Award recipients are selected by the Internal Affairs Committee of Alumni Council from nomination forms submitted by alumni and friends of Bethany. Nominees may be graduates or former students who transferred in good standing from Bethany. Recipients are honored at the Alumni Awards Banquet.
Nominations are accepted in the following categories:
Awardees are recognized for achievements and contributions to their profession or field.
2021 – Cheryl Ryan Harshman ’74, Rick Jackson ’78, Stephen Ruben ’70
2020 – Mark Bado ’87
2019 – Kurt G. Franck ’78, Journalism
2018 – Peter Jensen ’81
2018 – Dr. Edward Phillips Polack ’67
2017 – Dr. Dean Haubrich ’64, Thomas Miller ’77
2016 – Salvatore Marranca ’68
2015 – Dr. Elizabeth Flanagan ’74, Education
2014 – Dr. Cheryl Mitchell ’76, Chemistry
2013 – Kaye (Gorenflo) Hearn ’72, Law
2012 – Dr. Kathleen Downey ’75, Medicine
2011 – Dr. W. Blair Geho ’60, Medicine
2011 – Steffanie D. (Jones) Lewis ’58, Law
2010 – Chad Barnett ’96, Education
2007 – William Allen ’62, Religion/Ministry
2007 – Sandra Block ’81, Journalism
2006 – Kathy (Porter) Fuller ’87, Education
2006 – Steven McKinley ’73, Military Service
2005 – Meta Michaelsen Downes ’58, Education
2005 – Mark Melson ’72, Fine Arts
2004 – Donald Megerle ’69, Higher Education/Coaching
2004 – Gary Winterstein ’85, Military Service
2003 – John Bertram ’67, Public Health
2003 – Scott Prouty ’82, Music
2002 – Adrian Melott ’68, Physics and Astronomy
2002 – Jennifer Riggs ’68, Religion
2001 – John Schriver ’59, Medicine
2001 – Gerald Pifer ’61, Medicine
2000 – George Albee ’43, Psychology
2000 – Donald Arnold ’57, Chemistry
1999 – Bonnie J. Monte ’76, Arts Management
1999 – William Somplatsky- Jarman ’69, Religious/Environmental Relations
1998 – Philip W. Hall ’48, Medicine
1997 – Arthur B. Keys Jr. ’67, International Humanitarian Development
1997 – Bonnie (Bowman) Thurston ’74, Religion
1997 – William A. Wyman ’64, Music
1996 – K. Robert Orr ’75, Journalism
1996 – Margaret A. Wissman ’77, Veterinary Medicine
1995 – Marion G. Burns ’45, Youth Services
1995 – John E. Niederhuber ’60, Medicine
1994 – Marjorie (Hunter) Copenhaver ’44, Business
1994 – W. Marc Harshman ’73, Literature
1994 – Harry G. Lang ’69, Education
1993 – John H. Keppel ’43, Ministry
1993 – Earl W. Lindveit ’50, Science
1993 – John N. McLaughlin ’53, Business
1992 – Edward O. Elsasser ’42, Education
1992 – Dorothy (Daniel) France ’50. Ministry
1991 – Donald H. Cloudsley ’48, Library Administration
1991 – G. Malcom Cottington ’50, Medicine
1991 – Robert Goin ’59, Athletic Administration
1991 – Nathan S. Smith ’55, Ministry
1990 – David Cortes ’76, Ministry
1990 – Scarlett L. Foster ’79, Business Communication
1990 – Dorothy and Joe Funk ’40, Public Service
1990 – Jeffrey L. Seglin ’78, Journalism
1990 – David S. Sims ’75, Sports Communication
1989 – Kenneth B. Armitage ’49, Biological Research
1989 – John C. Erskine ’39, Government Service
1989 – Raymond B. McClain ’58, Education
1988 – N. Vernon Blankenship ’50, Ministry
1988 – Robert A. Hurford ’50, Business
1987 – Anthony Furman ’57, Communications
1987 – Donald Wagenheim ’62, Business
1986 – Milton S. Carlin ’36, Journalism
1986 – Emerson G. Hess ’36, Law and Business
1985 – Paul A. Kohl ’74, Science
1984 – Charles L. Perry ’59, International Affairs
1984 – William J. Nottingham ’49, Ministry
1983 – Lawrence A. Caliguiri ’55, Science and Medicine
1983 – Malcolm W. Rush ’32, Business
1982 – Albert L. Filoni ’64, Architecture
1982 – Noel Wical ’32, Communications
1981 – Eleanor Steindorf Johnson ’31, Medicine
1981 – James W. Lenhart ’34, Religion
1981 – William E. Lewellen ’48, Business
1981 – Darrell K. Wolfe ’41, Communication
1980 – Esther McCandless ’44, Science
1980 – Charles A. McKee ’55, Education
1980 – Robert S. Tuck ’22, Religion
1979 – Robert F. Cory ‘34, Business
1979 – Emerson Heilman ‘54, Business
1979 – E. Morton Miller ‘29, Education
1979 – Dwight E. Stevenson ‘29, Religion
1978 – Ray S. Musgrave ‘33, Science
1978 – D. Glenn Rose ‘52, Education
1978 – W. Elbert Starn ‘28, Church Services
1977 – Harold G. Elsam ‘23, Church Services
1977 – E. Russell McGregor ‘52, Education
1977 – James H. Ott ‘68, Business and Industry
1976 – R. Harrison Bolen ‘65, Church Services
1976 – David A. Butz ‘60, Business and Industry
1976 – Emily K. Jones ‘27, Education
1975 – Panos D. Bardis ‘50, Education
1975 – D. Robert Beard ‘49, Business and Industry
1975 – Harold R. Watkins ‘50, Church Services
1974 – Thomas Buergenthal ‘57, Law
1974 – Marjorie H. Buckholz ‘35, Education
1974 – Frank Donics ‘47, Business
1974 – Helen (Pierce) Elbin ‘28, Arts
1974 – William Boyd Grove ‘51, Ministry
1974 – Francis J. Love ‘24, Government
1974 – Ben E. Lusk ‘67, Journalism
1974 – Dorothy A. Porter ‘50, Medicine
1973 – John E. Carrigan ‘34, Government Service
1973 – Donald D. Cover ‘38, Church Service
1973 – Harold C. Doster ‘53, Education
1973 – Robert B. Golbey ‘43, National Science
1973 – Frank J. Leach ‘50, Business and Industry
1972 – Carl C. Francis ‘23, Education
1971 – Paul L. Bruhn ‘33, Business
1970 – Barbara G. Schutt ‘42, Medicine
1969 – Victor J. Herbert Sr. ‘40, Business
1968 – Raymond L. Henthorne ‘36, Education
1967 – Beatrice (Kane) McLain ‘26, International Education
1966 – The Family of William and Virginia Erskine ‘04: Ruth ‘28, Hugh ‘30, William ‘31, John ‘39, Mildred ‘42, Public Service;
1966 – Stanton C. Crawford ‘18, ‘40, Education
1965 – Raymond K. Sheline ‘43, Chemistry
1964 – Alfred R. Bone ‘28, Business
1963 – Eugene Miller ‘47, Journalism
1962 – Edward J. Green ‘30, Business
1960 – A. Dale Fiers ‘29, Religion
1959 – W. Arthur Rush ‘29, Entertainment
1958 – J. Park McCullen ‘17, Medicine
This award was established by the Office of the President to recognize alumni who have demonstrated loyalty to the College and exceptional achievement throughout their lives, both professionally and in service to the community.
2015 – Sven de Jong ’95
2014 – Elizabeth (Sweeney) Athol ’82
2013 – Jeffrey Flick ’82
2012 – Marc B. Chernenko ’78
2012 – Joyce Dumbaugh Chernenko ’78
2011 – Dr. Rodney B. Hurl ’52
2010 – George Davis ’78
Given periodically to recognize alumni who demonstrate significant leadership and service to their region or community.
2021 – Megan Tarbett ’00
2020 – Reverend Amos Acree ’69
2019 – Lynn Menzel Inlow ’70
2018 – R. Darryl Ponton ’68
2017 – Lee Smedley ’72
2017 – Dean Sparks ’75
2016 – Dr. Nick Sarap ’63
2016 – Nancy Sarap ’63
2016 – Dayna Snell ’87
2015 – Rev. Dr. Robert Perry ’69
2014 – Donald Wells ’43
2011 – Rev. Dennis Sparks ’71
2010 – D. Gail Frankle ’77
2008 – David Jolliffe ’74
2007 – Logan Hassig ’70
2005 – Robert Chambers ’60
2005 – Charlotte (Myers) ’61 Chambers
2003 – Scott King ’94
2002 – Charles E. Schwertfeger ’71
2000 – Bruce Robeson ’56
1999 – Dr. Stephen D. Ratcliffe ’74
1998 – Jan (Campbell) Gazard ’72
1996 – Mario DiPaolo ’51
1995 – James H. Paige III ’82
1993 – Andrea J. Rock ’78
1990 – Joseph W. Mayernick ’72
1988 – Arthur M. Read II ’68
1987 – John S. Cluss ’37
1985 – Albert Kuti ’38
1983 – John G. Patterson ’38
1982 – Roberta (Chantler) Holt ’32
1979 – Layton Horner ’37
1977 – Elmer L. Jackson ’27
1976 – Nicholas Winowich ’49
1975 – H. Ray Zimmerman ’38
1974 – Forrest H. Kirkpatrick ’27
1973 – Donald E. Lewis ’33
The highest recognition award given to one recipient annually for alumni involvement, volunteer service and support to Bethany.
2020 – John Somsky ’71
2019 – Paul Chewning ’75
2015 – Douglas Miller ’77
2014 – George Manahan ’83
2012 – Sharon Bogarad ’76
2010 – Ken Bado ’77
2008 – Linda Comins ’77
2007 – Ruth Caine ’64
2006 – Archie Pollock ’55
2005 – Joyce Dumbaugh Chernenko ’78
2004 – Neil Christman ’55
2002 – James F. Companion ’63
2001 – Gene C. Valentine ’72
2000 – Robert McCann ’80
1998 – Sally (Schreiver) Bado ’50
1997 – Linda D. Lewis ’61
1996 – Ann (Wilkin) Trombadore ’51
1995 – Ann (Cochran) Preston ’56
1994 – Donald R. Ford ’53
1993 – Joseph M. Sakach ’58
1992 – Forrest H. Kirkpatrick ’27
1991 – Dale S. Laughner ’51
1990 – Richard J. Meess ’50
1989 – S. Kenneth Schonberg ’61
1988 – Robert ’34 Cory
1988 – Katherine (Smith) ’36 Cory
1987 – John R. Taylor ’44
1986 – Helen Louise McGuffie ’36
1985 – Joseph M. Kurey ’62
1984 – William F. Porter ’40
1983 – Robert Lee Martin ’40
1981 – Luta M. Gordon ’31
1980 – William R. Hoag ’50
1979 – A. Dale Fiers ’29
1978 – Robert A Sandercox ’54
1977 – Rodney B. Hurl ’52
1976 – Wilbur H Cramblet Jr. ’42
1975 – Nancy (Tomasek) Ratcliffe ’44
1974 – Virgil L. Elliott ’28
1974 – Frank Green ’02
1974 – Helen (Tinsley) Haushalter ’07
1974 – John M. Lewis ’16
1973 – Edwin F. Schulz ’51
1972 – Paul E. Schaefer ’26
1971 – Charles D. Bell ’45
1970 – James Lee Collins ’49
1969 – Wilbur H. Cramblet Jr. ’42
1968 – Michael J. Kasarda ’31
1967 – Forrest Allen Pruitt Jr. ’32
1966 – M. Jane (Carfer) Theobald ’33
1966 – John Marshall ’02
1965 – John S. Cluss ’37
1964 – Malcolm W. Rush ’32
1963 – John E. Costello ’40
1962 – Josephine (Sheets) Wickerham ’36
1961 – E. Kenneth Resseger ’33
1960 – Wilbur H. Cramblet ’10
1959 – R. Richard Renner ’17
1958 – Maynard Patton ’16
Presented periodically to a Bethany faculty member. Nominees need not be alumni.
2019 – Harald Menz
2007 – John T. Burns
2006 – Katherine Shelek-Furbee
2005 – Michael P. Mihalyo Jr.
2004 – W. Randolph Cooey ’64
2002 – Kenneth L. Morgan ’71
2001 – Wallace B. Neel
1999 – T. Gale Thompson
1998 – Robyn R. Cole
1996 – Gary H. Kappel ’74
1995 – Stanley L. Becker
1994 – Albert R. Buckelew Jr.
1993 – John D. Davis
1992 – John U. Davis ’56
1991 – Lynn F. Adkins
1990 – Gary E. Larson
1989 – Anthony L. Mitch
1988 – Pauline R. Nelson
1987 – John H. Hull
1986 – David J. Judy
1985 – James E. Allison ’62
1984 – James W. Carty Jr.
1983 – William L. Young ’47
1982 – John R. Taylor ’44
1981 – Larry E. Grimes ’64
1980 – Robert E. Myers ’54
1979 – John D. Draper
1978 – Richard B. Kenney
1977 – Helen Lousie McGuffie ’36
Awarded periodically to non-alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the mission, goals and programs of Bethany College through volunteer service or financial support.
2006 – Jeanne Cobb
2005 – Evelyn Casey Steen
2003 – Thomas P. Johnson Jr.
2002 – George Miller
2001 – Suzi Cummins
1996 – Elizabeth B. Vannelle
1993 – Joanne F. Sykes
1992 – Ruth L. Westlake
1987 – John S. Cunningham
1984 – Darline B. Nicholson
Created by the Alumni Council in 1997 to honor Robert A. Sandercox ’54 for his outstanding dedication and contributions to the College, the award is to be presented only on rare occasions to the select few who demonstrate a level of commitment to Bethany and the educational community that is not easily rivaled.
2020 – Scarlett Foster ’79
2016 – Dr. Larry Grimes ’64
2013 – William Kiefer ’71
1998 – Charles D. Bell ’45
1997 – Robert A. Sandercox ’54
Enshrined on the walls of Bethany College are the names of her most distinguished sons and daughters. Their extraordinary influence and stature in their discipline, profession or field of human service at the international, national or state levels reflect the enduring high honor and excellence of the College.
The Bethany Alumni Wall of Fame is dedicated to challenging students to achieve greatness in their chosen discipline, profession or field of service; to perpetuate the renown of Bethany College and the achievements of her alumni; and to encourage all to seek and gain high purpose and attainment in life.
The concept of this memorial was expressed by Forrest H. Kirkpatrick ’27, for the purpose of inspiring Bethany students to emulate the attainments of their Alma Mater’s most eminent alumni.
Class of 1868 – George T. Oliver, Industrialist, US Senate
Class of 1890 – Edgar O. Lovett, Founding President, Rice University
Class of 1944 – Esther L. McCandless, Biology Researcher, Professor
Class of 1886 – Herbert L. Willett, Biblical Scholar, Professor
Class of 1918 – Stanton C. Crawford, Chancellor, University of Pittsburgh
Class of 1939 – John C. Erskine, Government Service, Educator
Class of 1929 – A. Dale Fiers, Religion
Class of 1945 – James R. Schuyler, Pulitzer Prize Author
Class of 1905 – Henry A. Procter, Member, British Parliament
Class of 1919 – George M. Sutton, Ornithologist, Bird Artist
Class of 1852 – Archibald W. Campbell, Newspaper Editor, Publisher
Class of 1874 – Archibald McLean, President of Bethany College, Religion
Class of 1923 – Mae Yoho Ward, Educator, Religion
Class of 1923 – Carl C. Francis, Medical Researcher, Writer
Class of 1873 – J. Beauchamp Clark, Speaker of the House, US House
Class of 1875 – Mark M. Cochran, Industrialist
Class of 1877 – Joseph R. Lamar, US Supreme Court Justice
Class of 1940 – Kenneth W. Underwood, Author, Educator, Social Ethics
Class of 1876 – W. H. Woolery President of Bethany College
Class of 1942 – Barbara G. Schutt, Nursing Professor, Administrator
Class of 1917 – Malcolm L. Norment, Missionary, Leprosy Clinic Founder
Class of 1927 – DeLoris M. Stevenson, Braillist, Researcher, Writer
Class of 1902 – John Marshall, Deputy US Attorney General
Class of 1929 – Dwight E. Stevenson, Author, Educator, Religion
Class of 1908 – W. K. Woolery, Educator, Historian, Bethany College
Class of 1897 – John P. Sala, Religion
Class of 1910– Wilbur H. Cramblet Sr., President of Bethany College
Class of 1924 – Francis J. Love, US House
Class of 1934 – John E. Carrigan, WV Senate, Supreme Court Justice
Class of 1869 – Earl W. Oglebay, Industrialist Banker
Class of 1889 – William R. Warren, Author, Editor, Religion
Class of 1891 – Charles H. Irvin, Business and Industry
Class of 1910 – Bert R. Johnson, Religion
Class of 1876 – Benjamin B. Odell, US House, NY Governor
Class of 1916 – Caroline Gordon, Author
Class of 1917 – R. Richard Renner, Physician, Hospital Founder
Class of 1906 – Lorne W. Barclay, Executive, Boy Scouts of America
Class of 1926 – Edgar L. Warren, Government Service, Mediator
Class of 1892 – William H. Hanna, Religion, Missionary
Class of 1927 – Forrest H. Kirkpatrick, Educator, Industrialist, Philanthropist
To be eligible, nominees must have graduated 10 years prior to the current year and must have shown significant contributions to athletics, to their profession or community and to the College. Those selected are honored at the Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet during Homecoming weekend.
To nominate alumni for the Greek Hall of Fame Award, please fill out this form by 9 a.m. March 13.