CLASS NOTES
The Young and True Blue!
T
he MTSU Young Alumni Group (YAG) exists to create programs, social events, and community service opportunities for alumni ages 35 and younger. Several programs and events (including charity opportunities) are planned and hosted by the YAG in middle Tennessee throughout the year. The YAG recently enjoyed time together at Arrington Vineyards. For a list of events, visit mtalumni.com or Like the YAG Facebook page at facebook.com/MTYoungAlumni. YAG president Rachel Lee sees the YAG as vital to creating a culture of sustained involvement with the University. “I would love to see further involvement in the Nashville community as we have a wide base of alumni there, as well as events for groups in other cities across the state and reaching into various states,” she said. (L to R) Rachel Lee (’08), Benton Beasley (’15), and Hannah Beasley (’15)
Mike Denning What could make MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee happier than a thrilling, late-game victory in Miami making the Blue Raider football team bowl-eligible? How about finding out on the team charter flight home that the pilot, Captain Mike Denning (’96), was a proud graduate of the MTSU’s nationally prominent Aerospace program. Denning, a Miami Air International pilot, flew his alma mater’s football squad from Miami to Smyrna following its 42-35 win over Florida International University on Oct. 30. “Great way to end a terrific night,” McPhee tweeted. Jaclyn Pritchett (’09), Murfreesboro, was honored with the Nashville Emerging Leader Award by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville. She is the senior manager of leadership development at Bridgestone Americas, where she leads development and succession planning for Bridgestone retail operations. Pritchett also serves on the boards of the Middle Tennessee Society for Human Resource Management and New Frontiers.
2010s Jason Casteel (’10), Spring Hill, joined the Construction Administration Department of Nashville-based Architectural firm ESA (Earl Swanson Associates). Charles Wright Pittman (’10), Atlanta, was hired as the DOOR Atlanta City Director. Chad Slaven (’12), Harrogate, graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) and
is now completing a pediatric residency in Memphis. While enrolled, he received the Leadership Award, Pediatric Award, and Oral Biology Award and was selected into the Dean’s Society. Sharon Edwards (’13), Shelbyville, is working as children’s service coordinator in the Fayetteville-Lincoln County Public Library. She also writes for the Huffington Post. Victoria England (’13), Smyrna, joined TruStar Marketing as marketing coordinator.
Rachel Sparkman (’13), Nashville, joined The Lebanon Democrat as news editor. Julie Baker (’15), Antioch, accepted the position of tour coordinator for the office of Undergraduate Admissions for MTSU. Ryan Baker (’15), Gallatin, was named interim director of the Sumner County Museum. Charles “Wesley” Alexander (’16), Woodbury, accepted the position of information services analyst at Caterpillar Financial Services Corp.
Winter 2017 45