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The
Winchester Star
170 earn
degrees from Shenandoah University
By Robert Igoe,
winchesterstar.com from the Web, August 28, 2007
WINCHESTER — Shenandoah
University hopes the past four years have helped its summer graduation class
prepare for the challenges of a changing world that they are now entrusted with
changing for the better.
The university bestowed degrees on 170 students during a ceremony on Saturday at
the Smith Library Plaza.
University President James A. Davis delivered the commencement address, where he
encouraged the students to use tolerance and civility in their careers and to
give of themselves.
"Graduation is a statement of our commitment to higher education and the quality
of life for our community, and that’s part of what we celebrate today," he said.
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An
emotional Beverly Quattrocchi of Stephens City (center) snaps photos
during Saturday’s commencement ceremony at Shenandoah University.
(Jeff Taylor) |
"I can only say that the service we
give back at any level will continue to make society better. I hope
civility and tolerance will guide your actions."
For graduates, the day brought a level of satisfaction.
"It means the completion of an important goal in my career," said Jody Walker of
Winchester, who was awarded his pharmacy doctorate. "I got my bachelor’s
degree 15 years ago, and this completes my formal education. It opens
doors for me in my career."
Along with the diplomas, the university also awarded President’s Medals to
Warren B. French, Shenandoah Telecommunications Co. chairman emeritus and
farmer; P. Hampton Hylton Jr., chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Evans
Home for Children; and state Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr., R-Winchester.
French’s leadership has been recognized in business, public service, and
community involvement.
He has been praised by the U.S. Telephone Association, the Independent
Telecommunications Pioneer Association Hall of Fame, and the Organization for
the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunication Companies.
"May you put that little extra effort into your jobs and your relationships with
your spouse," French told the graduates.
Hylton retired in 2006 after a long career in pediatric medicine. He had
practiced in Winchester since 1966.
He served as a preceptor for Shenandoah University’s Division of Physician
Assistant Studies, and is a member of its advisory board. He also has held
various positions at the Winchester Medical Center, including medical staff
president.
Hylton served in the Army from 1963 until 1966 and was chief of pediatrics at
the U.S. Army Hospital in Vicenza, Italy.
His civic activities include the United Way, Project HOPE, the Handley High
School Judges Athletic Association, the Winchester Little Theatre, and
Winchester/Frederick County Little League Football.
Potts, who was raised in Winchester, was elected four times to serve in the
state Senate’s 27th District, which includes nearly 200,000 citizens.
The Republican was chosen as the first chairman of the Shenandoah Valley Senate
and House Caucus. He has been named state "Senator of the Year" by 12
organizations, including the Virginia Superintendents Association, Virginia
Teachers Association, Virginia Sheriffs Association, and the Virginia Interfaith
Council.
In 2005, Potts ran as an independent for governor. In February, he
announced he would retire from the Senate after completing his current four-year
term at the end of this year.
Potts started his career as a sports writer with area newspapers, including The
Winchester Star.
"I have been honored to serve as your senator," he said, "and the honor you
bestow on me today humbles me."
Davis, who became president of Shenandoah in 1982, has worked with the
university’s Board of Trustees to generate institutional growth in several
areas, including increasing enrollment from 874 full-time students to more than
3,000, adding undergraduate programs, establishing graduate programs in eight
academic areas, building SU’s endowment to more than $50 million from $750,000,
erecting 15 academic facilities, and expanding the university’s reputation,
vision, mission, and service to the region and beyond.
On April 4, Davis announced his plans to retire in June 2008. He will have
completed 26 years of service to the university.
(Emphasis Added)
GayPasg will be high lighting articles referring to civics and
civility.
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