ISSUED: 8 October 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University’s Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities began its annual StoryCorps Project on October 7 with a Shepherd Speaks launch event.
Former Secretary of the U.S. Navy Ray Mabus spoke at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education as part of Shepherd’s “A Storied Life” series.
Dr. Sylvia Shurbutt, Emerita Director of the University’s Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities interviewed Secretary Mabus as he discussed his political career in Mississippi, where he served as governor, as well as his career in the military that culminated with an eight-year term as United States Secretary of the Navy.
Shurbutt said “A Storied Life with Ray Mabus” was a great way to begin the 4th Annual Shepherd Speaks StoryCorps project.
“Integrity, honesty, intrepidness, and innovation are the hallmarks of the Mabus story,” Shurbutt said. “A genuine man with a life’s work of accomplishment to achieve quality, equality, and equity.”
The Shepherd Speaks StoryCorps project continues with an open invitation to the community to share their stories through Camry Stops, mobile recording studios inside of specially marked Toyota Camry’s.
Camry Stops will be on Shepherd’s campus and around Shepherdstown through October 11.
The project encourages students, staff, faculty, and community members to share their storied lives.
The shared stories will be posted on the Shepherd Speaks website and linked to the National StoryCorps project.
You can view the StoryCorps Camry location schedule online at www.shepherd.edu/shepherdspeaks
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