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Alumna and Alumnus of the Year

(L to R): Victor Scherrer (accepting the honor on Sallie’s behalf), ALC President Joe Stepp, and Charles “Chuck” Stamper

On the evening of Friday, September 19th, Alice Lloyd College held its 18th annual Alumna & Alumnus of the Year Awards Banquet. This special event provides the College an opportunity to honor two of its outstanding alumni and celebrate their lives of service and leadership. Family and friends were in attendance at the banquet, which was hosted inside ALC’s beautifully restored Cushing Hall. Alumni Association President, Mrs. Kimberly Jones, presided over the program. ALC President, Dr. Joe A. Stepp, was also in attendance to give remarks and present recognition awards.

This year’s honorees were Mr. Charles “Chuck” E. Stamper, Class of 1991, of Paintsville, KY, and Mrs. Sallie Conley Scherrer, Class of 1941, who passed away earlier this year. Her husband, Mr. Victor Scherrer, of Johnson City, TN, accepted this honor on Sallie’s behalf.

Biographies for Mrs. Scherrer and Mr. Stamper follow:

Sallie Conley Scherrer (1923-2014) was a native of Floyd County and a graduate of Garrett High School. One of seven children, Sallie was raised in a family that considered education a priority. She and several of her siblings attended Caney Junior College, where, in 1941, Sallie earned an Associate’s degree. Sallie then went on to complete a Bachelor’s degree at Berea College, where she also met her future husband, Victor E. Scherrer. She received a Master’s degree at the University of Kentucky and pursued advanced studies at the University of North Carolina and North Eastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Sallie embarked upon a career in education which began in rural Floyd County. In 1948, when Sallie and Victor married, Victor’s career with the Naval Research Laboratory led them to relocate to Washington, D.C. There, Sallie taught junior high school in the Embassy section of the District of Columbia and later served as a reading specialist, guidance counselor, and a principal in Maryland. She also taught at Estabrook Elementary in Lexington, Massachusetts, a school that is considered to be among the finest in the country. Sallie received many awards and recognitions for her contributions to education. At the age of 70, she retired from teaching and began a successful career in real estate in Washington, D.C.

A compassionate and caring woman, Sallie adored and faithfully supported her husband, and their two children, Huel Conley Scherrer and Marla Jane Scherrer Merrick, in their endeavors and careers. In later years, her grandchildren and great-grandchild provided her with additional joy. Sallie’s life of service and leadership greatly endeared her to others. She was involved in numerous organizations including the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, Legal Women Voters, the National Educators Association, International Reading Association, Elderhostel, and the 70+ Ski Club.

Caney Junior College provided Sallie with a strong foundation which, in many ways, contributed to her successful and accomplished life. She was always grateful for the opportunities she received on Caney Creek, and was one of the school’s most generous and dedicated ambassadors. The world truly lost a treasure when Sallie passed on to her eternal home on March 15, 2014. However, her legacy of selfless service –instilled by the Purpose Road Philosophy – continues to inspire the lives of others.

Charles “Chuck” Stamper grew up in Knott County, and was raised in a family with strong ties to Alice Lloyd College: his father and grandfather attended Caney Junior College, his great-grandfather, Sam Slone, was one of Alice Lloyd’s first advocates, and three of his six siblings attended ALC. Considering this history, it came as no surprise when Chuck decided to also further his education there.

While attending ALC, Chuck strengthened his intrinsic leadership qualities. He served as president of ALC’s chapter of Kappa Delta Epsilon, was a member of the drama club, and had the distinct opportunity of directing JBS student productions. In 1991, Chuck earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Middle School Education. He later received a Master of Science Degree in Vocational Education from the University of Kentucky in 1999. Chuck is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership from Morehead State University.

Chuck is a highly regarded educator and community leader. His career with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service began twenty-four years ago in Floyd County, where his primary responsibility was overseeing the 4-H program. Chuck now holds the position of Special Projects Coordinator and Extension Fine Arts Program Leader. His professional accomplishments, awards, and recognitions are numerous.

Chuck’s personal contributions to his community and region are diverse and prolific. He was a founding member of the Institute for Dyslexic Education in Appalachia and has dedicated much of his personal time as an advocate for families with dyslexia. He serves as chair of the Citizen Foster Care Review Boards in Floyd, Johnson, and Pike counties. Chuck is also an ordained Deacon and Vacation Bible School Director at Paintsville First Baptist Church.

Chuck resides in Paintsville with his wife, Stephanie, and their eleven year old daughter, Emma. He is a devoted family man who enthusiastically supports his wife and daughter in their activities and encourages their aspirations.

As an ambassador for ALC, Chuck’s service and dedication are immeasurable. He has held leadership positions in the Floyd County Alumni Chapter and the Alumni Association. Chuck was also instrumental in establishing the Sarah Laven Purpose Road Scholarship and the Campus Spirit Award. He embodies the Purpose Road Philosophy, and has taught this concept to students over the years. His life and personal journey along the Purpose Road exudes positivity that encourages and inspires others to begin their paths toward service and leadership.