Reflecting on COVID-19
College community finds light during pandemic darkness
Going viral
Popular social media posts capture crazy year
A Magazine for Alumni and Friends Vol. 25, No. 2 PRESIDENT
Susanna L. Baxter
VICE PRESIDENT FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Rebecca Roth Nicks
EDITOR
Dean Hartman
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Debby Baker
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR DIGITAL MEDIA AND DESIGN
Stacy Gorman Jackson ’00
SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR
John Hughes ’78
ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS EDITORS
Martha Pirkle, Leslie Sebaugh
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 30240-2999. 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.
REIMAGINED Thank you. If you’re reading this, we appreciate you joining us for this first digital issue of Columns. While we will continue to print some editions, digital-only issues will be interspersed periodically. We hope you’ll take advantage of some of the benefits digital brings, including quick links to deeper content and easy sharing of stories—or the whole issue—with friends. Let us know what you think. —the Editor
FEATURES
8 REFLECTING ON COVID-19 Members of the college community share their personal stories of the pandemic. 14 GOING VIRAL Check out some of LC's most popular social media posts.
AROUND CAMPUS
2 POSSIBILITIES 3 SOUND OF SUCCESS 4 MLK EVENT 6 OPEN DOORS HONOR 7 ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT: EDUCATION 14 PANTHER POINTS
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
23 DASH DIRECTOR NATE CRAWFORD 24 MUSICAL TRIBUTE 25 SORORITIES’ ANNIVERSARY 29 CALENDAR PHOTO: The large fountain anchoring the new Glover Garden provides a peaceful spot for a break between classes. Installed last year, the garden expands the space formerly occupied by the patio and features more seating, new plantings and added entry points. ON THE COVER: In a world—and on a campus—challenged by a devastating pandemic, the challenges were real. But in the middle of the darkness, members of the LC family found sunlight peeking through. Read their personal accounts of lessons learned and joy found in the journey on page 8.
from the President
POSSIBILITIES Ingenuity on the Hill by Dr. Susanna L. Baxter, 26th President of LaGrange College
I am amazed. Looking back over this past academic year, I stand in awe of all your college has accomplished to educate students in the midst of a pandemic. We didn’t just have in-person classes, faculty brought innovative approaches to the classroom and new ideas to co-curricular events. We hosted live theater outdoors at Sunny Gables and “parking lot” concerts, drive-by mortarboard distributions and simultaneous socially distanced and online activities. Students also rose to the challenge with imagination and persistence, allowing us to conclude the year with an in-person commencement ceremony for the Classes of 2020 and 2021. Our faculty, staff and students made all of this look easy when it was, in fact, anything but. Please congratulate them when you have the opportunity. Now we are approaching a fall semester that we hope will look much more normal than the last. While there’s no way to know what COVID-19 will do next, I am confident in the ingenuity and tenacity of those on the Hill. Thank you for your prayers and support during this past year and as we look toward fall.
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around campus
Celebrating success, one chime at a time The sound of the Chapel Bell has been ringing across campus as a new way for graduating seniors to celebrate their accomplishments. The opportunity, called Sound of Success, offers students the chance to ring the bell if they have received a post-graduation job offer or have been admitted to graduate school, postbaccalaureate internships, research fellowships and military and law enforcement training. The idea came to President Susanna Baxter as she reviewed some of the college’s traditions. “I just didn’t see many things that highlighted the success of our students,” she said. “Honors Day only celebrates a handful, and I wanted something larger. We do so many amazing things to transform lives, and one of those is to set students up for their next steps—including graduate school and career. Their accomplishments deserve recognition.” Now a labor and delivery nurse at Wellstar West Georgia, Dariene Scott ’21 took advantage of Sound of Success and said she was amazed at the experience. “After ringing the bell, I walked out of the Chapel and heard a professor yell, ‘Congratulations!’ as he ran to meet me,” she said. “I didn’t even know him, but it was very special to celebrate with him and a few friends.” Meghan Gross ’21 will be attending Asbury Theological Seminary next year. She is ecstatic about the program. “Ever since I was a freshman, I have hoped for a really cool tradition at LaGrange that could possibly be a catalyst for gaining new students who
would be excited to carry on that tradition,” she said. “I love that it’s an opportunity to keep up with and reach out to classmates to celebrate their accomplishments, not just mine. I love getting to share in the joy of my peers every time they get to ring the bell.” Dr. Baxter is thrilled with the response to Sound of Success. “It is so exciting because for each bell that rings there is a hardworking student who reached this milestone because of the dedication of faculty, staff and parents,” she said. “So, in many ways, the celebration belongs to us all.”
STUDENT’S REACTION TO GIFT GOES VIRAL Baseball's McKinley Erves ’21 became a viral sensation in January when a video of him receiving colorblind glasses was posted on his Twitter account. “Mac,” who plays outfield for the Panthers, didn’t know he was colorblind until he was 11, but it never slowed him down. “I just didn’t know what I was missing,” he said. “I had no idea.” That all changed when friends surprised him with a pair of colorblind glasses for his birthday. His reaction was caught on video and ultimately was viewed on Twitter more than 2 million times. The story was featured on The Today Show and the Kelly Clarkson Show. It also was picked up by media around the world including England, India and Australia. See the video here.
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around campus
ACCREDITATION GROUP HONORS HALL Deborah Hall, Vice President for Finance and Operations, received the Carol A. Luthman Meritorious Service Award from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges during its virtual conference this year.
MLK SPEAKER HONORS LAGRANGE JUDGE U.S. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr. used his Martin Luther King address in February to praise the work of a LaGrange native. “You know about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy, so today ... I’m going to lift up the life of someone else,” he said. “I come to honor Judge Horace Taliaferro Ward.” Ward was valedictorian of his class at East Depot High School in LaGrange, earned a degree in political science with honors from Morehouse College in Atlanta and a master’s degree from Atlanta University, now Clark Atlanta University. When his application to the University of Georgia law school was rejected, he filed suit to challenge UGA’s admissions policy. After six years, the case was dismissed because Ward had enrolled in law school out of state, but it laid the groundwork for the college’s desegregation 10 years later. Ward served nine years in the State Senate, became Georgia’s first Black civil judge and state Superior Court judge. When President Jimmy Carter named him a federal District Court judge, Ward’s swearing in was in the same courtroom where his lawsuit against UGA had been thrown out. An annual event, the college’s MLK address has featured such speakers as former Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin, Sen. Raphael Warnock and the late John Lewis. 4
SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. “This award recognizes faithful and dedicated service to SACSCOC and support of its activities over a sustained period of time,” said Dr. G. David Johnson, chair of the SACSCOC board of trustees. “The honorees have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the accreditation processes in various volunteer capacities.” During her years with SACSCOC, Hall visited 15 sites to review the institutions’ finances as part of the accreditation process. She also served as a special reader with the Committee on Compliance and Reports from 2016-2020.
Report recognizes Study-Away Program The college has been included in the top 40 by the Open Doors Report that tracks international students and U.S. scholars who are studying abroad for academic credit. More than 2,800 U.S. institutions participate in this survey that measures the impact of international education exchange. “This survey always lists institutional rankings for study abroad,” said Michele Raphoon, Coordinator of Global Engagement. “In 2020, the college appeared on the list for the first time on the ‘Undergraduate Participation in Study Abroad: Top 40 Baccalaureate Colleges’ list, with 68%
of our undergraduates studying abroad.” Ranking in the Open Doors report reaffirms the college’s focus on a full and engaging undergraduate experience, she said. “We strive to make an academically rigorous international experience accessible to all our students through scholarship opportunities, dedicated faculty engagement and a strong institutional commitment to global education.” Even though the pandemic closed down the Study-Away Program for 2020-2021 academic year, plans are to gradually allow students to study away again as countries begin to reopen.
around campus
Virtual children’s opera takes art form to schools “A Muskrat Lullaby,” a children’s opera written by Edward Barnes, was originally scheduled by the Music program as a touring show to visit area elementary schools this spring. The pandemic brought that plan to a screeching halt, but it didn’t deter Dr. Toni Anderson, Music Program Coordinator. “I decided to film it,” she said. “We were very pleased with the results of our virtual Lessons and Carols, so I had a good idea how to do it.” The cast pre-recorded their performances in the studio, then staged it while masked and socially distanced. In the final production, the characters wore animal masks designed by director Eli Grant ’19 to fit over their COVID masks. They lip-synced to the pre-recorded music. A special component of the project was the creation of an Educa-
tor’s Packet. Music Education majors Lauren Collins ’21 and Olivia White ’22 steered that initiative. “In fact, Lauren was able to contact the composer, who sent a video to introduce himself and the opera to the children,” Dr. Anderson said. “It was a wonderful addition to the production.” Links to the opera and the educator’s packet were sent to music educators in February. Alyse Wilkerson Cross ’14 is a teacher at Hollis Hand Elementary School. “‘A Muskrat Lullaby’ is an excellent and well put-together opera that is extremely suitable for children,” she said. “This opera, with its whimsical story and lovable characters, will be extremely useful for music educators as a valuable resource to help introduce opera to young audiences.”
EFFICIENCY REVIEWS PRECEDE STRATEGIC PLANNING For most of the past academic year, the college has been involved in a comprehensive efficiency review process, examining all key areas of the institution: athletics, administration and academics. “This is part of our ongoing work to ensure that the college is poised to thrive in the years ahead,” said President Susanna Baxter. “Led by the Institutional Planning Committee, a thoughtful, collaborative and careful process has brought us to this point.” In April, the Board of Trustees approved a series of recommendations growing out of these reviews. Among the changes was the removal of majors and minors that have shown very little demand from LaGrange students. While this will have a minimal impact upon the student population—and anyone now in a major program will be able to complete it—there will be consequences for staffing. However, no faculty positions will be affected until the 2022-23 academic year. Other board decisions included discontinuing the swimming and women’s lacrosse athletic programs, which had not attracted great student interest, and realigning some staff areas, all with the aim to better serve LC students. While the administrative review process is ongoing, the focus will now shift to crafting a new strategic plan. According to President Baxter, the goal is to have a complete plan ready for Board approval in April 2022. “I am looking forward to beginning an inclusive strategic planning process that will propel us forward and help us become an even more student-centered institution,” she said. 5
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New ‘Den’ part of Smith Hall reorganization There was a lot going on in Smith Hall during the holiday break when Student Engagement relocated to the building’s main floor from its previous home on the first floor. “When students enter the front door of Smith, they now find everything related to Student Engagement in one place,” said Brian Carlisle, Dean of Students. “That includes my
office, Housing, the Chaplain, Global Engagement, counseling, career center and Securitas. All of this is part of President Baxter’s commitment to a student-centered learning experience at LaGrange College.” One of the biggest changes is to Edmondson Parlor just inside the front entrance. “Students told Dr. Baxter they’d
BAXTER PRESIDENT EMERITA OF GICA President Susanna Baxter has been named President Emerita of the Georgia Independent College Association, an organization that supports the state’s private colleges and universities. She served as president of GICA for 10 years before coming to LaGrange. While leading the nonprofit, Dr. Baxter raised more than $1 million in scholarship aid and grants for collaborative initiatives and operational funds, including a $570,000 federal grant. She successfully advocated for the restoration of $6 million in state funding for the Tuition Equalization Grant in 2013 and headed an effective grassroots campaign in 2014 that netted a historic increase of $2.2 million.
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love to have a gathering place with areas for study, games, hanging out and TV or movie watching,” said Carlisle. “Rethinking the parlor seemed to be the perfect solution, locating it across the hall from Campus Life.” Existing antiques and furnishings found homes across campus while the space was outfitted with new furniture and accessories. “Thanks to an anonymous donor, we were able to buy comfy furniture, oversized chairs, game tables and art,” Carlisle said. Now dubbed The Den, the space is open daily from 8 a.m. until midnight, and it’s become popular with students, Carlisle said. "There seems to be someone there almost all of the time,” he said. “Of course, we’ve been following COVID protocol with masks and social distancing, but it’s been fun to see the students discovering and enjoying their new space.” Offices previously housed on the second floor of Smith have been relocated. Communications and Marketing is now on the first floor, while Alumni and Community Relations and Special Events and Conferences have joined the Development Office in Candler Cottage.
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Program shapes future educators The college’s Education graduates make up more than half of the teachers in the Troup County School System, according to Dr. Gretta Milam, Chair of the Education Department. “Our program has such a great reputation with the system that its human resources office is always asking for more,” she said. “In fact, they keep up with the student teachers in the county so they can get first dibs when the students graduate.” Such success does not go unnoticed. The program recently had its accreditation renewed, with all standards met. One of the things lauded during that process was the college’s yearlong student teaching initiative, Dr. Milam said. “This is the seventh year we've done this. In the past, students spent one semester in a classroom and mostly observed their host teachers, but now they are there for the entire year.
It’s a real marriage between student teaching and on-campus instruction.” The future educators start off their senior year by observing their hosts, then move to parallel teaching before becoming a true
team with their hosts by the end of the year, she said. “This allows our teaching candidates to hone their classroom skills before being thrown into the real world.” Dr. Milam said the college strives to have its teaching candidates recognized as a “valued” teacher in the classroom from the very beginning. “We have reached the point where our early yearlong student teachers are now supervising our current teacher candidates.” The program also has been partnering in recruiting educators through Troup County’s Teacher Pathways Program. “Prospective Education majors have a chance to visit the campus, talk with current Elementary Education majors and participate in a class with juniors.” Savannah Laney '21 did her student teaching at Franklin Forest Elementary School.
FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS Dr. Justin Thurman, Associate Professor of English, recently had his essay “Soap Bullet Days” picked up by Quarter After Eight, a journal of innovative literature from Ohio University. It will appear in the spring issue. His short story “The To Dos” was published in the 10th anniversary issue of the Stoneboat Literary Journal. Dr. Patricia Marchesi, Assistant Professor of English, has had her young adult novel “Florissant” released by Bedazzled Ink Publishing. Dr. Don Livingston, Professor of Education, has been chosen to serve the Georgia Association of Teacher Educators as its president-elect for 2020-2021. GATE members include
teacher educators from Georgia's public and private institutions of higher education and P-12 schools. Dr. Kevin Ludwick, Assistant Professor of Physics, was recently interviewed by Phil Halper, the producer of a series of films on the early universe and the series “Before the Big Bang,” about some of Dr. Ludwick’s work on early universe cosmology. He also serves as treasurer for the Forum for Early Career Scientists for the Americal Physical Society. Austin Wieland, Assistant Professor of Art and Design, had works selected for two juried exhibitions –“Workhouse Clay International 2020" at the Workhouse Art Center in Lorton, Virginia, and “Cutting Edge
Clay,” a national juried exhibition at the Clay Center of New Orleans. The Rev. Dr. Adam Roberts, Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life, is serving on the North Georgia Conference Camping and Retreat Ministries Board of Directors. He participated in shaping the “Stand in the Gap” campaign that successfully raised operating funds for Camp Glisson after it suspended operations in the summer of 2020 due to the pandemic. He is also on the executive leadership team of the Georgia Commission for United Methodist Higher Education as the chaplain liaison, helping resource and coordinate the work of chaplains on nine United Methodist campuses throughout the state. 7
by Debby Baker
THE STATISTICS ARE STAGGERING:
As of June 28, 2021, 181 million COVID-19 cases were reported worldwide–with 1.11 million in the United States–and 3.93 million deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The virus spread around the world, changing lives forever. Its wake left behind loss and grief, but also stories of hope and transformation. We asked the LaGrange College community to share how COVID-19 changed their lives and their perceptions of the world. Here are their stories. 8
GARRETT WALLACE ’18 AND KYLIE TAUNTON WALLACE ’18
Student pastor and nurse
‘I’ve had very ill and dying patients literally look me in the eye and say, “Nothing matters but family.” After they’ve been to hell and back, that’s what they have to say.’ Life was good for Garrett and Kylie Taunton Wallace. They earned their degrees from LC in 2018 and married two years later. At the beginning of 2020, Garrett was enrolled at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and working as a student pastor. Kylie was a registered nurse in the ICU at Wellstar West Georgia. They were just getting settled into their careers when COVID-19 shut down the world. Suddenly, his congregation vanished during quarantines, disappearing behind doors closed by the pandemic. Kylie was faced with a tsunami of fear and despair as hospitals filled with the sick and dying. “As a student pastor, I’m primarily charged with leading and planning worship, and now we can’t even gather,” Garrett says. “I’m watching older colleagues with better resources do things online that I can’t begin to do. It’s easy to
start to feel like a failure.” For the first time in her life, Kylie became acquainted with a constant uneasiness. “There were many times I’d walk into the hospital and feel like a physical weight was sitting on my chest,” she says. “Other nurses were experiencing the same thing, and finally I realized, ‘Oh, this is anxiety.’” By leaning on their faith and each other, they have remained strong and are grateful for the lessons they have learned. “You have to let go of your ideas of perfection,” Garrett says. “You have to do the best with what you have and do your best to take care of yourself in the process so you can help other people.” Kylie says she’s learned what is really important. “My biggest takeaway of all is just to cherish people. Cherish your time, your life and your relationships.”
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ANTOINE PRATHER ’22 Student
‘We have to respect each other and respect humanity.’ Antoine Prather ’22 said he heard about people getting sick and dying from COVID-19, but he never knew any of them – until COVID hit home. His father, Bart Pickney, taught math at Griffin High School where he also coached foot-
Antoine holds a blanket featuring photos of his late father. 10
ball, basketball and track. Healthy and fit, he wasn’t particularly worried when he started feeling sick in December. “Then he started feeling worse and stayed home for a week,” says Antoine, a Digital Creative Media & Film major. “He was having a hard time breathing and really didn’t want to go to the hospital.” A telemedicine session with a doctor persuaded Pickney that he needed to go to the ER. “They gave him a breathing treatment and sent him home,” Antoine says. “But it didn’t work, and he got worse.” Upon returning to the ER, Pickney was admitted to the hospital with COVID. He never returned home. “He was there close to two months before he passed,” Antoine says. “I wasn’t able to talk to him after he was admitted, although I was given the opportunity to visit him virtually. I just didn’t want to see him that way.” Antoine says the support he received from his professors was moving. “I told them what was going on,” he says. “They were very patient with me and gave me extra time for assignments and things. They all were very kind.” He has a message for those who question the severity of COVID. “I would like to tell people that COVID definitely is real,” he says. “I don’t like wearing masks just as much as anyone else, but we have to do what is right.”
DR. GRETTA MILAN
Chair of the Education Department ‘As a mom, my heart was broken. I lost a whole year of first experiences that can never be regained or relived.’ “This entire Covid crisis has been heartbreaking from a family perspective – as a daughter, as a wife and as a mom. It has been a year filled with anxiety and worry and longing. “My husband works in the medical field. We spent weeks on edge, knowing that he was exposed on a daily basis and wondering when we would be next on the list of positive cases not knowing if tomorrow would bring it into our house, to our family. In the midst of that, my Dad's health continued to decline and I was fearful that I wouldn't see him again. I couldn't risk exposing him. We just didn't know. Fortunately, and I say that laughingly and with some sense of sincerity, Randy had foot surgery and was away from work for long enough that we felt like we were safe to go see Daddy again. Those next weeks were priceless
reminders of the frailty and value of human life. Daddy passed away only a few weeks later. “As a mom, my heart was broken. I couldn't see my children or hug my grandkids. My son, Zack, because he lives out of state, could not even come to Daddy's service. I didn't see him and his family for over a year. I lost a whole year of first experiences that can never be regained or relived. “This mama's arms felt so empty and longed to wrap those I love in a
tight hug – knowing that they were facing their own fears and anxieties and COVID-induced battles. Thank goodness for technology, but it's nothing like sitting next to someone and sharing those moments that we long for.”
KENDAL WALLACE
Head Men’s Basketball Coach ‘Our players are much better people and much more humble people than they were before this season began.’ “Being the only (Men’s Basketball) coach on staff, I was on pins and needles all season. If I had contracted COVID, our season would have been disastrous. I would have been quarantined for 14 days, and any of the players who had been in contact with me would have been quarantined as well. This limited my ability to go recruit, to interact closely with the team, and to interact closely with my family. “I began to get tested weekly the last week of August 2020. After the season was over, I counted that I had
been tested 39 times for COVID. All negative, thank goodness! “When I talked to the team after the season was over, I explained to them how much more mentally stronger and resilient they had become as young men by overcoming all these obstacles in order to do something that they love doing – playing basketball. Our players are much better people and much more humble people than they were before this season began. Great life lessons.”
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DAVID KELTON
Head Baseball Coach
‘We had eight seniors on the team, and four decided to return for 2021.’ “As for everyone in the athletic department, the spring 2020 season being shut down was a huge disappointment for me, my coaches and players. After a slow start, we had won 11 of what would be our last 12 games of the season. “We had eight seniors on the team, and four decided to return for 2021 after the NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility. E.J. Churchich, Spencer Douches, Trey Pearce, and J.R. Robinson have been the leaders for us this season. “If there was a positive to come out of the pandemic shutting us down, it was the return of this group to show our younger players what I and the coaching staff expect in our program.”
AMANDA PLUMLEE
Professor of Modern Languages
‘… spending time in nature, especially the beautiful gardens of Hills and Dales, and practicing yoga weekly, has not only kept me calm but reminded me of the beauty that still surrounds us.’ “While I'm grateful for the technology and the ability to meet virtually during the pandemic, I was so happy to return to the classroom in the fall. “Despite the challenges of teaching and learning a foreign language while wearing a mask, returning to the classroom confirmed something I've always known – I like teaching in a small liberal arts college because of the opportunity to get to know and interact with my students. Nothing can 12
replace the energy of a live classroom. It is good to be with my students again. “I've also found comfort and renewal during the pandemic through my faith and nature and yoga. The beauty and poetry of the Psalms has been my touchstone. Moreover, spending time in nature, especially the beautiful gardens of Hills and Dales, and practicing yoga weekly, has not only kept me calm but reminded me of the beauty that still surrounds us.”
TARA VAUGHN ’06
Director, Quality and Safety, Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, LaGrange
‘With every injection, there was more hope...’ “I have been a nurse for nearly 15 years, but I have been in leadership roles for several years. I never could have imagined in my wildest nightmares the challenges and tragedies 2020 held for so many. “During the pandemic, those of us who could safely return to the bedside or in a nursing support role were redeployed to several units throughout the hospital to meet the growing needs. Only then did I get a firsthand look into the delivery of care in the middle of a pandemic – not only from the nurse’s perspective, but also from the patient’s. “Nurses were scared, isolated, emotionally and physically exhausted. Many hours were spent in N-95 respirators, gowns, goggles and gloves, yet they remained focused on delivering individualized, high-quality care to our patients. “I worked on our designated COVID unit to support and assist the nurses, meaning I had more time with patients. “The impact of visitor restrictions quickly became apparent. Despite technologies like FaceTime, Skype or Zoom for patients to interact with their families, it was just not the same. I sat and talked with patients, heard stories about their grandchildren, their travels, their spouses and countless other heartwarming stories that I will forever cherish. “Some of my patients were discharged home, some to rehabilitation facilities and unfortunately many succumbed to the illness. It was just the hard reality nurses and all team members experienced daily. “I became a vaccinator for
the hospital. I have given more intramuscular injections during my time in the vaccination clinic than I have in my entire nursing career. With every injection, there was more hope – more hope of our teams getting some relief, more hope of visitors returning to our hospital, more hope of family gatherings and social events, more hope of things returning to “normal.” “It is easy to think of all the negative impacts that COVID-19 has had but we would be amiss to not acknowledge some of the positive ones. Personally, I have spent more time at home with my husband and two daughters than in the past. We have had more family meals at home, countless games of family Uno and more neighborhood walks as a family. Personally, I developed a love for puzzles and quiet time. “Ultimately the pandemic has served to remind me of just how lucky I am.”
SPENCER DOUCHES
Baseball player, fifth-year senior ‘These are the reasons why coming back for a fifth year was an easy decision.’ “Early morning workouts. “Practices in the September heat and the February freeze. “Long bus rides. “The thrill of victory on a Friday night under the lights. “The opportunity to play again for my family and make lifelong memories with my teammates. “These are all experiences that I have had this past year, and were the reasons why coming back for a fifth year was an easy decision. “I’m so grateful to have been given this opportunity, and I look forward to helping finish what we started working for way back in September.”
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Social media has connected us this past year more than ever, allowing us to stay in touch with friends and supporters from around the world. From Grammy rehearsal s to celebrating a spor ts win, here is a sampling of some of the college’s most-liked post s.
@LaGrange College Watch for LC alum Lloyd Buchanan '06 on the organ as he performs with singer Brittany Howard during the Grammys tonight. Here is his view in the rehearsal room. #UnlockYourPossibility
@LaGrange Panthers MBB: Lincoln Anderson never left anything on the court. As a senior, he earned USA South AllConference West Division second team honors and led the USA South in rebounds per game (9.5) and field-goal percentage (59.6). #LCPantherProud
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@lagrange_panthers Terlynn Olds, who will begin her journey as the first full-time Director of Athletics and Recreation at LaGrange College in June, made a visit to campus Thursday to congratulate the baseball team on winning its fourth consecutive USA South Tournament title. #LCPantherProud
@LaGrangeCollege Remember when the FedEx truck rolled down the hill behind the dining hall and into Boatwright Hall? No one was hurt, but some poor soul had a bad day. #ThrowbackThursday
@LCPanthers Football: 2021 schedule is released. LC opens season Sept. 4 at Birmingham-Southern. First home game is Sept. 11 against Berry. Homecoming is Oct. 30 against Greensboro. #LCPantherProud
@lagrangecollege This is what it’s all about! Congratulations, graduates! #Commencement
@lagrangecollege @lagrangepanthers @lagrangecollegealumni @lagrangecollege @lagrange_panthers @lagrangecollege @LaGrange College We differ on where. We differ on how. But most every Panther agrees on why. Make an appointment and make a difference. Vaccinefinder.org
@lcpanthers @lagrangecollege @lagrangecollege 15
PANTHER POINTS MEN’S BASKETBALL The Panthers went 7-4 during the 2021 season, reaching the USA South West Division Tournament. Seniors Julian Cameron and Lincoln Anderson were named to the USA South All-Conference West Division first and second teams, respectively. Cameron led the team in scoring, averaging 19.5 points per game. Anderson averaged 13.0 points and a team-best 9.5 rebounds per game. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Panthers were 8-4 in 2021, reaching the USA South West Division Tournament in Coach Jasen Jonus’ first season. Senior Jahpera McEachin was a first-team selection on the USA South All-Conference West Division team, while junior Jalaya Lewis was named to the second team. McEachin averaged 19.3 points per game, the highest season average in the program’s history. Lewis averaged 11.5 points per game. VOLLEYBALL The Panthers finished the 2021 spring season with a 5-6 record, including 4-3 in the USA South West Division. Sophomores Kirsten Boyd and Bre Dufault were both named to the USA South AllConference West Division second team. Boyd led the team with 328 assists, reaching 1,000 in her career during the season. Dufault had a team-high 153 digs. MEN’S SOCCER The Panthers were 2-4 playing a conference-only schedule for the 2021 spring season. Sophomores Enrique Hernandez and Blake Webb were named to the USA South All-Conference West Division first team, while fellow sophomore Alex Drazic was on the second team. Hernandez led the team with five goals and 12 points, while Webb had four goals and 10 points. WOMEN’S SOCCER The Panthers finished the 2021 spring season 3-5, playing a conference-only schedule. Junior Madison Demkowski led the Panthers with five goals and 10 points. Senior Taylor Hamm, junior 16
Jonus leads women’s hoops to conference tourney The LaGrange College women’s basketball team finished its first season under new Head Coach Jasen Jonus. The Panthers, playing an abbreviated conferenceonly schedule, won their first eight games and were the third seed in the USA South West Division Tournament. “The season was an immense success,” said Jonus. “Despite all the obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic, our student-athletes were committed to the process throughout the entire academic year. “We have laid the groundwork for future success, and we must continue building off that in years to come. With an experienced returning group and a strong incoming class, we have high expectations for the 2021-22 season.” Jonus coached an up-tempo style of play for the Panthers. LC was fifth in the USA South in scoring, averaging 77.1 points per game. Senior guard Jahpera McEachin was fourth in the conference in scoring, averaging 19.3 points per game, the highest in the program’s history. Jonus was an Assistant Coach for the LC men’s basketball program for seven years from 2013-20, serving as the Associate Head Coach for the final three seasons. He was the varsity reserve Head Coach for four years. He was a key factor during one of the most successful runs in the history of men's basketball at LaGrange. From 2014-17, the Panthers won three USA South championships and reached the NCAA Division III tournament in four straight years. Jonus’ wife, the former Hunter Connell ’14, was a member of the LC women’s basketball team from 2010-2014.
Sydney Dailey, and freshman Nikki Longmoore had two goals each during the season. MEN’S TENNIS The Panthers had a 4-3 record, including 3-2 in the USA South West Division. Seniors Caleb Edde and Kyle Kelley were selected to the USA South All-Conference West Division first team. Sophomore Al Robertson was an honorable mention selection. WOMEN’S TENNIS The Panthers were 2-5 overall and 2-3 in the USA South West Division. Senior Makayla Red and sophomore Hannah Miller had 4-3 records in singles play to lead the team.
Olds named Director of Athletics and Recreation
Terlynn Olds has been named the first full-time Director of Athletics and Recreation at LaGrange College. Olds most recently was executive senior associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. “Terlynn has extensive leadership and management experience in intercollegiate athletics programs at the NCAA Division I and III levels,” said LaGrange College president Dr. Susanna Baxter. “She has high energy and a passion for excellence, and she is committed to helping the college in our quest to be a student-centered campus with successful athletics and vibrant recreational programs.” Olds also has served as the deputy athletics director at Grambling State University and the senior associate for internal and business operations at Chicago State University. She was the director of athletics at Chatham University and associate athletics director at Spelman College. Her experience includes four terms as a head women’s basketball coach. A member of several professional organizations, she has participated in numerous executive leadership programs sponsored by the NCAA. Olds also has served on key campus committees, as well as several athletic conference committees during her tenure in college athletics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sports business from Saint Leo (Florida) University, a master’s in science of sports coaching from United States Sports Academy and a master’s in criminal justice from Saint Leo. Olds began work at LC on June 1.
GOLF The Panthers had top 10 finishes in two of their three tournaments during the season and were sixth at the USA South Tournament. Senior Cameron Starr earned first team USA South AllConference honors and junior Jay Adams was a second team selection. Starr played in the NCAA Division III Championship as an individual. He was second at the Savannah Invitational and fourth at the Jekyll Island Invitational. SOFTBALL The Panthers finished 3-13 overall and 2-12 in the USA South. LC placed three players on the USA South all-conference teams. Sophomore Reagan Gunter was a first team West Division selection as a utility player. Fellow sophomore Abbey Gardner and senior Rebekah Hobson were on the West Division second team as at-large selections. MEN’S LACROSSE The Panthers were 0-7 overall and 0-4 in USA South play during an abbreviated schedule. Junior midfielder Jack Bryan and sophomore short-stick defender Jhalil Daniels became the first Panthers to earn USA South postseason honors. Both players were selected to the USA South AllConference West Division team. BEACH VOLLEYBALL The beach volleyball team was able to play two matches this spring, beating Huntingdon 2-1 and losing 3-0 to Lincoln Memorial. Team members were Emily Boswell, Kinleigh Collins, Amelia Haddad, Carmen Hamilton, and Mya Sterling.
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he LaGrange College baseball team continued its winning ways during the 2021 season. The Panthers, under coach David Kelton, went 24-10 and continued their dominance of the USA South conference. LC extended its own conference record with a fourth-straight USA South Tournament championship. The Panthers were the conference’s West Division regular-season champion with a 12-1 record, and the tournament championship brought the team a fourth-straight automatic bid to the NCAA Division III national tournament. The Panthers swept Piedmont in the first round of the conference tourney by a combined score of 37-3. LC won the first game 23-2, setting tournament game records for runs scored, home runs (6) and hits (29). LC traveled to nationally ranked N.C. Wesleyan for the conference championship series. The Panthers won the first game 6-5 to extend their school-record winning streak to 15 games. N.C. Wesleyan rallied for a 7-6 win to tie the series, but the Panthers bounced back with a 9-4 win in the deciding third game to claim the tournament title. Senior designated hitter E.J. Churchich was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Churchich set tournament records with four home runs and 14 RBIs in the five games. The Panthers set team tournament records for runs (55), hits (78) and batting average (.390). Next, the team played in the High Point Regional of the NCAA Division III national tournament, where the season ended with a 7-6 loss to eventual national champion Salisbury. Over the past
six seasons, including the pandemic shortened one in 2020, the Panthers are 13th in wins (168) and 15th in winning percentage (.724) out of 389 NCAA Division III teams. For the year, LaGrange had 10 players receive USA South conference awards, including four on the allconference first team. Six of the 10 players were named to all-region teams. Sophomores Joe Ruth
(3B, .355 BA, 4 HR, 39 RBI) and Cael Chatham (SS, .365 BA, 8 HR, 37 RBI) were selected to the ABCA/ Rawlings South All-Region and D3baseball.com AllSouth Region teams, along with all-conference honors.
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Classnotes
THE RED AND BLACK ARE BACK It’s been way too long since the Panther family has been able to get together. So we’re pleased to announce that Homecoming 2021 will be in person. Yes, it’s time to reignite some Panther spirit! Make plans to join your classmates October 29-31 for a special time of reminiscing and celebrating together. —MARTHA PIRKLE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS P.S. Watch your email in July for Homecoming details.
1970 1970 Thomas Nelson of Roseland, Virginia, has written the book “History of 318 Field Hospital.” It and the audiobook are available on Amazon and audible.com. 1976 The Honorable Jeannette Lewis Little of LaGrange celebrated her retirement as State Court judge after more than 30 years.
1980 1981 The Rev. Stephen B. Grantham of Moultrie has been appointed as the Northeast District Superintendent for the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. 1981 Yasue Omae of LaGrange is the international business development manager at Kleen-tex USA LLC. 1985 Jeff Batton of Detroit, Michigan, has written a memoir “Grinnin’ Like a Jackass Eatin’ Briars.” It is available on Amazon. 1986 Dr. John Cary of Yinchuan, China, teaches English and traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis at Ningxia Medical University, as well as treats patients
in the university’s TCM Hospital. 1988 Charleton Askew of LaGrange is the first executive director of Trustbuilding Inc., a nonprofit created to engage in challenging, honest conversations with Troup County citizens about racial issues in the community.
1990 1992 Trinchua Rogers Dukes of Auburn, Alabama, created a nonprofit called Jesus Gestures in a joint effort with First United Methodist Church of Opelika, Purpose Baptist Church and Auburn Community Church. Its mission is to purchase food items from local businesses to help feed East Alabama Medical Center employees during daily rounds at the hospital. 1993 Stephanie Noles Middleton of LaGrange retired as director of library and media services from Columbus Technical College. 1994 Jonathan Laney of LaGrange has been named the Troup County School System’s director of secondary education. 1996 The Honorable Rosemary Greene
Gail Lee Gordon ’80 and Nicole Ball Kennedy have been named grand marshals of the City of LaGrange Sweet Land of Liberty parade for their continued community involvement with The Jungle Bus, a bookmobile that serves the children of Troup County through its collaboration with the United Way’s Success by Six and the Troup County School System.
of Cartersville has been appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp as Judicial Court judge for the Cherokee circuit.
2000 2000 F.J. “Josh” Fenn of Newnan has been named one of the top 50 of North America’s Developers for 2021 by Consultant Connect. He will be featured on linkedIn and Twitter in conjunction with a featured interview on the “America’s Jobs Team” podcast.
* This issue’s Classnotes are from information received through June 9, 2021. (Unless otherwise noted, geographic locations refer to Georgia.)
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department at Cox Enterprises.
2010 2010 April Butler of Columbus is the children’s librarian at Columbus Public Library. 2011 Derek Cox of Alpharetta is the business license manager for the City of Kennesaw. 2011 Matthew Oleson of LaGrange has opened CheesyMac Deli in downtown LaGrange. 2011 Kathryn E. Schroeder of Atlanta is the senior training manager for the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta.
The Bubba Hill Memorial Golf Scramble at Highland Country Club benefited the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Luke Robinson Hill Jr. ’74. Pictured left to right are, back row, Walter Davis ’74, Norman Wynne Sr. ’75, Johnny and Nancy NeSmith Williamson ’71, Wiley Bryant ’72, Tom ’69, and Mary Wells Conway ’72; front row, Patsy Burdette Wynne ’74, M’10 and Ralph Sims ’71.
2001 Matthew ’04 and Serenity Carpenter Graham ’01 of LaGrange, both teachers in the Troup County School System, created Walker’s Law, a new health law named for their teenage son, Walker, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes more than a year ago. It is designed to protect people with illnesses that can alter behavior, and would cover those who suffer from schizophrenia, bipolar, PTSD, diabetes, cancer, visual and audio processing disorders. 2002 Dusty Hubbard M’02 of LaGrange is the Callaway High School football defensive coordinator and was named the Georgia Athletic Association assistant coach of the year. He is also the head coach for the Callaway baseball team and has taken the team to the state semifinals in 2018, 2019 and 2021. 2002 Sarah Thomas Miles of Tarpon Springs, Florida, is the CAO and CFO of Collideoscope, a boutique talent management agency working with an elite collection of leaders.
2004 Dr. Nigel Walker M’06, Ed.S.’11 of LaGrange has written a nonfiction book, “S.T.R.I.V.E. (Seek to Reach Impossible Visions Every Day): Motivation in Your Own Image.” 2005 Rob Dicks of LaGrange is LaGrange College’s Associate Athletics Director of Compliance and Sports Medicine. He will serve as the new Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association EDAC chair and National Athletic Trainers’ Association D9 representative. 2006 Tara Stanford Vaughn of Hogansville is the director of quality and safety with Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. 2007 Jon Godfrey of Parrish, Florida, is serving on the music faculty at the State College of Florida in Sarasota and Saint Leo University in Tampa. He is director of contemporary worship at Parrish United Methodist Church. 2008 Matt Carter of Atlanta works in the environmental sustainability
2011 Megan Waycaster Stratton of Fort Oglethorpe is one of eight regional sales managers for Gray Media/TV and oversees 10 TV stations with their digital marketing efforts. She also has a top-rated podcast for women in business called the “Unshaken Podcast.” 2012 Katie Hearn of Atlanta is the new ADA coordinator for the Atlanta Braves. She recently completed the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program through the University of Missouri. 2012 Britany D. Helton of Norcross is pursing her Ph.D. in public health at University of Georgia and is working at the Centers for Disease Control. 2012 Matt Mayfield of LaGrange has been been promoted to corporal within the patrol division of Troup County Sheriff’s Department. 2013 Adrienne Berkland M’13 of Savannah is an art teacher at Blessed Sacrament School and has been appointed to a committee to rewrite the art curriculum for the diocese of Savannah. 2013 Stephanie Rojas-Chavarria Okpani of Atlanta is the senior program associate for missionary selection at the General Board of Global Ministries for the United Methodist Church. 21
alumni & friends an Adjunct Professor of Nursing at LaGrange College. 2017 Layla Zeitouni of Boston, Massachusetts, has completed her master of arts in English at Boston College and her master’s in business administration from Piedmont College in Demorest. She has accepted a position as a program coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern, Massachusetts, hoping to be placed at a high-need school in her area south of Boston. Tim Smith ’93, Dan Waller ’92, Keith Hansen ’92 and Matt Alford ’94 recently met up at a LaGrange High School baseball game. Coach Keith Hansen brought his Altoona High baseball team to town for a local tournament.
2013 Courtney L. Pope of Columbus is the general manager of an Arby’s franchise in LaGrange. 2013 Drew Williamson of Jackson, Mississippi, is a senior associate at the New York City law firm of Ford Harrison, Global HR Lawyers, specializing in representation and counsel of management clients in issues related to workplace law. 2014 Lauren Spaggiari Lovin of LaGrange is a cost accountant with Kleen-Tex USA LLC. 2014 Jessica Mayfield Ed.S.’14 of LaGrange is a STEMscopes Georgia Regional Trainer for Accelerate Learning Inc. 2015 Lindsey Cole Robinson of LaGrange has opened her own chiropractic office, The Local Chiropractic. 2016 Peyton Hanners Garland of Alpharetta is a writer, editor and publisher through Giving Company, a Christian-based multimedia nonprofit. She is a blog writer for Family Christian, Dove.org and Christian Cinema, as well as a newly published author of “Not So by Myself,” a Christian memoir available on Amazon. 2016 Morgan McDonald of Carrollton is an Adjunct Professor of Nursing at
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LaGrange College. 2017 Matt Crawford of Thomaston graduated from the University of Georgia Veterinarian School. 2017 Meghan Lacey of LaGrange recently had one of her paintings, “Wood Between the Worlds,” featured in British Vogue. The painting resides in the permanent collection at LaGrange College. 2017 Rachel Pless of LaGrange is
2018 Toni Ball of Denver, Colorado, is a patient advocate for DaVita. 2018 Caleb Dalton Brown of Brunswick was interviewed on “Good Morning America” about performing at Dollywood during the pandemic. 2018 Jennifer Pearson Harmon of LaGrange was accepted into the MSNfamily nurse practioner program at Columbus State University. 2019 Robert Allen Jr. of Fort Valley was selected as a 2021 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellow, an award given to only a handful of applicants. The award will go toward his graduate school studies and a
Stuart Miller M’08 of Auburn, Alabama, received the president’s outstanding collaborative units award at the annual faculty awards at Auburn University.
alumni & friends
CRAWFORD BECOMES DASH DIRECTOR Nate Crawford ’14, M’17 has been named executive director of DASH (Dependable, Affordable, Sustainable Housing) for LaGrange Inc., after 10 months as interim director. DASH is a nonprofit focused on neighborhood revitalization and facilitating access to affordable home ownership, rentals or home improvement loans. Crawford received his bachelor’s in Exercise Science in 2014 and master’s in Philanthropy and Development in 2017, both at LaGrange. He and his wife, Allie, also have been involved with Troup County Foster Parents Association and recently celebrated the adoption of a son, Jude, whom they fostered since he was a newborn.
career in U.S. foreign policy. 2019 John Mitchell Benton of Greensboro, North Carolina, has accepted a position as a residential director at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. 2019 Maegan Boyd of Bainbridge is pursuing her Ph.D. in counseling at Florida State University. 2019 Tyler Martin Grant of LaGrange will be attending Auburn in the fall as a master of education student in their school counseling program. 2019 Kelton Hunt of Temple is the audio visual and film teacher at Troup High School.
2019 Jamarcus Watkins of Griffin is the safety supervisor with John Soules Foods in Alabama.
2020 2020 Alan Gage Bailey of LaGrange started a new organization, Civilian Conservationists, to address litter at West Point Lake’s access areas in Troup County.
2020 Rebecca Brown Gonzalez of Pine Mountain is working in the serology lab at Thompson-Bishop Sparks State Diagnostic Lab in Auburn, Alabama. 2020 Laura Ann Kline of Sharpsburg is working at Affordable Dentures and Implants. 2020 Emmie Marcellini McMillian of LaGrange is a registered nurse at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. 2020 Savannah McMillian of LaGrange is a registered nurse for Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. 2020 Ryan Robinet M’20 of Kalamazoo, Michigan, is the assistant vice president of development operations at Trine University in Angola, Indiana. 2020 Wesley Walker of Carrollton received an award of merit from the Indie FEST awards for his animation, “How the Sausage is Made.” 2020 Abigail Moffett Young of Decatur will join the opening cast of the brand new Universal Beijing Resort in Beijing, China. 2021 Lincoln Anderson of LaGrange is a senior field underwriter/outside sales representative with Equis
Theatre Arts Professor Kim Barber Knoll celebrates with Rachel Cartwright ’21 after Rachel's family surprised her with a named seat in Price Theater as a graduation gift. Limited seats are still available for naming at www.lagrange.edu/takeaseat.
2019 Trinton Prater of LaGrange will attend Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester to obtain his Ph.D. in Composition. 2019 Jamal Shakir of Los Angeles, California, was featured in the article “Police Force Cutting into Family Ties: 23-year-old Targeted by an Order Given by his Uncle.” 2019 Shamar Slappy of LaGrange is the leasing agent at The Yard on Mill, a luxury apartment complex in LaGrange.
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alumni & friends
“It is not an exaggeration to say
that LaGrange College helped shape us into the people we are now, with the values and careers that we have developed. I have thought about “giving back” to LaGrange for a long time, but we spent the years after commencement as broke graduate students and the time was never right. … However, we have never again experienced the feeling of being simultaneously challenged and nurtured in quite the same way. I want that to be the catalyst for the experience that shapes more young people in the years to come. That is why we decided to become recurring donors, and I hope you will consider doing the same.”
—Caitlin Vest Burns ’11 and Austin Burns ’13 (Check out the Burns’ musical LC tribute here.)
Make your gift at www.lagrange.edu/give!
Financial in LaGrange.
Center as a registered nurse.
2021 Shawn Bailey of Covington is a chemical specialist in the Army Reserves.
2021 Katelyn Cannon Brown of LaGrange will be a labor and delivery nurse at Piedmont Hospital in Newnan.
2021 Zachary BeMiller of Elletsville, Indiana, is an athletic performance coach in Bloomington, Indiana. 2021 Gibson Bittner of Farwell, Michigan, is a mortgage loan officer for Movement Mortgage. 2021 Emily Boswell of Watkinsville is working for Muscogee County Schools. 2021 Sydney Bourque of Senoia is a staff nurse at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama. 2021 Bethany Boyd of LaGrange is working as a legal assistant in LaGrange. 2021 Olivia Jones Brazil of LaGrange plans to teach in the Troup County School System. 2021 Adrian Alexis Brewer of LaGrange has accepted a job at Wellstar West Georgia Medical
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2021 Julian Cameron of Fairburn will be attending the Education in the Classroom Leadership graduate program at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina. 2021 Lauren Alyssa Carr of LaGrange works as a registered nurse.
of Pharmacy at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. 2021 Tyra Lee Crowe of LaGrange works as organist at First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange. 2021 Lillian DeGennaro of LaGrange was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minnesota. 2021 Morgan Freeman Gick of Newnan accepted a job as a school registered nurse with San Diego Public Schools.
2021 Amy Channell of LaGrange has accepted a full-time job offer as a post-baccalaureate research intern at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2021 India Gleason of Jasper was accepted to the master of divinity program at Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
2021 Haley Amanda Coleman of LaGrange plans to work in Tampa, Florida, as a nurse.
2021 Gabriel Griffith of Newnan will be joining the United States Coast Guard.
2021 Miranda Cox of LaGrange was accepted into the master of divinity program at Samford University Beeson Divinity School.
2021 Austin Lee Harper of Bremen plans to attend the master of arts teaching program at the University of West Georgia.
2021 Brittain Crowe of LaGrange was accepted into the Harrison School
2021 Andrew Harris of LaGrange plans to attend University of Alabama for
alumni & friends graduate school in the fall. 2021 Savanna Hicks of Hartwell is working as a touring performer/ director with the Missoula Children’s Theatre in Missoula, Montana. 2021 Emily Hughes of Newnan is a full-time registered nurse at Piedmont Hospital. 2021 Destiny Porchia Johnson of LaGrange is a registered nurse at Wellstar West Georgia. 2021 Porter Law of Rome was accepted to the master of public administration program at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
Matthew Oleson ’11 and his wife, Lynsay, had a daughter, Summer Alyse, on February 14, 2021.
2021 Alyssa Lord of Hoschton will pursue her master of arts in teaching at LaGrange College.
2021 Caitlin Morman of LaGrange is applying to a doctor of physical therapy program.
2021 Kari Elaine Martin of LaGrange is working at Wellstar West Georgia as a registered nurse.
2021 Taylor Moosman of West Point is working with Troup County UGA Extension Agency.
2021 Jayme Middleton of Hogansville plans to attend graduate school at LaGrange College in the MAT program and will be teaching English Language Arts at Temple High School in Temple.
2021 Trista Michelle Murphy of LaGrange is a registered nurse at Wellstar West Georgia.
2021 Hailey Owen of Barnesville will attend Florida State University’s criminology program.
2021 Bryan Oliver of Snellville works for UPS Marketing as a basketball/
2021 Katlynn Mary Ann Parnell of Newnan has accepted a full-time job in the veterinary field as a veterinary technician.
Alpha Omicron Pi, Kappa Delta and Phi Mu will be celebrating 50 years on the Hill with a special event during Homecoming 2021. The gathering will be from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 30 at Highland Country Club. Invitations will be sent via email, so those who are interested in attending or serving on a committee should send their email address to lagrangecollegesororities@ gmail.com or call (706) 8808244. The email invitation will include Information for how to purchase tickets along with details on sorority tailgates and open houses. The committee is chaired by Becky Johnson Loveless ’10, and the logo was designed by Courtney Douglas Stanford ’04.
Brock ’12, M’14 and Madison Wilson Morris ’13, had a daughter, Mary Wilson, on April 15, 2021.
football talent scout.
2021 Makayla Red of Franklin was accepted into the instructional technology graduate program at the University of Georgia to obtain her master’s degree in education. 2021 DeNita Roberson of LaGrange is preparing for the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators exam and is enrolling in phlebotomy school. 2021 Dariene Adams Scott of LaGrange is employed at Wellstar West Georgia as a labor and delivery nurse. 2021 Kristi Rene Smith of Covington is a cardiac acute care nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. 2021 Brittany Todd of Cusseta, Alabama, will pursue her Clinical Mental Heath Counseling graduate 25
alumni & friends To Brock ’12, M’14 and Madison Wilson Morris ’13, a daughter, Mary Wilson, on April 15, 2021 To Nate Crawford ’14, M’17 and his wife, Allie, a son, Jude; adoption finalized May 24, 2021 To Alyese Wilkerson Cross ’14 and her husband, Jeremy, a daughter, Riley Blake, on November 20, 2020 To Audrey Fortmann Hardy ’14 and her husband, Matt, a son, Ridge, on February 13, 2021 To Cody ’14 Muren and his wife, Lindsay Lauren, a son, Dane Xavier, on January 18, 2021 To Elissa Morman Lawson ’15 and her husband, Martin, a son, Cyrus Cole, on April 21, 2021 To Jessica Bearden Thompson ’15 and her husband, Collin, a son, Landon Eli, on February 4, 2021 Betsy Strickland Fowler Johnston ’82 wed Gary Johnston on April 26, 2021. Sorority sisters who celebrated the happy union were, left to right, Lori Medlock Anderson ’83, Carol Howington Cain ’82, Gary and Betsy, Lisa Bonner Tunstall ’84 and Laura Hardy Hodge ’85.
To Emily Wiker Butts ’17 and her husband, Brandon, a daughter, Brooklynn Faith, on January 31, 2021
degree at LaGrange College.
To John Ed.S. ’11 and Racheal LaManna Hurd ’06, a daughter, Abigail Rose, on December 28, 2020
To Ryan M’17 and Jeannie Huey Dickson M’17, a son, Knox, on February 21, 2021
To Nick ’10 and Joy Kafrouni Langley ’07, a son, Lo, on October 9, 2020
To Kallie Scott ’17 and her husband, Tommy, a daughter, Marleigh Jo, on
2021 Haylee Williams of Cussetta, Alabama, is a staff accountant with Columbus Financial Consultants while attending Auburn University’s accounting master’s program.
To Catherine Hancock Garman ’08 and her husband, Brett, a son, Zachary Isaac, on March 25, 2021
Emily Abbigail Barintine ’21 was engaged to Jake Keeble on April 18, 2021.
Births, Adoptions
To Curt ’13 and Veronica Drasher Longshore ’10, a son, Sawyer James, on January 20, 2021
2021 Kiara Tookes-Williams of LaGrange will continue at LaGrange College in the Clinical Mental Health graduate program.
To Dr. Carrie Reif-Stice Ph.D.’04 and her husband, Matthew, a daughter, Norah, on October 12, 2020 To Nigel ’04, M’06, Ed.S.’11 and his wife, Irene Bokoko Walker ’06, twin girls, Leah and Lydia, on November 6, 2020 To Matthew ’06 and Lauren Denning Hankins ’06, a son, Wyatt, on January 11, 2021
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To Hank Price ’09 and his wife, Jessica, a daughter, Sophia Jade, on December 18, 2020
To Sandy Heath Walker ’10 and her husband, Stephen, a son, Josiah Lee, on February 22, 2021 To Kelsey Tinker Hannum ’11 and her husband, Austin, a daughter, Louise Tinker, on December 14, 2020 To Megan Waycaster Stratton ’11 and her husband, Mark, a daughter, Marleigh Corine, on July 30, 2020
alumni & friends Avery Victoria Shead ’16, M’19 to Zack Britt on May 29, 2021 Caitlyn Jeannelle Deal ’17 to Dylan McCollough ’20 on June 5, 2021 Jaketa “Keia” Ligon-Hardnett M’17 to Colby Stiggers on February 16, 2021 Casey Jane Pruett ’17 to Drew Cantrell ’17 on March 27, 2021 Harrison Griffin Dagenhart ’18 to LeAnna Hamer on June 19, 2021 Kylie Brooke Cofield ’19 to Ryan Addison on December 12, 2020 Eli Harrison Grant ’19 to Chelsey Tyler Martin ’19 on January 23, 2021 Sydney Rozek Hodorff ’19, M’21 to Luke Norman on March 6, 2021 Jason Hernandez III ’19 to Simmerly Hardage '21 on January 2, 2021
Carter Reid White ’20 was engaged to Saralinn Olivia White '21 on December 20, 2020.
Savannah DeeAnn Stephens ’21 was engaged to Dale Thornhill on November 8, 2020.
March 24, 2021
Christy Elizabeth Norris ’01 to Marcus Wasdin on September 29, 2020
Engagements
Henry Macbeth Jacobs ’13 to Robin Fabrick on May 30, 2021
Rich Embry ’98 to Jasmine Cowan on May 25, 2021
Savannah Anne Kemp ’14 to Garrett Cole on December 12, 2020
Trevor Lane ’13 to Lindsey Elyse White on December 12, 2020
Tyler Eady ’15 to Jenna Oden on March 20, 2021
Avery Victoria Shead ’16, M’19 to Zack Britt on May 30, 2020
Kristoffer Emil Appel ’13, right, wed Matias Vestergard on October 10, 2020.
Collin Taylor Sander-Lamoree ’19 to Mary Elissa Chandler ’20 on November 28, 2020 Chloe Linda Battle ’20 to Austin Ross on January 8, 2021 Rebecca Lauren Brown ’20 to Pedro Gonzalez on October 10, 2020 Olivia Michelle Jones ’21 to Zachariah Brazil on June 5, 2021
David Parsons ’19 to Jenna Davidson on January 14, 2021 Miranda Lane Hamer ’21 to Zachary Kantarjian on November 27, 2020 Kelton Hunt ’19 to Savanna Nicole Hicks ’21 on April 10, 2021
Weddings Jean Bowen Knopf ’71 to Benjy Thompson Chad Williams ’98 to Tracey Haralson Alford on November 14, 2020 Norman “Duke” Harris ’99 to Alicia Henry on February 14, 2021
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alumni & friends Savannah Lynne Laney ’21 to Christopher Jackson Barnett on March 27, 2021 Dustey Makayla Reeves ’21 to Nate Meadows on February 6, 2021 Laurel Brooke Storey ’21 to Matthew Meadors on June 5, 2021
In Memoriam Mrs. Phronia Twiggs Jenkins ’39 Mrs. Jane Weathers Gore ’41 Mrs. Polly Jordan Trexler ’41 Mrs. Helen Cliburn Blumhagen ’44 Mrs. Janette Hood Edwards ’46 Mrs. Maryton Bowers Lee ’47 Mrs. Carol Fentress McRee ’48 Mrs. Blanche McKinney Brumbeloe ’51 Mrs. Christine Shouse Calhoun ’53 Ms. LaTayne Hadaway Haynes ’53 Mrs. Patricia Deal Evans ’54 Mrs. Lois Jackson Fleming ’54 Mrs. Gertrude Trudie Summers Caruso ’55 Mr. Roger Earl Underwood ’56 Mr. Robert Lee Kenney ’58 Mrs. Nanette Williams Anderson ’59 Mrs. Carolyn Monfort Becker ’59 Mrs. Emily Eady Herrington ’59
Dr. Terry Winters Kay ’59, H’99 Mrs. Miriam Bledsoe Patterson ’59 The Rev. Rance P. Sprayberry ’59 Mr. Cader Warren Holloway ’61 Ms. Ollie Sue Gainous Bauerly ’62 Mr. Glenn Florence Jr. ’63 Mr. Larry Eugene Parker ’63 Mrs. Patricia Anne Lanham Taylor ’64 Mrs. Ouida Harmon Williams ’64 Mr. Thomas Lyman Parker Jr. ’65 The Rev. Michael Alva McAfee Sr. ’66 Mr. Jerrod Beasley ’67 Mr. Richard Douglas Ballard ’69 Mr. Thomas Daniel Ritter ’69 Mrs. Donna Lee Smith Johnson ’70 Mr. Billy Clyde Cosper Jr. ’72 Mr. James Jay Galis ’72 Mrs. Victoria Lasater Womble ’73 Mr. Luke R. Hill ’74 The Rev. Joseph Wesley Jones Jr. ’74 Mr. Carter Layne Williams ’74 Mr. Joseph Harrison Cunningham IV '75 Mrs. Eleanor Irene Hodnett King ’75 Mrs. Sarah Sally Erin Boddie Neal ’75 Ms. Barbara Suzanne Pound ’75 Mr. Robert “Buck” C. Buchanan Jr. ’76 Mr. Calvin Lee Buttram ’76 Mrs. Margie Granger Robinson ’76 Ms. Carolyn Person Woodruff ’76 Mr. Randy Gene Smith ’79
Mr. Edward Austin Brown Jr. ’80 Mr. Christopher John Dixon ’81 Mrs. Doris Keen Hughes ’81 Mr. Mark L. Woodard ’81 Mr. Bill Glenn Sexton Jr. ’82 Ms. Melanie Marie Wilks ’82 Mr. Hayden McTyiere Copeland ’83 Mr. John Henry Grizzell ’83 Mr. Ronald Steven Cavender ’84 Ms. Annie Doris Thomas Craft ’84 Mr. Jack Moore Crook ’85 Mr. David Shane Barber ’89 Mrs. Karon Riddle Grant ’89 Mr. David L. Hunt ’90 Ms. Lisa Murphy Billingsley ’92 Mr. Maurice Lamonte Pritchett ’93 Mrs. Michelle Sims Morris ’94 Mrs. Deborah Doster Russell ’94 Mr. Fred L. Jones ’98, HA’17 Mr. Melvin Charles Brown ’04 Ms. Ardell Shemeka “Vicki” Whitfield ’05 Ms. Gwendolyn Jones McIntosh M’06 Mr. Kelly D. Bowen ’09 Mr. John Seay Newman ’10 The Rev. Dr. Carolyn W. Morris H’99 The Rev. Dr. Charles Frank McCook HA’16, former faculty Mr. Terry Dunn, former staff Mr. George Thomas Mahaffey, former Leadership Council
THE REV. DR. CHARLES FRANKLIN MCCOOK The Rev. Dr. Charles Franklin McCook, longtime faculty member and former Chair of Religion, passed away Jan. 1, 2021, at Wellstar West Georgia Hospice in LaGrange. He was 93. After serving in the Army at the end of World War II, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Emory University and a master’s and doctorate in ministry from Boston University. He served pastoral appointments in South Georgia, including United Methodist Church circuit pastor for Hagan, Mulberry Street Methodist Church in Macon and Asbury UMC in Columbus, as well as Oak Grove Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) in Pine Mountain. Dr. McCook joined the faculty of LaGrange College in 1961 and served as Religion chair for 33 years. He assisted the college in creating a bachelor’s program in Christian Education, devised a religion class for nursing students, developed a summer study course in Israel and initiated Project YES for the North and South Georgia UMC conferences to train college students for summer youth work. Dr. McCook’s collection of Israeli pottery is housed in Suber Archives in Lewis Library. The Georgia United Methodist Foundation has formed a Dr. C. Frank McCook Scholarship Endowment Fund in his honor.
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alumni & friends
THE RED AND BLACK ARE BACK! HOMECOMING 2021
October 29-31
UPCOMING EVENTS AUGUST 19 Freshman move-in day
OCTOBER 6-12 Fall break
NOVEMBER 22-26 Thanksgiving break
AUGUST 23 First day of fall semester
OCTOBER 29-31 Homecoming
DECEMBER 7 Last day of fall semester
AUGUST 23 Convocation
Football, reunions and fun—and all in person! Watch your email and lagrange.edu/alumni for details.
SEPTEMBER 6 Labor Day holiday
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601 Broad Street LaGrange, GA 30240-2999 www.lagrange.edu Vol. 25, No. 2 Published by LaGrange College (USPS 299-300) Postmaster: Send Change of Address to 601 Broad Street LaGrange, GA 30240
‘Cap and tassel to go, please’
Exactly 90 days before Commencement, the Class of 2021 was celebrated with a drive-through parade to receive their graduation caps and tassels. “We wanted to create student anticipation for their Commencement,” said President Susanna Baxter. “It was our way of showing appreciation for their hard work.” As cars snaked their way past Price Theater and Lamar Dodd Art Center, faculty and staff applauded the students. Staff from the Office of External Relations handed out red and black shakers with the message: “When the caps and tassels are tossed … the Hill is still your home. LC alumni are cheering for you to join them soon!” Faculty members in all their regalia celebrated each student. Kim Barber Knoll, Coordinator of Theatre Arts, said it was a fun event. “The Theatre faculty arranged to be there when a large pod of our seniors came by,” she said. “It was a creative, clever way to recognize seniors, and
it was wonderful to gather with fellow faculty members to celebrate as students drove through.” President Susanna Baxter “handed” the students their caps and tassels using barbecue tongs decorated with Panther paws. A large frame was positioned on the driver’s side for a special photo opportunity.
Tammy Rogers, Director of Special Events and Conferences, helped organize the event. “It was so festive and fun,” she said. “Everybody seemed to enjoy it, even though it was a chilly, but sunny, afternoon.”