Alderson Broaddus University welcomed hundreds of guests to campus over the Homecoming weekend on Oct. 4-7. The annual celebration hosted a variety of events that featured renowned alumni and honored friends of AB.
The crowning of Homecoming King and Queen kicked-off the festivities, with students Terrell Hightower and Jaymie Snider named respectively. Hightower is a senior from Orlando, Florida representing the Lambda Omega Mu fraternity, and Snider is a senior from Grafton representing the Student Psychology Association.
“Homecoming is a special time that allows us to come back home to the mountaintop and reminisce with old friends and make new memories,” President Tim Barry said. “It’s also a time to honor those who have contributed to AB’s culture, heritage, and success over the years.”
During AB’s annual Alumni Awards Banquet, the University paid tribute to the success of its graduates by bestowing honors to five deserving alumni.
Tony A. Burdette, a 1999 graduate from Independence, Kentucky, was honored with the Alumni Achievement Award for outstanding contributions in his chosen profession. Burdette possesses a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance, church music, and music education from AB and a master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He is the founding artistic director and conductor of voices for the Commonwealth, a 75-member adult chorus with a reputation of presenting high quality and innovative choral programs. The chorus has performed in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and England.
The Distinguished Alumni Award, representing outstanding service to the University, was presented to 1971 graduate Gregg L. Montgomery of Flanders, New Jersey. Montgomery obtained his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from AB and earned a master’s in education from East Stroudsburg. He has accumulated numerous awards during his career and continues to assist AB’s physical education program through donating valuable equipment and mentoring students.
Dean K. Wright, a 1980 graduate from Huntington, was honored with the Hu C. and Avanelle Myers Award. This award recognizes achievement and leadership in the physician assistant profession. After acquiring his master’s in physician assistant studies, Wright became the first surgical PA at Wheeling Hospital and began a rotation site for AB physician assistant students. Wright has received various honors over the years, including West Virginia Physician Assistant of the Year.
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award, which recognizes an individual for exceptional achievement in their field within 10 years of graduation, was presented to 2008 graduate Samario Clancy. Clancy received his degree in administration and management information systems from AB and possesses a master’s in technology management from Pittsburgh’s Carlow University. He now serves as a basketball analytic assistant for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA. Clancy also created his own basketball analytics company, E3 Hoops Analytics, LLC, which provides in-depth data and video analysis to high school and club basketball teams by tracking each play and the players’ moves in every game.
Every year, a Lord and Lady are selected to preside over the Homecoming festivities. This distinction was awarded to J.D. and Linda (Funk) Long, a couple who differentiated themselves through their service, dedication, and gifts to AB. J.D. Long graduated from AB in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, and Linda graduated in 1982 with a bachelor’s in elementary education. They have resided in Philippi for 38 years and have devoted their lives to educating the community’s youth.
“AB has some amazing alumni, and this year we were so blessed to have so many distinguished alumni return to the mountaintop and help us celebrate one another’s lifelong achievements,” President Barry said.
This year’s Homecoming represented milestones for several groups. AB’s Class of 1968 celebrated its 50th-year reunion and induction into the E.J. Willis Society, and two Greek organizations—Phi Kappa Delta and Chi Sigma Nu—celebrated their 55th-year reunion with receptions and fellowship on campus.
