Classnotes

Timeless Ties

Some things are ageless. While alumni from 1945 to 2025 will be celebrated at this year’s Homecoming, the decades melt away when alumni recall their days on the Hill. A love for LaGrange transcends generations—it never ages.

-Martha Pirkle Director of Alumni and Community Relations

P.S. Homecoming is set for October 17-19. Make plans to catch up with your classmates!

1960s

1962 Carolyn Wells of San Diego, California, is a dedicated volunteer with The Warrior Foundation.

1969 Blake Clark of Oxnard, California, plays “Daddy John” in the Netflix comedy series, “Leanne.”

1970s

1972 Cestia "Ces" Lawton of Hendersonville, North Carolina, published a book titled "Seniors Guide to Travel and Adventures." It is available on Amazon.

1980s

1980 Gail Lee Gordon of LaGrange was awarded the Charles D. Hudson Service Above Self Award by the LaGrange Rotary Club.

1983 Melanie Cowart Collier of Cartersville was a guest speaker at the "Prayer for the New Administration" event sponsored by the Coalition of Leaders United.

1990s

1991 Dr. Clarence "Terry" Alford of LaGrange is the medical director at Beauty Bar in LaGrange.

1993 Nicole Miller Barrett of Portland, Oregon, is a principal auditor with the Oregon Secretary of State.

1999 Veleka Battle M’05 of LaGrange is the principal of THINC College & Career Academy.

2000s

2004 Katie Bush Willis of LaGrange is the principal of Callaway Elementary School.

2005 Sarah Tatum Beall M’05 of LaGrange is a certified Pilates instructor at Body Control Pilates Studio in LaGrange.

2008 Whittney Millsap Nowacki of Atlanta is the owner of the improvbased company Daring Onward. The company specializes in professional development, entertainment and events.

2009 Kacey Werle of LaGrange received tenure with Aflac.

The “Gray Panthers” monthly lunch group gathers for fellowship at the Redneck Gourmet in Newnan. They are (from left) Jerry “Y.A.” Wynens ’67, Gary Brown ’66, Tom Conway ’69, John Forrester ’66, Larry Goodman ’67, Bill Hardy ’68, Jimmy Motos ’68, Bill Gambill ’67 and Jim Duttera ’67.

2010s

2012 Nick Griffin of Hogansville was the Grand Marshall for the 41st annual Sweet Land of Liberty Parade hosted by the Junior Service League of LaGrange.

* This issue’s Classnotes are from information received through June 27, 2025. (Unless otherwise noted, geographic locations refer to Georgia.) Send your classnote to alumni@lagrange.edu.

2012 Charlton “Brock” Morris M’14 of Griffin is a design and procurement consultant with Innvision Hospitality.

2013 Ashley Torre Moore M’19 of LaGrange is an Admissions Counselor at LaGrange College.

2013 Madison Wilson Morris of Griffin is a trust officer, assistant vice president at United Bank.

2015 Evan Brasselle Elder M’17 of LaGrange is a certified Pilates instructor at Body Control Pilates Studio in LaGrange.

2015 Jordan Connor Nilson of FuquayVarina, North Carolina, was the recipient of the Gatorade Young Achievement Award at the 2025 Master Strength Conditioning Coach Ceremony in Indianapolis, Indiana.

2015 Viedra Sullivan of LaGrange is the director of human resources at Callaway Resort & Gardens, a pastor, strategist, author and facilitator.

2015 Holly Donahue Whetstone of Saint Matthews, South Carolina, is a nursing instructor at OrangeburgCalhoun Technical College.

2016 J.B. Andrews IV of St. Louis, Missouri, was named one of the Top Business Advisors in St. Louis by St. Louis Small Business Monthly.

2017 Drew Cantrell of LaGrange is the owner of Platinum Reserve Insurance Group.

2018 Lea Ann Porter Hanson of Oakwood is a clinic manager at Atlanta Rehabilitation and Performance Center.

2018 Savannah Thomley of Newnan was the guest speaker at the 2025 LaGrange College Nurse Pinning Ceremony.

2019 Leigh Anne Hamlin Hoes of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty.

2019 Breckin Lewis of Peachtree City is the account manager/director of client relations at Allied Universal Security Systems.

2020s

2021 Spencer Douches of Orlando, Florida, is the assistant athletics director of facilities, events & operations at The University of Central Florida.

2021 Austin Harper of Bremen teaches mathematics at Mount Zion High School.

2021 Hayden McCullough of Milledgeville is a teaching artist at Skylight Music Theater and First Stage Theater Academy.

2021 Alan Valdez of Hogansville is a private tennis instructor and head tennis pro at McClusky Tennis Center.

2021 Tony Villanacci of Moody, Alabama, is a relationship banker II at Regions Bank.

2022 DJ Kelly of Hamilton is the education outreach and tour manager at Florida Repertory Theatre. He oversees booking and touring for three Theatre for Young Audience productions that go into school and retirement communities through Southwest Florida with the Professional Acting Intern Company.

2022 Maurie White of LaGrange is an accountant with MGroup.

2023 Vianca Colon-Gonzalez of LaGrange is a designer for Mountville Mills and the LaGrange College Assistant Volleyball Coach.

2023 DeQueze Fryer of Macon received his master’s in elementary education with distinction from Warner University. He plays professionally for the Chihuahua Rebelión in the International Football Alliance.

2023 Breanna Gay of LaGrange is an intensive care unit nurse at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center.

2023 Nicole Morales of Pensacola, Florida, is a mental health counselor and case manager at Lakeview Center.

2023 Emma Rose of Naples, Florida, is restaurant manager at Universal Orlando Resorts.

2024 Richard "Ricky" Hammett of Fernandina Beach, Florida, is a sales coordinator at NCSA College Recruiting.

2024 Zac Hill of Hogansville is an admissions manager at Callaway Resort & Gardens.

2024 Emilee Johnson M’25 of LaGrange teaches 8th grade social studies at Heard County Middle School.

2024 Journey Oden of LaGrange is an Admissions Counselor at LaGrange College.

Births

To Brian Darracott ’07 and his wife, Amy, a son, Harrison Michael, on March 31, 2025

To Kathryn ’11 and Rachel Owens, a daughter, Ruth Lynn, on June 8, 2025

To Wesley Eugene "Trae" Long III ’12, and his wife, Holly, a daughter, Frances “Frannie” Hazel, on June 20, 2025

To Holly Donahue Whetstone ’15 and her husband, Justin, a daughter, Margaret "Maggie" Gray, on November 25, 2024

To Channing Q. Brand ’17 and his wife, Bailey, a son, Emory Alexander, on May 2, 2025

To Melissa Rowland Hall ’19 and her husband, Ryan, a son, Pate Ryan, on April 28, 2025

To Colby ’20 and Sandra Henson Heath ’22, a daughter, Spencer Monroe, on April 24, 2025

To Nicole Phillips Byers ’21, and her husband, Cameron, a son, Walker Henry, on January 17, 2025

Engagements

Allison Lovenguth Hale M’10 to Tommy Vasaya on April 5, 2025

Madison Elzey ’20 to Gary Weston on April 26, 2025

Grace Margaret FuMei Neal ’20 to Alex McIntosh on March 29, 2025

Colby Darda ’21 to Barrett Gosdin on May 4, 2025

Alyssa "Aly" Grace Lord ’21, M’23 to Ethan Stoeckig on April 4, 2025

Breanna Joy Gay ’23 to Blake A. Webb ’23 on April 29, 2025

Faith Marie Burgamy ’24, M’25 to Brandon Reynolds on June 25, 2025

Christian Dyer ’24 to Maylen Meszar on April 19, 2025

Emilee Peyton Johnson ’24, M’25 to Tyson Duncan ’26 on May 25, 2025

Daniel Cody ’25 to Lucy Markward on May 29, 2025

Weddings

Emily Sara Arnold ’17, M’18 to Tyler Franks on January 25, 2025

Sydney Michaela Bourque ’21 to Anthony "Tony" Villanacci ’21 on March 16, 2025

Alexander "Alex" Drazic ’23 to Morgan Grant on May 23, 2025

Joshua Matthew Hargrove ’23 to Patien Baesa on May 10, 2025

Malachi Garrett Parker ’23 to Madison Hughes on May 31, 2025

Leia Elizabeth Avery ’24 to Casey Thomas Gibson ’24 on May 24, 2025

Jamarcus "Jmar" Davidson ’24 to Gabrielle "Gabby" Heizer on May 12, 2025

Kaden Scott Rogers ’24 to Laci Nicole Pike on May 17, 2025

In Memoriam

Mrs. Mary Alice Hamner ’47

Mrs. Clementine Smith Binford ’49

Rev. Ernest "Jack" Nelson ’51

Mrs. Lee Hale Brown ’55

Mrs. Norma Chapman Haynes ’59

Mrs. Rebecca "Becky" Williams Buckman ’62

Mr. Charles Durward Cofield ’62

Mrs. M. Betsy Moore Loar ’62

Dr. Marianne Whelchel ’62

Dr. Charles Ware Nixon, Jr. ’66

Ms. Gloria Jean Foster ’68

Mr. James "Jim" Thomas Menge ’70

Mr. Jeffrey Williams ’70

Mrs. Diana Rhan Adams ’72

Mr. Douglas Michael Smith ’72

Mr. Daniel "Dan" Bryan Cook ’73

Mrs. Catherine Trapp Thompson ’73

Mr. Stephen Farrell Carter ’76

Mrs. Virginia "Jenny" Syler Clark ’80

Mr. Mitchell A. Hanson ’83

Mr. Johnny William Matthews ’92

Mr. Ronald E. Spears ’92

Mr. Cedric J. Talley ’09

Mrs. Suzanne Grotheer Jackson M’11, former staff

Ms. Sarah Brooks Powell ’22

The “Gray Panthers” monthly lunch group gathers for fellowship at the Redneck Gourmet in Newnan. They are (from left) Jerry “Y.A.” Wynens ’67, Gary Brown ’66, Tom Conway ’69, John Forrester ’66, Larry Goodman ’67, Bill Hardy ’68, Jimmy Motos ’68, Bill Gambill ’67 and Jim Duttera ’67.

Jasmine Middleton ’22 of Villa Rica recieved her specialist degree from the University of West Georgia.

Delta Tau Delta brothers Maxwell Duke ‘91, Brad White ’99 and Mike Trimeloni ‘87 serve together on the LaGrange College Leadership Council, an advisory and service-oriented board that works to advance the college’s goals and mission.

A group of alumnae gathered in May at the President’s home for a “LaGrange College Girls luncheon.” President Baxter shared the college’s mission and goals for the future. They are (front row, from left) Mary Wells Conway ’72, Patty Solomon ’72, President Baxter, (middle row) Patsy Burdette Wynne ’74, Martha MacMillan Chewning ’73, Carolyn Mitchell Wynens ’69, Gail McLachlan Sherman ’78, M’80, Ed.S.’12 (back row) Linda Lassiter Hart ’73, Judy Dixon Deriso, Laura Phipps Adams ’73, Mary Hamby Hall ’73 and Bonnie Funderburk Dudley ’75, M’83.

Kimberly Harris Hill ’02 of Chattanooga, Tennessee, enjoyed a research trip to Zhenjiang, China, with her role as vice president, product & marketing at Novalis Innovative Flooring.

Dr. Margaretta "Gretta" Howard Milam ’86, M'93 of LaGrange receieved the President's Excellence Award at LaGrange College.

Kelton Hunt ’19, and his wife Savanna Hicks Hunt ’21, enjoy a fun date night at a Savannah Bananas game!

Lilly Grace DeGennaro ’21 of Minneapolis, Minnesota, received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota.

River Vaughn ’20, M’23 of Macon is a wrestling coach and offensive line football coach for Jones County High School.

A group of alumni gathered for a visit to West Point Lake in May. Shown are (seated, from left) Laura Phipps Adams ’73, M’90; Becky Spencer ’73; Chris Austin ’72; (standing) Assistant Director of the LC Fund Jennifer Beedy Booker ’90; Linda Lasseter Hart ’73; Steve Shuman ’72, Joe Shibley ’75 and Mary Hamby Hall ’73. Not shown is Susan Anderson ’74.

Brittain “Skylar” Crowe ’21 received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy.

The Alumni Executive Committee celebrates Panther Pride during their Spring meeting, honoring the past, energizing the present and shaping the future of LaGrange College. They are (front row, from left) Carol Howington Cain ’82, Lori Medlock Anderson ’83, Mary Leslie Hardy ’93, (back row) Nina Wyman Bradford ’18, Steve Harris ’88, Spencer King ’00, Josh Fenn ’00, Elizabeth Story ’07, Lindsey Cole Robinson ’09, Katelyn Little ’19 and Kacey Smith Werle ’09. Not pictured are Taryl Woods Anderson ’80, M’81, Joy Baker ’02, Derek Bowen ’77, M’97, Wesley Dismuke ’17, Riley Hammett ’22, Barbara Barrow Harris ’88, William Kiser ’69, Debbie Dorough Mowery ’72 and Rhett Yates M’99.

Rhett Hollon ’19 of Prattville, Alabama, is an earth moving sales representative with Thompson Tractor Company, serving Northwest Florida.

Trevor McLemore ’21 is now Dr. Trevor McLemore, DMD, after receiving his doctorate in dentistry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is pictured here with his wife, Abby.

Nichelle Parent-Seaman '07 of Peachtree City has served the City of Atlanta Police Department for 25 years, with over 2,300 hours of accumulated training, both state and federal. Currently she is a sergeant in the zone 5 quality of life unit.

LC friends gather in front of Smith Hall during a weekend getaway. They are, from left, Amy Hartman Harder ’10, Anna Adams Stanfield ’09, M’10, Andrea Andrews Miolen ’10, Carrie Darden Mitchell ’10 and Lindsey Dias Mickle ’09.

Lindsey Cole Robinson '15 (left) and her practice, The Local Chiropractic in LaGrange, were named Best of Troup County for the fourth consecutive year.

India Gleason ’21 of LaGrange is the assistant youth director for West Georgia Youth at Community First United Methodist Church. She is also the assistant Wesley director at the University of West Georgia. She is seen in the center in pink with the students of West Georgia Youth.

Seth Golden ’19 was named "A Rising Star in Georgia" by Super Lawyers, a publication that rates attorneys. Seth and his fiancée, Meghan, attended the Mercer Law reception at the State Bar of Georgia meeting.

Mary Leslie Hardy ’93 serves as executive assistant to the president at Woodward Academy.

Artwork from LaGrange artists and friends Merri Herbert Lawrence ’77 and Ann Beason HA ’14 was featured in an exhibit titled "Silver Linings" in Summit, New Jersey.

Kelsey Seals ’18 of St. Petersburg, Florida, appeared as the Fairy Godmother in “Cinderella” at the Missoula Children’s Theatre. She’s been at MCT for 5 years as the tour production associate, where she has the privilege of training the next generation of tour actors/directors. 

Head LaGrange College Baseball Coach David Kelton ’13 received his 300th career win this past season against Berry College. David will be entering his 13th year as head coach of the Panthers. Here, he is congratulated by President Susanna Baxter.

Parker Lovett ’25 of Florence, Alabama, is a gradute assistant coach for the University of Alabama Women's Basketball Team.

Micah Hubbard ’23 of Athens received his Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Georgia. Micah (left) served as a strength and conditioning student assistant for the University of Georgia Men’s Basketball team under director of performance Coach Collin Crane (right).

Rhett Mixon ’23, M’25 of Loganville is a physical education teacher at Loganville Middle School.

Gabriel Cofield ’24 of LaGrange is a ticket sales and service intern with the Columbus Clingstones. The Clingstones are in their inaugural season as a Braves AA affiliate team.

Michael Menhart ’22 of Richmond Hill is the assistant baseball coach at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He was a pitcher for LaGrange College and a part of the 2022 World Series team.

Gracie Brunel ’23, M’24 of LaGrange is the head womens basketball coach at Social Circle High School. She was a standout player during her time at LaGrange College.

Nia Johnson '22 (left) is pictured here with Political Science student Katie Gonzalez ’26. Nia mentored Katie when she was an intern for Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock. Katie was the first recipient of the Nia Johnson Political Science Award.

Wesley Eugene "Trae" Long III ’12 and his wife, Holly, welcomed a daughter, Frances “Frannie” Hazel, on June 20, 2025.

Grace Margaret FuMei Neal ’20 became engaged to Alex McIntosh on March 29, 2025.

Faith Marie Burgamy ’24, M’25 was engaged to Brandon Reynolds on June 25, 2025.

Madison Elzey ’20 was engaged to Gary Weston on April 26, 2025.

Blake A. Webb '23 became engaged to Breanna Joy Gay '23 on April 29, 2025.

Christian Dyer ’24 was engaged to Maylen Meszar on April 19, 2025.

The Honorable Andrew Young officiated the wedding of Dr. LeThenia Joy Baker '02 to Alvin Leaks on January 5, 2025.

Leia Elizabeth Avery ’24 married Casey Thomas Gibson ’24 on May 24, 2025.