summer 2011 a magazine for alumni and friends

IN5 Spring THIS breakers serve ISSUE in El Salvador 10 First lady discovers new adventures 14 Class of 2011 celebrates commencement L A G RANGE C OLLEGE from the president COLU MNS

A Magazine for Alumni and Friends Uncommon connection Vol. 15, No. 3

A strong sense of community. That is President one of the things I enjoy most about the Dan McAlexander experience at a smaller institution of Vice President for Advancement higher learning. The bonds shared be- Will Jones tween faculty, staff and students create Editor an energy unlike any other. Dean Hartman Assistant Editor Debby Durrence Whether in the dining hall, at sports con- tests or during other events, the conver- Development Writer Karen Clark sations I enjoy with our undergraduates Recruitment Writer are constant reminders of the strong con- Lee Davis nections that grow from living and learning in a small-college Alumni and Community Relations Editors environment. Here at LaGrange, we believe that being part of Martha Pirkle, Susan Hancock such a community transforms lives, a transformation reflected Webmaster in our actions. David Beard ’01 Designer After horrific tornadoes ripped through the South this spring, Stacy Gorman Jackson ’00 members of our campus community volunteered to travel to some of the ravaged areas and lend a hand. You can read LaGrange College (USPS 299-300), including about their experiences in our cover story. Columns, its official publication for alumni and friends, and the Progress Report and Annual Building our connections with the community of LaGrange has Donor Roll, is published quarterly by LaGrange led to a new educational/travel program called 3D Journeys, College, 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA which offered faculty lectures about Coastal Georgia and an 30240-2999. Periodical class postage paid at educational trip to Sapelo Island. My wife, Celeste, has helped LaGrange, GA, and additional mailing offices. launch that effort, and you can read more about her and the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to role of first lady in the feature inside this issue. LaGrange College, 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 30240-2999. Having spent our lives working in higher education, Celeste and I both believe the college years offer an extraordinary Correspondence should be directed to the Com- time for students to discover a true sense of vocation, con- munications and Marketing Office at the above necting their unique gifts with the world’s needs. And we address, e-mailed to [email protected], believe LaGrange College is the kind of community where that or faxed to (706) 880-8763. connection happens. Classnotes should be sent to the Alumni and Community Relations Office at the same ad- Thank you for your role in our college community as we join dress, e-mailed to [email protected], or together in the work of transforming lives. faxed to (706) 880-8757.

Indicates additional material on the College’s Web site found at Dan McAlexander www.lagrange.edu President

A four-year liberal arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church, LaGrange College is consistently ranked in the top 10 and as a “best value” among Southern colleges by U.S.News & World Report. The college, an award winner in sustainability, is the oldest private institu- tion of higher learning in Georgia and has an enrollment of more than 1,000 students. in this issue Cheerful chorus PAGE 14 Sculpture captures Amid the whirring of campus icons in sand. cicadas and the heartfelt PAGE 5. encouragement of speaker Howard “Bo” Callaway, the Class of 2011 celebrated its commencement. By Dean Hartman

2 Notebook Panther places in nation- al golf tourney; president’s opinion piece appears in state newspapers; college helps in West Point Lake cleanup; more

4 Around Campus College joins new athletic conference; business and community leaders hosted at luncheon; students take Alternative Spring Break trip to El Salvador; more

18 Alumni and Friends Daniel recognized for alumni service; Phil Wil- liamson retires after 42 years; Hunter receives Fuller E. Callaway Jr. Award; more

23 Classnotes Homecoming to offer new Main Street Party; grads honored as Troup County outstanding teachers; alumni share their moves and mile- stones; more PAGE A different journey 10 First lady Celeste Myall has spent her life as a musician and Cover professor. However, her life changed dramatically two years It didn’t take long for students, faculty and staff to re- ago when her husband, Dan McAlexander, was named presi- spond after terrifying tornadoes devastated Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Rome. They organized and delivered supplies, as dent of LaGrange College. By Debby Durrence well as offered helping hands and caring hearts. page 6 By Debby Durrence notebook

Golfer soars at nationals Senior Hudson Keener finished third at the 2011 NCAA Division III Golf Championships at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, N.C. With the third-place finish, Keener earned first-team PING All-American honors for the second straight year, the first LaGrange golfer to do so since the college joined the NCAA. He was also selected to the PING Southeastern All-Region team and was the Great South Ath- letic Conference Player of the Year. Keener won the GSAC and Reeder Cup individual championships.

President gets the word out President Dan McAlexander’s guest editorials on the changes in the HOPE scholarship were picked up and printed in newspa- pers around the state, including the Macon Telegraph, Columbus Ledger- Enquirer, LaGrange Daily News and Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He praised the governor and legislators for salvaging the scholar- ship, even with its reductions. “We are grateful that the bill did not single out students at pri- vate colleges for harsher cuts than their peers at public institutions,” he wrote. “We also are happy to see Lions, tigers and bears … … the continuation of the (Tu- ition Equalization Grant) award, The sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi went on a scouting expedition during their May which the governor had previously Day Step-Sing performance and encountered a few wild, but friendly, beasts recommended in his budget and on along the way. Their spirited presentation won the large-group category honors which our students rely.” during the annual event, which drew a large crowd to the Lewis Library Plaza. Taking small-group honors was Pi Kappa Phi. snapshot notebook research, vividness of style and mature Team takes community analysis. ... The interplay of differing spelling prize and sometimes conflicting personalities Panthers Pounce on a Good Book, involved in the story is presented with the college’s team for LaGrange’s an- fairness, sensitivity and insightfulness.” nual Certified Literate Community Program spelling bee, emerged the Smith columns restored victors during March’s tourney. Team Matthew, Mark, Luke and John members Sarah Neal, Arthur Robinson have gotten a makeover. The famed and Jennifer Wiggins out-spelled the columns of Smith Hall, named for the team from LaGrange Academy in a apostles by students many years ago, thrilling spell-off. recently had some work done to protect The Panther team won by spelling them from the elements. six of the 10 words, acing “strabismus,” “It appeared that water had pen- “nugacity,” “fossorial,” “narcohypnia,” etrated through the cap at the top and “roborant” and “mugwumpery.” migrated its way behind the brick and Volunteers help with plaster,” said Michael Coniglio, Direc- tor of Physical Plant. “This caused the lake cleanup plaster to break away during the colder Almost 100 campus representatives months when the water would freeze.” combed the shores of West Point Lake The college contacted a company in April for a mega lake cleanup day. that specialized in using a ceramic paint The event was held in conjunction coating system, a product that is elastic with a community effort to spruce up in nature, which allows for contraction the lake for the Bassmaster Elite Series and expansion. Tournament in May. “The prep work for the columns The college was assigned a site was the most detailed part of the pro- on Linda Lane, and gloves, trash bags cess because the existing flaking plaster Teaching awards presented and bottled water were provided to all had to be removed,” Coniglio said. “A Four faculty members were rec- volunteers. Representatives from the wire mesh was then applied around the ognized for teaching excellence at the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of columns and re-skimmed with plaster college’s Honors Convocation at First Commerce commended the helpers to maintain the original integrity.” United Methodist Church. from the Hill for their labors. Once that was completed, a primer Dottie Joiner, Lovick Corn Profes- and final coat of ceramic paint was sor of Art History, received the John R. Music chair named author applied. Also, new metal caps were Hines Jr. Undergraduate Research Fac- of year installed at the top of the columns to ulty Award for her promotion of stu- dent research; Melinda Pomeroy-Black, Dr. Toni Anderson, Chair of the prevent further water penetration and Associate Professor of Biology, won the Music Department, recently was named reduce the amount of annual preventive Vulcan Materials Teaching Award for Georgia Author of the Year for best maintenance. “challenging the minds” of her students; creative nonfiction history. Alvin Lingenfelter, Assistant Professor Her work, “‘Tell Them We Are of Religion, received the Sustainabil- Singing for Jesus’: The Original Fisk ity Award for Faculty that recognizes Jubilee Singers and Christian Recon- environmentally friendly lifestyles and struction, 1871-1878,” garnered praise examples set among faculty members; from judge Samuel Fred Roach. and Arthur Robinson, Assistant Pro- “Clear, honest, perceptive and vivid fessor and Public Services Librarian, character and institutional collages add received the United Methodist Church to the human mosaic depicted by the Teaching Award, given to the faculty work,” he wrote in his comments. “This member who “inspires the soul.” volume presents the best combination of

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 3 around campus Panthers to join new conference LaGrange College has accepted an invitation to join the USA South Athletic Conference, beginning competition in the 2012-13 academic year. The move brings several benefits, according to President Dan McAlexander. “We will be joining a prestigious conference with a track record of success in national tournaments,” he said. “Our student-athletes will have more opportuni- ties to achieve excellence through post-season play, especially our men’s teams, who will be able to compete for automatic bids to their respective NCAA Division III Luncheon brings national play-offs.” leaders together The women’s teams will continue to vie for automatic bids, as they now do in the Great South Athletic Conference. The college is a founding member of the More than 200 LaGrange resi- GSAC and will honor its commitments there through the 2011-12 academic year. dents gathered in April at Del’avant Panther athletic teams in almost all sports have competed against current downtown for the inaugural Business USA South members. The college joined the conference as a women’s lacrosse-only and Community Leaders Luncheon, member in 2009. sponsored by the college. The USA South sponsors championships in men’s and President Dan McAlexander said the women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s event was designed to celebrate the ties volleyball, football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, between the college and the community softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s golf and wom- and to foster continued collaboration. en’s lacrosse, for a total of 14 sports. LaGrange teams will “We are very proud of the rela- continue to compete in the Appalachian Swimming and tionship we have with LaGrange and Diving Conference. Troup County,” he said. “LaGrange New Athletic Director Jennifer Claybrook said join- College is committed to being distin- ing the USA South is a win-win situation. guished as a college that transforms “The conference move will allow us to establish and maintain long-term rival- the lives of its students and its com- ries,” she said. “And it will give our team sports two opportunities to receive a bid munities.” to the NCAA III national playoffs—an at-large bid and a conference bid.” Guest speaker was Horst Schulze, Now competing as an independent, the Panther football team will enjoy other co-founder of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. benefits in the new conference. Schulze’s keynote address stressed “This will provide more of our student-athletes with the opportunity to com- the importance of serving customers pete for a number of all-conference awards, from player-of-the-week to all-confer- with whatever they want, whenever ence to academic-all-conference,” Claybrook said. “Conference honors will make they want it. our players more competitive for national recognition.” “Every employee (in my company), USA South includes Av- including the busboy, is empowered to erett University, Va.; Chris- make on-the-spot decisions worth up topher Newport University, to $2,000 to make sure our customers Va.; Ferrum (Va.) College; are happy,” he said. “That gives every- Greensboro (N.C.) College; one a sense of ownership in serving our Mary Baldwin College, Va.; customers.” Meredith College, N.C.; He said creating that compa- Methodist University, N.C.; nywide culture requires one thing: North Carolina Wesleyan leadership. But that is a far thing from College; Peace College, management, he stressed. N.C.; and Shenandoah “Management forces things to University, Va. happen. Leadership creates an envi- ronment where everyone wants to be LaGrange, Piedmont Jennifer Claybrook, far right, new athletic director, speaks at a College and Maryville Col- press conference announcing the college’s new association with excellent, where everyone wants to do the USA South Athletic Conference. She is joined by, from left, exactly what the company wants them lege will join the group in Rita Wiggs, USA South commissioner; Phil Williamson, retired 2012. athletic director; and Dan McAlexander, college president. to do. It creates a clear mission and dream for a company.”

4 COLUMNS, Summer 2011 around campus Alternative Spring Break offers service opportunities It wasn’t a week at the Stephanie Fowler, a senior beach or a chance to chill at early childhood education home, but 15 students and major from LaGrange, says the three professors from the col- group collected tons of supplies lege had a spring break they for the trip. will never forget. “We were able to offer a free The group traveled to health clinic with a nearly un- Ahuachapan, El Salvador, limited amount of generic medi- where they provided a free cines and vitamins available,” health clinic, Vacation Bible she said. “We took a doctor, a School and extra construction nurse-midwife, an emergency workers for enhancements to a medical technician, a certified local Methodist church. nursing assistant and three LC The Alternative Spring nursing students.” Break has a long history at the The clinic volunteers saw college, said Alvin Lingenfelter, more than 300 people in a little Assistant Professor of Religion. Students Krystal Clark, left, and Chrissy McClain and Coach Marc more than three days. “We have been challeng- Mattioli help with the pharmacy at the free medical clinic. Some volunteers helped at ing students with them for the a construction site with lo- last 12 years, with both do- churches of El Salvador, said the Rev. cal church members. But the mestic locations (Boston, Memphis and Dr. Quincy Brown, Vice President for friendships formed were more impor- Los Angeles) and international (Prague, Spiritual Life and Church Relations. tant than the bricks and mortar. Costa Rica and El Salvador),” he says. “Alternative Spring Break trips “The people of Ahuachapan showed The college connected with its help introduce our students to servant- me that the relationships are what mat- Methodist affiliation and the North leadership—a leadership philosophy ter most,” Stephanie said. “They were Georgia Conference for the trip. The that focuses on opportunities to lead, patient in teaching us their language, venture was part of the conference’s learn from and serve others in a cul- their customs and their way of life. efforts to establish personal and ser- tural context that is different from their It was absolutely amazing, even life- vice partnerships with the Methodist own,” he says. changing, for all of us.”

Sculpture captures icons, attention There they were: Smith Hall, Lewis Library and the Chapel, per- fectly rendered … in sand. The college icons were part of a massive sand sculpture that was featured as part of the Bassmaster Elite Series Pride of Georgia fishing tournament held at West Point Lake in May. “Perched atop the hill at Pyne Road Park, the sand sculpture caught the eye of every passerby,” said LaGrange-Troup County tourism director Laura Jennings. “Visitors were fascinated with the precision of the sand sculptor and the resulting likeness of LaGrange College icons. “We had almost 13,000 people at the Pride of Georgia tourna- ment, and I bet every one of them spent some time marveling at the sculpture and taking photos.” Created by Patrick Harsch of Florida’s Team Sandtastic and sponsored by the college, the sculpture required 30 tons of sand and took four days to complete. Patrick Harsch with Team Sandtastic of Sarasota, Fla., works on a sand sculpture featuring many college icons. The sculpture was a The tourney was subsequently aired on ESPN and its partner popular addition to the Bassmaster Fishing Tournament at West TV sports channels. Point Lake this May.

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 5 After the storm Tornado relief offers hope to both volunteers and victims

by Debby Durrence

6 COLUMNS, Summer 2011 n a late April afternoon sage from the Methodist minister at the genfelter, Head Men’s Soccer Coach in Tuscaloosa, Ala., the University of Alabama. Jeff Geeter and President Dan McAl- clouds darkened and terror “He put out a plea for help, so we exander as they boarded a bus early in trailed from the sky. A polled our students to see who would the morning of May 17 and traveled to Omonstrous tornado devastated every- be interested in going, talked to the Tusca loosa. thing in its path, leaving despair in its president and started making plans.” wake. But in the weeks to come, hope Alvin Lingenfelter, Assistant Profes- Scenes of devastation would replace the fear and rebuild the sor of Religion and Church Leader- Maranda Mitchem, a rising junior city. ship Program Director, says he wasn’t from Stone Mountain, says she volun- Thousands of volunteers have surprised by the response from the teered for the trip because she likes to streamed into the area to help wher- students. help whenever she can. But this one was ever they are needed. Those workers “All the kids that I fully expected to tough. included 14 students and “It can be hard seeing all the hurt four staff members from and pain, but that is a part of mission LaGrange College. What work and, in this case, disaster relief,” they saw there will stay with she says. “I think a lot of people could them the rest of their lives. see the horror on the television, but it wasn’t until we got there that A few seconds of hell we truly saw how helpless The horror started and hurting the people of in Tuscaloosa around Tuscaloosa are.” 6 p.m. April 27 as an EF4 She says the reality hit tornado roared through town, destroy- step up did so. A when they turned a corner and ing communities and lives. One victim lot of them also saw a destroyed Hobby Lobby, described the twister as “looking into went on the Alter- with crumpled vehicles littering the mouth of hell” as it churned toward native Spring Break to El Salvador, so I the parking lot. her home. knew this would be something they’d “We all gasped.” It only took a few minutes for the want to do. It’s a natural response for Ben Crumbley ’11 made the trip fast-moving storm to pass, but that these students to want to help. It’s what just days before his graduation. was plenty of time for it to wipe entire LaGrange College students do.” “I went to Tuscaloosa hoping to re- neighborhoods off the face of the earth, The group joined Dr. Brown, Lin- assure total strangers who are living in and long enough to injure more than 1,000 people and kill 43. Stunned survivors stumbled out of the wreckage, staring at piles of rubble where homes and businesses stood only a few minutes before. The scope of the devastation was breathtaking and heart- breaking. Once the shock and grief subsided, the reality of recovery hit. The people of Tuscaloosa were going to need help. A lot of help.

Neighbor to neighbor The Rev. Dr. Quincy Brown, Vice President for Spiritual Life and Church Relations, had been watching the news reports and praying. Then he got a mes-

At right, Daniel Garrett, a biology major and religion minor, carries part of a tree trunk to the street for disposal.

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 7 Servant Scholars to learn and serve Involving students in service is about to become an even more inten- tional part of the LaGrange experience. On June 27, the college announced that it will bring its brightest students to live, learn and serve in downtown LaGrange. Labeled the Servant Scholars Resi- dential Honors Program, the new effort will place students in the Broad Street Apartments, located midway between the Hill and the LaGrange square. The historic building will be renovated by Callaway Foundation, Inc., to house the juniors and seniors selected for the program, currently being developed by the faculty. According to President Dan McAl- exander, the initiative “will foster active, The group was surprised to find a mangled storage shed at the bottom of a pile of debris. The building creative learning both within and outside had been lifted from one neighbor’s yard and crushed into another’s. of the traditional classroom, encourag- a place shaken by uncontrollable events woman; then they moved on to an area ing and supporting students who have that they would never be alone in their on the outskirts of the worst damage. distinguished themselves as academically suffering, and that help is never more “The houses there were damaged but strong—and community oriented.” than a call away,” he says. still standing,” says Dr. Brown. “We In February, a committee of fac- Crumbley says what he saw in Tus- went to one house that had a couple of ulty members began working on the caloosa reminded him of his ASB trip huge trees down in the backyard. We initiative. to El Salvador. didn’t have any power tools, but we “We found that it is coming together “My heart immediately went back cleared what we could by hand.” easier than we anticipated,” said chair- to Ahuachapan when I saw the first But their luck changed after lunch woman Dr. Melinda Pomeroy-Black. block in Tuscaloosa—historic buildings when they ran into well-outfitted volun- “Students have expressed strong in- turned into bombed-out brick ruins; teers from the Church of the Resurrec- terest in an honors curriculum, and the entire roofs torn off houses and thrown tion in Leawood, Kansas. service component will pair nicely with into a neighbor’s house across the street; “They had backhoes and large it. Participants will research a commu- a complete stretch of strip mall, res- chainsaws, so we agreed that we’d help nity need, how to meet that need, and taurants, department stores and houses them with their projects if they’d help the dynamics of meeting that need.” totally shredded; and 100-year-old trees with ours,” Dr. Brown says. “They cut Plans call for both the apartments splintered, torn and thrown from an up the trees and we removed them and the program to be ready for stu- entire neighborhood,” he says. from the sites. We worked together for dents in the fall of 2012. about four hours. We were good and Getting to work tired, but we felt like we had accom- The group’s initial stop was First plished a lot.” United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa, President McAlexander was excited which has been coordinating a lot of the when he learned where the Kansans relief work. There, the volunteers met worship. for orientation, filled out waivers and “We have wanted to invite Adam received directions to work sites, as well Hamilton, founding pastor of the as release forms for the homeowners. Church of the Resurrection, to come to Their first assignment was clearing our campus to speak. Suddenly, there debris from the yard of an 80-year-old we were, working with members of his Above, large piles of rubble line the streets of Tuscaloosa. At right, students wait for a tree trunk to be cut up before they can carry the pieces to the street. congregation.” Jerry O’Donnell, a member of the Kansas team, was full of praise for the LaGrange workers. McAlexander, Dr. Brown and Vice two and another looked twisted and its “This group really got it,” he says. President for Finance and Operations bark was stripped.” “They were a great crew to work with.” Marty Pirrman as they traveled to Closer to home, the college devoted Rome and Cave Spring on May 9. Their a Saturday morning to working with Reaching out to Rome mission was to help the Disaster Recov- the local Red Cross to unload, invento- Tuscaloosa was far from the only city ery Center with the clearing of debris ry and reload disaster relief trailers and affected by tornadoes that day. A twister and downed trees, as well as making a truck. Campus Services also helped roared through Floyd County, Ga., ear- minor home repairs. with supplies for local tornado victims. lier in the morning, uprooting trees and “We were amazed at the total Helping others is important, damaging more than 200 homes. devastation of the twister path in Cave Coniglio says. Michael Coniglio and staff mem- Spring,” Coniglio says. “One tree was “Whenever I have been able to par- bers from Campus Services joined Dr. uprooted, the next one was snapped in ticipate in disaster relief, I get a sense of what God wants us to do for others Students work to clear debris in a Tuscaloosa neighborhood damaged in the April 27 tornado. who are suffering,” he says.

Faith and hope Although it was hard to see the suffering of the tornado victims, the students say they were touched by all of the people who came to help. “The response of people across the country coming to the aid of the town of Tuscaloosa was inspiring and abso- lutely amazing,” Mary says. Ben says that although there was much to mourn, the spirit and hope of the people they met was unforgettable. “I found that this community, in all of its suffering and brokenness, has unified not only in efforts to repair and restore homes, but also the lives of oth- ers. One could not find more grateful people than those who are keeping such faith in that place.” n

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 9 AFirst ladydifferent discovers new adventures injourney latest role

by Debby Durrence

t was considered the biggest loved them.” versity in Abilene, Texas, after graduation. game of the Panther women’s It’s that sincere caring, as well as “We lived in Texas for 23 years, and basketball season, but one her passion for the college, that is help- both of our daughters were born there.” of the team’s most loyal fans ing Myall make her own mark in her During that time, the young family couldn’t be there. So Celeste job as first lady. decided to do something a little unusual. IMyall, the college’s first lady, did the And it is a job—Myall’s schedule “For six summers, we taught at a next best thing—she baked good-luck would put most executives to shame. performing arts camp in Fairbanks, cookies for the players. But that’s the way she likes it. Alaska,” she says. “I saw an ad for it and But she didn’t stop there. “I have a strong work ethic and I thought it would be fun.” “It seemed only fair to do the same am not happy if I am not working,” she The couple loaded up their daugh- thing for men’s basketball and baseball,” says. “It makes me nervous when I don’t Myall says. “I’m hoping to do it for all have anything on my schedule.” Celeste Myall, left, discusses a future project with Martha Pirkle, Director of Alumni and the teams by the end of next year. I Community Relations. make seasonal cookies, so it is a natural A sense of adventure extension of that.” Myall grew up in Kansas City, Mo., Sophomore Katie Covington says but attended high school in Tulsa, Okla. they were touched by the gesture, as She studied music at the University well as the encouragement they always of Kansas, where she met her future receive from President Dan McAlexan- husband. After graduation, they married der and his wife. and moved to New York to further their “It’s an honor in itself just for them education. She attended the Manhattan to come support us, but knowing that School of Music, while McAlexander she took the time to make us cook- studied at Juilliard before they both took ies was awesome,” Katie says. “We all teaching jobs at Hardin-Simmons Uni-

10 COLUMNS, Summer 2011 ters—Alice, 5, and Anne, 10—and took and with the Nashville Chamber Myall, holding the family cat, greets students Carl Straumsheim and Rose Abando at the off to Alaska. Myall says she worked Orchestra. She also was very involved president’s home. Myall often hosts events at with an imposing group of musicians. with musical theater. the house for students, faculty, staff, alums and “We had a high-quality faculty with “It has been a huge part of my life community members. exceptional high school players from all for a long time,” she says. “We did “We’re a team, and we have always over Alaska. It was very challenging and musical theater at the Alaska camp—in worked together,” Myall says. “We’ve exhausting work because we had to put fact, that’s where my daughter Anne taught together, gone to school together together performances in a very short fell in love with it and decided to study and given recitals together. I wasn’t period of time, but it was a lot of fun.” theater and dance.” sure what to expect when we moved to On the weekends, when most of In Abilene, she worked with high LaGrange, but I knew we were in this the staff was resting up from a hard school, college and professional produc- adventure together.” week and looking ahead to the next tions, and in Nashville, served as pit And she understood she was in for a group of campers, the family from conductor for the large musical theater period of adjustment. Texas had other ideas. program at Belmont. “I was a professional violinist and “We traveled all around Alaska,” Life was good, filled with music college teacher for more than 30 years Myall says. “We saw amazing things and academics. But in 2009, a big and always loved what I did,” she says. and had wonderful adventures. It was a change was coming for Myall. “I enjoyed working with my colleagues very special time.” on the faculty, as well as with great In Nashville, Tenn., where McAl- A new direction players in chamber music and orches- exander served as provost of Belmont Late that spring, Dan McAlexan- tras throughout the years. University, Myall taught violin, cham- der was asked to be the new president “But most of all I loved working ber music and several music classes at of LaGrange College. As they have with college students—that age group Belmont, performed with Belmont’s throughout their marriage, the two fascinates me as they grow from kids to Camerata chamber music ensemble came to the decision together. functional adults, and it is thrilling to

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 11 have a part in that transformation.” president’s house. Faculty, staff, alumni Although she misses teaching, My- and especially students were welcomed all has thrown herself into her new role into the Vernon Street residence for as first lady. receptions, dinners, teas, picnics and “I’m used to doing things for myself, barbecues—all coordinated by Myall so you can imagine my surprise when and her team. we pulled up to the house on moving “My mother was a great entertainer day and there were all those people, just who would periodically have huge waiting to help,” she says. “And it’s been parties that everyone in the family that way ever since. There are so many contributed to, whether we wanted to or people who help me so much.” not,” she laughs. “So I like entertaining She says she knows how lucky she is. and using dishes and recipes from my “I’ve gone to conventions for family. I’ve especially enjoyed having presidents’ wives and heard all these the students over. We want them to feel complaints, and I sit there and count special, because they are.” my blessings.” This year the focus has been more on promoting the college within the The college’s house local community. The first couple has Myall says they were overwhelmed hosted luncheons, dinners and recep- with the welcome the couple received tions, often linked to campus events. Making outreach fun upon moving to LaGrange. Tammy Rogers, Director of Special Ask Myall which of her many proj- “There was so much gracious hospi- Events and Conferences, said opening ects she is most proud of, and most like- tality extended to us by the college and the president’s house to the college and ly she will say “3D Journeys: Discover, the community that first year,” she said. the community has been a priority. Discuss, Develop through Lectures and “I am trying to give some of that back. “Celeste and Dan truly believe Travel with LaGrange College.” We also have such great supporters that that the house belongs to the college; Created last fall, the program of- it is easy for me to be hospitable.” they just get to live there,” she says. fers a series of free lectures by faculty During their first year, the couple “Since arriving on campus, Celeste has members to the community once a entertained almost constantly at the welcomed and sought opportunities month. The talks are tied to a general to invite donors, community members, theme that changes each semester. At Below, Myall gives a private violin lesson to Chris- tine Yin, 13, daughter of math professors Drs. alumni and students to the house. We the end of the lectures, a trip to the area William and Carol Yin. Far right, Ann Beason, left, have hosted a variety of events from an discussed is offered to participants. and Judy Boggus, right, look through a scrapbook afternoon tea featuring a napkin-fold- Launched this spring, the series with Myall. The two community volunteers have helped spearhead the college’s new travel and ing demonstration for women to a pre- spotlighted the Georgia coast, with learn program, 3D Journeys. Academy Awards party for students.” lectures on history, photography, ecol-

12 COLUMNS, Summer 2011 projects has benefited from her years as a musician. “I am a very detailed person. That comes from playing the violin where people act like you have killed them if your finger is ¹⁄₁₆ of an inch off,” she says, laughing. “I know that working out all the details is important in plan- ning any event.” Above, College Presi- What’s next? dent Dan McAlexander One of the things Myall says she and his wife pause for a photo on a glacier in misses the most is teaching, with its Alaska in 1998. For six regular interaction with students. That summers, they taught at a performing arts camp will change in the fall when she will in Fairbanks. At right, teach a freshman Cornerstone class. the couple’s daughters “I’m really looking forward to that,” Anne and Alice react after seeing their first she said. “I can’t wait to have that con- whale in 1993. tact with students again.” Students Trevor Jones, Rose Obando and Carl She also will be picking up her Always a mom Straumsheim join Myall in the kitchen for a conductor’s baton once more to direct Myall may be a musician, a conduc- snack. the orchestra for the Theatre Arts De- tor, a teacher and a first lady, but her ogy and literature. In April, the group partment’s fall production of Stephen favorite job is being a mom. traveled to Sapelo Island and the coast. Sondheim’s musical “Sweeney Todd.” “I love keeping up with my daugh- Myall says one of her smartest “Dr. Toni Anderson (Chair of ters,” she says with a proud smile. Anne moves was recruiting community vol- the Music Department), who usually is a professional actor/singer/dancer/ unteers Ann Beason and Judy Boggus conducts, will be on stage,” Myall says. choreographer who lives in New York to help with the new program. “It will be so much fun to be in the with her husband, Alex, who is a com- “I knew they were rotating off the orchestra pit again. This is one of my poser. Alice is a political organizer who symphony board, and I knew what favorite musicals, and it’s going to be a lives in Washington, D.C. hard workers they are,” she says. “I was wonderful show.” Myall has two sisters—Carolynne, thrilled when they agreed to help us. She also plans to continue work- who lives in Spokane, Wash., and Ca- They are two of the smartest and most ing with her two young private violin mille, a retired teacher who moved to professional people I’ve ever known.” students. One of these, Christine Yin, LaGrange to be near them. For their part, Beason and Bog- daughter of Drs. William and Carol “She is part of our family unit.” gus say working with Myall has been a Yin, Professors in the Mathematics However, Myall’s main professional dream. Department, won the LaGrange Sym- focus is the college, and the work she “She and Dan have a great vision phony Orchestra Scala competition in shares with her husband. of opening the doors of the college to violin this year. “Dan and I love the special spirit of the community through the lecture “Christine is an impressive kid. She LaGrange,” she says. “We recognized series,” Beason says. “The response has is able to stand up to teaching that is in- that quality when we first drove into been terrific. And she certainly has tense without getting discouraged, and town. The faculty, staff and students— added sparkle to our lives. She is witty she has made incredible progress.” it’s such a special place.” and charming and thoughtful and kind “When the last Harry Potter movie Her role as first lady is one she and generous and very bright.” came out, neither her father nor I could relishes. Boggus says Myall has been a tre- take Christine to the opening night “My job is to help Dan,” she says. mendous asset. because of our schedules,” Carol Yin “He knows an amazing amount about “Celeste has so much energy and en- says. “But Celeste called and asked if every aspect of higher education, and he thusiasm to spread throughout the com- she could take her. Celeste has been is always thinking about what is best for munity. She loves working on special wonderful with Christine, both as a everyone here, so it is fun and reward- projects and does so with great ease.” teacher and a friend.” ing to help him in any way I can.” n Myall believes her work on college

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 13 Chris Daniel, the Waights G. Henry Jr. Leadership Award winner, carries the banner as he leads the by Dean Hartman Class of 2011 in the commencement recessional. ature herself gave voice The mood was as light and bright as to the celebration on the late spring morning as 288 gradu- May 21 as LaGrange ates crossed the stage and received their College marked its diplomas. 180th commencement. “Each and every one of you has a Raised from the earth after their 13- unique story to tell, and we are grate- Nyear incubation period, a large crowd of ful that we have had the opportunity red-eyed periodical cicadas provided its to help in shaping it during these last own distinctive chorus to the proceed- years,” said President Dan McAlexander ings on the Residential Quad. On in introducing the graduates. occasion, the happy insects even soared The class represented hometowns overhead before dive-bombing family, from the hot plains of Texas to the friends and graduates—delivering their frigid farmland of Wisconsin; ages from own version of the end-of-ceremony a tender 20 to a seasoned 60; and cul- mortarboard toss. tures varied enough to create a diversity level of 25 percent. Before being handed their diplomas, graduates were addressed by LaGrange native and Callaway Gardens Chairman Emeritus Bo Callaway. “LaGrange College is in my blood,” he told the audience, describ- ing how he would walk past the college on his way to elementary school as a young boy. Intrigued by the young women across the street, he would hop onto a low retaining wall to catch a better glimpse. “I’m walking by when LaGrange College is waking up,” he recalled, “and I feel that I’m a part of that school.” Callaway went on from his hometown

At left, grad Shelley Cathcart’s next step is celebrated by her sister, Renee, and friend Elvin Rolon. At right, from top, Kar- issa Mons applauds the beginning of the awarding of degrees. Glenn Gantner presents President McAlexander with a record-breaking gift from the Class of 2011 (see page 25 for more). Briaca Lane, Children’s Healthcare award winner, receives her pin from Nursing Chair Dr. Celia Hay during the Pinning Ceremony on the Thursday before commencement.

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 15 At left, from top, Alyssa Boatwright Penrod waits A voice from her turn to cross the platform. Bo Callaway, a LaGrange native and Callaway Gardens Chair- the past man Emeritus, delivers the commencement address. Mary Duttweiler takes her place in line before the ceremony begins. Below, Cameron It all started with a question from Williams smiles while visiting with friends after an alum during a phonathon call. the baccalaureate service. “I have some papers that belonged to military, political and business suc- to my great-grandmother,” said Julia cess. After serving in the military, he Holbrooke Chatham ’71. “Do you came home to help his father develop think the college would be interested in and run Callaway Gardens. them?” Then, in 1964, he was elected to The query made its way to Jacque the United States Congress, becoming Hornsby, Archives and Circulation As- Georgia’s first Republican Congressman sistant at Lewis Library. since 1875. Later, he served as Secretary “I wasn’t sure what she had, but I of the Army under Presidents Nixon was definitely interested,” Hornsby says. and Ford, and he managed Ford’s presi- Soon, a small mailing box arrived dential campaign in 1976. and Hornsby carefully began to remove In remarks both personal and pas- its contents. sionate, Callaway urged graduates to “There were live with enthusiasm—and to think big. several letters and a “My dad, Cason Callaway, thought few mementoes,” she big when he built Callaway Gardens,” says. “But it was what he said. “He wanted to not only take was at the bottom of the eroded, worn-out cotton land and box that made my heart make it into something beautiful. stand still.” He said he wanted it to be the most There she found a beautiful garden until Gabriel blows small booklet of delicate his horn. paper, tied with a white “It is now, to the best of my ribbon, both yellowed knowledge, the largest privately with age. Written in a beautiful flowing owned public hand on the front was “Twilight Col- garden lege Hill LaGrange, Georgia June 21, 1871 Jennie Barber.” “The bow and the way the paper was put together told me it had been something that had been read to an audience. Because Jennie Barber was a member of the Class of 1871, it fol- lowed that this was her senior project that was presented during commence- ment observances.” The collection also includes letters from two friends from her college days. One correspondent was Mary Louise Cox, daughter of Albert Cox, longtime college trustee and architect of the Col- lege Home (later named Smith Hall). “I find it remarkable that Jennie Barber preserved these mementos of her college days and connections,” Hornsby says. “It is even more remarkable and endearing that her family continued to preserve them after her death.”

16 COLUMNS, Summer 2011 The college’s Chamber Singers participate in the baccalaureate service on Friday evening. in the world. and managed to change a policy. “When he started, all of my friends “What do you see today in politics, Above, at top, LaGrange College at Albany gradu- in Chipley, that’s now Pine Mountain, maybe in your school life? People … ate Lynette Dilbert greets President McAlexander after receiving her degree. Above, the Rev. Dr. came up to me and said, ‘Don’t worry. take a poll, they raise their finger (and William Lawrence, dean of Southern Methodist I’ll take care of your dad when he goes check the wind) to see what the people University’s Perkins School of Theology and this year’s baccalaureate speaker, receives his doc- broke … .’ want, and they try to give them what toral hood from Board Chairman Bill Hodges. “And it’s still plugging along pretty they want. good after 60 years.” “No. You raise that standard, which mencement, and both he and Callaway Callaway concluded by encouraging is hard … . But you raise that standard were awarded honorary degrees during the graduates to live with integrity. as good as you know how, and let God the ceremony. “Thinking big won’t be worth take care of the event. Daniel was this year’s recipient of anything unless you have the one great “It doesn’t matter what happens; it the Waights G. Henry Jr. Leadership thing that’s really important,” he said. does matter what you do with your life. Award, an honor given to the student “And that is integrity. “That is fundamental, and it works. who distinguished himself or herself “George Washington said this at I promise you, it works.” through leadership skills, scholarship the constitutional convention in 1787, Also addressing the large crowd and service. with a little struggling country that were the Rev. Dr. William Lawrence, Citing the college’s mission, Daniel nobody knew if it would make it: ‘Let dean and professor of American church told the audience, “This place has truly us raise a standard to which the wise history at Southern Methodist Univer- transformed the lives of each and every and honest can repair. The event is in sity’s Perkins School of Theology, and graduate here today… . There is no bet- the hands of God.’” graduate Chris Daniel. ter way to express what this college does Callaway told the graduates that Dr. Lawrence spoke at the bacca- for its students.” there would be many temptations to cut laureate ceremony the day before com- And he urged them to continue the corners as they moved through cycle. life, but that doing the right “As we finish this chapter in our thing was always the best path. lives and begin the next … chal- He shared an incident lenge the minds, inspire the souls, from his days as a fresh- and transform the lives of those man congressman when around you. he took an ethical stand “Be LaGrange College when you leave this place.” Graduate George Lankford And the resulting ap- pauses with Vice President plause was joined by the for Advancement William Jones, left, and Professor of cheerful chirping of the Mathematics Dr. William Yin cicada gallery. n following the commencement ceremony.

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 17 alumni & friends Daniel receives Distinguished Service Alumni Award Hilliard Jackson Daniel Sr. ’82 was student. He received presented the Distinguished Service several scholarships, Alumni Award during this year’s com- including the Ty Cobb mencement. Scholarship. The distinction is given to a Daniel met his LaGrange graduate who has provided wife, Theresa Basilico continuous and devoted service to the ’81, at the college. college. Their daughter, Katie, Daniel serves as the assistant su- graduated last year; perintendent for support services with their son Hill is a the Monroe County School System. rising junior; and He was recognized for his professional youngest son Matthew achievements when he was named will be starting as a to the college’s Wall of Outstanding freshman next fall. Alumni in 1996. Daniel has sup- Daniel was honored as Kiwanian of ported many college Lori Medlock Anderson ’83, immediate past president of the Alumni the Year in 2004 and Volunteer of the projects, including Association, presents the Distinguished Service Alumni Award to Jack- Year by the Monroe County Chamber the Defining Moment son Daniel during May’s commencement. of Commerce. campaign, which thropy, co-vice president of class An active member of Ebenezer Unit- financed construction of Frank and coordinators, parliamentarian and ed Methodist Church, Daniel has served Laura Lewis Library and renovations to president elect. He chaired the Wall of as Sunday School teacher and a member Banks Hall, and the class scholarships Outstanding Alumni selection com- of the finance and administration com- for the classes of 1981 and 1982. He is mittee while he was president elect, mittee of the North Georgia Conference an active member and current president and was representative for his class of the United Methodist Church. of the Alumni Association. at the inauguration of President Dan As a senior at LaGrange, Daniel He served on the Executive Com- McAlexander. was named the outstanding business mittee as vice president for philan- Recognizing a legacy of helping The Help Desk on the second LaGrange College,” said Will Jones, the college and members of the Quad- floor of Lewis Library exists to support Vice President for Advancement. rangle Society. students’ technology needs. Assistants Wayne Hunter, a retired Milliken All three of the Hunters’ children provide help with interactive tools like & Company executive, served from attended the college. electronic whiteboards, multimedia 1992 to 2010 on the Board of Trustees, Hunter said he was greatly touched classroom equipment and teleconferenc- where he chaired the Development by the Help Desk dedication. ing technology in the auditorium. These Committee. Also, “I am overwhelmed with resources connect faculty members and he devoted much all you have done today. students through collaborative learning. of his time to the The benefit we get from On April 15, friends and fam- college during LaGrange College far out- ily gathered with Wayne and Sylvia Defining Moment weighs anything we do.” Hunter to dedicate the Hunter Help as a member of the Earlier in the day, Desk in recognition of their generous Steering Commit- Hunter was awarded the Defining Moment gift. tee and the Board college’s annual Fuller E. “How appropriate that this re- Solicitation Com- Callaway Jr. Award for Life- source is named in your honor be- mittee. He and his time Service for his faithful cause what a help you have been to wife are Fellows of devotion to the institution.

18 COLUMNS, Summer 2011 alumni & freinds ‘Coach’ leaves lasting legacy Coach Phil Williamson, who retired tennis teams. as Athletic Director July 1 after 42 years Under Williamson, the LaGrange of service at LaGrange College, leaves College athletics program has grown behind a legacy of much more than ath- from three teams (men’s and women’s letics. Hundreds of students know him tennis, men’s basketball) to the present also as a mentor, teacher and friend. 16 teams, playing nine different inter- “There will never be another Coach collegiate sports. In recent years, the Williamson,” said Jennifer DeMooney school has added women’s basketball Claybrook ’99 M’01, former student- (1999), football (2006) and women’s athlete and new Athletic Director. “I’ll lacrosse (2010). never be able to express what he has Williamson led the school’s transi- meant to this college and our students.” tion from the National Association of Wendell Clark, Director of Planned Giving, chats with Quadrangle Society member Tammy Williamson served more than a half Intercollegiate Athletics to the National Rogers M’02, Special Events and Conferences century as a coach and an administrator Collegiate Athletic Association Division Coordinator. in Troup County. III in 2002. He was instrumental in “I’ve enjoyed my 51 years in the creation of the Great South Athletic Donors’ stories education at Troup High School and Conference, of which LaGrange is a to fill collection LaGrange College,” he said. “I’m proud charter member. Williamson serves as of all the young men and women the commissioner for the GSAC. An unprecedented project is under I’ve had the privilege of teaching and The coach was an associate profes- way at the college to recognize a group coaching. The success of these men and sor of Health and Physical Education of donors who play a significant role in women is the reason I’ve taught and and the chair of the college’s Health the future of the institution. coached for this long.” and Physical Education Department. Wendell Clark, the college’s Direc- Williamson began his career at the He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees tor of Planned Giving, and his co-work- college in 1969 as the athletic director, from Troy University. ers aim to visit every living Quadrangle head of the Health and Physical Educa- “I’ll miss working with the student- Society member—172 donors in 15 dif- tion Department, intramural director athletes and coaches the most,” Wil- ferent states. His mission: to interview and head tennis coach. He was named liamson said. “The successes they have donors and share their philanthropic the head basketball coach prior to the had while at LaGrange and after gradu- stories in a special printed collection 1974-75 academic year. ation— I hope I had a little something that will be produced later this year. He coached basketball for seven to do with them.” “We want to acknowledge those seasons, win- who honor LaGrange and inspire others ning the Georgia to do the same,” Clark said. Intercollegiate Quadrangle Society members have Athletic Confer- made provisions for the college in their ence tournament wills or have established deferred-giving championship once plans. Their gifts provide vital support and being named for students and faculty. the GIAC Coach “There’s a common misconception of the Year. that you need to be wealthy to have an In 1984, Wil- estate plan, which is not true. liamson started the “Most members don’t have large school’s baseball estates; over time their gifts will have a program. He tremendous impact on future genera- remained the tions of students,” he said. head coach until To make a gift to the Quadrangle 1996. In addition Society, contact Wendell Clark by tele- to basketball and phone at (706) 880-8060, or via email Jennifer Claybrook, incoming Athletic Director, hugs Coach Phil Williamson baseball, he also at his retirement reception. Everyone from the Athletics Department was at [email protected]. has coached the wearing T-shirts honoring Williamson.

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 19 alumni & freinds Hunter presented Callaway service award When longtime trustee Wayne tor and community leader in LaGrange, Previous recipients are Dr. E. Malone Hunter attended the college’s Business Troup County and at the college. Dodson ’59, H’86, Ray Anderson and Community Leaders Luncheon in Hunter and his wife, Sylvia, have H’01, Charles W. Smith and Almonese April, he had no idea he was going to been major contributors to LaGrange Brown Williams ’56.

end up in the spotlight. College for many years and are rec- President Dan McAlexander, left, congratulates Wayne Hunter was presented with the ognized as Fellows of the college. Hunter for receiving the Fuller E. Callaway Jr. Award for Fuller E. Callaway Jr. Award for Life- They also have earned membership Lifetime Service to LaGrange College. time Service to LaGrange College at the in the Quadrangle Society for their event. visionary philanthropy by making “I’m shocked and humbled by this, a planned gift to the institution. and I so appreciate this award,” Hunter Hunter said he is grateful for said. “But what I appreciate even more the positive impact LaGrange Col- are the two-and-a-half degrees our chil- lege has made on the surrounding dren earned at LaGrange College.” community. Hunter, a retired Milliken & Co. “The college’s impact is unbe- executive, served as a member of the lievable; it’s hard to measure,” he college’s board of trustees from 1994 to said. “We’ve never taken a friend 2010 and was re-elected this year. to the Azalea Storytelling Festival As a member of the board, he head- at the college or to arts programs ed the development committee for many or fine arts performances without years. During that time, the committee them being amazed.” directed the efforts of two campaigns: Since 2006, the college has Investing in Values: The Campaign for presented the Fuller E. Callaway LaGrange College and Defining Mo- Jr. Award for Lifetime Service ment: The LaGrange College Campaign to an individual who has faith- for Distinction. Hunter also served as a fully served this institution in a member of the trustee solicitation com- volunteer capacity. Fuller Cal- mittee for both campaigns. laway Jr. was a member of the In addition, he has been a benefac- board of trustees for many years.

Charitable gift annuity now available Recently, the college’s Board of Trustees approved a new ment. “It helps alleviate some of the worries of outliving your giving option for donors—the charitable gift annuity. resources, fluctuating interest rates and poor investment A charitable gift annuity is a contract between a donor performance.” and LaGrange College; the annuity agreement also can in- Also, the charitable gift annuity provides an immediate clude a spouse. In exchange for a gift of cash, securities and/ income tax benefit. A portion (established by the ACGA) of or property, LaGrange College pays the the annual annuity payment is tax free over a period of time. donor a fixed sum annually for life. The As the annuity amount is set at the time of the gift and does guaranteed annuity payment is based on not change, donors can be comfortable knowing they will the person’s age and an annuity per- receive the same amount each year of their lives. centage rate, supplied by the American Here’s an example: A 72-year-old donor makes a $10,000 Council on Gift Annuities. At the gift as a charitable gift annuity to LaGrange College. Based donor’s death, the college receives the on the donor’s age and ACGA calculations, the annuity rate balance of the original gift. is 6 percent, providing a $600 fixed, annual payment and an “This offers donors another way immediate charitable tax deduction of $3,881. to support the college’s mission, For more information about this giving option, please students and faculty,” said Will contact Wendell Clark, Director of Planned Giving, at (706) Jones, Vice President for Advance- 880-8060. alumni & freinds College celebrates retirees’ service Collectively, they have devoted apply for an opening in the Psychology He likes the feeling of community more than 135 years to challenging Department created by a retiring faculty established by the student body and the the minds and inspiring the souls of member. At the time, he was teaching faculty. students. This spring, the college bid at Methodist College (now Methodist “We’re here for each other.” farewell to four faculty members who University) in Fayetteville, N.C. Dr. Brenda Thomas began retired at the end of the academic year. “I’m from Macon, so (the position) teaching English courses part-time at (Also, see the story on Phil Williamson, was appealing to me.” LaGrange in 1974. Since joining the page 19.) Also passionate about history, Dr. college as a professor in 1989, she has Dr. Brooks Shelhorse graduated Evans has shared his personal studies of chaired the English Department three from the college in 1967. After attend- the Civil War in a class taught during times and distinguished herself as an ing graduate school in Louisiana, he the college’s January Interim Term. The educator and thinker. returned to LaGrange and the institu- course focused not so much on battles In 2010, she spent two semesters at tion he loved to teach mathematics. but on opening students’ eyes to the the University of Cambridge as a visit- During his 43-year tenure at challenges faced by individuals strug- ing scholar. LaGrange, Dr. Shelhorse witnessed gling to survive the country’s greatest Dr. Thomas and her students have the emergence of the information age, conflict. journeyed to Ireland and wandered marked by rapid growth in technology Dr. Evans believes students attend- through the mythical and actual ter- and communications. ing a larger school wouldn’t have this rains of 20th century Irish writers Wil- “I enjoyed teaching mathematics, kind of opportunity. liam Butler Yeats and James Joyce. and when we began to get computers “Most of my classes are 20 students, Her students, she said, “are the here, I took all of the computer science so I get to know them well. I know their number one reason I enjoy teaching courses that were offered. strengths and their weaknesses that we because they challenge me to think of “I started teaching the freshman can work upon.” literary texts in new ways.” level courses, and before Dr. Thomas estab- I knew it, I was teaching Provost David Garrison, left, visits with retiring faculty members Dr. Charles lished the college’s Writ- more computer science Evans, Dr. Brenda Thomas and Dr. Brooks Shelhorse. ing Center (now known than mathematics,” he said. as the Moshell Writing Dr. Shelhorse believes and Tutoring Center) to young people transitioning support students across the from high school to college academic disciplines. will see the advantages of “I have a special place learning between a small in my heart for the Writ- group of students and a ing Center because it’s faculty member. available to all students “Big universities have who want to be better their strengths, but we can communicators. It has offset a lot of those here by been rewarding to direct the fact that we know each undergraduates in helping other, and we inspire each other writers on campus.” other to work at our level After devoting so best.” much of her life to helping After 30 years of students transform theirs, teaching psychology, Dr. Dr. Thomas said her time Charles Evans said his at the college has chal- students have helped him lenged and inspired her. “to keep a youthful attitude “I’ve treasured the and to embrace life.” travel experiences with His LaGrange College students. It has been very experience began in 1981 rewarding and transforma- when he was encouraged to tive for me.”

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 21 alumni & freinds Board welcomes six trustees Betsy Whitaker Covington of Chamber of Commerce, 100 Black including serving on the boards of Columbus has joined the LaGrange Men of West Georgia, Kappa Alpha Psi several nonprofit organizations and as College Board of Trustees, while five fraternity and Warren Temple United a charter member of the Junior Service members have been re-elected to new Methodist Church. Baker serves on the League of LaGrange and Leadership terms. board of directors of Community Bank Troup. Dr. George Baker ’74, Ken Boat- and Trust. She and her husband are the parents wright ’79, Nancy Newman Durand He was the lead dentist in an of two daughters. ’68 and Wayne Hunter of LaGrange outreach program that gave under- Hunter, a and Peggy Cobb Schug ’70 of Char- privileged students at two schools free retired Milliken lotte, N.C., are returning to the board. dental screenings and education. He & Co. executive, Covington is is a member of West Georgia Health’s served as a mem- the executive direc- active and emergency medical staffs. He ber of the college’s tor of the Commu- was named to the Wall of Outstanding board of trustees nity Foundation of Alumni in September 1994. from 1994 to 2010. the Chattahoochee He and his wife, Ann, have one He headed the Valley Inc. She daughter. development committee for many years previously served Boatwright where he helped direct Investing in for more than 10 represents the third Values: The Campaign for LaGrange years as the direc- generation of his College and Defining Moment: The tor of development for the Columbus family to serve LaGrange College Campaign for Dis- Museum. as a trustee. The tinction. She is a native of Columbus and men’s dormitory, He and his wife, Sylvia, are recog- graduate of Vanderbilt University. Cov- J.K. Boatwright Sr. nized as Fellows of the college. They are ington is a past president of the Georgia Hall, is named in members of the Quadrangle Society for Council of Community Foundations his grandfather’s memory. their foresight in making a planned gift and is a member of the membership Ken Boatwright currently owns to the college. The Hunters have a son committee of the Southeastern Council and operates Real Estate Appraisal, as and two daughters. of Foundations, the Association of Fund well as All Self Storage, both located in This year, Hunter was honored with Raising Professionals and the Planned LaGrange. the annual Fuller E. Callaway Jr. Award Giving Council of Georgia. He serves on the administrative for Lifetime Service to the college. A graduate of Leadership Colum- board and board of trustees of First Schug graduat- bus and Leadership Georgia, Covington United Methodist Church in LaGrange ed with a bachelor’s is the president of the Rotary Club of and is a member of the LaGrange Rotary degree in health Columbus. She is a former lay leader Club. In 2009, he was elected to the and physical educa- of St. Luke United Methodist Church LaGrange College Sports Hall of Fame. tion and a minor in and a current member of its administra- He is married to the former Lisa theater. During her tive board. In 2007, she was honored as Weems ’80. years at LaGrange a Woman of Achievement by the Girl Durand re- College, she was on Scouts of the Concharty Council. ceived a bachelor’s the cheerleading Covington and her husband, Rick, degree in 1968 squad and an active member of Alpha are the parents of a daughter and a son. from the college Kappa Theta, now Kappa Delta. Baker has and began a career The granddaughter of baseball practiced dentistry in social work. She legend Ty Cobb, Schug has continu- in LaGrange for and her husband, ally supported the college. She and her more than 30 years. Dan, formed Dan- husband, John, were named LaGrange He is a member of Ric Homes, a residential construction College Fellows, and they have provided national and state firm, as well as Durand Properties Inc., two scholarships for deserving students, dental associations, a rental company. one male and one female, each year as well as the Troup Beyond being a successful business- since 1998. County-LaGrange woman, she has volunteered extensively,

22 COLUMNS, Summer 2011 classnotes

This issue’s Classnotes are from information received through May 11, 2011. (Unless otherwise noted, geographic locations refer to Georgia.) 1946 1967 Julia Traylor Dyar’s book, “Remembering Mike Duncan of Mount Dora, Fla., is an at- LaGrange: Musings from America’s Greatest torney with Duncan Law Offices, P.A. Little City,” has been released. The informa- tion in her book comes from the newspaper Bill Gambill of Cartersville was the annual column, “Memoried Glances,” she wrote speaker for Academic Integrity Week at the for the LaGrange Daily News for 16 years. college on March 16. He is the special as- A book signing was held March 17 at Frank sistant to the Georgia State School Superin- and Laura Lewis Library. tendent. Terry Peterson of Tallahassee, Fla., is an ar- chitect for Tomlinson Peterson Associates Inc. 1955 To celebrate her 90th birthday, Edna Waldrop Dr. John Lucchesi is the Asa Griggs Candler Hamilton ’41, of Charlotte, N.C., asked her Professor in the Department of Biology at daughter, Judy, to take her to her hometown of 1972 Columbus, Ga., and to stop over at LaGrange Emory University in Atlanta. He also is a pro- College. Libba Cunningham Traylor ’41, hosted fessor in the graduate division of biological Susan Mewborn Schude of Pearland, Texas, is a realtor for Prudential Premier Properties. a small group of their classmates at a luncheon and biomedical sciences in the cancer ge- in her home. Seen here, from left, are Memory netics and epigenetics program at Emory’s Sutherland Johnson ’43, Frankie Fling Newnan Winship Cancer Institute. He was asked ’42, Catherine Werner Hicks ’39, Libba, Edna, by the Italian Genetics Society in Rome, and Margaret Fleeth Maddox ’42. Italy, to give a named lecture in February. 1973 Gordon Williams of Houston, Texas, has re- He traveled to Rome and presented “The 1979 ceived more chemotherapy treatments and Frontiers of Science,” which was organized Chantris Woods of LaGrange was named his condition is still stable. At M.D. Anderson by the Genetical Society of Italy. He received Unity Elementary School’s 2011-2012 Hospital, he presented a cutting from his a plaque commemorating the event. He and Teacher of the Year. “Acts of Pilate” for the Good Friday service his wife, the former Barbara Simpson ’57, held in the chapel and broadcast on closed- live in Stone Mountain. circuit TV for their chaplaincy channel. 1981 Lee Crowe of Marietta was awarded Faculty 1962 of the Year for 2010 at the Art Institute of At- Becky Williams Buckman lives in Summer- 1974 lanta. She received the award at the school’s Edd and Janice Jaudon Dorminey of Tifton ville, S.C. In February 2011, her poem, “A December graduation ceremony. She is the will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary Mother Knows,” was published in “Famous media arts and animation instructor there. this year. After graduating from LaGrange, Poets of the Heartland.” She received the they moved to Tifton where he successfully Luann Brown Hendrix Ham and Eggs Award in 2011 from the world- of Hogansville was developed residential and commercial real wide ministry of United Marriage Encounter. named Hillcrest Elementary School’s 2011- estate. After 30 years, she is still enjoying 2012 Teacher of the Year. working with special education children as a consultant with Horizon Academy. They Deborah Pritchett of Eton is the front desk are enjoying their only granddaughter, Jana attendant/guest services at the Cohutta Claire Webster. Springs Conference Center in Crandall.

Joan Smith Cole ’67 and Ken of Panama City Phyllis Starr Turner of LaGrange is the Beach, Fla., and Mary Propst Chapman ’67 and Early Intervention Coordinator for District IV Edgar of Peachtree City, enjoyed a recent trip to Health Services. 1984 Beijing, China. Lynne Broughton of LaGrange was named Hogansville Elementary School’s 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year. 1976 Shelly Fulford Wilson and her husband, Cathy Hubbard Keith of Hogansville was Mike, live in Fernandina Beach, Fla. She is named Callaway Elementary School’s 2011- a licensed clinical social worker, working as 2012 Teacher of the Year. a case manager in labor and delivery and the mother/baby unit at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center in Jacksonville. 1985 Betty Britt Crawford of Zebulon is the school nurse at Pike County Elementary School.

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 23 classnotes

Ingrid Schreiner Oliver ’96 and her husband, Paul, atop the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, Italy.

1996 Bryan White ’86 and his family Drew Meister of Atlanta is Canton South’s varsity boys basketball coach. He was the 1986 coach for the Newark Catholic High School’s Dr. John Cary has fulfilled a lifelong dream, a Green Wave. He and his wife, Rachel, have nine-day trip to Tibet. Two of his books have three children—Steele, Makayla and Zachary. been released. For more information on his Barbara Fiedler Baldi ’89, her husband, Giorgio, books, visit http://sbpra.com/JohnHCary and daughter, Christine Ingrid Schreiner Oliver, her husband, Paul, and www.scaryterry.net. He may be contact- and her in-laws took a Christmas vacation to ed at [email protected]. children’s “mom taxi” and is involved with a Rome, Italy, where they saw many historical ladies prayer group, PEO and various con- places and ate lots of delicious Italian food. Bryan White and his wife, Blayne, live in signment sales. She, her husband, Eric, and Gainesville with their two children, Alyx and children, Nate and Daphne, visited family Amy Williams Taylor of Pine Mountain was Tristan. They own Whitelake Studio in Cum- in Arizona and San Antonio and have made named the Elementary School Teacher of ming. After 20 years of providing fine art several trips to Charleston. the Year for the Troup County School System. portraiture to families in North Georgia, he She is a fifth-grade reading and writing has started a new division of his company teacher at Ethel W. Kight Magnet School. called Artful Spaces which provides custom art decor for commercial, retail and hospital- 1991 ity spaces. His landscape paintings called Karen Freeman of LaGrange, an early child- “Dream Landscapes” are available in limited hood care and education instructor at West 1998 edition canvas prints from Parsons Gallery. Georgia Technical College, was presented LaSandra Denise Cotton Fitzpatrick of To see his work, visit parsonsthomaskinka- the Rick Perkins Award. She will continue LaGrange is a case manager for Pathways degallery.com. To find out more about Artful competition in Dublin against winners from CSB. Spaces, visit whitelakestudio.com. the other eight regional colleges. Jennifer Swinford Floyd of Foley, Ala., is The Rev. Nathaniel Long of Senoia is pastor employed by the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, of Senoia United Methodist Church. He and best known as The Little Zoo That Could, as 1990 Dan Dixon ’07 of Newnan were part of a seen on Animal Planet. She is the director of JoVonne Pedersen Thomas of Newnan is her group who lived on emergency rations for education at the zoo, which is located in Gulf Lent. They ate all their rations at Maquires Shores. Family & Friends Restaurant in Senoia, JoVonne Pedersen Thomas ’90 with her husband, Warren Haynes, head men’s basketball which helped them to raise money to to Eric, and children, Nate and Daphne coach at LaGrange College, has resigned make a difference in the lives of others. to take a position Brent Aronson ’00, his wife, Jillian, with his and daughter, Brooklyn Grace 1993 stepfa- ther’s in- Amy Freeman Ward of LaGrange was ternational named Whitesville Road Elementary shipping School’s 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year. business in Atlanta.

1995 Matt Purvis of Knoxville, Tenn., is the asso- ciation manager of Morris Property Manage- ment.

24 COLUMNS, Summer 2011 classnotes

1999 Class of 2011 sets giving standard David Carpio and his wife, Maria, live in Norcross. He is the owner of Commencement morning on May 21 brought with it many causes Honey-Do Landscaping. for celebration. Among them was a record percentage of giving by the graduates receiving diplomas that day. More than 100 of the new alumni made a gift to the college during the iGave campaign, a 2000 student fundraising effort supporting the LaGrange College Fund. Josh Fenn of Richmond Hill is the execu- Led by Glenn Gantner ’11, the campaign more than doubled the tive director of the Development Authority involvement of previous ones, a mark that will translate into a 1 of Bryan County. He was featured in a percent gain overall for alumni participation in the Fund. Students recent issue of “Georgia Trend” magazine. who took part are listed below.

Shirl Blackston, Officer Shanna Terrah Jiles Brumbelow, Officer 2001 Maryl Faye Burke, Officer Carrie Akins Aenmey of Raleigh, N.C., is Benjamin Neal Crumbley, Officer the office manager at Woodhaven Baptist Amanda Hope Davis, Officer Church. Josh Fenn ’00 Morgan Juliette Earle, Officer Glenn Louis Gantner, Campaign Cooridinator Kathleen Marie Hein, Officer Jennifer Delanie Hollis, Officer 2002 George Bernard Lankford, Officer Ashley Thomas Roberts of Newnan and her business partner, Matthew Garrett Oleson, Officer Becky Durham, have launched a jewelry line of designer teething Blake Palmer, Officer necklaces. Their business, called Sonny and Reed, is named for Meagan Laureen Pitzer, Officer each of their first-born sons. The necklaces are the only designer Catherine Marilyn Rodriguez, Officer teething necklaces made in the USA from non-toxic, FDA-approved Ricky Smith, Officer material that conforms to Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Carl Fredrik Straumsheim, Officer 16 CFR 1500. Kelsey Emerson Tinker, Officer Demetrice DeVaughn Tuttle, Officer Caitlin Elizabeth Vest, Officer 2003 Joseph Richard Wiegand, Officer Mary Lynn Wisniewsky, Officer Ann Rhodes of Hogansville was named Ethel W. Kight Magnet School’s 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year. Kyle Lee Armstrong Briaca Elizabeth Lane Lauren Nichole Barber Kelly Ann Lane Kevin Dewayne Buice Brandon Lamar Maddox 2003 Andrew Lamar Carter Lona Dawn Mahaseth Shelley Marissa Cathcart James Anthony Martone Tammy Beckman of Hattiesburg, Miss., is working on her Ph.D. in Shayna Rena Chapman Karissa Ann Mons experimental psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Langley Allen Cheney James Moore Her thesis is titled “A Model of Child Abuse: Long-term Correlates of Andrew Byron Christie Ryan Christopher Moser Depression and Relationship Problems as Mediated by Self-Esteem Krystal Noel Clark Lauren Michelle Norton and Self-Efficacy and Moderated by Social Competence.” Bethany Willette Crumbley Jonel Ivette Padro Roy Christopher Daniel Paul Henry Parker Jessica Shae Davidson Brenda Denise Poole 2004 Sidney R Divine Sanaz Rashidfarokhi Derek Lee Duran Zack Rhodes Erin Johnston of Atlanta founded an Mary Elizabeth Duttweiler Kathryn Eliza Schroeder independent litigation consulting practice, Bradley Craig Edmonds Rebecca Elsie Shapiro Johnston Jury Consulting, LLC. Research Sandra Lynn Edmondson Kaylen Thomas Short services such as focus groups, mock trials Jesse Curtis Ellison Anna Carroll Sims and community attitude surveys, are pro- Jack R. Fincher Corey Allen Smith vided to assist attorneys in preparation Britt Gaylor William Joshua Stripling for settlement negotiations, alternative Christy Elizabeth Gladney James Jackson Suber dispute resolution, jury selection and trial. Carolyn A. Graham Angeleena Renee Thomas Read more about it at www.johnstonjury- Tiffany Greene Trevor Forrest Tullock consulting.com. Kathryn Hearn James Gregory Vanhoose Erin Johnston ’04 Mary K. Siobhan Henry Jon Visbal Timothy Eric Hill Megan Leigh Waycaster Daphne N. Holtzclaw Jessica Lauren White Matthew Joseph Hvizdzak Kenneth Edward Wiley Katie Laree Ison Cameron Xavier Williams Whitley Ann James Jonathan Ryan Zielinski

Tora Ann Jenkins Anonymous COLUMNS, Summer 2011 25 Amber Bryn Kelley classnotes

Kristen Lockman was named a Troup County STAR Teacher. She teaches history, LaGrange College Homecoming 2011 government and economics at LaGrange Academy. She earned both an undergradu- ate psychology degree and a master’s de- gree in education at LaGrange College, and holds a master’s degree in sports psychol- panther ogy from Barry University. Jennifer Matheny Martin was named Cal- laway Middle School’s 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year.

Ariel Pena of Christiansburg, Va., is the director of advancement systems operations at Radford University in Virginia. He oversees pride advancement operations, stewardship, gift accounting, the alumni database and pros- pect research. Friday, October 21 Red and Black Class Reunion Row and registration 9 a.m. until end of game, Callaway Wall of Outstanding Alumni Award Forum 2005 11:15 a.m., Bailey Room Auditorium parking lot at the Dallis Street entrance Hanna Andrews Beall of LaGrange was named West Side Magnet School’s 2011- Alumni Awards luncheon hosted by Board 2012 Teacher of the Year. of Trustees Student Government Association Homecoming Parade led by Grand Noon, Dickson Assembly Room Rachel Hooten of LaGrange was named Cal- Marshal Phil Williamson laway Middle School’s 2011-2012 Teacher th 10:30 a.m. 27 Tom Duckett Golf Tournament of the Year. sponsored by the Panther Club 1 p.m., Highland Country Club Panther Athletics Tailgate 1:30 p.m., tee off 10 a.m. until end of game, Callaway Auditorium Parking Lot 2006 th 50 Reunion Hosted by President Dan Jane-Marie Fatkin is in her first year of a McAlexander and First Lady Celeste Myall LaGrange College Football – Ph.D. program in applied psychology at He- 5 – 6 p.m., reception, President’s home Panthers vs. Trintiy riot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. 6:30 p.m., Dinner in Turner Hall 1 p.m., Callaway Stadium She was awarded a studentship that pays (Gates open 1 hour prior to game time) her international tuition fees and provides a Panther Palooza: Live Music, Pizza 12:40 p.m., Senior Day small stipend. She also began her graduate and Ice Cream Halftime, Announcement of the 2011 coursework in the United Kingdom, complet- 6 - 11 p.m., Downtown LaGrange Homecoming Queen and honoring of Coach ing a master’s degree in social psychology Sponsored by the Alumni Association, Phil Williamson at Surrey University in England as a Rotary Downtown Development Authority and Scholar in 2008. Student Government Association Dedication honoring Phil Williamson 30 minutes following conclusion of Ashley Smith Shultz of Newnan is a regis- Theatre Production – SWEENEY TODD: football game; location to be announced tered nurse at Children’s Healthcare of At- THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET lanta at Egleston. She has been in the NICU 7:30 p.m., Price Theater Theatre Production - SWEENEY TODD: this past year and is the clinical coordinator THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET for the unit for her shift. Saturday, October 22 7:30 p.m., Price Theater Phil Williamson Day Sunday, October 23 2007 Pancakes with Phil Williamson sponsored Jonathan Godfrey gave a free concert at by Panther Club Alumni and LaGrange College Community LaGrange College’s Callaway Auditorium. 8:30 a.m., Turner Hall Memorial Service 11 a.m., The Chapel He was joined by two of his fellow Indiana University students. The three guitarists each performed a handful of solo classical guitar pieces, as well as together as a trio. He earned his master’s degree in guitar perfor- mance at Cleveland Institute of Music and is completing his doctorate in guitar perfor- mance at Indiana University’s Jacobs School * Additional information to be mailed in September; visit lagrange.edu/homecoming. of Music. classnotes

Jessica Schmitz Waldrop completed a 2009 master’s degree in industrial and organiza- Fleming Garner, a resident director at the Phil Williamson Day tional psychology at Valdosta State Univer- college, was the assistant to the choreogra- sity and has been working as a volunteer pher of the Theatre and Music departments’ Retired Athletic Di- research assistant with the Organizational presentation of “Dames at Sea” in March. rector Phil William- Health Initiative at Saint Louise University. She has 16 years of tap experience and as- son’s half-century She co-authored an article published in the sisted Professor Kim Barber Knoll with the of service to the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Pro- tap class and Nancy Gell with tap vocabulary college and the gram’s e-newsletter. The article focuses on in preparation for the musical. community will be the Millennial generation and its role in the celebrated Oct. 22 workforce and can be found at http://www. Jon Rushton is a social worker for family during Homecom- phwa.org/resources/goodcompany/newslet- medicine at the Medical College of Georgia ing Weekend. ter/article/240. Health Inc. He is working as a part of Project Red, a team charged with designing new That Saturday has been designated as procedures to help better admit, educate Phil Williamson Day. Festivities will begin and discharge patients. at 8:30 a.m. in the Dickson Assembly 2008 Room as the Panther Club hosts “Pan- Katherine Anderson of Peachtree City is Lori Slay of LaGrange was named Troup cakes with Phil.” Tickets are $20. completing her master’s degree in public County’s High School Teacher of the Year. health from the Rollins School of Public From the three finalists for the county, she At 10:30 a.m., Coach Williamson will Health at Emory University in May. Her spe- was chosen as the Troup County School Sys- serve as grand marshal of the homecom- cialty is health policy, with a concentration in tem Teacher of the Year. She will participate ing parade, after which he will be the mental health. She is the president of Active in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competi- guest of honor at the Panther Athletics Minds, a national organization dedicated to tion which will be named in May 2012. She Tailgate outside Callaway Stadium. He will reducing the stigma of mental illness and is a ninth- and 10th-grade English/language be recognized during halftime celebra- increasing mental. health. She also serves arts teacher at LaGrange High School. She is tions and at a special dedication ceremo- as an intern at Yerkes National Primate married to Dr. Jack Slay, Dean of Students at ny after the game. Research Center. LaGrange College. Photography, http://iloveyoumuch.com. Her Catherine Hancock Garman, recently photography was featured in Southern Wed- licensed as a registered nurse, has moved to dings magazine, in its Southern Bride of the Daniel Island, S.C., after honeymooning in 2010 Month column for the month of March. She Hawaii. Jeffrey Albertson of Greenville is in the mas- ter’s of public administration program at the is well-known around the country from her Rachel Samples will be moving from University of West Georgia in Carrollton. He wedding blog, and was the lead photogra- Zhejiang, China, at the end of the school expects to graduate in May 2012. pher at an Indian wedding in Ohio that had a year. She will move to France to attend the 500-person processional with the wedding International Space University. Lauren Riddle de la Croix of Atlanta has party on elephants. formed a company named I Love You Much Emily Hoxsie of LaGrange is a graduate as- sistant in the annual giving office at Valdosta Alumni who participated in the Brooke/Howard wedding included Cresta Sherman ’09 of Auburn, Ala., State where she is working on her master’s Margalena Lepore ’09 of Newnan, Michael Byrd ’08 of Atlanta, Drew Archer ’07 of Alpharetta, and degree in marriage and family therapy. Richard Poole ’06 of Canton. Jennifer Putnam is continuing her studies in medieval literature at the University of York in England. She has been participating in psychological research studies, includ- ing having her brain scanned while reading words and non-words. Her next study will include studies in music and emotion.

Weddings and Engagements Heather Dawn Ganas ’98 to William Charles Patrick on February 26, 2011

Charlene Morse Hines ’00 to Mike Rallo on January 1, 2011

Arshaad Norwood ’05 to Latoya Mendez on April 23, 2011

COLUMNS, Summer 2011 27 classnotes calendar

August 31 Classes begin Opening Convocation

September 17 Fall Visitation Day 1 This event introduces LaGrange College and its offerings to prospective students and their families. Reservation forms and Mike Rallo and Charlene Hines ’00 additional information can be found on- line at www.lagrange.edu/admission or by calling the Admission Office at (706) To Chastity Williams Hargrett ’03 and her 880-8005. husband, Kevin, a daughter, Trinity Ke’Vay, on February 8, 2011 September 26 To Brett ’05 and Allison Camp Huckle ’06 a Begin Your 3D Journey son on January 31, 2011 Dickson Assembly Room 10 a.m. Enjoy a sneak preview of the 2012 lecture series and travel opportunity. For Deaths information or lecture reservations (sug- Dr. William L. Hutchinson Sr. ’39 gested), call (706) 880-8244 or email Catherine Hancock Garman ’08 and Brett Mrs. Sarah Tyler Morgan ’39 [email protected]. Mrs. Eloise Corbett Hiott ’40 Mrs. Florence Thrailkill Gordy ’43 November 12 Kelli Elizabeth Brooke ’07 to David Ryan Mrs. Graydine Gorman Smith ’48 Howard ’08 on April 2, 2011 Mrs. Marguerite Kesler Boyd ’49 Fall Visitation Day 2 Mrs. Anne Smith Combee ’56 Dr. Joseph Kirby Farrington ’71 October 7 Births Mrs. Barbara Jean Price ’93 Callaway Concert Series To Brent Aronson ’00 and his wife, Jillian, a Mr. Michael Griffin Parrish ’11 featuring Ralph Stanley daughter, Brooklyn Grace, on April 4, 2011 Callaway Auditorium Dr. John C. Hurd 7:30 p.m. Dr. John C. Hurd, 63, Call (706) 880-8552 or email callaway- who retired as Profes- Ryan ’08 and Kelli Brooke Howard ’07, M’08 [email protected] for tickets or sor of Biology and more information. department chair in 2009 after 34 years of service, died May 23, October 20 –22, 27–29 2011, at his home. “Sweeney Todd” Price Theater Dr. Hurd earned a Call (706) 880-8080 for tickets or infor- bachelor of science mation. degree from Montevallo College, a master’s in science and a doctorate in biology from October 21–23 Auburn University. Homecoming 2011 Details can be found at www.lagrange. Having a background in freshwater mus- edu/homecoming or by calling Susan sels, the impoundment of West Point Lake Hancock at (706) 880-8244. provided a research location for him and his students. He directed many field experiences at the lake, supervising water quality analy- November 3 ses or the surveying of creeks and streams. Callaway Concert Series featuring Michael Lewin He was a member of the faculty tenure Callaway Auditorium committee and faculty representative on the 7:30 p.m. Board of Trustees. Dr. Hurd was honored as Flora Glenn Candler Chair and as a Vulcan Ma- terials Teaching Excellence Award recipient.

28 COLUMNS, Summer 2011 calendar

LaGrange College merchandise makes a great gift. Find these items, and many others, on the Bookstore website at www.lagrange.edu/bookstore. PERIODICAL U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAGRANGE GA AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES

601 Broad Street LaGrange, GA 30240-2999 www.lagrange.edu

Vol. 15, No. 3 Published by LaGrange College (USPS 299-300)

Postmaster: Send Change of Address to 601 Broad Street LaGrange, GA 30240

This Columns is printed using vegetable-based inks, which are less harmful to the environment than petroleum-based alternatives.

coastal trip closes first 3d journeys session

Once a month this spring, more than 100 commu- nity members visited the campus for free lectures about the Georgia coast, part of the inaugural year of 3D Journeys, the college’s new learn-and-travel program. Discussing the history, ecology, photography and litera- ture associated with the region were professors Randy Colvin, Lisa Crutchfield, John Lawrence and Anthony Wilson. In April, almost 40 people traveled to the coast for a three-day adventure to see everything for themselves. They had dinner at the famed Cloisters resort, stayed in a boutique hotel recently featured in Southern Living magazine, retraced colonists’ steps at island forts and spent a day exploring Sapelo Island with alumnus Buddy Sullivan ’68, director of the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve. Dr. Crutchfield, Assistant Professor of History, was the group’s tour guide, and President Dan McAlexander and first lady Celeste Myall served as hosts. “It was a wonderful trip,” says Dr. Jay Giesler of LaGrange. “We especially enjoyed learning about the residents of Sapelo. And of course, Mother Nature was beautiful.” Martha Pirkle, Director of Alumni and Community Relations, says she was thrilled with the success of the first 3D Journeys trip. “It was wonderful to see everyone relating what they had learned in the lectures to what they were seeing in person. The group really bonded—it was everything we had hoped it would be.” The program will go international with a trip to Ireland May 27–June 5. Details will be announced in September. For more information, call the alumni office at (706) 880-8244.