Alumni Update in Depth

In the spring of 1959, Mary Jane Kiss, the daughter of a coal miner in McDowell County, finished high school and headed to Beckley College to begin her adult life. Her career decision was sparked after an interview by Jack Van Dyke, an Arts and Sciences administrator at the then Beckley College. As a result, she was positive that education was her choice for a field of study. That was the beginning of her path as an educator.

Upon the start of her classes, she not only obtained an education but also met the love of her life, a striking young man, who seemed mainly interested in sports cars.  That man was Tom Riner.  Mary states, “He read every book he could buy on sports cars. He even would hide them in his school books. Many times he was caught reading them in class.” Tom was interested in something beyond cars however, and that was Mary Jane Kiss. The two starting dating just prior to Mary’s graduation in the summer of 1960. Tom later graduated from Beckley College and went to work in the automotive industry.  After having courted for six years, the couple married in 1966. 

Mary continued her pursuit in a degree in education from Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston.) Upon graduating, she taught in the Raleigh County School system in southern W.Va. for 35 years before retiring in 1997. Tom retired shortly after Mary.

Since those early years, they have remained connected to their alma mater and continue to live their lives to the fullest.  Tom and Mary Riner are proud to be alums of Beckley College, College of West Virginia and Mountain State University.  They are both active members of the MSU Alumni Association Council and the proud parents of Mandy (Riner) Wriston, assistant dean of The Academy at MSU. Wriston followed in her parents footsteps, and graduated from MSU this past spring with a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership degree.

So what are Tom and Mary up to these days? Upon retirement, the couple found a hobby to enjoy together. After much searching the couple found what Mary calls, “THE car, a 1977 MGB Roaster”. The duo worked endless hours on fixing up the car before hitting the road to various car shows. Their travels have taken them the Shenandoah Valley British Car Club and the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

“The car purrs like a kitten and Tom is so proud of our work. Each night, he goes out to close the garage door, kisses the car good night and comes upstairs to shake my hand before heading to bed.” she jokingly adds.

During basketball season, the couple can be found at all MSU Cougar Men’s Basketball games. Perhaps you may see them there! If so, be sure to tell them hello and ask about “THE car.”

Tom and Mary Riner