Summer 2020 Meredith Magazine by Meredith College

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NEWS In spring 2020, the schedules and plans of people all over the world were upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meredith College was no exception, but students, faculty, and staff showed strength as the College transitioned to a remote learning model after an extended spring break. In addition to using technology in new ways â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Zoom classrooms, Google Hangouts, and more â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Meredith community also exhibited resilience and continued to stay strong. Read more about how Meredith adapted to this global challenge in a special section starting on pg. 12.

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Erin Scott Rhew, ’02

Jenny Hubbard, ’87

February Was A Month in Blume at Meredith College By Melyssa Allen

uthor Judy Blume’s birthday and the 50th anniversary of one of her best-known works were the reasons Meredith’s English department considered February 2020 to be “A Month in Blume.” The author of more than 30 books, Blume turned 82 on February 12, and in 2020 her novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. turned 50. On Blume’s birthday, an armchair discussion “Are You There God? It’s Fifty Years Later,” was held in Jones Chapel. The discussion was moderated by Meredith Chaplain Donna Battle and featured Pullen Memorial Baptist Church Pastor Nancy Petty and Meredith student Ashleigh Murr, ’20. The discussion focused on the religious themes in the novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Topics included a discussion of the authentic ways the title character engages with God and how literature helps people explore their own beliefs. The next day, another panel featured Meredith alumnae who are authors of books for children or young adults. The Young Adult (YA) Literature panel discussion included Meredith Professor of Education Tisha Duncan, ’99, the author of My Dirty Cat Mutt and Myrtle the Blue-eyed Turtle, Jenny Hubbard, ’87, the author of YA novels Paper Covers Rock and And We Stay, and Erin Scott Rhew, ’02, the author of The Fulfillment Series: The Prophecy, The Outlanders, The Fulfillment, and The Transhuman Project.

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The three authors engaged in a discussion, moderated by students Alex Rouch, ’20, and Casey Corpening, ’22, about what inspired them to write, how they stay engaged with their young readers, and how Judy Blume has influenced generations of readers. “Judy Blume was the first author who I felt shared with me who she was,” Duncan said. “Blume’s books help readers feel they aren’t alone.”

At both of the panel discussions, a birthday banner was available for participants to use to send greetings to Judy Blume and the audience was recorded singing Happy Birthday for her. Professor of English Kelly Morris Roberts, ’91, who teaches Meredith’s Young Adult Literature course, organized this celebration with the support of a steering committee of students and alumnae.

Other Events

Hubbard said Blume considers her readers as equals. “She really respects young people as intelligent human beings,” Hubbard said. “She creates [characters] who are like us. They are flawed and they make mistakes. That makes us feel better about ourselves.” Rhew agreed that Blume’s characters endure because they are relatable. “That is what makes you as a reader fall in love with them.”

Throughout the month, a Rock N’ Read fundraiser was held for one hour each day in February in Carlyle Campbell Library. Participants read for the hour in rocking chairs and were encouraged to leave new or gently used books or monetary donations to contribute to the Wake Up and Reads Book Drive for Wake County schools. An interactive art installation was in Cate Center from February 10-14. This installation, inspired by the nationally-renowned Typewriter Project, used an old-fashioned typewriter where participants anonymously posted their responses to one of three writing prompts focused on children’s and young adult literature. The results of the installation have been posted on a section of the Carlyle Campbell Library website that was created by Young Adult Literature students for The Month in Blume: infotogo.meredith.edu/judyblume. The site also includes more information about the author and issues relating to her work.

Join Meredith Mentors

lumnae are encouraged to join Meredith Mentors, an online network for students, alumnae, faculty, and staff. Meredith Brown, ’20, said she joined Meredith Mentors to make connections while still in college. “I was hoping to connect with alumnae who are in the communication field for potential job opportunities as well as with someone who could mentor me as a senior preparing to leave Meredith,” Brown said. “I also plan to use the platform to give advice to students after I graduate.” One alumna who is doing just as Brown

plans is Kate Breen, ’01, who majored in business administration at Meredith. She works with Deloitte, a management consulting firm, as a manager. Her role allows her to travel and support organizations implementing new business models through extensive change management efforts and training design and facilitation. “My experience at Meredith shaped me, and I remain grateful for the education, experiences, and friendships that my time at Meredith afforded me,” Breen said. “Since graduating from Meredith, I have remained involved with the College as a volunteer, donor, and member of the

Alumnae Association Board of Directors. Meredith Mentors is an extension of that service to my alma mater.” Meredith Mentors allows members to harness the strength of Meredith’s network to support their personal and professional growth. Sign up and connect on mentors.meredith.edu. See pg. 41 for another example of the benefits of Meredith Mentors. Watch a student testimonial about Meredith Mentors.

Downtown Raleigh Ad Campaign Shows Meredith’s Strength By Melyssa Allen

n February, Meredith College showed how it continues to Go Strong 129 years after it was founded, through a projection media campaign in downtown Raleigh, near where Meredith’s original campus once stood. Meredith’s campaign featured a short film that was projected onto the Marriott City Center from February 13-20, 2020. The campaign was a new part of Meredith’s Going Strong branding initiative. Meredith advertising for undergraduate and graduate programs was also featured on Go Raleigh buses in the spring of 2020. “We are proud of our location and long history in the heart of Raleigh. Like Raleigh, we are thriving, we have expanded and become more diverse, and grown our reputation in the state and nation,” said Vice President for Marketing and Communications Kristi Eaves-McLennan. “We thought projecting some of our story in downtown Raleigh was a great way to both showcase our support for and reintroduce ourselves to a city that has grown and changed along with us.” The campaign was a unique way that Meredith is showing the strengths of its students, faculty, alumnae, and academic programs.

Watch the ad campaign here.

S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

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Meredith Expands Graduate Offerings with Online Programs in Criminal Justice By Melyssa Allen

Bianca Harris, program director

eredith College is expanding its graduate programs with a new online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and two online certificate options starting in fall 2020. The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice is a 36-hour online graduate program. The program is flexible, allowing students to pursue the program at the pace that works best for them. Graduate certificate options are the Criminal Justice Graduate Certificate, for those interested in gaining more skills and knowledge to further their careers within the criminal justice sector, and the Criminal Justice and Substance Use Disorder Certificate, which prepares criminal justice managers to more fully understand addiction and its effects on the field of criminal justice. Meredith’s program is designed to provide both the academic knowledge and practical skills criminal justice professionals need. Content courses will be taught by practitioners in the criminal justice field who have a solid research-based background and practical experience. The program will also include a focus on writing, an essential skill for the field of criminal justice, since a significant amount of policing involves writing reports and media messages, as

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well as keeping accurate, detailed, and clear field notes. Bianca Harris is the director of the new master’s program. Harris has extensive experience in the field of criminal justice management, having served as warden of North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women before moving into the position of district manager of the Division of Alcohol and Chemical Dependency unit of the state Department of Public Safety. Meredith’s criminal justice programs are suitable for those who are already working in the field as well as those who are pursuing nontraditional pathways to careers in corrections and criminal justice. “Meredith’s M.A. in criminal justice prepares students to meet current challenges in the rapidly changing criminal justice field. Our program gives students opportunities to interact with innovative professionals in all aspects of the field – in the virtual classroom space as well as through internships, fieldwork, and special on-campus networking events,” said Sarah Roth, dean of Meredith’s School of Arts and Humanities. The program is designed to address the most pressing issues in the criminal justice field. “The program’s emphasis on substance use disorders, mental health, juvenile justice,

and gender provides our students with an understanding of the issues that will shape the future of criminal justice and criminal justice management,” said Roth. The new program builds on Meredith’s success on the undergraduate level, which has included a major in criminology since 2011. Meredith has developed connections with a wide variety of professionals in law enforcement and criminal justice. “We are committed to partnering with the criminal justice community to provide the training and educational programming required to excel in various career paths,” said Professor of Sociology and Criminology Lori Brown. “Partnerships with law enforcement departments, sheriff departments, private and corporate security companies, medical and behavioral health entities, and social services and substance use disorder services will allow our curriculum to reflect the full spectrum of criminal justice.”

Applications to the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Graduate Certificate, and Criminal Justice and Substance Use Disorder Certificate for students starting in fall 2020 are now being accepted. Visit meredith.edu/ criminal-justice for more information.

Alumna Meets Legendary Author Judy Blume By Melyssa Allen

eredith alumna Macy Allen Cole, ’17, who served on the planning committee for Meredith’s “A Month in Blume” celebration (see article on pg. 2), had the opportunity to meet legendary author Judy Blume at a recent conference. Cole, who teaches sophomore English at Enloe High School, attended the Key West Literary Seminar (KWLS) in Key West, Florida. She was selected to receive the KWLS Teacher and Librarian Scholarship, which funds conference fees and lodging for teachers and librarians from across the United States. While attending the conference, Cole was able to meet Judy Blume twice. “I first ran into her by chance at her bookstore, Books and Books, the morning before the scholarship winners were to have a picnic

lunch with her,” Cole said. “I wanted to pick up a copy of her novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. in hopes of getting it signed at lunch, but she was standing at the checkout counter. As I went to check out, she looked down at the book, smiled, and let out a laugh before asking if I’d like for her to sign it.” Cole was one of the 20 scholarship winners who met with Blume at the Key West Public Library, where they also toured the archives. “She was welcoming and humble about her successes,” Cole said. “She wanted to have an opportunity to meet and talk with everyone who was there.” The seminar topic this year was sports and literature, and Cole plans to bring what she learned into her own classroom. “There was one book, One Goal by Amy Bass, that’s about a high school soccer team

in a failing mill town in Maine winning the state championship in 2015,” Cole said. “Immediately, this story stood out to me because while it’s a story about a soccer championship, it’s more so about Somali refugees revitalizing this town and the quest for the state championship bringing together people from different backgrounds.” Cole plans to use the book in one of the classes she teaches. “I currently teach a sheltered ESL English class where half of my students are English learners from all over the world, mainly from Mexico, Central America, Puerto Rico, Eritrea, Sudan, and Tanzania,” she said. “This book is relatable to these students and discusses important themes and social issues, but it’s also a story about high schoolers and soccer.”

Meredith Experts in the News Meredith College experts have recently been featured in media outlets including The Atlantic, The Hechinger Report, and The Hill. “We’re so connected to each other and reliant on people working in the background, but we don’t even see who keeps the shelves restocked, or who brings things. People only become visible to us in the perception that they could harm us, as opposed to becoming visible to us in the fact that they’re taking a risk to their health by being helpful to us.” — Professor of Religious and Ethical Studies Steven Benko, in an article in The Atlantic about the necessity of food delivery and the importance of service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Some students, especially considering how anxiety has crept into higher education, would have a horrible experience and even be paralyzed by the stress of picking their own schedules. Colleges are starting to view these young women and men as emerging adults who need a lot more hand-holding than we used to give them.”

“The Democratic Party may ultimately emerge from the long and loud fight with a stronger and more cohesive policy agenda, a bigger pool of voters, a more robust social media strategy and a deeper bench of fresh leadership. While it might be painful right now, the lessons learned in the primary fight will strengthen the Democratic Party for the general election.” — Professor of Political Science David McLennan in an op-ed for The Hill about the benefits of a tough presidential primary.

— Brandon Stokes, director of retention and student success, discussing why Meredith plans first semester schedules for incoming students, in an article in The Hechinger Report. S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

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Educated Selected for 2020 Summer Reading Book By Gaye Hill

eredith College has chosen Educated, a critically acclaimed memoir by Tara Westover, for the 2020 Summer Reading book. Every year, incoming first-year students are asked to read a book during the summer prior to arriving on campus. This year’s selection is a memoir that takes readers from the author’s difficult childhood to her doctoral education at Cambridge University. Westover’s fortitude allows her to forge a strong sense of self and to escape the worst conditions of her life while acknowledging the best of her family’s heritage. As the title suggests, Westover credits her hard-won education with lifting her out of a chaotic situation and propelling her to a more fulfilling and satisfying life. That emphasis on the importance and lasting value of education helped drive its selection by Meredith, along with its compelling storyline and well-written prose. “The book is lyrically and intelligently written,” said Rebecca Duncan, professor of English and co-chair of the Summer Reading Committee. “It will prompt discussions of resilience in the face of family dysfunction, religious and spiritual touchstones, and life aspirations.”

A number of upper-level Meredith students have already read Educated; three English faculty have taught the book in their courses, and reported “excellent outcomes and enthusiastic student approval.”

“Westover’s text is dark and intense, but she creates a complex battle between the comfort of the familiar (despite the fact that the familiar is traumatic and damaging) and the power of education, learning, and living through the unknown,” said Jones. “The book ultimately speaks to how perspective and experience shape so much of who we are – and who we could be if we were to step outside ourselves.”

About Summer Reading

Eleanor Jones, ’20, also served on the Summer Reading Committee and provided a valuable student perspective. She called Educated a “bold choice.”

Meredith’s Summer Reading Program enhances the academic climate on campus by engaging incoming first-year students in a shared intellectual endeavor with the entire campus community, including students, faculty, staff, and alumnae. Incoming first-year students are given questions to guide their reading and then engage in facilitated conversations with faculty, staff, and upper-level students during the fall semester. Students also participate in experiential learning activities related to the book, and frequently attend lectures by or about the books’ authors. Previous summer reading selections include The Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Callings, Dimestore, and A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School.

Meredith College Maintains AACSB Accreditation By Melyssa Allen

eredith College has maintained its accreditation by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools. President Jo Allen said the reaffirmation is a confirmation of the place Meredith’s School of Business holds in educating the business leaders of tomorrow. “Our students – undergraduate and graduate – are eager learners and work-ready and, consequently, highly sought after through internships and top employment opportunities,” said Allen. “The

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AACSB’s reaffirmation of the quality of our faculty and curricula is no surprise to me. We are proud that AACSB sees and confirms these outstanding qualities in the Meredith educational experience.” As the preeminent business school accrediting body, AACSB is also the largest business education network connecting students, educators, and businesses worldwide. Today, there are more than 870 business schools worldwide that maintain AACSB accreditation. Meredith’s School of Business, which includes the Meredith MBA on the graduate level, has a long history of preparing graduates for successful careers in the corporate world.

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Leading From a Position of Strength

eadership. A lot of people hunger for the opportunity to lead. Few want it in the chaotic context that has been coronavirus and COVID-19. During the stay-at-home orders, many of us have taken the time to think about our strengths, the backbone of Meredith’s StrongPoints® coaching model, and review their application and significance in these days that have so challenged us. I have certainly looked at my own five strengths differently. As a “relator,” for instance, I like working in small, tight groups – just the kind of circle I have in our five vice presidents (the Executive Leadership Team). But I have learned that I actually have numerous small, tight groups whose engagement energizes me, ranging from staff in different offices, faculty across the campus, and even smaller groups focused on well-being, personnel, dining, or budgets. Alumnae, too, are part of my tight-knit group, and I want you to know

how much I value and appreciate you and your support. My other strengths include “ideation,” the thrill of thinking new thoughts and making connections between what seem to be disparate ideas, which has certainly been tested during this time. “Maximizer,” the strength of working to take what Jim Collins famously described as “good to great,” has helped me think of those ideas in ways that challenge me to consider, “In what way might Meredith and our students be even stronger at the end of this event?” My last two strengths – “strategic” and “futuristic” – weigh most heavily. What will our future look like? And how can we be sure we are making decisions and preparing for our very best future? It is in these kinds of questions and perspectives that I find the most benefit from our institutional commitment to focusing on strengths – the perennial question and assessment of “What’s right about me?”

Because what is right about us illuminates the most positive approach to the future. Ultimately, that positivity stems from the foundations of strengths. On the other hand, just knowing in what ways one is strong is, well, interesting, but not enough. What is enough is the why of strengths – that we study and develop our strengths, not as an end in itself, but as the foundation for resilience. After all, if we focus only on our weaknesses, it is all too easy to give up or to overlook a way to help, to do better, to succeed. And that, to me, is what leadership is really all about, especially in challenging times.

President Jo Allen, ’80

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Meredith Poll Marks Fifth Anniversary By Melyssa Allen

he Meredith Poll, which is a statewide live-caller and online public opinion poll, marked its fifth anniversary in spring 2020. Established in the spring of 2015 to survey North Carolinians about issues of public interest, the Meredith Poll is housed in the Department of History, Political Science, and International Studies. Professor

of Political Science David McLennan serves as its director and Associate Professor of Political Science Whitney Ross Manzo is assistant director. The Meredith Poll, which is part of Meredith’s commitment to public service, is the only North Carolina survey research organization that focuses on issues pertaining to women.

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Topics covered by The Meredith Poll include current political issues as well as views of women as political leaders, as business leaders and entrepreneurs, and as law enforcement professionals. It has garnered media coverage in regional and national publications, including The Hill, U.S. News, PBS NewsHour, and more. Students play important roles in The Meredith Poll, from survey development through the polling process. Savi Swiggard, ’21, joined the polling staff as a freshman and has since been promoted to student supervisor. She says the skills she’s learned will help her in her future career. “As a caller, my job is to communicate without inserting my opinion, while making sure the respondent has clarity and comfort answering our questions,” Swiggard said. “Learning how to step back from my personal beliefs for the sake of research and truth is a skill that will truly impact my life as I pursue a career in journalism.” Cold calling North Carolina voters to gauge their opinions also helped Asiyah Amad, ’20, a computer science major. “I learned perseverance working on The Meredith Poll. When you are on your 27th call of the night, and you aren’t getting answers, you learn to keep calling and hope the 28th call will be different. That is a lesson I have embedded into my personality, to keep calling or keep going,” said Amad. Over the past five years, The Meredith Poll directors have made changes to make sure its

Savi Swiggard, ’21

results stay accurate. The Poll methodology shifted from using predominantly phone calls in 2016 to a blend of phone and online polls in September 2017. “We’ve shifted to this blended approach to get a sample that looks more like the electorate for 2020, which increases accuracy,” explained McLennan. Younger voters are less likely to answer the phone, and participation and diversity in online polling panels has improved significantly in recent years. “To get an accurate representation of the electorate, we need to reach people where they are, and online is where people spend their time.” By adding online polling, McLennan says, “We’re now reaching more young rural voters, people of color, and college educated people.” For more information on The Meredith Poll visit meredith.edu/meredith-poll.

Memorial Service Held for Professor Emerita Ione Knight, ’43 By Melyssa Allen

eredith College and First Baptist Church collaborated on a memorial service for legendary Professor of English Ione Kemp Knight, who passed away on January 4, 2020, at the age of 97. The service was held on February 22 at First Baptist Church. At the service, Meredith President Jo Allen, ’80, Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson, ’75, and Professor Emerita Betty Webb, ’67, who were all English majors at Meredith, helped eulogize Knight. Professor of English Eloise Grathwohl did a reading in Old English of some of Knight’s favorite passages. Knight, who graduated from Meredith in 1943 with bachelor’s degrees in English and mathematics before earning a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a

doctorate from UNC-Chapel Hill, joined Meredith’s English faculty in 1956. She became one of the “Big Three” of legendary English professors alongside Mary Lynch Johnson and Norma Rose. Allen called Knight, who retired in 1993, a Meredith College icon. “She touched so many lives – English majors and the general student population – and challenged us to learn, learn, learn.” Knight delivered Meredith’s Faculty Distinguished Lecture in 1984. In an article about the speech, the student newspaper

said Knight “[found] joy in seeing young women grow in skills and maturity, as they seek an education upon which they can build a profession.” Among those whose lives were changed by Knight’s influence are many who followed in her footsteps as faculty members in Meredith’s English Department. Webb knew Knight both as a student and as an English faculty member. “The world is less bright without Ione. She brought out the best in all of us,” Webb said. “I take consolation in the fact that her unblinking blue eyes will continue to make all of us who fell under her thrall square our shoulders, stand up straighter, suppress public yawns, never say OK (without feeling guilty), and be better people than we would have been had we not known and loved her.” Professor of English Robin Colby, ’81, called Knight the epitome of a scholar and a teacher. “Dr. Knight modelled for many generations of students what a life dedicated to learning looks like. At the same time, she wore her learning lightly. It was not unusual for her to explain in casual conversation the AngloSaxon root of a word we all use every day,” Colby said. “She somehow managed to set the bar high – very high – and to convey to her students that they were capable of scaling it. She also remained open to new ideas, showing a genuine interest in what we saw in a poem that she had read many times and indeed knew by heart. I can still see her bright blue eyes flash as she paused over a line of poetry that she loved. Sitting in class with her was a privilege that I will always treasure.” Knight was known as a challenging instructor who expected much from her students. In 1990, Knight was named the Mary Lynch Johnson Chair of English, which was Meredith’s first endowed faculty position. Webb served as head of the English department at the time, and presented the honor to Knight. “What we all knew then [as students] about Dr. Knight was that she expected no

more of us than she did of herself,” Webb said during the presentation. “What we came to understand later was that she loved us just as

much as we loved her and that the invitation to excellence that she constantly extended to us was, in fact, an act of love.” At the time of Knight’s retirement, alumnae sent notes that echoed this sentiment, saying Knight “taught them how to study, taught them self-discipline, and taught them what they needed in order to go on educating themselves.” After her retirement, Knight continued her involvement with Meredith by offering community enrichment classes. She was also a major donor, actively involved in the establishment of the Alumnae Legacy Scholarship, which is Meredith’s first full academic scholarship. Memorial gifts may be made to the Ione Kemp Knight English Travel Award Endowment, established by friends and colleagues at her retirement. To make a gift in Knight’s memory, visit meredith.edu/give. (Click “Other” for the designation and type in the endowment name in the box.) Checks can be mailed to Meredith College, Attn: Institutional Advancement, 3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607. S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

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Achieving Goals with Support from Meredith By Cailyn Whitman, ’18

Abigail Crooks, ’20

ell before the academic year was complete, Abigail Crooks, ’20, knew she would begin her career as a marketing specialist at Cisco, an awardwinning company in Raleigh where she interned the summer before her senior year. Crooks, who earned her degree in business administration, is thankful to Meredith for equipping her with the skills and resources needed to secure a job months before graduation. “The faculty at Meredith go above and beyond their duties to help you succeed,” Crooks said. “Anything you want to achieve seems possible with the support system you have here.” One of the top reasons Crooks chose Meredith was because she knew she’d have help landing a job after graduation. She leveraged the expertise of the Office of Career Planning (OCP) throughout the interview process with Cisco to increase her chances of receiving an offer. OCP assists

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students with mock interviews, negotiating, and resume writing. Once Crooks received an offer letter, OCP helped her review it and understand what she was accepting so that she knew it was fair. “If I went to a bigger school, I wouldn’t have gotten the one-on-one attention and direction that led me to where I am now,” said Crooks.

“I have already achieved so many goals and I owe a lot of it to Meredith for making me the strong, confident woman I am today.” — Abigail Crooks, ’20

Crooks also took advantage of several opportunities that allowed her to build on her strengths. She got involved in student leadership as a sophomore when she became a student adviser. From there, she became assistant chief of the program and was later promoted to chief adviser her senior year.

“Getting to be a part of shaping students’ first experiences at Meredith is so rewarding,” said Crooks. Crooks also led a class of students through Meredith’s First Year Experience program, which resulted in an internship opportunity with the Office of Retention and Student Success. Through working with her internship supervisors in that role, she became more aware of her strengths and areas for improvement. She said having that self-awareness made it easier for her to succeed in her off-campus internship with Cisco. “Going into an internship aware of my strengths allowed me to recognize what I would be best at in my role,” said Crooks. She thanks her mentors at Meredith for encouraging her to take on challenges and helping her learn the steps she needed to take in order to be successful. “I have already achieved so many goals and I owe a lot of it to Meredith for making me the strong, confident woman I am today.”

Meredith Launches Corporate and Community Programming

Newsmakers Meredith’s Board of Trustees has approved the following faculty members for promotion and tenure. Promoted to Assistant Professor: • Rachel Findley, Department of Nutrition, Health, and Human Performance • Ashley Hogan, Department of English • Amanda Jones, Department of Psychology and Social Work Approved for tenure and promotion to Associate Professor: • Cameron Johnson, Department of Art • Whitney Ross Manzo, Department of History, Political Science, and International Studies • Jennifer McMillen, Department of Nutrition, Health, and Human Performance • Sasha Ormond, Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Geoscience • Maria Pickering, Department of Biological Sciences • Nathan Woolard, School of Business Promoted to Full Professor: • Jonathan Wade, Department of World Languages and Cultures • Eunyoung Yang, Department of Human Environmental Sciences

eredith College has launched a new program offering courses and other educational opportunities for community members and corporate partners. The new program provides education, skills training, assessment, and more. Programming options will include single sessions or a series of classes and short-term or ongoing research projects. Offerings will provide educational options for entities whose needs do not rise to the level of creditbearing coursework or degree programs, while enhancing the College’s visibility throughout the region. Liz Wolfinger, dean of Meredith’s School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, is serving as the founding executive director of corporate and community engagement. President Jo Allen said Wolfinger is highly qualified to lead the new initiative. “Not only is she a highly respected teacher, scholar, and administrator in the sciences, but she is also firmly grounded in appreciation for the liberal arts and the skills they build for 21st century careers and quality of life,” said Allen. “This message and these program offerings will further solidify the educational role Meredith provides to corporate, non-profit, and community partners interested in pursuing top quality, lifelong learning.”

Awarded Emeritus Status • Garry Walton, Department of English • Jane Gleason, Department of Education President Jo Allen recently concluded her term as chair of the Board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU). She will serve as past chair until February 2021. NAICU is the public policy advocate for the private higher education sector in Washington, D.C., and routinely coordinates research and messages of strategy and impact at the state and federal levels. Professor of Art Shannon Johnstone was awarded two Honorable Mentions in the 14th Annual Julia Margaret Cameron Award. Her work was featured in the exhibition of award winners at the FotoNostrum Gallery in Barcelona, Spain. Johnstone’s work was also selected by Nat Trotman, curator of performance and media at the Guggenheim R. Solomon Museum in New York, for the Raleigh Fine Arts Exhibition. Associate Professor of Biology Jorge Vasquez-Kool participated in the scientific jury to evaluate and recommend awardees for the 2020 L’Oreal For Women in Science Fellowship. Candidates are selected from a variety of fields including the life and physical sciences. This national fellowship is administered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and recognizes and rewards women researchers at an early stage in their careers for their scientific contributions, as well as their commitment to mentoring the next generation of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

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Meredith College Responds to COVID-19 Challenges with Strength and Resilience By Melyssa Allen with contributions from Cailyn Whitman, ’18, and Gaye Hill

hen Meredith students left campus in March for spring break, they couldn’t have known that the rest of the semester would be changed in unprecedented ways. While campus leaders had been monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) and updating its longstanding pandemic plan, the situation changed rapidly in the United States while students were away. Based on guidance from state and federal officials, Meredith leaders made the decision to extend spring break by one week, and ultimately, to move all instruction to a remote learning model. In announcing the change, President Jo Allen, ’80, acknowledged the difficulties it brought. “I recognize how disheartening this news is for many of you – no student planned for such a dramatic change in the semester,” Allen said. “But I also know you are incredibly strong, resilient, and smart. As always, I thank you for your strength and ingenuity as we navigate this storm.” Allen was correct that the Meredith community would meet these challenges with resilience and strength.

Faculty worked to revamp coursework for a new remote learning model, college programs staff adapted their services to teleconferences and other distance options, and Meredith staff in other offices transitioned to working from home. Technology Services staff, and their team of student assistants, played an important role in making sure the work of the College and

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its students could continue as seamlessly as possible. Essential staff, including campus police, housekeeping, facilities, and dining, continued to serve the reduced number of students who were allowed to remain on campus because of special circumstances.

Successful Academic Transition Faculty worked tirelessly during students’ extended spring break to ensure they were ready for the transition to remote classes. Assistant Professor of Communication Alan Buck spent the week learning more about digital instruction. Like many instructors at Meredith, Buck typically focuses on inperson meetings and group projects to provide students with real world learning opportunities, so he had to get creative and reimagine his curriculum. Buck also took time to reach out to students to offer reassurances as everyone dealt with the unexpected. “I am learning this week how to move our class online, so I ask that you please be patient with me, and I will do the same for you,” Buck wrote to his students. “This is new territory for all of us, and we will get through it together.” Buck said he imagined students might respond with questions about their grades and how they might complete their projects. Instead, he was flooded with messages from students offering nothing but understanding and support. Other faculty reported similar responses from students. Carol Finley, head of the dance and theatre department, held an informal Zoom video call with her dance students and faculty during the extended break to practice with the technology and to help calm students’ anxiety. Finley found that the mood was surprisingly joyful. “It was reassuring to know that none of us [were] in this alone,” she said. That positivity and perseverance continued through the remainder of the semester. Provost and Senior Vice President Matthew Poslusny said he is incredibly proud of the Meredith community’s ability to adapt to challenges.

“We went from a traditional campus in-person experience to fully online in just about ten days. This could not have been done without faculty embracing new technology and without faculty and staff – especially those in Instructional Design & Academic Technology – helping each other learn this technology,” Poslusny said. “It could not have been done without everyone having patience, flexibility, and maintaining a positive attitude. Our students showed every day what Meredith Going Strong means.”

College Services Made Available in New Ways Academic support was available for students, with the Learning Center offering virtual appointments and the Carlyle Campbell Library providing a wide range of services through their online branch. In addition, services including advising, career planning, StrongPoints®, and more were available virtually. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the emphasis on strengths through Meredith’s StrongPoints program, took on even greater significance. Because of the importance of using strengths to meet challenges, StrongPoints workshops and coaching appointments were made available online. “The power of your strengths comes from using them. You need to know the tools you have at your disposal,” said Candice Webb, director of StrongPoints. “We want to teach students to reach for their strengths to overcome challenges and build resilience.”

Continued Support for Admissions and Recruitment While much attention was given to supporting current students, Meredith also took action to make sure prospective students and their families were able to connect with Meredith’s Admissions Office. A special Virtual Welcome Center section of the admissions website was developed to allow students to experience Meredith virtually. The site includes options to connect with admissions and financial assistance counselors, to speak with faculty members and young alumnae, and to take virtual tours of campus and the

new weekly email newsletter that was meant to keep alumnae connected to each other. Virtual chapter events were also offered.

Staying Strong in Italy The strong sense of community at Meredith was felt all the way in Sansepolcro, Italy, where Meredith has hosted study abroad programs for more than 20 years. Assistant Director of Meredith in Italy Sara Andreini shared how she and her family were doing under “stay-at-home” orders. “I’m working remotely, my kids are attending online classes, and I’m keeping busy planning future lessons for when my Meredith students will be able to study abroad in Sansepolcro again,” Andreini said. “We can’t go out except for grocery shopping or work,” said Andreini. “It’s hard for us as Italians because we are so used to seeing each other on a daily basis.”

residence halls. Admissions also held weekly events on Zoom, scheduling frequent Facebook Live chats with current students, and providing other online opportunities, recreating as much of the campus visit experience as possible in a virtual format.

Building Community Online While students, faculty, and staff were apart physically, the Meredith community stayed strong together – and this was celebrated through the College’s social media, website, and via email. College leadership sent frequent updates to the campus community, offering critical information and words of support. Chaplain Donna Coletrane Battle sent weekly messages to the campus community as well, offering spiritual support. The Marketing Department launched a #MCStayingStrong campaign on social media, as a way to lift spirits and to let the Meredith community share their work and learn from home spaces, their four-legged “coworkers,” and their continued love for Meredith. The Alumnae Office instituted a

bravely, and with courage and kindness, in getting through a difficult time. We’ve seen adversity before and we have rebounded,” Allen said. “And we will do that again.” Students agree that they learned about their strengths, and the strength of a Meredith education. “Our last semester was simply cut too short. However, I am choosing to remember all the traditions we did get to experience,” said Lina Chaarawi, ’20. “Meredith College has truly shaped me into the woman I am today.” To reassure her classmates, Belle Rose, ’20, reminded them of their lifelong bonds. “We are not just strong, we are Meredith strong,” Rose said. “We will see each other again.”

Though life has changed temporarily, Andreini is looking forward to exploring her town again with her Meredith students. “In this time, I’m grateful for Meredith College: for all the students who have been here, for all the colleagues who have become friends, and for all the support that you are giving to our community,” she said. “Thank you, because we feel part of this wonderful Meredith community!”

Moving Forward with Strength President Allen said the College community – in Raleigh, in Italy, and in students’ homes around the country – will have learned many lessons over the course of the pandemic and its aftermath. “We’ll be asked what we learned about ourselves. I have no doubt that it will be that we cared deeply for each other. That we acted S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

Celebrating the Class of 2020 By Melyssa Allen

any Meredith spring traditions had to be postponed, rescheduled, or reimagined because of the COVID-19 pandemic. None were more important than Commencement, which had to be postponed. Members of the Class of 2020 were asked to contribute ideas to help determine how to hold Commencement weekend activities. The dominant theme in their responses was that a majority of the class did not want an online ceremony. Meredith College intends to honor that wish with an in-person ceremony at some point in the future. (Details had not been finalized as of press time. Visit meredith.edu for updated information about Commencement and other Meredith events.) The Class of 2020’s accomplishments were celebrated in a variety of ways, including creating a special web page and a related social media campaign. Vision Day, held on May 9, the original date of Commencement, was a digital expression of Meredith’s pride in the Class of 2020. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the Class’s accomplishments and to celebrate the bright futures ahead of them. Members of the graduating class were invited to submit content to be considered for the project, and were also encouraged to post on their own social media using #VisionDay2020. Meredith College celebrates the Class of 2020’s years as students, their resilience during their final semester, and their lifelong connections to the College.

Orientation

Class Day 2018 in support of Big Sis class

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Move In Day 2016

Watch a playlist of videos from Vision Day, an online celebration of the Class of 2020 that was held on May 9, the original date of Commencement.

Senior Year Cornhuskinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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IMPROVING LIVES AND TRANSFORMING SOCIETY H Meredith ESS Majors Make an Impact Across Communities By Cailyn Whitman, ’18

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ealth and fitness have become more than just hot topics in today’s society – they’ve become movements. Between the boom of wearable heart rate technology, the increase in popularity of at-home workouts, and all the talk about body inclusivity, exercise and sports science (ESS) experts are needed now more than ever to cut through the noise and separate the truth from the fads. Meredith has benefitted from the increased interest in the ESS field. In fact, it’s one of the College’s fastest growing programs – with enrollment numbers increasing by 52% since 2011. Meredith ESS alumnae have a track record of success in graduate school and beyond, so there’s no question why the program has seen such growth. Through the hands-on approach the program fosters in the human performance lab, campus fitness center, student-led exercise classes, and internships, ESS majors gain the skills and experience they need to thrive and become thought leaders in this fastgrowing industry. ESS graduates have gone on to careers in physical therapy, teaching and coaching, training, and more. Here are just a few examples of Meredith women who are working to improve lives and transform society through their work in the ESS field.

MARY WOESSNER, ’11 ACSM-CEP, Clinical Trial Project Coordinator, Adjunct Research Fellow, Lecturer – Australian Catholic University and Victoria University Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology

When Mary Woessner began her undergraduate education at Meredith in 2007, she had her heart set on majoring in psychology or English. But after walking on to the basketball team and taking an introductory course in ESS just for fun, she was hooked and her path changed. With the help of her professors, Woessner discovered that she could turn her passion for sports into a career.

“I am driven by a strong passion for encouraging and promoting exercise for high risk populations.” After finishing her degree at Meredith, Woessner knew she wanted to teach in the field. “I was supported by my amazing professors who always pushed me to be the best I could be,” she said. “And because of my education at Meredith, I was accepted into one of the top master’s programs for exercise physiology at UNC Chapel Hill.” After completing her master’s, Woessner

took her education a step further and received a Ph.D. in exercise physiology from Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia. Today, Woessner still lives in Australia and works in many roles. Not only does she now teach at Victoria, but she is also a certified clinical exercise physiologist (ACSMCEP), a clinical trial project coordinator, and an adjunct research fellow across several research projects. Right now, she’s working on a major clinical research trial focusing on examining the effects of a nutritional supplementation intervention on bone health in post-menopausal women. She’s also conducting research on violence against children in sports, a project sparked by her love for sports and exercise and wanting to make sure it is accessible and safe for everyone. “I am driven by a strong passion for encouraging and promoting exercise for high risk populations,” said Woessner. When asked what is most exciting about her work, Woessner says it’s two-fold: she loves the balance of research, where she

can develop new knowledge; and teaching, where she can share that knowledge. “My teaching makes me a better researcher as it helps me see the gaps in practice, and then research makes me a better teacher because I can bring the real world into the classroom,” she said. Additionally, Woessner finds that her students benefit from her research, too. “When I’m working on a research project and have a really interesting case study, it’s a great opportunity to bring that work directly into the classroom and have the students workshop it.” Woessner’s best advice for students considering ESS is simple: “Take a class and see if something sparks.” She also encourages students to think outside the box about what they can do with their degree. While many students go into careers of personal training or physical education, an ESS degree can open the door to a variety of careers. “Follow your passion,” said Woessner. “There is a depth and breadth to this field that I never knew until I really got out into the job force.” S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

MCKENZI EDWARDS, ’15

ASHLEY ALLEN, ’16

Occupational Therapist, UNC Hospital

Clinical Trials Associate, Clinipace

As captain of the basketball team and supervisor of the campus fitness center, McKenzi Edwards was deeply involved in exercise and sports science far beyond the classroom during her time at Meredith. Years later, she says her experience in the ESS program laid the foundation for her to pursue a career as an occupational therapist (OT). “At Meredith, I received the foundational knowledge regarding the human body and its response to physiological stress,” she said. As an OT at UNC Hospital, Edwards works with patients in the acute care unit. She helps sick or injured patients regain independence in the areas of bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting as well as functional mobility and endurance. From there, she evaluates patients and recommends a safe discharge plan and any necessary equipment to improve their safety. “The most exciting thing about my career and the acute care setting is that every single day is completely different. There is no getting bored,” said Edwards. “I meet many amazing patients and get to see them progress in skills and areas that are most important to them.” In five years, Edwards hopes to become a clinical specialist, with even deeper knowledge about OT. She advises other students with a passion for ESS to pursue the field with an open mind because it’s filled with opportunities for a solid career. “Some of my peers in the ESS program have become physical therapists, physical education teachers, coaches, cardiac rehab therapists, nurses, and more.”

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The decision to major in ESS came quickly and easily for Ashley Allen. As a freshman, she began to take ESS courses alongside her general education requirements. While she didn’t have a clear career path in mind just yet, she never had any doubts that the ESS program was the place for her. “ESS allows you to explore a lot of different avenues,” said Allen. “I was given a great deal of freedom and tools to make the best decisions regarding my professional career path.” After graduating from Meredith, Allen was able to use her bachelor’s degree to begin working in the field as a fitness trainer while she pursued her master’s in healthcare administration. Now, she works as a Clinical Trials Associate (CTA) at Clinipace, a role in which she works closely with clinical researchers to manage the timeline of various studies.

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What inspires Allen most about ESS is the impact that women are making in a field that has historically been male dominated. “Women not being afraid to stand their ground in these professional atmospheres where they may be deemed inferior, that’s what inspires me,” she said. Specifically, Allen is inspired by women like Katie Sowers, the first female coach in Super Bowl history. “We are seeing women come into male dominated fields and make themselves known,” she said. “This is such an important time for us to witness women taking charge and breaking barriers.” Allen’s advice to other hopeful ESS students is to get in the field as early as possible. “Don’t wait until your junior year to seek out internships or volunteer opportunities,” she said. “Getting out there early will help you determine what path you want to take.”

We are seeing women come into male dominated fields and make themselves known. This is such an important time for us to witness women taking charge and breaking barriers.”

— Ashley Allen, ’16

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The best thing you can do for yourself when thinking about changing your eating or exercise habits is to do your research, or meet with your physician or dietitian. Social media is so powerful in today’s world, and unfortunately not all of the information you find there is accurate.” — Cheyanne Moxley, ’19

CHEYANNE MOXLEY, ’19 Exercise Physiologist, Duke Center for Healthy Living and Owner of Moxley Fitness

For Cheyanne Moxley, Meredith’s ESS program was crucial in helping build confidence in her knowledge and skills related to the field – confidence that she felt she lacked after not being admitted to Meredith on her first try. As a transfer student from Wake Tech, Moxley had her heart set on Meredith, so she worked with transfer counselors to strengthen her chances on the second try. Once she arrived on campus, she dove head first into the ESS program and everything it had to offer. She worked in the Lowery Fitness Center and served as a group fitness instructor for the employee and student wellness programs. “The ESS program gave me an abundance of hands-on experience with techniques related to fitness assessments, group exercise, and exercise

prescription,” she said. Those experiences were pivotal in helping her get to where she is now as an exercise physiologist at Duke Center for Healthy Living and as the owner of Moxley Fitness. In her full-time role at Duke, Moxley works primarily with geriatric patients conducting fitness assessments, teaching exercise classes, and responding to patients’ clinical needs such as taking blood pressure and heart rate. And for Moxley Fitness, Moxley works as an online personal trainer and fitness coach to help clients reach their fitness goals. She’s passionate about helping people understand their health isn’t centered around the number on the scale and that “healthy” or “fit” doesn’t look a certain way on the outside. “The best thing you can

do for yourself when thinking about changing your eating or exercise habits is to do your research, or meet with your physician or dietitian,” said Moxley. “Social media is so powerful in today’s world, and unfortunately not all of the information you find there is accurate.” What Moxley finds exciting about her career is the intrinsic gratification she gets from helping others. “It’s work that feels important and has a positive impact on people’s daily lives.” Moxley sees many possibilities in the future for her career. She’s considered graduate school but for now, she loves working with her clients and patients at Duke. “I’m open to ideas and excited to see what the future holds for me,” she said.

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BATTERIES REQUIRED

How Meredith’s Electric Car Boosts Hands-on Learning By Gaye Hill

oday’s engineering students are often challenged by a lack of hands-on experience prior to coming to college that once was acquired by working on cars and other projects around the home – a knowledge gap that can be more pronounced among women. Meredith helps first-year engineering students “learn by doing” through a class that revolves around a stripped-down electric car designed for educational purposes. Working in teams on a variety of projects, students acquire practical knowledge and essential problem-solving skills that prepare them to succeed as they move into more challenging courses.

Motor Some learning results from simple observation. For example, when students are asked how to loosen the e-car’s motor, they are prompted to examine the mounts on the motor, which leads them to figure out what kind of leverage and wrenches they’ll need to make it happen.

E-CAR QUICK FACTS TOP SPEED about 40 MPH 6 BATTERIES BEV: a battery electric vehicle that runs 100% on electricity

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Because of the e-car’s simplicity, students can do simple modifications that are central to the whole car. They begin to understand the constraints of design, and why things are built the way they are. Developing a stronger understanding of how cars work helps them make connections between academic ideas and real-world application of those ideas.” – Bill Schmidt, Professor of Physics 20

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Batteries The 72-V battery pack in the front, along with the DC controller and electric motor in the rear, make up the e-car’s propulsion system. Students are asked to trace the wires that run throughout the car and explain where they go, what they do, and why they’re needed.

Read more on How Meredith is Preparing Women to Succeed in Engineering.

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Working on the electric car with Dr. Schmidt was an excellent example of the engineering design process at work. I enjoyed being able to work with my Meredith classmates to overcome technical challenges, identify new ideas, and apply new solutions. Our electric car team was able to identify mechanical and electrical issues and apply our individual skills to solve problems.” – Laura Potok, ’22

Established over a decade ago, Meredith’s dual degree engineering program allows students to combine a well-rounded liberal arts education at a women’s college with one of the most respected engineering programs in the country through a partnership with NC State University. Students simultaneously complete the academic requirements of both institutions. Upon graduation from the five year program, students earn two degrees – one from each institution. New options recently added include computer, biomedical, and textile engineering.

Battery Charger Students are asked to write a “story of propulsion,” explaining how electrons in the batteries are able to provide kinetic energy of propulsion for the car.

Tire Doing simple repairs such as changing a tire, adding brake fluid, adjusting steering, and bleeding brake lines builds students’ confidence in using tools and has the added benefit of teaching them practical life skills.

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SOMEDAY SOON WE WILL TRAVEL AGAIN For Now, Explore the Meredith Travel Program By Emily Parker Editor’s Note: While we know that travel is currently not possible, we look forward to having alumnae join the Meredith Travel Program when it resumes. It is a wonderful way to be with friends and make new Meredith connections.

re you interested in traveling to learn new things, to experience varying cultures, and to simply relax? What if you could travel with a group with whom you have a shared connection and the trip could be customized for the group? Furthermore, you would not have to plan anything and the hotel and food would be top of the line. The Meredith Travel Program, which started in 2014, has taken alumnae and friends to Italy, Ireland, Spain, Cuba, the Netherlands, Belgium, and even to cruise the Blue Danube. The program currently includes three trips each year and an annual

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trip to New York City in November. “The travel program was started to offer our loyal alumnae an educational and engaging opportunity to travel together and to bring new friends to the Meredith community,” said Denise Parker, associate director of alumnae relations. Participants who have been on multiple trips and those who are new to the Meredith Travel Program agree that traveling with Meredith alumnae, spouses of alumnae, or friends of alumnae creates a special bond. This sense of cohesiveness within the group enhances the experience and builds connections that last far beyond the trip itself.

Every Detail is Covered If anyone can talk about the many trips that have been offered it is Betty Baird Raft, ’56. She has been a frequent traveler with the Meredith Travel Program traveling to England, Canada, Scotland, Spain, Italy, London, and New York City. Raft, who travels alone, says that is no excuse not to be a part of the group. “The other travelers are friendly, interesting, inclusive for single travelers, and of various backgrounds and areas of expertise,” said Raft. “I absolutely love the trips and I am eagerly awaiting my next trip which, if my count is correct, will be my ninth with Meredith.” On the opposite end of the spectrum is Sandra McClain Buller, ’72, and her husband, Jeffrey. They took their first trip with the Meredith Travel Program in 2019. McClain had recently retired when they received an email about a trip to Scotland. They decided it would be a perfect trip for them and signed up immediately. Faculty emeriti Betty Webb, ’67, and Becky Bailey organize and customize many of the trips for the travel program, including the Scotland trip the Bullers took last year. “Having Betty and Becky plan this trip with their combined knowledge of the British Isles, and its history, art, and culture, made it a rich experience in a different way than we would have experienced with a normal tour group,” said Buller. “They were able to add personal insight into the country and customs and Becky acted as a docent in some of the museums, sharing her art expertise.” Webb, former director of Meredith’s Office of International Programs, and Bailey, former dean of Meredith’s School of Arts, use their travel experiences to create unique itineraries to “bucket list” destinations and many locations that are off the beaten path. They look for small places that really allow you to feel what life is like for people not living in a tourist mecca. “We always include UNESCO World Heritage sites, which include manmade and natural wonders that have been determined to be the most important legacy of and for

humankind,” said Bailey. The trips always have an education focus. “We believe that the fact that these programs are Meredith programs means that our travelers expect to learn from them,” said Webb. “Does that mean that we did not see beautiful places, eat wonderful food, make new friends, and have a great time? It certainly does not! Just ask our travelers!” Amanda Beasley, ’04, traveled last year for the first time with the Meredith Travel Program to Holland. Beasley studied abroad during her student years at Meredith. The Meredith Travel Program was appealing even for someone like Beasley, who has always felt comfortable traveling and planning her own trips abroad. “I knew it would be extremely nice to have someone else make the plans for my mom

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The program is a great way to travel to another place. You have more time to enjoy the sites because the tickets are purchased in advance to many of the museums or parks.” – Amanda Beasley, ’04

and me and anything Meredith does internationally would be safe and high quality, so I knew it would be a fantastic trip.” As a student Beasley visited Amsterdam but did not have the opportunity to see anything outside the city, so she asked her mother to join her on the trip to see more of the Netherlands and Belgium. It was tulip season so that was a big draw for both of them. “The program is a great way to travel to another place. You have more time to enjoy the sites because the tickets are purchased in advance to many of the museums or parks,” said Beasley. “Also meeting other alumnae and friends and family of alumnae is such a wonderful opportunity because the group has a myriad of life experiences!”

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Sharing the Meredith Connection Sandra Godwin, ’79, and her partner Carolyn Hart’s first trip with the Meredith Travel Program was June 2016. Godwin had just retired and Hart was working part-time when a brochure arrived in their mailbox about Meredith’s upcoming trip to Spain. They signed up. “The travel group was immediately cohesive, largely due to our shared connection to Meredith as alumnae, friends, and family,” said Godwin. “Becky Bailey was the leader and was so well-prepared, but also warm and caring, and the group easily fell into a level of comfort, trust, and mutual respect that we had never experienced on any trip. We were hooked!” Godwin and Hart have traveled every year since, going to Cuba in 2017. Their next trips were to Switzerland in 2018 and Holland in 2019. Their favorite experience was staying for two nights in the home of a Cuban family, where they were able to interact directly using “Spanglish” to better understand their lives and experiences. “The customized experience, value, and Meredith camaraderie will keep you coming back,” said Godwin. Pat Taylor Clark, ’62, has continued to travel with the Meredith Travel Program since her first trip to England in 2014.

Debbie Doss Russell, ’77, was her roommate on that trip. Although there are 15 years between their graduating classes, they found they were perfect roommates. “Betty Webb knew both of us and thought we would be a good match for rooming together. It was the perfect pairing for me, and Debbie and I have remained good friends over the years since that first trip,” said Clark. “She was an experienced traveler and I was absolutely a novice,” said Russell, speaking of their first trip. “We shared a lot of our personal lives during that first trip and became good friends, visiting each other in our hometowns when we returned.” Russell, an English and history major, marveled at all they saw and did on their first trip to England. Her favorite experiences on the trip were related to her English studies, such as reading Wordsworth on the bus on the way to Lake Windermere, finding the memorial stone honoring Meredith English Professor Ione Knight at the Daffodil Garden in Grasmere, or being able to walk among the ruins in Lindisfarne where the monks created the famous illuminated gospels. “On the trip, Debbie brought this home economics graduate up to snuff on points regarding British history, dates, people, and literature. She was able to keep me on track,” said Clark.

Photos for this feature courtesy of Sue Grant Allen, Amanda Beasley, Sandra McClain Buller, Patty Whisnant Cease, Joy McNeill Chafin, Sandra Godwin, Vickie Owens Robinson, Margaret Rymer Simmons, and Meredith Marr Watson.

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Fun in New York City Hilary Allen, ’01, director of alumnae relations, organizes the trip to New York City each November for the Meredith Travel Program. Claire Sullivan Slaughter, ’72, her sister Louise Sullivan Peters, ’74, and Judy Williams, ’74, have participated in the trip together for over 10 years, and Williams says there are numerous planned activities or you can go your own way and see things not on the itinerary. The group has attended the Radio City Christmas Spectacular every year. “It never gets old,” said Williams. “We love the city, shows, fine dining, and, of course, shopping, especially that time of the year. But to have the time to catch up and spend time together without the day-to-day distractions is great.” “Judy, Claire, and I continue to go every year because Hilary organizes such a wonderful trip,” added Peters. “They take care of all the details and the staff who attend are so fun to be with,” adds Slaughter. Joy McNeill Chafin, ’97, and five of her classmates would agree. The group of friends who travel together are spread out geographically and do not have the opportunity to see each other often. “This trip allows us to reconnect and it’s like we haven’t missed a beat,” said Chafin. The group has traveled to NYC for many

years because of the wonderful memories made together. It has become a tradition for them. “If you go with a group of friends, that’s awesome, you will enjoy your time together. If you do not have a set of friends to go with, no worries, you will meet amazing people on the trip who will be your friends forever,” said Chafin.

Traveling with Friends Vickie Owens Robinson, ’74, and Meredith Marr Watson, ’74, went on the very first trip that Meredith College took to New York City and after a couple of times they decided to include their husbands on the College trips. The next trip that caught their eyes was the opening of the Palazzo Alberti in Sansepolcro, the College’s Italian study abroad site. This inaugural trip took place 10 years ago. Betty Webb planned the trip and “put out the welcome mat” according to Robinson. “I recently returned to Sansepolcro with faculty emerita Ellen Goode leading the adventure and she was just as thorough and a true pleasure,” said Watson. Robinson and Watson do not live close to each other. Robinson is in Florida and Watson is in North Carolina, so the travel program gives them time to be together.

“We get to share our experiences and reactions to what we have seen and learned each day. Our reactions are always varied and our conversations quite lively,” said Robinson. Patty Whisnant Cease, ’75, and her classmate, Sue Grant Allen, ’75, have traveled together on several Meredith Travel Program trips including Sansepolcro, Northern Italy, and New York City.

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If you go with a group of friends, that’s awesome, you will enjoy your time together. If you do not have a set of friends to go with, no worries, you will meet amazing people on the trip who will be your friends forever.” – Joy McNeill Chafin, ’97

Cease found herself in the fall of 2014 eating lunch with her Meredith suitemate and talking about the recent invitation they had received for the “Art of Eating Well” alumnae trip planned for Tuscany. Within 12 hours they had signed up and invited their Meredith roommates to join them in spring 2015. “We had visited each other prior to the

trip and found that we really enjoyed being together again, so we all saw this Italy trip as an opportunity not to miss.” Allen agrees. “There is a familiarity and comfort level among my Meredith posse. We have stayed close over the years and experiencing the sites of New York City as well as the cultures of other countries was so much more meaningful shared with friends who are like family.”

Just Take the Trip Margaret Rymer Simmons, ’65, took her first trip to Italy in 2016 and says that before each trip readings, films, and other sources are suggested to give travelers background and help them understand where they are going to visit. “All the preparation, packing, and anticipation happen before a trip, but truly, just show up on time and get ready for exciting new experiences with Meredith graduates from classes before and after yours. It is amazing.” To see a complete list of future trips, visit meredith.edu/alumnae/meredithtravel-program. For more information, contact Denise Parker, ’83, associate director of alumnae relations at dpparker@ meredith.edu or (919) 730-8051.

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SHARING THE INSIDE T SCOOP

How Student Tour Guides Support Meredith Recruitment By Melyssa Allen

he best way for prospective students to learn about Meredith College is to tour campus with those who know the College best – current students! Fiftyfive students serve as campus tour guides for Admissions as part of their membership in White Iris Circle. After an application and interview process, selected students complete a two-day training program that includes learning Meredith facts, discussing messaging, studying the tour route, understanding the importance of their role in the campus visit, and preparing for scenarios they may encounter as a tour leader. Following the group sessions, the guides complete a practice tour with Admissions staff members and receive feedback. The group meets monthly throughout the year and receives updates or ongoing training as needed. “These students are well-trained to be Meredith ambassadors because a campus tour is such an important part of the college search,” says Associate Director of Admissions Grace Sugg, ’07. “A student-led tour is an essential part of the campus visit because it allows prospective students and families to hear directly from someone experiencing Meredith firsthand. Visitors are able to connect with students who are sharing authentic experiences from their daily college lives,” Sugg said. “As students who have recently completed the college search, stories about their classes, involvement, and [their reasons] ‘why Meredith’ resonate with families.” In this feature, get to know Meredith in a new way, through the favorite places, fun facts, and frequently asked questions shared by a few of Meredith’s student tour guides.

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FAVORITE SPOT ON MEREDITH’S TOUR “My favorite spot on the tour is the penrose tiling in SMB, because it is a really neat visual to show a project Meredith students have done and a great opportunity to share about research opportunities.”

FAVORITE FACT TO SHARE

JILL BROMENSCHENKEL, ’21 Family and Consumer Sciences major Naperville, Illinois

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“I like to share about the labs in Martin, including food and nutrition kitchen labs and the fashion studio that has all new industrial sewing machines that are what everyone in the fashion industry is using.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS “I get asked about campus life and what campus is like on the weekends.”

FAVORITE SPOT ON MEREDITH’S TOUR “We end the tour at the Beam Fountain on Main Campus Drive. This is one of my favorite spots because it allows me to talk more about Meredith’s many traditions, most of which are commemorated with a photograph by this fountain! Whether it’s Fire and Water Dinner, Spring Formal, or Cornhuskin’, the fountain is sure to be in at least one of the pictures.”

FAVORITE FACT TO SHARE “I like to share that Meredith is rooted in tradition, and that there is a place for everyone to be involved and find community. Students are highly encouraged to get involved in these activities on campus that will ultimately shape their experience at Meredith and their life after Meredith.”

CHARLI WHITE, ’21 Psychology major St. Pauls, N.C.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS “I often get asked about the dining hall and food on campus, as well as the roommate selection process. I also get asked about Meredith’s study abroad programs and about oncampus job opportunities.”

S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

CAMPUS

NEWS FAVORITE SPOT ON THE MEREDITH TOUR “Walking through the Science and Math Building and peeking around the corner to Ledford. I love being able to show people the two places where I learn and study the most. Not a day passes where I am not in both the Science and Math Building and Ledford. These two buildings have my heart, and I love being able to share my passion and excitement with others.”

FAVORITE FACT TO SHARE

KILEY VAN RYN, ’22 Biology major with 9-12 licensure Garner, N.C.

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“I love including information about the Meredith Autism Program on my tours. I have such a high appreciation for it as a unique and special aspect of Meredith. Programs like these that are so special to Meredith make me love this college more and more each day!”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS “I often get asked what life is like on a college campus without men, and how different it is than life at a co-ed college or university.”

FAVORITE SPOT ON THE MEREDITH TOUR “I always love talking about Heilman Residence Hall and getting to show prospective students and their families a room on the first floor. I often point out the room I lived in during my freshman year as we are walking down the hallway. These moments allow me to reflect on all that I experienced during my first year of college, and realize how much I have grown during my time at Meredith.”

FAVORITE FACT TO SHARE “I love to talk about all of the Meredith traditions in general, Cornhuskin’, Stunt, etc.”

HANNAH PORTER, ’22 Child Development major with K-6 licensure Greenville, N.C.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS “When engaging with parents and families, I often get asked questions relating to campus life, residence hall rules and policies, academic programs, tuition and financial aid, as well as how I feel that Meredith promotes a unified community.”

S ummer 2020 2014 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

FAVORITE SPOT ON MEREDITH’S TOUR “A favorite spot of mine on campus is the Harris Building, my second home. As a business administration major, I spend a lot of my time there. The student lounge in Harris is a great place to study before tests.”

FAVORITE FACT TO SHARE “Our student to teacher ratio is 11:1 and the average class size is 16. This is my favorite fact because it shows how close the Meredith community truly is and how students are able to build personal but professional relationships with their professors.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HARPER PRUITT, ’21 Business Administration major Oxford, N.C.

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“I always get asked the question: ‘Why did you choose to attend Meredith?’ While I am a fourth-generation Meredith Angel that isn’t the only reason I chose to attend Meredith. I truly love the aspect of community and home that Meredith promotes. I have created lifelong friendships and professional connections that I wouldn’t have without the environment Meredith provides for me to learn and grow. Our traditions are one of a kind and create a sense of community that I will cherish for years to come.”

FAVORITE SPOT ON THE MEREDITH TOUR “My favorite part of the tour is after we leave a residence hall and walk between Brewer and Faircloth to the Johnson Hall/Belk Dining Hall courtyard. I always have a difficult time deciding what to share of my favorite memories from this location, which is a great problem to have.”

FAVORITE FACT TO SHARE “Meredith has one of the longest running student self-government systems in the Southeast.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ASHLYNN DAVIS, ’21 Communication and Dance major Apex, N.C.

WHY A CAMPUS VISIT MATTERS Research shows that the campus visit makes a difference in the college search, and Meredith’s tour guides agree. “A campus visit is a way to see if the college

“I always get asked what campus life is like on the weekends. Many prospective students also have a lot of questions about what living on campus is like. We often use the line ‘You just have to experience it!’ for Cornhuskin’, but I think this saying applies to Meredith College as a whole. It really isn’t like any other institution.”

is the right fit for you. A tour is important because it allows prospective students to be immersed in the life of the campus, if only for a short amount of time. It allows you to see campus resources in person and interact with students and faculty that you may be

working with one day,” said Charli White, ’21. “I think it is hard to fully get a sense of the school through online pictures.” Encourage high school women in your family and community to visit meredith.edu/ admissions to learn more about Meredith.

S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

Meredith Philanthropy Making an Impact

How You Can Support Meredith During Meredith Mayhem By Erin Cleghorn, director of The Meredith Fund

ach year, The Meredith Fund encourages alumnae and friends of the College to give where their passions lie. Class projects, memorial scholarships, special programs, and departments all benefit from annual gifts throughout the fiscal year. The Meredith Fund also places a strong emphasis on gifts to the College’s greatest needs. And in these unprecedented times, the unrestricted funds given with this designation are more vital than ever before. The College’s Greatest Needs fund is a bridge between Meredith’s longterm goals and its present-day needs. While more substantial portions of the operating budget come from tuition and the endowment, unrestricted gifts to the greatest needs are essential to the financial health of the College and must be renewed every year. These funds support all of the immediate needs of the College like scholarships, communitybased learning, study abroad, aca-

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demic departments, faculty development, campus grounds and facilities, and Presidential priorities. With the changing landscape across our globe because of the spread of COVID-19, Meredith College’s needs are shifting. The flexibility these funds provide is critical to allow the College leadership to prepare, react, and adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

Since 2011, The Meredith Fund has held a competition between the classes of each decade known as Meredith Mayhem. While its format has changed over the years, Mayhem encourages alumnae to give annually, regardless of the designation. This year, Mayhem will ask alumnae to give to the College’s greatest needs above all others. While Mayhem usually begins on Alumnae Reunion Weekend, the competition will now commence on May 1 and run through June 30. All gifts during the course of the fiscal year count toward class participation goals. Classes with the most donors in each decade will win the competition. Weekly updates will be sent to all alumnae to track their class performance and updates will be sent to class gift agents to share with their classes. Leaderboards will be refreshed daily on the Meredith Mayhem website at meredith.edu/mayhem. Gifts from alumnae during Meredith Mayhem support students and faculty and give them the tools they need to plan for the next wave of Angels coming in the new academic year. Supporting the College’s greatest needs helps to keep all of Wonderland Going Strong.

The Impact of the Meredith Community Spirit

at Armstrong Johnson, ’70, arrived on campus in September 1966 only three months after the death of her father, CWO Eugene G. Armstrong, U.S. Army, who passed away in Vietnam. At the time, there was enormous social and political upheaval and Johnson had ongoing responsibilities to her grieving family, but she still came to Meredith for freshmen orientation. During orientation, Johnson was immediately directed to speak with Gwyn Davis in the Financial Aid office to discuss ways for her to stay at Meredith beyond her fall semester. Johnson was anticipating a painful discussion. “Mrs. Davis looked at me with a huge smile and asked ‘Are you willing to work to stay at Meredith College?’ I said, “Yes ma’am, I am willing to work.” Davis coordinated immediate employment for Johnson in the dining hall. At that time, there were family-style meals and Johnson was a waitress who was responsible for prepping, setting up, and serving two tables that welcomed 16 fellow students each day. In addition, she worked daily at the BeeHive in between classes doing whatever Dru Hinsley, who was responsible for the BeeHive and campus bookstore, needed. In her junior and senior years, Davis helped her add additional work hours as a homework and test grader for the freshman math classes taught by Charles Davis and LaRose Spooner. Collectively, this campus employment allowed her to remain at Meredith. “I worked my way through and graduated with no debt,” said Johnson. “The Davises, Mrs. Spooner, and Ms. Hinsley along with Chaplain Bud Walker were my support network for all four of my years at Meredith.” Johnson met Chaplain Walker during freshmen orientation week as well. He found her sitting in the chapel and

Charles and Gwyn Davis were able to attend the endowment signing with Patricia and Don Johnson in December 2019. Pictured left to right: Don Johnson, Gwen Davis, Pat Johnson, and Charles Davis.

started a conversation. Chaplain Walker offered timely and crucial mentoring. He nurtured, encouraged, and offered invaluable insight to Johnson and as a former Marine, he understood her military heritage and mindset. He was a great source of comfort during the war years and helped Johnson direct the discipline of a military heritage into her academic goals. “I was taught early on that ‘no excuse is a good excuse’ and that ‘you are responsible through discipline to chart your own destiny.’ Chaplain Walker mentored me through grieving to my focused goal of graduating from Meredith College,” said Johnson. These committed faculty members offered timely support, campus work options, and encouragement that enable Johnson to complete four years at Meredith and graduate with a degree in mathematics – debt free and Meredith strong. After graduation from Meredith, Johnson earned a master’s degree from North Carolina State University and an additional post-graduate degree in Municipal Administration from UNCChapel Hill. She went on to work in city

management in both North Carolina and Virginia for 12 years. She and her husband, Don, who received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from NC State University, have four grown children whom they raised globally while on the corporate circuit with his career. Together, Johnson and her husband are strong believers that life provides you daily opportunities to give back, be it a kind word, a simple gesture, or an opportunity to mentor. In this spirit, they have endowed The Patricia Armstrong Johnson Scholarship in Mathematics and Sciences at Meredith in honor of Charles and Gwyn Davis, Dru Hinsley, and Bud Walker. According to Johnson, all represent the supportive nature and commitment of faculty within the Meredith College community. The gift will support students who demonstrate strong work ethic, perseverance, and academic potential in the mathematics and natural sciences. “My hope is that this scholarship fund, along with the mentoring of current faculty, will enable future Meredith students to achieve their goals. Then, they too may have the opportunity to pass the torch to others,” said Johnson.

S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

Meredith Philanthropy Making an Impact

Alumna Helps Two Institutions with One Gift

planned gift to help Wake Technical Community College students transferring to Meredith College has been established by Patricia Poe, ’81. The scholarship will give preference to non-traditional aged students, known at Meredith as Wings students, with two or more semesters of credit at Wake Tech. The gift is the perfect way for Poe to express her appreciation for the education she received at both institutions. In 1970, Poe left East Carolina University because she had not decided what she wanted to major in and her parents were struggling financially to pay tuition. Poe’s father mentioned the possibility of community college and the business data processing program at W.W. Holding Technical Institute, now Wake Technical Community College. The program offered an associate degree and a good possibility of a job upon completion. “My parents wanted me to find my way as far as a career, but, like most people of that time, wanted their investment in me to pay off,” said Poe. Approximately nine years after completing her studies at W.W. Holding Technical Institute, Poe made the decision to return to school to finish her four-year degree at Meredith. “I wanted to study something I was totally absorbed in and something that would enrich my life.” Meredith College was the only school that would take all of Poe’s credits at the time. One summer school session and three semesters later, she graduated with a B.A. in home economics with a focus on housing and interiors. “Meredith valued me as a person and gave me the skills to confidently do whatever I decided to do with my future,” said Poe. “I credit Anne Dahle, adviser for adult students at the time, for helping

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Patricia Poe, pictured with her late husband Charles Aycock Poe, Jr., is pleased to support both Meredith College and Wake Technical Community College.

guide me and direct me toward the field of study that became my life’s passion. Marilyn Stuber, department head of Home Economics, helped me design my course of study and Ellen Goode became my adviser and together we came up with a plan to complete my studies.” When Poe learned from Stuber that she would be graduating she was elated and sad because she had completed one of her lifetime goals and didn’t want her time at Meredith to end. “My teachers at Meredith had become my best friends and I learned that teachers were not there to intimidate but to encourage,” said Poe. “I think the faculty at Meredith was and is their greatest asset.” Poe’s confidence was evident when she returned to ECU for an M.S. in housing. She graduated in 1985. Poe says she will always feel indebted to all the faculty and counselors who helped guide her through the process of transferring to Meredith. “When I returned to Wake Tech in 2009 for some re-tooling, I became friends

with many of the young people there and realized many didn’t return for financial reasons or go on for a four-year degree. This led to my interest in helping someone change their career path as they find they have reached a place where there is no more growth or they just need a change,” said Poe. Tom Manning, director of the Wings Program at Meredith, is very familiar with the community college system, having worked over 13 years there, including five years at Wake Tech. “I have seen firsthand the preparedness and subsequent success of community college transfer students. I am keenly aware of community college’s value and the vast array of opportunities it affords,” says Manning. “Pat’s desire to help students transfer from Wake Tech to Meredith College through establishing this scholarship shows her commitment to helping students like herself achieve the dream of attaining higher education. It is also a strong testament to her belief in Wings students and a vote of confidence in both of these great colleges.”

MAKE IT COUNT FOR MEREDITH

GIVING DAY 2020 2,392 DONORS

1,302 WOMEN 113 DONORS

MOST EVEN DONORS

MOST $$$ RAISED

TOTAL RAISED

$638,960 MOST ODD DONORS

HONORED

FIRST TIME

CLASS OF 2001 CLASS OF 1982 CLASS OF 1999

13 CHALLENGE MATCHES

MET TOTALING $182,000 Support Meredith Gifts to Meredith College make an impact on every student, faculty, and staff member. You make a difference and keep Meredith going strong! There are a number of ways you can support Meredith. Make a gift that addresses the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest needs, select a more specific way to make an immediate impact on the College, or make a long-term, endowed gift. Interested in making a gift through your will or trust? Download the Planning Your Legacy Guide at meredithplannedgiving.org. Visit meredith.edu/institutional-advancementstaff to find an Institutional Advancement staff member to assist you or visit community. meredith.edu/supportmc to make a gift.

S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

ALUMNAE

CONNECTION Class notes and news for Meredith Alumnae Correction:

1964

In the spring 2020 Class Notes section of Meredith Magazine, the Alumnae Office incorrectly included a sympathy note to Peggy Pruitt Benson in the loss of her husband. The note should have expressed sympathy in the loss of her brother-inlaw. Our office would like to express our heartfelt sympathies to Peggy Pruitt Benson in the death of her brother-in-law. We continuously strive for accuracy in everything we do within the Alumnae Office, and this error was unacceptable. Please know that we have made adjustments to our class notes procedures to ensure that such an error does not occur in the future.

Jane Kincheloe McDonald was the keynote

1963

speaker for Women of Mariemont presented by Mariemont Preservation Foundation in October 2019. She was also awarded the gold key to the city by the mayor.

husband have moved from an over 55 community to their beach house in Murrells Inlet, S.C. They have five grandchildren in Mooresville, N.C., and Atlanta, Ga. Rawls enjoys reading and walking on the beach while her husband enjoys playing golf several times a week. Elizabeth Dickens Woolard is retired after a 49-year career teaching math and physics in

1966 Elaine Waller Prock’s husband retired in April

2020. The two recently returned from a fun trip to Disney World with their beloved grandchildren.

1967 Judy Coram Hamilton is enjoying these retirement

years in Charlotte, N.C., along with her husband,

Wake County. She now enjoys gardening, reading, and being active in the Women’s Club of Raleigh. Woolard and her husband recently celebrated 52 wonderful years of marriage.

1968 Happy Neal Goethert has been busy with travel-

ing, a wedding, and farm work. Last spring, she and her husband traveled to a conference in Spain

Velma McGee Ferrell is learning about first appear-

three children, and seven grandchildren. Hamilton

ance court days in Orange County, N.C. Joining other

and her husband will celebrate their 50th wedding

volunteers, she observes court weekly and collects

anniversary this year. Last January, they took a

data which she hopes will lead to a more just bail bond

cruise to the Panama Canal. Hamilton stays busy

system in the county. Ferrell and her husband are

playing bridge, helping with the grandchildren,

fortunate that both sons and their families live within

and trying yoga. She enjoys seeing several of her

an easy drive in North Carolina. Mary Fran Carver

classmates on Facebook. Kae Freeman Parker

Perkinson was thrown a curve ball in mid-December

and her husband have retired but remain incredibly

when she suffered a stroke. Her symptoms weren’t

busy. Parker’s retirement followed almost 30 years

chores on three farms. Clara Safrit Wade is vol-

classic symptoms, and she didn’t comprehend what

in the Transylvania County Child Development

unteering to do individual taxes for the 11th year

had happened right away. She went to the hospital

Program working with teachers and parents of

through AARP. Wade enjoys working with numbers

for multiple scans and under the excellent care of Rex

children ages birth - five years. Parker is on boards

and people. She was excited to be recruited to help

neurologists, was home within a few days. Perkin-

for early childhood and foster care initiatives. She

a Meredith alumna from the Class of 1971. Wade

son’s recovery progress started fast but is now slow

has two grown daughters and enjoys spending

also helps make quilts for a church blanket project

and will continue for several more months. Life is dif-

time with her grandchildren, several granddogs,

in the winter and the Core Sound Waterfowl Mu-

ferent now and even more precious.

and a very spoiled cat. Susan Grant Rawls and her

seum in the summer.

and enjoyed some warm weather. Last June they went to Cairo, Egypt for another conference and took the chance to revisit Istanbul, Turkey. In August, her son was married on his farm. It was a great day with flowers blooming, sun shining, and many friends. Goethert is happy to return to the daily routine of chickens, harvesting, and various

Compiled by the Office of Alumnae Relations from November 14, 2019 - March 4, 2020. Information may be edited for space limitations and content restrictions. Submit class notes online at meredith.edu/alumnae, by email at alumnae@meredith.edu, or by phone to the Office of Alumnae Relations at (919) 760-8548. Deadline for the Fall 2020 issue is July 6, 2020. Submissions received after this date will appear in the Spring 2021 issue.

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1970 Alicia Suarez Eller retired after 45 years of

teaching. Eller was recently awarded the Louisburg College Alumni Association Cecil Robbins Public Service Award for outstanding and meaningful service and dedication to Louisburg College. Eller was also recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educator in language education as well as church and community service. Brenda Parks Hughes continues to grow her YouTube channel,

actTWO stories. This channel is geared to inspire and inform people ages 50 and older. Since its launch in January 2019, the channel has featured a former classmate, Cindy Griffith McEnery, the Meredith Communication Department, and more.

1971 Gail Bartholomew Kiker stepped way out of her

comfort zone and joined The Sophisticated Ladies of Moore County, which is a precision-style dance group for ladies ages 55 and over in Moore County, N.C. The group was started in 1992 by a former Rockette and does “Rockette” style dances. They perform at retirement centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, schools, and even public events. Kiker also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and at her beach house in Holden Beach, N.C. Martha Millard Worsley has been traveling to the Village of Dugue, Haiti, to work with an orphanage and teach sewing to village men, women, and older orphans. Many churches have supplied sewing machines and sewing kits for Worsley to use and leave with students. This year, Worsley will be doing two weeks of camp; one with a group from Atlanta, Ga., and another at a church near Port au Prince, Haiti. Please pray for safety as she embarks on these trips.

1973

Save the Date: MC in NYC! November 20-22, 2020 Make plans to join us for the annual alumnae trip to the Big Apple! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the city that never sleeps with fellow alumnae and friends! The annual alumnae trip to New York City is scheduled for Friday, November 20 - Sunday, November 22, 2020. This fun-filled weekend getaway includes airfare from RDU, transfer service, accommodations at The Muse Hotel, a reception for travelers, and a ticket to a Broadway show. A la carte ticket options typically include a food tour, museum tour, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Arrangements are available for those wishing to make separate flight reservations as well as those who prefer an earlier or later arrival.

Marsha McCutchen Hewitt retired last summer from

the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. Hewitt serves on the board of Shared Hope, the South Carolina Thoroughbred Owners and Trainers Association

The full schedule will be available in July 2020. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Hilary Allen, ’01, at (919) 760-8751 or allenh@meredith.edu.

board, and the National Steeplechase Owners board. Hewitt helped organize the South Carolina chapter of Back Country Horsemen of America serving as

meredith.edu/alumnae

point person for S.C. Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. She manages her farm with eight horses and is S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

ALUMNAE

CONNECTION

active in her church and community events. Hewitt

Jernigan Bowen has lived in Henderson, N.C.,

home. Starlette Thomas Walston and her class-

ran a 5K race last fall and is planning to run another.

since graduating from Meredith. She retired, for

mates Sherrill Crawford Beaman, Babs Chesson

She hopes to do more traveling this year. Fayette Ja-

the second time, in August 2019 after a total of

Gallion, and Carol Thompson Worsley have kept

cobs Jones and her husband attended her 50th E.

42 years of teaching. Bowen is looking forward to

their Meredith bond strong over the years by mak-

C. Glass High School reunion in Lynchburg, Va., in

volunteering and spending time with friends and

ing a point to stay in touch. Since 1976, these la-

2019. Jones was glad to reconnect with old friends,

family. Cheri Garnett Furr has had a wonderful

dies and their husbands have gathered together for

including Mayor Steve Schewel of Durham, N.C.

time traveling. Last summer she participated in the

a weekend each summer at one of their vacation

Meredith Travel Program to cruise the blue Danube

homes in North Carolina. They have kept this tradi-

1974

from Budapest to Prague, stopping in Bratislava,

tion going for 44 years, and it is rare that anyone

Anne Young Beam married her college sweetheart

Vienna, and Krems, Austria along the way. The

has missed. Even their children have come to know

shortly after her graduation from Meredith College.

last three nights were spent in a beautiful hotel in

each other! During many Christmas seasons, the

Their son’s family lives in Greenville, N.C., and their

Prague. Travelers did not know each other prior to

group, including all nine children, would gather for

daughter’s family lives within walking distance from

the cruise but had a fabulous time together! Furr

a special celebration. They all live in close proxim-

them in Wilmington, N.C. Beam is now retired from

enjoyed an after-tour with a small group from the

ity, which makes it easy to sneak in an extra girls

her position as a family physician. In retirement

ship to Wittenburg, Dresden, and Berlin, Germa-

chat or lunch when they are not planning their next

Beam enjoys spending time with grandchildren,

ny. Last fall, Furr flew to Tahiti and took a cruise

summer weekend adventure.

babysitting, catching up with classmates, her goofy

through the South Seas. With many days at sea

golden retriever, and volunteering in the community

in between, they stopped in Bora Bora, Vanuatu,

1976

and at First Presbyterian Church. Beam thanks her

Fiji, American Samoa, New Caledonia, and then

Denise Brown Rix is now enjoying having her two

friends and teachers from Meredith who helped her

Brisbane and Sydney, Australia. Furr met some

grandchildren closer since their move to Washington,

grow and gave her the courage to seek new adven-

wonderful people on the cruise, and she enjoyed

D.C. Rix is still enjoying life in Hershey, Pa. Jackie

tures. She would love to hear from any classmates

exploring with them throughout the trip. She is

Owen Stallings is looking forward to her daughter’s

traveling through Wilmington or Wrightsville Beach,

still adjusting to Charlotte, N.C. but is happy to be

wedding in Jackson Hole, Wyo. this June.

N.C. Alice Winecoff Clayton is eagerly anticipating

close to her grandchildren. Linda Hassell retired in

the birth of her third granddaughter in mid-June

December 2019 after 44 years at Chowan Univer-

1977

2020. After raising sons, she hopes that her grand-

sity. Throughout her career, Hassell was appointed

Kathryn Christian Bender is juggling a part time

daughters will be future Meredith College Angels!

Chowan Faculty Marshall, Chief Faculty Marshall,

job as ombudsperson for Wellesley College and

Sue Creager is enjoying retirement after 44 years

was nominated for the Community Service Award,

spending time with her newest grandson. Suzanne

as an international shipping customs broker. Vickie

received the Female Employee of the Year Award,

Styron Edwards retired in 2013 and continues to

Owens Robinson was featured in a regional ad

and the Academic Affairs Award of Excellence.

teach AP English Literature and dual credit Eng-

for Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute (JOI) along

In recognition of Hassell’s career, the Chowan

lish part-time. She and her husband have a grand-

with Jacksonville Jaguars team members during

University library archives are now named the A.

daughter and two grandsons. They have enjoyed

the 2020 Super Bowl. Carolyne Norman Tucker

Linda Hassell University Archives. Benjie Hester

having time to travel since her husband’s retire-

is twice retired – first from a beautiful teaching ca-

is enjoying her retirement by volunteering with a

ment from the Naval Reserve. Leatha Perry Ritchie

reer and then from a law firm. Tucker lives in Wilm-

music and memory program for the local nonprofit

published her first novel in October 2019 titled The

ington, N.C., near her two sons. Her retirement is

Dementia Alliance. She also tutors for Read and

Nash Sisters: A Story of Family Sticking Together

spent happily volunteering at the local senior cen-

Feed, takes pilates at Five Points Center for Ac-

When It Counts. It is historical fiction about sisters,

ter, painting, gardening, and of course immersed in

tive Adults, and gets to chat with classmate Jo Ann

with roots in rural N.C., navigating the 1920s, ’30s,

music activities. Life is good!

Williford, whose tap dance class meets right after

and ’40s. Ritchie’s undergraduate degree from

hers. Jan Carrigan Payne retired in 2018 after

Meredith was in history, and her thirst for the past

many years of teaching at Frederica Academy on

has not changed.

1975 Sherri Houchens Blight retired from her market-

St. Simons Island, Ga. She and her husband have

ing job at H&H Homes after 15 years. She is now

enjoyed traveling the world and recently spent two

1980

working from home running her own business.

months in Southeast Asia. They also spent time

Lisa Cunningham is among the first in North Caro-

Blight enjoys traveling to Wake Forest, N.C. to keep

in Austin, Texas, where their two granddaughters

lina to receive the Trusted Risk Advisor certifica-

her grandchildren as much as possible. Mary Lou

live. They welcome classmates to visit their island

tion. The certification is administered by Beyond In-

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surance in partnership with Independent Insurance

stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton,

Crumpler’s daughter will be attending Meredith in

Agents of North Carolina, Inc.

Va. He is working in electrical power production.

the fall as a part of the Class of 2024. Jennifer

1983

1987

After two years in national tours of Matilda and

Carolyn Hill is now the visitor services coordinator

An American in Paris, Nancy Whelan is thrilled

for the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum

to have joined the first national tour of Frozen as

in Wilson, N.C.

Keyboard One.

Pitts moved to Colorado in June 2019 to lead tal-

ent management and leadership development for

1996 Gina Hunt wrote and published a book in November

1989

1984

Vail Resorts.

2019 called Ten Keys to Living a Richer Life. In

Donna Fowler-Marchant will become the pastor

early 2020, Hunt launched an online training and

Lisa Loftis Obermiller came out of retirement to

of three churches in the West Hertfordshire

coaching business. Hunt also continues to run her

teach seventh grade math at Polk County Middle

and Borders Circuit of the Methodist Church in

tourism business in Paris, France. Amy Johnson

School. Obermiller’s daughter has committed to

Watford, Britain, just outside of London, starting in

Zagora celebrated her 19th year at Houghton Mifflin

attend Meredith beginning fall 2020.

September 2020.

Harcourt as the South Carolina account executive.

1986

1995

1999

Laura Bynum Beasley’s son completed tech

Christy Jackson Crumpler is the senior director

Brittany Cleavenger Bass moved back to Raleigh,

school at Sheppard Air Force Base and is now

of global benefits at SAS Institute in Cary, N.C.

N.C., in November 2018. Ginger Hudson is the

Join Meredith Mentors Connect with Your Meredith Community

Meredith Mentors Connection Profile: Naomi Hill, ’21, and Gina Hunt, ’96

MERED TH MENTORS

Gina Hunt, ’96, currently lives in Paris, France, and owns two businesses, Paris Personally, a tour business, and Gina Marie Hunt, a training and coaching business. Naomi Hill, ’21, is majoring in communication and minoring in professional writing and pre-law. She studied abroad in Paris for part of the spring 2020 semester and connected with Gina through Meredith Mentors.

What inspired you to connect with each other on Meredith Mentors?

What did you do at your meeting and what did you gain from it?

Naomi: The platform gives me peace of mind that the

Naomi: We met for coffee, and I was able to learn more about

alumnae on the site choose to be there to connect with

what Gina knew about Paris. She told me funny stories about

students, so I feel much more comfortable reaching out via

living there and how to connect with a group of Americans

Meredith Mentors.

living in the area. Mostly, it was just nice to be around

Gina: When I moved to France, I found no one with any experience who could help me. I wanted to be there for

someone who knew Meredith. For those two hours, Gina made Paris feel a little bit more like home.

anyone who found themselves in the same position. When

Gina: It was a wonderful experience meeting a nice, intelligent

Naomi contacted me, I was happy to meet her!

Meredith sister, and I hope I was able to help her a little.

Have you signed up for Meredith Mentors? Connect by visiting mentors.meredith.edu. S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

ALUMNAE

CONNECTION executive director of Second Presbyterian Child Care

[ALUMNAE GOING STRONG]

Center in Richmond, Va. Jennifer Franklin-Rowe serves as president-elect on the Board of Directors

KELLEY DAVIDSON JOHNSON, ’01 From Teaching Fellow to Lead Learner By Cailyn Whitman, ’18 Kelley Davidson Johnson, ’01, began her career in education 19 years ago as a sixth grade social studies teacher. Since then, she’s been a high school teacher, an assistant principal, a curriculum support coach, a volleyball coach, and director of curriculum. Today, Johnson serves as the principal of Innovation Academy at South Campus in Smithfield, North Carolina. As a Meredith alumna, Johnson values the importance of a high-quality, personalized education, and the goal of Innovation Academy is to offer that to as many students as possible. “We are focused on bringing in rising sixth graders from the densest pockets of poverty along the I-95 corridor who have the potential to be the first in their families to go to college,” said Johnson. “Our goal is to close the predictability gap by empowering our students to change the world.” When Innovation Academy opened in 2017, it was a lab school designed to experiment with cutting edge practices rooted in relationships, relevance, and of course: innovation. Currently, Johnson said these concepts manifest in personalized learning pathways, project-based learning experiences, standards and competencybased teaching, learning, grading and feedback, and social-emotional learning restorative practices. “We equip students uniquely to be problem-solvers who are adaptable, courageous, and passionate in whatever endeavor(s) they choose,” said Johnson. “As part of the visioning and creation team for this school, it is a huge blessing to have the opportunity to lead teachers bringing that vision to life each day.” As the principal and Lead Learner at the Academy, there is nothing typical about what Johnson’s job looks like on a daily basis. “It’s all based on what the greatest needs are at the time,” she said. Leading meetings, observing and evaluating staff, coaching and disciplining students, networking with community stakeholders and colleagues, fielding parent calls, even cleaning cafeteria tables - Johnson’s role requires a little bit of everything. What she values the most about her career is the investment she’s able to make in both children and adults each day. “When we pause to reflect, it is likely that each of us has been the beneficiary of at least one person who invested in us and helped us to become the current version of ourselves,” she said. Johnson had several people invest in her during her time at Meredith, when she won three volleyball championships, was a part of the Teaching Fellows program, and formed friendships that are still important to her. Now, Johnson enjoys watching young women that she’s taught and coached over the years enjoy their Meredith academic and athletic experiences as well. “There’s nothing like the bond among women who share the Meredith College experience.”

me re d i th.e d u

for the Johnston County Association of Realtors.

2000 Katherine Livingston Saudo made partner at

KPMG LLP in October 2019. Danielle LetourneauTherrien became the chief of staff to the Mayor of

Greenfield, Mass., on January 1, 2020.

2001 Ashley Beal Clos began a new position as lead

project management specialist for Verizon. Hilary Allen encourages everyone to start saving the

date for our next Reunion, which will be held in May 2021. We hope to see many classmates on campus for our 20th Reunion!

2002 Jean Metz Cole is the senior product manager

at GK Software. Suzanne Parker Miller is the executive director for Pastors for NC Children, which launched in early 2020. The mission of the organization is to mobilize faith leaders to advocate for justice for public schools. This is the seventh state to join the Pastors for Children network.

2003 Sakeena Iman Abdulraheem obtained her M.A.

in counseling psychology in December 2013. She is married and living in the San Francisco Bay area of California, where she works as a bilingual mental health specialist and associate professional clinical counselor for Wellness Together. Lara Stroud Dick was granted tenure and promoted to associ-

ate professor of mathematics at Bucknell University. Jacqueline Phillips Weatherly-Cadzow had a solo art

exhibition at the N.C. Estuarium in the spring of 2020.

2004 Amanda Vause Holloman is a middle school

language arts teacher and forensics coach at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in Suffolk, Va.

2005 Kendra Keech Alexander was promoted to associ-

ate vice chancellor of development at East Carolina

University. Sarah Apple Campbell is now a real es-

members in Kuwait. Meredith Robertson Monday is

distributes organic products to health stores across

tate agent with Sarah A. Campbell Keller Williams Re-

a senior legal affairs associate at FM:Systems.

Canada. Hayley McPhail Walston is a real estate

alty. Abby McAlister Littlefield won the Excellence in

agent with RE/MAX United.

Advising - Primary Role Award (Region 3) from the

2006

National Academic Advising Association. She was

Jill Rogers is an academic advisor at UNC Char-

2011

scheduled to be recognized at the regional conference

lotte. Michelle Scott is now a business systems

Nataleigh Timberlake Carscaddon and her

in Lexington, Ky. in April 2020. This award recognizes

analyst at Cook Medical in Bloomington, Ind. Tammy

husband are in the adoption process with hopes

individuals whose primary role at the institution is the

Smith has her master’s in public health, is a certi-

of placement within the year. Emery Lai graduated

direct delivery of advising services to students. Prior

fied health education specialist, and is pursuing her

from UNC Greensboro with a Master’s in Library

to winning this award, Littlefield was the recipient of

Ph.D. in public health and post master’s certificate

and Information Studies. Adair Mueller will be

the first annual Wake Technical Community College

in epidemiology. She also has two nonprofit orga-

opening her business, Durham Food Hall, this

Outstanding Academic Advisor of the Year Award

nizations called Women Inspired Now Network and

year. Caroline Ashworth Paris recently moved to

2018-2019. Lacey Maddrey is in her tenth year as

Steps in Healthcare Education, or SHE, for women

Denver, Colo.

a clinical social worker for the District of Columbia

in the health industry. Smith is now creating a STEM

Public School System. Kathryn Maitrejean is com-

program for underprivileged children. She is a pro-

2013

mander of the 386th Expeditionary Force Support

gram coordinator for children’s health at Community

Samantha Wiggins Bennett started a new job as a

Squadron at Ali Al Salem, Kuwait. She was selected

Health Coalition and a laboratory manager at RA-

4-H agent with Jones County Cooperative Extension.

for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air

PHA substance abuse clinic, both in Durham, N.C.

Force and is currently serving as a squadron com-

Smith’s daughter turned ten this past May.

mander leading a team of 105 airmen providing

NEW ARRIVALS

recreation, lodging, meals, fitness, facilities, postal

2008

1974

operations, human resources, and mortuary opera-

Allison Slight works in Montreal, Quebec, for

Peggy Stone Lamm, a granddaughter, Tallie Ann

tions in support of more than 4,700 deployed service

a small business called Cha’s Organics, which

Poper, 7/8/19.

SAVE THE DATE

N OV E M B E R

6-7 2020

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 • 4 P.M.

Can Art Cornhuskin’ SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 • 3:30 P.M.

PARADE 3 ALUMNAE PICNIC 3 CLASS COMPETITION

Summer 2020 | MEREDITH MA GA ZIN E

ALUMNAE

CONNECTION

1976 Jackie Owen Stallings, a granddaughter, Lily Ann,

Claire Grace, 2/13/20. Emily Hedrick Towery, a daughter, Savannah Anne, 11/1/19.

Rebekah Taylor to Jordi Hernandez, 1/18/20.

12/16/19.

2009

1999

Aubrey Jones Lee, a son, Samuel Townes,

Ginger Hudson, a son, Grayson Reid Hudson-

Sovinsky, 9/15/19.

2002 Emily Roudabush Anderson, a daughter, Hannah

11/25/19.

Ashley

Lewis

Sivels,

son,

Clark Dalton, 10/12/19. Stephanie Mangum Stephenson, a son, Paxton River, 4/24/19. Toni Triarico, a daughter, Jacee Bryn Hamright,

2/18/20.

Elizabeth, 1/1/20.

2010

2003

Lindsay Astor Childress, a son, Walter Thurman,

Sejal Patel, a son, Ravi Mehul, 5/8/19.

2004 Lauren Arsuffi, a son, Jory Kirk Marr, 8/25/18. Ivy Sparkman Black , a son, Henry Wall, 8/1/19. Leigh Ward Brice, a daughter, Anne Neill, 9/30/19. Amanda Smith Browning , a son, Landon Cole,

8/8/19. Miranda McCall, twin daughters, Finley Taylor and Harper Wren, 1/1/20.

2005 Lacey Maddrey, a daughter, Zola Mae Maddrey

Snell, 8/19/17. Jenni Drew Smith, a daughter, Mary Barrett, 11/11/19.

2006 Mary Rand Harward, a son, William Harrison,

5/16/19. Jennifer Noel Henderson, a son, Michael Lee, 12/12/19.

2007 Adrienne Kralick Walker, a son, Joshua Lawrence,

10/28/19.

2008 Meredith Joyner Bartlett , a daughter, Amelia Ruth,

11/8/19.

2010 Shameka Lane to Gerod Ruffin, 1/11/20.

2012 Ashlea Armstrong to Gary Ray, 11/9/19. Lauren Johnson to William Stryker, 11/2/19.

Lenelle Welch to Matthew Hines, 11/30/19.

11/6/19. Beth Howard, a daughter, Mary Grace Francis Sugar, 12/7/19. Katherine Thomas Jones,

2016

a daughter, Charlotte Dale, 12/1/19. Annelise

Brooke Mayo to Ian Shenk, 10/12/19.

Landreth, a son, Michael Nathaniel, 12/5/19. Anestasia Gates Rhyne, a son, Charles Henry,

7/27/19.

DEATHS

2012

Elizabeth Lee Hostetler Ponton Chamblee,

Kirsten Reid Watson, a son, Liam Matthew,

1941 12/25/19.

10/16/19.

2015

1943 Ione Kemp Knight , 1/4/20.

Katti Caraballo Kerns, a daughter, Blythe Hazel,

9/23/19.

1945

2017

Laura Snow Lagos, 1/24/20.

Kayla Terry Roberts, a son, Jones David, 12/4/19.

MARRIAGES

1999 Ginger Hudson to Stephen Sovinsky, 7/28/18.

Laura Ellen McDaniel Walker, 9/21/19.

1946 Dorothy “Dot” Tippett White Holland, 2/8/20.

1948 Billie Phillips Lovelace, 2/14/20.

Amanda Bunn to Daniel Berry, 10/5/19.

Knowles, a son, Hunter Henderson, 12/4/19. Carol

2004

Roberson Oakes, a daughter, Catherine “Catie”

Amanda Vause to Karl Holloman, 12/30/19.

Anna Edwards Potter, a son, Sullivan Stewart,

2005

12/29/18. Molly Aiken Proudfit , a daughter,

Lacey Maddrey to Henning Snell, 7/10/17.

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Mackenzie Lyons to Mark Rackley, 1/19/20.

Maggie Ruth Clifton, a daughter, Eleanor Ruth,

2001

Carrie Oliver to Callaway Turner, 4/27/19.

2014

Elizabeth, 10/31/19. Melissa Staley Harvey,

McRae, 1/2/20 and a son, Robert Colin, 9/17/14.

2008

2011

8/24/19. Kali Shuford Blaine, a daughter, Audrey daughter, Eleanor Grey, 4/27/19. Meagan Millen

2006

1949 Marie Snelling Jones, 1/1/20. Melba Byrd Musselwhite, 11/20/19.

1951 Joyce Bailey Getzen, 2/11/20. Mary Baity Wright , 11/27/19.

1952 Caroline Merritt Childress, 9/28/18. Ernestine Nance Newman, 2/24/20.

1953 Hollis Howard Broadfoot , 11/7/19. Ida Stanley Mears, 12/11/19.

1954 Barbara Propst Andrews,

1/3/20. Gordie

Maxwell Corbin, 11/14/19. Doris Knott Talley,

2/22/20.

1955 Frances Patterson Ingram, 10/29/19. Annette Caudle Tarlton, 2/19/20.

1956 Betty Smith Murray, 9/27/19.

1958 Nancy Carol Joyner, 12/19/19. Margaret Creech Sutton, 2/7/20.

1959 Samantha “Mickey” Robinson Geoghegan,

2/9/20.

1960 Gladys Rozier Osborne, 2/17/20.

1961 Imogene Harrelson Jones, 11/24/2019. Claudia Parrish, 2/5/20.

1964 Suellen Walter Edens, 1/25/20.

1965 Faye Autry Jackson, 12/10/19.

1968 Teese Ayers Griffin, 12/1/19. Ruth Fulk Rhodes, 11/17/19.

1969

[ALUMNAE GOING STRONG]

LAURA TAYLOR ALRIDGE, ’88 Alridge Named President of the Largest Consumer Bankruptcy Firm in Virginia By Cailyn Whitman, ’18 Fresh out of law school in the early ’90’s, Laura Taylor Alridge, ’88, sat down with a lawyer over coffee and, in her opinion, “said all the wrong things you could say in an interview.” Today, she serves as the president and shareholder of that same man’s bankruptcy firm, Boleman Law. “I didn’t think the meeting was going well, but then he said, ‘well, maybe we could do something together’ and I said, ‘done.’” Alridge has been with Boleman Law for over 22 years. In that time, it’s become the largest bankruptcy firm in the state of Virginia. She started out there as an attorney, then was promoted to a shareholder, then vice president, and last fall, she was promoted to president. Alridge credits her longevity to a number of different factors. She credits her parents for setting a good example of hard work, and Boleman and his wife for their mentorship. She also credits Meredith. “You couldn’t fall through the cracks there,” she said. “Professors actually cared if you showed up or not.” As an undergraduate, Alridge didn’t foresee herself becoming the powerful woman in law that she is today. She was a history major, but after graduating, decided to enter the paralegal program to gain more skills. After receiving that certificate, she started working in alternative dispute resolution and discovered a love for law and helping others. Her decision to take the next step and pursue law school came not long after she started working in the field. And once Alridge got into bankruptcy settlement, she never looked back. She recognizes there’s a lot of stigma around her field of law, but at the heart of it is helping families. “In commercial law, you might be able to save a corporation. But in bankruptcy, I can save a family. And that gives me great job satisfaction,” she said. Another passion of Alridge’s is supporting women in law. She serves as a founding member and the secretary of the Virginia chapter of the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC). She was also named a member of the 2020 Class of Influential Women of Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly. “That was an incredible honor,” she said. Her passion for supporting women stems from her appreciation of attending a women’s college. “I never viewed women as competition, I’ve always viewed them as my sisters – and that’s all thanks to Meredith.” Looking forward, Alridge hopes to continue carrying out Boleman’s vision for Boleman Law, and she feels incredibly humbled that she’s been entrusted with that responsibility.

Kathryn Queen Blanton, 1/4/20.

S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

ALUMNAE

CONNECTION

1973

1996

1962

Fran McCracken Means, 12/2/19.

Beth Brinkley Edwards, 2/4/20.

Doris Yates Rogers in the death of her brother-

in-law.

1974

2005

Elizabeth Hall Brewer, 1/23/20.

Christine Beate Willett , 1/25/20.

Renee Grill Gravel, 1/15/20

1976

1964 Peggy Pruitt Benson in the death of her brother-in-law.

IN SYMPATHY

1965

Nancy Ballentine Elliott , 11/29/19.

1954

Linda Jenkins Kiser, 9/21/19.

Dorothy Knott Preston in the death of her sister.

1987

1955

Rosemarie Hopkins Cooper, 11/8/19.

Shirley McLean Davis in the death of her husband.

mother.

1993

1960

1968

Allison Walker Whitlatch, 12/20/19.

Elaine Yates Rogers in the death of her husband.

Shan Pruitt Rock in the death of her husband.

1995

1961

1972

Katheryn Hoyle Everette, 12/12/19.

Anita Everett Powell in the death of her husband.

Dianne Jones Moser in the death of her mother.

Lura Penney Stringer in the death of her brother.

1966 Elizabeth Ponton Manning in the death of her

Looking to have your ring upgraded or resized? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the next Jostens campus visit! Jostens will be on campus August 26-28, 2020, in the Alumnae House Parlor to assist with ring purchases, upgrades, and resizing. To browse ring options, visit the Meredith College Collection at Jostens.com. For more information on resizing and warranties, contact Jostens directly at (800) 854-7464. For general questions, please contact the Office of Alumnae Relations at (919) 760-8548 or alumnae@meredith.edu.

me re d i th.e d u

1975 Luanne Jones Arrington in the death of her

mother. Robin Rhodes Dailey in the death of her mother.

1976 Lynn Green Gardner in the death of her father.

1977 Julee Haley Carr in the death of her mother. Catherine McCracken James in the death of her sister.

1978 Sherry Singer Dunbar in the death of her mother.

1979 Karen Smith Lee in the death of her mother.

1980 Gay Grimsley in the death of her mother and aunt. Phama Mullen Larsen-Johnston in the death of

her father. Sally Merrill Pittman in the death of her mother.

1981 Lori Page Clay in the death of her mother. Beth White Horton in the death of her father. Janet Green Rosie in the death of her father.

1982 Becky White Tapp in the death of her father.

1984 Karen Sutton Dyson in the death of her mother.

1985 Jena Muntz Gallagher in the death of her step-

mother. Autney Reavis Nelms in the death of her mother. Emily Tolleson Rowell in the death of her daughter.

1986 Sandra Critzer Close in the death of her husband. Nancy Humbert Sweeny in the death of her aunt.

[ALUMNAE GOING STRONG]

ASHLYNN BROWNING, ’00 Meredith Alumna Serves as Guest Curator of NCMA Exhibit By Cailyn Whitman, ’18 Unlike many college students who wait until their sophomore or junior year to decide on a career path, Ashlynn Browning, ’00, went into college with one goal: to become a professional artist. However, Browning didn’t take the traditional path that many artists do. Majoring in studio art was her primary focus, but she always loved literature and writing as well - so double majoring in English was a natural fit. “The creative and analytical process is very similar in a lot of ways with writing and art, so the two majors really fed each other and cross-pollinated ideas in interesting ways,” said Browning. And while one might assume the art degree has been the most beneficial in her career, Browning says her English degree is put to use just as frequently. She uses the knowledge from her English degree while writing artist statements, proposals, and most recently, when she wrote the accompanying wall text and essays for the exhibition she curated at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA). The exhibition is titled Front Burner: Highlights in Contemporary North Carolina Painting. It features paintings of many different styles with one common goal: to serve as an antidote to chaos and an invitation to slow down and set order to the disorienting environment around us. “I wanted to feel some semblance of control over my environment and create something beautiful and positive,” said Browning. Browning has participated in exhibitions in Charlotte, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Columbia, South Carolina. She’s also been featured in the 2009 and the 2015 Southern Edition of New American Paintings, and has been reviewed by Burnaway, The Washington Post, Washington City Paper, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. When she’s not in the studio or curating exhibitions, Browning enjoys mentoring other young artists at Meredith. Each spring, she returns to work with Lisa Pearce’s students to help them select work for their senior exhibition. “It’s easy for me to remember the excitement of that process when I was a student,” she said. “And I really enjoy getting to be part of that experience again.” Her advice to aspiring artists is to go for it and understand you will get out of it what you put in. “If you have talent and work hard, the opportunities are endless.”

S ummer 2020 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

ALUMNAE

CONNECTION

1987 Dorcas Hostetler Douglas in the death of her

aunt. Lou Ann Qualls Wollett in the death of her father.

1988 Celeste “Cici” Harris Pageau in the death

of her mother.

1989 Melissa Johnson Lankford in the death of

her father.

1990 Anne Whiteside Ahl in the death of her

father.

1991 Tara Faulkner Graham in the death of her

father.

1993 Karen Nipper North in the death of her

father.

2002 Angela Frederick in the death of her mother.

2003 Tasha Matheny Michaels in the death of her

grandfather.

2009 Katie Clark in the death of her father.

Be a Part of the Onyx Society and Keep Meredith College

GOING STRONG.

The Onyx Society recognizes Meredith’s most loyal alumnae/i, parents, faculty, staff, and friends who support the College with gifts of any amount for three or more consecutive fiscal years.

2013

Consistent giving is important to Meredith’s success. Support from annual

Kaylee Dyson Stith in the death of her

gifts helps to create and sustain innovative academic programs, support

grandmother.

faculty research, beautify our iconic campus, and enhance student life.

2018 Lauren Lynn in the death of her sister.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Erin Cleghorn, director of The Meredith Fund at cleghorn@meredith.edu or (919) 760-8060.

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