Apologies for the lateness of this email message celebrating another really great WVU Resident Assistant. Stephen C. Starkey, an intelligent, caring and helpful guy who was my RA for the third floor of Dadisman Hall in 1974-75 and Boreman Hall (Entry F, I believe) in 1975-76 while also serving as our intramural flag football coach of "Stark's Studs." Steve was always there for us and he was a key support for me personally after I broke my leg in the middle of my freshman fall semester. With his help and encouragement, I didn't throw in the towel. I got up on my crutches and persevered with my classes and continued working on the clerical staff in the Physics Department in the Work Study Program.
Fifteen years later, after graduating with a masters degree from the University of South Carolina, we returned to Maryland and my wife and I worked with the Kneib and Starkey law firm which handled the transfer of the title for the first home we ever purchased. Alas, I was extremely saddened to hear that law partner Steve had died tragically the previous Christmas Eve of 1988 after his car was hit by a drunk driver. Fortunately his wife and children survived. We still miss Steve, all these many years later. He was the cream of the crop, always willing to go the extra mile and help in any way possible. Thomas Campbell's "Hallowed Ground," may have said it best, "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."
Regards,
Jeffrey W. Mason
Waldorf, MarylandBA, 1978, WVU
MA, 1981, WVU
I was very happy to see the feature on my son’s favorite professor Kofi Opoku. My son August Thompson graduated from WVU in May 2022 with a degree in Graphic Design, and is now working as a graphic designer for Juxta Creative, a marketing firm in Marietta, Ohio. Kofi was demanding and strict and he is an excellent professor who made an indelible mark on my son. My son tells lots of “Kofi” stories and was happy to see him recognized in the WVU magazine, WVU Research. He deserves lots of accolades. He is a true asset to WVU! My son was very prepared to work as a professional in the design industry thanks to Kofi Opoku.
Jade Thompson
On "Purpose By Design"