TO IRELAND, WITH LOVE
Theatre students share Irish community
BUILDING BRIDGES
College develops partnerships in South Korea and India
A Magazine for Alumni and Friends
Vol. 28, No. 2
PRESIDENT
Susanna L. Baxter
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT
Rebecca Roth Nicks
EDITOR
Dean Hartman
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Lindy Oller
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR DIGITAL MEDIA AND DESIGN
Stacy Gorman Ortiz ’00
ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS EDITORS
Martha Pirkle
Jennifer Beedy Booker ’90
LaGrange College (USPS 299300), including Columns, its official publication for alumni and friends, and the Progress Report and Annual Donor Roll, is published quarterly by LaGrange College, 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 302402999. Periodical class postage paid at LaGrange, GA, and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LaGrange College, 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 30240-2999.
Correspondence should be directed to the Communications and Marketing Office at the above address or emailed to dhartman@lagrange.edu.
Georgia’s oldest private institution of higher learning, LaGrange College is consistently ranked among the South’s top colleges by U.S.News & World Report. A four-year liberal arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church, LaGrange offers more than 50 areas of study with an emphasis on global engagement and service.
CROSS-CULTURAL
My first friendship with someone from another part of the world started in college, and I know the same is true for many LaGrange students. For some, the seeds are planted during the diverse Study Away journeys the college offers. For others, however, the experience comes to them through the gift of the international students who pursue their degrees here. Learn more about LC’s efforts to expand that population inside this issue.
—the Editor
FEATURES
8 TO IRELAND, WITH LOVE
Theatre students found community and inspiration during their January trip to Ireland.
12 BUILDING BRIDGES
New partnerships in South Korea and India aim to increase the college’s international student population.
AROUND CAMPUS
2 POSSIBILITIES
3 CAPITOL VISITS
4 REMEMBERING A TEAMMATE
5 NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
6 POLITICS IN THE REAL WORLD
7 SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
20 GIFT BAGS TO THE RESCUE
21 TERNISHA JONES ’03 VISIT
22 REGIONAL ALUMNI EVENTS
23 ATTORNEY SHAUN O’HARA ’07
23 IN MEMORIAM
PHOTO: Colorful plantings around campus hint at the arrival of spring.
ON THE COVER: Theatre students journeyed to Ireland to prepare for their February performances of “Dancing at Lughnasa” at Price Theater. While visiting the Emerald Isle, the group created publicity photos for the production. See the story on page 8.
25 CALENDAR
POSSIBILITIES SIGNS OF NEW GROWTH
by Dr. Susanna L. Baxter, 26th President of LaGrange College
If you are like me, you long for Easter. As we have meandered through these gray, rainy days of winter, I yearn for spring. Likewise, as we have worked through COVID-induced cloudy days as an institution, I am eager for rebirth. Looking around our campus, I see many signs of new growth.
As you can see inside this issue, the college is launching several new degree programs to boost our student population. Some, like our new Ed.D., are truly groundbreaking for this institution. The Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is the college’s first doctoral program!
The Ed.D. is joined by other new degrees, including a master’s in higher education and another in computer science. Bold steps are being taken to expand our academic offerings.
We also are working to attract more students to these programs. In January, I spent 10 days traveling in India working with a new partnership to recruit more international students to our campus. We are building relationships in South Korea and other destinations, as well. Read more about them in the feature story inside this issue.
These major steps are being taken to increase our enrollment pipeline, while other initiatives are making headway on many of our strategic plan goals. All of these things fill me with great hope and anticipation as we look toward the warmer, brighter days on the horizon.
Students experience a day at the Capitol
At the start of the spring semester, several undergraduate and graduate students had the opportunity to represent the college at state Capitol events hosted by professional organizations.
On Jan. 25, a group of 12 from LC’s Accountancy program (in the photo) took part in a Certified Public Accountants Day event hosted by the Georgia Society of CPAs. While at the GSCPA meeting, students heard from Sen. Billy Hickman, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Revenue Frank O'Connell and Rep. David Wilkerson, among others.
Later that month, first-year Clinical Mental Health Counseling students
Shelley Hood, Leighton Parker, Dazia Potts and Cherrelle Todd joined Associate Professor Dr. Kelly Veal for the Licensed Professional Counselor Day lobbying event hosted by the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia. They met with legislators and heard the introduction of House Bill 1050, which addresses the licensure of counselors in Georgia. This was the first LPC Day in the country.
“I was honored to attend such a
historic day for the state of Georgia and for the United States of America,” Potts said. “This is just one step of many that continue to advocate for mental health and its workers that care enough to be the positive change that is needed in this country.”
In February, Elementary Education seniors Lily Thompson, Emilee Johnson, Faith Burgamy and Sydney
Rojo went with Education Professor
Dr. Gretta Milam to a Professional Association of Georgia Educators event held in partnership with the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders and the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. The LC group heard from policymakers on education policy issues including education funding and Georgia's teacher pipeline.
PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHED WITH GORDON STATE
LaGrange College recently signed an agreement establishing a new pathway for LC's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program for Gordon State College students.
The partnership allows GSC students to begin LC’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program in their last undergraduate semester, with their counseling credits transferring back to GSC for completion of their baccalaureate degree.
“For LaGrange College, this agreement expands access to mental health training in a way that will benefit not only the state, but the larger region as well,” said Dr. Brian Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
AROUND CAMPUS 3
LC Accountancy students who participated in the Certified Public Accountants Day Capitol event include Jonathan Barrett, Cindy Deleon, Ethan Fry, Lindsey Green, Michael Haase, KJ Howard, Nicholas Missert, Vijay Patel, Aiden Psalmonds, Hunter Ransom, Tyler Rowland and Davion Williams.
EXHIBITION BOOSTS STUDENTS’ ART EXPERIENCE
More than 100 artists had works featured in the fifth LaGrange Southeast Regional exhibition—and LC students had the opportunity to meet many of them.
“This event gives people from our community and surrounding areas the chance to experience art made throughout the Southeast,” said Austin Wieland, Lovick P. Corn Associate Professor of Art and Design. “Our students get exposed to artists working in a variety of mediums and materials, which they can be influenced by in their own work and studies.”
Hosted at Lamar Dodd Art Center and LaGrange Art Museum, the show’s 149 works run from painting to metalwork and more, and thanks to the support of Callaway Foundation, Inc., some of them will be added to the museums’ permanent collections.
The exhibition will run through April 6 at Lamar Dodd Art Center and April 23 at LaGrange Art Museum.
Event calls for remembrance and change
The campus and community came together Feb. 25 to commemorate a loss. Senior and football team captain LaKevin DeBruce was tragically killed in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, while home for Thanksgiving break. The February event provided an opportunity to remember—and to call for change.
“On November 18th, the epidemic of gun violence became something that hit close to home,” said President Susanna Baxter at the gathering. “It wasn’t something we simply saw on television that happened somewhere far away to someone we didn’t know.”
In response to the tragedy, LaTanya Jemison, DeBruce’s mother, started the Ball Out 8 Foundation to raise awareness about the issue of gun violence.
“There are too many unsolved gun violence murders occurring,” she said. “Nobody wants to speak up for fear of retaliation or just not wanting to get involved. We can help put an end to it.”
The event included a walk to Callaway Stadium, a balloon release, a bench dedication in DeBruce’s memory, and the inking of a foundation-sponsored scholarship that will bear his name.
“We made the decision to put the bench in the center of the CEB, where LaKevin spent a lot of his time as he gathered for class, practice and workouts,” said Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Terlynn Olds. “As you know, he touched a lot of lives, and this
will be a space to gather and remember him.”
LaKevin “did things right in his life,” said Head Football Coach Wes Dodson. “He showed up every day and did his best. He showed you what it meant to care about someone.
“To keep his memory alive, we’re going to reserve his number eight jersey for someone who shows those characteristics and lives up to his example.”
AROUND CAMPUS 4
New academic programs get underway
The college will implement three new graduate and undergraduate academic options, including a Doctor of Education — the college’s first doctoral-level degree — and a minor in Computer Science.
“These new additions will expand our academic offerings to reach more students,” said Dr. Brian Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We are committed to growing and evolving our programs to meet employer needs in high demand job markets.
“The Doctorate in Education has been discussed at the college for the last seven to 10 years as something that our local community of educators sorely needed.”
— Dr. Brian Peterson V.P. for Academic Affairs
“The Doctorate in Education has been discussed at the college for the last seven to 10 years as something that our local community of educators sorely needed,” he said.
“Adding this program allows us
to move forward in our strategic plan initiative to create educational programs that are in need by the local and regional workforce.”
Dr. Gretta Milam, Chair of LaGrange College’s Education Department, will serve as coordinator for the new doctoral program, slated to begin in fall 2024.
“This Curriculum and Instruction degree will allow teachers to remain in their current position at a higher level pay or to advance their career beyond the PK-12 classroom to pursue other educational job opportunities that
focus on teaching and learning,” she said.
The college’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will offer a series of graduate-level courses in the field of marriage and family therapy, starting in spring 2024. Current students, alumni and individuals from outside the college with a master's degree will be eligible to enroll in these courses.
For undergraduates, a computer science minor will be added in spring 2024.
“This field is one of the fastestgrowing areas in higher education, given the renewed emphasis on technology, AI and applications-based computing in most employment sectors,” Dr. Peterson said. “Adding the minor was a quick first step in developing a more intentional, sweeping program in computer science that students will be able to integrate into their own disciplines.”
Other new programs to debut in fall 2024 are a minor in neuroscience and a concentration in strength and conditioning.
AROUND CAMPUS 5
Department engages students in real-world politics
A sophomore Political Science major serving a five-month internship with Senator Raphael Warnock, first-generation college student Katie Gonzalez makes the most of every opportunity, just as her mother and father did when they arrived in Georgia from Colombia and Puerto Rico, respectively.
“I owe them my life because they came to this country so I could have the best chance at success in my life in America, ‘the land of opportunity,’” Gonzalez said.
She said her federal role gives her the chance to see how the government works on a ground level.
“I get to observe how our elected representatives interact with constituents on a day-today basis,” Gonzalez said.
Her passion and dedication to the Political Science program began before stepping foot on campus, according to Professor Dr. John Tures.
“Katie had such a strong work ethic that she was willing to help with
research before she took her first class at LaGrange College,” he said. “She just volunteered.”
In March, Gonzalez and fellow Political Science students Ema Turner ’24
FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Management Associate Professor Dr. Clay Bolton
and Méabh Fyfe ’25 participated in the Atlanta Symposium on Political Science’s graduate student conference at Georgia State University.
Fyfe, who has been taking classes at LaGrange while pursuing a law degree at Queen’s University Belfast in Ireland, said taking political science classes in America has been beneficial for her future career aspirations.
“Through the study of the U.S. judicial system and the upcoming presidential election, I have been exposed to new proceedings in politics, how the American government works and key principles of the political culture in this country,” she said.
Turner said LaGrange College has helped her prepare for law school.
“Dr. Tures does a great job on giving us real-life activities to help us understand the American judicial system,” she said. “It has given me a better understanding of the legal system and helped me find my passion.”
AROUND CAMPUS 6
Sports
had an article published on Sports Litigation Alert, a site from Hackney Publications, one of the leading publishers in sports and athletics law in the country.
Political Science Professor Dr. John Tures had his book chapter "Red Flag Laws Saved 7,300 Americans from Gun Deaths in 2020 Alone and Could Have Saved 11,400
More” published in “The Conversation on Guns,” a Johns Hopkins University Press book.
Marketing Lecturer Curtis Brown was featured in WalletHub's article about average car insurance cost.
Katie Gonzalez, left, a sophomore political science major, earned an internship this semester working for U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock. Pictured with Gonzalez are Warnock and staff assistant Nia Johnson ’22.
BUSINESS ALUMNI SHARE INSIGHTS IN PANEL DISCUSSION
Alumni Melanie Taylor ’19, Adam Terrinoni ’17 and Mena Yacoub ’22, ’23 took part in a career readiness panel hosted by the Business Department on Jan. 23.
During the event, they each provided words of advice on how students can start preparing for their future professions.
“I would recommend doing mock interviews and getting feedback from mentors and those around you,” Taylor said. “Employers want people that show incentive.”
“Getting that first role has a lot to do with relationships,” Terrinoni said. “Put your name out there and talk to as many people as you can.”
“Don’t be afraid to mess up,” Yacoub said. “Think of how you can learn from your mistakes.”
Program aims to enhance student learning
Junior Jorge Fragoso, who has served as a Supplemental Instruction leader in Accounting for three semesters, takes pride in lending his expertise to help his peers achieve academic success.
“I love serving in this program and seeing how it benefits the participants,” he said. “It is a valuable resource on campus.”
PACE Director Steve Kenner, who serves as the SI supervisor, said the program focuses on identifying difficult classes rather than high-risk students.
“We are developing a model of student support that will improve learning, increase retention rates and academic preparedness of students,” he said.
LaGrange started with four SI courses in Fall 2022 and has since increased to nine SI courses in Spring 2024.
“The goal is to increase student persistence and retention to graduation,” said Dr. Brian Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Kenner said the program is implemented in academic courses that have a high rate of D-F-W grades.
“It integrates ‘what to learn’ with ‘how to learn,’ he said. “SI consists of regularly scheduled sessions—voluntary, out-of-class group study sessions driven by students' needs. These sessions are facilitated by trained peer leaders who
utilize collaborative activities to ensure peer-to-peer interaction in small groups.”
The current list of classes that have an SI component include Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, General Biology I, General Biology II, Principles of Economics, College Algebra (2 sections), Anatomy & Physiology and Intro to Statistics.
AROUND CAMPUS 7
To Ireland, With Love
Theatre students share Irish community
Over 6,000 miles separate Troup County, Georgia, and County Donegal, Ireland, but for three days in February, no passport was needed for audience members who were transported by the campus production of “Dancing at Lughnasa” to Glenties, the real-life town that inspired the play from Irish playwright Brian Friel.
“After watching the show, a woman from Ireland told us it felt like you took me home with you,” says junior Will Gray, who portrayed the play’s narrator, Michael Evans. “Those are the kind of experiences that give us gratitude as artists.”
Loosely based on the experiences Friel had with his mother and four unmarried aunts, the drama serves as a memory play framed by the narrator’s childhood recollection of the summer of 1936 that changed the Mundy sisters’ lives forever.
At the core of the play is family, says Kim Barber Knoll, Program Chair of Theatre Arts and Director of the production.
“The sisters do their best to eke out a living with humor, hard work and determination,” she says.
Research in Ireland
Prior to the production, the LC Theatre group traveled to the Emerald Isle in January to not only perfect their Donegal accents, but also hear from the people who knew the five brave Glenties women depicted in the play.
Students who had never traveled out of the country and were experiencing a bit of culture shock were quickly put at ease by the locals and guides who welcomed them to their community of Glenties.
“It was incredible to have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in this culture and to get to meet the wonderful people in these communities,” says sophomore Isabella Rapoza, who played Agnes Mundy.
The seven-day program was hosted by the Bundoran-based Institute of Study Abroad Ireland, and the curriculum for theatre studies was designed and delivered by actor, director and producer Maura Logue. She, along with ISAI instructor Aidan Given and founder and director Niamh Hamill, worked with the students on history, cultural context, dialect and accent,
9
At left, portraying the Mundy sisters are, from left, Hayleigh Sebaugh, Aria Mabry, Carlie Jones, Isabella Rapoza and Annabell Sapp. Above, the LC group visits The Laurels, Brian Friel’s family cottage.
UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES
WORLD RELIGION AND POLITICS COURSES IN GREECE
May 13-20
Students will study through exploring, analyzing and reflecting on culture, beliefs and customs. They will also examine how the country compares then and now, politically and economically, to Italy and Turkey.
SPORTS MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP IN ENGLAND & SCOTLAND
July 6-17
Students will tour arenas, ballparks, stadiums and other sports venues in England and Scotland. They will also get to experience live cricket and rugby matches and explore the Old Course at St. Andrews and attend the Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland.
costuming and rehearsal.
The LC group began their immersive experience at The Laurels, Friel’s family cottage, to get a sense of the play’s setting. In addition, they were treated to a piece by local Helen Power from Friel’s play “Faith Healer” at the new Lughnasa Creative Art Centre. They also went to St. Connell's Museum for a guided tour and had a moment of reflection at Friel's grave at the top of the glens.
“When we stood over his gravesite and looked out on the horizon, our guide Aiden asked us to close our eyes, take a deep breath and just take it all in for a moment,” says sophomore Aria Mabry, who played Maggie. “Suddenly, a gust of wind came and went as we stood there. It was a spiritual and moving moment that will always be with me.”
On the last day in Donegal, the cast, dressed by Logue’s production company Dark Daughter and photographed by Given, posed for a publicity shoot on the Fairy Bridges in Bundoran.
“When we were getting ready to take our photos, a double rainbow appeared over the sea as if on cue,” Mabry says. “It could not have been more perfect. Everything just fell into place.”
The trip was funded through the Louis and Mary Kay Smith Travel Grant at LaGrange College.
“We are so grateful to the Smiths for their generosity and providing opportunities for our students to travel abroad and experience other cultures,” Knoll says.
10
At right, Carlie Jones gets fitted for her costume by Maura Logue prior to the publicity shoot below.
Reception from media
Their trip to Ireland garnered attention in Irish newspapers and radio and television programs that include The Irish Times, Donegal Live, Donegal News, The Ray D’Arcy Show in Dublin and BBC Belfast.
Speaking in the Donegal dialect, described by some as one of the most beautiful accents in the country, would not have been possible without engaging with the locals and receiving hands-on instruction from Logue.
“When it comes to learning languages, I am an auditory learner,” Mabry says. “In our classes, Maura would have us read a line and then she would say a line back to us and that was the most beneficial for me.”
During her interviews with two Irish radio outlets, Mabry was tested on her ability to say a line or two as her character Maggie, who was also played by Meryl Streep in the 1998 movie.
The hosts said her accent was so well done it was as if she lived in Donegal her whole life.
News of the production also spread to America, where it was featured on WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia.
“We were grateful for the opportunity to share our story,” Knoll says.
One-of-a-kind experience
For senior Annabell Sapp, who played Rose, the trip and production helped provide her with a new perspective that will guide her as she strives to pursue a career in the acting industry.
“This opportunity gave me the chance to expand my skillset that will in turn help me grow as an actor,” Sapp says.
For junior Jackie Morman, who played Gerry Evans, he was glad to have had the unique challenge of being the only Welsh
character in the production.
“This opportunity showed me that I am capable of more than I realize,” Morman says.
Senior Hayleigh Sebaugh, who played Chris, the narrator’s mother, says she has gained more confidence that she will take into the classroom as she pursues a career in teaching.
“This was a priceless experience that I will forever hold onto in my heart,” she says.
An unbreakable bond
From the first rehearsal to the final curtain call, the cast, both familiar and new to the Price Theater stage, developed deep relationships that will forever be linked to LaGrange College.
Senior Carlie Jones, who played oldest sister Kate, took her final bow as an actor at LC, and says she will never forget the sisters she gained in LaGrange.
“I was taken in with open arms as a freshman and have since given support to the students coming up,” she says. “The experience with this group is something I will not take for granted.”
Mark Huffman, who is First Gentleman and husband to President Susanna Baxter, played Father Jack, a priest who returned to Ballybeg after 25 years abroad.
He says he was honored to make his LC Theatre debut in such a welcoming environment.
“I experienced firsthand the amount of work and dedication our Theatre students and faculty put into their productions,” Huffman says. “Working alongside this group is something I will never forget.”
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BUILDING BRIDGES
College develops partnerships in South Korea and India
High School Moms representatives pause for a photo with President Susanna Baxter and Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience Dr. John Head at the Taj Mahal in India.
With exchange and study abroad programs back on the rise, LaGrange College has hit the ground running in expanding its global reach by teaming up with international organizations and institutions seeking a liberal arts-based education for their students.
For a two-week period that started in late January, the college hosted six fourth-year Jesus University (Jeonju-si, South Korea) nursing exchange students who took part in the Global Nursing Vision Program that was established between the two institutions.
“Their goal with this visit was to receive a global clinical experience as part of their education,” said Dr. Brian Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
A newfound outlook
While on campus, the Korean students sat in on courses from the Nursing faculty.
“Having these students visit our program was a wonderful experience,” said Dr. Sarah Jones, Associate Nursing Professor and Department Chair. “Their enthusiasm and curiosity brought a renewed perspective for all of us. Our students loved spending time with them and learning what nursing school is like for them back home.”
Outside the classroom, the Korean group observed clinical rotations at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center and volunteered at Vernon Woods Retirement Community.
“It's evident that they made the most of their time, learning a lot and bringing joy to the staff through their enthusiasm and appreciation for things we often take for granted,” said Tammy
Lynch, executive director of nursing at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. “Their presence was not only inspiring but also a reminder of the value of curiosity and engagement in any learning environment.”
Korean nursing student leader Bitna Lee shared her sentiments on the group participating in the Global Nursing Vision Program.
“It was an amazing experience that money could not buy for us to be able to see firsthand the work of an American nurse in the U.S. hospital system,” she said.
Overall, the students gained immeasurable benefits from the trip, according to Jungok Lee, Nursing Professor at Jesus University.
“I look forward to the continued collaboration with LaGrange College in future programs,” she said. “As a university specialized in nursing, Jesus University hopes for opportunities to collaborate with LC in fields related to health, nursing and service.”
Establishing connections in India
Over the past year, the college has been collaborating with High School Moms, one of the leading parent, student and educator networks in Asia.
“Located in India, this organization works with more than 15 million students and parents,” said Dr. John Head, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience. “They partner with colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada to bring Indian students to their campuses.”
China and India send the majority of international students studying in the U.S., with 52 percent of the total coming from
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South Korean nursing students from Jesus University attend a Chapel worship service on campus and observe clinical rotations at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT POSTPANDEMIC
At the start of the pandemic, international student enrollment took a steep decline across college campuses in the U.S. In Fall 2020, overall international student enrollment declined by 16 percent and new enrollment fell by 43 percent, according to a survey from the NAFSA association of international educators.
Since then, the total number of international students at higher education institutions has been on an upward trend. During the 2022-23 school year, colleges hosted 1,057,188 international students, a 12% increase over 2021–22 and the fastest rate of growth in 40 years, according to an Open Doors report from the Institute of International Education.
LaGrange College has a diverse international population that is now growing each school year. There have been students from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, Northern Ireland, Panama, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Kingdom.
With LC creating partnerships in India, South Korea, and other countries, college leaders aim for more international students being welcomed to the Hill.
these two countries, according to the Open Doors 2022 report.
In January, President Susanna Baxter and Dr. Head traveled to India to visit with educators, administrators and students at various schools that work with High School Moms.
During their 10-day visit, students and professional musicians performed traditional pieces for their guests, and while Drs. Baxter and Head didn’t perform, they did spend a great deal of time talking about higher education in America.
While meeting with principals and teachers, President Baxter and Dr. Head also gave presentations on leadership development.
As a result of the trip and partnership with High School Moms, some Indian students have applied to come to LaGrange College.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new Panthers to LC,” Dr. Head said. “It will be exciting to see how our relationship with High School Moms develops over time.”
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President Susanna Baxter and Dr. John Head visit Indian schools to share about LaGrange College and speak with educators on leadership development.
New sports website launched
LaGrange Panthers fans got a boost in February with the launch of a new lagrangepanthers.com, the college’s official sports website. The new site has been launched quietly, and more pages are being added daily.
From an updated look to improved functionality, it brings several advantages to the table.
“We’ve been working toward a new lagrangepanthers.com for some time now,” said Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Terlynn Olds. “It provides some real benefits to our fans, and also will make it easier for us to collaborate with other schools in our conference.”
The site is hosted by Sidearm Sports, the leading digital fan engagement platform. The company powers more than 1,500 websites, from most NCAA Division I programs and U.S. Olympic teams to professional sporting leagues. Sponsored sites rack up more than 2.6 billion pageviews annually.
Given the popularity of the software, most schools in the Collegiate Conference of the South use the same technology. This will allow statistics and other data to flow seamlessly between LC’s fellow conference schools.
Work on the new site began in the fall, with Associate Athletics Director/Head Softball Coach Mel Rushing and Assistant Sports Information Director Danny Talbert leading the charge. Both say the site’s content management system will make their jobs easier.
Response to the new destination has been positive so far, according to Talbert.
“Early reviews have been favorable,” he said. “Visitors say that they like the new design and are enjoying the navigation and features.”
He adds that additional content is coming online constantly. Archival records from all college teams are being imported sport-by-sport. The process is painstaking, and alumni are asked to be patient until all historical data has been installed.
Fans can check out the new site and keep up to date on all things Panther at lagrangepanthers.com.
PANTHER POINTS
MEN’S BASKETBALL The Panthers finished with an overall record of 15-12, with the team’s season ending on a 9268 loss to Maryville College in the CCS Semifinal game on Feb. 23. Freshman Samuel Moss averaged a team-high 17.7 points per game, making him the lone Panther to earn a spot on the First All-CCS Team. Freshman Kameron McCall and sophomore Brodie Scott were both named to the Second All-CCS Team. All three guards were electrifying throughout the season. The CCS also named senior Grant Evans to the AllSportsmanship Team.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL LC wrapped up the season with a 18-7 overall record. In their final game, the Panthers fell to Belhaven University 80-74 in the CCS Semifinals on Feb. 23. Junior Zyhia Johnson averaged a team-high 16.7 points per game, earning her a spot on the First All-CCS Team. Sophomore Laila Battle also earned a place on the First All-CCS Team after averaging 11.8 points per game. Both sophomore Amanda Mclendon and freshman Taylor Smith were named to the Second All-CCS Team following their domination of the CCS frontcourts all season long. Senior Ashley Free rounded out the LC honors by being named to the CCS All-Sportsmanship Team.
ALUMNI & FRIENDS 15
Classnotes
HITTING THE ROAD
These past few months President Baxter and college leaders have been connecting with alumni in a series of hometown get-togethers. Thanks for the welcome! If we missed you, a few events remain. (Check out the dates below.) And if we can’t meet face-to-face, send a message with your latest news to alumni@lagrange. edu. There’s nothing better than catching up on what great things you’ve been up to.
MARTHA PIRKLE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Rome: Thursday, April 11, 5:30 p.m. – home of Joe M’20 and Rebekah Montgomery
Marietta: Tuesday, April 30, 5:30 p.m. – Glover Park Brewery
Carrollton: Thursday, May 16, 5:30 p.m. – Local Ties Brewery
Athens: Wednesday, June 12, 5:30 p.m. – Bitty & Beau's Coffee Shop
1950s
1957 Sylvia Cook Odum of Blackshear remains active in the sewing group The Piecemakers, which provides lap robes, bibs, etc., for nursing homes.
1960s
1966 Stacy S. Storer Jr. of Douglasville is retired from the Georgia Power Company. He has been enjoying traveling and helping raise his granddaughter.
1970s
1975 Dr. Karen F. Bullock M'77 of Peachtree City is a retired educator who now volunteers with the Fayette County Teacher Resource Center helping make instructional materials, posters and visual aids for Fayette County Teachers.
1980s
1980 Gail Lee Gordon of LaGrange was chosen to be a member of the 2024 Leadership Troup Class, a LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce program.
1980 Wesley Long Jr. '80 and Wesley "Trae" Long III '12 of LaGrange have made the decision to rebrand their company under a new name—Long & Long—after decades of serving the community under the name of Gay & Joseph.
1981 Lee Crowe of Savannah continues to teach traditional hand-drawn animation at Savannah College of Art and Design. She traveled from Savannah to Los Angeles on behalf of SCAD for the
CTN Expo in Burbank, California. There she moderated a panel on the pros and cons of using artificial intelligence in animation and animation education.
1986 Glenn Yates Jr. M'81 of LaGrange has been named the new Sales and Marketing Manager at Specification Rubber Products.
* This issue’s Classnotes are from information received through February 28, 2024. (Unless otherwise noted, geographic locations refer to Georgia.)
ALUMNI & FRIENDS 16
Wesley Methodist Church provided a Soul Food lunch for the Spiritual Life Center. Students were treated to Taste of Lemon poppyseed chicken along with homemade cookies from the Wesley hospitality committee. LaGrange College alumni assisting with serving were Bonnie Funderburk Dudley ’75, M ’83; Mary Wells Conway ’72; Carolyn Mitchell Wynens ’69; and Elaine Laster McCook ’84, M’88.
1990s
1992 Anise Morrison Bell of University Heights, Ohio, is a teacher at Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
1992 Stefanie Fuller Easterwood M'15, Ed. S.'17 of Newnan accepted a position as principal of Arnall Middle School.
1992 Greg McLeory of LaGrange was cast as Cinderella's father in the
Lafayette Society of Performing Arts rendition of "Into the Woods.”
1996 Rusty Evans of Newnan was awarded the Brian Snitker Award as the 2023 Youth Coach of the Year.
1998 Patrick Bowie of LaGrange has been appointed City Manager of LaGrange by the LaGrange City Council.
1999 Reverend Dr. Matthew Mitchell of Madison is the senior pastor at Madison Methodist Church.
2000s
2002 Alexander O. Harris of Tampa, Florida, released the single "Millionaire" on all digital platforms.
2002 Tony Watkins M'06 of Syrma is the athletic director and head JV women's basketball coach at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School.
2003 Reverend Michael R. Davis of Valdosta is the owner of Ace Handyman Services, principal at Mike Davis Coaching LLC, member of South GA LEADS class of 2023, member of Leadership Lowndes Class of 2024, and Chaplain for the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, in addition to an honorary commander at Moody Air Force Base.
2004 Nigel Walker Ph.D., M'06, Ed.S.'11 of LaGrange was chosen to be a member of the 2024 Leadership Troup Class, a LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce program.
2005 Rob Dicks of LaGrange is the head athletic trainer at Callaway High School and district EDAC representative. He was named the Parker Resources 2A Athletic Trainer of the Year 2023 and received the Georgia Athletic Trainer's Association Athletic Trainer Service Award.
ALUMNI & FRIENDS 17
Wesley Long Jr. '80 and Wesley "Trae" Long III '12, center, of LaGrange, have rebranded their company under the new name Long & Long.
Jennifer Beedy Booker ’90 (center), Alumni and Development Coordinator, took home the chili cook-off win for LC at Advent Lutheran church’s inaugural chili cook-off. She won best out of 10 by LC student judges Sandra Nambo ’27, left, and Ja’la Williams ’27 and tied for the people’s choice award.
2005 Olivia Swanson Jern M'06 of Jesup was named to the "40 Under 40" list for Wayne County's Young Professionals.
2007 Reverend Julia Mercer Norman of Macon is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church and director of development for the nonprofit Macon Volunteer Clinic.
2007 Shaun O'Hara of Columbus spoke with LaGrange College students about his legal career, including working on the NFL concussion lawsuit.
2007 Nichelle Ortiz-Seman of Peachtree City was promoted from homicide detective to sergeant for the Atlanta Police Department.
2008 Kristin Pike Hays of LaGrange was chosen to be a member of the 2024 Leadership Troup Class, a LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce program.
2008 Sarah Schanche of LaGrange was cast as the Witch in the Lafayette Society of Performing Arts rendition of "Into the Woods.”
2010s
2011 Mike Coburn of LaGrange has revived the boys varsity soccer program at LaGrange Academy. He also coaches a club team called UMA out of LaGrange and Valley.
2011 Britt Gaylor M'13 of LaGrange is LaGrange Academy's director of middle school. He's been awarded the F.C. Johnson III Scholarship from the Troup County Archives and Legacy Museum on Main.
2012 Kamren Clark Gatens of Greenville was chosen to be a
member of the 2024 Leadership Troup Class, a LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce program.
2012 Wesley "Trae" Long III and Wesley Long Jr. '80 of LaGrange have made the decision to rebrand their
Rachel Samples Jones ’08, right, an aerospace sciences student at University of North Dakota, spent 24 hours underwater at the Jules’ Undersea Lodge off the coast of Key Largo, Florida. During the stay, she completed the first-ever underwater ham radio call. She
ALUMNI & FRIENDS 18
Sam Cotton ’83, left, has been involved in basketball either as a player or coach in the LaGrange community for over 40 years.
Reilly-Kate Davis, right, daughter of Steven ’98, left, and Meghan Henry Davis ’01, is joined at an LC Preview Day with Director of Alumni and Community Relations Martha Pirkle.
Aaron and Sarah Synder Keating ’00, along with sons Anderson and Harrison, explored campus and the city of LaGrange.
is joined in the photo by student David Mateus, left, and Professor Keith Crisman.
OPPORTUNITIES
Your donations help surround LaGrange College students with opportunities. They have access to unique and immersive programs that will engage them on a deeper level and ignite their passions.
CONSIDER THIS: 87% of the Class of 2023 had secured a job or entry to graduate school by Commencement day.
ALSO CONSIDER THIS: 44% of undergraduates this fall were identified as among the nation’s neediest, requiring significant assistance to afford a higher education.
The generosity of donors allows these future graduates to find their paths to success. Without it, nearly half of them might not have the opportunity.
CLICK HERE to support opportunities for students at LaGrange College.
ALUMNI & FRIENDS
company under a new name—Long & Long—after decades of serving the community under the name of Gay & Joseph.
2013 Lindsey Hull Perkins of LaGrange was recognized as a 1st place recipient at the Georgia Hospital Association's Quality and Patient Safety Summit for diligent and collaborative work in reducing surgical site infections with Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center.
2014 Taylor Wynn of Macon is the golf pro at Idle Hour Golf & Country Club.
2015 Tyler Eady of LaGrange is coaching the inaugural weightlifting team at LaGrange High School. He is also the head strength and conditioning coach.
2015 Loishirl Hall of LaGrange is an associate attorney at McCabe, Weisberg & Conway LLC.
2015 Madeline Sain of Newnan was cast as the baker's wife in the Lafayette Society of Performing Arts rendition of "Into the Woods.”
2017 Emily Arnold M'18 of Gulf Breeze, Florida, is the dean of students at her alma mater, Gulf Breeze High School.
2017 Dr. Hank Barnes of Salem, Alabama, received a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Auburn University. He is a senior R&D chemist at Afton Chemical in Richmond, Virginia.
2017 Alex Orellana De Leon of LaGrange was chosen to be a member of the 2024 Leadership Troup Class, a LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce program.
2017 DeLion Lance of Atlanta was cast as Cinderella's prince/wolf in the Lafayette Society of Performing Arts rendition of "Into the Woods.”
2017 Adam Terrinoni of Roswell is an accounting supervisor at Sparus Holdings LLC and came to campus to speak to students about career readiness.
2018 The Reverend Garrett Wallace of Dunwoody has been approved by the Board of Ordained Ministry and will be commissioned as a provisional elder within the United Methodist Church. He is an associate pastor at Dunwoody United Methodist Church.
2019 Leigh Anne Hamlin Hoes of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, is teaching Voice and Guitar at The School of Rock York (Pennsylvania). She is playing Margot in the longest consecutive run of "The Diary of Anne Frank" at Open Stage in Harrisburg, and she is playing Juliet and Benvolio in Gamut Theater's educational touring production of "Romeo & Juliet."
2019 Kelton Hunt of Hogansville was cast as Rapunzel's prince in the Lafayette Society of Performing Arts rendition of "Into the Woods.”
2019 Melanie Green Taylor of LaGrange is an account manager at Talon Aerolytics and came to campus to speak to students about career readiness.
ALUMNI & FRIENDS 20
End-of-semester stress was eased by survival gift bags provided by the Wisteria Garden Club. Delivering the treats in the photo are, from left, Donna Harman M’77, Marjorie Steis Bowling ’58, Bonnie Funderburk Dudley ’75,M’83, Brenda Spradley, Ann Blackwell, Genie Sutton, Alesia Nixon, Debbie Massengale, Amy Davis, Harriet Wigley, Elaine Howard and Suzanne Countness Cook’92.
Fiona Waters Westmoreland ’00, Sarah Synder Keating ’00 and Ashley Davis Harman ‘00
Miles serves community in legal and military roles
Ternisha Miles Jones ’03 paid a visit to campus in December to speak with Political Science students.
After finishing law school, Jones joined the Alabama Army National Guard, where she serves as a Judge Advocate General.
“I answered a call within my heart that was planted after September 11, 2001,” she said. “I provide legal support to commanders regarding all aspects of military law, regulations and policies.”
Jones received the college’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2014 and served on the college’s Leadership Council from 2015-2017. Now a LaGrange College Trustee, she also works as a prosecuting attorney for the 12th Judicial Circuit of Alabama.
“In my career, what stands out most to me is having a measure of grace to be present and fully open in heart and mind to every victim and family member of violent crime,” Jones told the students.
“Before, during and after a criminal matter is resolved by guilty plea or by a jury trial, these families are left to process the hurt and pain of human action. It is my honor to pray for them, support them and stand with them as they walk forever changed by the hand of violence.”
ALUMNI & FRIENDS 21
Abigail Young ’20 is a performer at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Landon Baize ’08 and his daughter, Emily, deliver “Baize boxes” to Alumni and Community Relations Director Martha Pirkle for the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars to distribute to those in need.
Michele Striplin Bedingfield ’93 spoke to the LaGrange Lions Club about the domestic violence shelter and program at Harmony House. She is seen here with Lions’ President Brandon Adams.
ALUMNI GATHER FOR CONVERSATIONS WITH THE PRESIDENT
President Susanna Baxter continued her travels throughout the region this winter to meet LC alumni for times of fellowship and conversation. Organized by the Alumni and Community Relations Office, events were held in Albany, Columbus, Cartersville, Macon and Newnan. Still on tap are gatherings in Athens, Carrollton, Marietta and Rome.
COLUMBUS: Jimmy
: Gary '72, Brenda '71 and James Welden
a December gathering in Newnan
Welden Financial.
ALBANY: LC Friends who met in November at the Bread House in Albany included, from left, Clint and Debbie Dorough Mowery ’72 (host), Donald West ’64, Jwana Washington ’07, Albany Mayor Bo Dorough, Angie Barber ’06, M’10, Bill Dorough, John Keith ’21, President Susanna Baxter, Suzanne Harper and Director of Alumni and Community Relations Martha Pirkle. Not
ALUMNI & FRIENDS 22
pictured is Ayesha Young ’13.
’68 and Barbara Motos hosted Columbus-area alumni in their home in late November. Shown in the photo are, front row, from left, Jimmy Motos ’68 and Keith Sims ’16, back row, Carolyn Babbs Glover ’60, Ronnie ’62 and Julia Massey Culpepper ’62, President Susanna Baxter, Barbara Motos, Jerry ’67 and Carolyn Mitchell Wynens ’69, Mary Wells ’72 and Tom Conway ’69, Bill Hardy ’68 and Tobie Williams. Not pictured is Gerald Wyatt.
CARTERSVILLE: Alumni gathered in the morning on Dec. 8 at Noble & Main Coffee Company in downtown Cartersville. In the photo, host Bill Kiser ’69 listens to President Baxter.
NEWNAN
'98 hosted
at
Attending the event were, from left, Gary Welden, Martha Pirkle, Mike Barber ’74, Karen Massey Crews ’71, Julia Glenn Barber ’74, President Susanna Baxter, James Welden, Brenda Holland Welden ’71, David Haygood ’62, Joe Watson ’75, Jovonne Pedersen ’90, Eric Thomas and Harriett Kuhr Haygood ’63.
MACON: A February alumni event was held in Macon at the home of David and Kathy Reese McCollum ’81, M’17. Pausing for a group photo are, front row, from left, Jane Holik Antoine ’08, Mavis Sprayberry Trice ’60, Barbara Carter Wommack ’60, Flo Martin, Carolyn Bradley ’57, Taylor Wynn ’14, Theresa Basilico ’81 and Jackson Daniel ’82, M’17, and Tommy Martin, back row, Martha Pirkle, Rebekah Powers ’24, Karon Troth ’24, Julia Mercer Norman ’07, Beverly Ann Wilson McGee ’86, President Susanna Baxter and Kathy Reese McCollum. Not shown are Andrew Cunningham ’24, David McCollum and Tavia Henderson.
Alum discusses role in NFL concussion suit
Political Science alum and Mercer Law graduate Shaun O’Hara ’07 paid a visit to campus in February to share his insights on the NFL concussion lawsuit he took part in as a member of one of the legal teams representing former professional football athletes.
“I took the bar exam in July 2011, and then the firm I was working with asked me to draft a lawsuit for our client, a retired NFL player with complications from repeated head injuries,” O’Hara said. “Our cases ended up in Pennsylvania, where the nationwide NFL lawsuits were consolidated.”
The NFL agreed to settlements on a local scale in 2015.
“Our lawsuit brought more awareness to the issues, and the NFL is safer because of it,” he said.
O’Hara currently works at Columbus-based Charles A. Gower P.C. where he has tried several meaningful cases, including one in Muscogee County State Court against the owners of the Ralston Towers, which resulted in a verdict in excess of $100 million.
2020s
2020 Michael Bleimeyer of LaGrange has received his MBA with a concentration in accounting. He is a senior accountant at Majors Management LLC.
2020 Chad Kollert M'20, Ed.S.'22 of Concord has been named principal of East Coweta Middle School.
2020 Abigail Young of Decatur is a performer at Tokyo Disney Resort.
2021 Lincoln Anderson of LaGrange is regional manager with Equis Financial in LaGrange.
2021 Savanna Hicks Hunt of Hogansville was cast as Little Red Riding Hood in the Lafayette Society of Performing Arts rendition of "Into the Woods.”
2022 Mena Yacoub of Fayetteville is a sales manager at Equis Financial. He came to campus to speak to students about career readiness.
2023 Gracie Brunel of LaGrange is the assistant coach of girls basketball at Troup County Comprehensive High School.
2023 Dee Hare of Calhoun is a video producer for Peavine Baptist Church in Rock Springs.
2023 Rebekah Powers of Cataula worked on the production of Lifetime's "My Professor's Guide to Murder" that was filmed on the LaGrange College campus. She has gone on to work on more features and gained two art director credits on QVC+'s “The Recipe Files" and Fox Nation's "Christmas with the Foxes.”
2023 Maria Riera Soriano of Atlanta has accepted the position of Admission Counselor at LaGrange College.
Dr. Carrie Reif-Stice ’04, husband Matthew and daughter Norah
Births
To Emmie Trull Cass ’12 and her husband, Lucas, a daughter, Charleigh Jo, on November 6, 2023
To Tavin '17 and Meg Middlebrooks Thompson ’17, a daughter, Merritt Helen, on December 15, 2023
To Kaitlyn Fogle M'23 and her husband, Josh, a daughter, Charlotte Nicole, on January 17, 2024
Engagements
Wesley "Trae" Long III '12 to Holly Winner on November 30, 2023
Weddings
Michael R. Davis '03 to Amy Alexander on May 20, 2023
In Memoriam
Mrs. Carolyn Thomason Sharman '50
Rev. John H. Ozley '52
Mrs. Joyce Lynch Tracy '53
Mrs. Joan Hall Pruitt '54
Mr. Fred Lamarr Allen '57
Mr. William Forrest Wheeler '58
ALUMNI & FRIENDS 23
UPCOMING EVENTS
APRIL 18
Undergraduate Research presentations
11 a.m., Lewis Library
APRIL 18
Honors Day Awards ceremony
Mr. Richard Carl McClurg '59
Mr. James "Jimmy" R. Matthews '65
Mrs. W. Jacquelyn "Jackie" Reaves Brackman '66
Mrs. Sandra Carey Jackson '67
Mrs. Verona Brown Hill '69
Dr. Lemuel "Lem" M. Johnson '70
Mr. James Lee "Jimbo" Welden Jr. '72
Mr. Ernest Anthony McLeroy '74
Mrs. Julie Clifton Watson '76, M'09
Mr. David D. Blount '77
VERONA BROWN HILL ’69
Verona Brown Hill ’69, the first Black graduate of LaGrange College, passed away on February 21. Hill graduated with a degree in social work while her husband was deployed in Vietnam.
Ms. Connie Gay Bennett '78
Ms. Susan Anne Lewis '83
Mr. LaKevin "Kevin" Ralpheal DeBruce '24
Dr. Michael Bishop H'01, former faculty
Mrs. Sandra W. Dennis, former staff
Mrs. Sylvia Strickland Malone, former faculty
Her 40-year career in social work included being a support coordinator and probation supervisor, serving in several counties in the state of Georgia. She was celebrated with special recognition by the Board of Trustees of the college in 2019.
In 2019, Hill met with LC students to share her story.
“All I ever wanted to do was help people,” she said. “This college gave me the opportunity to do what I wanted to do with my life.”
4 p.m., Callaway Auditorium
APRIL 18 -21
I Love You Because A Modern Day Musical Love Story Price Theater
LOOKING AHEAD:
ALUMNI & FRIENDS 24
at lagrange.edu
October 25-27 Homecoming 2024 More events
LC alumni and faculty performed “Into the Woods” at the Lafayette Society of Performing Arts. Standing, from left, are Sarah Schanche ‘08, Gregg McLeroy ‘92, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Dr. Beth McClanahan, Madeline Sain ‘15, DeLion Lance ‘17, Savanna Hicks Hunt ‘21, and Kelton Hunt ’19. Kneeling are Carol Howington Cain ‘82 and Braeden Martin ‘27.
CELEBRATE THE CLASS OF 2024
May 2
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
7 p.m., First United Methodist Church
May 3
Legacy Celebration
2:30 p.m., Turner Hall
May 3
Baccalaureate Service
5 p.m., First Baptist Church on the Square
May 4 Commencement
8:30 a.m., Callaway Stadium
June 24
Giving Day
Honor the class of 2024 with your gift at lagrange.edu/give
CONVERSATIONS WITH PRESIDENT BAXTER
April 11
Rome
5:30 p.m., home of Joe M’20 and Rebekah
Montgomery
April 30
Marietta
5:30 p.m., Glover Park Brewery
Email alumni@lagrange for more information.
May 16
Carrollton
5:30 p.m., Local Ties Brewery
June 12
Athens
5:30 p.m., Bitty & Beau's Coffee Shop
25
Accounting students provide tax assistance
At the height of tax season, a group of Accountancy students teamed up with Goodwill Southern Rivers to help community members needing assistance with filing their returns.
The nonprofit participates in the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The program, which has been in existence for over 50 years, is operated by IRS partners and volunteers in communities across the country.
The students received training from Goodwill Southern Rivers VITA Temp Charlotta Andrews, who oversees the LaGrange site.
“To be able to work with such
an amazing team is truly a blessing,” Andrews said. “The students come in ready and eager to help and learn. Our clients love the kindness they show and the time they take to assist them with their taxes.”
Assistant Professor of Accounting Samantha Sick said this experience not only benefits the public, but also the students as well.
“Students serving in such a specialized way is transformative—confidence grows, new skills develop, and you feel a sense of responsibility to do your best and provide a high-quality product,” she said. “I couldn't be prouder of how our students are rising to this challenge.”
Seniors Vijay Patel and Cindy
Deleon shared what they have taken away from this experience.
“Volunteering with VITA has not only enhanced my practical knowledge of tax preparation but also enriched my interpersonal skills,” Patel said. “The experience has reinforced the importance of patience and active listening. Moreover, it has underscored the significance of empathy and respect in dealing with diverse client reactions and needs.”
“This experience is having a positive impact on my social skills, which are very important in the accounting field,” Deleon said. “My next goal…is to feel more confident to initiate conversations and take the lead to aid clients.”
