Rampage Magazine April 2022

bcRampage.com

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“I could not believe I was voted Outstanding Faculty member by the student body,” said a tearful Dr. Bascom about her 2006 honor. She also noted that year was a very emotional time for her. Before Bluefield University, Dr. Bascom worked in an even more creative position. She made puppets and stuffed animals for young kids, including the famous Kermit the Frog and his amazing character friends from the television show The Muppets. While living in New York City, she designed the gang of monsters that sang background to a Kermit the Frog special Easter presentation. “Cindy is one of the sweetest, nicest and genuine persons I have ever met,” said Mily Lusk, a close friend of Dr. Bascom’s. “She welcomed me to Bluefield and to the church family by having a tea party for me to get to know everyone. I know if I need anything that she is there for me. She is an awesome friend with a beautiful voice like an angel. She loves her students, and it is important that they actually learn.” Dr. Bascom holds a master of business administration (MBA) degree from Ohio State University, where she also taught for two years while earning her MBA. Because she’s love her time at Bluefield so much she said she anticipates that retiring might be difficult. “This is the best job I have ever had,” she said. “Playing a part in the student body formation helps them realize that there is a purpose in life for them.” She said she also enjoyed the fact that students at Bluefield University appreciated getting to know the faculty. That, she added, helped make mentoring them easier. In fact, she was well known for having students visit her at home to show them how much she appreciated them. Above all, she said she is thankful for the opportunity she’s had to instill in students lessons and values that will be a part of their lives forever. “My mission is to inspire and equip my students to have a kind heart, a courageous mind, and a purposeful soul,” Dr. Bascom said. “Be bold; be strong; have faith. God is very near. Don’t give in to fear. Let go of doubt; with hope step out. Be bold, strong; have faith.”

Dr. Bascom is one of my favorite people, and I would not be where I am today without her support. She will be missed.

Rebecca Kasey, former student and current BU director of marketing and public relations

Dr. Bascom was able to bring excitement to the classroom which made learning fun.

Jacob Keys, former student and current BU associate vice president for advancement

Dr. Bascom is the most quiet but get things done person I have ever known. She is one of the joys of working at Bluefield University.

Shirley Mutter, BU controller

Dr. Bascom was one of my favorite professors that I had at Bluefield (University). What I loved most about Dr. Bascom was that I could always come to her for advice, chat about anything, and complain about my stress I was having that day. After talking with her, all the problems that you were having just faded away, and she gave you that sense of calmness. Dr. Bascom is a great example of what a servant leader is. She accepted all of her students and wanted what’s best for us. She never once gave up on anyone when we wanted to give up on ourselves and was always there for you. Dr. Bascom is a good Christian woman that I aspire to be. I hope that I can be like her and set an example for others, as she has done for us. I am so thankful to have had Dr. Bascom as my professor during my time at Bluefield (University). Congratulations, Dr. Bascom, on your retirement! I hope you enjoy this new chapter in your life. You deserve it.

Dr. Bascom is one of the professors that truly cares, and it’s evident every time I see her. She’s always asking me and the other students about our classes, jobs, internships, and extracurricular activities. She keeps up with The Rampage and congratulates us on each print edition. She shows her students a lot of grace, and I can see Christ in the way she treats people. Dr. Bascom, Bluefield University is going to miss you, but you will always be part of the Rams family. We’re wishing you a happy retirement!

Sarah LaPrade, former student

Daniel Mullins, student

I appreciate Dr. Bascom so much because she has been the most influential in my decision to continue writing and to better myself in the communication world, and I think that she has done so much for Bluefield’s Communication department and for Bluefield altogether. I’m so happy that I got to know her and that she has been a part of my academic journey.

Dr. Bascom has been a great influence at my time at Bluefield University. I had her for a speech class, and she taught me that time management is key with outlines and getting stuff done on time and coming prepared. Dr. Bascom is just a very sweet lady, and I’m very happy she gets to retire at the end of the year.

Kassidy Brown, student

Andrew LaPan, student