Staying Connected

As I was graduating from the high school I loved, I remember promising to remain in contact with the friends and faculty with whom I had grown close. However, time and distance made that promise difficult for me to keep, so I have always admired the alumni that I meet at Mount de Sales who stay connected to their alma mater. We are a stronger school because of their involvement and investment. I recently had the pleasure of talking with four active alumni, and I hope you will find inspiration from their reflections and consider how you might renew or deepen your connection to MDS.

I first met Royce Collins (2001) when he spoke to seniors as part of an alumni career day several years ago. Although he donates to the annual fund through his employee matching gift program, he has a bigger vision to establish an endowed scholarship for minority students. This year, Royce, who is a policy manager and lobbyist for Norfolk Southern and lives in Atlanta, began his first term on the school’s board of trustees. “My involvement is a very tangible way in which I can give back to a community and institution that impressed upon me the importance of a life committed to service,” he noted. “I am convinced that one of the highest achievements of life is being able to show appreciation and give to those who sewed into your success when it was only a dream. That’s what MDS has always been to me.”

Royce credits the faculty and the opportunities at MDS with nurturing him as a leader, which has been foundational to his career success. He acknowledges that not everyone has as positive a high school experience as he did, but believes that should not prevent someone from staying connected. “Both voices are important to preserve the heritage that you loved and be a part of the change that you would like to have experienced as a student.” Royce believes all alumni are important parts of the MDS story and essential to the institution’s future success. “Give of your time, your talent and your treasure to help ensure that the present students and those to come can benefit from an educational experience that will be even better than the one that each of us experienced.”

Following her graduation in 2008, Faith Madison Holton began performing full-time while pursuing her degree with St. Mary’s College of California. She is co-director of The Madison Studio of Dance Education, and finds volunteering with the school’s theatre program rewarding. “There’s a bit of nostalgia and some coming full-circle feelings in seeing my dance students grow at MDS, but watching them come into their own is really what’s most enjoyable,” noted Faith. She believes that it is important to support and encourage the next generation. “I was very lucky to grow up with some teachers and mentors that positively influenced my life, and this generation deserves people looking out for them too!”

MDS theatre instructor Georgia Olson believes a connection between the arts in school and the community at large strengthens our programs. “When that connection happens also to be a MDS alum, our fine arts programs are strengthened even further. Students learn that careers in the arts are possible and the alumni benefit from a connection with their alma mater,” said Mrs. Olson.

Mount de Sales has always been a very special place for 2017 graduate Ryan Murphey’s family. His older brother, Stephen, graduated from MDS in 2012, and his parents were active volunteers who held leadership roles in Cavalier Club and the board of trustees. Because of their involvement, Ryan was aware of the importance of the investments made by donors and volunteers. “Today, I am fortunate enough to be able to help out in a small way and help give the current students at Mount de Sales some of the same opportunities I experienced during my time at the

Academy,” said Ryan who made his first donation the year after he graduated and has continued to contribute annually.

Ryan believes that any gift no matter the size is important, and encourages recent alumni to begin by making a small monthly contribution and to get involved whether by helping with workdays at Cavalier Fields or serving as a community coach. “Mount de Sales has one of the most talented alumni networks in the Middle Georgia area. I truly think the sky’s the limit for our school if we saw more engagement from our younger alums.” In fact, Ryan was reminded of the duty and legacy of MDS alumni when he heard Weston Stroud speak at the alumni awards ceremony in the fall. “Weston said that being a student or alumni of Mount de Sales carries a different weight in the community. You truly are held to a higher expectation just by being associated with the Academy. I think Weston’s words are a wonderful reminder, especially to the young alumni of Mount de Sales who are looking to create their legacy in the community.”

Miles Daniely (2020) is one of several recent alumni who assist in coaching one of our athletic teams. Miles is an interdisciplinary studies major at Middle Georgia State University and plans to become a teacher or professor. In his spare time, he assists with the Middle School soccer program. Miles enjoys building bonds with the players, but especially appreciates the opportunity to give back to a program that was very

How can you find your place at MDS?

1. Update your contact information to stay informed mountdesales. net/alumni/stayconnected/.

2. Follow us on LinkedIn for networking and alumni connections.

3. Attend your class reunion every five years.

4. Make a donation to mtdesales.link/give.

5. Volunteer to help!

Contact Lauren Deal, director of constituent relations, to find your place.

lauren.deal@ mountdesales.net influential for his development. “I saw the opportunity to be able to teach middle schoolers things that I wish I was taught at their age. There were many things I wanted to do differently when I was at Mount de Sales, and I want them to feel like they accomplished everything they could when they graduate as seniors.” He encourages alumni to find a way to help on campus or during games or retreats. “Mount de Sales always has a place for alumni, and they have not forgotten us!”

Not only are alumni remembered, they are supported. “Staying connected to MDS allows alumni to share and gain support for life’s experiences. If it’s the loss of parents, an addition to our families, a graduation or marriage, MDS shares and cares for one another,” noted Royce.

Although their circumstances are different, each of these four alumni found a unique way to stay connected and experienced gratification from giving back. Whether you live in Macon or far away, are just starting your career or nearing retirement, you are part of Mount de Sales’ past and also its future, and I invite you to find a meaningful way to reconnect.

Read more insights from our alumni:

“The lessons I learned at Mount de Sales helped me tremendously as I transitioned to a large university after graduation and eventually into the corporate world. For example, MDS welcomes people of all cultural backgrounds, as well as those who have different ideas and beliefs. I felt as if Mount de Sales allowed students to participate in constructive conversations about what is going on in the world today and share their honest opinion. I believe this is crucial for the development of young adults, especially in 2023. Being able to have honest, healthy and respectful conversations with people you don’t necessarily agree with is truly a lost art today.” –

Ryan Murphey (2017)

“I enjoy coming back to campus as an alumnus and seeing how the campus and school has developed. It makes me appreciate the legacy of dedicated education for the future that MDS has always had.” – Royce Collins (2001)

“The most meaningful thing at MDS was the fact that I made friends in school and by the end of senior year, I had a friend group that is now family, which means everything to me.”

– Miles Daniely (2020)

“The people – the lifelong friends; teachers that I know still support us as adults; administrators that take an interest in our lives; and not to mention, the quality education I received as a Cavalier - stands out as most meaningful.” –

Faith Madison Holton (2008)

“Having lived in several different cities since graduating from Mount de Sales, I feel comfortable saying that we have a very special family here. The ability to have a faith-based community with people from different backgrounds all working towards the same goalglorifying God through our actions in becoming active and caring members of society – is something worth celebrating.” –

Ryan Murphey

“Society and institutions are finding themselves grappling with issues and topics in ways that they never have before and MDS is not excluded from that. As alumni we stand to help guide and defend the legacy of MDS into the future.” –

Royce Collins