RU Alumni

After high school, Jamie Gianfala ’16 pursued his dream of becoming a police officer. He soon realized that his goals to rise in rank could only be met by furthering his education.

“I had early success in my career. I was able to obtain different positions very quickly,” said Gianfala. “I then had the opportunity to achieve rank in the department. I would, from time to time, take a class but never prioritize my education. I was transferred from shift to shift as I moved up in the organization, and as I gained more significant experience, I would always make the excuse that I would get my education – later.”

In October 2020, Gianfala became Deputy Chief Marshal of Cherokee County, a promotion that all began with returning to school, this time as an adult learner.

Education was a priority for another Reinhardt alum, Roger Garrison. During his time as sheriff, he encouraged Gianfala to advance as a police officer, noting that to move forward, his education needed to match his experience. This helpful guidance led him to Reinhardt.

Gianfala enrolled in the Organizational Management & Eight years ago, Jamie Landers Foster ’12 graduated from Reinhardt University, business degree in hand, not knowing which path to follow – the choices were many.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do,” said Foster. “I can tell you, however, that I spent time as a sandwichmaker, a title-pawn lender and even a marketing director.”

Foster began her time at Greater Community Bank in 2016 as executive assistant to the president and CEO before becoming marketing director two years later, then serving as branch manager. Foster is now the Executive Administrator of The Montessori School of Rome. When Foster first graduated, however, she had little direction with her career.

During her four years on campus, Foster’s involvement prepared her for the future in ways she didn’t realize at the time. She credits a large portion of her success to her student life. Living on campus and away from home for the firsttime motivated Foster to build critical life skills like decision-making, prioritizing and goal-setting – skills that she now uses every day.

“At the time, my successes were smaller and more short-term. Today

Leadership (OML) program in 2014 on the recommendation of Reinhardt alum and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Finance Director Stacey Williams. “I looked to Stacey Williams as a mentor. He was an adult learner when he attended Reinhardt. He, like me, had a family, full-time job and other competing priorities. Like Stacey, I enjoyed my experience in the OML program and applied this knowledge in both my professional and personal life.” Graduating two years later with honors – magna cum laude – Gianfala continued to further his education with his master’s degree in Public Safety Administration. He believes his diligence during his undergraduate degree continues to reward him each day. “Reinhardt has given me opportunities that I would not have had elsewhere. I tell others go to Reinhardt; sacrifice today – enjoy the rewards every day.” Gianfala describes Reinhardt as being about “family and connections,” sharing that the friends he made became family. He also discovered his career connections were far-reaching. “I find so many people in the business world connected to Reinhardt University. When I speak in the community and share that I am a Reinhardt graduate, that means something. They know that I am part of something special, that I exemplify the personal and professional competencies that all organizations seek and expect.” Madison, Gianfala’s daughter, followed in his footsteps. After playing softball for the university and graduating in 2018, she now teaches in Cherokee County. Gianfala’s career came Jamie Gianfala celebrates with his family. full circle, as he now serves as an adjunct instructor for Reinhardt’s Master of Public Administration Executive Command and Leadership program. He received recognition as a Reinhardt University “10 Under 10” Alumni.

“I love Reinhardt. My experience was wonderful. I have been blessed in my job. My only regret is that I did not go to Reinhardt straight out of high school. There are more obstacles for the adult learner, but – no matter your age or when you return – Reinhardt understands that, and it shows.”

my successes are much broader, but the concepts behind them remain the same,” Foster continued. “From winning an essay contest to earning a life-changing promotion, the skills I developed at Reinhardt continue to guide me in setting – and achieving – my goals.”

Foster chose Reinhardt University after receiving a choir scholarship, beginning her diversified experience on campus. She performed in choir and served as a peer tutor in the McCamish School of Business and Sport Studies where she entered academic competitions. Foster won first place two consecutive years in the McCamish School of Business Ethics Essay Competition and the “Year Of” speech competition. Foster’s varied interests now carry into her active roles within the community. She volunteers with Rome Little Theatre and is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Rome. As an active alumna, she serves on Reinhardt’s Alumni Board of Governors. She earned titles of Reinhardt’s Jamie Landers Foster ’12 “10 Under 10” Alumni, Rome Life Magazine’s Top 20 Under 20, and most recently participated in Leadership Rome XXXVIII.

Foster encourages current Reinhardt Eagles to utilize their college experience by engaging with people and taking in new opportunities.

“It is important to understand that it’s okay to explore several courses of study before selecting a major; it’s okay to establish a larger network of friends and acquaintances than those you are surrounded by each day; it’s okay to manage a full course-load, but it’s also okay to make time for extracurriculars; and finally – it’s okay to have no idea what to expect – as 2020 has proven to us all – but it’s imperative that you remain academically agile and forward-thinking.”

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS

As a scholar in geography and geographical information

The Cullum Geographical Medal was the first medal awarded by The American Geographical Society, established in 1896. The prestigious recognition is awarded to “those who distinguish themselves by geographical discoveries, or in the advancement of geographical science.” The likes of Neil Armstrong and Rachel Carson also earned this honor.

“Dr. Jerry Dobson, valued Trustee and Reinhardt alumnus, is quite simply a treasure,” said President Mark A. Roberts, Ph.D. “His forays and boundary-crossings — both intellectually and geographically — illustrate what we hope for all Reinhardt graduates: that a spirit of intellectual curiosity will drive them to solve real-world problems and articulate for us both the hopes and cautions associated with human endeavors.”

Dobson considers receiving the Cullum Geographical Medal the highest point of his 45-year career.

“How can I say thank you enough to express my true feelings? How can I assess what this piece of gold means to me or I to it? The gift of Cullum is gratitude and humility. Humility may sound odd for such a high praise, but that’s what medals do – they cause recipients and others to think deeply about great people and the deeds they do.”

In addition, Dobson holds two lifetime achievement awards from professional societies and served as a research and development staff member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and later as a senior scientist at the U.S. Department of State in the Office of the Geographer and Global Issues. His published works include more than 200 professional articles, editorials and reports.

Since graduating from Reinhardt in 1965, Dobson was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2013. He joined the Board of Trustees in 2016 and still considers Reinhardt to be the best educational experience he ever had. Dobson describes his field saying that “geography is to space what history is to time,” and desires for geography to be reignited in education and acknowledged in discipline, even at Reinhardt.