LaGrange College Columns, Summer 2022

A moment two years in the making

Inaugural events mark the start of college’s next chapter

‘It’s what winners do’ Baseball perseveres to advance to DIII World Series

A Magazine for Alumni and Friends Vol. 25, 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 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, emailed to dhartman@ lagrange.edu, or faxed to (706) 880-8763.

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.

NEW BEGINNINGS The first semester of 2022 brought that fresh-start feeling to the Hill in so many ways: Masks came off as the pandemic waned. Renovated academic spaces were unveiled. And a new president was officially installed. We hope this issue helps convey just a hint of that anticipatory excitement found here on campus.

—the Editor

FEATURES 8

A MOMENT TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING The college celebrates the official inauguration of Dr. Susanna Baxter and looks forward to the next chapter of her presidency.

12 ‘IT’S WHAT WINNERS DO’ Panther Baseball faces tragedy and posts its best season ever— advancing to the DIII World Series and finishing with a No. 3 national ranking.

AROUND CAMPUS 2 3 4 5 6 7

POSSIBILITIES EDUCATION MOVE COMMENCEMENT OLYMPIC SPEAKER RELIGION PROFESSOR’S RENOWN SCIENCE COMPETITION

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS 18 19 21 24 25 29

PANTHER TRAILBLAZERS CASWELL PLAZA DEDICATION BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS DR. DULIN-MALLORY RETIREMENT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ALUMNI AWARD CALENDAR

PHOTO: Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars work on “learning trails” they created for children at Calumet Park in LaGrange. The project was part of the group’s yearlong work in the community.

ON THE COVER: A pandemic delay perhaps only heightened the excitement surrounding the formal inauguration of President Susanna Baxter. The investiture ceremony on April 22 (seen in photo) was only one of a series of events planned to mark the important occasion in the life of the college.

from the President

POSSIBILITIES DEEP ROOTS

by Dr. Susanna L. Baxter, 26th President of LaGrange College

In May I awoke to news no one wants to hear—two student-athletes involved in what we would later learn was a horrific accident that killed three people. As a mother and as a president, the news was just too horrible to comprehend. We all had just watched them win—forming a dogpile, celebrating baseball’s fifth conference title—full of life and future. And then suddenly, they weren’t.

While I have learned much about the LC community in my first two years, nothing solidified for me the specialness of this college more than the days and weeks that followed. We came together in our grief—students, teammates, parents, community, alumni, faculty and staff. We hugged. We cried. We comforted. We cheered through our tears. Even the bagpipers at graduation asked if they could help honor Stephen, Jacob and Rico by playing “Amazing Grace.”

We represented the best of what being a part of a Christian community means.

Recently I talked at a summer orientation session for new students about the LaGrange family and what it means to be here. As I spoke, I noticed current students had tears in their eyes. Those tears told the story: Our connections with each other and this beloved college run deep.

I witnessed those deep roots in April during my COVID-delayed official inauguration as I saw so many alumni come home to the Hill as a demonstrative show of support for the college’s past and future.

On the very morning of the investiture ceremony, the Board of Trustees approved our new campus strategic plan. This document provides our roadmap for the days ahead.

Though filled with specific goals and strategies, the plan, at its heart, is a firm declaration of our commitment to the connections fostered by our studentcentered approach. And it points to what this historic institution can become as we continue to grow upward from the deep roots found here on the Hill.

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around campus

Students sharpen leadership skills at retreat

Leaders representing more than 40 campus groups gathered for a three-day retreat in February to learn how to connect and be more effective in their roles.

Dr. John Head, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience, and his staff hosted the Leadership Retreat to bring together organization presidents, vice presidents and resident advisors.

The event was developed by Dr. Kerry Ann Wallaert, Director of Housing and Student Life; Alexandria Andrade, Assistant Director of Campus Life – Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator; and Dr. Karen Pruett, Associate Dean and Senior Director of Career Services, Leadership and Counseling.

Dr. Pruett said the purpose of the retreat was threefold.

“We wanted to provide

foundational skills to help the students define their organization’s purpose,” she said.

“We also discussed the process of planning agendas and how the groups can achieve their goals.”

Budgeting and event planning sessions helped students learn how collaborations and partnerships can strengthen their efforts. Campus partners Mark Davis, Director of Development; Karen Ely of National; Juanita Jackson of Aramark; and Hannah Godfrey, Student Government Association treasurer, offered advice and guidance on how to plan events.

The retreat ended with a panel discussion featuring President Baxter and community leaders Dr. Joy Baker ’02, OBGYN at Wellstar Medical Group; Trae Long ’12, CPA manager at Gay & Joseph; Gail Sherman ’78, MED ’80, Ed.S. ’12, retired educator; and Hill Daniel, Jr. ’13, Accountability Courts Administrator, Troup County Felony Adult Drug Court.

Education program settles into new facility The spring semester brought about a change for Education students as they started to hold classes in their program’s new home at West Side.

Renovations to the space include new floors, fresh paint, colorful murals on the walls, new furniture and new technology, including smart boards on the walls—all made possible by college donors.

After years on the ground floor of Hawkes Hall, Education Chair Dr. Gretta Milam said the West Side location is perfect for the program.

“It’s great that they are learning in a space that actually was once a school, so they get the sense of what it will be like working in a real classroom.”

In addition, Education faculty have been working closely with the Troup County School System to coordinate efforts.

“They have been such a valuable resource for us,” she said. “We are teaming up to ensure our students are learning on equipment that is compatible with what is actually being used in local classrooms.” | More at lagrange.edu/news 3

around campus

Graduates celebrated for resilience The sounds of cheers and airhorns filled the air as family members and friends watched the Class of 2022 receive their diplomas during Commencement at Callaway Stadium on May 21.

For these graduates, their college experience has been anything but traditional. At the height of the pandemic, they had to learn how to engage with their professors and classmates in a virtual environment.

Jasmine Middleton ’22, Waights G. Henry Jr. Leadership Award recipient, said the changes brought on by the pandemic made the Class of 2022 nothing short of overcomers.

“We could have let COVID-19

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hold us back and discourage us, but instead we took it as motivation to overcome adversity,” she said. “We did not let the pandemic stop us from playing our part in winning over 300 games, performing 16 shows, raising over $62,000 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, putting over 5,000 hours of service into our community or graduating.”

President Susanna Baxter expressed her appreciation to the graduates.

“You’ve honed your skills, sharpened your minds, wowed us on the playing field or stage—and we have become a real family,” Dr. Baxter said.

During the ceremony, Dr. R.

Rhett C. Yates M’99, Distinguished Service Alumni Award recipient, encouraged graduates to stay connected with the college. To promote the Panthers baseball game following the ceremony, Yates shot a selfie video with the crowd.

Retired Col. Max Wood ’81, keynote speaker at the ceremony, offered some words of advice to the Class of 2022.

“Think through your choices, pray through your choices and choose wisely,” he said.

A photo gallery for the Class of 2022 can be found at www.lagrange. edu/graduation.

around campus

Thurman receives grant for FAR role Dr. Justin Thurman, Associate Professor of English and the college’s Faculty Athletic Representative, received a full scholarship to the NCAA New FAR Orientation held Feb. 17-19 in Indianapolis.

“Every year, the NCAA recognizes conferences, programs and individuals with scholarships, grants and named awards,” he said. “President Baxter reached out last year and asked if I would be interested in applying for this one, so we did.”

Dr. Thurman, who has been the college’s FAR for two years, said the orientation helped him in three specific areas: NCAA structure and governance, networking with other FARs, and student-athlete wellbeing.

“Dr. Thurman has been a great ambassador for both academics and athletics, and he has a high level of commitment to student excellence,” said Terlynn Olds, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “The student-athletes describe Dr. Thurman as ‘amazing and easy to talk with.’”

He takes his experiences as a former student-athlete into his role. “Working with athletics reminds me of the joy I experienced when I played football and baseball,” he said.

“I enjoy helping faculty and athletics work together toward the common goal of making our students good people and productive citizens.”

OLYMPIAN DELIVERS BLACK HISTORY MONTH ADDRESS Mattiline Render, an African American Olympian from Moreland, Georgia, encouraged her audience at the Black History Month address on Feb. 22 to live with no regrets.

“Love what you do, and don’t let anyone bust your bubble,” she said during her speech in Callaway Auditorium. “Don’t let anyone tell you what you’re not capable of doing because you have your own capabilities.”

She ran for Tennessee State University, Temple State University and the New York Police Athletic League. In 1971, Render won a gold medal in the 4x100 meter relay at the

Pan American Games and set a world record in the 4x110 yard relay. She competed in the 100-meter event and the 4x100 meter relay event at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich and placed fourth in the relay.

“Being an athlete for me has been educational and beneficial,” Render said.

During the event, the Rev. Dr. Adam Roberts called Render “one of the pioneering athletes of African American women’s presence in the Olympic games.”

Concluding her remarks, Render told students that “Love, peace and happiness equals riches.”

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around campus

Religion professor receives international recognition As Christians around the world commemorated Jesus’ crucifixion this past Easter, researchers were uncovering archaeological evidence of this form of ancient execution—and a LaGrange College professor was often quoted as an expert source.

Dr. John Cook, who specializes in the subject of crucifixion, was interviewed this year by multiple journalists about 1,900-year-old crucified remains found in 2017 by Albion Archaeology in the village of Fenstanton in Cambridgeshire, England. The findings were published by the company last year, and Dr. Cook was quoted in stories in The Guardian and other publications around the world.

“They found this heelbone with a nail in it in Cambridgeshire with the skeleton,” he said. “It’s from sometime around the third, fourth century.”

Dr. Cook said this find is the second piece of skeletal evidence of Roman crucifixion. “Before that the only relic of a crucified person with a nail through the heelbone was found in Jerusalem in the 60s,” he said. “They have found skeletons with just holes in the heels, but that could have been made by roots.”

In 2019, National Geographic

brought Dr. Cook to Italy for a Smithsonian Channel documentary series titled “Crucifixion Mystery.” He said the documentary featured findings based on new analysis of possible crucified remains of a poor man found outside of Venice, Italy, in 2007.

The skeleton was 2,000 years old.

Dr. Cook said Romans often carried out sentences of crucifixion to slaves, criminals and other non-Roman citizens.

“From the Roman perspective, Christ would have been what they call a “peregrinus,” non-citizen, and they could be crucified,” he said. “That’s what makes the resurrection so important for Christianity because if Jesus hadn’t been resurrected, he would have just been another crucified victim of the first century.”

He said researchers do not often find the nails that were used on the crucified victims.

“The thing about nails is that they weren’t cheap, so I think that’s why they

STUDENTS PRESENT SCHOLARLY RESEARCH AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE Thirteen student researchers represented LaGrange College at the National Collegiate Undergraduate Research Conference in April. LaGrange College ranked fourth in Georgia in the number of undergraduate research projects presented at NCUR, behind only three large public institutions in the state. | More at lagrange.edu/news

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haven’t found a lot of bones with nails in them because the Romans just took them out and reused them because they could be used in magic,” he said. “The nail that had been used to crucify a person had magical properties, according to ancient myths.”

Dr. Cook said the archaeological finds of Roman crucifixion being discovered can help people have a better understanding of Christ’s suffering.

“The knowledge about Roman crucifixion helps you understand that desolation,” he said.

Outside of his crucifixion research, Dr. Cook has also written publications on resurrection. He said he hopes to start writing his second book this year. | More at lagrange.edu/news

around campus

Tournament brings high school students to LC High school students across the region put their analytical skills to the test in a series of competitive events at the Science Olympiad hosted on campus.

Dr. Molli Newman, Assistant Professor of Biology and coordinator of the Science Olympiad, said the Division C event held on Feb. 19 was the first time the college hosted a regional competition.

The Olympiad consisted of examonly events, build-only events and hybrid events.

“My favorite events this year were the hybrid events,” she said. “They consist of an exam portion and a build portion, which really allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and also

to showcase it in their design.”

She said the exams covered subjects ranging from anatomy to geology, and some of the devices assembled in the build events included bridges, airplanes and vehicles that move by using WiFi signals that can broadcast certain distances.

“These types of events are important because they allow students to learn about certain topics more in depth, and they provide wonderful opportunities for students to learn and demonstrate the scientific and/or design processes,” she said. “I enjoy getting to see the creativity of the students in approaching the build events, and in general how excited the students are about science.” | More at lagrange.edu/news

Faculty receive excellence awards Three faculty members were celebrated for research and teaching excellence at the college’s Honors Day ceremony on April 28.

Marcia Brown, Professor and Chair of the college’s Fine and Performing Arts Department (at left in the photo), received the 2022 Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award.

The award recognizes an exceptional faculty member who demonstrates strong academic skills in the classroom and provides leadership and support in other areas

of campus life.

Dr. Christi Hu, Associate Professor of Psychological Science and Director of Undergraduate Research, received the John Hines Jr. Undergraduate Research Faculty Award. It

A high school student performs a chemistry experiment on Feb. 19 at the Science Olympiad.

recognizes a professor whose work supports the college’s undergraduate research program.

Dr. Richard Soash, Assistant Professor of History, received the 2022 United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Exemplary Teacher Award. Each year, GBHEM member schools select one faculty member who exemplifies excellence in teaching, civility and concern for students, the institution and the community.

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Inauguration A moment

two years in the making

Dr. Susanna Baxter turns the page on COVID-19 and looks ahead to next chapter of presidency

C

allaway Auditorium, a spacious venue shut down at the beginning of the pandemic, was filled with dignitaries and members of the college community on April 22 to celebrate the formal inauguration of President Susanna Baxter.

A pandemic at the start of Dr. Baxter’s time on campus seemed to have come straight out of a novel, as she described in her inaugural address.

“Prior to 2020, if the author was going to write a fictional novel about a small liberal arts college in the midst of a presidential transition, the writer wouldn’t necessarily choose to drop the main character into the story at the beginning of a pandemic,” she said. “Unless of course, the author wanted to be accused of ‘jumping the shark’—a tale too outlandish to be believed.”

During her speech, Dr. Baxter gave thanks to her family, college leaders, faculty, staff and the students, who she said

First Gentleman Mark Huffman delivered a message at an inauguration week prayer service on April 20, the day of his wedding anniversary to President Baxter. The event was held at First United Methodist Church.

are the “champions of this story.”

“You have demonstrated your resiliency and adaptability,” she said. “You’re going to transform the world.”

“We lift our eyes to the horizon to envision the possibilities, feeling God’s presence, and holding fast to our mission to challenge the mind and inspire the soul.”

-President Susanna Baxter

Beyond limitations Dr. Baxter encouraged her audience to “envision the possibilities,” the theme of inauguration week.

“We often limit our personal dreams and institutional aspirations when we think we’re not ‘more than’ the boundaries our limited experience and imagination have set,” she said.

“We lift our eyes to the horizon to envision the possibilities, feeling God’s presence, and holding fast to our mission to challenge the mind and inspire the soul.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Baxter also spoke about the college’s five-year strategic plan approved earlier in the day by the Board of Trustees.

“At the heart of the plan is a declaration of our studentcentered approach and a commitment to do even more in the service of students,” she said. “In the next five years our campus will be revitalized, our community renewed and our future amplified.”

The ceremony kicked off with a processional led by flag 9

CELEBRATING THE POSSIBILITIES President Baxter’s inauguration wasn’t contained to just one day.

The milestone featured a weeklong series of events for alumni, community leaders, students, faculty and staff to celebrate the college’s 26th president— and the future ahead.

Monday, April 18: Students led a worship service at Caswell Plaza and wrote notes of encouragement to the President.

Tuesday, April 19: First Gentleman Mark Huffman presented a book discussion on Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts” in the Beason Recital Hall at West Side.

Wednesday, April 20: The campus and spiritual community came together for a prayer service at First United Methodist Church.

Thursday, April 21: Trustees and other guests gathered for a reception at the president’s home.

Friday, April 22: Dignitaries and members of the college community celebrated the formal inauguration of President Baxter in Callaway Auditorium.

Saturday, April 23: Service was the focus as guests gathered at Calumet Park in LaGrange for a look at the recent work of the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars.

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Students lit candles during a sunset inauguration worship service on April 18 at Caswell Plaza. Prayer cards were presented to President Baxter at the event.

bearers, delegates, student organization presidents, faculty, staff and members of the platform party.

Seated at the front were alumni representing every class year from 1957 to the present. Sarah Funderburk from the Class of 1945 was the oldest alumnae.

Dr. Baxter received congratulatory remarks from Nia Johnson ’22, President of the Student Government Association; Dr. Melinda Pomeroy-Black, President of the Faculty Assembly; Rob Dicks ’05 MAT, Associate Athletics Director of Compliance and Sports Medicine; the Rev. Ashley Jenkins ’08, President of the Alumni Executive Committee; Jim Thornton ’94, Mayor of LaGrange; and the Rev. Susan Gary Landry, South West District Superintendent of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The ceremony also featured two songs from the LaGrange College Singers and a poetry reading from Erielle Robinson ’22, who was selected in a contest hosted by the college’s English program.

“A good leader must not only show their dedication but must also take the time to listen.”

-Rob Dicks ’05 MAT, Associate Athletics Director of Compliance and Sports Medicine Qualities of leadership Dicks used a statement from John Maxwell to describe how successful leaders are made.

“Leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others,” he quoted.

He explained some of the essential qualities a college president must have

to lead an institution.

“A leader must be dedicated to the values of an institution,” Dicks said. “A good leader must not only show their dedication but must also take the time to listen.”

Power of partnership Thornton said the city’s statue of Marquis de Lafayette stands as a testament to its longstanding relationship with LaGrange College. The statue is on loan to the city from the college.

“It is a prominent example of the many points of collaboration between LaGrange College and the city,” Thornton said. “This collaboration has existed for 191 years.”

He explained how President Baxter is a good fit for the college.

“President Baxter brings a wealth of experience in higher education and recognizes the power of partnership and the synergy of institutional collaboration,” Thornton said.

A weeklong celebration Inauguration week kicked off with a student-led prayer service on Monday, April 18, at Caswell Plaza. On Tuesday, April 19, First Gentleman Mark Huffman discussed Brené Brown’s book “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts” in the Beason Recital Hall at West Side.

At First United Methodist Church, the campus and spiritual community gathered on Wednesday, April 20, to offer prayers for Dr. Baxter and her family. First Gentleman

Mark Huffman surprised the audience—and his spouse— with the message on the day of his wedding anniversary with Dr. Baxter.

The inauguration week concluded with a focus on service on Saturday, April 23, at Calumet Park. The event included lunch and a presentation by the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars.

Dr. Baxter was elected as the college’s 26th president by the Board of Trustees in April 2020, after serving as president of the Georgia Independent College Association for 10 years in Atlanta, Georgia. She succeeded former President Dan McAlexander, who retired after 11 years of service.

At LaGrange College, Dr. Baxter is the second female president. Daisy Davies, a missionary, fundraiser and scholar, served as president from 1915 to 1920.

Dr. Baxter graduated summa cum laude from Pfeiffer College with a degree in Christian education and religion.

She received a master’s degree in education in general administrative leadership and a doctorate in higher education leadership and policy from Vanderbilt University.  More at lagrange.edu/inauguration

First Gentleman Mark Huffman (top right photo) led a book discussion on April 19 at West Side. Dr. Susanna Baxter stood alongside her family (below) as she was sworn in as the 26th president of LaGrange College on April 22 at Callaway Auditorium.

At the President's home (bottom right), a reception was held for trustees and other guests on April 21.

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he LaGrange College baseball team posted its best season ever in 2022 while overcoming its greatest tragedy. The Panthers set numerous team and individual records to finish the season 44-9 and with a No. 3 final ranking in the D3baseball.com Top 25 rankings.

Just hours after winning a record fifth-straight USA South Tournament championship on May 14, the Panthers lost freshman teammates Stephen Bartolotta and Jacob Brown in a tragic car accident.

“The team and our community experienced the unthinkable: the shocking loss of two players and another young man after such happy moments,” said Terlynn Olds, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “The catastrophe brought the team to a crossroads, with difficult decisions to make.”

The Panthers played on, winning the program’s first NCAA regional the following weekend against Centenary (Louisiana), sweeping the best-of-five series in three games.

In the second game, LC trailed 7-6 in the ninth inning with two outs. The Panthers plated three runs for a 9-7 win, then completed the sweep of the series the next day with a 14-9 victory.

Up next for LC was hosting the Super Regional against national power Chapman (California), winners of three national championships. The Panthers took the first game 7-6 in 10 innings as junior Rhett Mixon walked with the

bases loaded to force in the winning run. Chapman won the second game 9-8 to set up a deciding Game 3. Sophomore Ethan Fry pitched the Panthers to a 4-2 win—and a firsttime trip to the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The Panthers opened the eight-team tournament with a 12-0 win over Trinity (Texas). Junior Baley Coleman allowed four hits in 7 1/3 innings as the Panthers scored 10 runs in their last three at-bats. Top-ranked Eastern Connecticut State edged LC 4-3 in the second game to put the Panthers into an elimination contest against Trinity.

“We talk about it all the time, wanting to compete for a national championship. I have no doubt we will be back.”

—David Kelton Head Baseball Coach

The team kept the season going with a 15-3 romp over the Tigers. Senior McKinley Erves had five RBIs, while sophomore Jared Aldridge and senior Dustin Doscher each hit a home run. Facing Eastern Connecticut State for the second time, the Panthers had their season end with an 8-1 loss.

Coach David Kelton spoke of the future of the program after the season-ending game.

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“This is the standard for us: This group was the first to bust through the regional, super regional and to the DIII World Series,” he said. “We talk about it all the time, wanting to compete for a national championship. I have no doubt we will be back.”

Senior pitcher Tanner Chafin said players drew inspiration from their fallen Panthers.

“The team came together when we could have lain down earlier after the conference tournament, but we came together as a family,” he said. “We decided we wanted to do it for them (Bartolotta and Brown). That’s what it came down to for us.”

Junior third baseman Joe Ruth was a first-team selection on the D3baseball.com and ABCA/ Rawlings All-America teams.

Ruth batted .443 with 10 home runs and 83 RBIs. He set a school, USA South and Division III season record with 109 hits. Erves joined Ruth on both All-America teams, as a second-team and thirdteam selection. Erves batted .409 with five home runs and 52 RBIs. He scored 91 runs—breaking school, conference and Division III season marks. 

“When Grief has to Bat” was written by the Rev. David L. Baxter, a United Methodist minister and father of President Susanna Baxter. He penned the piece after the Panthers won their Regional competition against Centenary the weekend after losing their teammates.

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In loving memory of Stephen Bartolotta and Jacob Brown In honor of the LaGrange baseball team 2022

WHEN GRIEF HAS TO BAT Those who watched LaGrange Panthers’ baseball at Cleveland Field last Friday and Saturday knew they were watching more than a play-off series.

More was at stake than strikes and balls.

Every play would be overshadowed by the unbelievable tragic loss of two players less than a week before.

No doubt families and coaches wondered if the players could find the desire and will and stamina to play at all.

No one would have blamed them if they had said we don’t have the concentration and strength to play our best ball.

After all, who of us has been called to take the field so quickly under such public and personal emotional tonnage?

Together, the decision was made to not let grief be the last inning of their season.

If ever team motivation and determination would call the signals, this would be it.

The determining issue would be more than the final score.

Rather, the game would be about their inner resources of character and willpower to play with a greater sense of urgency, grit and determination.

They would need to feed off of each other’s strength and trust each other’s steadfastness of ability as never before.

No doubt they found confidence in knowing Stephen and Jacob would want them to play.

Of course, they would be playing for LaGrange’s baseball legacy.

Even more, on this Friday and Saturday the players would be creating their own legacy of team character, resiliency and belief in what together they could overcome.

In short, grief would not lessen their grip on the bat.

And they played, and they came from behind—the second-out kids.

When the third game ended a victorious series, celebratory grief closed the game.

Stephen and Jacob’s numbered jerseys were reverently placed on the pitcher’s mound, as coaches and players stood in circle formation.

Surely, not a dry eye to be found there or among the families and fans who watched.

What will never be forgotten, more than the grief of tragic loss, is the lesson for life that this team gave us: grief can and must bat. It’s what winners do.

David Baxter May 23, 2022

Basketball shares division title

The 2021-22 LaGrange College men’s basketball team notched another successful season. The Panthers were 16-11 overall and captured a share of the USA South’s West Division with a 10-2 conference record.

Seniors Kyle Brown and Bershard Edwards, along with junior Zac Hill, were the team leaders.

Brown was a first-team All-Conference and West Division selection. Nick Mitchell was the last Panther named first team All-Conference in 2015. A senior forward from Dallas, Georgia, Brown led the team in scoring (17.7 points per game), rebounding (7.5 rebounds per game), steals (36) and blocks (20). He was second on the team in field-goal percentage (54.1), minutes played (923) and assists (93).

Edwards was on the West Division first team. He was second in scoring, averaging 15.4 points per game. Edwards led the team in minutes played (923), free-throw percentage (82.5, 33-of-40) and assists (104). He is the first Panther to have over 100 assists in a season in the program’s NCAA era.

Hill was third on the team in scoring, averaging 12.2 points per game and second in rebounding, averaging 5.8 rebounds per game. He tied for second with 32 steals and is second with 16 blocks “The Big Three! Bershard, Kyle and Zac have meant so much to this team and program—not only this season but since day one of joining us,” said Coach Kendal Wallace. “I am very proud of all three of them and the contributions they have given for us to be successful.”

The Panthers won their final five games of the regular season to finish in a three-way tie with Covenant and Maryville for the division title.

Included in the five-game win streak was a 101-98 overtime win at then No. 11 Maryville. Brown had a double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds to spark the Panthers. LC defeated Maryville for a second time in the quarterfinals of the USA South Tournament, 65-62. Edwards had a team-high 20 points.

LaGrange’s season ended with an 81-77 double overtime loss to eventual tournament champion Averett in the semifinals. Brown and Edwards both played the entire 50 minutes and combined for 48 points in their final LC game.

“What a great game and great season. Every team in the country except one will feel like we do right now at some point,” Coach Wallace said afterwards. “I’m so proud of my team. They battled the toughest teams in the South throughout the season from Division I to Division III.”

PANTHER POINTS MEN’S BASKETBALL See story on this page.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Panthers finished the season 15-10 overall and 10-5 in the USA South. Junior Gracie Brunel and senior Jalaya Lewis were selected to USA South All-Conference teams. Brunel was on the West Division first team, while Lewis was named to the second team.

Brunel averaged a team-high 16.8 points per game. She also led the team with 63 steals, the fifth most in the program’s history. Lewis was second only to Brunel in scoring, averaging 12.3 points per game.

She had a team-high 68 assists.

BASEBALL See the feature story on pages 12-14.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL The Panthers played 14 matches under first-year head coach Moneshia McKenney. Team members were Vianca Colon-Gonzalez, Jaharia Harris, Bailey Moss, Kinleigh Collins, Carmen Hamilton and Hayleigh Sebaugh.

GOLF The LaGrange Golf team had its first spring season under new Head Coach Shannon Lipham. The Panthers finished seventh at the USA South Men’s Golf Championship. Senior Jay Adams was an Honorable Mention selection on the USA South All-Conference team.

MEN’S LACROSSE The Panthers played their first full season after two pandemicabbreviated ones. Coach Brandon 15

PANTHER POINTS Sewell’s team was 7-9 overall and 4-5 in USA South games. Junior goalie Isaac Bohrer and junior midfielder Ben Bryan were both USA South All-Conference team selections. Freshman attacker Aidan Story led the team with 40 goals and 21 assists.

Panthers to join new conference

SOFTBALL The Panthers went 8-27 overall and 3-13 in the USA South under first-year head coach Melanie Rushing.

LC had two players named to the USA South West Division second team. Junior Abbey Gardner, the designated player on the team, batted .354 and led the Panthers with three home runs and 21 RBIs. She was 5-9 pitching with a 4.65 ERA. Outfielder Maggie White led the team with a .397 batting average, 46 hits and a .470 on-base percentage.

TENNIS The LaGrange men’s and women’s tennis teams had their first season under new head coach Drew Cantrell. The women were led by junior Karson Troth, who was named to the second team of the USA South West Division. During the 2021-22 athletic year, Troth played on the women’s volleyball, basketball and tennis teams. The men went 5-6 overall and 4-2 in the USA South, qualifying for the conference tournament for the sixth time in the past nine seasons. Junior Al Robertson and senior Josh Tullier were both selected to the USA South West Division second team.

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LaGrange College will join seven other members of the USA South Athletic Conference and one other institution to form the new Collegiate Conference of the South for the upcoming 2022-23 athletic season. Already approved by the NCAA, the move will bring the Panthers together with Agnes Scott College, Belhaven University, Berea College, Covenant College, Huntingdon College, Maryville College, Piedmont University and Wesleyan College to create the new conference.

Under consideration for some time, the new association is a positive step for the Panthers, according to college President Susanna Baxter.

“The new Collegiate Conference of the South will greatly reduce travel time for our student-athletes, thereby shrinking the amount of missed class hours,” she said. “With 19 members, the USA South is currently the largest in the nation with a huge footprint. The new CCS will reduce that significantly.”

The two-conference separation strategy was endorsed by the USA South Presidents Council last year. The CCS was officially incorporated in the State of Georgia on Jan. 12, 2022, and application materials for conference membership were officially approved by the NCAA Division III Membership Committee on Thursday, Feb. 17.

“We are thrilled that the NCAA has supported our application for membership,” said LaGrange College Director of Athletics and Recreation Terlynn Olds.

“Now we can plan with great expectation for full competition in fall 2022.”

CCS members will contend in 14 championship sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis and track and field for men; and basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis track and field and volleyball for women.

The sports of football and lacrosse will continue to compete in the USA South as associate members.

Dr. Baxter serves as vice chair of the CCS Presidents Council and Executive Committee. She is joined by Dr. Bryan F. Coker (president, Maryville College), chair; and the Rev. J. Cameron West (president, Huntingdon College), at-large representative. CCS schools are being supported in forming the new conference

by Dr. Kurt Patberg, who is currently serving as CCS acting commissioner.

Classnotes THE UNITING POWER OF THE HILL

Sixty-plus years of LaGrange grads. That’s how many classes were represented at President Baxter’s April inauguration. Delegates from the Class of 1945 to the present helped celebrate the occasion, and through that range of ages and experiences, the uniting power of the LaGrange experience shined through. It was just a hint of what you can enjoy at Homecoming 2022 on October 7-9. I look forward to seeing you then!

—MARTHA PIRKLE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS P.S. Watch lagrange.edu/homecoming for details on this year’s Homecoming celebration

1980s 1982 Joanna Patton Breazeale of Decatur is a health educator at HealthMPowers, Inc. 1983 Sam Cotton of LaGrange is the assistant coach for the girls basketball team at Callaway High School. The team won the Region 5-AA championship for the second year in a row.

1990s 1990 James F. Ellison of Newnan is the pastor for Newnan City Church and the chaplain for Newnan Fire Department.

Peggy Hinkle Colley ’61, President. Susanna Baxter, Gerald Becham ’60 and Emily Paxton McClurg ’61 had lunch, reminisced and toured the campus during Homecoming 2021.

1992 Stuart Countess M’92 of LaGrange is the president and the chief executive officer of Kia Georgia, Inc. 1999 Brad White of LaGrange has been promoted to director of continuous improvement, North American Small Packaging, at Mauser Packaging Solutions.

1999 The Rev. Norman A. Harris of Tampa, Florida, was featured on an episode of “Steve on Watch: Alicia and Norman Dating?”

2000s 2002 Debra Williamson of Macon is the director of health services at Pruitt Health.

2003 Clint DeMooney M’04 of LaGrange is an assistant principal at Troup High School.

2004 Ariel Pena M’20 of Greensboro, North Carolina, is the associate vice chancellor of advancement operations at North Carolina A&T State University. She is currently enrolled in the Ed.D. program in higher education leadership at UNC-Wilmington.

Alum Chums of 1958 pictured in December 2021: Althea Hengstler Head ’58, Carol McGarity Jacobs ’58, Pat Quigley Hagler ’58, Mary Louise Dunagan Smith ’58 and Marjorie Steis Bowling ‘58

2004 Dr. Carrie Reif-Stice of Evans is an assistant professor in communications at Augusta University. She was named a fellow for the center of social science research at Augusta University for the 2022-2023 academic year.

2004 Dr. Nigel Walker M’06, Ed.S.

* This issue’s Classnotes are from information received through March 7, 2022. (Unless otherwise noted, geographic locations refer to Georgia.)

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alumni & friends 2006 Tracy Dreschel Marsh of Hayden, Alabama, is a National Board certified teacher. She teaches first grade at Hayden Primary School in Blount County.

2008 Elsa Johnson Connally of Cohutta is a licensed social worker.

2009 Dialleo Burks M’11 of LaGrange has been named head football coach for Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida.

Homecoming 2021 at Kappa Delta Open House: Founding members Patty Solomon ’71, Cathy Trapp Thompson ’73, Sharon Nicholson Wedworth ’72, Ellen Glenn Dreschel ’72, Mary Wells Conway ‘72 and Julia Glenn Barber ‘74

’11 of LaGrange is the program specialist for teacher and leader effectiveness, working with the new-teacher induction program, teacher mentor program, teacher and leader evaluations, interns and recruitment for Troup County Schools.

2006 Hannah Stubblefield of Athens is the director of student ministries at Athens First United Methodist Church.

The Rev. Blair Tolbert ’06 of Carrollton visited Rachel Wooten ’24, sophomore nursing student and first Tolbert Family Endowed Scholarship recipient.

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2009 Cedric Talley of Smyrna is a graphic designer for the National Park Service.

2010s 2010 Raukisha Ray Talley of Smyrna is the deputy fee program manager for the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

2010 Becky Loveless of Ranburne, Alabama, is a speech-language pathologist at Encompass Home Health and Hospice and is part-time clinical faculty at the University of West Georgia in the speech-language pathology program.

2011 1st Lt. Glenn Gantner of Vacaville, California, completed officer basic training for the

Judy Greer ’57, H'07, left, and Mavis Sprayberry Trice ’60 returned to campus in February to talk with students about their roles in helping create women’s sports on the Hill. Their visit marked the 50th anniversary of the Title IX statute that codified gender equality in education. | More at lagrange.edu/news

United States Air Force. He is working as a licensed clinical social worker.

2011 Daniel K. Yim of Washington, D.C., serves on the counsel for committee oversight and reform in the U.S. House of Representatives.

2011 Rebekah Hair-Stewart of Albany is the membership campaign officer at WFSU Public Media.

Sam Cotton ’83, far right, is assistant coach for the Callaway High School Girls basketball team, which won the region 5-AA championship for the second year in a row.

alumni & friends

Chris ’84 and Cathy Cooper Rumble ’84 of Jasper appeared as Santa and Mrs. Claus for the annual Pleasant Hill Christian Church Christmas party benefitting foster families.

2013 Doug Bassett of LaGrange is the Circulation Specialist at LaGrange College.

2013 Paige McComb Castle of Atlanta is a UX designer for The Home Depot. She utilizes her knowledge of the art of storytelling and its relation to well-designed products.

2016 Nikki Stone of Griffin will be touring with Missoula Children's

Alumni Executive Committee members gathered for their spring meeting on the day of President Baxter’s inauguration. They are, front row, from left, Nina Wyman Bradford ’18; Katie Daniel ’10; Gail McLachlan Sherman ’78, M ’80, Ed.S ’12; Ashley Fitzpatrick Jenkins ’08, President of the Alumni Association; Mary Leslie Hardy ’93; Bill Kiser ’69; Julie Glenn Barber ’74; Rhett Yates M’99, Immediate Past President of the Alumni Association; back row, Joy Baker ’02; Tom ’69 and Mary Wells Conway ’72; Spencer King ’00, President-Elect of the Alumni Association; and Lori Melock Anderson ’83.

Theatre as tour actor/director for its production of "Rumpelstiltskin" throughout the U.S. and abroad.

She also will be participating in a virtual apprenticeship with Boston's Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, attending

voice/speech and scene study classes, coaching sessions, masterclasses with industry professionals and a showcase as a culmination of the program.

PLAZA DEDICATION HONORS CASWELL Janet Mabry Gipson Caswell ’66, H ’17, a longtime generous donor, was honored March 22 during a ceremony naming the space outside of Lewis Library as Caswell Plaza. President Susanna Baxter, along with a group of faculty, staff members and students, unveiled the plaque at the event. “We are honored to dedicate a prominent space in the heart of campus in appreciation for her steadfast generosity,” said Rebecca Roth Nicks, Vice President for Advancement. Caswell’s family scholarships, established in her name and in honor of her late husband Sam Gipson ’65, have been helping students for many years. “Janet is a true philanthropist,” Nicks said.

“She cares deeply about our students and their success.”

At the event, Caswell encouraged her scholarship recipients to pass on generosity to future generations.

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alumni & friends

Landon Baize ’08, right, delivered 70 of his “Baizeboxes” to the college’s Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars in December.

The scholars will distribute the boxes, which contain basic toiletry items. They have become his personal philanthropic effort and carry the motto “Helping Others by Delivering Smiles.” Assisting with the delivery are Joey Merrifield ’07, left, and Director of Alumni and Community Relations Martha Pirkle. | More at lagrange.edu/news

2016 Hannah Landers of Sommerville, Alabama, is a sales specialist at Siemens Healthineers.

Katelyn Little ’19 of Monroe serves as secretary on the board of trustees for the Georgia Nurses Foundation and recently attended the Georgia Nurses Foundation Nursing Hall of Fame. She is pictured with Wanda Jones, president of Georgia Nurses Foundation.

Team members and family of the 1982-1983 basketball champions met up for breakfast at Gus’s Grill. They are, clockwise from left, Merrett Fay; Paula Fay; Lauren Venters Knowles ’17, M’20, Assistant Director of the LaGrange College Fund; Allison McKoy Smith ’88; Liz Sill; Mitch Hanson ’83; Kim Lillie ’84; Carl Sill; Martha Pirkle, Director of Alumni & Community Relations; Mike Fay ’84; Rick Smith ’85; and Maria Fay.

2016 Zachary Tatham of Alpharetta is the accounting supervisor at RangeWater Real Estate.

2016 Nicholas Raszeja M’18 of Fort Mill, South Carolina, is the sports performance assistant football coach at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

2016 Peyton Hanners Garland of Fountain, Colorado, has signed a contract with Wipf and Stock Publishing to release a second book, "Tired, Hungry, and Kinda Faithful."

2017 Jamie Fredlund of Alpharetta is a full-time sports freelancer with CNN. 2017 Corey Morgan of Albany received the Dr. James E. Carter Award from Albany State University upon completion of his Master of Public Administration degree.

2017 Meagan Cascone of Dallas worked as a tour director/actor for Missoula Children's Theatre.

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She is currently a PAIR specialist, academy teacher and TVY director at the Springer Opera House, where she has been performing since 2018.

2017 Lawrence West of Hutto, Texas, is an entertainment host/ emcee for Carnival Cruise Lines.

2017 Elisabeth Clements of Tucker is currently working as a professional actor, choreographer and director in the Atlanta area while serving as the degree program coordinator for the theater studies program at Emory University. She is a director at Act3 Productions and a choreographer at Mill Creek & Brookwood High Schools. She is represented by East Coast Talent.

2017 Garrison Brown of Alpharetta is a senior talent partner at Blu Banyan.

2017 Sydney Aronson of Peachtree City is a contract attorney on the software resilience team at NCC Group.

alumni & friends

Basketball champs celebrated

“It was a perfect night!”

That’s how Sam Cotton ’83 described the Jan. 18 salute to the 1982-83 Georgia Independent College Association Men’s Basketball Championship Team.

Cotton, one of the team’s captains, helped organize the event.

“A bunch of us usually get together at Homecoming events and we noticed there wasn’t anything in Mariotti (Gym) about our championship season in 1982,” he said.

“I mentioned it to (Men’s Basketball Coach) Kendal Wallace, and he jumped right on it.”

While Cotton contacted teammates, Wallace met with Terlynn Olds, Director of Athletics and Recreation, and Martha Pirkle, Director of Alumni and Community Relations, to plan the ceremony.

Olds said she was immediately on board.

“I thought of how great it would be if I had a reunion with my old college teammates,” she said. “As the AD at LC, my goal is to move from ‘good to great.’ I believe that to do so, we must honor those who came before us. I have made it my mission to connect and bring back athletic alums as active members of the LC Panther Nation.”

Held during halftime of the men’s game, 18 players from the 1982 squad were celebrated for their accomplishments, with some members traveling from Florida and South Carolina to participate. Before the game, the athletes gathered to look over scrapbooks, yearbooks and memorabilia from their time on the Hill – and to catch up.

“Seeing everybody again was my favorite part of the night,” Cotton said. “We may have changed physically, but everyone still had the same personalities. It didn’t feel like 40 years had passed.”

Team members were Ken Alexander, Mark Carter, Jeff Cotton, Sam Cotton, Michael Fay, Frank Hall, Mitch Hanson, Wayne Johnson, Ray Lail, Chip Lawson, Kim Lillie, Xavier Mann, Doug Mason, Paul Minter, Joe Page, Tim Reeve, Brian Sani, David Shealy, Carl Sills, Rick Smith, Fred White, Wayne Williams and Jerome Woodyard.

Above, members of the championship team return to the Mariotti court to be recognized at halftime. Below, from left, Jeff Cotton ’83, Callaway High School coach Terry Hayes and Sam Cotton ’83 pause for a photo during the pre-game reception. Enjoying some time to reminisce in the bottom photo are former Panther players, from left, Carl Sills ’83, Mike Fay ’84 and Mitch Hanson ’83. They are joined by Fay’s children, Maria and Merrett Fay.

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alumni & friends 2018 Kelsey Seals of St. Petersburg, Florida, is a tour production assistant and production director at Missoula Children's Theatre in Missoula, Montana. She was cast as Lucinda in the company’s production of “Into the Woods.”

2018 Sadie Gibson of Macon earned her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law and took her oath as an attorney.

2018 Caleb Brown of Brunswick is in his third year as a year-round performer at Dollywood. He was recently honored by the International Association for

Amusement Parks and Attractions as best performer worldwide. He released his first solo EP titled "Major,” which features his original songs and is available on all music streaming platforms.

2018 Jacob Krzysiak of Blacksburg, Virginia, is an assistant director at Hillel at Virginia Tech.

2018 Kristen Grover of LaGrange is the assistant manager at Emily McCarthy.

2019 Katelyn Little of Monroe is serving on the board of trustees for Georgia Nursing Foundation, and she continues to serve on the

finance committee for the Georgia Nursing Association.

2019 Lauren Sanders of Peachtree City is the head coach for the Lady Chiefs volleyball program at McIntosh High School.

2019 Leigh Anne Hamlin Hoes of Fitzgerald is in her third year as a featured year-round performer at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

2019 Eli Grant of LaGrange has founded Nobis Theatre and is currently creating online theatre events.

FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW A new academic year is on the horizon, and students both new and returning are looking forward to the possibilities it brings.

Whether just starting their journey or in the final stretches preparing for their future, their time will be marked by transformation. However, that journey requires the tremendous support of many, from the professors who share their knowledge to the generous givers who help ensure students’ needs are met.

Through providing financial aid to supporting programs that help students gain firsthand experience, your gifts are integral to the young men and women who will be stepping foot on the Hill this fall.

Help make the most of their time here with a gift to the LaGrange College Fund.

Give today and help make it a brighter tomorrow for LC students.

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President Susanna Baxter with incoming freshman Aubrey Helton and Class of 2022 graduate Nia Johnson.

alumni & friends

Amy Norsworthy Pancake ’90 of Johns Creek was invited to the Arnold Classic, a sports festival in Columbus, Ohio. She won first place in her age and weight class.

She will now proceed to compete in the national powerlifting competition.

2020s Leigh Anne Hamlin ’19 married Joshua Hoes on December 11, 2021.

2019 Kaylee Drake of Carrollton is at Tulane University pursuing an MFA in costume design.

2019 Kelton Hunt of Temple earned his master’s degree in music production at the Berklee College of Music and created a media production company, Abstract Studios. He recently accepted a position with Riverside.FM as short-form content creator 2019 Jack McCormack II of Jacksonville, Florida, is the market development executive at Hurd Construction Management, a BHRS Company.

2020 Madison Elzey of LaGrange has completed her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia Southern College. She is continuing her studies with an Ed.S. in Elementary Education with autism endorsement while teaching second grade at Ethel W. Kight Elementary School.

2020 Bailey Crawford of Hayesville, North Carolina, is completing her MFA in scenic design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

2020 Abigail Young of Decatur will begin her second year contract as a year-round performer in the Harry Potter attraction at Universal Beijing, China.

2021 Rachel Cartwright of Birmingham, Alabama, is a yearround performer and entertainer at LEGOLAND in Goshen, New York.

2020 Laine Fletcher of Valdosta is in graduate school at Auburn University pursuing a master’s in speech-language pathology.

After graduate school, she plans to specialize in vocal health and performance for singers.

2021 Devin Fourqurean of Fayetteville is a member of the intern company at Actor's Express in Atlanta, specializing in technical theatre and scenic painting.

Austin Cook III ’69, left, and brother Dan Cook ’73, third from left, returned to campus for a Panther Basketball game, one of Austin’s first outings after surviving a horrific motorcycle accident. Read more about his inspiring story in this full account. They are joined in the photo by Head Men’s Basketball Coach Kendal Wallace and Rex Wallace. | More at lagrange.edu/ news

Lindsey Hogan Billings ’15 of Norcross owns a wedding planning and coordination company called The Peach Veil.

2021 Cole Parker Reihing of St. Marys is a performer and stage manager at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

2021 Savanna Hicks of LaGrange recently appeared at the LaGrange Society of Performing Arts as Shelby in “Steel Magnolias” and Glory in “Almost, Maine.” She was also the choreographer for Spring Concert at LaGrange High School directed by Jalen Smith ’18.

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alumni & friends 2021 Malcolm Stephen of LaGrange is a member of the touring acting company at The REV Regional Theatre in Auburn, New York.

2021 Kyle Hildebrand of St. Simons Island is attending law school at Georgia State University and enjoying incorporating all that he learned in the Theatre and Non-profit Leadership programs into his rigorous study of law. He continues his work at the Alliance Theatre to stay connected to the Georgia arts community.

2021 Kimberly Arndt M’21 of Albion, Michigan, is the chief advancement officer in the Alumni Engagement and Stewardship Department at Albion College.

2022 Christina Kelley of LaGrange is a CTAE teacher at Troup County High School.

Births To Norman Harris ’99 and his wife, Alicia, a daughter, Journi, on February 8, 2022 To Christina Cafaro Orizondo ’07 and her husband, Alfredo, a son, Max Everett, on January 31, 2022 To Josh ’11 and Amanda Marie Stukel Stripling ’14, M’15 a daughter, Murphy Kamren, on December 3, 2021 To Tyler ’14 and Courtney Beshel Johnson ’14, a daughter, Brooke Evelyn, on March 3, 2022 To Alan ’16, M’19 and Allison Coates Hunn ’16, M’19 a daughter, Eleanor "Ellie" Grace, on August 20, 2021 To Laura Hayhust Singleton ’16 and her husband, William, a daughter, Lilly, on September 2021 To Ashleigh Newton Neese ’18 and her husband, Tyler, a daughter, Hayzleigh Rae, on November 22, 2021

To Nina Wyman Bradford ’18 and her husband, Jack, a daughter, Isla, on December 1, 2021 To Rebecca Brown Gonzalez ’20 and her husband, Pedro, a daughter, Emmie Lou, on November 19, 2021 To Emmie Marcellini McMillian ’20 and her husband, Hunter, a son, Hardin Lee, on January 10, 2022 To Adrian Brewer ’21 and McKeyan McGinnis, a son, Harrison Rhys, on November 10, 2021

Engagements Blake Thomas Schuck ’16 to Ashton Pike on September 19, 2021 Emily Hampton ’18 to Ryan Stewart on March 6, 2022 Cory Aycock ’19 to Jess Breeding ’23 on September 25, 2021

PROFESSOR DULIN-MALLORY RETIRES Dr. Nina Dulin-Mallory M’81, Professor of English, retired in December after 37 years of service to LaGrange College.

She came to the college in 1984 as a part-time instructor of English and after three years, began working as a full-time instructor.

During her time at the college, she received the Vulcan Materials Teacher of the Year Award in 2012 and the United Methodist Church Excellence in Teaching Award in 2000.

Dr. Dulin-Mallory played an instrumental role in designing the college’s Honor Code and Council, said Dr. Greg McClanahan, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs. In addition, she served as president for the board of the International Center for Academic Integrity.

Dr. Dulin-Mallory said her students fueled her passion for teaching.

“She touched the lives of

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hundreds and hundreds of students—and has left her mark here in many other ways,” he said.

“I admired them immeasurably and always treasured finding common ground with them,” she said. “I never woke up to a day when I didn’t want to teach.”

She received a B.A. in English and French from Clemson University, an M.Ed. in Secondary English from LaGrange College and a Ph.D. in English from Auburn University.

alumni & friends Lauren Michelle Sanders ’19 to Evan Gresham on October 2021 Taylor Brooke Thrailkill ’19 to Jonathon Meadors on January 8, 2021

Weddings Devin Billings ’11, M’13 to Lindsey Hogan ’15 on August 6, 2021 Trevor Lane ’13 to Lindsey Elyse White on November 20, 2021

Sean McNamee ’14, M’17 to Caitlin Rose Doerr ’14 on December 31, 2021

Carter Reid White ’20 to SaraLinn Olivia White ’22 on January 8, 2022

Shelby Renee Holcomb ’16 to Andrew Goins on December 11, 2021

Haylee Elizabeth Williams ’21 to Tyler Baker on December 4, 2021

Nathan Hoxsie ’16 to Krista Hammond ’18 on February 26, 2022

Kaylee Marie Bailey ’21 to Daniel Jones Wilson on January 15, 2022

Blakeley Ty Edwards ’17 to Breanna Lee Wallace ’17 on December 4, 2021

Dr. R. Rhett C. Yates receives Distinguished Service Alumni Award The LaGrange College Alumni Association presented Dr. Rhett Yates M’99 with the Distinguished Service Alumni Award in May. The recipient is selected based on his or her continuous devotion to, and support of, the institution and its mission to challenge the minds and inspire the souls of young men and women.

Dr. Yates M’99 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aviation management/flight technology from the Florida Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in business administration from LaGrange College and a doctorate in educational leadership from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida.

He is a professor of aeronautics at Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business, where he was previously an assistant professor, interim director and associate professor of aeronautics. Before working in Jacksonville, Yates was employed as an adjunct graduate professor at the University of the West Indies, a guest lecturer at Auburn University, an adjunct professor at Lynn University, an assistant professor at the University of North Dakota and an assistant professor at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.

During his career, he has developed an aviation management curriculum for a Southeastern institution and assessed unmanned systems in USA Baccalaureate programs. Yates holds memberships in the University

Aviation Association, National Intercollegiate Flying Association, Aviation Accreditation Board International and the Academic and Business Research Institute.

At LaGrange College, he serves as immediate past president on the Alumni Executive Committee and is also the chair of philanthropy for the committee.

Yates, a Quadrangle Society member and supporter of the LaGrange College Fund, contributed to the college’s From Promise to Prominence campaign. He also collaborated with the Development office to create the Gateway Sustaining Contributor Society. To become a member, a person commits a recurring gift of $31 on the 18th of each month for a year.

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alumni & friends

HOMECOMING 2022 OCTOBER 7-9  FRIDAY 37th Panther Memorial Golf Classic: Remembering Tom Duckett and the Legacy of Former Athletes Highland Country Club

Class of 1972 50th Reunion Celebration 6 p.m., West Side Flashback Friday Party 6:30-11 p.m., Overlook Plaza in downtown LaGrange

 SATURDAY Red and Black Reunion Row 10 a.m. until halftime, Callaway Auditorium parking lot

In Memoriam Ms. Mary Hilda Dailey ’45 Mrs. Frances Jennings McKibben ’47 Mrs. Jane Goolsby Teaver ’48 Mrs. Sarah Frances Brown Sharman ’49 Mrs. Frances Moody Jones ’51 Mrs. Marianne Mitchell Adams ’57 Mrs. Betty Todd Knight ’61 Mrs. Dorothy Miller Shamanski ’62 Ms. Janice Rebecca Smith ’62 Mr. Larry Wayne Conner ’69 Mr. Edwin Gordon Maner ’70 The Reverend Jimmy Eugene Powers Sr. ’71 Mr. David Beall Gordon ’80, M’01 Mr. Richard Paul Jabaley ’84 Mrs. Ann Stinnett Cook ’87 Mrs. Lisa Clark Levens ’88 Ms. Susan Rae Bush ’89 Ms. Jill Natalie Hardegree ’90 Ms. Shelly Collins Coe ’94 Ms. Dorothy Owen McLeod ’95 Mr. Christopher David Yates ’97 Mrs. Amy Hervey Horne ’98 Dr. Steven Earl Edwards, former faculty Dr. Fay A. Riddle, former faculty Coach Michael Aaron Freilich, former staff

DR. FAY RIDDLE Longtime Professor and Chair of Computer Science Dr. Fay Aycock Riddle passed away on Nov. 24, 2021.

She came to the college in 1980 and retired at the end of 2015 after 35 years of service.

Football: Panthers vs. Maryville Scotts 1 p.m., Callaway Stadium 1965-1975 Barbecue Dinner 6:30 p.m., Wingate Terrace

 SUNDAY LaGrange College Alumni and Community Memorial Service 11 a.m., the Chapel More events at lagrange.edu/homecoming 26

“When Fay was passionate about something, you knew it,” said Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Greg McClanahan. “She was passionate about her family, the Florida Gators and Computer Science. In addition, Fay loved LaGrange College—and she was so proud of her students and what they accomplished.”

Dr. Riddle graduated from Tulane University with a degree in mathematics and went on to receive her master’s degree and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Florida.

HOMECOMING 2022 OCTOBER 7-9

alumni & friends

UPCOMING EVENTS AUGUST 16 New student move-in day

NOVEMBER 21-25 Thanksgiving break

AUGUST 22 First day of fall classes

DECEMBER 7 Last day of fall semester classes

OCTOBER 13-17 Fall break

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GO BEYOND

At LaGrange College, students unlock their potential and achieve what may seem out of reach. Case in point: the 2022 Panther Baseball team who experienced tragedy and triumph on their way to winning a fifth-straight USA South Tournament championship, an NCAA Regional and Super Regional—and reaching the Division III World Series!

Sports Management students attend Final Four

LaGrange College’s Sports Management program sent 10 students to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four in April in New Orleans.

The college was one of four selected to assist with the tournament’s fan experience events, where students supervised over 100 volunteers and had the opportunity to get a behind-thescenes look at how the Final Four and National Championship events are put together.

They also had the chance to network with executives from On Location, the official partner of events including the Super Bowl, Rose Bowl

and NCAA Final Four.

Jordan Coppola ’22 said the trip was an unforgettable opportunity that helped him develop skills he will take with him in his career.

“Being able to be part of one of the

biggest sporting events in the country, if not the world, I was able to learn so many things that I will be able to use in my professional life.”

Madison Demkowski ’22 said working at the tournament was eye-opening.

“It showed us how much work and thought goes into the sports industry to make these big events possible,” Demkowski said. “It was great to learn a wide variety of jobs that are available in the sports industry.”

Earlier in the year, Sports Management students assisted with fan experience events for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United.