BSC Honors Five Alumnae as
“Pioneers in Education”

Bluefield State College alumnae (left-to-right) Susie Guyton, Fannie Simpson Poole, Virginia Clark Hebert, and Eunice Burrell Fleming were honored as “Pioneers in Education” during a recent program at BSC. Harriette Simon Wright, who was unable to attend the program, was also honored as a “Pioneer in Education.”

(Bluefield)—Recalling the life lessons they learned as Bluefield State College students and passed along to several generations of students during a combined 175 years in area classrooms, five BSC alumnae were honored during the recent “Pioneers in Education” program at Bluefield State College.

The honorees included Virginia Clark Hebert (class of 1932), Fannie Simpson Poole (class of 1942), Eunice Burrell Fleming (class of 1944), Harriette Simon Wright (class of 1951), and Susie Guyton (class of 1953). During a 40-minute video that included excerpts from interviews with each honoree, the BSC alumnae told of the instruction, love, discipline, commitment-to-excellence and direction they received from faculty, administrators, and fellow students during their years at the College.

BSC archivist Peggy Turnbull and the College’s Director of Television Services Jerry Connor collaborated to produce the interviews and the video, and the program was organized by Dedriell Taylor, BSC’s Interim Director of Multicultural Affairs, and the Multicultural Affairs Advisory Committee.

“These five alumnae are examples of what education is truly all about,” noted Norris Kantor, chairman of the BSC Board of Governors. “It is very fitting that we recognize their years of success and achievement.

Dr. Don Smith, Vice President for Academic Affairs, added, “These five pioneers have truly persevered. Today is a celebration of their distinguished careers.”

Each honoree received plaques of appreciation from the College, along with gifts from the BSC Black Student Organization, and flowers from the School of Education. Dr. Thomas Blevins, Dean of the School of Education, and Dr. Elisabeth Steenken, Director of Teacher Education, also saluted the achievements of the “pioneers.”

The program in the Hebert Gallery, Harris-Jefferson Student Center, on BSC’s campus, attracted students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders.

April 26, 2007