John Philip Spoerl Scholarship Recipients
The WVU Potomac State College Alumni Association recently awarded two $500 scholarships based on the generous bequest by John Philip Spoerl, Class of 1963. John created a perpetual trust, as part of his estate, which funds scholarships for students enrolled in business administration at PSC. The most recent recipients are Chase Staggers and Isabella Hill.
Chase is a junior in the four-year business management program and has earned a place on the President’s List for all semesters that he’s attended Potomac State College. He interned at Timothy D. Rollins, CPA; is currently employed at Polish Pines Golf Course; serves as treasurer for the PSC Circle K Club; and is a member of the Keyser Presbyterian Church where he also volunteers his time.
“I feel truly blessed to receive this award and I would like to thank everyone at PSC who has helped me along my journey,” Chase said.
Isabella is a freshman business technology major from Ridgeley, WV, and earned a spot on the President’s List for fall 2022. She is an honors student, athlete, and musician; enjoys volunteering her time for community service; and is employed at Dairy Queen.
“Not only do I feel privileged to have received this scholarship, but I’m also more motivated to accomplish great things in the business world,” Isabella stated.
Anyone wanting to establish a scholarship, provide an endowment fund, or donate to the Scholarship Fund that supports WVU Potomac State College students like Chase and Isabella, should contact Dr. Kimberly Colebank, Interim Dean of University Relations, at kimberly.colebank@mail.wvu.edu.
Catamounts Climb Higher Award Recipients
Timothy Reidell – October 2022 PSC Catamounts Climb Higher Award
Pictured: Timothy Reidell (left) with Campus President Chris Gilmer
Some people might think that being homeschooled can place students at a disadvantage, but not the Catamount’s Climb Higher award recipient for October 2022, Timothy Reidell. He believes that challenges are merely obstacles to overcome which he has done since becoming a student at WVU Potomac State College.
“Being homeschooled may have placed me at a slight disadvantage because I'm not used to classrooms and the entire structure of public education. Although that has been a challenge, and still is sometimes, I find it an exciting challenge that I’m willing to conquer, “ Timothy said.
Timothy, a criminology major from Shinnston, WV, is involved with the Black Student Alliance (BSA), PSC Student Government Association, Baptist Community Ministries, and serves as secretary of the Film Club. He has spent some of his time outside of the classroom volunteering with the BSA at Helping Hands in Keyser and helped with the Suicide Awareness Paint Night earlier this semester.
He credits faculty, staff, friends, and family with helping him succeed academically, professionally, and in his personal life.
“These people have shown that they care about me, and it is a blessing to have them in my life. They push me to do better,” said Timothy.
When pressed for a specific faculty or staff member who has been a mentor to him, he added, “Shannon Meek is the first person who comes to my mind because she genuinely cares about me and everyone else. She will go the extra mile to help you with your needs and check up on you to ensure you are doing alright.”
Catamounts Climb Higher award recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles; for their resiliency in overcoming challenges or personal adversity; for exemplifying an outstanding work ethic inside and outside of the classroom; for practicing kindness; and for displaying a positive attitude. Faculty and staff at PSC nominate students they believe are deserving of the award, which is given each month during the academic year. While this award is not based on a student’s GPA, the recipient must be in good academic standing.
When asked what experiences he would like to share with incoming students, Reidell thoughtfully answered, “Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling with a class, mental health, or anything else. There is most likely a resource out there, and getting help shows that you’re a strong enough person to ask for it when needed.”
Kyle Sevens – November 2022
Any student attending college faces challenges, especially their first year — which in part — is what the Catamounts Climb Higher Award at WVU Potomac State College is all about. Non-traditional student, Kyle Sevens, who was recently named a Catamounts Climb Higher award recipient, hasn’t let first-year college challenges, or any other obstacles, stop him from seeking a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree at PSC.
Kyle was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2010, the year after he was married. MS is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve cells, thereby affecting the central nervous system and impacting the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. The nerve damage disrupts communication between the brain and the body.
“My plan was to graduate this year, but the MS roller coaster had different plans for me, so okay, life challenge accepted. I'll bounce back," Kyle said.
As a Catamounts Climb Higher Award recipient, Sevens is recognized for his ability to overcome challenges and stay the course. He is also recognized for his outstanding work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude.
“I can’t imagine how hard it is for Kyle,” said Jayne Gilbert, Director of Retention Initiatives, “he not only pushes through the difficulties of MS, but also volunteers his time to help others whenever he can. He also is facilitating a songwriting workshop once a week at the Indie on Main in Keyser.”
Catamounts Climb Higher award recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles; their resiliency in overcoming challenges or personal adversity; exemplifying an outstanding work ethic inside and outside of the classroom; for practicing kindness; and for displaying a positive attitude. Faculty and staff at PSC nominate students they believe are deserving of the award, which is given each month during the academic year. While this award is not based on a student’s GPA, the recipient must be in good academic standing.
Whitney Tasker – December 2022
“When I was looking for a college, Potomac State was always my first choice — it’s right here in my hometown and I love the smaller class settings. When I learned they were offering a four-year nursing degree, I was ecstatic and knew I had to apply,” Whitney Tasker said.
Whitney is a junior in the Bachelor of Science Nursing Program (BSN) on the Keyser campus and is the most recent Catamounts Climb Higher award recipient at WVU Potomac State College.
“I’ve wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. When I learned that I had been accepted into the nursing program, it was really special and validating for me because I worked so hard to get to that point,” she added.
In addition to serving as a member of the Student Nurses’ Association, Tasker volunteers monthly at the Mineral County Technical Center (MCTC) assisting with testing for Certified Nursing Assistants.
“This is a great learning experience, and it feels good to help out,” said Whitney, who was also a student at the MCTC while in high school.
According to WVU Keyser BSN Program Department Chair April Shapiro, Whitney exemplifies resilience to the max.
“When Whitney entered her sophomore year of nursing school in fall 2021, her father was very sick with cancer. He passed away when she was finishing her sophomore year (May 2022), so her entire sophomore year was nursing school by day and studying and being with her dad by night. Even though her father was very sick and fighting for his life, she did not miss time in school, stayed focused on her studies, and kept a smile on her face and a positive disposition,” Shapiro said.
“There were so many moments when I have been overwhelmed by all the homework, tests, and personal pain that it felt like I couldn’t do it all,” Tasker said. “My dad was one of my biggest supporters and when he unexpectedly passed away it was really challenging to find the strength to keep going. He never failed to tell me how proud he was of me and he continues to be my motivation to do my best every day.”
Whitney also credits the never-ending love and support she receives from family, friends and professors in the nursing department with helping her achieve her goals.
“I am so blessed to have them all. I can’t thank everyone in the nursing program enough for their guidance.”
“Even through her darkest hours, Whitney lived the values of the Catamounts Climb Higher initiative — kindness, positivity, and a strong work ethic — always eager to volunteer and help others on campus and in our community, even while going through her own struggles. She is a wonderful example to us all,” stated April Shapiro.
Whitney encourages other students to keep their eye on the prize and stick to their dreams because, “… every day that you’re trying you’re one step closer to achieving your dreams and the difficult days are only a part of the journey.”
Catamounts Climb Higher award recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles; for their resiliency in overcoming challenges or personal adversity; for exemplifying an outstanding work ethic inside and outside of the classroom; for practicing kindness; and for displaying a positive attitude. Faculty and staff at PSC nominate students they believe are deserving of the award, which is given each month during the academic year. While this award is not based on a student’s GPA, the recipient must be in good academic standing.
Richard Law – January 2023
Richard Law, a
sophomore business administration major from Beckley, WV, was recently named a
Catamounts Climb Higher award recipient at WVU Potomac State College.
“Richard is one of the main reasons that many of the returning men’s basketball players are still at Potomac State and still playing basketball,” said Kenna Jeffrey, a residence life specialist at PSC.
Most of the players were recruited by a former coach who accepted a job elsewhere last spring and when Richard found out that many of the players weren’t going to return, he took the long shot and decided to spend his summer talking with each one of them, encouraging them to return to play basketball and to complete their degree.
Richard is a guard on the men’s basketball team. He also serves as a resident assistant in Friend Hall, juggles a heavy academic workload, goes out of his way to make other students feel welcome, and has been named to the Dean’s List.
“Richard is a hard worker and will achieve whatever he puts his mind to. He’s one of the most kindhearted students I know,” stated Kenna Jeffrey. “I can count on him to help complete projects, even when he’s stepping outside of his comfort zone.”
Catamounts Climb Higher award recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles; for their resiliency in overcoming challenges or personal adversity; for exemplifying an outstanding work ethic inside and outside of the classroom; for practicing kindness; and for displaying a positive attitude. Faculty and staff at PSC nominate students they believe are deserving of the award, which is given each month during the academic year. While this award is not based on a student’s GPA, the recipient must be in good academic standing.
Quadruplets Join the Catamount Family
The Grinnan quadruplets are each other’s best friends. The siblings are freshmen at WVU Potomac State College. Pictured from left: Michael who is studying business technology, Chris is a pre-forensic investigative science major, Maria is also a business tech major, and Allie is studying biology.
WVU Potomac State College Interim President Chris Gilmer welcomed incoming students and their families during Move-In Day this past fall. Students came through the Davis Conference Center picking up their residence hall room assignments, securing meal plans, and tending to any unfinished business.
President Gilmer approached Mike Grinnan, a parent, who was surrounded by a group of young adults, and asked him, “And which one of these students will you be leaving with us today?”
Much to his surprise, Grinnan answered, “All of them.” It was in that moment that President Gilmer learned that the Grinnan Quadruplets — Maria, Chris, Allie, and Michael — would be joining the Catamount family.
“In all my 30 years in higher education, I’ve never had a set of quadruplets on my campus,” said President Gilmer. “You can imagine my surprise and excitement when I learned they chose PSC. We’re honored.”
The quadruplets are from Ashburn, VA, and were looking at schools relatively close to home and close to Elkins, WV, where they have family. Ashburn is two hours and fifteen minutes from Keyser with Elkins being approximately another additional hour and 40 minutes from Ashburn.
According to Michael, “We were also looking for a smaller campus because we knew we’d learn better in a more personal environment. WVU Potomac State College is a perfect fit for us.”
When talking with the quads, there’s no doubt they are each other’s best friends and enjoy hanging out with one another. Allie and Maria are roommates, and Chris and Michael are rooming together, like their bunking arrangements growing up at home. Allie and Michael, the two youngest of the four, are the more outspoken of the siblings.
Allie is studying biology with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. Chris is studying pre-forensic investigative science with interest in becoming a forensic scientist. Maria is a business technology major and knows she wants to be an entrepreneur managing her own business. Michael is also a business technology major with interests in supply chain and online commerce.
Thus far, the four are still learning about the various clubs on campus and spend their time outside of class studying, watching sports and hanging out together and with new friends.
Maria says, “I like how you can rely on the professors who are friendly, easy to find and accessible and willing to answer questions.”
“I like the culture,” Michael chimed in. “Everyone knows everyone else, almost like it’s a family. It’s a beautiful campus surrounded by mountains. I just love how pretty it is.”
Surprisingly though, the family learned about WVU Potomac State College through the recommendation of their grandmother, Bobbie (Ray) Grinnan, who attended the Keyser campus for three semesters from fall 1965 through the fall semester 1966.
“I lived in Reynolds Hall my first two semesters and then commuted from home the third semester because my father. This was ill why I didn’t return for a fourth semester,” said Bobbie.
She had graduated from a very small high school in Randolph County, WV, and remembers it being an easy transition between high school and college.
“I felt very comfortable on campus. The friends that I made were from similar rural backgrounds. The faculty were friendly and helpful. I enjoyed my time there,” Bobbie said.
It was for all these reasons that Bobbie met up with her four grandchildren and their parents on the PSC campus during summer 2022. They walked around while she shared with them her experiences and stories from when she was a student.
“I thought Potomac State College would be a great fit especially coming out of COVID,” Bobbie said. Her grandchildren grew up on 34 acres of wooded land and Bobbie also thought the rural setting would agree with them.
“Potomac State College gave me the inspiration to continue with my education,” said Bobbie, who went on to earn her associate degree from Fairmont State University and her Regents Bachelor of Arts degree through Glenville State University when she was in her 40s. After a career in social work, she and her husband retired to their farm near Elkins, WV.
Bobbie says at least one of the four siblings texts her every night to let her know how they are doing. Admittedly biased, Bobbie says the quadruplets are good kids who have always been their parents’, Sophia and Mike, priority.
“It’s quite an adjustment,” said Mike, when asked about being first-time empty nesters. “You go from being busy all the time with a house full of noises to just quiet now.”
“Although we’ve reverted back to life before we had kids,” Sophia interjected. “We’re hanging out and doing more together and we get to watch a whole TV show uninterrupted. Now it doesn’t take us three hours to watch a one-hour show, which is not an exaggeration,” she laughs. “But I wouldn’t have traded it for the world taking three hours to watch a show if it meant watching it with the kids.”
The quadruplets leave behind a menagerie of pets for their parents which include 20 chickens, one turkey, one guinea pig, two African grey parrots, one Sun conure parakeet, two dogs, and a cat named Mr. Pickles — not to mention the wildlife of foxes, raccoons, possums, bears, squirrels, deer, and a fisher that often travel their land.
Mike attended Fairmont State University one year before joining the marines. Later in life, he went back and earned a bachelor’s degree from Mountain State University. Sophia is graduated from the University of Maryland. They said WVU Potomac State College is close enough to home but still far enough away to allow their children their independence. As parents, it was important to them to choose a college to which they could be there in a couple hours.
“West Virginia is like a second home to them. Their Nan and Pap live there. We visit there all the time,” Sophia said. “We visited Potomac State College and they just fell in love with the campus. Everyone there was so nice and helpful. It was a natural fit.”
Sophia and Mike also recognized that their kids require routines as well as quiet when studying which is why the quads chose to be each other’s roommates. “They respect each other and know each other’s idiosyncrasies,” said Sophia.
Both Mike and Sophia are retired police officers from the Fairfax County Police Department with 26 and 25 years, respectively. Mike currently serves as an investigator for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General and Sophia is a 911 dispatcher and call taker for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
When asked what advice they gave their children as they went off to college, Mike said, “Put forth your best effort. School comes first. It’s not cheap sending four kids to college. Mom and Dad are still working to send you to school, so you need to put forth the effort to keep yourselves there.”
That said, the Grinnan quads received scholarships and financial aid to help offset the cost of tuition. “In the end, the cost was only a bit more than in-state tuition,” Mike said. “It helps quite a bit.”
According to Sophia, as retired police officers, they are proponents of safety and awareness. “One thing we never did was paint a false picture of life. We’ve always shared reality with them — what we learned on the streets — both good and bad. They are compassionate and empathetic kids, but they are all fiercely aware of their surroundings and the buddy system,” she said.
“We tell them to have fun, meet new friends, have your experiences, but do it responsibly and use good judgment, said Sophia. “And if one of them starts steering in the wrong direction, because we all make mistakes, they have each other’s backs. And most importantly, appreciate what you have — not materialistically — but family and each other.”