Memorial Service: 4:00 p.m., Saturday, March 24, 2018
Location: Pope Chapel, Christopher Newport University
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery
Dr. Stephanie Bardwell, age 65, passed away peacefully at home in Surry, Virginia on March 21, 2018 after a nearly two-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, colleague and friend to many. Stephanie was born on September 10, 1952, in Dobbs Ferry, New York, to the late Mary Emru Dikovics and Robert Leonard Dikovics.
Dr. Bardwell was a graduate of the State University of New York (SUNY) Albany with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education; earned a Juris Doctorate of Laws degree from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, California; and received her Master of Laws in Taxation from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law of the College of William and Mary.
Dr. Bardwell was professor of management of the Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business where she has served Christopher Newport University with notable dedication, passion and expertise from 1994 through her retirement in June 2017. Her remarkable professional association with Christopher Newport University has continued beyond the date of her official retirement as she was awarded Emeritus Faculty status in November 2017. In addition, Dr. Bardwell served as director of CNU Small Business Institute from 1998 through 2009; a member of the CNU Honors Program faculty from 2010 through 2016; Co-director of the Minor in Civic Engagement and Social Entrepreneurship from 2013 through 2016; and academic director of Community Based Learning for the Center of Community Engagement from 2014 through 2016.
Dr. Bardwell was an inspiring teacher, advisor, counselor and role model to her students, mentoring all those whose lives she touched to achieve success. She led student teams to excel and win in National SBI Case Competitions annually from 2006 through 2009. Through her unwavering dedication and devotion to her students and colleagues, Department, School, College and University, Dr. Bardwell was a valued and respected member of the academic community who gave selflessly of her time and talents. She provided outstanding university service and leadership during her tenure in various positions such as president of the CNU Faculty Senate, acting director of the Luter School of Business, conference co-chair of the CNU Civic Movements and their Impact on Democracy Research Conference; and faculty advisor to the student organization, ENACTUS.
Dr. Bardwell broadened the reputation of the university by serving as president of the National Small Business Institute (SBI) organization in 2011-2012; and by garnering national recognition on numerous occasions including being named “Fellow” by the SBI in 2014–the highest honor that the SBI bestows upon a member; the Innovative and Creative Teaching Award from the Academy of Educational Leadership in 2010; the Homer L. Saunders Mentor Award for outstanding contribution as an SBI director in 2010; and a Showcase Award for her contributions to a true small business client success story in 2005. Dr. Bardwell wrote and published numerous academic works of notable regard, including articles in peer-reviewed journals primarily in the area of small business and entrepreneurship.
Stephanie was most passionate about her family, and was a cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Dikovics. She is survived by her devoted husband of 14 years, Alan Bardwell; adoring daughters Jessica Huneycutt of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Kirsten Huneycutt of Santa Monica, California; loving son, Bobby Huneycutt of Miami, Florida; and grandson, Dylan Carey of New Orleans. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Paul Pickelle of Scarsdale, New York, niece Abbe Pickelle of Los Angeles, California, and nephew Matthew Pickelle of Rye, New York. Also left to cherish her memory are countless neighbors, friends, colleagues and former students. Stephanie will be greatly missed, but forever remembered. She was an inspiration to all whose lives she touched.
Stephanie’s varied interests, vivacious spirit, and intellectual capability were lifelong traits instilled by her loving parents and elder sister. She was a world-traveler, animal lover, naturalist, outdoors-woman, gardener, painter, antique collector, book enthusiast, bridge player, lover of music and fine arts, and a lifelong fashionista. Truly a force of nature. Through her three children, her legacy will live on – and flourish – for years to come. May she always be remembered with the same love, grace, and kindness that she so effortlessly shared with the world.
Friends are invited to a Memorial Service celebrating Dr. Stephanie Bardwell’s life at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at the CNU Pope Chapel, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, Virginia. A private burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Surry, Virginia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her honor to: Stephanie Bardwell Service Award in the Luter School of Business. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home.