RU Alumni
Dreams Made Possible
Leadership (OML) program in 2014 on the recommendation of Reinhardt alum and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Finance Director Stacey Williams. After high school, Jamie Gianfala “I looked to Stacey Williams as a ’16 pursued his dream of becoming a mentor. He was an adult learner when police officer. He soon realized that his he attended Reinhardt. He, like me, goals to rise in rank could only be met had a family, full-time job and other by furthering his education. competing priorities. Like Stacey, I “I had early success in my career. I enjoyed my experience in the OML was able to obtain different positions program and applied this knowledge in very quickly,” said Gianfala. “I then both my professional and personal life.” had the opportunity to achieve rank in Graduating two years later with the department. I would, from time to honors – magna cum laude – Gianfala time, take a class but never prioritize continued to further his education with my education. I was transferred from his master’s degree in Public Safety shift to shift as I moved up in the Administration. He believes his diligence organization, and as I gained more during his undergraduate degree significant experience, I would always continues to reward him each day. make the excuse that I would get my “Reinhardt has given me education – later.” opportunities that I would not have In October 2020, Gianfala became had elsewhere. I tell others go to Deputy Chief Marshal of Cherokee Reinhardt; sacrifice today – enjoy the County, a promotion that all began rewards every day.” with returning to school, this time as an Gianfala describes Reinhardt as adult learner. being about “family and connections,” Education was a priority for sharing that the friends he made another Reinhardt alum, Roger became family. He also discovered his Garrison. During his time as sheriff, career connections were far-reaching. he encouraged Gianfala to advance “I find so many people in the as a police officer, noting that to move business world connected to forward, his education needed to match Reinhardt University. When I speak his experience. This helpful guidance in the community and share that I led him to Reinhardt. am a Reinhardt graduate, that means Gianfala enrolled in the something. They know that I am part Organizational Management & of something special, that I exemplify the personal and professional competencies that all organizations seek and expect.” Madison, Gianfala’s daughter, followed in his footsteps. After playing softball for the university and graduating in 2018, she now teaches in Cherokee County. Gianfala’s career came Jamie Gianfala celebrates with his family. full circle, as he now serves as an adjunct 34 | REINHARDT | FALL 2021
instructor for Reinhardt’s Master of Public Administration Executive Command and Leadership program. He received recognition as a Reinhardt University “10 Under 10” Alumni. “I love Reinhardt. My experience was wonderful. I have been blessed in my job. My only regret is that I did not go to Reinhardt straight out of high school. There are more obstacles for the adult learner, but – no matter your age or when you return – Reinhardt understands that, and it shows.”
Involved Citizen Turned Evolved Citizen Eight years ago, Jamie Landers Foster ’12 graduated from Reinhardt University, business degree in hand, not knowing which path to follow – the choices were many. “I had no idea what I wanted to do,” said Foster. “I can tell you, however, that I spent time as a sandwichmaker, a title-pawn lender and even a marketing director.” Foster began her time at Greater Community Bank in 2016 as executive assistant to the president and CEO before becoming marketing director two years later, then serving as branch manager. Foster is now the Executive Administrator of The Montessori School of Rome. When Foster first graduated, however, she had little direction with her career. During her four years on campus, Foster’s involvement prepared her for the future in ways she didn’t realize at the time. She credits a large portion of her success to her student life. Living on campus and away from home for the firsttime motivated Foster to build critical life skills like decision-making, prioritizing and goal-setting – skills that she now uses every day. “At the time, my successes were smaller and more short-term. Today
