1980s Archives - ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ http://www.coker.edu/decades/1980s/ ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ is a private university in Hartsville, South Carolina. Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:35:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2 /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-Coker-University-nowords-32x32.png 1980s Archives - ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ http://www.coker.edu/decades/1980s/ 32 32 Nancy Catherine (Hallgring) Gray /alumnus-update/nancy-catherine-hallgring-gray/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:35:43 +0000 /?post_type=coker_alumnus_news&p=53519 Nancy Catherine Gray (Hallgring), age 66, of McDonough, GA, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. She was born in Long Branch, New Jersey to the late Harry Alan and Deborah Elaine Rumph Hallgring. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother Kenny Hallgring. Nancy is survived by her husband, Edward Larry Gray […]

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Nancy Catherine Gray (Hallgring), age 66, of , passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. She was born in  to the late Harry Alan and Deborah Elaine Rumph Hallgring. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother Kenny Hallgring. Nancy is survived by her husband, Edward Larry Gray and son, Andrew Gray; she is also survived by her siblings Wendy Campbell and Steven Hallgring. She also leaves behind multiple nieces, nephews, great nephews and cousins.

Nancy grew up in Navesink, New Jersey before traveling to attend Coker College in South Carolina. A brave and resilient soul, she traveled before finding a place for herself in Georgia. She met her husband Edward L Gray and they were married in 1984 and resided in  where they raised their son. A loving and devoted wife and mother, Nancy was as much of an advocate for her husband as he navigated the Veterans’ Affairs process for his earned benefits as she was an involved mother, volunteering at Andrew’s schools from Pre-K all the way through High School. She was intelligent and musically inclined, having played in a band during her youth and enjoying playing her 12-string guitar while she could. She was equally as creative; able to utilize her abilities to sew, bake, craft and improvise to make her home warm and inviting for family and friends alike.

She worked in the service industry, was employed at Equifax through the early 80s and served as the Youth Director of Kelly Presbyterian Church over the years. She endured multiple hardships and health issues throughout her life, but never allowed them to dampen her spirit, optimism and willing to be present and assist others to the best of her ability. She has not requested a service and simply wished to be cremated to eventually be returned to New Jersey by the sea and also where her father rests.

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Deborah Jo Burnett /alumnus-update/deborah-jo-burnett/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 21:57:47 +0000 /?post_type=coker_alumnus_news&p=51923 In Loving Memory of Deborah Jo Burnett: On May 19th, 2025, the world lost a bit of its sparkle when Deborah Jo Burnett passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 68. A devoted wife, loving mother, sassy grandmother, great-grandmother, and unapologetic wine enthusiast, she left behind a legacy as bold […]

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In Loving Memory of Deborah Jo Burnett: On May 19th, 2025, the world lost a bit of its sparkle when Deborah Jo Burnett passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 68. A devoted wife, loving mother, sassy grandmother, great-grandmother, and unapologetic wine enthusiast, she left behind a legacy as bold and beautiful as her wardrobe. Born on January 8th, 1957 in Montclair, New Jersey, Debbie lived life like it was a runway, because for a while it actually was. A teenage model with natural poise and impeccable fashion sense, she turned heads long before she had a reason to roll her eyes at bad outfits. Debbie traded photo shoots for textbooks, and it was during her college years that she met the love of her life, Sam Burnett. After graduating from Coker College in 1980, Debbie dedicated herself to helping others, working for many years as a social worker in a variety of fields. Whether advocating for women and children, supporting families in crisis, or guiding individuals through life’s tougher chapters, she brought compassion, wisdom, and just the right amount of sass to every role she held She shared 28 joyful, laughter-filled years with her husband, Sam, who survives her and carries forward their many beautiful memories, including decades of inside jokes and shared dreams. She leaves behind her daughter, Anna Creighton-Youmans, son-in-law, Trusof Youmans, and three amazing grandsons: Elijah Creighton, Josiah Creighton, and Kailo Youmans – each of whom inherited her sharp wit, strong will, and her mischievous charm. Her loving son, Kristian Creighton, and his wife, Lisa Creighton, remain grateful for a lifetime of memories and love. Through this marriage, a wonderful grandson, Jayden Carpenter, entered her life. Jayden later welcomed, with his wife Victoria Carpenter, two beautiful daughters, Genevieve and Liliana Carpenter, who both share her sparkle and joy. Debbie also leaves behind her beloved brother, Gary Walker, and his three daughters: Shannon Walker (and her husband, John Lindner), Tara Walker (and her husband, Bob Mitchell), and Lindsay Walker (and her husband, Darius Ricci), all of whom adored their stylish and witty aunt. Debbie believed life was meant to be celebrated and loved storytelling and making creative nicknames for people. She taught us all that it’s okay to eat dessert first, never apologize for speaking your mind, and always look your best, even if it makes you an hour late. A celebration of her vibrant life will be held on May 31st, 2025 at Sauls Funeral Home, with visitation starting at 3 PM. Guests are encouraged to wear something colorful, uplifting, stylish, or just a little bit sparkly in her honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) to help others fight as Debbie did. She may have left this earth, but her laugh, love, and legendary fashion sense will live on in all of us.

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Michael David Haddock /alumnus-update/michael-david-haddock/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 13:19:16 +0000 /?post_type=coker_alumnus_news&p=49469 Michael David Haddock, 62, of Westminster, MD, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Carroll Hospital Center. Born on July 5, 1962 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he was the son of David Haddock and the late B. Patricia Haddock. He graduated from Westminster High School with the class of 1980; and ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ with […]

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Michael David Haddock, 62, of , passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Carroll Hospital Center. Born on July 5, 1962 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he was the son of David Haddock and the late B. Patricia Haddock. He graduated from Westminster High School with the class of 1980; and ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Michael went on to serve 14 years in the United States Army National Guard. He was also an Information Systems Program Manager working in government consulting for over 30 years. From a young age, Michael fostered a love of soccer. He could kick a soccer ball “before he could walk”, and cherished his years playing soccer for Westminster High and for Coker. Michael spent many years as the head coach for the Westminster Wolves girls soccer club, where he coached his daughter Kylee, and touched the lives of many players. The team played competitively for many years in the Washington Area Girls Soccer League. He also followed the English Premier League recreationally and his favorite team was Manchester City. He was also an avid Baltimore sport enthusiast and enjoyed both the Orioles and Ravens. He loved being outdoors, going to the beach, and golfing. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family. Michael was a devoted husband of 38 years to wife Ellen Mae, a loving father to their children, and a proud grandfather. Surviving in addition to his wife and father, are children Jennifer Haddock, Kylee Kwedar and husband Logan, Elisabeth Schmid and husband Forrest, and William “Thomas” Haddock; grandsons Liam, Jax, Hudson, and Bodhi. The family will welcome friends on Monday, July 29, 2024 from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm at Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel, 412 Washington Rd., Westminster. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 30th at 11 am at the funeral home. For those unable to attend in person, please visit the Pritts Funeral Home website, where services will be livestreamed. Interment will be in Meadow Branch Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered to the family at 

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David Nord /alumnus-update/david-nord/ Mon, 11 Oct 2021 19:09:38 +0000 https://live-coker-edu.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=coker_alumnus_news&p=21198 Nord, David C., age 54, passed away October 2, 2021, beloved son of Dr. Peter J. Nord and the late Sylvia J. Nord, beloved father of Lydia and Walter Nord, dear brother of Matthew Nord. Father’s Remembrances. One thirty in the morning Christmas day, four and a half pound baby needs a warm crib for […]

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Nord, David C., age 54, passed away October 2, 2021, beloved son of Dr. Peter J. Nord and the late Sylvia J. Nord, beloved father of Lydia and Walter Nord, dear brother of Matthew Nord. Father’s Remembrances. One thirty in the morning Christmas day, four and a half pound baby needs a warm crib for a few days. A month later first solid food, cereal, let him sleep all night for the first time. In the fall walking him in a stroller, picked an apple from a neighboring tree, polished it on my shirt, took a bite, he held up his hands and cried. Gave him one which he put to his mouth, nothing happened, cried again. Pressed it on two bottom teeth which were just coming out, smiles. After a bit of practice, he could make a groove wind around until the apple vanished. Then at five, “I want to be on a baseball team.” You’re too young. I wantºìÌÒÊÓÆµ¦. He found a neighboring father who coached a knothole baseball team for little kids. Coach pitched, he jumped up and down with glee when the batter missed. Then came soccer. Dad let me go to Roger Bacon for my senior year. They could win the state if I could be goalie. Well, why not? Then Coker college invited him to be goalie. Why do you want to go to school so far away to an obscure place. “They want me, dad.” Good reason as any for a college choice. Four years and there are still some of his records in goal. Then records in sales for the window business. Loved being outside. Played softball to the end with a bunch of old men who were life-long friends. Memorial services Sunday, October 17, 11:00 A.M. at the Robert L Schuler Sports Complex, 11532 Deerfield Road, Sycamore Township., OH 45242. Visitation begins at 10:00 A.M. Masks are required. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Glioblastoma Foundation (P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715 or go to: glioblastomafoundation.org) 

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Tracy Hanna Foye /alumnus-update/tracy-hanna-foye/ Sun, 26 Sep 2021 18:32:18 +0000 https://live-coker-edu.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=coker_alumnus_news&p=22322 Born in Kingstree, South Carolina to Henley and Varner Hanna with a love of art she attended Coker College and graduated with a Bachelors in Fine Art. She Began Tracy Hanna Foye Design in 1982 until present. She loved her family. Having Mark Hanna as her brother and his 3 children Jayd, Madelyn and Drew. […]

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Born in Kingstree, South Carolina to Henley and Varner Hanna with a love of art she attended Coker College and graduated with a Bachelors in Fine Art.
She Began Tracy Hanna Foye Design in 1982 until present.

She loved her family. Having Mark Hanna as her brother and his 3 children Jayd, Madelyn and Drew. Along with countless cousins, aunts and uncles. She will be remembered for her smile, her time with others, and her love for everyone she met.

On October 8th, 2000 she married Brian Foye at the Sea View Inn on Pawleys Island. Tracy will remain the love of his life. They have two dachshunds Mayling and Bogy which are their babies and rule their household. If you know her you knew them. So much love she had for them.

Tracy was a resident of Pawleys Island for 40 years with countless friends and clients too many to name and she so appreciated all of them. If you are an owner of a piece of art or a custom painted piece of furniture, consider yourself blessed!

In lieu of flowers please give to All 4 Paws in TracyºìÌÒÊÓÆµ™s name at 708 Petigru Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

Join us for a celebration of life at QuigleyºìÌÒÊÓÆµ™s Nextdoor located at 251 Willbrook Blvd, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, Thursday September 30, 2021 from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM

Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is assisting the family.

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Jeffery Allen Rumford /alumnus-update/jeffery-allen-rumford/ Mon, 21 Jun 2021 12:57:34 +0000 https://live-coker-edu.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=coker_alumnus_news&p=20069 Mr. Jeffery Allen Rumford, age 61, passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at his home at 5820 Willowbrook Street, Fort Lawn, SC. He had suffered a number of medical problems throughout life. At birth he had osteogenesis imperfecta and more recently pneumonia. He suffers no more and resides with His Lord and Savior. Jeffery was […]

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Mr. Jeffery Allen Rumford, age 61, passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at his home at 5820 Willowbrook Street, Fort Lawn, SC. He had suffered a number of medical problems throughout life. At birth he had osteogenesis imperfecta and more recently pneumonia. He suffers no more and resides with His Lord and Savior. Jeffery was born November 11, 1959 in Columbia, South Carolina. He was the second child to John Russell Rumford and Sara Edwards Rumford. Jeffery attended Fort Lawn Elementary School and graduated from Lewisville High School in 1978. He attended Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina and graduated in 1983 with the Bachelor of Arts degree in History. After graduation from Coker College, he was employed at Catawba Fish Camp, Inc for some 29 years as a cook. Jeffery retired with disability in 2012 due to his physical issues which continued until his death. Throughout his life Jeff never complained of his condition handling it with grace, dignity, and courage. Jeffery was an avid reader accumulating many books which he treasured. He wrote poetry, one volume of which was published. He was engaged in writing other books. Jeffery attended Fort Lawn Methodist Church and received membership there. He was a loving, gracious, compassionate, caring man who leaves many friends and loved ones. Jeffery is survived by his father, John Rumford, his mother, Sara Rumford, one brother, James Russell Rumford (Lisa), a nephew, Brantley Russell Rumford, a niece, Lindsey Childers (Kyle) and a great nephew, Preston Lane Childers, his aunt Ellen Edwards (Jimmy) and numerous cousins. The family would like to thank Dr. Amit Shah for his dedicated care for Jeffery as his primary care physician. More recently, his care with SC House Calls and Kindred Home Health. So, we must say farewell and God Speed to one who was kind, good, a certainty of honor, to all, who knew him, whose life was gentle who left behind a pocket full of memories for us all. God keep him. Enjoy him. Take care of him until the rest of us come along for he graced our lives. The words of his nephew Brantley are appropriate; The Lord got a good one today. You taught me so much in your lifetime and I will always remember your positive mindset even though you were dealt a tough life you always found a way to look ahead and think positively. You touched many lives. God gave you many gifts. You always expressed your love for me. I can’t say how much I love you. You battled illness all your life and taught me to stay the course. Now you are fully restored in perfect union with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Rumford will be 11:00 am Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Neil Malone Yongue. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Fort Lawn. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 am, one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Flowers are graciously accepted. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elmwood Cemetery in Fort Lawn, SC, PO Box 54, Fort Lawn, South Carolina, 29714. An online guest register is available for condolences on the obituaries page at www.burgessfunerals.com. Burgess Funeral Home and Crematory of Lancaster is caring for the family of Mr. Jeffery Rumford.

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Keith Alford /alumnus-update/keith-alford/ Thu, 27 May 2021 13:46:04 +0000 https://live-coker-edu.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=coker_alumnus_news&p=19923 Congratulations to Dr. Keith Alford ’83, recently named dean of the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. Read the full release here.

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Congratulations to Dr. Keith Alford ’83, recently named dean of the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. .

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Gregory Grantham /alumnus-update/gregory-grantham/ Wed, 12 May 2021 15:45:55 +0000 https://live-coker-edu.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=coker_alumnus_news&p=19718 Congratulations to Greg Grantham ’84 who will be inducted into the N.C. Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame on July 18!  He currently serves as the Coordinator of Athletics for Onslow County Schools.

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Congratulations to Greg Grantham ’84 who will be inducted into the N.C. Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame on July 18!  He currently serves as the Coordinator of Athletics for Onslow County Schools.

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Robert Campbell “Bird” Brown /alumnus-update/robert-campbell-bird-brown/ Wed, 28 Apr 2021 12:56:21 +0000 https://live-coker-edu.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=coker_alumnus_news&p=19540 Robert Campbell “Bird” Brown, 58, of Westminster, MD, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Windy Hill Monday morning, April 26, 2021. Born May 1, 1962 in Fort Knox, KY, he was the son of the late Lt. Col. Donald R. Brown and Joyce Chaney Brown. The youngest in a military family of 4 children, […]

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Robert Campbell “Bird” Brown, 58, of Westminster, MD, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Windy Hill Monday morning, April 26, 2021. Born May 1, 1962 in Fort Knox, KY, he was the son of the late Lt. Col. Donald R. Brown and Joyce Chaney Brown. The youngest in a military family of 4 children, Bird spent his childhood living around the world including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he developed his love and passion for the game of soccer. He relocated to Westminster as a Sophomore in high school, quickly planting roots as a three-year varsity letterman in soccer and lacrosse at Westminster High School and becoming a beloved active member in the community which continued until his death. He was a life-long student – earning a Bachelor’s degree from ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ where he was a 3-time academic All-American and captain of the soccer team, an MBA from Mount Saint Mary’s University and most recently a Master’s in Athletic Administration from his first alma mater. Bird, as he was affectionately known, was a career coordinator and counselor, coach and teacher at Westminster High School. He was a friend and mentor to many current and former students and enjoyed corresponding with them long after they had graduated. Before embarking on his second career in education, he worked for over 20 years in the banking and insurance industry. He dedicated his life to community sports, especially soccer, founding the Westminster Wolves Soccer Club for men which evolved into a successful club for boys and girls that introduced many to the “beautiful game”. Over his long career he coached baseball, basketball, lacrosse, and especially soccer serving as the Westminster High School girls soccer coach before moving to coach the boys for the past 7 years. He was a proud coach for the Baltimore Celtic Soccer Club. Bird loved listening to music, especially the Grateful Dead, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending quality time with his many close friends and two faithful canine companions, Molly and Bamboo. But most of all, Bird loved his family above all else and took great pride in his three sons, with whom he shared such a special bond. He was a loving and devoted husband of 32 years to his beloved wife Anne Camille. Surviving in addition to his wife are children Michael Chaney, Ryan Campbell, and Matthew Joseph Brown of Westminster, MD; Step-Mother Diana BlanchardIn-Laws Mike and JoAnn Karpers; Sister Donna Hansen; Brother Douglas Brown and wife Kelly; Brother Charles Brown and wife Melanie; Sister-in-law Susan Slade (David); Nephews Jonathan (Bonnie) and Anthony Hansen, William Brown (Melanie), Connor Brown, William and Austin Slade; and Nieces Emily, Waverly, and Ainsley Brown. Rest easy, Birdman. His family will welcome friends on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 4 to 7pm at St. John Catholic Church, 43 Monroe Street, Westminster. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 1pm with a eulogy beginning at 12:45 pm. For those who are unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed. To join virtually, please go to the St John Facebook page (@stjohnwestminster) and scroll down to videos. St. John will observe social distancing along with the wearing of face masks and use of hand sanitizer at both the visitation and funeral mass. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for a Robert “Bird” Brown Memorial Scholarship using the following Go Fund Me link:  Online condolences may be offered to his family at  Arrangements provided by Pritts Funeral Home and Chapel, Westminster.

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Class of 1986 News Spring 2021 /alumnus-update/class-of-1986-news-spring-2021/ Mon, 26 Apr 2021 12:53:33 +0000 https://live-coker-edu.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=coker_alumnus_news&p=19302 Hello Coker Friends, WowºìÌÒÊÓÆµ¦What a year! COVID-19 has been a bummer for everyone. I hope that all of you have survived relatively unscathed. There have been so many Americans and people around the world that lost their lives, loved ones, jobs, homes, and more. I am thankful for our scientific community for developing the vaccines […]

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Hello Coker Friends,

WowºìÌÒÊÓÆµ¦What a year! COVID-19 has been a bummer for everyone. I hope that all of you have survived relatively unscathed. There have been so many Americans and people around the world that lost their lives, loved ones, jobs, homes, and more. I am thankful for our scientific community for developing the vaccines so quickly and hope that we will be able to get back to a new normal this summer. That means meeting up with family and friends, going to the lake, celebrating graduations, birthdays, traveling on vacations, going out to eat, attending ball games, and heading to Coker for Homecoming~can I get a high five and a Whoop Whoop!

I reached out to several classmates but didnºìÌÒÊÓÆµ™t get any news back this go round so, I will share with you some of my news. We added a new fur baby to our family in February. What a great ValentineºìÌÒÊÓÆµ™s gift to each other. Vicki and I are in love with this little fella named Teddy Bear. He is a Blue Roan and Tan colored Coker Spaniel and has been a great companion for our chocolate Poodle Truffles who lost his mojo when he lost his big sister Tooty Fruity last July. Losing Mom in December of 2019 and Tooty so close together has been really tough on us, but Teddy brightens our spirits and makes us laugh everyday with his goofy, puppy schananagans. I will be posting lots of photos on FB because heºìÌÒÊÓÆµ™s soooo adorable! I also became a great AuntºìÌÒÊÓÆµ¦not that I wasnºìÌÒÊÓÆµ™t one already ;). My first born niece had a son this Spring and named him Brayden Reece. Our twin niece and nephew will be graduating HS this summerºìÌÒÊÓÆµ¦weºìÌÒÊÓÆµ™re all getting youngerºìÌÒÊÓÆµ¦hehe. We are so proud of our youngest niece, Jessica for her hard work, drive, and dedication to academics and athletics. It has paid off royally because she will be attending the University of North Carolina in the Fall. I guess this means we are Gamecock and also Tar Heel fansºìÌÒÊÓÆµ¦road trips to Chapel Hill coming upºìÌÒÊÓÆµ¦

I would love to hear from everyone from the Class of ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ™86. Come on and reach out to me old friends so I can write your stories in the Commentary.

You can reach me by email
You can reach me by my cell
I donºìÌÒÊÓÆµ™t care how you reach me
Just get me if you canºìÌÒÊÓÆµ¦

Peace, Love, and Happiness~ ºìÌÒÊÓÆµœTriggerºìÌÒÊÓÆµ

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