Georgetown College Alumni Magazine | Spring 2023

CONTENTS

Letter from the President

New Board Trustees and Officers

Founders’ Day and Curry Award

Dr. Hatch Meets Pope Francis

Oxford Silver Anniversary Lecture

Student Reflects on Oxford Experience

Class of 2023 Traditions and Celebrations

73rd Annual Belle of the Blue & Beaus Too

Student Entrepreneur Starts Baking Business

Tigers Travel the World

Three New Full-Tuition Brown Scholarships

Brandon D. Lawson Scholarship Established

7 ALUMS TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE

Ashley Clayton – Mental Health Research

Dr. David Kabithe – Rural Surgical Care

Dr. J. Michael Smith – Robotic Heart Surgery

Dr. Shelley Stanko – Hospital Administration

Dr. Sorna Kamara – Acute Patient Care

Dr. Lydia Samples Mattison – Medical Review

Dr. Benjamin Warf – Pediatric Neurosurgery

Distinguished Speakers Inspire Students

SPRING SPORTS HEAT UP

Men’s Basketball Returns to Fab Four

Golf Program Welcomes New Coach

Softball on a Winning Streak

Professional Soccer Finds a Home at GC

GC ALUMNI NEWS Letter from the Director of Alumni Relations

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

Bethany H. Langdon ’93

EDITOR

Emily McCarthy

DESIGNER

Betty Bone ‘00

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily McCarthy

Olivia Coleman-Dunn ’15

Jason Grefer

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Olivia Coleman-Dunn ’15

Bethany H. Langdon ’93

Mindy Hamlin ’91

Dr. Jonathan Sands Wise

Dr. Rosemary Allen

PHOTOS

Quentin Barclay ‘24

Jay Buckner

Richard Davis

Keni Parks

Emily McCarthy

FOR COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, AND INFORMATION, CONTACT: Office of Communications and Marketing 400 East College Street Georgetown, KY 40324 502.863.7922 communications@georgetowncollege.edu

FOR ADDRESS CHANGES, CONTACT: tammy_owens@georgetowncollege.edu Georgetown College magazine is published by the Georgetown College Office of Communications and Marketing.

© Copyright Georgetown College 2023

Georgetown College admits students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status.

Follow Georgetown College on your favorite social media.

Celebrating the Big Moments

A Message from President Rosemary Allen

Our alumni magazine has a new look! I am happy to introduce you to GC Moments, a place to celebrate all of the moments that define the Georgetown College experience. From historic traditions like commencement on Giddings Lawn to the triumphs of our students, we want to share these moments with you. In turn, we hope you will share your life’s moments with us as part of the Georgetown family.

In this issue, we are celebrating seven alums who found their calling in healthcare careers. Dr. Benjamin Warf is a pediatric neurosurgeon in Boston who invented the Warf Method, the gold standard for treating infant hydrocephalus. As a hospitalist in Atlanta, Dr. Sorna Kamara is delivering acute care to her patients in a highpressure hospital environment. And just down the road in Hopkinsville, Dr. David Kabithe is helping dialysis patients get life-saving surgical procedures that were previously not available to rural Kentuckians.

You will also read about students who are studying abroad in countries like Italy, Spain, and England. Speaking of England, we recently hosted the Silver Anniversary Lecture of the Oxford Programs to celebrate our 25-year partnership with Regent’s Park College. Principal of Regent’s Park College Sir Malcolm Evans was our guest lecturer.

Finally, I want to congratulate the Class of 2023 as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. They are a remarkable group of students who faced the adversity of COVID-19 at the start of their college careers. Their strength, resiliency, and adaptability are admirable. Their biggest moments are yet to come.

Sincerely,

Dr. Rosemary A. Allen

Four New Alums Join Board

of Trustees, Two Alums Elected as Officers

Dr. Lydia Samples Mattison ’90

Board Chair Michelle Pedigo ’90

Vice Chair Guthri True ’81

Craig Wallace ’86

Dustin Stacy ’99

Susan Moss ’77

The Board of Trustees for Georgetown College elected new officers and four new members who began their terms this year. Newly elected officers are Board Chair Michelle Pedigo ’90 and Vice Chair Guthrie True ’81. The new board members are Dr. Lydia Samples Mattison ’90, Susan Moss ’77, Dustin Stacy ’99, and Craig Wallace ’86.

“We are pleased to welcome four distinguished members to the Georgetown College Board of Trustees,” says President Rosemary Allen. “Each new member brings unique experience in specialty areas such as healthcare, business, marketing, and employee relations. We are also fortunate to have experienced Board members stepping into officer roles this year. I am excited to partner with them and further the mission of Georgetown College.”

Dr. Lydia Samples Mattison ’90 received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgetown College and her doctorate in medicine from Ohio State University. Her career spans 28 years, working in clinics, hospitals, and nursing facilities. She currently serves as the medical director at the Medical Review Institute of America. Dr. Mattison lives in Louisville. Read more about her healthcare career on page 22.

Susan Moss ’77 received her bachelor’s degree in communications and speech from Georgetown College, where she also was a member of Phi Mu sorority. She recently retired from Lifepoint Health, where she served as senior vice president of marketing. Moss resides in Louisville.

Dustin Stacy ’99 received his bachelor’s degree in history from Georgetown College and now lives in Lexington. He currently serves as president and senior benefits consultant with the Bim Group. While attending Georgetown College, he served as president of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and president of the interfraternity council.

Craig Wallace ’86 received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgetown College, where he also played baseball and served as vice president of Kappa Alpha fraternity. He operated as the global CEO for several animal science companies and is currently the chief executive officer of C.S. Wallace Investments and Strategy. Wallace resides in Prairie Village, Kansas.

Scan for the complete Georgetown College Board of Trustees list.

Founders’ Day Celebrated with Keynote Address and Faculty Award

President Rosemary Allen welcomed students, faculty, and staff to the Founders’ Day Convocation on Tuesday, January 31.This annual event recognizes the impact of many vital figures in the College’s history and the enduring legacy of its transformational education.

The keynote speaker was Rev. Dr. John Travis, a current Board of Trustees member for Georgetown College, pastor of First Baptist Church Maddoxtown, and a retired educator. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1979 and master’s degree in education in 1987, both at Georgetown College. Travis delivered an inspirational message that emphasized the importance of the College’s strong Christian foundation.

“We must resist the urge to lay a new foundation, we must build on the foundation that exists,” says Travis. “I have faith in the leadership and passion of President Allen. I believe in her love for the students, staff, faculty, and this College.”

Each Founders’ Day, the Curry Award for Faculty Excellence is awarded to an outstanding faculty member. Dr. Ralph Curry

and Dr. Gwen Curry were dedicated professors who served as Chairs of the English Department at Georgetown College. The Curry Award was established to recognize a faculty member who shows dedication not only to educating students inside the classroom, but to truly making a difference in their community and in the lives of young people.

The 2023 Curry Award was presented to Dr. John Henkel, Associate Professor of Classics and General Studies. Dr. Henkel has been a faculty member at Georgetown College since 2010. He received his bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary and his doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“Dr. Henkel is passionate about teaching and infectiously excited about the content,” says Provost Dr. Jonathan Sands Wise. “He shows the kind of dedication to mentorship and supporting students that we all strive for as faculty members.”

Watch the Founders’ Day celebration here

Dr. Derek Hatch Visits Rome, Granted Audience with Pope Francis

Endowed Chair of Baptist Studies and Professor of Religion

Dr. Derek Hatch recently visited Rome as part of a longstanding dialogue between the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) and the Catholic Church. The Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity hosted the visit. Dr. Hatch has participated in the dialogue since 2017 as part of BWA’s Commission on Baptist Doctrine and Unity. This year, the Commission was granted an audience with Pope Francis.

I was struck by the depth of reflection and the caring concern in his comments and in his presence. He also was generous in considering the ways in which Catholics could learn from Baptists. What we saw in our meeting was a leader with a pastor’s heart for the world,” said Dr. Hatch.

Baptists and Catholics have been engaged in international conversations since 1984 with the goals of gaining mutual understanding, clarifying theological matters, and identifying possibilities for cooperation.

“Working towards church unity is hard work, and it requires the long view because learning from one another happens when we commit the time to build relationships,” said Dr. Hatch. “As the members of the Commission have worked together over these five years, we have developed a friendship that we hope can serve as a model for our respective communions going forward as we seek greater unity.”

“It was a truly amazing and humbling experience to meet Pope Francis.

Sir Malcolm Evans Presents Oxford Silver Anniversary Lecture

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Georgetown College’s Oxford Honors Scholars Program, Professor Sir Malcolm Evans, Principal of Regent’s Park College, presented the Oxford Silver Anniversary Lecture.

“I knew that I wanted to make Georgetown College the first stop on my visit to the U.S. since becoming principal of Regent’s Park College,” said Sir Malcolm. “I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate the 25-year partnership between our colleges.”

For the anniversary lecture, Sir Malcolm presented findings from his research as Chair of the United Nations Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture. GC graduate Knox Thames ‘96, a renowned international human rights lawyer, advocate, and author, moderated the discussion and questions following the lecture.

Sir Malcolm most recently served as Professor of International Law at the University of Bristol. His research interests center on international protection of human rights with a focus on the prevention of torture and the freedom of religion, in recognition of which he was knighted in 2015. He also served as a member of the Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion and Belief established by an office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Hunter Westenhofer ’24 Sharpens His Career Focus

Oxford University

The Oxford Tutorial program offers 15 students each year the opportunity to study at Regent’s Park College. For English major and Georgetown native Hunter Westenhofer, the experience sharpened his writing skills and his focus on inclusivity in academia.

My Oxford tutorials were literature in English from 1830 to 1910, Shakespeare, literature in English from 1910 to present, and Wilde. These tutorials expanded my understanding of the literature and the historical events that influenced these writings, the authors, as well as just broadening the amount of canonical literature I’ve read and can discuss insightfully. My tutors pushed me to become a more succinct and analytical writer, and I left Oxford feeling very academically charged. I will say, however, that I was very disheartened at how Euro/white-centric my specific tutorials at Oxford were. While I am very grateful for, loved, and learned so much from my experience studying abroad at Oxford, this highlighted the necessity to elevate the study of literature by Black, Indigenous, and people of color from across the world.

My experience at Oxford was incredible. I learned and grew not only as a writer but as a person. The most notable part of my experience is the lifelong friends that I made while I was there. I left for Oxford expecting to meet few people and mostly hang out with the Georgetown College cohort; however, I quickly made many good friends while there with whom I spent most of my time and remain in contact.

WHAT ARE MY FAVORITE MEMORIES FROM THE TRIP? I was able to travel across the U.K., Ireland, France, Morocco, Austria, Czechia, and Slovakia between terms, but my most notable memories took place in Oxford with the many friends I made there. I celebrated my birthday with several of my friends at Oxford, who took me to Nando’s, a peri-peri chicken restaurant popular in the U.K. That evening is one of the most cherished memories of my life.

DID I LEARN ANYTHING THAT HAS HELPED ME DECIDE ON A CAREER PATH? I have always been pretty confident that I will pursue a career in academia, and studying at Oxford just cemented this for me. However, the experience did sharpen my need to focus on accessibility, class consciousness, and inclusivity in academia.

WHAT WOULD I SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING STUDYING ABROAD? Do everything you can to make it happen! I made lifelong memories and friends while studying abroad and am so thankful for this opportunity!

Traditions & Celebrations Honoring the Class of 2023

In our 194th year, Georgetown College was proud to confer 316 undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Associate Provost Dr. Laura Hunt kicked off the celebrations at the Senior Picnic on Thursday, May 11, with the Faculty Charge. Her inspiring speech “You Are Ready,” reassured seniors that their education, resiliency, and grit have prepared them for the next chapter.

The Baccalaureate service was held on Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. in the John L. Hill Chapel featuring guest speaker Kody Kasey ’17. A football injury forced a leg amputation his sophomore year. Just nine months later, Kasey was back on the field playing football with a prosthetic lower leg. He encouraged students to lean on God for encouragement and strength in times of hardship.

Kasey’s legendary football coach, retired Head Coach Bill Cronin, inspired Tiger Nation at Commencement on Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m. on Giddings Lawn. Coach Cronin challenged students to forge an even greater future.

The Class of 2023 elected Kentucky native T.J. Hensley to give the Senior Address and he was also the winner of this year’s President’s Award selected by President Rosemary Allen.

In total, the College awarded 194 undergraduate degrees and 122 graduate degrees. The students walked through Giddings Hall out onto the lawn, ready to take on the world. GO GET ‘EM TIGERS!

President Allen and Bryan Langlands welcome Kody Kasey as speaker at Baccalaureate.

“Don’t let today be your biggest accomplishment. There’s more out there. Class of 2023, you WILL do great things!”

—Coach Bill Cronin

Watch the 2023 Baccalaureate: Watch the 2023 Commencement:

View Commencement photos:

Brian Evans welcomes former Head Football Coach Bill Cronin as Commencement speaker.

President Allen thanks maintenance staffer Fred Cook on working his 48th Commencement.

Presenting the Class of 2023!

President Allen presents T.J. Hensley with the President’s Award.

Clara Jo Harvey ’24 Turns Baking Passion into a Business 73rd

This spring, 17 Georgetown College students competed in the 73rd Annual Belle of the Blue and Beaus Too Scholarship Pageant. Hundreds of people filed into the John L. Hill Chapel for the longstanding GC tradition hosted by the Georgetown Activities Council. Contestants applied to represent their peers and were scored by a panel on academics, essay writing, communication, talent, and poise.

In the end, Junior Krysta Callinan from Liberty, Kentucky, was crowned the 2023 Belle of the Blue and Senior Cole Kelly from Murray, Kentucky, was crowned the 2023 Beau of the Blue. Contestants Donovan Smith, Isabella Back, Julia Magsam, and Lorenzo Fede Pellone won scholarship awards, which ranged from $380 to $750. Fellow contestants voted Annalise Jones as Miss Congeniality and Evan Spencer as Mister Congeniality. Each received a gift from the Georgetown Activities Council.

Clara Jo Harvey has a passion for baking. It all started with baking cookies with her family, including a baking tradition at Christmas called “Cookie Palooza.” Harvey has turned her passion into Jo’s Bakery, LLC. Her cookies are sold regularly at the Mulberry Café inside the Ensor Learning Resource Center.

Harvey’s grandmother, who quickly earned the name “Cookie” for her baking skills, hosted Cookie Palooza for the entire family. Cookie planned a large family meal for everyone at Christmas where cookies and sweet treats were made and exchanged. Harvey plans to continue the tradition with her own family once she finishes college.

Her venture began at GC by making cookies for a Valentine’s Day event for her Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She wrapped them up in decorative boxes and enjoyed it so much, she decided to reach out to Sodexo about selling them on campus. Caf Chef Miguel Rivas was eager to help.

“I think it’s important to encourage this entrepreneurial spirit of our students,” says Rivas. “It gives them confidence in themselves and they learn what business ownership is all about.”

Harvey is already thinking about culinary school and a opening a baking shop after college. “I have a very grand future plan. After I graduate and work to save money for a few years, I am going to culinary school, hopefully in France, to be a pastry chef and open my own bakery.”

Studied at the American University in Rome,

Tigers Travel the World Through Study Abroad Program

WHAT DID I LEARN? I indulged in art and creations that strengthened my passion for philosophy. The diversity in culture and learning new traditions, holidays, and mannerisms were some of my favorite parts of the trip.

HOW DID THIS EXPERIENCE CHANGE ME?

My study abroad experience made me realize that I am capable of chasing my dream of a philosophy career anywhere. I was able to venture out, chase, and research many philosophers from many different countries during my trip. I came back to America with more knowledge about what I want to do and how I can achieve it.

WHAT WOULD I SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING STUDYING ABROAD? Enjoy it! Traveling to another country allows you to open your mind to thousands of other possibilities. Not only that, but you get to see

WHAT DID I LEARN? I took classes entirely in Spanish that advanced my Spanish skills immensely. We covered topics including Spanish grammar, written and oral production, Latin American civilization and culture, and Latin American literature. I saw firsthand the way that Spain and Latin American history have influenced culture today.

HOW DID I GROW AS A PERSON?

My study abroad experience helped me become more independent and confident. The experience posed some unexpected challenges, but I had no choice but to adapt, jump in, and push through the tough times. I was able to do it, and I came out stronger because of it.

DID THE EXPERIENCE HELP ME DECIDE ON A CAREER? At the time of my study abroad experience, I already knew that I wanted to pursue bilingual mental health counseling. But this experience gave me the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in Spanish language and culture and develop the skills I need to pursue this path.

Jenny Myers ’24 Hopkinsville, KY Philosophy Major

Italy

Bria Ooley ’22 Bloomington, IN Psychology & Spanish Double Major Studied at the University of Grenada in Spain

Brown Charitable Foundation Scholarships Awarded

The James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation awarded full tuition scholarships to three Johnson County high school students attending Georgetown College this fall as part of the 2023 incoming class. The scholarship recipients are Zoe Jordan and Cami Robinson from Paintsville High School and Ethan Biddle from Johnson Central High School.

James “Jim” Brown was a 1949 graduate of Paintsville High School in Johnson County, Kentucky. Brown was a pilot in the United States Air Force and owned several businesses including Farmers Deposit Bank in Cynthiana and the Ramada Inn in Paintsville.

“We are so thankful for the generosity of the Brown Charitable Foundation over the years,” says GC President Rosemary Allen. “Without scholarships like these, some students may not have the financial means to attend college. The Foundation’s legacy of giving back to their community is opening new doors for these students.”

Brandon D. Lawson ’13 Establishes Scholarship for Business Majors

Former Georgetown College football player Brandon D. Lawson recently honored his alma mater by establishing the new Brandon D. Lawson Scholarship for business majors. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist students from diverse backgrounds as they pursue their academic goals while also demonstrating the importance of giving back.

“I want to give back to students who are working full-time, playing sports, or just need a little help,” says Lawson. “It feels good to help a young person realize their dreams.”

Lawson transferred to Georgetown College as a sophomore, saying it was one of the best decisions he ever made. During his time at GC, Lawson was an accounting major with a minor in communications, and was team captain of the football team under Coach Bill Cronin. While Lawson admits that his GPA was never top of the class, he received valuable opportunities outside the classroom because of connections through GC’s Calling and Career Center.

“I interned at Mark Craft Accounting and in Toyota’s accounting department. As a result, I learned how to communicate with people from other cultures, countries, and backgrounds,” says Lawson.

Lawson went on to earn his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California and is currently working as an account executive at IBM. He is the first African American male alum to establish a scholarship at GC and he plans to increase the award amount each year.

Scholarship recipients Zoe Jordan, Cami Robinson, and Ethan Biddle.

Vice President for Athletics Brian Evans, scholarship recipient Quentin Barclay, and Brandon D. Lawson.

Researcher

Ashley Clayton ’09

Dedicates Her Career to Examining and Breaking Down Mental Health Barriers

After experiencing the struggle to access mental health treatment herself, Ashley Clayton was determined to improve the mental health system for others. She currently works as a research associate in the department of psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine to examine mental health behaviors in intimate partner relationships. Her path, however, began at Georgetown College.

As a prospective undergraduate student visiting GC, she immediately took an interest in psychology after sitting in on one of Dr. Karyn McKenzie’s classes. Clayton built a strong relationship with Dr. McKenzie and several faculty members.

“I just cannot put into words how wonderful Dr. Karyn McKenzie is. She was always in my corner from day one; she just believed in me and encouraged me. We have written letters back and forth for 14 years. She’s still a huge part of my life,” said Clayton.

When Clayton began at Georgetown, she aspired to be a clinical psychologist. But after a meaningful summer experience at Urban Promise through GC’s Christian Scholars Program, she took an interest in community psychology.

“I think it was the first time I was exposed directly to a city that was struggling with poverty, violence, and food deserts. It really changed my perspective on how systems impact health, especially mental health. I wanted to kind of go upstream and address the root causes of suffering.”

After graduating from Georgetown College, Clayton went on to pursue her master’s degree in psychology at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. She began her career at Yale in 2011 as a mental health researcher, which was challenging and stressful at times.

Clayton has struggled from major depression with suicidal thoughts most of her life, but had a life-changing experience at Yale when she suffered a major depressive episode that was affecting her ability to work. Clayton tried ketamine, but ran into issues with access and cost, since most insurance companies would not cover it. A colleague recommended electroconvulsive therapy, a psychiatric procedure that passes mild electrical currents through the brain to induce controlled seizures. After months of treatment, she began to feel better and returned to work. But Clayton says she barely survived, and the process of finding treatment was frustrating and exhausting.

Clayton’s current research focus at the Family Violence Research Lab is on women who are experiencing interpersonal violence or intimate partner violence.

“We are interested in looking at the impact of relationship conflict and suicidal ideation and behaviors in women. I did have a particular interest in suicide, due to my struggles with mental illness in the past. I’m really fortunate that I’m in a place where I can explore these types of research projects.”

Clayton is acutely aware of the challenges in accessing mental health treatment in today’s healthcare system, and she is hopeful that things will change one day. She hopes that her research will help.

“I think I would like to see true parity in our health insurance plans to put mental health and physical health on a level playing field. We have to make it easier for people to get the treatment they need.”

Dr. David Kabithe ’93

a fateful meeting in 1964 between his father and former GC President Dr. Robert Mills. This encounter would set Kabithe on a path to providing critical care to underserved communities.

Kabithe’s father, Dr. Daniel Wanjohi Kabithe, became a Baptist minister after finishing high school. He was representing East Africa at a Pan-African Baptist convention in Nigeria where he met President Mills. Mills was impressed with Kabithe and offered him a full-ride scholarship to attend Georgetown College. One year later, Kabithe’s girlfriend Lydia Wangui started at GC. They were married at the president’s home in 1967. Their son David Kabithe was born in Georgetown, the only one of their three children born in Kentucky.

As a teen, Kabithe struggled in school and was not making good grades. At age 12, his entire family moved back to Kenya to be near family. With the help of good teachers and additional tutoring, he turned his grades around and began to think about college. His father made a simple request.

“He told me that there was only one college I could attend, and that was Georgetown College. He knew that a Christian college would help me focus on my studies,” said Kabithe.

At GC, Kabithe majored in biology and minored in chemistry in preparation for medical school. He joined President’s House Association and took advantage of internship opportunities in the summer with encouragement from biology professor Dr. Charles Boehms.

“He was very helpful and connected me with a summer program for African American students at Case Western, and that summer in Cleveland was instrumental in my career,” said Kabithe. “I went on to medical school at the University of Louisville with several Georgetown College classmates. My surgical residency was at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine due to that summer in Cleveland.”

Improve Rural Access to

Returns to Kentucky to Dialysis

Care

Kabithe spent 12 years as a general surgeon in Ohio before moving to Hopkinsville to be closer to his wife’s family. He now works at Jennie Stuart Medical Center where he regularly performs surgical access procedures for dialysis patients. Once Kabithe realized there was a high concentration of dialysis patients who were traveling to larger cities for care, he started a service line devoted to dialysis access procedures.

“Right now, the majority of my work is performing arteriovenous (AV) fistulas for patients. The procedure connects an artery to a vein and provides better blood flow for dialysis. This makes infections and clotting less likely. We have three dialysis units now, because the need is so great in this area.”

Outside the operating room, Kabithe is improving the lives of Kentuckians by setting an example of how to live a healthy lifestyle. “I am an avid runner, and I post pictures of my marathons on social media. I also make videos on topics that I feel are important to public health, like getting the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Kabithe’s outreach work in the community caught the attention of Dr. Alissa Young, board member at the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. He was recently nominated for a Healthy Kentucky Champion Award that recognizes Kentuckians who are working to improve the health of their community. For Kabithe, his work has always been about improving patient access to care.

“The idea of bringing world-class care to a small town always appealed to me. Access to resources, staff, and equipment can be challenging, but it’s important that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to quality healthcare.”

Dr. Kabithe’s parents Daniel and Lydia on their wedding day in 1967 at Georgetown College.

Dr. J. Michael Smith ’85

Performs Complex Robotic Heart Surgeries

At just ten years old, J. Michael Smith saw a heart transplant on television. He vividly remembers the experience and felt like someone was pulling him in. “I think about it now and I feel like that was God calling me to do this. It never went away.” When Smith started looking at colleges, he liked the idea of a smaller school and set his sights on Georgetown College.

“I knew Georgetown had a good pre-med program. Dr. Dwight Lindsay was the head of the biology department at the time. Dr. Lindsay had this little black book he kept in his coat pocket all the time. And on a moment’s notice, he would pull it out and tell you the name of every student and what medical school he got them into. I felt like if I could get his stamp of approval, I was all set.”

Smith began his quest to become a heart surgeon but feels even more blessed that he met his wife Sharon Edwards ’87 at Georgetown College. “She is the best thing that ever happened to me.” He hesitated to tell her that he wanted to become a heart surgeon, as the average age to finish training as a cardiac surgeon was 39. Smith finished at age 33.

He is also thankful that his professors at GC took an interest in his success. “I overslept one morning for an early chemistry class. The phone rings and it’s Dr. John Blackburn saying ‘I noticed you weren’t in class this morning. Just calling to see if everything’s okay.’ And I thought, where else could I have gone to college where a professor would have noticed that I wasn’t in class and called to check on me? Looking back, he gave me the kick in the pants I needed.”

Smith got into medical school at the University of Louisville and finished in the top third of the class, which ultimately helped him get into a cardiac residency at Yale University. After building his career as a cardiac surgeon for several years, he ended up at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he got the opportunity to work with a robotic system.

“Cincinnati Reds Owner Bob Castellini helped us purchase the first robot system in the country in 2003, so I worked hard to train myself on the system. I spent most of the time in the research lab the first year. We had to figure out what we could do with it. I started slow and was very transparent with my patients once we started using it.”

Traditional heart surgery requires a very large incision that can result in more post-surgical complications. A robotic approach allows surgeons to slip instruments through small incisions between the ribs, resulting in fewer infections, less blood loss, scarring, and time in the hospital.

Smith and his team have now performed over 3,000 surgeries with the robotic system. He uses the system when there is an advantage to the patient, and performs open heart surgery when the outcome will be better for the patient. He confirmed that many of his patients seek him out after being turned down by other doctors due to the strong reputation of his team.

Smith ends up with some of the most complicated cases that other surgeons turn away, which is a challenge that is both stressful and rewarding. “Everyone has a risk tolerance. Nobody wants to operate on a high risk patient and have their statistics look bad. But I felt like as a heart surgeon, if I was risk averse, I was not going to help many people.”

“The toughest case is the 18-year-old with the hole in his heart. You have to be perfect. The surgery has to be flawless. But when you can save someone’s life, the risk is worth the reward.”

is Transforming Patient Care Systems as

Dr. Shelley Stanko ’97 Chief Medical Officer for CHI Saint Joseph Health

her husband Ed Stanko ’97. She was also an active member of the Sigma Kappa sorority, serving as president during her junior and senior years. She valued the close-knit community she was able to build with her peers.

“Living in the dorms, I probably spent more time with those people than I have in any other season of my life. And the girls who were in my pledge class remain some of my closest friends now. I tell my own kids, learning how to accommodate differences in the people around you in that close, intimate environment is incredibly valuable for developing your interpersonal skills,” Stanko said.

Stanko’s strong affinity for Georgetown apparently rubbed off on her own children, as two of them will be at GC in the fall of 2023. Her daughter Ellie will be a senior and her son Will is starting as a freshman, both running on the cross-country team.

Over the last decade, Stanko has transitioned from a primarily clinical role to an increasingly administrative position. Although she had to give up admitting patients to the hospital, she sees her new role as an opportunity to expand her influence on healthcare. Instead of impacting the lives of individual patients, she now influences the healthcare of entire communities in Laurel, Madison, and Montgomery counties.

From 2014 to 2019, Stanko helped revise the medical staff governance plans for St. Joseph London, directly involving physicians in improving quality measures. In 2018, she developed a code sepsis program to address patients with serious infections more effectively. And in 2021, an intensivist program began under her leadership at St. Joseph London to better treat patients with critical illnesses. In the midst of the Delta wave of COVID-19, she also led the ethical allocation of scarce resources for CHI Saint Joseph Health. Stanko says she is always looking for ways to improve patient care.

Stanko makes time to serve her community in other ways as well, serving as the medical director for the Laurel County Health Department and on the Board of Health in Laurel County. As for her own children, she hopes they can find a career they are passionate about without sacrificing their personal lives.

“Perfect balance between work and personal life is not really a thing. But setting priorities for the things that matter in the moment is important. I hope I am setting a good example for them, no matter what career they choose.”

“When I went into medicine, I did that in order to provide care to people who were important to me. And that’s why I came back to London. And in my current role, I can effect change on a larger scale, ensuring that more patients receive the care they need and deserve.”

Dr. Sorna Kamara ’12 uses her platform to

Inspire and Mentor Future Practitioners

Dr. Sorna Kamara is a successful hospitalist at Chatham Health in Kentucky, inspired by her mother’s healthcare career. Born in Maryland and raised in Pennsylvania and Texas, Kamara found a new home at Georgetown College after being awarded an academic scholarship.

Kamara’s mother was a practicing nurse assistant, and Kamara grew up reading her mother’s medical books. Her mother’s friends were also nurses. For Kamara, it felt like a natural fit to pursue a career in healthcare, so she began thinking about going to medical school one day.

Kamara started out as a biology major with a focus on pre-med. She later switched to chemistry, but her goal to attend medical school remained steadfast. Summer research at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California Los Angles helped prepare her for the rigors of medical school. Kamara attributes much of her academic success to faculty at GC, especially the encouragement she received from Dr. Tracy Livingston and Dr. Terry Clark.

“Dr. Livingston was probably the most influential faculty member during my time at Georgetown College. I was debating on what to do because I knew I wanted a break. I didn’t want to go straight into medical school. She kept encouraging me to not give up and stick to my original plan,” said Kamara. “And Dr. Terry Clark was always so welcoming to students. Dr. Clark’s house was always open to us, and he lived close to campus. We would get snacks, watch movies, and do laundry. He treated us like family.”

After graduation, Kamara attended medical school at the University of Kentucky. She later completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She started her career at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a particularly challenging time for healthcare professionals. She worked at a hospital that was considered a “hot spot” for the virus and like many healthcare workers during that time, she was faced with a lack of knowledge and resources.

As a hospitalist, Kamara primarily works in the inpatient setting. She is responsible for managing her patients’ care while they are in the hospital, coordinating their medication and treatment plans, and working with specialists and pharmacists to provide the best possible care. Her favorite part of her job is seeing patients who come into the hospital feeling terrible but leave feeling great and ready to go home.

person’s age, their

background, their home

In addition to patient care, Kamara is also passionate about mentorship. She enjoys working with medical students to provide guidance and support. She hopes to inspire the next generation as they pursue healthcare professions.

“Anyone interested in healthcare should take the time to talk to healthcare professionals from various fields to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and rewards of a career in medicine. Talk to everyone and try to have a better sense of what you’re actually getting into. You want to consider what kind of lifestyle you want. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.”

“There are just so many factors that you have to consider when caring for a patient. You have to consider the

social

life. You have to consider the entire person, not just their health condition. But at the end of the work week, I feel like I’ve made a difference in the lives of my patients.”

Dr. Lydia Samples Mattison ’90

is Trailblazing New Paths as

as Medical Director at Medical Institute of America

Diagnosed with congenital pulmonary valve stenosis just before birth, Dr. Lydia Samples Mattison had a valve replacement at age five. Her pediatric cardiologist would recommend books to her and made her realize that she wanted to help people someday. She also noticed that it was rare to see African American doctors, and she wanted to change that.

Mattison was born into a large family with 12 other siblings. Mattison and her twin brother Lydell Samples ’90 graduated from Oneida Baptist Institute, a Baptist boarding school in Oneida, Kentucky. “That’s where we ended up going to Georgetown College. A lot of our teachers at Oneida attended Georgetown and they recommended it to us,” said Mattison. Her younger brother Hezekiah Samples ’91 came to Georgetown College a year later.

Her dream of helping others guided her pre-med path at GC, with a major in biology and a double minor in philosophy and chemistry. Mattison felt like the challenging education and continuous support from Georgetown College helped her tremendously as a student.

After completing medical school at The Ohio State University and residency at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Mattison worked as a family physician for over 20 years at healthcare providers that included the University of Louisville Medical Group, Crossover Health, and Kentucky One Health. In January of 2023, she accepted an administrative role as a medical director with the Medical Review Institute of America.

“I perform utilization reviews of medical insurance claims based on criteria set by the insurance companies to determine if the healthcare provider has given adequate documentation to support the claim. My years of medical experience help me make those clinical judgments when I need to.”

Mattison enjoys mentoring and serves a preceptor for nurse practitioners and physician assistants with The Little Clinic. Mattison also became a volunteer Board member for the first time ever when President Rosemary Allen approached her to join GC’s Board of Trustees.

“I was thrilled and honored when Dr. Allen asked me to serve as a trustee for Georgetown College. I have learned a lot about the College and I see things from a different perspective. People behind the scenes are really trying to make the College better for everyone.” Mattison always loved Dr. Allen as a professor, and remembers Board Chair Michelle Pedigo ’90 fondly as a sister from Sigma Kappa sorority.

“The Trustees’ love for Georgetown College is what motivates them to lead. I think that’s really nice to see. I think our Christian values and focus on student success are the heart of Georgetown College. If we can keep those at the forefront of our minds, that is what will keep Georgetown thriving.”

“I told a classmate once: our education cannot be anything less than what people get from Harvard. I believe that 100%. And I always felt at home, supported, and protected. It’s what I loved about Georgetown. It felt like family.”

Dr. Benjamin Warf ’80

Teaches the Warf Method to Surgeons Across the Globe, the Gold Standard for Treatment of Infant Hydrocephalus

Around this time, Warf began corresponding with a general surgeon in Kenya who was treating children with various disabilities, including hydrocephalus and spina bifida. He traveled to Kenya and connected with Scott Harrison, founder of Cure International. After a series of discussions and negotiations, Warf and his family moved to Uganda to start a neurosurgical hospital where he could work on improving the treatment of infant hydrocephalus.

Dr. Benjamin Warf has dedicated his life to training physicians around the world to use the Warf Method to treat infant hydrocephalus. His journey to become a medical missionary and a world-renowned neurosurgeon began as a young child.

Warf was born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, and moved to Pikeville where his father was a pastor at First Baptist Church. “I wanted to be a doctor for most of my life. I loved science and I wanted to help people,” said Warf. “My father served as an example to me of helping people by spending summers on mission trips helping underprivileged populations. I made a public commitment to be a medical missionary at around age 13.”

Warf attended Georgetown College through a presidential scholarship and was heavily influenced by the head of the philosophy department, Dr. Greg Allen. He helped Warf think through a number of philosophical issues, including what it meant to be human and the complexities of the brain. These discussions sparked Warf’s interest in the field of neuroscience.

Warf was accepted to Harvard Medical School and went on to complete his residency in neurosurgery at Case Western Reserve University Medical School in Cleveland, Ohio. During his residency, Warf discovered that he had a passion for working with children. He applied for a new fellowship program in Pediatric Neurosurgery at Boston Children’s Hospital, becoming the first fellow in the program. His wife gave birth to their fourth child in Boston, a daughter named Sarah. “She was born with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis, which caused developmental delays and required several operations over the years. She inspires my work to this day.”

In 1996, Warf traveled to Uganda as a medical missionary. During his time there, he witnessed the devastating impact of infant hydrocephalus, a condition that causes a buildup of fluid in the brain due to blockage. The condition can lead to brain damage, developmental delays, and even death.

Warf made two critical observations about infant hydrocephalus in Uganda. First, he found that most cases of infant hydrocephalus in that environment were caused by a neonatal infection. Second, he realized that traditional shunt placement was not suitable for the patients he was seeing.

“Shunts report failure rates as high as 80% within the first ten years of placement,” Warf pointed out. “It was not a viable option for most of my patients living in remote areas where urgent care was not available.” After some experimentation, Warf eventually created a surgical technique that involves performing an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). ETV involves creating a new pathway for cerebrospinal fluid to flow out of the brain without placement of a shunt. The Warf Method has revolutionized the treatment of infant hydrocephalus and has become the gold standard of care. Confident that his method would continue throughout Africa after training other surgeons, Warf returned to Boston Children’s Hospital.

In 2012, Warf was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow and awarded $500,000 - this honor is commonly referred to as a “genius grant.” He donated the money to Boston Children’s Hospital to fund his global neurosurgery work.

Warf and his network of surgeons later founded NeuroKids to train neurosurgeons in the treatment of infant hydrocephalus through an online curriculum. Neuro Kids provides equipment and ongoing support for trainers that can continue teaching the Warf Method.

“I will probably be remembered for changing the paradigm a little bit on how hydrocephalus is treated and also the emphasis on trying to bring that care to the developing world,” said Warf. He credits his success to committing his life to God and following the opportunities presented to him.

“I did not plan any of this. I did what I thought God wanted me to do. He brought opportunities my way, and I always tried to be faithful to those.”

Distinguished Speakers Deliver Dynamic Lectures

EACH SEMESTER, THE COLLEGE HOSTS A VARIETY OF SPEAKERS TO ENHANCE THE ACADEMIC CURRICULUM AND INSPIRE STUDENTS.

Black History Month

Georgetown native and former WNBA player Ukari Figgs visited Georgetown College as the featured speaker for Black History Month. Figgs played basketball for Scott County High School and went on to Purdue University, where she led them to an NCAA Championship in 1995. She was drafted to the WNBA, where she won a WNBA Championship title in 2001 with the Los Angeles Sparks. Since then Figgs returned to Georgetown and is a production engineer at Toyota.

Cawthorne Lecture

The Cawthorne Excellence in Teaching Award, established in 1988 by Don and Chris Kerr Cawthorne, is given each academic year to a full-time member of the Georgetown College faculty and recognizes excellence in teaching. Cawthorne Fellow and Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Bill Stevens presented this year’s lecture, “Seeing the World Through a Biologist’s Brain.”

George Walker Redding Lecture

Rev. Dr. Angela Williams Gorrell, Author of TheGravityofJoy:AStoryofBeingLostand Found, delivered an inspirational message about finding joy in the midst of suffering.Dr. Gorrell is an Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University. The Redding Lecture is sponsored each year by The Marshall Center for Christian Ministry in partnership with the religion department of Georgetown College.

Collier Lecture

Ashley Clayton ’09 is a research associate in the department of psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine. She has developed and evaluated various community-based mental health interventions. Clayton’s lecture “Vocation as Showing Up Whole,” outlined her research, her personal struggles with mental illness, and how her experiences guided her career. Read more about Clayton on page 17 in our special healthcare section.

Danford Thomas Memorial Lecture

The Danford Thomas Memorial Lecture was established in memory of Danford Thomas, who served as professor of Greek and Latin at GC from 1839 to 1882. The purpose of the lecture series is to further the historic interests and ideals of the College as an institution supporting the churches of Kentucky. GC invited Baylor President Dr. Linda Livingstone to be this year’s speaker. Livingstone’s lecture focused on “Why the World Needs Christian Higher Education.”

Women’s History Month

Former Olympian Passion Richardson was the featured speaker for Women’s History Month, focusing on the important women who influenced her life. Richardson currently leads a team of 140 partners to recruit top talent and uphold a strong corporate culture at Cintas. She competed in track and field at the University of Kentucky, which ultimately led her to the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, where she won a bronze medal in the 4x100 relay race for the U.S.

SPORTS

Chris Briggs

Reaches 300 Wins and Leads Tigers Back to the Fab Four

Chris Briggs led the men’s basketball back to the NAIA Fab Four for the 16th time in program history in the 2022-23 season, while also earning his 300th career win as Georgetown’s Head Coach. The latter took place on December 8, 2022, when the Tigers knocked off Lindsey Wilson 77-66. Briggs became the fourth consecutive coach at Georgetown to surpass 300 wins, joining Georgetown Hall of Famers Bob Davis, Jim Reid, and Happy Osborne. The momentum of that milestone carried the team for most of the year as the Tigers claimed another Mid-South Conference regular season championship.

Georgetown hosted the first two rounds of the NAIA Men’s Basketball Tournament and took out Lourdes in the first round. After leading by as many as 19 points, Georgetown advanced with a 67-58 win. In round two, the Tigers matched up with Indiana Wesleyan in a game that proved to be an instant classic. With 0.4 seconds left in the game and Georgetown trailing by one, Kyran Jones was fouled and knocked down both free throws to give Georgetown the lead. A last-second shot from Indiana Wesleyan was no good and the Tigers escaped with a 75-74 win to advance to the round of 16 in Kansas City.

The Tigers took on Langston in the next round and fell behind in the first half, 22-12. Georgetown scored the next 20 points in succession to take a 10-point lead early in the second half and advanced to the NAIA quarterfinals with a final score of 74-60.

In the quarterfinal round, the Tigers took on the #1 seed in their region, Grace College. While trailing 33-21 with 4:18 to go in the half, the Tigers went on a 24-10 run to lead at halftime. The Tigers would hit their free throws down the stretch for a 92-85 win and a trip back to the NAIA Fab Four. Georgetown fell in the Fab Four to Indiana Tech, but it did not diminish another stellar and historic season in the history of men’s basketball.

See season highlight images on the next page.

Tigers celebrate advancing to NAIA Fab Four.

Junior Kyran Jones hits the hook shot.

Freshman Tae Dozier slams in the Fab Four.

Senior Jake Ohmer drives for a layup.

Mike Eichberger ’12

Takes the Helm as Head

Former GC golfer and alum Mike Eichberger was named head coach of the men’s and women’s golf teams near the end of 2022. Just prior to the announcement, he had helped the College in efforts to bring the program back on campus permanently.

“I cannot be happier to be leading the Tiger golf teams. Both Georgetown College and the golf program hold a special place in my heart,” said Eichberger.“ It is definitely hard to fill the shoes of those great coaches before me, but I am excited to take on this challenge.”

Eichberger graduated from GC in 2012 with his bachelor’s degree in political science. In 2015, Eichberger received his master’s degree in business and sports administration from Western Kentucky University and accepted a position with Trilogy Health Services of Louisville as their Director of Workforce Development. In his spare time, he serves as board chair for Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and secretary for GC’s Alumni Board. Eichberger looks forward to engaging with golf alums to build and support the program.

Sophomore Sean Mullarkey aims for the fairway.

Senior Katherine Wesley eyes a tee shot.

Freshman Bailey Crawford lines up a putt.

Thomas Thornton ’93 Softball Finds Success as approaches 600 wins

Georgetown softball entered the 2023 season under-the-radar in the Mid-South Conference after a tough 2022 season. The Tigers battled to a 4th place finish in the regular season standings and entered the postseason on the verge of history. Georgetown entered the postseason with 29 wins on the year, bringing head coach Thomas Thornton to 598 wins, 2 shy of 600.

Highlights of the season include a 9-inning win over Freed-Hardeman. Pitching ace Sarah Claxon pitched all nine innings in the game and recorded seven strikeouts. The Tigers swept a 4-game weekend series against Pikeville that took

were honored for all their contributions as Georgetown College student-athletes. One of the highlights of the year came in the first game of the series when catcher Ella Forish hit her first career collegiate home run. It proved to be a walk-off grand slam in an 11-1 win.

Sarah Claxon delivered another game for the ages in the first round of the MidSouth Conference tournament as she threw Georgetown’s first perfect game since 2015 in a 7-0 win over Pikeville. Claxon needed just 67 pitches to retire all 21 batters she faced and deliver just the second perfect game for Coach Thomas

Junior Kaylyn Barnett makes a diving catch to save the game.

Senior Sarah Claxon fires a pitch home.

Head Coach Thomas Thornton enjoys a winning season.

Senior Cassie Rannells turns a double play.

Professional Soccer Team Finds a Home at GC

Georgetown College finalized a partnership with Lexington Sporting Club for Toyota Stadium to serve as the professional soccer club’s temporary home venue during the 2023 season while the club builds its own stadium. The 5,000-seat stadium is home to GC’s football, soccer, and lacrosse teams and has served as a hub of community activity for years, featuring state and local soccer championship events.

“By partnering with Lexington Sporting Club, Georgetown College is not only able to offer a first-rate athletic experience for our student-athletes but also bring professional sports to Scott County,” said President Rosemary Allen.

“The economic impact for the local community will be a significant benefit to the region and for youth soccer players since LSC and GC will partner to offer summer soccer camps. We look forward to the many opportunities that students, athletes, families, and the community will enjoy.”

To prepare for the club’s inaugural season, Lexington Sporting Club installed a new state-of-the-art artificial turf field, which matches the specifications of the National Football League’s Miami Dolphins training facility. The Matrix Helix turf provides all athletes with a safe surface and relief from the heat, as the field features EcoTherm infill which can reduce the surface temperature of the field by nearly 30 degrees.

The collaboration may extend beyond the soccer field as the College pursues opportunities to integrate the professional club into its sports management curriculum.

“This partnership sends a signal that Georgetown College is a destination for athletics and the broader community. Our athletes will enjoy the same playing surface that is located in many of today’s NFL stadiums. I want to also thank the Board of Trustees for their support of this collaboration,” said Brian Evans, GC’s Vice President for Athletics.

A Letter from the Director of Alumni Relations

My Fellow Alumni,

During this season of Commencement, I can’t help but reminisce about my own graduation from Georgetown. It was a transformational chapter of my life coming to a close. But those emotions were overshadowed by excitement as I prepared to embark on a new journey and follow my own path. Georgetown College has nearly 9,000 living alumni that are making a difference throughout the world. In May, we sent off 194 graduates into a new season of life, and we welcome them as our new alumni. Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

We hope that you have enjoyed the reinvigorated Alumni Newsletter that started via email in March 2023. The purpose of this monthly Alumni Newsletter is to create engagement opportunities by sharing inspiring stories, exciting campus news, and upcoming alumni events. Our overall goal is to consistently expand the alumni community who come together to forge new friendships and deepen the lifelong relationships formed during the GC journey. I continue to be amazed by our wonderful 19-member Alumni Board, led by President Alan Redditt ’00, who continues to advocate and move the College forward through their insight and passion for our beloved institution.

I hope you enjoy the Spring 2023 issue of GC Alumni Magazine which includes stories of students and alumni that are making a positive impact on the world. We are here to help you stay connected through programs and events including our Alumni Tiger Tour, career networking, Homecoming celebrations, reunions, faculty and staff presentations, and athletic events. Be sure to stay connected with us via email and social media! If you have suggestions for alumni events in your area or ways to improve communication, please email me at alumni@georgetowncollege.edu or call 502.863.8007.

Sincerely,

Olivia Coleman-Dunn ’15, M.Ed. Director of Alumni Relations

Olivia Coleman-Dunn ’15

CLASS NOTES

Georgetown College is often called a family, & part of being a family is celebrating each other.

Help us to congratulate and celebrate with the following alumni and friends in this edition of Class Notes. Throughout the year, share your work promotions, family news, travel adventures, published books and papers, continuing education, career moves, volunteer work, awards, and more for inclusion in GC magazine.

DR. MARSHA BERRY ‘75 was honored by Goodwill Industries of Kentucky during their centennial celebration for her monumental work and contributions to the company. Berry is one of the longest-tenured employees beginning her career 36 years ago. She currently serves as the Director of the Excel Center.

REV. DR. JOHN TRAVIS ’79 was selected as the keynote speaker for Georgetown College’s Founders’ Day Convocation in January 2023. This annual event recognizes the impact of vital figures in the College’s history and the legacy of transformational education. Dr. Travis spoke about the College’s foundation, the importance of forward movement, and he encouraged alumni to continue to invest in and support the college. Dr. Travis is a current member of the Georgetown College Board of Trustees.

JAY BUTLER ’80 and his wife Linda established the new Linda and Jay Butler Biology Award this year for a student majoring in biology who is also maintaining a 3.0 GPA and remains in good academic standing. The Butlers are both retired and live on their family ranch in Wyoming.

KENT JOHNSON ’90 celebrated a monumental basketball season for his son Seth, player for GC’s men’s basketball team. The Tigers ended the season as the third-best team in the country and a trip to the Fab Four. This photo of the Johnson family was taken at the game that clinched the Tigers a seat in the Sweet 16 in March 2023.

BETHANY HORNBACK LANGDON ’93 was named Vice President for Advancement and Communications at Georgetown College in May 2023.

CLASS NOTES

DAVONNA (HOBBS) SAIER ’06 launched her own business called Davonna Inc., which leverages her extensive experience in marketing and communications, public relations, and management. The “Inc” stands for inclusive, as she believes inclusiveness is key to changing the world for the better. She was recently the keynote speaker for Scott County Women in Business.

BETHANY (ROLL) FARLEY ’07 serves as Lead Counselor at Georgetown College Wellness Center. Farley and Psychology Professor Dr. Jennifer Price were featured in a segment on Kentucky Educational Television highlighting the College’s Peer Counseling Program, which is helping to address student mental health.

ASHLEY CLAYTON ’09 was selected as Georgetown College’s Collier Lecture speaker in February 2023 speaking on mental health research, advocacy, and illness. She presently serves as a research associate in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine. Ashley is also a Georgetown College Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

REV. MICHELLE BALLARD ’14 and Dr. Will Tidwell recently got engaged and will tie the knot on July 15, 2023. Michelle is the Associate Minister of Children and Youth at First Christian Church of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and Will is a Math Education Professor at Morehead State University.

DR. BRENNAN CARRITHERS ’14 is part of the biotech startup in Louisville, Kentucky, that looks to launch rapid tests for chronic kidney disease. This company is the force behind PrognostX Health.

ALLIE (WHITE) BUCHANAN ’15 received her Master of Education degree from Georgetown College in May 2023. This is Allie’s second degree from Georgetown, as she received her undergraduate degree in 2015. Allie and her husband Jake, a 2014 GC alum, have four children together.

DEVANNY KING ’15 was named Executive Director for the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky at Community Ventures.

SHARYL HIGGINS ’15 earned a Master of Counseling from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK in May 2023.

JOSEPH LANE ’15 became a certified Chef in April 2023.

WESTIN OSBORN ’16 got engaged to longtime girlfriend, Molly Robbins in May 2023. Westin is also a member of the Georgetown College Alumni Board.

HAYLEY (HAYMAN) CHILDERS ’16 & HUNTER CHILDERS ’16 welcomed new baby “C.J.” in March 2023.

KODY KASEY ’17 got engaged to Abi Hutchinson in May 2023. Kasey was also selected as the keynote speaker for the 2023 Georgetown College Baccalaureate service where he shared the story of becoming an amputee after a football injury his sophomore year.

EMILIE ZIESE ’17 became the first female in the history of Goshen Township Fire and EMS to be signed off as an Engineer.

SHAWN BOYKIN ’18 was named Operations Manager for Fine Touch Services in Indiana.

DASIA KILBOURNE ’20 earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of the Cumberlands in May 2023.

BAYLEE SALYERS ’20 presented research on geographical access as a barrier to healthcare for Appalachians at the 100th meeting of the Alabaman Academy of Science at Samford University. Salyers is a Physician Assistant Candidate at Samford University.

DERISE COX ’21 earned a Master’s in Sports Administration from Georgia State University in May 2023.

MORGAN MAYNARD ’21 earned a Registered Dental Hygienist degree at Bluegrass Technical and Community College in May 2023.

TIFFANY BURTON ’21 earned a Master of Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics from the University of Kentucky in May 2023.

KAITLYN WINTERS ’22 & TYLER RICE ’22 got engaged in May 2023.

The Gardner and Marshall families gathered at Commencement to celebrate the graduation of WILL MARSHALL ‘23. His grandmother ALICE GARDNER MARSHALL ’57 and her late husband WILLIAM MARSHALL ‘57 founded The Marshall Center for Christian Ministry at Georgetown College. Will’s Aunt Sharon Clifton is also a Board of Trustees member for GC.

The Rich family gathered at Commencement to celebrate the graduation of ABBY RICH ‘23. Her mother KAREN (GRIFFITH) RICH ’93 and her father SHAWN RICH ‘94 graduated from GC. Abby’s grandmother Jo retired from GC. Abby’s brother Camden will be attending GC this fall.

MARY ROBEY SINGER ’92, TRACEY PATE CLARK ’94, & MARTY GIBSON ’95 were selected to participate in Leadership Kentucky and they graduated in January 2023. Singer currently serves as the Director of Human Resources & Vice President of Business Development for MAP Group Companies; Gibson is the President & CEO of Farmers National Bank; and Clark is the Executive Director for Jeanie Stuart Health Foundation and a Board of Trustees member for Georgetown College.

CLASS NOTES

DR. CATHY (BODINOF) JACHOWSKI ’01 was awarded the Phil and Mary Bradley Faculty Award for Mentoring in Creative Inquiry. She is an assistant professor of forestry and environmental conservation at Clemson University in South Carolina and one of her recent projects involved tracking the activity of “hellbenders,” the largest salamander species in the country. Jachowski and a team of students traveled to Brevard, N.C., so the team could track the salamanders’ social interactions and movements. This data can give inform researchers iabout the water quality so they can help protect the ecosystem.

REV. MARY ALICE BIRDWHISTELL ’09, REV. SARA (CLARKE) TURPIN ’09, REV. KATIE MCKOWN ’03, AND REV. MOLLY (SHOULTA) TUCKER ’13 were featured during Women’s History Month at GC in a story titled “A Vision for the Future – Four Women Serving as Baptist Pastors in Kentucky.” Birdwhistell is the pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Louisville; Turpin is the pastor at Buechel Park Baptist Church in Louisville; Tucker is the pastor of Ridgewood Baptist Church in Louisville; and McKown serves as the pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Paducah.

BRANDON D. LAWSON ‘13 became the first African American male alum to establish a scholarship in his name at Georgetown College. The scholarship recognizes a diverse student of good character who is majoring in business. Lawson earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California in 2022 and is currently working as an Account Executive at IBM.

TAYLOR AUSTIN DYE ’15 performed live at the April 2023 Tiger Tour Alumni event in Nashville, TN. President Rosemary Allen, TAYLOR AUSTIN DYE ‘15, GC Board of Trustees Chair and Event Host MICHELLE PEDIGO ‘90, Director of Alumni Relations OLIVIA COLEMAN-DUNN ‘15, along with 40 alumni enjoyed good fellowship and great music. Taylor Austin Dye is a country music singer and currently resides in Nashville.

ACHARY BARBER ’19 earned a Master of Divinity degree from Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in May 2023. Zachary also received a scholarship to attend the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland, to earn a research Master’s in Theology that begins in August 2023. Barber’s mother Robbi Barber serves as the Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Director of Bishop Scholars at Georgetown College.

In Memoriam

1940s

Mrs. Henrietta (Napier) Cannon

10/9/2019 | Danville, KY

Mrs. Lois (Voight) Estridge

1/13/2022 | Louisville, KY

Mrs. Frances (Scott) Gorham

1/21/2022 | Louisville, KY

Mrs. Mary (Peklenk) Haggard

12/10/2022 | Georgetown, KY

Mrs. Ruby (Johnson) Picklesimer

4/22/2023 | Lexington, KY

Mrs. Anna (Arnold) Vickery

1/30/2013 | Clarkson. KY

1950s

Mr. Bobby Bratton

2/14/2023 | Winchester, KY

Dr. Sarah (Eddleman) Duvall

4/11/2023 | Louisville, KY

Dr. Bill Carter

4/5/2023 | Frankfort, KY

Mrs. Joanne (Green) Clayton

11/8/2022 | Rockford, MI

Dr. Bill Cowley

4/12/2023 | Birmingham, AL

Mrs. Marjory (McNeal) Cretien

12/3/2022 | Waco, TX

Mrs. Laura (Hawks) Faris

2/6/2023 | Frankfort, KY

Mr. Oran Faris

3/30/2023 | Frankfort, KY

Dr. Allan Inglis

4/15/2021 | Rye, NY

Mr. Floyd “Jack” Ison

2/17/2022 | Mount Sterling, KY

Dr. Hall Kinney

4/25/2023 | Cynthiana, KY

Mrs. Peggy (Cox) Medeiros

2/4/2016 | Oakley, CA

Dr. Bob Porter

12/12/2022 | Columbia, SC

Rev. George Price

7/3/2013 | Greenville, IN

Mr. William Snyder

4/12/2023 | Knoxville, TN

Dr. Philip Spears

11/21/2022 | Lexington, KY

Rev. Dalphon Thompson

11/14/2022 | Louisville, KY

Dr. Robert Toohey

12/17/2022 | Paris, KY

Dr. Curtis Warf

3/4/2023 | Georgetown, KY

1960s

Mrs. Lois Allen

2/21/2022 | McCalla, AL

Mrs. Charlene (Miller) Arvin

11/12/2022 | Hopkinsville, KY

Dr. Ann (Lawson) Evans

11/14/2022 |Lewisport, KY

Ms. Martha Harris

3/4/2023 | Owenton, KY

Mrs. Judith (Vaughn) Hill

2/22/2023| Lynchburg, VA

Ms. Billie (Crowe) Lucas

1/22/2023 | Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Charles Lucas

1/4/2023 | Hilton Head, SC

Mr. Van McQueen

2/28/2023 | Newton, IL

Mr. Kenneth Phillips

1/18/2023 | Lawrenceburg, KY

Mr. Kyle Ramey

1/18/2023 | Winterville, NC

Mrs. Dorothy Sizemore

4/4/2023 | Raleigh, NC

Mrs. Jennifer (Newman) Smoot

1/27/2023 | Louisville, KY

Mrs. June (Peterson) Smith

11/21/2022 | Brandenburg, KY

Mrs. Lillian (Woods) Sorrels

11/17/2022 | Shelbyville, KY

Mrs. Brenda (Caldwell) Stanley

4/13/2023 | Williamstown, KY

Mr. Bruce White

1/19/2023 | Ewing, NJ

1970s

Mr. Larry Abney

1/24/2023 | Lawrenceburg, KY

Mr. Terry Birdwhistell

1/29/2023 | Lexington, KY

Mrs. Kathy (Turner) Falkowski

2/9/2023 | Cookeville, TN

Mr. John Galvin

4/8/2023 | Elizabethtown, KY

Mrs. Laurie (Massey) McCall

12/30/2022 | Cookeville, TN

Mr. Jim Porter

2/6/2022 | Danville, KY

Mrs. Karen (Leen) Staples

11/3/2022 | Centerville, OH

1980s

Ms. Christa Atkins

4/18/2023 | Ft Mitchell, KY

Ms. Edna (Jones) Bird

4/24/2023 | Lawrenceburg, KY

Mrs. Kathleen (Compton) Mook

2/26/2023 | Georgetown, KY

Mr. Kevin Rice

11/19/2022 | Chesapeake, OH

Mrs. Kenney Roseberry

10/15/2022 |Paris, KY

Mr. William Yates

12/30/2022 | Covington, KY

1990s

Mr. Chris Hatfield

11/17/2022 | Lexington, KY

Mrs. Kathryn Reed

12/15/2022 | Frankfort, KY

Ms. Kerie Wilson

4/1/2023 Arlington, VA

2000s

Mr. Joseph Coleman

1/16/2023 | Lexington, KY

Ms. Megan Cartier

2/28/2023 | Georgetown, KY

Former Students, Faculty, Staff, and Friends

Mr. Mike Barron

2/22/2023 | Cynthiana, KY

Mr. Guilford Clifton

9/2/2019 | Hebron, KY

Mrs. Sara Dickson

1/27/2023 | Georgetown, KY

Mrs. Patricia (Gingrich) Dolack

1/17/2023 | Louisville, KY

Mr. John Ethridge

12/20/2022 | Louisville, KY

Ms. Constance Grant

12/22/2022 | Louisville, KY

Mr. L. D. Gorman

8/27/2022 | Hazard, KY

Mr. Carroll Hubbard, Jr.

11/12/2022 | Paducah, KY

Mr. Michael Humphrey

1/30/2023 | Georgetown, KY

Mr. George Lockwood

12/26/2022 | Miamisburg, OH

Mr. David “Britt” Loze

11/12/2022 | Colorado Springs, CO

Mr. Bob McArtor

9/11/2021 | Spring Hill, TN

Ms. Virginia Neely

1/3/2023 | Nashville, TN

Mrs. Louise Perry

11/13/2021 | Lawrenceburg, KY

Dr. John “Jack” Reed

2/17/2023 | Georgetown, KY

Mr. James Riddle

3/20/2023 | Stamping Ground, KY

Mrs. Sylvia (Strickler) Smith

11/6/2022 | Richmond, KY

Dr. Bill Snowden

1/22/2023 | Winchester, KY

Mr. Dick Tuten

3/25/2021 | Cincinnati, OH

GC Giving Day 2023

$277,349

IN A SINGLE DAY

$55,000 Increase From 2022

$25,000

TIGER MATES CHALLENGE

$74,890 | Total with match $99,890

$5,000

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

$12,039 | Total with match $17,038

$50,000

COVER THE MAP 38 States | Total with match $55,322

39 NEW GIFTS

FOR 39 YEARS = $3,900 match from President Allen -- total gifts 49

72%

FACULTY AND STAFF GIVING

Karaoke in the Caf!

This new tradition brought down the house. President Rosemary Allen sang Old Time Rock N Roll by Bob Seger, Head Football Coach Chris Oliver sang Country Roads by John Denver, Professors Dr. Laura Hunt, Dr. Karyn McKenzie, and Dr. Cliff Wargelin sang Dancing Queen by ABBA, and Vice President for Athletics Brian Evans with a surprise ending that started with Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi and then dropped into a beat that got the students dancing and the place hopping!

Watch Karaoke in the Cafe here:

BECAUSE OF YOU…

Help us reach our goal of $1.7M by June 30!

Abigail Brand ’23

» Hometown: Villa Hills, KY

» GC Involvement: Sigma Kappa President, Mock Trial, Women’s Association of Georgetown College Scholarship Recipient

» Plans after GC: Because of you, I am pursuing a law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University.

Antwan Howell ’23

» Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

» GC Involvement: Bishop Scholar, Basketball Team, Track Team, Black Student Union, Stephan Burton Courage, Character, and Leadership Scholarship Recipient

» Plans after GC: Because of you, I am pursuing a Master’s of Science degree in Sports Management at Baylor University.

Yulie Spade ’23

» Hometown: Louisville, KY

» GC Involvement: Kappa Delta, Women’s Soccer Team, Black Student Union

» Plans after GC: Because of you, I am pursuing a Master’s of Divinity degree from Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University.