, and she did! That was his junior year. He never returned to school.
The good news is that my brother got his GED later in life, earned a BA in English with honors (including winning "English Student of the Year" as a freshman—normally only given to a senior), and completed 18 months of graduate school in Library Science. That time in the Bethel library was truly beneficial! Thank you Georgia Hunter. You will be missed.
Georgia's Kindness and Friendshipby Ted McFalls
I met Georgia Hunter in 1961 while in the Air Force and taking classes at CNC. Mrs. Hunter was my instructor in biology. Her tough love approach to teaching aided me in learning biology, but on the personal side Georgia was a wonderful person. I was a serviceman away from home during the holidays. Georgia and Bob invited me to their home for dinner and treated me just like one of their family, sharing love and good times. This encounter developed into a life long friendship with Georgia and Bob which I cherish to this day. Georgia's passing will affect many people. My prayers go out to the entire Hunter family. God will take care of the rest .
Georgia's Traffic Ticket by Patrick H. Garrow
Georgia Hunter was my biology teacher at CNC. She had a fairly thick southern accent and was very excitable. She was given a ticket for running a stop sign one morning on the way to class and came into class in a state of rage. She railed about the officer who gave her the ticket for a good bit of the class--after admitting she had rolled right through the stop sign. I thought she was a good teacher despite her drama.
The 1961 photo above, by Lt. C. L. Tench, is from page 18 of Sean M. Heuvel's Christopher Newport University. It shows Georgia lecturing to a class in the old Daniel school building, CNC'sfirst home, located in downtown Newport News. Georgia taught there for four years, then taught at the college's new campus, on Shoe Lane, for three years.
Georgia's Southern Accentby Dave Ahearn
I remember well my first experience with Mrs. Hunter at CNC in 1964. I was in her biology class when she started talking about “sails.” I could not figure out what that had to do with biology; "sails" didn’t fit the context of the sentences she was speaking. After class was over, and in a thoroughly confused state, I asked one of my classmates what she had been talking about. As it turned out, the word was “cells.” Although I was born and raised in the south, her southern accent was much more southern than mine.
Georgia as Teacher and Person by Kathy Mooney Abrams
Mrs. Hunter taught me biology and botany and new words like "tangential," which I never forgot. I loved her. I remember her lab practicals in CNC's old building downtown. I knew she loved teaching by how she engaged the classroom. It was an experience in the large lecture hall when she taught, and I loved learning from her. She challenged our minds, which helped us grow, and I still love science. I was not familiar with her southern speech, however, like pronouncing "cell" like "sale."
I also remember her husband, Bobby. He was younger than she (and why not !!) and she was crazy about him. Georgia Hunter was definitely memorable. May she rest in peace and condolences to her family.
Georgia as Match Maker and Person by Dianne Boudreau Loftus
I enjoyed knowing Mrs. Hunter so much, even though I was not fortunate enough to have her as a professor at CNC. I loved her enthusiasm for everything and her wonderful sense of humor! My late husband, Michael, and my sister, Marie Boudreau (now Smith), were student lab assistants for CNC's biology department, and since I hung out with them during some of that time, it was then that I got to know Mrs. Hunter. She encouraged Michael to make me his steady girlfriend. He did, and later she came to our wedding.
I can still hear her southern laughter right now, in my mind. I'll say some extra Hail Marys for her family.
Hunter family photo of Georgia and Bob in 2011.
Any additional memories of Georgia Hunter sent by CNC students and faculty who knew her at CNC in the 1960s will be published on this website on February 8th--either as an Addendum to this article or as Feedback-- depending on the number of responses received.
All readers are of course welcome to send Feedback at any time. Below are our email addresses.
Shirley Fields designed the cover of the first yearbook, which approximated the College’s colors, blue and gray. The three thin stripes on the left, she says, represented the three prongs of King Neptune’s trident.
The honor of creating the first CNC yearbook goes to the Class of 1964. In a telephone interview with Shirley D. Fields (now Cooper), Editor of the 1964 Trident, I learned that the desire to have a yearbook arose from talks among a group of students who, like her, had staffed their high school yearbooks. Shirley, who had edited her 1962 Hampton High School yearbook, was chosen among this volunteer group to be their leader. They met with Director H. Westcott Cunningham, who gave his permission for the project.
An announcement that there would be a yearbook appeared in the first edition (Nov. 7, 1963) of The Captain’s Log, along with a statement that the book would be paid for by the College, with copies issued “free of charge” to all full-time students, faculty, and staff, and sold to others for $4.00 (Vol. I, Issue 1, p. 4).
Joining Editor Shirley Fields on the yearbook staff were Co-Editors Thomas Saunders and W. Daniel Burton, Jr. and ten additional dedicated students (see photo below).
Of these 13 members of the first Trident staff, one is deceased, Paul H. Keene, and 3 have not yet been located: Diana Hubbard, Sue Ann Scott, and Helen Gayle Stanley. Please help us find these 3. Photo from p. 52 of the 1964 Trident. Illustration by Shirley Fields.
Serving as faculty advisors were English professor Elizabeth B. Scott and physics professor E. Graham Pillow, both of whom had joined the faculty its second year (1962-63). Mrs. Scott left CNC at the end of the 1964-65 academic session to join her husband, who had accepted a position at the American University in Lebanon. Mr. Pillow later became CNC’s first Chair of Computer Studies, instigated the first interdependent B.S. degree, Management Information Science, and remained with the College until 1978, when he left to accept an appointment as director of medical computing at the University of Virginia.
Elizabeth B. Scott. 1964 Trident, p. 12.
E. Graham Pillow. 1964 Trident, p. 14.
Talented in art since childhood, Editor Fields provided all of the artwork for this first yearbook, beginning with the illustration on the title page (photo left) of mythological sea-god King Neptune’s crown and trident. The staff chose the name Trident (Shirley’s suggestion) for the yearbook because Neptune’s three-pronged spear was both “an instrument of power” and “a spur of the spirit,” representing “the strength that comes from the intertwining of purpose with knowledge [and] with humility” (“Symbol of the Trident,” p. 2, written by Fields).
Central on page 3 of the yearbook is Editor Fields’s drawing of a ship under full sail, above a short list of the book’s content: Administration, Classes, Activities, and Advertisements (photo left). The following two pages (4 & 5) summarize Captain Christopher Newport’s services to England. Page 4 is headed by Shirley’s drawing (see left) of Captain Newport (based on the work of artist Allan D. Jones, Jr.). Discussed here is how Newport served as the “Queen’s privateer” during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who praised him for “his fine qualities of leadership, … dependability, loyalty, and courage,” and how he became known as “the one-armed Englishman who struck with the suddenness of a tropical storm” yet “treated his prisoners with kindness.”
Page 5 primarily summarizes Newport’s peacetime role, during the reign of King James, as “The Admiral of Virginia”—heading the Jamestown voyage, exploring and mapping the James and York rivers, returning to the colony with new supplies and people, and so forth. The essay concludes with Newport’s death in 1617 and his lasting reputation for “justice…tempered with humanity.” Shirley Fields wrote this article also, citing as her major source passages in Ancient Adventurers, by Samuel M. Bemiss.
This first yearbook was, quite appropriately, dedicated to Director Cunningham, whom the students praised for his “steadfast service” to “the students, the faculty, and the community” and called “the first and most beloved pioneer of Christopher Newport College” (see right). Although full-time students were given free copies of this first Trident, they had to pay to have their portraits made for it ($2.00 for three poses). Not all students could afford that expense, unfortunately, so the book does not fully reflect the student body present that year, especially those attending part-time or only in the Evening College. The black-and-white portraits of the sophomores (47), freshmen (108), and student nurses (29) were taken by Farabee’s Studio, which provided the traditional v-necked black drapes for the women’s photographs (no jewelry allowed) and the white tuxedo jackets, white shirts, and black bow ties for the men’s photos. The College’s administrators (5), staff (5), and faculty (18) provided their own black-and-white studio portraits, wearing business-style clothing.
The first yearbook's team leaders (L-R): W. Daniel Burton (Co-Editor), Shirley D. Fields Cooper (Editor), and Thomas L. Saunders (Co-Editor). From pages 17, 19, & 23 of the 1964 Trident
The Activities section (10 pages) recorded campus life, with photos of the Student Government Association (SGA) officers and representatives, the Trident staff, the Captain’s Log staff, and officers and members of the Circle K Club. Photos in this section were no doubt made by the Trident’s student photographers, who also provided, at the very end of this section, three pages of mostly candid snapshots of student life. Miss CNC of 1964, Sheilah Kathleen Cassidy, and her court had a two-page spread, posing in their formal gowns and long white gloves. Their photos look rather professional. There were no sports pictures, since there were apparently no organized sports that year. To see more pictures from this first yearbook, as well as some from the 1965 Trident, go to our School Pictures tab, subtab 1964-1965 (left margin, top of this page).
Although the 1964 Trident was a modest-sized book (8” wide by not quite 11” long), with only 59 pages of text and photos, plus 21 pages of advertising, it is a document of great importance in the history of CNC. That it was initiated by the students shows the strong attachment—if not, indeed, love—that these early first decade students felt toward their small college. That CNC’s leader not only sanctioned the creation of a yearbook, but had the College’s treasury almost fully finance it, reflects Director “Scotty” Cunningham’s practice of whole-heartedly supporting virtually every project the students advanced. And that the book had such a large number of advertisements underscores the Peninsula community’s strong pride in and support for the young school which it considered to be its college. Those fortunate enough to own copies of this first CNC yearbook possess a small treasure.
SHIRLEY D. FIELDS COOPER "proudly attended" CNC 1962-64.She then earned at ODU a BA in Math ('67) and a Certificate in the School of Engineering-Computer Science ('81) . Shetaught math, science, & physics in Hampton(1968-70), York Co. (71-83), & Gloucester (1993-2003) and was Coordinating Principal ofVictory Academy, in Gloucester, 1993-2003. She retired from teaching in 2003. She also held elected office 23 yrs. on the YorkCo. Board of Supervisors and was a Representative in the VA Gen. Assembly & a member of theNat’lBicentennial Comm., 1974-81. Her husband, Ned Cooper, an electronics technician at NASA, died in 2003. She has two married sons and two granddaughters.
Note: Some of the material in this article appeared originally in “The First Student Publications: Chris’s Crier and the Trident,” by Jane Chambers, in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, 1961-1971, by A. Jane Chambers, Rita C. Hubbard, and Lawrence Barron Wood, Jr. (Hallmark Publishing Co., Inc., 2008).
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Published January 10, 2014
Republished September 28, 2018
Rah! Rah! Rah!
for CNC's
First Decade Cheerleaders:
Part 1
1968 & 1969 Squads
by A. Jane Chambers
Co-captain of CNC's first cheerleading squad, Mary Fowler (later Scott), in the 1968 Trident, p. 40.
Christopher Newport College had no official cheerleading squad until the 1967- 68 academic year, when a major leap forward in CNC's sports programs occurred, made possible by the opening of Ratcliffe Gymnasium and the addition of Coach Bev Vaughan, who started the men's basketball program. It was time then to form a cheerleading squad.
Although I had no experience whatsoever in cheerleading, I agreed to be the cheerleaders' sponsor. My first task was to help pick the young women who would be the first cheerleaders. I well remember the tryouts. A group of us, teachers and athletic staff, sat in the bleachers and watched small groups of contestants demonstrate their cheerleading skills, each wearing a number. After some time, thinking all of the contestants were equally skilled, I turned to my colleague Barry Wood and whispered, "What criteria are you using to pick the winners?" He softly chuckled, raised both hands up toward his shoulders, then made two large semicircles with them as he dropped them to his waist. Male criteria.
Posed above in the center of Ratcliffe's main basketball court are the ten young women chosen to be CNC's first cheerleaders, only five of whom I have been able to locate and document--on row 1, Linda Gray (later Creekmore); and on row 2, Mary Malone (later Price), Mary Fowler (later Scott), Marian Donnelly (later Shadrick), and Patty Berkey (later English). The co-captains of this first squad were (middle, standing) Mary Fowler and (middle, kneeling) Kathy Green. Mary was also a co-captain the following year (1968-69) and Kathy a co-captain the next two years (1968- 69 & 1969- 70). Unfortunately, I believe that Kathy is deceased. Patty (orPatti) Berkey, standing at far right, was also on the 1968-69 squad. Please contact me atcncmemories61_71@yahoo.com if you can help locate Brooke Fancher, Selma Hunley, Frances Bass, or Sandy Steward.
My second task as sponsor was helping pick the material for the cheerleaders' uniforms. I vaguely remember meeting someone, maybe Lillian Seats, at some store somewhere on the Peninsula to pick out the material, which was something that required dry cleaning. I have no idea, however, who designed the uniforms and their logos or who made the uniforms, which were blue and white.
CNC had only one state vehicle, a 4-dr sedan that could seat six, so transportation to and from away games required using personal vehicles. Coach Bev Vaughan and Accounting professor Don Riley were always among those driving some of the basketball players in their cars. I often drove cheerleaders to and from games in my silver-blue Mustang like the one in this photo (right). It would only hold four passengers, however.
Like the 1968Trident, the 1969 Trident devoted one full page (p. 89) to the cheerleaders. However, there were individual photos of each of the nine young women. Three had also been on the 1968 squad--Kathy Green, Mary Fowler, and Patty (or Patti) Berkey. Mary and Patty are documented. Two more on this squad have also been located and documented--Karen Morgan (later Forrest) and Kathy Haynes ( later Rhody). I've recently lost contact with Kay Johnson (Hogan). If you can help locate her and/or Nancy Ames, Betty Bugg (later Lambiotte), orDiana Cooper, please contact me atcncmemories61_71@yahoo.com.
The photo left above showsKathy Green in her second year as cheerleader co-captain. I have never found her and have heard that she is deceased. In the middle is Karen Morgan (later Forrest), who served as cheerleader in 1969, 1970, and 1971. On the right is Mary Fowler in her second year as co-captain.
To my knowledge, Nancy Ames (left picture) cheered only this one year. I am in contact with Kathy Haynes (middle), who married FD Chip Rhody. Patty Berkey (right) is also documented; 1969 was in her second year as cheerleader.
I hope someone can help me reconnect with Kay Johnson Hogan (left), who was on the cheerleading squad all four of her years at CNC: 1969 - 72. Years ago I heard that Betty Bugg (middle photo) married someone named Lambiotte, but I have been unable to locate her. Nor have I found Diana Cooper (last photo).
Part 2will feature the1970 Cheerleadersand theBlue Goose.
By the 1969 - 70 academic year CNC was transitioning from a 2-year to a 4-year college, with a junior class taking upper-level courses. Some of the women who were on this 1970 squad would therefore be members of the college's first (1971) or second (1972) baccalaureate degree classes.
Shown left above is co-captain Kathy Green (later Smith), serving her third year as cheerleader and second as co-captain of the squad. Sadly, Kathy is now deceased. Above middle is Karen Morgan (later Forrest), serving her second of three years as a CNC cheerleader. Both Kathy and Karen earned their 4-year degrees in 1971. On the right above is co-caption Kay Johnson (later Hogan), in her second of four years as cheerleader. She was in the 4-year class of 1972. I've lost contact with Kay.
Above left is Linda Watson (later Ritenour) and in the middle is Sandy Hughes (later Deans), both of whom were in the second (1972) baccalaureate class CNC. Both were also cheerleaders this one year. On the right is Candy Hixson (later Whitley) in her first of two years as a CNC cheerleader. She was in CNC's 4-year class of 1975. I have lost contact with Linda Watson Ritenour.
I have not been able to locate these last four squad members. Linda Lackey (left) and Janie Riley (right) were both on this 1970 squad and the 1971 squad. Janie was a co-caption in 1971. Please contact me if you can help me find Linda or Janie.
Becky Crenshaw (left) and Pat Thompson (right) also have not yet been located. To my knowledge they were cheerleaders only this one academic year. Please contact me if you can help me find Becky or Pat.
BLUE GOOSE
By this time the college had a bus, which Director Cunningham got from the state surplus in Richmond for $500 dollars, so we faculty volunteers no longer had to drive team players or cheerleaders to and from away games. The used bus was painted blue with "Christopher Newport College" white lettering on each side. In his essay "Setting the Sail: Launching the Men's Basketball Program," Coach Bev Vaughan wrote:
We thought the transportation issue was settled—until the first cold night when we realized there was no heat beyond the second row of seats. Some of us, including Jane [Chambers], never sat beyond the range of that heater on cold nights.
That bus, called the “Blue Goose,” was in the state maintenance shop more often than it was on the road. Nobody knows the origin of the name “Blue Goose.” Maybe it reminded people of Howard Hughes’s “Spruce Goose,” which was plagued with mechanical problems from the beginning. Or maybe it was named that because it left us blue with cold.
One of the first drivers of the “Blue Goose” was accounting professor Don Riley. Don was an extremely careful driver, but, oh, did he drive so very slowly. We often kidded him about his slow driving. Someone once said if we had a game with ODC in Norfolk, it would be a two-day trip, with an overnight stay at the Strawberry Banks Motel!(Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade,, pp. 122-123).
If you have memories of riding in the Blue Goose or being a CNC cheerleader, please contact me at cncmemories61_71@yahoo.com. Please contact me also if you can help me connect with any of these former cheerleaders--Kay Johnson Hogan, Linda Watson Ritenour, Linda Lackey, Janie Riley, Becky Crenshaw, and/or Pat Thompson.
Obvious in the top photo are the new blue and white uniforms that the 1971 cheerleaders wore, which showed a lot more leg than had the earlier uniforms. A quick look at Parts 1 and 2 of this article shows the gradual shortening of the skirt length of the original uniform. The 1971 cheerleaders also wore the old uniform too, but with the skirt shortened, as is evident in photo 2 below. There was also a change from white turtleneck sweaters to white blouses. Two other changes were from the blue knee high socks to shorter white socks (showing more leg) and from white tennis shoes to black and white saddle shoes.
Above left is Linda Lackey in the original uniform with shortened skirt. She has not yet been located. The middle photo shows co-captains Kay Johnson (later Hogan) in her third year, and Janie Riley (sadly, now deceased) in her second year of cheerleading. I think Kay is the one seated. The military-like insignia on the left arm of the standing woman suggests she is Janie, who had completed one year of cheerleading in 1970. Kay no doubt had 2 such marks for her two previous years. On the right is Candy Hixson (later Whitley), also in her second year as cheerleader. I don't know why she has no insignia.
On the left above is Debbie Melo, who is not yet located. In the middle is Karen Morgan (later Forrest), in her third year as cheerleader (note the two-year insignia). And on the right are two more women not yet located, Dianne Epperson (standing) and Renee Reese, who apparently was the first black cheerleader at CNC.
Above left is Kathy Weeks, another former cheerleader not yet located. To the right are (left) Suzanne Cicero, also not yet located, and (right) Pam Sanderson (later Duncan). Suzanne and Pam, plus four other members of this squad--Candy Hixson, Kay Johnson, Debbie Melo, and Janie Riley--were also members of the college's first sorority, Pi Kappa Sigma, as was Nancy Ames, who was on the 1970 squad.
All photos above are from the 1971Trident, pages 72 and 73. Please contact me atcncmemories61_71@yahoo.com if you can help me locate the following 1971 cheerleaders: Kay Johnson Hogan (who has apparently moved), Linda Lackey, Debbie Melo, Dianne Epperson, Renee Reese, Kathy Weeks, and/or Suzanne Cicero.
For reasons known only to the staff, the 1972 Trident's coverage of the cheerleaders was very inadequate. In contrast to the two-page spreads in CNC's previous yearbooks, with all squad members shown and identified, in the 1972 Trident there were only fivephotos of the cheerleaders--two on p. 61 (shared with 7 action photos of men's basketball) and three on p. 62 (along with one basketball photo). Most disappointing is the lack of identification of any of the cheerleaders.
Obvious in the above photo is that the 1972 cheerleading squad had a new uniform--with a skirt even shorter than that on the new 1971 uniform. Visible under the folded up bleachers is the small trampoline we saw the 1970 squad using (see Part 2). Maybe it was still part of the cheerleading routine. Or maybe not.
The unidentified cheerleader left above is sporting a new monogram, although neither here nor elsewhere in this small group of pictures do we get a complete view of it. Her unidentified team member on the right is wearing the cheerleader uniform introduced the previous year. We can't quite see the monogram on it either.
These last two pictures are together because I believe the same cheerleader is in both photos and that she is most probably Kay Johnson(later Hogan). Notice that this cheerleader is wearing matching barrettes in her hair (photos left & right). More importantly, notice the insignia on her left sleeve (photo right), which shows that she was a CNC cheerleader the previous three years. It is a documented fact that Kay Johnson was the only CNC cheerleader in the first decade who was on four consecutive squads (1969 - 1972). She received her bachelor's degree at CNC in 1972.
Please contact me (email below) if you can help locate any of the cheerleaders whosenames are in red in this 3-part article. Thank you, and I hope you enjoyed this series.
The waterfront statue of John Smith dominates the site of the first permanent English settlement in America, and our Newport News university is named for Christopher Newport, admiral of the fleet of the three small ships that landed at Jamestown and captain of the largest, the Susan Constant . So why does Preservation Virginia, which owns Historic Jamestowne, consider Bartholomew Gosnold, commander of the second largest ship, the Godspeed, to be the "prime mover of the colonization of Virginia"?
Likeness of Bartholomew Gosnold based on his remains. Internet photo.
Archeologist William M. Kelson with Captain Gosnold's remains on display in Jamestown.
Jamestown Rediscovery, "committed to supporting preservation, education, and the archaeological investigation of Historic Jamestowne," notes that "the first settlers at Jamestown" knew how important Gosnold was to the venture, but his "contributions to the establishment of the colony have been minimalized because he died, at age 36, on August 22, 1607"--the fourth month after the landing--from a fever. Therefore, his "legacy remained obscure until 2002, when the Jamestown Rediscovery Project recovered the probable final resting place" of his remains. Forensic analysis proved the skeleton was that of a European male, five and a half feet tall, who died in his mid-thirties. Signs the man had been a person of high status included metal fragments from a wooden coffin and from a captain's staff at his side (Jamestown Rediscovery).
In his 1624 Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles, John Smith called Gosnold "one of the first movers" of the Jamestown settlement. More accurately, however, Gosnold was the "prime mover" of that event, which was his second attempt at colonizing North America. In March of 1602, commanding the ship Concord, with twenty colonists and a dozen crew members, he had sailed to New England. On May 14, 1602, his ship anchored off a peninsula that Gosnold named Cape Cod, because of the abundance of cod fish. After exploring the cape, he named the large island there Martha's Vineyard--Martha in memory of his deceased daughter and Vineyard because of the island's numerous wild grapes. For various reasons, that venture failed, however, and the Concord returned to England with a cargo of local sassafras, "valued principally as a supposed cure for syphilis" (Encyclopedia Virginia).
Back in England, where he was ridiculed by many for that misadventure to New England, Bartholomew Gosnold recruited friends and relatives willing to undertake a second attempt at colonization in North America. The photo at the right shows the exterior of his ancestoral home, Otley Hall, a moated manor house in Suffolk built around 1400. Here Gosnold probably met often with his cousin, Edward Maria Wingfield, and others who formed the nucleus of the London Company and were destined to be prominent members of the Jamestown settlement, including John Smith and Christopher Newport. The group, headed by Gosnold, eventually recruited forty participants, most of them the younger sons of gentry families and six of them Gosnold's relatives (Encyclopedia Virginia).
The three ships that set sail from London on December 20, 1606 were captained, in order of size, by Newport, (the Susan Constant, the largest and lead ship), Gosnold (the Godspeed), andRatcliffe (the Discovery, the smallest ship). In his Diary, Gosnold described his "Deare Godspeed" as "Ruler of the seas, with her mightyfulle velocitie more veloce than the wynd, and mightyer than the rocke" (Wikipedia). Shown left is the Jamestown replica of the Godspeed in New York City's harbor. Captain Newport was the admiral of this small fleet and Gosnold the vice admiral. Why was Newport in charge, instead of Gosnold, who was the leading man in organizing this voyage? Encyclopedia Virginia states that decision was probably "for political reasons." However, more likely the decision was based upon Christopher Newport's having far more experience in commanding voyages than did Gosnold.
The colonists landed at the place they named James Fort on May 14, 1607. A letter from the Virginia Company was then opened, which listed seven men, including Gosnold, as members of the ruling Council of Virginia. These seven picked Wingfield as their president, and the settlers approved that choice. However, many of the colonists quickly resented Wingfield, " an older career military man whom they viewed as overly dictatorial." But they "most respected and admired Gosnold," whom they saw "doing his utmost to ensure the settlement's sucess"-- including "helping to design the fort, exploring and mapping the nearby territory, prospecting for minerals, and scattering an Indian attack by firing the Godspeed 's cannons" (Encyclopedia Virginia).
He was buried, we now know, just outside the west wall of the fort. Colonist George Percy wrote that the burial included a gun salute, "with many volleys of small shot," and Gosnold's cousin, Edward Maria Wingfield, described him as "a worthy and religious gentleman ... upon whose life stood a great part of the good success and fortune of our government and colony" (Jamestown Rediscovery). His grave is now marked by a stone cross and a marker with an inscription, shown below.
JR1046B Burial of a European man, estimated age mid-thirties,
interred with a captain's leading staff.
This is likely the grave of Captain Bartholomew Gosnold,
the "prime moving" force behind the "plantation" here at Jamestown.
Commencement 1965 in the Lecture Room of Newport Hall. Far left:Jim Windsor (dark suit) and Scotty Cunningham (back to camera). DEGREE RECIPIENTS (standing, not all visible) are in reverse alphabetical order and identified from right (aisle) to left. First row (R-L):Tom Witty, Ellen Wirt, next probablyCharles E. Watkins, Jr., Gayle Stanley (now Walters), next probablyFred Smallwood, deceased, & Pat Shaughnessy (now Morrell).Second row (R-L):Gwen Seidler (Stevens, deceased), Jennifer Riley (now Watson), Jean Regone (now Henry), then probablyDavid Rabinowitz], next probablyAlexander Phillips, deceased, and Ray Pepe (with glasses).Third row (R-L): PattyMoore (nowSchwarzman), Ed Mirmelstein, Glenn Lawson, next probably Sally Krym (now Dafashy), then hidden people (probablyPat Hemeter, now Spriggs, & Jack Harrison, Robert Gray, then probablyKathie Scott Fitzgerald, & (half-hidden, with glasses & at curtain, Ben Ellis. Fourth row:Behind Patty Moore is (quite likely) Irene Christofi (now Leopold), then (probably) Rick Bennett & John Bane. Photo from Christopher Newport University, by Sean M. Heuvel (Arcadia, 2009), p. 23.
The first (June 6, 1963) and second (June 4, 1964) formal* Christopher Newport College commencement exercises were held in the third floor auditorium of the old Daniel School building on 32nd Street in downtown Newport News, which served as the temporary home of the young College, then a two-year branch of The College of William and Mary. Until 1971, CNC offered only the Associate in Arts degree. The small number of degree recipients shown on these programs from 1963 – 1970 was in part a consequence of there being no requirement to have a 2-year degree to transfer from CNC to William and Mary or any other state college and in part a reflection of the College’s high academic standards, equal to those of William and Mary.
The class of 1964 was the first for which we have a photo of its commencement, held in the Daniel school building. Judge Forrest B. Wall is shown giving the commencement address. Degree recipients visiblein ROW 1 (right of the aisle) are (L-R)Michele Miller (now Meadors), James Samuel (Sam) McIntyre (both verified) and (probably) Margaret Jane (Janie) McHugh (later Gebhardt), Charles Milton King, & Paul Waverly Hogge. McHugh, King, and Hogge have not been located, but were identified by 2 classmates & name placements on the Commencement Program. On ROW 2, behind King & Hogge is Kenneth G. Smith (verified). (Photo from Christopher Newport University, by Sean M. Heuvel (Arcadia, 2009), p. 22).
These first two Commencement Exercises are courtesy of First Decader couple Claude and Karen Graeb Stanley (Classes of, respectively, 1963 and 1964). The 1963 program is unique not only in being the first, but also in marking a major event. Local artist Allan D. Jones, Jr. had recently been commissioned by the City of Newport News to create a mural in the West Avenue Library depicting the Jamestown Landing of 1607. The central figure in this mural was tobe, of course, Captain Christopher Newport, leader of that expedition. During Commencement 1963, a black and white ink drawing of Captain Newport—a “cartoon” (meaning “sketch”)—was presented to CNC. This ink drawing by Allan Jones was displayed there for decades, but like many other early CNC historical items, it has since disappeared. However, beginning with the first issue of the first Captain’s Log(Nov. 7, 1963), this sketch of Captain Newport, hook on his right arm, was included in the masthead of the student newspaper for decades. In 1970, it was also the model for the College’s second seal and original four-year ring, both designed by student Kenneth Flick (B.A., 1972).
The Class of 1965 was the first to have its commencement on the Shoe Lane Campus, in the Lecture Room of Christopher Newport Hall, the first building on the campus. This class was also the first Shoe Lane class for which we have a photo (above, top) of its commencement. As usual, James C. Windsor, by then Dean of Students, presented the degree candidates and Director H. Westcott (Scotty) Cunningham awarded the degrees. The reception was in the Arcade, the open-air, roof-covered area connecting the main part of Newport Hall with the Lecture Room and, across from it, the room then housing the Library. Commencement for the 1966 class was also in Newport’s Lecture Room, but the reception was held in Gosnold Hall, CNC’s second building, in the Student Lounge directly across from Gosnold’s Lecture Room, identical to Newport’s. The Class of 1966 was also the first to have musical entertainment, provided by the College Choir. The above programs were provided by Robert W. Gray (1965) and Charles Snead (1966).
NOTE: Beginning at least with 1965, there were August Commencementsalso, and at some later point, Winter Commencements as well. However, to date, Commencement Exercises for these have not been located. If you can help provide any programs from these, please contact our website.
The 1967 commencement (program above, provided by Jane Briggs Matney) was also held in Newport’s Lecture Room. This class was the first to have a processional and recessional, with the CNC Choir providing the music. That year and the next two, the College’s first Dean of the Faculty, W. Stephen Sanderlin, Jr., presented the degree candidates rather than Dean James C. Windsor, and more high profile people served as commencement speakers—for example, Parke S. Rouse, Jr., Director of the Jamestown Foundation, in 1967, and William and Mary’s President Davis Y. Paschall in 1968. Commencement 1968 (program above provided by Nelson D. Baer) was the first graduation ceremony held inside the recently completed Ratcliffe Gymnasium, with the Tactical Air Command Band from Langley Air Force Base providing music for the processional, recessional, and a musical interlude. This commencement was followed by a dedication of the recently completed Captain John Smith Library and a presentation to the library of a portrait of Director Cunningham, followed by a reception in the library (see below article).
The above Daily Press article, with two photos, is from Saturday morning, JUNE 8, 1968, and fully describes both the previous (June 7) Friday afternoon commencement exercises at CNC and the following dedication of the recently opened Captain John Smith Library, which also included presentation to the library of an oil painting of H. Westcott Cunningham. Vera Knez England recently found this article inside her 1968 Trident yearbook. We are delighted to add it to our collection of CNC memorabilia.
A first for members of the Degree Class of 1969 was having their diplomas handed to them by Davis Y. Paschall, President of William and Mary, rather than by Scotty Cunningham. Also reflected in this program (provided by Susan Wood Frith) is Cunningham’s recent promotion by William and Mary to Provost of CNC rather than Director. The speaker this June was another important person in CNC’s history, John H. (Jack) Willis, Jr., Assistant Vice President at William and Mary and that college’s liaison to CNC. The Reception was again, as in 1968, in Smith Library. The Degree Class of 1970 (program provided by Tim Hester) was the last to graduate under the leadership of H. Westcott Cunningham, who recently had been promoted to President of our College. This class was also the first to be presented for degrees by CNC’s second Dean of the Faculty, H. Marshall Booker. Note that the Reception was held in the recently opened Wingfield Hall, the third classroom building on campus. Six in this class were at the junior level when awarded the 2-year degree and completed the 4-year degree at CNC in 1971—Martha Gustin, Tim Hester, "Mac" McGlaun, Ronald Mitchell, Martha Muguira (now deceased), and Cheryl Wolfe.
A new era began with Commencement 1971, to be the subject of another website article. Stay tuned!
*CNC's first A.A. degree was awarded to Lois Wright on June 8, 1962, in an private service in the Office of Director Cunningham, with Lois’s parents present. Lois was one of 13 students who enrolled the opening year, September 1961, as sophomores and the only one to earn the degree. See her interesting essay “The Graduating Class of One” in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, pages 182-185.
Editor’s Note:Army Lt. Richard D. Bahr was the first CNC student known to have lost his life in the Vietnam War. He was killed in action on March 7, 1968. Wade Williams was the first recipient of the Richard D. Bahr Memorial Athletic Award, given annually in his memory to the full-time varsity letterman possessing the highest GPA. More details and photos regarding Ric Bahr are in Wade’s earlier essay, Remembrance, Remorse, Reflection, located in our Website Archives, under the subtab Your Memories.
“Don’t make him out to be more than he was, Wade” was the mild admonishment I received from Jim Verser as we shook hands and departed. It had been a most fulfilling two days I had spent with Jim, an ordained Presbyterian minister and family counselor from New Jersey who had been Richard Duncan Bahr’s best friend. After reading my Remembrance, Remorse, Reflection essay on theCNC First Decaderswebsite, he had sent me a letter and we had arranged to meet and talk about Ric during Jim’s 50th Warwick High School reunion weekend.
When I picked Jim up at his motel, he immediately produced a treasure trove of photos, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia I wish I had had access to before I wrote “Remembrance” --including a sterling silver letter opener he received as a groomsman at the wedding of Ric and Becky Burgess, used daily for the last 45 years to open his mail, and a peace bell on a chain, worn around his neck in memory of his best friend. We drove to the Warwick Restaurant, a landmark since the fifties for a late breakfast. Robert Brooks, a teammate on the Warwick High Track Team with Ric and Jim, joined us, and over 50 years were brushed aside as I had the privilege of learning all about Ric Bahr.
Best frIends Ric (L) and Jim (R) in their Warwick track uniforms. From "Warwick, Typhoon Renew Track Feud," Times-Herald Sports, May 15, 1961, p. 13. Courtesy of Jim Verser.
Groomsman Jim (L) and Groom Ric (R) at the wedding of Ric and Becky Burgess, Dec. 21, 1966, in the Chapel of the Centurion, Fort Monroe. Courtesy of Jim Verser.
Bride Becky's photo in the DAILY PRESS, Dec. 22, 1966, p. 20. Courtesy of Jim Verser.
Jim and Ric met in the sixth grade when Ric’s father, an air traffic controller, was transferred from New York state to Newport News. The Bahrs were originally from Bar Harbor, Maine. I learned of the open door policy at the Bahr and Verser houses, of the father who taught the boys to play baseball and football using balls made of socks; of Mrs. Bahr’s, a vivacious, beautiful woman, ritual of eating supper by candlelight; of the nightly fireside chats, weather permitting, where stories were shared and memories made; of forts built in the woods, rope climbing and rope swings over creeks; of the nearly daily wrestling matches where Ric always prevailed, but Jim refused to accept the daily outcome; of the teenage years when Jim did all the driving because Ric didn’t have his license until after high school. Had it not been for double-dating with Jim driving, Ric would have enjoyed a sparse social life.
Both ran track at Warwick High, which in the fifties and sixties was one of the top five teams in the state. As in their backyard wrestling, Jim could never beat Ric running. I learned that Ric placed fourth in the state championship in the 440. Also, when I learned that Ric was a sprinter who ran cross country and middle distance events because the team needed him there, I felt even closer to him, because I too had been an athletic duck out of water. At CNC, I was a sprinter who ran distance because the team needed me to and a former high school football player without a college team to play on.
After high school, the best friends went their separate ways, Jim to St. Andrews College and then William and Mary; Ric to UVA, then CNC. Becky, who was soon to marry Ric, went to DukeUniversity. Ric was a quick study who got by on uncanny academic potential but his lack of daily focus was his undoing at UVA and later CNC, the latter being a surprising academic buzz saw for the unprepared, unmotivated or unfocused, as many of us First Decaders would discover. After CNC, Ric’s father refused to finance any more academic undertakings. Rick did not wait for the draft but volunteered for the Army. After basic and officers’ candidate training, he and Becky were married. He was wounded in Vietnam and spent ten days on leave in the Philippines with Becky in 1967. He was then killed in action in Vietnam in 1968.
Newspaper photo with headline about Ric's death. Source unidentified. Courtesy of Jim Verser.
Ric's obituary, DAILY PRESS, March [8 or 9?], 1968. Courtesy of Jim Verser. CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE.
Ric's medals, from The Virtual Wall. Vietnam Veterans Memorial. CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE.
After two days of Jim Verser’s sharing his life with Ric and a 2½ hours’ breakfast on the second day with Ric’s high school track coach Jim Hubbard and former track teammates Dr. Frank Brown, Robert Brooks, and several others, I found the thread that sums up Ric Bahr: he never wanted to disappoint his loved ones. To avoid disappointing Jim after a rare hangover in high school, he begged Jim’s mom, a registered nurse, to help him but to keep it from Jim because “He would be so disappointed.” His volunteering for the Army was an attempt to rectify his academic failure and his father’s disappointment as well as a means of providing for Becky, the love of his life, while she excelled in college. She would go on to earn a Ph.D. in English and have a career as a college English professor. His “hurricane runs” with Jim in high school, conducted after major storms in that period, were also devoted to helping people along the way overcome the ravages of the storm to their property, a means of alleviating the despair and disappointment of strangers. His unexpected all-state performance in the track championships was motivated by his coach’s disappointment in the overall performance of his team that day. However, the greatest disappointment for Ric’s loved ones was one he could not control—his death.
Jim recalls the day in March of 1968 when he received a call at the Newport News Detention Center, where he then worked, informing him of Ric’s death. He left work crying, hopping on one leg (having sustained a broken ankle) and drove to the grieving Bahr household. The closed casket funeral was held at Mount Carmel Catholic Church. During those turbulent times, Jim developed anti-war sentiments fueled by the death of his best friend and by years spent at seminary deeply involved in anti-war protests. It was at one of those protests that Jim received a peace bell emblem on a neck chain that he wears daily in memory of his fallen loved one.
Jim’s accomplishments include being a Presbyterian minister and a Hebrew scholar, and having a family counseling practice. Jim is a brilliant man who doesn’t wear his brilliance on his sleeve. A man in his late sixties who looks fifteen years younger, with salt and pepper hair and full beard, impeccably groomed, with shining, intuitive, kind eyes, more attuned to listening than to talking. When we parted, he took my hands in both of his and implored me not to make Ric out to be “more than he was.” I didn’t have to, Jim. Despite his short-comings in his short life, Ric was, is, and always will be a wonderful young man who has touched so many lives and continues to do so. I will always say hello for you, Jim, every Memorial Day, as I visit Ric's grave in the Hampton National Cemetery.
Wade Williams (1968 First Decader) had an outstanding career in both teaching and coaching, starting at Ferguson H.S. (Newport News). Next he was head track coach and assistant athletic director at VMI (Lexington) for 11 years (1974-86), then head track coach at ClemsonUniversity (Clemson, SC) for 3 years. Afterwards he returned to teaching high school English and coaching high school track and football, serving at Warwick H.S. (Newport News) and then Western Branch H.S. (Chesapeake). He retired with 44 years of exemplary service in education and athletics at the collegiate and public school levels. He and his wife live in Portsmouth, VA.
Wade Williams as student at Hargrave Military Academy. Yearbook photo from family collection.
Wade Williams, 2006 photo from family collection.
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Published 2014
Republished May 25, 2018
CNC's First Shoe Lane Building:
Christopher Newport Hall
(1964 - 2008)
by A. Jane Chambers
Glued to page 5 of CNC'S second yearbook, the 1965 Trident, is the above photo of Newport Hall. Those who own copies of this yearbook--with this photo and also a color photo of professor Usry, to whom the yearbook was dedicated (p. 10)--possess a rare gem. Not only is there no other CNC yearbook with color photographs, but also, to my knowledge, there is no other professional color photograph of the first building on the Shoe Lane campus of Christopher Newport taken the year of its completion.
Ground was broken for Newport Hall in January of 1964. Local architect Forrest Coile, Jr. designed the brick building, for which he developed a distinct style he called "contemporary oriental," which he would use also for CNC's future buildings. Local builder J. M. Jordan & Co. completed construction in 9 months, so that it was ready for use when the fall semester opened in early September (Memories, p. 16). The 24,000 square-foot building cost $320,000 (Serving, p. 48).
The above artistic rendering of Newport Hall is from the inside of the front cover of the college's first yearbook, the 1964 Trident, published while CNC was still in downtown Newport News, in the old Daniel building. Evident in this picture is the arrangement of the building into three parts--two one-story units in the front, and a much larger two-story unit behind them--the three connected by a covered breezeway with a slate floor.
The left front unit housed CNC's library from fall 1964 until fall 1967 and was staffed by library director Bette Mosteller, acquisitions assistant Jean Garner (later Barger), andcataloging assistant Lorena Elder (later Smith). Jean and Lorena were early CNC alumnae. Although small, this first Shoe Lane library was a popular place for students to study (photo left below, from Memories, p. 159). All of the bookcases and library shelves for it were built by CNC's first building and grounds superintendent, the multi-talented Mike Cazaras.
When the Captain John Smith Library opened, this Newport Hall unit then became the home of the college bookstore from 1968 until completion of the original Campus Center building in 1973. The bookstore manager was Jackie Haskins, shown above right with CNC's first business manager, Tom Dunaway (photo from Memories, p. 158). Jackie inherited Mike's bookcases and shelves, of course.
The right front unit was a lecture hall with theater-like tiered seating for slightly over 200 people. It was used for everything from faculty meetings and biology lectures to dramatic productions and graduation ceremonies--and more. Many assemblies were held here, including several commencements. Frances Kitchen's Dramatic Workshop students staged plays here, including the first three-act drama at CNC: Archibald McLeish'sJB, in 1966, with the lead role played by student Charles Milne, who decades later would become Dean of the Tisch School of Performing Arts at New York University. And I remember teaching freshman English to Riverside nursing students here when classroom space was scarce.
The photo left above (from Memories, p. 37) shows then-Director H. Westcott (Scotty) Cunningham addressing incoming freshmen at their Orientation in the lecture hall. Notice the not-so-comfortable seats, which had pull-up desks hanging from their sides. The exit with steps and landing visible here had its twin, the room's entrance, on the opposite side. The other photo (from the 1965 Trident, p. 78) shows students performing in that some room at a musical event called a Hootenanny.
The photo below, from CNU's Archives, was taken in the lecture hall on June 4, 1965, during Spring Commencement. Facing the 27 A.A. degree recipients are (left) James C. (Jim) Windsor, then student personnel officer, and (back to viewers) Scotty Cunningham. The women degree recipients are wearing white dresses; the men, dark suits with white shirts and dark ties. Notice the closed drapes at the windows--used to block out sunlight. Why? Because there was no air conditioning in this room. Both of these one-story units had groups of tall narrow windows, with louvered crank-out window panes (see photo two above) that let in almost no air. All three units of Newport Hall were built to be air conditioned; however, no funding for that cooling would be available until 1968.
The largest and most important part of Newport Hall was the two-story classroom building behind the separate lecture hall and library (later the bookstore). The above photo, which shows that building from the back, looking toward the original library unit, is from Memories, p. 18 (reprinted from the 1966 Trident).
Newport's classroom building was connected to the front units by a covered breezeway with a floor of rectangular black slates. In the middle of the breezeway on each side were brick units with inset cement benches. The photo left below, from the 1966 Trident, shows part of that breezeway behind some students. The right photo, from Memories, p. 71 (reprinted from the 1968 Trident), shows a student studying on one of the benches. None of the students in these two pictures have been identified.
The 1964-65 academic year at CNC was novel. Because there was not yet a science building (Gosnold Hall, which would open in Fall 1965), on some days students taking both science courses and humanities courses had to travel back and forth between midtown (Shoe Lane) and downtown (32nd Street) Newport News, because their science classes and professors were in the Daniel building, whereas their other classes and professors were in Newport Hall. The class schedule had to be set up to allow for 30 minute travel breaks between these classes. Also, until the Smith Hall and Library complex opened (Fall 1967), all of the administration and library personal and offices had to be housed in Newport Hall too. Consequently, Newport Hall during the 1964-65 session virtually was the college.
When it opened, the two-story building meant to house only classrooms and professors' offices was thus a chameleon. The first floor temporarily housed the Registration and Admissions Office (headed by Nancy Ramseur), the Business Office (headed by Tom Dunaway), the Director's Office (Mr. Cunningham and secretary Edna Carney), and the Student Personal Office (headed by Jim Windsor). These administrators, with their staffs, filing cabinets, and offices, took up all of the back side of the building's first floor.
On the opposite, or front, side of the hallway the rooms meant to be classrooms temporarily served various functions. One room housed the Peninsula Art Association (PAA), which would later become the Peninsula Fine Arts Center (PFAC). The photo left, from Memories, p. 16, shows two unidentified PAA members with Scotty Cunningham. In the summer of 2020, CNU plans to open a $50.5 million Fine Arts Center that will be the new home of both its Department of Fine Arts and Art History and the Peninsula Fine Arts Center (PFAC).
Another room on this same side of the first floor housed the Student Lounge, with snack and soft drink machines and tables and chairs. I think student clubs shared a third room along with student publications (the Trident yearbook and the Captain's Log newspaper). Restrooms for men and women were left and right of the row of "classrooms" on this side of the floor, facing the staircases to the second floor.
In 1967, when the administrative and student personnel people moved into their new home, Smith Hall, the space they had occupied in Newport Hall became the college's first Computer Center, headed by Graham Pillow, shown right working at his keypunch machine (1969 Trident photo, p. 25). Because these first computers, unlike people, could not tolerate humid conditions, the Computer Center became the first place in Newport Hall to be air conditioned--and Graham's popularity increased accordingly. People stopped by to see him on especially hot and humid days.
The politicians in Richmond were very pleased that Newport Hall was relatively inexpensive to build and maintain, as would be the additional buildings designed by Forrest Coile Jr. and constructed by W. M. Jordan. The first floors in all of these were made of black slate embedded in cement (outside breezeways and entrances) and (inside)Terrazzo--a half-inch mixture of tinted cement combined with chips of marble, glass or other aggregates spread over a concrete slab. These floors were easy to clean and indestructible. The photo left, with Nancy Ramseur and Barry Wood, (1966 Trident)shows the Terrazzo floor in Newport Hall, plus another cost-effective feature there and in the other Coile buildings: interior cinder-block walls.
I spent over 25 years on the second floor of Newport Hall, which had classrooms on both sides in the middle and eight double-occupancy faculty offices at the ends (4 per end), plus restrooms. My corner office, next to the women's restroom, was room 209. I shared it at various times with Jean Regone (later Henry), then Martha Kerlin, and lastly, for many years, Burnam MacLeod. Except for the metal filing cabinets and the wooden bookcases built by Mike Cazaras, CNC's supervisor of buildings and grounds, all of the furniture in all of the offices and classrooms in Newport Hall was made by prisoners from the state penitentiary in Richmond. Virginia both saved and earned money from this arrangement. These sturdy, heavy desks, chairs, and tables of blond wood were built to last forever too.
The photo here is from Memories, p. 79 (reprinted from the 1966 Trident). Studying at one of those study desks in an empty Newport Hall classroom is Wade Williams ('68), not identified until after publication. Places to study in Newport included the small library, the student lounge (usually noisy), temporarily empty classrooms (scarce), and--at least for women--the second floor women's restroom, which included a cot. A modern touch in the classrooms was green chalkboards instead of the traditional black.
All of the windows in Newport had black marble sills deep enough to serve as bookshelves. The windows were fixed, however, with small transoms at the bottom that opened inward only inches. The building was designed to be air conditioned, but money for that luxury was not approved until 1968. There were also no curtains, drapes, blinds or shades on any of the windows, adding to the serious heat problem in four or more months of the year during the first three years of the building's use. Today's public schools close if the air conditioning doesn't work. CNC never closed.
SOURCES:
The cost and square footage details of Newport Hall are from p. 48 of Phillip Hamilton's Serving the Old Dominion: A History of Christopher Newport University, 1958-2011(Mercer Univ. Press, 2011). All other information in this article is from my personal knowledge and/or Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, 1961-1971, by A. Jane Chambers, Rita C. Hubbard, & Lawrence Barron Wood Jr. (Hallmark Publishing, 2008).
This photo and all others in this article are from the 1968 Trident.
A major leap forward in sports programs occurred at CNC in the academic year 1967-68, made possible by two major events in the Fall Semester: the opening of Ratcliffe Gymnasium and the addition of two athletic coaches, Bev Vaughan (men's basketball) and Jim Hubbard (men's track). The variety of intercollegiate and intramural sports available for both male and female students expanded significantly, as shown in the 1968 Trident, which devoted 17 pages (50-67) to sports, plus a full page each to the first cheerleaders (p. 40) and the first Women's Recreational Association (p. 82).
RATCLIFFE GYMNASIUM
CNC's first gymnasium, which cost some half-million dollars (in today's dollars, $3.75 million) was named after Captain John Ratcliffe (1549 - 1609), one of the founders of the Jamestown Colony in 1607. He captained theDiscovery, the smallest of the three ships in the fleet led by Captain Christopher Newport (1561-1617). CNC's first building on the Shoe Lane campus was named after Newport (who commanded the lead ship, the Susan Constant) and its second building afterCaptain BartholomewGosnold (1571-1607),who captained the Godspeed.
Ratcliffe Gymnasium included offices and classrooms as well as men's and women's lockers and two gymnasiums: one that could seat up to 1000 people and another, much smaller, that was used only by women students. These were often called the "Men's Gym" and the "Women's Gym." In addition to sports practices and events such as basketball games and indoor track meets, Ratcliffe's larger gym was also used for events such as commencements and class registration periods each semester. Both gyms were also used for required physical education classes for all students.
COACHES HUBBARD and VAUGHAN
Jim Hubbard (above left) and Bev Vaughan (right) both came to CNC in the 1967-68 year. Both were hired by then-Director "Scotty" Cunningham, and, like Cunningham, were William and Mary alumni, with B.S. and M. Ed. degrees. Cunningham and Vaughan both worked for W&M before coming to CNC, Cunningham as W&M's Dean of Admissions and Vaughan as instructor and assistant coach of men's basketball.
In his essay "Of Track Shoes, Golf Balls, and Athletic Supporters" (Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, pp. 110 -117), Jim Hubbard tells us that while he was teaching and coaching at Warwick High School, in Newport News, he heard that CNC was building a gymnasium and looking for a track coach to replace Raoul Weinstein, who wasleaving the area. He applied for the position and was immediately hired as track coach and instructor and chairman of the newly created Physical Education Department. In Vaughan's essay "Setting the Sail: Launching the Men's Basketball Program"(Memories of Christopher Newport College, pp. 116 - 124), Bev tells us that when he was completing his first year of teaching and coaching at W&M, Scotty Cunningham phoned him and asked if he'd like to beCNC's first basketball coach. He also taught physical education as part of his contract.
Having the gymnasium and these two male coaches gave CNC an impressive leap forward in male sports. As the title of his Memories book essay reflects, Coach Vaughan "launched" the men's basketball program. He created CNC's first intercollegiate men's basketball team (photo above)-- doing everything from recruiting and coaching the 15 players (without benefit of any athletic scholarships) to ordering their uniforms and equipment, buying the ticket rolls, and getting Mike Cazares to create a homemade scoreboard. The team lost its first game, played at Ratcliffe against Fork Union Military Academy (Dec. 5, 1967), and had a rocky first year (8 wins and 11 losses), but grew steadily in skills and talent in subsequent years, eventually having sold-out seats under Vaughan. Although intercollegiate men's track began at CNC with Coach Raoul Weinstein, that sport grew significantly under Coach Hubbard, and in addition to outdoor track and cross-country teams, he launched the first indoor men's track team at CNC.
Another first that year was the first cheerleading squad, posing above in Ratcliffe Gymnasium. Cheerleading was not yet considered a sport, so the Trident put it on a page of its own (p. 40) instead of within the Sports section (pp. 50 - 67). Although I had no experience of my own in cheerleading, I was picked to be the cheerleaders' sponsor. CNC did not yet have a bus, so players and cheerleaders had to go to and from the away games by personal cars. My 1966 silver blue Mustang was a popular choice, but could hold only 4 of the 10 cheerleaders.
Assistant Professor Lillian Seats formed the first intercollegiate sport for women that fall: field hockey. Title IX had not yet happened, so there were no "store-bought" uniforms, just white blouses and gym class skirt-shorts, paid for by the players. In the following school year (1968-69), Biology Professor Jean Pugh would coach the first women's basketball team. Dr. Pugh paid "a little old lady in Gloucester" to embroider "CNC" and team numbers on the players' blouses. Neither team won any games its first year, but time would bring improvements.
INTRAMURAL TEAMS and GROWING SPORTS CHOICES
Intramural sports at CNC began almost as soon as the College opened in the old Daniel School building. For example, the students had a bowling league by the second year (1962-63). A Daily Press photograph dated May 7, 1963 shows the best team, the Parasites, holding trophies for highest league scores, awarded at a banquet held in Vic Zodda's and paid for by professor Robert M. Usry. The Student Government Association (SGA) and, by 1965-66, the newly formed Student Athletic Association (SAA) played major roles in the steady growth of intramurals, which sometimes crossed over into something like intercollegiate status, as when, for example, in 1966 CNC defeated ODC 28 - 8 in a flag football match. In 1967-68, student John Morris started the move for the first men's intercollegiate tennis team. Morris also became CNC's first Director of Intramurals.
Intramural teams continued to thrive in 1967-68, with flag football still popular (photo above), but soon losing its number one spot to men's basketball--football having only 2 pages to basketball's 4 in the Trident. With the opening of Ratcliffe Gymnasium, however, along with increased use of adjuncts, CNC was able to offer students more choices of activities than before. Also, by requiring students to fulfill 4 credits of physical education courses, the pool of potential athletes grew.
In her essay "Women Made It Happen: Building the Women's Sports Program" (Memories of Christopher Newport College, pp. 102 - 109), Dr. Mary Lu Royall describes how The Women's Recreation Association (WRA), formed by Lillian Seats in 1968, greatly increased participation in women's sports. The WRA (photo above) had a point system enabling members playing individual and team sports to earn awards and letters in field hockey, basketball, gymnastics, bowling, volleyball, softball, badminton, archery and golf (p. 104). Added also to women's choices was modern dance, taught by adjunct Mrs. O'Connell (photo below).
_________________________________________
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Published February 2, 2018
CNC's First Sorority:
Pi Kappa Sigma
by A. Jane Chambers
with information and photos from
CNC's first PKS sisters
and Trident yearbooks of 1971 and 1972
Photo of PKS members the second year of its existence at CNC. 1972 Trident, p.55
Greek life at CNC began in the Spring semester of the academic year 1969-70, a time when CNC was transitioning from a 2-year to a 4-year institution. The first fraternity, Chi Psi Omega (CPO),* and the first sorority, Pi Kappa Sigma (PKS), sprang to life almost simultaneously. Both Greek organizations were initiated by students, some of whom were juniors looking forward to being among those in the first CNC class to receive baccalaureate degrees, in Spring 1971. Original PKS member Candy Hixson Whitley recalls, "A group of us started [PKS] in Terry Gooding's living room." Dr. Ruth Mulliken agreed to be the sorority's sponsor.
The 1971 Trident devoted 2 full pages each to the fraternity (pp. 46 & 47) and to the sorority (pp. 48 & 49) and printed for each a list of officers, brief summaries of the first year's activities, and both group and action photos. Unfortunately, however, the above group photo of the sorority (PKS) shows 21 members but gives only 16 names--alphabetically. Readers can't tell who is who. Since the 1972 Trident photo was better in quality and identifications, I chose it to headline this article.
Although the fraternity was able to rent a modest house off campus for meetings and social events, the sorority had to hold such events primarily on campus or at members' homes. The color photos above and below, courtesy of PKS member Pamela (Pam) Vaughan, show a few such meetings. The 1971 CNC classroom scene shows (L-R) members Janie Riley, Kay Johnson (later Hogan), and Debbie Mello. I am guessing that Kay is being gifted with flowers since her marriage would have been about this time. The other picture shows Linda Watson at a Candle Ceremony at her home.
The above two April 1972 photos were also made in a member's home. Notice that bell bottom jeans and long straight hair were quite fashionable. In the first photo are (L-R) Linda Watson, Debbie Breault (in yellow with back to camera), Janie Riley, someone unidentified (blond in red with back to camera), Kay Johnson (later Hogan) , Joy Beard (later Schank), Beth Brannan, and in the foreground, Pam Sanderson (later Duncan). The second photo shows (L-R) again Janie Riley, Kay Johnson (Hogan), Joy Beard--plus Kathy Lovell, someone unknown, and Lynn Walker (later Brothers). Sadly, Debbie Breault and Janie Riley are deceased.
The group picture at the beginning of this article shows some of the Pi Kappa Sigma women wearing the sorority's jacket, which was navy blue with red Greek letters--the official colors of PKS. Dinah Murphy Everettsent this picture of it.
If the women of PKS continued to be as active at CNC as they were that first year, they were a busy bunch indeed! According to page 48 of the 1971 Trident , PKS's college and community activities included awarding a two hundred dollar scholarship to a CNC student for the 1971-72 session, in memory of CNC history professor Robert Madison Usry (died Spring semester, 1971), donating clothing for patients at Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, and donating fruit-filled Easter baskets for patients in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Hampton--all of which required fund-raising work. The sorority also engaged in such social functions as school dances, beer blasts, pool parties, and a banquet for the graduating seniors.
PKS members who received their baccalaureate degrees in the historic Spring 1971 class included Dinah Murphy Everett, Mary Fowler,Terry Gooding, Kay Johnson Hogan, Lynn Walker Brothers, and Cheryl Wolfe Chisom. Two others completed their bachelor degrees in the second 4-year class, 1972: Carolyn Cocke Stallings and Pamela Vaughan.
Several of the sorority women were married during or shortly after their time at CNC and shared that event with their PKS sisters. Dinah Murphy Everett sent the above picture from her wedding (March 27, 1971). Celebrating with the bride were (L-R) Mary Fowler (later Scott), Cheryl Wolfe (later Chisom), Linda Gray (not in PSK), Linda Watson, Dinah, Lynn Walker (later Brothers), Janie Riley, Terry Gooding, Kay Johnson (later Hogan), and (maybe?) Kathy Lovell.
That CNC's two first Greek organizations would interact socially was inevitable, resulting in close friendships and even, in a few cases, marriages. For example, Candy Hixson and boyfriend David Whitley (later her husband) attended numerous CPO fraternity parties, developing lifelong friendships with fraternity members. Also, first CPO treasurer (then president) Doug Duncan married PKS member Pam Sanderson; they are still married four decades later, as are Roman and Melinda Schenkkan.
Life has a way of separating people from each other. Careers, marriages, children, relocations--these and other natural circumstances often create unintended distances between us and people once close to us, and/or between us and the institutions once central in our lives. However, some members of CNC's first sorority--like some members of its first fraternity--have remained in close touch with some of their 1970s Greek siblings, and for some, Christopher Newport is still an important part of their lives.
* A June 9, 2017 article on Chi Psi Omega is located in our Website Archives, under the subtab First Decade History.
"While our beautiful campus has changed over the years,
Scotty's values and vision are always evident."
CNU President Paul Trible
They came from Maryland and northern Virginia--three generations of Cunninghams--to witness and participate in this CNU milestone: the naming of the university's Welcome Center to honor the memory and historical importance of Christopher Newport's first president, H. Westcott ("Scotty") Cunningham (died 2007). The above photo, taken in front of a portrait of Scotty located in the Center, shows (L-R) Sean and Meg Miller (son-in-law and daughter of Ann Cunningham Stachura), Andrew Davis (Ann's son), Cecil Cary ("Cecy") Cunningham (Scotty's widow), Mel Stachura (Ann's husband), Ann Stachura ( Cecy and Scotty's daughter), and the two sons of Todd Cunningham (Cecy and Scotty's deceased son), Todd Cunningham, Jr. and Jack Cunningham. Unable to attend was Ann's other son, Scott Davis. With one exception, all pictures in this article are official CNU photographs.
Several hundred people gathered on Friday afternoon, December 1, 2017, on the second floor of the new Newport Hall for the joyful event of the naming of the Cunningham Welcome Center. The two Cunninghams who spoke were Mrs. Cecy Cunningham (above, at the podium) and daughter Ann (beside her). The audience stood and applauded loudly when Cecy came to the podium. "I am so pleased about the Welcome Center," she said, "and also delighted to return to a place that holds such happy memories for me." She thanked Paul and Rosemary Trible for "planning this wonderful tribute."
Shown above are (L-R) Paul Trible, Cecy, Ann, Rosemary Trible, and Scott Millar, Rector of CNU's Board of Visitors. In his speech, President Trible noted that "While our beautiful campus has changed over the years, with new buildings and programs emerging in support of the remarkable students who call Christopher Newport home, Scotty’s values and vision are always evident."Explaining the purpose of the Welcome Center, he said also that"We want every individual who visits this campus to be reminded of Scotty’s life of significance and his many contributions to our success." During his speech, President Trible recognized the First Decaders and me and we were applauded.
The other CNU speaker (far right above) was alumnus Scott Millar ('85), Rector of CNU's Board of Visitors. “Earlier this year, we opened the doors to the Gregory P. Klich Alumni House," he began, "a place that honors our history and serves as a marvelous spot for all of our alumni to gather when they return home. Today, we honor our history again and name our official welcome center, which greets thousands of future Captains each year, after our first leader and our first Captain.” Appropriately, Scotty Cunningham, who commanded a PT boat in the Pacific in World War II, retired from the Naval Reserves at the rank of Captain.
This photo especially shows the beautiful gold lettering behind the Welcome Center's desk and a few of the numerous holiday decorations in the very large room. The centerpiece dominating the room was a huge Christmas tree, part of which is visible in the next picture.
In the foreground above (L-R) are Rosemary Trible, Cecy, and Paul Trible. The white-haired and white-bearded gentleman very far left is not Santa, but well-known lawyer Bobby Hatten, who is the nephew of Barry Wood. Among the many guests were emeriti faculty including Barry Wood, Ron Mollick, and Mario Mazzarella. Some of our CNC First Decaders I saw there were siblings Cecelia and Sonny short, Ellen Wirt, Corky Brooks, Wayne Rammell, and Jan Clarke. I'm sure there were more among the large crowd.
Posing with the Cunningham clan in this photograph are (far L) Paul and Rosemary Trible and (far R) Rector Scott Millar, who is related to professors Al Millar (deceased) and Marshall Booker. The portrait of Scotty behind them is at the entrance to a large auditorium, behind this central room, used for occasions such as orientation for incoming freshmen. At some point, every CNU student enters this Cunningham Welcome Center. Now, none of them can attend CNU without learning about its founding president.
Before the 3:30 Welcome Center celebration at Newport Hall, the Cunningham family visited CNU's Klich Alumni House, which most had not yet seen. Hosted by members of CNU's Alumni Relations Office, family members particularly enjoyed seeing the Cunningham Memorabilia on exhibit there, including Scotty's dress naval uniform, academic regalia, and, in a display case, many photographs and other interesting items. Standing beside the exhibit are (L-R, front) Sean and Meg Miller (Ann's daughter and son-in-law), Cecy, Ann and, in the back, Andrew Davis (Ann's son) and Mel Stachura (Ann's husband).
Cecy is shown above pointing to one of her favorite color photos of Scotty and her during their years at what was then CNC. The materials in this display were all donated to CNU by the Cunningham family, along with numerous documents from Scotty's decade at CNC (1960 - 69) that have not yet been fully catalogued.
This was Cecy's second visit to the Alumni House, and once again, she enjoyed time at the piano with Kenneth Kidd, CNU's Student Body President, who is also an Alumni Relations Office Intern. The two enjoyed singing together while Kenneth played a few of her favorite songs. Thanks to Kenneth for providing this lovely photo of Christopher Newport's First Lady and himself.
It is appropriate that the Cunningham Welcome Center is located in the second building at Christopher Newport that is named Newport Hall (photo above). The first Newport Hall, completed in 1964--now but a memory--was the first building on the "New Campus," called by some the "Shoe Lane Campus" or "Shoe U." The Center is on the second floor of Newport. To visit it, take the building's elevator and turn left when you exit at floor 2. Straight down the hall you will enter the very impressive Cunningham Welcome Center. Ask also at the desk to see the auditorium. And before you leave Newport Hall, ask for directions to Klich Alumni House--also well worth your time.
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Published December 8, 2017
Golden Anniversary December 16:
Tom and Joanne Hochheimer
by Miss Marple
CNC First Decaders J. Thomas Hochheimer ('65) and Joanne Clark Hochheimer ('66) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 16, 2017. Tom posted the above wedding photo on Facebook, along with this comment: "Fifty years ago, we made the best decision of our lives together. It's been a fabulous ride, and gets better every year." The recent photo is also from Facebook. Tom and Joanne reside in Waterloo, SC. I trust they will be pleased to see this item here.
Published December 22, 2017
1961-62 Times-Herald Article
about CNC's First Lady:
Cecil Carey Cunningham
by A. Jane Chambers
Article provided by
Ann Cunningham Stachura
The content in this undated Times-Herald article, recently located among Ann Cunningham Stachura's family treasures, indicates that this article was written the first year that CNC was opened, 1961-62. At that time, Newport New's Daily Press printed two newspapers: the Daily Press (mornings) and the Times-Herald (afternoons). The reporter, Phyllis Wallace, is identified at the article's beginning as the newspaper's "Women's Writer," which meant she wrote articles only about and for women. Segregation of the sexes was still strong then, so newspapers had sections called "Society" or "Women's News.
Webmaster Ron Lowder has made this newspaper article more readable by copying it in four pieces. Above is the text. One noticeable trait of "women's" articles half-a-century ago was providing details of the subject's physical appearance. Mrs. Cunningham is described as "the attractive newcomer," "the slim dark-haired" woman, and "the petite" lady. Of course, all of these phrases described her quite accurately then--and still do. However, in a Daily Press article on Mr. Cunningham written about the same time (1962), there are no such physical descriptions of him. *
The reporter interviewed CNC's First Lady at the Cunningham's Newport News home in Brandon Heights, even giving the address. In this century, I don't think home addresses of prominent people are generally given to the public like this. People felt safer in their homes in the 1960s.
One significant detail missing in this article is Cecil Carey (Cecy) Cunningham's being, like Scotty, a graduate of The College of William and Mary. Did the reporter assume that her female readers would not be interested in such a fact? Or did it simply not occur to her to ask about her subject's academic background? The article quite naturally includes Scotty's connection with William and Mary as both student and administrator. Maybe Cecy was too polite to mention her educational connection as well.
Above is the complete article reassembled. I hope you enjoyed reading this piece of early CNC history as much as I did.
*The website article1962 Interview with a Renaissance Man:H. Westcott Cunningham, located in WEBSITE ARCHIVES, subtab First Decade History, prints this most interesting and informative Daily Press article.
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Published November 24, 2017
A Salute to CNC’s First Decaders
Who Served in the Military
REVISED
By A. Jane Chambers
November 11 each year is Veterans Day, a time when we Americans remember and thank our men and women who have served, or are now serving, our nation in the military. When documenting CNC’s students of the first decade (the First Decaders), I have asked each about military service. I now have a list of 118who served in the 1960s or later and expect to add more names as we locate more First Decaders. The list includes military branches and ranks at the times of leaving service.
Of those on my list, 106have been located and documented.Forty-four served in the ARMY, 31 in the NAVY, 18 in the AIR FORCE, 11 in the MARINE CORPS, and two in the COAST GUARD. Over a dozen people have not yet been located, however. This article names those veterans and asks you to help locate them.
Thirty First Decaders served in Vietnam, where one, 1stLt. Richard Duncan (Ric) Bahr,*was killed in action (KIA) and several others were wounded. My brother Bob also served there, in the Air Force, at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, near Saigon. Our other First Decader KIA was Major John Patrick (Pat) Giguere,*a Cobra pilot who escaped death in Vietnam only to be shot down later (1983) in the Grenada Invasion.
Some of our First Decaders (FDs) served overseas in other locations, as did my other brother, Tom, who remembers freezing while guarding aircraft in Goose Bay, Labrador, at the same time brother Bob was sweating while loading Agent Orange onto planes in South Vietnam. Other FDs served on the home front. Some served 2 or 3 years; others served 2 or 3 decades. ALL should be thanked and honored.
A few of the returning veterans who attended CNC in the latter sixties formed a Veterans Club, which began in the academic year 1967-68. The only record we have of them that year comes from this informal picture and brief article (above) in the 1968 Trident (p. 80). Unfortunately, since last names are missing in this photo, it has been impossible to determine the identities of almost all of these men. We ask for your help in naming and locating them.
There’s no record of a veterans club in the 1969 Trident. However, in the 1970 Trident, the large photograph above shows and names the 12 men and one woman in this group and also provides additional information about what the club did. The following HAVE been located and documented: Mike Beard, Steve Franklin, Paul Fisher, Vincent McGuira (deceased), Roman Schenkkan, and John Walker. Can you helpus find the others in this photo? There are no further articles about or photographs of this club in the later Tridents(1971 and 1972).
* Ric Bahr is the subject of two essays by Wade Williams, located in our Website ARCHIVES under the subtab YOUR MEMORIES. A 2-part tribute to Pat Giguere is also in our website ARCHIVES under the subtab FIRST DECADE HISTORY.
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Published November 14. 2014
Revised and Republished November 10, 2017
CNC's First Intercollegiate Sport:
Men's Track:
Part 1, The Beginning
by A. Jane Chambers
Intercollegiate sports began at CNC because a small but enthusiastic group of former peninsula high school athletes wanted to start a track team. CNC was in its fourth academic year, 1964-65, with only one building on its new campus on Shoe Lane, Newport Hall, and no gymnasium or track. Nevertheless, CNC's Dean of Students, Jim Windsor, and Director, Scotty Cunningham, approved the students' plan. CNC math instructor RaoulWeinstein agreed to be their coach, and Ferguson High School agreed to let them use its 1/5th mile track, across the street from CNC.
Raoul Louis Weinstein. 1966 Trident, p. 27.
The newly-born team was fortunate to have Weinstein as its coach. A former track star at Newport News High and the University of Richmond, he was also a fine teacher--intelligent, articulate and disciplined. History is fortunate also that Christopher Newport's first track coach also kept a scrapbook that includes 55 items detailing the first three years of CNC's track history. Most are newspaper clippings, still readable despite being half-a-century old. Webmaster Ron Lowder will be placing all of this material on a CD soon and giving a copy to CNU's 1961 Historical Preservation Club.
Above is the first newspaper article in Weinstein's scrapbook. Like many of these, it does not have the name or date of the paper. However, Coach Weinstein placed these clippings from Newport News' newspapers--the Daily Press and the Times-Herald--in order of publication and the articles often include dates. The last paragraph of this first article names three of the teams' major members and their high school track achievements: Bob Deans and Jim Moore (CNC's co-captains, distance racers and sprinters) and Bob Artman (CNC hurdler; deceased, 2000). Artman also created the first CNC athletic letter design for the letter sweaters awarded to the team its opening year (photo below).
Photo courtesy of Bob Deans.
CNC's track coach Jim Hubbard, in his essay "Of Track Shoes, Golf Balls, and Athletic Supporters," lists the others on Weinstein's first track team (based on information from Bob Deans) as Mike Payne and David Ahearn (high jumpers), Jack Harrison (shot put, discus, and javelin thrower), Ted McFalls (pole vaulter), and relay runners Dave Hall, Herminio Cuervo, Perry Depue, and Buz Vohringer (Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, p. 111).
Listed additionally in newspaper clippings in Weinstein's scrapbook and/or in the program for the Colonial Relays of April 10, 1965, held at William and Mary, were students Harry Bennett, Norman Blankenship, David Dwyer, Mike Gordon, John Scull and two students listed by last names only: Lake, and Malami.
Bob Deans recalled, in Jim Hubbard's above-named essay, that "this was a time of athletic Spartanism at the College." All of the track team's home meets had to be held on Ferguson's track, and without a gym, the team's members had "no lockers, no showers, and no storage facilities. They dressed out in any available boiler room or men's rest room. After meets, they had to change back into their street clothes and go back to wherever they lived to shower. And they had to store their equipment, which was meager, in a closet in the boiler room of Newport Hall" ("Of Track Shoes," in Memories, p. 112). For the earliest meets, the team did not yet even have CNC uniforms.
The new team's first meet was on Saturday afternoon, April 3, 1965--a triangular meet held at the Newport News Shipyard Apprentice School's Athletic Field. The team faced the Apprentice school and Frederick Military Academy. Before the meet, young Coach Weinstein was twice interviewed by sports writer Hank Maloney. It was clear that Weinstein did not have high hopes for this first event. In the article "Christopher Newport to Debut In A's Triangular Track Today," he told Maloney that "We're anxious to do well but probably won't accomplish much early in the season."
To no one's surprise, CNC came in last in that first meet. However, co-captain Jim Moore won the College's first track victory, in the mile race, and co-captain Bob Deans finished third in the 440 relay. The next morning's Daily Press (Sunday, April 4, 1965) featured the above photos of (left) Moore crossing the finish line and (right) Deans in a close third in the 440.
Weinstein faithfully recorded every meet in his scrapbook--loss after loss that first year in meets with William and Mary's freshmen team (the Papooses), the Apprentice School (the Builders) Chowan Junior College, and freshman teams at the University of Richmond and East Carolina College.
Co-captains Bob Deans (L) and Jim Moore (R) consult with Coach Weinstein before a meet. Daily Press Staff Photo by Ed Streeky.
The one victory of that first season was on April 20, in a dual meet with Frederick Military Academy, held on Ferguson's track. The newly named CAPTAINS won 68-62. The entire College was elated. Coach Weinstein recalled decades later the "That next day, the guys walked around campus like they had won the Olympics." Bob Deans wrote that "Some of the coeds initiated a cookie sale that raised enough money to purchase a plaque to give to the team's outstanding member, Jim Moore, and Mr. Usry organized and paid for a banquet to honor the team" ("Of Track Shoes," in Memories, pp. 111-112).
Since CNC did not have a bus until the 1967-68 academic year, its first intercollegiate team had to travel to and from away meets by car pooling. Bob Deans described how those riding with pole-vaulter Ted McFalls "often found they were riding on the wild side. An Air Force veteran, Ted drove like he was flying a plane, and he would never slow down for that railroad crossing on Oyster Point Road, which at that time was a great big hump on a two-lane road, a lot worse than that crossing on Harpersville Road. When Ted hit those tracks, everyone held on for dear life--one hand gripping the seat and the other, out the window, gripping Ted's pole, which was tied to the side-view mirror and the door handles. Amazingly, that pole always arrived intact for the meets" ("Of Track Shoes," p. 113).
In many ways, that first year of CNC's Track Team was also a ride on the wild side. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series.
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Published August 18, 2017
CNC's First Intercollegiate Sport:
Men's Track.
Part 2, Ups and Downs
by A. Jane Chambers
The second year of CNC's first track team, academic year 1965 - 66, was a mixture of highs and lows, positives and negatives--reflected in the 18 articles for that year in Coach Weinstein's Scrapbook--3 articles from CNC's Captain's Log and 15 from Daily Press morning and evening papers.
Both the Log and the Daily Press predicted a stronger year than the first one. Returning were four lettermen: distance runner and sprinter Bob Deans (co-captain again), high jumper Mike Payne, pole vaulter Ted McFalls (see above photo) and high jumper David Ahearn. The above Captain's Log article described the freshmen joining them as "Bright Prospects": Lee Abrahamson, State Low Hurdle Champion his senior year at Ferguson High (now deceased); Wade Williams, sprinter and middle-distance runner (and co-captain); Joe English, high jumper; Terry Minnick, shot put and javelin; Bill Corba, broad jumper; and Bob Webb, distance runner.
The Daily Press article "Weinstein's Captains Look Better In Track" stated, "More strength and depth in the running events should make Christopher Newport stronger in this second season," even though "graduation of John Harrison and Henry Bennett leaves some gaps in the weight picture."
In its first meet, March 22, at Wilson High in Portsmouth, the Captains lost a close battle with Frederick Military Academy by only 5 points (75-70). The Daily Press article "Captains Set 5 Marks But Lose Track Meet" pointed out that Abrahamson, English, Hutchko, Ray, and Williams achieved "five record performances." A pattern emerged in this first meet that was to continue throughout the season: individual victories but team losses.
The undated Captain's Log article above states the Captains had 8 first place wins in that meet. The article also gives the team's schedule and names many additional members. Three of them were located several years ago: Norman Blankenship, Wayne Rammell, and Les Pendleton. These two are deceased: Don Lake and John Dyksen (misspelled once as "Syksen"). The part about a February match is confusing, unfortunately.
Another positive that year was that the team had what the first Log article overstated as a "Varsity Dressing Room with Lockers." In his March 27, 2015 essay on this website, Wade Williams wrote that Mike Cazares, CNC’s maintenance man, "built clothing racks in the boiler room of Newport Hall that served as the team’s locker room" ("A Tribute to Raoul Weinstein: Teacher, Coach, Mentor").There were still no showers, however.
1966 Trident photo of Mike Payne on the Ferguson High School runway. No picture has been found of the asphalt track built at CNC.
Bob Deans, in Coach Jim Hubbard's essay, "Of Track Shoes," wrote about another plus that year: " Mr. Baldwin, president of the Peninsula Asphalt Company, donated material for a 140' long and 3' wide runway for the track team to use for pole vault, triple jump, and broad jump events. He didn't donate the labor, however, which had to be supplied by Coach Weinstein and his team. They were not too good at laying that asphalt, so the runway ended up rivaling a ride at Busch Gardens" (Memories of Christopher Newport College, p. 113).
On the downside, the team's second season was marked by injuries and weaknesses in certain areas, as first recorded in the following article, written after the second meet and before the third.
By late April, as the Captains faced the season's second meet with Frederick Military Academy, the list of injuries had grown considerably. In "Injury-Hit Christopher Newport's Trackmen Host FMA at Ferguson," the Daily Press reported that three athletes would not be able to perform: Abrahamson, suffering from an infected ankle; Deans, sidelined with a pulled muscle; and McFalls, still out with that bad ankle. The hero of that April 26th home event at Ferguson was "Iron Man" Wade Williams, shown here in an excerpt from a 1968 Trident photo on p. 61.
Near the end of the season, Larry McCoy, of theCaptain's Log, wrote a fine summary of the team's performance that is worthy of being included here.
At the season's end, CNC history professor Robert M. Usry continued a tradition he started the first year of CNC's first intercollegiate sport. He again sponsored (paid for) a banquet for the team. Part 2 of this series ends with the following Daily Press photo for that year from Coach Weinstein's Scrapbook. Stay tuned for Part 3, covering season 3 and reflections from Weinstein.
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Published September 1, 2017
CNC's First Intercollegiate Sport:
Men's Track.
Part 3, A Blind Runner
and Weinstein's Memories
by A. Jane Chambers
Even with only ONE dual meet victory in my three years
of coaching, there were moments of victory by an
individual here, and a relay team there,
that made it all worthwhile.
Raoul Weinstein
A Daily Press article in Weinstein's Scrapbook headlined "Captains' Track Coach Weinstein 'Questions' Own Sanity In Light of Program's Obstacles" stated the team's handicaps: no campus track, no showers, no scholarships. But it pointed out the team's progress: a victory over Frederick Military the first year and a seventh place finish in the State college freshmen track meet the second year. So there was hope for more progress the third year.
Returning lettermen for the third season were distance runner and javelin thrower Wade Williams, high jumper Joe English, and 440 & 880 runner Mike Finnerty. Joining these Captains were freshmen Keith Kahle (long jumper & pole vaulter), Bob Beard (shot putter), Allan Sorrell (sprinter), Bill Smith (hurdler), Don Seymore (distance runner), Bill Leong (880 runner), Mike Riebe--and a blind distance runner: John Dunnavant.
Before the season opened, the Times-Herald published the following upbeat article (Oct. 25, 1966), which also focused much attention on the blind student-athlete, Dunnavant (misspelled "Donavant"). Wade Williams remembers running the track with John, their little fingers linked as Wade kept him in his lane. Although John never won a race, he was an important morale booster for the team and students.
The pattern of team losses balanced by individual wins continued this third season, reflected in several articles in Weinstein's Scrapbook. For example, after the Captains' April 11, 1967 loss to Chowan (89 - 51), the Daily Press headline was "Kahle Gains Double Win Despite Loss." The article noted that Keith Kahle won both the broad jump and pole vault events and that Joe English won the triple jump and tied for first place in the high jump. And after the team was badly beaten by Old Dominion's freshman team on April 26 (94-30), the Daily Press headline was "English, Kahle Shine Despite Captain's Loss." Sports writer Norman Covert opened by describing the Captains as "Outmanned," but then stated English won the high jump and triple jump, while Kahle set a school record in the pole vault (12'3") and was 2nd in the broad, high, and triple jumps.
A major disadvantage for the team was that Wade Williams was "sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury" early in the season ("Kahle Gains ... Despite Loss" article). This injury knocked Williams out of competition for the rest of the season, hurting the team seriously, as had previous team members' injuries in the second season.
WEINSTEIN'S MEMORIES:
Ups and Downs
At my request, Raoul Weinstein sent me some memories of his three years at CNC, with the comment "Being both a math professor and a track coach had its ups and downs." At age 24 his first year, he was CNC'S youngest faculty member, which meant having to earn the respect of his math students. At first, some of them, especially those older than he, found it hard to address him as "Mr. Weinstein" or "Professor Weinstein." When he was named track coach, however, he was soon addressed campus wide as "Coach."
When asked by Director Cunningham and Dean Windsor to coach a new track team, he accepted, although feeling "unsure if I could do the job. I had been a sprinter and a quarter-miler in high school and college. What would I know about teaching a young man how to pole vault, or high jump, or throw the shot put, or sling a javelin? I knew it would be a daunting task, but I set my mind to it as quickly as I could. Fortunately, this was a college, not a high school, and the students who showed up to form the initial team by and large had prior experience in the event of their choice from high school. I planned our team's workouts, I listened to my guys tell me what kind of workouts they had had in high school."
A major downside was that "track practice was not the highest priority" for some on his team--a consequence in part, he felt, of having "no facilities on campus like a dressing room or showers or training areas. Or a track!" Rather than "getting on their backs about it," however, he showed his appreciation "when they did show up for practice--and if they showed up for the actual meets. I tried to instill in them a pride in working hard if they wanted to get better. I let them know that when a practice was scheduled, at whatever time or whatever place, I would be there for them. And I was. I instilled in them some of things that had helped me when I competed in track, and that might help make them more successful. And I felt extremely gratified by the efforts made by some and frustrated by the lack of effort by others.
To his credit, Weinstein was "a math professor first, and a track coach second. In each of my first two years, I had the frustrating and disappointing task of giving a D or an F to the top performer on my track team, with the result both years that each flunked out of school. That was hard to do." But it was the right thing to do.
The Unforgettable Meet
"During our second year, the spring of 1966," Weinstein wrote, "I felt we had enough talented freshmen to enter the Virginia State Meet in early May at Washington & Lee's track in Lexington, in the freshman division. I took six track team members to Lexington: Wade Williams, Lee Abrahamson, Joe English, Joe Hutchko, Mike Finnerty and Bob Webb. It was an experience I'll never forget. The competition included the teams from the Big Six Conference (W&M, VPI, VMI, Richmond, W&L, and UVA) plus numerous other state schools such as Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Randolph-Macon that had been competing in track for many years.
Weinstein in the 1966 Trident, p. 84.
I was more nervous than my men. I wanted a good night's sleep the night before, I wanted to eat the right breakfast, the right training meal, get warmed up properly -- it was like I was the one competing. As the gun went off for each running event in which we had a contestant, whether trials or finals, I was a basket case. As each one of our guys came running down the runways for the long jump or the high jump or heaving a weight out into space, I was fluttering inside with nerves. It was a long and hot afternoon and my energy was completely sapped even though I never ran a single yard.
When the mile relay was over and the points were added up, CNC was in 7th place--right behind only the Big Six schools and AHEAD of everyone else! Hardly another coach or team up to that time had ever heard of Christopher Newport College, but on that day, it seemed that our navy and grey uniforms were everywhere. CNC's 6 guys had managed here and there to upset a few pretty good unsuspecting freshmen from some of the bigger schools. I was proud that day -- proud of my guys and proud to bring the name of Christopher Newport College to the attention of the rest of the state."
Raoul Weinstein has attended many of our reunions, beginning in 2011. The above photo, made by CNU Photos, was made at the 50th Reunion of CNC's Class of 1967, held in CNU'S Alumni House. Shown are Weinstein with some of his former CNC track men. Left to right are Norman Blankenship, Coach Weinstein, Wade Williams, Bill Smith, and Dave Hall. Raoul and his wife, Nancy, plan to attend also the 50th Reunion of the Class of 1968.
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Published September 15, 2017
Surviving Humid Heat in CNC Buildings
with No Air Conditioning:
1964 - 1968
by A. Jane Chambers
Students, faculty, and others who were at CNC between 1964 and 1968 no doubt remember the ordeal of being in Newport Hall or Gosnold Hall when both were not yet air conditioned. Although designed for air conditioning, these first classroom buildings were not funded for it for several years. How did we survive the often overwhelming and humid heat on the Shoe Lane campus in those years?
The photo below is of newly opened Christopher Newport Hall, the first building, in the fall of 1964. Every 1965 CNC yearbook, the Trident, has a copy of this color photo glued inside it on page 5. Notice that the two separate one-story units on the front had some tall but narrow louvered windows which opened outward. These provided some small relief from the heat, particularly on breezy days, for those using the first campus library (left) and the lecture hall (right).
Less fortunate were the people using the offices and classrooms in the two-story part of Newport Hall. No windows opened there, except the tiny transoms below most windows (visible in the photo above)--and those opened inward only a few inches. Making the situation even worse, there were not even any shades, blinds, or curtains on most windows to block the sun. Hotter than the first floor was, of course, the second floor--the home of all English offices and classrooms. I don't believe classes were ever cancelled, however, even in extreme heat. During one summer class meeting, English Professor Barry Wood placed a thermometer on a patch of shade on his classroom floor, and the reading was well over 100 degrees!
In his essay "Remembering the English Department's First Decade," Professor Steve Sanderlin wrote: "Teaching under such conditions was a real challenge! Dress rules suddenly changed: in summer sessions, students (but not faculty) could wear Bermuda shorts. Cold beverages, previously forbidden, were allowed in the classrooms. Huge, heavy roll-around fans were brought in, but these only blew the hot air around and made so much noise that one had to scream loudly to be heard. For the first time in my career, I taught without a coat and tie. Some of us longed to be back in the old Daniel building!" (Memories of Christopher Newport College, The First Decade, p. 42). Built in 1914, the Daniel building, in which Steve and I both taught for one year, although not air conditioned, had good ventilation because of its high ceilings and very tall windows.
Located on Newport Hall's first floor was the Computer Center, which had the only air conditioning in the building during those years. Unlike us, the equipment could not tolerate any humidity at all. On extremely hot days, especially during summer sessions, Professor Graham Pillow had more visitors than usual in that Center because some faculty and staff, including me, would create excuses for stopping by there to cool off for awhile.
Like Newport Hall, Gosnold Hall (photo above), completed by September of 1966, also had no air conditioning--plus the same style windows as Newport. In his Memories book essay "Marine Biologist Finds CNC His Perfect Port," Professor Ron Mollick, a San Diego native who joined CNC's Biology Department in the fall of 1968, thought at first that his office in the College's first science building was "uncomfortably hot" because of "malfunctioning air conditioning equipment," but , he wrote: "I soon learned that most buildings on campus were not air-conditioned! I immediately purchased a great big box fan that I placed at my door. It blew a gale and required that I weigh down every paper on my desk" (p. 57).
Ratcliffe Gymnasium and the combined Captain John Smith Library and Smith Hall Administration Building opened in the fall of 1967. Both had central air conditioning. The hotter the weather, the more time students and faculty spent in the library, of course. And faculty also lingered longer than need be in Smith Hall, reading their mail posted in the reception and mail boxes area and socializing with colleagues in various offices. Finally, in 1968, funding was allocated for the much-needed air conditioning of both Newport Hall and Gosnold Hall--in that order, I believe.
Front entrance of the Captain John Smith Library. 1970 Trident photo.
President Cunningham & Registrar Jane Pillow at the reception and mailboxes area inside the newly opened Smith Hall in 1967. Daily Press photo.
Dr. Sanderlin recalled in his Memories book essay mentioned earlier that the installing of the central air conditioning system in Newport was "not without some mishaps .... One day as I was walking down the hall on the second floor, I heard a loud noise and anguished cries. The maintenance man installing equipment in the attic had fallen through the ceiling and landed on a student sitting in a classroom! Fortunately, no one was badly hurt. But this incident and others were not uncommon for a while" (p. 43). Finally, though, we were all able to retire our electric fans.
with Thanks to Mike Coburn for inspiring this article
After I had talked briefly about the names of CNC's first buildings, someone asked, "Where did the name 'Shoe Lane' come from?" The occasion was the May 12, 2017 Golden Reunion of CNC's Class of 1967. "I have no idea!" I admitted. Then alumnus Mike Coburn spoke up, saying he thought the name came from some horse stables in the area long ago.
SHOE LANE
Mike later emailed me to confirm that his memory had been correct. Shoe Lane and two streets that meet it directly across from CNU, BriarPatch Place and Paddock Drive, "relate to the stables that once occupied that piece of property." He included a link to a Daily Press article of May 24, 1992, " 'Tally-ho' Is A Virginian Tradition," written by Alexander Wiatt, a Hampton veterinarian. It mentions that in 1946, the Hampton Horse Show (dating from the 1920s) moved to Mrs. R.W. Mitchell's Briar Patch Stables on Shoe Lane, in then Warwick County, and was renamed the James River Hunt. So these three names originally honored horse shoes, horse stables, and small enclosed fields for holding horses near stables (paddocks) .
On the 2017 CNU campus map above, Shoe Lane is near the bottom, above the word "ATHLETICS." The mark just right of the word "Lane" indicates the beginning of Paddock Drive. The mark left of the word "Shoe" showsthe beginning of Briar Patch Place. The original street address of CNC was 50 Shoe Lane and the road began at Warwick Blvd.
MOORE'S LANE
Crossing Shoe Lane just past Briar Patch Place (see campus map) is Moore's Lane, the second residential boundary of Christopher Newport. That name also goes back to the rural days in Warwick County. Les Pendleton, who was at CNC 1965-66, recently wrote to me that his maternal grandparents were "the Moores for whom that lane is named. " They had a farm on that lane, he recalled, and Les's family also lived on Moore's lane, as did many of his "aunts, uncles and cousins."
Les Pendleton's maternal grandparents were among the many people who sold their land between 1961 and 1963 to the City of Newport News once the City decided to provide 72 acres of land in the Shoe Lane area for the "new campus" of CNC. The farm the Moores sold bordered Moore's Lane and included what is now CNU's Parking Lot I (yellow square on the map).
WARWICK BOULEVARD
Warwick Blvd. (campus map, right), one of the four original boundaries of CNC/U, now splits part of the campus. The name "Warwick" has an interesting history. After the founding of Jamestown (1607), the Virginia Colony was divided in 1634 into eight shires (counties), one of which was called "Warwick River Shire," because that river had become a major port on the James. The area was essentially (with few changes) what is now the City of Newport News (see map below).
Historian Dick Anderson, in A History of Warwick (1953), wrote that the name "Warwick" was "after Sir Robert Rich, Second Earl of Warwick, who was a prominent member of the Virginia Company, though he never visited the [New] World County bearing his name. Patterned after county government in England, Warwick was then governed by a lieutenant and an elected sheriff." In March of 1643, the Colonial Assembly "outlined the boundaries" and "shortened the name to Warwick County."
In 1869, the village of Newport News broke from Warwick County to become the independent City of Newport News, having grown considerably after development of the coal piers, the eastern terminus of the C & O Railroad, and Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. In I952, the remainder of Warwick County became, briefly, the City of Warwick. Then, in 1958, Warwick became part of the city of Newport News (Wikapedia).
J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, which meets Warwick at the entrance to CNU and The Mariners' Museum, was so named in 1958 by the Warwick City Council to honor the only city manager of the City of Warwick. Mr. Morris (1909-87) also was a leader in the funding, building, and operating of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, completed in 1964 (Wikapedia).
The map above is from page 2 of the 1970-71 CNC catalog. In the upper left corner you can see the small corner of Prince Drew Road that was originally the fourth boundary of the campus. The 2017 CNU map (at beginning of article) shows most of that street now as a major boundary. I have found no information about its name.
HIDEN BOULEVARD
In recent years, part of Hiden Blvd. (pronounced HY-den) has become a new boundary of Christopher Newport (upper right on CNU map). This name honors Philip Wallace Hiden (1872-1936), a businessman and mayor of Newport News (1920-24) who owned most of the land in Warwick County in the Nutmeg Quarter area. Hiden also organized and directed the James River Bridge Corporation, which funded and built the original James River Bridge, which opened in 1928, plus two other Southside toll bridges, thus opening travel from Newport News to Portsmouth, and (via the private bridge built by Carl Jordan) to Norfolk, to vehicular traffic rather than ferries (Wikapedia).
Mr. Hiden died in 1936. His wife, Martha Woodroof Hiden, born in 1888, lived until 1959. During 1951-57, the family divided a 200-acre parcel of land in the Nutmeg Quarter area into the residential neighborhood they named Hidenwood--possibly a combination of the name "Hiden" and "Woodroof," Mrs. Hiden maiden name.
Do you have questions and/or information about the early years of Christopher Newport? If so, contact us! You too might inspire an article for this website--or write an article yourself!
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Published June 23, 2017
CNC's First Fraternity, Chi Psi Omega:
A Long-Lasting Brotherhood
by A. Jane Chambers
with information and photos from
CNC's original frat brothers
and Trident yearbooks
Photo of CPO members, families, and friends taken in 2014 at the York County home of member Henry Jones, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
NOTE: If you or someone you know belonged to this first fraternity at CNC, you might want to look at and perhaps even join this group on Facebook: Friends of Chi Psi Omega.
Christopher Newport's first fraternity, Chi Psi Omega (CPO), founded in the spring semester of 1970, quickly became a major social hub during those years when CNC had no dorms and few clubs that provided social activities. Strong bonds were formed not only within the fraternity but also with other CNC students, including some members of the school's first sorority, Pi Kappa Sigma, which was also founded in spring 1970.
Some Peninsula-area members of CPO, who had kept in touch for decades after leaving CNC, reactivated their fraternity beginning about 2006-2007, and since that time, they have continued to reconnect with more CPO brothers and friends and to hold social events, usually at members' homes. The photo below, taken in 2014, was made at the home of Roman and Melinda Schenkkan, during Roman's 60th birthday party. The two women, Candace (Candy) Hixson Whitley (L) andMelinda Schenkkan (R) were in CNC's first sorority, Pi Kappa Sigma. The CPO brothers are (front, L-R) Roman Schenkkan, John Norman, Richard (Rick) Fox, Chris Wilson and Ron Haskins and back (L-R) David Whitley (Candy's husband), Henry Jones andCarl Farris.
The 1971 Trident devoted 2 full pages to CPO, including five photographs, on pages 46 and 47. The excerpt below lists and shows the 9 first officers and the sponsor, professor Graham Pillow (p. 46). The location is the front steps of the fraternity house, discussed here later. There is also a half-page picture of 17 charter members (including these 10) but the quality is so poor that the faces (and even some bodies) can hardly be seen. Names of the 7 additional first members listed under that photo areRichard Hahn, Tom Maney, Gerald DesLauriers, Tom Knez, Pat Giguere, Dana Meredith and Walt Grizzard.
The 1972Trident photo below (from p. 50) shows an almost doubling in size of the fraternity its second year, with 22 members pictured and an additional 9 named but not shown, for a total of 31.This photo was also taken on the front steps of CPO's rented house.
Doug Duncan, CPO's first treasurer (Spring 1970), then its president in both 1970-71 and 1971-72, recalls two reasons for this surge in growth: intramural sports and dances. "We had intramural basketball and flag footballteams and hosted several dances on campus," he wrote. "The college put on some dances in Ratcliffe Gym that were poorly attended, while our house was packed on the weekends. So I was called by the administration to see if we would host and manage a couple of dances at the campus, which were huge successes. We knew how to throw a party. On the downside," Doug added, "I was in President Windsor's office more than once answering inquiries about our activities."
Crucial to the fraternity's appeal also was the fact that CPO had a HOUSE--fondly called by some "The Palace"--which, although long since demolished, is enshrined in memories and a few pictures. It was an older, modest-sized two-story house (photo above) located at11514 Warwick Blvd. (map above). Gerald DesLauriers accurately recalls that it was "onthe left side of Warwick Blvd if you were traveling South and was about halfway between Matthew Road and Fontaine Road." The house sat back from the road, with a large front yard. After it was razed, the lot was divided and two two-story frame houses were built there, close to the road, in 2003.
First treasurer Doug Duncan was charged with negotiating the lease for "The Palace" in Spring, 1970. Henry Jones, CPO president in 1973-74, remembers that the owner was Cecil Moore, an attorney in York County. Doug recalls being "a big hit in his law office with my purple bell bottom pants." Moore had bought the house, Doug says, "to put his law office there, but had had trouble getting it zoned properly," which is why he decided to lease it to the fraternity. The rent was, Henry recalls, "$200 a month."Every summer we'd get behind in the rent; then we'd have a keg party as a back to school dance, and we'd be flush with money again."
Doug recalls that "the house was run down but with a lot of effort we made it at least habitable. Shown left is a "Spring Work Party" taking a break: Top row (L-R) Stacy T. Louis, Henry Jones, and C.D. Young; middle (L-R) John Norman, Chris Wilson, and Jeff Meyer; and bottom (L-R)Graham Spady and Bob Johnston.
Gerald remembers helping to "remodel" the old house right after they leased it: "Iwas working at the Sears store in Denbigh and remember getting some gallons of clearance paint and along with a few other members painting much of the house. If I remember correctly some of the colors were 'strange' but it was cheap and we really did not care!"
Several members lived in the house, including, Doug recalls, Doug Henkel and Jon Grimes, and at least one dog. Robert Sowell wrote on the group's Facebook page that he lived there "for a few months.," during which, when he was by himself at night, strange thingswould happen. "Loud noises would come from inside...noises like stomping on floors, especially the staircase" and "very loud noises knocking on my bedroom door. There were times when things got so bad in there that I just slept in my car....I don't know why I experienced this, but it was real and it scared the heck out of me." Was it ghosts? Brothers sneaking back in to scare him? Or too much beer?
Beer was CPO's main source of revenue. Doug Duncan wrote: "We had a drink machine at the house dispensing beer for 25 cents. We would go to Farm Fresh, which had some beer on sale each week for $1 per six pack, mostly Schlitz. Making 50 cents on each six pack we were able to fund most of the fraternity. We also had a keg party once every couple weeks." Henry Jones is the bartender above (L). Stacy T. Louis and Debby Hixson (later Eure) are the Halloween party people (R).
In addition to playing intramural football and basketball on CNC's campus and attending and hosting social events there, the college's first fraternity provided a social atmosphere near campus for other students. "We never really checked for membership, Doug states. "If you were attending CNC ... you were always welcome."
Candy Hixson, a first CNC sorority member, remembers that after she met DavidWhitley (later her husband) in April of 1972, the two attended so many CPO parties that "people probably thought he was a fraternity member." Both are active members of the now reunited group. Other marriages related to CPO include those of Doug Duncan and Pi Kappa Sigma member Pam Sanderson, Jeff Meyer and Susie Buckley, and Greg Breault and DarcyPettijohn.
MemberJohn Norman's parents had a beach house on Currituck Sound, near the Nags Head area, so there were several summers (particularly 1972 & 73) when the fraternity had "Beach Week" there. The photos above show some of them and friends playing match stick poker (L) inside the Normans' cottage and sunbathing on the family's boat dock (R), which had a distant view (far left) of the bridge between Nags Head and Roanoke Island. The poker players are (L-R) Doug Duncan, Greg Breault, Doug Henkel, Rich Hahn, Mike Plott, and barely visible, Terry Shannon. Who are the sunbathers?
The Chi Psi Omega brothers from the early 1970s are now in their early sixties, but for some, Christopher Newport is still an important part of their lives. A number of them are active alumni, attending sports events, homecomings, and other activities at now CNU. At least three were among CNU's Top 50 Alumni honored in 2011 during the University's 50th Anniversary:Doug Duncan ('72),Carl Farris ('74) andHenry Jones ('75).The photo below left shows (L-R)CPO brothers Graham Spady, Henry Jones and Dave Hutcheson at a tailgating party before a CNU football game in 2013. The other photo shows (L-R)Ron Haskins and Henry Jones talking with CNU'S Alumni Relations Director Baxter Vendrick on Sept. 16, 2016, during the Column Signing event at the almost-finished Alumni House.
Along with families and friends, the brothers also get together as often as possible to celebrate birthdays or just to celebrate life itself, remembering those they have lost to death, including Pat Giguere, Jon Grimes, and most recently, Dick Werstein. Most of these gatherings are at members' homes. At a party on November 6, 2016, held at the home of John and Elaine Norman, they had the photo below made at my request, especially for this article. Seated in front (L-R) are Chris Wilson, Henry Jones, and Steve Kiger. Standing in the middle are (L-R) Ron Haskins, Roman Schenkkan, Stewart Patterson, andMarvin Adams. Standing at the back are (L-R) John Norman, Earl Lankford, and Robert Sowell. May this brotherhood and their friends enjoy many more such parties!
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Published June 9, 2017
Remembering Alumnus Pat Giguere: U.S. Marine Pilot KIA in Grenada, October 25, 1983
Revised 5/26/17
by A. Jane Chambers
with information from Jan Giguere Clarke
Clearly Pat died a hero and it was my honor to know him.
Colonel Greg Baur (USMCR)
John Patrick (Pat) Giguere was the middle child and second son in a Catholic and Army family with five children. The family lived in several places in Virginia and then in France until his father retired, in 1963, when Pat was 13. Lt. Col. Giguere then moved his family to Newport News to work at Fort Monroe. Pat attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Saint Vincent’s (later Peninsula Catholic), and CNC (BS in Business, 1972).
Pat Giguere as a CNC senior. 1972 TRIDENT, p. 72.
Like his father and brother Mike, Pat next followed the family's military tradition by joining the Marine Corps. He became such an outstanding helicopter pilot that by 1979, he was a flight instructor in Pensacola, flying the big rotary engine fixed wing T-28. In 1983 he joined tactical squadron HMM-261, where he served as the senior Cobra pilot. Then he was sent to Grenada, to battle in Operation Urgent Fury.
BACKGROUND OF THE GRENADA ACTION
October 1983, revolution broke out in the Caribbean Island of Grenada when Deputy Prime Minister Bernard Coard deposed Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. With Cuban support, Grenadian rebels fermented anti-American sentiments that threatened the security of U.S. Citizens on the island, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States appealed to the United States, Barbados, and Jamaica for assistance.
On October 25, U.S. Forces parachuted onto the island to begin what was ultimately a brief battle to liberate the people and protect American citizens. Over a period of several days the American presence grew to 7,000 Army Rangers, Navy SEALS, Airmen and Marines who engaged rebels and their Cuban advisors in action that resulted in 19 American combat deaths and 116 American wounded.The crash of a U.S. Marine helicopter on the opening day of the invasion resulted in awards of the Navy Cross and SIX Silver Stars to U.S. Marines (three of them Posthumously.) [Home of Heroes, Military Times]
Paratroopers landing in Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury. Photo from Home of Heroes, Military Times.
Cobra helicopter of Marine captain Tim Howard burning after being shot down by Cubans during Operation Urgent Fury. Photo by Joe Muccia.
THE FATAL BATTLE
Pat Giguere was one of the three Marine officers in Operation Urgent Fury to be posthumously awarded the Silver Star. His heroic action is described in this Citation, presented by then-President Ronald Reagan:
GIGUERE, PAT (KIA)
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Pat Giguere, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an AH-1T (TOW) Cobra Attack Helicopter Pilot in Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-261), Twenty-Second Marine Amphibious Unit conducting combat operations on the Island of Grenada in support of Operation URGENT FURY, on 25 October 1983.
While conducting an armed reconnaissance mission in support of ground forces, Captain Giguere's wingman was hit by multiple anti-aircraft artillery projectiles and forced down behind enemy lines. With full knowledge of their vulnerability as a single aircraft without a wingman's protective cover and with total disregard for their own safety, Captain Giguere and his Co-Pilot exposed their aircraft to heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire while engaging enemy ground forces and preventing the certain capture of the helpless and gravely wounded crew. Requesting assistance from a rescue aircraft and organizing the rescue attempt, Captain Giguere and his Co-Pilot fearlessly continued to engage the anti-aircraft emplacements that encircled the zone protecting the more vulnerable rescue aircraft and buying enough time to effect a successful rescue. Purposely remaining behind until the rescue aircraft could escape the enemy fire, Captain Giguere sacrificed his life after a gallant struggle so that others might live. By his extraordinary courage, uncommon valor, and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of danger, Captain Giguere reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
This photo of Pat as Marine appears in several places on the internet. Appears to be a USMC photo.
Silver Star award, named after the small silver star within the gold star.
USMC photo of an AH-1 Cobra firing during Operation Urgent Fury. This is the type of attack helo Pat was piloting.
Retired Colonel Greg Baur (USMCR), commander of Pat’s squadron, gave this first-hand account of Pat’s death in a January 18, 2012 email to the Giguere family:
He and the flight of 2 cobras that he led were sent to support an Army unit that had been pinned down on the single highway running up to the West side of the island coming up from Pt. Salinas. Pat’s second cobra (not HIS helo) was shot down by an anti aircraft site that no one knew was there. Pat stayed in the area, making gun passes on the site until he ran out of ammunition, while a rescue of the downed crew was launched. Pat and his copilot continued to press the attack and cover the downed pilots even after he ran out of ammunition. When his aircraft was hit, the helo impacted the water in a directly nose down attitude. The crash was unsurvivable. The downed pilot, Capt. Tim Howard was recovered, but his copilot Jeb Seagle was executed when he left the crash site…. Clearly Pat died a hero and it was my honor to know him.
Pat’s sister Jan Giguere Clarke says that for her family, 1983 was “a very bad year.” On August 31st, the family lost a beloved father, husband, and grandfather: retired Army Lt. Col. Alfred J. Giguere, Jr., who was given a military burial at Quantico National Cemetery. Fifty-five days later, the Gigueres also lost Pat: son, brother, young husband and expectant father —also given a military burial at Quantico. “Pathad been selected for promotion to Major in April 1983,” says Jan. Thus he was promoted posthumously, as reflected his grave marker (left).
The people of the small Island nation of Grenada have not forgotten the American warriors who died for them. The date of the Invasion of Grenada, October 23, is a national holiday, Grenada’s Thanksgiving Day. Point Salines International Airport became the Maurice Bishop International Airport in 2009. Erected there is a monument (below L) honoring the Americans who liberated Grenada. Inscribed on the Grenada Memorial at nearby St. George’s University (below R) are the names of the 19 Americans killed.
The first in Pat's family to visit the scene of his death were his mother and his sister Jan, who went there in 1986. In 2013, family members of all the fallen American heroes were invited to a ceremony at the Grenada Memorial, with transportation fully paid for. Pat’s widow and their son (born after Pat's death) and Pat's sister Ann and her husband, Bill Tucker, attended this event.In a lengthy email to Pat’s family dated June 5, 2013, his commanding officer, Colonel Greg Baur, recalled the details of the battle in which Pat was killed and wrote: “His efforts saved Tim Howard’s life. Then Capt. Howard was able to finish a 30 year Marine career as a one armed Marine Colonel, limited duty intelligence officer.”
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Published May 26, 2017
Addendum to
President Scotty Cunningham's Naval Service
in WW2 and Korea: Family Photos
CNU's Dr. Sean Heuvel recently learned from H. Westcott Cunningham's daughter, Ann Cunningham Stachura, that her father knew John Fitzgerald Kennedy when both men were young PT boat skippers serving in the same area of the southwest Pacific in WW2. Ann said also that her father served in the Honor Guard at President Kennedy's Inaugural Parade in January of 1961.
NOTE: Complete article can be found under the First Decade History sub-tab of the Website Archives tab found to the left of this page near the top.
Published April 28, 2017
President Scotty Cunningham's Naval Service
in WW II and Korea:
Family Photos
by A. Jane Chambers
With thanks to Ann Cunningham Stachura
and CNU's Dr. Sean Heuvel
Lieutenant (JG) and Mrs. Cunningham in January, 1944. Except where otherwise stated, all photos in this article are from the Cunningham family collection provided by Ann Cunningham Stachura.
During World War II, Hughes Westcott ("Scotty") Cunningham, a native of Elizabeth, NJ, and Cecil Cary ("Cecy") Waddell met in Williamsburg, VA, as students at the College of William and Mary, and fell in love. An athlete (football and track) and scholar (bachelor's in English and master's in linguistics), Scottie joined the Navy after completing his degrees at W&M while Cecy was still a student. "World War II was on," Scotty recalled in a DAILY PRESS interview of September 9, 1962: "Miss Cecil Cary Waddell had finished her third year at William and Mary. I persuaded her to leave college and marry a struggling young lieutenant junior grade--me." *
Scotty became the skipper of a PT boat like the one in the above watercolor painting, and "for two years, roamed the Pacific, primarily in the area of New Guinea and the Philippines" (Aaron, DP, p. 2B). The photo at the left shows Scotty in his boat. (Is that an air mail letter from Cecy in his shirt pocket?) At about the same time, another young Naval officer, destined to become a U.S. President, was also performing the same duty: young John Fitzgerald Kennedy, in his PT 109.
A National Park Service article, "PT Boats of World War II: From Home Front to Battle," gives a excellent summary of the boat and its functions: PT (Patrol, Torpedo) boats were small, fast, and expendable vessels for short range oceanic scouting, armed with torpedoes and machine guns for cutting enemy supply lines and harassing enemy forces. Forty-three PT squadrons, each with 12 boats were formed during World War II by the U.S. Navy.
Internet drawing of ELCO style PT boat.
PT boats were used for harassing enemy shore installations, supporting friendly troop landings, destroying floating mines, sinking enemy shipping targets, destroying enemy landing barges, rescuing downed pilots, landing partisans behind enemy lines, and attacking enemy island outposts. PT boat duty was very dangerous and the squadrons suffered an extremely high loss rate in the war (PT Boats of WW II, no page).
When Cunningham returned to the States, he and his wife went back to Williamsburg so that Cecy could finish her degree; to pay their expenses, Scotty got a temporary job at William and Mary as admission assistant to the Dean of Admission. The job turned out to be more than temporary, and he did not leave it until the outbreak of the Korean conflict, when he was called back into the Navy (Aaron, DP, p. 2B).
Lieutenant Cunningham in his tan dress uniform. The family has donated this entire uniform for the Alumni House display. Undated photo.
Because he had contracted malaria while serving in the southwest Pacific, Scotty couldn't serve in Korea itself during the Korean War. Instead, according his daughter, Ann, he was a military briefer at the Pentagon (Info from Dr. Sean Heuvel). The DP interview of Sept. 9, 1962, states Cunningham was "one of two official 'briefers' in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy and quotes his description of his job in Washington: "We were the people who would explain the Navy's official point of view to ambassadors, legislator, and so on" (Aaron, p. 2B).
At the end of the Korean Conflict, Scotty returned again to W&M, this time as Dean of Admissions and Student Aid. Two years later, he accepted the position of Director of Christopher Newport College of the College of William and Mary, moving to Newport News with his wife, Cecy, and their first baby, Ann. There he would create a college where there was none.
From 1953 through 1970, H. Westcott Cunningham also remained an active member of the U.S. Navy Reserves, retiring at the rank of Captain, as shown on the plaque below. By that time, he had also created a place in history for himself as not simply the first President of CNC, but the first CAPTAIN of CNC--our first leader, who led us from a 2-year school to a 4-year college.
Dr. Sean Heuvel recently wrote to me: " I'm working with Ann right now to request Scotty's military service records from the National Archives, so we can get a more complete picture of his WWII service, but it may take a little while....." I expect when their work is completed, we will have an article by Ann Cunningham Stachura and Dr. Sean Heuvel giving us a much fuller picture of President Cunningham's military service than we have at present.
*Joan D. Aaron, "Temporary Job After Wartime Duty Results in Directorship of Peninsula's Junior College," p. 2
CNU's Dr. Sean Heuvel recently learned from H. Westcott Cunningham's daughter, Ann Cunningham Stachura, that her father knew John Fitzgerald Kennedy when both men were young PT boat skippers serving in the same area of the southwest Pacific in WW2. Ann said also that her father served in the Honor Guard at President Kennedy's Inaugural Parade in January of 1961.
ADDENDUM Published April 28, 2017
Remembering Donald Bennett Riley,
Professor Emeritus of Accounting
(June 25,1934 - January 25, 2017)
When I went to his office, I was impressed that he had
a dumbbell weight on the floor. When I asked if he worked out,
he replied, "It makes a good doorstop."
--Coach Jim Hubbard, recalling his first meeting with Don Riley.
by A. Jane Chambers
Donald Bennett Riley and I both joined the CNC faculty in the fall of 1963, when the College was located in the former Daniel Elementary School building on 32nd Street in downtown Newport News. Christopher Newport was beginning its third year as a two-year branch of The College of William and Mary, and Don came aboard as its first full-time economics professor in what would become the Department of Business and Economics. CNC's first yearbook included the pictures below of young Don Riley: a studio portrait (L) and an informal pose in Don's office (R), with the caption "My students won't study; I guess I will" (the 1964 Trident, p. 14).
A Newport News native, Don was a graduate of Newport News High School, located only a stone's throw from our young college's first home. He then had a B.S. from what had been the Norfolk College of William and Mary (then Old Dominion College, later University) and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Later he would also earn an M.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University and become a C.P.A. He taught at CNC until his retirement--from the Daniel years through the Shoe Lane Campus years and into the early part of the CNU years, as did I.
Wayne M. Schell was both Don Riley's student at CNC and, later, his colleague there. After earning his B.S., M.B.A. and Ph.D., plus becoming a C.P.A., Wayne joined Don and others in the faculty of CNC's Department of Accounting and Finance. In his essay "Journey: From CNC Student to CNU Professor," Wayne fondly recalls taking five courses with Don during his two years as full-time student (1966 - 1968)--courses in accounting, economics, and business. Below are some of Wayne's memories of Don as his professor and mentor, taken from his "Journey" essay, published inMemories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, 1961 -1971.
Don Riley's classes were not for slackers. He required work, and lots of it. His philosophy of teaching seemed to be that students learn by doing, and we did a lot ... we were required to do, and then go over in class, virtually every exercise and problem in the [accounting] text. Obviously, his classes had a high attrition rate, but those who completed the class finished with a strong background in accounting ("Journey," inMemories, p. 210).
Wayne Schell as a CNC sophomore. 1968 Trident, p. 101.
In this 1966 Trident photo (L), Don Riley looks quite serious as he stands behind a classroom desk, but Wayne remembers that his classes were "often quite entertaining. He could be very funny while also being very serious about the material." Wayne remembers one particular example of Don's classroom humor: There was a smart, attractive, outgoing young woman who had a rather naive, "ah-shucks" demeanor. After a few weeks of interacting with her, Mr. Riley morphed into a kind of Gomer Pyle character. Between the two of them, there were more "gollys" and "shazams" in that class than you would hear in all of Mayberry (p. 210).
Don was also a great supporter of CNC's athletic teams. Former coaches Jim Hubbard (men's track and golf) and Bev Vaughan (men's basketball), both of whom joined CNC in the fall of 1967, wrote about Don Riley with affection and humor in their separate essays in our Memories of Christopher Newport College book, and as the College's first cheerleader sponsor, I also got to witness Don's enthusiasm.
Coach Hubbard in the 1968 Trident, p. 29.
Don was also a mentor to young Wayne, "always available to talk" with students outside class and "generous with his time." He helped Wayne with "a number of career and life questions." Most importantly he made him aware of the true value of his education. Wayne recalls: As the first in my family to attend college, I viewed higher education only as a way to improve my economic status ... Don Riley was the first to suggest to me that it wasn't just about the money. He said that a college education gave me the opportunity to spend my life doing something I enjoy ... a revelation to me. I am truly grateful to Don for his insight (p. 210).
Don was also a great supporter of CNC's athletic teams. Former coaches Jim Hubbard (men's track and golf) and Bev Vaughan (men's basketball), both of whom joined CNC in the fall of 1967, wrote about Don Riley with affection and humor in their separate essays in our Memories of Christopher Newport College book, and as the College's first cheerleader sponsor, I also got to witness Don's enthusiasm.
Coach Hubbard in the 1968 Trident, p. 29.
James N. Hubbard III, in his essay "Of Track Shoes, Golf Balls, and Athletic Supporters," recalling his first year at CNC, wrote: The College still had no bus, so both of us [he and Bev] had to get our teams to games the best way we could--usually by personal cars. I was told I should meet Don Riley ... because he contributed time and effort to the athletic department and regularly drove players to their basketball games. When I went to his office, I was impressed that he had a dumbbell weight on the floor. When I asked if he worked out, he replied, "It makes a good doorstop." He was ... a witty guy. The basketball players always wanted to ride with Don if they could, because if they rode with Coach Vaughan and lost the game, he would not stop to let them eat afterwards. However, Don Riley would stop to feed his group, whether the team won or lost (pp. 113 -114).
Coach Vaughan in the 1968 Trident, p. 30.
R. Bev Vaughan Jr., in his essay "Setting the Sail: Launching the Men's Basketball Program," recalled the College's first bus, a used school bus quickly dubbed the "Blue Goose." CNC Director Scotty Cunningham got it at the state surplus in Richmond for $500. "It was driven to Newport News and given a new coat of blue paint and 'Christopher Newport College' white lettering on each side," Bev wrote, but the heater never worked properly and the bus "was in the state maintenance shop more often than it was on the road" (pp. 121- 122).
Almost no one wanted to drive that unpredictable bus, but as Coach Vaughan wrote: One of the first drivers of the "Blue Goose" was accounting professor Don Riley. Don was an extremely careful driver, but, oh, did he drive so very slowly. We often kidded him about his slow driving. Someone once said if we had a game with ODC in Norfolk, it would be a two-day trip, with an overnight stay at the Strawberry Banks Motel! (p. 123). Don voluntarily drove not only CNC's male athletes but also its female athletes to their away games for a long time.
Christopher Newport was always a major part of Don Riley's life, and it continued to be after his retirement. In 2008, Don and his companion, Nellie Horton, attended the party at the Peninsula Fine Arts launching the publication of our book Memories of Christopher Newport College.Don also regularly attended the social gatherings of our CNC First Decaders, beginning with the very big 2011 weekend First Reunion in CNU's Banquet Hall. He also attended all of our group's annual September Picnics at Newport News Park, even after the sad loss of his dear companion Nellie. I remember talking with him on the phone after Nellie's surprising and sudden death. He was devastated. He did not attend our 2016 picnic and did not respond to my emails. Too caught up in my own busy life, I did not phone him. I wish now that I had.
Obituary photo. Daily Press, February 6, 2017.
___________________________________________
Additional memories of Donald Riley, from colleagues and students,
will be published on this website on March 3, 2017. Send to
cncmemories61_71@yahoo.com.
Published February 17, 2017
Daniel School's Famous First Grader:
William Styron
(Revised 09/02/16)
by A. Jane Chambers
In her essay "The Graduating Class of One," CNC first graduate Lois Wright wrote of the former Daniel School that if she and her CNC classmates had known in 1961-62 "that Pulitzer Prize winner William Styron (author of The Confessions of Nat Turner) had spent most of his first year of grammar school there, we might have felt more reverence for the old building."
To verify that she was correct on this point, Lois "e-mailed Styron's biographer, James L. W. West III, author of William Styron: A Life, who wrote back: " 'Billy' Styron, as he was then known, did go to first grade in the John W. Daniel Grammar School. He entered in the fall of 1931. Near the end of that school year, his parents bought the house at 56 Hopkins Street in Hilton Village, so Billy finished first grade at Hilton Village Elementary School' " (Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, p. 183). He then attended Hilton Elementary, followed by Morrison High School for two years, until sent to a private boarding school.
Below is a photo of Styron's boyhood home in Hilton Village and more information about him, courtesy of Jane Carter Webb, CNC/CNU Professor Emerita of Physics and Computer Science. This material is from page 104 of her book Newport News (Acadia, 2003).
Born in Newport News in 1925, where his father was an engineer in the Newport News Shipyard, William Styron first gained international attention for his novel Lie Down in Darkness (1952), set in "Port Warwick" (echoing what was then Warwick County, where Hilton Village was located).
In 1967 he published The Confessions of Nat Turner, based on an actual slave revolt in Southampton County, VA, in 1831, during which at least 60 white men, women & children were slaughtered by a group of male slaves led by a slave named Nat Turner. This novel earned Styron a Pulitzer Prize in 1968.
Five years later, during the CNC presidency of James C. Windsor, Styron was the first internationally famous person to speak at Christopher Newport College. He delivered the Commencement Address at CNC's May 20, 1973 graduation, held in Ratcliffe Gymnasium. His address is housed in the library at Duke University, where Styron earned his B.A. in English in 1947.
Wikipedia photo of William Styron. Source not given.
Other famous works by Styron include Sophie's Choice (1979), which resulted in a move in 1982 starring Meryl Streep, and Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness (1990), the author's autobiographical account of his long struggle with depression. The title came from John Milton's Paradise Lost, in which Milton described Hell as "darkness visible." William Styron died of pneumonia in 2006 at age 81.
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First published January 10, 2012
Revised and republished September 2, 2016
Driving the Two Riverside Hospital Buses
in 1968 - 69
Frances Lokey Newman's Memories
Edited by A. Jane Chambers
Photo of Riverside's "Green Monster" from CNC's 1966 TRIDENT, p. 76.
Frances (Fran) Lokey entered the Riverside School of Professional Nursing (RSPN) in 1968 after graduating from Warwick High School. Her father was overseas in the Army and her mother found it financially difficult to send her to RSPN. When Fran learned that she could earn money by chauffeuring her classmates, she happily accepted the job of driving Riverside's two buses back and forth to CNC and other places during her freshman year (1968 - 69) and the following summer. Her salary paid for her CNC tuition for the required courses the student nurses took during their first year.
Strangely enough, Fran was not required to have either a chauffeur's license or bus-driving experience to drive the Riverside buses. "I knew how to drive a stick shift and that was all that was required other than a having a driver's license," she recalls. She doesn't remember having any lessons either. She just "learned in the job."
Photos of buses are courtesy of Frances Lokey Newman, who is not in either picture.
The buses were both used vehicles. Fran doesn't know the background of the smaller, white bus (above L), but was told that the larger one (above R), called "the Green Bomb," or "Green Monster," was "a hand me down from the navy." The white bus could carry only 15 passengers, so it was used less often than the green one, which could carry at least 40 people. It's the bus most CNC students saw on our campus. However, in the summer of 1969, the white bus was "used more often," Fran recalls, because "we lost a lot of our class" during the freshman year. The nursing program, with its heavy load of CNC courses that first year, was very demanding, so the dropout rate was high.
Driving the white bus was rather easy. It had an automatic transmission and wasn't very hard to park. Driving the "green monster" was much more challenging, however. "It had 5 gears and would slip out of gear easily, so it was a very tricky job to get into the correct gears without grinding them," Fran recalls. "It was also a challenge to park it." Also, like CNC's "Blue Goose," the old bus "never got warm in the winter and didn't have air conditioning."
Fran remembers that getting the old green bus ready for an early trip was somewhat eerie: "I would have to go early, in the dark, alone, down to the maintenance section of the hospital, located behind the main building, to warm up the bus before it would move, and then drive it around to the front of the nursing school for the others to climb on."
She remembers too waiting in the bus at CNC for all of the nursing students to come out after classes ended and board the bus. "After exams it was tricky," she recalls, " because we didn't all come out at the same time and I never knew if everyone had finished the exams. I left only one person behind--one time. She let me know about it when she got back to the dorm!"
Photo of Fran as a young nurse was sent by her.
Looking back at her Riverside chauffeuring experiences 47 years later, Fran observed: "It was certainly a challenge but a lot of fun driving the buses. It helped me get where I am today. I've just recently retired after 45 years of nursing and loved every minute of it." The photo to the left, provided by Fran, shows her at the Student Health Clinic at ODU on her last day of working, in May of 2016.
FRANCES LOKEY NEWMAN completed her RN in 1971, her BSN at CNC in 1988 (also receiving the Florence Nightingale Award), and her MSN (in Family Nursing Practice) at ODU in 1996. She worked 25 years in the Emergency Dept. at Dixie Hospital (later Hampton General), the last 6 years as the manager. Then she worked for Bon Secours--Mary Immaculate (Newport News) in Family Practice until 2003. From 2003 - 2006, she was a consultant for Bon Secours--Harbor View (Suffolk) in development and implementation of Emergency Dept. Health Research of Hampton Roads. She retired from ODU's Student Health Dept. in May, 2016. She and her husband, Ken, reside in Suffolk. They have two daughters (both with university degrees) and one granddaughter.
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Published August 19, 2016
An Eye-Catching Tribute to Dr. James C. Windsor
by A. Jane Chambers
with details from Ruth Pepe and Joan Green
Pepe family photo.
Ruth Pepe, wife of CNC First Decader Ray Pepe (AA, 1965) recently sent me the above picture of this tribute to Dr. Jim Windsor that is located at 13128 Warwick Blvd., outside the dental office of Dr. William T. (Bill) Green. At my request, the Pepes later stopped by Dr. Green's office to learn more about the sign and his relationship with Dr. Windsor, but were unable to talk with him because he was with a patient. His receptionist told them Dr. Green was a friend of Dr. Windsor's.
I was able to connect by phone with Dr. Green's wife, Joan, who gave me more information. Joan Green was a wife, mother, and elementary school teacher when she met Jim Windsor in the 1970s at CNC, where she audited some of his psychology classes. A family friendship grew when she helped Jim, then CNC's president, with CNC's first major fund-raising drive, and also began sending some of her pupils to Joan Windsor, Jim's wife, for counseling. The two families were close from then on.
"Seek truth, live love, do good"-- the words on the sign, are from a book Dr. Windsor had been writing in his last years. These words were quoted twice by Barry Wood in his "In Memoriam" speech at the service for Jim. Dr. and Mrs. Green decided to have them put on this sign as a tribute to their long-time friend. The sign was put up in early April, after the memorial service for Dr. Windsor.
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Published August 19, 2016
Riverside Nursing Students at CNC
in the Early Years
by A. Jane Chambers
Riverside's Class of 1970 as freshmen. From CNC's 1968 Trident, p. 77; reprinted in Beth S. Mollick's "From Student Nurse to Faculty Wife and Nursing Faculty," in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, p. 202.
The students in the Riverside Hospital School of Nursing joined our Christopher Newport College family in its second year of existence, academic year 1962-63, while CNC was still located in the old Daniel building on 32nd Street in downtown Newport News. Before that time, the Riverside nursing students took their freshman-year college courses at Old Dominion College (now University) which, like CNC, was then a branch of The College of William and Mary. An undated, unidentified newspaper article provided by Lorena Elder Smith (CNC Class of 1963) states that in the first nursing group at CNC (1962-63) there were 35 students and in the second group (1963-64) there would be 40 ("Va.'s Biggest Community College, Newport, Opens Registration Books Today"). The content dates the article at early September of 1963; it was no doubt in either the Daily Press or the Times-Herald, the morning (DP) and afternoon (T-H) newspapers in Newport News then.
Above is a photo of an artist's rendering of the Riverside School of Nursing and Dormitory (1963), which was located on the grounds of what was then named Riverside Hospital, on J. Clyde Morris Blvd. This picture is located at the Riverside College of Health Careers, home of the School of Nursing since 2005. RCHC is located on Main Street in Newport News, between Warwick Blvd. and Jefferson Ave. This photo is courtesy of Beth Shepherd Mollick (RN, Riverside, 1972), who recently retired after a long career on the nursing faculty at Riverside.
By fall 1964, CNC had its New Campus on Shoe Lane, and"The nurses," as they were generally called, traveled the short distance (less than a mile) between their dorm and CNC in an old light green school bus which they called "The Green Monster." Several former nursing students have told me that they drove this bus, which was sometimes challenging. The two students in this photo (right) haven't been identified, but they were probably in Riverside's class of 1968.
The newspaper article cited earlier ("Va's Biggest") mentioned CNC Director Cunningham as saying the nursing students "are made as much a part of the college's regular student body as possible." But since the nurses attended classes only one year of their three, and had classes almost always as a group, seldom mingling with other students, they tended not to be as closely linked to CNC as was hoped.
From CNC's 1966 Trident, p. 76; reprinted in Beth S. Mollick's essay in Memories of Christopher Newport College, p. 204.
In the early years, CNC did try to include the nursing students in CNC life as much as possible. For example, there was a "Nurses News" column in the student newspaper, The Captain's Log. Also the first (1964) and second (1965) issues of CNC's yearbook, the Trident, included individual portraits of the Riverside students (see below), and some later issues included group portraits (see photo at the top of this article).
First page of portraits of the Riverside nursing students. 1964 Trident, unnumbered 45th page.
First page of portraits of the Riverside nursing students. 1965 Trident, page 60.
In 2009, when I began looking for the CNC students of the early years, whom I dubbed "CNC's First Decaders," I searched also for the Riverside nursing students. Patricia Clark kindly provided me with lists of early graduates of the Riverside School of Professional Nursing (RSPN). Although there was no (or invalid) contact information for most of these alumni, I located about 85, whom I invited to the First Reunion (2011) of the CNC First Decaders.
RSPN alumni (L - R) Beth S. Mollick (Class of 1972), Jim Lowell (Class of 1970) and Dalton Blankenship (Class of 1977) at the 2011 CNC First Decaders Reunion at CNU. Photo courtesy of Beth.
Among the few RSPN alumni who attended that 2-evening event were the three in the above photo, all of whom have continued to be involved in various ways in the CNC First Decaders (FD) group. Currently, about 60 RSPN are still on my mailing list. Some read this website but too few attend our FD events. I hope many more of "The Nurses" will become interested in joining our group and attending our events at CNU and elsewhere. I am on the Board of CNU's recently formed 1961 Historical Preservation Club, dedicated to locating and preserving CNC/CNU memorabilia that will be displayed on a rotating basis at the Alumni House, now under construction on campus. The 1961 Club hopes that RSPN memorabilia will be a part of that Alumni House collection.
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Published July 22, 2016
Track Shirt Mysteries
by A. Jane Chambers
First Decader Joe Hutchko sent me on July 13th an interesting email including photos of two T-shirts he "uncovered" at his home. The first one (below left: blue) Joe believes is his "CNC Track shirt, vintage 1966." The second shirt (below right: light gray) "is a bit of a puzzle," he wrote. He had always believed it belonged to his daughter, but the shirt reads "College," and his daughter attended Christopher Newport in the first decade of 2000, after CNCbecame CNU. He doesn't know "the year this shirt was purchased" and wonders if "someone else can put a date" on it.
I forwarded Joe's email with these photos to about two dozen people--mainly the men on my list of early CNC track team members, plus former track coaches Raoul Weinstein and Jim Hubbard, and the Board members of CNU's 1961 Historical Preservation Club. I asked them "Can you ID the 2nd shirt?" Few replied to my email. To my surprise, however, with one exception, those who did respond said nothing about that light gray shirt, but instead challenged Joe's memory of his blue tee, which he said he wore on the track team in 1966.
Bob Deans, co-captain of CNC's first track team, was the first to point out that Joe Hutchko's blue shirt was not part of the team's uniform. "I don't recognize either shirt," he wrote. "We supplied our own practice outfits. Our first uniform had no CNC letters on them." Photos of the team in action on pages 84 -87 of the 1966 Trident support Bob's recollection.
1966 Trident, p. 84.
Coach Raoul Weinstein emailed a week later, addressing Joe and me. " I do not remember any shirts in the 3 years I coached track, 1965-67, that looked like the blue and red-orange one," he wrote. "I think the only track shirts we had were the uniforms that were sleeveless and in navy and grey." The pictures in the 1966 Trident, although in black and white, support his memory. There was no 1967 yearbook for comparison.
Wade Williams wrote, " My track singlet from the spring of '66 was gray with navy blue lettering," reinforcing Weinstein's statement. "I don't have one," Wade added, sadly. The photo here, from the 1968 Trident, p. 61, shows Paul Smeltzer (L) in what looks like the team's later shirt, which includes lettering. Also in this photo are Wade (M) and John Dykeson (R).
The above photo was of a practice run, not a track meet. Both Bob Deans and Coach Weinstein wrote that team members wore their own outfits to practices. "Everyone came to practice in whatever they owned on their own," wrote Weinstein, "and our uniforms were only used in actual meets." Therein lies a clue, perhaps, to that blue shirt with orange letters.
Dr. Sean Heuvel, Chair of the 1961 Historical Preservation Club, and a young assistant professor at CNU, wrote concerning the gray T-shirt with the cartoon-like shoe: "This is just an educated guess-- but that second t-shirt looks to me like it dates from the early 1990s. Maybe it was produced around 1990 or 1991, right before the name transfer to CNU."
Please help solve these track shirt mysteries. Share this article, or the two photos, with all you know--friends, neighbors, children--who attended CNC. Especially show the second photo to those who attended CNC in the 1980s and 1990s. You can copy the photos from the article.
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Published July 8, 2016
Creating CNC'S First Psychology Laboratory
with Only $200
by F. Samuel Bauer
Professor Emeritus
The recent passing of Jim Windsor, CNC's President during the 1970s, set me to musing about those early years at the College and the struggle for recognition and funding. I came to CNC in the fall of 1971 after a temporary two-year appointment in the Psychology Department at the College of William and Mary, CNC's “mother” institution. CNC had awarded its first four-year degrees the previous spring, and was in an expansion phase in terms of course offerings and the faculty to support them. But there was essentially no money for things like lab equipment, furnishings, or anything else except the salaries of the newly hired faculty.
CNC's Psychology Department was seeking a specialist in my field, physiological psychology and related areas in experimental psychology. With my temporary contract at W&M ending, I was delighted to get an interview for that position. After meeting the department faculty, some of whom I already knew, I was interviewed by Marshall Booker, Dean of the Faculty at the time, and then ushered into Jim Windsor’s impressive paneled office for the final part of my interview. Jim was affable and told me that I was the only candidate with the appropriate credentials to fit the job description and that he thought I would be selected by the department. At the time I did not know that he was the founder of the Department and in the early sixties its only faculty member. Our conversation turned to what I would need to establish a laboratory for the Physiological Psychology course, and I promised to give him an itemized list with sources and prices for the essential items needed to launch the lab.
Sam Bauer in the 1972 Trident, p.121.
Jim Windsor in the 1970 Trident, p.23.
Joanne Squires in the 1972 Trident, p. 121.
I soon signed a contract to begin the following September, with an option to teach a summer course, relocate my office and begin work on the lab during the summer.Joanne Squires, Psychology Department chairperson at the time, proudly showed me the room in Wingfield Hall that would become my lab, and the adjoining observation room that would become my office.
The newest building at the time (completed in 1970), Wingfield had been planned for the expansion of the department, so sinks had been installed in two classrooms, one of which was to become my lab. Also, a vivarium room off the service area had been added, to house the animals we would use for research.
Photo of Wingfield by Thomas L. Williams, printed on p. 32 of Christopher Newport University, by Sean M. Heuvel.
At the beginning of the summer, I arrived on the campus with a station wagon full of books for my office, which had no bookshelves or even a desk, and an appointment with Jim to find out what my equipment budget would be. I hoped to get the necessary items ordered so that they could be ready for the Fall semester. Jim told me he had allocated $200 for my lab and was sorry it could not be more. Masking my disappointment--shock actually-- I left and returned to my empty room 120 in Wingfield to formulate a plan to create a lab by September.
To spend my $200 most effectively, since the sum would not even allow the purchase of a single lab instrument I needed, I decided to buy wood and other materials needed to build lab benches, and to spend the summer building them. I hoped to be able also to borrow some equipment from W&M to at least add a modest lab component to my Fall class.
Building and Grounds supervisor Mike Cazares, who had his own table saw and tools in the furnace room of Smith Hall, agreed to let me use his tools after I demonstrated appropriate knowledge of their safe use. I toted all of the wood across the campus to cut it as needed, since at that time there was no service road leading to Wingfield Hall, and driving across the lawn was possible only in dry weather.
Photo of Mike Cazares working on CNC's alarm system is courtesy of his daughter Sandy Cazares Allard.
That summer I built several lab benches, found some spare lab stools around campus, borrowed some needed equipment from W&M, and fabricated other equipment from items I scrounged from the State Surplus warehouse in Richmond. Fortunately I knew that there were new rat cages at W&M that did not match the needs of the department. They had been purchased by the architect when Millington Hall, which housed both the Psychology and Biology departments, was constructed. Stan Williams, chairman of W&M's Psychology Department, graciously transferred them to CNC. So Odell, CNC's custodian and general campus helper, and I fired up the old stake-bed CNC truck, drove to Williamsburg, loaded the cages and racks, and somehow made it back to CNC intact. Overall I built and scrounged enough equipment to teach a lab that first year.
The budget improved slightly, so each year I was able to add an instrument or so to the lab inventory, but the competition for funds with departments such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics was always fierce. It was not until the early 1990s, when the State started the so-called “equipment trust fund,” that the department finally acquired state-of-the-art apparatus.
The benches I built in the summer of 1971 were still in my lab when I retired in 2008. So I guess my decision on how to spend my $200 was fairly sound. Jim Windsor always supported our department and returned there as a professor after leaving the presidency. We laughed frequently about that allocation of $200. Well spent I might add.
Sam Bauer (L) chatting with Barry Wood at the 2012 First Decaders Picnic. Photo by Charlie Snead.
Dr. F. Samuel (Sam) Bauerearned his B.A., M.A., and Ph. D. at the University of Illinois and served in CNC/U's Psychology Department for 37 years as both professor and department chair. He and his wife are enjoying their retirement years in Virginia's mountains. Also a Faculty First Decader, Sam attends FD reunions when possible and occasionally writes articles for our website.
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Published June 24, 2016
Jim Windsor Stories
by Harold Cones
As I am sure we all were, I was saddened by the death of Jim Windsor. Jim was a good friend and a wonderful colleague and although we did not see each other as often as I would have liked, it seems strange to think I will not see him again. But I do have wonderful memories of our old days together at CNC and I would like to share some “typical” Jim Windsor stories.
Dr. Jim Windsor in December of 2008, at the Peninsula Fine Arts Book Party celebrating the publication of Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade. He was a featured speaker.
Jim always acted and dressed like a gentleman: ramrod straight posture, blue suit, ruddy face, pleasant demeanor, unique sense of humor, great laugh. When he became president in 1970 and was presented to the faculty for the first time as “President Windsor” at an afternoon faculty meeting, he was introduced as “Jim and his lovely wife Joan.” From that point on, whenever there was a public appearance of the president (he was frequently with Joan), he was always introduced as “Jim and his lovely wife Joan.” Many male faculty begin to jokingly introduce their wives as “my lovely wife so-and-so” and referred to their wives as “the lovely Mrs. so-and-so.” It quickly became a thing, and even now, in 2016, I still introduce my wife as “the lovely Mrs. Cones,” and a number of my colleagues from that era still refer to their wives as “the lovely Mrs. X”). When Jack Anderson was introduced at a faculty meeting for the first time as our new president, the introduction was “Jack Anderson and his wife Joyce.” In a loud stage whisper, someone in the audience whispered, “I guess she is not lovely.”
Money was scarce in the early days of CNC and Jim was very pleased with the fact that he could run a state college cheaper than any other school in Virginia. One of the ways he managed a tight budget was to personally approve each purchase request. At the beginning of each year, he went through every proposed budget, line by line, and eliminated things that he considered too expensive. During the first year of Jim’s presidency, the woefully under equipped chemistry department ordered its first real piece of modern lab equipment, a machine which required a platinum electrode. As Jim went through the budget, he crossed out the platinum electrode but left the machine (which of course was useless without the electrode). When asked about that decision, Jim replied, “We are not a platinum school.” We later talked him into it buying the electrode, but it took some doing.
The biology department started the extended field trip program in 1969. Because the college at that time had no vehicles (except a dilapidated school bus which hauled the basketball team around), students drove their own cars on field trips to Florida and Maine. The department of course had very little money and hardly a trip went by that I did not send a memo to Jim asking if the College could spring a few extra dollars to help offset the price of gasoline and camping. Although our students contributed money towards those costs, many them who worked to pay their own way through school did not have a great deal of money. On one such occasion Jim responded with a short memo stating that the hundred dollars I had asked for was unfortunately not available (“$100 is a lot of money”) and he hoped that we would have money to support the trips the next year.
In the earliest days of the college, when we only had three or four buildings, landscaping consisted of the contractor's finding some old bushes somewhere and throwing them in front of the various buildings as they were completed. The biology department, under Jean Pugh, and with students and faculty, spent many Saturdays landscaping the campus from items that we acquired in various places, such as thinnings from plants at home. The only professionally landscaped garden on campus was a very small plot at Smith Hall that was overlooked by a window in the president’s office. Many Saturdays we snuck into that garden to “thin it” and, until the massive explosion of building all over campus, much of the mature landscaping folks saw was from cuttings and plants that were removed methodically from the presidential landscape. Jim told us some time later that he would check on Monday mornings to see how clever we had been at removing material and covering up the evidence.
When Jim stepped down as president in 1980, he indicated that he felt the school had grown to the point that it was time for him to step aside to allow for a new president, one who had worked with a larger institution. Scotty Cunningham had made a similar statement when he moved on. Both of these men had the personalities, dedication, and self-awareness that allowed them to take steps to move on. I strongly feel that there would be no modern day Christopher Newport University if it had not been for the unselfish service provided by these two men to grow a partially wooded, muddy, agricultural field into a world-class university. Both are now gone, but the university they founded remains as their strong legacy.
1971 TRIDENT photo of Dr. Cones in his CNC office. Page 18.
Dr. Harold N. Cones, Jr.joined the CNC faculty as Instructor of Biology in 1968 and remained for 40 years, retiring in 2008 as Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology. He earned his BS degree at Maryville College, his MA at The College of William and Mary, and his Ph. D at Bowling Green State University. He chaired the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science for 27 years. He is the author of seven books and fifty other publications. He is also a devoted member of the CNC First Decaders and a frequent contributor to the FD website.
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Published April 15, 2016
Portrait of Mr. Usry Found
by A. Jane Chambers
All photographs of the Usry portrait are courtesy of Elizabeth Bentley, Office Manager for Alumni Relations & University Events, CNU.
On October 22, 2015, ChristinaLuers, Archives Assistant at Trible Library, while in the Freeman Center on an errand, happened to see the long-lost oil portrait of Robert Madison (Pat) Usry. It was in the Athletic Department's break room, on top of a refrigerator. Acting Athletic Director Judy Stenzhorn told her the department had had the painting for years. It was given to them by the administration because of the athletic scholarship that bears Mr. Usry's name. Ms. Stenzhorn was quite willing to let go of the painting so it could be preserved and prominently displayed elsewhere, such as in the Alumni House. Including the frame, the painting is 36" x 29" and both the painting and frame need restoration work. Temporarily, the portrait is now housed in the office of M. Baxter Vendrick, Jr., CNU's Director of Alumni Relations.
The Usry painting's original campus home was the Usry Board Room, Room 213 on the second floor of the first Student Center (now demolished). The room was so named, after Mr. Usry's death (1971), because of the history professor's many contributions to the fledging college since its doors first opened in September of 1961. Before his death, Mr. Usry had paid for all of that room's furnishings, from the long table with its comfortable chairs to the other furnishings, including even the curtains. Such contributions were typical of the man, who dearly loved CNC.
According to Professor EmeritusLawrence Barron (Barry) Wood, Jr., the Usry portrait was commissioned shortly after Mr. Usry's death in 1971, as a gift to CNC from the Alumni Association (See plaque, right). The artist was Jack Whitney Clifton, one of the most prominent artists in the Tidewater area at that time, particularly in the area of portrait painting.
Born in Norfolk, Clifton grew up in Newport News and later lived in Hampton. He was our first studio artist at CNC. He taught painting part time at the College for five years and counted among his students artist Betty Anglin, later a major member of CNC's Department of Fine and Performing Arts. His Daily Press obituary (August 27, 1990) states that Clifton "played an active role in the local arts community while winning national and international recognition," with his works displayed at well-known art museums, universities "and numerous private collections."
Clifton's obituary states he was "best known locally as a portrait painter whose subjects ... included Alvin D. Chandler, a former president of the College of William and Mary, and retired judges from the Newport News courts." Although the Usry portrait (detail top L) is a good likeness of CNC's first professor of history, Barry Wood recalls that Clifton was not totally satisfied with it, because all he had to work with was the color photograph of Mr. Usry pasted inside copies of the 1965 Trident on page 10. That photograph (bottom L) was taken because that yearbook was dedicated to the highly respected and beloved professor, who otherwise probably would not have agreed to be thus photographed. Following his death, nowhere in his belongings could be found any other professional pictures of him. He was not a vain man.
Many of us hope that the next, and final, home of the Usry portrait will be Christopher Newport's Alumni House, expected to be completed and ready for occupancy by December of this year. Meanwhile, for an interesting verbal portrait of Mr. Usry, see the article by Dr. Mario Mazzarella, "Remembering Robert M. 'Pat' Usry: History Professor Extraordinaire," inMemories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, pages 214 - 217. There are also student memories of Mr. Usry here and there in that book, as well as in this Website's Archives.
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Published March 11, 2016
Remembering Registrar Jane Carney Pillow
(1932 -- 2009)
by A. Jane Chambers
with E. Graham Pillow
When Registrar Jane Carney Pillow, a William & Mary alumna (A.B. Sociology; M.Ed., Guidance and Counseling), joined our CNC crew in July 1965, there were already three of her family members on board. As Jane said, it was truly "a family affair." Her mother, Edna Carney, hired in 1961, was Scotty Cunningham's secretary; her husband, Graham Pillow, hired in 1962, was teaching physics and computer classes, and her sister-in-law, Brenda Carney, was working toward two CNC degrees (A.A., 1966; B.A., History, 1971).
Jane andGraham Pillow were an important team at CNC during the 1960s- early 1970s, a time when Graham (A.B. and M.T.S., W&M) brought our College into the emerging world of computers, which enormously helped the Admissions and Registration Office with tasks such as registration and class rolls. Graham became chair of Computer Studies and, with Hugh C. Hilliard Jr., who joined CNC in 1970, designed our first interdependent B.S. degree, Management Information Science (MIS).
Newport News Times-Herald, Feb. 4, 1969.
Combining courses in business, psychology, and computer science, the MIS degree paved the way for students such as Wilma Riden (later Moore), shown above, to have highly successful careers in information technology. One of the first to earn this degree at CNC (1972), Wilma ended a 30-year career in information technology for the City of Newport News in 2006 as Deputy Director of the city's Department of Information Technology.
The Jane Carney - Graham Pillowteam began in the 1950s, when the two were students at William and Mary. "We were married in 1953 at First Baptist Church (downtown Newport News)," Graham recalls, "during the summer between our junior and senior year. I worked at Kings Arms Tavern and she worked as switchboard operator at Williamsburg Inn." Jane was expecting their first son, David, by their senior year, so "her academic gown doubled as a maternity gown at graduation." Both boys were born during the four years Graham was in the Army: David in Newport News in 1954, Steven at Fort Belvoir in 1957. Eventually the Pillow family would grow to include 9 grandchildren--6 by Steve (one stillborn)and 3 by David.
J. B. Daniel Building. Daily Press photo.
Jane Pillow's people skills were honed in the early years of their marriage. "Shetaught elementary grades in Maryland andin Fairfax, Virginia, while I was in the Army," Graham recalls. When the couple returned to Newport News, she taught at Daniel Elementary--neither of them realizing that the old school on 32nd St. would be the first home of CNC and that, first, Jane's mother, Edna Carney; then, Graham; and finally, Jane too would be working there.
During the transition to 4-year status, Jane worked individually with every senior in the first 4-year graduating class, being certain each had the correct number of credits and appropriate GPA. "To my amazement," she said, "the yearbook staff dedicated that year's annual to me. It has remained one of my highest honors."
Jane proudly shepherded her flock of 1971 graduates at CNC's first 4-year baccalaureate ceremony. 1971 Trident, p. 13.
She well deserved this honor. As stated in the Trident "Dedication," in that academic year (1970-71), Jane Pillow " had an added responsibility--a senior class that needed her guidance in planning graduation." Students were at her desk "throughout the day, and for each she [had] a smile, a word of encouragement, and, more often than not ... [knew] the student well enough to call him by name." Her work included "counting hours for the seniors ... a long and tiring job. Not only [did] quality point averages have to be computed but transcripts [had] to be sent to graduate schools and gowns and invitations ...ordered. All of these jobs were necessary for the first class of CNC to graduate."
Nancy Ramseur (L) & Jane Pillow in the Admission & Registration Office in Smith Hall. Pillow family photo.
Jane was CNC's second registrar, working under Nancy Ramseur, the first registrar, who came down in 1960 from William & Mary to open the college and soon became its first Dean of Admissions. The two women were close friends as well as coworkers, having in common not only a dedication to CNC but a shared love of and involvement in music. Both not only sang in their church choirs but also performed with other musical groups.
Jane's involvement with music was lifelong. Graham remembers that "she took piano and voice lessons throughout her high school years. Voice became her area of choice (soprano) and she sang in high school and college choruses. She also played the Autoharp, a stringed instrument with built-in chord stops played with a felt pick, which she used for herself when singing.She loved to sing for groups while we were working but she did not continue formal training after we had children."
Jane and Graham became a musical duo after Graham retired and began playing keyboard. "We did many programs together at retirement homes and campgrounds and RV parks as we traveled around the country," Graham wrote. "We did as many as 40 programs in a year after we settled in Florida. Jane was the leader of our chorus when we moved into a retirement facility and she was still singing up to the last chemotherapy when the doctor said no more."
Jane served CNC until June of 1974, when she accepted an offer to be the Coordinator of the Tidewater Consortium. The couple left Newport News and moved to Charlottesville in 1976 when Graham accepted a position as Director of the Medical Computing Center at UVA. While there Jane attended UVA 1976-80 working on her doctoral degree in administration and assisting in the Registrars Office part time.
Jane & Graham in the later years of their lives together. Pillow family photo.
In 1980 Graham accepted an offer as Assistant Vice President for Computing Services at the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center in Portland--a decision, he says, that "messed up the plan" for Jane to complete her doctorate at UVA. However, in Oregon she enjoyed participating in a grant program designed to measure the benefits of life style changes following severe health problems. The Pillows next moved to Ithaca , NY, where Graham "worked in a private college... in charge of computing services." In Ithaca Jane again worked as a Registrar, in a community college, for 5 years. " When I retired she retired," Graham wrote.
The Pillows shared 58 years together, remembered fondly by Graham with "many ups and downs of a lifetime of children and growing old together." CNC was very fortunate to have the talents and dedication of both Jane and Graham during the first decade, and half of the second, of its history.
Jane Carney Pillow lost her battle with cancer on August 9, 2009.
Published January 15, 2016
Best Early Photos in the Daily Press's
Look Back: CNC Photo Gallery,
with New Captions for Some
by A. Jane Chambers
The Daily Press gallery of 39 photos called Look Back: Christopher Newport College is an exciting and valuable historical collection of photos from the early 1960s through July of 2015 (www.dailypress.com/...look-back-christopher-newport). If you saw the gallery before this September, you might have noticed, however, a lack of information in some captions (especially the 18 aerial photos) and some occasional inaccuracies in other captions (such as incorrect naming of buildings). I recently began working with Daily Press Librarian Susan Conner to provide historically accurate details in the captions. Below are 10 of the best early photos, some with new captions now posted in the gallery. The process of revising captions is not yet completed, however, and I am seeking YOUR help in identifying CNC students shown in two photos here .
The first change made in this photo gallery was adding the opening date and original address of CNC to the running caption at the bottom of all 39 pages, so that it now reads: Christopher Newport University started in September, 1961 as Christopher Newport College, a two-year branch of the College of William and Mary housed in the former John W. Daniel Elementary School on 222 - 32nd Street in downtown Newport News.
To my knowledge, this is the only photo of the Daniel building that is not a front view--an exciting addition to our memorabilia for the Alumni House! Many readers will remember that fire escape and parking lot. NEW CAPTION:This photo shows the north side of Christopher Newport College in the early 1960s, with its fenced-in parking lot, next to a city parking lot, and the building's back, which faced 33rd Street.
The caption for this picture needed only two details added, that Newport Hall was the first building and that the new campus was on Shoe Lane. NEW CAPTION: In this Aug. 18, 1964, aerial photo Christopher Newport Hall, the first building, was almost completed at the new Shoe Lanesite for Christopher Newport College.
Gosnold Hall was simply called "this building" in the original caption, which did give a date, however. Readers now have the name plus more details. NEW CAPTION: CNC's second building and first science building, Gosnold Hallis rapidlynearing completion on the Shoe Lane campus of Christopher Newport College in Sept. 1965.
This photo is one of six aerial views in this early part of the gallery that simply state "aerial view," but do give the year (1967 or 1973). NEW CAPTION: Aerial view of CNC in 1967. Top corner left: Ratcliffe Gymnasium (completed Spring, 1967). Top right: Gosnold Hall (science building, completed in 1965). Center: Newport Hall (1st building, completed in 1964). Bottom right: Smith Hall (facing traffic circle) and adjoining Captain John Smith Library (both parts nearing completion).
This picture a year or two later includes 3 of the 4 roads and neighborhoods surrounding CNC as well as the campus. NEW CAPTION: Aerial view of CNC and neighborhood in 1968 or 1969, showing (top) Moore's Lane, (left) Shoe Lane and part of Ferguson High School, and (bottom) Warwick Blvd. Campus buildings: (top right) Ratcliffe Gymnasium (completed Spring 1967) and below it, Gosnold Hall (completed 1965); facing the traffic circle, Newport Hall (opened Fall 1964) and below the circle, the Smith Hall-Capt. John Smith Library building (completed Fall 1967).
The original caption was accurate: "Students at Christopher Newport College working on Earth Day in 1971." However, it would be nice if we could identify at least some of the students and add their names to the caption. I recently sent this photo to over 150 students and faculty members who were at CNC in 1970 - 73. So far I have one positive identification: Philip Wignall is the young man in the center, in a t-shirt, seeming to look at the camera while pushing a shovel into the ground with his left foot. If you see yourself or someone you recognize in this picture, please contact me atcncmemories61_71@yahoo.com.
This photo is one of two in the gallery showing the parking problem at CNC in 1972. Both original captions are good and the license plates in the pictures verify the year. The second photo (not shown here) is a view from the Shoe Lane entrance looking toward the buildings. Whose car is that parked beside the "No Parking" sign? Do you recognize your car in either of these pictures? If so, contact me (email address above).
The many available parking spaces suggest this picture was taken either very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon. A new 400-car parking lot had been built by then also. The original caption gives the date as October 1973. NEW CAPTION: October 1973 aerial view of CNC showing all 7 buildings then: UPPER ROW (L-R): Ratcliffe Gymnasium , Gosnold Hall (science building), & Mike's Greenhouse; CENTER ROW (L-R): the recently completed (1973) 3-part Campus Center, Newport Hall (facing traffic circle) & part of Wingfield Hall, and RIGHT: the Smith Hall-Captain John Smith Library building.
The original caption for the photo on the left is certainly adequate: LEFT TO RIGHT: Steve Franklin, Dean William H. Polis and Kenny Flick. The flag was a gift from the senior class in 1972. However, we need more information about why each person is in this picture. Polis was Dean of Students; Kenny designed the flag; but in what capacity was Steve there? More importantly, we need to find the flag (if it still exists) so that it can be displayed in the Alumni House soon to be built on the campus.
A time capsule was sealed December 1973 at Christopher Newport College reads the original caption for this last photo. Many readers might recognize then-President Dr. James C. Windsor, CNC's second captain, but who is the student? And why is he there? This caption needs more information and perhaps a statement about when the capsule was opened.
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Published September 11, 2015
Mural in Ferguson Center Honors Ferguson High and Warwick Junior High:
Created by 2015 CNU AlumnusAndrew Jelonek
by A. Jane Chambers
with information from Andrew (A. J.) Jelonek
The ideaof creating a mural inside Ferguson Center to honor the building’s previous incarnation as Warwick Junior High School (1956-1961), then Ferguson High School (1961-1996) came to CNU senior theater major Andrew A. (A.J.) Jelonek this January. He had volunteered earlier to write an historical piece on Ferguson Center at the request of CNU professor Dr. Laura Grace Godwin, who teaches Theater History and Arts Administration courses. She wanted such an article to include in a Theater CNU show program for the Center’s tenth anniversary. The Department of Theater and Dance (Theater CNU) is housed in Ferguson Center.
CNU website photo of the front of Ferguson Center, facing Warwick Blvd.
While researching for that paper, Jelonek realized that “CNU owes a lot to Ferguson High.” Yet there was nothing in Ferguson Center honoring that fact. “Usually,when a school is converted for other uses,” he said, “there is some sort of memorial for it: a display case, a plaque, a mural … even an exhibit room.” Wanting to create something to “honor the former schools and their alumni” and “add a little bit of beauty and sense of place inside the Center,” he decided “to advocate for a memorial mural— something that I knew I could do before I graduated.”
The completed mural, based on the cover of Ferguson High’s 1982 yearbook.
Getting support for the project was Jelonek’s first step. Dr. John Nichols, Associate Professor of English at CNU and Director of CNU’s Film Studies program, helped Jelonek “come up with a game plan: I gathered support from fraternities, sororities, student organizations, heads of departments, faculty, and Concert Hall staff members that inhabit the Ferguson. I was also able to contact FHS alumni via a Facebook group.” To his delight, he “received unanimous support from all."
Armed with that support, he then met with William L. (Bill) Brauer, Executive Vice President of CNU, to propose the mural. “I showed him my five designs,” he recalls. “Mr. Brauer then showed them to President Trible. About a week after our meeting, Mr. Brauer let me know that the project was approved!” The design approved for the mural was a stylized drawing of the front façade of Ferguson High, from the cover of the school’s 1982 yearbook (photo left).
Jelonek chose for the mural’s location “a blank wall overthe original main staircase of the school, still extant, now serving as an auxiliary fire exit for second floor classrooms.” He felt this location was “a symbolic spot for the mural, as well as a place where people would just happen upon it.” Both Vice President Brauer and President Trible liked that location also.
Painting the mural took four days. The work was done in May, with the help of Jelonek’s friends and fellow theater majors Kathleen Elizabeth Veer (class of 2015) and Emily Grace Rowson (now a rising junior). Theater CNU let the three students borrow the department’s tools and paintbrushes and CNU Plant Operations provided the scaffolding. Jelonek used a projector to trace the computer image in painter’s tape, then the students painted in the lines. The two photos to the right show, first, the projector on the landing and the image on the wall during one of several tests and, second, Emily tracing a line to follow, using a level.
The photo above left shows Jelonek fixing a taped line. The middle photo shows Emily waiting a bit before applying a second coat. The words below the image and the clock face at the top right were painted last. The photo to the right shows the scaffolding and mural seconds before the scaffolding was taken down by the CNU men entering from outside. Visible also is the outside walkway under the columns in front of Ferguson Center.
Viewing the mural in the Center is easy, if you can climb a set of stairs. The aerial photographs below, provided by Jelonek, show where to enter the building (green arrows) and where to see the mural (blue arrows). The left photo is from the 1959 Warwick Junior High yearbook, The Cavalier. The right one is a current picture from Bing.com. After entering at the classroom entrance (green arrow), turn left and walk down the hall. Three-fourths down on the left side, there’s a wall jutting out into the hallway with a door on the side. Open that door and you’ll see the mural above the stairs.
Looking back on this experience, Andrew Jelonek wrote, “I am still amazed it happened. I could not be more grateful to CNU for allowing the mural's creation. I hope FHS and WJHS alumni will enjoy the tribute, because in the end, this is for them.” We are pleased that he had this inspiration and acted upon it.
ANDREW ADRIAN (A.J.) JELONEK, a native of Leesburg, VA, received his B.A. in Theater from CNU on May 9, 2015, with a minor in dance. He appeared onstage in various theater productions, including "Islands," "Chicago," "Ah, Wilderness," and "Once Upon a Mattress." He was a brother of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theater honors society, and served as the president of Initiative Student Theatre and the secretary of the Film Club of CNU. He spends his free time advocating for historical preservation, taking photos, and enjoying the company of his friends. His post-college plans and life are a work in progress. He currently resides in Williamsburg, VA.
A. J. Jelonek with CNU President and Mrs. Trible at the President's home during a party for members of the Class of 2015.
Published July 31, 2015
Remembering John Patrick (Pat) Giguere: U.S. Marine Pilot
KIA in Grenada, October 25, 1983
Part 1
by A. Jane Chambers
with information from Jan Giguere Clarke
Clearly Pat died a hero and it was my honor to know him.
Colonel Greg Baur (USMCR)
BACKGROUND
October 1983, revolution broke out in the Caribbean Island of Grenada when Deputy Prime Minister Bernard Coard deposed Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. With Cuban support, Grenadian rebels fermented anti-American sentiments that threatened the security of U.S. Citizens on the island, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States appealed to the United States, Barbados, and Jamaica for assistance.
On October 25, U.S. Forces parachuted onto the island to begin what was ultimately a brief battle to liberate the people and protect American citizens. Over a period of several days the American presence grew to 7,000 Army Rangers, Navy SEALS, Airmen and Marines who engaged rebels and their Cuban advisors in action that resulted in 19 American combat deaths and 116 American wounded.The crash of a U.S. Marine helicopter on the opening day of the invasion resulted in awards of the Navy Cross and SIX Silver Stars to U.S. Marines (three of them Posthumously.) [Home of Heroes, Military Times]
Paratroopers landing in Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury. Photo from Home of Heroes, Military Times.
Cobra helicopter of Marine captain Tim Howard burning after being shot down by Cubans during Operation Urgent Fury. Photo by Joe Muccia.
THE FATAL BATTLE
CNC alumnus Pat Giguere (BS, Bus. Adm., 1972) was one of the three Marine officers posthumously awarded the Silver Star. His heroic action is thus described in his Citation, presented by then-President Ronald Reagan:
GIGUERE, PAT (KIA)
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Pat Giguere, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an AH-1T (TOW) Cobra Attack Helicopter Pilot in Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-261), Twenty-Second Marine Amphibious Unit conducting combat operations on the Island of Grenada in support of Operation URGENT FURY, on 25 October 1983.
While conducting an armed reconnaissance mission in support of ground forces, Captain Giguere's wingman was hit by multiple anti-aircraft artillery projectiles and forced down behind enemy lines. With full knowledge of their vulnerability as a single aircraft without a wingman's protective cover and with total disregard for their own safety, Captain Giguere and his Co-Pilot exposed their aircraft to heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire while engaging enemy ground forces and preventing the certain capture of the helpless and gravely wounded crew. Requesting assistance from a rescue aircraft and organizing the rescue attempt, Captain Giguere and his Co-Pilot fearlessly continued to engage the anti-aircraft emplacements that encircled the zone protecting the more vulnerable rescue aircraft and buying enough time to effect a successful rescue. Purposely remaining behind until the rescue aircraft could escape the enemy fire, Captain Giguere sacrificed his life after a gallant struggle so that others might live. By his extraordinary courage, uncommon valor, and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of danger, Captain Giguere reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
This photo of Pat as Marine appears in several places on the internet. Appears to be a USMC photo.
Silver Star award, named after the small silver star within the gold star.
USMC photo of an AH-1 Cobra firing during Operation Urgent Fury. This is the type of attack helo Pat was piloting.
Retired Colonel Greg Baur (USMCR), commander of Pat’s squadron, gave this first-hand account of Pat’s death in a January 18, 2012 email to the Giguere family:
He and the flight of 2 cobras that he led were sent to support an Army unit that had been pinned down on the single highway running up to the West side of the island coming up from Pt. Salinas. Pat’s second cobra (not HIS helo) was shot down by an anti aircraft site that no one knew was there. Pat stayed in the area, making gun passes on the site until he ran out of ammunition, while a rescue of the downed crew was launched. Pat and his copilot continued to press the attack and cover the downed pilots even after he ran out of ammunition. When his aircraft was hit, the helo impacted the water in a directly nose down attitude. The crash was unsurvivable. The downed pilot, Capt. Tim Howard was recovered, but his copilot Jeb Seagle was executed when he left the crash site…. Clearly Pat died a hero and it was my honor to know him.
Pat’s sister Jan Giguere Clarke says that for her family, 1983 was “a very bad year.” On August 31st, the family lost a beloved father, husband, and grandfather: retired Army Lt. Col. Alfred J. Giguere, Jr., who was given a military burial at Quantico National Cemetery. Fifty-five days later, the Gigueres also lost Pat: son, brother, young husband and expectant father —also given a military burial at Quantico. “Pathad been selected for promotion to Major in April 1983,” says Jan. Thus he was promoted posthumously, as reflected his grave marker (right).
Published May 29, 2015
Remembering John Patrick (Pat) Giguere:
U.S Marine Pilot
KIA in Grenada, October 25, 1983.
Part 2
by A. Jane Chambers
with information from Jan Giguere Clarke
Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13. King James Bible
Pat Giguere died on October 25, 1983, in a heroic attempt to save the lives of his two comrades whose Cobra helicopter had been shot down by anti-aircraft during Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada. He did not die in vain. In a lengthy email to Pat’s family dated June 5, 2013, his commanding officer, Colonel Greg Baur, recalled the details of the battle in which Pat was killed and wrote: “His efforts saved Tim Howard’s life. Then Capt. Howard was able to finish a 30 year Marine career as a one armed Marine Colonel, limited duty intelligence officer.”
Beirut Memorial in Camp Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Jacksonville, NC. Photo and information here are from the Official Website of the city of Jacksonville, NC.
Pat Giguere’s name is chiseled in granite on row ten of the Beirut Memorial shown above, “a gift from the citizens of Onslow County to honor those men that lived among us and gave so much. A solemn tribute to 273 Marines who gave thelast full measure of devotion in Lebanon and Grenada” in 1983. Each October “a Remembrance Observance takes place” at the Memorial “to remember those who gave the greatest sacrifice for their country.”
Henry Jones as CNC freshman. 1972 TRIDENT, p. 105.
That Pat would risk his life to save his Marine comrades in danger was perhaps foreshadowed in an event that happened near the end of his senior year at CNC (1972), as recalled by his Chi Psi Omega fraternity brother Henry Jones, then a freshman, who wrote the following:
We were on our last day of a Chi Psi Omega Nags Head Memorial Day weekend. The weather had been great that Saturday and Sunday, but that Monday, the wind and surf had picked up.It was late in the day. We were getting ready to head back to Newport News when we heard cries for help. We looked out and saw three people getting pounded by the rough surf and starting to drift out to sea.
Pat Giguere as a CNC senior. 1972 TRIDENT, p. 72.
Three of us went in and helped the first two people that were in distress. The waves were pushing us back and knocking us down. It was a real effort to get to them, but we did help them to safety.
Seeing our group effort, Patty, however, headed off by himself for the third person, who was further out. When the waves hit him, they sprayed off him like water off the bow of a boat. He reached the man and brought him in by himself.
While I remember Patty as always smiling, always ready to use his big booming laugh, he was also always ready to help in an instant.
Friend Bob Hines, who spent much time with Pat during their years together at CNC, recalls how playful times showed the man Pat would be:
I played in pick up basketball games with him. He was kind of a big guy, but did he ever hustle! After we graduated in 1972, we sort of lost touch. When I learned that he went into the Marines and became an officer, again I was somewhat surprised. I did not know that Pat quite had that in him, but I guess I should not have been surprised. My initial encounter in basketball with Pat should have shown me that Pat could and would go after whatever goal he set before him and would work hard until completion of such goal.
Bob Hines as a senior. 1972 TRIDENT, p. 90.
Pat fulfilled his goals as a Marine, as a man, and as a friend—not only that last day of his life, but before then. Colonel Greg Baur, in his email previously quoted (6/5/13), stated that by 1979, Pat was a flight instructor “flying the big rotary engine fixed wing T-28 in Pensacola” and that in 1983, he “joined my first tactical squadron, HMM-261,” where he served “as the senior Cobra pilot to fly and advise our Commanding Officer on the Cobra’s proper employment.” On the day of his death, Pat was leading the two Cobras “sent to support an Army unit that had been pinned down on the single highway running up the West side of the island coming up from Pt. Salinas.”
Bob also wrote of Pat: “He was truly a down to earth and sincere guy. Nice guy. Good guy. He once told me that he would go around and visit kids in his neighborhood during the Christmas season while dressed as Santa. Had he not left us so early, he would have been as good a familyman down through the years as any man.” At the time of his death, Pat was married and his wife, Cindy, was pregnant with their first child, who would be born five months later and named Patrick.
Pat in the 1970 TRIDENT, p. 45.
The people of the small Island nation of Grenada have not forgotten Pat Giguere and the other American warriors who fought for them. The date of the Invasion of Grenada, October 23, is a national holiday, Grenada’s Thanksgiving Day. Point Salines International Airport became the Maurice Bishop International Airport in 2009 (see BACKGROUND in Part 1 of this article). Erected there is a monument (above L) honoring the Americans who liberated Grenada. Inscribed on the Grenada Memorial at nearby St. George’s University (above R) are the names of the 19 Americans killed. In 2013, family members of these fallen heroes were invited to a ceremony at the Memorial, with transportation fully paid for. Four Gigueres attended: Pat’s wife and son and his sister Ann and her husband, Bill Tucker. The first in the family to visit the scene of Pat’s death were his mother and his sister Jan, who went there in 1986.
Marilyn in the 1970 TRIDENT, p. 51.
American involvement in Grenada, as in Vietnam, was at the time and for many people continues to be a controversial issue. The debate over whether it was or was not justified has not ended. In remembering Pat, another friend from his CNC Class of 1972, Marilyn McCabe, wrote this: “It was Pat Giguere who convinced me that even if you did not support the US policy on Viet Nam, you could support the US men and women who fought there--both while they were deployed and especially when they returned. It changed my perspective permanently.”
Pat Giguere was an “Army Brat,” born at Fort Lee, in Hopewell, VA as the middle child and second son in a Catholic family with five children. He lived in several places in Virginia and for four years in France until his father retired, in 1963, when Pat was thirteen, and moved the family to Newport News, where Lt. Colonel Giguere worked at Fort Monroe. Pat attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and then Saint Vincent’s (later Peninsula Catholic), receiving his diploma in 1968. He attended CNC for four years, receiving his BS in Business in 1972. Both his father and his brother, Mike (the oldest sibling) were military men, so he apparently followed the family tradition by joining the Marine Corps shortly after graduation. When he was told to go to war, he did.
Published June 12, 2015
FEEDBACK
Patrick Giguere Article (above)
From Jan Giguere Clarke [Sister]:
Thank you SO much for your touching and eloquent 2 part tribute to Pat. We are so grateful to you for honoring him and for unlocking new doors to his college friends.
A true gentleman in every way. Proud to say he was a fraternity brother.
From St. Vincent’s/Peninsula Catholic friends:
T.C. Panecaldo
Pat and I were in the same graduating class in 1968 from Peninsula Catholic high school. Thank you for posting this and I have forwarded this to our class historian, Bruce Crocker, and he will get this forwarded to every one of our classmates. Thank you. A beautiful remembrance of Pat.
Deborah Gentry
I remember Pat from 11th grade at St Vincent's. I remember him well. He was a great guy!
Margaret Brown-Jones
Pat graduated with my brother Billy from St.Vincent's! I remember him even though I was a little girl.
I used to work with Pat. He was a cook and his brother Mike was asst manager of a small pancake house in Hidenwood. It was owned by Vic Zodda who also owned a restaurant in the very popular Holiday Inn. This was in the 60’s. Pat was shy but funny. He got along with everyone. The kids in that family were all great personalities. Years later I met his sister who was a nurse at Riverside, I believe.
A Tribute to Raoul Weinstein:
Teacher, Coach, Mentor
By Wade Williams
Memory is a good running mate.
It keeps an even pace and lightly carries self-satisfaction,
regrets, and hope as the years blend into each other
with the passing of time.
--Wade Williams
The young math instructor had no idea why he was being summoned to CNC Director Cunningham’s office prior to Christmas break of 1964. As he entered, he saw Jim Windsor, Student Personnel Officer, seated nearby. They told him that Christopher Newport was to have a track team beginning in the spring of 1965 and the coaching job was his if he wanted it. Without hesitation, the young instructor, Raoul Weinstein, accepted. He was to be CNC’s first athletic coach, and he was an excellent choice.
Math Instructor Weinstein. 1966 TRIDENT, p. 27.
He had been a Newport News citizen since the age of eight, when he moved with his family from Philadelphia. A precocious young boy, he had skipped the third grade, graduating from Newport News High School at sixteen. His parents owned and operated Auto Craft Upholstery, a Newport News landmark located at 25th Street and Buxton Avenue. Raoul and his siblings, Karen and Sabrinaconcentrated on their school activities. Despite his youth, Raoul was on the state’s record-setting mile relay team and was second in the 440 at the state meet his senior year. He continued running at the University of Richmond, setting a record in the 220. He then pursued and obtained his masters in mathematics at William and Mary before becoming a member of the faculty at Christopher Newport College.
A smiling Coach Weinstein, pleased with his athletes’ performance. 1966 TRIDENT, p. 84.
Track and Field was to be CNC’s first sport, and for good reasons. First, it was cost effective, requiring little capital outlay. Ferguson High School, across the street, would allow access to its track and hurdles. The College would supply the uniforms. Long’s Sporting Goods would provide the few implements needed, such as javelins. CNC’s maintenance man, Mike Cazares, would build the clothing racks in the boiler room of Newport Hall that served as the team’s locker room.
Second, the Peninsula was a hot bed of track and field talent, so CNCwould provide a pipe line for athletes that didn’t receive scholarships to Division One colleges. Third, since track and field is a sport that affords numerous opportunities for a wide variety of skill sets, with eighteen individual events, there would be events for people of all body types. Finally, a cost-effective sport, with many local venues for competition, would bring the student body together, establishing an identity for the College, and wouldhelp in recruiting new students.
The team that launched CNC’s inaugural sports season was long on enthusiasm but short on depth and experience. Nevertheless, CNC’s first victory was defeating Frederick Military Academy’s track team, a team that had several state champions on its squad. Coach Weinstein noted that the next day on campus, members of our team walked about “with their chests poked out as if they had won the Olympics.”
Coach Weinstein (right of the winning runner, Bob Deans) watching the other runners. 1966 TRIDENT, p. 84
Dual meet victories in those early years were to be few and far between, but at the end of the second year, the spring of 1966, CNC’s freshmen placed sixth out of fifteen teams at the Virginia State Collegiate Championships held in Lexington, a feat that still astonishes Coach Weinstein to this day. Lee Abrahamson placed second in both hurdles while Joe English (high jump), Joe Hutchko (javelin), and I (880 and mile relay)—plus the mile relay team—had top four finishes. On that day, five CNC trackrecords were set.
From those humble beginnings, track and field at CNC developed into a national, Division III power through the remainder of the century. Other fine coaches built on Weinstein’s foundation: Jim Hubbard, then Doug Dickinson, and finally Vince Brown, who took the team to national prominence, producing scores of All-Americans and national championships. When Brown retired, the new field house honored his legacy, but with his retirement alsowent the All-Americans and national titles—“Ashes to ashes; Dust to dust”—despite first class facilities.
Track man Wade Williams studying for one of Coach Weinstein’s math exams. 1966 TRIDENT, p. 10.
Raoul Weinstein was first and foremost a teacher. A wise mentor of mine once noted that “Coaching is teaching and teaching is coaching. If you find a good teacher who is willing to coach, you’ll have a good coach.”
As a math instructor, Raoul never taught from his chair, but was always moving about, at the blackboard modeling equations and solutions, or traversing about the room offering assistance. If there was a podium to lean on, he never used it that I recall.
Once class ended, he would sit behind his desk, arms behind his head, tilted back in his chair, and wouldchat with students who engaged him. He also kept regular office hours. If he wasn’t in class, he was in his office, probably tutoring or grading papers. When he gave a test or quiz, the graded work was returned the next class meeting.
In fair or foul weather, he was at the cinder track at Ferguson HighSchool, across from CNC, at four o’clock each and every weekday afternoon. Sometimes only a handful of athletes would show for practice, but they were given a full, challenging workout on that day by a coach who was also a snappy dresser: pointed-toed, shined loafers, creased slacks, oxford shirt and black car coat with wooden looped buttons. With his halted, measured words, his athleteswere put through their paces. He never raised his voice. Praise was plentiful, admonishments mild and few. We simply did not want to disappoint this man at practice or in competition.
Coach Weinstein the “snappy” dresser at a meet. 1966 TRIDENT, p. 84.
He also had a strong sense of integrity. When two of his star athletes found themselves in positions to pass or fail his math course, they refused his tutorial help and also refused to put forth the effort needed to pass, so they received failing grades. Both students were the highest scoring athletes on their respective teams. No one was more disappointed by the failings than Coach Weinstein, and he remains so to this day.
Five years ago, I discovered he was living in Lakeland, Florida. I had lost track of him once he left for the Virgin Islands to teach in the late sixties, never to return to CNC. On a trip I made to visit family in Lakeland, we met at his home and spent four hours catching up and reminiscing. Despite his 70 years, he still moved with the grace of a sprinter—lean, fit, bright-eyed, engaging. I was captivated by my old mentor and the remarkable life he has lived and continues to live: math professor, author of a calculus text book that is still being used, real estate developer who built his own home in the Virgin Islands, and currently a dance master on cruise ships with his wife, Nancy, and author of an autobiographical book Become a Man of Confi-Dance, subtitled Dance your way to self-esteem, happiness, romance and adventure.
Raoul Weinstein dressed as dance host in 2006. This photo and the next were supplied by Mr. Weinstein.
Raoul and wife, Nancy, dressed as dance host and hostess.
We stay in touch on a regular basis and he lives closer now, in Greenville, South Carolina. I hope to spend my twilight years, when I move to Clemson, SC, hiking and biking with my old mentor. I want to tell him that throughout my life as a teacher and a coach, he was never far from my thoughts and my heart. In my own coaching career, he was there with me for each and every accolade I received—for the top ten finishes at the NCAA championships, the All-Americans, the American and world record holders, the ACC and Southern Conference championships, the five Olympians, and the eleven state championships. And it all started in that boiler room that served as a locker room and that cinder track across the street. He tried to teach me humility, too…but it didn’t stick. Thanks, Coach. See you in May.
Writer’s Note: Special thanks to both Coach Weinstein and former CNC President Dr. James C. (Jim) Windsor for information they gave me in conversations I had with each during the 2011 Inaugural Reunion of the CNC First Decaders and during Picnic Reunions later of the CNC First Decaders.
Editor’s Note: Wade “Iron Man” Williams (left) in the 1968 TRIDENT, p. 61, and Coach Weinstein (right) in the 1966 TRIDENT, p. 27. The comment under the Coach’s picture was put there by someone on the yearbook staff. Was it perhaps the female editor? Like Jim Windsor, in his youth the coach was an object of admiration among some of CNC’s ladies.
Wade Williams was the first recipient of the Richard D. Bahr Memorial Athletic Award, given to the CNC athlete with the highest grade point average. Wade had an outstanding career in both teaching and coaching, starting at Ferguson H.S. (Newport News). Next he was head track coach and assistant athletic director at VMI (Lexington) for 11 years (1974-86), then head track coach at Clemson University (Clemson, SC) for 3 years. Afterwards he returned to teaching high school English and coaching high school track and football, serving at Warwick H.S. (Newport News) and then Western Branch H.S. (Chesapeake). He retired with 44 years of exemplary service in education and athletics at the collegiate and public school levels. He and his wife live in Portsmouth, VA.
Photo of Wade Williams in 2006 supplied by him.
Published March 27, 2015
PEOPLE IDENTIFIED: COMMENCEMENT 1965 PHOTOGRAPH
The 2 men standing on the left are JAMES C. (Jim) WINDSOR, then Student Personnel Officer(dark suit) and CNC Director (later President) H. WESTCOTT (Scotty) CUNNINGHAM(lighter suit).
The A.A. Degree Recipients are lined up in reverse alphabetical order. Some are identified here from RIGHT (aisle) to LEFT, while some are guessed at, based on last names then, and others are simply not visible.
First row (R-L):TOM WITTY, ELLEN WIRT, [next probably Charles E. Watkins, Jr.], GAYLE STANLEY (now Walters), [next probably Fred Smallwood, now deceased], and PAT SHAUGHNESSY (now Morrell).
Second row (R-L):GWEN SEIDLER (now Stevens), JENNIFER RILEY (now Watson), JEAN REGONE (now Henry), [then probablyDAVID B. RABINOWITZ], [next probably ALEXANDER PHILLIPS, now deceased], and RAY PEPE (wearing glasses).
Third row (R-L): PATTYMOORE (nowSchwarzman), ED MIRMELSTEIN, GLENN LAWSON , (probably Sally Krym, now Dafashy), hidden people (probably PAT HEMETER, now Spriggs, and Jack Harrison), ROBERT GRAY, (then probablyKathie Scott Fitzgerald), and finally (half-hidden, wearing glasses and against the curtain), BEN ELLIS.
Fourth row:Behind Patty Moore is (quite likely) IRENE CHRISTOFI (now Leopold), then (probably) RICK) BENNETT, and the first graduate, JOHN BANE. People after that are those attending the commencement, not the graduates.
Published March 27, 2015
FEEDBACK
FEEDBACK on ROBBIE O'BRIEN, Freshman Attendant shown in The 1965 Christmas Pageant: MISS CNC of 1965 and Her Court.
From PATRICIA SKINNER (RN, RSPN, 1965) re: ROBBIE O'BRIEN ( Gloria Roberta O'Brien) "She was in her freshman year at Riverside. I remember her well from when I was a Senior Nursing student. I will investigate, as I think I remember who she married, just not sure enough to say in this email. Most likely she wouldn't be on CNC's roll, because she was a Riverside School of Professional Nursing student.
I will double check and get back to you as soon as I verify my findings."
From Editor, Jane: I found Robbie's photo (attached), with her full maiden name, on p. 66 of the 1965 TRIDENT. Apparently she did not complete the RN program, because she is not on the RSPN Class of 1967 list sent to me by Riverside. If you locate her, Pat, let me know, because as you know, she is welcome to join the First Decaders, as are any of the other Riverside Nursing students.
The 1965 Christmas Pageant:
Miss CNC of 1965 and Her Court
By A. Jane Chambers
The tradition of having an annual Christmas Ball in December, highlighted by the crowning of each year’s Miss CNC, began in the College's second year, 1962-63, with the formation of the Student Government Association (SGA), which sponsored the first three Christmas Balls. After the first Ball, held in the Daniel School building (CNC’s first home), these dances were held for some years in the Roof Garden Room of the historic Chamberlin Hotel located at Fort Monroe, in Hampton—for many decades a popular location for events such as school proms and reunions. Following extensive and expensive renovation, the Chamberlin is now an exclusive independent living facility for senior citizens. Some dining areas, however, are still open to the public (reservations required).
From Chamberlin Views, Photo Galleries, The Chamberlin: Waterfront Senior Living, via GOOGLE.
The 1965Trident states that CNC’s 1965 Christmas Pageant (thus called on p. 72) was sponsored by the staff of The Captain’s Log and that the Christmas Court and Miss CNC were “elected in contests sponsored by the newspaper” (p. 28). Below are the yearbook’s photos (pp. 73 – 75) of the five winners, two of whom have not yet been located. Where are these women now?Can any of our readers help us find them?
FRANCES HELEN FRY: Miss CNC of 1965.Not yet located.
TheTrident photo of her on page 38 (L) gives this full name above. In contrast, the name under the Miss CNC photo (R) is “Francis Frye” (p. 73). Since the masculine spelling “Francis” is no doubt incorrect, the spelling “Frye” is possibly also wrong.
LESLIE A. DEYONG (now FRANK):Sophomore Attendant
At CNC 1963-65, Leslie was an SGA Assemblyman her freshman year and a member of CNC’s Young Democrats as well as a Miss CNC Attendant her sophomore year. Married soon afterwards, she has been a homemaker and mother of three, but also active in the community. She and her husband, Judge Robert P. Frank, still reside in Newport News, as does their daughter, Hillary. Their son Will lives in Richmond and their son Jeremy in Washington, DC.
ALICE ELIZABETH (BETTY) CARLE (now CHEATHAM): Sophomore Attendant
Also at CNC 1963-65, Betty was in the SGA both years, as an Assemblyman her freshman year and as SGA Secretary her sophomore year. Like Leslie, she has also been a career homemaker and mother of three, but with additional interests, including the Daughters of the American Revolution and genealogy. In 1996 she completed a B.A. in history at UNC-Chapel Hill. Betty and her husband, A. Gooch Cheatham III (retired from a career in radiological control, nuclear power) now reside in Ormond Beach, Florida. Daughter Caryn lives in Palm Coast, FL. Son Craig lives in Raleigh, NC, and son Kyle in Rossville, GA. They have a grandson.
ELIZABETH ALEXANDRA (SANDY) PAXSON
SANDY PAXSON and ROBIE O’BRIEN: Freshmen Attendants
ELIZABETH ALEXANDRA (SANDY) PAXSON: Deceased.Sandydied in January of 1993. She attended CNC 1964-67. In her first year, she was Assistant Copy Editor of the 1965 Trident as well as a Freshman Attendant to Miss CNC; the next year, she was Miss CNC of 1966. In June of 1967, she was awarded the A.A. degree at CNC.
ROBIE O’BRIEN has not yet been located. There is no photo of her in any of our Trident yearbooks. Nor is she listed on any First Decade Commencement Exercises. “Robie” is possibly a nickname for Roberta or some other name, but could be her given name.
ROBIE O’BRIEN
The Christmas Ball changed with time, as all traditions do. The long gowns and white gloves quickly became optional, as did the tuxedo or dark suit. By 1970, the dance was called the Christmas Formal,reigned over byThe Winter Queen, not a Miss CNC. By 1972, the dance became the Winter Formal. The Chamberlin ceased to be the prime location, and locales varied from year to year. I believe the Homecoming Queen eventually replaced the Winter Queen. As the British poet Percy B. Shelley observed in 1816 in hispoem Mutability:
Man's yesterday may ne'er be like his morrow;
Nought may endure but Mutability.
Published December 12, 2014
A Salute to CNC’s First Decaders
Who Served in the Military
By A. Jane Chambers
This past Tuesday, November 11, 2014, was Veterans Day, a time when we Americans remember and thank our men and women who have served, or are now serving, our nation in the military. When documenting CNC’s students of the first decade (the First Decaders), I have asked about military service, so I now have a list of 118who served in the 1960s or later. My list includes military branches and ranks at the times of leaving service. It is attached to this week’s Website Schedule for November 14 – 20.
Of those on my list, 106 have been located and documented.Forty-four served in the ARMY, 31 in the NAVY, 18 in the AIR FORCE, 11 in the MARINE CORPS, and two in the COAST GUARD. Over a dozen people have not yet been located or, if located, have not yet been fully documented.
Thirty First Decaders served in Vietnam, where one, 1st Lt. Richard Duncan (Ric) Bahr,* was killed in action (KIA) and several others were wounded. My brother Bob also served there, in the Air Force, at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, near Saigon. Our other First Decader KIA was Major John Patrick (Pat) Giguere,* a Cobra pilot who escaped death in Vietnam only to be shot down later (1983) in the Grenada Invasion.
Some of our First Decaders (FDs) served overseas in other locations, as did my other brother, Tom, who was freezing while guarding aircraft in Goose Bay, Labrador, while brother Bob was sweating while loading Agent Orange onto planes in South Vietnam. Other FDs served on the home front. Some served 2 or 3 years; others served 2 or 3 decades. ALL should be thanked and honored.
A few of the returning veterans who attended CNC in the latter sixties formed a Veterans Club, which began in the academic year 1967-68. The only record we have of them that year comes from this informal picture and brief article (above) in the 1968 Trident (p. 80). Unfortunately, since last names are missing in this photo, it has been very difficult to know the identities of all of the men, and most of them are still not yet located.
There’s no record of a veterans club in the 1969 Trident. However, in the 1970 Trident, the large photograph above shows and names the 12 men and one woman in this group and also provides additional information about what the club did. Most of these people have not yet been located.Can YOU help us find them? Can you help us fill in details about what happened later to the Veterans Club? There are no articles about or photographs of this club in the later Tridents.
*Ric Bahr is the subject of two essays by Wade Williams, located in our Website ARCHIVES under the subtab YOUR MEMORIES. We would welcome an article about Pat Giguere for our website. If interested, contact me atcncmemories61_71@yahoo.com.
Published November 14, 2014
UPDATED:
CNC's First SGA on Shoe Lane, 1964-65
by A. Jane Chambers
CNC's third Student Government Association was the first to have its home on Shoe Lane, on the new campus. It was a transitional year, with science classes still held in the Daniel building on 32nd Street (equipped with the necessary labs) but all other classes held in the first classroom building, Newport Hall, which also, for several years, housed the Admissions Office, the Business Office, the President's Office, the Library, a Lecture Hall (serving also as stage and auditorium), classrooms and faculty offices.
SGA Executive Council member Gerald (Jerry) DesLauriers (BS, 72) recalls the mixed atmosphere that year: "I remember there was a lot of confusion but also great anticipation of being in brand new classrooms. Most did not cherish the thought of taking some classes downtown and then driving up to the new facilities, however." Classes that year had to be scheduled with 30-minute breaks before and after the science classes, to give students time to get to and from downtown Newport News and Shoe Lane. Students who had no vehicles sometimes resorted to thumbing rides, as shown in this photo of two men [not yet identified] with books and a sign.
Another downside that transitional year and the next few, described by Dr. Steve Sanderlin in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, was the lack of air conditioning. The old Daniel building, "with its high ceilings and very tall windows, [had] good ventilation, even though it had no air conditioning" (p. 39). In contrast, Newport Hall, "though it was designed for air conditioning, and thus had no windows that opened (except for tiny transoms, which opened only a few inches), ... was not funded for air conditioning...for several years. There were at first not even any shades, blinds, or curtains ... to block the afternoon sun.... Once, during summer classes, Barry Wood put a thermometer on the floor out of the sunlight, and the reading was well over 100 degrees! (pp. 41-42). That's when the summer dress code changed, allowing students to wear Bermuda shorts to classes.
Hitching a ride to 32nd St. 1965 TRIDENT, p. 20
THE CAPTAIN'S LOG, Vol. 1, Issue 5, p. 1.
SGA elections for the 1964-65 year had been held the previous spring, at the Daniel campus, and the results, along with photos of the 4 major officers, were printed on the front page of the May 20, 1964 edition of the new student paper, The Captain's Log, shown here.
Over the summer, however, the newly elected Treasurer, Robert (Bob) Fixx, accepted an offer to enroll in NASA Langley's Engineering Tech Apprentice School, which accepted his credits from CNC. Still a resident of Yorktown today, Bob says he spent 4 rewarding decades at NASA but still has fond memories of his freshman year at CNC.
After a special election held at the start of the 1964-65 year to pick a replacement for Bob Fixx, married sophomore Ellen Cox Wirt (AA, 65) became the SGA Treasurer. Ellen, who still lives with her husband in Yorktown, recalls in particular two SGA activities that year: going to the SGA-sponsored Hootenanny ("I think I dragged my husband with me") and participating in a SGA book sale ("a money-making project, with Mr. Usry helping out"). Fortunately, Ellen says, since "the SGA was broke and needed money," the book sale was successful. As you can tell from the photo here, the Hootenanny took place in the Lecture Room of Newport Hall (remember the stairs on each side?). More Hootenanny photos are available on this website in the School Pictures tab, subtab 1964 & 65. To date, none of the people in those pictures have been identified, unfortunately. Can you help us find them?
Another officer that year who was a married sophomore was SGA PresidentKathie Scott (Scottie)Fitzgerald (AA, 65), who is one of our Missing Decaders. Jerry DesLauriers remembers Scottie as "a tall beauty with reddish hair and a temper to match! Very rarely saw her temper as she was a great person! She was a little older and more mature than most of the students and we looked up to her." Student AssemblymanRaymond Allen (Ray) Pepe remembers her as "a strong leader and involved in many activities." She had been an SGA Assemblyman and Executive Council member the previous year and was also, her sophomore year, in the Dramatic Workshop.
SGA Vice PresidentVicki Jeanne Keeter is also on our Missing Decaders list. We've heard her married name is Whitaker but cannot verify that unless we find her. Vicki was a SGA Assemblyman in 1963-64, her freshman year.
Ellen Cox Wirt, 65 TRIDENT, p. 44.
Hootenanny performers, 1965 TRIDENT, p. 78
Kathie Scott Fitzgerald, 65 TRIDENT, p. 37
Gerald (Jerry) DesLauriers, 71 TRIDENT, P. 111
Vicki Jeanne Keeter, 65 TRIDENT, p. 39
The 1964-65 SGA Secretary was Alice Elizabeth (Betty) Carle (now Cheatham), who lives now with her husband in Ormond Beach, FL. Betty was also a SGA Assemblyman in 1963-64. In addition to being SGA Secretary in her sophomore year, she was a Sophomore Attendant to Miss CNC of 1965, Frances Fry, the third student to hold this title. As always, this contest and the subsequent Christmas Pageant, held at the Chamberlin Hotel on Fort Monroe, were sponsored by the SGA. The crowning of Miss CNC and her Court (2 Freshman and 2 Sophomore Attendants) occurred during that major event. The other Sophomore Attendant was Leslie Deyong (nowFrank), and the Freshmen Attendants were Sandy Paxson (deceased) and Robie O'Brien (a Missing Decader). To see all 5 ladies in their gowns and gloves, go to School Pictures, subtab 1964 & 65, and scroll down to block 8.
Below are group photographs from the 1965 Tridentof that year's SGA Executive Council and Student Assembly members. Those that are still on our Missing Decaders list (in addition to those mentioned above) are Judy Fuller, Pat Henry, Anna Howard, and Pam Mayfield.
Please contact us if you have any information about these women.
Alice Elizabeth (Betty) Carle (now Cheatham) 65 TRIDENT, p.36
from page 24, 1965 TRIDENT
from page 25, 1965 TRIDENT
UPDATE:
SGA officials Judith F. (Judye) Fuller (now Schneider) and Vicki J. Keeter (now Whitaker) were both recently FOUND (2014) and documented. We hope to see them at the 50th Reunion of the Class of 1965. Also, Ray Pepe (Class of 1965) has identified the two hitchhikers (in photo 1 above) as Eugene Russell (in front) and Charles Thacker. Neither of them have yet been located. Please help us locatethe missing students named in this article.
When Computers First Came to CNC
(Updated August 22, 2014)
by A. Jane Chambers,
with E. Graham Pillow
Graham Pillow (A.B. and M.T.S., W&M), originally hired to teach physics in CNC's second year (1962-63), brought the College into the computer world in the mid-1960s, at its new location on Shoe Lane. Given space on the first floor of Newport Hall for equipment mysterious to most of us faculty and staff members, Graham set up the College's first Computer Center. “We had no computing power on site,” Graham recalls, so “all programs were submitted to the William and Mary computers over dedicated data lines.”
Graham Pillow in the 1971 Trident, p. 21.
The Computer Center had the only air conditioning in Newport Hall for several years, made possible because the equipment could not tolerate humidity, On extremely hot days, especially during Summer Sessions, some of us teaching in Newport Hall would manufacture lame excuses for stopping by the Center so that we could cool off for awhile.
A crucial early task Graham undertook for the College was that of helping the Office of Admissions and Registration handle registration and class rolls in a faster, more modern way. Everything did not always go smoothly at first, however. As his wife, Jane Pillow, recalled (then serving as Registrar), “one of the first printouts Graham brought to the office, a list of all CNC students, created great excitement—until it was discovered that the listing was in social security, rather than alphabetical, order”(Memories of Christopher Newport College, p. 147).
Jane Pillow in the 1970 Trident, p. 15.
Computer cards filled with holes (below, left) became a familiar sight on campus. When I recently asked Graham about the different colors of these, he wrote, “The plain cards were for student use in computer classes. Brown cards were significant because they represented student data for Registrar records. I think the red cards were used for programs submitted by myself or the ladies who worked for me. Regarding the bulky machine in the photo below right, he wrote, “That is a keypunch machine … used to punch characters in a card which is then read into a computer by a card reader. If you had one of these now it would be an antique. When I was Director of Medical Computing at UVA we had three shifts of keypunch operators (55 people) who punched every patient charge sent down by nurses, techs, and doctors into a card using these machines. The cards were then sorted by a card sorter by patient name and then read into the computer in groups of over a thousand cards. Things sure have changed.”
Computer cards used at CNC, courtesy of Dr. Sam Bauer, Professor Emeritus of Psychology. The CNC seal on these was adopted in 1970.
Graham Pillow working at a keypunch machine in 1969 in the CNC Computer Center. 1969 Trident photo, p. 25.
Hugh Hilliard in the 1971 Trident, p. 21.
Graham quickly became Chair of Computer Studies and, with Hugh C. Hilliard, Jr. (B.S., VPI; M.S., Harvard), who joined the faculty in 1970, designed CNC’s first interdependent B.S. degree, Management Information Science (MIS), which required courses in business, psychology, and computer science. The 1971 CNC Catalog lists 6 courses under Computer Management, involving programming using RPG, COBOL, FORTRAN, and PL/1.
The first MIS degrees were awarded in 1972 to four students:Lorraine Farquhar Armstrong, Davis Wray Martin, Wilma Jean Riden (now Moore), and Thaddeus Joseph Schatzel. Wilma is the only one of these four thus far located. Can you help us locate any of the others? The BS: MIS degree was eventually replaced by the Bachelor of Science in Information Science degree (BSIS).
NOTE: Some of this material appeared originally in "The People Within: Smith Hall in 1967," in Memories of Christopher Newport College, the First Decade, 1961-1971, by A.J. Chambers, R.C. Hubbard, & L.B. Wood, Jr.
Published August 22, 2014
FEEDBACK
Re: When Computers First Came to CNC: (updated)
Jane, Thanks for the article on computers at CNC. I took the class 1st semester, 1968 titled MATH 230 Elem Computer Prog (3 hours Passed) with Mr. Pillow. Jane Pillow was the Registrar who signed my official transcript. I remember all those cards and the picture of Mr. Pillow on the machine which we students used as well. Thanks for the memories.
John Morris
Calvin Hones:
A Business Manager for CNC
and a Neighbor for the Webbs
By Jane Carter Webb
In the summer of 1973, George and I were moving to Newport News from New Orleans, where we both taught at Tulane University. We had lived a block from the campus and two blocks from the Sugar Bowl—a 100,000 seat football stadium that was the home of bowl games and the Saints. We loved being close to the campus and hoped to find a house near CNC that would hold our four children, our dog and an elderly parent on extended visits.
Dean of Faculty Marshall Booker called us in New Orleans with a candidate for a house. Jane Byrne, a professor of chemistry, was moving and had just put her home on the market. The house and the location were ideal—a one-block-long street off Shoe Lane with a circle at one end and entrance to the campus at the other. There were only seven houses on the street, three of which were occupied by CNC families. Calvin E. Hones, the business manager of CNC, lived in the house next door to the Byrnes. We bought the house without ever seeing it or meeting the neighbors. George’s father was our agent, a role that made him quite nervous, but we loved the house when we finally moved up.
Jane and George Webb about their second year at CNC, 1973, examining a painting in David Sherman’s Fine Arts Shop and Gallery on Washington Ave. in Newport News. Webb family photo.
Calvin Hones at CNC, two years before the Webbs moved next door to him. 1971 Trident photo, p. 16.
Cal Hones was the first to greet us when we first saw our house. He was a straight-backed and straight-talking retired military colonel with a clear message—we had increased his taxes! “You paid too much for that house,” he said, and then disappeared behind his trash cans and into his house.
Welcome to the neighborhood!
President Windsor had offered the two of us a position at CNC--the newest of Virginia’s colleges, as he described it—to develop a department of physics. George would be the chair. We were fortunate that Graham Pillow had made a beginning effort, and he and Hugh Hilliard gave us invaluable help. But they were needed to develop the computer business and curricular systems, so we were essentially on our own.
The first issue George had to address was the budget. He soon found that Cal Hones, our new neighbor, controlled all departmental funding. You want more mimeograph paper? See Mr. Hones. You want an electrostatic generator? See Mr. Hones. This dramatic centralization was new to us. At Tulane, where George had been a tenured professor, each department was given a budget, the spending within which was pretty much the department’s call. But the visit to Mr. Hones was a shocker. Cal explained the CNC procedure clearly. “It’s like this, George. I have a pot of soup, see, and you all have bowls. I just go around and give everyone some soup. Now, you are new, and I don’t have much soup in my pot for you, but I will give you what I can.” I don’t think it is possible to record George’s reaction to the pot of soup model.
Cal Hones, CNC’s second Business Manager, at his desk.
The first weeks became months, and George arrived home one day fit to be tied. He had discovered that “Larry Sacks is drinking all the soup.” Spend early and spend big was the strategy of the chemistry department’s Dr. Sacks. He even had a bigger bowl than the rest of us! There was very little left for a department that needed nearly everything one can think of that a physics department should have. Eventually, we found that Edna Appleton, who was hidden away in a side office, was able to divert a little soup into the physics bowl—not enough, by any means, but at least a beginning.
In the long run the physics department needed additional faculty to support its effort to run both a day and an evening curriculum. But an immediate need was to find staff for the beginning courses that fall. Adjuncts were one answer, and flexibility of our existing faculty was the other. As a consequence, George and I wound up teaching both the night section and the section on the very next day. We could see that we were going to have to be clever to get enough sleep but we were confident with our plan.
We reckoned without the military habits of our next door neighbor. It quickly became clear that Cal still followed his military schedule—up about six and immediately empty the household trash into the outside garbage cans. In those ancient times, garbage cans were all metal so you can imagine the tremendous banging that occurred immediately under our bedroom window each early morning. We tried for about a month to get used to this symphony, but we finally had to ask Cal to alter his routine. First the soup and now the symphony: it was not a good start with our neighbor.
Our first fall at CNC was lovely and dry. One Saturday, we were on campus working on the lab equipment. When lunchtime came, I started walking home with our son Randy, who must have been about 12. The campus was quite beautiful in those days, with large stands of trees, one of which was on the left side of the road leading into the campus from Shoe Lane. To our astonishment, we discovered that the wooded area was on fire. I left Randy to show the firemen where the fire was and I ran home to call them. When I got back, Cal was standing near the trees, just looking at the woods. “Cal!” I said, “The trees are on fire!” Cal didn’t say anything. He just stood there, arms folded. Then he said, and I quote, “There’s them that likes trees and them that don’t.” Thus came about a breach between the house of Webb and the house of Hones. Fortunately, bad beginnings aren’t always permanent.
The years rolled on. The people on the Briar Patch were generally friendly, with the Honeses the exception. The magnolia sapling between our house and Cal’s grew into a huge tree with a skirt touching the ground and behind it a quince that filled the remaining space. We couldn’t even see the garbage cans! Somehow we learned that Cal was a determined reader and especially loved books about the Second World War. One day I started a conversation with Cal about finance and Cal lit up. Discussions about the war and monetary policy broke down the metaphysical fences between us. We were now neighbors.
Photo of Calvin Hones courtesy of his daughter, Sara Hones.
One day, Jim Eagle took Cal’s place and Cal retired. There appeared on the front corner of Jim’s desk a carefully printed sign—“Cal Hones was right.” The sign stayed there as long as I can remember. Whenever you asked Jim about the sign, he would just grin.
Photo of Calvin E. Hones published March 20 & 21, 2012, in the Newport News Daily Press obituaries.
My life changed too, and George and I both retired. We moved to Norfolk to be nearer our now-grown children. But Cal had developed cancer, and while I never saw him after we moved, I heard from him fairly regularly. Email is wonderful for such situations. His communications were almost always upbeat and sometimes very funny, as when he tried to teach me how to fold a fitted bottom bed sheet. Then one day came the last email: “See you on the Other Side.” He was ninety-two.
Jane Carter Webbis a Christopher Newport Emeritus Professor of Physics and Computer Science who has a sideline as an author. Her publications include “Voices,” a photo/essay of CNC written with Rita Hubbard and Barry Wood; The Best on the Bay, a history of the Hampton One Design written with George R. Webb, Newport News, a history of the town focused on the past and printed as part of the Arcadia series on localities; and numerous minor published works. One of her favorite pieces is the poem that ends Newport News. Jane and George currently live in Norfolk, near three of their adult children and nine of their ten grandchildren.
Jane Carter Webb. Photo courtesy of the CNU Physics Department.
Published August 8, 2014
Recollections
By James D. Lowell
In August of 1965, still a boy of 18, I had completed a tour of active duty in the U. S. Coast Guard and was looking forward to beginning studies at Christopher Newport College. As I recall that time, a warm melancholy comes over me, realizing that nearly all the icons of my youth are gone, and so are the instructors who so influenced me during that first year of college.
James D. (Jim) Lowell during his Coast Guard Boot Camp days. Author’s photo.
I decided to major in chemistry. Jane Byrn was my chemistry instructor. Years later I would pursue post graduate education at her alma mater, The University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. Instruction in botany and zoology was by Fred Brewer. I remember his gentle and soothing southern accent. I worked in the library under Flora Gill, whom I remember as a very proper Southern Lady who showed concern for all her coworkers.
Chemistry instructor Jane Byrn. 1965 Trident, p. 16.
Biology instructor C. Fred Brewer. 1965 Trident, p. 16.
Library circulation assistant Flora Gill. 1965 Trident, p. 13.
Mathematics instructor Daisy Bright, helping a student. 1966 Trident, p. 3.
“New Math” had become the rage while I was in the Coast Guard, and I was totally lost in Algebra-Trigonometry, and Calculus with Analytical Geometry, both taught by Daisy Bright. Even her imposing physique could not hide the kindliness of this loving woman, however. I’m certain I was a beneficiary of that kindness in receiving a passing mark in both courses.
And then, there was Dr. Sanderlin, who influenced me more than any other instructor that first year. His courses in English grammar, composition, and literature were among the most demanding courses I would ever take in college. We could be assigned to read a novel for class followed by a quiz which might ask us to recall the color of the eyes of one of the characters mentioned only in the first chapter. We were required to read and be quizzed upon material in the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, a copy of which was in the CNC library. This assignment was especially difficult for me. Unknown to me at the time, I am dyslexic, and I have always been and remain an extremely slow reader. I had to subscribe to the paper via the mail, which was not a small financial burden at that time.
Dr. Sanderlin lecturing, perhaps striking fear in the hearts of freshmen. 1966 Trident, p. 49.
A rare sight on the CNC campus: Dr. Sanderlin coatless. In or out of the classroom, he was often jovial. 1972 Trident, p. 116.
Dr. Sanderlin would not accept any excuses for late papers, some of which he detailed the first day of class. These included “that time of the month” and writers’ block. There were certain major errors on theme papers which earned students an automatic F, including any three of these in one paper—dangling participles, improper use of its and it’s, inartistic sentence fragments and comma splices. He helped me considerably in grammar, however. At some of the many schools I attended as a military dependent, I had learned English and not American punctuation. He recognized my problem and explained the differences between the two systems for me. Of all the grades I received that year, I am proudest of the two B grades I received in Dr. Sanderlin’s English classes.
Decades after that first year of college, I would visit Dr. Sanderlin in Norfolk. We reminisced over those early CNC years, swapped sea stories about our time in the service, brought each other up to date on our lives, and exchanged ideas on multiple things. I felt honored to address my former professor by his first name. We kept in contact with each other via e-mail following that visit. I offered to drive Steve to the initial (2011) First Decaders Reunion. Steve declined, and died before the event and before I might visit him one more time. I miss him.
James D. (Jim) Lowellfirst attended CNC in 1965-66 while also serving in the US Coast Guard. Heearned anRNin 1970 from the Riverside School of Professional Nursing (the first male in the RSPN program), aBSin Psychology in 1972from CNC, and anMDin 1977 fromThe Medical College of Virginia at VCU.Now retired from his medical career, Jim lives in Addison, TX, with his wife, Carol. They have four children and four grandchildren.
A recent photo of the author, Dr. James D. Lowell, M.D., provided by him.
Published July 11, 2014
FEEDBACK
RE: Catching Up with D. Doris Reppen (article located below)
From Dr. Reppen
I meant to write a week ago telling you what a good job you did with the article! Time really passed so quickly and I just realised I hadn't written to you! Congratulations! Hugs, Doris
From Sheila Davis McClung
Dr. Chambers, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your article on Doris Reppen! Even though I majored in sociology, Doris Reppen is the professor I always think of when I think back to my college days. I was in her Spanish class and spoke fluent "Spanglish," as she called it! I can still say in Spanish, "Hello. How are you” and “My name is Arthur." LOL! I will never forget her smile and her upbeat personality. I also saw her on occasion at the Riverside Wellness center where she kept fit by swimming. I am happy that she is still enjoying life with her daughter and grandchildren in Arizona. She will not remember me, but maybe she will remember my friend, Jim "Señor" Rollins. Tell her I said hello. Jim and I had a conversation this week and we talked about her and how much we both liked her. Coincidentally your article appeared just days after our conversation. Tell her we are just two of many students who fell in love with her and never forgot her.
Catching Up with Professor D. Doris Reppen:
CNC’sFirst Chair of Modern and Classical
Languages and Literature
By A. Jane Chambers
Photo detail, inside cover of the 1970 Trident, dedicated to D. Doris Reppen.
1971 Trident photo, p. 23.
Doris Reppen and I first met in the fall of 1964 at a faculty meeting in the old Daniel Building. She had been hired to teach French in CNC’s Evening College. I liked her instantly. She was friendly, outgoing, and a very interesting conversationalist. We were soon friends as well as colleagues. I have fond memories of evening parties at her home, where her husband, Frank, entertained us by singing while playing his piano. I remember afternoon bowling sessions with Doris and Randi, their young daughter. Doris and I both retired from our CNC careers at the end of the 1991-92 academic session, but we have kept in touch. I was delighted when she agreed recently to be the subject of this “Catching Up” article.
A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Doris grew up in an environment that influenced her interest in languages. Her parents, both first generation Argentines, spoke Spanish. However, one had Italian ancestry and the other a Scottish father. Also, her family had “many acquaintances,” she says, of various linguistic backgrounds. Beginning at age ten, Doris was introduced to English, attending a British School for several years. “In the morning,” she recalls, “I went to the Argentine public school, and in the afternoon the British school.” As a young adult, she earned two degrees at the University of Buenos Aires (B.A. and M.A. in Philosophy and Literature). Then, in America, she earned a second M.A. (Spanish) at the University of California at Berkeley, where she also taught Spanish for three years and had an ABD (“All But Dissertation”) in Romance Languages, completing all doctoral requirements except the dissertation. Not surprisingly, when she married Frank Reppen, a native of Norway, their daughter grew up exposed to Spanish and Norwegian as well as her native English.
After Doris retired from CNC in 1992, she and Frank continued to live in their Newport News home, “which we all loved,” she says. Meanwhile, Randi had made a life for herself in Arizona, where she had completed her Ph.D. at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 1994 and was soon teaching there. After Frank died, on June 20, 1997, Doris’s life changed: “I kept flying to Arizona; then I figured out it made better sense if I moved to Arizona and visited Virginia! In 1998 I made the decision to move to Flagstaff, where Randi was teaching Applied Linguistics in the English Department at NAU. Many of my friends in Virginia were surprised by my decision, but understood my desire to live close to my daughter and her two children.” Doris’s other close relatives are all in Argentina: her brother’s four children, their children, and a number of cousins and their families.
Doris with her daughter in Buenos Aries in 2011. Reppen family photo.
Doris with her niece Patricia at the San Isidro Yacht Club in Buenos Aries in 2011. Reppen family photo.
Undated Reppen family photo of Doris exploring Arizona during one of her many day trips with Randi.
There were the necessary adjustments to her new life in Flagstaff—having a smaller house and living in a city “much smaller than Newport News.” Used to the traffic in Newport News, Doris recalls, “at first I always allowed extra time to get where I was going, so I always arrived way too early!” However, “I had been there many times visiting my daughter and grandchildren,” she explains, so it was not like adjusting to a totally new environment.
Doris points to a petrified log in Arizona’s Petrified Forest, on one of her trips with the Adult Day Center group from Flagstaff. Reppen photo, ca. 2000.
Doris poses near Rainbow Arch, located in the Utah part of Lake Powell. Access to this famous arch is by boat. “We docked near the arch, landed and took the picture,” Doris wrote. Undated Reppen family photo.
Doris has kept busy with a variety of activities in Flagstaff. “Since I always enjoyed swimming,” she says, “I joined the Athletic Club, not far from my house. There I soon met a lot of people with the same interests as mine in keeping in good health. Soon I was in a group going to exercise classes and then playing tennis. I still go to the exercise classes. On the academic side, I sat in some Spanish literature classes and, at one time, taught one class when the professor was not available. I also joined a reading group, which I still belong to.”
She also has joined “a group dedicated to help the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra,” whose “season performances are very well attended and are a good addition to Flagstaff,” and two other groups. One is “at the Local Adult Center, where I go once a week to play Scrabble,” a game she has “always loved,” and the other is “a knitting group with the purpose of making knitted articles to be distributed to the poor and veterans; we knit ‘lapghans,’ a kind of small blanket.”
There is never a dull moment in the life of this retired CNC professor. When she’s not busy with family and activities in Flagstaff or in Argentina, or not traveling around America’s southwest, she’s traveling somewhere else. “All my life I have enjoyed traveling,” she says. “With some of my new friends I have taken every year a trip to some place in Europe. My favorites were the river trips on the Danube, the Rhine, the Nile, the Rhone, and of course the Thames.” This picture (right) shows her with a traveling companion in Italy in 1999, with the city of Firenze (Florence) in the background.
Reppen family photo, 1999.
Although over two decades have passed since Doris retired from CNC (the school was then transitioning into CNU), she still feels connected to it. “Many things have changed since I last taught there,” she says, “but the friendships I made there with colleagues, former students and others are still current and very dear to me.”
June 17, 2014 photo courtesy of Roberta Ward Acantilado.
A few weeks ago, I received an email from a former student of Doris’s, Roberta Ward Acantilado, whom I had never met. Roberta explained that she had been a student at CNC from January 1978 – August 1979, completing coursework for her B.A. on the GI Bill, during which time “Doris Reppen and Christopher Scheiderer were supportive and inspiring as I studied my way through the rigorous concentration of Spanish classes.” Since both professors are “near and dear” to her, she has stayed in touch with them. Recently, she added, “I had the pleasure of visiting Doris on June 17th as I passed through Flagstaff…What a fabulous role model she is!” Roberta’s note included this photograph (left) of the two of them waiting to be seated at a Mexican restaurant in Flagstaff.
Doris Reppen continues to give and receive respect and love from family, students, colleagues and friends. “I have enjoyed my decision to relocate in Flagstaff,” she says, “but I still have strong ties to Virginia—so much so, that every year, around the month of June I visit the old Virginia friends and we enjoy going to the beaches of the Outer banks in North Carolina.” Your colleagues and former students hope to see you at CNU this coming May, 2015, Doris, for the 50th Reunion of the first class you taught as a full-time member of the CNC faculty: the Class of 1965.
Published July 4, 2014
FEEDBACK onWhere First Decaders Shopped for Clothing (article located below)
FromRobert M. Fulgham
I was working at Sear's in the shoe department, while I was going to CNC in 1966. I needed suits as the boss required them. I bought 2 suits at Robert Hall's for $22. They only lasted six weeks. Everything fell apart. Completely unusable. Went straight in the trash. You get what you pay for.
FromDalton Blankenship
When Norman and I were newly married in 1967, and he was still in the Navy, we thought it might be a good idea to try to establish some credit (Well, we didn't know any better then!); so, I went down to Nachman'sDepartment Store. They had an in store credit card and I thought we might be able to swing that one easier than one of the larger cards.
I went to customer service and dutifully filled out the form handed me by the clerk. She read most of it with her Nachman's is Proud to Serve You smile and then stopped and frowned. She said, "Right here where it says 'Spouse's Occupation' you put 'US Navy.' What does he do?"
"Well," I said, "He's a Quartermaster."
"But, what does he do?"
"He's a Navigator."
By now, the other people in line behind me were getting a bit testy. I really thought she was being a bit nosey, not to mention a little too specific. I mean, 'US Navy' ought to have covered it. He was gainfully employed by a pretty big outfit that usually came up with his paycheck.
Then she said it again. "M'am. I really need to know. What does he DO!"
I took a deep breath and very quietly said, "He drives the boat."
She smiled, wrote down 'Drives Boat' and one week later I was the proud owner of a credit card—which I never used.
FEEDBACK onRemembering Nancy Ann Ramseur (article located below)
FromProfessor Doris Reppen
I read your article on Nancy Ramseur. It was very good! It is interesting to me that you mention that former student transgender. When he was a man, he was my student in a Spanish night class. He was then a soldier. When he became a girl, the CNC officials were worried that I might remember so I was told that he was a woman now. He/She came to my office and told me all he had gone through for the change.
FromDalton Blankenship
I spent some time in the Admin Office in those early days, as I had some difficulty learning that Bridge was not one of the academic courses. After taking European History with Mr. Usry, whom I loved, respected and SO hated to disappoint AND with Mr. McMurran, for whom I also felt the same, I managed to fail second semester twice. I felt I needed a bit of advice regarding finishing up credits for my AA degree due to this ignominious result. I wandered into the office to check my credits and see who might be available for a sit down. In those days, almost anybody was willing if they had a moment, which was one of the precious things about CNC.
Nancy Ramseur happened to be standing by her door. She sat down with me in her office and said: "I know we do not have an extraordinary selection of courses from which to choose, Dalton. But I am going to FORBID that you EVER again select European History at this college." Well, now, that wasn't so difficult. Naturally, I took her advice. I've no recollection what I took to replace it, but I did eventually get that AA in 1971!
PS I know the piece on Nancy was difficult to write. Well done. When I got the news, I was in my A&P class at CNC preparatory to beginning classes at Riverside Nursing School.
First Decade History
Where First Decaders Shopped
for Clothing
by A. Jane Chambers
Notice the reference to the new store’s being ready “Later When the [CNC] Campus Moves to Warwick.” I remember this store had steps connecting it into an entrance into Shoney’s, making it convenient to shop and eat in the same area. Photo from the 1964 Trident ads section (pages unnumbered).
Where did you shop for clothing when you were at CNC in the sixties and/or early seventies? Did you patronize some of the establishments that advertised in our Trident yearbooks and The Captain’s Log, or did you shop elsewhere for clothes, shoes, and other items of apparel? Most of the businesses whose ads are shown below are alive only in our memories now. Do you miss any of them? We welcome your FEEDBACK about this article, or any article on our CNC First Decaders website.
Don’t you think young males looked 100% better in these form-fitting bathing trunks than they look now in those baggy bathing sacks? Photo from The Captain’s Log of May 20, 1964, p. 8.
I had forgotten that Beecroft & Bull also carried women’s sport clothes. Photo from The Captain’s Log of May 20, 1964, p. 6.
The bond between our young CNC and the community was evident in many ads. Photo from The Captain’s Log of May 20, 1964, p. 3.
Who remembers the name of that shorts-skirt combo the model is wearing? Check out also those slacks. Photo from The Captain’s Log of Dec. 01, 1969.
Another major chain struggling to survive. Photo from the 1968 Trident, p. 118.
Photo from the 1970 Trident, p. 98.
One of the major stores that is no more. Photo from the 1968 Trident, p. 118.
Is that term “B.M.O.C.” still being used? Photo from the 1964 Trident ads section. No page number.
Photo from the 1968 Trident, p. 112.
Does anyone have one of those 1960s CNC mugs from the Oxford Shop? Photo from the 1968 Trident, p. 112.
Published June 13, 2014
Remembering Nancy Ann Ramseur:
Colleague and Friend
By A. Jane Chambers
On Tuesday afternoon, July 2, 1974, after teaching a Summer Session class, as I was walking toward Smith Hall to pick up my campus mail and socialize a bit before driving home, I saw Dr. Marshall Booker, Dean of Faculty, leaving Smith as I approached it. I called out a cheerful “Hi, Marshall!” He stopped, looked at me somewhat strangely, then stammered, “Have you…You don’t know, do you?” “Know what?” I asked. He seemed on the verge of tears. “I can’t tell you…I just can’t” he said, shaking his head and walking away quickly.
“Does anybody know what’s wrong with Marshall Booker?” I asked as I entered the familiar Admissions and Registration Office. Before I could say more, Registrar Jane Pillow pulled me into her office and closed the door. It was obvious to everyone that I had not yet checked my mailbox, which held this 3:00 P.M. Memorandum from President James C. Windsor:
We have received notification through the American Embassy in England that Miss Nancy Ramseur, Dean of Admissions, has been killed in an automobile accident. The College, and each of us personally, have suffered a great loss. All offices of the College will be closed for the remainder of the day.
Nancy Ramseur as Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. 1970 Trident photo, p. 15.
When H. Westcott (Scotty) Cunningham, Dean of Admissions at William and Mary, accepted the challenge to launch and successfully pilot Christopher Newport College of The College of William and Mary, the first person he hired to assist him was William and Mary Registrar Nancy Ann Ramseur. Both alumni of W&M, the two already had an excellent working relationship, and they began working together on the CNC project well before the new school was to open—among other things, writing and publishing the first CNC Catalogue.
Nancy held a number of first titles during her thirteen years at CNC: first administrator hired, first registrar, first coordinator of admissions and financial aid, and then, in 1970, first dean of admissions—the first woman to serve as a dean at CNC. As the College grew, so did her duties, and she fulfilled them exceptionally well. She seldom took a day off and if she had unfinished work to do, she would take it home with her to finish it there. Sadly, she was also the first in our CNC faculty-staff family to die, and to die young, suddenly and, ironically, during a very happy time in her life.
Nancy was one of the first people I met when I joined CNC’s English faculty and also the first member of the CNC faculty-staff family to become one of my closest friends. We enjoyed many activities together, such as almost monthly Charades parties with Jane and Graham Pillow and others, occasional movies in downtown Newport News, yearly camping trips at Big Meadows, and of course plays and various other events at the College. Music was one of Nancy’s great loves. In Williamsburg, she had been a member of the Bruton Parish Choir. In Newport News, she joined the Peninsula Choral Society. She also sang in the choir at her church in Hilton Village, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
She had a dry wit inherited from her British mother. Once a group of us were playing the card game Rummy Royal, the object of which is to “go out” (and thus win the pot of pennies) by playing (discarding) all of one’s cards. Nancy, unlucky all evening, was finally dealt a hand so very bad that she could not play a single card, while everyone else was close to “going out.” Relatively quiet up to that point, she said, in a matter-of-fact tone, “Well, here I sit…mildewing.”
Nancy Ramseur and Jane Pillow in the Admissions and Registration Office in then-new Smith Hall in 1967. Reprinted from Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, p. 148. Photo from the Pillow family collection.
Nancy Ramseur and Barry Wood socializing in the first floor hall of Christopher Newport Hall in the first year of its existence, 1965-66. Then the only building on the Shoe Lane campus, Newport Hall housed the Admissions and Registration Office on the first floor. 1966 Trident photo, p. 16.
At her work, Nancy was highly regarded for her professionalism. A somewhat private person herself, she also highly respected the privacy of all others. One example in particular stands out in my memory. Once a young male student left CNC for a few years, to begin undergoing procedures to change his sex. The student then returned to the CNC, with a new name and new sexual identity, to complete the necessary degree requirements. To keep the academic credits earned earlier, under his male name, this student had to tell a few key people, including Nancy Ramseur, the facts. At that time, sex change operations were a subject of ridicule if not hatred, much more so than today. So carefully did Nancy guard this student’s secret that several years passed before she told me about this student’s situation and the fact that once she had to go downtown to the police station to intervene when the student had been arrested for using a women’s restroom. She did not tell me the student’s name, nor did I ask her for it.
CNC’s its first Campus Center, completed in 1973, included the Gaines Theatre, which quickly became a major location for many cultural events on the Peninsula. Appropriately, after Nancy’s death, with the help of CNC professors Barry Wood and Rita Hubbard, the College initiated an annual concert series to be housed there and named it the Nancy Ramseur Memorial Concert (later, Artists-in-Concert ) Series. This series was announced by CNC President James C. Windsor during his Remarks at the Memorial Service for Dean Nancy Ramseur, held on July 8, 1974, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. The series ran successfully for 28 years, but ended in 2002 because of budget cuts at CNU.
I was too grief-stricken to hear anything said at the Memorial Service for Nancy, but fortunately, Jim Windsor’s speech has been saved, including these remarks:
She was compassionate, but candid; gentle, yet strong. Nancy felt deeply for others, and would not tolerate unfairness or thoughtlessness. She was a person of great integrity, who merited and received the respect and admiration of her colleagues and those she served. Each of us is poorer because of the great loss which we share, but each of us is infinitely richer because we have had the privilege of knowing her.
Published June 20, 2014
FEEDBACK on Dalton's Historical Scrapbook (article can be found in the WEBSITE ARCHIVES tab under FIRST DECADE HISTORY):
From Dalton Blankenship:
Hey Jane,
Well. Thanks for the promotion to 'Official Historian.' That was very, very special and a terrific article that was MOST unexpected! I feel a bit giddy!
Our children are always after me for being so much the hoarder of old stuff—the saver of every little piece of ephemera and booklet and remembrance. I can now say that it has all been worthwhile! I actually am feeling that I have other things lurking in some boxes that I have yet to unearth. I keep telling them I CANNOT throw stuff out until a look at EVERY SINGLE THING IN EVERY SINGLE BOX. Who knows what I put in there and of what value it might be???
From Wade Williams:
Jane, I used to watch Dalton and Norman as students, and I remember noting their obvious love for each other and I believed then, they were destined to be together forever. She is ageless and he has changed little as evidenced by the then /now pictures of the two. When we talked at the 2011 reunion, she remembered my giving her a recipe for a milk drink to help her gain weight. I had forgotten, but characteristically, she had not. They are, without a doubt, the sweetest couple I have ever known and the epitome of true love. I wish them further happiness and health.
Dalton’s Historical Scrapbook:
A Valuable Record of CNC’s Dramatic Workshop
by A. Jane Chambers
Near the end of April of this year, Dalton Kelley Blankenship contacted me to say that she and her husband, Norman, (both CNC First Decaders) were driving up from their S.C. home the first of May for the 50th Reunion of Norman’s Hampton High School class of 1964. They wanted to see me during that time, particularly to leave with me for some months Dalton’s Dramatic Workshop Scrapbook. I was delighted at the prospect of seeing again both them and Dalton’s Scrapbook. We soon enjoyed a long, leisurely lunch at The Crab Shack, beside the James River Bridge in Newport News, and then took a few photos before parting, at which time I was handed the scrapbook: a valuable collection of photos, playbills, newspaper articles and other items preserving much of the history of the first dramatic organization at CNC.
Dalton & Norman Blankenship (holding Dalton’s scrapbook) outside The Crab Shack on May 3, 2014. Chambers family photo.
The scrapbook’s title page. Chambers family photo.
Because it is 50 years old, Dalton’s scrapbook is of course in a fragile state. Fourteen inches tall and almost a foot wide, the green cover is still in good condition. However, the originally sturdy sheets (13.5” x 10.5”+ 1” for binding) are now quite brittle. The first four sheets (8 pages) have completely separated from the binding and several more are pulling loose also. For fear of further damaging the book, I have scanned only a few items from those loose pages for this article. To preserve the book’s material, our CNC webmaster, Ron Lowder, has volunteered to dismantle the scrapbook carefully and photograph each page before reassembling it. He has the necessary professional quality equipment for this task. Once Ron completes this work, I hope to write several more articles about the Dramatic Workshop, featuring photos from Ron’s work.
An undated Captain’s Log article saved on page 2 of the scrapbook gives the origin of the Dramatic Workshop at CNC in paragraph 3: The original idea for the workshop was conceived last October [1964] when Scottie Fitzgerald spoke of her desire for some type of dramatic organization at CNC to Mr. Kitchin. Mr. Kitchin then told his wife of the idea whereupon she called a meeting the next week, to begin dramatic work at CNC (“CNC Instructor’s Wife Heads Dramatics Club”).
Kathie Scott (Scottie) Fitzgerald, a married student, was then a sophomore and the SGA President. As had been the case with other student activities since the beginning of the College, this activity also originated with the students and then was readily approved by then-Director (later, President) H. Westcott Cunningham. William Willis (Bill) Kitchin had just joined the faculty that academic year (1964-65) as an instructor of English and speech. His wife, Frances Kitchin, described in the article as “director, producer, and author of some of the plays that will be presented,” had a background in playwriting, acting, and teaching drama.
Kathie Scott (Scottie) Fitzgerald in the 1965 TRIDENT, p. 37. She has not yet been located.
Frances Kitchin in the 1966 TRIDENT, p. 51.
Wm. W. (Bill) Kitchin in the 1966 TRIDENT, p. 23.
Frances Kitchin was an ideal person to lead a fledgling drama program, although there would not be a drama department yet for several years. Under her guidance, the students’ first production was two one-act historical plays which she had written and which had won awards and been produced in high schools and colleges. I do not know whether she worked voluntarily with the CNC students or received a small stipend. She was not a member of the faculty.
The 1965 Trident has one page about the Dramatic Workshop; the 1966 Trident has two. Below are two photos showing students rehearsing for their first (February, 1965) production—those one-act plays by Mrs. Kitchin. The photo on the left is from the 1965 Trident, which did not identify the students; however, they were identified in a very similar picture, no doubt taken on the same day, which appeared with an article that is in Dalton’s scrapbook. They were rehearsing for the first of the one-act plays, “Spring—1622,” set in Jamestown, VA. The photo on the right is one of several glossy 8 x 10 photos in the scrapbook. It shows students during dress rehearsal for the second one-act play, “Cold Harbor—1864,” set in VA during the Civil War.
Rehearsal of “Spring—1622,” outside CNC’s Newport Hall. L-R: Gwen Seidler, Pat Henry, Scottie Fitzgerald, Carol Riley, & Ronnie Hunt. 1965 TRIDENT, p. 32. Only Ron Hunt has been located.
Rehearsal of “Cold Harbor—1864.” L-R: Julie Osborne, Gwen Seidler, Rob Hampton, & (on the floor) Norman Blankenship. Dalton’s scrapbook, p. 4. Only Norman has been located.
When I first learned about her scrapbook, Dalton Blankenship told me that she was “the unofficial historian” of CNC’s Dramatic Workshop. I think she actually deserves the title of official historian of those first two years of student drama, for nowhere at Christopher Newport University, to my knowledge—nor in any of the 3 books thus far published about the history of CNC/CNU—have I seen the amount of historical information about CNC’s Dramatic Workshop that she has documented in this scrapbook.
Published May 30, 2014
"Dr. Earth" on the First Earth Day, 1970:
Excerpts from a 1990 Daily Press Interview of
Dr. Harold Cones
Editor’s Note:This year marked the 44th year of Earth Day, now celebrated worldwide every April 22nd. Twenty years after the first Earth Day, the Daily Press published an interview with Dr. Harold Cones in which he recalled the first Earth Day and its impact in America.
"Dr. Earth” Remembers Beginning Of Environmental Movement
April 18, 1990|By JANETTE RODRIGUES Staff Writer
Richard M. Nixon was bringing 150,000 troops home from Vietnam and the Beatles were singing about "speaking words of wisdom" when an estimated 20 million Americans gathered for an environmental awakening.
Earth Day, April 22, 1970.
On that day, Harold N. Cones, a biology professor and an event coordinator, watched a movement come alive on the campus of Christopher Newport College in Newport News. Over 1,000 people attended environmental teach-ins and symposiums at CNC.
Two decades later, Cones is representing the past and the present on Earth Day's 20th anniversary. In the guise of his alter ego, "Dr. Earth," he is working to help people relate to the original event which launched an environmental movement.
Harold Cones as a young biology instructor. 1970 Trident, p. 28.
Dr. Earth, a character hatched by Cones and Laura Coffey of radio station WWDE-FM, has ties to the Earth Day of 20 years ago, but he's also up on today's pressing environmental problems like acid rain, poor air quality and water pollution.
"When I got the opportunity to be Dr. Earth I jumped at it," says Cones. He is donating his time to the community effort because he is more concerned about the environment than money.
"Earth Day was considered a counterculture protest," says Cones. The people who participated in the event "were not your straight line, suit and tie folks." The same activists who were protesting the Vietnam War and agitating for civil and women's rights, turned their energies to the environmental movement.
At the first Earth Day, 5,000 people held a rally on the Mall in Washington, D.C., and "J. Edgar Hoover sent FBI agents to take pictures of them," he says. It's Cones' belief that Hoover sent federal agents to a peaceful protest because at that time environmental awareness was comparable to being a card-carrying communist or worse. "I guess Hoover figured if you were there, you were un-American," he says.
The mass demonstrations mobilized politicians into taking action on the issue. Although the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] was supposedly in the works before Earth Day, the government wasn't eager to address environmental issues, Cones says. It wasn't until millions of people wrote letters voicing their concerns that "the president and Congress got off their duffs," he explained.
Within months, the EPA was created and the Clean Air Act of 1970 was passed by Congress. Environmental Action, a lobbying group, worked to defeat seven of 12 congressmen whom they called the Dirty Dozen. These legislators were targeted by the group because of their opposition to environmental protection laws. [Several lost their seats.]
Unfortunately, Cones doesn't believe the upcoming event [Earth Day in 1990] will have the same type of impact. "I don't think that will happen this time. The results will probably be more grassroots than legislative." If that is the case, he says he wouldn't be disappointed. "If this event can change a few lifestyles - even minimally - then it's made a difference."
Cones is chairman of the biology, chemistry and environmental science department at Christopher Newport College. A native Virginian, he lives in the Deep Creek area of Newport News. He will be making appearances as Dr. Earth all over the Peninsula and Southside areas.
Published April 25, 2014
Remembering the First Year of
The Captain’s Log: 1963-64
By A. Jane Chambers
You must truly believe in miracles to think the eye of memory
can look back over fifty years with any clarity.
--Raymond Bunn, first Editor of
The Captain’s Log
Two major accomplishments of the students at CNC in 1963-64 were publishing the first issues of The Captain’s Log and publishing the first yearbook, theTrident—both significant records of the College’s early history. The yearbook tradition at CNC ended after 1972. However, The Captain’sLog is now completing its 50th academic year as Christopher Newport’s official student newspaper.
The Logreplaced the first student paper, Chris’s Crier, which began in Fall, 1961, the College’s opening year, and ended in Spring, 1963. A mimeographed publication, often with handwritten headlines, despite its limitations the Crierwas a major source of information about CNC’s first two years.*
The Log’s original nameplate, shown above, featured an image of Captain Christopher Newport based upon the figure of the English mariner (shown right) created by Newport News artist Allan D. Jones, Jr. Jones had given CNC a framed black and white ink drawing (whereabouts now unknown) of this same figure at the 1963 Commencement. Notice in the Jones painting the historically accurate hook on the right arm and the sheath positioned to hold a sword drawn by the left hand. The wording at the bottom of the Log’s nameplate was removed after the CNC gained its independence from William and Mary in 1977. With time, there were also changes in the font, but the figure of Newport remained unchanged in the nameplate, I believe, until it was removed altogether sometime in the early 1990s.
Detail of Captain Newport in the Jones mural of the Jamestown Landing, located in the West Ave. Library, Newport News. Newport’s hook and upper part of his sheath are obscured in the newspaper’s nameplate, but it is clear that the figure there is the same as that created by Jones.
First staff of The Captain’s Log. Planning to attend the 50th Reunion are Karen Graeb (m. Claude Stanley, Class of 1963), Dana (Dani) Dix (m. Guy Futrell, Class of 1964), and Raymond Bunn. Karen and Raymond were the only sophomores on the first staff. Robert (Robbie) Kayton is a documented First Decader. Sadly, Diane Urrutia, who earned her RN at Riverside in 1967, is deceased. Judith Fuller (m. Derek Schneider) was last known living in Colorado. Victoria Dowler became Editor-in-Chief of the 1964-65 Log but, like the remaining freshmen shown, has not been located. Sponsor and English professor Betty Kantor Stuart returned to California to pursue doctoral work and has not been located.
Raymond W. Bunn, Jr., as a CNC sophomore. 1964 Trident, p. 17.
Having worked as a freshman on Chris’s Crier,sophomore Raymond Bunnwas well qualified to be the first Editor of CNC’s second student newspaper. When asked for his memories of his work with that publication, he wrote, however, “You must truly believe in miracles to think the eye of memory can look back over fifty years with any clarity. I have just turned 71 and rely on lists to rescue memory, which lists I consistently misplace.” Then, fortunately, he proceeded to remember, and record, much more than he thought he could.
Ray recalled “going to the office of the chief financial officer” of CNC, Business Manager Tom Dunaway. He remembered that he and Mr. Dunaway “talked about the prospects of a student newspaper and what expense it might incur for the college” and that the first item Mr. Dunaway approved was “the purchase of a pasteboard file box and printers supplies.” Dunaway “also suggested getting printing estimates from available local printers.” Ray couldn’t recall “which printer was chosen,” but thought it might be a company “connected with The Times Herald – Daily Press.” The printer contracted was in fact Prestige Press of Hampton, a detail given on page 1 of the first issue of The Captain’s Log, reprinted below.
Business Manager Thomas S. Dunaway, Jr. 1964 Trident, p. 8.
Ray also recalled that he and his staff were given an upstairs room in the Daniel building for an office. “How the staff and sponsor were chosen,” he added, “I do not remember. I do remember they were good choices. I remember the first time we all met in ‘our room.’ It was us, the pasteboard file, some pencils, bottles of rubber cement, a typewriter, blank galley sheets and a trash can. For the most part, we were meeting one another for the first time. I was the first editor, but I do not remember if other staff positions were filled by assignment or if individuals volunteered. I do remember that our times in staff room were often more about the sharing of ourselves, our lives, with one another than about writing ‘fair and balanced news’ articles.” One very important decision the group had to make very quickly was choosing a name for the paper. “We talked at length about a name,” he said, then “agreed the name of the paper must grow out of the name of the college, Christopher Newport. We then decided to call the paper The Captain's Log after the journal kept by the captain of a ship.”
Editor Ray Bunn at work. 1964 Trident, p. 53.
Assistant Editor Diane Urrutia at work. 1964 Trident, p. 53.
English professor Betty K. Stuart, sponsor of the first Captain’s Log. 1964 Trident, p. 12.
First Issue of The Captain's Log (Vol. 1, Issue 1, November 7, 1963).
Of this first issue, Ray wrote, “I remember the excitement in the room when we met to decide on news articles for the first issue. We were especially excited when the first paid ads were sold. To promote the paper and create student support, it was decided that we would sponsor thesecondMiss CNC pageant.” The newspaper did so, and printed photos of the contest’s winners at the top of issue two (below). To see these ladies in all their finery at that year’s Christmas Dance, go to pages 54 & 55 in the 1964 Trident (if you have that yearbook) or go to our website’s School Pictures (left margin of Home), subtab 1964 & 1965, and scroll down to the third block of pictures.
Second Issue of The Captain's Log (Vol 1, Issue 2, December 18, 1963).
In all, there were five issues of the newspaper that first year. Not surprisingly, the last one, Issue 5 (May 20, 1964) was dedicated to H. Westcott Cunningham, then Director, later first President, of CNC. “In Dedication—Our Graduation Issue” (see right) opened by praising him as “Administrator, advisor, and friend” who “has won the admiration and respect of the faculty and student body.” Regarding Cunningham’s “personal attributes,” the article cited as “the most notable one…that quality of ‘giving himself.’” The article concluded by declaring “Not only has he created Christopher Newport College, but the spirit within which keeps it all that it is and will be.” The staff of the first yearbook, The Trident, also dedicated that publication to Director Cunningham.
From Vol. 1, Issue 5, May 20, 1964, p. 3. Westscott is misspelled.
CLOSING THOUGHT from Raymond Bunn:
These memories of the John W. Daniel days of CNC’s infancy seem primitive in light of the institution they birthed. And, yet, in spite of the increased numbers and multimillion dollar campus of CNU today, did any succeeding class or decade know more pride, excitement or collegial spirit?
*For more information about Chris’s Crier, click the tab Website Archives (left margin, Home page), then the subtab First Decade History, and scroll WAY down to the 4-part article CHRIS'S CRIER: Windows into CNC's Early History. An article about the first Trident is also in this subtab, further up.
Published April 25, 2014
CNC’s Super Efficient Superintendent,
Mike Cazares:
Conclusion
By A. Jane Chambers
I think Mike spent most of his Saturdays at CNC working on projects, for free,
because of his desire to see us have the best we could have
with very little money.
--Dr. Harold Cones, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology
MIKE’S GREENHOUSE: Phase 2
Once Mike Cazares and his volunteer crew had completed what turned out to be a rather attractive brick head house, they tackled phase two: building the actual greenhouse. Using glass for it was out of the question, recalls Dr. Harold Cones, because glass was extremely expensive. Mike soon found a fiberglass product that could be used on greenhouse sidewalls. He concluded the same greenish-yellow fiberglass sheets would work for the roof too. Dr. Jean Pugh, as usual, generously provided the money to buy this material.
The Cazares Crew all met to build the frame for the greenhouse. The frame included wooden roof rafters (see photo, right) that Harold recalls as not only very expensive, but also very long and very heavy. Once the framing was completed, the workers covered it with the fiberglass sheets “and voila,” Harold recalls, “we had a green (actually a yellowish-green) house.” Mike then built plant tables, installed lighting and plumbing, and turned it over to the College. It was named “Cazares Greenhouse.”
Greenhouse during framing. 1972 Trident, p. 19.
This photo of Mike accompanied the article “Supervisor leaves his mark on CNC,” provided by Sandra Cazares Allard.
Mike was interviewed later by a reporter from either the Daily Press or the Times-Herald. The subsequent article, “Supervisor leaves his mark on CNC,” saved by Mike’s family, but unidentified and undated, appeared in a “Peninsula People” section. It included the photo shown here to the left. The reporter wrote that although the Cazares Greenhouse was only “about the size of a small house, …to the biology department, and the CNC employee who built it, the structure is an important part of the Shoe Lane campus.” Mike’s sense of humor is evident in his reply to the question “What’s grown in the greenhouse?” He said, “I call them weeds, but the professors call them all sorts of exotic things.”
The reporter stated that Mike had “an architect’s drawing of the campus in his office, identifying the building as Cazares Greenhouse” and that Mike pointed to the location of “his” building “in close proximity to Christopher Newport Hall and Capt. John Smith Library” and said, “I’m in good company.” The greenhouse was actually to the right of Gosnold Hall, CNC’s first science building. I remember viewing it from classrooms on the second floor of Newport Hall. Between the back of Newport and the greenhouse was a large expanse of lawn later occupied by the new Science Building, and behind the greenhouse was a thick patch of woods.
The framed greenhouse seemed ready for the fiberglass panels in this photo. The unidentifiable man on the ladder might be Mike Cazares. 1972 Trident, p. 14.
As time passed, the greenhouse developed some problems. The flat roof of the head house often leaked and the roof rafters, as Harold Cones remembers, “were so heavy that they sagged, giving the greenish-yellow house a bowed back.” However, improvements were made to the head house from time to time. Then the greenish-yellow greenhouse was replaced by a glass greenhouse, under physics professor Dr. George Webb, who headed that project—getting the money for it, approving the plans, and so forth. Professional builders added on to the greenhouse structure already there but the head house was kept. The Cazares Greenhouse thus served the College, particularly the botany students, very well until it was razed, like the other original Shoe Lane buildings.
RECOGNITION and RETIREMENT
After 11 years at CNC, in charge of maintaining not only 73 acres of buildings and grounds (lawn and woods) but also campus security, Mike decided it was time to retire—at age 62. Nobody was glad to see him go. In 1973 CNC had established a Distinguished Service Award to be given to people who had made an outstanding contribution to the development of the College. The award was a bronze medallion with a replica of the College seal (the second seal, adopted in 1970) suspended from a blue and white ribbon. The first recipients of this award, at 1973’s Spring Commencement, were CNC’S first president, H. Westcott Cunningham and Virginia delegate Lewis A. McMurran, Jr., called by some the “Father” of CNC because of his significant political support of the College in the General Assembly from its beginning.
Photo from “CNC Graduation Set Sunday,” provided by Sandra Cazares Allard.
Shortly before CNC’S December 21, 1975 Commencement, an article (“CNC Graduation Set Sunday”) appeared in either the Daily Press or the Times-Herald. It opened with a statement that Mike Cazares would “receive the Distinguished Service Award at CNC’S Graduation Ceremony” and included this photo of Mike. It also quoted these words from CNC’s then-president, Dr. James Windsor: “Christopher Newport has been fortunate in having Mike Cazares as a member of its staff. He served with distinction during the 11 years he has been with the college. He has been a dedicated civil servant and is admired and respected by students, staff and faculty. We regret that he is leaving the college due to retirement.”
Virginia Delegate Lewis A. McMurran, Jr., wearing this same CNC Distinguished Service medallion, was on the commencement program that Sunday afternoon, as the dignitary who introduced the speaker, U. S. Congressman Thomas N. Downing. Below are (left) page 2 of the 4-page program (there were 97 graduates) and (right) a photo of Congressman Tom Downing looking on while President Jim Windsor placed the medallion around the neck of a smiling Mike Cazares. Like so many of the photos in this 3-part article, these were provided by Sandra Cazares Allard.
In 1981 Mike and Anna moved to Kissimmee, Florida, where he continued doing what he loved: building, maintaining and repairing things as long as he was able. He died at age 81, on December 28, 1994, from complications related to Diabetes.
Mike’s wife, Anna, now 91, lives close to their youngest child, Sandra (Sandy) Allard, in Yorktown, VA. Anna is currently recovering at home from a back injury. Son Michael (Mike) also lives in Yorktown; son Ricardo (Ric) lives in Costa Rica. Mike’s daughter from a previous marriage, Gloria Tunning, lives in San Antonio, TX, as does Mike’s surviving sister, Lupe. Mike had eight grandchildren.
Acknowledgements
A very special Thank You to Sandra Cazares Allard, my major source for much information about her father. Sandy provided personal memories as well as photos, newspaper articles, and other documents which were vital to the writing of this Tribute. A big Thank You also to Dr. Harold Cones, who provided most of the information about Mike’s Greenhouse.Thanks also to Dr. Jane Webb for locating the 1994 obituary for Mike, Dr. David Game for leading me to Mike’s son Michael on Facebook, Michael, who then connected me with his sister Sandy, and the former students, especially Dave Bessom, who shared with me their memories of Mike. I appreciate the help of all of you.
Published March 7, 2014
Republished September 28, 2018
Memories of CNC’s Super Superintendent:
Mike Cazares
(1913 – 1994)
Part 2
By A. Jane Chambers
The Greenhouse project is another example of the dedication
of the early CNC people
and the strong sense of family that existed then.
Without folks like Mike Cazares and Jean Pugh,
I am not sure there would have been a CNU today.
--Dr. Harold Cones, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology
MIKE’S LIFE BEFORE CNC
Mike was born Miguel Cazares on April 25, 1913, in a small border town called Eagle Pass, Texas, the first of three children and the only son of Spanish-speaking parents of Indian-Mexican heritage. To support his family, Mike’s father often worked away from home, primarily in bridge construction. When Mike was 14 or 15 years old, his father died from blood poisoning caused from stepping on a nail. Overnight, Mike became the breadwinner. He had to leave school and start working full-time to support his mother and two young sisters.
Union Pacific’s Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras International Railway Bridge, completed in 1928, crosses the Rio Grande between Eagle Pass, TX and Piedras Negras, Coahuila. It is the second busiest rail bridge crossing in Texas. Did Mike’s father help build it? Photo & information from Wikipedia.
CCC workers on a soil conservation project in 1934. (Photo from Wikimedia.)
Young Mike took any kind of job he could find during those years of the Great Depression (1929-39). He worked for awhile in the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), Roosevelt’s public work relief program for unemployed single men aged 18-25. He labored in construction, railroad work, and copper mining. Like his father, he went where the work was and sent money back to the family. Hard work in various fields was to his benefit, however, because he acquired many skills that would serve him well throughout his life.
Like many young men seeking job security in the 1930s, Mike tried to join the Army, but was turned down because the Army needed no more soldiers then. That situation quickly changed with World War II, however. Mike was drafted in 1942, at age 29, and two years later was at the Anzio invasion in Italy. He served elsewhere in both Italy and Africa until that war ended. Then he was with the Occupation Forces in Austria, where he met Austrian Anna Kaufman, who became his wife. Making the Army his career, Mike served also in the Korean War with a Supply Company stationed in Suwon, a village near Seoul. There he spent much of his free time helping with an orphanage, for which he was honored by the village mayor.
Poster for the 1968 Italian movie based on the Allied invasion of Anzio, Italy, one of WW2’s bloodiest battles, which lasted 4 months. Some 30,000 Allies lost their lives.
After 22 years of service with distinction, Mike retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant in June 1964, at Fort Eustis. Then 51, he and Anna were living in the cinderblock house he had built on Menchfield Road in Newport News, with their young children: Michael, Ricardo, and Sandra. Mike went for an interview at CNC with then Director (later President) H. Westcott Cunningham, who hired him immediately. As Mrs. Cunningham recently recalled, “Scott was so pleased to have someone as reliable and competent as Mike,” who also “was a really nice person.” The fact that both men were WW2 veterans possibly helped create a bond between them. Cunningham had commanded a PT Boat in the Pacific.
MIKE’S GREENHOUSE
In 1970, when the Biology Department hired Dr. Dave Bankes, CNC’s first botanist and horticulturalist, the College had no greenhouse. Dave, of course, wanted a greenhouse for plant propagation and so forth, but his chance of getting a real greenhouse from the state was less than zero. Dr. Harold Cones remembers how “Mike’s Greenhouse” began: Biology chairman Dr. Jean Pughtalked to Mike Cazares and they agreed that Mike would do the work as he had time (including Saturdays) and would get the bricks (with his own truck) for the head house from the state penitentiary, which had provided the bricks for the other three buildings on campus, and Jean would buy the other building materials. CNC either paid for the bricks or got the state to donate them and also paid for the six or eight metal trusses for the head house roof. Jean bought the rest of the materials, including concrete for the floor.
Mike Cazares in the 1970 Trident, p. 18.
Consulting with Dave Bankes, Mike drew up the design. He did not need blueprints. After all, as his daughter Sandy Allard recalls, he had built his own cinderblock house on Menchfield Road, from the foundation to the roof, with the help of no one except his wife. He had done everything himself, including carpentry, plumbing and electrical wiring, and had also built his own detached garage, which served as his workshop.
Brickwork underway on the head house part of the greenhouse project. 1972 Trident, p. 19.
Most members of the Biology Department pitched in to help Mike with this CNC project, as did some students, working mainly on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. Biology professors Dave Bankes and Ron Mollick helped, and of course Jean Pugh and Harold Cones were there regularly. Not everything the novices did was always done perfectly of course. Harold remembers that when the concrete (paid for by Jean Pugh) was delivered for the floor, he was one of those who helped to smooth it after it was dumped, but, as he recalls, “It was never really smooth, I’m afraid.”
Laying bricks for the head house was a major challenge, even under Mike’s well intentioned instruction. Harold laid most of the bricks, but says that task “is not as easy as it looks” and he’s not laid another brick since. He remembers the bricks were “beautiful, handmade, with lots of interesting color and quality variations, and no two alike.” Student Tom Sobieski (BS, 1973) remembers that “one of the CNC students convinced someone that he could lay bricks,” but his brickwork “resembled more a wave than a straight line,” so he was asked to resign from that task.
To save money, the department decided to put a flat roof on the head house. Consequently, although the finished brick head house was very attractive, Harold recalls that it “leaked badly—but it stayed functional until torn down a few years ago for the new Forbes Hall.”
Two faculty forces behind the building of Mike’s Greenhouse: (L-R) Harold Cones and Jean Pugh, playing Peekaboo behind a plant. 1970 Trident, p. 12.
“The construction of the Greenhouse was a stop and start project,” Dr. Sam Bauer recently wrote. The same is true of this Tribute to Mike Cazares. Part 3 will start with phase 2 of the greenhouse project, building the actual greenhouse. Then it will cover how CNC honored Mike in 1975, what happened after his retirement, and acknowledgement of sources. Stay tuned! And send us your memories of Mike Cazares, if you’ve not already done so.
Published February 21, 2014
Memories of CNC’s Super Superintendent:
Mike Cazares
(1913 – 1994)
Part 1
By A. Jane Chambers
“Scott was so pleased to have someone as reliable and competent as Mike.” --Mrs. H. Westcott Cunningham, widow of CNC’s first president
Mike was “the man who quite literally held the College together.”
--Dr. James C. Windsor, CNC’s Second President
Mike was “a real jack-of-all-trades; he could build, repair, or restore anything.”
--Mrs. Jackie Haskins, first Bookstore Manager
When Mike Cazares joined our Christopher Newport family in the fall of 1964 as our first Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, there was only one building on our new campus on Shoe Lane: Newport Hall. When he retired eleven years later, there were seven—all of which he had kept in good working condition and the last of which, a greenhouse, he had built himself. “Mike’s Greenhouse”—like all the other original CNC buildings—has since been demolished, and Mike himself is no longer on this planet. But, with apologies to William Shakespeare, “So long as we do breathe and we do see, So long live these words, and these give life to thee,” Mike Cazares, a most valuable member of our early CNC family.
Mike dressed for Commencement, with recently opened Wingfield Hall in the background. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cazares Allard, Mike’s youngest child.
The CNC students’ fondness for “Big Mike” was expressed in this 1969 half-page yearbook photo and commentary on p. 98.
Mike Could Build Anything
Money was often tight in those early years at CNC, but fortunately, as former Men’s Basketball Coach Bev Vaughan recalls below, Mike could be counted on come to our rescue in almost any emergency. The time was December, 1967— shortly before the first basketball game was to be played in the newly opened Ratcliffe Gymnasium:
There was no funding available yet for a traditional scoreboard for the first game, so I asked Mike Cazares … to build one. Several days before the game date, Mike brought his innovative version of a basketball scoreboard to Ratcliffe Gym. It was a piece of plywood, about 3’ x 3’ with “CNC” painted in the upper left-hand corner and “Visitors” painted in the upper right-hand corner. About halfway down on the board was another caption, “Quarters.” Under each heading, there were tracks, constructed of wood, to hold numbers, also constructed of wood. It was somewhat like an information board that hangs up front inside some churches, indicating the various hymns to be sung for a specific service. This handmade scoreboard was mounted 6 – 8 feet above the left side of a wall located at one end of the gym. As the game progressed, a person on a stepladder changed numbers for each category.
—“Setting the Sail: Launching the Men’s Basketball Program,” by R. Bev Vaughan Jr., in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, by A. Jane Chambers, Rita C. Hubbard, & Lawrence B. Wood, Jr., p. 123.
The first CNC Men’s Basketball Team used Mike’s handmade scoreboard all season.
Less challenging for Mike, no doubt, but no less important for CNC were the innumerable library shelves and office bookcases he built for us, as recalled here by Dr. Harold Cones former professor of biology and environmental science, in a recent email:
Mike made all the office bookcases in his shop at home (he lived near Menchville High School). Wherever you went on campus, there was that five foot tall, 30" wide bookcase looking back at you. There were still several of them in the second science building (one in the botany lab, one in the environmental lab and one in the invert lab--there were more, I am sure) when it was torn down to make way for Forbes Hall. Mike also made one for me as a gift for my daughter's room when she was born 40 years ago.
Mike’s masterpiece was, of course, the greenhouse, which will be discussed in Part 2 of this tribute.
He Could Repair Anything
Recalling his first year in the Chemistry Department at the College (1967- 68), Dr. Gary Hammer wrote:
Mike Cazares was the entire Building and Grounds Department, a one-man operation. And, believe me, we saw a lot of Mike because of problems with the hoods in the laboratories. Many were the days when Mike went up on the roof to change fan belts for hoods.
—“From Dow Chemical to CNC,” by Gary Hammer, in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, p. 63.
Dr. Harold Cones remembers another example of Mike’s talents:
About my second year at CNU our building, Gosnold Hall, sprung a leak that made itself known by a puddle of water on the floor. Mike came to take a look and decided there was a bad pipe in the wall. Without measuring or looking at any plans, he walked over to the wall, started hitting the cinder blocks with a hammer, and presto, there was the pipe—and the leak. It amazed me that he knew where everything was on campus, even the stuff in the walls.
Mike working on CNC’s alarm system. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cazares Allard.
He Could Restore Anything
Jackie Haskins, first Bookstore Manager, recalls Mike’s talent in restoring furniture in her essay on the first CNC bookstore, which was in Newport Hall, across from the Lecture Room:
Mike got us our first display case for the bookstore, for $5.00. He found it downtown at Crum’s Bakery, which was moving to a new location and selling its old equipment, and I think he paid for the case out of his own pocket. Mike was very devoted to the College. After removing several coats of white paint from this cabinet, Mike discovered that it was made of solid oak…The display case had a slanted glass front and sliding glass door in back. I used it to house candy bars and crackers as well as notions such as tissues and aspirin. It was a very serviceable piece, probably dating to the turn of the twentieth century.
— “Creating the College’s First Bookstore,” by Jackie Haskins,in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, pp. 157- 58.
He Was Both Hard-Working and Generous
Dr. Rita Hubbard, retired Professor of Communications, recently said:
I remember Mike very well! I was Chair of a Department that included Art and Music, two departments that required objects and equipment such as easels, ovens, tables, benches and chairs and lots of storage space...so we called on Mike frequently...and he always responded efficiently and pleasantly. He was a man of many talents!!!
Dr. Mario Mazzarella, retired Professor of History, recently wrote:
Mike was the first CNC person I met. The school flew me down for an interview in 1969. I landed at then-Patrick Henry Field (PHF is still the designation for the airport) and was picked up by Mike. I always remember him as a fine (and good-looking) gentleman. In 1972, when I was going on leave of absence, he saw me moving boxes of books and things out of my office in Christopher Newport Hall (later, McMurran) and jumped in to help me, a typical kindness.
This 1971 Letter of Appreciation, signed by President Windsor, Dean Booker, and the SGA President, was read aloud at the Commencement, then presented to Mike. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cazares Allard.
And finally, these memories from Dr. Harold Cones:
I always liked Mike and he was a friend to everyone on campus. He was often there on Saturday (no pay on the weekend) and was always willing to drop whatever he was doing to lend a helping hand. When I built my porch, Mike came over on a Saturday and taught me to cut jack rafters, then stayed to help me cut and install them. He would take no money.
Shirley Fields designed the cover of the first yearbook, which approximated the College’s colors, blue and gray. The three thin stripes on the left, she says, represented the three prongs of King Neptune’s trident.
The honor of creating the first CNC yearbook goes to the Class of 1964. In a recent telephone interview with Shirley D. Fields (now Cooper), Editor of the 1964 Trident, I learned that the desire to have a yearbook arose from talks among a group of students who, like her, had staffed their high school yearbooks. Shirley, who had edited her 1962 Hampton High School yearbook, was chosen among this volunteer group to be their leader. They met with Director H. Westcott Cunningham, who gave his permission for the project.
An announcement that there would be a yearbook appeared in the first edition (Nov. 7, 1963) of The Captain’s Log, along with a statement that the book would be paid for by the College, with copies issued “free of charge” to all full-time students, faculty, and staff, and sold to others for $4.00 (Vol. I, Issue 1, p. 4).
Joining Editor Shirley Fields on the yearbook staff were Co-Editors Thomas Saunders and W. Daniel Burton, Jr. and ten additional dedicated students (see photo below).
Of these 13 members of the first Trident staff, one is deceased, Paul H. Keene, and 3 have not yet been located: Diana Hubbard, Sue Ann Scott, and Helen Gayle Stanley. Please help us find these 3. Photo from p. 52 of the 1964 Trident. Illustration by Shirley Fields.
Serving as faculty advisors were English professor Elizabeth B. Scott and physics professor E. Graham Pillow, both of whom had joined the faculty its second year (1962-63). Mrs. Scott left CNC at the end of the 1964-65 academic session to join her husband, who had accepted a position at the American University in Lebanon. Mr. Pillow later became CNC’s first Chair of Computer Studies, instigated the first interdependent B.S. degree, Management Information Science, and remained with the College until 1978, when he left to accept an appointment as director of medical computing at the University of Virginia.
Elizabeth B. Scott. 1964 Trident, p. 12.
E. Graham Pillow. 1964 Trident, p. 14.
Talented in art since childhood, Editor Fields provided all of the artwork for this first yearbook, beginning with the illustration on the title page (photo left) of mythological sea-god King Neptune’s crown and trident. The staff chose the name Trident (Shirley’s suggestion) for the yearbook because Neptune’s three-pronged spear was both “an instrument of power” and “a spur of the spirit,” representing “the strength that comes from the intertwining of purpose with knowledge [and] with humility” (“Symbol of the Trident,” p. 2, written by Fields).
Central on page 3 of the yearbook is Editor Fields’s drawing of a ship under full sail, above a short list of the book’s content: Administration, Classes, Activities, and Advertisements (photo right). The following two pages (4 & 5) summarize Captain Christopher Newport’s services to England. Page 4 is headed by Shirley’s drawing (see right) of Captain Newport (based on the work of artist Allan D. Jones, Jr.). Discussed here is how Newport served as the “Queen’s privateer” during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who praised him for “his fine qualities of leadership, … dependability, loyalty, and courage,” and how he became known as “the one-armed Englishman who struck with the suddenness of a tropical storm” yet “treated his prisoners with kindness.” Page 5 primarily summarizes Newport’s peacetime role, during the reign of King James, as “The Admiral of Virginia”—heading the Jamestown voyage, exploring and mapping the James and York rivers, returning to the colony with new supplies and people, and so forth. The essay concludes with Newport’s death in 1617 and his lasting reputation for “justice…tempered with humanity.” Shirley Fields wrote this article also, citing as her major source passages in Ancient Adventurers, by Samuel M. Bemiss.
This first yearbook was, quite appropriately, dedicated to Director Cunningham, whom the students praised for his “steadfast service” to “the students, the faculty, and the community” and called “the first and most beloved pioneer of Christopher Newport College” (see right). Although full-time students were given free copies of this first Trident, they had to pay to have their portraits made for it ($2.00 for three poses). Not all students could afford that expense, unfortunately, so the book does not fully reflect the student body present that year, especially those attending part-time or only in the Evening College. The black-and-white portraits of the sophomores (47), freshmen (108), and student nurses (29) were taken by Farabee’s Studio, which provided the traditional v-necked black drapes for the women’s photographs (no jewelry allowed) and the white tuxedo jackets, white shirts, and black bow ties for the men’s photos. The College’s administrators (5), staff (5), and faculty (18) provided their own black-and-white studio portraits, wearing business-style clothing.
The first yearbook's team leaders (L-R): W. Daniel Burton (Co-Editor), Shirley D. Fields Cooper (Editor), and Thomas L. Saunders (Co-Editor). From pages 17, 19, & 23 of the 1964 Trident
The Activities section (10 pages) recorded campus life, with photos of the Student Government Association (SGA) officers and representatives, the Trident staff, the Captain’s Log staff, and officers and members of the Circle K Club. Photos in this section were no doubt made by the Trident’s student photographers, who also provided, at the very end of this section, three pages of mostly candid snapshots of student life. Miss CNC of 1964, Sheilah Kathleen Cassidy, and her court had a two-page spread, posing in their formal gowns and long white gloves. Their photos look rather professional. There were no sports pictures, since there were apparently no organized sports that year. To see more pictures from this first yearbook, as well as some from the 1965 Trident, go to our School Pictures tab, subtab 1964-1965 (left margin, top of this page).
Although the 1964 Trident was a modest-sized book (8” wide by not quite 11” long), with only 59 pages of text and photos, plus 21 pages of advertising, it is a document of great importance in the history of CNC. That it was initiated by the students shows the strong attachment—if not, indeed, love—that these early first decade students felt toward their small college. That CNC’s leader not only sanctioned the creation of a yearbook, but had the College’s treasury almost fully finance it, reflects Director “Scotty” Cunningham’s practice of whole-heartedly supporting virtually every project the students advanced. And that the book had such a large number of advertisements underscores the Peninsula community’s strong pride in and support for the young school which it considered to be its college. Those fortunate enough to own copies of this first CNC yearbook possess a small treasure.
Note: Some of the material in this article appeared originally in “The First Student Publications: Chris’s Crier and the Trident,” by Jane Chambers, in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, 1961-1971, by A. Jane Chambers, Rita C. Hubbard, and Lawrence Barron Wood, Jr. (Hallmark Publishing Co., Inc., 2008).
Published January 10, 2014
FEEDBACK
(Updated January 10, 2014)
WGH AM Radio articles. Articles can be found in the "First Decade History" Tab under Website Archives.
(See left margin)
From Patty Lottinville Kipps (FD, 63) re: WGH AM Radio, Part 1: I loved your piece on WGH. It brought back so many memories. My entire family—parents, brothers, sister and I—always listened to WGH while in the car. Also,I carpooled to St. Vincent 's High School with Mrs. Bittenbender (a teacher there) and her children, and we always listened to it, to and from school.It was OUR station.I listened to it also on my little table top radio in my bedroom. Of course I can still sing many of the songs. Thanks for the memories!
Re: WGH AM Radio series: Jay Dunn (FD 64) wrote: The WGH photos brought back a lot of memories. During the 1962-64 days, one of the students attending CNC was a DJ for WVEC in Hampton. He was often the voice of their late-night music, “The Moondial,” not at all modern music, but very relaxing. I don’t recall his name. Maybe someone else can?
Re: Jay Dunn’s “Moondial” question, Mary Carle Warren (FD 64) wrote:
The CNC student who was the voice of "Moondial" [on WVEC] was Phil Brown, a WarwickHigh School graduate who lived in HiltonVillage. There was another CNC student, Bob Slusser, who worked at WGH and was a sound engineer. I don't know whatever became of either of them.
Thank you for all the work you put into the site.
Jane replies: Mary, I will add Phil Brown to our Looking For… list. He is not in the 1964 Trident, but your 2 leads (WHS & HiltonVillage) will help us find him, I hope! Bob Slusser (FD 62) is semi-retired and lives in California. If you want to contact him, let me know. And thank you for your “thank you”!
Re: WGH Microphones games: Reader Jeanie Lankes of Hampton posted on the WGH Facebook site 14 photos of the WGH Microphonies vs. Lindsay Jr. High Faculty basketball game back in 1969-70. Click here if you want to see these: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.341189652576971&type=1 Note: You must be logged into Facebook for this link to work.
Re: the WGH articles, Robert Slusser (FD 63) wrote:
Thank you for the great articles about WGH Radio. These pictures brought back a lot of old memories of living in Newport News. During my senior year at NNHS and first semesters at CNC (61- 62), I worked part-time at WGH in the Engineering Department. As a young kid with limited technical training, this was a unique learning experience. A lot of my time was spent taking transmitter readings and helping setup the Showmobile and other equipment for the many remote broadcast locations in the Tidewater area. I also had opportunities to participate in many of the station's activities. The Microphonies basketball games were a sight to be seen. As I remember, Dick Lamb was the only member of the "on-air" staff that actually knew how to play basketball.
Jane replies: Robert, the reason Dick Lamb “actually knew how to play basketball” was that he also played baseball and football in high school and remained active in sports afterwards. Not only was he team captain and point guard for the Microphonies, but also, as a student at CNC, he was co-captain and quarterback for CNC’s All Star Flag Football Team (See “Dick Lamb Remembers His Years at CNC,” in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, pp. 98-101). At 75 now, he is still physically fit.
I wasn't allowed to listen to rock and roll at home during my growing up years. So, by the time I got to CNC, it was great to listen to WGH on the way to and from school. I nearly ran off the road one morning laughing when George Crawford said, "Try something different this morning. Go into work and say hello to the time clock and punch your boss!" He also used to say, "Here with you in the morning playing this while you're spraying your pits." Funny guy, George!
My then boyfriend (later, husband) Norman Blankenship sat next to Dick Lamb in class for ages without knowing who he was, other than a really nice guy also named Norman—Norman Beasley.
The picture of the All Star football team brought back a memory involving both Normans. That wonderful team was made up of a bunch of guys that became the Intramural All Stars through play-offs within the league. One cold rainy afternoon, the two best teams were having the final play-off to determine the Intramural League Champions—the ones who would go on to play Old Dominion. Hardly anyone was still there. It was getting late, the score was tied, player Larry Herman had dislocated his elbow and obviously needed to go to the hospital, and everyone was standing around in the rain trying to decide what to do.
Dick Lamb looked at the other players and said, "I don't know about you guys, but little Dickie's goin' home." So the game ended in a tie. The team picked as the winner was selected by votes, and both Normans were on it. In that team picture, my Norman is the one slightly hidden behind Coach Bob Hunter, but smiling!
My Norman returned to school after his stint in the Navy and graduated from ODU. When the Alumni Association called him once to ask for his annual donation, the young lady excitedly told him ODU was “beginning” a football program. When he told her that ODU had played football back in 1965 and been ignominiously defeated—by CNC, she was shocked.
Re: The Website in general, new reader Jeanie Lankes of Hampton wrote: The CNC Decaders newsletter is very good. People will want to see the articles on WGH, Dick Lamb, and others.
WGH AM Radio, Part 1:
“Station of the Stars”
in the Sixties and Early Seventies
by A. Jane Chambers
When I moved to Newport News to begin my teaching career at CNC (1963-64), I quickly learned that the number one AM radio station on the Peninsula (and soon, in all of Tidewater) was WGH 1310, “Station of the Stars,” which played all the “top hits” in America. Not only was WGH very popular with students from pre-teen to college age, but it was also quite popular with many of their parents and, yes, even their teachers—especially the younger ones.
The 1960 WGH air staff. L-R: Jim Stanley, Don Owens, Bob Calvert, Dick Lamb, & Program Director Gene Creasy.
I recently found a website about WGH (“World’s Greatest Harbor”) put together by Dale Parsons, who worked at WGH in its heyday and now lives in Hawaii. This website—http://alohanews.com/wgh.htm—is so packed with information and photos that I could not tear myself away from it for many hours, over several days, and I still haven’t explored all of it. If you were a fan of the old WGH, I recommend this site highly. Among other things, there is a detailed history covering the station from the late 1920s through 2005, and there are audio links to jingles and interviews of the station’s personalities.
All of the photos in Part 1 of this article I copied from Parson’s website. He carefully credits there all materials provided to him by others. Our own Dave Spriggs also created an informative article on WGH on the Newport News High School 1965 website—http://nnhs65.com/wgh.html. I recommend that site also.
Since Dick Lamb not only remains a major radio personality in Tidewater but is also a CNC First Decader and the subject of an interview article in Memories of Christopher Newport College, The First Decade (pp. 98-101), I will include four photos of him from the 1966 and 1968 Trident yearbooks in Part 2 of this article, to be published next Friday (12/13/2013).
Dick Lamb with fans outside the remote WGH studio at Newmarket Shopping Center, 1960.
Dale Parsons in 1971.
WGH Production Studio ca. 1960. The man is unidentified. The woman is Mary Copes. On his website (link above) Parsons gives a detailed discussion of the equipment shown in this picture. Go to the PICTURES tab.
WGH morning personality Jim Stanley is shown reviewing a song in the music library.
Glenn “The Turtle” Lewis in the main AM studio. The wall calendar dates the photo as March of 1966.
Bob Calvert in the AM studio, Jan. 21, 1964. His “Baron Bebop” persona was the inspiration for Robert Smith’s “Wolfman Jack” character in the early sixties at WYOU radio in Newport News.
The WGH building around 1960.
The WGH Showmobile (1965 photo), contained a complete studio.
WGH personalities posed in front of the old Mercury Blvd. studios ( Hampton ) in 1966. L-R: George Crawford, Glenn (“The Turtle”) Lewis, Dave Cummins, Dick Lamb, Bob (“Baron Bebop”) Calvert, Roger Clark, & Gene Loving. The blazers were red, with the WGH logo on the top pocket.
WGH began distributing weekly music survey sheets (“The Top 30”) in the latter 1950s. “Wax to Watch” at each sheet’s bottom was quickly a regular feature, with WGH’s popular deejays taking turns picking potential winning records. This sheet is from 1959.
By 1962, the “Top 30” sheets were wider, including a weekly “Platter Princess” at the top, picked from a Tidewater area high school, and brief music news items, usually with photos. This particular sheet’s “Platter Princess,” Joanne Dispenza (now Smith), is one of our 1963 CNC First Decaders.
This Jan. 5, 1964 “Top 30” sheet introduces 2 new groups that were beginning to get attention—The Beatles and The Supremes. WGH deejay Keith James listed “I Want to Hold Your Hand” as that week’s “Wax to Watch.” Two weeks later (Jan. 19), it was the No. 1 hit on the “Top 30” sheet.
The “Platter Princess” on this Sept. 27, 1964 “Top 30” sheet, Phyllis Keith (now Fritschi ) is one of our 1965 CNC First Decaders, a Riverside nursing student who earned her RN in 1967. Do we have any more First Decaders who were “Platter Princesses”? And how were they chosen for that honor? The 3 short items in the box are interesting bits of music history. Could you have identified that first face?
In the mid-1950s, when television competition was killing AM radio stations everywhere, WGH began its upward swing by shifting its focus to round-the-clock popular music and news. The era of the disc jockey as star was beginning, and WGH’s “personalities”quickly maintained a high profile not only on the air, but at such public places as skating rinks, high school ballfields, shopping centers and, once Ratcliffe Gymnasium was completed, at CNC. Tidewater experienced a new (this time welcome) invasion of “Redcoats”—popular deejays in their bright red WGH blazers.
WGH personalities following bikini-clad Teresa Stallings in 1967 at the Hampton Holiday Inn pool area. L-R: George Crawford, Dave Cummins, Dick Lamb, Gene Loving, Roger Clark, Jim Lawrence, & Bob Calvert. Photo from “WGH Radio—Station of the Stars,” accessed through former WGH deejay Dale Parsons’ website: http://alohanews.com/wgh.htm.
A major one of these “personalities” was Dick Lamb (born Norman Beasley), who joined the station in 1958. Already a husband and father at age 20, Norman was quite willing to use the on-air name Dick Lamb so that WGH could use the jingles prepared for the actual Dick Lamb, who had turned down the position. The station introduced this personable, energetic and handsome new deejay “at a big show broadcast live from Skate Land, on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News.” And the audience, Dick recalls, with genuine surprise, ‘treated me like some kind of movie star!’ (“Dick Lamb Remembers His Years at CNC,” in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, p. 99). It was the beginning of a highly successful career. And by the mid-1970s, Norman would happily become, legally, Dick Lamb.
In 1959, wanting a college education, Dick enrolled as himself at William and Mary, but he dropped out after a year because commuting, while also managing his full-time career and a growing family, became impractical. Then CNC was created and, in the fall of 1964, moved to Shoe Lane. It had two buildings by 1965 (Newport and Gosnold) and plans for more very soon. Living then on Whits Court, in the Deep Creek area of Newport News, Dick was delighted, because he now had a college “almost close enough to walk to!” He enrolled for the 1965- 66 session under his legal name, but was quickly recognized on campus as Dick Lamb, and it is under this name that he was identified in CNC’s yearbook pictures shown here (“Dick Lamb Remembers,” Memories, pp. 99-100).
Dick has “Nothing but good memories” of his time at CNC, recalling he “had outstanding teachers and found new friends, at a school that was right in my backyard.” His favorite teachers were Spanish professor Mrs. Doris Reppen and history professor Mr. Usry(“Dick,” pp. 100-101). He did very well academically and also enjoyed participating in intramural sports and watching CNC’s basketball games. He even served at times as sports announcer for some of those games.
CNC student Dick Lamb navigating an icy CNC walkway in the 1965-66 academic year. 1966 TRIDENT, p. 11.
Dick announcing a home basketball game at CNC. 1968 TRIDENT, p. 48.
A special memory of Dick’s is that of being co-captain, with Mike Payne, of CNC’s All Star Flag Football Team, coached by Bob Hunter, husband of biology professor Georgia Hunter. The team famously beat Old Dominion’s best flag football team 28- 8. Dick, who was a quarterback, made one of the touchdowns—“not bad,” he recalls, “for a 28-year-old father of four.” The CNC team “felt like we had beaten Southern Cal” (“Dick Lamb Remembers,” pp. 100-101). Dick had a framed copy made of this team photo below, from page 81 of CNC’s 1966Trident.
Dick Lamb, WGH No. 3, watches the action under the basket at CNC’s Ratcliffe Gymnasium. 1968 Trident, p. 8.
WGH formed a basketball team, the Microphonies, in the 1960s, with funds raised from the team’s well-publicized games donated to local charities or to the hosting schools. The players were primarily the WGH personalities — Dick Lamb, Bob Calvert, Gene Loving and others. They played against teams such as those formed by high school teachers or sometimes teams from other radio stations. Almost always the Microphonies lost. But they drew big crowds, entertained them well, and raised cash for good causes. Once CNC’s gymnasium opened, in 1967, they also played there (see photo at left). Below are some excerpts from WGH’s Top 30 sheets with more photos of and information about the Microphonies. These photos are from “WGH Radio—Station of the Stars,” accessed through former WGH deejay Dale Parsons’ website: http://alohanews.com/wgh.htm.
From WGH Top 30 sheet of 3/29/64.
From Top 30 sheet of 12/12/65.
From Top 30 sheet of 4/24/66.
Do you have questions or comments about this WGH series so far? If so, send them to us soon. Part 3 of WGH AM Radio will be published either next Friday (Dec. 20th) or the following Friday (Dec. 27th), along with our readers’ FEEDBACK.
Published December 13, 2013
More Memories of November 22, 1963:
The JFK Assassination
Edited by
A. Jane Chambers
WASHINGTON, D.C.
In September of 1963, I accepted a job at the FBI Headquarters in the heart of D.C. I was fresh out of high school and just not ready to attend college. As a “Voucher Statistical Clerk,” I was at the bottom of the pay scale, with a rather boring job: checking agents’ gas receipts for errors (back then, most were manually written in ink). I shared an apartment in Alexandria with two other guys and had to commute into the city every day.
After a few months of spending over 1 1/2 hours getting to work in the morning and about the same coming home, I had had enough and turned in my resignation. My last day was November 22, 1963.
I was driving home to Newport News that afternoon on Interstate 95 in my 1960 Chevrolet Impala and was just outside of Washington when the news came on my car radio about the President’s being shot. I was stunned, shocked, and bewildered. There were no cell phones then, so I couldn’t call my parents or anyone. All I could do was keep driving and remain glued to the radio. I’ll never forget that place in the road or the feeling I had at the moment I first heard the news. Then it got worse: the news of his death was reported. It was like losing a family member.
—Ron Lowder, webmaster, First Decaders website
President and Mrs. Kennedy deplaning from Air Force One at Dallas, TX. JFK Library photo.
N.Y. World-Telegram front page. UPI collection of newspaper fronts of the 4 days.
Oklahoma City Times front page. UPI collection of newspaper fronts.
I had just started working 6 weeks earlier as a writer/editor at the U. S.Weather Bureau in downtown Washington, DC. As I was walking back from lunch a short distance from my office, the young man who operated a parking lot on Pennsylvania Avenue yelled to me, "The President's Been Shot!" I couldn't believe it!
I hurried back to my office, where I found my supervisor removing from my desk drawer a small portable radio I carried with me to work, to listen to in my car on the way to and from work. She saw me approaching and apologized for digging through my drawer, but I quickly told her to forget about it and we waited to hear the latest news. My supervisor, her boss, and three or so other workers there huddled together to follow the totally unbelievable news. When it was announced that the President was dead, silence filled the room. No one was able to go back to work.
About 3:00 p.m. Washington time, everyone began quietly leaving to get in our cars and go home. The traffic was horrendous, bumper-to-bumper, extremely slow moving. Everyone in their cars was either deadly serious or weeping. When I finally arrived home, my mother said sadly, "I'm glad it didn't happen here in Washington." Her birthplace. And mine.
—Kay Rinfrette, website reader
Casket being loaded aboard Air Force One for flight back to Washington, D.C. JFK Library photo.
HAMPTON, VA
I was a senior at Hampton High School on this fateful day in November of 1963. I was standing at my locker when Judy Wheeler (known for kidding around) came running down the hall telling us the horrible news. At first nobody believed her. School was let out early and when I got home, it was the second time I had ever seen my mother cry. The first time was when her father died.
An odd part about this was that a week before the hour the President was shot, I was in NYC at a Catholic Youth Convention. Just after lunch it was announced that Mr. Kennedy was leaving the UN and coming to our convention unscheduled. I sat in the front row and he was 10 feet above me as he spoke. I can't remember a word that he said but everyone felt like he was looking them directly in the eye and speaking to each personally with the broadest smile on his face. It was Camelot! A week later I started growing up.
—Tim Brown, First Decader
I suppose we all remember where we were, don't we? But I rememberso little about what else happened that day. I was at HamptonHigh School and was a Junior. Trying to take an English test for a teacher I admired was always nerve wracking for me. But on that cold November day, it was even more so, because I was truly not as prepared as I had intended to be. I wasn't prepared for the rest of what happened either, as it turned out. Someone, I don't remember who, stuck their head in the door of the classroom and said that President Kennedy had been shot and had died. My English teacher just looked at them and nodded. Nothing else was said by anyone. No screams, no crying, no anything.
—Dalton K. Blankenship, First Decader
Johnson sworn in aboard Air Force One. JFK Library photo.
Oswald being killed in Dallas jail by Jack Ruby. Philadelphia Inquirer front page. UPI collection of newspaper fronts.
I was sitting in Trig class at Hampton High School during the last period of the day. End of day announcements informed us on the PA system that President Kennedy had been killed. I was 15 years old. I think my feelings were those of loss, despair... a “What do we do now?” kind of thing.
—Tim Hester, First Decader
I was working in a department store called GEX, in Hampton, on Mercury Blvd. It's gone now. Oddly enough I was working in the sporting goods section and we sold firearms. The guys in the stockroom were allowed to have radios. A guy came out and said that Kennedy had been shot. He was a weird-looking guy and at first nobody believed him. He was white as a sheet and stood his ground, however. Later it came over the public address system, but at that time we didn't know if Kennedy was dead or not. Then the store emptied out of customers. For the rest of the day, everyone was in shock.
—Sam Reid, First Decader
President Kennedy’s casket in the East Room of the White House. JFK Library photo.
NEWPORT NEWS, VA
I remember exactly where I was: in Newport News, on the front steps of our home on Shirley Road. Daughter Ann was in our car and I had gone back to get our son, Todd, when a neighbor across the street called out, "The President has been killed!" What a horror it was as the nation glued itself to the TV and other media to try to find out if this was possible and not a terrible hoax. Our keen interest in the Kennedys was in some measure due to Scotty’s having served in the Navy on a PT Boat in the Pacific in World War 2, in the same area as did John Kennedy. Once again this tragedy is in the news and I hope the appointment of Caroline Kennedy as our Ambassador to Japan will, in some small way, assuage the grief this daughter must again be feeling. —Cecil Cary Cunningham, First Lady of CNC
Front page of the Allentown , PA Evening Chronicle. UPI collection of newspaper fronts.
Military guard with caisson moving toward the Capitol. JFK Library photo.
I was in the basement (student center) of the Old Daniel building playing bridge when we heard the radio announcement of Kennedy’s assassination. We were all stunned and just sat silently for a few minutes. Then some of us got up to go upstairs and pass the information along to others in the building. It was hard for us to believe what we were hearing.
—Karen G. Stanley, First Decader
I was in the Shipyard, on the hanger deck of The Enterprise. I was working as an electrician, running temporary power lines. My supervisor heard the news by word of mouth and passed it on. At first we heard that the shooting was carried out from helicopters, which of course was just a rumor.Everyone kept working but it was quiet except for the noise of our labors. During the presidential campaign of 1960, when everyone my age (16 then) was enamored with Kennedy, I did not like nor trust him for some inexplicable reason. Nevertheless, I was now both shocked and sad, even though I still didn't like him, and I mourned the loss of my President.
—Wade Williams, First Decader
Three-year-old John F. Kennedy, Jr. salutes his father's casket. JFK Library Photo.
WILLIAMSBURG, VA
I was working at my part-time job in the old Swem Library on the William and Mary campus. Mr. Robert Usry had helped me to land that job, after talking with me at CNC about my financial needs. I was working in the library basement, putting call numbers on book spines with a hot stylus and a white strip that transferred the numbers and letters to the spines when heat was applied. When we library workers heard the news of Kennedy’s death, everyone stopped working. I don’t remember how we heard the news. Someone must have come into the basement, because I don't think we listened to the radio at work. I went outside with a few other employees, and we just sat on the steps, not talking, stunned. We were all kind of in shock.
—Patty Lottinville Kipps, First Decader
Cover of Memorial Edition of LIFE magazine.
MONTEREY, CA.
I was twenty and had moved to Monterey, California with my husband of less than two years. He had just been sent from Fort Ord to Fort Lewis, Washington, but I stayed behind since he was in the National Guard for only six months. I was working in the Linens secton on the third floor of Montgomery Wards. While not busy straightening up or with customers, I could watch TV since my section was next to Electronics. At that time I was watching a soap opera when the news of Kennedy’s being shot interrupted the show. That was the longest weekend of my life since I only knew three people in Monterey. Lucky for me I had something on my TV called CABLE that not been heard of in Virginia at that time (to my knowledge) so I got good coverage.
—Karrin Williams Frankie, website reader
Published November 22, 2013
When We Heard the News on 32nd Street:
The JFK Assassination
by A. Jane Chambers
November 22, 1963 was a typical early Friday afternoon on the downtown campus of CNC. In the basement lounge of the old DanielBuilding, students and a few professors were relaxing and socializing between classes. “A group of us were playing Bridge,” recalls Guy Futrell, a memory echoed by former classmates Ken Smith and Raymond Bunn. Jim Eyre remembers that he “had just finished several hands of Bridge and had just stood up to go to Mrs. Hunter’s zoology class.”
Suddenly, recalls Ray Bunn, “someone came into the room and blurted out the news” that President Kennedy had been shot. Sonny Short remembers too that “someone came in” with the news, as does Don Petrine. None can remember who the messenger was. But they remember the immediate impact of this unexpected, unbelievable news.
“There was an almost instant silence,” recalls Ray. “It was as if time stood still.”
Accounting Professor Don Riley remembers that “Everyone was stunned.”
“I remember the shock,” says Ken Smith.
“Like everyone else I was very shocked,” recalls Don, “and angry, as I had been a Kennedy supporter.”
Momentarily, the room “was dead quiet with complete disbelief,” recalls Jim Eyre. Then came the flood of emotions: “total emotional break-downs with crying, hugging” as the news sank in.
Ray remembers “no sense of fear,” but an emotion “like a tidal wave of sadness for our country.”
CNC’s first home, the former Daniel Elementary School. Visible left, behind the 2 cars, are some of the basement windows of the room that was the lounge shared by students, faculty and staff.
Very old postcard of the 1st Presbyterian Church on 32nd Street. Courtesy of Dave Spriggs and the NNHS Class of 1965 website.
Then, “when reality broke through the shock,” Ray adds, “several of us got up and, without speaking, went across the street to First Presbyterian Church and prayed. As was typical then, the church door was unlocked.”
Sonny remembers that “Some of us went across 32nd Street to the YMCA to watch the reporting on the TV they had there. I don’t believe anyone went to class the rest of that day.”
“I ran up the stairs and told everyone and anyone I met in the halls what had happened,” recalls Ken.
Jay Dunn remembers leaving the basement lounge, then “walking out onto 32nd Street and watching the traffic stop to absorb the news. Cars pulled over and in some cases just stopped where they were.”
“I went, along with a few other students, outside to check other sources of news,” Jim recalls. “I didn’t go to class, but got in my car and drove home, listening to different news reports on my car radio the whole way.” Professor Georgia Hunter was not in that zoology classroom either. Pregnant with her first child, she had arranged for professor Fred Brewer to cover her 2:00 class that day. She had heard the news about President Kennedy from Dr. Gale, her obstetrician, during a routine examination and had returned home.
Meanwhile, Sam McIntyre “was walking to class in the old building” when he heard the news. “My first reaction was of shock and sadness,” he recalls. “I will never forget where I was that fateful day. There were girls crying and everybody had a feeling of disbelief.”
Very old postcard of the old YMCA on 32nd Street. Courtesy of Dave Spriggs and the NNHS Class of 1965 website.
In the small library at the other end of the basement, three of us were chatting while working on book orders when a girl burst into the room and yelled, “The President’s been shot!” Library assistant Lorena Elder (Smith), a CNC Class of 1963 student, remembers that the girl was a Newport News High School student who worked for the library part time. We three stared at her astonished. Lorena and I quizzed the girl, hoping somehow her message was not true, while Librarian Bette Mosteller turned on a small radio she kept beneath the circulation desk. We heard that Kennedy had indeed been shot, in Dallas, while riding in a motorcade. Shot—not killed. Though stunned and concerned, we felt vaguely optimistic. We closed the library and went to our homes to follow the news on our televisions.
Upstairs, English Professor Barry Wood was in his office, preparing to teach a short story by Flannery O’Connor--“A Good Man Is Hard to Find.” His student Carol Sims burst in, telling him what she’d just heard on her car’s radio while driving to his class. Barry remembers that “I closed my book, walked over to the classroom, and almost in tears, told the class what I’d heard. The word had already spread and my students were talking about it, very upset. I dismissed the class.” He then went to Director Cunningham’s Office to tell the secretary, Mrs. Carney, to cancel his Saturday class. She had heard additional news: that Kennedy was not dead, but wounded, and had been rushed to a hospital. Feeling less horrified, Barry then went home to follow the news on his television.
Headline in Dallas, TX newspaper.
Student Jean Garner (Barger) was sitting in her history class, where Professor Robert Usry had already closed the classroom door, signaling the beginning of his lecture. Any student running late for class knew not to open that closed door. Jean recalls that “As he began lecturing, two students burst into the classroom. As Mr. Usry was about to tell them they were late and had to leave, they blurted out that the President had been shot. That was the end of Mr. Usry’s lecture.” For a moment, “time seemed to stop.”
Jean remembers that Professor Usry did not dismiss his class, however. Instead, he and the students discussed the messengers’ news and “what this could mean to the country.” The mood grew from shock to hope. Realizing Kennedy would have the best possible medical care, the consensus was that surely he would not die. No one could believe that a President of the United States could be assassinated in this century.
Jean remembers that the first afternoon edition of theTimes Heraldshe saw downtown announced the shooting, then the second edition, a few hours later, announced the death.
The little college on 32nd Street had experienced the first of three major political assassinations that would occur in America in the first decade of its life. And nothing would be as it had been before.
Commuters reading various newspaper accounts
Headlines in Washington, DC newspapers.
Where were you and what do you remember about November 22, 1963? If you send us your recollection no later than November 19 (Tuesday), it will possibly be published in the November 22 (Friday) issue of our website.
Published November 15, 2013
CNC'S CHRISTMAS DANCES, 1962-72
by A. Jane Chambers
Remember when there were 15 weeks of classes each semester at CNC, with a two-week Christmas Recess after the 13th week?The major college event during this break was the Christmas Ball, originally sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA) and highlighted by the crowning of Miss CNC. This tradition began in the college's second year, 1962-63, with the formation of the SGA.
The first Christmas Ball, in December of 1962, was a "dress-up" event (chaperoned, of course) that took place in the old Daniel Building, as did most CNC dances then. Notice the Merry Christmas message behind the students in this photo of the crowning of the first Miss CNC, Charlotte Anderson. [photo 1]
The second and third Christmas Balls, however (1963 & 64), were more formal dances and took place at the Chamberlin Hotel, on Fort Monroe. For the ladies, long gowns & long gloves, and for the gentlemen, tuxedos or dark suits were de rigueur. [photos 2 & 3]
Charlotte Anderson being crowned as the first MISS CNC.
Time of course brought more changes to this event. By 1966, dresses could be long or mid-length and gloves for the ladies were becoming optional. By 1970, the dance was called the Christmas Formal, now sponsored by the Sophomore Class and reigned over by The Winter Queen, not Miss CNC. Locations varied from year to year. The 1971 event, for example, was held at Stoneybrook Club. The 1972 dance, now called the Winter Formal, was held in Ratcliffe Gymnasium. [photos 4 & 5]
Two things never changed about these early Christmas, or Winter dances, however: there were always live bands, and judging by our photo evidence, those who attended seemed always to be having a wonderful time. [photo 6]
Appeared December 20, 2011
1962 Interview with a Renaissance Man:
H. Westcott Cunningham
Editor’s Note: Thanks to Ellen Rankin Powell Lasher (FD 63) for sending us this very informative Daily Press article of September 9, 1962—an interview with H. Westcott (Scotty) Cunningham that is packed with details unknown to many who attended or taught at the College under his leadership. Scotty was not one to boast about his achievements. For example, I know that he came to William and Mary on a football scholarship, but in this article he downplays his football talents. And not until his funeral did I learn that he read the classical Latin writers in Latin. A true Renaissance man seldom tells you he is a Renaissance man.
Published July 19, 2013
Early Men’s Tennis at CNC, 1966-1968:
An Interview with John W. Morris
Part 1
Reported by A. Jane Chambers
Recent photo of John Morris holding (L) the T2000 Wilson steel racket (new in 1968) that he used beginning in 1968 and (R) the Jack Kramer Wilson wooden racket he used earlier in his tennis career. John is proudly wearing a CNU shirt given to him by a friend. Photo provided by John.
JANE:What motivated you to start a tennis team at CNC in the mid-sixties, John?
JOHN:I had been a member of the Hilton Tennis Club in Hilton Village, Newport News, before being drafted into the Army, and while in the Army, I played on the Post team. After leaving the service and going back to CNC, with this tennis background, and my love of the game, I wanted to continue to play, and to represent CNC.
JANE: How did you go about forming a team at CNC?
JOHN: I talked to students who shared my interest. Fortunately David Hall, Kenny Spencer and Mark Hughes also shared my enthusiasm for the game. We saw the availability of the Ferguson High School tennis courts, across the street, as a plus. After discussing the possibilities, we moved forward. David Hall and Kenny Spencer went to Dean Windsor to ask for permission to start a varsity men’s tennis team.
JANE:Jim Windsor told me recently that he remembers that event. As Dean of Students, he forwarded your request to Director Cunningham, who gave his okay. Jim believes his Dean’s office set up your schedules at the beginning and that the tennis team had no coach that first year, the Spring 1966 semester—or the next. So you guys basically coached yourselves until Bev Vaughan joined the faculty, in the 1967- 68 year.
JOHN:Right. When Coach Vaughan arrived, Mark Hughes and I went to him and he agreed to coach us in the Spring semester of 1968. He also took care of the scheduling.
JANE: One of the newspaper clippings from that first year names six members of the Spring 1966 team. In addition to you, David Hall, Mark Hughes and Kenny Spencer, the others were Buddy Haley and Kit O’Mara.We’ve found all except Buddy Haley and Kenny Spencer.Maybe our readers will help us find them.
Money was very tight at CNC then. Did your team have official uniforms? Equipment?
JOHN: I am not sure we even had a team budget. Our uniforms consisted of our CNC Gym shirts and shorts, or whatever was comfortable. We had our own rackets, but I believe the tennis balls were supplied.
This 1966 photo of flag football players at CNC includes 3 of the 6 students also on the first Men's Tennis Team: Mark Hughes (center front), John Morris (center back), and David Hall (right back). The photo is from the article "69ers Capture Flag Championship,' in The Captain's Log (Nov. 30, 1966, p. 6).
John Morris's Kramer Wilson racket and T2000 Wilson racket. All racket photos courtesy of John.
Remember these wooden presses to keep your wooden racket from warping?
JANE: I know there was no official mode of transportation for college events until Mr. Cunningham purchased that old used school bus (the “Blue Goose”) sometime in 1968. Do you remember how the tennis team traveled to away games?
JOHN: As far as I can remember, we got to the matches by personal cars, but Mark Hughes believes we traveled to long away matches, like to Christchurch and Chowan, in an old van. I don’t remember that.
JANE: Do you remember any matches in particular?
JOHN: I remember several of them. When we played Ft. Eustis, I wasn't sure if I needed to salute my opponent before playing—he was a major in the Army; I was only a Spec 4—so I saluted him, and then I beat him.
To be continued next Friday, July 26
John's story about this racket: "Just about all the time, I used this Wilson Jack Kramer (endorsed by Jack Kramer for Championship Play)--autographed model, speed flex, fibre face. After I retired the racket, some of my players, as a surprise, put a mirror in the face, so I could put it up in my office. The Jack Kramer , I believe, was available in the early 60's."
NOTE: Kenny SpencerandBuddy Haley have recently been located, just in time to be invited to attend their Class of 1967's 50th Reunion, along with tennis teammatesDavid HallandKit O'Mara.
PART 2 of this article will be published April 28.
Published July 19, 2013
Republished and updated on April 14, 2017
Early Men’s Tennis at CNC, 1966-1968:
An Interview with John W. Morris
Part 2
Reported by A. Jane Chambers
JANE: So you saluted the major and then beat him! Good thing you weren’t still enlisted. Any other good stories?
JOHN: I remember this doubles match with Mark Hughes. He was my doubles partner and had also been a great high school wrestler. Before playing one of our matches, we heard that our opponents were very good, so Mark mentioned maybe we should take them on in a wrestling match instead. We stayed with the tennis.
JANE: Did you win, or lose?
JOHN: We won.
JANE: You have an amazing memory! Any other good stories?
JOHN: I’ll never forget Chowan had concrete tennis courts —at least some of them were concrete. I had never seen a concrete tennis court, so I was amazed such a court existed. I remember playing my match on one and hoping, after playing the match, I would never have to do that again. My knees never felt the same again.
JANE: Mark told me the courts at Ferguson and Warwick, where you played your home games, were hard courts covered with Grasstex, a kind of surfacing that gave them a softer, rubbery feel as opposed to the plain concrete or asphalt surfaces you had to play on at many of the away matches.
JOHN: He remembers right.
JANE: That 1968 Tennis Schedule you sent, which we recently posted, had a handwritten list of numbered names on it. Did you write that?
JOHN: Yes. It’s the rankings list for some week that season.
John Wayne Morris as a sophomore. 1969 TRIDENT, p. 40.
This Spring 1968 Men's Tennis Schedule probably came from the office of James C. Windsor, then Dean of Students. This item and other tennis memorabilia from John W. Morris is now in our MEMORABILIA GALLERY (5th tab, left margin, in Memorabilia Gallery No. 11.)
Back of the 1968 Tennis Schedule, with John Morris's writing.
JANE: Phil Hopkins explained the rankings system to me. He said it’s how a lower-ranked player on a team gets to move up the ranks by challenging the team player just above him to a match and beating him. So if number 4 beats number 3 in a match, they exchange places on the list, so in this way it was possible to move up the rankings if you improved, right?
JOHN: Correct.
JANE: Phil said that Coach Vaughan used this method to decide which players played in which positions in matches rather than just arbitrarily appointing a player to play in a certain match at a certain position.
JOHN: You got it.
JANE: From this rankings list, plus those newspaper clippings you sent us, John, we now know who the players were on CNC’s 1966 and 1968 men’s tennis teams, and we even have photos of some of them. But all we know so far about the 1967 team is that you and Mark were also on that one. Let’s hope our readers help us find the players from all 3 years that we’ve not yet located—1966, 67, & 68. Meanwhile, here are some of the 1968 tennis team members, from the 1968 Trident.
Karl Hargraves as a freshman. 1968 TRIDENT, p. 92.
Mark Hughes in a boxing pose. Detail from the 1968 TRIDENT, p. 62.
Phil Hopkins as a freshman. 1968 TRIDENT, p. 92.
Wayne Schell as a sophomore. 1968 TRIDENT, p. 101.
David Scoggins as a sophomore. 1968 TRIDENT, p. 101.
Mike Witty as a sophomore. 1968 TRIDENT, p. 105.
JANE: Any closing thoughts, John, about playing at CNC those first years of men’s tennis?
JOHN: CNC Tennis allowed me to meet other students with similar interests and I felt good representing CNC. The College also gave me a good foundation to continue with what I was most interested in. When I transferred to VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity, in Richmond, I played my last two years of eligibility on the VCU Tennis Team. While at VCU, I received an undergraduate assistantship in Intramurals and graduated with a B.S. degree in Health and Physical Education. I eventually ended up at the University of Virginia for my Masters Degree and became the Head Coach of UVA’s Women’s tennis team and the Assistant Coach of UVA’s Men’s team.
JANE: Thank you for your time, John, and your enthusiasm. Your memories, along with your photos and memorabilia, have provided us with
a chapter of CNC’s sports history we otherwise might never have had. Will we see you at the September Reunion Picnic?
JOHN: I’m planning to be there, yes!
Published July 26, 2013
Re-published April 28, 2017
The Story of CNC's First
Four-Year Class Ring
and the Seal that Preceded It
By A. Jane Chambers
The story of CNC’s first four-year class ring begins in the College’s opening year (1961-62) with a language professor from Switzerland named Dr. Augustine Maissen and ends a decade later with a young CNC student named Kenneth Michael Flick, who had a gift for drawing. Kenny, as he was then called, designed not only the ring worn by those in the first baccalaureate class (June 1971) and subsequent classes, but also, before that, the College’s seal that is displayed on the cover of the book Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, 1961-1971 and in the left margin of this website—plus on CNC stationery and countless mugs, tee-shirts, sweatshirts, notebooks and other items from 1970-71 onward.
The full story of the first CNC seal and of Capt. Newport as the College’s symbol is in the essay “The CNC Crocodiles? Selecting Our Symbol and Name,” located in our WEBSITE ARCHIVES under the tab EARLY HISTORY. In 1961-62 Dr. Maissen designed the first seal for Christopher Newport College of the College of William and Mary. The background is a shield; the central emblem an outline of the Commonwealth of Virginia and a lighted lamp--a traditional symbol for knowledge and higher education. Used on clothing and so forth until 1970, this seal was reproduced on a tee-shirt in 2011 for our First Decaders Reunion (see photo at right).
After one year at CNC, Dr. Maissen returned to Switzerland. Then a local artist stepped prominently into CNC’s history: Allan D. Jones, Jr. He was commissioned by the City of Newport News to create a mural in the West Avenue Library, in downtown Newport News, depicting the Jamestown Landing of 1607 (See photo on right). The central figure in this mural was to be, of course, Captain Newport, leader of that expedition. A black and white ink drawing of him was presented to the College at the June 1963 Commencement Exercises as a “cartoon” (meaning “sketch”) of the mural’s main subject. This ink drawing was displayed at CNC for decades but, like many other early CNC historical items, has since disappeared. Beginning with the first issue of the first Captain’s Log (Nov. 7, 1963), however, this sketch of Captain Newport, HOOK on his right arm, was included in the masthead of the student newspaper for decades.
CNC's first seal, designed by Augustine Maissen. Depicted on First Decaders ReunionT-Shirt of 2011.
Capt. Newport as shown in the Jones mural. Original in color, located at West Ave. Library in Newport News, VA.
Student Ken Flick entered this story next. In the 1969-70 year, with CNC preparing to graduate soon its first baccalaureate class, a contest was held on campus to create a new CNC seal. Ken went to the West Avenue Library and made a pencil sketch of the figure of Captain Newport painted in the mural by Jones. Then he added a ship’s wheel, held by Newport with his right hook and left hand. Ken based the wheel on the pilot’s wheel on the seal of the City of Newport News, symbolizing the area’s shipbuilding and seafaring history. Finally, Ken put 3 drawings within the wheel of historical import (see photos above). Top left is the Wren Building from the seal of The College of William and Mary—a reminder of CNC’s beginning as a 2-year branch of William and Mary. To the right of that is the image from the original seal, designed by Dr. Maissen, with the date 1960 added, the year CNC was established by the General Assembly. And at the bottom is an image of the 3 ships that Newport commanded, copied also from the Jones mural. Together, these drawings, says Ken, “show the ties” of the College “to the community, education, and history.”
Along with other contest entries, Ken’s pencil sketch was displayed, he recalls, “outside the lecture room in Gosnold Hall. Students and faculty were invited to vote, and despite a major scale problem (I drew the feet and boots too large) it was chosen” to be CNC’s second seal.
Full second CNC seal, designed by Kenneth M. Flick.
Ken Flick as CNC freshman. 1968 TRIDENT, p. 90.
Details of the Flick seal, used often without Capt. Newport.
Along with a new seal, the College also needed a new ring for its first four-year class. Ken Flick was a member of the ring committee formed in the spring of 1970. The committee immediately selected his ring design, which included on one side, “Captain Newport with the ship’s wheel in his hand and HOOK (just as it appears on the seal)” and “a relief of Christopher Newport Hall on the opposite side.” There was a problem, however, with reproducing the details of the Newport Hall design. As Ken recalls, the ring company suggested that “the wheel replace the academic building” and that “a ship’s anchor be added behind the wheel as well. The suggestions were accepted by the ring committee and the rest is history” (see photos above).
One other fact Ken adds to this story is that “our men’s rings weighed in at a hefty 29 penny weight, one penny weight heavier than VMI’s, which was the largest men’s college ring in Virginia.” The reason for this was that, since CNC “did not have the largest campus, the largest library, or the largest student population,” the committee felt that it should at least have “the largest men’s ring” among Virginia’s colleges and universities.
This first four-year ring continued to be CNC’s ring for many years. Does anyone know when it was replaced?
Captain Newport side of Ken Flick's ring with date at top (Ken's graduation year was 1972), upper part of Newport's body, with HOOK, and compass at bottom.
Although CNC was still a branch of The College of William and Mary, notice that the W & M name is omitted here.
Notice the degree (BA) at top, the added anchor behind the new ship's wheel seal, and the details in the 3 sections within the seal.
CNC's First Class Ring:
The Associate in Arts Degree Ring
by A. Jane Chambers
The first photo on the right, from page 30 of the 1966 Trident, shows CNC’s class rings for students who were candidates for the two-year (Associate in Arts) degree. It was first posted on this website last month (December, 2012) in Memorabilia Gallery: Number 9, along with this question about the AA degree ring--“WHO HAS ONE?”--followed by this statement: “We need some more info on these earliest rings, plus close-up photos.”
Much to my delight, Ted McFalls (66 FD) contacted me in mid-December with this good news: not only did he have one of these first AA degree rings, but also he posed for thisTrident photo of it.
Here’s the photo’s history: At the time, Ted was working part time as a student assistant in the Captain John Smith Library. As usual, he had on his CNC ring. He was spotted by a Trident yearbook photographer who was scouting the library in search of students wearing their class rings. Ted agreed to lend the photographer a hand— his hand--for this yearbook picture. He cannot remember who the young woman was that also agreed to lend hers. If you know who SHE is, please contact me at (757) 238-9629 or cncmemories61_71@yahoo.com.
The man's hand is that of Ted McFalls; the woman's hand is unidentified. 1966 TRIDENT, p. 30.
Little is known about the history of the AA degree ring except that the 1965 class ring was apparently the first. There was no ring for either the first full class (1963) or the second (1964).
No one knows who made the decision about the ring’s design, but it clearly reflects our young college's status as a two-year branch of The College of William and Mary, as shown in the photographs below. The design on one side features the WrenBuilding on the W&M seal. Above that is a monarch's crown with, on the left, the number 16 and on the right, the number 93—forming 1693, the year W&M was founded. The dominant design on the other side is that of CNC’s first seal—the shield with the outline of the Commonwealth of Virginia within it and, on the front of that, the lamp of knowledge. Above the seal, on the left, is the number 19 and on the right, the number 65, forming 1965. Below the seal is 1960, the date our college was formally established, although classes did not begin until September 18, 1961. A large photo of that seal and more details about it are in the article on this page The Story of CNC’s First four-Year Class Ring and the Seal That Preceded It.
Ted McFalls and reference librarian Mrs. Anne Palmer. 1966 TRIDENT, p. 21.
Top of ring, with lettering "Christopher Newport College."
W&M side of ring, with Wren Building & 1693.
CNC side of ring, with 1st seal & 1960.
Ted has graciously donated his ring to our First Decade Memorabilia Collection—which means, we hope, that ultimately, the ring will be housed permanently at CNU in a display at the Alumni House, which will be built in a few more years. For more information about the Alumni House and a possible First Decade display, see Ron Lowder’s piece My Post Office Encounter with CNU President Paul Trible, in the "THIS-N-THAT" Website Archives (11th Tab to the left of the screen).
EDWIN J. (TED) McFALLS Jr. was a member of CNC’s First Men’s Track Team and the All-Star Flag Football Team of 1965-66, both of which are immortalized in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade. Ted served in the U.S. Air Force before attending CNC. After 1966 he transferred to OldDominionCollege, where he earned a BS degree in Psychology in 1969. Following a successful business career during which he owned and operated four restaurants and an air conditioning and refrigeration business, Ted retired at age 57. He is single and resides in Upper Darby, PA.
Memories of CNC's Newman Club, 1968 & 1969:
Cor ad Cor Loquitur
by Brenda Burnette Tagge
Though I am not much of a collector, one of my personal treasures is a dented tin mug inscribed “Cor ad cor loquitur.” It was presented to me in 1969 at the end of the year I served as president of CNC’s Newman Club. All these years later, the keepsake mug reminds me that “hearts speaking to hearts” was one of the richest experiences of my college years. For me, in the exceptional friendships fostered by the Newman Club, hearts truly spoke.
The Newman Club, a religious organization for Catholic students, was one of the CNC groups most visibly active during the two years I attended Christopher Newport. In the fall of 1967 when I set out to trade my nursing whites for an AA in liberal arts, I found fast fellowship in the Newman Club. Under the leadership of club president Janet Giguere, and guided by local priest, Father David Walsh, Newman became a place to grow in spirituality, service, and leadership. From that first year, I recall campus masses, retreats, social outings, and volunteer projects. As I stepped up to lead the club in September1968, I realized that a college education is about much more than what goes on in the classroom.
Janet Giguere, 1st Newman Club President. 1968 TRIDENT, p. 91. Steve Streker was VP & Donna Lass was Sec/Trea. that first year.
The 1967-1968 Newman Club membership enjoys a story from chaplain Fr. David Walsh. 1968 TRIDENT, p. 81.
Second President Brenda Burnette enjoys the guitar-playing by chaplain Fr. David Walsh during the Newman Retreat in 1968. Photo courtesy of Brenda B.Tagge.
As a religious organization, Newman offered students opportunities to participate in several religious classes and retreats sponsored by local churches. The club also tried to offer convenient worship opportunities, so several times a year, we arranged for a mass on campus. The masses usually took place mid-day on the upper library deck, and passing students must have found it strange when guitar chords and tentative voices floated overhead as they entered the library. In that time of the ubiquitous guitar, the masses were folksy and the retreats were as musical as they were reflective. Musical skill varied greatly at these events, but the nimble-fingered, like Steve Streker, seemed generously tolerant of woefully inept guitar-wielding wannabes like me.
I particularly recall a mass that was a bit more visible as it actually took place on the lawn between Gosnold Hall and Newport Hall. I remember that we prepared for it over many weeks by decorating cardboard boxes with colorful images and quotations to form a “Wall of Inspiration” as a backdrop for the makeshift altar. Though the memories of that mass endure, regrettably, the boxes did not survive, not even in photographs.
TThe 1968-69 Newman members with Fr. David and faculty sponsor Ursula Riddick, Instructor of English. 1969 TRIDENT, p. 83.
It was with the Newman Club that I experienced political activism for the first time. Newman opened me to adventures beyond my wildest imaginings--traveling to the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond to attend my first social justice conference, regularly tutoring at-risk children in the Neighborhood Opportunity Centers of downtown Newport News , and helping create a short-lived youth safety zone by transforming an old food market in Hilton Village into the Side-Two Coffee House. Each of these experiences was a life-changing opportunity for me and for other members. Organizing and executing events, ranging from worship and retreats to social events and community projects, allowed us to learn, serve, lead, and laugh.
Of course, the fun was as ubiquitous as those guitars. Meetings could be dutifully serious or as silly as the St. Patrick’s Day party where I dressed as a leprechaun to sing Happy Birthday to Kathy Digan, who would serve as president after me. A social event could have us gathering at the Ft. Eustis Sand Pool for a day in the sun, or it could have us treating our at-risk kids to an egg hunt under the direction of Beth Brannan, in floppy-eared Bunny Suit no less. Fund-raisers could be totally sedate efforts, or they could be sweaty mornings spent pulling weeds for hire at Dr. Jean Pugh’s farmhouse. When it came to our club, there seemed to be no limit to the possibilities, and no shortage of energy either.
The St. Pat's Day meeting became a somewhat whimsical birthday party for Kathy Digan. Photo & caption courtesy of Brenda B. Tagge.
Kathy Digan, 3rd Newman Club President, in a playful moment. 1970 TRIDENT, p. 32.
A club outing to the Ft. Eustis sand pool included Danny Peters, Fr. Dave, and Janet Giguere, Newman's first president. Photo & caption courtesy of Brenda B. Tagge.
But perhaps most memorable of all, the Newman office was a home away from home. In the years before there was a student union building, CNC clubs shared a big room on the upper floor of Gosnold. The Newman cubicle, affectionately dubbed “The Pope’s Backyard,” soon became a preferred gathering place. The walls were festooned with murals and a panel was set aside for acknowledging our student life milestones--everything from academic achievements to announcements of engagements. In that crowded little cubicle, the buzz of friends making time for each other became an open invitation to anyone who wanted to join the conversation, and many did whether Catholic or not. Needless to say, most of those talks had little to do with religion but everything to do with fellowship.
Cor ad cor loquitur, “heart speaks to heart.” For me, that was the great personal gift The Newman Club provided, and I suspect I am not the only one who remembers and treasures that gift.
Kathy Digan decorated a wall in "the Pope's Backyard" with a "philosophical" mural, inspired by Charles Schultz and her own wicked sense of humor. Photo & caption courtesy of Brenda B. Tagge.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Brenda Jean Burnette Tagge (69FD) had the highest GPA in her class at CNC, where she was active in sports (field hockey and basketball) and choir as well as the Newman Club. Following her AA in 1969, she earned her AB in English at William and Mary in 1970. Later she also earned an MAT inEnglish and Education atCNU(1999)while also teaching and parenting full time. She retired after teaching English for 38 years in the York County School System. She has one son and one grandson. Brenda lives in Yorktown and is very active in her church in Newport News.
Brenda Burnette, 2nd Newman President, as a CNC sophomore. 1969 TRIDENT, p. 34.
Originally published around 2012
Republished November 24, 2017
The Legacy of Christopher Newport
From a speechgiven to a civic organization ca. 1980
by Dr. James C. Windsor
President of ChristopherNewportCollege 1970-1979
Not much is known about Christopher Newport. He was born in England 1561 and died in 1617 at the age of 56 years. His life was spent at sea, first as a cabin boy and later as a brave and adventurous captain.
We know that he delivered the first settlers safely to Jamestown in 1607 and made four additional trips to Virginia. Most of his career, however, was spent as a privateer, preying on the cargoes hauled by Spanish and French ships. He escaped death many times, captured treasure ships larger than his own, and lost his right arm in a bitter battle with the crew of a Spanish ship.
His exploits were legendary. An example was his attack on a much larger Spanish ship. He called his men on deck and “wished all the company to stand to their charge like men, and if any displeasure were amongst any of them, to forget and forgive one another…” They then toasted each other’s health, attacked the Spanish, and defeated them. Parke Rouse has likened Captain Newport to our more modern James Bond, because of the similarity of their adventurous lives. With a city and a college bearing his name, Captain Newport will be remembered. What is the significance of his legacy?
It seems to me that what he was as a person was as significant as what he did. His character, his personality, his faith, his sense of purpose, in addition to his achievements, give us a model for the importance of individual competence. At this time in our history we need the inspiration of Captain Newport’s example.
Oil portrait of Captain Newport by Allan D. Jones, from mural in the West Ave. Library in Newport News, VA.
Sketch by artist Jones of head of Capt. Newport used in planning the portrait. Now in the Mariners' Museum in Newport News
Newport News' West Ave. Library, opened 1929, the location of the 1607 Mural of Capt. Newport's landing in Newport News before sailing up the James to found Jamestown.
The full mural (27 feet) in oil depicting Capt. Newport's landing.
In a highly organized technical society, the total system perfects itself as the individual is steadily dwarfed. These forces gravely impair the individual’s ability or willingness to act on his own. Our tradition tells us that we should be individuals, free and responsible. It tells us that every person is important, but in a technical society the individual is transformed into a “specialist link” in a larger system, locked into his role, and may become incapable of autonomous functioning.
The danger lies in the downward spiral of diminishing confidence on the part of the individual that he can affect the system. At the bottom of that downward spiral is the loss of a free society. When the individual begins to believe that he can’t make a difference he takes the easy way and accepts the dictates of politicians or religionists.
Our challenge is to create institutional frameworks within which individual responsibility is feasible. Without such opportunities, passivity is intensified and spectator and consumer habits become deeply ingrained. There is no substitute for the competent individual. E.H. Chapin has made the point eloquently: “Not armies, not nations have advanced the race; but here and there, in the course of ages, an individual has stood up and cast his shadow over the world.”
Captain Newport was such a person. His individual competence saved many a day, and made a significant contribution to mankind’s progress.
The world will always be the responsibility of those who know how to go about doing something well. “Competence will always be the touchstone that separates the producer from the non-producer. Competence is now and will always be the essential requirement for a creative life” (James Michener, The Quality of Life). One of our national goals must be to identify and develop competence. It is through education that the competent individual is nourished and matured, so we must not allow our educational system to deteriorate.
We were the first nation to base our hopes on the general intelligence of our population. Thomas Jefferson once said that, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free…It expects what never was and never will be.” And James Michener made a related point. He said, “The loss we suffer trying to educate those who fail is insignificant when compared to the gain we make from those who succeed.”
But education alone is not enough. The recent television presentation of “Holocaust” reminded us of the degeneration of Germany, the world’s best educated nation at the time, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. This moral collapse proved that nations cannot survive by intelligence alone; they also require spiritual guidelines. Democracies in particular must preserve a commonly agreed upon set of values against which to make their decisions. We must insure that these basic values are passed on to each succeeding generation.
What can one person do? He, or she, can continue to believe that one person can make a difference, and in sustaining this belief we have an inspiring example in the life of Captain Christopher Newport.
The individual who retains faith in his own strength will work for change at the same time he works to preserve the continuities without which society would fall apart. Let us remember what Christopher Newport was as a person and commit ourselves anew to the principle which he exemplified so well, that each individual can make a difference and that each of us should try.
Dr. Windsor in 1968 photo. 1968 TRIDENT, p. 20.
Dr. Windsor in 2010. Chambers family photo.
Remembering CNC's Blue Goose
by A. Jane Chambers
“There was no way I would drive that bus!”
--Dr. Jean Pugh
Memories of Christopher Newport College:
The First Decade,1961-1971, p. 105
Beforeour college had a school bus, the student athletes and their coaches had to get to and from off-campus events as best they could. Coaches RaoulWeinstein and Jim Hubbard (men’s track), Dr. Jean Pugh (women’s basketball), Lillian Seats (women’s field hockey) and Bev Vaughan (men’s basketball) often used their own cars to transport some of their team members, while other players caught rides with friends or relatives. Some carpooled with teammates such as pole-vaulter Ted McFalls, an Air Force veteran “who drove like he was flying a plane, and … would never slow down for that railroad crossing on Oyster Point Road" (Memories, p. 113). Economics professor Don Riley was a regular cabbie for both the men’s track team and men’s basketball team. And I too, as sponsor of the first CNC cheerleaders, chauffeured young women to away games in my silver blue 1966 Mustang during the first year we had our gymnasium (Ratcliffe Hall) and our first men's basketball team (1967-68).
Though often fun, this haphazard method of team travel had more drawbacks than advantages. In the words of Coach Bev Vaughan, “We needed a single mode of transportation…that could accommodate at least thirty people: fifteen players, plus five coaches/support personnel and ten cheerleaders” (Memories, p. 121). State funding was tight, but during the 1968-69 academic year, Mr. Cunningham managed to get us a bus. Here's Coach Vaughan's recollection:
Scotty got us a bus from the state surplus in Richmond for $500 dollars. It was driven to Newport News and given a new coat of blue paint and “ Christopher Newport College ” white lettering on each side. We thought the transportation issue was settled—until the first cold night when we realized there was no heat beyond the second row of seats. Some of us, including Jane [Chambers], never sat beyond the range of that heater on cold nights.
That bus, called the “Blue Goose,” was in the state maintenance shop more often than it was on the road. Nobody knows the origin of the name “Blue Goose.” Maybe it reminded people of Howard Hughes’s “Spruce Goose,” which was plagued with mechanical problems from the beginning. Or maybe it was named that because it left us blue with cold.
One of the first drivers of the “Blue Goose” was accounting professor Don Riley. Don was an extremely careful driver, but, oh, did he drive so very slowly. We often kidded him about his slow driving. Someone once said if we had a game with ODC in Norfolk , it would be a two-day trip, with an overnight stay at the Strawberry Banks Motel! The “Blue Goose” barely served our needs during that first year(Memories, pp. 122-123).
The 1969-70 Women's Field Hockey team and Coach Lil Seats pose with the Blue Goose. 1970 TRIDENT, p. 82.
Coach Bev Vaughan and his 2nd Men's Basketball team, 1968-69. 1969 TRIDENT, p. 92.
Trips on that old bus, despite its faults, were often fun. I remember times when, returning from a men's basketball trip, the Blue Goose would grind to a halt at some eatery around 11:00 P.M. or so--that is, if the team had won the game. Coach Vaughan would pay the tab, and afterwards, bone-weary but with full stomachs, most players would sleep for the rest of the drive. Looking back on some of the longer road trips the women basketball players took, Coach Mary Lu Royall wrote:
I remember the fun we all had, especially “blowing” our budget on good food and singing on the bus. The players were all singers of sorts, so we had a huge chorus driving up and down I-64, everything from the traditional old “99 Bottles of Beer” to such new hits as “Hey, Jude” and “Sweet Caroline.” Traveling west to play a game, as soon as someone saw the first mountain, the group would burst into “Shenandoah!” (Memories, p. 108)
Pictured left are the first basketball teams (men's and women's) that rode on the Blue Goose. Shown below are some of the other athletic teams that also traveled on that bus.
Coach Jean Pugh and the 1st Women's Basketball team, 1968-69. 1969 TRIDENT, p. 97.
Coach Jim Hubbard and his Men's 1968-69 Indoor Track team. 1969 TRIDENT, p. 95.
Coach Hubbard and his Men's 1968-69 Outdoor Track team. 1969 TRIDENT, p. 95.
Coach Mary Lu Royall and her 1969-70 Women's Basketball team. 1970 TRIDENT, p. 80.
NOTE: For additional recollections of early sports at CNC, see the following essays in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, 1961-1971 , by A. Jane Chambers, Rita C. Hubbard, & Lawrence Barron Wood Jr. (Hallmark, 2008):
* "Women Made It Happen: Building the Women's Sports Program," by Mary Lu Royall, pp. 102-109.
* "Of Track Shoes, Golf Balls, and Athletic Supporters," by James N. Hubbard III, pp. 110-117.
* "Setting the Sail: Launching the Men's Basketball Program," by R. Bev Vaughan Jr., pp. 118-124.
When Circle K presented
Jay and the Americans :
CNC's First Major Outdoor Concert
by A. Jane Chambers
William G. (Bill) Smith (67) brought up the subject: "Do you remember when the CircleK Club sponsored an outdoor concert in the mid 60's? It was a financial bomb!--I think. It was outside and there was no way to limit access. People simply walked through the woods without paying for a ticket. The local Kiwanis Club had to bail them out. The group was great--Jay and the Americans....See if anyone else remembers."
I forwarded Bill's email to all Circle K members on our Roster and got some very detailed responses. Nobody's memories agreed exactly with anyone else's, of course, for as Tennessee Williams wrote, "Memory takes a lot of poetic license" (The Glass Menagerie), and no two people have exactly the same memory of the same event anyway--not even identical twins.
In case you don't remember much about Jay and the Americans, several of their big hits were Cara Mia, Come a Little Bit Closer, This Magic Moment, and Only in America. In case you also don't remember much about (or never even knew about) CNC's 1965-66Circle K Club, below are more photos and a summary of the club's achievements (all from p. 50 of the 1966Trident). The famous (or infamous) First Outdoor Concert isn't mentioned there; maybe it was after the yearbook went to press...or maybe the club just wanted to forget it.
Here are some memories of that First Outdoor Concert:
* FROM Louis Tapia, then Circle K Vice President:
I am trying to forget that. The people that sneaked on [through the woods] were probably the only ones that were there. It rained and we had no rain insurance, so Jay went on. Next year I was president and had to go to Kiwanis meetings for the whole year for penance. Then we had to cut Boy Scout trails in camps in Williamsburg. Please let me forget.
* FROM Dean (Chip) Rhody, more details and memories both good and bad:
I remember it well. It was spring of 1966. Don Lake, ourCircle KPresident, chaired the meeting where someone (may his name forever remain unremembered) announced that his uncle had some link to the entertainment industry and we could get Jay and the Americans to campus. While there were a few expressions of concern, the opportunity to make big bucks swept the day and we embarked into show business. We arranged for a tractor trailer as the stage. It was parked about where the Admin Building is today but in a grassy space bordering woods that separated it from Warwick Boulevard.
We set up folding chairs by the hundreds in the rain the day before the concert. The chairs were borrowed from a couple of churches and we had to get them back for services by the day following the concert. That was nearly an all-nighter. In retrospect, we did nearly everything wrong -- promotion, sales, security, staging -- except for approaching the task with enthusiasm. The warm-up band was some no-name gaggle of local kids who were pretty unimpressive. Ticket sales were poor and the "take" was insufficient to cover the fee for Jay and theAmericans. Their agent threatened to cancel the show but the Newport News Kiwanis Club generously stepped in and wrote a check for several thousand dollars to close the deal. The concert was good, weather was great, but Circle K was broke and in debt. Don chose to remain as club president the following year and dedicated it to repaying the loan even though the Kiwanis Club had no means to force repayment. Although I was not attending CNC at that time, I heard about all the work done to raise the money. To the great credit of both Don and the members, they paid back every penny. Don's gone now [deceased] but I wish he had stuck around for a little while longer so I could tell him how much that faithfulness impressed me.
*FROM Joe Hutchko, a different memory of the check and the amount of it:
I absolutely do remember this event, as I was the Circle K Treasurer at that time. I believe it was the Spring semester in 1966, but I cannot pinpoint the date. Jay and the Americans were a big time group at that point, with several big national hits. We had someone in the Circle K who recommended we try something big at the new campus and we secured this group for a big concert. We scheduled an outdoor concert, the first to be held at the new Shoe Lane campus.
The day of the concert we did have crowd access problems, but most problematic was the threatening rain which kept many people away. It was cold and wet! Circle K lost a bundle on the event. I was asked to write a check to Jay and the Americans on the spot before they would perform, as their manager suspected we did not make enough money to cover the event. I warned the club's President, Don Lake, that we did not have the money to coverthe concert fee. Don took the club's checkbook and wrote a check that was certainly going to bounce if cashed.
It was a Saturday event. Don Lake and I went to the Newport News Kiwanis Club on Monday and begged for enough money to cover the difference between the event costs and revenues. They did graciously provide us with enough money to cover our shortage (a few hundred dollars) and the rest is history. The first outdoor concert at Shoe Lane was not a financial success, but it gave everyone one great memory.
FROM Dalton Kelley Blankenship, yet another memory...and a moral.
Norman and I arrived early with many others that overcast morning to set up chairs in advance of what we hoped would not be a rainy afternoon. It was quite nice, really. The skies seemed to smile on us as concert time approached, but as there were still clouds about, Donnie Lake, the club President, decided to put Jay on first ahead of the local band, just in case the rains came anyway. Here we were, tiny little Christopher Newport College, and we had snagged a Nationally known band—they even played overseas! We were so excited—we were going to raise so much money!
Even as the last chairs were still being set up and just as the early concert-goers began to arrive, a meeting took place "backstage." What no one knew was that we had not sold enough tickets to pay that band. I will never forget the look on the face of the band's business manager as he spoke with Norman and Donnie. He was irate, ready to pack up and vacate the premises. I will also never forget the look on Jay's face as he said, "No. We agreed to sing. We are going to sing." Donnie Lake proceeded to write a check on his personal account trusting that the Kiwanis Club would honor their agreement to underwrite the concert. As we recall, the check was in the neighborhood of $2,000, a neighborhood in which none of us had ever lived! I think the total due was $3,000 and we had only collected around $1,000 or so.
Jay had made a gentleman's agreement with a bunch of college boys, and he honored it that day. And the Club honored theirs, though not exactly in the way they originally intended. They learned a lot that day. We all did. And we were humbled by it. Very often we set out to do great things and they don't turn out the way we intend, but we run into greatness along the way. Norman and I came to hear some music. And we were so very honored to sit in the front row that cloudy afternoon and see a really great band.
And that's the way it was. Many thanks to all for sharing these memories.
Earth Day
Earth Day, born in America in the Spring of 1970, has been a global tradition since 1990. We just celebrated it for the 42nd time this past Sunday, April 22, 2012. About 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day, in cities and on college campuses nationwide. While some 5,000 people attended a rally held on the Mall in Washington, DC, about 1,000 attended a campus-wide event at CNC, organized by Biology professors Harold Cones (then a young instructor) and Dr. Jean Pugh (Biology Department Chairman). Asked what he remembered about that event in 1970, Dr. Cones wrote:
Jean Pugh and I were the organizers and we had a number of state officials
come to little CNC to celebrate. Since it was the first one, folks agreed to come
to speak and be on panel discussions without knowing what to expect. There
were also a lot of student events and demonstrations and a picnic. I think
there was a rock band but am not sure now (old age). It was the largest Earth
Day celebration in the whole area, including Norfolk and Williamsburg. Even
had a nice writeup in the newspaper.
We couldn't find that 1970 newspaper article; however, we did locate an article that was in the Daily Press on April 4, 1990, entitled "Dr. Earth" Remembers Beginning of Environmental Movement." In it, Dr. Cones, 20 years later, as "Dr. Earth," talked with the reporter about the first Earth Day both in Washington, DC ("J. Edgar Hoover sent FBI agents to take pictures") and at CNC. He also commented on the major impact politically of the first Earth Day ("the EPA was created and the Clean Air Act of 1970 was passed by Congress").
Like the Women's Honor Council (see previous article), in 1964-65 the Men's Honor Council at Christopher Newport College consisted of seven members elected by the student body: four
sophomores and three freshmen, shown in these photos to the right. Two of the four sophomores have not yet been located: Steve Roger Waters and Eugene Gerald (Jerry)Russell. Jerry was also on the staff of the first Captain's Log.
The other two sophomore representatives, Robert Benjamin (Ben) Ellis and Thomas Edward (Tom) Witty, Jr., have been located and documented. Both men followed identical degree paths after earning their AA degrees at CNC in June of 1965. They earned BS degrees in Biology at William and Mary in 1967, then DDS degrees from MCV in 1971. Both Ben and Tom have been for decades private practice dentists in Newport News.
All three of the freshmen representatives have been located and documented: David M. (Dave) Ahearn, John H. Scull, and Charles G. (Charlie) Snead. Dave earned a BS in Structural Engineering at ODU in 1970 and then had a lifelong career as a structural engineer at Newport News Shipyard, under its various names. John earned two CNCdegrees:an AA in 1971 and a BS in Management Information Science in 1973. He had a long career in the computer field. After his AA at CNC in 1966, Charlie earned two education degrees at William and Mary: a BA in Elementary Education in 1968 and a MEd in Administration and Supervision in 1971. After that he was an elementary school principal in both Virginia and North Carolina.
1964-65 Men's Honor Council: Sophomore Representatives 1965 TRIDENT, p. 21
1964-65 Men's Honor Council Freshmen Representatives (L-R) Dave Ahearn, John Scull, Charles Snead
Tom Witty as a sophomore 1965 TRIDENT, p. 44
Like the young women on the Women's Honor Council, these young men well understood they were elected to enforce theHonor Code at Christopher Newport College by which all students were expected to abide. They knew the purpose of it, and the responsibility for it--here summarized in these passages in the 1965 Trident:
Under the honor system of Christopher Newport College every student is
expected to develop and maintain his own integrity. The purpose of the honor
system is to create an atmosphere that enables honor to grow in the student.
The success of the honor councils rests in the strength of each individual....
Without [the students'] acceptance of the Honor Code the ... purposes and goals
[of the honor system] would remain clear but unattainable. (pp. 21 & 22)
Male students accused of cheating, stealing, lying, or failing to report such offenses observed in other students appeared before the Men's Honor Council; female students accused of these Honor Code violations appeared before the Women's Honor Council. Violations of the Honor Code could result in "dismissal from the college" but there could be a lesser penalty (such as a course grade of F) if the council trying the case found "reasons conclusive for doing such." (1965 Trident, p. 21)
Although being on an Honor Council was itself an honor, it was not an easy task. Looking back at his freshman year on the Men's council, John Scull wrote: "When I agreed to be on the council I didn't realize how tough a job it was going to be. It is very difficult to make decisions that impact another's life." Charlie Snead recalled a similar feeling during the one honor code case in which he participated: "I was extremely anxious since I felt the awesome weight of another person's future on my shoulders."
Fortunately, as was true of the Women's Council, the Men's Honor Council seldom had a case to judge. Tom Witty can recall only one case during his sophomore year of service on the council: "A studentwas accusedof cheating on a test by a teacher because some analysis the teacher used indicated that. I believe we found in favor of the student." Charlie Snead, who served on the Honor Council as a freshman and then on the Honor Code Committee as a sophomore, wrote:
I only participated in one honor code infraction case. A student was
observed and reported copying another's test. We convened, listened
to the accusation and heard from the defendant. I believe our vote was
to not "convict" for anything although I "felt" he had probably looked
but it was a "he said and he said" case. The experience caused me to
do a lot of growing up that night.... We were so innocent and yet so
sincerely dedicated to the cause of integrity during those early years of
higher education.
Several First Decaders who served on either Honor Councils or Honor Code Committees in the college's early years have recalled, as Charlie has, that the experience was an important part of their transition into maturity. It made them uncomfortable, yes, to have to sit in judgment of their peers; but they also learned how crucial it was to uphold a civilized code of honor, not only at CNC, but in all aspects of their personal lives.
Charles Snead as a sophomore 1966 TRIDENT, p. 59
Remembering CNC's 1964-65 Women's Honor Council
by A. Jane Chambers
From the very beginning, there was an Honor Code at Christopher Newport College, and it was enforced by the students themselves. The purpose of, and the responsibility for, the Honor Code were spelled out in the College Catalog, but also summarized in these passages from the 1965 Trident:
Under the honor system of Christopher Newport College every student is
expected to develop and maintain his own integrity. The purpose of the honor
system is to create an atmosphere that enables honor to grow in the student.
The success of the honor councils rests in the strength of each individual....
Without [the students'] acceptance of the Honor Code the ... purposes and goals
[of the honor system] would remain clear but unattainable. (pp. 21 & 22)
In the earliest years, there were two Honor Councils, one for women students and one for men students. This system was still in effect in the academic year 1964-65. Members of these councils were chosen through elections held by the student body. Each council consisted of seven members: four sophomores and three freshmen. Male students accused of cheating, stealing, lying, or failing to report such offenses observed in other students appeared before the Men's Honor Council; female students accused of these Honor Code violations appeared before the Women's Honor Council. Violations of the Honor Code could result in "dismissal from the college" but there could be a lesser penalty (such as a course grade of F) if the council trying the case found "reasons conclusive for doing such." (1965 Trident, p. 21)
In the photo to the right, the freshmen representatives are in the back. Two of the three are now deceased : Sheila Gebhardt Breault (d. 2000) and Barbara Hamel Flynn (d. 2010). GinaMilliken has not yet been located. All four of the sophomore representatives, seated in front, have been located and documented: Jennifer Riley Watson, Jean Regone Henry, Wilma Dotson, and Irene C. Leopold. Two of them, Jean and Wilma, share here their memories.
1965 Women's Honor Council in the1965 TRIDENT, p. 22. Unidentified woman (seated, 4th R) is Irene Christofi
Jean Regone as a Sophomore in the 1965 TRIDENT, p. 42
Jean RegoneHenry (A.A., 65) served on the Women's Honor Council two years. As an energetic freshman in 1963-64, in the old Daniel Building, she decided she wanted "to participate in student activities" even though she was "carrying a 21-hour class load and working 36 hours a week."Here's why she decided to run for the Women's Honor Council:
Being a member of the honor council appealed to me because I admired
the one at UVA and thought that it would be possible to support a similar one
at CNC. Honesty, integrity, and responsibility were important qualities for each
member of the student body to possess and what better way to champion those
virtues than to participate in the CNC Honor Council.
I remember campaigning for a position on the Council, tacking up small posters
around the old school building. One of my little posters featured a stop sign with
the caption "Stop" and "Vote for Jean Regone for Women's Honor Council."
I remember being really surprised when I was elected to serve. That first year we
had no trials, just an invitation to provide a program for one of the honor councils
in a local high school. I went armed with a hastily written, rambling speech that
I'm sure put most of the audience to sleep.
Jean does not recall any meeting of the Women's Honor Council during her sophomore year, when she was
so overwhelmed with class work and long hours working in the men's department
and behind the registers at Mason's department store that I was really grateful
that the Council had no reason to convene.
The Women's Honor Council did convene for at least one trial, however, recalled below by Wilma Dotson. Perhaps Jean missed that experience because, as she wrote, she "may have actually withdrawn" from the Council by that time because of her heavy schedule at work
and at school.
After she graduated from CNC with honors, Jean moved on to ODU, where she earned both her B.A. (cum laude) and M.A. in English. Then she returned to CNC as an Instructor in our English Department. During this time, Jean Regone was this writer's office mate until she married Dave Henry and then moved in 1972 to northern Virginia.
Wilma E. Dotson (A. A., 65) served one year on that same Women's Honor Council, 1964-65, her sophomore year. She recently wrote:
It was not until I attended graduate school in another state that I became
aware of how important the Honor Code is. I continued to sign the Pledge
to all my work even after a fellow student commented that it wasn't necessary.
Realizing that not all schools have the Code, it was no longer something I took
for granted. In fact, I was so proud to have been chosen to serve on the
Council at Christopher Newport that I began to include this membership on
my resume.
Wilma recalled the impact on her of the one case the Women's Council tried that year:
I remember [the event] very clearly. It was in the evening after school,
probably around 6 or 7:00 P.M. Dr. Windsor was our sponsor and I
remember being struck by how he led the discussion with just the right
mixture of compassion and firmness. When I left that evening, I felt sure
the girl would never again violate the Code, whether in class or in life.
Of the Honor Code itself, Wilma wrote that its "greatest strength" is that "it is the students who are responsible for enforcing it." Consequently, it teaches responsibility in dealing with both self and others: "Not only does the Code guide your own behavior, it makes it difficult to tolerate lying, cheating or stealing in others." The Code is thus, she added, "a great preparation for life." In closing, Wilma mentioned how the Code has personally served her well:
I can think of two instances--one on the job and another as a board
member of a church--when I have had to confront another person about a
violation of either ethics or policy. It was those early years of having the Code
being a part of my life, that gave me the strength of my convictions and the
courage to express them....once you graduate, you do not leave the Honor
Code behind. It is as much a part of your education as the subjects you study,
and it is with you for the rest of your life.
Like Jean, Wilma went forward to earn two more degrees: a Bachelor's in English from W&M and later, an MEd from UVA.
Wilma Dotson as a Sophomore in the 1965 TRIDENT, p. 37
CNC's First SGA on Shoe Lane, 1964-65
by A. Jane Chambers
CNC's third Student Government Association was the first to have its home on Shoe Lane, on the new campus. It was a transitional year, with science classes still held in the Daniel building on 32nd Street (equipped with the necessary labs) but all other classes held in the first classroom building, Newport Hall, which also, for several years, housed the Admissions Office, the Business Office, the President's Office, the Library, a Lecture Hall (serving also as stage and auditorium), classrooms and faculty offices.
SGA Executive Council member Gerald (Jerry) DesLauriers (BS, 72) recalls the mixed atmosphere that year: "I remember there was a lot of confusion but also great anticipation of being in brand new classrooms. Most did not cherish the thought of taking some classes downtown and then driving up to the new facilities, however." Classes that year had to be scheduled with 30-minute breaks before and after the science classes, to give students time to get to and from downtown Newport News and Shoe Lane. Students who had no vehicles sometimes resorted to thumbing rides, as shown in this photo of two men [not yet identified] with books and a sign.
Another downside that transitional year and the next few, described by Dr. Steve Sanderlin in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, was the lack of air conditioning. The old Daniel building, "with its high ceilings and very tall windows, [had] good ventilation, even though it had no air conditioning" (p. 39). In contrast, Newport Hall, "though it was designed for air conditioning, and thus had no windows that opened (except for tiny transoms, which opened only a few inches), ... was not funded for air conditioning...for several years. There were at first not even any shades, blinds, or curtains ... to block the afternoon sun.... Once, during summer classes, Barry Wood put a thermometer on the floor out of the sunlight, and the reading was well over 100 degrees! (pp. 41-42). That's when the summer dress code changed, allowing students to wear Bermuda shorts to classes.
Hitching a ride to 32nd St. 1965 TRIDENT, p. 20
THE CAPTAIN'S LOG, Vol. 1, Issue 5, p. 1.
SGA elections for the 1964-65 year had been held the previous spring, at the Daniel campus, and the results, along with photos of the 4 major officers, were printed on the front page of the May 20, 1964 edition of the new student paper, The Captain's Log, shown here.
Over the summer, however, the newly elected Treasurer, Robert (Bob) Fixx, accepted an offer to enroll in NASA Langley's Engineering Tech Apprentice School, which accepted his credits from CNC. Still a resident of Yorktown today, Bob says he spent 4 rewarding decades at NASA but still has fond memories of his freshman year at CNC.
After a special election held at the start of the 1964-65 year to pick a replacement for Bob Fixx, married sophomore Ellen Cox Wirt (AA, 65) became the SGA Treasurer. Ellen, who still lives with her husband in Yorktown, recalls in particular two SGA activities that year: going to the SGA-sponsored Hootenanny ("I think I dragged my husband with me") and participating in a SGA book sale ("a money-making project, with Mr. Usry helping out"). Fortunately, Ellen says, since "the SGA was broke and needed money," the book sale was successful. As you can tell from the photo here, the Hootenanny took place in the Lecture Room of Newport Hall (remember the stairs on each side?). More Hootenanny photos are available on this website in the School Pictures tab, subtab 1964 & 65. To date, none of the people in those pictures have been identified, unfortunately. Can you help us find them?
Another officer that year who was a married sophomore was SGA PresidentKathie Scott (Scottie)Fitzgerald (AA, 65), who is one of our Missing Decaders. Jerry DesLauriers remembers Scottie as "a tall beauty with reddish hair and a temper to match! Very rarely saw her temper as she was a great person! She was a little older and more mature than most of the students and we looked up to her." Student AssemblymanRaymond Allen (Ray) Pepe remembers her as "a strong leader and involved in many activities." She had been an SGA Assemblyman and Executive Council member the previous year and was also, her sophomore year, in the Dramatic Workshop.
SGA Vice PresidentVicki Jeanne Keeter is also on our Missing Decaders list. We've heard her married name is Whitaker but cannot verify that unless we find her. Vicki was a SGA Assemblyman in 1963-64, her freshman year.
Ellen Cox Wirt, 65 TRIDENT, p. 44.
Hootenanny performers, 1965 TRIDENT, p. 78
Kathie Scott Fitzgerald, 65 TRIDENT, p. 37
Gerald (Jerry) DesLauriers, 71 TRIDENT, P. 111
Vicki Jeanne Keeter, 65 TRIDENT, p. 39
The 1964-65 SGA Secretary was Alice Elizabeth (Betty) Carle (now Cheatham), who lives now with her husband in Ormond Beach, FL. Betty was also a SGA Assemblyman in 1963-64. In addition to being SGA Secretary in her sophomore year, she was a Sophomore Attendant to Miss CNC of 1965, Frances Fry, the third student to hold this title. As always, this contest and the subsequent Christmas Pageant, held at the Chamberlin Hotel on Fort Monroe, were sponsored by the SGA. The crowning of Miss CNC and her Court (2 Freshman and 2 Sophomore Attendants) occurred during that major event. The other Sophomore Attendant was Leslie Deyong (nowFrank), and the Freshmen Attendants were Sandy Paxson (deceased) and Robie O'Brien (a Missing Decader). To see all 5 ladies in their gowns and gloves, go to School Pictures, subtab 1964 & 65, and scroll down to block 8.
Below are group photographs from the 1965 Tridentof that year's SGA Executive Council and Student Assembly members. Those that are still on our Missing Decaders list (in addition to those mentioned above) are Judy Fuller, Pat Henry, Anna Howard, and Pam Mayfield.
Please contact us if you have any information about these women.
Alice Elizabeth (Betty) Carle (now Cheatham) 65 TRIDENT, p.36
from page 24, 1965 TRIDENT
from page 25, 1965 TRIDENT
Daniel School History
by Ron Lowder (Webmaster)
Since the inception of this website, I have been intrigued by the service one building has contributed to our community. John W. Daniel School was utilized by a number of high profile institutions over the years, including of course, Christopher Newport College.
Our Decader Reunion Chairman, David Spriggs did a superb job on this topic for the Newport News High School Class of 1965 website. You can view David's photos of Daniel School at the following web address:
So who was John Warwick Daniel? According to Wikipedia, "John Warwick Daniel (September 5, 1842 – June 29, 1910) was an American lawyer, author, and Democratic politician from Lynchburg, Virginia. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates and represented Virginia in both the U.S. House and then five terms in the Senate. Daniel was known as the Lame Lion of Lynchburg because he was seriously wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness while serving as a major in the Confederate Army." You can read more about John W. Daniel by clicking on the following link:
My only contribution here will be to attempt to document the timeline of the various occupants of the Daniel School Building. There are gaps in this timeline. If you know of the occupant of the school during the gaps, please let us know.
John W. Daniel School Timeline
Location: 222 31st Street (corner of 31st and Huntington Ave.)
1908 - Construction of John W. Daniel School complete.
1908 - 1913 - ?????
1913 - 1924 - Central School (original name for Newport News High School)
1925 - 1960 - John W. Daniel Elementary School
1961 - 1972 - Christopher Newport College
?????? - Peninsula Fine Arts center (PFAC)
?????? - Building demolished
Any help with the question marks would be greatly appreciated.
CNC FIRSTS:A Photo Article Update
by Ron Lowder
First Bell: September 18, 1961 @ 7:05 A.M.
If you think it might be hard to start a business from scratch, as a business owner I can tell you "you're right!!" If you think it might be difficult to start a college, I'm sure the folks involved in the process will agree; it takes persistence, patience, dedication, knowledge (of the process), money and determination. Such was the case in the founding of Christopher Newport College and the community and many students have benefitted from the effort of it's founders. Without the success of the founders of CNC, the massive real estate where CNU sits might still be a commercial and residental site.
But thank goodness they were successful. Just image how it must have felt to be part of the faculty or student body during that first day of CNC classes. In her essay "The Beginning: A Moment in Time," (shown below from the book "Memories of Christopher Newport College The First Decade In words and pictures" by A. Jane Chambers, Rita C. Hubard & Lawrence Barron Wood Jr., page 10) Rita C. Hubbard quotes H. Westcott Cummingham's memory of the opening day at CNC.
CNC's 1st Home - the Daniel Building
H. Westcott Cunningham - CNC's 1st President
The pages below within the red border are from the first CNC catalogue. A special thanks goes out to Fredrick Mays who allowed us to scan this material.
Above: Excerpts from the first Christopher Newport College catalogue, courtesy of Fredrick Mays
CNC's First Faculty - courtesy of the authors of the book "Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, 1961-1971".
CNC’s original faculty pose in the Daniel building’s library reading room, Fall, 1961. First Row, left to right : Ernest Rudin, Instructor of French; Col. Faye Green, US Army Retired, Instructor of English; Allen Tanner, Adjunct Instructor, Business and Economics; Barry Wood, Instructor of English. Second Row, left to right: Dr. Augustine Maissen, Assistant Professor of German and Spanish and designer of the College’s seal; James Liston, Instructor of Chemistry and Physics; Robert Vargas, Instructor of Mathematics; Robert Usry, Instructor of History. Absent: Georgia Hunter, Instructor of Biology; Bernard Smith, Adjunct Instructor of Business and Economics.
For more on this topic, see the "1961-1963" subtab under the "School Pictures" tab. Also, a wealth of information about early CNC is contained in the book "Memories of Christopher Newport College - The First Decade 1961 - 1971" which can be ordered - see "The Ship's Store" tab.
First Student Government Association (SGA): 1962-63
by A. Jane Chambers
Chris's Criergives us a rather full history of CNC's first Student Government Association (SGA). The April 19, 1962 editionannounced the date, time, and place of the pending election, the officers to be elected (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and 8 honor council members--4 male, 4 female) and the eligibility rules (see excerpt at right). Also mentioned was that there would be a special campaign edition of Chris's Crier before the election.
The campaign edition of Chris's Crier (May 4, 1962) listed the slate of candidates on page 1 (see excerpt below right). Jim Cornette, who was then first president of the first freshman class, ran unchallenged for SGA President. Page 1 included also reasoned campaign pleas for Howard Clark for both SGA Vice President and Honor Council Representative, and for a slate of candidates running on Jim Cornette's ticket. The remainder of this 3-page edition (Vol. I, No. 5) consisted of hand-drawn campaign ads, a few of which are shown to the right. Before judging the quality of these, remember that writing or drawing (almost blindly) on a thin black stencil (without tearing it) was no easy feat 50 years ago! In fact, typing on a stencil was not easy either, especially when there were errors to correct with White-Out and two-column margins to observe.
From Vol. 1, No. 4, p. 3.
From Vol. 1, No. 5., p. 2.
From Vol. 1, No. 4, p. 1.
From Vol 1, No. 5, p. 2.
The election required a second voting, as explained in the caption to the May 16, 1962 edition of the Newport News Times-Herald, the afternoon paper newspaper produced by the Daily Press.
When classes resumed at CNC in September of 1962, these newly-elected SGA leaders launched enthusiastically into their work as the first SGA. They were indeed a busy bunch. A "Calendar of Events" published May 1, 1963, in Chris's Crier (pp. 4 & 5) shows that in that first year of the SGA's existence, the association initiated virtually every campus activity--from athletics (organizing and sponsoring bowling and basketball leagues and a men's softball team) to socials (a Christmas Party, a Spring Fashion Show called "Date Bait-63," and a Museum Picnic). It created an annual Miss CNC contest (won by SGA Secretary Charlotte Anderson--now Charlotte Stephan), started the Circle K Club, visited area high schools to talk about CNC, and even painted and redecorated the basement's Student Lounge.
A major and early achievement was creating a Constitution. Work on this began in October, 1962, and involved correspondence with 5 other Virginia colleges, including William and Mary, and the formation of a Constitutional Committee in January,1963, which submitted in February a draft of the SGA Constitution to Director H. Westcott Cunningham and Student Personnel Officer James C. Windsor. After approval by these officials, the draft was then ratified in a student referendum in April. The SGA also formed an Election Committee that conducted the elections in May for the next year's SGA and Honor Council members (Vol. II, No. 5).
You might find the following thumbnail sketches of the first SGA officers interesting. They are from an article in the October 23, 1962 issue of Chris's Crier called "Know Your SGA."
TIMES-HERALD clipping courtesy of Judene Branch Hartless (Class of 1963)
From Vol II, No. 1, p. 3.
From Vol. II, No. 1, p. 3.
CNC's Second SGA: 1963-64
by A. Jane Chambers
CNC's second SGA served during the college's third year, 1963-64. Also that year Chris's Crier was replaced byThe Captain's Log(professionally published), and the first yearbook was published, theTrident. Consequently, your historian had both student newspaper articlesand photos as sources for this second SGA story, along with a few memories of some of that year's SGA participants: Jay Dunn, Michele Miller Meadors, and Karen Graeb Stanley.
The four major SGA officers were chosen the previous spring. To the right is the May 1, 1963 article in Chris's Crier announcing the winners: Jay Dunn, President; Guy Futrell, VP; Michele Miller, Secretary; and Janie McHugh, Treasurer. Election of the Assemblymen (4 for each of the two classes) occurred in the fall of the 1963-64 year. The results of that election were printed in the first issue (November 7, 1963) of the new student paper, The Captain's Log (article on the right). What a contrast between the mimeographed newspaper and the new one!
From Vol. II, No. V, p. 1.
From Vol. 1, Issue 1, p. 1.
A major problem occurred regarding the election of Honor Council members for the 1963-64 year (4 male and 4 female sophomores). That same first issue of The Captain's Logexplained that problem and its solution in an article titled "Honor Code Committee Temporarily Formed." Only one person petitioned to run for this office; consequently,
Christopher Newport was in the embarrassing position of having eight sophomore Honor Council officers open, and one nominee. The election was cancelled, and the Honor Code Committee was born. Students serving on this committee are Paul Hogge, Karen Graeb, Charles King and Carol Sims. Mrs. Jane Byrn and Mr. James Windsor serve as faculty advisers. (Vol. 1, Issue 1, p. 2)
The article also stated that the only differences between the Honor Councils of before and this Honor Code Committee (HCC) were that members were chosen by the faculty rather than elected by the students and that there were four students instead of 8. The functions were the same: supervising all elections and counting ballots, and handling Honor Code breaches.
Honor Code Committee member Karen Graeb Stanley recalls that while she was serving on this HCC, "we had only one honor code violation referred to us." An account of that case was in the December 18, 1963 issue ofThe Captain's Log, printed to the right. The student pled guilty to the charge of plagiarism, wasrequired to drop the course with a grade of F, and was placed on honor probation with a warning that any subsequent violation would result in dismissal from CNC. Looking back, Karen observes:
I think that the fact that we had only one infraction [that academic year] speaks to the kind of student body we had at that time, [including] a large number of older students, student nurses from Riverside Hospital, and apprentices from the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice Program. For this group of people, getting an education was paramount....I didn't find this sense of commitment [again] until I went to the University of Hawaii and went to school with a number of Asian students. (E-mail of March 7, 2012)
From Vol. 1, Issue 2, p. 1.
Karen's 1964 TRIDENT photo.
Michele Miller Meadors wrote of her year as SGA Secretary:
It is with fond memories that I recall being an active participant in those
beginning years of CNC. There are many memories about that time in CNC's
history that were exciting, especially because the college was newly established.
One special event that I enjoyed was a formal dance ... held at the Chamberlin
Hotel. (E-mail of March 7, 2012)
That formal dance was the major social event of 1963-64, focused upon the crowning of the College's second Miss CNC, Sheila Kathleen Cassidy (now Perrin), and Michele was one of two Sophomore Attendants at that event. The other was Mary Ann Kearns (now Schoultz). There were also two Freshmen Attendants: Sheila's sister Marguerite (Mimi) Cassidy (now Lindsay) and Donita Brickle (now Kayton). To see all five of these ladies in their formal attire, go here to the School Pictures tab, then the subtab 64 & 65 and scroll down.
James O. (Jay) Dunn, Jr., ran unopposed for SGA President that year. He had already demonstrated his leadership as Freshman Class Vice President the previous year and also campaigned with a platform. He recently found the following hand-written note which he thinks is a summary of that platform:
1. Increase prestige and spirit through publicity and participation.
2. Chapel Service
3. Constitution
4. Suggestion Box
Jay's comments now regarding the above are that
1. "Prestige through Recognition" was the campaign slogan of the Wingo
Ticket when he ran for VP with Bill Wingo as Freshman Class President the
previous year, so "I think the theme came from the fact that we were a
new college with no established reputation or 'prestige.'"
2. Although Chapel Service never existed, student religious groups did form,
and Jay is pleased "that we will soon have a chapel building on campus."
3. Regarding the "Constitution" plank, Jay says, "I guess we were going to
write or revise one." The previous SGA (1962-63) had already written a
constitution, but in the story "Elections Held" (see beginning of this article)
we find this statement:
Dunn said that the new government's major concern will be putting the new constitution into working order and assimilating the Student Government Manual and By-laws.
Jay has "no recollections" regarding the Suggestion Box plank, but ended his e-mailed memories of March 7, 2012 with this:
My major recollection of student government is that it wassomething I had never done before, and I learned that I was not effective in balancing extra-curricula, particularly the parties, with the demands of being a good student. That too was a valuable part ofmy education at CNC.
Below are the 1964 Trident photographs of all members of the the SGA.
Michele's 1964 TRIDENT photo.
Jay's 1964 TRIDENT photo.
CHRIS'S CRIER: Windows into CNC's Early History (Part 1)
By A. Jane Chambers
Student publications often get little or no respect--particularly those produced on antiques such as mimeograph machines, as were all issues of CNC's first newspaper, Chris's Crier. But while doing research in 2007 for the book Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, I found the yellowing sheets of our college's first student newspaper valuable windows into life at CNC in those first two years (1961-63), when our brand new little college was in the old Daniel school building on 32nd St.
The maiden issue of the paper (dated Nov. 16, 1961) had hand-drawn question marks instead of a name, along with a request for students to submit suggestions for a name "worthy of this newspaper and the institution which it will represent" (Vol. I, No. 1, p. 1).
The second issue (Feb. 23, 1962) had the stenciled name Chris's Crier and this prophecy: "In the years to come Christopher Newport College will grow and stand high in the ranks of American colleges" (Vol. I, No. 2, p. 1). Has that prophecy come true?
Student Lorena Elder (now Smith) was editor the first year (1961-62). The staff included also Claude Stanley, Ella Kyle, Ernie Bretana, Raymond Bunn, Jerry Colonna, Dwight Wright, Lawrence Morgan, Jr.--and later, Jim Eyre, Bill Reed, and David Wells. There was no faculty advisor listed.
I have located 7 of these students. Can anybody help me find these 4-- Ella Kyle, Lawrence Morgan, Jr., Bill Reed, and David Wells?
In Parts 2 & following, I'll show you some of the articles in the first year's issues that provided windows into the early history of CNC.
(Some of the material in this series was first published in various essays in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, 1961-1971, by A.J. Chambers, R.C. Hubbard, & L.B. Wood, Jr.).
The Daniel Building
Lorena Elder Smith - 1st Editor of Chris's Crier
CHRIS'S CRIER: Windows into CNC's Early History (Part 2) -- Basement Bridge
By A. Jane Chambers
What was there for students to do between classes in the old Daniel Building, which had no gym, no cafeteria--not even a lawn where they could toss balls back and forth?
They could study, of course: in the basement library, or the 3rd floor auditorium, or an empty classroom--even on one of the landings on the old iron fire escape. Or they could socialize, and the favorite place to do that was the Student Lounge. Located in the basement, it was equipped with tables, chairs, a Coke machine, a snack machine, a radio--and plenty of students eager to play the favorite card game of the 1960s: Bridge.
The article below from Vol. I, No. 2, p. 2 of Chris's Crier (Feb. 23, 1962) announces a Bridge Tournament, no doubt the first of many. Notice that the winning student team would then play against the winning faculty team.
The three photos here came from the ADS section of the first student yearbook, the 1964 Trident. The first photo (probably staged) shows a woman with an ace in her sock during a card game. The second shows the basement lounge with its suspended lights, water pipes in the ceiling, and half windows. The students provided the curtains for these. The third photo shows what lengths some students would go to to fill time between classes. Can anybody identify these people?
CHRIS'S CRIER: Windows into CNC's Early History (Part 3)--The Basement Library
by A. Jane Chambers
The College's first library, located in the basement of the Daniel building, consisted of a large room with shelves, a circulation desk, a tiny corner office, and an adjacent reference room with books and tables for studying. The narrow hallway leading to it was lined on one side with fallout shelter supplies in case the Russians dropped "the Bomb" on us.
Chris's Crier has some interesting statistics about this library. The April 19, 1962 issue states that on CNC's opening day (Sept. 18, 1961), the library contained only 97 books, primarily donated by William and Mary. By mid-April of 1962, however, that number had jumped to 4,368, because the City of Newport News and UVA had joined W&M in donating books (Vol. I, No. 4, p. 1). Unfortunately, many were out-of-date castoffs or books on such nonacademic subjects as volleyball.
The librarian that first year (1961-62) was Arnette Stinson, previously an assistant librarian and English teacher at nearby Newport News High School. Patty Andrews (now Mays), a 1961 graduate of NNHS and freshman at CNC, was her student assistant. The two of them alone set up the basement library, doing all the work from carrying and unpacking books to cataloging and shelving them. Patty especially remembers that she enjoyed riding up to Charlottesville with Ms. Stinson to pick up books being donated by UVA.
Arnette, who had a B.S. from Madison College, left at the end of that first year to pursue a Library Science degree and never returned to CNC. According to Carol Buckley Harty, who writes the NNHS Newsletter, she married George Thomas King, Jr., in Richmond in 1966. Dave Spriggs found her listed in a 1966 biographical directory of professional librarians as Arnette Stinson King.
Her replacement was Bette V. Mosteller, who had an undergraduate degree from Longwood College and a Master's in Library Science from Peabody. She saw the library's collection grow considerably in its second and third years (1962-64). As the May 1, 1963 issue of Chris's Crier shows, $14,000 was allocated for new books over that summer (Vol. II, No. 5, p. 2)--enough money then to pay the annual salaries for four full-time instructors.
Arnette Stinson, 1961 NNHS Anchor
Bette had me to help her spend that $14,000 when I joined the English Department in the fall of 1963. I was given a reduced teaching load my first semester in order to help her select and order books. I immediately ordered complete editions of the works of all major and minor English and American writers, of course. But I also ordered updated reference books and all books requested by professors for our other academic programs at the college.
Bette Mosteller had two student assistants, Jean Garner (later Barger) and Lorena Elder (later Smith). After completing her two years as a student, Lorena worked full-time for the CNC library on the new campus as cataloging assistant, then library assistant, until moving to N.C. with her husband, Terry Smith (also a CNC First Decader), in 1970.
After completing her freshman year, Jean also worked full-time in the library, primarily in a
acquisitions. Except for a two-year hiatus after her marriage, when her Air Force husband, Frank Barger, was stationed in Germany (1968-70), she worked in the CNC (then CNU) library until her retirement in 2011 as acquisitions supervisor. She holds a record as the only employee who served Christopher Newport in all of its now four libraries.
As reflected in Chris's Crier, through donations of books and, more importantly, state funds, the community and the Commonwealth moved rather quickly to provide important initial support for our new college's library.
[Some of this material appeared first in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, 1961-1971 (Hallmark, 2008) in the first part of my essay "From Basement Rooms to the Captain John Smith Library," pp. 152-153.]
Just thought I'd let you know I also was a student assistant at the library in '62-'63. That, along with Mr. Usry, helped get me my job as a library aide at W & M during '63-'64.
To Patty:
Wish I'd known this fact, Patty, when I was writing the Basement Library article! I'll be sure to include this detail when I do my article on YOU down the road.
Jane
Chris's Crier : Windows into CNC's Early History (Part 4)--School Colors
by A. Jane Chambers
"THE CHOICE IS OURS" was the headline in Vol. I, No. 2 of the student newspaperChris's Crier (Feb. 23, 1962)--reprinted here to the right. In reading this article, one senses the pride felt by this first group of students in having "the opportunity to choose the colors" of this new college, and the responsibility they felt in making a decision which they realized would be "a permanent choice."
In the college's first semester, the students had suggested 6 color combinations: "blue and gray, gold and gray, green and white, blue and white, purple and white, and red and white."
On February 26, 1962, we learn, they voted "by secret ballot...in the library" for the winning colors. We all know which colors won: blue and gray. But notice in this March 13, 1962 article reprinted to the right--"STUDENT BODY VOTES FOR SCHOOL COLORS"-- (Chris's Crier, Vol. I, No. 3, p. 1) that it took two voting sessions to make the final choice: the first vote (on Feb. 26) narrowed the choices from 6 to 3; then the second, on March 1st and 2nd, with 104 students voting, determined the winner. Since total enrollment the second semester of the College's first year had dropped to 147*, this election turn-out of 104 was quite good. Over two-thirds of the entire student body voted!
Without this little student publication, we would never have known this piece of early history. Does that matter? I think so. These articles show us (1) that the students were allowed to make major early decisions at CNC and (2) that they responded in an enthusiastic, responsible manner to having this role in significant decision-making. Consider too that, having read this article, you know something that probably very few people currently at CNU--students, faculty, or administrators--know (unless they've read Chris's Crier or page 92 of Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, 1961-1971). You know when, how, and by whom the colors of CNC (thus CNU) were chosen. And if you were one of those 47 opening year First Decaders who voted for blue and gray, you can honestly say, "Without my vote in 1962, CNC's school colors might well have been green and white!" (which came in second).
* This "NEWS NOTE" was on p. 2 of Vol. I, No. 2 (Feb. 23, 1962) of Chris's Crier:
We welcomed thirty-one new students to Christopher Newport for
the second semester. Our total enrollment at the close of registration
was 147. 100 men and 47 women.
Since there were about 170 students who enrolled in September of this first year,
that means some 44 students left after the first semester, whether for academic
reasons or otherwise.
This cartoon in Vol. I, No. 2 of Chris's Crier (Feb. 23, 1962) isn't really about basketball (there was none yet at CNC), is it?
SCUTTLEBUTT
I remember the discussion some of us students had in 1962 regarding the school colors. I think the majority of us who voted for the blue and gray were greatly influenced by Mr. Usry and his riveting lectures on the Civil War. I recall in a conversation with him that the Blue and Gray would be fitting colors because of the importance that NEWPORT News played during the Civil War, particularly the Peninsula campaign .
Mike Smith (63 Decader)
THE CNC CROCODILES ? SELECTING OUR SYMBOL AND NAME
by A. Jane Chambers
The question of what CNC's school symbol should be appeared first in two side-by-side articles in the April 19, 1962, edition ofChris's Crier(Vol. I, No. 4). An editorial titled "CNC STUDENTS SHOULD SET TRADITION" pointed out that as "the first of a long line," the current students were "blessed with" the duty of establishing "a precedent in tradition." After some berating of them as "lotus-eating, unenthusiastic drudges" who have "so far left little worth noting for those who will follow," the writer then encouraged them to get more involved in creating lasting traditions at CNC: "As for now, a single tradition exists: our colors [chosen by the students in March*]. We still need a mascot, a nickname....The privilege is ours. If we don't take it, someone with more courage will--later "(p. 2).
A second article on that same page, "COAT-OF-ARMS FOR CNC," shows us that some of the students had in fact initiated a search for a symbol for CNC, with the help of Dr. Augustine Maissen, assistant professor of German and Spanish. He had suggested the students look for "the personal coat-of-arms of Christopher Newport" or his "home town coat-of-arms," with the goal of using one of those (if found) to create a coat-of-arms for CNC. If that failed, he said, they could create a "coat-of-arms for the college" using "important events or acts in Christopher Newport's life." This thinking led to possible symbols such as crocodiles, boars, 3 ships, or a river and cross, the meanings of which were explained at the conclusion of this article, along with admittedly "rough sketches" featuring these, shown to the right.
from COAT-OF-ARMS article
from COAT-OF-ARMS article
There was no further mention of a school symbol in the following Chris's Crier, the last issue of that opening year. However, the first issue of the next academic session, Oct. 23, 1962, returned to this subject in a front-page story entitled "SELECTION OF EMBLEM WILL BE DISCUSSED." This article announced a meeting to be held Oct. 31 for "all persons interested in helping to select or form an emblem" for CNC and repeated Dr. Maissen's suggestion the previous spring that "A good approach [to selecting a school symbol] could possibly be the use of important events and acts in Christopher Newport's life, which would produce a personal coat-of-arms for the College." The writer then listed again the emblems of the boar, crocodiles, three ships, and river (representing the James) and closed with a request for "Suggestions, diagrams and any ideas" readers might have about a school symbol (Vol. II, No. 1, p. 1).
This coat-of-arms idea (a European tradition) quickly died that second year, however-- probably because Dr. Maissen had not returned to CNC. ProfessorEmeritus Barry Wood tells us why he left: a native of Switzerland, and particularly fond of skiing, Maissen found nothing in Virginia approximating the Alps. It's probably fortunate that he left us, because had he remained longer, we might have become the CNC Crocodiles, or Boars !
Dr. Maissen did leave the College something of great value, however: he designed the first CNC seal (shown here).
Seal designed by Augustine Maissen
Something extremely important happened at the end of that second year, as evidenced in this excerpt from the First Commencement Exercises (June 6, 1963) shown here. Director H. Westcott Cunningham formally accepted a significant gift to CNC: a black and white drawing (called "a cartoon") of Captain Christopher Newport, with that historically accurate HOOK. The artist was Allan D. Jones, Jr., and this drawing was his sketch for Christopher Newport used when Jones painted the mural of the Jamestown Landing of 1607 that still remains in the West Avenue Library in downtown Newport News. The following academic year, that drawing appeared in the masthead of the first issue of The Captain's Log, CNC's second student newspaper, where it would remain for decades. And so it happened: Captain Christopher Newport himself became our symbol.
The following academic year, 1964-65, with the move from 32nd St. to the new campus on Shoe Lane, CNC's first intercollegiate sport was born: men's track, coached by math instructor Raoul Weinstein. The team needed a name, and H. Westcott (Scotty) Cunningham, who in 1962 had asked the students to decide the school colors, now asked all of us--students, faculty, and administrators--to suggest a team name for the athletes. We put our suggestions in a box: Clippers, Colonials, Explorers, Founders, Seafarers, and Captains. I don't recall that there was a ballot vote to determine the winner, but when all the names were made known to the whole CNC community, Captains quickly emerged as the logical choice. Not only were our College and its first building named after Captain Newport, but the other buildings planned were going to be named after the other captains in his Jamestown Exposition: Gosnold, Smith, Ratcliffe, and Wingfield.
By 1970, the image of Captain Newport created by Allen D. Jones, Jr. was often shown as holding a pilot's wheel in which was embedded the second seal of CNC, which included in one triangle the Wren Building, acknowledging the College's beginning as a branch of William and Mary, but no longer included the words William and Mary in the circle, even though CNC's independence from W&M would not happen until July 4, 1976. Notice that this seal also included the 3 ships, now abstractly present in one of the CNU logos shown below.
*See Chris's Crier: Windows into CNC's Early History (Part 4)--School Colors in the Website Archives.
Note: Some of this material first appeared in Memories of Christopher Newport College: The First Decade, 1961-1971, copyrighted by A. Jane Chambers, Rita C. Hubbard, and Lawrence Barron Wood, Jr.
from First Commencement Exercises
from Jamestown landing mural, by Allen D. Jones, Jr. (black & white copy)
Recent CNU SYMBOLS
WHEN COMPUTERS FIRST CAME TO CNC
by A. Jane Chambers
Graham Pillow (A.B. and M.T.S., W&M), originally hired to teach physics in CNC's second year (1962-63), brought the College into the computer world in the mid-1960s, at its new location on Shoe Lane. Given space on the first floor of Newport Hall for equipment mysterious to most of us faculty and staff members, Graham set up the College's first Computer Center, which also had the only air conditioning in Newport Hall for several years. On extremely hot days, some of us teaching in Newport would manufacture lame excuses for stopping by the Center so that we could cool off for awhile.
A crucial early task Graham undertook for the College was that of helping the Office of Admissions and Registration handle registration and class rolls in a faster, more modern way.
Everything did not always go smoothly at first, however. As his wife Jane Pillow recalled (then serving as Registrar), one of the first printouts Graham brought to the office, a list of all CNC students, created great excitement--until it was discovered that the listing was in social security, rather than alphabetical, order.
Graham quickly became chair of Computer Studies and, with Hugh C. Hilliard, Jr. (B.S., VPI; M.S., Harvard), who joined the faculty in 1970, designed our first interdependent B.S. degree, Management Information Science (MIS), which required courses in business, psychology, and computer science. The 1971 CNC Catalog lists 6 courses under Computer Management, involving programming using RPG, COBOL, FORTRAN, and PL/1. The first MIS degrees were awarded in 1972 to four students: Lorraine Farquhar Armstrong, Davis Wray Martin, Wilma Jean Riden (now Moore), and Thaddeus Joseph Schatzel. Wilma is the only one of these four that I've been able to locate. The BS:MIS degree was eventually replaced by the Bachelor of Science in Information Science degree (BSIS).
(Much of this material appeared first in my essay "The People Within: Smith Hall in 1967" in Memories of Christopher Newport College, the First Decade, 1961-1971, by A.J. Chambers, R.C. Hubbard, & L.B. Wood, Jr.)
Appeared December 26, 2011
Link to Christopher Newport University home page: http://cnu.edu