Beroth, a 1965 graduate of App State’s Walker College of Business and member emeritus of the college’s Business Advisory Council, helped lead his family’s enterprise, Beroth Oil Co., for over six decades while remaining a deeply engaged supporter of his alma mater. Beroth and his family coordinated the annual Beroth Scholarship Golf Tournament for more than 30 years, which raised over $1 million to support scholarships, faculty research and professorships, positively impacting thousands of students. Beroth met his wife, Judy Beroth ’66, while attending the university, and their two children, Kathryn Beroth Lambeth ’92 and Vic Beroth ’95, are also App State graduates. Beroth represented the enduring impact alumni can have when they remain invested in App State and the communities it serves.

Ford, from Sidney, New York, is a senior political science-legal studies major with a minor in criminal justice. She is App State’s 60th student body president, representing all Mountaineer students as the Student Government Association representative on the university’s Board of Trustees. Ford’s additional leadership roles at the university include serving as a member of Appalachian Orientation Leader Corps and as a resident assistant in Mountain Laurel Hall. She is a member of the pre-law and government fraternity Kappa Alpha Pi and the university’s Mock Trial Club. Ford represented App State students and their potential to make a meaningful difference across the university and beyond.

Freiman is a member of App State’s 1899 Legacy Society, which is designated for those who have included the university in their estate plans. Freiman has supported App State for nearly four decades, including the establishment of endowments for student scholarships and support, guest artist residencies and programming. Together, she, her late husband, Larry, and their family have supported University Libraries, An Appalachian Summer Festival and the Hayes School of Music. An advocate for education and a fundraising consultant, Freiman previously served as executive director of the Foundation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and was awarded an honorary doctorate from App State in December 2025. Freiman represented a legacy of generosity and service that continues to shape the App State Community.

James, a Class of 1969 App State graduate and an 1899 Legacy Society member, and her late husband, Steve, supported the establishment of App State’s James Center for Student Success and Advising, which prepares future educators in the Reich College of Education for teaching, leadership, service and learning. The Jameses were honored as Reich College’s Distinguished alumni in 2022, and their philanthropic efforts have provided scholarships for teacher education, an endowment for the App State Alumni Association and the founding of the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars Endowment. A former Guilford County teacher, Judy’s dedication to education at App State and in North Carolina has spanned decades. James represented App State’s commitment to educators — past, present and future — in the region and beyond.

Professor emerita of music therapy in App State’s Hayes School of Music, McKinney was the founding program director for both the graduate and undergraduate music therapy programs. During her tenure at the university, McKinney’s excellence in teaching was recognized by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors with the Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2009. Her contributions to the music therapy field were nationally recognized; she was a past recipient of the American Music Therapy Association’s Award of Merit (2003) and the Spirit of Unification Award (2008). In recognition of her 31 years of distinguished leadership at App State, McKinney was selected to serve as a university macebearer in App State’s Spring 2026 Commencement. McKinney, who was beloved among both her peers and students, represented the dedication of the university’s faculty, which has the power to leave an indelible mark on the App State Community.

McKinney, a Class of 1970 App State graduate, is professor emeritus in the Hayes School of Music, where he served on the faculty along with his wife, Dr. Cathy McKinney, until their retirement in 2026. During his tenure at App State, McKinney was awarded the UNC System Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching. The Appalachian Trombone Choir was founded under his leadership, and during his time at the university, he performed in a variety of settings as a chamber, orchestral and solo performer, including eight years as a member of the North Carolina Trombone Quartet. McKinney also served as a visiting artist, lecturer and visiting professor at the European Graduate School in Saas Fee, Switzerland. Harold, along with his wife Cathy, represented the App State faculty, whose teaching, mentorship and creativity inspire generations of students.

A Boone native and Watauga High School graduate, Reese has served App State for nearly 40 years. Throughout his tenure at the university, he has held numerous positions — starting as a floor technician and advancing to his current role as facilities operations superintendent — and leads teams in paint, carpentry, electrical, lock and HVAC to ensure the university’s Boone campus operations run smoothly. He is dedicated to providing excellent service to the university community and shared that he finds fulfillment in making a positive difference in the lives of others. Reese represented the hard work, dedication, commitment and vital service of App State staff.

Sparks, a two-time App State graduate, served the local community through his 40-year career in healthcare administration, including as the head administrator for Watauga Medical Center and president and CEO of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (now known as UNC Health Appalachian). He was a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, served as Regent of the College in the 1990’s and is now a Life Fellow. An 1899 Legacy Society member, Sparks also served as a lecturer in App State’s Walker College of Business and as chair of Walker College’s Business Advisory Council. In December 2016, he received an honorary doctorate from App State. Sparks represented the valued and powerful tie between App State and the Boone community.