Mountaineers in Liechtenstein
Joe Scott BSIE ‘83, and Chris Scott BSBA ‘83 have traveled to Liechtenstein, their 125th country, while proudly representing the WVU Mountaineers and flying the Let’s Go flag as they’ve explored.
Mountaineers in Hungary
The Hurley Family took a trip to Budapest, Hungary, in July 2024. Jim Hurley, MD ‘82, Pat Thompson, MD ‘92, Gary Thompson, MD ‘89, Ben Keim, BS EE ‘22, and Ruth Keim, MA Comm ‘04, representing the WVU Mountaineers at Hero’s Square.
1973
Chuck Spinner, MA, Cabel, Ohio, has published his third book, "Look What Sports Has Done To This Little Kid, A Baby Boomer's Journey Through the Golden Age of Sports."
1980
Franklin G. Allgauer II, BSBA, Kalispell, Mont., is currently the Operations Director at Financial Heritage, where he oversees key aspects of the organization. Before filling this role, Allgauer spent 23 years as the Senior Watch Operations for the Department of Homeland Security, playing a crucial role in managing critical operations. He also retired from the U.S. Army Reserves with distinction and honor after an incredible 33.5 years of service. His extensive experience and dedication have earned him a respected reputation in his field. Allgauer lives in Montana with his wife, Michelle, where they enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the close-knit community. His career achievements are matched by his commitment to family and his love for the outdoors.
1982
Dr. C. R.Anderegg, DMA, Seattle, Wash., was awarded the Co-Citizen of the Year Award from the Washington State Dental Association.
1992
Andrew Urbaczewski, MBA, Aurora, Colo., was promoted to Professor in the Department of Business Information and Analytics in Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver.
Scott Biddle, Wilson, N.C., will retire from the Wilson Police Department after serving as the Police Chief since 2021.
2005/2011
Dr. F. Derek Scott, DMA, MM, Fairfax, Va., was selected as the new director of music for The City of Fairfax Band Association.
2014
Joni Deutsch, BA, Manning, S.C., was promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Audience Development at award-winning podcast services firm The Podglomerate. Deutsch formerly worked as the Vice President of Marketing and Audience Development, where she supervised audience growth strategies for acclaimed clients including Freakonomics Radio, NHPR’s Bear Brook (named the best true crime podcast by Stephen King), and NHPR’s The 13th Step, named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Audio Reporting and featured as a “best podcast of 2023” by “The New Yorker,” “Vogue” and “Vulture,” among others.
2016
Grace Ratcliff, BS, Nashville, Tenn., received her Master of Public Health degree from Vanderbilt University with a concentration in Health Policy; she completed a capstone project titled “Policy and Program Evaluation: Examining the Impacts of Preventative Health Measures on Community Well-being,” and she completed her practicum with GoCheck Kids, a biotechnology company focused on addressing vision impairment issues in pediatric populations. Ratcliff will stay in Nashville to join the Health Policy team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
DEATHS
Shirley Roberts Boothe, Ed.D., ‘58, Santa Maria, Calif., Aug. 3, 2024Richard L. Clingerman, BSEE ‘64, Rexford, N.Y., Sept. 10, 2023
Martin C. Coy, BS ‘68, Frederick, Md., July 17, 2024
Dr. John Harpell, Jr., Silver Spring, Md., March 8, 2024
Dr. Ronald C. Hill, B.A. ‘70, M.D. ’74, Sept. 4, 2023
Dr. Gregory W. Mitchell, ‘76, St. Petersburg, Fla., March 7, 2024
Freddy “Fred” Joe Reese, BS ‘65, Williamsburg, Va., July 16, 2024
Dr. Luise Beverly Matrone Savage, Ed.D. ‘87, Charlottesville, Va., July 17, 2024
Gordon Williams, BS ‘55, Glendale, Ariz., July 20, 2024
Barbara Mertins, 93, beloved professor of library science and children’s literature died Sept. 6, 2024, following a sudden illness. During her 27 years at WVU, Mertins was known not only for her expertise in the classes she taught, but for her genuine care for students. She was celebrated for her teaching style, mentoring students beyond the classroom and promoting a lifelong love of learning.
Elaine “Micki” Ginsberg, 88, former English department chair and professor in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences died Aug. 9, 2024. Ginsberg was known as a generous mentor and innovative administrator and well as the first woman to hold a chair both in her department and at Eberly. She also played a key role in establishing the Women’s and Gender Studies program and was an early advocate for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.
