Communicating Bramwell
Graphic provided by 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, Department Chair 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 speaks to the importance of preserving Bramwell’s history.
“So much of Appalachia’s rich history has been lost.” Marcum continues, “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 due to her devotion to Bramwell and its legacy, as 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 made 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’s offices, asking if they would be willing to help. The rest? History.
Marcum says, “Sometimes God puts you in a certain place at a certain time, and Professor Roberts cruised by her office (Director of Academic Services, Mrs. Burma McChesney) 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. “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, said Roberts.
“It was a good fit for us (Bluefield University). 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 Allen Roberts
As for if the members of the Bramwell Foundation believe that Bluefield University is a good fit? Rave reviews are all around.
“Professor Roberts is the embodiment of quiet courtesy and easy-going professionalism. 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,” said Marcum.
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,” said Workman.
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. I have a couple students that are going above and beyond what I’ve asked of them,” said Roberts.
Roberts continues, “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 towards 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. When I was young, I wish I had,” said Workman.
Many students in this project are not only appreciating the history involved in this project 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. Working with real clients, professional equipment, and industry-standard software helps students build practical skills that will benefit them in their future careers,” says Andrew LaPan, a senior on the Bramwell team.
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… The project has been a great opportunity to step into the world of communications,” said Thompson.