Bluefield University Spire Winter 2025-2026

ALUMNI NEWS

21

Bluefield Honors 2025 Alumni Award Recipients

DaMarcus Wimbush ‘20 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee For five seasons, DaMarcus anchored the Rams football team’s defense as a fierce inside linebacker, proudly wearing the number 54. He left Bluefield University as the All-Time Career Leader in Tackles and the All-Time Career Leader in Tackles for Loss, cementing his place among the greatest to ever wear the Rams uniform. Under Mike’s leadership, Bluefield Baseball has surpassed 500 career victories in 2024, captured the 2009 NCCAA World Series Championship, earned a runner-up finish in 2010, and consistently ranked among the top programs in the NCCAA and NAIA. His career accolades include national, regional, and conference coaching and character awards. Tim led the 1986 baseball team with a .400 batting average and 16 RBIs. His performance, resilience, and positive spirit stood out as bright points in a rebuilding year. He played a pivotal role in shaping Bluefield Baseball, reaching out to Coach Richard Blevins to keep the team alive when baseball was dropped from the university. Kathryn has served as an assistant principal, classroom teacher, reading specialist, and instructional coach. According to her coworkers, she has “a peppy and contagiously fun attitude,” “a giant heap of kindness,” and a “love of education.” “She is loved and respected by students and faculty alike” and was a “no-brainer” for the assistant principal position. Coach Mike White Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee Tim Mann ‘88 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee Kathryn Long ‘08 Goodness and Light Award

Michael Smith Volunteer of the Year

Kathy Berry ‘75 Primitivo Delgado Christian Service Award Kathy serves residents living with dementia and their caregivers at a 1,200-resident continuing care retirement community. She has also been a chaplain in long-term care settings. She has written numerous works on spirituality and dementia, and she speaks on that subject at conferences nationwide. Beth was nominated for nurturing resilience, fostering equity, and illuminating the path for every student in her business classes. She provides homebound instruction and dedicates extra time and patience to underprivileged students to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, feels seen, valued, and capable of success. During the spring 2025 season, Michael was instrumental in streaming Rams softball games. His volunteerism enabled parents and friends unable to attend games in person to watch them live on YouTube. Bluefield University and Rams softball fans greatly appreciate his dedication of his time, expertise, and equipment. Baraka learned English after arriving in the United States as a refugee. He founded and still serves as the CEO of Volatia, a network of more than 18,000 interpreters and translators who bridge language barriers in more than 300 languages 24/7/365. Today, Volatia serves clients in all 50 states and in key markets around the world. Baraka Kasongo ‘16 Young Alumnus of the Year Beth Swinney ‘18 Goodness and Light Award