Alumni Association - 1995 to 2006 Class News

Spring 2007

Gathered and Written by Class Representatives

’95

Greetings Class of 1995

I hope this edition of the Commentary finds everyone doing well. Since my last update, things have been a bit exciting. The race team I work for won the 2006 Nextel Cup Series Championship, so I got to spend a week in New York City this past December. It was mostly to work but I did get to do a little celebrating.

Through the wonderful world of myspace, I have been able to catch up with a myriad of our classmates and friends from other classes.

Jason Coppola and his lovely wife Lisa Vagnoni Coppola ’96 are doing great and are enjoying life up in Jersey.

I tried to get together with Julie Meyer ’94 when I was in NY but we were unable to hook up, so as you can guess, she’s living and working in New York

Ruth Hughie is enjoying life in Colorado and she has even gotten back into theater after a 10 year absence.

I heard from Eden Fridy. She is living near Memphis, TN and at the time of our chat was looking for work.

I received an email from Heather Nabors after the last update came out.  She moved back to Greensboro three years ago and went to grad school at UNCG from 1996-99 where she earned her MFA in Choreography.  She is an adjunct faculty member at Greensboro College where she teaches jazz, choreography, modern etc.  She also works for a non-profit dance organization and spends some time as an independent choreographer showing her work in various festivals and concerts. In fact she just finished choreographing her first musical for a local community theater group.

Congratulations to Jeff Claridge ’96 who married Heather Fortner this past September. I was unable to make the ceremony but heard that it was a mini reunion.

That’s all I have for now. I wish you well and as always, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line or call and let us know what’s happening in your neck of the woods. And please remember Coker by sending a donation to the annual scholarship fund. 

Ciao,

Heather

Matt Shores
704 Whitewater Drive
Irmo, SC 29063
803-945-4378
skinsfan_96@yahoo.com

Alison Wood
2400 Pine Haven Street
Beaufort SC 29902-6042
425.338.9760

Hi all. I don’t have much to pass along. I did get a surprising email from a long lost classmate, Todd Baker. Todd is currently living in Denver, Colorado and working for Pulte Mortgage as a sales trainer. He has been married for just over two years to Jen and they have a 16 month old named Noah. It was great hearing from him and if anyone is interested in getting in contact with him, email me.

I also got an update from Tim Halverson. I reported last time that Tim and his wife are adopting. Well we now know it’s a little boy named Colin. Next time I hope to write that Colin is happily at home with his forever Mommy and Daddy.

That’s about it. This year is our 10 year reunion so I look forward to us all getting together, catching up and reminiscing about the good ‘ole Coker days. Take care everyone and have a great year!

Regina

’98
Ashley M. Pruett
apruett76@yahoo.com

Co-rep Needed

Karen Tallon Mollo is still living in San Diego. She does a lot of hiking with her 102-lb Rhodesian Ridgeback, Bo. She saw Jo Sim ‘97 in October for her 30th birthday, and again in December in NY. She’s a freelance artist in NY and is doing well. In addition to her own work, she’s painted on Broadway and worked on a couple of Macy’s Christmas windows this year.

Paige Brown Phelps ’99 is teaching second grade literacy classes at Plainview Elementary School in Patrick. Her husband, Scott, is teaching in Florence at a school for students with Emotional Disabilities. Their daughter, Anna Carlin, is now five years old, and loves soccer and gymnastics. They live in Hartsville.

Katie Hanson Pate ’97 is working at Belmont Abbey College in Charlotte, NC, as the Head Women's Basketball Coach and Senior Woman Administrator. Her husband, Tully Pate ’95, continues to work at the SC Governor's School for Science and Mathematics in Hartsville, as Director of Athletics, while also continuing as a Financial Advisor for Western International Securities. They live in Belmont, NC, just a few short miles away from Katie's sister, Kristi Hanson Brannon, who works in real estate with Grubb Properties.

Billy Mangan ’99 is getting married on Feb. 17, 2008, to Amanda. They live in Atlanta, and Billy is still working for American Tower, going on 5 years. Billy is proud to announce he finally weighs more than 185 pounds!

Aloha, everyone! Kurt and Mirah White Welday are now living in Hawaii. Kurt received orders for Pearl Harbor and they moved in December. Kurt is Assistant Supply Officer for the USS Russell. Mirah's Navy teaching position was able to transfer to Pearl Harbor, so she starts work in February.  They celebrated their seven year wedding anniversary on January 2! They wish everyone a wonderful 2007 with many blessings.

Nicole Horton Johnson got married on December 31st 2005, and it was a fabulous New Year's wedding in Camden. She married Bryan P. Johnson, and they live in Augusta, Georgia. Nicole is currently attending the Medical College of Georgia for her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

Ashley Pruett is still in Atlanta, and waiting on niece/nephew #2 due in mid-February. She is the Manager of Student and Young Member Activities at ASHRAE, a professional engineering organization and technical society. She can verify that Billy does weigh more than 185 pounds!

Rebecca Lynn Teal
1116 Swift Creek Road
Hartsville, SC 29550
843-383-2994
becbec1324@aol.com

Shonda Miles Knotts
925 Lynch Road
Coward, SC 29530
843-210-3346
Shonda.Knotts@PalmettoGBA.com

Sheila Brodie Trapp
Post Office Box 967
Hartsville, SC 29551

Phillip R. Dowdy, Jr. graduated from Barry University with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree.

'00

Rep or co-rep needed

’01

David McKee
933 Potomac Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338-6975
404-929-0623
Dmckee@rtminc.Com

Roslynn D. Elom
572 East McIver Road
Florence, SC 29506
843-667-0502
Ravenrose3@aol.com

Natalie Selena Bee has published a book of spiritual poems entitled “Reflections of the Inner Spirit.” It is a book of poetry full of emotion and inspiration. Natalie had a book signing on November 18th at the Aroma Underground Coffee House in Florence. Congratulations, Natalie.

  ’02
Blayke P. Epley
6506 Eaglecrest Road
Charlotte, NC 28212
704.535.1504
bpepley@yahoo.com

Congratulations to Ashley Vick Lapointe and Marc-Andre Lapointe ’00 who just found out that they will be having their first child in August. They are really excited and hope everyone is doing well!

Curtis Lloyd is working at Leeds Elementary School (Home of Charles Barkley), teaching PE and coaching football, wrestling, and baseball. He and Jessica Brill Lloyd ’05 just celebrated their one-year anniversary. Curtis and Jessica are living in Birmingham.

Brent Freeman Hughes says she is doing very well. She and Geoff ’00 sold their old house and bought a new house over the summer! She says they would love to share it with any fellow Coker “amigos” who find themselves in need of a place to stay while visiting Hartsville!

Kara Schultz received a new job with Horry Georgetown Technical College working in Admissions and Student Affairs. She is also starting her Masters Degree at USC!

Michelle McDonald is still teaching second grade at Bishopville Primary School. She has been named the District Teacher of the year and is very excited to have received that honor. Congratulations Michelle!

Congratulations also go to Suzanne Watts Liggett, who was married on July 15, 2006 to Collin Liggett ’04. They are currently living in Columbia and enjoying the married life. Suzanne is working in the Admissions Office at Coker and is also taking classes toward her teacher certification.

Gina Blackwood got engaged New Year’s Eve to Cliff Dodson! They will be getting married in December ’07, or January ’08 and are thrilled to start the next chapter of their lives! Congratulations!

Keri Martin recently moved back to Myrtle Beach after a stint in the Charlotte area as an event coordinator. She is living the fabulous life and working for an interior design company.

Brianna Bunce Douglas ’01 married Bruce Douglas ’03 in August of 2004. They have a “good looking” little boy named McKendrie. They are currently living in Hartsville where Brianna opened a fitness studio called Studio 212!

Juliette Maybay is finally about to start clinical rotations in March 2007! She’s been at the University of Georgia Veterinary College since 2004 and will graduate in 2008. Juliette says she is indecisive about where she will end up practicing, but thinks she will make the move to South Carolina to be near her family. Juliette’s sister and her husband just had their first little girl! Her name is Charlotte and Juliette is a very happy new aunt! Juliette still has her pug named Frank, and her Pekingese named Belle. She hopes everyone is safe and sound.

Congratulations to Brook Morris Norris and her husband, who are expecting a baby boy on May 30!

Adrienne Olivier Johnson and Kris Johnson ’01 celebrated the birth of their daughter, Alicia Nicole, on October 18, 2006. Congratulations to both of you!

Kammi Rickels Mann still teaches 8th grade Language Arts at Chester Middle School. She is working on her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction!

Summer Beebe has started her student teaching! She is teaching Reading to 8th Graders at Southgate Academy. She says they are great kids, but they are definitely a challenge and she wouldn't want it any other way! She will graduate on May 5th with her Master's! Summer says her 4 1/2-year-old daughter, Layla, is such wonderful fun! She enjoys being able to be her mother! Layla loved her Christmas with presents from both sides, from Santa, and of course lots of family and friends. She has decided that she wants to be "a Ballet Teacher when she grows up big like Mommy." Summer says she "thinks of all of you often and prays for you lots!" She hopes you will do the same for her for some stressful times ahead! You can email Summer at imacartoon@hotmail.com or call her at 520-471-5739. She would love to hear from you!

I also heard from Amy Kesler, who is doing well and living in Atlanta, GA.

Stephanie Carwile Parker is the Head Volleyball and Softball Coach at a public school in Texas. She has a "precious" one year old little boy. Stephanie says life has been CRAZY this year but she knows God has a plan. You can reach Stephanie by email at stephanierodeo@aol.com or on MySpace.

I have exciting news! On December 9th, my fabulous boyfriend proposed! I said “yes” of course. I actually think I said "Are you sure?!" first, but it was quickly followed by a resounding "yes!" Eduardo and I are looking forward to getting married this fall! We still live in Charlotte, NC. He is working at an interpretation agency and I am still working with children with developmental disabilities. Things are wonderful, but getting busy much sooner than I expected!

It was so nice to hear from so many of you! I wish you all an extremely happy new year and look forward to hearing from more of you soon!

Blayke

’03

Wes Daniels
22 Mowler Court
Charleston, SC 29414
843-225-1209
Wesley.Daniels@tridenttech.edu

Emily Marovich
250 Treeline Park
#1304
San Antonio, TX 7820
863-205-6590
EmilyVB8@aol.com

Class of 2003,

I can’t believe it’s already 2007. I hope everyone had a great Holiday Season and has started 2007 off on a great note! Thanks for sending all of your information in, its sounds like our class is doing very well. Here are a few updates…

Howard D. and Amber Douglas Brown are staying very busy. They are still in Hartsville, and as of August 15th, are parents of a beautiful baby boy, James Heyward Brown. D also has his own construction business, “D Brown Construction,” and is currently building in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and Hartsville. Amber is in her fourth year of teaching third grade. It’s hard to believe it’s been so long, but they will celebrate their 2nd wedding anniversary on March 26th.

I heard from Jessica “Jess” Wheeler for the first time EVER! Thanks Jess! She is currently living in Summerville and doing very well for herself. She and a friend have a business called “A Little Peace of Heaven Fitness & Massage.” They have been in business for 3 months and are doing quite well. Jess also works for the Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms as a massage therapist. She is still single and waiting for the one God has destined her to be with. Good Luck with your new business Jess!

I recently saw Ellen Mason at Coker on move-in day. We both had family members who were moving in, so it was nice to catch up with her. She is currently working for ARAMARK at Clemson University as a Production Manager for Schilletter Dining Hall. 

Tiffany Byrd is still living in Hartsville and working as a Marketing Manager at Sonoco. She just purchased a new home and is looking forward to spending time decorating it.

Jessica Mitrosky Drew has just opened her own business. Her business deals with the prevention of heart disease. Her clients come in and she assesses their risk factors for heart disease and then through exercise, nutrition, stress management and smoking cessation (if needed), will help them to lower their risk. She also works with clients with general weight loss goals, sport related goals, as well as general fitness goals. Sounds like she is staying very busy. Good luck Jessica.

Courtney Smith has been living in Charleston since October of 2005. She is working for the Charleston Riverdogs minor league baseball team as Sales Manager and Webmaster. Not married yet, but has been dating seriously for about eight months. She is renting a house close to downtown Charleston with two friends from high school and hangs out with Wes Daniels often. If you are ever in the neighborhood, please look her up. She loves company!

Jeff Baker is living in Nashville and working for Dell. In his spare time he plays some pick-up basketball and travels often. He sees Rob and Jessica Pendergraft-Christenson on a daily basis and Becki McLeod from time to time.

Thomas and Monica Carvajal Beben send greetings from the “left” coast! They are currently living in Washington State. Thomas is now with Wells Fargo Financial. Monica is working for the Shelton-Mason County Journal as a photo tech/paginator since September. They both love their new jobs! They are looking forward to a Coker visit this May to see Jason Sparrow graduate.

Bess Tomberlin has a great new job. She is working as an internal auditor for Meineke Car Centers, Inc. She gets to travel all over the U.S. She recently had the chance to sit courtside at the LA Lakers/CLT Bobcats game with George Foreman. I recently met up with Bess in NYC while she was there on business and I was visiting some friends from high school.

The big news for Emily Marovich, the other class rep, is that she just got engaged! After dating for 2 and a half years, Emily’s boyfriend, Greg Tupper, popped the question. She is very excited and has started to plan the wedding which will be in 2008. Emily still lives in San Antonio, Texas. She absolutely loves it. She also still works for SkillsNET which she loves because she can work from home and gets to travel a lot! If anyone is ever in the San Antonio area, Emily says to give her a call and she would be glad to give you a tour of the San Antonio Riverwalk. Her address is: 250 Treeline Park, Apt. 1304, San Antonio, TX 78209

As for me, I am still living and working in Charleston. I am switching jobs again. I have been hired as the Director of Marketing and Promotions at Charleston Southern University. I am very excited about this new chapter in my life. The rest of my time is spent playing in a kickball league, golf, boating and beaching when it’s warm enough, staying active in my church, and hanging out with friends and family. Courtney Smith and I still see a lot of each other, and as always have a good time!

Emily and I both want to wish all of you a great 2007! Please get back and visit Coker as often as you can, and don’t forget to make your alumni contributions!

Emily Marovich emilymarovich@yahoo.com or Emily.marovich@skillsnet.com

Wes Daniels wdaniels@csuniv.edu

’04

Julia Cox Kokemor
822 Joe Yenni Blvd., Apt 13
Kenner, LA 70065
504-466-3096
jucarcox@hotmail.com

Selena Davis
915 Nandina Street
Hartsville, SC 29550
SelenaCobras20@hotmail.com

’05

Jessica Brill
1777 Winewood Road
Birmingham, AL 35215
205-853-5871
smilerainmaker@aol.com

Coker Class of ’05 News!

News from Jessica Brill Lloyd and hopes that you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! My husband, Curtis ’02, and I are still busy with our students and youth group in Birmingham, AL. We stay busy, but have great rewards from teaching and coaching

Ben Johnson says hello to everyone. He has been working many hours at CVS/Pharmacy in Columbia. Also, he is still singing with the Palmetto Mastersingers and said that they had an awesome Christmas concert. Ben also said take care and that he misses us all.

Marcos Sola is working for Lowcountry Newspapers as a Graphic Designer and cannot believe how two years have already flown by. Things have been going really well for Marcos since graduating from Coker, and he hopes everyone has found their passion just as he has. Marcos also wishes everyone a Happy New Year!

Jen Crocker married Brandon Roberts ’04, also a Coker graduate, on August 26, 2006. The happy couple is living in Columbia, and they hope that things are going well for us all!

Karen Horton and Kit Alewine ’02 were married on June 4, 2005 and are currently living in Hartsville. Karen is teaching dance at Brenda Cranford School of Dance in Hartsville and at School of Dance Arts in Florence. On top of all that, Karen is also coaching the dance team at the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics. Kit is the assistant athletic director for compliance and academic progress at Francis Marion University and is also coaching tennis for GSSM.

Classmates, if you have access to the Internet and have not received my e-mail messages, please send your e-mail address to SmileRainmaker@aol.com. I will be sure to add you to my list.

Thanks and God bless, Jessica Lloyd

Vann Webb is working at Ignition, an international IT service provider, which recently opened a Cayman office, providing onsite technical support for local businesses.

’06

Rep or co-rep needed