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Gilpin lands McMurran Sholarship

By Staff | Nov 25, 2011

The McMurran Scholars Association has awarded its new scholarship, established through the Shepherd University Foundation, to graduate student Laura Gilpin of Martinsburg. The McMurran Scholars Association Scholarship is an annual award designated for McMurran Scholars attending Shepherd as full- or part-time graduate students.

Gilpin is pursuing a master of arts in education and hopes to teach in Berkeley or Jefferson County.

“This scholarship helps ease the financial burden associated with graduate studies,” Gilpin said. “It enables me to focus clearly on my classes and worry less about how to pay for them.”

Gilpin’s love of teaching is evident as she works toward her goal. Currently substitute teaching and volunteering at the school her children attend, she said, “I eagerly anticipate the day when I have a classroom and students of my own.”

The McMurran Scholars Association, sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation, promotes and honors scholarly inquiry and academic excellence among those students who have received Shepherd University’s most prestigious honor, the McMurran Scholar award. The organization seeks to model applications of scholarly work both on campus and in the wider community, provide networking opportunities among its members and mentor current Shepherd students. Visit the association’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/McMurranScholars.

The McMurran Scholar award was established in 1961 by Professor Kenneth Riley, who served on the first Honors Committee. McMurran Scholars must complete a minimum of 92 semester hours, maintain at least a 3.8 grade point average, and complete two consecutive semesters at Shepherd University. Each scholar is nominated by a minimum of three faculty members and approved by the faculty at large.

The McMurran Scholars Association welcomes all McMurran Scholars interested in donating their time and talent to the organization. A resource directory is being compiled and all interested McMurran Scholars are asked to complete an information form.

The directory will allow Shepherd faculty to utilize scholars in the classroom and for other student mentoring activities currently in development.

For more information about the McMurran Scholars Association and to complete a resource directory form, please contact Robert Shaw at the Shepherd University Foundation, P.O. Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443, 304-876-5195, rshaw02@shepherd.edu, or visit www.shepherd.edu/aaweb/mcmurran.

Jessie Slonaker and Patrick Gleason were united in marriage Sept. 4, 2011 at the Historic McFarland House in Martinsburg. The Rev. Diana Cooper performed the double ring ceremony. Jessie is the daughter of Brad and Karen Slonaker, of Bunker Hill. Patrick is the son of Tom and Beth Gleason, of Hedgesville.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a beautiful ivory, satin trumpet gown with a satin belt accented with Swarovski crystals. She carried a bouquet of red gerbera daisies, mango calla lilies, and roses created by her mother, Karen Slonaker owner of Inwood Florist & Gift. The groom wore a black tuxedo with an ivory vest and tie.

Matron of Honor was Leanne Gochenour, sister of the bride; maid of honor was Carrie Slonaker, sister of the bride; bridesmaid was Lora Asbury, friend of the bride. The bridesmaids wore red satin knee length dresses. Each carried smaller bouquets similar to the bride’s. The flower girl was Grace Gochenour, niece of the bride. She wore an ivory dress and carried a basket of red roses.

Best Man was Chris Orr, friend of the groom; groomsmen were Josh Hess, friend of the groom; and Luke Mason, friend of the groom. All the groomsmen wore black tuxedos with red vests and ties. The ring bearer was Connor Gleason, son of the groom. Connor also wore a black tuxedo with a red vest and tie.

Following the ceremony, the reception was held at the Historic McFarland House. The four-tiered cake was made and decorated by Cindy Sweets in Williamsport, Md., and accented with flowers by Karen Slonaker, mother of the bride.

After a honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic the couple resides in their home in Gerrardstown. Patrick is currently employed as an Automotive Technician at Feltner’s Automotive in Martinsburg. Jessie is currently employed as an Associate Advisor at Hoxton Financial, Inc in Shepherdstown.