Emissaries of excellence
Student Ambassadors serve as faces of college
Reunited at last
Alumni ‘family’ returns to the Hill
A Magazine for Alumni and Friends Vol. 26, No. 1 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.
YOU’RE WELCOME! We like to think it’s in the college’s DNA: that LaGrange hospitality that makes you instantly feel at home. For future students, a huge part of that welcome is extended by campus Presidential Student Ambassadors. Enjoy their stories on the feature inside. And if you weren’t on hand to feel that LC warmth at October’s Homecoming celebration, know that the welcome mat is firmly in place. —the Editor
FEATURES
8 EMISSARIES OF EXCELLENCE Presidential Student Ambassadors serve as the face of LaGrange College 12 REUNITED AT LAST Alumni ‘family’ returns to Hill after two years
AROUND CAMPUS
2 POSSIBILITIES 3 US NEWS RANKINGS 4 PANTHER PRIDE FESTIVAL 6 ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT: NURSING 7 CHAPTER AWARDS 16 PANTHER POINTS
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
19 SPORTS HALL OF FAME 20 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ALUMNI AWARD 22 NEW AND RETURNING TRUSTEES 27 COMMENCEMENT 28 CALENDAR 30 CLASSROOM RENOVATIONS PHOTO: The weather may have been chilly, but the atmosphere was warm as Homecoming guests gathered for Flashback Friday at Overlook Plaza downtown. The Reasons Why, a band composed mostly of LC grads, entertained the crowd while Wild Leap Brew Co. served cocktails created just for the evening. Read more about Homecoming activities on page 12. ON THE COVER: Often the first thing potential students and their families see on campus are the friendly faces of the college’s Presidential Student Ambassadors. They conduct tours, assist at Preview Days and even serve as speakers at college functions and area civic clubs. Find out more about these outstanding students on page 8.
from the President
POSSIBILITIES Finding hope on the Hill by Dr. Susanna L. Baxter, 26th President of LaGrange College
After a year that whispered doubt and challenge, this fall on our campus shouted hope loud and clear. In so many ways, this past semester felt like my first “real” term on the Hill. With COVID restrictions easing, we returned to spirited football games, a normal class schedule and an in-person Homecoming celebration. My exchanges with students, whether in the cafeteria, plaza or bleachers, impart life-giving, hope-filled moments. Hope—genuine and tangible hope. Among the many hopeful signs is one that perhaps went unnoticed: The campus community began a strategic planning process in October. Trustees, alumni, faculty and staff took part in initial sessions to provide their input on what should be included in our new five-year plan. We aim to have a completed strategy by late spring, and that brings me great hope—the expectation of building on LaGrange College’s storied history to an even brighter future. This hope we share on the Hill is rooted in the star in the sky, the shepherds in the field and the expectant mother. Hope is the light to our darkness and hope is infectious, especially when it’s inspired by your support and involvement in LaGrange College. Thank you for making hope possible.
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around campus
Counseling program earns accreditation
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program has earned an eight-year accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, something that is “almost unheard of,” according to Dr. Kelly Veal, Program Coordinator. “The CMHC program was honored to obtain accreditation for eight years," said Dr. Veal. “The credit goes to the hard work put in by CMHC faculty members Dr. Dixie Powers and Dr. Justin Muller.” The accreditation process takes about two years, and the college met standards set by the CACREP board to achieve the status. “Having that CACREP accreditation gives us the industry standard that we’re meeting the certain criteria that CACREP sets,” Dr. Veal said. “It also provides information that the students will be meeting certain industry standards and be eligible for licensure in our state or another state.” With the accreditation, students will be able to sit for the National Counselor Examination while still enrolled in the
President Susanna Baxter, far right, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey, second from left, congratulate Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty members Dr. Dixie Powers, Program Coordinator Dr. Kelly Veal and Dr. Justin Muller on earning an eight-year CACREP accreditation for the program.
graduate program. Once the exam is passed, the student can apply for associate licensure upon graduation before applying
to be a fully licensed counselor after being under supervision for three years.
COLLEGE RANKED IN TOP 10 LaGrange College continues its run as an outstanding institution in annual rankings released this fall by U.S. News & World Report. LC was rated in the top 10 among 93 Regional Colleges in the South, the only Georgia college in the category’s top 20. “It is always exciting to have an independent source like U.S. News recognize the value of a LaGrange education,” said college President Susanna Baxter. “It is also a validation of our mission of preparing students to become successful, responsible citizens who aspire to lives of integrity and moral courage.” LaGrange College also was named a “best value,” a label the magazine says factors a school’s academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial aid. “The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal,” the publication said.
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around campus
Festival celebrates Panther Athletics HEAD CHOSEN FOR NEW ROLE ON CAMPUS Dr. John Head has joined the college as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience. He comes to the post after more than three decades of work in higher education enrollment and student affairs at both public and private institutions. “John brings a wealth of successful enrollment growth experiences to LaGrange,” said President Susanna Baxter. “He has a history of working creatively and effectively to impact both recruitment and retention. “He will be able to make a difference quickly on our campus and will be a wonderful addition to our team.” Dr. Head has achieved enrollment growth at multiple institutions, most recently serving at Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia; Loyola University in New Orleans; and University of West Georgia in Carrollton. “I am humbled and honored to be joining Dr. Baxter and her team at LaGrange College,” he said. “LaGrange has a long history of educating the whole person, helping students understand that we all have a responsibility to work to help others. It also has a great academic reputation, and I am looking forward to serving alongside the many talented faculty, staff and alumni of the college.” 4
Panther Athletics kicked off the new year in August by welcoming the community to the inaugural Panther Pride Festival. The event featured autograph sessions with LC athletes, live music, community vendors and children’s games, as well as food from local businesses were available for purchase. “Every team’s station had interactive activities for children, such as a putting green for golf, T-ball for baseball and a portable hoop for basketball,” said Terlynn Olds, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Everyone had a great time.” The festival concluded with an intersquad football game between Team Pres (Dr. Susanna Baxter) and Team AD (Terlynn Olds). The “coaches” chose their teams in a live draft at noon on the Saturday before the game on the
LaGrange Panthers Facebook page. More than 25 arts and crafts vendors, a flea market and a farmer’s market participated, while the Suber Archives had a display of vintage athletic programs, photos and gear. Olds said the event exemplifies her vision for LC Athletics. “We want to have a positive impact on the community and focus on being ‘One LaGrange’ with the college and community,” she said.
Alums explore shadow and light in exhibition
Merri Lawrence ’77 and Ann Beason H’14 were surprised to learn many “nuisance” plants make interesting subjects for a photo technique called photogram. The result of their work, “Chiaro Ombra” at Lamar Dodd Art Center, featured more than 100 photograms and prints of those materials. Beason had become intrigued by the process where a photographic print is made by laying objects onto photographic paper and exposing the paper to light. Wanting to learn more about it, she asked Lawrence to collaborate with her on a project. Once getting Lawrence on board, Beason knew exactly where to go for advice. “Merri and I asked her husband (retired photography professor John Lawrence) to teach us how to make photograms,” she said. “He set up a darkroom for us in an old storage room in
the barn on our farm.” They then began gathering items for their project, deciding to begin with plant materials. They later expanded their materials to bones, feathers, insects and marine life. Beason said it didn’t take long to discover that many of the weeds and vines that are usually pulled and pruned in gardens and fields made for good subjects. “In the exhibition, you will see kudzu, cat’s briar, wild strawberry and many other plants that most people find undesirable in the garden,” she said. “We discovered beauty in the ordinary.”
around campus
Professor’s play brings LC ghosts to life “Tales from the Hill,” a play by English professor Dr. Jack Slay, had its premiere at Price Theater during Homecoming weekend. Ghost stories and legends are as much a part of LaGrange College as the four columns of Smith Hall, according to Slay. They’ve been the stuff of Haunted Halloween tours and student memories for decades. “I think it was former President Waights G. Henry who put some of the stories in writing, and they’re a big part of LaGrange College lore,” he said. Dr. Slay started writing down the stories he learned from Dr. Henry and others. “I thought they might make a fun play one day,” he said. “But I put them aside and kind of forgot about them.” A couple of years ago, Dr. Slay went on a sabbatical to write, and the first things on his mind were the ghost stories. “I wrote a play featuring those tales, then sent it to Kim Barber Knoll (director of Theatre Arts) to see what she thought.” Knoll loved it and asked the author what he thought about LC’s theatre students producing his work. The action in “Tales from the Hill” takes place on the stage of Price Theater as four students share campus tales of terror.
Unexpected events start to happen as the stories continue. Dr. Slay said he enjoyed watching the actors work. “They have taken real ownership of their characters that until now have been figments of my imagination,” he said. “They’ve made my stick figures become real people.”
Knoll said she has relished the experience. “It is a rare opportunity to have the playwright in residence while we produce departmental productions,” she said. “It has been wonderful having Jack describe these characters and talk about what inspired each of these ghost stories.”
WORK BEGINS ON NEW STRATEGIC PLAN Alumni, trustees, faculty and staff brought their energy and ideas to October community input sessions, the first step in the creation of a new strategic plan for the college. The meetings officially launched a process set to culminate in the approval of a new plan by the Board of Trustees in April 2022. “Having the opportunity to dream and plan together was so very energizing,” said college President Susanna Baxter. “We have taken the first steps toward becoming an even more vibrant, distinctive and student-centered institution.” Helping to lead the sessions were team members from Credo, higher education consultants who specialize in working with independent colleges and universities. Their work is being funded by Callaway Foundation, Inc.
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around campus
Nursing offers students hands-on experience LaGrange’s Nursing program is all about real-world preparation, according to Dr. Sarah Holden, Chair and Assistant Professor of Nursing. “To really understand how we care for our population, our students can complete their clinical experiences at a number of different clinical sites throughout the county,” she said, “This way, they are able to experience different areas of nursing.” Only two rotations take place outside of Troup County – pediatrics at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Mental Health at West Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus. Students also can participate in internships and externships at hospitals throughout the state. “One of our most noted partnerships is at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,” Dr. Holden said. “We are one of seven nursing programs in the entire state to be selected to participate in the Pediatric Elective Program. It is a prestigious summer internship that allows students to gain one-on-one nursing experience with the ultimate goal of being hired as a new graduate nurse at CHOA.” LC also offers a more intimate learning environment, she said. “Our cohort sizes are smaller than most across the state, and this provides an opportunity for students to have more one-on-one learning experiences with faculty and
clinical instructors,” she said. “This is beneficial in not only helping the student have more success within the program, but also better prepares them to be successful in their careers.” When the department moved into the renovated West Side building in the spring of 2016, nursing faculty and students were delighted with the up-to-date technology. “We have high-fidelity mannequins that help simulate more realistic bedside experiences for students,” Dr. Holden said. “It provides a safe environment for them to make decisions and provide care on a simulated patient before taking care of patients in a clinical setting.” A medication administration setup with barcode scanners and rolling computers allows students to practice how to safely administer medications. They also have access to virtual patients, allowing them to practice communication and assessment skills. Testing software designed to simulate nursing board exams helps potential nurses prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination.
“We are able to provide alternative formatted questions that are similar to the NCLEX,” Dr. Holden said. “The NCLEX is a computer-administered exam, so having this technology helps our nursing graduates become more comfortable and prepared on testing day.” The department offers one major, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. However, it has two ways to earn the BSN – the traditional program and the online RN to BSN program. “The online program is designed for registered nurses who have their Associate Degree in Nursing but are looking to further their education and obtain a BSN degree. It is 100% online and is a great option for those who work full time or part time.”
FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS Dr. Andrea Mueller Jarmon, Instructor of Music and Voice Area Coordinator, was elected president of the Georgia chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Kim Barber Knoll, coordinator of Theatre Arts, directed Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” in the fall and worked closely with English professor Dr. Jack Slay to produce his original one-act play, “Tales from the Hill,” based on LC ghost stories. She also trademarked her method of teaching movement, “In the Movement,” and is working on a book detailing her method. Dr. John Cook, Professor of Religion, presented “The Trust in Resurrection of Paul the Thaumaturge” for the online meeting of the Society of New Testament Studies in Leeuven, Belgium. He also responded to Boston University School of Theology Professor Shively Smith’s book, “Witnessing Jesus Hang: Reading Mary Magdalene’s View of Crucifixion through Ida B. Well’s Chronicle of Lynching” at the Atlanta New Testament Colloquium. Vicki T. Pheil ’98, M’00, Assistant Professor of Education, was recently awarded the Paul R. Hanna Laureate Scholarship through the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education for her doctoral studies. She is currently in the dissertation phase. Also, she began a two-year term as president of the Georgia Field Directors Association. 6
around campus
Chapters receive national recognition
Three of the college’s chapter organizations were recognized this year for their accomplishments. The LC chapter of Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business Administration received its 14th Star Chapter Award, presented each year to outstanding chapters. Alpha Delta Gamma won big at this year’s 90th national convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The group won the Fil Fuentes Charitable Activities Award, the Inter-Chapter Communications Award and the Most Improved Chapter of the Year. Individual honors went to John Moore, Benjamin Aranda III Undergraduate Delegate Award, and DeMarcus Formbly, Joe Paul Clayton School Spirit Award and National President’s Award. He also was elected as the new national student representative. Political Science Alpha Alpha Nu chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha has been awarded the Pi Sigma Alpha Best Chapter Award for 2020-2021. It was one of only
three that were awarded to chapters in schools with undergraduate enrollment below 5,000. Tanya B. Schwarz, Executive Director of Pi Sigma Alpha, wrote, “I was especially impressed by the chapter’s development of a virtual model UN simulation for high school students, as well as the chapter’s obvious commitment to excellence in undergraduate research.”
ADVOCATES AIM TO DOUBLE THE PELL GRANT AWARD Eyes in higher education are focused on the “Build Back Better” bill pending approval in the U.S. Senate. Part of that legislation increases the maximum Pell Grant award by $550 to $6,495. The Pell is a need-based financial subsidy awarded at the federal level. June 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the federal Pell Grant program, said President Susanna Baxter. “When it was originally passed, this grant covered more than three-quarters of the cost of attending a four-year college,” she said. “Today, it covers less than one-third of those costs.” Nationwide, the program aids almost 7 million low- and moderate-income students. “More than 40% of LaGrange College students receive a Pell Grant,” Baxter said. “There is an ongoing effort to double the maximum award. This aid will be transformational in the lives of our students.”
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EMISSARIES of excellence Student Ambassadors serve as faces of college
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Layla Zeitouni ’17
DJ Kelly ’22
hen Layla Zeitouni ’17 was told she had been chosen to be a Presidential Student Ambassador, she had no idea it was going to change her life. “I had always had some social anxiety and never liked speaking in front of people,” she says. “But the ambassador program was exactly the push I needed. I learned how to feel confident in front of a crowd and in managing large groups of people.” After graduation, she went into a master’s program and started teaching at the college level at 22. She returned to graduate school and continues to teach. “Without the PSA program pushing me out of my comfort zone, I never would have experienced the growth that I did and been in the jobs that I love now.” What is a Presidential Student Ambassador? Formerly known as the Hilltoppers, Presidential Student Ambassadors serve as representatives for the college. They lead Admission tours, assist at Preview Days, participate in donor visits, help host presidential events and speak at civic clubs or campus events. Dr. John Head, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience, says the ambassadors play a vital role in the recruitment process. “They are able to connect with prospective students in a way our professional staff can’t by talking about their own experiences of what it is like to be a student on the LaGrange College campus,” he says. “We frequently hear from prospective students that speaking with an ambassador was the highlight of their visit.” Dr. Head says there is power in stories. “When our ambassadors share their stories, it really resonates and helps those prospects to visualize themselves on our campus,” he says. “When we can do that, we have taken a big step in getting that student to commit to LaGrange College.”
“WHEN OUR AMBASSADORS SHARE THEIR STORIES, IT REALLY RESONATES AND HELPS THOSE PROSPECTS TO VISUALIZE THEMSELVES ON OUR CAMPUS.” —Dr. John Head
Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience
THE MANY HATS OF A PRESIDENTIAL STUDENT AMBASSADOR They: • Conduct campus tours for visiting families • Assist at Preview Day • Write and call donors to express appreciation • Participate in donor visits • Speak at campus events and at area civic clubs • Help host Presidential functions • Support the Admission Office’s efforts 10
Building relationships Making those connections also is important to the students, according to DJ Kelly ’22. “My favorite thing about being an ambassador is when a prospective student becomes a student,” he says. During his junior year, he was asked to help the staff in Henry Hall with a resident’s room. “I turned around and recognized him,” he says. “He was in one of my campus tour groups. It warms my heart, knowing that I gave a tour to somebody, encouraged them to come here and I meet them on campus as a fellow student.”
“IT WARMS MY HEART, KNOWING THAT I GAVE A TOUR TO SOMEBODY … AND I MEET THEM ON CAMPUS AS A FELLOW STUDENT.” —DJ Kelly ’22 Presidential Student Ambassador
Volleyball player Ariel Modeste ’23 says she had been wanting to become more involved on campus and to learn more about the college. “This position was the perfect way to achieve that,” she says. One special part of being an ambassador is the opportunity to conduct campus tours. “I remember touring colleges when I was in high school and how exciting it was,” she says. “Being able to be a part of that for someone else is my favorite part of being a PSA.”
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAMPUS VISIT • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. • Check the weather so you’ll know if you will need an umbrella or sunscreen. • Ask questions. Remember your tour guide is also a student, so be sure to ask them about their personal experiences on campus. • Sit in on a class and meet with a professor • Take pictures – and make sure you use our hashtag #LaGrangeCollege on social media. • Spend some one-on-one time with Financial Aid and counselors. And be sure to check out Panther Connection for some LC gear. • After your visit, make notes about your experience to use when making your final college decision. Schedule your LaGrange visit at lagrange.edu/visit
Sharpening skills Participation in the Presidential Student Ambassador program helps students develop skills that have served them well in their lives after graduation. Asti White ’17 is currently enrolled at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. “Being a PSA allowed me to sharpen my leadership skills,” he says. “I enjoyed encouraging students to get involved and participate in campus groups such as Student Government Association, Black Male Initiative, Black Girl Magic and Greek organizations. “There are so many wonderful opportunities for students at LC, and I loved sharing my enthusiasm about all the vibrant things happening around campus.” Zeitouni says she particularly enjoyed visiting with families during Preview Days. “I was able to talk to students and parents separately,” she says. “I was also a Residential Advisor, so I could share different aspects of campus life that would be the most meaningful for them. Having that experience with both groups really helped me get out of my shell and prepared me for a career in education.” Getting started Applications and reference forms for the PSA program are emailed to students in the spring, followed by a review process before selected students are invited to an interview. There are monthly ambassador meetings and updated training conducted through the Admission office. President Susanna Baxter said she is extremely grateful for what the Ambassadors mean to the college. “These young people donate their time and talents to share with others about this institution and the work we do,” she says. “Whether it’s visiting a potential donor or helping host an event at the President’s Home, they are always there, smiling and welcoming everyone. I think they epitomize the best of who we are as an institution and community.”
Ariel Modeste ’23
Asti White ’17
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t was like a breath of fresh air, people gathering with joy to catch up with old friends and classmates, walk the halls and hills they remember from years past and experience something that had seemed out of reach for far too long. "I think that this year’s Homecoming was a cool drink of water to thirsty souls,” said Martha Pirkle, Director of Alumni and Community Relations. “We all missed each other a lot after not having had that personal interaction because of the pandemic last year. It was like a huge family reunion with everybody laughing and catching up again.” Visitors brought excitement and rever-
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ence to the Hill as they attended events on campus and off. The energy transferred from campus to downtown LaGrange, where alumni braved wet weather to gather for Flashback Friday at Overlook Plaza, enjoy custom cocktails and the music of The Reasons Why. Saturday may have given the biggest indication of the palpable energy alumni brought as the parking lot in front of Callaway Auditorium was alive with activity as cars, grills—filling the air with the smoky smell of cooked meats—music, children playing and groups of people laughing and sharing their enjoyment overtook the area. From a full reunion tent to lively Greek
tailgating spots, alumni and students mingled and enjoyed their time together. The evening’s 50th anniversary celebration of sororities Phi Mu, Kappa Delta and Alpha Omicron Pi also packed out Highland Country Club. The excitement and activity built as former sorority members and their families celebrated late into the night with dancing, recollections over photos and recognition for the chartering members. “This year proved the old saying, ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder,’” Pirkle said.
(Clockwise from above) Associate Professor of Business Preston James leads his Sports Management Club’s tailgating effort. Surber Archives Specialist Felicia Moore helps Cynthia Kerr review period photos of student life on the Hill. Riley Hammett, representing Phi Mu, and Demarcus Formbly, representing Alpha Delta Gamma, were named Homecoming 2021 Queen and King. Jeff Cotton ’83, Janice Johnson Hall ’84 and Xavier Mann ’86 pause before the football game’s start.
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Founding members of LC sororities were honored during the Saturday celebration. They are, from left, Sharon Black McLendon ’73 (AOII), Patty Solomon ‘71 (KD), Mary Lou Schmidt Compton ‘71 (Phi Mu), Carol Duffey Gill ’70 (Phi Mu), Cheryl Akins Matlock ‘71 (Phi Mu), Debbie Dorough Mowery '72 (Phi Mu), Nancy Kight Stevens ‘71 (Phi Mu), Kaycie Ketchum Still ‘70 (Phi Mu), Doris Anthony Tomlin ‘72, ( Phi Mu) and Margie Johnson Wheeler ’71 (Phi Mu).
Outstanding alumni recognized at Homecoming
Michael Thorp Fay ’86 and Cheryl “Cheri” Blasingame Garing ’98 were this year’s recipients of the Shackelford Alumni Achievement Award, and Eric Keels ’10 Ph.D. was recognized with the 2021 Outstanding Young Alumni Award during this year’s Homecoming ceremonies. Fay is principal and managing director at Avison Young Real Estate, a global real estate firm. He also serves as chairman of the U.S. Capital Markets Group executive committee and is the global director for the Asset Resolution Team Affinity Group. He came to LaGrange on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration. As a freshman, he was part of the 1982-83 championship basketball team and is a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Fay advises on and sells investment properties across the country, having completed more than $16 billion in sales. He owns more than 20 properties and several operating companies through his family business, Fay Family Investments, that focuses on real estate-business interests and philanthropy. Garing is vice president for plan14
Cheri Blasingame Garing '98 and Michael Thorp Fay '86 earned Shackelford Alumni Achievement Awards, while Eric Keels '10 received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
ning, rates and corporate performance at Oglethorpe Power Co. She earned a bachelor’s in mathematics at LaGrange College and a master’s in probability and statistics at Auburn University. At LaGrange College, she was elected to the Class of 2009 Sports Hall of Fame for Softball and is a member of the
Panther Club Leadership Team. Garing began her career with Oglethorpe Power in 2000 as part of the billing team before transitioning in 2006 into the planning area. She was promoted to a managerial position responsible for developing and delivering the annual corporate and EMC-level budgets.
Panther basketball alumni reunited Saturday morning in Mariotti Gym. Gathered at left are, Carl Sills ’83, Richard Svacha ’82, Sam Cotton ’83, Chip Lawson ’86, Doug Mason ’84 and Ken Smith ’82. Below, Michael Fay ’86 shares insights from his career with current students before receiving the Shackelford Alumni Achievement Award.
In 2011, she moved into a director position, continuing with planning responsibilities. She then was promoted to her current position of Vice President of Planning and elected as an officer of Oglethorpe Power by its board of directors. Garing was a member of the 2012 Leadership Georgia class, the 2010 University of Georgia Carl Vinson Management Development Program and the 2006 Pathbuilders Percepta Program. She is a recipient of the OPC Customer Focus Award. Keels is an assistant professor for international security at the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. He graduated magna cum laude from LaGrange College with a degree in Political Science and earned a Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Texas in Denton. He also studied design thinking at the Teaching and Learning Studio at Stanford University in California. He served as a post-doctoral research fellow in global security for the Howard H. Baker Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee, and a research associate for political conflict research at the One Earth Future Foundation. Keels is an instructor for international security, research design, critical thinking and regional politics. In addition to his teaching, he advises on projects related to the integration of technology for national security purposes.
Honorary Alumni Awards bestowed on Baxter, Cole
Charlene Baxter and Linda Cole received honorary alumni status during Homecoming. Baxter is a retired director of LaGrange College’s Frank and Laura Lewis Library. She grew up in Bowdon, Georgia, and received her Linda Cole and Charlene Baxter were celebrated as Honorary bachelor’s degree Alumni. from West Georgia University and a master’s in library sciences from the George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. She began work at LaGrange College in 1976 as Technical Services Librarian, a position she held until 2013. She worked under directors Frank Lewis and then Loren Pinkerman before becoming Library Director in 2013. She retired from the college in 2019. Cole of Cumming, Georgia, is chief nurse and hospital operations officer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the Medical College of Georgia and a master’s in business administration from Georgia State University. She is the lead executive at Children’s Healthcare in charge of nursing for three hospitals and for patient experience across the system. She has served as president of trauma and emergency services and chief nurse and hospital operations officer. At LaGrange College, Cole has served as a member of the Panther Club Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees, including being a part of the presidential search committee in 2019. She is a longtime supporter of Athletics and mother of two LC alumni, student-athletes Alex Sapp ’10 and Kevin Sapp ’13. Cole has also been president of the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce and has taken on roles with Leadership Forsyth, United Way of Forsyth County, Georgia Trauma Commission, Association of American Healthcare Executives, Miles for Cystic Fibrosis, North Forsyth Rotary and Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. 15
PANTHER POINTS CROSS COUNTRY The Panthers, under Head Coach Jasen Jonus, competed in six meets this fall, including the USA South Championships. Freshman Joseph Grubbs and senior Holly Moreland were LC's top finishers in all six meets this season on the men's and women's side, respectively. Moreland has been the women's first-place finisher in all 18 of her career meets. FOOTBALL LC (2-8, 2-6 USA South) returned to action after opting out of the 2020 spring season due to the pandemic. Freshman Cameron Grady was the USA South Defensive Rookie of the Year and on the all-conference second team. Junior De’queze Fryer and senior Joe Thomas were all-conference first team selections. Fryer led the conference in most of the receiving categories. MEN’S SOCCER The Panthers went 7-5-1 (2-3-1 USA South) under third-year coach Ryan Dickson. For the second consecutive season, juniors Blake Webb and Enrique Hernandez were named to the USA South All-Conference West Division first team, while junior Alex Drazic earned a spot on the West Division second team. Hernandez led the team with 11 goals. WOMEN’S SOCCER Under first-year head coach Kennet Fosuhene, the Panthers were 5-6-1 overall and 3-4-1 in the USA South. Senior Sydney Dailey led the team with 10 goals and 8 assists. She was fifth in the USA South Conference with 28 points. VOLLEYBALL LC (5-18, 5-11 USA South) played its first season under new head coach Moneshia McKenney. Junior Kirstern Boyd led the team with 356 assists and 240 digs and was second with 144 kills. Senior Ariel Modeste had a team-high 176 kills. 16
Panthers welcome new coaches
With the arrival of the 2021-22 athletic year, the college rolled out the red – and black – carpet for five new head coaches. Drew Cantrell, Men’s and Women’s Tennis – Cantrell was a four-year letterman on the Panthers’ men’s tennis team from 2014-17 and graduated from LaGrange with a bachelor’s degree in business - sports management. He also has assisted the Callaway High School tennis program, helping the boys team win its first region championship. Kennet Fosuhene, Women’s Soccer – Fosuhene came to LC from Niagara County Community College in Sanborn, New York, where he was the head men’s and women’s soccer coach for two years. In his first season as LC’s coach, he led the Panthers to a 5-6-1 overall record and 3-4-1 in the USA South conference. Shannon Lipham, Golf – Lipham was the head golf coach at Point University, which was the NAIA’s top-ranked team in the country. This is Lipham’s third stint with LC. He was assistant basketball coach during the 2009-10 season and assistant golf coach for 2002-03, when the Panthers won the USCAA national championship. He also will serve as Assistant Director for Athletics. Moneshia McKinney, Volleyball – McKinney was an assistant coach at NCAA Division I members Oral Roberts and East Carolina before coming to LaGrange. In her first season, the Panthers were 5-18 overall and 5-11 in the USA South conference. McKinney is a Clemson University graduate, earning AVCA All-East region and All-ACC first team honors as a senior. Melanie Rushing, Softball – Rushing comes to LaGrange after a four-year coaching sabbatical during which she founded Mental Sweet Spot, a company which helps softball coaches and teams train the mental component to win more games and have more fun. Previously, she was head softball coach at Kalamazoo College for three seasons.
Classnotes
THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIP Laughter, hugs and lively conversation: You provided plenty of all three at this year’s inperson Homecoming celebration. It was a wonderful reminder of the power of relationships and the enduring connections fostered on the Hill. If you missed this year, some virtual events are in the planning stages. We look forward to seeing you! —MARTHA PIRKLE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS P.S. Watch your email for a virtual book discussion led by First Gentleman Mark Huffman.
1970s
1973 The Rev. Dr. David Clark Johnson of Charleston, South Carolina, was awarded the Anton Boisen professional service award by the association of professional chaplains.
1975 Joan Rhiner Von Lehe of Cullman, Alabama, recently released her new book, “Up the Downhill Slide,” available on Amazon.
1980s
1986 Perrin Alford of LaGrange is president and senior consultant for the Atlantic Partners Consulting Group.
1990s
1994 Mayor Jim Thornton of LaGrange was inducted as Georgia Municipal Association President. He is the third LaGrange mayor
Cheryl and Ron Farr hosted a mini reunion at their home: front row, from left, Pat O’Conner ‘80, Kris Cagle ’78, Reggie Jarrell ’75, Steve Cagle ’78 and Robert Brown ’77; middle row, Louise Wynne Smith ’79, Karen Thompson ’80, Ron Farr ’77; back row, Scott Price ’78, Chris Vreeland ’78, Nancy Cooley Jackson ’78 and Joe Rogers ’78.
to serve as president since GMA’s inception in 1933. 1996 Doree O’Neal of Marietta is a recovery coach, The Real Doree O, and has published a book, “Seriously? How I Went from a Hot Mess to a Daring Badass,”
Willie Taylor, Judy Greer ’57, H’07 and Sally Askew ’62, H’06 visited in North Carolina.
about her road to recovery from alcoholism and putting the pieces of her life back together. It debuted on Amazon in the No. 1 spot for substance abuse. She is also streaming a live show called “Lipstick and Lotus.” 1998 Timothy Brent Blankenship Jr. of Newnan, who had served as a lieutenant for the Newnan
* This issue’s Classnotes are from information received through Nov. 9, 2021. (Unless otherwise noted, geographic locations refer to Georgia.)
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alumni & friends
1999 Gina Haggerty of Canton was named 2021-2022 teacher of the year at Hickory Flat Elementary School.
2000s 2003 David Breland of Birmingham, Alabama, has joined Bloom Credit as general counsel, head of risk and compliance.
Cheryl and Ron Farr hosted a mini reunion at their home; back row, left to right, Dawn Cummings Coker ’77, Judy Houser Jones ’77, Jaye Mitchell Goddard ’77, Cheryl Rhyne Farr ’77; front row, Merri Herbert Lawrence ’77, Susan Knight Walton ’77 and Sue Brown Garland ’77.
Police Department, has been promoted to chief of police. 1999 Monica L. Cameron M’21 of LaGrange has been nominated as 2022-2023 teacher of the year for Gardner Newman Middle School. 1999 Jennifer DeMooney Claybrook M’01 of LaGrange has been selected as director of athletics and campus recreation at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi. 1999 Ronald Davis Jr. of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, completed his doctorate in computer and systems engineering. He is a professor at the University of North Alabama. 1999 Dr. Germany Dixon of Miramar, Florida, is the associate dean of academic affairs at Palm Beach State College. 18
2003 Leslie Hornsby Winter M’10 of Opelika, Alabama, is an insurance agent for Country Financial in the BirminghamAuburn Region. 2004 Ariel Pena M’20 of Greensboro, North Carolina, is the interim associate vice chancellor of advancement operations at North Carolina A&T State University. 2005 Jason Graham of LaGrange was featured in “20 under 40” by the LaGrange Daily News. He is the current principal at Callaway High School. Matt ’01 and Michele McCarthy Parker ’01 visited campus while on fall break with their daughters, Kayla and Ashlyn.
A spontaneous reunion at The Pickled Okra in Forsyth, Jackson Daniel ’82,M’17, Teresa Basilico Daniel ’81 and Debbie Autry ’84.
2005 Jason Marsh of New Orleans, Louisiana, was recognized as 2022 best lawyer by Phelps Partner for his work in management-related employment law and labor employment ligation. 2005 Nathaniel Wright of Kennesaw is a product innovation manager for Georgia Spice Co. 2007 Grant Miller of Dallas, Texas, was featured in the article “Cameraman” in Park Cities Lifestyle Magazine. 2008 Renee Adams of LaGrange is the only stateside graphic designer for Kleen-Tex USA. 2008 The Rev. Andrew Cunningham of Thomaston received the United Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union 2021 Scholarship, awarded by the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. 2009 Dialleo Burks M’11 of LaGrange is an assistant football
alumni & friends
2010s
2010 Dr. Wesley Meares of North Augusta, South Carolina, was selected as the graduate program director for the Augusta University Master of Public Administration. Denise Maio Lange ’95 of Sarasota, Florida, and her son, Felix, on a college tour with Presidential Student Ambassador, D.J. Kelley.
2010 Amanda Olsen of Knoxville, Tennessee, is working on her doctoral degree in finance at the University of Tennessee.
coach at LaGrange College. 2009 Ryan Gatens of LaGrange was featured in “20 under 40” by LaGrange Daily News. He is part owner of UrgenCare Clinic. 2009 Jessica Baker O’Neal M’09, Ed.S’11 of LaGrange has been nominated for 2022-2023 teacher of the year at LaGrange High School.
2011 Katherine Bomar Madaris of Carrollton has written a young adult fantasy novel, “The Oracles Beginnings: Earth and Air,” published by Dorrence Publishing Co. 2011 Kathryn E. Shroeder of Atlanta is the director of fundraising campaigns and volunteer engagement with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. She
will be leading the Atlanta Take Steps Walk. 2012 Trey Duffey of Sharpsburg is owner of Intelligent Design Productions, a full-service video production and photography company that provides commercial services to businesses and clients across the metro-Atlanta area. 2012 Lona Panda of Gainesville is an operations process manager of shared services for The Home Depot. 2013 Kristoffer Emil Appel of Frederiksberg, Denmark, was a Social Democratic candidate for the November 2021 municipal elections. 2013 Sharva Pruitt of LaGrange is the owner and certified lactation
Fowler named to Sports Hall of Fame
David Fowler ’85 was posthumously inducted into the LC Sports Hall of Fame during the Alumni Awards Luncheon on October 29. A LaGrange native, Fowler graduated summa cum laude from LaGrange College and from Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in 1988. While at LaGrange, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Fowler followed his father – the late B. Delma Fowler ’54, one of the first male students at LC and namesake of the college’s basketball MVP award – to the Hill. An avid Panther fan, he helped form the LC Panther Club to raise funds for student-athletes. He also served as an adjunct professor at LaGrange College and was named to the LC Wall of Outstanding Alumni in 2010. Fowler was an attorney for 30 years and, near the end of his life, served as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of LaGrange. He also was a vice president and treasurer of the Troup County Bar Association, president of the Coweta Circuit Bar Association and was a member of the State Bar of Georgia. In the photo, President Baxter, far right, pauses with Fowler’s family. They are, Dorothy Fowler, Lauren Fowler Mosley and Betsy Strickland Fowler Johnston ’82. 19
alumni & friends
Dean honored with Distinguished Service Alumni Award During this year’s Commencement ceremonies, Laura Susan Dean ’00 received the Distinguished Service Alumni Award. Presented by the LaGrange College Alumni Association, the honor is based on continuous devotion to and support of the college. Dean graduated magna cum laude in 2000 with a degree in Biochemistry. She went on to earn a physician assistant degree magna cum laude from Augusta University in 2003. While at LaGrange, Dean was a member of Phi Mu, the Honor Council and the Phi Eta Omega chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, a national honor society that recognizes students who have achieved academic distinction while pursuing a
premedical or predental program. She was the recipient of the 2000 Waights G. Henry Jr. Leadership Award. After graduation, Dean traveled to Uganda to work in a medical clinic. She has been involved in global medicine and humanitarian medical relief since then. Today, she is a physician assistant in head and neck surgery at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. Dean was instrumental in developing Emory’s protocol for telemedicine visits, working to make sure COVID patients were correctly monitored at home and transferred to the hospital if necessary. She has been a member of the Alumni Executive Committee since 2013 and has served as an officer since 2015. She also served as president from 2018-2020. She
chaired an initiative to name a room for Dr. Sue Duttera in the Ida Callaway Hudson Lab Sciences Building and served on host committees for many alumni regional events in Atlanta.
an ICU nurse at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center.
teacher of the year 2022-2023 for Callaway High School.
2015 Loishirl Hall of LaGrange is a juris doctorate candidate at University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and is starting a new position as summer associate at LPJ Legal PLLC.
2016 Allison Coats Hunn M’19 of Marietta is the development assistant at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta.
2016 Braily Guthrie Alford M’18 of LaGrange is the art teacher at Gardner Newman Middle School. Glenn Gantner ’11 of Vacaville, California, completed basic training with the United States Air Force.
counselor for Queen’s Springs Lactation & Parenting Support. 2015 Evan Brasselle ’17 of Senoia was featured in “20 under 40” by LaGrange Daily News. She is
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2016 Abigail Bowen of LaGrange is the research and policy manager at Campaign for Southern Equality in WinstonSalem, North Carolina. 2016 Shelby Renee Holcomb of LaGrange has been nominated as
2016 Mary Katherine Nix M’19 of LaGrange is the assistant general manager at Sweetland Amphitheatre at Boyd Park. 2016 Tressea Stovall of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an applied behavior analyst therapist at Gamut Early Intervention Services. 2017 Sydney Aronson of Peachtree City has completed her degree from the University of Georgia Law School and has successfully passed the bar exam.
alumni & friends
SORORITIES MARK 50TH YEAR Sororities at LC celebrated their 50th anniversary during Homecoming weekend with a gala event at Highland Country Club. Former and current members of Alpha Omicron Pi, Kappa Delta and Phi Mu gathered to reminisce, to recognize founding members and to paint the town red … and green and white … and pink and white.
A joint planning committee spent a year coordinating the weekend celebration—and built new LC friendships in the process. They are, back row, from left, Sara Proctor ’10, M ’11; Becky Johnson Loveless ’10; Martha Pirkle; Lori Medlock Anderson ’83; Susan Cook Carmical ’80, M'85; Allison Carmical ’10; Laura Hardy Hodge ’85; Catherine
Sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi gathered outside their house before the evening celebration.
Rodriguez ’11; Laura Hester Fickle ’90; front row, Courtney Douglas Stanford ’04; Carol Duffey Gill ’70; Lisa Bonner Tunstall ’84; Chris Hanson Czarick ’90; Laura Hume Higgins ’82; Gail McLachlan Sherman ’78, M’80, Ed.S’12; Catherine Cooper Rumble ’84; and Cara Thornton Freeman ’15.
Phi Mu sisters, from left, Patsy Wheeler Hale ’80, Maria Willingham Willey ’81, Ellen Murphy ’80 and Gail Lee Gordon ’80 represented their chapter at the evening event.
Kappa Delta members enjoying the Homecoming tailgate are, from left, Ruthie Speers Wood ’78; Nancy Cooley Jackson '78; Sherryl Stephens Myrick '78; Gail McLachlan Sherman '78, M'80, Ed.S'12; Sandra Johnston Earl '78; and Cindy Tuck Barker '78. 21
alumni & friends
New members join Board of Trustees
The college’s Board of Trustees recently welcomed new members Keith Shurbutt, Dr. Lauranne Buchanan and Dr. Sonya Gaither ’93. Linda Cole has returned after rotating off one year. Ex-officio members include Zsa Zsa Heard representing the Leadership Council, Rhett Yates ’99 with the Alumni Executive Council and Nia Johnson ’22 as Student Government Association President. Shurbutt is an audit partner in KPMG’s Atlanta office, specializing in audits of not-forprofit organizations, institutions of higher education and healthcare providers. He earned a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Georgia and began his career with KPMG, being named a partner in 2006. In addition to his client service responsibilities, he also has served as one of the firm’s audit sampling methodology specialists and as an instructor of the firm’s single audit methodology.
Shurbutt is a certified public accountant and a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of CPAs. Dr. Buchanan is associate professor of global marketing at Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona. Her expertise is in international marketing, channel management, customer satisfaction and global value measurement. She earned a bachelor’s in communications from the University of Georgia, a master’s in advertising from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in business administration from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. Prior to her work at Thunderbird, Dr. Buchanan was a faculty member at Arizona State University, the University of Illinois and a visiting professor at the University of Florida. She has served as a project director for Marplan Research, where she worked closely with international suppliers in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Mexico, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
At LaGrange College, she has been a member of the Leadership Council since 2015, serving as president in 2020-21, and a member of the 3D Journeys committee. Dr. Gaither is dean of libraries at Clayton State University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from LaGrange College, a master’s in library science from Clark-Atlanta University and a doctorate in educational administration from Georgia Southern University. Her previous experience includes director of library services at Gordon State College, as well as positions at Georgia Southern, including library assessment officer, learning commons director, instructional technology librarian, information services librarian and assistant government documents librarian. Dr. Gaither was on the adjunct teaching faculty at Georgia Southern for 10 years, as well as an internship site supervisor at Gordon State College and adjunct higher education professor at Strayer University. She was named to the Wall of Outstanding Alumni in 2007.
2017 Drew Cantrell of LaGrange is the head men’s and women’s tennis coach at LaGrange College.
2017 Dr. Shelby Lynn Givins of Pine Mountain received her doctorate from Harrison School of Pharmacy at Auburn University.
2017 Amanda Sugermeyer of LaGrange was featured in “20 under 40” by LaGrange Daily News. She is the event manager/ gathering coordinator for Highland Park.
2017 Terry Craft III of LaGrange toured with DE’WAYNE supporting Willow Smith's Life Tour. 2017 Wesley Dismuke of Helena, Alabama, was accepted to the doctoral program in community health promotion at the University of AlabamaBirmingham.
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2017 Amy Goodson M’17 of Opelika, Alabama, has been nominated for teacher of the year 2022-2023 for Long Cane Elementary School. 2017 Lauren Venters Knowles M’20 of LaGrange is the Assistant Director of the LaGrange College Fund.
2017 Brianna Phillips White of Pensacola, Florida, is the human resource coordinator for Allen Turner Automotive Family in Pensacola and Crestview, Florida. 2018 Maggie Ivester of Dunwoody is a senior financial analyst for Interface.
alumni & friends
the editor of Volume 73 of the Mercer Law Review. 2019 Justin Williams M’19 of LaGrange has been nominated for 2022-2023 teacher of the year at Callaway High School.
2020s
Anna Thomas Hughes ’91 and her husband, Rick, along with their daughters, Elizabeth and Emory, stopped by campus for a tour.
2018 Katie Butler King of West Point has been nominated as teacher of the year 2022-2023 for Hogansville Elementary School. 2019 Robert Allen Jr. of Fort Valley is attending the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. 2019 Timothy Garnett of LaGrange is an adjunct instructor in Nursing at LaGrange College. 2019 Jason Hernandez III of LaGrange graduated from Berklee College of Music in June 2021. 2019 Tishana S. Hines M’19 of LaGrange has been nominated as 2022-2023 teacher of the year for The Hope Academy, a secondary alternative education school for Troup County School System. 2019 Connor Liney of Marietta is a full-time mental health therapist at Summits Edge in Sandy Springs. 2019 Mimi Loftus of Macon was
2020 Agrlin Braxton of LaGrange was accepted into graduate school at Georgia State University to study political science. He received a supplemental instruction leadership position. 2020 Alexis Corley of LaGrange is an adjunct instructor in Nursing at LaGrange College. 2020 Riley Grace Densmore of LaGrange is the softball community coach for LaGrange College. 2020 Nicholas Fink of Senoia is Nate ’09, M’12 and Stephanie Fowler Masters ’12, M’13 and family. Nate is the defensive coordinator for University of West Georgia (NCAA Division II).
Rebekah Jamison Lee ’18 was engaged to Christopher Jones ’18 on April 24, 2021.
an adjunct instructor in Nursing at LaGrange College. 2020 Low Fletcher of Birmingham, Alabama, is the assistant property manager at Mid America Apartments in the Birmingham region. 2020 Olivia Foster of LaGrange is a registered nurse at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. 2020 Sarah Bryan Gaiter of Carrollton is an adjunct instructor in Nursing at LaGrange College. 2020 Elissa Chandler Lamoree of LaGrange is the assistant family minister at First United Methodist Church of LaGrange. 2020 Kayla Murphy of Moultrie is an adjunct instructor in Nursing at LaGrange College. 2020 Jessica Noles of Franklin was accepted into the University of Florida Forensic Science master’s program.
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alumni & friends
2020 Maura Webb of LaGrange is working on her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at LaGrange College, while working as a registered behavior technician. 2021 Lauren Carr of LaGrange is an adjunct instructor at LaGrange College. Jaylynn Mangual ’21 of Orlando, Florida, has been hired as a member of the touring acting company at the REV Theatre in Auburn, New York.
2020 Sam Shaw of LaGrange received the faculty award for outstanding achievement in legal writing at Mercer University School of Law.
2021 Natalie Glass of Dawsonville will attend graduate school in Criminology at the University of West Georgia. 2021 Ivy Grant of LaGrange is the assistant to the athletic director and recreational coordinator at LaGrange College.
Create a ripple effect of kindness
LaGrange College quickly grew to be my home away from home. I met my husband, closest friends and mentors on our campus. During my undergraduate years I was a member of Phi Mu Fraternity and served as a panhellenic president, Presidential Student Ambassador, residential advisor, Servant Scholar and teaching assistant. I later served as a graduate assistant while obtaining my master’s degree in Philanthropy and Development. Members of the LaGrange College faculty provided me with opportunities to learn and grow as a leader, individual and young professional. Without the financial support of LaGrange College donors, my college career and professional journey would look much different. The LaGrange College Fund is a passion of mine because all students benefit – all athletes, all majors, commuters and residential students, traditional and non-traditional students. Returning to the Hill has been a dream of mine since graduating. I am grateful for the Lord’s plan and the opportunity to join the Development team this fall. Your gifts are the beginning of a ripple effect. Each gift changes lives and builds a legacy for students. I am grateful to be part of your legacy and appreciate your continued support of our students.
– Lauren Venters Knowles ’17, M’19 Assistant Director of the LaGrange College Fund If you have not already, please consider a gift to support LaGrange College students by using the return envelope in this issue or going to www.lagrange.edu/give. 24
2021 Holston Sebaugh of LaGrange is the bar manager at Wild Leap Brew Co. 2021 Cameron Starr of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was named to the NCAA Division III Ping South All-Region team by the Golf Coaches Association of America. 2021 Caleb Tyler of Hoschton will attend American University School of International Science. 2021 Andrew Valbuena of Hiram was accepted into law school.
alumni & friends
Births To Joseph Barney ’96 and his wife, Erin, a son, Alistair Finnegan, on October 10, 2021 To Antoine Maddox ’07 and his wife, Christina, a son, Miles William, on August 28, 2021 To Sarah Holden Jones ’08 and her husband, Dustin, a daughter, Hazel Kaye, on September 29, 2021 To David Arcelious Harris ’09 and wife, Deborah, a son, Bentley, on August 27, 2021 To Becca Abernathy White ’12 and her husband, Andrew, a son, Bradley Young, on July 14, 2021 To Jordin Dombrosky Walker ’15 and her husband, Philip, a son, Julian Daniel, on June 18, 2021 To Abigail Stuckey Davis ’16 and her husband, Jake, a son, Arthur Jack, on October 22, 2021 To Blane ’17 and Taylor TallantSwift ’18 a daughter, Leena Mae, on August 16, 2021 To Matt ’17 and Anna Britt Crawford ’19, a son, Baker Britt, on September 7, 2021 To Mallory Pressley Carson ’19 and her husband, Logan, a son, Grady Wilkes on August 1, 2021 To Morgan Sikes Thompson ’20 and her husband, Tanner, a son, McCord Alan, on June 29, 2021 To Matthew Bodie ’20 and Sade Loreal Turner ’20 a daughter, Aria, on October 19, 2021
Civic leader, businessman receive honorary doctorates
Honorary doctorates were presented to civic leader Dr. Robert Tucker of LaGrange and Atlanta businessman Jerry Wilkinson during this year's Commencement ceremony. Dr. Tucker was born in LaGrange in 1942 as the eighth of 13 children. He attended public schools in LaGrange and graduated from East Depot High School in 1960. After graduation, he enrolled at Morehouse College where he earned a degree in mathematics. He worked for 40 years in the DeKalb County School District, starting as a classroom teacher. He eventually became a school principal and associate superintendent for human resources. Meanwhile, he earned three additional degrees from Clark Atlanta University, including a doctorate in educational leadership. Dr. Tucker returned to LaGrange in 2012 and became the driving force behind the Calumet Park Neighborhood Association. In 2016, the group worked with the Georgia Conservancy to draw up plans for the revitalization of Calumet Village. Those projects included upgrading Calumet Park, improving general safety and street safety, providing job training, focusing on education from the pre-K level to two years after high school and improving housing within the community. He has enlisted the help of LaGrange College students in neighborhood projects over the years and has worked closely with the City of LaGrange and the Troup County School System. He also serves on the board of DASH (Dependable Affordable Sustainable Housing) for LaGrange. Wilkinson is a nationally known businessman who is recognized as a philanthropist and a leader in the field of real estate. He received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Duke University and a master’s in finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He also did post-graduate work at Harvard University. Wilkinson is the founder and chairman of Wilkinson Companies, a privately held real estate investment, management and construction firm. He has directed the operations and growth of the Wilkinson Companies and its subsidiaries for more than 30 years. He has served as president of the Atlanta Apartment Association, Georgia Apartment Association and the National Apartment Association. He is one of only 20 people in the past 80 years who has been inducted into the NAA Hall of Fame. His writings have appeared in national publications and he is a guest lecturer at various organizations and schools. Wilkinson has served on the board of directors for the Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Saint Joseph Hospital, Apartment Life Inc., Duke University School of Engineering and LaGrange College. In 2017, the LaGrange College Servant Scholars program was named the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars Program to honor Wilkinson and his family for their support of the institution. He was named an LC Honorary Alumnus in the fall of 2019.
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alumni & friends
Blackmon on November 14, 2021 Kalin Bryn Oglesby ’16 to Joseph Matherly on July 17, 2021 Shelby Lynn Godfrey ’17 to James Givins on August 21, 2021
Miranda Lane Hamer ’21 married Zachary Kantarjian on October 30, 2021.
Jamison Lee ’18 on April 24, 2021 Lauren Michelle Sanders ’19 to Evan Gresham on October 2021
Laura Erin Bullard ’00 to Troy Thomas Keyes on July 3, 2021
Engagements Chasity Merna Barnes ’98 to Chris Campbell on September 12, 2021
Weddings Laura Pennington Hester ’90 to Christopher Alan Fickle on August 7, 2021 P. G. Standard III ’13 to Caitlin Shepherd on July 12, 2021 Katie Jo Massey M’14, Ed.S.’19 to Trey Daniel on June 26, 2021
Shelby Lynn Godfrey ’17 to James Givins on September 19, 2020
Alex Ball ’16 to Kimbo MacIntyre ’16 on April 3, 2021
Christopher Jones ’18 to Rebekah
Garrett Bennett ’16 to Sarah
25TH AZALEA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL SET FOR MARCH 4-6 Some of the nation’s most acclaimed storytellers will again take the stage of Callaway Auditorium this March for the Azalea Storytelling Festival—the 25th presentation of the event. The college played a key role in the genesis of the festival, with former Chair of the Education Department Evelyn Jordan being among the trio of local women who shared the original dream. As in that first year, the 2022 event will feature celebrated storyteller Donald Davis, who helped mentor the festival during its early days. Other tellers for the three-day festival include Carol Cain ’82, Kevin Kling, Josh Goforth and Ed Stivender.
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Clayton Thomas ’17 to Rachael Kristine Thomas ’18 on November 21, 2020 Solomon Whitfield M’17 to Elizabeth Arena on July 22, 2021 Margaret Grace Smith ’18 to Corey Masaracchia on August 15, 2021 Katie Beth Walls ’18 to Zachary John Laney ’18 on October 3, 2021 Delani Deloris White ’18 to Christopher A. Smith ’18 on November 12, 2021 Savannah Ann Marie Williams ’18 to Joseph Luke Sauls ’19 on May 15, 2021 Andrew Powell Lewiski ’19 to Jordan Warren on September 11, 2021 David Parsons ’19 to Jenna Davidson on November 6, 2021 Sarah Gravatt Bryan ’20 to John Gaiter on November 7, 2020 Laura Ann Kline ’20 to Justin Tinney Jr. on October 23, 2021 Savanna Elizabeth McMillian ’20 to Alex Stephens on October 24, 2021 Madison Makensie Murphy ’20 to Cody Blakley on October 23, 2021 Morgan Leigh Sikes ’20 to Tanner Thompson on September 27, 2020 Zach Philip BeMiller M’21 to Brittany Crawford on October 3, 2021
alumni & friends
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alumni & friends
In Memoriam Mrs. Ann Rainey Irvin ’46 Mrs. Betty Lou Wright Noland ’47 Mrs. Kathryn Piper Head ’54 The Rev. H. Travis Woodward ’54 Mrs. Janis Marshall Huckeba ’56 Mrs. Leila Josephine Johnson Loyd ’57 Dr. James Truman Trice Jr. ’61 The Rev. Jimmy J. Norred ’62 Ms. Elizabeth Seals Sims ’64 Mr. Ernest Lamar Lee ’67 Ms. Glenda McCary Bridges ’70 Mr. Joe Melvyn Byars ’71 Mr. Randall Stuart Roy ’71 Mr. Ronald William Mason Jr. ’72 Mr. Mitchell Lee Seagraves ’72 Dr. Clifford “Buddy” Allen Walker ’72 Mr. Duke “Buddy” Darrah ’73 Mr. Jack “Randy” Hunnicutt Jr. ’73 Mr. Virgil Braxton Kirby ’74 Ms. Dorothy L. Wright ’76 Mrs. Delores Lanier Stephens ’79 Mr. Tony Hobson Earl III ’81 Mrs. Janice Bradley Murphy ’92 Mrs. Charlene B. Stone R.N, M.N ’93 Mrs. Kristie Herring Brooking ’95 Mr. Jack Timothy Houser Jr. ’98 Mr. George Anthony Broyer ’01 Mr. Grey Kennerly Bell ’04 Mrs. Patty Camp Gordon ’05 Mrs. Cherise Jacquelyn Earley ’14 Mrs. Loretta Dunn Beall, former staff Mrs. Cindy King Brown, former faculty Mr. E. Wayne Hunter, former trustee Mr. Joseph L. Lanier Jr., former trustee Mr. Donald E. Russell, former leadership council Mrs. Karen G. Thrower, former staff
EASTON WAYNE HUNTER
Long-serving LaGrange College Trustee Wayne Hunter passed away June 22, 2021, in LaGrange.
A native of Tennessee, he earned a degree in chemical engineering from University of Tennessee and joined Milliken & Co. upon graduation, retiring as division president in 2003 after 40 years with the company. Active in many community roles, Hunter was honored with the Fuller E. Callaway Award for Lifetime Service to LaGrange College. 28
UPCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY 19 - APRIL 22 Fourth LaGrange Southeast Regional Exhibition Lamar Dodd Art Center and LaGrange Art Museum Opening Reception: February 19, 6-9 p.m.
alumni & friends
BOSTON: Back to our Beginnings
JANUARY 24 MARCH 28 “Boston’s Faneuil Hall: The ‘Cradle of “‘The Tonic of Wildness’: Boston Writers Liberty’ in the American Revolution and on City and Country” Beyond” Dr. Anthony Wilson, English Dr. Richard Soash, History, and Steve Hart 10 a.m., Callaway Auditorium 10 a.m., Callaway Auditorium FEBRUARY 28 “Triple Play: Mathematics, Baseball and Board Games” Dr. Greg McClanahan, Mathematics 10 a.m., Callaway Auditorium
FEBRUARY 26
JUNE 2022 Travel opportunity
MARCH 17-20
MAY 6- 21
Preview Day
“Pump Boys and Dinettes”
Senior Exit Exhibition
for prospective students
A foot-stompin’, boot-kickin’ musical
Lamar Dodd Art Center
7 p.m., except Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Price Theater
Opening Reception: May 6, 6-8 p.m.
MAY 4-7
MAY 21
MARCH 4-6 25th Azalea Storytelling Festival Callaway Auditorium
“A Few Good Men”
Commencement
The 1989 play on which the film is based 7 p.m., Price Theater 29
PERIODICAL U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAGRANGE GA AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES
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Classroom upgrades promote collaboration
Classrooms for Business and Exercise Science students have changed dramatically with the installation of up-to-date technology—including oversize monitors and screen-sharing devices— and furniture designed to promote collaboration. Dr. Linda McMullen, Business Chair and Ely R. Callaway Senior Associate Professor of Management, said the new spaces will have a huge impact on the learning environment. “It’s hard for students to work in teams when they are turning around across immovable desks, and they can’t share screens,” she said. “With this new layout, you can have small groups working on a project together.” Movable lecterns give professors a
more hands-on approach, allowing them to help multiple groups in the classroom at the same time. Small-group stations around the renovated Whorton Room in Smith Hall allow students to move around and to work together to do research and
create presentations. TVs placed at each group station allow the team to view data from each other’s laptops, and then to share their work on the video wall at the front of the room. Exercise Science classrooms also have a totally new look with updated flooring and refreshed walls, along with movable furniture and enhanced technology. The rooms in the Callaway Education Building were completed in September, as were the Business classrooms, all thanks to the generosity of LaGrange College donors. “Today’s world is all about collaboration,” Dr. McMullen said. “We need our students to feel comfortable working in those situations.”