MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Friends:


As this Winthrop Magazine edition goes to press, I have just delivered my fourth State of the University Address to the campus community with updates on the Winthrop Plan, the university’s strategic blueprint through 2025. In keeping with my promise to make our results and the process transparent, I encourage you to view my presentation by visiting www.winthrop.edu/ president.


One of our Winthrop Plan objectives is to develop new and innovative programs to meet the emerging needs and interests of diverse student populations and the community. On pages 4-5, I encourage you to learn more about two new programs – Bachelor of Professional Studies and esports – that are attracting new students to Winthrop. We are excited about both programs, and we know that they are already putting Winthrop on the college radar of prospective students who otherwise would not consider our university.


Other compelling stories we have included here:


• Te fascinating work of Assistant Professor of Anthropology Brent Woodfill who is in a race against time to save and preserve a collection of historic Maya artifacts from more than 1,200 years ago.


• An intriguing profile on Jeuel Bannister Esmacher ’44, one of 38 World War II code breakers who graduated from Winthrop. Esmacher is featured in the New York Times Bestselling book, “Code Girls.” She will receive this year’s Mary Mildred Sullivan Award at the November Alumni Awards Luncheon where she will celebrate her 75th Winthrop reunion.


• An in-depth look at how Christopher M. Tidwell ’85 is helping reshape the toy industry by encouraging children’s creativity with a focus on STEM- related toys and activities.


• A feel-good feature on junior Justin Rose, who has taken advantage of numerous opportunities to grow as a leader and future business professional.


As you can see, there are many exciting initiatives happening at this university, and we’re proud to share them with our alumni.


As always, I want to thank you for your continued support as we ensure Winthrop’s tradition of excellence. I hope to see you at Homecoming and Reunion Weekend in a few weeks.


Sincerely,


WINTHROP UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES


Glenn McCall Chair, Rock Hill


Kathy Hudson Bigham ’73 Vice Chair, Rock Hill


Ed Driggers ’92 Greer


Julie Gore Fowler ’85, ’88 Simpsonville


Donna Glenn Holley Columbia


Timothy L. Hopkins ’83, ’85, ’00 Lugoff


Randy Imler ’87, ’00 Tega Cay


Jane Lawton LaRoche ’70 Camden


Tim Sease ’87 Mt. Pleasant


Robby Sisco ’80 Florence


Janet Rice Smalley ’72 Walhalla


Sandra Stroman ’73, ’76 Chester


Isaiah Venning ’95, ’00 Rock Hill


Ashlye Wilkerson ’05 Columbia


Gary Williams ’11 Rock Hill


Adolphus Belk Jr. Faculty Representative


Imani Belton Student Representative


Daniel F. Mahony President


Kimberly Faust


Vice President and Chief of Staff, Secretary to the Board of Trustees


Ellen Wi lder-Byrd ’88, ’94 Associate Vice President


for Communications and Marketing


Daniel F. Mahony President


DEPARTMENTS


12 CAMPUS NEWS 15 ADVANCEMENT NEWS 16 ALUMNI NEWS 18 CLASS NOTES 20 MILESTONES


NOTES About the Cover


This Maya artifact is part of a collection of figurines that is more than 1,200 years old. The collection was unearthed in 2018 by Assistant Professor of Anthropology Brent Woodfill during an archaeological dig in Guatemala. Read more about Woodfill’s discovery on pages 2-3.


Winthrop Magazine is published for alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends of Winthrop University by University Communications and Marketing.


Winthrop University offers equal opportunity in its employment, admissions and educational activities.


All cities referenced in editorial content are located in South Carolina unless otherwise indicated.


1


EDITORIAL STAFF Monica Bennett, editor Jill Stuckey ’02, ’07, director of printing and creative services


Contributing writers: Nicole Chisari ’09, ’16 Kaye Hayes Judy Longshaw


FEATURES 2 DIGGING FOR MEANING 4 DESTINATION WINTHROP 6 WORLD OF PURE IMAGINATION


8 CODE BREAKER’S EFFORTS RECOGNIZED


10 UPLIFTING AND SERVING OTHERS


Winthrop Magazine FALL 2019 2 6 10


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