summer 2008 a magazine for alumni and friends

Four LaGrange students live the sustainable life

IN11 Social THIS Council sets ISSUE precedents 14 Class of 2008 breaks record 17 Donor-recognition plans take shape f r o m t h e p r e s i d e n t L A G RANGE C OLLEGE COLU MNS

A Magazine for Alumni and Friends Caring for our planet and its people Vol. 12, No. 3

The charters of the oldest universi- President ties on this continent share a common F. Stuart Gulley, Ph.D. theme: They proclaim that the purpose Editor of each institution is to prepare people Dean Hartman for citizenship. At LaGrange College, we Assistant Editor embrace the notion of citizenship by Ron Hamilton preparing what I call moral leaders. Development Writer Karen Clark A true liberal arts education should Alumni and College Relations Editors cause a measure of examination about Martha Pirkle, Andy Brubaker, self, world and God. As a church-affiliat- Susan Hancock ed institution, we also would argue that such reflection should Editorial Consultant create a desire for graduates to exert moral leadership that will B. David Rowe, Ph.D. make the world they enter a better place. Webmaster David Beard ’01 I have become convinced that one of the great moral issues Designer facing our world today is sustainability, the critical need to care Stacy Gorman Jackson ’00 for the environment and each other, living as true global citi- zens. As you may be aware, the College has made sustainability LaGrange College (USPS 299-300), an area of increasing focus, evidenced by our active Sustain- including Columns, its official publication ability Council, soon-to-be LEED-certified library and student-led initiatives, such as the “green” house you can read about inside for alumni and friends, and the Progress this magazine on page 7. Report and Annual Donor Roll, is published quarterly by LaGrange College, 601 Broad Earlier this year I appointed three Blue Ribbon Task Forces Street, LaGrange, GA 30240-2999. to look at key issues facing our institution. One of those task Periodical class postage paid at LaGrange, forces is examining sustainability, studying both curricular and GA, and additional mailing offices. co-curricular issues. I anticipate its report and how it will guide POSTMASTER: Send address changes us as we continue our work of challenging minds and inspiring to LaGrange College, 601 Broad Street, souls—preparing true moral leaders, those who recognize our LaGrange, GA 30240-2999. obligations to this earth and its inhabitants.

Correspondence should be directed to the Communications and Marketing Office at the above address, e-mailed to dhartman@ F. Stuart Gulley, Ph.D. lagrange.edu, or faxed to (706) 880-8763. President Classnotes should be sent to the Alumni and Family Relations Office at the same address, e-mailed to [email protected], or faxed to (706) 880-8757.

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

A four-year liberal arts and sciences col- lege affiliated with the United Methodist Church, LaGrange College is ranked in the top five and as a “best value” among 93 Southern baccalaureate colleges by U.S. News & World Report. The College is the oldest private institution of higher learning in Georgia and has an enrollment of about 1,100 students. i n t h i s i s s u e

2 Notebook New York Times clue leads to LaGrange; Sister Hazel caps Family Weekend; Exchange program sends professor to Japan; more

4 Around Campus Rangers train in Panther pool; Atlanta tornado disrupts College event; Sympo- sium urges look ahead to 2025; more.

17 Defi ning Moment Donor-rec- ognition plans under way; Dick- son Assembly Room dedicated; Friends hear best-selling author.

20 Alumni and Friends Smith receives College’s highest award; Don’t expect a Perry Mason-type attorney or the surprise ending of a pulp Student occupies potboiler at a Social Council session. Nevertheless, the group PAGE grandmother’s does pass judgment on problem student behavior. room; Hawkins by Dean Hartman 11 honored for dis- tinguished service; more.

23 Classnotes Regional alumni events hosted; Alumni share their moves and mile- stones; more.

The LaGrange College Singers completed a tour of Italy—includ- ing a performance in the Vatican—during Full House spring break. Page 5. A record number of graduates drew a record crowd to the Residential Quadrangle for this year’s commencement ceremony on May 17. Page 14 by Ron Hamilton

Cover What began as a brainstorming session resulted in a year of hard work and accomplishment for four students dubbed “Gang Green.” The women attempted to live sustainably in one of the College’s theme houses. They are, from left, Jane Holik ’08, Lisa Burgee ’09, Erica Robinson ’08 and LeeAnn Brooks ’08. Page 7. n o t e b o o k

Student research aids lake impact study LaGrange students assisted the West Point Lake Coalition and the city of LaGrange in a comprehensive study of water levels at the local lake. Members of Assistant Professor of Sociology Todd Matthews’ Research Methods classes performed a sur- vey that examined the impact of low lake levels across economic and racial boundaries. The students gathered the data over a three-week period and then helped in its analysis, releasing the final report earlier this year. Matthews said the results indicated that, regardless of their classification, residents were equally impacted by shifting lake levels.

Boulders dedicated to Bradfields’ memory College officials dedicated four boulders on the Residential Quadrangle in memory of Arthur “Boonie” Brad- field Jr. and Cleamae “Click” Bradfield on May 3 during Family Weekend. Well known in the LaGrange commu- nity, the Bradfields had a long associa- tion with the College. Boonie served as a member of the Board of Trustees, and Click was a member of the Class of 1951 and served as Alumni President. The couple’s son, Jamie Bradfield of Heritage Construction, was building a parking lot for the College last sum- mer when he uncovered a monstrous 200,000 pound rock. He had his crews break the stone up and move four large pieces—two weighing more than 30,000 pounds—to the Residential Quad. Since then, a campus tradition has developed of students paint- Let the games begin ing messages on the boulders. In Grant Kendall ’08 reaches to ignite an Olympic-like cauldron on the Residential the photo, Jamie Quad. A torch relay by representatives of the College’s fraternities and sororities led Bradfield and his to the lighting, kicking off the events of Greek Week in April. The week joins the son, Sam, pause College’s Greek organizations together for light-hearted competition—including by the marker an obstacle course and ice cream eating contest—and for service. To help provide unveiled during support for Greek students, alumni and friends can join the Greek Alumni Society. the dedication.

s n a p s h oContact t the Development Office at (706) 880-8039 or [email protected] or visit www.lagrange.edu/give. n o t e b o o k

Exchange program sends Undergraduate Research Award for pro- “It was an amazing night for all that professor to Japan moting undergraduate research. Pausing attended with great weather and great mu- Associate Professor of English and Di- with the winners after the ceremony are sic,” said Stuart Miller, Interim Director rector of the Writing and Tutoring Cen- President Stuart Gulley, far left, and Vice of Student Activities and Service. “What a ters Dr. Laine Scott will become the first President for Academic Affairs and Dean wonderful way to end the year!” LaGrange faculty member to participate Jay Simmons, far right. The College’s seventh annual Family in an exchange program with Seigakuin Weekend featured a range of activities for University in Japan this fall. The College families to sample the LaGrange experi- announced a partnership with Seigakuin ence, including the longstanding in 2005 and has had several student ex- tradition of Step-singing. changes, but none featuring faculty. Dr. Scott has been actively preparing Techno-proposal gains attention for two years for her role at the institu- for alums tion, just outside of Tokyo. “My teach- Sarah Holden ’08 gave Ben Podbiel- ing responsibilities have not yet been ski ’07 just the inspiration he was looking finalized, but they will probably involve for when she hinted that she’d like a working with Japanese graduate students Zune (Microsoft’s version of the über- who are interested in American stud- popular iPod). And when he discovered ies, especially the literature, history and that one of the options was having it culture of the Deep South,” she said. engraved, the former computer science “I hope that my experience will major knew he’d come up with the way enhance LaGrange College’s relationship he wanted to propose. with our sister institution in Japan, and He ordered the gadget (in pink) and that my example will inspire other LC loaded it with a romantic video presen- faculty to take advantage of this opportu- tation that finished with, “So … turn nity to reach out, connect and grow.” the Zune over.” She found an engraved New York Times clue leads proposal on the back … and said “yes.” to LaGrange The couple’s story found its way into An April inclusion of the word the newspaper, onto the Internet—and “LaGrange” in the daily New York Times prompted a call from Microsoft PR. crossword puzzle brought new recogni- tion to the institution and its hometown. Sunday outreach features College One of the most-worked puzzles in the Members of the 104 United Meth- country, the Times crossword provided odist congregations in the LaGrange this clue for 39-down in its April 29 District had a chance to learn more about incarnation: Georgia city or college. the College during LaGrange College “It is unexpected but welcome news Sunday on Feb. 24. Representatives of Faculty earn teaching honors that the world’s most recognized news- the institution read Scripture, delivered Three faculty members were recog- paper included LaGrange and LaGrange sermons and led music during worship nized for teaching excellence at Honors College in its famed brainteaser for word services that day. Convocation on May 2. Associate Profes- lovers,” President Stuart Gulley said. In the photo below, Rachel Burch sor of History Kevin Shirley, second from “We’re grateful that the Times not only provides the children’s sermon at Pine left, was awarded the Vulcan Materials boosted readers’ vocabulary but also the Mountain First United Methodist Teaching Excellence Award for “challeng- visibility of LaGrange.” Church. ing the minds” of his students. Assistant Professor of Music Debbie Ogle was Sister Hazel caps Family Weekend presented the United Methodist Church Rock band Sister Hazel drew a crowd Teaching Award for successfully “inspir- to the Residential Quad for a Saturday ing the souls” of her students. Psychology night Family Weekend concert in early Chair and Director of Undergraduate May. The band, best known for its chart- Research Charles Kraemer, second from topping single “All for You,” drew an right, was given the John R. Hines Jr. estimated 1,500 people.

COLUMNS, Summer 2008 3 a r o u n d c a m p u s Army Rangers train in Panther pool Th ough far diff erent from a combat zone, the LaGrange College natatorium was the training ground in February for 22 seasoned Army Rangers based at Ft. Benning. Th e group of squad and team leaders took part in six hours of pool instruction and one hour of classroom training as part of the Ranger Athlete Warrior program. “It was fl attering and exciting that they called LaGrange College,” said Swimming Coach Susie Brown, who, along with Graduate Assistant Matt Montgomery, worked with the soldiers. “Th ey welcomed a challenge,” she said. “Th ey wanted to learn something

Graduate Assistant and former Panther swimmer Matt Montgomery, center, works with a group of the soldiers on backstroke technique. LaGrange College Swimming Coach Susie Brown exhorts a different kind of swim team—22 Army Rangers who trained on campus earlier this year. new and be able to use it in their lives.” recently returned from either Afghani- According to Ranger leaders, the visit stan or Iraq. Among them was Staff Sgt. was all about physical fi tness. Chastin Tedesco from Altaloma, Calif. “We look at ourselves now as more “Th is is really going to help us with of an athlete,” said Capt. Mark Ivezaj, our cardio,” he said. “Th e other day we Alpha Company Commander in the did a 15-minute (continuous) swim. It’s a 3rd Ranger Battalion, in describing the total-body workout. physical demands placed upon his men. “I learned a lot of lessons here and “We need to sustain ourselves for both hope to start incorporating them into our long periods and short bursts.” PT (Physical Training) program we do With an emphasis on building each morning.” physical strength and injury prevention, Because of their positive feedback, the program provides special training Brown expects to see more Rangers in for Ranger leaders who take the instruc- the Panther pool sometime soon. tion back to share with those under their Th e College provided the facility at command. no charge. All of the men in the pool had Chaplain, students pen devotional LaGrange students and Elizabeth Walker Lanier Campus Minister the Rev. Dr. Quincy Brown were the featured authors in this year’s Lenten Meditation Guide for Students entitled “Creating Space for Grace: Meditations for Lent 2008.” Th e devotional is published annually by Higher Education Ministries Arena, a body that involves seven Christian denominations. Th e opportu- nity to write for this publication is bestowed upon only two of several thousand campus minis- tries each year. Th e edition proved popular as requests for hardcopies quickly exceeded supplies. Dr. Brown said, “Lent is traditionally a time where we engage in spiritual disciplines to help us to create space for God’s grace. Th e thought of having students engage in the spiritual disci- pline of focusing on a scripture and giving their personal refl ection on what it means for them in their faith walk was a new way of thinking about Lent.”

4 COLUMNS, Summer 2008 a r o u n d c a m p u s

Singers make Vatican appearance Five minutes before the LaGrange College Singers were scheduled to give the performance of their lives for a Mass in the Vatican’s Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, they were told that, in addition to their prepared material, Tornado takes they also would be expect- ed to sing responses to the event by storm cantor—in Latin. Th e tornado that crashed through “I was really scared,” downtown Atlanta on March 14 also Choir Director Deb- Italy photos by Lindsey Binion crashed a College event. Alumni, friends bie Ogle said. “It Ogle directs the Singers during a and staff members were gathered on the could have been performance in San Giovanni-Paolo, one of 10th fl oor of the Westin Peachtree Plaza extremely intimidat- Venice’s oldest and largest churches. hotel for a formal donor-recognition ing.” Fortunately, the event when the storm struck. students had sung the Th e St. Peter’s performance “We thought we heard hail, so we Latin words in other was one of three concerts the went to look out the windows,” said works and were able to Singers gave during a memo- Dean Hartman, Director of Communi- pull it off . rable spring break. One of the cations and Marketing. “As soon as we “Th ey sang with earlier performance venues, got there, one of the 12-foot panes blew grace and conviction, the historic Doumo Baptistry out.” and it was just beautiful,” in Pisa, gave the Singers an Th e time was 9:40 p.m., and un- Ogle said. example of acoustics they’ll awares to the group, winds approaching Th e Vatican perfor- long remember. 135 mph had descended upon down- mance was the moving fi nale to a whirl- Ogle said, “Th ere was a moment town. Before guests could move to a safer wind tour of Italy by the 23 Singers, who where you hold the chord and cut it, and location, three of the large windows had were accompanied by a couple of dozen I literally had to wait about three seconds shattered. family, friends and alumni. before bringing us back because the en- Westin employees shuffl ed the Col- Olge said she knew their perfor- tire chord was just fl oating in the air. lege group through a series of holding mance had made a poignant impact soon “And I remember I was so dumb- areas until it merged with many other after the Mass had ended. founded by that I mouthed to the kids, evacuees in one of the hotel’s large inte- “When it was over, every person ‘Listen to that chord.’ It was just a cool rior ballrooms. People wearing tuxedos I saw who had traveled with us was in moment to realize how acoustically unbe- and designer dresses mingled with those tears,” she said. lievable that place is.” in bathrobes and boxers until they fi nally One of those in the audience was In addition to performing, the stu- were released about midnight. President Stuart Gulley, who said later, dents also had time scheduled to soak in Even at that late hour, the devasta- “Under any circumstance, St. Peter’s some of the sites and culture of Italy. tion was evident around the building, the Basilica is an awesome experience. “Art is everywhere in Italy,” Ogle world’s tallest hotel when it opened in “To add to the experience the voices said, “and for the students to get a chance 1976. In all, the landmark lost nearly 500 of students you’ve come to know and love to see all these things they’ve read about windows. is a moment to cherish and never forget. or seen photographs of—they were just “We hope every event that the Col- Th e entire experience left me speechless blown away. lege hosts is memorable,” said Director and moved to tears.” “I think by the time we left, they of Stewardship and Leadership Develop- In addition to the LaGrange contin- realized just how fortunate they were to ment Tammy Rogers. “Th is one cer- gent, others were moved as well. After the have had such an experience. And how tainly met that expectation—but not for Mass, a man from Chicago hung around lucky they were to have been students at reasons we had planned.” to say, “Way to go Georgia. You make a place like LaGrange College—minds For details on the event, see page 21. America look good.” were challenged and our souls inspired.”

COLUMNS, Summer 2008 5 a r o u n d c a m p u s

Symposium urges look ahead to year 2025 Experts in the fields of international He urged the group to look with a Stremlau, Vice President of Peace affairs, global health and economic devel- long-term and liberal-arts lens in envi- Programs at The Carter Center; Robin opment helped LaGrange College leaders sioning “revolutionary responses” to the Davis, Executive Director of Global and their guests ascend for “a view from challenges ahead. Health Action; Craig Lesser, Managing 30,000 feet” of the institution and its fu- Dr. Rowe’s remarks were followed Director of McKenna, Long & Aldridge ture during a March symposium labeled by breakout sessions and capped by a and former commissioner of the Georgia What the World Needs Now. panel discussion featuring Dr. John Department of Economic Development; Hosted by the Leadership Council and Leland Russell, President of GEO Leland Russell+ takes part in the What the World at Atlanta’s Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel Needs Now panel discussion. Group Strategies Services Inc. and East- on March 13, the event was designed West Institute Consultant. to encourage participants to visualize “One of the conclusions from the what the world may look like in the year conference is that as much as we try to 2025 and to contemplate how LaGrange extrapolate and predict, we can’t know should prepare her students for leadership exactly what the future holds,” Dr. Rowe in that world. said. “But we do know that the core “It is prudent for all of the College’s values of LaGrange College have endured constituencies to pay close attention to and are likely to be the compass for what the way our world is rapidly changing,” lies ahead. said Vice President for Advancement Dr. “When we ask the question ‘What David Rowe, who helped plan the event does the world need now?’ in 2025 … and who launched the symposium by de- we want to answer with confidence and scribing the Center for Strategic and In- without reservation that what the world ternational Studies’ “Seven Revolutions,” needs now are LaGrange College and key forces shaping the planet’s future. her graduates.” Simmons elected president of Iowa Wesleyan After 11 years as the chief academic in faculty teaching loads; and successful officer on the Hill, Dr. Jay K. Simmons accreditation reviews for nursing, educa- has been tapped to become the 28th presi- tion and business, including a collegewide dent of Iowa Wesleyan College. reaffirmation of accreditation from SACS. The LaGrange College Vice Presi- At a May 13 reception for Dr. Sim- dent of Academic Affairs and Dean was mons and his wife, Jenné, Dr. Gulley unanimously elected to the post by the announced that Callaway Academic Wesleyan board of trustees on April 19 Building’s Room 222 would be named after a national search. He will assume the Simmons Classroom. Dr. Simmons leadership of the institution, the oldest told those gathered, “These 11 years in private coeducational liberal arts college LaGrange at this College and in this com- Dr. Simmons addresses a crowd of faculty, staff, west of the Mississippi, on June 16. munity have been, I think, the most im- students and friends during a reception held in his “It is a measure of Jay’s standing portant for Jenné and me in all our lives. honor on May 13. within the higher education community, “This is a very, very special place … munity College in Cleveland, Ohio, and as well as a measure of the standing of you all have made it so hard to leave, I Assistant Dean at Birmingham-Southern LaGrange College, that he was aggressive- can’t begin to tell you.” College in Alabama before coming to ly pursued for this post for which he did Dr. Simmons was surprised with LaGrange. not apply,” President Stuart Gulley said. another homage during Commencement Shortly after the announcement of Dr. Gulley pointed to a number of when he was awarded an honorary Doc- Dr. Simmons’ appointment, Dr. Gulley Dr. Simmons’ accomplishments during tor of Humane Letters Degree, given in named Chair of Mathematics Dr. Greg his tenure at LaGrange: a new academic appreciation of his service to the College. McClanahan to serve as interim Vice calendar and core curriculum; consolida- An administrator with more than 20 President for Academic Affairs and Dean. tion of academic programs and divisions; years of experience in leadership positions A national search will be conducted dur- creation of new master’s degrees and an in higher education, Dr. Simmons served ing the next academic year for a new dean. extension program in Albany; reduction as Liberal Arts Dean at Cuyahoga Com-

6 COLUMNS, Summer 2008 by Ron Hamilton

With a name like Gang Green, they have to be good—and they are. Four young women bring an ecologically friendly way of life to the Hill.

COLUMNS, Summer 2008 7 he busy section of Vernon Street that spools out be- tween the hospital and the College tours through Ann says. T “We thought we would get more a beautiful medley of architecture and tended of a response.” But just as things began to greenery. Mirrored in the windows of pass- look bleak on the contribution front, Campus Services Director Bob Vitale ing cars, styled structures of Tudor, pulled out a skein of contacts and began crafted pulling strings. Colonial and Greek Revival slide a mission From Linc Mechanical, he secured statement: a tankless water heater and then con- by, their sentries of oak, Focusing to bring a vinced Bob Maddox of Maddox Service sustainable way of life to our Company to donate his time to install it. cedar, pine and maple campus and community through From Interstate Electric, Vitale procured wave unevenly in ecological means. Now all they needed a donation of light fi xtures and compact was a name. fl orescent bulbs. He salvaged a low fl ow the breeze. Captain Planet, the fi rst moniker the toilet from a razed home and had his Cruis- new group came up with, was like the crew install new water-saving aerators on ing east, past a early 90s cartoon that inspired it—kind the bungalow’s faucets. great stand of mag- of cheesy, a little juvenile. But three of When Jane’s parents donated fi ve nolias, past the president’s the four young women huddled together ceiling fans to the project, it was Vitale home, you probably wouldn’t that day preferred it to Erica’s sugges- and National who installed them. notice the long, narrow bungalow tion—Gang Green—which they thought “Bob worked wonders,” Erica says. on the right that squats inconspicuously was kind of gross, a little disgusting. “He got a lot of stuff donated for us.” a stone’s throw from the road. But the “When I threw out the words ‘Gang Jane agrees. “National has been very little wooden house has a character all Green,’ that was shot down almost im- helpful, and if we ever needed anything, her own, and for the past year a green- mediately, and I was like, darn,” Erica they’ve been right there.” minded set of students has brought her a remembers. wellspring of attention. When the group presented the sus- The sustainable life tainability theme to Dean of Students Dr. Fall semester arrived and the Gang Conjuring a theme Jack Slay, he liked the idea very much, but Green girls (as they were now called) It began as a brainstorming session. to the chagrin of most of the group, he began to live their theme. Four young women—LeeAnn Brooks also liked the gross but catchy appellation “Our plan was to do a lot of little ’08, Lisa Burgee ’09, Jane Holik ’08 and Erica had come up with. In short order, things that we hoped would add up,” Erica Robinson ’08—gathered together their theme was approved, and they were LeeAnn says. on a spring day in 2007 to strategize given the brand Gang Green. To conserve energy, they turned off their way into one of the College’s theme the air conditioning, raised the windows houses. Th e school had announced a new Making plans and turned on the fans during the dog initiative that would allow four students Over the summer, as part of their days of September. When the leaves began to band together to live in one of four preparations to move into the house in to turn and wintertide rolled in, they kept College rental homes during the upcom- the fall, the women spent a chunk of the heat at 64 degrees during the day. ing year, but each house needed to have a their time sending out letters to local Th ey took short showers, used bath central motif. companies and businesses asking for water to douse thirsty plants and turned Th e quartet batted around several donations of money or energy-effi cient off the faucet while cleaning their teeth. ideas, none completely satisfactory, until appliances. Despite the eff ort, when the Th ey unplugged appliances not in use, Jane mentioned that she had recently time came to tally their donations, the occasionally used the clothesline out back heard President Gulley give a talk on the only item on the ledger was a $100 gift to dry their apparel (weather permitting) school’s emphasis on sustainability. Th at from the headquarters of National, the and turned out lights when leaving a chipped off a spark. Th ey all chimed in— company that runs the College’s Cam- room—a practice Erica found particu- it seemed each of them had a personal pus Services. larly prepossessing. interest in the topic. Th e women quickly “It was kind of disappointing,” Lee- “I’ve been labeled the light Nazi,” she

8 COLUMNS, Summer 2008 Dr. Laine Scott, Associate Professor of English, shares a moment with Erica during a Gang Green open house. The gang hosted two well-attended open houses, one in the fall and one in the spring. College promotes sustainability

Th e Gang Green team’s theme house drew attention to issues related to sustainability, a topic that has grown in importance at LaGrange College. Over the past few years, the College has initi- ated a number of eco-friendly practices. Below are a few recent examples of the College’s emphasis on sustainability:

• In January 2007, President Stuart Gulley became one of the fi rst 53 sig- natories to the American College and University Presidents Climate Com- mitment, an eff ort aimed at neutral- izing greenhouse gas emissions at colleges and universities nationwide. • In the spring of 2007, the College completed a major upgrade of heat- says. “If there’s a light on in the room, their way. ing/air conditioning and lighting I’ll cut it off if nobody’s in there, but it “Time management was the hardest systems that has reduced energy con- doesn’t happen often.” thing for me,” says Jane, who also served sumption and will save the College Th e young women also started a as president of the SGA this past year. “I $4 million over a 15-year period. compost pile in their backyard, and they never expected to spend so much time do- • A rainwater harvesting program was were steadfast in their eff orts to recycle ing everything we’ve been asked to do.” started on the Hill in October 2007. everything they possibly could. Says LeeAnn, “We got a lot more at- A National crew cut the downspouts “Shopping at the Farmer’s Market tention than I ever thought we would get. of the maintenance building and is another thing we tried to do,” Lee- Th ere was a month there that we were rigged up water-collection barrels. Ann says. “It might not be 100 percent constantly going to diff erent places or • On Jan. 31, President Gulley signed a organic, but it’s local food so the cost of speaking to diff erent groups.” declaration of partnership in sup- transporting is less.” Over the course of the year, Gang port of sustainability with offi cials To help them manage the sustainable Green spoke to the Rotary Club, the from Troup County and the city of lifestyle, they broke household chores Board of Trustees’ spouses and Kappa LaGrange. down into four categories, which they Delta sorority. Th ey also served on the • Th is spring semester the College switched out every couple of weeks. Th ey Sustainability Council and worked with unveiled Oikos, a new interdisciplin- also convened monthly meetings to re- FRISBEE (Friendly Recycling Initiative ary minor that explores how people view how things were going and to make by Students Becoming Environmentally might live lives of improvements. Empowered). ecologi- Once they got all the kinks ham- In the fall and spring they hosted cal and mered out, life inside the house was good well-attended open houses. However, pre- social … but outside 1009 Vernon Street, the paring for the fi rst one was like a round responsi- Gang Green girls were being stretched of Beat the Clock. bility. thin as a soap bubble. “We pulled an all-nighter on the fi rst • Th e new open house,” Jane says. “We were all up Frank and Answering the call until 5 a.m. trying to get the house ready, Laura Lewis Library, expected to be Looking back over their experience, and it wasn’t just cleaning. We wrote up completed by the end of the year, is all the Gang Green members say that sustainability facts and put them every- intended to be one of the fi rst Lead- the most demanding part of their year where—on appliances, on the windows, so ership in Energy and Environmental in the house was fi nding the time to sat- people would walk through and be taught Design certifi ed buildings in the isfy all the external requests that buzzed about what they could do in very easy, county.

COLUMNS, Summer 2008 9 A shirt on the Gang Green clothesline displays the advantages of hang drying.

more about your own character, an era when insulation was not a priority. but you grow as an individual. “It was built back in the old days And it’s been fun to do this when they had plaster lath walls with with three other girls.” not much behind them,” he says. He Jane is most certain that also pointed out that the appliances and the yearlong experiment has air conditioning are of an older, more yielded positive results. energy-consuming variety. “I think it’s been a great suc- Even so, it appears the women did cess,” she says. “We know it’s been well. Th e year before Gang Green moved a success from the way people in, there were only two people living in stop us and ask how it’s going the house and the Energy Star rating and from the way we’ve been was 4.2, which means 42 percent of U.S. simple asked to participate in so homes used more energy than the Vernon ways.” many things. Students ask Street house. During the green team’s Erica us about it, faculty ask us year, the rating went up to 4.8, mean- agrees that all about it. I think it was ing 48 percent of U.S. homes used more the external a good starter for the energy. Not bad—there were twice the requests were theme house project to number of people living in the home, yet at times a bit of get the ball rolling.” they consumed measurably less energy. an imposition, So from a PR standpoint, “So when you consider all the vari- but, she be- there seems to be agreement regard- ables, it looks like they did a pretty good lieves, there was a reward ing Gang Green’s accomplishments. But job,” Vitale says. for the eff ort. what about an empirical assessment? Did And the sustainability theme will “We didn’t sign up for all the extra the team’s conservation eff orts actually roll on into 2009 as well, according to stuff ,” she says. “We were just going to yield any measureable results? For the Dean Slay. have a theme house and live in it. answer to this question, we checked with “We’ve already selected next year’s “I haven’t always wanted to do ev- Bob Vitale. group, and it’s another group of four erything that we’ve been asked to do, but According to Vitale, the 1,825 square- young women who have proposed an- we’ve done it, and in the end I’ve been foot bungalow was built in 1920 during other sustainability theme.” n thankful we’ve done it because we’ve learned more from it and gotten stronger From left to right, Jane, Lisa, LeeAnn and Erica enjoy a moment on the front porch of the Gang Green and grown. So I’m thankful for all the bungalow. An assessment revealed the women saved energy over the course of the year. extra things we ended up doing.”

Did it work? As the year ticked down, the Gang Green team members refl ected on their time in the College’s fi rst sustainability- themed home and judged the merits of their eff orts. “I think we’ve defi nitely made an im- pact,” Erica says. “We’re known on cam- pus as the Gang Green girls, and people know what we stand for. And I think it’s good that we initiated the green theme.” LeeAnn says that she measured the year’s success on more of an individual level. “Personally, I’ve learned a lot— we’ve had to do research and get outside information,” she says. “It’s been a positive thing for me because it’s been challenging, and with challenges, not only do you learn

10 COLUMNS, Summer 2008 by Dean Hartman Students serve in judicial roles on new campus Social Council

COLUMNS, Summer 2007 11 They sound like the titles of a classic courtroom drama, but with a twist: The Case of the Room that Rocked Too Hard; The Case of the Shirt off His Back; The Case of “Is That a Beer in Your Pocket?”

In truth, they are actual cases, but He’s found that students are often and maintaining all the confidential don’t look for a Perry Mason-type at- harder on their own, and that’s just records of the group—a time-consuming torney or the surprise ending of a pulp one of the many surprises you’ll un- assignment for a nursing student who’s potboiler. Each title represents a case cover when exploring the Case of the active in several other campus groups. reviewed by the LaGrange College Social LaGrange College Social Council. Still, she sees her investment in getting Council. Having the council up just completed its and running as inaugural year, the worthwhile. council set prec- “It was very edents as it worked much a learning to pass judgment year,” she says. “I on problem student would also say behavior. a creative year A student-elect- because we had ed and student-led to create a lot of group, the Social things. We had to Council brings a create sanctions new dimension that are applicable to student disci- and useful. We

pline, the primary Social Council members discuss a case during one of their regular meetings. Joining in the debate are, want people to domain of Dean of from left, Glenn Gantner ’11, Morgan Shields ’09, Joel Coady ’10, Danielle MacMinn ’08, Sara Foshee learn from their Students Dr. Jack ’08, LeeAnn Brooks ’08 and Megan McGinty ’09. Not shown is Andrew Ashlock ’10. mistakes and Slay, who forwards move on.” the cases to the council (and who assigns To get its feet wet, the eight-member the pseudo-serious names as a light Passing judgment group met with the College’s Honor touch). Why would a student want to sit in Council early in the year to see what Dr. Slay helped guide a new social judgment of another’s behavior? For sev- might be transferable. They found that code through faculty and board approval eral reasons, says Danielle MacMinn ’08, some things were, but many were not. during the 2006-2007 academic year. a nursing major and Social Council officer. Instituted in 1999, the campus That new code created the Social Council “When this idea was brought up, I Honor Code deals with issues of aca- and its role of reviewing—and sanction- was really passionate about it,” she says. demic integrity. ing—inappropriate behavior. “We’re affiliated with the United Method- “We’re very different from the Honor “The code states that students always ist Church and we should act that way. Council,” says Social Council Adviser have the option to have their case heard “I love my school; I don’t want Sandy Blair, Assistant Professor of Nurs- by either the Dean of Students or the people here who will represent my col- ing and chair of the committee that Social Council,” Dr. Slay says. “Most first lege poorly.” drafted the new Social Code. “Many offenses are rather minor, and students She also believes that her role on the of their cases deal with plagiarism and choose to have it handled in my office. council has made her even more sensitive cheating, but ours can be anything and “The code then states that any sub- to her own behavior. everything considered a social issue. sequent violations could be turned over “It makes me try and be better,” she “It’s not like we can have a standard to the Social Council.” And that is the says. “If I’m punishing people for some- procedure set up; every issue has to be course he often chooses—for good reason. thing that I could easily do, like playing looked at differently.” “The Social Council tends to be a music too loud, then I need to keep my This past year the group has heard little stricter and little more creative with music down. about eight cases, according to Blair. its sanctions,” Dr. Slay says. “And I think “If we’re applying drastic sanctions to “We’ve had everything from more that has gotten around campus and to these people, then I need to shape up.” than one alcohol violation to property some degree has made a difference. It’s As secretary and appeals representa- destruction, boys in girls’ rooms at im- made a statement.” tive, Danielle is charged with preparing proper times to loud music after hours.”

12 COLUMNS, Summer 2008 Though well aware that the council “Going up against says. “But it’s justified because we’re is still learning, she is proud of the hard elected by our peers to serve our peers. work members have put into reviewing students, you’re not “The council is here to serve the stu- cases and the maturity and objectivity dents, and that can be a hard thing to do.” they’ve displayed. And she believes it is going to get away with He’s convinced the council is playing making a difference. what you thought you an important role and is making a differ- “I know it’s made an impact on the ence, explaining that the group has had ones who’ve come before the council,” were going to get to deal with only one repeat offender. she says. “Just the seriousness of what away with.” Because council matters are held in they’ve done—they may understand that strict confidence, members don’t hear a little bit more. much about their impact around cam- “Students sometimes will take things  pus. That low profile hinders student —Joel Coady too lightly. I don’t think they always real- awareness, so next year, the group plans a Social Council President ize how their behavior can affect others stronger presentation to freshmen about in a negative way.” the social code and the council. During this inaugural year, the with faculty members or the person For his part, Dean Slay believes that Social Council has even gone so far as to they’ve offended, write letters or journals, the council has wielded its new responsi- suspend one student. Yes, Blair confirms, visit with the Chaplain or Counseling bility well, and he expects to turn over a “Students are tough on students.” Center and perform some sort of relevant greater number of cases—including more or compensatory service. difficult ones—to the council in the Selecting a sanction “Going up against students, you’re not coming academic year. A typical appearance before the So- going to get away with what you thought “I’ve been very appreciative of the cial Council doesn’t exactly play out like you were going to get away with,” Joel says. way that they have sanctioned students,” a courtroom drama. More often than not, The decisions do have to be unani- he says. “After seeing them handle the evidence is so strong that students mous, so a middle ground has to be some very difficult cases and seeing will admit their guilt and will simply found between the law and grace. A them make some very difficult, mature plead their case. united front also helps the council face decisions about their fellow students, “Some come before us feeling that its peers. I’m reassured. They’ve definitely proven they really haven’t done anything wrong,” “It can be awkward,” Joel themselves.” n says Joel Coady ’10, who helped draft the Social council Adviser Sandy Blair, center, talks with the 2007 - 08 council Secretary, Danielle MacMinn, social code and who was elected Social and president, Joel Coady, outside Callaway Academic Building, the group’s normal meeting space. Council President. “Some of them dis- agree with the rules. We’ve even had a couple of cases where they disagree with the existence of the council altogether. “They might not like us, but they don’t underestimate our power.” Since that power includes the right to suspend and expel, the coun- cil usually deliberates at length over what type of sanction to impose. “It’s been very interesting to see the creativity that our group has come up with regarding sanctions,” Joel says. “We didn’t want it to be you break the rule and you get fined.We want to better the College and to help the people involved learn some- thing from this event.” During the year, the group imposed a wide range of sanc- tions. Students have had to talk

COLUMNS, Summer 2008 13 by Ron Hamilton

Th e glossed eddy of mortarboards on the Hill. that swirls in the corner of the Residen- “Don’t hesitate to trust what you’ve tial Quad each spring wheeled a little learned,” she said. “ … Th e lessons we longer on May 17 as a record number have learned here have prepared us for of newly confi rmed graduates made the the real world that waits. As LC gradu- circuit from their seats to the stage and ates, I have faith that we’ll do just fi ne, back again. just as we’ve done the past four years.” Th e 292 students who turned their Also on hand to address the assem- tassels during the College’s 177th Com- blage was Sally Bethea, founding director mencement easily bested last year’s record of the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. of 256 graduates. She told the graduates that it is important But size isn’t all that set the Class of that they learn to be successful on their 2008 apart. For the fi rst time in mem- own terms. ory, a LaGrange student spoke to those “If it looks good to others, but does gathered. not feel right in your heart, it’s not suc-

LeeAnn Brooks, recipient of this cess,” she said, explaining that she had Rachel Pike, left, and Mary Pinson share a year’s Waights G. Hen- several starts and stops before discover- moment of excitement just before the start of the ry, Jr., Leadership ing in her early 40s what she wanted in 177th Commencement. Award, told a career. addressed was diverse as well as large. her fellow “Some of you may already know Members of the class hailed from 11 gradu- exactly what career you want to pursue,” states and four nations, and they were ates she said. “I admire you and envy you. Asian, black, white, Hispanic and Ameri- to But, if you don’t know what you want to can Indian. have do with the rest of your life, that’s fi ne Four individuals were singled out to c o n fi - too. receive honorary degrees. Commence- dence “It’s OK to be unsure and uncertain, ment speaker Bethea was awarded an in the to keep exploring—yourself, your state, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters education your country and even the world if you Degree. Dr. M. Th omas Th angaraj, this they’ve re- can.” year’s Baccalaureate speaker, received an ceived Bethea also urged members of the honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree. Class of 2008 to take stock in their be- Also receiving an honorary Doctor of liefs and to defend them. Divinity Degree was the former president “Along the way, keep the things that of Th e Fund for Th eological Education you value most close to you,” she said. Dr. James L. Waits. Departing Vice “Cherish them. Stand up for them. President for Academic Aff airs and Dean And, if necessary, fi ght to protect Dr. Jay Simmons was surprised with an them, especially the voiceless, the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters children, the poor and the disadvan- Degree after a poignant tribute from taged—and the air, water and land President Stuart Gulley (more on page 6). that sustain us and give us joy.” Th e Distinguished Service Alumni Th e group of graduates Bethea Award winner, Scott Hawkins, was rec- ognized during Commencement as Amy Benton, a member of the College’s largest n class, displays a message on her mortarboard. well (more on page 22).

14 COLUMNS, Summer 2008 Noteworthy: It is be- lieved Rita became the College’s oldest graduate when she received her B.A. at 75. Th is spring at age 91, she earned her second major. Th oughts on her expe- rience on the Hill: “My time here has broadened my perspective immea- surably. I can’t tell you how valuable it’s been to me because my outlook on life at one time was Above, while Chair of Biology Sarah Beth Mallory very narrow. But here, prepares to hood Sally Bethea, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Bill Hodges congratulates the Commencement I’ve just learned so much speaker. Bethea, founding director of the Upper from so many people. Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, was awarded an honorary It’s just unbelievable Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Below, President Gulley, left, and the Distinguished Service Alumni Award STANDOUT really—and everyone has winner, Scott Hawkins, applaud Hawkins’ mother, Annie. just been so kind and In a September ceremony, Hawkins Hall was dedicated Name: Rita Kitts responsive.” in honor of Hawkins’ mother and in memory of his father, Allen W. Hawkins Sr.

Roger McDowell is a happy man after receiving his sheepskin on the cool, bright morning. The Class of 2008 hailed from 11 states and four nations.

COLUMNS, Summer 2008 15 Noteworthy: Th is year’s Waights G. Henry, Jr., Leadership Award winner became the fi rst student in memory to speak at Commencement. Th oughts on her experience on the Hill: “My college experience can be summed up as a discovery. It’s as if LaGrange College awak- ened me to my potential in this world. Th e past four years have given me ample opportunities to grow as an individual. My involve- ment on campus and in the sur- Above, Chairman of the Board of rounding community has left a Trustees Bill Hodges passes a diploma to Delmas “Trey” Jenkins. Below stands mark on my life that no other place Dr. M. Thomas Thangaraj, this year’s could or will. Th rough LaGrange Baccalaureate speaker. Dr. Thangaraj, the College’s well-rounded curriculum, D.W. and Ruth Brooks Associate Professor of World Christianity in the Candler School I have obtained a more open-mind- of Theology at Emory University, was ed opinion of this world which awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity has further developed my social Degree during Commencement. STANDOUT consciousness. LaGrange College, I Name: LeeAnn Brooks believe, will remain a part of who I am throughout my lifetime.”

Above, departing Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Dr. Jay Simmons, left, shares a moment with President Gulley after being surprised with an honorary doctorate. Above left, Elisha Batson gets some tassel placement assistance from Cierra Thompson. At left, twins Sherika, left, and Terika Smith get set for the May 16 Baccalaureate, which was held at First United Methodist Church. Below, Catherine Hancock shares a moment with her parents, Ray and Alumni and Family Relations Secretary Susan Hancock.

16 COLUMNS, Summer 2008 s e c t i o n www.lagrange.edu/definingmoment

Donor-recognition plans under way Donor-recognitionThose who contribute a gift to Defining plans Moment: under The way LaGrange College Campaign for Distinction soon will be able to create a lasting legacy of their commitment to the College. Campaign leaders are working to create a permanent monument on campus to recognize the generosity of Defining Moment donors who contribute to the project above a specific giving level. To acknowledge the year that LaGrange College was founded, 1831, donors committing $1,831 or more to De- fining Moment will be recognized in a lasting way for their contribution by having their name permanently displayed on the LaGrange College campus. (Donors can make a $1,831 pledge to be payable over three years, if desired.) Campaign Chair Scott Hawkins ’74 said of the opportu- nity for donors to have their names etched into the College’s history, “We thought that all of the people who attended LaGrange, and those who love this institution’s mission, would want to be remembered for their part in creating this magnificent library. The 1831, of course, is the symbolic con- nection to the year of our founding but also gives everyone a reachable contribution goal for this special recognition. It enables people, whether or not graduates, to be part of her legacy and to invest in her future.” An architectural design team is currently developing the donor-recognition marker, which will be located in the heart of the LaGrange campus. Its header will commemorate the Defining Moment campaign, with individual donors’ names listed below according to gift level. The final design and loca- tion for the marker will be publicized later this year. To date, the campaign’s two major objectives—1) fund- ing the Lewis Library and related construction and 2) sup- porting the College’s enhanced programs and operations— have drawn remarkable support. The campaign staff is available to answer donors’ questions about Defining Moment and provide additional The porch of Pitts Dining Hall provides an excellent vantage point to view the Lewis details about the various naming opportunities available Library’s newly completed three-story external structure. On Monday, May 19, Batson-Cook Construction hosted College and Partners Development guests to at LaGrange College. Contact the Development Office at celebrate the library’s Topping Out—a tradition marking the construction phase when (706) 880-8039 or [email protected] or visit a building’s highest beam is set in place. The library is scheduled to be complete by www.lagrange.edu/definingmoment. the end of the year.

COLUMNS, Summer 2008 17 s e c t i o n defining moment - the lagrange college campaign for distinction Retired Synovus head honors assistant with gift RetiredA new plaque Synovus hangs on the wall head of honorsShe encouraged assistant those gathered withto me gift continue to work with him, and I’m what was previously known as the campus consider their own professional relation- blessed that they did.” Assembly Room. It reads: “Dickson As- ships. “There is energy and excitement When asked what she admires most sembly Room, Named in Honor of Julie for us, whatever our role. What are we about Blanchard, Dickson answered, Daffin Dickson.” putting our hearts into?” she asked. “His ability to walk his talk. Jimmy and In an act of profound gratitude, “Through that thought process, we will Sis Blanchard’s lives are led by the Word. Dr. James H. “Jimmy” They raised their fam- Blanchard H’98 and his ily by it. Jimmy led wife, Sis, made a generous Synovus by it, and our contribution to the Col- family of companies lege and asked that their continues to thrive gift honor his longtime because of it.” executive assistant, Julie Synovus is a diver- Dickson. She has sup- sified financial services ported Blanchard, retired holding company with Chairman and CEO of $32 billion in assets Synovus Financial Corp., and more than 13,000 for 17 years. team members. Located inside the The luncheon Mabry Gipson Student celebration ended with Center, the Dickson Dickson’s closing re- Assembly Room was offi- marks. She said of the cially dedicated during a Blanchards, “I love Sis luncheon ceremony held and Jimmy Blanchard. Following the ceremony, Howard Park, retired president of CB&T and his wife, Jean, share their April 21—appropriately good wishes with Julie Dickson. They are blessed the beginning of Na- people, and they share tional Administrative Professionals Week. create a better workplace and, in turn, the their blessings with other people.” Many of the College’s administrative 1,100 young men and women who attend The spacious Dickson Assembly professionals were present for the event LaGrange College will be changed.” Room is used regularly for presentations, honoring Dickson, who attended with Following James’ remarks, President banquets, faculty meetings, Greek Week her husband, Donnie, and their daughter, Stuart Gulley addressed the group, shar- activities, community service projects— Rebecca ’07. ing his gratitude for those in support- and even yoga classes. Bobby Carmichael, President of ing roles at the College. “When I think Commercial Bank about Julie and The ceremony keynote speaker, Elizabeth R. “Lee Lee” James, encourages luncheon attendees to & Trust (a Synovus “There is energy and about Administra- engage passionately in their work. bank) and a College tive Professionals Trustee for 15 years, excitement for us, Week, something introduced keynote whatever our role.” that Mother Teresa speaker Elizabeth said comes to my R. “Lee Lee” James, —Elizabeth R. “Lee Lee” James mind. She is quoted Vice Chairman and Vice Chairman and as saying, ‘We may Chief People Officer Chief People Officer at Synovus not be called to at Synovus. do extraordinary “This is an awesome day because we things in this life, but we are called to do are celebrating a generous gift that honors ordinary things with extraordinary love.’” a wonderful person,” James declared. In That statement speaks to Dickson’s her tribute, she described how Dickson continuing work with Blanchard. She committed herself to helping Blanchard explains, “Even though he has retired as become successful. Chairman and CEO of Synovus, he still “Ultimately, the kind of relationship contributes to the company through his that Jimmy has with Julie was born out of numerous board and community activi- doing work for the greater good,” she said. ties. The company saw the value in having 18 COLUMNS, Summer 2008 s e c t i o n defining moment - the lagrange college campaign for distinction Friends of the Library welcomes ‘Absolute Power’ author Friends“Smell the books!”of the Debbie Library Bur- welcomes ‘Absolute Power’technique author that shades the truth dette urged those attending a Gather- when the truth is inconvenient or ing of Friends, the annual Friends of unpredictable.” the LaGrange College Library event. Just hours prior to the Gathering Continuing the mantra, she took of Friends event, Baldacci toured the another deep breath and fanned the LaGrange College campus to see the freshly printed, suspense-laced pages new Frank and Laura Lewis Library, of best-selling author David Baldacci’s now under construction. “You are newest novel, “The Whole Truth.” very fortunate to have the support Burdette is president of the of a strong Friends of the Library Friends organization, which invited organization,” he told the audience Baldacci to speak at the May 5 din- later. “It makes a tremendous impact ner. Later, sharing the secrets for his in your community.” With the assistance of wife Michelle, Baldacci signs books for ongoing success, the internationally Dr. William Fackler, far right, and Barry Bennett ’64. The author’s Friends of the LaGrange College acclaimed author of narratives that latest novel, “The Whole Truth,” is currently riding atop best- Library seeks to enrich the intel- read more like fact than fantasy told sellers lists. lectual and cultural environment of the audience, “I write about things Michelle, established the Wish You Well the College and the community by that I want to know about. There’s lots of Foundation, an organization that supports promoting excellence in library collections fiction in facts, lots of facts in fiction,” he family literacy by fostering and promoting and services. It was established in 1984 said. “I like for you to learn something educational programs. by former Library Director Frank Lewis. you didn’t know before.” Wish You Well also formed a partner- Ann H. Beason is incoming President of Baldacci is best known for his 1996 ship with the Second Harvest Food Bank Friends of the Library, and Jason A. Lewis New York Times best-selling novel, because Baldacci believes there is a close ’99, son of Frank and Laura Lewis, is “Absolute Power,” which chronicles the connection between literacy and food. President-elect. deleterious deeds of a fictional U.S. presi- “We partner with Second Harvest to pro- To become a Friend, contact the dent and the Secret Service following the vide used books to those who are hungry Development Office at (706) 880-8039 or accidental death of his mistress. While in mind and body.” [email protected] or visit www. working as a Washington, D.C., trial at- Before the Friends evening ended, Bal- lagrange.edu/give. torney, Baldacci spent years perfecting the dacci signed copies of his books, including manuscript. His life became a Cinderella “The Whole Truth,” which ranks No. 1 on story when Warner Books/Grand Central the New York Times Best Sell- Publishing paid Baldacci the largest sum ers list and No. 38 in sales at for a first novel in history. Soon after, www.amazon.com. “Absolute Power” became a major motion “The story takes place picture starring Clint Eastwood and Gene overseas,” he explained. Hackman. “During my research, I Since then, he has written 15 best- experienced every country selling books, which have been translated in the book. I got there the into 42 languages and sold in 80 coun- way the main character tries. Titles like “The Simple Truth,” gets there, and I stayed “Split Second,” “The Camel Club,” and where he stays. “Stone Cold” have drawn loyal Baldacci “I wrote this fans to book signings and lectures in cit- book based on a ies around the globe. Though he is best concept known known for creating electrifying tales of as ‘perception suspense, he also wrote “Freddie and the management’—a French Fries,” a series for young adult The Director of Field readers, and “The Christmas Train,” a Placement in the novel about hope and second chances. College’s Education The Virginia-born author dedicates Department, Vicki Pheil, gets Baldacci’s signature much of his time to several philanthropic at the start of the Friends efforts. Five years ago, he and his wife, event. COLUMNS, Summer 2008 19 a ls eu c m t n i o i n& h f e r a i de n e rd s Eight new members join Board of Trustees Eight new members of the LaGrange College with College Board of Trustees were installed a bachelor’s during an April Leadership Banquet. Join- degree in ing the board are Amos “Ted” Beason; business. He Edward C. Callaway; Jared T. “Boopie” formed his Jones ’82; Joe Frank Ragland Jr. ’85; Ed- own forestry ward D. Smith; Nancy Kight Stevens ’71, company in M’74; George F. Wheelock III ’75; and 1989 and Deedee Godwin Williams ’74. opened J. T. Amos “Ted” Beason received his Jones Realty undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt Inc. in 2001. University and is a presently a financial Recently, consultant with Smith Barney. He has he launched served as a member of the College’s Lead- LaGrange ership Council from 2001 to 2007 and a Banking board member of Friends of the LaGrange Company, Several new members of the Board of Trustees pause for a photo following their April College Library. the area’s induction ceremony. They are, front row, from left, Edward D. Smith; Deedee Godwin A former U.S. Congress staff member, first locally Williams ’74; Nancy Kight Stevens ’71,M’74; back row, Amos “Ted” Beason; Joe Frank Beason is the founder of Big Brothers Big owned bank Ragland Jr. ’85; and George F. Wheelock III ’75. Sisters of Troup County and a founding to open in more than 20 years. University, West Georgia State College member of DASH Inc. He was a Leadership Council mem- and University, and Columbus University. Edward C. Callaway has served ber from 2003 to 2008 and chaired its Former principal of LaGrange’s Westside since 2003 as chairman and CEO of Ida Solicitation Committee for Defining Mo- Magnet School, she was instrumental in Cason Callaway Foundation, the nonprof- ment: The LaGrange College Campaign its selection as one of 36 National Arts it organization that maintains Callaway for Distinction. Partners Schools by the Getty Trust and Gardens Resort and directs its mission of Joe F. Ragland Jr. ’85 earned his Annenberg Foundation. conservation, education and land steward- bachelor’s degree in business from the Stevens was named to the Wall of ship. Under his leadership, the founda- College and his MBA from Columbus Outstanding Alumni in 1998 and is a tion has made a commitment to building State University. A 16-year banking in- past President of the Leadership Council. sustainably. dustry veteran, he now serves as president George F. Wheelock III ’75 is Grandson of Callaway Gardens’ of the Troup County Division of Sun- president of the George F. Wheelock founders, he served from 1987 to 2003 Trust Bank, West Georgia. Company, a wholesale supplier of heating as president and CEO of Crested Butte A Leadership Council member from and cooling equipment in Birmingham, Mountain Resort, and he is a former 2001 to 2008, Ragland is the current Ala. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Leadership Council member. President of the College’s Alumni Associa- business from the College. Jared “Boopie” Jones ’82 is a native tion and chair of the LaGrange Down- Now concluding his second term on of LaGrange and graduated from the town Development Authority. the Leadership Council, Wheelock has Edward D. Smith graduated magna served as President of the Alumni Associa- Joining the Board of Trustees this spring also were cum laude from Wake Forest University tion and as Alumni Trustee for two terms. Edward C. Callaway, left, and Jared T. “Boopie” and is a 2005 graduate of Leadership In 1998 he received the Distinguished Jones ’82. Georgia. He is co-owner of Hutchinson Service Alumni Award. Traylor Insurance in LaGrange, where he Deedee Godwin Williams ’74 has served as president of the Boys and earned her undergraduate degree from the Girls Club and United Way campaign College with majors in math and business co-chairman. administration. Currently associate direc- Current president of the Leadership tor of employee relations at Total System Council, he serves as an ex-officio member Services Inc. in Columbus, Ga., Williams of the board. was named by the governor in 2004 to a Nancy Kight Stevens ’71, M’74 re- consumer seat on the Georgia Board of ceived her bachelor’s and master’s degrees Examiners of Licensed Dietitians. in elementary education from the College She served as a member of the Leader- and advanced degrees from Auburn ship Council from 2001 to 2007. 20 COLUMNS, Summer 2008 a l u m n i & f r i e n d s

Event honors new inductees March 14 will be remembered for more than the twister that hop-scotched through Atlanta’s downtown. That night, alumni and friends gathered at the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel for a formal dinner honoring LaGrange College’s 2008 Fellows and Quadrangle Society members. In a ceremony following the dinner, Trustee Wayne Hunter recognized new Fellows inductees—donors whose cumula- tive contributions total $50,000 or more. Charles Smith addresses the audience after To date, 188 individuals and organi- being named the 2008 recipient of the College’s zations have received the distinction, and most prestigious award. 31 new Fellows were inducted at the cer- emony. Each was presented with a crystal Smith receives Lifetime Service award book engraved with the College seal. LaGrange businessman and commu- and Edward. Quadrangle Society members are nity leader Charles Smith was named the Not forewarned about the honor, those who make provisions for deferred 2008 recipient of the Fuller E. Callaway, Smith was clearly surprised by the recog- gifts to the institution through their es- Jr., Award for Lifetime Service to LaGrange nition, and the thunderous applause and tate plans. Fifteen individuals were added College on April 17 during a leadership cheers that erupted upon his naming. to the nearly 300 members of the society. recognition event at Callaway Gardens. “I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on New members received a bronze In presenting the honor, President Stu- the LaGrange College board,” he said. “I medallion featuring a relief sculpture of art Gulley labeled Smith a close friend of have made so many friends, friends who Smith Hall, the College’s most historic the institution and a person who has had “a are dear to me. structure. Fellows of LaGrange Col- tremendous impact and influence” on his “I love LaGrange College.” lege and Quadrangle Society members’ life, citing his modeling of the importance The Fuller E. Callaway, Jr., Award was names are featured on permanent dis- of integrity, family, faith and adventure. created in 2006 to honor volunteers who plays in the building. “He has also taught me what it means offer unusually effective and dedicated ser- Donors who make arrangements to to be a volunteer par excellence—not just vice to the work of the College. The most include the College within their estates what he contributes financially to the Col- prestigious award given by the institution, can designate their gifts to help maintain lege, but with his time,” Dr. Gulley said. it honors its namesake who was a com- the new Lewis Library. An endowment “In my time at LaGrange College, munity leader and benefactor of LaGrange, has been established to support its col- we have invested about $65 million dol- Troup County and LaGrange College. lection and infrastructure through the lars on the physical plant of our institu- Past recipients of the award are Inter- building’s lifetime of service. tion …. With the exception of one or face founder and Chairman Ray Ander- For more information about including two projects early on in my administra- son (2007) and former Board of Trustees the College in your giving or estate plans, tion, (Charles) chaired the Buildings Chairman Malone Dodson (2006). contact the Development Office at (706) and Grounds Committee and gave of his The award, a custom Fräbel Glass Art Studio globe 880-8039 or [email protected]. time tirelessly in project meetings, talk- and pedestal, rests on a table while Smith greets Jared “Boopie” Jones, left, and his wife, Alynda, are ing with architects, talking with contrac- well-wishers in the background. recognized by President Gulley as new Fellows. tors and running interference.” In addition to his long tenure on Buildings and Grounds, Smith has served as a Trustee since 1989 and has played an active role in College fundraising efforts, including the current Defining Moment campaign. He is the former president of Hutchinson Traylor Insurance, which is currently run by his two sons, Wesley

COLUMNS, Summer 2008 21 a l u m n i & f r i e n d s

Exploring the happenstance of room 429 Dressed up with all the adornments, that it was the same room I had when baubles and bric-a-brac one might expect I was a freshman. When I visited Kelly in a teenager’s roost, the apartment on (later that fall), it was hard to believe it the fourth floor of the southeast corner of was the same dormitory. Hawkes Hall looks like a typical fresh- “We did not have elevators … the man dorm room … but there’s a story basement was for physical education; the hidden in room 429. first floor was the library and some class- This past fall when first-year stu- rooms. Looking out the window, we saw dent Kelly Lane got the chance to pick a wooded area. Also, there was a big field which apartment she would make her behind Hawkes for athletics.” Hawkins honored home for the coming year, she ended up The dormitory and surrounding unwittingly selecting the very space her campus were not the only things that at Commencement grandmother had occupied some 65 years were drastically different about the Col- During the May 17 Commencement before. Who knows if her choice was lege when Edwards arrived in 1942. ceremony, alumnus Scott D. Hawkins psychically inspired or fate? At the very “We had chapel in the auditorium ’74 (above left) was presented one of the least, it involved big coincidence. once a week and were required to at- College’s highest honors, the Distin- “My mom was on the phone with tend,” she said. “We were allowed to go guished Service Alumni Award. my grandmother describing my room to town once a week—had to sign out The award is given each year at when she realized that was my grand- when we left campus and sign in when Commencement to a LaGrange gradu- mother’s old room,” Kelly said, explain- we returned. ate who has provided continuous and ing how she learned of the fluke. “Of course, we did not have cars and devoted service to the College. Kelly’s grandmother, Janette Hood were told if we needed a car, we could go Hawkins grew up in Valley, Ala., Edwards, said, “I was surprised to learn to another college.” and enrolled at LaGrange College in An ever-looming presence in 1971, earning his B.A. in 1974. Later, he the back of everyone’s mind dur- received a law degree from the University Kelly Lane ’11 was surprised to learn that her Hawkes dorm room was the same space her grandmother occupied 65 ing Edwards’ time on the Hill was of Georgia and an MBA from Harvard years before. the war that raged in the Euro- Business School. pean and Pacific theaters. All were Today, Hawkins serves as CEO and expected to do their part. founder of The Hawkins Companies, “To support the war effort, which purchase, develop and manage Mrs. Quillian, the president’s real estate in the eastern half of the wife, recruited the girls to knit United States. socks for the servicemen,” Ed- A longtime friend and supporter wards said. “I did knit a pair of of LaGrange College, Hawkins serves socks.” on the Board of Trustees and as chair Edwards, who spent two years of the $65 million Defining Moment at LaGrange before transferring campaign. He and his wife, Susan, do- to finish up her degree at Georgia, nated a gift of $1.5 million toward the said that she’s happy her grand- campaign, which is the largest contribu- daughter chose to come to the tion LaGrange has ever received from a Hill. living alumnus. “I’m so pleased that Kelly is at As an expression of appreciation LaGrange College, and she seems for the gift, the College renamed Ver- to be enjoying it very much.” non Street Residence Hall in honor of For her part, Kelly is excited Hawkins’ mother, Annie Hawkins, and about having lived in her grand- in memory of his father, Allen Hawkins. mother’s old room. In addition to offering his talents “I thought it was really neat and resources to LaGrange, Hawkins that she had stayed there and slept serves in leadership positions for several there in the same room so many educational, philanthropic, civic and years ago,” she said. religious organizations.

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This issue’s Classnotes are from information received through May 12, 2008. (Unless otherwise noted, geographic locations refer to Georgia.)

1929 1955 Mary Lou Linn Howell celebrated her 102nd Jeannine White birthday on January 8, 2008. Honicker of LaGrange organized and is chairwoman of the 1932 LaGrange Sierra Club. Carolyn Channelle Webb of Plains was named to the state Teacher’s Hall of Fame located 1960 in the capitol building in Atlanta. She taught for 37 years and has won numerous teaching Nancy Mitchell Morris awards. of Griffin has been named to LaGrange College’s Leadership 1948 Council. Lillian Hill Knight of Newnan celebrated her th 80 birthday on October 3, 2007. She renewed 1961 In April, a few alumni gathered for lunch at the home of Dr. Sally Curtis AsKew her real estate license in 2007. ’62 in Athens. Seen here are, from left, Susan Boleyn ’73, Dr. Judy Greer ’57 Marie Williams Beiser H’07, AsKew, Carolyn Bernard Becker ’59 and Laura Brown ’90. of Lawrenceville is 1953 the president of the 1968 Dr. Leonard Jackson of Gainesville, Fla., retired Lawrenceville Development Authority and Jacque Beasley Hornsby for the second time on January 16, 2008, as vice chairman of the Downtown Development of LaGrange retired Alchua County’s school psychologist. Authority. this year. She was the media specialist at West Side Magnet School.

1954 1962 1969 Peggy Grose-Kilpatrick of Austin, Texas, Sandra McClellan Carter of Newnan started Elvin Hollis has published a book, “Love and Lemon Pie: the Sandra M. Carter School of Arts at First of Americus has retired and now Recipes for the Body and Soul.” Published in Baptist Church in Newnan. After she retired, operates a pecan farm. 2004, it is now in its fourth printing. She is a the program closed, but it has been reinstated because of its popularity. licensed therapist, owns her own consulting 1970 business, Face to Face Communication, and is Elizabeth Kitchens Richardson of Roanoke, employed by a drug rehabilitation program. Ala., retired from the Alabama State Stuart Clay of Tybee Island was inducted into Department of Public Health in Randolph the LaGrange College Sports Hall of Fame at Homecoming 2007. Carolyn Monfort Becker ’59 pauses with her new County, Roanoke. husband, James. President Stuart Gulley officiated Dr. Beth Dupree Farokhi of Marietta was a at the ceremony in the College Chapel. (photo by member of a steering committee that brought Spence Downs, Wingate Downs Photography) 1963 a unique event to the Carter Center on April Mike Searcy of LaGrange retired after teaching 18. For the first time outside of New York, the at LaGrange College for 41 years. Committee on Teaching about the U.N. (CTAUN) presented a daylong workshop for educators and concerned citizens. The program featured 1965 a panel on climate change, a panel on cultural Pierre Herault of North Wales, Penn., has understanding, a former assistant secretary- retired as a laboratory manager for Certain general of the U.N. as keynote speaker and a Teed Corporation. specialist on the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Christine Meadows Taylor will celebrate her Donna Johns McDaniel 91st birthday on June 5, 2008. of Peachtree City is a teacher for special needs, fourth through 10th grades, all subjects. 1966 Marion McEachern of Jonesboro has been named to the Leadership Council of LaGrange Dr. Maxine Pinson Easom of Athens, an College. educator for more than 30 years, has retired as principal at Clarke Central High School, Sarah Haynes Standard of Oxford and 12 of where she worked since 1999. She received her fellow alumnae, the Sensational Sisters of the 2008 Athens Woman of Distinction Award Smith, celebrated their 60th birthdays with a from the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia party in February. Council. She plans to spend more time with her family and grandchildren, travel and read. COLUMNS, Summer 2008 23 c l a s s n o t e s

1971 West Georgia Health System’s active and emergency medical staffs. Ken Justice of Benton, Ark., a semi-retired naval officer and Vietnam veteran, was John Poythress of LaGrange retired from the guest speaker at the Fiction Writers Georgia Power Company five years ago. of Central Arkansas meeting in March, covering novelette, novella and short story development. His prose-poetry work, “The 1976 Portrait,” was featured last summer at Bobby Buchanan of Hogansville retired in Bewilderwingstories.com and was selected as January 2008. an Editors Choice for that publication. He is under contract for his romance story writing, Jeffery Head of Kennesaw has retired from and his novelette, “All the Time in the World,” the Georgia Department of Labor. was released in April at TheWildRosePress. During Family Weekend, the Harris brothers came Jan Clegg Rushin of Fort Myers, Fla., opened com. His second novelette, “No Greater Love,” to campus to help their brother, David, present his her own real estate company called Rushin will be released later this year. senior show. Seen here are Antipas ’98, Alex ’02, Reality. Alonzo ’04, David and Antonio ’91. The Rev. Thomas Pilgrim of Marietta served Mary Helen Williams Terrell of LaGrange was in Troup County in more than 20 years. as a pastor in Mountville and West Point. a finalist for Troup County’s Teacher of the He has published a novel, “The Taste of Year award. She teaches biology at Callaway The Rev. Jeffery Pullium of Augusta is Paradise,” which tracks the emotional, High School. pursuing a second master’s degree in spiritual and social dynamics of a family’s instructional technology at Georgia Southern. sojourn in the rural South during the 1950s. 1978 1983 1972 Nancy Carson Gray of Tampa, Fla., received a degree in ultrasound technology from Derrick and Melinda Stokes Dukes live in Karen Samble of Jacksonville, Fla., was Hillsborough Community College. LaGrange. He is a self-employed graphic named Teacher of the Year at Ruth Upson artist at Dukes Designs. She has been named Elementary and also was a finalist for Teacher Don Neuberg of LaGrange is a flight instructor Teacher of the Year at Hogansville Elementary of the Year for Duval County. at Falcon Academy in Peachtree City. School. Gail McLachlan Sherman of LaGrange is Wayne Johnson of St. Simons Island has been 1973 Troup County School System’s math academic named to LaGrange College’s Leadership coach. She works with math teachers in all Council. Gordon Williams middle schools and high schools. of Houston, Gordon Williams ’73 Laura Miller Reed of Loganville is in her third Texas, continues year teaching fifth grade at Norton Elementary his chemo 1980 School. treatments and Lee Washam of LaGrange is president of his condition Wanda Howington Lowe of LaGrange has CharterBank. He and his wife, Melissa, have is stable. He been named the cancer care navigator two daughters. has entered for West Georgia Health System and is at least four the immediate contact when someone is diagnosed with cancer. She is certified in writing contests 1985 this year: oncology nursing, has been a patient educator Inspirational and is a breast cancer survivor. She will help Cynthia Halstead Bowen of LaGrange is Writers Alive! patients and their families learn more about working on a specialist degree in leadership at (Drama, Poetry, the disease and treatment options, whether Columbus State University. & Devotional), they will be treated locally or outside the Troup Christians County area. 1986 in Theatre Arts (Drama, both full-length Lane Parton of Rutherfordton, N.C., is the and sketch), Writers Digest (drama) and branch manager of Wood Forest National Dr. John Cary of Changwon, South Korea, is Scriptwriters/Houston’s Ten by Ten. He will Bank out of Houston, Texas. in his third year of teaching English in South be doing a DVD of his monodrama “Acts of Korea. One of his books, “Dixie World,” is an Pilate,” and he expects to shoot it at the A.D. e-book on Amazon.com. Players Saint Street Annex. He is also on YouTube. His essay “The Play is Still the Thing” 1981 will be included in the Call for Papers at this Majoy Askew Beetles of LaGrange has retired 1987 year’s Christians in Theatre Arts Conference in after teaching in Hogansville for 25 years. June in California. Allyson Langley Matthews and her husband, Richard, live in West Point. A high school 1982 teacher, she has become a stay-at-home mom 1974 since the birth of Emily Jo. They have two Jared “Boopie” Jones of LaGrange is the other daughters. Dr. George Baker of LaGrange celebrated chairman of the board at LaGrange Banking th his 30 year as a dentist in the community Company, the first locally owned bank opened on February 6, 2008. He is a member of

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1987 1989 Catherine Conway Thompson of LaGrange Holly Britt of LaGrange has been promoted to has been teaching English as a Second vice president at Commercial Bank & Trust. Language (ESOL) for the Troup County School She started working for CB&T in 1986 as a System for five years. She has two daughters. teller and is currently the commercial risk manager. She serves as a board member of Mike Trimeloni has been named city president the American Heart Association, treasurer of for the LaGrange Region of CharterBank. His the LaGrange High School PTO and a youth background includes branch management, leader at First United Methodist Church. consumer lending, commercial lending, She and her husband, Tommy ’87, have two loan operations and credit analysis. He is a children. graduate of the Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking. He is involved Kimberly Forrester Broxton of Murrayville with the community and serves on the earned a bachelor’s degree in Christian Lafayette Christian School Board of Directors. ministries in 2007. She has three children. Griffin ’61 retires after He attends New Community Church with his Tommy Griffin wife, the former Missy Estes ’91, and their two of Hogansville teaches 49 years of service daughters. electronics part-time at West Georgia Technical College in LaGrange. The Rev. Bill Griffin, Executive Director of the Georgia United Methodist Commission 1988 on Higher Education and Campus Ministry 1990 and a 1961 graduate of the College, retired Jane Anderson of LaGrange retired in May The Rev. Dr. Jim and Beth Parrish Ellison ’89 in June after 49 years of service to the after teaching in the Troup County School church. He has held his most recent post System for 22 years. live in Fayetteville. Jim, pastor of Atlanta First United Methodist Church, was the featured since 1995, serving both the North and Dr. Beth Bauer of Macon will be teaching fifth preacher in June on Day 1 (formerly known as South Georgia Conferences. He also worked grade at LaGrange Academy starting next The Protestant Hour), a nationally broadcast in other roles within the North Georgia Con- school year. She taught fourth and fifth grade radio program. The program included his ference and as a church pastor. Griffin is a at St. Peter Claver School in Macon, worked sermon, “Soul Restoration,” along with member of the Georgia Poetry Society and for several years in podiatric medicine and interviews conducted by the program’s host the author of a number of articles for United also taught at St. Mary School in Westville, and executive producer, Peter Wallace. Methodist publications. In the photo, he Illinois. She holds a bachelor’s degree in shares a lighthearted moment at his retire- biology and chemistry from LaGrange, an ment dinner with his sister, Marie Wooten. additional bachelor’s degree in biological 1991 sciences from William Scholl College of Tami Elsworth Anderson and her husband, with contractors in sales and marketing. Podiatric Medicine and a Doctor of Podiatric Chris, live in Alpharetta with their two children. Medicine Degree, also from William Scholl She has been employed as a registered nurse College. at Saint Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta for 10 1993 Deborah Pettyjohn Dobbins of Rome is years. Charles Allen of LaGrange has been named to attending Georgia Highlands College in Rome, John Dreisbach of Hampton is a fourth grade LaGrange College’s Leadership Council. studying pre-nursing. She was inducted into teacher at Callaway Elementary School. the school’s Alpha Psi Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Dawn Kennedy Ware is mortgage originator at 1995 LaGrange Banking Company, the first locally Shawn Zwilling of LaGrange has been named owned bank opened in Troup County in more Shannon Mallory Lester of LaGrange and her to the Leadership Council of LaGrange than 20 years. She serves on the LaGrange husband, Howard, are opening a new store in College. Academy Board of Trustees and the corporate Columbus named Flooring America. This will gifts committee for West Georgia Health be their third store. System and is a member of First Baptist Church on the Square. She is also a member Von Blocker ’92 sits in the front row of a Disney of the Benjamin Harvey Hill Society of the 1996 ride with daughter Wendy, while his wife, Ginger, and second daughter, Lorelei, sit in back. United Way of West Georgia. Noel Hunter and Dr. Sharlene Donaldson Toney ’99 have been appointed to serve 1992 on a collaborative taskforce working to identify opportunities—and barriers—to more Von Blocker of Kissimmee, Fla., is working as closely align nursing education, service and an IT Technician for the Millennium Technology research with Emory School of Nursing and Group, which services several convention Emory Healthcare. Sharlene, director of resorts in the central Florida area. He and his nursing research for EHC, and Noel, nursing wife, Ginger, have two daughters. administrative supervisor at Emory University Hospital, believe the major issue in health Leon and Lisa Willimon Moody ’91 live in care today at Emory and nationwide is LaGrange. He has opened his new business, improving the quality and the safety of patient Addentify Strategic Consulting, which works care.

COLUMNS, Summer 2008 25 c l a s s n o t e s

Dr. Brandon Mednick of Fayetteville was 2002 named department chair of Emergency Medicine at Piedmont Fayette Hospital on Katie Miller Thompson is assistant principal January 1, 2008. at Ethel Kight Magnet School. She has written a Christian children’s book, “Two By Two,” that was released in May and has signed a 1997 contract for her second book, “Johnny B. Stay Away From Me.” She and her husband, Brad Will Ellis of LaGrange has built and opened ’01, live in LaGrange. new offices in LaGrange, Pine Mountain and Columbus for Ellis and Ellis Advancement Financial. He was named to the prestigious 2003 LPL Financial Executive Council, a status reserved for less than 1 percent of all Tabitha Bales Hunsucker and Andy ’04 live in advisors and based on a production ranking Griffin, where she is enjoying being a stay- of all registered advisors at yearend 2007 for at-home mom. He is managing the Sherwin John ’03 and Kim Velmosky Bernard ’06 with their daughter, Cara Riley LPL Financial, the largest independent broker/ Williams store. dealer in the country. Valerie Longshore of LaGrange teaches Ariel Pena of Savannah is the database theater at Harris County High School. manager at the Savannah School of Art and Jeffrey Pourchier of Buford is head men’s Design. basketball coach at Reinhardt College. Andy and Katie Harwell Porter live in Ann Rhodes of Hogansville received the David LaGrange and have become more aware of Lewis Leadership Award from Communities in what it means to be sustainable. They are avid Schools in 2007. gardeners and have been very conscious of the products they purchase. He is a custom Carrie Cato Romine of West Point was elected development designer for InterfaceFLOR. a finalist for Troup County’s Teacher of the Year award. Carrie is an 11th grade language arts teacher at Callaway High School. 2005 Mandy Aldrich of Atlanta graduated from the 2004 University of Georgia Law School in May 2008. Sarah McAliley Andrews of West Point is Tammy Whitten Ledbetter of LaGrange Will Ellis ’97 with Tony Snow, former White House employed at Lafayette Christian School in graduated from University of Phoenix in Press Secretary, at the LPL Financial conference LaGrange in its fifth grade. December 2007 with a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education. She is teaching second Sara Gilreath is the assistant human grade at Cannon Street Elementary School in resources director at Flowers Bakery in LaGrange. 1998 Tucker. She finished the requirements for Dr. Antipas Harris successfully passed his a Master of Science in Management with a Jason Thomas Marsh of Clenton, Miss., doctoral dissertation defense for the doctoral concentration in Human Resources on March graduated from Mississippi College of Law in program in Practical Theology at Boston 4, 2008, at Troy State University. May 2008. University. On May 18, 2008, he received his Kathryn Elizabeth Henry of Douglasville Kanada Moore McGill of LaGrange was diploma. received her master’s in media technology on named as one of the top three finalists Carolyn Wakefieldof Rome earned her Ed.S. December 15, 2007. for Troup County’s Teacher of the Year. degree from Berry College. She teaches fourth grade at Long Cane Dale Lomax of LaGrange is the assistant Elementary School. men’s basketball coach for the LaGrange Arshaad Norwood of Jonesboro is an 1999 College Panthers. artist. Check out his new Web site at www. anorwoodproductions.com. Jabe and Barbara Bradley Hilson ’01 live in Tabitha Bales Hunsucker ’03, Andy ’04 and Lila Lakemont. He became the winery manager of Marcy Williams of Atlanta is studying art and Tiger Mountain Vineyards, Tiger Mountain, in design and working on her BSA in fashion at January 2008. Savannah College of Art and Design.

2001 2006 Sherry Thrasher of Powder Springs is finishing Matthew Awalt of Bremen is attending college a doctoral degree in clinical psychology at in South Korea. One of his writings has been Argosy in Atlanta this May. She is doing published. He plans to come home in June to her internship at the VA Hospital in Decatur attend his sister’s wedding. and has accepted a two-year postdoctoral appointment at Yale Medical School in Jane-Marie Fatkin of LaGrange is the first neuropsychology. LaGrange College graduate to become a

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Rotary International Scholar winner. She Births To Nicole Darr Dykes ’01 and her husband, currently lives in Guildford, England, and is Derek, a daughter, Natalie Maven, on October working in the social psychology master’s To Allyson Langley Matthews ’87 and her 10, 2007 program at Surrey University. She plans to husband, Richard, a daughter, Emily Jo, on Lauren Beauchamp Lee ’01, continue her education and get her doctorate September 1, 2006 To a daughter, Rebecca Kate, on September 19, 2007 in psychology. To Rusty ’89 and Annette Robertson Farrell Tasha Aides Smith ’01, Tanner Garrard, former Admission Counselor ’89, a daughter, Cayden, on April 17, 2007 To a son, Gavin, on June 13, 2007 for LaGrange College, has joined National To Tami Elsworth Anderson ’91 and her Management Resources Corp.’s Campus husband, Chris, a daughter, Brooke Lynne, on To the Rev. Alex ’02 and Erin Sexstone Stroud Services team as the Manager of Event July 27, 2007 ’02, a daughter, Faith Carolyn, on February 7, Services at LaGrange College. 2008 To Sandy Henderson ’92, a son, Hughes, on Chuck Peek of LaGrange is the Head Cross September 19, 2006 To John ’03 and Kim Velmosky Bernard ’06, a Country Coach and Tennis Coach at LaGrange daughter, Cara Riley, on February 23, 2008 College. To Tiffany Breed Hanes ’93, a daughter, Eleanor, on December 7, 2006 To Tabitha Bales Hunsucker ’03 and Andy Erica Massmann Pendergrass of Fayetteville ’04, a daughter, Lila Evelyn, on September 26, is a nurse in the operating room at Fayette To Roswell Morgan ’93, a daughter, Aubrey 2007 County Hospital. Brooks, on January 22, 2007 To Lori Boyd Rhoney ’03, a daughter, Emma Julie Sikes of Cusseta, Ala., is attending To Amy Faulds Sandefur ’93 and her Savannah, on February 13, 2006 Savannah College of Art and Design for husband, Mark, a daughter, Rhianna, on July another master’s degree. 6, 2007 To Janice Longino Eskew ’05 and her husband, Matthew, a son, Matthew, on Blair Tolbert of Nashville was named a To Jennifer Crockett Coursey ’96, a daughter, December 31, 2007 ministry intern at West End Methodist Church. Lauren Mackenzie, on October 19, 2006. She is part of Vanderbilt Divinity School’s To Lisa Sexton Foster ’97, twin sons, William Turner Leadership Scholars program, which Weddings and Engagements John and Samuel George, in November 2007 grants fellowships to the top United Methodist Chad Wesley Parker ’94 to Jennifer Lynn candidates nationwide seeking the Master To Tim ’97 and Tiffany Roper Wright ’04, a Lawley on November 17, 2007 of Divinity Degree who demonstrate a clear daughter, Emma Louise, on April 3, 2007 intent to pursue ordained congregational Jamie Diane Epperly ’02 to David Guy To Jim ’98 and Jennifer DeMooney Claybrook ministry. She will be working in areas of Mitchell, III, ’04 on February 23, 2008 church leadership and helping with young ’99, a son, James Grady, on October 20, 2007 Grey Kennerly Bell ’04 to Lindsay Ann Thrush adult ministries at West End. To Warren Haynes ’98 and his wife, Brook, a ’04 on May 23, 2008 son, Harper Warren, on March 8, 2008 Alvita Latimer McNeal ’04 to Reginald Swain 2007 To Brad ’98 and Jessica Goorskey Morman in October 2007 ’98, a son, Bradley, on June 22, 2007 Lorraine Bgoya of Atlanta is Financial Services Jennifer Amanda Aldrich ’05 to Jonathan Representative for IronStone Bank, Sandy To James Welden ’98 and his wife, Kelley, a Springs. son, Sanders Tinsley, on December 18, 2007 Antoine Maddox of LaGrange is a member of To Susan Blosser Gardner ’99 and her Brett ’05 and Allison Camp Huckle ’06 at their the Washington Generals basketball team, the husband, Thomas, a son, Seth, on August 24, wedding on March 15, 2008 squad that travels around the world with the 2007 Globetrotters. In March, they played a game at Phillips Arena in Atlanta. To Jessica Washington Folds ’00, a son, Morgan Wyatt, on July 18, 2007 Holly McKay of Hogansville is in consumer sales for American Home Shield. To Thomas Moat ’00, a son, Jeaton Matthew, on December 5, 2007 Angela Mercer of Cordele is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Georgia Allison Camp Huckle ’06 pauses with her Southwestern in Americus. bridesmaids: Mandy Allison ’08, Alison Hendley, Monica Parker of Moreland is a financial aid Mandy Huckle, Tyanna Hornbuckle and Susan Lanier. counselor for LaGrange College. Kate McClanahan Smith of LaGrange is employed as a client services specialist at LaGrange Banking Company. She is a member of First United Methodist Church. Beth Stein of LaGrange is working on her master’s at LaGrange College in the MAT program. She teaches fourth grade at Unity Elementary School.

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Daniel Barrett ’05 on December 27, 2008 Mrs. Joan Barnhill Richardson ’40 June 9 Devon Alaine Burns ’05 to Brandon Lassetter Mrs. Sara Twiggs French ’41 A Celebration of Servant Leadership in the summer of 2009 Mrs. Dorothy Pope Richter ’41 This South Georgia Annual Conference event Mrs. Ruth Presley Watts ’47 features Bishop Michael B. Watson. Make Brett Richard Huckle ’05 to Allison Nicole reservations online at www.lagrange.edu/ Camp ’06 on March 15, 2008 Mr. Wayne Grover ’52 sgdinner or by calling (706) 880-8340. Mrs. Evelyn Ream Carter ’55 5:30 p.m. Charles Terry Peek, Jr., ’06 to Aimee Noelle Stephens ’06 on December 16, 2006 Ms. Sonya Anne Smith ’59 Mr. Grady Clark Bonner ’67 June 17 Justin Keith McCullouch ’07 to Margaret A Celebration of Servant Leadership Mr. John Phillip Griffin, Jr. ’74 Holley Tilson ’07 on October 11, 2008 This North Georgia Annual Conference event Mr. Clarence Cecil Hodges ’76 features Bishop G. Lindsey Davis. Make res- Mrs. Janet Karr McMillian ’76 ervations online at www.lagrange.edu/ngdin- Deaths Mr. Neil Allen Culver ’77 ner or by calling (706) 880-8340. 5:30 p.m. Mrs. Frances Kimbrough Beaty ’32 Mrs. Grace Hall Daniel ’79 Mrs. Vonice Ritch Sullivan ’34 Mr. James Mark Cooley ’81 July 25 Mrs. Virginia Boyles Coker ’38 Mr. John Perry Sinkhorn ’02 Alumni Council Summer Cookout Sunny Gables Alumni House 7 p.m. July 26 Atlanta alumni event celebrates Alumni Council Meeting Dickson Assembly Room Defining Moment 8:30 a.m. September 13 United Methodist Youth Day The Admission Office invites United Method- ist Youth to take a look at LaGrange College. September 13 Fall Family Council Meeting Sunny Gables Alumni House October 17 – 19 Homecoming Friday: Tom Duckett Golf Tournament Class of 1958 50th Class Reunion Saturday: 5K Run and 1 mile walk, 8 a.m. Homecoming Parade, 9 a.m. 2008 Alumni Celebration, 11 a.m. Lunch on the Lawn, noon A spring Atlanta event kicked off a series of regional LC vs. Westminster College, 1 p.m. gatherings themed around Sunday: the College’s Defining Alumni and LaGrange College Community Moment campaign. Hosted at Canoe on April 21, the Memorial Service, 11 a.m. reception brought alumni and friends together for an October 18 update on the new library Fall Visitation Day 1 and other campaign plans. Prospective students and their families are In the left photo above, invited to visit the campus. Campaign Chair Scott Hawkins ’74, standing, November 8 greets Cal and Carolyn Fall Visitation Day 2 Luker. Above right, Nancy Mitchell Morris ’60, left, and Judy Greer ’57, H’07 enjoy January 9 – 11 the music provided by a Winter Alumni Executive Committee Retreat College jazz ensemble. At right, Emily Fisher Crum ’35, For details and more events visit H’02, center, visits with Lena Jenkins, left, and Gay Henry. www.lagrange.edu/calendar

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See more College merchandise on the Web. Order online and use promotional code Columns to receive your free gift at www.lagrange.edu/bookstore. To place an order otherwise call 1-888-353-4499 (Mon. - Thurs., 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.), or fax to 706-880-8347. s o f t b a l l , g o l f e a r n n c a a p o s t s e a s o n p l a y

For the second consecutive year, the to secure a spot in the national tourna- into eighth place before finishing 22nd in LaGrange College softball and golf teams ment. In Fayetteville, the squad made his- the 35-team field. battled their way to NCAA postseason tory by becoming the first LaGrange team Ryan Howard ’08 provided the biggest play. The softball team traveled to Fayette- to win an NCAA event when it defeated tournament highlight for the Panthers ville, N.C., to compete in the NCAA Di- Emory 2-1 in the regional’s first game. The when he scored a hole-in-one on the par-3 vision III Atlantic Regional, while the golf women fought hard but lost the next two eighth hole during the tournament’s sec- team headed to the Chateau Elan Resort games to finish the season 25-20. ond round. in Braselton, Ga., for the NCAA Division The golf team experienced a little déjà Ryan Willis ’09 was named to the III Men’s Golf Championship. vu of its own when, like last year, it made Division III PING South All-region team It was déjà vu for the softball team as the second-round cut at its tournament. At after earlier being named the Georgia Cup it once again won the GSAC tournament one point, the Panthers played their way Division III Player of the Year.

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Vol. 12, No. 3 Published by LaGrange College (USPS 299-300)

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