Saturday, March 20, 2010


Contact Info

Reich College of Education
730 Rivers Street
Boone, NC 28608

Phone: +1-828-262-2232
Fax: +1-828-262-2128


Rhododendron Society

2009 Rhododendron Additions
2009 inductees into the Reich College of Education's Rhododendron Society are Marie Furches, left, Carl Clarke and Cindy Poe. They were honored for their exemplary service to education and community. (Photo by University Photographer Marie Freeman)

B. B. Dougherty displayed great energy and vision in 1899 when he set out to create a training institute for the preparation of teachers. How great the results of his efforts are is shown plainly by the remarkable and exemplary accomplishments of our alumni. In order to recognize these distinguished alumni, the Reich College of Education established the Rhododendron Society during the centennial year 1999.

The Rhododendron Society recognizes graduates of Appalachian State University whose service as teachers, librarians, human service professionals or administrators has reflected great credit on themselves and the University. New members of the Society will be inducted each year at the Black and Gold Reunion luncheon. The symbol of the rhododendron was selected because it is native to our state, and blooms profusely on and around the Appalachian campus, bringing color and beauty to all who have been a part of the life of our university. The symbol also is particularly significant for Appalachian because for years, the yearbook of the university was called The Rhododendron, and within its pages were captured the many historical moments, activities, and accomplishments of Appalachian students and the University. Because we, too, in the Reich College of Education wish to celebrate our alumni's accomplishments and contributions, the Rhododendron Society will carry on the tradition. Inductees into the Society receive a framed certificate, and an original work of art in glass that captures the rhododendron motif.

Yearly Membership Additions

2009
Carl L ewis Clarke '52 '77
Marie Furches '80
Cynthia "Cindy" Mullen Poe '76 '78 '82

2008
William D. "Bill" Killian '43 '60
Judy Gibson Mays '69 '72
Peggy Badgett Rickert '56

2007
Daisy Austin Adams '39
Betty Anne Robinson Quinn '54
Robert Deaton '56 '58

2006
JoAnne Vannoy Goetz '56
Gene Sweezy '54 '59 '81
Billy Viger '72 '73

2005
Chancel Brown '54 '61 '69 '71
A.C. Larrimore '54 '57
Dr. Cleet C. Cleetwood '43
Dr. Swanson Richards '52 '57

2004
Linda Morrison Combs
Julian C. Yoder
Ruth Smith Greene

2003
Izoria and Bryce Gordon '49
Helen Beatty Heafner '42
L. Dent Miller '55

2002
Minnie Lou Edward Irwin '41
John F. Woodruff '54
Richard Lee Zuber '54

2001
Everette Michael Latta '61

2000
William R. Edwards '40
Nellie Gabriel Hobson '46
Gloria McLendon Houston '62

1999
Jennie McBride Boger '29
Marjorie Crisp '34
Bob Hamp Greene '57
C. Owen Phillips '68
Jay M. Robinson '50