Communicating Bramwell
Graphic illustration provided by Rampage editor and writer Savannah Taylor.
Bluefield University is working with a nearby town, Bramwell, West Virginia, to preserve its history with one-on-one video interviews with residents, led by Professor Allen Roberts, chair of the Department of Graphic Communication, and a team of Communications students.
Guided by the motto “no story is too small,” the Bramwell Foundation is leading an effort to preserve Appalachian history with invaluable help from the Bluefield University Communications Department. The Bramwell Foundation wanted to preserve the picturesque town’s history with recorded interviews of the town’s citizens. Project facilitator Kellan Marcum spoke about the importance of preserving Bramwell’s history.
“So much of Appalachia’s rich history has been lost,” Marcum said. “Bramwell is an especially bright jewel among the treasures of West Virginia that we are determined not to let slip through our fingers…The past informs the future, as they say.”
Bramwell Foundation vice president and project lead, Sharon Workman, recognizing the rich oral history kept by her fellow Bramwell residents, saw the value in interviewing them. The fourth-generation Bramwell citizen was selected for this important task because of her devotion to Bramwell and its legacy — made evident by her countless hours of volunteer work and involvement in the town.
After reaching out to several different companies in hopes of starting the project, it was clear that the non-profit organization that is The Bramwell Foundation would have to explore a different route. Enter Bluefield University. Marcum made a phone call to the university, speaking eventually to Burma McChesney in Academic Affairs, asking if BU would be willing to help. The rest? History.
“Sometimes God puts you in a certain place at a certain time,” Marcum said, “and Professor Roberts cruised by her (McChesney’s) office just as we were talking. She connected us, and we’ve been working together on this special project ever since.”
“Special” is a sentiment also held by Roberts, who said, “I’m partial to preservation, local history, and that sort of thing, too, even more so here in recent years. I see the value in that, so it (the project) struck a chord with me.”
This project not only strikes a chord with Roberts but also with the mission of Bluefield University.
“It was a good fit for us (Bluefield University),” Roberts said. “When you can give back to the community, it pushes our mission statement here. Giving back and servant leadership: that’s where things seem like a perfect fit for us.”
Photo provided by Professor Allen Roberts.
Regarding the Bramwell Foundation’s belief that Bluefield University is a good fit? Rave reviews all around.
“Professor Roberts is the embodiment of quiet courtesy and easy-going professionalism,” Marcum said. “His students have impressed us, too; they work well together, have a positive outlook, and creative minds. They’re also funny. On the whole, we’re charmed. We are grateful for all of them and their hard work.”
Workman has also been impressed by the students for their professionalism, character, and hard work. She even shared that the students have gone above and beyond in devoting personal time to the project.
“They’ve made a point to do Saturdays, even the Saturday leading into Spring Break, which was very impressive to me,” Workman said.
Roberts is also impressed by his students.
“I’ve been very pleased with the passion and the initiative that some of the students have shown to me,” Roberts said. “I have a couple students that are going above and beyond what I’ve asked of them. I’ve been very pleased with how the students are approaching interview subjects, the project in general, and just respecting the history and the people behind it.”
Workman, seeing this respect toward the history of Bramwell shown by the students, wishes she had that when she was their age.
“I appreciate young people taking advantage, or like me, disadvantage, or not thinking about Bramwell and history, and being interested,” she said. “When I was young, I wish I had.”
Many students in this project are not only appreciating the history involved but also the experience it provides.
“Projects like this are especially important to Bramwell because they help preserve history, while also giving students valuable hands-on experience,” said Andrew LaPan, a senior on the Bramwell team. “Working with real clients, professional equipment, and industry-standard software helps students build practical skills that will benefit them in their future careers.”
Despite the gap in seniority, freshman John Thompson also sees the opportunity to gain experience from this project.
“I have enjoyed getting out of the classroom and getting hands-on experience,” Thompson said. “The project has been a great opportunity to step into the world of communication.”