Bluefield College
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
  
 
 
 
 
 
 BC Alumni are Key to Successful Homecoming 2007  (November 19, 2007)
     Hundreds of Bluefield College alumni and friends visited the BC campus Friday and Saturday, November 2-3, to celebrate Homecoming 2007, featuring milestone reunions, the inauguration of a new BC
Some of BC's oldest living alumni, including 1936 grad Howard Hale (left) and 1934 alumnus Russell Garrett, celebrated Homecoming 2007.
 
Former members of BC voice ensembles joined current music students for an Alumni Choir Concert during Homecoming 2007.

Alumni of Phi Mu Delta and Alpha Delta reunite and celebrate Homecoming with current BC Deltas.
 
Alumnus Malvin Carroll enjoys a dance with his wife during the Homecoming Alumni Dinner-Dance.
 
Alumna Elizabeth Hodgins ('34) takes advantage of the Homecoming Alumni Dinner-Dance to get to know BC's new president, Dr. David Olive.
 
View dozens of other photos from Homecoming 2007.
 
president, the presentation of alumni awards, the debut of a new BC history book, a memorial for a longtime professor, and an auction for scholarships.
     Former students from as far back as 1934 and from as far away as California returned to their alma mater to join current students and community friends in the weekend celebration. New Bluefield College president, Dr. David Olive, shared greetings with alumni. He encouraged the former students that while celebrating their past to continue to be a vital part of the future of Bluefield College.
     "Join us in fulfilling the mission of Bluefield College," Dr. Olive told alumni. "We need you. We need everyone to be a part of this great mission, this great place we love, called Bluefield College."
     The Homecoming weekend included a formal installation ceremony for Dr. Olive, BC's ninth president. Dozens of local and regional dignitaries and educators, including state and Baptist leaders, joined alumni for an Inauguration Convocation on Friday in which the new president challenged listeners to embrace BC's heritage, while imagining its future.
     "There is too rich a heritage for us to fail now," Dr. Olive said during his Inaugural address. "We have too vital a mission to pursue to rest or be content. We must tell our story and make sure that everyone knows -- everyone -- about the awesome experience, a life-transforming experience, that awaits them here at Bluefield College."
     Day one of the Homecoming celebration also included the debut of a new published history of Bluefield College, written by retired senior professor David Armbrister. A host of alumni gathered in Easley Library to get a special edition autographed copy of "Lighthouse on the Hill: The Bluefield College Story," the first published history of BC since the mid-1970s.
     The BC men's basketball team concluded day one with a Homecoming win on the hard-court against West Virginia Tech. After falling behind by one point at halftime, the Ramblin' Rams rallied for an 89-75 win for the alumni-laden crowd, who also enjoyed a reception during the game with the new BC president.
     Milestone reunions filled day two of Homecoming. The Saturday scheduled included get-togethers for Golden (50-year) and Silver (25-year) graduates, former members of BC music ensembles, adult degree-completion grads, and alumni members of Alpha Delta and Phi Mu Delta.
     Golden and Silver alumni were recognized during Saturday's Grand Reunion Luncheon, which included a special alumni choir concert, featuring former and current BC voices, directed by 1982 alumnus and current church music minister Tom Baynham.
     "We appreciate the opportunity to hear these favorites from the past from our alumni choir," said BC's Teresa Stanley, director of alumni relations. "We offer the choir and our Golden graduates a special tribute today. We hope your walk down memory lane with former classmates is a rewarding experience."
     Former Deltas joined current Deltas for a tailgate party outside the Dome during the afternoon on Saturday, before being recognized along with adult degree grads during the Alumni Dinner-Dance on Saturday night. A few of the former Deltas spoke about their experiences as a student at BC and offered a photo slide show of the history of Deltas on campus.
     Three distinguished alumni were honored with awards on Saturday, including a Gallery of Distinguished Graduates distinction for Rev. David Armbrister, a Delgado Christian Service Award for Rev. Jack Marcom, and a Distinguished Young Alumnus Award for Phillip Brashear.
     Rev. Armbrister, a 1954 BC alumnus, was inducted into the Gallery of Distinguished Graduates for his "distinguished life and career," which includes 32 years as a professor of history at Bluefield College. Rev. Marcom, a 1962 BC grad, earned the Delgado Christian Service Award for his "lifelong commitment to Christian service and ministry," including 40 years as a minister in churches throughout Virginia and Maryland. Brashear earned the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award in large part for his service to his country. While working as a customer liaison specialist at a Defense Supply Center and flying Blackhawk helicopters for the Army National Guard, Brashear earned his bachelor's degree through BC's adult degree-completion program in 1999. His tours of duty since have taken him to Bosnia in 2001 and 2002 and Iraq in 2006.
     The college also paid tribute during Homecoming to a former BC professor, the late Dr. Primitivo Delgado, who died in 2006 at the age of 93 after serving as a professor and academic dean at Bluefield College from 1957 to 1991. Alumni and friends joined the BC family in dedicating a white oak tree planted on campus in memory of Dr. Delgado. The ceremony included "reflections" from colleagues, clergy, and family members.
     "For generations to come, students and people who come on this campus will ask 'what is this tree and who is this Dr. Delgado?'" said BC's Dr. Steve Spangler, vice president for advancement. "And, once again and once again his story will be told."
     Day two of Homecoming also included the traditional Scholarship Auction, which featured the sale of vacations, restaurant giveaways, outdoor excursions, and entertainment packages, among other items donated by alumni and friends. Dozens of auction enthusiasts from the community joined alumni for the bidding affair, led by local auctioneer Eddie Pauley of Regency Real Estate and Auction Company, who called out descriptions and petitioned buyers for bids to the tune of $7,866, all for BC student scholarships.
     The Homecoming festivities concluded Saturday night with the Alumni Dinner-Dance and the Student Homecoming Dance. The Dinner-Dance featured live music from The Emeralds at the Elks Country Club, while the Homecoming Dance featured the crowning of the 2007 Homecoming Court, including Queen Kristen Crotty and King Ido Barzilay.
 
Alumni Award Winners and Golden Grads Recognized during Grand Reunion Luncheon  (November 12, 2007)
    Bluefield College presented its annual alumni awards to three distinguished former students during Homecoming festivities on campus, Saturday, November 3.
    As part of the traditional Grand Reunion Luncheon, the college presented a Gallery of Distinguished Graduates honor to Rev. David Armbrister of Bluefield, West Virginia, a Delgado Christian Service Award to Rev. Jack Marcom of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and a Distinguished Young Alumnus Award to Phillip Brashear of Sandston, Virginia.
    The coveted awards are designed to recognize former students for their support and dedication to the school, their personal and professional achievements, and their service and character within their communities. All three recipients of the awards received plaques as part of their honor.
Alumnus David Armbrister (left) accepts a
Gallery of Distinguished Graduates award from
Alumni Director Teresa Stanley (center)
and President David Olive.

Alumnus Jack Marcom (left) receives BC's Delgado Christian Service Award from Hazel Delgado, the widow of Dr. Primitivo Delgado, for whom the award is named.
 
President David Olive (left) presents a Distinguished Young Alumnus Award to
1999 BC grad Phillip Brashear.
 
View dozens of other photos from Homecoming 2007.
 

    Rev. Armbrister was inducted into the BC Gallery of Distinguished Graduates -- just the sixth alumnus in school history to be included in this prestigious group -- for his "distinguished life and career." A 1954 Bluefield College alumnus who later earned graduate degrees from the University of Richmond and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Rev. Armbrister began his career as a pastor and later as a public school teacher before returning to his hometown of Bluefield to spend 32 years as a professor of history at Bluefield College.
    As a BC professor of history from 1968 to 2000, served as the school's first chair of the Division of Social Sciences, a member of the Teacher Education Committee for more than 20 years, and as faculty sponsor for the Alpha Phi Sigma National Honor Society for more than a decade.
    "He provided 32 years of positive influence not only in the classroom, but throughout the entire campus community," said BC's Teresa Stanley, director of alumni relations. "He continues to serve this institution as an active member of the Alumni Council and president of the Alumni Association."
    In addition to the Gallery of Distinguished Graduates honor, Rev. Armbrister has received BC's Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for service and character, Distinguished Faculty Award, and Senior Professor distinction. He also recently wrote a new publication on the history of Bluefield College, entitled, "Lighthouse on the Hill: The Bluefield College Story."
    "I am indeed honored," Rev. Armbrister said after receiving his award. "It has been my privilege to be associated with Bluefield College as a student, as a faculty member, and as a member of the Alumni Association."
    Rev. Marcom earned the Delgado Christian Service Award -- named in honor of the first recipient, the late Dr. Primitivo Delgado, former BC academic dean and professor who "demonstrated a lifelong commitment to Christian service and the growth of God's kingdom" -- because of his "lifelong commitment to Christian service."
    A 1962 alumnus who later earned graduate degrees from Carson-Newman College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Rev. Marcom served more than 40 years as a minister in churches throughout Virginia and Maryland. He also served the United States Army Reserve as a chaplain for 30 years, retiring in 2006 as a colonel. In fact, he served more than 12 years as the national chaplain for the Reserve Officers Association of America.
    "He exemplifies the Christian servant characteristics of the late Dr. Primitivo Delgado, for whom this award is named," Stanley said about Marcom. "He has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to Christian service and the growth of God's kingdom."
    Today, Rev. Marcom is chaplain for Community Home and Hospice in Fredericksburg. He is also an active member of the North American Mission Board, the Chaplains Commission for the Southern Baptist Convention, the United Way, the Rotary Club, the Fork Union Military Academy Board of Directors, and the Bluefield College Board of Trustees.
    "To be thought of in the same light as Dr. Delgado is truly an honor," Rev. Marcom said. "This award will have a sacred place in my home and in my life."
    A longtime member of the Army National Guard, Brashear earned BC's Distinguished Young Alumnus Award for his "distinguished life and career." While working as a customer liaison specialist at a Defense Supply Center in Richmond, Virginia, and flying Blackhawk helicopters for the Army National Guard, Brashear earned a bachelor's degree in 1999 through Bluefield College's adult degree-completion program.
    Since earning his degree, Brashear has served his country, while still working full time at the Defense Supply Center, as a helicopter pilot in tours of duty in Bosnia in 2001 and 2002 and most recently in Iraq in 2006, where he assisted U.S. Marines in patrolling the Syrian border to prevent insurgents from entering Iraq.
    "Phillip challenges people to honor their commitments and to overcome life's obstacles," Stanley said about the young BC alumnus. "He also shares his faith with those he comes into contact with. He exemplifies the Bluefield College mission."
    His achievements also include selection as a role model for minority recruiting for the military, numerous speaking opportunities at schools, colleges, churches and civic organizations, as well as nine years with the U.S. Navy, where his father, Carl Brashear, became a legend many years before as the first ever African-American Navy diver, a story portrayed in the Hollywood movie "Men of Honor."
    "I consider it a privilege to be considered an alumnus of Bluefield College," Brashear said. "This school has been so good to me, and my life wouldn't be the same without it."
    In addition to the presentation of the three alumni awards, BC's Grand Reunion Luncheon included special recognition for Golden Reunion graduates from 1957. The luncheon also included an Alumni Choir Reunion Concert, featuring former members of BC music ensembles perform favorites from the past, led by alumnus Tom Baynham, a onetime BC music major and current church minister of music.
    New Bluefield College president, Dr. David Olive, shared greetings with the Grand Reunion Luncheon crowd. The new BC leader spoke about the significance of Homecoming, which included his formal inauguration as the ninth president of the institution. He also encouraged the alumni that while celebrating their past, they could also be a vital part of the future of Bluefield College.
    "Join us in fulfilling the mission of Bluefield College," the president said. "We need you. We need everyone to be a part of this great mission, this great place we love, called Bluefield College.
  
BC Pays Tribute to Primitivo Delgado with Tree Dedication  (November 19, 2007)
    Bluefield College paid tribute to the late Dr. Primitivo Delgado, who served the institution for more than three decades, during a recent Memorial Tree Dedication on campus, the first of a series of commemorative events for the longtime educator and civic servant.
    Dr. Del, as he was affectionately called by those who knew him well, died in September of 2006 at the age of 93 after serving as a professor and academic dean at Bluefield College from 1957 to 1991. He joined
A white oak tree stands in the foreground of Bluefield College supporters who dedicated the tree on campus recently in memory of longtime BC educator Dr. Primitivo Delgado, who served the institution for 34 years before his death in 2006.
 
Lofton Delgado (foreground), son of the late Dr. Primitivo Delgado, who served Bluefield College for more than 34 years before his death in 2006, shares a few words about his father during a recent memorial program on the BC campus.
 
View dozens of other photos from Homecoming 2007.
 
the BC faculty as a Bible instructor and was later promoted to academic dean, a position he held while still teaching until 1975. From that point, he continued to serve the college as a professor of religion, philosophy and behavioral science until his retirement in 1991.
    “This is certainly a very appropriate occasion,” said Bluefield College president, Dr. David Olive, who welcomed the large crowd of supporters, family and friends who gathered on campus between Lansdell Hall and Harman Chapel for the dedication of the white oak tree in memory of Dr. Del. “It is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the students of Bluefield College,”
    Dr. Olive recognized members of the Delgado family, who traveled from as far as Ohio to be a part of the memorial program, including Dr. Del's widow, Hazel; his daughter, Andrea; his son, Lofton; a son-in-law, Robert; a daughter-in-law, JoLynn; a granddaughter, Kori, and a family friend, Travis.
    Rev. David Taylor, BC's campus minister, led the crowd in the reading of a dedication statement, while Dr. Tim Crawford, a BC professor of Christian studies, offered a prayer of blessing for the program.
Dr. Crawford -- who not only served alongside Dr. Delgado before he left the classroom, but also later taught the longtime educator who stayed fresh on his Hebrew by enrolling in BC classes after retirement -- also spoke about the Bible's reference to a “tree of life.” The white oak planted on campus in memory of Dr. Del, he said, will serve as a reminder of the beloved professor, who like the tree of life “was and is ever-giving and filling the lives of others.”
    “Dr. Del was a great friend and colleague,” said Dr. Crawford. “I think it is very appropriate that this tree be placed between Lansdell Hall and Harman Chapel, since he served as academic dean in the administration building (Lansdell) and a professor of religion in Harman Chapel.”
    Before his stint with Bluefield College, Dr. Delgado was pastor of Marion Baptist Church in Marion, Virginia, from 1947-1957, and during the past 25 years prior to his death, he had been a committed Sunday school teacher at First Presbyterian Church in Bluefield, West Virginia, as well as an active member of First Baptist Church in Bluefield. He had also served as an interim pastor of First Christian Church of Bluefield, First Presbyterian Church of Bluefield, First Presbyterian Church of Welch, West Virginia, and Tazewell Christian Church, of Tazewell, Virginia.
    “For generations to come, students and people who come on this campus will ask 'what is this tree and who is this Dr. Delgado?” said BC's Dr. Steve Spangler, vice president for advancement who offered reflections during the dedication. “And, once again and again his story will be told.”
    Lofton Delgado, who attended Bluefield College while his dad served the school, spoke during the program of the things that were important to his father, including first and foremost, God, followed by his family, followed by BC. Lofton added that while his dad was no longer on staff and the family no longer living in Bluefield, there would always be a connection between the school and the Delgados.
    “Bluefield College is more than just a place,” Lofton said. “It is a state of mind. When you've been here and you've experienced God's presence in the students, faculty and staff, you take Bluefield College with you.”
    A longtime resident of Bluefield, Virginia, with his wife, Hazel, Dr. Del's commitment to the community also included service on the Board of Advisors for the Widowed Persons Service and the Salvation Army and time as president and a member of the Rotary Club of Bluefield, where in 1991 he was named a Paul Harris Fellow.
    In 2004, Dr. Delgado received Bluefield College's Distinguished Christian Service Award, named after him for future recipients. The tree planted in his memory on the BC campus was made possible by an anonymous donor.


Homecoming Auction Nets $7,800 for BC Student Scholarships  (November 19, 2007)
     Bluefield College alumni and friends will be going on vacations, spending time at resort hotels, taking part in outdoor excursions and enjoying musical and theatrical entertainment, while current BC students will be benefiting from access to more than $7,000 in additional financial aid, thanks to the success of the school's 2007 version of its Scholarship Auction.
Auctioneer Eddie Pauley calls for a bid during
BC's Homecoming Scholarship Auction.

     Dozens of auction enthusiasts, including Bluefield College alumni, faculty, staff and friends from the community, gathered in Shott Hall on the BC campus recently for the 2007 Scholarship Auction, led by local auctioneer Eddie Pauley of Regency Real Estate and Auction Company, who called out descriptions and petitioned buyers for bids to the tune of $7,866...and all for a good cause.
     "That's what's so great about this auction," said BC's Teresa Stanley, director of alumni relations. "All of the proceeds go directly to benefit Bluefield College students. The thousands of dollars we took in this year will go into the Alumni Scholarship Fund to help current and future students with the costs of attending college."
     Since the fall of 2000, the college has incorporated the fundraising event into its annual Homecoming activities, and while students do benefit from the added scholarship assistance, those participating in the bidding and buying don't walk away empty-handed either.
     "The auction has become a highlight of Homecoming for both alumni and the community," Stanley said. "Here, they have the opportunity to get vacations, dinners, entertainment, trips and more at great prices. Because the auction items are donated to us by generous supporters, we can offer them to the bidders at a significant savings."
     Dozens of items were offered for auction this year, including vacation getaways to Italy, Disneyworld, Hawaii, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Participants also bid on entertainment packages to Ripley's Aquarium in the Great Smokey Mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Theatre West Virginia in Beckley, West Virginia; Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre in Wytheville, Virginia; and the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia.
     "The fact that you can get vacations, dinners, trips and more at great prices is enough reason to attend the auction," Stanley said, "but the idea of providing essential financial aid to Bluefield College students makes the event even more worthwhile."
     The auction also featured the sell of an original autographed fiddle from Charlie Daniels and a NASCAR fantasy racing excursion with Petty Driving Experience. Bidders also bought restaurant giveaways, sports memorabilia, arts and crafts, and retail discounts and coupons, along with outdoor excursions, including skiing, whitewater rafting and golf.
     All items for the auction were donated to the college, and Pauley, a licensed auctioneer, also donated his time to the cause.
     "We are extremely grateful for those who donated items and for the people who donated their time and energy to pull off this event," Stanley added. "At the same time, we're equally thankful for the participants who bought items during the auction. It's obvious that without the generosity of those giving and buying, this event would not be a success, and we would not be able to contribute to student scholarships the way that we do."


Students Crown 2007 Homecoming Court  (November 19, 2007)
    Bluefield College students crowned the school's 2007 Homecoming Queen and King during Homecoming activities on campus, November 3-4.
BC's 2007 Homecoming Queen Kristen Crotty.
 

BC's 2007 Homecoming King Ido Barzilay.
 
BC's Homecoming Court: (front) Queen Kristin Crotty of Princeton, WV; (back, left to right) Marie Chappelear of Bassett, VA; Brandon Tegeler of Pounding Mill, VA; Lindsey Hazelwood of Stuart, VA; E.J. Johnson of Portsmouth, VA; Kelly Thompson of Cloverdale, VA; and Luke Davis of Mathews, VA. Not pictured: King Ido Barzilay of Israel.
 
View dozens of other photos from Homecoming 2007.
 

    The BC students selected seniors Kristin Crotty and Ido Barzilay as Queen and King, respectively, and named Junior, Sophomore and Freshman Princes and Princesses to complete the 2007 Homecoming Court.
    Bluefield College Homecoming Court nominees and winners are selected annually by student voting in the weeks prior to Homecoming celebrations. The candidates are presented and crowned during the traditional Homecoming Dance. Winners are also recognized during the Homecoming men's basketball game.
    This year, Crotty and Barzilay received the highest honors. Crotty, the Homecoming Queen, is a BC business major from Princeton, West Virginia. She, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Crotty, is also a member of the Lady Rams varsity soccer squad.
    Barzilay, the Homecoming King, is double majoring in exercise and sport science and sports medicine. He, a native of Israel, is also a member of BC's men's varsity soccer team.
    Completing the 2007 Homecoming Court, as selected by students and recognized during Homecoming weekend, were Junior Princess Marie Chappelear and Junior Prince Brandon Tegeler; Sophomore Princess Kelly Thompson and Sophomore Prince Luke Davis; Freshman Princess Lindsey Hazelwood and Freshman Prince E.J. Thompson.
Chappelear, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Chappelear, is a BC history education major from Bassett, Virginia. She is also a member of Student Ambassadors and the Student Union Board and is a resident advisor.
    Tegeler is a BC exercise and sport science major from Pounding Mill, Virginia. He, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Tegeler, is also a member of the Rams varsity soccer squad.
    Thompson, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Thompson, is majoring in business at Bluefield College. She is also a resident advisor and Student Ambassador from Cloverdale, Virginia.
    Davis, another BC business major from Mathews, Virginia, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Davis. On campus, he is also a member of the Student Union Board and the Rams varsity soccer team.
    Hazelwood is a Bluefield College biology major from Stuart, Virginia. She is the daughter of Ms. Lila Hazelwood
    Johnson, the son of Ms. Cynthia Johnson, is from Portsmouth, Virginia. He is majoring in fine arts with an emphasis in theatre arts.
    Other candidates for Homecoming Queen from the senior class included Amy Abshire of Covington, Virginia, Leah Gilbert of Springfield, Virginia, Amy Montgomery of Marion, Virginia, Lindsey Sebring of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Sharde Sherman of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.
    Other senior candidates for Homecoming King included Brad Lavoie of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Adam McAllister of Bluefield, Virginia, Pace Snow of Galax, Virginia, Marcus Vaughan of Colonial Heights, Virginia, and Derrick Wagoner of Charles Town, West Virginia.
    Junior candidates for Sophomore Princess included Megan Criss of Princeton, West Virginia, and Lisa Reale of Newark, Deleware.
    Junior candidates for Sophomore Prince included Seth Jones of Hebron, Maryland, and Brad Shockley of Carroll County, Virginia.
    Other candidates for Sophomore Princess included Paige Morrison of Mount Gilead, Ohio, and Helen Page of Newport News, Virginia.
    Other candidates for Sophomore Prince included Ben King of Oakview, West Virginia, and Joel Molina of Brooklyn, New York.
    Candidates for Freshman Princess included Lyndsey Barton of Vinton, Virginia, and Caleigh Keith, also from Vinton.
    Candidates for Freshman Prince included Donnie Bales of Marion, Virginia, and Jacob Woodrum of Bluefield, West Virginia.