Shenandoah Sweethearts

Shenandoah loves its SU Sweethearts!

Estale Harris ’56 and Dick Daniel ’56 met on the Shenandoah campus in Dayton, Va. They went sledding on their first date 60 years ago — on January 31, 1954 — and married 10 days after graduation. After Dick passed away in 2011, Estale and her sons established the Richard L. “Dick” Daniel Scholarship in his loving memory. “Dick completely worked his way through Shenandoah Conservatory. He washed dishes, took care of the laundry and did dance jobs,” explained Estale. He earned a Bachelor of Music at Shenandoah and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Maryland. He taught instrumental music for 30 years and was affectionately called “Mr. D.” by his students. “He loved teaching and working with young people,” Estale said. “There were many highlights of his career. His bands played for three presidents, won first place at an international music festival in Mexico City and his jazz band played at Radio City Music Hall.” Since Dick was the first saxophone major (tenor) to graduate from Shenandoah, the scholarship will benefit students majoring in saxophone. “Dick would be very proud to help other students financially, since he personally knew what a hardship it can be,” Estale affirmed.

Share your Shenandoah Sweethearts Story

Did you know that as SU Sweethearts, a single gift to The Shenandoah Fund counts as TWO alumni giving back to SUpport the student experience?

Participation matters! Every sweetheart couple. Any amount. Every year.

Give today to the designation of your choice and count for two alumni gifts!

Matthew ’12 & Renoula Jones ’11 Griffin

We gave our annual gift last year and learned that it counted as two alumni gifts. It’s encouraging to know that our one gift as a couple helps to increase our alma mater’s participation rates, which is SO important for the future of our school.”

Dick ’52 & Clara Hull ’55 Ward

We were part of a magical group at Shenandoah. There weren’t as many students at Dayton, so we were all into everything! We still keep in touch with many of our Shenandoah alumni friends.”

John ’91 & Charlene Baughan ’91 Romano

You know your gift is going to help the school where your relationship started. There are certain places on campus that are different than in 1989, but walking around still takes us back. SU is still providing that same caring and challenging experience that we had for this generation and generations to come.”