ISSUED: 19 September 2018
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University is welcoming alumni back during Homecoming, September 27-29. The university will honor the 2018-19 Outstanding Alumna of the Year, Francine Phillips, and will recognize four Finest Under 40 alumni.
Phillips, a 1982 graduate and managing public defender at the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office, is being recognized for her dedication and volunteer commitments that have significantly enhanced the goals and mission of Shepherd and the Shepherd University Alumni Association.
Phillips’ service to Shepherd includes her leadership in aiding numerous students in the sociology/criminal justice areas with obtaining internships in the local legal community and her supervision of student interns who have worked in the public defender’s office. Phillips has served on the Alumni Association’s board of directors since 2011, during which time she has been supportive of student-based activities and currently serves as board secretary. She served as an adjunct or full-time faculty member at Shepherd for more than 30 years.
Phillips, who serves on the Shepherdstown Board of Appeals, has been a member of the Shepherdstown Town Council and Shepherdstown Planning Commission. She served on the board of directors of the Shenandoah Women’s Center and has served as the treasurer and membership coordinator of the Eastern Panhandle Criminal Defense Lawyers since 2004.
The Alumni Association has developed a new annual program, Finest Under 40, to recognize young alumni who are leading the way in business, research, leadership, community, artistic, educational, and philanthropic endeavors. The alumni are chosen by a selection committee based on their professional expertise and achievements, as well as dedication to charitable and community projects.
This year’s inaugural class of Finest Under 40 honorees are Jennifer Seely Flora, Shepherd’s director of student engagement; Tamia Hardy, the 2017 Miss West Virginia; Brandon Dennison, founder of Coalfield Development Corporation; and Liz McCormick, Eastern Panhandle reporter/producer for West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Homecoming events open to the public include:
Friday, September 28
- 3 p.m.—Founders Day Celebration. The parade will start at McMurran Hall and end at Potomac Place where there will be a short speaking program and reception. The event is free and open to the community.
- 5:30 p.m.—First annual College of Business Reunion Dinner, Erma Ora Byrd Hall atrium.
Alumni from the College of Business, including undergraduate and graduate students from any business program, are invited to return for a Homecoming welcome reception that includes beer, wine, and a buffet dinner. Cost is $25 per person. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.shepherd.edu/suaa/upcoming-events-2. - 7 p.m.—Shepherd University Athletic Club launch party, Smallwood and Small Pavilion. This event is free, but requires an RSVP at https://suathleticclub.org by September 21.
Saturday, September 29
- 8:45 a.m.—Ram Band Reunion. All Shepherd Ram Band alumni are invited to play pep music before the game and in the stands. Participants will need to purchase game tickets to enter the stadium either online or at the gate. Alumni Association sustaining members receive a complimentary ticket. For more information and to RSVP, visit https://sites.google.com/site/suramdrumline/alumni/reunion or call Dr. Scott Hippensteel at 304-876-5129.
- 9 a.m.—Alumni Breakfast, front lawn of McMurran Hall, hosted by the Shepherd University Alumni Association and the Shepherd University Foundation.
- 10 a.m.—Homecoming Parade, German Street, featuring student organizations, the Shepherd University and Alumni Association presidents, 2018-19 Outstanding Alumna of the Year, and other university and community groups. Business alumni are encouraged to walk with the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity.
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m.—Join library staff and Dr. Jeff Groff, chair, Institute of Environmental and Physical Sciences, on the Scarborough Library front porch to learn about the $100,000 grant from EBSCO Information Services to install solar panels on the roof.
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.—Applied Business Lab Open House, Dining Hall lower level.
- 11:30 a.m.—Introduction of the Homecoming Court, Ram Stadium.
- Noon—Rams vs. Concord, Ram Stadium. The 2018-19 Outstanding Alumna of the Year will be recognized during the game.
- 3-7 p.m.—Alumni Association Homecoming Post-game Party, Town Run Tap House and Community Pub, open to alumni and community members to celebrate after the game. Admission is free; must be 21 to drink.
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