Meredith College Magazine Summer 2017

A Publication for Alumnae and Friends of Meredith College

Summer 2017, Volume 42, Number 2

M A G A Z I N E

SANSEPOLCRO Meredith’s Tuscan Home in the Heart of Italy

Meredith Magazine Volume 42, Number 2 Summer 2017 Executive Editor Kristi Eaves-McLennan, ’14, MBA Managing Editors Melyssa Allen Karen T. Dunton Assistant Editor Gaye Hill

CONTENTS FEATURES 16 BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

How Meredith is preparing women to succeed in engineering

Writers Reah Nicholson Emily Parker

23 THE STRONGEST CITY IN AMERICA

Art Director Vanessa Harris

Designer Margaret McIver, ’09 Alumnae Connection Editors Hilary Allen, ’01 Savannah Phillips, ’16 Contributing Writers Yessy Anorve-Basoria, ’19 Cailyn Clymore, ’18 Molly Horton, ’17 Sarah Lindenfeld Hall Walda Powell Illustrator Jen Leiner, ’10 Photographers Jamie Betts Christopher Ferrer Peter Finger Kaili Ingram Travis Jack Gary Knight Brian Lynn Charlotte Claypoole McKinney Susan Murray Brian Smith Caleigh Thomas, ’16 Michael Zirkle Meredith College Faculty & Staff Meredith Magazine exists to serve the Meredith community by providing readers with insight and information about the news, activities, events, programs, plans, and people of the College. Meredith Magazine is published three times a year by the Meredith College Department of Marketing. Questions or comments may be submitted to marketing@meredith.edu. © 2017 Meredith College. The Meredith name and wordmark are registered trademarks of Meredith College and may not be used without permission. All rights reserved. 17-033 Correction: In the Spring 2017 Meredith Magazine, the wrong caduceus (a medical symbol) was used in the feature “Empowered to Succeed.” The correct symbol, used by the American Medical Association, is a staff with one serpent, rather than a staff with two serpents.

An ideal location in Raleigh is helping students and graduates (and Meredith) flourish

26 SANSEPOLCRO

Meredith's Tuscan home in the heart of Italy

32 GAINING GROUND, LOSING GROUND

Meredith revisits the ‘Status of Girls in North Carolina’

NEWS 6

Notables on Campus

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The Meredith Poll Examines Perceptions of Fake News

14 Porter Byrum: A Champion for Students (1920-2017) 15 Faculty Distinguished Lecture Explores Shakespeare’s

Strong Women

IN EVERY ISSUE 1

Meredith Campus News

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Letter from the President

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Meredith Experts in the News

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Newsmakers

11 Strong Stories 34 Beyond Strong | The Campaign for Meredith 38 Alumnae Connection On the Cover: Sansepolcro, located in Tuscany, is Meredith College’s home in Italy, and has been the site of study abroad programs for the College since 1992.

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NEWS When presenting the 2017 Faculty Distinguished Lecture, Professor of English Garry Walton had help bringing “Shakespeare’s Strong Women” to life. Six actors, including two current students and two alumnae, performed scenes that illustrated the points of Walton’s lecture. Read more on page 15.

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NEWS

Meredith College Holds 2017 Commencement

By Gaye Hill

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eredith College held its 2017 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13 at 7 p.m. in Dorton Arena.

The ceremony was a celebration of the graduates’ many achievements, with approximately 470 degrees conferred. Speakers highlighted the importance of those who provided invaluable support to the graduates, including family members, spouses, mentors, and friends.

The commencement address was given

by Becky Jacobs, chief engagement officer at Simple Change Wellness.

Jacobs has spent almost two decades as an operations leader focused on building teams, driving process improvements, and delivering change management programs. Reflecting on her own professional and personal growth, she spoke about the importance of overcoming fears and offered practical ways to do so.

Noting that “some of the biggest barriers you will face are in your own head,” Jacobs told the graduates to seek out others who have faith in them.

“As you look around this room tonight, you are surrounded by people who believe in you, and will be there if you need them but you have to ask.”

As is customary, graduates were represented by two student speakers, one undergraduate and one graduate.

Christopher Doi spoke on behalf of the master’s candidates. Doi, who received his Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in elementary education in December of 2016, is currently a sixth grade English language arts teacher at Hawfields Middle School.

“As you look around this room tonight, you are surrounded by people who believe in you, and will be there if you need them - but you have to ask.”

– Becky Jacobs

He spoke about the importance of professional mentors, noting that they often seem to say exactly what we need to hear at precisely the right time.

“Graduate students are often changing careers or at the very least changing responsibilities within their current profession,” said Doi.

Watch 2017 Commencement highlights at youtube.com/meredithcollege.

Success After Meredith Meredith 2017 graduates have accepted positions with organizations including Credit Suisse, MetLife, EcoLab, the EPA, Wake County Public Schools, and Cisco. Others will pursue graduate study at universities including Duke University, Chicago Theological Seminary, North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Western Carolina University, and Vanderbilt University.

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Read more student success stories at meredith.edu/goingstrong.

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“As exciting as these new changes may be, there will be times of uncertainty and anxiety.

It’s in these moments that I hope that you confide in a mentor.”

Katerina Pittman Ross, president of the Class of 2017, spoke on behalf of the undergraduate candidates. She recalled her own arrival on Meredith’s campus, describing the growth she and her classmates had experienced throughout their four years and the lasting connections they had made.

“From the wonderful faculty who have served as mentors, to the friends who stayed up late with us as we prepared for Cornhuskin’ and CSA Day presentations, it is no wonder saying goodbye is difficult.”

As the commencement ceremony drew to a close, the new graduates formed a circle, holding candles to symbolize the education they have received as a light each takes into the world. President Allen invited the audience to reflect on the critical role they played in supporting the graduates to reach this point in their lives.

“Your presence here tonight is a testimony to the support you have extended and the gratitude that our graduates feel for you.”

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NEWS

Artist rendering of “Timeless” marker

Meredith Celebrates Conclusion of Anniversary Year

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he Meredith College community gathered to celebrate the 126th anniversary of the College’s founding on Monday, February 27, 2017. The reception in Johnson Hall also marked the official end of Meredith’s yearlong celebration of its 125th anniversary.

“We are here today to commemorate time: our past, our present, and our future. We celebrate the persons and vision that led to the successful creation of Meredith College,” said President Jo Allen, ’80. “Thanks to the ideals and efforts of people like Thomas Meredith, Lamar Stringfield, and Leonidas Polk, our college is celebrating the conclusion of our 125th

year of educational excellence and community service in Raleigh.”

The event included the unveiling of a new Thomas Meredith memorial, where a 125th anniversary time capsule will be enclosed.

The new marker, which is called “Timeless,” includes materials and design elements that connect to other landmarks on campus, such as the new Johnson Hall fountain and the armillary on top of the Science and Mathematics Building.

Watch a video about Founders’ Day at youtube.com/meredithcollege.

Aubrecht Receives Statewide Advocacy Award

By Gaye Hill

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rofessor of Psychology Lyn Aubrecht has been awarded the James J. Gallagher Advocacy Award by the North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented (NCAGT). The award is presented to an individual inside or outside the field of gifted education who has been a consistent advocate on behalf of gifted students and a voice for supporting gifted education in North Carolina.

In making the award, NCAGT noted Aubrecht’s lifetime of advocacy for gifted learners as a parent and a professor. They also commended his help in preparing the Creech Bill (legislation that required an appropriate education for all exceptional children, including gifted and talented students), his leadership in professional organizations such as NCAGT and Partners for the Advancement of Gifted Education (PAGE), and his dedication to legislation, policies, and programs impacting the lives of gifted students.

Aubrecht joined the Meredith faculty in 1974. His special interests include intelligence and the practical applications of psychology,

which have led to his support of research opportunities for undergraduate students and his long-term advocacy for appropriate educational opportunities for gifted children.

“This award is the highest honor that could be bestowed upon Dr. Aubrecht by an organization he has spent a lifetime serving,” said Cynthia Edwards, department head and professor of psychology.

While at Meredith, Aubrecht has received the Outstanding Christian Teacher Award, was selected by the American Psychological Association to be a Congressional Science Fellow, and was a Meredith nominee for U.S. National Professor of the Year.

Between 2005-09, Aubrecht served as head of the Department of Psychology. In 2006, Aubrecht was selected to present Meredith’s Faculty Distinguished Lecture.

The North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented (NCAGT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the educational and social-emotional needs of academically and/or intellectually gifted students.

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Catalyst The Office of Career Planning (OCP) and Office of Alumnae Relations partnered with Catalyst, the nation’s leading nonprofit with a mission to accelerate progress for women through workplace inclusion, to sponsor the Strong Women to Success event on March 28. The goal of the event was to help students learn how to be successful in their careers, and to teach them about the importance of sponsorship in the professional world. The event featured a panel discussion that included three Meredith alumnae, Josephine Cooper, ’67, Kate Breen, ’01, and Angie Ramkellawan Kondub, ’14, who discussed the role of sponsorship and mentorship in their careers.

Class of 2020 Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Fire & Water Tradition

By Cailyn Clymore, ’18

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or two decades, Meredith has held Fire & Water, an end-of-theyear celebration for first-year students.

First Year Experience Co-Director Chrissie Bumgardner started this tradition in 1997 to allow freshmen to reflect on a successful transition into college. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the tradition.

“The focus of the tradition is to give students a chance to rejoice in their achievements and new friendships,” said Bumgardner. “It’s also about overcoming any negative experiences or mistakes that happened during their freshmen year.”

The tradition features a formal dinner with guest speakers and special entertainment. At the end of the night, each student writes down her best and worst memories of freshman year on small sheets of paper. The worst memory gets tossed in a fire pit and the best memory is floated in the Johnson Hall fountain.

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Students celebrate the end of their first year at Meredith with Fire & Water.

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NEWS

Investing in Meredith College

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ur $75 million campaign for Meredith, Beyond Strong, continues to gain momentum and produce great results with record fundraising, enhanced visibility, and generous “buzz” about the College. We count every dollar as your extraordinary investment in Meredith College.

Already, we are seeing the dynamic results of investing in the College. First is the investment in scholarships that support greater enrollment outcomes (2015 saw the second largest new student enrollment in the history of the College, while 2016 saw the highest number of applications in the history of the College). These enrollment statistics tell us that more students are considering Meredith (part of that buzz I mentioned) and that support for scholarships and financial aid (for academic merit and for financial need) has never been more critical – or impactful.

Second is the investment in our faculty and staff, whose professional qualifications and productivity are prime testimony to their rigorous intellectual abilities, their up-to-date content and teaching methods, and their care for the academic and personal success of each student. Interestingly, in our latest 24-hour day of giving challenge, when asked whom they wanted to honor with their gifts, the overwhelming majority of donors specified not a roommate or relative or friend, but a faculty or staff member.

The third form of investment in the College supports our facilities, most notably demonstrated by the recent renovation of Johnson Hall. We are underway with the construction of a new fitness center and have plans to renovate Kresge Auditorium, residence hall lounges (parlors), and classroom/office space.

Other investments include supporting our initiative to enhance

our visibility. Our brand, Going Strong, is met with widespread kudos from our students, alumnae, and even from our competitors.

(No wonder the marketing team just won four professional recognition awards from CASE, the national organization supporting higher education marketing and fundraising!)

The other side of the equation, of course, is our own responsibility to hold down costs of tuition and fees as much as possible. In the past three years, we have held annual tuition increases to less than 3.9%. Any increase reflects the rising costs we face – costs that reverberate through every aspect of the College. Just as with a small city, Meredith has to support housing (residence halls), restaurants (Belk Dining Hall and the BeeHive Cafe), security, utilities, maintenance, grounds, housekeeping, transportation, entertainment – all in addition to the primary mission and investment of the College in classrooms, the library, technology, and, of course, our exceptional faculty and staff.

Ultimately, being able to fund all these elements of a quality experience demonstrates why we are so very grateful for all that our donors invest in Meredith. If you have made a gift to Meredith to support our work, to invest in the next generation of outstanding leaders, and to reflect any of the gratitude and passion you feel for this College, we thank you. You have made a wise investment.

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“I have always seen boundaries that marked a ‘woman’s place’ and fought against them. You are never wrong to demand equality.”

– Elaine Marshall

Notables on Campus N.C. Secretary of State Presents Woman of Achievement Lecture On a night honoring her achievements, North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall told a Meredith College audience about “stumbling blocks and stepping stones” she had encountered during her career.

While walking the audience through her path from college, to teaching, to practicing law, and then to politics, Marshall offered words of wisdom for those following in her footsteps. “The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is up to you, it’s what you make of it,” Marshall said.

“Never let others define your limits.”

During a public lecture held on February 27, President Jo Allen presented Marshall with Meredith’s 2017 Woman of Achievement Award, which recognizes women who are inspirational role models. A former member of Meredith’s Board of Trustees, Marshall is the first woman to be elected to statewide office in North Carolina.

The Woman of Achievement event

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was presented in observance of Founders’ Day by The Presidential Lecture Series at Meredith College and by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Previous recipients include former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarah Parker, journalist Judy Woodruff, Tony Award-winning choreographer Twyla Tharp, and environmentalist Celine Cousteau.

Michael Fabiano Holds Master Class Michael Fabiano, a tenor with the Metropolitan Opera, held a Master Class at Meredith College on March 29.

Five Meredith music students were able to perform for Fabiano during the class, which was open to the public.

Fabiano is considered one of the greatest tenors in the world today.

Fabiano returned to the Metropolitan Opera for performances as Rodolfo in La Bohème and Alfredo in La Traviata.

He was the guest soloist for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Grand Finals Concert, and performed in the Met’s 50th Anniversary Gala at Lincoln Center. In addition, he has graced concert stages with some of the world’s most acclaimed orchestras such as the Cleveland Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles

Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic, and the Vienna Symphony.

Fabiano has numerous Meredith connections. He is the son of alumna Carole Lynne Burbank Fabiano, ’77, and grandson of Betty Jean Donley Burbank, ’47. His great aunt was Beatrice Donley, former head of the Meredith College voice program.

By the Numbers: Study Abroad Study abroad is an important way Meredith College prepares its students to become global citizens. This summer, the College is sponsoring 11 study abroad programs and 18 faculty are teaching abroad. Here are a few statistics that show the impact of study abroad this year. Learn more about Meredith in Italy, the College’s signature study abroad program, on page 26.

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Number of Meredith students studying abroad in summer 2017, the highest number since 2009

Countries where Meredith students studied in 2016-17 (Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, Spain, Denmark, Australia, and Mexico)

Distance from Meredith to Brisbane, Australia, the furthest number of miles traveled to study abroad in 2017

9,373

Meredith Experts in the News Meredith faculty and staff have served as experts in a wide variety of news outlets, including The New York Times, National Public Radio, and Inside Higher Ed. “[The flier] promoted a hidden curriculum that suggests that young women’s bodies are objects to be consumed by men, and that it is up to women to police the behavior of men. They must modify themselves in order to keep men’s impulses in check, placing the burden of sexual responsibility solely on the shoulders of young women.”

– Associate Professor of Sociology Amie Hess, in a New York Times article about the controversy caused by flyers in a Florida high school advising on “good girl” prom attire.

“However exhilarating that first year can be, it’s important for an institution’s marketing team not to get caught up in all of the excitement (and exhaustion!) of the success of the launch year, and think their work is done. It takes years for an adequately funded, effective branding campaign to truly change perceptions and consistently enhance enrollment and fundraising.”

– Executive Director of Marketing Kristi Eaves-McLennan, in an Inside Higher Ed article about successful branding campaigns.

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Number of students studying in the Meredith in Italy program in 2016-17

“[Putin is] notoriously vain so it is the perfect convergence: for Putin to be mocked in an image, and done so in a way that overtly invokes homosexuality, would indeed draw the particular ire of the regime.”

— Professor of History Greg Vitarbo offered expert comments in an article in The New York Times about a cartoon image of Vladimir Putin wearing makeup that has been banned in Russia.

“Walter Jones is Walter Jones, I think that is the best way to describe him. He’s sort of an anomaly.

He takes bold stands, whether it be against the Iraq war ... or now to eliminate the Department of Education right after Betsy DeVos was approved as the cabinet secretary.”

–Visiting Professor of Political Science David McLennan, in a National Public Radio profile of North Carolina Representative Walter Jones.

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Subscribe to Meredith’s YouTube channel to make sure you won’t miss any new episodes of The Meredith Minute video series.

Are “natural” products safer than synthetic?

By Walda Powell

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ften the term “natural” is used to convey the idea that a product is safe or of better quality. Today the media play on our fears to make us guarded and uncertain of synthetic chemicals in our food and other products; however, synthetic substances should not be assumed to be toxic.

“Natural” is defined as “existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind.” Therefore, “natural” is an ambiguous term. In fact, the FDA has not developed a definition for the term “natural” for food labels. It allows the term “natural” to be used on foods to suggest no added colors or artificial ingredients. Society may equate the term with health and safety, but this is not always true.

Chemical compounds produced synthetically or in nature have the same chemical structure and properties. Ethanol, for example, whether it is formed by organisms or by

humans, has the same boiling point, density and for the most part, the same biological behavior. As a synthetic organic chemist, producing synthetic drugs or isolating natural products has been an important part of my desire to improve our quality of life. Producing an active ingredient for medicine in larger amounts free from harmful impurities and incorporating properties such as slow release or better digestibility have been invaluable to the medical community.

Further, natural compounds can be highly toxic. Bacteria, plants, and animals make toxic natural compounds to use for their defense or protection, thereby participating in their own chemical warfare. One of the most toxic chemical compounds is a natural compound, botulinum, which can be found in plants, soil, water and the intestinal tracts of animals. Botulinum has a microscopic lethal dose (LD50). This means that, on

average, 50% of average-sized adults would die from tiny exposures to the botulinum.

On the other hand, sugar has a high LD50, meaning that it would require very large doses of exposure to be fatal to half of the exposed population.

Like botulinum, many molecules are harmful in small quantities, but others, like sugar, are relatively harmless (though not necessarily healthy), even in high doses.

Whether a compound is natural or synthetic, “the dose makes the poison.”1 So my message to you is not to fear chemical compounds, whether synthetic or natural, but to stay informed as to which chemicals deserve our caution as reported by agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And remember, many natural compounds can be just as harmful as synthetic compounds.

Walda Powell, Ph.D., is a professor of chemistry at Meredith College. She is a member of The American Chemical Society (ACS), Iota Sigma Pi National Honorary Society for Women, and Sigma Xi. Additionally, she has been involved for over a decade with science camps for middle school students and now works with the Girl Scouts Science Camp here at Meredith. She continues to be active in research working with undergraduate students.

1. https://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih2/chemicals/guide/pdfs/lesson2.pdf

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The Meredith Poll Examines Perceptions of Fake News

By Melyssa Allen

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large majority of North Carolina voters believe fake news is a major issue, according to The Meredith Poll, which found that 88.4% of North Carolinians think fake news confuses Americans about politics and government.

This belief in the existence and power of fake news to influence the American political culture affected all groups of North Carolinians equally as there were no significant differences based on party affiliation, age, racial or ethnic group, or where a person is from.

Similarly, a large percentage of North Carolinians (75.2%) report that they come across fake news stories frequently or occasionally.

Again, few differences exist between groups in terms of reporting their exposure to fake news stories.

“North Carolinians are highly suspicious of news stories, as a large majority feel that fake news is a significant issue in their lives, as almost three-quarters of voters feel that they see fake news occasionally or frequently, and a higher number think that fake news is affecting people’s understanding of politics and government,” said Visiting Professor of Political Science David McLennan, one of the directors of The Meredith Poll.

A large majority of voters (81.9%) feel very confident or somewhat confident in their ability to spot fake news. Democrats and Republicans felt equally confident in their ability to spot fake news stories, as did North Carolinians of all age groups.

It is likely that the highly partisan nature of politics in the state and nation has caused North Carolinians to label any political news they disagree with as “fake news.” Although there is evidence of fake news stories that have been spread through social media, the perceived impact of these stories is greater than their actual significance.

The poll also explored media consumption trends among North Carolina voters and views on political polarization. Visit meredith.edu/ college-research for full results.

About The Meredith Poll For this poll, Meredith College used both an email survey and a live-caller, dual frame (landline and cell phone) survey of 876 registered voters of North Carolina between February 19-28, 2017. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points for registered voters. Meredith College students administer the survey as part of the College’s commitment to civic engagement.

Newsmakers Associate Professor of Art Shannon Johnstone is the recipient of two awards in Feature Shoot's Emerging Photographer's Awards. For the first award, she was one of five photographers to receive the cash prize award. The second award was selected by Jennifer Kilberg of Agency Access to receive access to their database and a consultation session.

Assistant Professor of Political Science Whitney Ross Manzo was elected president-elect of the North Carolina Political Science Association for 2017-18 at the organization’s meeting in March. In this role, she will be the director for the group’s next conference.

Softball Coach Kim Scavone collected the USA South Softball Coach of the Year honor for the second time in program history. In her seven seasons with the Avenging Angels, Scavone compiled an overall record of 141-122 and 84-63 in conference action. This year marks her fourth 20-plus wins season, and she dropped below .500 in USA South play just once in her Meredith career.

Director of International Programs Brooke Shurer has been nominated to serve on the Advisory Board for Academic Programs International (API) to help shape study abroad program policy and organization initiatives. API is a longstanding Meredith affiliate study abroad provider.

Director of Instrumental Activities Jim Waddelow adjudicated 60 North Carolina public school orchestras at the 2017 North Carolina Music Educator Association Music Performance Assessment Festival.

Associate Professor of Fashion Merchandising and Design Eunyoung Yang and Assistant Professor of Fashion Merchandising and Design Ali Howell attended the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) Annual Conference in Sligo, Ireland. Yang presented creative scholarship abstracts; “Exploration of Surface Design Techniques” and “Patchwork Imperfections: Integrating Natural Dye and Cultural Inspiration” as individual posters. Howell presented "Exploring Intersectional Identity and Media Literacy through Instagram" and "Negotiations of Modesty: Significant Meanings of Dress among Iranian Muslim Women."

The Meredith Department of Marketing won four awards in the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III competition. Meredith was awarded for writing, graphic design, electronic/digital media, and advertising. The CASE awards recognize the best marketing and communication projects from colleges and universities across the Southeast.

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Fake News Forum Educates Students on How to Identify Credible Sources

By Cailyn Clymore, ’18

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ccording to a recent survey conducted by The Meredith Poll, 88.4% of North Carolinians think fake news confuses Americans about politics and government. This statistic and other findings from the survey led to the organization of the Fake News Forum hosted by the Carlyle Campbell Library on March 15.

The forum, sponsored by the library in partnership with The Meredith Herald staff, included a panel of experts and students from the fields of political science and communication, as well as research librarian Amanda Sullivan.

Sullivan said that debunking fake news begins with asking the following questions: What is the tone of the article? Does it seem biased? What are the author’s credentials? As a research librarian, Sullivan educates students on how to find credible sources to do their research, which is why the topic of fake news is important to her.

“Research your author,” said Sullivan. “Research and critical thinking are the most important things you can do when trying to determine whether or not the news you’re reading is fake.”

Students, faculty, and staff from departments across campus came to hear the panel’s insights on how to tell the difference between

fake and credible news and the impact it is having on today’s society.

Grace Giustiniani, ’20, said the forum was helpful because it made her think twice about where she gets her news. “I don’t always have time to watch the news, so I usually have to get it from social media,” she said. “I realize now that it’s important to fact check and research my sources before accepting something as the truth.”

Media expert and Associate Professor Doug Spero, who represented the communication department on the panel, stressed the importance of using multiple media outlets to receive news. “Don’t be a single media outlet consumer,” he told students. “Being a good citizen means absorbing different accounts of information.”

Panelist Whitney Manzo, assistant professor of political science, agreed with Spero that it’s important to follow both left and right wing authors and publications. Manzo also advised students to check unbiased sources such as Snopes and Politifact to verify news.

Manzo told students that they should focus their energy on trying to educate their peers on the topic. “Political and journalistic tricks have always been around and they will continue to be,” she said. “Instead of trying to tame that monster, educate yourself and your peers on what is and isn’t a credible source. And when you discover a source isn’t credible, you can simply choose not to read them anymore.”

Meredith Mourns Loss of Ida Friday, ’41

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eredith College mourns the loss of Ida Friday, ’41, widow of former UNC System President William Friday, and an important figure in North Carolina history in her own right. Mrs. Friday died on February 6, 2017, at age 97.

Ida Friday served the UNC System from 1956-86 and her community in a variety of ways, including as the first president of the Chapel Hill Preservation Society, and as board member of the League of Women Voters, the Orange County Women’s Center, the

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North Carolina Symphony, and the national board of the American Dance Festival.

In a 2010 interview with Meredith Magazine, William Friday said the luckiest day of his life was the day his wife decided to attend Meredith. The couple met while she studied at the College, resulting in a marriage that lasted for seven decades, until William Friday’s death in 2012.

“Meredith is a wonderful institution that gave Ida opportunities of a lifetime,” said William Friday in that interview. “She came

from a tobacco farm family and wound up as the first lady of a university system. That was quite an achievement.”

The Friday family established The Ida H. Friday Fund in 2010, in honor of Mrs. Friday and her love for Meredith. The fund supports faculty development, with preference given to faculty members who are early in their careers. Ida Friday is survived by her daughters Fran Friday and Mary Leadbetter, two grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren.

STRONG STORIES

Using Her MS Diagnosis for a Purpose

By Reah Nicholson

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iagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the age of four, Briana Landis, ’19, has never wanted her disease to define her. Instead, she wants to use her diagnosis to help others. That passion for making a difference has fueled her involvement at Meredith College.

“I will not let my MS or anything else drag me down,” said Landis. “I decided to turn this disease into a positive opportunity.

I was not going to let it define who I was, but instead I wanted to use it to inspire me to become a better person, and ultimately, one who inspires others.”

When Landis arrived on Meredith’s campus as a freshman, she was set on being a pediatric physician assistant, but after taking her first research class, she was hooked.

One of her favorite things about Meredith is the opportunity to participate in the Undergraduate Research Program. Through that program, she has been able to find her passion for research and has her eyes set on a new career goal.

“I decided to turn this disease into a positive opportunity.”

– Briana Landis, ’19

“After I graduate, I want to pursue a career in medical research, but more specifically Multiple Sclerosis research so that I can help find a cure for MS,” said Landis. “I don’t want any other child or parent, or anyone in general, to ever again hear the words ‘You have MS and there is currently no cure’.”

With a lab partner, Landis completed an undergraduate research project on probiotics and the gastrointestinal tract, which will help with her summer internship. She is working with Simon Gregory, a worldrenowned MS researcher from Duke University, studying probiotics and MS at the David H. Murdock Research Institute in Kannapolis, N.C. “I absolutely love the Undergraduate Research Program,” said Landis. “Being in this program, as well as my many speaking

Briana Landis, ’19

engagements, has given me this opportunity, and being in the program has given me the confidence and skills to be able to participate in such an amazing opportunity.”

Landis is an Honors Scholar, a member of the Elections Board, the Campus Activities Board, and the Review Board. Next year, she will be on the Student Government Association Executive Board, where she will serve as chair of the Elections Board.

Throughout her life, running has always been an outlet for her and a true passion.

Many people with MS lose the ability to walk, to see, or even their cognitive function.

“Being a runner and staying active have actually helped my MS, decreasing the amount of lesions on my brain,” Landis said. “I also give myself shots every other day to help control my MS and to keep it from progressing.”

The sophomore from Mooresville, N.C., has been an advocate for MS since she was a child, putting together an MS Walk Team at the age of five, and earning the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Award at the age of seven, which earned her an appearance on The Montel Williams Show. In 15 years, her team has raised $100,000 for the National MS Society to fund MS research in hopes of finding a cure.

“That experience gave me one goal in life: to help find and fund a cure for MS,” said Landis. “Now, almost ten years later, I have that same goal.”

Because of her passion for finding a cure, she is actively involved with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She has served as the featured speaker at many annual MS Society conferences throughout the year and was awarded the Medal of Valor in Excellence in Leadership.

“Being at Meredith and in Raleigh has given me the opportunity to be near the MS Society headquarters,” said Landis. “It has also given me the tools to not only be a stronger speaker, but also a stronger woman. I love to meet new people and share my story.”

In her spare time, she manages a blog where she writes about living with MS in college and all the great things she has been doing as an advocate fighting the disease.

In preparation for becoming a medical researcher, she plans to earn a master’s and a Ph.D. in molecular biology.

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Find more stories like this one at meredith.edu/ goingstrong.

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Faculty Strong Story: Carol Finley

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rofessor of Dance Carol Finley is an educator, choreographer, and artist who empowers students at Meredith College to pursue their passion for dance and prepares them to be dancers in the “real world.” She helps students build on their individual strengths and gain the knowledge to succeed professionally, such as how to manage their finances and prepare for interviews and auditions.

An award-winning choreographer, Finley enjoys the collaborative nature and creative process of making dances.

Visit youtube.com/meredithcollege to watch her Faculty Strong Story video.

Alumna First Woman to Serve as Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce CEO

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he Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce named Adrienne Hiner Cole, ’93, its new president and CEO in March 2017.

Cole is the first woman to serve as leader of the Chamber in the organization’s 129-year history. She is also a former member of Meredith’s Institutional Advancement staff.

Cole recently served as the Chamber’s senior vice president of economic development and executive director of Wake County Economic Development. She brings more than 20 years of business leadership experience to her new role.

Under Cole’s guidance, Wake County Economic Development and the Greater Raleigh Chamber announced more than 30 corporate relocations and expansions totaling over $250 million in capital investments and creating more than 5,000 new jobs.

“I’m so excited to serve the community my family and I have called home for many years,” Cole said. “I am very proud to lead the Greater Raleigh Chamber and to continue the tradition of col-

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laboration that makes Raleigh, Wake County, and the Triangle region special.”

In addition to her undergraduate degree from Meredith, Cole holds a master’s degree in public administration from Appalachian State University.

The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce is the Triangle’s largest nonprofit business membership organization made up of more than 2,200 member firms representing two-thirds of the private sector employment in Wake County. The Chamber has represented the interests of the local business community since 1888.

CAMPUS

NEWS

Symposium Commemorates World War I Anniversary

A

pril 2017 marked the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I. To commemorate this time in history, Meredith College held a Symposium on World War I, April 6-8.

The academic program was sponsored by the Meredith College Department of History, Political Science, and International Studies with support from the North Carolina Museum of History.

Presenters shared regional, national, and global perspectives on the war’s history and legacy. Paper topics included an examina-

tion of women and trauma, the experiences of soldiers, military strategy and operations, political aspects of the war, questions of empire and identity, the flu pandemic and public health, issues of race and ethnicity, propaganda, and art.

Two Meredith College faculty members presented papers.

Associate Professor of Foreign Languages and Literatures Débora Maldonado-DeOliveira delivered her paper, “The Battle for Identity and Representation: Puerto Rico and U.S. American Citizenship, 1917-2017,” as part of the Em-

pire and Identity panel. Professor of Communication Teresa Holder presented her paper, “Eat this, don’t eat that: An Analysis of Social Influence Tactics in the ‘Sow the Seeds of Victory’ Campaign.” Other Meredith faculty participated in a roundtable discussion about the war or served as panel chairs.

In remembrance of those who experienced the war, a group of Meredith students in a Francophone Literature course presented WWI-era readings from French literary texts and testimonies.

Meredith Holds Annual Celebrating Student Achievement Day Celebrating Student Achievement (CSA) Day is a longtime tradition at Meredith during which students share the results of their undergraduate research and creative projects. “[CSA Day] is our opportunity to showcase the quality of intellectual curiosity and creativity that surround us every day,” President Jo Allen said. “Our students display remarkable talent, and we proudly showcase their work.”

The day opened with a poster session and featured conference sessions on topics ranging from “Psychology: Perceptions, Emotions, Attitudes and Performance” and “English Literature, Film, and Visual Art” to “Geoscience: Environmental Features and Change” and “Textiles, Performance and Management.”

Other highlights included a student fashion show, the Colton Review reveal, and musical performances. Departmental award events were scheduled into the evening hours, making Celebrating Student Achievement Day a full day of recognition of the many ways Meredith College students are Going Strong.

Watch CSA Day highlights at youtube.com/meredithcollege.

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CAMPUS

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Porter Byrum: A Champion for Students (1920-2017)

By Emily Parker

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orter Byrum, a retired attorney and real estate developer from Charlotte, N.C., known for his educational philanthropy, passed away on March 27, 2017. He was 96.

Byrum gave an initial gift in 2012 of $1 million to Meredith College in memory of his mother, Isa Ward Byrum, who attended the College from 1906 to 1910. He loved Meredith College and honored his mother by establishing the Isa Ward Byrum Scholarship and Opportunity Fund to support financial assistance to Meredith students. In subsequent years, Byrum gave an additional $2.5 million dollars to the scholarship.

“He was an incredible man who lived a very full and purposeful life,” said President Jo Allen, ’80. “His gifts, which honor his mother and her alma mater, invest in today’s Meredith College students, and our faculty and staff are equally appreciative of his generosity.”

“Hundreds of our students honor his memory and are set to live better lives because he believed in Meredith College.”

– President Jo Allen, ’80

Byrum said in 2012 at a ceremony in the Johnson Hall Rotunda honoring his gift that his mother “believed in education and her dream was for all her sons to get an education. I hope this money will help other mothers’ dreams also come true.”

The son of a Baptist preacher, Byrum was one of five sons of the late John Thomas Byrum and Isa Ward Byrum. Byrum graduated from Wake Forest University in 1942 with a law degree.

After graduating, he joined the Army and was sent to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge. He also helped liberate the Buchenwald concentration camp and later his service continued in Korea.

Byrum returned to Charlotte in the early 1950s and began practicing law along with

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real estate developing, including the Park Road Shopping Center in Charlotte in the late ’60s. He managed this property for more than 40 years.

Meredith has awarded 163 Isa Ward Byrum scholarships and many of the students receiving them would not have been able to attend Meredith College without the generosity of Byrum.

“Mr. Byrum’s generous gift saved me from having to leave Meredith at a time when I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish my education,” said Sierra Smith, ’18. “He gave me the opportunity to continue school and embrace everything that Meredith has to offer. If it were not for him honoring his mother, Isa Ward Byrum, my Meredith experience would not be what it is today.”

At the 2015 scholarship dinner, Jennifer Coples, ’16, talked about the impact of Byrum’s gift.

“Mr. Byrum has shown compassion towards students who want to pursue higher education at Meredith, and because of that I am very grateful to him for his contribution and being part of my support system,” said Coples.

Byrum received many letters from Meredith students thanking him for his generosity. Those letters meant a great deal to him and showed him the impact his gift was having on students. He also enjoyed visiting his scholarship students at Meredith and learning more about how they planned to use their degree.

“The Byrum Scholarship allowed me to pursue my dreams. I did not have to sacrifice anything for financial circumstances that were out of my control,” said Raven Gregory, ’16.

President Allen said Byrum’s gifts have made a major difference for Meredith students.

“We have lost a dear friend to Meredith College, but through his gifts he has changed the lives of students following in his mother’s footsteps at Meredith,” said Allen. “Hundreds of our students honor his memory and are

set to live better lives because he believed in Meredith College.”

Byrum’s love for his mother was evident in the way he spoke about her. He knew that education was important to his mother and that her Meredith education influenced her greatly.

In 2012 when the College celebrated the initial gift, Byrum said, “It is a great pleasure to be able to honor my mother and it is a wonderful feeling that in the future, long after I’m gone, some good person will get some help from the money we give now.”

Byrum is survived by nieces and nephews and their families and his longtime friend Grace Smith Thomas.

Watch a video profile of Porter Byrum at youtube.com/ meredithcollege.

CAMPUS

NEWS Garry Walton has taught at Meredith for the past 34 years. He has taught courses in composition, British literature, Milton, Shakespeare, literary criticism, and research. Walton holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.

Faculty Distinguished Lecture Explores Shakespeare’s Strong Women

By Reah Nicholson

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ean of the School of Arts and Humanities and Professor of English Garry Walton explored the strong women found throughout the works of William Shakespeare during Meredith’s 2017 Faculty Distinguished Lecture, appropriately titled “Shakespeare’s Strong Women.”

On March 14, faculty, staff, students, alumnae, and friends gathered in Jones Auditorium for the 55th installment of the lecture series.

In his introduction, Provost Matthew Poslusny noted that the first Faculty Distinguished Lecture, presented in 1964 by Professor of English Norma Rose, also focused on Shakespeare.

Walton opened with a question, “What would someone in Shakespeare’s lifetime have meant by the notion of a ‘strong woman,’ and where would he have looked to find her?”

Walton’s lecture focused primarily on the women’s roles in comedies written by Shakespeare. “The strengths we find in these roles point to life rather than death, to community rather than isolation, to hope rather than fear,” said Walton.

In looking at the comedies of Shakespeare,

Walton discussed how the women portrayed in these works were women who “stand with their sisters, stand up to power, and stand firm for forgiveness” – characteristics that set them apart from other women in his works.

To bring the characters to life for the audience, Walton had Sarah Koop, ’17, Elaina Mittleman, ’17, Rebecca Daw Blum, ’95, Kacey Reynolds Schedler, ’96, Seth Blum, and Matt Schedler perform different scenes and speeches from Shakespeare’s work.

One of the final parts of the lecture was a video of Sir Ian McKellen reading a speech from Sir Thomas More, a relatively unknown play to which Shakespeare contributed. The manuscript of the speech, which talks about acceptance and tolerance of immigrants, are the only remaining pages that are in Shakespeare’s own handwriting.

Even though the speech was not directly connected to the topic of strong women, Walton felt that it followed the lead established

by Isabella in Measure for Measure and Portia in Merchant of Venice and “it seems to me a speech for our time.”

Walton closed with a dedication to the women of Meredith. “What do we mean, at Meredith College, by the term ‘strong women?’” said Walton. “We can see the answer in the pages of the History of Meredith College, written by alumna and former professor of English Mary Lynch Johnson. We can see the answer on the posters scattered throughout the first floor of Johnson Hall, or on the flags lining the main campus drive.

“Or you can simply look around you – the current Meredith College definition of ‘strong women’ is being lived out by many of the people in this room. How do we know? Because they, like Shakespeare’s strong women, have learned to stand side-by-side with their sisters, to stand up to power, and to stand firm for forgiveness, avoiding any sign of ‘mountainous inhumanity.’”

The Faculty Distinguished Lecture was designed to represent a significant achievement of research by a faculty member.

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BEST OF

BOTH WORLDS How Meredith is preparing women to succeed in engineering

By Reah Nicholson

F

rom a college that was founded on the principles of women breaking down educational barriers, it only seems fitting for Meredith women to want to break down barriers in the engineering field. For just over 10 years, Meredith College has seen its women succeed in the dual degree engineering program - a partnership with N.C. State University.

Not only have Meredith graduates obtained two degrees from two institutions in five years, but they are excelling in an industry where men are still the majority. The graduates featured on the following pages are thriving in what many call “a man’s world.” And, they would do it all over again.

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CHELSEA PARKINSON, ’13 DUKE ENERGY B.A. MATHEMATICS B.S. CIVIL ENGINEERING When Chelsea Parkinson decided to attend Meredith College and be a part of its dual degree engineering program, she knew she had a tough road ahead – financially and academically. But she was confident that her decision would be worth it and that she would graduate as an engineer.

“This was a big decision for me because I paid for my education with grants, student loans, and help from the Paschal Scholarship,” said Parkinson. “I decided that the benefits of participating in the program outweighed the cost and that I would secure a job when I graduated.”

That is precisely what happened. Upon graduation, she was offered a full-time position as a transmission line engineer for Duke Energy.

In her role, she designs transmission lines, creates job packages for construction to build her projects, communicates with stakeholders to gather information needed for her projects, maintains drawing records, and supports construction and maintenance.

“I can be in the office in meetings and then out in the field working with construction and maintenance, and getting my hands dirty,” said Parkinson.

One of her first projects was designing and building an electric transmission system in the Wilmington, N.C. area.

“It is a great feeling know“It is a great feeling ing I have designed and built parts of our transmission knowing I have designed and built parts system that will more than likely outlive me,” said Parkinof our transmission son. “Every time I drive by my system that will more first project and look at it, I think ‘I did that.’” than likely outlive me.”

Through the dual degree program, she was able to complete three internships with Progress Energy which led to her full-time position. It didn’t hurt that another Meredith angel paved the way.

“One of the first women to graduate from the program, Amanda Bragg, was an intern at Progress Energy,” said Parkinson. “The recruiters at Progress Energy were interested in hiring more interns with a similar background.”

Parkinson has made strides in the industry, earning the Transmission Operational Excellence Award for learning in the third quarter of 2016.

As a female engineer at Duke Energy, Parkinson faces many challenges that other women in the field are navigating – some of the same challenges she experienced as a dual degree student.

“Since I started my career, I’ve observed older male counterparts who are inexperienced in working with women,” said Parkinson. “I have had to overcome this by working hard to prove that I have the same knowledge as male engineers and over time, they adjust.”

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KAGURE WAMUNYU, ’13 UBER B.A. MATHEMATICS B.S. CIVIL ENGINEERING When Kagure Wamunyu applied to Meredith College she had two life goals that she hoped to accomplish - become a civil engineer and help improve transportation in her home country.

Wamunyu, who resides in Kenya, needed financial assistance in order to attend a university in the United States. The Zawadi Africa Education Fund provided her the opportunity to attend Meredith. With a set plan in mind, Wamunyu joined the dual degree engineering program, knowing that she would be able to graduate with an engineering degree and build a strong academic foundation.

“It’s not just about the books, but developing the skills that are essential to excelling in the engineering field such as being a good speaker, taking on leadership roles, and not shying away from challenges,” said Wamunyu.

“Meredith taught me The dual degree engineerto try opportunities, be ing program allowed Wamunyu to accomplish her goals bold, and take risks.” and more.

While earning dual degrees, she had the opportunity to intern as a research assistant at the Institute for Transportation Research and Education at N.C. State. The experience and knowledge that she gained from that internship helped catapult her career in transportation.

The Kenya native was awarded a full scholarship to attend graduate school at the University of California at Berkeley, where she graduated with a Master of Science in city and regional planning with a concentration in transportation planning. Upon graduating with her master’s degree, Wamunyu was able to accomplish her final goal - help improve transportation in her home country.

She serves as Country Lead for the Kenya division of Uber. She is responsible for maintaining the growth metrics in the country, and guiding policy engagement with stakeholders, the government, and politicians. She also leads the growth and expansion of Uber within the country.

“The impact that my job is having in my country through the economic opportunities that have been created and the development of a mode of travel for Kenyans is very rewarding,” said Wamunyu.

Wamunyu earned the Women in Transportation Sharon D. Banks Award at the global level for her passion for transportation, and she won the Pamela Mboya Award for her involvement, service, and giving back to Africa. She was recently accepted to the University of Oxford to pursue a Ph.D. in Sustainable Urban Development.

“A women’s liberal arts college provided me with an all-around training that taught me to speak up and stand up,” said Wamunyu. “Meredith taught me to try opportunities, be bold, and take risks, which has allowed me to progress in my career and be at the table.”

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KRISTIN WILLIFORD, ’12 EVONIK CORPORATION B.A. CHEMISTRY B.S. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING From the time she started looking at colleges, Kristin Williford knew she wanted to major in a science or engineering-related field, and the idea of matriculating through a brand new program was even more enticing within the welcoming atmosphere of Meredith College.

“The dual degree engineering program was in its early years of development, but it seemed to offer me the best of both worlds,” said Williford. “I had the intimate classroom setting and the chance to pursue both science and engineering studies at one of the top engineering schools in the nation.”

During her time at Meredith, she interned with the research and development engineering team at Ecolab, which allowed her to use her chemistry and engineering background. That experience helped shape her career path.

Williford is a site plant process engineer for Evonik Corporation, a global leader in the specialty chemicals industry. Her responsibilities are spread between three plants, but the main focus of her job is to provide technical support to the site by troubleshooting problems, identifying and executing improvements, and implementing smarter solutions.

“Not only did I get to “Meredith's program attend one of the most rectaught me how to be a ognized women’s colleges, but I also got to be a part leader, how to manage of a program that encourmy time efficiently, and to aged women to reach bebe a strong woman.” yond their comfort zone and become involved in a historically male-dominated industry.”

Working in the field has its challenges, but Williford has been welcomed into the company and into the industry with open arms.

“As a project manager, I am constantly leading teams of people from different departments to get projects completed,” said Williford. “I work in a very diversified field where I find that respect and trust are two key components of the relationships that I build with my peers.”

Being in the dual degree program prepared Williford for an environment where she might be the only female.

“Meredith’s program taught me how to be a leader, how to manage my time efficiently, and to be a strong woman,” said Williford.

“The lessons I learned during my years in the program have been invaluable in my career and have allowed me to succeed as a female in my industry.”

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JESSICA PERIANZA GRAJALES, ’16 ACCENTURE B.A. MATHEMATICS B.S. INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING For Jessica Perianza Grajales, working in engineering was always a dream, but an even bigger dream was being able to attend an institution of higher learning. As a first generation college student, Grajales faced many challenges and that dream seemed to be slipping from her reach. Then, her Meredith College acceptance letter arrived in the mail.

“Almost six years later, I find myself the first in my family to graduate from college, and living as an independent woman in Boston,” said Grajales. “To say my life changed may be an understatement.”

Not wanting a typical industrial engineering job, Grajales yearned for a career where she could create and innovate. After graduation she applied for and ultimately accepted a consultant position with Accenture out of Boston, Mass., where she works with companies in all industries.

“Every client has different needs and thus my responsibilities shift,” said Grajales. “I’ve helped with the change management of a system implementation at Hasbro, Inc., and the merging of two large commercial corporations. My responsibilities range from creating presentations, to testing system attributes, to interviewing CEOs. I don’t always know what will come “To say my life my way.” changed may be an A native of Mexico, Grajales felt an immense sense of responsibility understatement.” to be the best version of herself and was determined to succeed in a rigorous dual degree engineering program.

“My parents sacrificed everything to allow my brother and me an opportunity for a better future, and my community and friends helped me find private scholarships,” said Grajales. “Receiving degrees from Meredith and N.C. State was the challenge that I refused to quit.”

One accomplishment that she prides herself on is being the first Latina to graduate from the dual degree program. She hopes to be able to encourage other young Latina women to fulfill their dreams.

“Growing up, I didn’t know many Latinas who had gone to college, much less Latinas obtaining degrees in male-dominated fields,” said Grajales. “I sought to become that for these young women.”

Her biggest challenge now is “having no more finish lines.” When she was in high school, she wanted to go to college and when in college, she wanted to graduate, and upon graduation, she wanted to have a great job. Now, she’s back to the basics.

“I’m reminded that while I love engineering, I’ve also always had a love for design and community service. Now, I get to create my next goal – and it can be whatever I want it to be.”

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CHRISTINA CHURCHILL, ’16 IBM B.A. MATHEMATICS B.S. COMPUTER ENGINEERING Attending Meredith College was never a thought in the mind of Christina Churchill, who dreamed of going to N.C. State and pursuing a degree in engineering. A new possibility was born when she was invited to attend a Junior Leadership Conference at Meredith.

“Finding the dual degree engineering program was the greatest coincidence that ever happened to me,” said Churchill. “Through this program I could get the degree I was after in a learning atmosphere where I knew I could best succeed.”

“I learned to be an During her time in the program, advocate for myself she landed a software testing and take control of internship with IBM where she my own destiny and served as an intern for three years.

That internship led to her finding opportunitites.” and starting her dream career.

The 2016 graduate serves as a client technical sales specialist for IBM, where she builds relationships with clients and creates progress sales opportunities by giving clients a hands-on view of IBM’s new offerings. Her main goal is to help the clients understand the value of IBM solutions for their specific business problems and goals.

“I wanted to use my technical skills in a client-facing role, and I have found that this role is a perfect fit,” said Churchill.

Churchill is new in the field, but she has already made her mark, earning the IBM Global Sales School Distinctive Graduate Award and being named the IBM Communicate for Impact winner.

Computer engineering is mostly a male-dominated engineering discipline, which can make finding mentors difficult. Churchill is thankful to have connected with many women in the STEM fields through her experiences at Meredith and N.C. State.

“I am fully aware of both the challenges that are still ahead of me and what I can do to help the next generation of women overcome those challenges,” said Churchill. “I now serve as a mentor to other female engineers and do all that I can to encourage young women to pursue STEM careers.”

Because she chose to be a part of the dual degree engineering program, Churchill was able to take advantage of a private, liberal arts education while still experiencing life at a public university.

“A liberal arts education allowed me to grow in areas outside of mathematics and engineering,” said Churchill. “The program challenged me to grow in ways I never thought possible. I learned to be an advocate for myself and take control of my own destiny and opportunities.”

Watch Christina Churchill's journey through the dual degree engineering program at youtube.com/ meredithcollege.

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How Meredith Prepares Engineers Meredith is one of 10 women’s colleges in the country that offers an engineering program. Its dual degree engineering program allows students to graduate with a degree in chemistry or mathematics from Meredith and graduate from one of the nation’s top-ranked engineering programs with a degree in the engineering field of choice at N.C. State.

“The dual degree engineering program is a perk for our students,” said Sasha Ormond, assistant professor of chemistry and director of the dual degree engineering program. “STEM fields in general are dominated by men, and having our women receive an engineering degree together with either math or chemistry shows how strong and determined women are.”

With an increase in women interested in STEM fields, Meredith is taking greater strides to help prepare its graduates for success in the engineering industry. For instance, the Duke Energy Foundation donated $50,000 to the dual degree engineering program for the creation of a discovery lab.

“We’re proud to support this collaboration between Meredith and N.C. State that encourages students to explore new ideas and innovations to better society,” said David Fountain, president of Duke Energy North Carolina.

The discovery lab is a hands-on scientific laboratory where students perform experiments and design projects in a group setting.

“The discovery lab allows these young

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women the opportunity to work with equipment, machines, tools, and supplies that sometimes their male counterparts have had many years of engaging with just through the typical childhood experience,” said Liz Wolfinger, dean of the School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences.

The dual degree program also added an interdisciplinary course taught by Professor of Physics Bill Schmidt. The introductory course engages students in different areas of engineering at an early stage; students use the discovery lab, where they are able to engage with the equipment and the materials.

“My goal is to make students better prepared for a successful transition into the engineering program, particularly with the academic demands of upper level engineering courses,” said Schmidt. “I hope that my students will develop stronger problem solving and communication skills, as well as cultivate an awareness of global engineering issues.”

As part of this new course, students have the unique opportunity to build an electric car within the shop room of the discovery lab. The program purchased an electric car kit, which gives the students the opportunity to assemble, work on, and run experiments and tests on an electric car.

Along with the grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, General Norman Gaddis gave $130,000 in memory of his wife, Hazel Lee Gaddis, to establish scholarships for the program.

The College offered a First Year Experience (FYE) course specifically for women in the

dual degree program in the fall of 2016. The course, taught by Wolfinger, allowed students to build community with each other and create five-year academic plans.

Meredith women in the dual degree program experience two colleges in five years.

They are Meredith students for three years and N.C. State students for two, while still taking one course at Meredith during those remaining two years. When Meredith students transfer to N.C. State at the completion of their third year, they are guaranteed a spot in the engineering program as long as they meet all transfer and admission requirements.

“Our students see the opportunity to attend a women’s college and take advantage of a small, private liberal arts college, while simultaneously attending a public, landgrant, state, top engineering institution,” said Wolfinger. “It’s phenomenal.”

Although students attend Meredith fulltime during their first three years, they start taking courses at N.C. State during their second year in the program, allowing them to complete two degrees in five years.

“We have found the Meredith dual degree students to be very much prepared for the rigors of engineering courses upon transfer,” said Kim Roberts, coordinator of engineering transfer programs at N.C. State. “When these women enter their junior-level engineering courses, they have already established study groups and relationships with engineering faculty. And they are confident because they know what to expect.”

For graduates, the engineering dual degree program is an opportunity for them to experience two very different environments.

“I wanted to do more than just study engineering,” said Megan Luke, ’17. “I wanted to explore other disciplines, travel, play soccer, and be a part of a small and empowering community. Meredith has allowed me to do all of those things and more. Smaller colleges and larger universities each bring different benefits to the table, and I got to take advantage of all of them – the best of both worlds.”

Luke graduated in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Meredith and a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from N.C. State. And, she had a job lined up before graduation as a process engineer with Ecolab. Another graduate headed for success.

THE STRONGEST CITY IN AMERICA An ideal location in Raleigh is helping students and graduates (and Meredith) flourish

By Gaye Hill Illustrated By Jen Leiner, ’10

Every month it seems Raleigh garners a new ranking. Best big city in the Southeast. 2nd best city to find a job.

15th best city for recent grads. But how does Meredith’s location near the heart of North Carolina’s capital city impact students and graduates – and help to ensure the College continues Going Strong?

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RANKED

#7

BEST PLACE

TO LIVE U.S. News and World Report

Internships

Increasingly, every student at Meredith is required to complete at least one internship, regardless of her major; many complete more than one. Meredith’s location near the thriving downtown capital city of Raleigh and Research Triangle Park, combined with faculty and staff ’s extensive connections with employers across the region, gives students access to coveted internships with employers such as SAS, Credit Suisse, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.C., as well as the N.C. Museums of History and Science, the Raleigh Police Department, and state government offices.

RANKED

EASIEST CITY TO

#2 FIND A JOB Forbes Magazine

Jobs Many of Raleigh’s high rankings relate to employment. Meredith’s location in Raleigh and individualized approach to education and career planning through StrongPoints® mean graduates are well-positioned to find good jobs right out of school; in fact, over the past three years, 95% of graduates are employed or pursuing graduate study within a few short months of graduation.

RANKED

#19

HOTTEST FOOD CITY Zagat

Quality of Life

This generation of students and young professionals is looking for more than just jobs. They value worklife balance, sustainability, green space, and adventurous food offerings. Raleigh delivers on all counts, having been named the #19 Hottest Food City by Zagat and #7 Best Place to Live in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Raleigh boasts over 100 miles of greenway trails, and Meredith students who are sports fans enjoy a variety of college and professional teams in the area, including Meredith’s own Avenging Angels.

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RANKED

NCMA 25 BEST

#13

IN THE COUNTRY

MUSEUMS Business Insider

Cultural Enrichment A college education is much more than what happens in the classroom. Raleigh’s rich cultural offerings give

our students access to a wide range of music, drama, and visual art, while performing arts majors can intern with professional artists in their fields in addition to gaining experience in productions on Meredith's campus. Meredith’s neighbor, the North Carolina Museum of Art, brings world-class art to the College's doorstep via the Capital Area Greenway.

RANKED

#22

MOST CARING

CITY IN AMERICA WalletHub

A Community that Gives Back Raleigh has also been ranked among the Most Caring Cities in America by WalletHub.

Meredith’s well-established emphasis on civic engagement and community service attracts students with such passions and prepares them to expect similar values in their community.

Efforts such as Campus Kitchens at Meredith, Sister to Sister, and a new service-focused scholarship allow students to immediately give back to their community and gain valuable

experience in the process.

Raleigh has an impressive list of accolades as does Meredith. We have earned high marks for everything from overall excellence and best value to program-specific honors for a variety of our academic programs. Learn more about Meredith's impressive rankings at meredith. edu/what-makes-us-strong.

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SANSEPOLCRO Meredith's Tuscan Home in the Heart of Italy

By Melyssa Allen

Meredith’s campus in Raleigh is often called a home away from home by alumnae.

Sansepolcro, Italy, the location of Meredith’s signature study abroad program, has built its own reputation over the past 25 years as a beloved place.

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In Sansepolcro, students can experience traditions that have occurred in the town since medieval times.

14th Century Fortress in Sansepolcro

M Meredith College has had a long-term lease of the Palazzo Alberti since 2009. The 16th century site (shown on page 29) was renovated to include classrooms and living space suitable for 21st century students.

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eredith’s first study abroad program in the small medieval town of Sansepolcro, Italy, was led by Professor of Art Maureen Banker in the summer of 1992. Since then, the College has built lasting connections there, particularly after the College signed a long-term lease on the Palazzo Alberti in 2009. This 16th century site, located inside the walled center of the Tuscan town, has been renovated to provide living and learning space for Meredith students and faculty.

“We have had a presence in Sansepolcro for 25 years, so the community really welcomes us into the heart of the culture,” said Meredith in Italy Director Catherine Rodgers. “Our students don’t feel like tourists.”

Since 2009, the Meredith in Italy program has continued to grow, and the College has recently

extended its lease for another five years. Meredith offers programs in Sansepolcro throughout the year. There are fall and spring semester options and a variety of shorter summer options. Director of International Programs Brooke Shurer said another record year of Meredith in Italy enrollment is expected this summer.

Semester students can earn general education credits, complete their foreign language requirements, and take courses in the specialty area of the faculty-in-residence. Literature, history, art, psychology, and political science are recent examples. During the spring 2017 semester, 12 students studied Art in Italy with Professor of Art Beth Mulvaney as the faculty-in-residence. In fall 2017, Associate Professor of English Kelly Morris Roberts will lead an Italian Life and Culture semester.

EXPANDING THE

SANSEPOLCRO

OPPORTUNITY

“We have had a presence in Sansepolcro for 25 years, so the community really welcomes us into the heart of the culture. Our students don't feel like tourists.”

– Catherine Rodgers

“The Italy courses are different from the regular Meredith campus classes in one very important way – Italy is your classroom,” said Rodgers. “It is so easy for faculty to link their course content to the life and culture of Italy.”

For students who take Italian courses while studying abroad, getting a chance to practice what they learn is invaluable.

“I was able to get all of my foreign language credits in one semester, including the Italian conversation class where we were able to prac-

tice our Italian with Italian students practicing their English,” said Ann Cox, ’18, who spent a semester in Sansepolcro. “You’re getting to learn the slang and the vernacular from your friends – that’s such an incredible way to practice what you are learning.”

Watch the Meredith in Italy video playlist, including a tour of the Palazzo Alberti, at youtube. com/meredithcollege.

To help celebrate this special anniversary in Sansepolcro, the Office of International Programs sponsored an opportunity for faculty and staff to stay in the Palazzo Alberti. Participants funded their own travel to Italy, but were able to stay in the palazzo at a reduced cost. Preference was given to those who had not yet had the opportunity to visit Meredith’s home in Italy.

Twenty campus community members, from departments including college programs, mathematics and computer science, nutrition, dance and theatre, history, accounting, and music, spent a week in Sansepolcro. Meredith in Italy Director Catherine Rodgers, former Director of International Programs Betty Webb, and longtime study abroad leader John Rose were onsite to help the travelers make the most of their visit.

Alumnae interested in visiting Sansepolcro can do so through the Meredith Travel Program, which frequently includes an add-on visit to the region with tours of Italy. Learn more about Meredith Travel at meredith.edu/ alumnae/travel.

The Tuscan Intensives Program is a continuing education program for alumnae and friends of the College.

Recent programs have focused on Italian art and cuisine. The fall program, an Italian cooking course, filled quickly.

Offerings for 2018 are being planned now. Learn more at meredith.edu/ tuscanintensives.

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“The Italy courses are different from the regular Meredith campus classes in one very important way – Italy is your classroom. It is so easy for faculty to link their course content to the life and culture of Italy.”

– Catherine Rodgers

Sansepolcro's location allows for easy travel to other sites in Italy, such as Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy's patron saints.

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The Duomo in Florence is another Italian attraction that many Meredith students learn about and then visit while studying abroad.

Mutually Beneficial Community Connections Meredith’s connections in Sansepolcro have been strengthened by Associate Director of Meredith in Italy Sara Andreini, who is the program’s onsite coordinator. “Sara is a native of Sansepolcro. Her father is the former mayor and she has contacts with everyone there,” Rodgers said.

Meredith has the only American study abroad program in Sansepolcro, which ensures that students have an authentic Italian experience. They aren’t surrounded by other American tourists or students from other colleges.

Andreini believes Sansepolcro has embraced Meredith as part of the community.

“The people in town are always waiting for the new Americans coming into town. They keep asking, ‘when is the new group coming; when will they be here; how many of them will there be?’,” said Andreini. “There is a strong relationship between the local community and the Meredith College students. They are now a part of our town.”

Each semester, Andreini teaches the Italy Today course, which covers politics, history, and modern life, while offering a taste of the culture of Italy. Andreini says the purpose of the class is “to give the students an idea of where they are living and what is [authentic] Italia compared to their idea of Italy.”

The course also includes a service learning component in which Meredith students work with English teachers in local schools. This cultural exchange is one way the College gives back to the community.

“Basically what the Meredith students do is help the children learn what it’s like to be an American,” said Rodgers. “After the first or second class, the Meredith students are so enthralled in the process of learning with this group of Italian students that it becomes one of the most important experiences that they have during the semester.”

The service project is an important part of the Meredith in Italy program, both for the educational aspects and the intangible rewards.

“I think the rewards are the hugs that I see the children giving the students in the piazza

when they meet them after school. A lot of these students will invite our Meredith students into their homes to meet their parents, to have a meal, to get to know them,” Rodgers said. “Those kinds of experiences are not afforded to students who study abroad in a large city like Florence or Venice or Rome. It’s one of the many, many things that make studying abroad in Sansepolcro so very special.”

Interested in supporting the Meredith in Italy Program?

Contact Director of Strategic Giving Billie Jo Kennedy Cockman, ’79, at cockmanb@ meredith.edu or (919) 760-8371 for information on the Friends of Sansepolcro Endowment, which supports the long-term future of the Meredith in Italy program.

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Gaining Ground, Meredith revisits the ‘Status of Girls in North Carolina’

By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

A

cross the United States, women have made significant gains.

Women hold more seats in Congress when compared to the previous five years. They’re launching businesses at a rate more than twice the national average, according to the Small Business Administration. And, this year, a record number of female CEOs are expected to lead Fortune 500 companies, according to Fortune magazine.

In North Carolina, the country’s future women are forging new ground too, according to Meredith College’s 2017 report, The Status of Girls in North Carolina.

Girls enjoy high graduation rates. They’re more likely than in previous years to play high school sports. And, about two-thirds of high school student government officers are girls.

But the report, written by Amie Hess, associate professor of sociology, and a team of Meredith students, doesn’t paint an entirely rosy picture of their lives. There have been setbacks for girls in North Carolina, just as there have been hurdles for U.S. women.

“There’s much reason to be hopeful,” Hess said, “but there’s also reason not to rest on our laurels.”

Good news, bad news The 2017 report comes four years after Meredith’s original Status of Girls in N.C. report,

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“Students were involved in the original report. It’s in keeping with the mission of Meredith and keeping with the goal of the report as well – to empower girls.”

– Amie Hess

initiated by President Jo Allen soon after she took the helm at her alma mater. The fact, Allen said, that nobody had done it before is a clear reminder of how invisible girls can be in society.

“Within a few short years, we’re hoping they are going to be Meredith students,” she said.

“But whether they are or not … the health, safety, and wellbeing of girls and women are really important barometers of the measure of the health, safety, and wellbeing of the whole society.”

Like the first edition, the new report covers topics such as demographics and poverty; education; media engagement; and health.

This year’s version also tackles LGBT youth and juvenile crime and victimization while featuring community groups that are making a difference.

The report highlights where North Carolina girls are making strides and areas where they need a boost.

Researchers found, for instance, that while girls continue to perform on par academically with boys, they make up only 25 percent of students in Advanced Placement physics and computer science courses.

North Carolina girls are less likely to be identified as juvenile offenders when compared to boys, but they are more likely to be victims of bullying and sexual violence.

They are watching less TV than in the past, but that decrease is matched by an increase in their use of computers and other electronic devices.

And, though they are more likely to be involved in high school sports compared to a decade ago, their rate of obesity – which held steady for the past decade – is on the rise.

Racial disparities stark The report also outlines the stark disparities between white girls and their African-American, Latina, and American Indian counterparts.

The poverty rate of African-American, Latina, and American Indian girls, for instance, is nearly double that of white girls. AfricanAmerican and Latina girls are more than twice as likely as their white peers to make a serious suicide attempt.

When it comes to short-term suspensions in the state’s five largest school districts, AfricanAmerican girls are more likely to be suspended

Losing Ground than even white young men and boys.

“Black males are more likely to receive serious punishments that result in losing educational time - more likely than any other group,” Hess said. “But the gap between black young women and white young women is greater than the gap in black young men and white young men in the five largest school districts across the state. That was kind of a shocker for me.”

She added, “It’s something for administrators to think about. ‘What can we do to support these students and keep them in their classrooms?’”

‘Uniqueness of Meredith’ To create this year’s report, Hess pulled together nine students to take part in an intensive research class during the fall 2016 semester.

Two of those students, Katherine Sills and Melissa Jenkins, also helped Hess during the summer break. They pored over the original report, surveyed high schools, and looked for new content areas. Once the semester began, the class got to work, updating data, uncovering new information, and writing the report.

“Students were involved in the original report,” Hess said. “We knew we wanted to continue that aspect. It’s in keeping with the mission of Meredith and keeping with the goal of the report as well – to empower girls.”

Sills, a 22-year-old senior, worked primarily on the report’s LGBT section, which proved tricky as there was little data to analyze.

Sills, however, was able to glean some infor-

mation. The report says that LGBT students are twice as likely as heterosexual students to report feeling unsafe at school, but, in some parts of the state, there is little school support for them, including comprehensive antibullying policies, gay-straight alliance student clubs, and curriculum that includes positive representation of LGBT people.

“It was kind of disheartening,” said Sills, a sociology and criminology major, “but it also showed that we need to do better as a state to help this community out.”

Cameron Ruffin, a 20-year-old junior, helped pull together the criminal justice section. Ruffin, a criminology and sociology major, said she was surprised how invested she became in the work.

“Women and girls are marginalized populations,” Ruffin said. “This gave us an opportunity to bring light to a group of people who fly under the radar. This research speaks to the uniqueness of Meredith. Because we are such a small school, you can build a rapport with your professors and work with them hands-on.”

Validation, support Community groups and agencies used data from the original report to make decisions about where to place resources and what new programs to develop. The updated version will offer new information as those groups and others work to make a difference.

For one of those groups, Girls on the Run, which uses running as a vehicle for character development and empowerment for girls in

Read the entire report at meredith.edu/status-ncgirls.

“The health, safety, and wellbeing of girls and women are really important barometers of the measure of the health, safety, and wellbeing of the whole society.”

– President Jo Allen, ’80

third to eighth grade, the original report validated their work and provided data to share with funders, parents, and school administrators about why it’s important.

“This data is showing us that girls’ physical activity drops in this time frame and we have a program that makes physical activity interesting, social, and engaging,” said Juliellen Simpson-Vos, executive director of Girls on the Run of the Triangle. “It just really buoys us and supports the rationale for our program.”

Simpson-Vos is eager to dive into the new report. At Meredith, Allen, Hess and the student researchers are eager to see how groups and agencies use the data to bolster girls.

“There are important ways that we can interrupt patterns of poverty, of obesity, of low self esteem, physical inactivity, social bullying, all kinds of things,” Allen said. “We know how to do so much. Now, we need to recognize the extent of the problem and put ourselves on the front lines to address them.”

Added Allen, “It doesn’t get better until you put a spotlight on it.”

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CAMPUS

NEWS

BEYOND STRONG The Campaign for Meredith

Giving Day Exceeds Goal

M

eredith College held its second annual Make It Count for Meredith Giving Day on February 28, 2017.

A total of 1,758 donors contributed $379,166 during the 24-hours.

The Giving Day goal of $250,000 was met by 5 p.m., so then the focus became how far above the goal donors would reach. An additional, $129,166 was raised in the remaining seven hours and the day ended with 151% of the original goal having been raised.

Make It Count for Meredith was driven by social media and 188 alumnae volunteers who spread the word. Donors were asked this year to honor the strong woman in their life with a gift. Contributors were encouraged to share their photos and stories through social media to create awareness and as a way to thank the woman or group of women they were honoring. A total of 366 women were honored with a large

percentage of them being current or former faculty or staff.

Various matching gifts throughout the day from Meredith parents, the Alumnae Association Board of Directors, and the Young Alumnae Board helped motivate donors to give.

An hour-long challenge between the Odd and Even classes showed the competitive spirit of Meredith as well, with the Evens winning by a small margin,  though the Odds had the most donors for the day. By the end of the giving day challenge, 84% of gifts came from alumnae, and there were 140 first-time donors.

Facebook Live broadcasts featuring students and alumnae kept the social media audience engaged and allowed donors to share their personal stories of the strong women they had honored and why giving to Meredith was so important.

Visit meredith.edu/makeitcount4mc to view final totals by class and state.

366 GIFTS MADE IN HONOR OF

demographics A STRONG WOMAN

7,122

LIKES

ON SOCIAL

MEDIA

188

college selection VOLUNTEERS

TOTAL RAISED

$379,166

community engagemen

151% OF THE ORIGINAL GOAL Joy McNeill Chafin and Lori Goforth Shaw honored their classmates of 1997.

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social/political attitudes

S

A Day to Recognize Donors

Gift Supports New Service Scholarship

M

eredith College has launched a new service scholarship for students who are deeply committed to service in their communities and civic engagement.

The new scholarships are made possible, in part, by a gift from Board of Trustees Chair Alex Holmes and his wife, Charlotte, because of their dedication to community service.

“As a long-time Meredith trustee, I want Meredith to continue to be viewed as an active and exemplary community citizen,” said Alex Holmes. “Having more and more students actively involved in the community can only enhance that image and visibility.”

Service Scholars are creative individuals “I want Meredith to continue who have a strong understanding of to be viewed as an active and principles of community engagement and exemplary community citizen.” a desire to learn from their experiences.

– Board of Trustees Chair Alex Holmes Recipients must want to be involved in their community throughout their four years at Meredith. Scholars must be comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and open to ideas that may be different from their own.

“Giving students the opportunity to deeply engage in the communities surrounding our campus provides them with a better understanding of the concerns facing our diverse populations and our environment,” said Callie DeBellis, chair of the Meredith Community Engagement Advisory Committee.

Service Scholars participate in a specialized learning community where they take courses in a variety of disciplines, reflect critically about the root causes of various societal issues, and engage in creating solutions with their partner organizations toward the goal of social justice for the communities with which they serve.

For more information, visit meredith.edu/scholarship/detail/service-scholarship.

The 1891 Club, Meredith’s student alumnae organization, hosted Meredith’s third annual Thank a Donor Day on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. The day highlighted the importance of philanthropy and thanked donors for their support from the people it affects the most – Meredith students.

More than 40 signs were placed around campus to highlight donors and their gifts to the College.

Students signed 1,000 thank you postcards, and photos expressing appreciation were posted on Meredith social media.

The day concluded with an 1891 Club event. Students heard from panelists Mary Rawls, ’13, Grace Smith Tolson, ’14, and Katie Shytle, ’15, on why they continue to stay involved and financially support Meredith.

How to Make a Gift How can you make a difference and help Meredith go Beyond Strong? There are a number of ways you can support Meredith.

Make a gift that addresses the most pressing needs of the College. Select another, more specific way to make an immediate impact on the College. Or make a long-term, endowed gift.

Learn more at meredith.edu/ beyondstrong/impact.

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CAMPUS

BEYOND STRONG NEWS The Campaign for Meredith

Alumna Creates Beautification Endowment

A

nne Sams, ’77, loved to ride horses on the Meredith campus in the days when Meredith offered a horseback riding program. For four years she enjoyed the camaraderie with the horses and the beauty of Meredith’s grounds. Looking back it gave her an appreciation of the upkeep it takes to sustain beautiful grounds.

“The campus grounds are a window into the soul of the school,” says Sams, who recently was on campus to sign a $100,000 Meredith College Beautification Endowment Fund she created. “To be competitive and to attract the best and brightest students nationally, the college grounds must reflect the updated mission and ongoing success of the College.”

“The campus grounds are a window into the soul of the school.”

– Anne Sams, ’77

Funds generated by the gift will support the preservation and enhancement of the campus landscape. Aaron Schettler, the Meredith grounds manager says, “It is truly wonderful to establish an endowment that will support the perpetual care and beautification of the grounds, such that the campus

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landscape continues to create special memories for the Meredith community.”

Sams says the years of growth and maturity and the excellent education she received opened doors for her after graduation. She majored in business administration and economics and fondly remembers Dr. Lois Frazer and Evelyn Simmons who encouraged her to be courageous, take risks, and take advantage of opportunities.

Her first job was with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, at a time when women were just getting equal job offers in management.

“They were impressed with my work ethic, confidence, and communication skills that I had honed at Meredith,” says Sams.

Sams worked for Ford for 14 years before she and her husband started their own marketing business in Louisville, Kentucky.

Sams has stayed connected through the years to Meredith mainly because she is grateful for the nurturing, close, and meaningful relationships with teachers and friends, and the confidence Meredith gave her about herself and her abilities.

Sams wants her initial gift to encourage others to consider the importance of grounds and how the campus land-

scape sets Meredith apart and makes a first impression.

“It is imperative to focus on the strengths of the campus, to market the uniqueness of the school and the total experience of Meredith College for future generations,” says Sams. “The way the campus looks is critical to showcasing the strength of the institution, telling the impressive history, and stories of success that define Meredith.”

If you would like to make a gift, please contact Billie Jo Cockman, director of strategic giving, at (919) 760-8206 or cockmanb@meredith.edu.

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David Beam, Ansley Harris, and Elizabeth Beam

Neal Cheek, Mandy Oakes-Foalima, and Nancy Cheek Cooper Rodriguez and Fran Teter

Impact of Giving Shared between Donors and Students

M

eredith scholarship students and their donors attended the Scholarship and Donor Recognition Dinner on Thursday, March 16. The dinner pairs students with their donors to give them the opportunity to learn more about each other. Students also have the chance to say thank you to their scholarship donors.

More than 300 people were in attendance at the event with many students meeting their donors for the first time.

Below is a sampling of comments that illustrate the impact giving and receiving a scholarship has had on the donors and the students.

Elizabeth T. Beam Meredith Legacy Endowment “Many of the wonderful things in my life have happened because of my education, experiences, opportunities, and friendships at Meredith. It is an easy decision and responsibility to give to Meredith College, because of all I was given and continue to be given from my alma mater. My hope is that at graduation, Ansley enters her life beyond the gates of Meredith College well positioned both professionally and personally for a full life of leadership.”

– Elizabeth Triplett Beam, ’72 “My Legacy Scholarship led me to the special, close-knit community at Meredith and afforded me the opportunity to

play lacrosse while studying engineering. These opportunities will develop my leadership skills. It was an honor to meet my donor and her husband and so nice to be able to thank both of them in person. I will be forever grateful for their generosity and long-standing support of Meredith College.”

– Ansley Harris, ’20, mathematics and mechanical engineering in dual degree program with N.C. State

Evelyn King Cheek Scholarship Endowment Fund “I was raised in a family where gratitude was an important value. My parents were tremendously appreciative of the opportunities given to them by their college educations. My mother was a 1937 Meredith graduate. Along with my parents, Meredith provided me with the foundation for a strong life. It is important to me that other young women have the same opportunity that I have had.”

– Nancy Williams Cheek, ’63 “Receiving the scholarship meant being able to continue with school while my parents were sick. It meant that someone had so much kindness in their heart that they gave without knowing who I was. It also meant that they believe so strongly in our sisterhood that they chose to give another woman a chance to continue Meredith's legacy. Meeting

the Cheeks was indescribable and inspired me to strive to one day be a donor who sponsors a student so that our sisterhood may continue on long after I am gone.”

– Mandy Oakes-Foalima, ’18, psychology

Frances P. Jennings Scholarship Fund “Shortly after I graduated, my father, Maurice Jennings, encouraged me to establish a scholarship and we began funding it together. He wanted to teach me about philanthropy and to start with my alma mater. Over the years, my husband, Chris, and I became solely responsible for funding the scholarship, and it has brought us great joy to know that we are making a difference in the education of strong women.”

– Fran Jennings Teter, ’83 “It’s so nice to put a face to the name.

Meeting and building a relationship with my donor makes me so much more appreciative of the gift I receive each year. Meredith will always be home sweet home to me. I am so thankful for every opportunity, friendship, and memory I make, which I would not be able to do without my donor.”

– Cooper Rodriguez, ’18, exercise and sports science

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ALUMNAE

CONNECTION Class notes and news for Meredith Alumnae 1958 Chris Livingston Arthur and her husband are alive and as well as can be expected. They live in Rock Hill, S.C., in a beautiful retirement community and really enjoy being there. Arthur is active in church and still serves as the head of the women of the church. She is in two book clubs and does a lot of reading. One son has moved to Texas and the other is still close by. Arthur and her husband enjoy seeing grandchildren and grand-dogs as often as possible.

She reports that her twin grandchildren are 16 and driving, and her 21-year-old grandson is a junior at the University of South Carolina and is president of his fraternity. Arthur has a granddaughter who is a sophomore at the University of Colorado Boulder, majoring in chemical engineering. Shirley Strother Taylor's husband died about a year ago and she says her life has not been the same. Taylor is now living at Heritage Greens in Greensboro and is close to her daughter. She writes that she has had some serious medical issues and that you never know what is around the curve! She talks to Glenda Temple from time to time and reports that she sounds good.

1965 Penny Pittard Rogers continues to live in Greenville, S.C., where she works as principal of the district's school for students ages 3-21 who have severe disabilities. Rogers’ children are adults and she has grandchildren who she says are growing fast. She says her Meredith days seem very far away but still remembers them being lots of fun.

Carol Andrews Southerland toured England in October with a focus on the Methodist Wesleys and on C.S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll. She learned

so much and loved visiting York and Oxford most of all. When Southerland toured Lincoln College, her guide formerly worked with Sue Ennis Kearney in admissions at Meredith; she noticed her ring! What a small world! C.S. Lewis's English cottage home tour was fascinating – such a brilliant, yet simple living man. Southerland ate at The Eagle and Child, the pub most frequented by Lewis and Tolkien’s writers group, the Inklings. She was constantly reminded of Drs. Johnson, Knight, and Rose, and Dr. Mac.

1966 Rachel Owens Bivens and her husband recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. Their daughters gave them a wonderful party with all their old friends. Her greatest news is that her grandson has been accepted to NC State. She sends love to all.

Kaye Howard Cloniger is busy down-sizing and trying to sell her house. Since her retirement from teaching high school, she and her husband have traveled to all the continents including Antarctica.

She has had numerous one-woman shows and has exhibited in several galleries. Most important to her are her three wonderful daughters and fine sonsin-law who have given them six super grandkids.

Her husband enjoyed the 50th class reunion. He was the only man at dinner and thinks Meredith Angels are special! Cloniger still has her Mary Poppins hat from Astro rush and she says Meredith classmates are "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."

Laurie Cress Farrell lives in Springfield, Illinois.

She and her husband keep busy with lots of community and church volunteer work. They enjoy helping wherever they can and she counts her blessings every day. She works out to keep "her

aging body" in shape and finds it helps her avoid illness. Farrell and her husband have done a lot of traveling in the past two years, going to Bosnia, Croatia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as a riverboat cruise along the Rhine and Mosel Rivers.

She recommends small group travel because they have made lots of new friends and learned so much about other cultures through these experiences.

Her daughter and family live in New Jersey, where her daughter and son-in-law both work at Rutgers, which her grandson will attend in September. Her granddaughter will be in eighth grade. As with all grandparents, they are her pride and joy. Farrell looks forward to catching up with classmates through the class notes. Anne Sparger Goodwin is still excited about the class’s "fabulous" reunion.

She has seen Price Marsh Thrower and Anita Houser Ogburn, unfortunately at Ogburn's mother's funeral. She also saw Ogburn's five adorable grandchildren. Goodwin says Price is busy with her two grandchildren and doesn't miss a ballgame or dance recital ever. Goodwin has two sons living close by in Fayetteville and Raleigh so she gets to see her six wonderful grandchildren often. She sends love to her classmates. Paula Lowry Herren writes that she is still very involved in church activities, teaching, volunteering, and taking Bible studies. She and her husband have been busy keeping track of her mother, who is 95 and still living at home. Herren's sister passed away unexpectedly in January. Kay Lambeth is still working full time. She is also busy with a group of Sunday School friends with whom she goes out to eat and on trips. She spends the most time with her grandchildren who are 16, 15, and 13, who are into sports, theater, and chorus. She and

Compiled by the Office of Alumnae Relations from November 2016 – March 14, 2017. Information may be edited for space limitations and content restrictions. Submit class notes to your class agent, 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 2017 issue is August 9, 2017.

Submissions received after this date will appear in the Spring 2018 issue.

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ALUMNAE

CONNECTION Barbara Watson Mann, who lives in the same neighborhood, recently visited Johnette Fields Ingold and Patsy West Hurst in Wilmington and hope to join them at Wrightsville Beach on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend next year. Johnette has written that all classmates are invited! Lambeth is still working on the class booklet and hopes to get it out soon. Barbara Watson Mann traveled to Cuba on the Meredith trip and was happy to have Betty Webb on the trip. LaRay Williams Mason and her husband celebrated their 50th anniversary and plan to take a trip later. Recently Mason has been very ill. She has appreciated the cards and concern from classmates. Lou Ross Penland says life has been good for her and her husband. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. As a result of her husband's military service and his years in glass manufacturing, they have moved 22 times. She says their children learned to be adaptable. She has three children and six grandchildren ranging from college age to first grade. Penland has spent 30 years in education, teaching math and remedial reading to soldiers and kindergarten in two states.

She has served the Presbyterian Church as a director of Christian Education in South Carolina and Louisiana. Her last jobs were teaching high school freshmen literature and writing and teaching high school seniors a course in adult responsibility.

In retirement Penland and her husband are traveling and spending time with grandchildren.

Anne Parker Phillips and her husband of 51 years are still living in Scotia, New York. They have seven grandchildren. She reports that they are doing a lot of traveling, including Rotary trips and trips with their grandchildren. Her next trip is to the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania to go on safaris and see the BIG animals. She is involved in many community organizations, currently sitting on the local hospital foundation board. She loves keeping up with her Meredith classmates. Betsy Scarborough Pierce and her husband celebrated their 50th anniversary by taking a 12-day cruise from New York City to Quebec, Canada, stopping in many lovely ports along the way. They followed that with a weekend at home with their two children and four grandchildren. They enjoy trips to the mountains where they bike, hike, kayak, and relax with a view. Pierce meets Louise Stokes Kinken and Betsy Frye Evans every few months for lunch.

Candace Welsted Ramseur says leaving her friends and church after 36 years in Greenwood, S.C., for Charlotte, was hard but absolutely the right thing to do. She has several family members

Meredith Travels 2018 Join alumnae and friends of the College on a Meredith Travels tour in 2018

By Becky Bailey and Betty Webb Meredith Travel Program Coordinators

Serene Majesty: Mountains – More Mountains – and Lakes, Switzerland and Northern Italy Tour, June 16-26, 2018 While we can never guarantee perfect weather – though we usually get it on our trips – we can guarantee perfect scenery, lots of it, on our June 16-26 Swiss and Northern Italy tour. Some alumnae may recall that for over a dozen years Meredith had a study abroad program in Ruschlikon, just outside Zurich. Our 2018 tour is designed to take you to places that became our favorites – Lucerne (sitting on Lake Lucerne with access to Mt. Pilatus) and Montreux (sitting on Lake Geneva) in addition to Zermatt (lying just below the dramatic Matterhorn) and St. Moritz (nestled in the Engadine). And because we come so close to Italy on this tour, of course we are going to dip down to Lake Como for a couple of nights. This excursion allows us not only to visit Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna, but also to come back into Switzerland via the Bernina Express, an amazing journey, we promise. A foray into Liechtenstein concludes our spectacular journey through mountains, more mountains, and lakes!

Sicily: Most Treasured Daughter of The Mediterranean, Late September-Early October, 2018 Perhaps no island in the Mediterranean retains so many tangible signs of the multitude of cultures that wanted to possess it through time. It truly has been the most treasured daughter of the Mediterranean! Greeks, Romans, Vikings, Germanic and Spanish kings, Arabs, and Byzantines all contributed to the heady mix of Sicilian culture. In late September we should find the countryside at its most delightful as we visit numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as the world’s tallest active volcano while we conduct personal “research” into the incomparable foods and wines of the region.

Among sights and sites that can't be missed are the Greek ruins near Palermo, the distinctive, regional potteries of Catagirone, the original, ancient Syracusa for which ours is named, and meals from the sea that surrounds us on this largest island of the Mediterranean.

To indicate your interest in a 2018 tour or for more information, contact Denise Parker at (919) 760-8051.

meredith.edu/alumnae

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CONNECTION nearby, most especially her daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren to watch grow up. Her son, his wife, and twin 12-year-old grandsons live in Washington, D.C. She hopes to see more Meredith friends now that she is back in the Old North State. Anne Roberts-Samsel has been coping with the death of her husband. She has accepted an appointment to the Montgomery Community College Foundation in an effort to improve higher education and economic prospects in her area of rural North Carolina. Her former roommate, Barbee Cox, of Titusville, Pa., has been very ill.

Dee Barrier Rodgers and her husband celebrated their 50th anniversary by taking their ninth mission trip to Kenya. They worked on a teacher's college dining hall alongside one of their sons, three of their grandchildren, and others from their church.

It was a joy for them to share their dedication and enthusiasm for people in that part of the world with their grandchildren and have been assured the work would continue when they can no longer go. In the meantime, they are working-out at the YMCA several times a week in preparation for their return trip in 2019. Bettie Wilson Thorne has retired after 37 years of owning Pace Reporting Service, Inc., a court reporting agency in Raleigh.

She now lives in her beach house on Oak Island and recently enjoyed having lunch with Kay Lambeth and Diane Hatcher Aldridge in Southport. When not relaxing on her deck, Thorne enjoys RV'ing with her "significant other" and exploring the beauty of our country. Her best times are spent

with her two grandchildren in Virginia. She waited 70 years for grandchildren, and they are worth every day of the wait. Ann Hanchey Whaley and her husband are enjoying his CPA retirement after 50 tax seasons, and they celebrated their 50th anniversary in July. With a grandson at Duke and granddaughter at UNC, they had a ball during this ACC basketball season. Recently, Whaley joined Phyllis Duncan and Betsy Shanor Deeter in a visit with her Meredith roommate, Jeannie Hooks Gibbs, at Emerald Isle. She says, "Our Meredith sisters are truly friends for life." Ruth Ann Sloop Whitener was visiting Charlotte from Dublin, Va., and had lunch with her cousin, Sara Page, and her classmate Linda Rackley Balentine, who are both members at St. John's Baptist Church in Charlotte.

1968 Happy Neal Geothert just came back from a forty-some year reunion with Puff Carraway Meikle, who has lived only an hour and a half away. The two hope to see each other more often. After a disastrously dry year last year in the northeast, she will be back to farming this summer. Geothert also hopes to help out her son on his farm for a couple of days a week. Her new endeavor of raising egg laying hens is quite delightful except for a pesky hawk who has taken a liking to her chicken al fresco. Suzanne Guthrie Letchworth and France Hayes Swanson went on a Meredith-sponsored trip to New York City in November. She would recommend the weekend for anyone wanting to enjoy

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the activities planned as well as adequate free time.

Letchworth's first grandchild graduated from high school, with his associate's degree, in May 2017.

Her son is now working in Raleigh, and Letchworth is very happy about that. While on the New York trip she became acquainted with the WINGS representative on the Alumnae Board and attended their first annual banquet. Marion Nolan O'Quinn is fully retired now and enjoying five wonderful grandchildren. She says it can be a challenge to keep up with them but also great fun. O'Quinn and her husband spent a wonderful week at Zion National Park where they hiked and were amazed by all the breathtaking rocks at the Alter of Sacrifice. Her trip also offered the opportunity to spend a few days in Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks National Monument. O'Quinn looks forward to seeing everyone at the 50th Reunion in 2018!

1970 Janet Morris Belvin volunteers weekly at the local hospital in the pediatric ward. Jaime Thomas Combs is proud to announce that her granddaughter signed to play beach volleyball at Louisiana State University. Cindy Griffith McEnery went on the Meredith trip to Cuba. There was a lot of photography, cigars, and rums to experience. She has also begun a cottage industry of cards featuring her photography. Her cards are now being sold at nine stores including the Museum of History and the Bookworm in Edwards, Colo. Jean Robb recently enjoyed a visit from Suzanne Palmer.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 • 3:30 P.M.

Cornhuskin’ PARADE 3 ALUMNAE PICNIC 3 CLASS COMPETITIONS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 • 10 A.M. STATE OF THE

COLLEGE

PRESIDENT JO ALLEN, '80

BRUNCH 3 AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS 3 TOURS

ALUMNAE

CONNECTION Ann Robertson, an immigration law specialist since 2001 in Raleigh, received the 2016 Cross Award.

One nominator wrote that Robertson "has handled every imaginable immigration matter over her years of practice." Some of the many highlights of Robertson's legal career are securing visas for the principal dancers of the Carolina Ballet, being the first to secure a humanitarian parole for a deported father of two U.S. citizen children whose parental rights were threatened with termination simply because of his nationality, serving as a retained attorney for the Mexican Consulate General of Raleigh since its founding in 2000, and winning grants of refugee protection for clients from such countries as Congo, Liberia, Colombia, Togo, China, and many other nations. Another nominator shared that Robertson is a highly valued speaker and has an extensive list of presentations on immigration law. This list includes not only the presentations associated with her involvement in the Carolinas Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), but also her speaking engagements at local churches and community organizations. Robertson is an advocate for immigration reform and has frequently visited Congressional offices in Washington, D.C., as part of the AILA's National Day of Action efforts to advocate for sensible immigration reform. Emma Ruth Bartholomew Stewart and her husband participated in the local Person Place Preservation Society's biennial homes tour in Louisburg April 22-23. Her house featured her husband's numerous 18th century mahogany furniture pieces, which he has made. The tour featured older homes and antique cars. Mary Anne Westphal is preparing to go to Myanmar (Burma) with a friend from Linden Hall High School. George Orwell was a policeman there during the British occupation and then later returned to Great Britain where he wrote Animal Farm and 1984, drawing from his experiences in Burma during the ousting of the British and the military dictatorship takeover. She is ranked “Royal Family” with Richway and Fuji Bioscience, Inc.

1971 Deborah Ingram Cleaver is living a life filled with music! She earned her Masters of Music in piano at Boston University School of Fine Arts, where she had the privilege of studying with Leonard Shure, and working as his teaching assistant for three years. Then Europe called, and Cleaver spent 10 years teaching and performing, as well as enjoying extensive travels to many continents. She has lived in Portland since 1994, where she has a rich career as both a soloist and a chamber musician. She teaches at several colleges as well as from her home. Cleaver is involved

[ALUMNAE GOING STRONG]

IVY ROBINSON, ’99 Planning for Life Moments

By Yessy Anorve-Basoria, ’19 For the past 14 years, Ivy Robinson, ’99, has been the owner of Ivy Robinson Events based out of Charlotte, N.C. As an event planner, she has used skills that Meredith College encouraged, like patience, flexibility, and creativity, in a career that she did not originally plan.

Robinson’s initial career goal was to be a news anchor because she had a dream of one day taking Katie Couric’s spot on The Today Show. Because of that dream, she interned at CNN in Atlanta. However, her plan of being a news anchor changed when she landed a job alongside a friend at All Things Linen, a party rental company.

For a year and a half, she helped with specialty rentals, planning parties, and booking venues. It was there where her love for event planning began.

Robinson earned a fashion merchandising degree at Meredith in 1999. She also holds a degree in mass communication from North Carolina State University.

Through event planning, Robinson has had the opportunity to work with celebrities and athletes from professional avenues including the NBA, NFL, NHL, PGA, MLB, and NASCAR. She has planned weddings for NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Brad Keselowski.

In 2013, Robinson was awarded the Best of the Best (BOB) in Event Planning

by Charlotte Magazine. She has also been featured in many national and regional publications including The Knot and BRIDES magazine, and has appeared on Style Network, CW Network, and local CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates.

As an event planner, Robinson must utilize her strengths and creativity to build a memorable moment for each of her clients. She knows that she must be flexible when it comes to the day’s events, and be prepared to keep guests entertained and happy at all times.

“You always [bring] backup because you never know what will happen,” said Robinson. “The most important thing in your backup kit is not an actual tangible item, but having experienced people and the support to help tackle any challenges that may arrive.”

Robinson’s average work schedule is not 40 hours equally divided in a week but instead is 40 hours in a weekend. “I typically work on anywhere [between] 6-12 events depending on the scale of the event,” said Robinson. “You have to live off adrenaline.”

Nevertheless, she loves the business that she started in 2002 and cannot think of doing anything else.

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CONNECTION with the Music Teachers' Association and their various festivals. Workshops, one for two weeks in Alaska, expand her network of colleagues and students.

After music, her big passions are gardening, cooking with her husband, friends, and traveling. Boyd King Dimmock spent two weeks over her Christmas holiday of 2016 in Africa. Along with her children and grandchildren, they visited the homeland of some of her husband's family in Lesotho. Their visit included ministry to an orphanage, connecting to family history, and pursuing tourist spots. They delivered six suitcases of needed supplies to the Ministry of Hope, which is a mission child refuge in Lesotho cofounded by her husband's family in 2009. They also trekked after the big five animals on a safari in Kruger National Park in South Africa, rode elephants and played with lion cubs in wild animal preserves, saw hippopotami frolicking while cruising the Zambezi river, and heard the roar and felt the spray of the awesome Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Jane Davis Knox completed a 30-year career in the field of computer programming and systems before returning to school to receive a N.C. teacher certification in special education from UNC Charlotte. She taught children with special needs before retiring in 2009. She enjoys traveling in Europe and the Caribbean with her family. Knox has three grandsons, ages two, four, and five, and a two-year old granddaughter. She loves being with them and watching them grow. Knox lives in Charlotte and enjoys volunteering at a bilingual Episcopal preschool, where she served as a member of the school's charter board. Jennie Lancaster is finally enjoying retirement, again, from the N.C. Department of Corrections (DOC). Lancaster initially retired in 2004 after serving 32 years in the NC Division of Prison's. In 2009, she was asked to return to work by Governor Perdue as the chief operating officer for the DOC and retired from that position in 2013. In retirement now, Lancaster continues fulfilling her passion for corrections by teaching at the National Institute of Corrections Training Academy in Denver. She also recently completed a 15-month challenging job as a federal court monitor regarding a legal settlement at a large women's prison in Alabama. For fun, Lancaster loves fishing at the beach, volunteering with troubled women, and maintaining her yard with flowers and blooming shrubs. Her greatest blessing over the past three years has been the time spent with the son of a close family member. He keeps her busy, laughing, and very grateful. Joyce Little Rhoades and her husband reside in Southern Pines and celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in March.

She completed her M.Ed. at East Carolina University

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[ALUMNAE GOING STRONG]

JESSIE MARKERT RIVERS, ’67 Home Economics to Organic Chemistry

By Molly Horton, ’17 Jessie Markert Rivers was inspired to study chemistry by a Meredith professor.

She is now a chemist at JLA Laboratory.

Rivers has been working at JLA, a food testing contract service, for more than 20 years. In this position, she works with different agricultural commodities, including peanuts, tree nuts, and cocoa products. A typical day for Rivers can include assisting other laboratories at JLA in testing for peanuts, as well as reviewing and approving different laboratory testing for pesticide residues and fatty acid composition in peanut and cocoa products.

Prior to working at JLA, Rivers spent 17 years working for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, where she researched and analyzed tobacco types and new agricultural products.

Rivers graduated from Meredith College in 1967 and later received her Ph.D. from North Carolina State University in organic chemistry.

As a sophomore at Meredith studying home economics, Rivers had to take organic chemistry with Mary Yarbrough. Yarbrough was the first woman to earn a graduate degree in a science-related field from N.C. State in 1927.

Yarbrough came to teach chemistry at Meredith and became the head of the chemistry department. The professor’s accomplishments and love for chemistry inspired Rivers to continue her studies in the subject. It also inspired Rivers to earn her Ph.D. from N.C. State almost 50 years after Yarbrough attended the university.

As she reflects on her years at Meredith, Rivers says the accomplished faculty, the access to mentors, a library on campus, and like-minded, studious friends all helped make her Meredith experience great.

When asked what advice she has for students aspiring to follow in a similar career path, Rivers said, “Start formal education in science as early as possible, learn to teach yourself, strive to improve current skills while learning new ones, and develop excellent communication skills.”

As far as her plans for the future, “Maybe retirement. Or teach at a college like Meredith,” Rivers said. “I am happy to conclude my career doing what attracted me to chemistry, which was food chemistry.”

Whether teaching or mentoring, Rivers hopes to inspire future Meredith students in the way she was inspired by faculty years ago, which has led her into a career path she had not predicted but would never change.

ALUMNAE

CONNECTION and worked as a school librarian. She moved her many skills to Sandhills Community College where she initiated the Small Business Center, serving her last 12 years as dean of continuing education.

Since retiring, Rhoades has sold patio furniture and managed the office of two psychotherapists. She is currently an independent consultant for a skin care company. The majority of her extra time is spent teaching Sunday School, chairing the church Decorating Committee, and volunteering in the church office. She loves her Bible study group that has met in her home for 10 years. Her favorite time is now spent with her first grandchild, and the second is set to arrive in September. Life is good!

After 33 years in Richmond, Georgiana Gekas Wellford is back in her hometown of High Point.

Though Wellford finished her last year of college at High Point, she still considers herself a member of the class of 1971 and meets regularly with college friends. She earned her Master’s in Library Science and was a school librarian for six years.

She moved to Richmond to be the law librarian at Christian and Barton law firm. She attended the University of Richmond law school, and worked as an assistant attorney general for the VA Attorney General's office for 20 years. Her husband was also a lawyer, and they enjoyed extensive travels in Europe. A favorite trip was to Greece, where her husband met her family! Wellford has spent 12 of the last 14 years as a caretaker for her husband and her mother, first in Richmond and now in High Point. Wellford has found a great way to renew high school friendships – serving as chair of her high school class' 50th reunion!

1974 Ceil Blackwell had hip replacement surgery in February 2017 and is recovering well. Elaine Bartholomew Scarborough retired after 20 years as executive director of the Anson County Partnership for Children, and her first grandchild was born in June 2016. She enjoys keeping her new grandson and granddaughter, who was born in March of 2017. Scarborough and her husband are thankful and blessed to have their children and grandchildren living close by.

1976 Meredith McGill happily announces her marriage, which took place on November 19, 2016 in Jones Chapel at Meredith College. The newlyweds reside in their Cary, N.C., home, and will be continuing their honeymoon in June on a river cruise from

Paris to Nice, France. Closer to home, they enjoy being part of their grandchildren's lives, cooking, entertaining, working out, and taking classes. As of January 1, 2017, McGill retired from her Raleigh family law practice, which she founded in 1990.

She is a certified Superior Court mediator, and she will continue to mediate for couples transitioning through the separation and divorce process.

1981 Tudy Moncure was elected to the board of NAPAHE, National Association of President's Assistants in Higher Education. Moncure has been at Washington and Lee University for 11 years.

1984 Peggy Overton Vaughan left the college world and returned to the middle school classroom. She teaches chorus to grades 5-8 in Mount Olive, N.C., (pickle-ville!) and is having a ball! Kathy Seeger Rhoades, after three years of solo retirement, was finally joined in a life of fun by her husband, who retired in January. They split their time between homes in Myrtle Beach, Belhaven, and Raleigh.

Rhoades is taking her goddaughter, Alyson Mann, ’17, on a tour of northern Italy in June after she finishes her Meredith Teaching Fellows trip to Sansepolcro. Jane Bazemore McEarl retired (for now) from teaching preschool and has moved with her husband to Morehead City, N.C. Her husband works from home, but they will ultimately retire there. Nancye Butterworth is working at the N.C. Tinkering School near Jordan Lake. It's a track-out camp for kids ages 5 to 14, where they spend their days on a farm, building large-scale projects with real tools, as well as playing with an assortment of animals, such as bunnies, chickens, and miniature llamas. She also plays cello in the Really Terrible Orchestra of the Triangle--RTOOT.

1986 Laura Bynum Beasley is teaching kindergarten at Murrayville Elementary in Wilmington, N.C. She has been teaching for 31 years. Her oldest son lives in Hope Mills and works for Airgas. Her middle son works for Two Men and a Truck in Wilmington, and the youngest son is now in high school. She is enjoying being the team mom (again) for Hoggard High School's lacrosse team. Robbin Spencer Dunthorn and her daughter will be traveling to England and France for her daughter’s summer of 8th grade trip in June 2017. They are hoping to see Connie Van der Does Armstrong while in

the London area. Kristin Parker Harrod lives in Raleigh and is retired from teaching, which means that she gets to travel more. She and her husband went to Uganda on a short mission trip last summer. They recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Harrod teaches children's choir at her church. Her daughter is a graduate of Furman University and is an artist in Raleigh. Her son recently graduated from UNC-Asheville and is working in a restaurant and doing stand-up comedy. He was in the Asheville Comic showcase in March. A family trip to England meant that she missed the class’s 30th year reunion. Going to Harrod's was one of the many things they did on the trip. She wants to give a shout out to some dear friends - Tamani, Angel, Joan, Gladys ('87) and Laura ('87)! Nancy Shore Sawtelle's oldest son married in October, so she has gained a daughter! She is in her thirtieth year of teaching in Forsyth County (retirement is on the horizon!). Anne Douglass Scruggs joined the Meredith Alumnae Travel Program on a tour of southern Italy in fall 2016. They started in Rome and visited Sorrento, nearby Herculaneum, and Pompeii. They sailed out to Capri for a day and made their way as far south as Lecce, staying en route in Alberobello and Matera. A three-day visit to Sansepolcro, Meredith's home in Tuscany, concluded with incredible food, a cooking class, shopping, and more. She can't wait to go on another Meredith trip. Jonelle Davis Strickland is living in Clinton, N.C., and still working at SAS (24 years) from a home office now. She spends her time volunteering with the local Arts Council Board, church choir, soup kitchen, and Hurricane Matthew disaster relief efforts in Robeson and Sampson Counties. Maria Kling Tierney is staying busy with her full-time job as an office administrator for a Raleigh law firm. She recently passed the State exam to obtain her real estate license. She still has some post-licensing classes to take but will hopefully be able to help people find their dream home very soon. Tammy Swann Whitley's oldest son graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May 2016 and is now serving in the Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, which is only a little over an hour from her. In May 2017, her youngest son will graduate from West Point and will be stationed at Fort Hood, Texas by the end of this year.

1988 Linda Froneberger Sturgill began working at ADW Architects in Charlotte in August 2016.

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1989 Jennifer Horton McIntyre is back for her third year of teaching visual art at Timber Drive Elementary in Garner, N.C. McIntyre has a daughter in high school, one in middle school, and one in elementary school. Susan Godbold Stuppnig left Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System and founded the non-profit organization Project New Heights, which is a program for at risk youth who are facing academic failure. Project New Heights was founded on the premise that a high school education greatly improves quality of life, reduces recidivism, and has a positive impact on society as a whole. Ultimately, graduation is the main goal. Stuppnig says it is a challenging undertaking, but the degree that she received from Meredith College paired with her experience working with at-risk adolescents in non-traditional school environments is serving her well in her new endeavor.

1990 Deanna Harris continues to work as the teacher librarian at East Cary Middle School and to facilitate workshops and sessions with colleagues on literacy and instructional technology. In February, Harris had the opportunity to serve on an information literacy panel at Meredith.

1992 Amy Carter Bland has a new position as assistant principal of Caleb's Creek Elementary in Forsyth County. Her daughter began her studies at Meredith this year as a member of the Class of 2020. Cindy Moesley Kirby recently accepted a position as medical director in the Special Investigations Unit of Humana investigative health care fraud, specializing in investigation of genetics labs. Kirby says she is fortunate to work from home, which allows her to spend more time with her husband and three daughters.

1993 Missy Plott Kersting was fortunate enough to have been recruited, via Meredith College Office of Career Planning, by the Kellogg Company after graduation. Kersting spent 13 rewarding years working in sales for Kellogg's across the Southeast Region. She held various positions in retail sales, account sales/management, and category consulting, and earned several sales awards. She loved her job with Kellogg's, but her last role in consulting required extensive travel and was too much with a young family at the time. She always loved keeping

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her pulse on the real estate world and is now working as a realtor in residential real estate with Elaine Brabham & Associates, LLC in Charleston, S.C. Tamara Seamone Timberlake recently achieved National Board Certification, and she is teaching senior English at Jay M. Robinson High School.

1994 Susan Auton and her wife will celebrate their third wedding anniversary in September 2017. Auton is now a dispatcher for Pratt Industries in Statesville, N.C. Pratt is the world's largest privately-held 100% recycled paper and packaging company.

1995 Susan Murray is the grand prize winner of the prestigious National Press Photographers Women in Photojournalism competition.

1999 Caroline Fleming was sworn in as a Veterans Law Judge with the Board of Veterans' Appeals at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in February 2017.

2000 Elizabeth Goodale Ray is teaching social studies at Davidson County High School.

2001 Lisa Gilliam Ragland is in her 10th year of working for the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS). Elizabeth Hamilton McLamb is a teacher at Oasis Day School in Wilmington, N.C. Oasis is a kindergarten through middle school for children with autism, and she teaches 8-11 year olds. Emily Phillips Herring is a senior environmental specialist with the N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality, in the Division of Water Resources in Raleigh, N.C. Kristie Taylor Austin is assistant general manager and a Pilates instructor at the first Club Pilates in North Carolina. Sarah Barnhart lives in Clayton and is in her 11th year as school counselor at SmithfieldSelma High School. Amanda Puckett BenDor continues to support global health and recently joined PATH as a Technical Program Manager.

She works remotely for the organization from her home in Chapel Hill, N.C. Katherine Withers Armstrong is a senior diabetes sales specialist with Astrazeneca Pharmaceuticals. After 13 years with the company, she was recently promoted to the Military Treatment Facility team to aid military physicians and hospitals. Melissa Favreau Mathe was recently voted one of Richmond Magazine’s

readers' favorite interior designers. She lives with her family in Richmond, Va. Krystal Tyndall continues to live in Emerald Isle. She is in her third year as assistant principal at Swansboro High School and celebrating the one year anniversary of the opening of The Trading Post: Southern Food and Spirits in June. Angela Cummings Thompson is the president of KWYP Keller Williams Young Professionals (realty) chapters in Pinehurst and Fayetteville. Katherine Page was recently recognized as one of Business Today NC's Top Women in Business and has been promoted to executive director of Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County after serving as resource development director for nearly three years. Amy Alm Moore started a new job in February as compliance specialist, lead auditor with IBM Watson Health in RTP. She stays busy with her five-year-old daughter starting Irish dance at Trionoide Academy of Irish Dance in Raleigh. After more than 16 years in the corporate world, Lindsey Rutledge is pursuing her passion of Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching and Workshop Facilitation. She is over the moon about this next phase! She lives in Chattanooga, Tenn. Cassie Evans Williamson just left her career in banking after 18 years with BB&T. She traded in her corporate hat to put the real estate license she got back in 2005 to use. Williamson is now with Coldwell Banker in Wilmington and loving the new challenge! She also sells a precious clothing line that she has “been addicted to for years” called Matilda Jane Clothing. Chassie Selouane is in her fourth year as vice principal and the director of learning at SAIS, an American International School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. She is a writer/ journalist for Teach Middle East Magazine and Educational Journal Middle East and is a reviewer for several text book companies. She is also writing her dual dissertation for a Ph.D. in ESL education & a Ph.D. in instructional leadership. She was the recipient of 2016 Global Education Judges Award, and has been a featured speaker at 10 international education conferences this year. She is a certified Edmodo Ambassador and Trainer. Selouane had the honor to be the 2016 UAE Junior National Robotics Coach, and her team placed second at the World Educational Robotics Contest in Shanghai, China, this past November.

2002 Elizabeth Baynes Johnson graduated with her Doctor of Education degree from Gardner-Webb University in December 2016.

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2003 Angela Palmer graduated in December 2016 with her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Gardner-Webb University. Palmer's dissertation title was "The Impact of a Math Foundations Course on Teachers' Mathematical Self-Efficacy."

2004 Laura Bates was promoted to serve as the director of the student union and campus activities at Truman State University. She was selected as the 2016 Outstanding Fraternity/Sorority Advisor Award recipient

by Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority.

2005 Anna Nichols DeShazier was promoted to director of facility service division at Storr Office Environments and is now part of their senior leadership team. Megan Arnold Parker has started as SBA disbursement/ construction coordinator, AVP with First Citizens Bank.

Ashley Ellis Smith is now site and resource manager at QuintilesIMS.

2006 Sarah Lynn Joyner Davis began working as a manager with Jabian Consulting in Charlotte in July 2016. Holly Broadbent-Horvat graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nurse anesthesia in December 2016. Michelle Scott is now an IT Business Systems Analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. Amanda Smith recently started a new job as a museum teaching specialist for Fulton County Schools in Atlanta.

2007 Megan Gillikin Fielman recently left First Citizens Bank after almost 10 years of service and joined Precision Lender as their senior IT audit and compliance manager on December 31, 2016.

2009 Carshia Craven recently joined Acuity Brands in Conyers, Ga., as marketing automation program manager.

Acuity brands is one of the world's leading providers of innovative lighting systems. She is excited to utilize her marketing automation and demand generation skills in her new role. Stephanie Farmer received her Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling from Wake Forest University in December 2016 and is now working as an outpatient therapist at Insight Human Services in Winston-Salem, N.C. Toni Tricarico was awarded the Edgar W. Hooks Jr. Young Professional Award at the recent NCAAHPERD-SM convention in Winston-

[ALUMNAE GOING STRONG]

MOLLY GOLDSTON, ’01 A Voice for the Canines

By Cailyn Clymore, ’18 A love for animals, a degree in business, and a beautiful 10-acre farm - this is all Molly Goldston, ’01, needed to bring her dream of owning an animal shelter to life.

After working with other shelters in Wake County, Goldston saw a need for a shelter with a new and improved concept. She became the founder of Saving Grace Animals for Adoption, a nonprofit animal rescue located in Wake Forest, N.C., that offers a different experience than your typical shelter.

Founded in 2004, Saving Grace is located on Goldston’s farm where you can find 60-80 rescued dogs waiting to be adopted. Saving Grace has a dedicated team of volunteers that give potential adopters more personalized help in choosing a dog that’s right for their family.

“A lot of people don’t like to adopt from shelters because it can be depressing and overwhelming,” said Goldston. “At Saving Grace, we are already housing the dogs in a comfortable environment, so adopters don’t have to feel bad about the ones they leave behind.”

Goldston works with people and organizations across the state where there are a high number of homeless pets. In low income areas, resources to spay and neuter animals are limited, which results in unwanted litters. This is why Goldston created Saving Grace - to rescue these dogs and give them the care they need until they find a loving family.

“There is such a need for animals in our underserved communities to have a voice,” said Goldston. “I am their voice.”

Through obtaining her business degree at Meredith, Goldston learned how to think like a business woman in more ways than one. The business and marketing classes she took gave her the knowledge she needed to run her own organization. “The professors I had taught me how to successfully target an audience and how to promote a brand,” she said.

Goldston also used the concepts she learned to measure and increase her nonprofit’s success. “Our success is measured by the number of people we reach and the number of dogs that find homes,” Goldston said. Since its founding, Saving Grace has rescued about 14,000 dogs. While that sort of result has little monetary value, to Goldston, it’s priceless.

“There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing our dogs successfully placed into a loving home,” she said. “And every time we place a dog in a home, a space in our program opens up for another dog that needs rescue.”

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ALUMNAE

CONNECTION Salem, N.C. The Edgar W. Hooks Jr. Young Professional Award recognizes young professionals who have demonstrated outstanding potential for teaching, scholarly productivity, and professional service.

2014 Laura Murray and her mother collaborated on a recently published book, Walking on the Ceiling: Reflections on Life Turned Upside-Down by Pediatric Cancer. The book is part memoir, part resource, journal entries from blogs kept during her treatment, and includes various integrative strategies used during her oncology treatment for medulloblastoma at the age of 15. Murray also designed the cover.

MARRIAGES 1976 Meredith McGill to Amos "Jerry" Sleighmaker, 11/19/16.

1984 Melanie Carawan to Job Dieleman, 9/8/16.

1988 Julie Longmire to Doug Dauray, 9/10/16.

2001 Jamye Hickman to Sidney Lindsey, 11/8/16.

2005 Sarah Anderson to Charlie Adkins, 10/22/16.

2006 Meredith Rhea Strub to Justin Gray, 12/10/16.

Sarah Ann Stansfield to Jeffery Turner, 11/15/14.

2009 Cristina Welty to David Fetterolf, 12/17/16.

2011 Sarah Ann Wheeler to Andrew Linhart, 10/27/16.

2015 Mary Ryan to Matthew Tyson, 1/7/17. Marilia Pereira dos Santos to Philip David Maness, 6/11/16.

NEW ARRIVALS 2001 Patsy Elliot Brown, a son, Luke Elliot, 1/17/17.

Betsy Rhame-Minor, a son, Hartin William, 2/9/17.Penny Chapman Kucera, a daughter, Ellis Pearl, 11/28/16. Pammy Hale Josey, a daughter, Hannah Claire, 10/7/16. Deanna Whaley Ford, a son, William James, 10/24/16.

2002 Emily Roudabush Anderson, a son, Grant Christopher, 12/29/16.

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2003

1946

Jessica Stroud Kennedy, a boy and girl, Nathaniel Adam and JoAnna Elizabeth, 9/27/16. Allison Koos Rash, a daughter, Alexis “Lexie� Caroline, 6/22/16.

Erin Taylor Rice, a daughter, Mary Charles, 2/16/17.

Rebecca Barnes Townsend, 3/7/17.

2005 Ashley Amey Alrich-Altman, twin boys, John Richards and Brent Roberts, 2/13/17. Krystal Drewyor Campos, a daughter, Karis Campos, 1/8/17.

Summer McClanahan Carter, a son, Ellis Carter, 9/16/16. Sterling Winslow Grimes, a son, Everett Reade, 1/4/17. Jessica Jones, a son, Salvator Thomas, 11/13/16. Ashley Ellis Smith, a daughter, Lila Ellis, 8/26/16. Christi McKee Standley, a daughter, Janie Elise, 7/21/16. Hannah Pollett Edens, a daughter, Margaux Frances, 5/24/16.

2006 Kelly Beth Smith Hapgood, a son, John Russell II, 2/27/17. Jennifer Noel Henderson, a son, Patrick Calvin, 12/29/16. Jennifer Niland Kerley, a son, Tyler Alexander, 9/18/16. Kara Norville Leggett, a son, Lewis Charles, 10/12/16. Lindsey French Parnell, a daughter, Smith Reece, 6/4/16. Tara Licciardello Queen, a son, Miles Simon, 2/3/17. Sarah Ann Stansfield Turner, a son, Hayden David, 5/7/16.

2008 Whitney Phillips Goulding, a daughter, Paisley Hollins, 6/23/16.

2009 Rebecca Buchanan Leahy, a son, Joseph Francis, 12/7/16.

2012 Jessie Breazeale Akerman, a daughter, Eloise June, 1/18/17. Hadley Willis Fulcher, a son, Gibson Ward, 10/7/15. Ai-Vy Riniker, a son, Jonah Barlow, 11/18/16.

DEATHS Susan Cobb Brumley, 1/4/17.

Mary Parrish Stieffen, 1/1/17.

1937 Martha Joyner Adkins, 11/24/16.

1939

1947 Esther Hollowell Kidd, 12/5/16.

Stella Lassiter Murphy, 12/4/16.

1948 Annalean Mclamb Johnson, 1/3/16. Margaret Bunn Moss, 1/11/17. Mae Marcelene Simmons Robertson, 1/20/17.

1949 Becky Lynn Dobbins, 11/5/16. Anne Laura Lassiter Emory, 1/8/17.

1950 Ann Josey Elgeston, 12/8/16. Jane McDaniel Shouse, 12/17/16.

1951 Betty Ann Hall Wilkinson, 12/7/16.

1952 Carlene Kinlaw Burns, 11/24/16. Rachel Davenport Feldman, 11/22/16. Matel Royal Viall, 1/9/17.

1953 Elizabeth Hamrick Brady, 12/2/16.

1954 Shirley Graham Brown, 2/12/17. Florence Laverna Bell Davis, 1/9/17.

1956 Rovilla Myers Sellers, 11/28/16. Patricia Liles Smith, 1/30/17.

1957 Sarah Lawrence Dupree, 2/18/17. Edith Johnson Seifert, 2/5/17.

1958 Margaret Anita Farris Ratchford, 2/16/17.

1961 Margaret Hurst Clyburn, 12/26/16. Lilmar Gatlin Taylor-Williams, 1/12/17.

1962 Verna Dryden Asplen, 1/30/17.

Lois Johnson Ramsau, 12/28/16.

1964

1941

Phyllis Carmen Austin, 11/21/16. Judith Pearce, 2/17/17.

Ida Howell Friday, 2/6/17. Loleta Kenan Powell, 11/25/16.

1943

1965 Carol Lloyd Bayer, 12/6/16.

Evelyn Dillon Coleman, 1/24/17. Mary Wyatt Willis, 12/2/16.

1966

1944

1968

Mary Wrenn Grizzard, 12/29/16.

Cathy Roberts Harris, 1/2/17.

Murilla Oates Johnson, 10/28/16.

ALUMNAE

CONNECTION

1973

1967

Kimberly Denton Gay in the death of her father.

Theresa Smith Hooks, 2/10/17.

Carolyn Overton Lynch in the death of her son-in-law.

1975

1970

1986

Katherine Stewart Rickard, 12/18/16.

Ann Carroll Ward in the death of her mother.

1977

1971

Kimberly Dale, 2/16/17.

Sandra Stone Shealy in the death of her mother.

1982

1972

Elizabeth Newman Trevathan, 1/13/17.

Lydia Senter Langdon in the death of her son.

Carolyn Holcomb Hriso in the death of her motherin-law.

1983

1973

Anne Denmark Beaty, 11/5/16.

1995

Debby Stone Bullock in the death of her mother.

Agnes Bailey Goldston in the death of her mother-inlaw. Susan Irvine Morris in the death of her husband.

Angela Smith Ortiz in the death of her grandmother.

2003 Kimberly Glover Holton, 2/17/17.

SYMPATHY 1949 Lois Shuffler Edwards in the death of her husband.

1954

Sandra Dupree Somers in the death of her mother.

Kim Giddeons Quinn in the death of her mother.

1974 Susan Creager in the death of her mother. Meredith Marr Watson in the death of her father.

1975

Clara Ray Bunn in the death of her husband.

Cathy Morgan Kolk in the death of her husband.

Ellen Wester in the death of her father.

1961

1977

Betty Jo Kinlaw Simmons in the death of her son.

1962 Celia Caldwell Maddry in the death of her husband.

Beverly White Shearon in the death of her cousin.

1966 Paula Lowry Herren in the death of her sister. Kay Lambeth in the death of her sister-in-law. Anita Hauser Ogburn in the death of her mother.

1987 1994

1998 Kimberly Overton Moore in the death of her husband.

1999 Media Scronce Hooks in the death of her motherin-law.

2001

Laura Jackson Williams in the death of her father.

Wallis Stott in the death of her grandmother. Missy Butler in the death of her father. Brooke Boyle in the death of her father.

1979

2003

Teri Edwards in the death of her father. Emily "Lou" Graham Howell in the death of her mother.

Heather Divocky Pollard in the death of her mother-in-law.

Carolyn Barnes Clark in the death of her husband.

1983

2017

Janet Edwards Cheek in the death of her father.

Meggan Pollard in the death of her grandmother.

2005 Leslie Van Den Berg in the death of her grandmother.

Make Plans to Join Us in New York City November 17 – 19, 2017

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 17 – Sunday, November 19, 2017.

This fun-filled weekend getaway includes: airfare from RDU, transfer service, accommodations at The Muse Hotel, a reception for travelers and area alumnae,

and a ticket to War Paint, Broadway's newest hit musical starring Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole.

Travelers also have a choice of a la carte options throughout the weekend.

For additional details or questions, please contact Hilary Allen, ’01, director of alumnae relations, at (919) 760-8751 or allenh@meredith.edu.

S ummer 2017 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

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ALUMNAE

CONNECTION

Alumnae Honored During Reunion Weekend

By Emily Parker economics at Meredith and went on to earn an M.S. in rehabilitation counseling at East Carolina University. She has been a member of the Meredith Board of Trustees since 2013. She is also a member of the Meredith Legacy Scholars Committee, the Friends of Sansepolcro, and served on the Human Environmental Services Centennial Committee. James and her husband, Allen, have supported Meredith in numerous ways, including ongoing support for the Class of ’67 Scholarship Fund. Her outstanding philanthropy has supported the Sansepolcro program, the president’s discretionary fund, the Meredith Legacy program, and The Meredith Fund.

Bobbitt Clay Williams, ’57 Meredith Philanthropy Award

T

he 2017 Alumnae Awards were presented on May 20, during Alumnae Reunion Weekend, in recognition of women who have contributed greatly to society since they graduated from Meredith.

Yvette Brown, ’90 Distinguished Alumnae Award Yvette Brown, ’90, is educating the next leaders in the medical field. Brown, a graduate of the Medical College of Pennsylvania, is an obstetrician/gynecologist and the assistant medical officer for Keystone Women’s Care in Pennsylvania. She is a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association, and the American Association for Physician Leadership. Brown enjoys teaching nursing students while performing procedures in the operating room and lectures at nursing conferences. Brown serves on the Board of Trustees, and with her family, has established a Meredith scholarship.

Kahran Myers, ’09 Recent Graduate Award Kahran Myers, ’09, is making an impact on her community. Myers received a political science degree from Meredith and then attended Charlotte School of Law. Myers is employed by Well Fargo Bank N.A. and is a managing attorney for the law offices

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of T. Greg Doucette. Myers also works with Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights to offer pro-bono representation in Charlotte. Myers risked her own physical safety in September 2016 when protests began after a fatal police shooting of an African-American man in Charlotte. She served as a spokesperson to tell the story as it happened and provided pro bono defense work to those arrested for protesting.

Bobbitt Clay Williams, ’57, majored in business administration and believes Meredith has directly contributed to the wonderful life she has led. On the occasion of their 60th anniversary, Williams’ husband, Bill, made a $1 million gift in her honor to support renovations at Meredith, and name the Bobbitt Clay Williams Executive Suite in Johnson Hall. This gift was instrumental in the renovation of the most iconic building on Meredith’s campus.

Margaret Currin, ’72

Josephine S. Cooper, ’67

Career Achievement Award Margaret Currin, ’72, has had a wellrespected and lengthy career in the legal field. In 1976, she was the first person to enroll at Campbell University’s law school.

After graduating, she went to Washington, D.C., to serve as a legislative assistant and counsel to U.S. Senator John Tower. In 1981, she returned to Campbell to serve as assistant dean of the law school and associate professor. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan nominated Currin to be U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Following this appointment she returned to Campbell once again and taught law until her retirement in May 2013.

Ann Batson James, ’67 Meredith Philanthropy Award Ann Batson James, ’67, majored in home

Reunion Philanthropy Award Josephine S. Cooper, ’67, who majored in business administration at Meredith and also holds an MBA from Duke, retired from Toyota as vice president for public policy and governmental affairs. Her support of Meredith includes service as a member of the Board of Trustees and as the co-chair of Beyond Strong | The Campaign for Meredith. Her philanthropic support of Meredith, includes the Class of 1967 Scholarship, The Meredith Fund, and the Lois Frazier Endowment for Women in Business. She has established the Cooper International Business Travel Trust to support students and faculty within the School of Business.

To read more about the award recipients, visit meredith.edu/alumnaeawards.

BEYOND STRONG The Campaign for Meredith

SUPPORT THE LAKE RESTORATION

THE NEW MEREDITH MAYHEM We know two things about Meredith alumnae: they love the Meredith Lake and alumnae never back down from a challenge.

As always Meredith Mayhem is an alumnae competition between classes, but this year money raised will support the Meredith Lake.

This spring the 100 year-old pipes that feed the lake failed and unfortunately the lake drained. Initial estimates find repairs will cost $500,000, but we have a matching gift lined up for the first half, and we are asking alumnae to raise the remaining $250,000.

Join the Mayhem! Your gift will keep Meredith Going Strong and give current and future Angels years of memories at Meredith Lake.

Give to The Meredith Fund today. Make your gift online at meredith.edu/mayhem through June 30.

DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING 3800 Hillsborough Street Raleigh, North Carolina 27607-5298 meredith.edu

A STRONG

WOMAN PLAYS TO WIN. With eight Division III athletic teams, Meredith women are strong competitors on and off the playing field.

Congratulations to the Avenging Angels lacrosse team on winning its fourth consecutive USA South Championship title and punching its fourth-straight ticket to the NCAA Division III Lacrosse Championships. And six student-athletes took home All-Tournament Team honors including sophomore Holly Hite, who was named Most Valuable Player.

The Avenging Angels experienced great success during the 2016-17 season.

•

Volleyball grabbed the program’s first-ever USA South Championship title and secured its first NCAA tournament appearance.

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Soccer notched its third consecutive USA South East Division Regular Season Championship title.

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Softball was crowned USA South East Division Regular Season Champions.

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Cross country finished second at the USA South championships and earned a 2016 Division III AllAcademic Team honor – one of just three USA South programs to earn the recognition.

Explore Meredith athletics at goavengingangels.com.

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